render'd famous over all Peloponesus and he conjur'd him to work upon his Question with all the exactness his Art required Corymbas that was the Stranger 's Name applied himself according to the Intentions of Gilipus and afterwards went to give him an account of the Observations he had made What can you inform me said the Prince to him of a Daughter's Fate whom I love with tenderness That according to the Rules of my Science replied he Fortune will not be her Enemy But Sir I am oblig'd to advise you that this fair Princess is in danger of being Ravisht I see too plainly replied Gilipus our Civil Wars are the Constellations that threaten us with that Misfortune but Corymbas I will use Precaution In the mean time to ease my Melancholly let us discourse of the King and tell me whether Heaven does promise him as much Happiness as his Virtue gives him Reputation The name of Agis replied Corymbas shall without doubt reach the utmost Posterity but may I tell you that the Prince is in danger of ending his Life by the most deplorable Death that ever was heard of That which will be most strange in his Fate is That he shall be drawn to it by those Persons in whom he shall have a most entire Confidence Gilipus frightned with this Prediction went immediately to Agis related to him what he had then learnt and conjured him never to make any particular Bond of Friendship for fear of putting some secret Enemy in a Condition to betray him The King heard him without being at all moved and after he had thanked him for his obliging Fear Sir continued he I had rather dye than live in a continual distrust All I have to do is to resign my self up to the Protection of the Gods and to act nothing that may make me deserve the misfortune you apprehend for me The Prince gave not over acting as he did before in order to put his Designs in Execution and it was about this time that Lysander the Ephore who was of his Faction accused Leonidas of being Married in Asia contrary to a Law which did forbid the Princes of the Race of Hercules to take strange Women to their Wives Leonidas feared the Consequences of that Accusation so much that he fled away with the Princess Chelonise his Daughter and went to Tegeum where the Queen Cretesilea had already taken refuge with her Son Cleomenes This young Prince being as yet not above fifteen or sixteen years old would fain have returned to Lacedemon to revenge the King his Father's Quarrel Leonidas represented to him that the time was not yet ripe for it He told him that his Faction was weak and that therefore such an enterprise must of necessity be delayed Sir replyed Cleomenes if your Friends are not numerous enough to follow me openly I will attack your Enemies after another fashion and possibly their Chief shall find but little safety in a City where he may be met with by Cleomenes Son replied Leonidas Civil Wars are subject to so many Changes that you may well reserve your self for a more favourable occasion Cleomenes was with much a do Convinced and Leonidas having reflected upon his Humour thought it convenient that this young Prince should for a while reside a little further from Sparta He resolved to send him a travelling and trusted him to the Conduct of a Lacedemonian called Xenares with whose Affection and Experience he was well acquainted They departed in a few days after and Xenares studied by what means he might preserve in safety the Pledge put into his Hands He thought of no better or securer way than to keep Cleomenes from being known He made him change his Name and it was under the borrowed one of Themistides that the Prince saw Argos and passed even to Epidaurus He had a mind to go to Sea in order to visit the Islands of the Aegean Sea when he heard news that made him change his intention in hopes of some opportunity to signalize himself He was told that Aratus the Captain General of the Achaians intended to make War in Aetolia that he levied Troops about Corinth and that he had writ to the Lacedemonians to send him the Succours they were obliged to give him by a Treaty of Alliance Cleomenes rejoiced at it and told Xenares that he need no longer trouble himself about Embarking It is not fit continued he that we go now out of a Country whereunto we must have returned to seek out the War had we been already departed The greatest of my Ambition shall always be to satisfie you replied Xenares especially when you will have such generous Resolutions but Sir to speak unto you sincerely you confound me upon this occasion For I do not perceive it will be easie for you to resolve what Party you ought to take You still love Lacedemon too well to go and put your self among the Etalian Troops and on the other side you cannot remain long among the Spartans without discovering that you are the Prince Cleomenes We will find a Mean between these two extreams replied Themistides We will serve under Aratus for the Allies of our Country as ordinary Lacedemonians and there is little probability the Achaians should know me Do you think replied Xenares on the continual Communication that there will be between the Army of Agis and that of Aratus No Contradiction I pray you interrupted Cleomenes let us go to Corinth there we may examine matters a little nearer and take juster measures Xenares consented to it and away they marched towards the City whereunto Cleomenes had a desire to go They lodged with one Neranthus a Friend of Xenares and they applied themselves immediately with all Care to be informed of every thing concerning the preparations of War that were made They understood that the Achaians had already fifteen or sixteen thousand Men that they expected the Troops promised them by Corinth and a Re-inforcement of two thousand Lacedemonians which King Agis was to lead Will it please you said Cleomenes to Xenares that I satisfie the desire I have of seeing the General of the Achaians I have been alwaies touched at the Reputation of that Great Man and I fancy that I may one day either follow him near at hand in Battel if we fight for the same Interests or dispute with him a Victory if we chance to break with Achaia I doubt not Sir replied Xenares but that you may in a little time do both the one and the other and I hope that then Men will wish as much to know the Illustrious Cleomenes as you shew earnestness now to see the Famous Aratus But I think you may satisfie your Curiosity without going to the Camp of the Achaians I have heard it reported that Aratus often comes to Corinth which we will know more certainly as soon as you please In that very moment Neranthus came to present his Son Philistion to Xenares and Themistides Philistion was a
against the Great Hercules whom you acknowledge the Author of your Race Propose to your self the imitation of his brave Actions only and never mention his faults to authorize your own I agree that a King may be allowed to raise to his Throne a Person whom Beauty and Merit are able to supply her want of Noble Extraction But Sir is this priviledge to be allowed You during the unhappy condition of Your Family You ought as yet to have no other thoughts than the re-establishment of the King Your Father and when you will be a little more advanced in Years you should choose an alliance that might strengthen your party I think replied Cleomenes coldly I have not yet told you I would marry Cylesira I know that I ought not to pretend to it and that is likely to be the cause of the unhappiness of my whole Life For to confess unto you ingeniously I have a violent passion without any hopes of overcoming or satisfying it But Sir replied Xenares can the Son of Leonidas condescend to love Leriana's Daughter Is it my fault The Prince mournfully replied Can a man love or hate as he pleases And besides have you not observed how a kind even of Fatality has drawn me into this unfortunate Engagement You know I went into Timoleon's Garden with no other intention than to see Ardtus when Destiny brought thither the most admirable Creature in the World I am Young You confess that my Temper is hot and that I loved nothing Are you then amazed that a Heart not yet possest with any Passion should receive with joy one so Charming Nevertheless assure your self I depend upon a Father and the War is going to separate me from Cylesira Only I could wish that I were allowed sometimes to visit that fair Lady while we shall stay at Egina I shall not give you often that vexation for Leriana is not of an humour to receive too frequent visits Xenares mused for some Moments and afterwards consented to what Cleomenes desired But Sir added he it is upon Condition that we depart within a Week for the Camp of the Achaians That diligence does become very well Persons of your Age. And besides it is convenient that when Aratus shall arrive at the Army he finds you already accustomed to the fashions of Men of War He said no more but left Cleomenes without staying for his Answer The Prince intreated Philistion to see Leosthenes and