I may entirely satisfy the curiosity which you may have to know the compleate history of this young Heroe who in his tenderest yeares perform'd such actions as are too rare to be pass'd over in silence you must permit me to take my rise from those times The History of Cyrus and Birinthea You cannot but have heard of those celebrous Academies in Persia where vertue alone presides and where they are so well taught to practice it 'T was in those learned schooles Our Prince was bred and instructed whose condition did not dispense him from the severity of those lawes which they observe they gave him no other but the ordinary course nourishment of bread and cresses and satisfied his thirst with natures plain beverage a dish of water thereby to accustome him to undergoe hardship when he should come to be more necessarily acquainted with it in time of war they taught him likewise to shoot exactly with a bow and cast a spear with all those other exercises which concern the agility and vigour of the body In a word he was treated with the same rigour as all the other were the only difference that could be noted was the wonderful aptitude and readiness of his attaining every thing with facility Amongst all his condisciples there was not any that could paralel his activity of body and for learning none ever made a greater progress in so short a time and concerning all those little intrigues and differences which ever happen amongst children as thefts rapine calumny ingratitude deceits and other such like crimes he was made judge and so behav'd himself that such as are most perfect in the lawes and have a long time weilded the sword of justice never pronounced more equitable and judicious sentences nor could the ablest barrister have shap'd better pleas to defend innocency or have heap'd more pressing reasons on the head of guiltiness then he continually did These rare advantages of body and mind conjoyn'd to his illustrious birth made him become so famous that Astiages his Grandfather formerly King of the Medes the Father of Cyaxarez having heard a recital of so many wonders was extreme desirous to see him Cyrus as you know is son of Cambyses King of Persia and Mandane the daughter of Astiages His Mother would needs go into Media to conduct him to his grandfather who found by him that Fame which usually exceeds in her report of other things wanted both mouthes and breath to proclaime all the excellent qualities of this young Prince He found him more compleate every way then report had blazon'd the disposition of his body and posture was handsomer and more taking then he could possibly fancy and beyond that he found so mature a judgement and such a sparkling vivacity of wit as he confess'd that all what had been related though that were many steps above a fond beliefe was yet so much beneath the exquisite indowments he now really met with in his person that nothing but the testimony of his own sight could ever have perswaded as a truth In a word the infinite charmes and graces of his person and spirit were so many that it may justly release me from repeating them it will suffice to tell you that in an age so tender and Blooming which easily receives any impression not having yet stept over fourteen yeares he had such solid principles of vertue that the delicious and soft lives they led in Media could never corrupt his nobler sentiments The first time he saluted his grand-father Astiages seeing him richly habited having many jewells and a sweet cloud of perfumes about him he freely avowed that the modest plainess the Persians observe in their vestments pleased him far beyond it and he prefer'd the sober frugality of his former wholesome diet before the dainty viands they now presented to his taste In fine amidst all that delicacy he kept himself up strictly to that rigid vertue he had practised at home all that he learned amongst them was to mannage a horse because in his country it was neither so frequent nor so perfectly taught as soon as he had attained this skill he went continually to hunting with Cyaxares the son of Astiages in which exercise having given many evident proofs of his valour and activity he added one more also of his courage in an occasion of war which proffer'd it self at that time Astiages having been advertis'd that the Assyrians endammaged his frontiers by their continuall pillaging and frequent incursions sent Cyaxares with a competent strength to repulse and tame them Then was it that Cyrus felt that generous ardour first boyling in his youthful veins which the alarm 's of war does use to kindle in valiant breasts In lieu of following his unckles steps as a volunteer he put himself in the head of their troops as if he only had been their Captain so that neither Cyaxares nor the Medes had any other conduct but his own nor could the god of war himself have inspir'd them with more courage then did his noble examples He was so heated in the fight and thrust himself so far amongst the thickest of the enemies who already began to fly before the fury of this young Conquerour that Cyaxares fearing least he should too eagerly engage himself in a further pursute was constrain'd to goe in person and fetch him of In fine all his actions bred every day new and deserving admiration nor did Astiages returne him to his Father Cambysis but with regret who coveted to have so inestimable a jewell in the possession of his own dear embracements having heard what a new luster and glory his fresh victories had put upon his fame Returning into Persia he carried all the hearts and affections of the Medes along with him which they paid readily down in myriads of happy wishes blessings at his departure so generally he acquir'd their love and zealous respects by those good offices he render'd them whilst he resided there and the obliging carresses with which he treated all men Shortly after his returne from Media Astiages died and Cyaxares his son and his successor to the Empire found himself dangerously assaulted by all the Asian puissance at once Labynetus King of the Assyrians having already subdued all Siria rendred the Arabians tributaries and vanquisht the Hircanians and the Bactrians believed that if he could but hang his chains upon the Medes and Persians he should find no more enemies so powerful as to dispute his intire conquest of Asia He had ambition enough for this design but doubting of his strength to carry him thorow he wrote to the King of Lydia to him of Capadocia to the Phrigians Indians the people of Caria and Cilicia cajolling and intreating them to enter into confederation and undertake a war with him against the Medes and Persians whose strong alliance he perswaded them to feare representing how necessary it was for them to knit and unite their force together to invade and dissolve them whom alone they
having heard his Name and place of birth with the gallant deportment had been taken notice of in the fight he approached him with all the civilities that were due to so illustrious a Captive and having discoursed with him some time this Prisoner answer'd in so brave a manner that it plainly appeared to him those praises which Sybaris had spoken were rather the testimonies of sincere truth than of any particular affection Their Complements being ended Sybaris to whose care Cyrus especially recommended him conducted him to his own Tent where he was nobly received and having given him for some time the liberty to repose himself alone the impatience he was in to learn by what adventure he was drawn into that action made him return and intreat him to relate the story of his life ever since he had left him in Margiana Merame who could not refuse to unlock that secret to Sybaris with whom he had so long since contracted a real friendship began in this manner The History of MERAME I Can give you no particular reason of my unhappiness and the occasion which brings me here but that alone which as I beleeve generally causes the misfortune of all men I mean Love At that time when you resided in Margiana I did not yet know the puissance of this deity because I had not then felt his piercing darts and I may say I then lived in content though in the Court it may seem a thing next to impossibility amidst the Monsters of Ambition and Envy whereof the one flatters with its delusive hopes while it conspires and plots our utter ruine the other bytes and knawes our hearts because that some are happier then our selves I can assure you nevertheless that I was not at all tainted with them whether my blooming age were yet too green and innocent or that I were reserved to some more rugged Fate But since that time all those dayes which other men have injoy'd with some tranquillity have been so many hours of misfortune to me Or if I have tasted some momentory intervals of happiness I have been sure to pay for those little pleasures at the dear rate of more continued sufferings but I am transported too much with the resentment of my miseries as if it were my task only to make my moanes forgetting that you desire to know what has hapned ever since our separation which that you may the more fully understand it will be very necessary that I step back a little in my discourse and begin it farther off You know that I was born in Margiana of a family which being of the same blood of those Princes that are the Soveraigns is not a little considerable in that Country and besides this advantage the more then ordinary care of my Education was added I being the only child after twelve years marriage 'twixt my Father and Mother As soon as I had past my date of infancy a learned man was sent for from Persia to be my Governor and to instruct me in those Sciences which are very ordinary in your Country but somewhat rare in ours He had the charge to enrich and polish my mind with learning and judgement whilst another Master had the care to teach me such bodily exercises as were fit for a person of my quality The great pains they both took in my behalf was not altogether fruitless And I may without vanity affirm that I profited much by their learned instructions which induced Balden Our Prince who had a particular esteeme for mee to oblige my Father to let me be alwayes neer his Son Senisra and as there are few at Court that refuse such favours it was accepted of as a great honour that I was chosen to be a companion for the young Prince and whether it were the equality of our Age or the assiduous devoirs I rendred him or only his fair and free inclination I cannot tell but he express'd so great and fond an amity that he would hardly be an houre without me We passed our time in all kind of divertisements But one day when Senisra being possessed with a profound sadness would needs injoy himself without the importunate throng of Courtiers which usually beseiged him we retired to a Castle called Coupava belonging to my Father In that vast solitude the Prince began to be acquainted with the nature of his Melancholly and found that some new entertained