as formerly it had been for e're this he had Espoused his Mistress had not the River on whose Banks was situated a stately House wherein Clelius resolv'd to consummate his Daughters Nuptials with such a sudden violence exceeded its prefixed limits that 't was impossible to solemnize any Feast there during this terrible Inundation the Waters continually encreas'd for the space of twelve hours the Wind Lightning Thunder and a dreadful Shower of Rain so multiplying the horrour of this fatal Deluge that there was generally fear'd a total ruine and desolation the water of the River seem'd to reach the Skies and conjoyn'd with that the Heavens pour'd down agitated by those impetuous Tempests roar'd as the swelling Billows of an angry Sea or the falling of the most rapid Torrents this violent eruption of the River much disordered this Region of delight for it demolish'd Buildings both publick and private rooted up Trees covered the Fields with Sand and Stones levell'd Hills furrowed the Plains and changed the whole face of this little Country but when it had wholly spent its fury 't was evidently seen that this inundation had in some places unburied the ruines of divers Tombs whose Inscriptions were half effaced and in others it had discovered great Columns of Marble with many other precious Materials so that this place in stead of being deprived of its former beauty received a more additional lustre from those new acquired Ornaments 'T was nigh those inestimable ruins that Aronces and Clelia conducted by Clelius and Sulpicia his Wife attended by a small select train which should be the next day at the Nuptial Ceremonies of these two Illustrious Lovers walked with much pleasure and delight Aronces not now remembring the former Impediments of his Rivals all things as it were smiling at his approaching happiness and Clelia so complying with his desires that it was impossible the remaining rigour of his destiny should wholly silence his excessive joy though 't was sometimes intermixt as I have formerly told you with some Inquietudes therefore to acquaint her with the sweet transportments of his Soul he led her ten or twelve paces from the agreeable company which followed him imagining what he said to her when she was alone would make a deep impression in her mind but after a general when he would have proceeded to a particular Conversation and turned his head to see whether he could be heard by any but Clelia he saw appear at the entrance of a little Wood the gallantest of his Rivals called Horatius accompanied by some of his Friends this sight without doubt much surprised Aronces but much more Clelia who fearing there might happen some sad accident left Aronces to go to her Father to oblige him to intercede between Horatius and her Lover that there might arise no contention between them scarce had she gone five or six paces but a terrible Earthquake which is usual in this Country began so suddenly with such impetuosity that the Earth opened between Aronces and Clelia roaring like the mutinous Waves of the disturbed Ocean there issued from it such an horrible flame that it deprived them from entertaining their eyes with their beloved Object Aronces only seeing himself surrounded with waving flames which assuming as many various forms as are sometimes seen in the Clouds presented to his view the most terrible Object any Imagination can fancy their blew colour interweav'd with red yellow and green winding themselves in many different manners rendred the sight of those flames so dreadful that any but Aronces had certainly fainted in such an occasion for this Abyss which was opened between Aronces and Clelia and which had so violently separated them represented such an horrid spectacle that it cannot be limned by the most exactest Pencil and a black smoke having darkned the Sun and obscured the Air as if it had been night there sometimes issued from this Infernal Gulph a great quantity of tumultuous flames which afterwards dilating themselves in the Air were carried as Whirl winds of fire by the winds which now rose from all places but he was more surprised when he heard all places resound both with Celestial and Subterranean Thunders which by terrible Convulsions of the Earth seemed to shake the Center of the World and to remit nature to its first Chaos a thousand burning stones slung from this flaming Gulph were shot into the Air with fearful hissings and fell again into the Fields either nigher or further according to the impetuosity which carried them or their own weight made them fall in some places of the Plain flames boyled as springs of fire and there exhal'd from these fires such a sulphureous Odor that it almost suffocated all which were nigh them and in the midst of all these fires from many parts their slowed divers Torrents which in some places extinguished the flame and many others were themselves consumed by the fires which opposed them And to finish this desolation there issued from that Abyss such a prodigious quantity of burning asnes that the Earth Air and River were either entirely fill'd or cover'd with them In the mean time as the Earth shook more and more the house where the Solemnities of Clelia's Nuptials were to be kept was wholly everted the Hamlet where it was scituated buried in its own ruins many Flocks were destroyed and many men perish'd and there was never heard of such a dreadful disorder for those which were on the Land sought little Boats to put themselves on the River thinking to be safer there and those which were on the River speedily landed imagining there was less peril on the shore those in the Plains sled to the Mountains and those in the Mountains descended into the Plains those which were in the Woods endeavoured to gain the Fields and those in the Fields to shelter themselves in the Woods every one imagining that the place where he