believed that leave might be obtained from him sometimes to go to his House Leosthenes gave it but he was surprized when he spoke of it to his Sister I intreat you said Leriana to him never to refolvâ— upon any thing for the future that may concern Cylesira I have some important reasons that oblige me to be thus cautious Leosthenes replied that he would willingly consent to do whatever she should think convenient but that he did not believe there had been any mystery in receiving those Visits in the Countrey which had not been refused at Corinth Believe me Sister added he you ought not to affect these Singularities upon occasions which the commerce of Life renders so usual otherwise it may be said that my Nieces Beauty makes you too proud and disdainful At length Leosthenes persuaded Leriana and Cleomenes visited Cylesira He was over joy'd to give her the little Testimonies of his Complaisance and Submission to look upon her with a passionate Air to meet sometimes her Eyes and never to see any mark of Aversion upon her Countenance In the mean time Teleander was informed that Themistides and Cylesira were in the Isle of Egina He did not doubt but that their meeting there was concerted between them and ceived the upon a mortal Griel He failed to be present at a Horse race wherein he had promised to make one For the violent agitation of his Heart put him into a Fever He was forced to betake himself to his Bed and Oneerysa upon her first hearing the News raâ—â— unto him all in a fright As soon as Title ander saw her he addressed his speech unto her saying Ah! Madam I must dye unless I will see Themistides the Possessor of Cylesira But Son replied Onecrysa what assurance have you of his good Fortune Will you upon some simple Conjecture abandon your self to despair My unhappiness is certain replied Teleander Two Persons such as Cylesira and Themistides have not left Corinth to go into Egina without having some considerable reason for it Xenares and Leriana have not managed that Voyage with so much mystery without some design that could have merited such a Conduct No no Madam I have no room to doubt of my misfortune but instead of spending my time in unprofitable Lamentations I must go and pierce my Rival's Heart and take away Cylesira from him by force In fine there is no resolution that I will non take in order to unite my self to the fairest Creature that ever was He would afterwards have given some orders that concerned his departure when Onecrysa not judging that he was in a Condition to undertake a Voyage did at first oppose his Intentions But at length she was constrained to consent to them nevertheless upon Condition that she should go along with him being unwilling to abandon Teleander in the condition and resolution wherein she saw him Ah Madam cried he out how much should I be obliged unto you if you would grant me the assistance you can give My Life and Death are in your hands It is in your Power to give me Cylesira In mine replied Onecrysa with amazement Even in yours added Teleander for indeed there is nothing easier than for you to carry out Cylesira to take the Air in your Chariot to remove her far enough of from Leriana and Themistides and to carry her into a place where I may be able to move her heart by my submission and Complaisance How interrupted Onecrysa would you carry away Cylesira by force and dare you propose to me to be the Accomplice of your Crime When I desired you would be present replied Teleander have I pretended to commit any action that you could dis-approve of and of which Cylesira her self could have reason to complain We should constrain only to accept of an advantage which Fortune offers her If at first she may utter a few Complaints against us we shall hereafter receive nothing but thanks Nevertheless replied Onecrysa you had better make a Tryal of some other ways They would be too far about replied Teleander I do not see they could bring me to the place I would go to before Themistides arrive there But who has persuaded you that that Stranger is beloved replied Onecrysa I never perceived Leriana and Cylesira entertain him too favourably A Man must be in love replied Teleander to have Eyes quick and penetrating into these kinds of occasions However if I am mistaken I am willing to act no otherwise then according to your Orders But Madam if I let you
to make Democares repent that he had given any offence to a Person of her Rank Crantippus who was very desirous to divide Agis's Party told the Princess that he did not doubt but that she had already given notice of it to the Prince Gilipus and represented to her that she ought not neglect the doing it He remained the rest of the day at Erabeus and in the Night he set on Fire a part of the House Those whom he had gained to act jointly with him gave the Alarm said that Democares would have burnt Erabeus and that he appeared in the Neighbourhood with a Body of Horse Ah! Madam cried out Crantippus I was very much in the right when I said that you were to fear every thing from that desperate Man Save your self Madam come to Megalopolis with Leriana I will conduct you with a small Train the better to conceal your flight and Leosthenes shall amuse Democares either by some resistance or by some kind of Composition Leosthenes approved of that Expedient and the Princess was hardly two Leagues from Erabeus when Megabates accosts her at the Head of twenty Horsemen Madam said he you do not fall into Democares 's hands I have Orders to carry you to a Prince who will regard you more as his own Daughter than as his Enemy 'T is to King Leonidas added Crantippus and I am sure you will have no reason to complain of what he designs for you Agiatis perceived that Crantippus had laid the Snare for her into which she was fallen and not being able to hear him she interrupted him with Indignation Perfidious Wretch said she dost thou believe that Heaven will suffer thy Treachery to go unpunished She had hardly finisht these words when she saw ten or twelve Horsemen appear who came from the Coast towards Alpheus He who seemed the Chief of them rode up to Megabates and intreated him to set the Princess Agiatis at Liberty Megabates considered the Cavalier entred into some suspicion and contented himself with answering in these Terms If you are of the Princess's interest you will not oppose our March The liberty that you require for her would be less advantageous to her than you imagine 'T is not so much your part as her own to judge of her advantages replied the Cavalier and since I am perswaded she will please her self better in her own house than in the place into which you pretend to carry her I desire she may be conveyed back to Erabeus However she shall take another way now replied Crantippus If she had no other Conductors than such as you replied the unknown Cavalier I do not think you should carry her far In that very moment they took their Swords in hand and began to fight Crantippus made at him with a thrust but the unknown Cavalier discharged so furious a back blow across his Head that he made him fall down without any Life He afterwards threw himself on Megabates's Troop and felled to the ground the first he met But having received a hurt with a Javelin His own people could not suffer either him to expose himself or men of the same Party to come to blows among themselves They cried out to Megabates that it was Cleomenes and that he had better give Agiatis her Liberty than to let the Prince expose himself to danger Megabates who had already suspected what was told him did easily believe it and being careful of Cleomenes's Life He told the Prince that he was ready to follow his Orders Carry thâ—â—â— the Princess back again answer'd he The King my Father will be angry with none but me He then turned towards the Cavaliers who followed him and Commanded them to guard Agiatis as far as Erabeus and to tell her that he himself would have bore her Company but that he was unwilling to trouble her with the sight of a Prince's Son who had so lately offended her Agiatis returned his Compliment bestowed a liberality on the Cavaliers and intreated them to assure their Prince of her acknowledgment of his Generosity In the mean time Megabates is afraid of Leonidas and represents to Cleomenes that he has acted no less against his own Interests than against his Father's Will and Pleasure Sir pursues he though your Wounds would not stay you at Megalopolis I doubt whether or no we should go to Tegeum I believe that what has now happened will give us no very good reception there and I confess I had much rather write to the King concerning the Success of this undertaking than go and give an account of it my self I pray Sir be pleased to consider in what Terms you would have me write You need only tell the Naked Truth replied Cleomenes you are in no fault and for what regards my self I can neither repent of what I have done nor suffer the King my Father when I can prevent it to 〈◊〉 any