thoughts which perpetually invaded his mind was the sole cause of it and as he cherished me with much tenderness he would needs impart this disquiet to mee and did me the honour to reveale that since the late assembly and intertainment at the marriage of his Sister where all the Court Stars appeared in their brightest glory Themira was still present in his memory that indeed he had beheld her with more admiration and entertained her with much more content then any other that since having seen her again accidentally he had not been able to guard his heart from a particular inclination it resented for her beauty nor could he part from her but with I know not what constraint which fill'd his bosome with disquiet whilst he was absent from her We were both of us yet so young we could not guess the name of this new breeding passion but in a very short time after experience fully taught it us The short abode we made in that Castle augmented the Princes trouble and gave birth to mine I chanced to see amongst the Captives that were in the Keepers custody a young Maid whose handsome meen and the Majestick features of her face invited me particularly to consider all her actions the more I studied her person and demeanour the more I found her rare which caused me to bewail her condition From this compassion sprung up the curiosity which made me enquire of her Mother of what Country she was and the sad disaster that brought her into slavery All that I could then learn was that at the taking of Sina she fell into the hands of some of our Souldiers who had sold her to this Keeper and that her condition deserved no regrets since it had never been much better than at present I could not be satisfied with this account but rather wisht she might have lost many things of advantage and importance together with her liberty that might have spoken her of a greater quality though I could not have heard that neither without sorrow and bearing to the Court as well the remembrance of her misery as the Image of her beauty I considered them both a long time only with a sence of tenderness and indifferency In the mean time Senisra at our return was fully acquainted that what before we had been ignorant of was called Love and whatever other passion he esteemed that trouble in his soul he found it answer only to that Name and in this knowledge he eagerly sought the opportunity to meet Themira But the first time he came into her presence his tongue was
cast into the river Tigris The King his Father immediately after he had learnt this woeful accident came to me personally to testify the ressentment he had of my just griefe complaining with much tenderness of those considerations which hindred him from punishing the Author and seriously protested that if he had but any other son to inherit his Crown he would have made him the object of exemplary justice by sacrificing him to my revenge The Kings compassion and the real sorrow he had for my affliction smoothered that hatred which I should otherwise have kindled against that abominable assassins Father But I remain'd his friend constantly till his late death canceld that obligation and was now going to assist him with my best indeavours against you but having been inform'd how that unhappy King was slain in the first sight I am come generous Prince to cast my self at your feet imploring the honour of your protection against the tyrant that succeeded him who is so far from any sence of pitty or repentance that in stead of denying his reason to have consented with his rage to perpetrate that horrid act be triumphs in his cruelty with as much gloâ—y as if he had bravely defeated the tallest of his Enemies Judge therefore Sâ—r if my intentions be not faire and equitable and whether I can doe less without reproach of tameness and straying from the path of nature and affection then seek a retaliation for his blood 'T is from your valour that I expect my vengeance I shall remit it to your own discretion to dispose wholy of my interests and life with all that does concerne me Cyrus interrupting his discourse assur'd him of that assistance he expected with much civility and cheerfulness and Gobrias resuming his speech continuing thus But Sir that you may have no cause to doubt the verities of what I proffer you two dayes journey will bring you into Garamee where you shall take full possession of all the Towns and fortresses at your own pleasure My daughter the generous sister of Melzune who was destined to be that Tyrants wife will gladly receive you whose pungent sorrow will challenge no less pitty then my own I bred her as I have already said to be the Assyrian Queen but though I had pointed out Vectorez to be formerly the object of her love she now considers him only as the Subject of her deepest hate and and whatever that Traytor has projected to appease her indignation yet she had so much spirit in her as to tell him one day aloud before his Father Sabinetus that she more then admir'd he had the confidence to hope for any affection or respect from one whose brother he had basely butcher'd that the mourning vail she wore was an evident testimony of his blacker crime and that as she could never shew too much regret by her continual griefe for what she had lost so consequently she could never manifest too great a hatred against him that had so ignobly ravish'd it from her and further she would never suffer that man though a King to be her husband that was her brothers assassin but he should rather expect the sudden effects of the severest revenge her mortal hate and anger could levy against him then the least inclination from her extinguish'd love If fine to shun the importunate pursuites of that unworthy Prince she banish'd her self voluntarily from the Court and returned with one of my sisters into Garamee that she might be no more oblig'd to have that detestable object in her sight I prais'd that constant resolution of my daughter which seconded my own ressentments and by the firmness of her indignation perceived she did inherit the vertues of her noble ancestors but I was utterly ignorant and never should have given way to it though my revenge clamor'd my soul to wish it that she had conspired against Vectorez life She had given a private commission for this enterprise to a Prince called Emuin who long before had been my daughter willing prisoner This unhappy lover who during Vectorez faire correspondency had been constrain'd to keep his passions under ashes for the respect diffidence of such a puissant rivall was ravish'd to find an occasion whereby to rid him thence in serving her hoping by this attempt to cut his way to his own bliss this being the only tall cedar that hindred the full prospect of his happiness she having told him that the performance of this important service should give him a just claime to her affection In fine this just murther was undertaken but by misfortune not executed the number of those that attended Vectorez hindring the fatal blow of vengeance Emuin was taken in the attempt who was master of so much constancy and resolution amidst the tortures of the inquisitors and imprisonment that he never reveal'd my daughter to have had the least hand in it None could imagine that love and hatred had combin'd in this enterprise nor would he declare upon any interrogation for what cause he was mov'd to take away the Princes life and instead of imploying his friends who were very potent to sue his pardon he persisted to declare that he desired not to live but to performe that by a second attempt which he had so unhappily miss'd in the first it being a design too just to be thrown by If any other but a Prince had appeared in it I might perhaps have fallen under their suspition of being confederate but it was above conjecture to imagine that a person of his condition would be but anothers instrument and therefore he alone was adjudged guilty He was condemn'd to pay down his head for the price of this treason and because this peece of justice was to be exemplary the execution was defer'd till the Kings returne who was at that time within a dayes journey of Ninus that the whole Court might be assistant My daughter in the interim was made acquainted with the sentence pronounced against him and feigning as if she were to goe a hunting as she frequently did being well mounted she went directly towards Ninus where she arriv'd just the evening before the fatal day which Emuin reck'ned as the last in his unhappy Calender disguis'd under the shrowd of such a habit as was not usuall to her sex The day following all the Court being assembled with the herds of common people the King and his son being there present with their extraordinary guard of soldiers they drew the miserable Emuin forth of the prison to end his life and miseries at one blow but whilst every one had their eyes fixt on him descanting diversly on his misfortune they were suddenly taken off to behold a fresh object which presented it self in that black Scene it being a person vail'd all over making way through the croud with two Trumpeters marching before It was the custome of a long standing amongst the Assyrians that if any one could reveal somewhat which might aggravate the offenders
crime or could fully clear and discharge them they were to come thus disguised to present their information According to this order the Judges instantly suspended the execution to know what this might be they carried the written information to the King who was amaz'd that the person which brought it accus'd himself as the sole author of the attempt and fully discharged Emuin as having only undertaken the performance of it out of a blinde obedience to that persons command Many had formerly been known to bring in aggravations but hardly ever any presented themselves so voluntarily to certain death In this general consternation they caus'd the unknown person to approach near the King who was no sooner within reach but before he gave so much time as to examine a word snatch'd off the vail which concealed the admired person None could at the first instant discover who it was and truly it were difficult not to be extreamly surpriz'd with such an unlook'd for object as a Lady so generously out-braving death it self 'T is my Daughter Azimea who as I said before under colour of hunting stole away from me with a full resolution to save that Prince and who with an incomparable courage address'd her looks and words thus to Vectorez Thou wouldest pretend infamous man not to know me because of this disguise thou find'st my presence like thy own conscience the Monitor to reproach thy bloody cruelties and an authentick Witness of the justice of my enterprize to take away thy life which is so clear an evidence that I would almost think Heavens justice slept when I miss'd of my hopes in punishing thee for a retaliation of my dearest Brothers life Ah degenerate man do not turn back thy sight maintain that bloody action thou hadst then impudence to commit