was not was safer than that where he was In the midst of this horrible Earthquake of these terrible flames of these dreadful Thunders both Celestial and Subterranean of those terrible flames of those Impetuous Torrents of this sulphurous Odor of those burning Stones of that Cloud of flaming ashes which destroyed so many men and so many Flocks where the Earthquake did not Extend in the midst I say of such an eminent Peril Aronces who saw nothing living but himself entertained his thoughts on nothing but his amiable Clelia and fearing more her destruction than his own he endeavoured by all means possible to overtake her but he was not Master of his own Actions for when he would have gone on one side the Earthquake cast him on the other so that he was forced to leave himself to the conduct of his fortune which had freed him from such an Imminent Peril but when this great storm was o'r-blown those burning flames extinct the Earth re-stated the noise silenced the darkness dissipated after it had lasted the remainder of that day and all the
excellencies of your Gallant-Letters if ever you shall write any to me I declare to you that it is only in them that I pretend to be skilled and that for those which are called Serious-Letters I meddle not with them In these out of all doubt replied Amilcar a man is permitted a high stile For instance if Valerius or Lucretius were to write to Tarquin concerning some affair of great consequence or if some great Clerks held an Epistolary correspondence they might pertinently make use of History Morality Policy and in a manner all the assistances of Eloquence Be it as it will saies Plotina I understood it not but for your Gallant-Letters I am the greatest Critick in the World It is properly in these that the Wit hath all liberty imaginable here the fancy is not limited by any severity of judgement which is so far dispensed with that the more serious things may be chequered with pleasant digressions of extravagance They admit Satyre if somewhat corrected with ingenuity commendations and flatteries have here their several stations a man may speak of friendship in terms of love all novelty is pardonable even lying if innocent is excusable if one knows no news he may make some one may pass from one thing to another without disorder for this kind of Letters to speak properly being a conversation between persons that are absent there is nothing so much to be avoided as a certain kind of reservedness of deep learning that smells of Books and Study and hath no acquaintance with Gallantry which may by called the Soul of this kind of Letters As to the stile of them it must be plain natural and noble altogether which yet hinders not but that there may be a certain Art by the means thereof there is nothing which may not pertinently be brought into letters of this nature there being not any thing from the thred-bare Proverb to the Sybill's Prophecies which a good wit may not make use of But there must be an especial care had in such occurrences to decline that swelling Eloquence which properly belongs to Orations and here must be applied another kind which with less noise proves more effectual especially among women for in a word the Art of telling trivial stories handsomely is not known to all sorts of people You may be confident of it replied Amilcar and I can further assure you that it is not proper to all to desire to know it But amiable Plotina make your obligation absolute and tell us precisely how you would have Love Letters written Since I never either writ or received any answered she I know not very what I shall say but being now in good humour to speak I shall not deny you But I must in the first place tell you there are a many more excellent Love-Letters than its conceived I am of your mind replied Amilcar Yet it is not to be admired answered she if the Gallant Letters make a great noise and those of Love very little the former being written to be shown to all the World the other to be concealed Those who receive a handsome Letter of Friendship gain much reputation by shewing it but for those who receive a well-couch'd Letter of Love it were a dishonour to communicate it so that it is not to be thought very strange if we meet with so good few ones of the latter sort To come yet nearer the business since there are an infinite number of people who may be said to have a great wit in respect of those who are guilty of a great love it is not to be wondred at if there are fewer excellent Letters of this kind than of any it being indisputably certain that to write punctually of things of this nature a man besides an ardent importunate love must be indued with a certain tenderness of heart and intellectuals which is that wherein consists all the Beatitude of Love either as to Conversation or Letters But replies Clelia did you not just now maintain that in such cases too much Wit was to be avoided I confess it answered Plotina but do you not think there is necessary a great deal of Wit to discover little In so much that though it may be said that though Love Letters require not the fire of Wit which should sparkle in Gallant Letters yet must there be some instead of it and the fire of Love possess the place of that Wit whereof I speak I conceive therefore the true Character of a Love-Letter ought to be neat and passionate and that if there be any thing of gallantry spirit yea even diversion in these Letters it must be moderated with passion and respect The expressions of them ought to be forcible and piercing and among those things which divert the mind there must be others that shall offer a kind of violence to the heart It is requisite also if I mistake not there should be a little disquiet for Love cannot by any means admit Letters of Felicity Not but that there may be a certain degree of joy yet it must be such as is not certainly serene