violence They afterwards continue their way towards Megalopolis and as soon as they arrive there the Prince puts himself into Bed His Wound was searched and found not dangerous and Megabates sent back his Men to Tegeum with a Letter to Leonidas That Prince was transported with anger against Cleomenes He declared aloud he would never see him He forbid the Queen to send for him back and yet he recalled Megabates Xenares departed for Megalopolis and Philistion having heard reported at Lacedemon what had passed near Erabeus did not fail to go and joyn with Cleomenes In the mean time Democares arrived at Sparta He saw Gilipus and when that Prince enquired of him what News from Erabeus Sir answered he the Princess is more Charming than I can express unto you and as I interess my self in every thing that has relation to you I was exceeding glad to see that Augmentation of Beauty But I must confess that I have no great reason to applaud the manner after which the Princess received those Testimonies I gave her of it I know not whether she took what I said for a piece of Gallantry that she ought not to suffer or whether by Lerianas instructions she carries her discretion even to Coyness but be it which it will I have been treated with a most intolerable indignity and I assure you that if I had not considered that she was a Prince's Daughter You strangely surprise me interrupted Gilipus I never believed Agiatis was of that humour or that she would receive in such a manner the best of my friends But we will go within these two or three days to Erabeus and you shall see how I pretend you should be respected there Ah Sir replied Democares for God's sake do not tell the Princess that I make any Complaint against her it would be but to exasperate her the more and after that I should go to your House with an extream Reluctancy Gilipus promised him to do nothing in that matter without his Consent and yet having a great Esteem for him and standing in need
of declaring it to you If it be my Liberty you give me replied the Queen you will be pleased that I make use of it to return to Erabeus Is it possible Madam answered he with surprise that you would leave us so speedily and that you will not design to make some stay at Sparta I confess replied she here is something I sain would see 'T is Queen Chelonisa whose Merit and Beauty attracts the admiration of all Greece The Princess to whom you give the praises that are due to your self replied Cleomenes would have been already with you if she had not granted me these moments which I did demand of her He had hardly ended these words when he saw Chelonisa enter and he went out to give that Princess a greater liberty of speaking being well assured that she would not forget his interests The two Queens beheld each other with amazement and having advanced the one towards the other they embraced with as many marks of Esteem and Tenderness as if they had been long since acquainted I assure you Madam said Agiatis to Chelonisa that you should not have prevented me if Prisoners were the disposers of their own Wills You know Madam answered the Daughter of Leonidas that if you were brought into this Palace it was rather to proffer you a Crown than to give you Chains Be the intention what it will replied Agiatis I cannot complain of a force that brings me to see Queen Chelonisa I would have seen you at Prince Gilipus's replied she if the difference between our Families had allowed me to give my self that satisfaction Besides Madam you made a Journey to Corinth and I for my part have always been out of Lacedemon either with a fugitive Father or a banished Husband But Madam 't is in your power now to unite our Houses more than the Civil Wars have divided them Agiatis blusht instead of making any answer 'T was not because she saw that Gilipus would joyfully make that Alliance or because she perceived even her self inclined to it out of tenderness But besides that it was not long since she had lost Agis a sentiment of bashfulness hindred her to declare her self in this first Conversation She even creates to her self a Scruple which permits her not to shew at the first for the Prince of Lacedemon an inclination which she had taken care to conceal from Themistides and when she found her self disposed to make a favourable answer her heart reproached her that Cleomenes's rank might have too great a share in that secret motion When she spoke it was after a manner that without discovering too much of the inclination she desired to conceal failed not to give Chelonisa satisfaction You know Madam said she to her that there is no longer any division in Lacedemon that the King Leonidas is sole Master there and that we have nothing else to do but to submit to the Will of the Conquerour Your will shall be obeyed replied Chelonisa and we have nothing more to do but to wish that it may not prove rigorous to a Prince who adores you In ending these words she observed that there was no sign of Aversion in Agiatis's Eyes and she withdrew to give Cleomenes an account of it In a few moments after Leonidas was advertised that some Horse came from the parts towards Erabeus Sir continued the Officer who gave him the notice Prince Gilipus is at the head of that body with another man whom I do not know That Troop marches with a Confidence which sufficiently witnesses it fears nothing and is supported by others This Report gave Leonidas some disquiet Agiatis appeared moved and Cleomenes received a mortal vexation at it They were going to send once more to view it when a certain Corinthian who was a Kinsman of Philistion's arrived That Stranger told Cleomenes that it was the General of the Achaians who was coming to Lacedemon and who brought Gilipus along with him whom he had fetcht from Erabeus But this is not all Sir pursued he for as Aratus is at present a friend to the two Royal Families of Sparta his coming is only to endeavour their Union and throughly to appease the Troubles of the Commonwealth Cleomenes ran to meet Aratus and Gilipus He said to Agiatis's Father the most respectful things that love could inspire him with and after having expressed his acknowledgment to the General of the Achaians he shew'd them the way to the King his Father's Palace Leonidas received them at the Gate with more than extraordinary Joy Agiatis was no less glad at the sight of Gilipus and after the mutual Compliments that are practised on such occasions Aratus spoke of what he most passionately desired to these Illustrious Persons He afterwards represented to them that to confirm the Peace more solidly Agesilaus must be comprehended therein He knew what were the sentiments of his Son Hypomedon and having brought that young Prince along with Gilipus he presented him to the King of Lacedemon Hypomedon threw himself at Leonidas's Feet and that Prince who had always esteemed him had no sooner taken him up but he tenderly embraced him and forgot the injuries he had received from his Father Then Aratus said to the King of Sparta Sir I am so well pleased that I have married Teleander and Ariamite in one day that I am come with a design of proposing to you two Marriages The Lacedemonians ought to wish for that double Alliance in respect of their own repose and I question not but that you will consent to the happiness of four Persons who were born only to be united They shall be when you please replied the King of Sparta provided Prince Gilipus be not unwilling I might possibly be replied Agiatis 's Father with a smile if I would oppose my Daughters Advantage but since I am far enough from having any such intentions I shall only intreat you to execute speedily your design The four Lovers passed the rest of the day in delights they had never before tasted Clomenes and Agiatis did not forget the Establishment of Philistion and Cylesira and on the morrow the two Marriages were celebrated with a Joy that made the Miseries of Sparta be forgotten FINIS A Catalogue of some Novels and Plays Printed for R. Bentley and S. Magnes NOVELS 1 ZElinda a fam'd Romance 2 Happy Slave in three Parts 3 Count Brion 4 Count Gabales 5 Hatige or the Amours of the King of Tamaran 6 Madam Lavalier and the King of France 7 Madam and the Duke of Guise 8 Madam Colonna's Memoirs 9 Queen of Majorca in two Parts 10 Don Sebastian King of Portugal 11 Heroine Musquetier 12 Princess of Cleves 13 Obliging Mistress 14 Fatal Prudence 15 Princess of Fez. 16 Disorders of Love 17 Triumph of Love 18 Victorious Lovers 19 Almanzor and Almanzaida 20 Earl of Essex and Queen Elizabeth 21 Neopolitan or the Defender of his Mistress 22 Nicostratis 23 Amorous Abbess 24 Homais Queen of Tunis 25 Pilgrim in two Parts 26 Meroveus Prince of the Blood-Royal of France 27 Life of the Duke of Guise 28 Extravagant Poet. 29 Memoires Gallant 30 Instruction for a Young Nobleman 31 Love Letters from the Cavalier to the Nun. 32 Gallant Ladies or the Mutual Conference In two Parts 33 St. Lewis or the Politick Conduct of Queen Blanch.