thou tremblest Traytor to see her in thy presence from whom thou didst expect the softest caresses avouch she is thy deadly enemy and wish she could have buried a dagger in thy heart but tell me what wonder dost thou find in this change hast not thou oblig'd me to it can I manifest less revenge and hate against my Brothers assassin and be a Princess still Tell me what crime there is in this attempt or rather what justice does not authorize it can less than thy ignoble life satisfie for that worthy soul or dost thou think me so tame and cool to pass by such an injury and not resent it If I be guilty 't is only for my want of due revenge and leaving it to be committed by a hand that was too weak when I should rather have undertaken it my self which Heaven without doubt would not have disappointed so unhappily but thou dost make no answer and thy pensive silence gives a strong assent to these indictments and are alone sufficient to make good the justice of my intentions against thy guilty person These publick reproaches dy'd with such sharp and vehement language did so astonish the Prince and gall his soul that he had not the power to answer her one Syllable whom he yet dearly lov'd but the King his Father perceiving his confusion stood up and spoke to take her off from stretching her bitter reproofs out further against that horrid crime so openly He sent forth Emuin to confront her who confirm'd the whole information and all that she had spoken after which he was return'd to the Prison again and Azimea was carried to the Palace where she was strongly guarded till my arrival Labynetus as I told you before affected me extreamly and sent for me whilst I was in the greatest fears in the world for my absent daughter to come to Court and hear news of her According to this message I hasted with the most diligent speed and having presented my self full of perplexity before him he sent for Vectorez and Azimea and related in the presence of his choicest Nobility all that had befallen and told me that notwithstanding all the reasons of State and interest of his Crown he found it equitable to pardon my Daughters attempt since he had been oblig'd to leave his own Son unpunish'd and that his regret was the more sensible because his Successor by this unhappy accident was expos'd to the just hatred of our generous family but as a satisfaction of my Sons loss he now restor'd my Daughter pretending by that means to bury our quarrel in oblivion I accepted the Kings mercy to Azimea with all the testimonies of acknowledgement my duty bound me to without relinquishing the hate I had conceiv'd against his Son I had forgot to tell you that his Daughter was present at this enter-view who being no less passionate of my Sons memory than she had formerly been of his Person upheld the interest of my Family stoutly and confess'd openly that if Vectorez had not been so near of blood to her she would not have been so bravely prevented in the design of revenge During the little abode I made at Court my Daughter in her agreement making a superficial reconciliation with the Prince obtain'd his rivals pardon whom they were content to banish and withall made the Prince renounce his pretence of Marriage with her by an absolute refusal of that proffer'd love he often made which possess'd him with as much violence as ever Our affairs being thus handsomly composed I return'd to Garamee where I was no sooner arriv'd but Labynetus sent an express for me to go and joyn my troops with his to carry on the War commenc'd against Cyaxares I was already on my way to this purpose when I receiv'd tydings of his death which made me change my resolutions and turn my course towards you to whom I fly for Protection against that bloody Tyrant whose cruelty not fully gorg'd with my Son 's innocent blood has often made him profess that if he ever came to be Soveraign he would by force constrain us to repentance and make my Daughter flexible to the last of his desires Gorgias having thus wound up the several threds of his discourse Cyrus again repeated his embraces and the promises he had made for his revenge protesting he should find in him the readiest person in the world to second his resentments and his Daughters extraordinary generosity This conversion was not broken off till the Medes came in a joynt body to present him with what they thought he would esteem the richest of their purchase lately taken It was a woman of Susiana whose miraculous beauty darted astonishment and dangerous wonder into every eye that gaz'd upon her she appear'd sad indeed but yet that sadness was mix'd with so much conquering Majesty that it was easie to be read how little power the unhappiness of her Captivity had gain'd upon her spirit Cyrus himself who had no eyes but for the blessed object he ador'd could not refuse them such a grateful sight he stood still a while wrapt with the admiration of her person and after he had receiv'd her with all those high expressions
noble breast The Armenian Queen liv'd yet in the happy ignorance of her Husbands misery and captivity but when she from her Chariot beheld him going forth from the Tent circled within a Guard of Souldiers with a visage whereon the expectation of death had already epitomized all his fears and horrors she threw her self down suddenly with bitter cryes and renting the vail which covered her head with extream violence she furiously bent her precipitate steps toward those that held Artaban endeavouring with earnest prayers and interrupted reproaches and threats to wrest him from their hands when Cyrus warn'd of the disorder by the sad noise and moans which reach'd his ear came forth to know the Original of it The fury of this almost distracted woman whom he knew not to be the Armenian Queen at first surpriz'd him and being told by one of the Souldiers who it was he approach'd to appease her but she continued still her fruitless violence persisting in her mournful cryes that they should either lead her with Artaban or kill her presently till being told that Cyrus was there present she no sooner knew him but falling at his feet and suppressing her furious tone changing it into accents of supplication she implor'd him with all the melting language those dolorous passions could suggest to one who having already lost her Kingdom and liberty beheld her Husband led away in chains by whom alone she could conceive the smallest glimpse of hope to be restor'd to any happiness again Cyrus was stooping just to raise her up when the noise of some approaching Cavaliers interrupted his civility They brought him a new prisoner whom at first sight he had no cognizance of but which the Queens redoubled shrieks and cryes soon made him know It was the Prince Tygranes eldest Son of Artaban who is at present in this Army he being then just return'd from a Voyage he had made fell into the Persians hands before he was acquainted that any Enemies had footing in his Fathers Country His Mother no sooner spied him but she cryed out so dolefully that it increased his astonishment and the beholders pitty and you dear Son will you be likewise one addition more to our heap of sorrow the anger of the gods would not be fully satisfied if their injustice had not drag'd you hither to compleat the sad catastrophe of our ruine Come come approach yet nearer Son suffer him said she to Cyrus to see his Father once before he dyes Consider Tygranes in what a lost condition is Artaban and how undone your Mother Wife Sister and all relations are and then ô tell me wherefore you came hither but you unmerciful and angry deities why have you brought him to us is it to catch the falling Crown and Scepter and support the reeling Throne which your injustice batters down so cruelly Ha! no 't is to involve the heyre together with the other lesser reliques of our unhappy Family in one general destruction least any should survive our rugged fate You gods therefore I do retract my former words for I perceive there is some kind of equity in your judgements it being more just if our ruine be so inevitable that we should fall together then that any should be reserved to weep our sad calamity Come near my Son come children come cry'd she in a sharper tone calling those who stood at a little distance fetter us altogether said she to Cyrus in the same chain and if you can be so merciful in your cruelty let one blow put a period to all our miseries for this will be a more welcome favour than alone to ravish Artaban from us Her swelling sorrows stopt the current of further discourse and the frequent sobs and sighs that throng'd out of her bosome left her no other power of expression but her fugitive tears Mean while Cyrus was wrapt into the greatest astonishment that could be Tygranes had been otherwhile his particular friend they having had their breeding together in the Persian Academies The unhappiness of this Prince and the Queens tears fill'd his eyes with horror and his heart with pitty He knew not whether he should answer the Mothers moving plaints to whom he had already given full assurance of her own and all her childrens lives or comfort the Son whom the amazement of so unlooked for an accident had so surprised that of all his sences he could command the use of none but his sight to be the Witness of that funest spectacle His Father Artaban who had not enough constancy to stand the shock of his own particular misfortune seem'd to increase it when he was made acquainted with the miserable condition of his Wife and Children and whether his grief were too great for expression or that the extremity of his affliction seeming to sting him beyond the help of consolation cast him into dispair which hardens the most timorous spirits with resolution he now endeavour'd to comfort his Wife and his Son Tygranes shewing them that Cyrus was obliged to save the rest of his Family by the same argument and justice which ruin'd him since they were no way guilty of that rebellion he had alone been Author and occasion of That they ought confidently to expect a milder treatment from his clemency than himself because his death would satisfie the ressentments of Cyaxares and that they should endeavour by their vertues to regain the glory of his House which he had so eclipsed and stain'd by his perfidious act proving by their future services and fidelity how free they truly were from being his accomplices in that crime He could not keep those tears that hung at his blubbering eyes from stealing down his face nor suppress a multitude of sighs his grief tore from his heart when he ended this generous discourse especially when he beheld his young Son Phraorte his Daughter Birinthea and Artemisa wife to Tygranes whom Cyrus had caused to be brought to him Never was any spectacle so mournful pitty had ingraved so much sorrow on each visage that it was difficult to discern the Conquerours from the Captives Tygranes whose tongue was till now fetter'd with his too violent griefs finding himself obliged by his Parents tears and presence especially his dearest Arthemisa's went towards Cyrus who stood mute likewise and could not hide some tokens of pitty from appearing speaking to him in this manner Ah Sir what must we expect from this deep silence is it an effect of the compassion our unhappiness stirs up in your heart or the severity of your sentence what is it not enough to take away the Crown and Scepter from a Royal Family and so many Subjects from their King without depriving a Woman of her Husband and ravishing the Father from so many children who desire nothing of all what they have lost but the liberty to dye presently with them or to have him remain a miserable Captive amongst them does this Petition seem to be unjust what right have you to deny