nay though there were no cause of complaint yet ought a man to imagine something to himself whereof he may complain You speak so admirably well replied Amilcar that if you had studied Love all your life you could not have delivered your self better If I have known no love my self replied she smiling I have those Friends of my own Sex who have and have taught me how to speak of it In a word then in a Love Letter Fancy must be predominant over Wit and the Stile of it must be natural full of respect and passion nay I dare maintain there is nothing more likely to make a Letter of this nature less effectual than its being over witty Hence also doth it proceed there are so few that can judge well of Love Letters for to be critical in it a man must imagine himself in the place of those that love he must suppose what they say comes immediately from their hearts he must discover a many little circumstances that are only known to those who write not to others and in fine he must be able to distinguish very nicely between that Gallantry which is required in Letters of Friendship and what is admitted in those of Love Moreover added she I have it from a very virtuous person that ordinarily women are more exquisite at Love-Letters than men and for my part I think he was not mistaken For when a Lover is once resolved to make a full discovery of his passion there is no need of Art to say I am still under the Martyrdom of your Love but for a woman in regard she never absolutely acknowledges her love but doth all things with a greater Mystery this Love whereof there can only be had a glympse causes a greater pleasure than that which is apparent and without ceremony But it seem says Clelia there must be a difference between the Letters of a
I must therefore to observe my word tell you that there was never any thing so gallant seen at Eryx for every day afforded new entertainment if one Lover was at the charge of a Ball one day another found Musick the next the day following the third would take some occasion to give a Collation and the fourth gave some noble prize for a race or some other exercise of the body Nay Clarinta her self to make it appear as she said that the very desire of diverting ones self was able to cause magnificence and invention as well as Love made one of the noblest entertainments in the world 'T is true it was to celebrate the feast-day of Venus's birth-day which is solemnized at Eryx on one of the first daies of the Spring yet should I not have mentioned it to you had it not proved the occasion of a pleasant dispute between Artelisa and her four Lovers as also of the writing of the Letter I have to shew you You are then to imagine that Clarinta knowing that the entertainments of the night speak more magnificence than those of the day summon'd all the Ladies to her Palace to be there much about Sun-setting So that all being come Clarinta followed by all the beauties by the Prince and most of quality went and embarked her self in a sumptuous Galley covered all over with a magnificent Tent such as when they were once gotten in they could see neither the Sea nor the City Yet was it lightsome enough under that proud Tent for it was enlightned by fifty crystal Lamps All the Ladies were seated on Cushions in the Stern the men either stood or kneeled by them and discourse was at first the only divertisement of that noble Company for though I have not given you any particular description of the Ladies of that little Court yet are they as beautiful and as gallant as in any other place in the world In the mean time it was no small trouble to them to guess what divertisement Clarinta would give them that night The place they were in they thought indeed pleasant enough it was so well perfumed that it purified the air they breathed it was light enough and all that was to be seen was sufficiently inviting for the Tent was so ordered that they could not see those that row'd At first all spake loud enough till at last all being silent or speaking very low there was no other noise heard than that of the Oars which falling into the water by a measur'd motion made such as were fit only to cause a pleasant resvery But at last having gone very slowly for some time the Gally staid of a suddain the Tent was taken up of all sides and there was heard admirable Musick consisting of several Consorts that answered one the other and the company was surprised by the noblest object in the world For you are to imagine that night being now come on they found the Galley in the midst of a great Circl of above two hundred Barks to each of which they had fastened above two hundred Lamps Pyramid-wise So that that great number of Pyramids of fire in the midst of the Sea made the noblest object that can be imagined Insomuch that the Sea receiving the impression of so many lights seemed to be all on fire Add to this that the Galley lying opposite to the City which is built upon the brow of the Mountain and that the best prospect of Venus's Temple is on that side there was not a window which had not Torches in it All the tops of houses were also full all along the Walls of the City and at all the pillars of the Temple whereof the covering was so well furnished that it vy'd lights with the Stars So that seeing at the same time that noble City and that magnificent Temple all seemingly on fire and those two hundred Pyramids of Lamps all burning which made such a circle about the Galley wherein Clarinta and the whole Court were it was impossible they should with cries of joy and admiration express the pleasure they took at so delightful a surprisal Yet was not this all for after the whole Assembly had been entertained awhile with so excellent an object they might see all about the Galley Tritons with Naker-shells Nereides with their long hair and to accomplish the magnificence they both saw and heard Syrens