not last long Leriana writ to Gilipus to give him an account of what had passed afterwards discoursing with the Princess about it she said What a misfortune Madam would it have been if Teleander had carried you away to Erymanthus What would have been the affliction of Prince Gilipus and King Agis I must confess replied Cylesira it is a most grievous matter for a Father to see his only Daughter stole from him but I did not expect you would place Agis in the same degree of vexation as Gilipus How Madam replied Leriana do you believe that Agis would not be very sensible of your loss He who knows you so well and is designed to be your Husband 'T is true replied Cylesira there is a resolution to match us to each other but since it is only to fasten by that Alliance the knot that ties our Party I think the Heart has no great interest in the Treaty and that neither of us would find any great difficulty to comfort our selves should it chance to break In truth Leriana we have not the one for the other more than the Friendship of Kindred and I very much doubt whether one can proceed from that sort of Affection to tenderness I have nevertheless observed replied Leriana that Agis 's admiration of you was always accompanied with eagerness and fervency 'T is true the esteem you have for that Prince proceeds more from a sense of Equity than Inclination I have wisht an hundred times that for the Peace of both Families and of the Republick Agiatis were married to Cleomenes That young Prince is as I have heard endued with a thousand good qualities He is of a Noble Deportment and great Courage I agree said Cylesira that all the World reports very well of Cleomenes but Leriana do you judge they have bred up Leonidas 's Son and Gilipus 's Daughter to be each others By what I perceive Madam said Leriana looking attentively upon her you have a great stock of indifference in your Heart I have at least aversion enough for Marriage replied the Princess Ah Madam pursued Leriana I know from whence that aversion proceeds 't is because you find your self disposed to love a Man whom you cannot Marry I perceive well enough replied Agiatis and blusht that you mean Themistides but should my gratitude render me more sensible for him than for a Kinsman or a Prince whom I never saw would you think it very strange But Leriana know me perfectly and re-assure your self I have a Father whose Will and Pleasure shall always regulate mine and should Agiatis be in a capacity to dispose of her self she would rather die than fail in any thing her Quality or Honour required from her After this take what measures you please and be not apprehensive I shall oppose them As soon as she had made that Protestation Leriana set her mind at rest She sent to Themistides to enquire after his Health and as soon as she was informed he could receive Visits without being incommoded she went to see him with Cylesira and Leosthenes in her company You see said she to him that I am as good as my word and that in coming to visit you I grant you more than you have desired from me You do too much Madam answered Cleomenes and you judge aright that I would have by no means have desired what I ought not to obtain He had hardly ended these words when Leriana was advertised that Aratus and Ariamite were just arrived that the Princess was gone to Onecrysa's and that the General of the Achaians was come into Xenares's House Leriana Cylesira and Xenares immediately arose and having left Leosthenes with Themistides they went to receive Aratus whom they met at the Chamber-door He said to Leriana Madam must your Friends have no other information of what befalls you than what they gather from common report Sir answered she you know apparently the reason which hath not permitted me to give you an account of this adventure Yes Madam I know it replied Aratus and that not without a great deal of sorrow but will you give me leave added he advancing towards Cleomenes 's bed to thank the generous Themistides who has so fortunately prevented the mischiefs that were to be feared from that attempt Sir replied the Prince as there is never any judgment to be made of our Actions but according to our intentions so you may easily perceive that you are no ways obliged to me I was not studious of serving Aratus but of delivering Cylesira Well then replied the General of the Achaians since you are unwilling that I express my gratitude unto you I have nothing to do but to chide Leriana for coming to Egina Sir answered she My Brother's House and Cylesira's humour made me fix upon that choice You might have replied Aratus preferred Scycion before this Desart I should have rendered your dwelling there agreeable But Sir replied Xenares why should so fair a Lady leave Corinth at a time when people flock't thither from all parts of Greece She would have been the joy of an infinite number of Gentlemen and those Gentlemen would have contributed to her divertisement Since I think you speak of me answered Cylesira though what you say suits not with me I must tell you that I find much less pleasure than trouble and confusion in great and publick Feasts and that I would constantly avoid them if I were Mistress of my own Will Is it possible replied Aratus that you are of that humour You Madam who are not Created but to be the admiration of all the Earth But Sir replied Cleomenes is it not also necessary to have an entire complaisance for her as well as an admiration which is due to her from all the World Cleomenes out of a little emotion of jealousie could not forbear being contradictory and Xenares taking notice of it said to him I doubt you do not mind who it is you contest with 'T is replied Cleomenes with the famous General-of the Achaians but fince the question is not about the rangeing of an Army in Battle I hope I may without offence deliver my Opinion altho' it be different from his On the contrary pursued Aratus 't is that liberty of contradicting that creates all the pleasure of Conversation without it our discourse could neither last nor have any Wit or Spirit in it Moreover continued Leosthenes after the Glory Themistides has gained has he not reason to rejoyce that Cylesira came to Egina As he is Generous replied the Princess I am perswaded that he does not repent the incurring a great danger for the doing a brave Action but I am very sorry I was the cause Ha Madam interrupted Cleomenes had I lost even my life upon this occasion I had been sufficiently rewarded with the good Fortune I have had of being serviceable unto you Aratus observing that Cleomenes spoke with some trouble said to Xenares Do you believe that Themistides 's health will allow us
who already did so well answer by his actions the expectations that were had of him He pressed Cleomenes between his Arms and afterwards received Xenares and Philistion with all the Honour they could expect and asked them some Circumstances of what had passed in Egina Cleomenes blusht and Xenares smilingly answered I can tell you better than the Prince the Beauty of his action but he will tell you better than I that the Lady whom they would have carried away is the most Charming Creature he may have ever seen I understand you replied Leonidas with the same Air but Prince added he addressing himself to Cleomenes I am very much mistaken if I do not suddenly make you forget what you have seen in Egina I have framed a great design which I hope to execute and I promise you that the success of it will giue you the Possession of a Princess who deserves the admiration of all the Earth Sir replied Cleomenes I am as yet to think of nothing but of serving my King You shall see interrupted Leonidas that what both you and I desire are not incompatible In that moment Leonidas saw one of the most Zealous of his Faction enter who was come from Lacedemon he advanced toward him and took him aside Then he said to him Well Megabates what have you to tell me of Agis Are you informed of his Designs Sir answered he Agis will at present put nothing in Execution but what relates to the suppressing of Debts He has put off the making a Partition of Goods until he returns from Aratus 's Army whither you know he is to lead the succours which we have obliged to give the Achaians This first Enterprise does not take away from the principal Citizens of the Republick either their Lands or Houses and seems only to tend to the ease of the People So that your Faction who are spoiled less than they apprehended will not possibly be enraged enough to take up Arms and I know not whether you had not better wait for a more favourable occasion I believe as well as you replied Leonidas that Matters are not yet well enough disposed to bring me back but I would not have the two Branches of the Family of the Agiades unite by this Marriage upon which they are resolved I do not know that I can undertake any thing more advantageous to my House than to make Agiatis enter into it I should deprive thereby the Prince to whom she is designed of a great reinforcement and he who would espouse her should at length have the Wealth and Friends of Gilipus I know that Agiatis is returned to Erabeus and that Gilipus is in a few days to carry her to Lacedemon in order to be Married He little imagines that I am so perfectly informed of every thing that relates