highly prais'd her for the generous amity she had shown to Theramene esteeming her self unhappy the severe Laws of honour forbid her the like pitty Arthemisa who could no longer endure the perfidious hypocrisy of that Woman broke forth into bitter reproaches and had undoubtedly convinc'd her if Ctesiphon who was offended they should Characterize the person he loved so detestably infamous had not imposed silence and told her she should be contented to have rob'd her Brother from his just vengeance without maintaining his crime so insolently the obedience she ow'd her father made her silent and Ctesiphon having withdrawn himself into his Closet she disdainfully left Erixone who would have entertain'd her and whom this discourtesie precipitated to that horrid attempt she studied against Ctesiphon with the more eagernesse and spite Of all the wayes she had bethought her self for her cruel purpose the most secret seemed the most facile Her inclination feeding her with the sad delight of mischief she had particularly bent her mind to know many experiments of poyson and amongst the secrets which you know those of Colchus are very curious to study She found one which she thought most fit to imploy in this design the virtue whereof was to make the person miserably languish upon whom it was practiz'd casting them after some time into a Lethargy past cure None could suspect her in the least to have caused that consumption which daily wasted Ctesiphon the world attributing his malady to those displeasures and misfortunes which invaded his Family In the mean time the news came that Theramene was refugiated in Armenia and Arthemisa received Letters by an expresse who informed her that Artaban was sending Embassadours to her Father either to clear the innocency of his Son or to obtain the pardon for his offence if any were These tidings did somewhat alleviate the affliction she was in for her Fathers indisposition who every day sensibly decay'd Soon after the Armenian Ambassadours Arriv'd together with the Prince Tygranes who would needs accompany them in person the better to Sollicite for Theramenes favour and return whose eminent virtues had particularly acquired his Friendship Had not Ctesiphon been in the extremity of danger for his life their coming would absolutely have thrown the wicked Erixone into dispair that unhappy Father began to regret the absence of his Son and blame his own rash hast that had condemned him without any other evidence then his own passionate anger and his Wives interest who knowing well that if he once return'd her impostures would be unmasqu'd and laid open to every eye was preparing to impede his coming or prevent it when the poor Ctesiphon by his death left her a power fit opportunity to maintain that crime and commit many fresh ones Every one bemoan'd this loss with sigh's and tears but Erixone did so far out-Act a Theatrical dissimulation in her regret and mournings that even Arthemisa who perfectly knew her false heart and had her own Soul filled with the sharpest grief could not but be moved with it and for a while doubted if it were possible that a woman could show so many signes of deep affliction for a husband she had betray'd her self so treacherously and whose impudent deceit stretch'd so much further as to intreat the Prince Tygranes and the Ambassadours to hasten Theramene's return withal convenient speed whom she most willingly pardon'd that he might come and settle himself in his due Succession thereby to ease her of the cares and troubles of Governing the State which she had took into her management only to keep things in good order till his Arrival that afterwards in a more solitary retreat she might have full scope sadly to bewail with becoming Tears and Sorrows the loss of that Dear Husband who during Life she loved with all the respect and tendernes that any woman is capable of Who ever could believe Treason should lurk under such specious showes her Crocodile craft deluded the most prudent and concern'd The Ambassadours returned better satisfied from her then they had been by Ctesiphon and Tygranes remained charm'd with Arthemisa's excelling beauties to whom he had already protested the assurance of his Love and Services How be it when every thing seem'd to be hush'd in peace and all their troubles in Colchus buried with Ctesiphon Erixone who continually watched the issue of her projects being inform'd the Prince was coming from Armenia sent the choicest of the Country to receive him on the borders whom Tygranes at her request and to oblige Arthemisa accompanied with much State and Magnificence But Oh gods what a Reception what Entertainment was it what Treason more black or detestable then she now dip'd her hands in could the most cursed instrument of malice ever have invented The Young Prince who thought he was fairly invited to come and take the full possession of his Inheritance and that Erixone by a generous and sincere repentance had wip'd out her grievous faults had already drowned the remembrance of all his troubles in the Sea of promised hopes to enjoy a more tranquil Life when the execrable rage which Erixone and Tarsus had hatched against him burst forth He thought of nothing less and only studied handsomly to answer the many Testimonies of his Friends affections and especially Tygranes Here Hippocratides interrupted his Discourse and they were all oblig'd to put off the continuation till another opportunity to meet Cyrus whom they saw coming towards them through another alley with an action which had the face of much inquietude and anger They were not long without knowing the Cause Cyrus as soon as he came near them complained as if Artabase had contributed somewhat towards his discontent because Cyaxares had given him that antient Prince his kinsman as a pledge of their good intelligence and faithful correspondence Artabase said he to him Give me an Account of my Vncles intentions tell me pray what designes had he when he put the sword into my hands and what reason at present whilst he at ease enjoyes the Sweetness and benefit of that Victory I purchas'd to blast the Lawrels of my Triumph and blemish the beauty of my Glory by the unhandsome treatements and ignoble pursutes he practices to ravish the Honour of Tygranes Sister Write to him Artabase that his passion misguides him and makes him forget how I put Birinthea into his hands as a most vertuous Princess in quality of an hostage and not as a slave and that without infringing the respect I owe him I will protect fair vertue and punctually satisfie those promises I have sworn to answer for her fitting entertainment where ever she be And you continued he generous Prince addressing his Speech to Tygranes Suffer me to joyn my interests to yours and leave me the care to preserve your Sisters Honour I shall have power enough since I have so much Justice and reason to tame my Vncles unruly passion Yes said he Turning again to Artabase I
to love and adore her in silence But oh Here the Prince interrupted me and mildly said Cease from becoming yet more guilty by your loud murmerings you must not blaspheme against so sage a conduct as that of Heaven Are the gods tyed to let fall prosperity on all our actions and purposes no they more wisely do dispose of what we commonly propose most wildly to our selves Nor should we think our selves so harshly dealt with did we but well consider how lamely we go about most if not all our designs and how we swerve from those strickt rules of Vertue prescribed us to walk in to attain our just ends Is it possible Merame that when you intended to fight with Zadarem you should not plainly foresee my Fathers heat of passion and anger since you so soon fled from it and who had ensured Vneria's safety in her journey to meet you the attendance appointed to convey her did not that shew what fears you had she might fall into those misfortunes did afterwards unhappily light on her Believe me Merame you do ill to complain so much for having reap'd those thorns your self had planted your misadventures cannot be unravel'd again I mean those that are past do not kick at Heaven but mildly submit to what Fate and your self have cast upon you 't is better yeilding obedience to the gods than call more anger down by a rebellious impatience I you know made some opposition against my destiny but in vain we must bow down our stubborn wills at last therefore strive to content your self with what Heaven does The love the Prince shew'd in his affectionate and rational discourse recalled my reason back to her first temper I found indeed I gave my self up to dispair unnobly and with much weakness and before he parted I promis'd him to suck at every flower that could but promise the least probability of yeilding any comfort to me He afterwards sent very often to visit me and had obtained so much favour that my chains of close restraint were drawn out to such an extent of liberty that I might now walk freely in a wide Park adjoyning to my Prison where frequently my friends came to give me comfort and helpt to wear out the tedious hours I spent in my confinement One day whilst it was yet very early a Gentleman came to me from Senisra and told me with a smiling countenance which gave me hopes of some approaching joy that it was time to chear my self since that black news of Vneria's death was dispel'd by a most certain news discovery how she was still alive to witness which he presented me a Letter deliver'd him the foregoing night This sudden transport from a depth of sorrow to such a height of joy had almost made me loose my self in wonder and not minding or caring indeed how or by whom this Paper Embassy was come to hand I kiss'd it many times first and then tore it through impatience to read its Contents I yet keep that precious pawn of her affection which I may say was signed with her blood But since I cannot behold or read it without a prologue of tears oblige me so far Sybaris as to ease me of that sorrow by reading it your self Sybaris having unfolded it found these words UNERIA to MERAME The opinion I am possest with of your death may be as false as that which I apprehend you have of mine I live yet Merame thanks to Heaven but 't is only to dye within