which silencing all those several consorts that were in those enflam'd Barks sung such amorous Verses that the excellency of the words adding to that of the air and the sweetness of their voices that sung it raised in all their hearts a tenderness more than ordinary That done the Tritons the Nereides and the Syrens who were men so disguised in little Boats that lay even with the water departing and lost among the Barks the Consorts begun again and thereupon the two hundred Pyramids of fire changed place and made divers Figures about the Galley and then salling into two right lines and making as it were a spacious passage the Princess's Galley began to set forward between the Pyramids to make to the shore where it landed at a place that led into a most pleasant Garden But as the Ladies came to Land they were entertained at the shore by the Tritons with baskets full of Naker-shells branches of Coral and other maritime curiosities whereof they all took every one something That done they went into the Garden where they found a magnificent Collation in a Banqueting-house that was there which was admirably enlightened and compassed by an infinite number of Orange-trees whose leaves just budding out perfumed the air After which going into a Hall whose beauty was suitable to the rest of the entertainment the Ball and discourse consummated the pleasant passing away of that night This puts me into an imagination interrupted Amilcar that the four Lovers of Artelisa were very much troubled that they were not the persons concerned in this so magnificent an entertainment Their affliction was much greater than you imagine replied Aemilius continuing his relation for you are to know that Artelisa being ready to come to the Princess having dressed her self as one that would not be sorry to preserve the acquests she had made her Mother fell so extreamly ill that nature and decency not permitting her to leave her in that condition she sent one to excuse her to Clarinta who would not put off the business to another time what friendship soever she might have for Artelisa because it was the day appointed for the celebration of the Festival-day of Venus So that all she could do was to express agreat regret that that excellent person participated not of the divertisement But as soon as she was come to the Garden I spoke of she sent to her and word was brought her that Artelisa's Mother had had only a sudden qualm whereof she soon recovered In the mean time these four Lovers behaved themselves differently in this accident for Melicrates perceiving that
of Titus breaking as he warded off the blow he retir'd into the midst of his followers But Artemidorus being unhappily carried forward by his valour in repelling the Enemies receiv'd an Arrow into his flank which was shot by a common Soldier hid behind a bush whereupon falling down the Enemies had taken him prisoner if Mutius follow'd by the couragious Merigenes had not arriv'd there at the instant to rescue him Then it was that the valiant Aronces stood in need of all his courage and prudence for he saw that notwithstanding all his endeavors the Romans on a sudden taking heart again had put their Troops in order that Octavius Mutius and Herminius were advancing and that his own Soldiers were ready to turn their backs to the Enemies The Prince therefore taking up a daring and generous resolution commanded his guards which follow'd him to kill all such of his party as offer'd to stir a foot or refus'd to follow him Whereupon joyning a great example of valour to this command the fight was renew'd with more heat than before Horatius on his part having resum'd his place notwithstanding his wounds perform'd his utmost either to overcome or die So that in an instant all the forces being mix'd together the persons of Quality all came to handy-blows and signaliz'd themselves Mutius perform'd admirable things Octavius did no less Lucilius on Aronces's party signaliz'd himself highly Aemilius fought like a brave and unhappy Lover that hop'd for nothing and fear'd not death and in a word all acquitted themselves couragiously on both sides But Aronces having too few foot and for that to goe towards a Batalion which flanked him there was a little Curtain to be pass'd over where his Cavalry would be unprofitable and besides that his Infantry was extremely tir'd he turn'd towards a party of his Horse-men and propounded to them to forsake their Horses and follow him they obey'd him and furiously charg'd those they were to encounter Then Aronces's Foot resuming courage and seeing those of Quality become equal with them in the danger they were to overcome perform'd incredible things In conclusion in spight of all the valour of Horatius and the brave persons that accompani'd him Aronces defeated them and forc'd them to betake themselves to a retreat Whereupon the Cavalry which were become Foot in a moment resuming their Horses pursu'd the Romans very neer to the City Yet this retreat was made somewhat orderly nevertheless it caus'd terrour and confusion in Rome and had not the Consuls acted with prudence and authority the affrighted people had shut up the gates against the Roman Troops for fear least the Conquerors should have enter'd together with the Conquered The great number of the wounded which were brought back all bloody further augmented the fear amongst the people and if the love of Liberty had not been strongly impress'd in their hearts they had certainly enclin'd to a surrender Nevertheless in the midst of the great tumult no Roman was heard to propose the receiving of Tarquin in order to peace On the contrary their first fear turning into sury nothing was heard but imprecations against him and the fierce Tullia and the most despairing amongst them said aloud that they ought rather to set fire on the City speedily than deliver up themselves that