to his Daughter but I have always had my mind so firmly bent upon the design I am now declaring to you that I have forgot nothing that may make it succeed I have gained an Inhabitant of Megalopolis called Crantippus who is almost every day at Erabeus and he gives me an account of every thing that passes there As soon as Agiatis was returned thither he did not fail to send me the news of it and I for my part redoubled my Liberality because I perceive that it is now that I have the greatest need of his assistance It would not be difficult for you replied Megabates to take away the Princess from thence by force whilst that Agis and Gilipus are busied with their Friends at Lacedemon That is it replied Leonidas that I have a longing desire to do and to speak unto you freely you would do me an infinite pleasure in being willing to be the Chief of that enterprize I will give you the Command of my Guards you shall take such a number of them as you think fitting and having caused them to enter separately into Megalopolis you shall take such measures with Crantippus as you shall judge necessary for the Execution of my design Megabates did let him know he would omit nothing that might tend to the successful accomplishment of that important Commission and Leonidas relying upon his Conduct thought of nothing but how he should testifie to Cleomenes with what Care and Pains he laboured for his Interests He enquired after the Prince and was informed that after he had entertained for some time the Queen with the particulars of his Journey he was gone out to walk with Philistion It was that he might talk with him about Cylesira My Dear Philistion said Cleomenes I intreat you to depart to morrow for Lacedemon to go to Democares 's House and to enquire there in what place I may find her I love You have a pretence to ask that question without saying any thing contrary to the Truth You may say that you are of Corinth that you have known Leriana there and that you would be glad to see her again in that Country into which you have been told she is returned Yes Sir replied Philistion I will go to Sparta and I will see Democares and it shall not be my Fault if I get not from him the information you desire He departed at the hour that Cleomenes ordered him to do and as soon as he arrived he learnt that Democares was not in Lacedemon and that none knew either where he was or when he would return Philistion was troubled at it and he gave an account thereof to Cleomenes in a Letter While he staid at Lacedemon for an answer to it the Prince found himself in a strange perplexity at Tegeum The King his Father declared to him the design he had of taking away Agiatis by force in order to bestow her on him and even told him the particulars of those measures which he had taken with Megabates Cleomenes who had an aversion for Injustice and could love no other Woman than Cylesira did at first oppose Leonidas's Intentions and throwing himself at his Feet said to him In the name of Heaven Sir let not the Goodness you have for me transport you to act violence For God's sake consider that the Princess Agiatis would hate me mortally and that she would always regard me as the Son of her Ravisher Does it belong to you replied Leonidas severely to make such Remonstrances to me when I take care of your Interests Shall we ever have such an opportunity as this is which you would have us lose Is there so fair a Princess in all Greece Can you make a more important Alliance But Sir replied Cleomenes boldly who can assure you that this Rape will not arm all the Agiades against you instead of uniting them to you I will once more answer you replied Leonidas but after that I command you to hold your Tongue and withdraw You apprehend that Agis and Gilipus may become our Enemies Are they not already so Have we not room to hope that their resentment will have no consequence that they will
his Air became as melancholy as decency could require He advanced towards her with fear and the Queen beginning to speak after as obliging a manner as that conjuncture could permit her she said to him with a sigh Ah! Themistides you see Agiatis a Prisoner and much more unfortunate than Cylesira I would to the Gods Madam replied Cleomenes that you your self could see how far I am sensible of what concerns you I am so perswaded that you take a great share therein replied the Queen that I am very willing to tell you that you have always been the person on whom I first thought whenever any ill accident happened to me as if it was from you I was to expect either the greatest assistance or the greatest consolation in my Misfortunes Cleomenes bowed most respectfully in witness of his acknowledgment and renewing the discourse said I still dare flatter my self Madam that I shall not be altogether unprofitable to you on this Occasion I have some Credit in Leonidas 's Court and if you will be pleased to inform me after what manner you were brought hither You may say interrupted she after what manner I was forced hither and do not palliate this second Affront which the Prince you mention has given me But I am very much mistaken if his Attempt will have the success he expects You shall see that I am no less sensible of Injuries than of good Offices Themistides heard not these last words without Sorrow by reason of the Interest that Cleomenes ought to have in them and looking on the Queen with an Air more melancholy than before said to her Give me leave if you please Madam to assure you that Cleomenes is not at all guilty and that he never had for the admirable Queen of Lacedemon any Sentiments of which she would have reason to complain if she knew them perfectly Agiatis was surprized at that answer and hiding the vexation which she had in her soul she replied coldly I find you more generous yet than I imagined and since you are a Friend to Prince Cleomenes if you think be will come to see me you will do me a favour to prevent him For your part I have been willing to grant you a Priviledge which I never give any but I pray make no use of it for a second Visit Themistides did withdraw in a mortal Affliction and did not question but that Cleomenes was really hated He complained of it to Philistion Have you ever seen said he to him a Man more unfortunate than I I am desperately in love and cannot see that I have any manner of hopes You may well judge that the unknown Themistides can never pretend to the Queen of Lacedemon and I can assure you that the Son of Leonidas shall be yet worse entertained than Themistides But Sir replied Philistion if in making your self known to be Cleomenes you repair in Themislides the inequality of your Conditions can you not then hope to be happy Ah Philistion replied Cleomenes Can you counsel me to declare my self while Agiatis shall have an ill Opinion of Cleomenes Shall I run the hazard of drawing on my self during my whole life that Person 's Aversion wham I adore No Philistion I will never do it I had rather renounce entirely all the advantages which my Birth can give me than the Friendship which Cylesira has already exprest for Themistides That was the Resolution which the Prince took Philistion still advised against it but he soon saw that all his Reasons were to no purpose Agiatis for her part was not disposed to pass the Night with more Tranquillity She caused Cylesira to be called to her that she might ease her Heart by discovering her new vexation Leriana's Daughter was surprized to see some trouble in her Countenance and as she was just a going to enquire the cause of it the Queen with a sigh said Would you have believed that Themistides would speak to me in the behalf of Cleomenes Perhaps replied Cylesira he would have endeavoured some accommedation How little do you understand me interrupted the Queen impatiently if Themistides endeavoured to reconcile us would he not rather endeavour to justifie Leonidas than engage in Cleomenes 's Interests after a manner that could not be otherwise than disagreeable to me Have you ever heard me complain of the Prince of Lacedemon On the contrary I praised his Generosity when he opposed the Intentions of the King his Father and when he drew me out of the hands of my Ravishers I was pleased that he bad delivered us from Democares that Monster of perfideousness and I have been informed not without pleasure that he was mounded in the Shoulder in that Combate But I find Themistides more officious than I could wish when he would make me comprehend that I am not indifferent to Cleomenes If that Prince had those Sentiments for me which Themistides would perswade me he hath would he not have followed Leonidas 's Intentions rather than have crossed them and thereby have angered a Father whom I know he had always obeyed Let us rather say Cylesira let us say that I have not known Themistides throughly to this hour that he is less capable of Tenderness than Ambition and that sacrificing every thing to his Fortune he wishes to unite Cleomenes and Agiatis the better to make his Court to Leonidas But since he is so greedy of a Reward I will that he be paid to morrow what I owe him and then that he leave me in repose While she takes that Resolution Amphares who foresaw the ruine of his Party lays aside all other thoughts than those of saving himself Nevertheless he does not depart without some hopes of returning with a re-inforcement He goes to Megabates where he understands that Gilipus is gone back to Erabeus and he promises Cleombrotus to set him up in the room of Agis Cleombrotus with pleasure hears a Man who flatters his Ambition and takes some measures with Amphares to make their Enterprize succeed They secretly levy Troops and Chelonisa is no sooner advertised of it but she conjures Cleombrotus to have no confidence in a Traytor whom he ought to avoid with Horror I pray answered Cleombrotus impatiently do not oppose my Designs I will not lose this opportunity of re-establishing my self and I am assured that Amphares 's Party is not so low as that I ought through vain scruples renounce the assistance I may receive from it Chelonisa would have replied again but Cleombrotus intreated her to hold her peace and to withdraw The Inhabitants of Megalopolis no sooner knew that Amphares was in their City and that he gathered Souldiers together but they resolved to chase him out of it and came in Crowds to his House Amphares who had already armed Men about him failed not to put himself in a posture of Defence believing that they had a design on his Life But the Gates of his House were broke open and he was cut in pieces