four dayes which are the remainder of as many more were given me to resolve either to forfeit my life or honour of which time I have wasted this one half only in seeking an opportunity to give you notice of it I now expect the hour patiently which shall make me triumph both over your enemies and mine And if you would not have me regret my death since 't is for yours and Vertues sake I fall comfort your self Merame I conjure you by this last and highest testimony of my Love and live for her sake who thus resolutely resolves to dye for you as being unalterably either in life or death YourVneria Gods Cry'd Sybaris how has this Letter deluded me I expected a quite contrary success and had no place to doubt but it would have establisht your happiness most firmly Indeed pursued Merame the affliction this Letter brought with it was by so much the more sensible as it was unexpected it crush'd down all my young springing hopes and the weak props my reassumed confidence had borrow'd and so infinitely oppressed my heart it never could have risen from under the weight if Senisra having succeeded his Father had not quite knock'd off my fetters of restraint and used all the noble endeavours possible to perswade me not to throw away my life so cheaply but try to carve out a brave revenge for my Vneria To this purpose he made up a reconciliation betwixt Hylebas and me whom he afterwards commanded to quit the Court and doing me the honour to admit me to the same degree of favour as my Antagonist had enjoy'd under Balden he committed the disposal of all offices to my Father whom he elected for the General of his Army Mean time the Scythians who hoped for some advantage in this grand mutation broke out into an absolute War which their daily pilferings and small incursions on either side had long threatned Senisra finding the army his Father had levy'd in a condition to march commended my Father to prevent the Enemies hast on whose Frontiers he appeared before they could have leasure to imagine it I was impatient till we came to blowes and as soon as we had newes of them by our scouts I went out with a party to discover or rather to attaque them That first enterprize succeeding happily for those I engaged were all either cut off or taken prisoners there was not any one of those whom I had subdued of whom I enquired not particularly concerning Vneria who I told them was that fair Captive in Margiana they had put to death a few days since One only of them all told me somewhat he affirmed that their Prince and his son had both been most passionately in Love with her but that the Father prompted by his jealousie had caused her to dye to roote up the sons hopes of injoyment Since himself could not allure her to his own desires her noble vertue having bravely repulsed the hottest of his lustfull onsets The report and the love I had to Vneria together with the hate against her enemies my ressentment resulting from both made me perform such acts as without their impulse I should never have undertaken but those considerations did so animate me that in that dreadful Battle we gained though so dearly that the victory was written in Characters of our own blood and innumerable wounds I had engaged my self so far in the greatest shock of it amongst the Enemies horse that being unable to cut my way back
neither would be able to suppress or resist This reason engaged some of these Princes to joyn with him the others being oblig'd also to consent either as being their vassalls or their friends The mighty preparations which were made in all those nations for this war could not be so secretly managed but Cyaxares had notice given him of it and least this tempest which so horridly menac'd him should suddenly breake upon his head and over-flow him unprovided he quickly caus'd a numerous Army to be levied in his own kingdome and wrote to Cambyses King of Persia intreating him to joyn forces with him since the interest to oppose these Enemies was equall to them both and to constitute his son general of those men he would send because he was so indeared to the Medes and they built such mighty confidence and hopes on his magnanimity by those early proofs he had already carved with his sword when he was amongst them that they believ'd the greatest helpe that ever heaven could lend them would be the presence and conduct of that young Prince Cambyses hugg'd the proposition of Cyaxares with the more willing embraces because the glorious esteem they set upon his son concerned himself so neerly He caus'd thirty thousand souldiers to be raised with all possible diligence over whom Cyrus by the full vote of the Councel of war was elected general and the very next day having caus'd his army to be rang'd in battalia he establisht him in this high office whilst they were offering the sacrifices usual on such occasions the ayre was fil'd with extraordinary lightning and thunders which seem'd to speak the gods consent to this ceremony to which the souldiers repeated a thousand loud acclamations of joy which they sent up to Heaven for his prosperity The air in fine having recover'd the beauty of its former serenity Cyrus imposed silence thorow the whole Army and standing in an eminent place from whence his words might reach their hearing most distinctly he made this following Harangue to his souldiers The Harangue to the Persian Army I am extremely glad fellow souldiers that heaven by its happy auguries has authorised the choice which Cyaxares and â—ambyses have made of me to be your general but though this office be due to my birth as being son to the one and the others Nepveu and that I find in myself courage and resolution sufficient to undergoe it I must confess nevertheless that I shall stand in some need to be supported by yours also and we must reciprocally by our joynt valour second the fortune which the gods promise felicitous to us otherwise souldiers if by our unmanliness only the event of this war should fall short of the hopes we have to make it succeed according to our own desires and the gods should abandon us to all the misfortunes which commonly attend a shameful defeate we should not however have cause to complain that they were wanting in the promise of that victory they now proclaim to us by the mouth of thunders For to judge aright dear companions these horrid claps which seem to be the testimonies of their favourable consent to our just designes doe advertise us likewise that they have power to avenge themselves upon their Enemies And who I pray you are their Enemies but those that turne their backs to honor to prop and maintain injustice and cruelty and will you not acknowledge with me that if they seem to declare themselves for us against the Assyrians because that nation assaults us wrongfully and with much baseness they at the same time menace those amongst us who have not vertue or courage enough to defend the honor of their country their Princes reputation together with their deare parents lives and their own families security but nâ—t to rove so far to point out the instruments of their threatning vengeance doe we not know already that the Assyrians have unsheath'd their thirsty swords and if by our ignoble cowardise we render our selves unworthy of heavens protection may not those barbarous people be made the rod to punish us Let us therefore beware soldiers of betraying the interest of justice and our own safety let us not pull our ruine on our own heads since we take arms but to preserve our selves le ts carry on the war with as much courage as we commence it with fixed resolution and let us show the Assyrians that 't is not without reason they have confederated so many nations in one body against us and set so many thousands a foote since they shall find it no weake opposition and that they are deceiv'd in their design to invade us we going now to prevent them and turne the bloody streame of war upon themselves The whole army answer'd this harangue with many redoubled shouts and acclamations which spoke the souldiers impatience to be facing their enemies against whom they now were suddenly to march The Captains and all the most expert offiâ—ers of war confess'd they never undertook a voyage with a more promising assurance of victory then now under this young but hopeful General The orders in fine were given to set forwards within eight dayes in which time Cyrus received the adieus from all the Nobility and the King his Father and took his farewel also of his deare Mother the Queen with the Princess Azumane his sister The appointed day being come Cambyses would needs accompany him to the borders that were contiguous to Persia where being arrived a mighty Eagle appeard flying at his right hand and having taken his last leave of his Father and the gods of Persia at his entrance into Media he adored their deities and went to Cyaxares his unckle who was advanced very near the frontires to receive him and testified by all the becoming tokens of civility and affection the joy and infinite content he ressented at his arrival Cyrus who as yet had let in no other passions to governe his young soule but the ambition to improve the glory of his courage hearing the Enemies were yet at a great distance imploy'd his time in the continual exercises of war for which he ordained many prizes which he most commonly won fairely himself with more agility and skill then fortune but at length being tyr'd with their long stay fearing least the idleness and delights of that country should rust or enervate his souldiers wonted courage he intreated his unckle to give him leave to march towards those Assyrians whose tedious delay shew'd some unwillingness in them to come to any blowes Cyaxares who studied nothing but to defend himself because he knew his numbers less then the Enemies and being ever possess'd with a kind of feare made the arrival of some Indian Ambassadors the pretext to stay him showing him the necessity there was that he should know the subject of their negociation before he precipitated his affairs These Ambassadors being appointed audience declar'd the command they had from their King to speak with him and the