it was better to perish quickly and generously by the flames than slowly and shamefuly by famine At length the disorder became so great that the like was never seen There was a universal consternation in the streets and publick places Artemidorus being brought in as the other wounded were occasion'd more rumors still because he was a person of very high Quality and extraordinary valour The wound he had received was so dangerous that the Chirurgions would not promise for his life Whereupon all his friends were extreamely troubled and Berelisa and Clidamira taking no care but for the perservation of this Prince employ'd themselves in performing all services he needed in this condition As for Themistus and Horatius their wounds were so little dangerous that they were not necessitated to keep the chamber Clelia had very different sentiments in so great a disorder for she lov'd her Country she pity'd all its calamities and hated Tarquin but for that she affected not Horatius and lov'd Aronces it was something troublesome to her not to rejoyce that the latter had overcome the other But judging this secret joy criminal she soon chang'd it into a lawful sorrow Just Gods said she to her self sighing wherefore doe you permit me the use of hatred and affection since my fortune is dispos'd in such sort that I can neither love nor hate without a crime nor grieve nor rejoyce innocently If I hate Horatius I am unworthy to be a Roman since he is a Roman that has sav'd Rome that dayly hazards his lif to defend it and comes from shedding his own blood for the safety of my Country On the other side if I love Aronces I love a Prince that besieges Rome whose valour is employ'd to subject it to the Tyrant or reduce it to distruction But again if I love Horatius I am perfidious unfaithful unworthy to live and if I hate Aronces I am perjur'd and the most ungrateful person in the world What then shall I do unfortunate as I am proceeded she I will submit my self to the will of the Gods added this admirable Lady and without arguing so much upon events or desiring to foresee what is to come I will have respect towards my Father pity for my Country esteem for Horatius affection and fidelity to Aronces and inocence in all my actions In the mean time the Consuls and the Senate were in a very great perplexity for what course soever they could take all things necessary for the subsistence of the people became so dear that this farther increas'd the repinings of the multitude The Enemies who were advertis'd of this disorder taking advantage of it streightned the City more than before so that nothing at all enter'd into it They dar'd not so much as drive the little remainder of Cattle in Rome out of the walls of the City to feed and all the Inhabitants were in extreme desperation All sorts of divertisements were laid aside even Lovers scarce spoke any longer love to their Mistresses conversation was alike every where and Amilcar and Anacreon who could not live without joy profess'd they were more likely to dy of discontent than famine if the state of things did not suddenly change Nothing was seen every day but Funerals either of those that had been wounded in the late fight or whom the necessity of Fate cut off There was a mortal paleness in most faces and the fear of famine anticipating sad effects caus'd the people to believe they suffer'd the misery already which they did but apprehend Things being in this condition that which more exasperated the people minds was that they understood the fierce and cruel Tullia was arriv'd in the Camp
beset with Stars which denotes the eternity of its glory Jupiter sitting upon his Eagle with a very noble action and Majestical air gives it a Crown of gold to signifie the Authority which it is to have Mars on the other side with his fierce aspect gives it a Helmet and a Lyon Below the Sun appears the Season which represents Summer crown'd with ears of Corn her Complexion is a little Sun-burnt her hair is guilded her air is very agreeable she carelesly sirs and leans upon such fruits as are suitable to her and near her are seen several instruments necessary to Agriculture She holds a sheaf of Wheat in her hand and is supported by a swarthy man who represents the South Wind. About her stand the Moneths which belong to her represented by young persons crown'd with flowers and fruits they have Wings their Attires are different and they present fruits to this lovely Season as well as the weeks and days which are represented by little children who seem to move along as they play near her In another place Mercury appearing with all the marks that particularize him lifting up his arm wherewith he holds his Caduce seems as if he would give all his eloquence and knowledge to the New Star I mention'd he looks upon it so favourably About this God are seen several instruments necessary for excellent Arts and likewise divers little Cupids denoting the various inclination which Nature gives The Moon not being able to behold her Brother appears through the shadow of a Cloud and about her is seen a great hunting equipage as dogs bugles bows arrows and divers other things and in many places little Genii agreeably represented this fair Star regards the new Star as favorably as Mercury On another side Venus follow'd by Sports and Laughter appears lying upon a bed of Roses and near her are seen divers things which agree to her and which are always inseparable from pleasures She holds a golden Apple in her hand seeming to offer it to this new Star as if she meant that it was such amongst the Stars as her self amongst the Goddesses Also several little Cupids are seen playing near her The Spring is represented by a Young fair Girl with a fresh and smiling air her hair is brown and curl'd she has a crown of flowers upon her head her attire is green the Months which are near her present