ardently wish for the re-establishment of the King my Father and have a greater desire than ever to signalize my self only that I may be more worthy of Cylesira I confess answered Philistion that the fair Lady deserves the Esteem and even the Admiration of all the Earth But Sir is a Prince of your Rank allowed to take to Wife the first Lady that pleases him Is he not obliged to regard his Interests rather than the satisfaction of his Inclinations I know interrupted Cleomenes with Impatience that Morality and Policy would furnish you with much more advice to give me but I do not at this time of the day desire Counsel of that nature Tell me freely Philistion what can I promise to my self from your Friendship All things replied he and if I find an opportunity to expose my Life for you I shall do it more joyfully than render you the little Services wherewith your love is satisfied Cleomenes embraced Philistion and thanked him I must said he know what is done at Leriana's and whether it be true that Teleander is come to marry Cylesira You may be assured I shall attempt all ways that will be possible to cross his design He had hardly finished these words when the Prince of Erymanthus passed before his House in Onecrysa's Chariot He desired to shew himself to his Rival on purpose to allay his suspicions When Cleomenes saw him he was very much surprized and being less melancholly than before he cried out How can it be possible that Teleander should be returning back again 'T is apparently so said Philistion I effectually believe that the Prince of Erymanthus was desirous of accompanying Onecrysa to visit Cylesira and finding that fair Creature no less severe at Palenis than she had been at Corinth vexation makes him go and cross the Water back again What you tell me is very probable answered Cleomenes but shall not I have a certain and more clear Information of it Cannot you go and visit Onecrysa I will go if you command me replied Philistion Nevertheless Sir I am unwilling to do it until I have put you in mind of the Prohibition they have made you and the match of Hunting Xenares even now proposed unto you Those prohibitions replied Cleomenes have no relation either to Onecrysa or your self and as for the divertisement of Hunting wherein Xenares does pretend to engage me nothing is so easie as to defer it for some moments Philistion without any more ado went to pay the Princess of Erymanthus a visit and being informed that she would go a walking with Cylesira alone into the Wood he departed and went to give Themistides an account of it In the mean time Xenares had given order to Erantor to lead three Horses to Cleomenes and to carry with him Bows Arrows and Javelines The Prince mounts on Horse-back and takes the Arms that were presented him and followed by Philistion and Erantor he entered into the Wood as iâ— were to divert himself with Hunting As soon as he was in the most unfrequented part of the Thicket he alighted and gave the Horses to Erantor to hold and walked on foot with Philistion to discourse of his Passion and Misfortune He went towards those places where he believed he might chance to see Cylesira and looked every where with so much care that at length he discovered on the out-side of the Wood two Women discoursing together and sitting upon the Grass He advanced towards them as softly as he could and notwithstanding their backs were towards him yet he did not fail tâ— know them for Onecrysa and Cylesira He was sufficiently moved at this sight and approached near enough to over-hear them He heard the Princess of Erymanthus going on with her Discourse after this manner Fair Cylesira I conjure you not to think strange what I am going to tell you neither give me any interruption 'T is not without an infinite deal of trouble that I shall see the Execution of a design which you will at first condemn and yet in the Consequence it will possibly make your Fortune But indeed Cylesira I was in that extremity that I must either have seen a Son who is dear unto me languish and die or else have overcome the reluctancy which I had for an enterprize he proposed unto me I did indeed esteem it Criminal at the first but I have afterwards considered it as the only remedy that could be applied to Teleander's Despair That Prince has not been able to endure the indifference you have had for him and has taken notice with a double augmentation of sorrow that Themistides was entertained after a more obliging manner In the mean time a Man unknown did not perhaps deserve that preference but you will be more just when Teleander shall have removed you from his Rival At these words Cleomenes felt a strange Emotion He whispered Philistion that he should go and cause the Horses to the brought to him and afterwards he hearkned with the same attention as he did before However be not afraid said Onecrysa thaâ— any violence shall be done unto you I will not forsake you and no Man shall pretend to move your Heart otherwise than by an entire submission Madam is it possible replied Cylesira then with surprise that it is the Princess Erymanthus who talks thus unto me Is it the Sister of the Illustrious Aratus that is become an Accomplice of Teleander's Extravagances 'T is a Mother that would save a Sons life replied Onecrysa for indeed Cylesira I know more than I could wish I did and than you imagine In the mean time I love you still enough to render you happy in spight of your self Is it by depriving me of liberty replied Cylesira with a Voice something lowder Is it by making me Teleander's Slave Teleander's Slave cried out that Prince in discovering himself all on the sudden You know Madam that you shall be absolute Mistress every where where I have any Power You have nothing else to do but to ascend into that Charriot added he in shewing Onecrysa's Charriot that began to appear How Telander interrupted Cylesira are you not afraid to provoke the Great Aratus I am afraid of nothing but of losing you replied the Prince and provided I be near you and you far from my Rivals I know no reason I have to fear any thing But Madam continued he in giving her his hand ascend if you please and do not make me lose a Time which it imports me very much to use well I mind you once more O Prince replied Cylesira to consider throughly with your self that this Action does offend me and casts a blemish on your own Glory I pray do not compleat your Crime and I pardon you all that you have done to this Hour I will restore you my Esteem and Friendship I will even add thereunto a sense of gratitude for the Complaisance you shall have towards me Upon all other occasions Madam replied Teleander I am ready