death to us since you believe it to be so just towards him or if you do conceive him to be alone guilty wherefore do you punish us more rigorously than him letting us live with the regret for loosing him which is a thousand times more sensible to us then death it self but I perceive what 't is causes his condemnation 't is not your self Sir nor the ressentment of Cyaxares that pittiless reason of State does murther him and you fondly believe there is no more cause to fear after the Leader of a Rebellion is thrust out of the world a poor consideration and weak argument of unadvised policy what then do you imagine the children of Kings have such low spirits and so small courage that in what state soever they remain they will not endeavour to revenge a Fathers death who was so dear and tender in his affection to them by all the means that hatred and dispair can store them with 't is true indeed the head of such a faction is thereby taken off but know Sir 't is a Hydra which still sprouts new ones forth and of all those you now behold in your presence as Artabans children expect the same fixt resolution either to dye with him or else perpetually to seek a full revenge Or if Sir we are not criminal in your judgement let your vertue appear in its full extent do not confine it generous Prince within such narrow and severe limits let the Father taste part of that mercy your clemency confers upon the children who humbly implore the life of Artaban which I perceive your own compassionate and noble soul prompts you to grant him vouchsafe it therefore Sir and bind a King by this immortal obligation to endeavour by his faithful services hereafter to testifie he holds the possession of it only by your extraordinary goodness And if you did believe he was able once to prejudice you you may as well think him not altogether useless by making him your friend Take away all the subjects of your apprehensions from him place your Souldiers in Garrison in all the places of strength in Armenia and only leave him and his children wherewith to serve you in their own persons and to the Armenians who love him too affectionately to suffer his loss without ressentment the power to testifie the obligation they shall so justly owe you for their Princes life Cyrus pressed betwixt the Amity he had for Tygranes and the obedience he ow'd to Cyaxares answer'd him that he took the gods for witness and wish'd they might punish him if it were not a real truth that he was as much griev'd for his misfortune as it was possible for a man to be for one he so dearly cherished and that without those pressing arguments he had alledged the friendship they had contracted together during their infancy was but too powerful to obtain all that he could in reason desire of him but in this occasion what he demanded depending not upon his will but the devoir of his charge and birth he beseeched him to accuse his hard fate and he should evidently finde by the treatment which the rest of the Family should receive at his hands that what he was compel'd to now was utterly against the inclination he had to serve him He had no sooner ended these Protestations but fore seeing that if he gave ear to their further complaints which had already awaken'd his heart to pitty he should not be able to resist their clamorous petitions he would have withdrawn himself within his Tent commanding those that held Artaban to conduct him where he had appointed and Chrysante to withdraw his prisoners But then their cryes and shreeks became most vehement and doleful and Birinthea who till then had only made her precious teares keep company with their fruitless prayers broke through the croud which throng'd about Cyrus and falling down at his knees which she embrac'd in her tender arms she stopt him with these words Do not fly my Lord nor stifle all the thoughts of mercy in your breast decide before you go whether the children shall follow their Fathers doom or the Father partake of the childrens fortune or rather sacrifice them all to your just anger to expiate Artabans crime and reserve only him since the gods will not gratefully accept a victime that is not truly pure and immaculate And we being innocent shall better satisfie their justice than he can because he is so guilty Then stoping her speech a while and finding he answered not a word Ha cruel pursued she lifting up the vail which cover'd her face and looking on him with a countenance whereon so many foot-steps of grief and sorrow appear'd as would have melted a heart of Brass into compassion thou reply'st nothing and nevertheless the proffer I make is fair to glut thy cruelty and if thou art so greedy after blood there is more plenty for thee in our youthful veins than in his aged body parched through time and labour speak cruel man and if ever thou knew'st what blessing a Father is or hast the least sentiment of nature in thee let that work some sence of pitty in thy soul This last assault could be no longer withstood it was too powerful not to prevail and therefore Cyrus yeilded up his severity to the stronger risings of compassion in his breast Birinthea had no sooner discover'd her divine face though it were bath'd in tears which bubbled from their chrystal springs but he ressented besides the motions of pitty all those other effects which such an afflicted beauty can inspire in a most generous and tender heart He revok'd the order he had given Chrysante concerning the person of Artaban and committed him together with his Wife and Children to Chrysantes Guard promising them to do his utmost to obtain his pardon from Cyaxares to whom he immediately wrot for that purpose When the Messenger whom he had dispatched return'd and brought him word that he might absolutely dispose of the life of Artaban according as he pleas'd to think convenient this news did so fill his mind with a particular joy and he found himself so puissantly interessed for Artabans preservation ever since Birinthea's mediation that he would be himself the bearer of it He went to the place where they were yet detained prisoners where their divided fears and hopes held them in a trembling suspence what would be the event concerning Artaban whom at that present moment they entertain'd in a conversation composed more of sighs and tears then words His unexpected visit surprised them extreamly and they were timorously weighing in their thoughts the reasons of it which he cleared to them by declaring the cause thereof This blessed news notwithstanding did not wipe off their tears they wept for joy as they had wept for grief and in this first transport whilst they tender'd him millions of thanks for his infinite goodness with all the submissive acknowledgement they were capable Birinthea mov'd him
make you doubt it nay rather reply'd he what reason would not condemne such a beleefe the opinion I have of your vertue Madam your devoir and my own doe not all these forbid my boldest thoughts to let in the least shaddow of such a suspition is this all said she that thou canst oppose doe I transgress in my devoir by loving you since the gods having created you so lovely inspire me with a secret passion towards thy person besids that which all the world is bound to cherish for their most perfect works She stopt her speech a while to fix her looks more stead fastly upon him hoping by those hot glances to melt his frozen bosome at which she had so vainly knock'd for entrance with her alluring words but finding the sweetness of her amorous beames had not that powerful influence she presum'd and only excited more aversion in him she resum'd her speech again and tuning her tongue to the recover'd gaiety of her smiling countenance said to him in a cajoling accent And wherefore would I not love you since the devoir and vertue you object are but bugg bear Chymera's which the base jealousy of men invented I being more forcibly oblig'd to obey that fatality which ordains me to love you then their poor fancies Ctesiphon is not wrong'd in this I love him enough to correspond with his affection and how little so ere I have for him young as I am I doe but satisfy too much the passion of an old decrepit man Then 't is in earnest reply'd the Prince far from acknowledging your fault you would couple sacriledge to incest and make the gods accomplices of your infidelity ha doe you charme my Father with your false caresses but only to betray him and are you so perfidious in your designe as to desire his son for your compagnon in the crime you have address'd your self unhappily Erixone you 'l miss your ayme Theramene will act the duty of a child better then you doe of a wife and I could almost strangle those considerations which tye my hands up from speedily revenging the affront you cast on Ctesiphon did I not cherish his honour more then you my exasperated indignation should immediately light on your head He went out hastily after he had ended these words and though he indeavour'd to compose his countenance yet every one perceived his trouble and alteration Erixone deeper gall'd with shame for having been rejected then at the foulness of her crime follow'd him still with her eyes and looked stedfastly on the door which let him out when one of her maids whom she most favour'd entred into the closet and found her yet in the same posture as Theramene had left her but with farr other sentiments Love had resign'd its throne to hatred with which instantly suggested a thousand wayes to ruine him of which her rage chose the most bitter but the most expedient for her purpose intending to imploy the Father as an unhappy instrument to destroy his own son as she before design'd to make the child sin against his Fathers honor She resolv'd to anticipate the complaints which Theramene might make and the same moment this came into her mind she left her closet to prepare her self to goe ta Ctesiphon During the little portion of time she wasted in dressing her self she consulted how she might most cunningly prepossess her husbands mind flattery and sweetness seem'd the most catching and deceitful and so she having decreed that and being come in his presence before he could have time to note the trouble in her face she prevented him by a most earnest prayer whereby she desired him to grant her one favour The particulars which I shall now tel you were discover'd to me by one of my friends who was then present whom she was glad to have for witness to publish her rare vertues and the crime she fastned on Theramene Ctesiphon who was not accustomed to refuse her any thing nor could deny the least of her desires without informing himself of the particulars of her request gave her a full assurance that having an absolure ascendant over his will she might safely promise her self all that was possible for him to grant The better to delude Ctesiphon she would not rely on his bare promises she made him first solemnly swear that he should not pretend any ressentment for a great injury which had been design'd against him and that what she now desir'd with so much importunity was a full pardon for it These words of injury and pardon astonish'd Ctesiphon he knew not where to fix his thoughts but Erixone who had as much subtilty as malice having protested by some tokens of affection which seemed to be interwoven with more truth then falshood that her interests being inseparably united to his she would never have desired the pardon of a fault which were not excusable in its nature and especially in a person whom of all the world must be most deare unto him she thus prepar'd his spirit as she pleas'd and told him the crime was love the most venial of all sins and the subject Theramene that was guilty who best of all men deserved a free pardon having imprudently suffer'd himself to be surpris'd with that passion towards her but the violence of it having constrained him to make an open declaration she hoped that she had cured his distemper by those remonstrances she had made to him on that subject Here she broke of her discourse to see what effects it wrought in Ctesiphon's spirit who could not keep in his anger He loved Theramene indeed but not so passionately as he did Erixone the render goodness which that woman had feigned towards his son imploring his mercy for an act which wounded him so mortally touch'd him with the more fondness towards her and vehemence against him what cry'd he Theramene is my greatest Enemy and my only son He he alone will ravish from me my cheifest joy you have too great a bounty Madam for so ignoble a person if this crime were pardonable it would be so in any other but himself and if you truly love me you will permit me to revoke the grace I had conceded at your petition and shut my eyes on all the sentiments of nature for a son who tramples on them all towards his Father What Theramene Erixone who found it not so fitting to let him proceed any further at that time stopt him with her dissembled tears and gently sweetned his savage fury with these words The gods know Ctesiphon whether I love you and without seeking other witness you likewise know it your self the excess of my affection is sufficiently evident in this occasion seeing the infinite care I take to preserve your son 'T is that inspires me with these desires for him though I am far more sensibly offended then if he had attempted against my life I acknowledge he does wrong you but 't is in my own person and you must confess