flowers to her Zephyrus flatters her and the weeks and days busie themselves in embellishing her Autumn is figur'd by a good lusty man crown'd with Vine-leaves he lies amongst fruits which are proper to him and leans upon a Tyger the Moneths which accompany him offer him their fruits also they are attended likewise with their weeks and days and the Wind of this Season is represented there also but more fierce than the rest and the drapery of the figure shews that he inconveniences him by his impetuous blast On the side opposite to Summer is represented the Bow of Iris with all the Colours that render it so agreeable Under this Bow appears Winter represented by a rough old man crown'd with mists snow and icycles The Moneths weeks and days which accompany him offer him nothing but unpleasing presents except some of those days which are very little and offer him fire On the side of the Bow I mentioned are Castor and Pollux who mount and descend upon the Horizon but I must not forget to tell you that in all places where that famous Squirrel is represented either in a Star or in its natural form there is a device added to it which is very graceful in the language in which it was made and the sense of it is That there is nothing so high whereto it cannot mount But now to expound to you the hidden meaning of all these Pictures I am to tell you that the Sun represents Cleonymus who according to the amplitude of his great employments operates and shines every where does good to all and labours continually for the benefit and embellishing of the Universe By the four Seasons of the year Meleander has pretended to represent the several States of Hetruria which are tributary and attribute the honour to Cleonymus of receiving and rendring all because he has the management of the Princes treasures The new Star in the top of the Skie shews that there is nothing more sublime than the glory of Cleonymus and that Starry Serpent I spoke of denotes the prudence of this Heroe so that the Pictures of this proud Hall satisfie together both the Eyes and the Reason and serve at the same time both to the glory of this Heroe and that of the excellent Meleander who has so well found out the art to commend him by his Pencils more than Poetry could do But to pass from the Hall to the anti-Chamber upon the top of the sieling you see Hercules carried into the heavens in a Chariot of gold under which is a slain Serpent Reason represented by a fair young person of a sage aspect guides him she has a helmet on her head and holds a sword wherewith she seems to menace two fierce and heady horses withdraw the chariot that carries him and by their impetuous posture intimate that they represent the Passions who in spight of their violence are nevertheless subjected to Reason They have both a duskie brightness in their eyes But there is one especially whose mane stands erected and who lifts up his head fiercely whose piercing lively and furious eyes cast a fiery glance which astonishes and surprises such as have skill in Painture Fame is painted flying there and seeming as if she would descend to the earth and in a very bright part of the heaven appears Jupiter and the other Gods preparing to receive this Heroe who is follow'd by Glory putting an Oaken Garland upon his head But what is rare in this Piece is that in whatever part of the chamber you stand this Hercules seems to behold you as naturally in one place as in another But I do not consider that I trouble you by not being able to represent these admirable Pieces but imperfectly Yet I would further tell you something of the principal chamber but to speak truth I have seen so handsome and admirable a description of it that I cannot but tremble to attempt it For indeed I never saw any thing so handsome as that which a certain Virtuoso has writ upon this Subject describing things so to the life that you would think you beheld them with your eyes and though he imploys almost all the terms of Art yet his discourse is clear florid eloquent and natural Oh! I beseech you said Amilcar tell me all that you have seen in that magnificent Palace for I never saw the handsome description you commend so much and if I return into Africa shortly as I expect I shall not see it in a long time If you were to see it answer'd Theanor I would resolve not to content your curiosity for
to him a matter of great Reputation The fight that happened in this outer Court was long and resolute on both sides for it being fortifi'd with a certain Rayl two steps from the ground and that there was an ascent of certain stairs to come into it it was a great advantage to Aronces's enemies However Aronces forced them so far twenty times and was himself as often forced back to the Gate But while this Combate lasted Clelia suffered something beyond all imagination for she saw every minute her dear Aronces in a possibility to be dispatch'd She had divers reasons why she should fear she might prove the cause of his death For observing that Aronces in the very heat of that tumultuous Engagement turned his head divers times towards the window where she was she was so much afraid it might prejudice him that she would have been glad to have been thence But all considered her curiosity to see what should happen to her dear Protector being the stronger she staid to behold that furious Combat which certainly had somthing of more violence then is ordinarily observed in any engagements of War For the Romans who followed Aronces were so enraged and so impatient to become Masters of the Tyrants Palace where there was excellent good Plunder that of what humour soever they were none wanted motives to fight The Covetous considered the riches of the Booty the Generous the destruction of Tarquin Aronces's friends the liberty of Clelia the Vertuous generally on the chastisement of Tullia and revenge of Lucretia