a true Gratitude for the service which you have rendred her she has told you in what place you may find her But if on the contrary she has failed to give you this advice should you not regard her as an ungrateful Creature who renders her self unworthy of your tenderness But Madam replied Clomenes modestly I do not see that Cylesira is so much in my debt as you imagine I only gave her an assistance which she might expect from any other besides Themistides I believe replied Ariamite that any other would have less exposed himself than you and that even you would not have fought with so much ardour for any other than Cylesira But after all Sir if Themistides blindly loves Leriana 's Daughter 't is time that the Prince Cleomenes that the Son of King Leonidas should open his Eyes to see to what a more Glorious Destiny calls him How Madam do you know me interrupted the Prince with surprise Yes Sir I know you replied Ariamite and have even some concern for you You know that there is a strict Alliance between the Spartans and the Achaians and that Aratus has some considerable Friends in Lacedemon If his mediation be necessary to you I will forget nothing that way incline him to make an accommodation that may be for your advantage Indeed Sir added Ariamite 's Friend if you have some merit it must be also confest that you have a great deal of good Fortune To be convinced of it you need only examine the Words and Eyes of this fair Princess Observe her Charms and if I may presume to say it added she in a lower Voice addict your self to her Possibly you shall see that she will not want acknowledgment for the Prince Cleomenes So that Sir the Princess Ariamite may easily comfort you for the loss of Cylesira and the King Leonidas will be better satisfied with an Alliance with Aratus than with that with Leriana These words made Ariamite blush add a new luster to her Complexion and render even her Air more moving That Prince who was by Nature Sprightly and Bold appeared Timorous and Bashful on this occasion She cast down her Eyes to the ground and impatiently expected Cleomenes's answer Themistides was too sincere he was too much taken up with Cylesira's Charms to give cause of believing that he would change his Passion but he was also far from having any thing that was disobliging in his Humour He answered with all the Signs of Respect and Gratitude he could give I know said he how much I am bound to so fair a Princess And with what Sentiments I ought to remember her all my life Nevertheless since she is no longer ignorant who I am she sees that it belongs to Leonidas to dispose of Cleomenes 's Destiny Then he thought it proper to shew her the Letter he had received from the King his Father He was willing to give Ariamite this Testimony of Confidence and to spare her the double vexation she would conceive for his departure if she should believe that he left Corinth so speedily to no other end than to run after Cylesira The Princess had no sooner read over Leonidas's Letter but looking on Cleomenes with an obliging languishing she said to him Then you are Sir going to leave us and in all probability you will never be seen more in this Country Yet if you chance to return with the Succours with which your Republick is bound to furnish us you shall see what Consideration we shall have for you We shall possibly render you good Offices over and above those that are due to your Rank and Merit Cleomenes was moved with these words of Arimite's and he was even sensible of some Regret in parting from her Nevertheless he did not fail to propose a speedy departure to Xenares and believed that he was called to Tegeum no less by his Love than by the Orders of Leonidas He was in hopes that he needed only send to Lacedemon to be informed where he might see that fair Cylesira who was appointed for Democares He went to take his leave of Aratus Onecrysa and Ariamite The General of the Achaians caressed him according to the Merit of Themistides and paid him all the Honours that were due to Cleomenes Ariamite could not with dry Eyes see that Prince go out of her Apartment and Teleander who was vext to see him depart so soon after Cylesira was willing to avoid the bidding him adieu and was therefore gone a walking to the Castle of Acrocorinth In the Evening Cylesira's Letter was delivered to Themistides The Prince kissed the Paper opened it with a joy he never felt before and found in it these words Cylesira to Themistides OVR Journey was so speedily resolved upon that I had not time to speak to you of it I assure you that I am displeased at it and when we were in Egina I should have discovered to you some important matters that concern my self if I could have done it without giving you some disquiet You will soon be informed of this Truth and at that time you will believe me much happier than I shall really be This is all I can tell you unless I add that I am not designed for Democares and that there is a great difference between the Sentiments I have for him and the Esteem and Gratitude I shall all my Life preserve for the Generous Themistides Cylesira Cleomenes had no sooner made an end of reading it but he read it over again to renew his Pleasure He then grew a little Melancholly because he could not understand the whole meaning of the Letter But that he might be in a better Condition to resist the Fatigues of his Journey he endeavoured to appease all the troubles of his Mind He hoped that Cylesira may entrust him at Lacedemon with the secret which she had so much a mind to discover to him at Egina He departed Philistion followed him and promised never to part from him The Prince was overjoyed at it and expressed so much to him by caressing him while he waited for an opportunity of bestowing on him other marks of his Gratitude He applied his first cares to learn what way Cylesira had taken He instructed Erantor and sent him away to that purpose but Leriana had taken such heed by the continual changing of Roads and Chariots that it was impossible to trace her Cleomenes was very much troubled at it and Philistion was forced to represent that he would infallibly hear some News of her by the means of Democares At length the Prince arrived at Tegeum he found there a great number of considerable Citizens who had withdrawn themselves thither to be near Leonidas Cleomenes was received by Cretesilea his Mother and Chelonisa his Sister with tears of Joy The King would at first have concealed part of his tenderness but he was not master of the movements of his Heart at the sight of a Son I say of a Son so handsom and
to Cleomenes and that Prince after having heard him with a Joy not to be expressed has no other thoughts than of going to an Isle where he hopes to find what is dearest to him in the World That he might be the more at liberty to make that journey he told Xenares that he was weary of staying at Megalopolis and intreated him to see Leonidas once more to endeavour to prevall with him I promise you pursued he to let you hear often from me and you will please me infinitely in writing to me an account of what shall pass at Tegeum Xenares who was not very desirous that Cleomenes should stay so near to Lacedemon consented immediately to his Proposal and they departed at that very instant The Prince followed by Philistion and Erantor marched directly towards Mantinea left Tegeum on the right hand and continuing his way with all the diligence that Love and Hope could produce he soon arrived in a place which inspired him with new transports of joy He remembred how often he had seen Cylesira there he pleased himself with being just upon the point of seeing her again and without takeing one Minutes repose he went to her House whither he carried Philistion to entertain Leriana But being informed that Leosthenes was just gone out with his Sister he told Philistion that he would fain be alone since Cylesira was alone If you enter pursued he Decency will oblige Cylesira to speak sometimes to you and you see that all that she shall say to you will be lost for Themistides Philistion returns back and Cleomenes being ascended sees the true Cylesira whom he does not know He is surprised at first but afterwards recollecting himself that she might be some friend of Cylesira's he addresses himself to her and says Madam what pleasure so ever there may be in meeting so amiable a Person as your self give me leave to confess that it was Cylesira I looked for You have found her Sir replied she I am called Cylesira But Madam interrupted Cleomenes very much moved I have seen another Cylesira in this very Chamber and Ah Sir I understand you interrupted she in her turn you speak of a Person who infinitely excells me in all things She is a fair Princess who borrowed my name and past for Leriana 's Daughter The Civil Wars of Sparta drove her to Corinth to lead there a more peaceable Life in a word Sir 'T is the Princess Agiatis whom you seek and who at present is Queen of Lacedemon At these words Cleomenes was struck to the heart as it were with a Mortal blow his Eyes were troubled and the Prince fell into a Swoon on a Couch that chanced to be near him Cylesira all in a fright calls up some people They have recourse to Medicines and as soon as the Prince begins to recover out of his Trance he turns his languishing looks towards Cylesira What do you tell me Madam said he to her with a weak Voice Alas Sir replies Cylesira I did not know you when I gave you those News but your Meen and this Accident do now sufficiently instruct me that you are the generous Themistides to whom the Princess Agiatis was in this Isle obliged for her liberty Yes Madam replies he with a Sigh I am that unfortunate Wretch By this time Philistion and Erantor came in and the Prince returns back along with them after he had asked Cylesira pardon for the disorder he had occasioned by not being able to moderate his sorrow He was hardly at home when they obliged him to go bed but far from being able to take any repose there he repassed in his mind what there was odd and cruel in his Misfortunes He complained of them to Philistion after a manner able to move the most insensible Soul with pity Confess said he to him that Fate is very ingenious to persecute me It brings me to Gorinth in spite of the resolution I had taken to make other Voyages It makes me desperately in love with Agiatis at a time when that Princess had changed her Name as well as I and that our interest obliged as to conceal our true Conditious There was a necessity of our being 〈◊〉 to each other to the end that there might be an obstacle to the Vnion to which I might otherwise have inetended But that is not all Philistion 