likewise the highest affront is given to my devoir vertue nevertheless sir if ever you had any esteem for me and if there be the smallest roote of it remaining vouchsafe the pardon for a fault which he committed involuntarily since my unhappy beauty is the cause and that it is a sin of youth rather then of his person and if you doe deny this favour never expect any content again from Erixone her griefe would be above the remedy of consolation if after having caus'd unwittingly your son to love she should be likewise the occasion of his disgrace therefore if ere you purpose to endear me prevent this last misfortune Ctesiphon demonstrated that Erixone was more choice to him in all respects then Theramene and as her interests was the chiefe subject of his anger her prayers in fine calmed his spirits and she wrought him so pliable to her will that she made him vow he would never testify any displeasure unless Theramene should impudently repeate his base pursuites which if he offer'd she promis'd him not to hinder his just anger and revenge You may note in this occasion that if sometimes jealousy has been more powerful then love love in this did triumph over jealousy she did not intend to smoother his ressentments altogether but only bridle their violence for a time Erixone had so much sway over her husbands passions that she not only fully perswaded him to her mind but having made him capable to be the minister of her vengeance she confirm'd him still the more in his fond beleef of her affection by the interest she dissembled in the pardoning his dear son Some small time afterwards which she had purposely slipt over to hide her malice having pent in her husbands wrath only to make it burst forth with the greater violence when she thought fitting she judg'd it would not be convenient to defer it any longer least the Princes more severe vertue who omitted to complain out of respect being stirred with the importunity of new solicitations should be forc'd to break his modest silence she declar'd to Ctesiphon that not being any longer able to endure the daily insolencies of his son she wish'd him to provide for the security of her honour and to abuse him the more neatly she councel'd him to imploy if it were feesible no other meanes but sweetness to reclaim him This unhappy Father whose judgement was corrupted through his jealousy and who from his sons countenance that never could appear in Erixones presence but with much change and alteration had falsely guess'd it to be an effect of love and not that noble indignation he conceived against her resolved to sacrifice him to his passion and sent the Captain of his guards for that purpose to ceaze upon his person with strickt command to secure him in a Castle a little distant from the City till he should further determine how to dispose of him I was with Theramene when they first took him that Prince having ever perfectly honor'd his Father submitted without resistance to those who had the order to apprehend him and not being able to imagine the cause of his restraint told them aloud that though he knew himself to be purely innocent he would freely follow them even to his own death to satisfy his Father towards whom perhaps he was too guilty since he was so unhappy as to have given him cause to think so I accompanied this poore Prince into the Prison where his guards likewise kept me till they had order for my freedome whilst I was with him he communicated all that pass'd twixt himself and Erixone to me and not finding himself fat all guilty of any thing but the disdain of her base lust he knew he could incurr only the hatred his aversion had bred in her and could conceive no other reason for his imprisonment but that she who had been so wicked as to entertain so detestable a passion taking a pique at his refusal had certainly accus'd him of some horrid crime against his Father these words bred new astonishment within me for the opinion every one had lived in of Erixone's excelling vertues seem'd to render this impossible she had so craftily manag'd her affection that none had ever discover'd the least spark but it was more impossible for Theramene to speak falsely I had a particular esteem for him and the amity he honour'd me withal as his Privado and confident in his most secret actions was capable to perswade me to any thing After I had made some short reflexions on so strange an accident and had proffer'd him all that depended on my best services on the assurance he was intirely possest of my Faith he commanded me to see Learchus the same that was present as I told you when Erixone accused Theramene before his Father and because he was intimate with Ctesiphon and that he alone was his chiefe counsellor he thought I might learne some thing from him concerning his confinement Learchus was extremely my friend an honest man and one that had testify'd as much affection as respect towards the Prince I went immediately to visit him and having spoken somewhat of Theramene's imprisonment he protested he was a stranger in the knowledge of it The little astonishment however which appear'd in his words and actions perswaded me that he was not altogether ignorant of the reason therefore I sifted him more narrowly and conjured him at last in the Princes name to tell me what he knew Learchus at this looking earnestly upon me answer'd he much admir'd the Prince doubted of the cause and sought to learn it from others because he could not beleeve that Ctesiphon who loved him so tenderly would treate him so severely unless he had most urgent reasons for it and that his own conscience could better informe him then any one beside When I perceiv'd he spake so sparingly I told him what Theramene suspected he answer'd me that there was more disguise then verity in that suspition and that if the Prince were not minded to conceale his thoughts I might as he beleev'd easily guess the subject of his disfavour Not being able in fine to discover any further at that time I made a faithful report of all he said to Theramene and Learchus was as ready in relating all what I had asked him for Ctesiphon The Father blinded under the double vail of love and jealousy together commanded Learchus to goe to the Prince and reproach him how much his crime was offensive without adding this impudent disguise and the effrontery to accuse her whose innocency was fully enough vindicated by the more then common care and goodness she imploy'd to excuse him Learchus speaking to Theramene on the behalf of Ctesiphon punctually discharg'd the duty of a faithful subject his amity towards the Prince could not make him swerve and though it did imprint compassion for his misfortunes his due obedience and the blackness of the crime of which he was accus'd oblig'd him to
represent with bitter reproaches that guilt which mov'd him the more sensibâ—â— because he was most innocent of it The small change it wrought upon the Prince abated the edge of his severity he reade the motions of just anger upon his visage and beheld the lineaments of persecuted vertue there but not the least character of a guilty conscience which usually imprints it selfs condemnation on the face and therefore he gave a very willing and patient eare to the discourse he made in his own defence And whether or no he were before perswaded of Theramenes fault he now return'd in some doubt of his innocency and was moreover inclining to a full beleefe of it if that imbecillity which so ordinarily prepossesses men to credit the first impressions had not yet suspended his opinion The relation he made to Ctesiphon found not the same success he rather would fasten the crime upon his son then his wife and Learchus had no small a doe to oppose the resolution he had taken to put him instantly to death by shewing him how necessary it was to have more certaine evidence and stronger proofes Erixone who well fore-saw that if he had the leasure to devest himself of passion and lure his reason to her seate again which now did wildly flutter he would scent out her secret projects and turn the horrid tempest of revenge upon her head mightily press'd to have him punished Learchus defer'd it alwayes and knew so wisely to interpose the importance of such a chastisement to Ctesiphon that he yeilded to the Princes friends and especially to the Princess Arthemisa's moving prayers to have him confronted with Erixone To this effect they brought Theramene forth of his prison who appear'd before his father and those that were assembled there with as much noble confidence as Erixone did with trembling feare this infamous wretch had woven her subtill accusation with so many soft expressions of love towards her husband and the Prince shaped his with such becoming respects for his dear Father that as I have already hinted every one having so faire an opinion of both their vertues would needs beleeve they were both innocent and could not tell on whom to lay the guilt The necessity hoever of deciding this controversy divided their opinions and as it is impossible our inclinations should be balanced so equally as not to weigh more towards one then another either of them had partisans who did suspect the others crime and defend their beleeved innocency Amongst those who more particularly interressed themselves one Tarsus embraced Erixone's cause and Learchus stood for the Princes the first insisted with more noise and heate but