There wanted not also on the other side divers causes of an extraordinary Valour For as to the Prince of Pometia and Prince Titus though they had a horrour for the Crimes of their Father Mother and Brother yet a Throne lying at stake all they could pretend to was in hazard and for those who accompanied them they were so far perswaded that if they were taken the people would tear them to peices that they made an incredible opposition insomuch that there was not any thing of this nature heard of before there being so many people kill'd in this Encounter that the place where they fought was covered over with dead Bodies But that which had in likelihood proved the ruine of Aronces was that while he fought and forced the Valiant Princes he had before him up to a certain Lodge Tullia sent out others by a gate that was on the right hand who shut Aronces in and immediately thereupon Barricadoed the Gate which he had broke open by which means he was shut into the outer Court of the Palace and could not be relieved from without There was indeed some opposition made against those who executed the Orders of Tullia but at last they were effected Aronces being at that same time particularly engaged with the Prince of Pometia For Zenocrates he dealt with Prince Titus and for Amilcar and Celeres they endeavoured to get within the Rayl to make way for some of their men and declined forcing the Lodge which was so obstinately maintained But when Aronces understood by the cries of those that fought behind him that the Orders he had given for the guarding of the Gate which he had forced had not been observed he gave himself in a manner for lost for he could not fight in two places having not so great a Force as that he could any way divide it Upon this the greater part of his men were more troubled how to force a passage out of the Court then desirous to take in the Lodge But this being not the design of Aronces who would have chosen rather to die then to retreat and quit his resolution of delivering Clelia No no said he to those who minded only the forcing of the Gate it is not there that we must fight for Persons truly Valiant never go out at the same places by which they came in Follow me therefore Romans for that way that you would go there is nothing to be expected but slavery and the way I bring you into leads you into Liberty Aronces pronounced these words as if he had been really assured of Victory so that all drawing up to him he made a fresh attempt but did it with so much courage and was so well seconded by all his friends and particularly Zenocrates that the Prince of Pometia and Prince Titus were found to give ground Aronces forced them to quit the Lodge and all they could do was to sacrifice part of ther people for a safe Retreat into the Palace with much ado to keep out their enemies from coming along with them Those in the mean time who sallyed out by the Orders of Tullia to possess themselves of the outer-gate no sooner perceived that the Princes their Masters had quitted the Lodge which they maintained but they also forsook the gate they were to keep and entred into the Palace the same way they came out by which means Aronces and his Friends became absolute Masters of the Court But being further desirous to force the Palace-gate the cruel Tullia commanded to be cast on them a certain artificial Fire which Tarquin had made use of some time on the Tiber in the time of the Sabine war For there being some of that composition still left Tullia caused it be employed to the great discommodity of the Combatants in regard the fire fastned so on any thing it touched that it could not be gotten off nor put out but with much difficulty Besides she caused to be thrown out at the windows whatever was proper to crush down her enemies nay she pulled down a certain row of Pillars which stood on a Model on the top of her Palace to overwhelm those who should endeavour to become Masters of it Thus though Aronces had no more enemies with swords in their hands yet was he in greater danger then before for from all the windows in the Palace they shot arrows cast this artificial fire or threw something to press down those that it light upon In the mean time the valiant Aronces not moved at the greatness of the danger and thinking himself over-happy that his dear Clelia saw what danger he was in for her Liberty notwithstanding that tempest with Darts Stones and Fires made use of the same Engine which he had before employed to break open the outer gate for Lucretius being Governor of Rome had furnished him with it when he first set upon the Palace Things being in this Posture Brutus who was become Master of Rome without any resistance comes to the place having given order for all things else-where But he comes thither followed by Valerius Herminius Lucretius Collatine Mutius and an infinite multitude of armed people So that Tullia and the Princes her Sons seeing that the Inner-gate of the Palace would be forced and that it was impossible for them to hold out till the arrival of Tarquin took a very strange resolution for the Gate being broken open and falling Aronces spies in a great