't is this that cast me into a despuit out of which I shall never recover When King Leonidas does enterprise to get for me a Supream Felicity I must my self oppose my own good Fortune I must fight to give Agiatis to my Rival I must enrage a Father who labours only for my Happiness in a word I must render my self the most unhappy of all men But I shall not be so long visit Cylesira from me intreat her to tell the Queen that the News of her Marriage has given me my Death and that Themistides who has constantly adered her ever since the fatal Minute wherein he saw her near Timoleon's Garden could live no longer when once he knew he could not live for her He afterwards considered whether he should not bid him tell her that he was Gleomenes but at length he thought it best to pass still for Themistides He believed that he should be hated if he were known to be a Prince's Son whom the Agiades regarded as their Enemy and against whom Agiatâ—l might possibly preserve a particular Resentment Besides he was perswaded that if he met with some occasion to see the Queen again at Lacedemon Cleomenes would not be as soon permitted as Themistides to approach that Princess Philistion who expected not a benefit from Cylesira than from the Phisitians returned to her House and found her so moved with the accident that had lately happened that he himself was touched with a stronger Inclination for that amiable Creature than he would have believed I do not doubt Madam said he but that Themistides would receive a great deal of comfort if he saw that you took part in his Sufferings I can better assure you replied she that Themistides would find much ease in his Calamity if he knew that Agiatis would be sensible thereof as soon as I shall have given her the News I think that even without displeasing that Beautiful Princess I may entrust you with that part of her Secrets that may contribute to the preservation of that Themistides to whom she is so much engaged Cylesira then related what obliging Sentiments Agiatis had for Cleomenes but she did not think it convenient to say any thing of her Tenderness Philistion could not thank her enough and as he beheld her he accused in himself Democares both of Injustice and Blindness He returned home and gave Cleomenes an account of all the circumstances that could moderate his Despair And the Prince had no sooner understood that he was beloved but he esteemed himself the more unhappy for having lost a greater good than he imagined He was unwilling to complain
to his Jealousie and the interests of Leonidas He esteems that undertaking easie enough for an unhappy wretch who renounces his Life but when the motions of his despair permit him to make some reflexion on his Love and Generosity he soon changes that thought He regards such a design as Criminal since he cannot execute it otherwise than by surprise He frets when he considers what affliction he should give Cylesira and thinks on the hatred she would conceive for the Murderer of Agis Besides he had been informed how that Prince had been unwilling to consent to lay an Ambuscade for Leonidas upon the way of Tegeum when Agesilaus and Lysander had conspired his ruine So that instead of fixing on his first resolution he chose to wait for an occasion to fight like a Kings Son rather than perish like a private adventurer While the Lacedemonians desire nothing more than to signalize themselves the Achaians expect with indifferency enough what will be Aratus's Resolution They are surprized to see that the General without any more ado resolves not to fight He desires not to give a decisive Battle and to end the War so soon The Historians are amazed at that Conduct and perhaps without any great reason Aratus would have lost his Reputation and his Credit by the defeat of his Army and by a Victory he would have constrained the Etolians to demand Peace and himself would have been obliged to withdraw without any Authority He therefore represents to the King of Lacedemon that he had better keep the Enemy in a continual Alarm than to hazard a Battel the loss of which might draw after it that of all Peloponesus He continued so firm in his opinion that it could not be comprehended why he had rendred useless an inforcement he had so long expected The Lacedemonians returned home and were angry at it but as soon as they were departed the Marriage of Eurilaus and Ariamite were openly discoursed of That Princess was very much concerned for it which she testified to Cleomenes and gave him many other marks of her Tenderness Sir said she to him is it possible that you are not concerned for a Person that would but cannot be yours My Misfortune will have it so replied he in sighing and the only comfort I have is that I contributed to a Prince's engagement who is not altogether unworthy of you Heaven knows that I have for you all those Sentiments of Gratitude that I ought and that I might have some means of expressing them has given me the advantages over the Prince of Naupactum I pray Madam give way to his happiness You see that destiny ordaines it by the Events it hath permitted It would have you be happy with Eurilaus and abandon Cleomenes to his ill Fortune The Prince urged this so forcibly and with so many marks of a real Amity that Ariamite came at length to hear him without any reluctancy Teleander and Epidelia then drew near and made them change the discourse Eurilaus arrived in the Evening and had procured a Truce for three Months between the Achaians and the Etolians So that Cleomenes thought of going to search for Wars elsewhere as soon as he should recover his Health if the interests of Leonidas would not recal him to Lacedemon While he is gathering strength Agis enters into Sparta and the Troops he led back seconded by the People demand of him the Partition he had promised On the other side the Principal Spartans oppose it They assemble themselves together and prepare to make a last Effort Agesilaus who is unwilling to lose those fair Lands he possesses goes to the King his Nephew Sir says he to him this is a nice Conjuncture Our Enemies are more terrible than you imagine they have in their Country-Houses an infinite number of People from whom they may receive a speedy assistance So that you had better defer a while the Execution of your design Stay to surprize them when they are tired out with standing on their Guards You shall then do what you please with their Estates and Persons without arming our Citizens the one against the other Agis weighs what Resolution he ought to take and Democares whose Jealousie is by so much the more violent in that it is shut up in his own heart takes this opportunity to ruine a Prince whose Presence is become unsupportable to him He talks in private with the most Mutinous of the People He seems to pity them for having followed the Faction of a weak Man who dares not give them the recompence he has promised them Then he causes notice to be given to Leonidas's Faction that the People are enraged and that it might make use of so favourable an opportunity to recal Cleomenes's Father The Great Men follow Democares's Counsel and send their Deputies to Tegeum Leonidas returns with some Troops and is received as it were in Triumph by his Friends The People are in a Consternation Agis runs for Sanctuary to the Temple of Juno and Cleombrotus seeks his safety in the Temple of Neptune Chelonisa who would not leave her Father in his Misery does not forsake her Husband in his Misfortune she runs to Cleombrotus to comfort him and serve him She begs his Life of Leonidas so earnestly and with so much pressing that at length she obtains it and follows Cleombrotus to Megalopolis whither he retires Hypomedon the Son of Agesilaus charmed with Chelonisa's Generosity cries out as History has observed Ah Cleombrotus thou gainest more in recovering Chelonisa than thou losest in quitting the Crown of Sparta Cretesilea and Xenares testifie to Leonidas the Joy they have to see him re-establisht with more Authority than before Sir adds the Queen for Heavens sake render our Satisfaction compleat and give your consent that we may recal Cleomenes I dare assure your Majesty pursues Xenares that nothing can confirm your Power better than the Presence of the Prince Shew the Common-wealth that the Royal Power is not likely to leave your House should even the Gods call you to themselves Shew the Lacedemonians a Prince so worthy to command them after you Leonidas seems to grant to their intreaties only a return which his own tenderness already exacted from him and Xenares without losing one moments time writes to Cleomenes gives him an account of every thing that past and conjures him to come back On the other side Archidamia Agesistrate and Agiatis run to the same Sanctuary as Agis and could not behold that Prince without giving some Tears to his Misfortune Agis is encompassed about with Gilipus Amphares Democares and Arcecilaus His Meen appeared so little altered by his disgrace that he received the Queens with the same Countenance he was accustomed to do He endeavours to comfort them he represents to them the Caprices of Fortune and conjures them to be over-sensible neither of her Injuries or Favours Then continuing his discourse with the pleasant Gravity that was usual to him he said you saw