the second with more plenty of reason insomuch that the difficulty to give a certain judgement plung'd Ctesiphon into such strange perplexities that according to the various motions of his trouble he sensibly touch'd the Peoples hearts with pitty What said he have I summoned you here to leave me in the labyrinth of a doubt I thought your judgements would have soon unravil'd And if we have no cleerer proofes of the crime and innocency with what justice can we chastice the one and recompense the other Cruell inquietudes how am I involv'd what to judge of my wife or son Oh sad necessity which fatally ordains me to loose one or other if heaven would needs find me an enemy could it not with more justice have cul'd out any others but such as owes me as much love as I did cherish for them but what shall we deliberate in fine Speake wife reply my Son to which of you am I become so hateful which must I loose of the two that are so infinitely deare unto me and to whom I never wanted in my affection The love I beare to her makes him appeare as guilty and when I turne my thoughts on him she stands a criminal offendor in my eye â—ove Nature Come hither joyntly to defend your rights Nature thy plea is first but love thine is more pressing you both sollicite with extreme earnestness but which must I obey The one moves with more tenderness the other with more vehemency Shall I bow to compassion Or give the reines up to my raging anger Oh gods He gave passage to three or foure sighs which stop'd the further enlarging his complaints viewing them both with lookes which beam'd with love and hatred together whilst Theramene wholly interrupted him saying Cease deare Father cease these cruel moanes that torment you you may at the same moment satisfy both your compassion and revenge I am worthy of the one but am not culpable of the other and if nevertheless Erixone or Theramene must perish to appease you never make it a doubt to which of these you are to give the preheminence though I am clearly innocent of the crime I am accus'd of yet I will joyfully sacrifice a life to your repose of which I hold the lease only from heaven and you my death may justly expiate for Erixones crime since I am cause of it and if the consideration of loosing a child doe hinder she is young enough to bring you many more and perhaps you may never meete another woman that you could love with so much heate of passion Erixone would have spoken likewise who during his discourse had by her often shifted countenance given many infallible tokens of her crime if any one had studiously perus'd it but Ctesiphon starting up much troubled commanded the Officers to return with the Prince and retir'd himself to his Closet whence coming forth again Erixone who attended him threw her self at his feet and feigning a despair fearing her life in danger she sob'd forth these words before a great number of people Wherefore do you defer my death my Lord if you esteem me guilty Is it because you know that it would be a more welcome punishment than the suspition you have of my infidelity Yes my Lord I have plainly discern'd that Theramene 's artificial plea has gain'd more credit than my single vertue 't is fit you should ruine a woman to preserve a Traytor because he is your only Son and heir I shall appeal no farther but to give this last assured and becoming testimony of my love I am resolv'd to dye for him since in the doubt you dwell I can no longer be affected by you Ctesiphon would not suffer her to say any more but amorously embracing and raising her up he reply'd thus It is too true Madam that I offend your vertue extreamly by not punishing your false accuser but pardon a Fathers tenderness towards his Son I wrong'd my self most in this case since I oppos'd my own hottest desires which makes me languish to deserve as great returns of love from you as I cherish for you the evidences which you give me of your affection oblige me to a full retaliation and are sufficient to assert the crime of that perfidious child whose sudden chastisement shall satisfie your vertue and my provoked anger He told
her a great deal more which we heard not because he led her into an adjoyning Chamber where he spent some time alone with her There he resolv'd poor Theramene should dye but the most secretly that might be possible to prevent the clamour and commotions of the people and some Officers who dearly respected him This black design however could not be contrived so secretly but one might easily see it on wicked Erixones joyful face which she endeavour'd notwithstanding to hide by a dissembled intermissive sorrow for her Husbands trouble Arthemisa who watch'd incessantly to preserve her brother was advertis'd secretly by some that Theramene had but a short space to live and that it was high time to set all possible means a work to save him She had discover'd a clandestine intelligence betwixt Erixone and Tarsus which gave her much apprehension because she knew that man ambitious in the highest nature and one capable of any mischief In this streight of necessity she endeavour'd by several stratagems to deliver her brother she tryed to tempt his Keepers with the seldome failing power of Gold and Silver and courted many people of worth and quality to steal him thence but finding all those wayes block'd up with too much difficulty and that it would but make him more guilty in his Fathers jealous mind to attempt escape she decreed to hazard one means which she did honour me with the knowledge of the performance of which generous design she shew'd as much judgement as affection and tenderness to Theramene Ctesiphon the closer to conceal his pernicious intentions against his Son treated him with less severity then he had done before his friends had the liberty to visit him and Arthemisa feigning to go for some dayes to a Country House twenty Leagues distant from the City would take her farewell of him The respect all gave her facilitated her Noble design every one retyr'd when she came to the Prince and then seeing her self alone she in a few words propounded the intention she had to change habits with him that she might remain in his stead in the Prison whilst he escap'd in her disguise Theramene being at first surpriz'd with this proposition would have offer'd some considerations on this enterprize and especially the perill he should leave her under but Arthemisa not giving him the leasure to consult his prudence quickly made him disroabe himself and drest him in her own cloaths If their separation had not been so sudden Theramene would have express'd more fully to his dearest Sister how much this rare effect of love obliged him but finding himself compell'd to be gone after they had embrac'd with infinite affection he quitted her and passing through the midst of the two first Courts of Guard he acted her part and gesture so handsomly that the Souldiers deluded by the perfect resemblance of his visage which neverthelesse he hid in part and his shape and habit thought him to be Arthemisa He was already descended into the first Court and now thought he had no more to fear when looking towards the Gate he perceiv'd Sitalces coming the Nepveu of Tarsus who in the Confrontation had pleaded for Erixone This sight at first amaz'd him but quickly recovering and imboldning himself he hastned his pace to meet him under the Gate which being more obscure he judged it would the better cover his disguise yet he could not prevent Sitalces from abording him before he came to it who espying him afar off and thinking him to be the Princess had imediately alighted and came with more then ordinary speed to meet him I am confident you are in as much impatience to know the successe of this rencontre as Theramene was in fear however he counterfeited as well as he could possibly the Princesse Civility and excusing his great haste because it was very late went with a winged diligence to his Sisters Chariot which waited at the Gate without being discover'd I attended near that Road by which the Princess went to the Castle with a dozen of my intimate friends about two miles distant in a thick wood where as soon as he arrived not staying so long as to change his Cloaths we mounted him on Horse-back and swiftly gallop'd through many by-wayes to a little Town whereof I was Governour reaching thither after midnight And after we had there refreshed our Selves alittle while changing our Horses we bent our course towards Armenia where we were received by Artaban and Tygranes his Son with all the civil respect we could desire But whilst Theramene is in security and puts the whole Court to their wonder at his rare qualities let us step back alittle to Arthemisa and see in what manner she receives Sitalces who instantly demanded to see the Prince and whom she had discovered out of her Window when he aborded her brother not knowing what had pass'd since The fear which that doubt had thrown on her taught her to send him word that being somewhat indisposed and desiring to take alittle rest there was no possibility of receiving a visit that day Sitalces satisfied with that excuse without suspecting any further returned to Court again with the newes of this feigned Malady Erixone was presently Alarmed with it and fearing this sickness might rob her of the Subject of her revenge she went immediately to Ctesiphon and solicited him to send to know the verity The Messenger could not come to see her because She made as if She soundly slept the longer to conceal her self and give her Brother the more scope to get away so that after he had throughly informed himself of those that waited usually on Theramene he reported to Ctesiphon that the Prince was taken ill but since the departure of Arthemisa Erixone who was of an extraordinary malicious and distrustful Spirit began to entertain some doubts that the Princes indisposition was onely a pretence whereby to forge some means for an escape which perhaps Arthemisa or some other had undertaken to manage for him The absence of that Princess mine and my friends together increas'd her Inquietudes and Conjectures so that she resolv'd either to lose her hopes of full revenge or bring it to effect the night following At the same moment she sought out Ctesiphon and knew so well by pressing discourses to represent the likelihood of her suspitions and hide her own guilt of conscience that the unhappy father consented to put his Son to death before he should have opportunity to perfect his Intended flight which they believed was projected and which the Subtil Erixone had urg'd would be her husbands ruine Ctesiphon gave warrant presently and Tarsus had the Commission to provide Executioners and see it performed the night was extreamly tenebrous and I believe the Heavens had spread their blackest Sables to masque their sight from such a horrid spectacle and withall secure Theramene in his Journey when Athemisa heard a rude knocking at her Chamber Door where none had yet entered since she dissembled