Entry a many combustible things heap'd together which Tullia had caused to be brought thither on a sudden and which she had set on fire when she went away so that instead of finding armed People to make good that Gate Aronces and his Friends saw only a great eruption of flames which denyed them entrance after a very strange manner This Illustrious Prince therefore being forced to retreat turned his eyes towards the window whence he had observed Clelia and where he then saw her but he now sees her in such a posture as pierced his heart for he perceived her clinging to the Grate to avoid going with certain men who would have forced her thence and looking towards him to demand his assistance Soon after he lost sight both of her and Plotina nor could he any more see the cruel Tullia so that imagining in all likelyhood that this unjust Princess had translated Clelia somewhere else and that she was in her power he felt something it is impossible to express Coming therefore up to Brutus and Herminius he told them what a confusion he was in He had no sooner acquainted them with it but Brutus having told them there was a secret door to the Palace he doubted not but that Tullia and her people had resolved on an escape In a word though there were divers things thrown out at the Windows it was not with such violence as before so that it might easily be perceived the Palace was in a manner forsaken Had there been no other concernments then those of Rome and Brutus it had been but necessary to let those escape who endeavoured it and render their Gods thanks that they were gone not taking the trouble to pursue them But the Liberty of Clelia being at the stake though Brutus's soul was fully taken up with the grief and revenge he took and was to take of the death of Lucretia and the Liberty of his Country yet he told Aronces he should have what force he pleased for to overtake Tullia before she should joyn with Tarquin who in all appearance would soon leave the Camp to come to Rome But that nothing might be done but upon sure grounds whilst they endeavoured by the help of Ladders to get in at the Windows which were now forsaken Herminius sent immediately to the Walls to discover what people were flying in the fields while that no time should be lost they sent orders to those who kept the Horses whereon they came from Collatina to Rome to bring them where they were In the mean time those whom Herminius had sent upon the Walls returning said the Fields were full of people running away some with Arms others without some loaden with luggage others not quite cloathed some on horseback others afoot and that amongst the rest there were a many women But that Aronces might no longer doubt whether Clelia were within the Palace it hapned that those whom Tullia had left to hold the Assailatts in some play for a while fearing they might be surprized if they stayed too long soon followed her so that it being now easie to get in at some Windows whence they had taken away the grates they found the Palace absolutely dis-inhabited there being left only the Prince of Numidia who was still very sick and some few other wretches who having been hurt in the first Combate in the Court were got in with the Princes when the Lodge had been forced and had staid though much against their Wills in that forsaken Palace Whilst therefore Lucretius did what he could to quench the fire Aronces having gotten into the Palace went to Clelias Chamber where he found her not But what was most horrid of all was that he understood by some of the wounded that Tullia had caused that Illustrious Roman to be taken away against his Will in whose custody she was who yet would needs follow her He understood further that this cruel woman went thence having Clelia in one hand and a ponyard in the other and that she said as she went out that if she were pursued and likely to be overtaken she would first kill Clelia with it and afterward her self No sooner had she heard these cruel expressions but he is filled with fury and he was no less disturbed at the fear of Clelias death then Brutus was at that of Lucretia In the mean time he was at a loss what to do in such an unhappy conjuncture in as much as he was forced to stay for Horses ere he could pursue Tullia though he was much in doubt whether he should do it or not for if he followed her too weak it would come to nothing if he went with great force he feared the cruel Tulla might really do what she had threatned Yet was he infinitely desirous to follow her and was in an extraordinary discomposure that he could not do it assoon as he wished On the other side Amilcar sought all the Palace over for the other Captives but he could not learn any thing either of Caesonia or Danae or any of the rest of their friends only Plotina he understood had voluntarily followed Clelia But at last the fire being quenched and those who were gone for the Horses having brought them Brutus and Aronces consulted with all their Friends and having well considered the state of affairs and understood from the wounded Soldiers that remained in the Palace that Tullia had sent for Tarquin and that when she went thence she thought him far on his way to Rome it was resolved that Lucretius and Valerius should remain at Rome to take all necessary orders there and to shut the Gates against the Tyrant if he should offer to enter in for it might be easily imagined that in an occasion of such importance as this was Tarquin would not bring with him too great Force in regard it would take up too much time besides that it was likely enough he might think it no hard matter to appease this Tumult It was also conceived that Sextus would be retired into some place that so he might not incense the people by his presence So that Brutus resigning himself to the justice of heaven to his own great heart and conduct undertook to put the Camp into the same disorder as he had done Rome To that end he told them he would take such a way as that in all likelyhood he should not meet Tarquin and that Clelia might not be neglected a Force should be assigned Aronces wherewith to follow Tullia and do what he thought conducing to the safety of that admirable person The Design of Brutus seemed at first somewhat too high but he so far satisfied his friends that it were vain to make a rising in Rome if Tarquin continued Master of the Army and in fine he spoke to them with so much authority that they could not but comply with him However it was not thought sit he should go without any Guard wherefore having found that they could presently send out two