the people and doubting the event since as Dedalus himselfe seemed not over-confident of his power so had she heard of many factions in the Island she desired him that he would be yet pleased to augment so farre her obligation as in a few more words added to his further trouble to let her know how the common interest at present stood in the countrey as well in regard of the King as the Senate for that himselfe appeared not to have as she said an absolute command through the whole Island Dedalus soon replyed That as he could not much brag of the affections of the inhabitants concerning his own particular person not onely in regard he had given them as he said many desperate overthrowes in their late contentions but for that he was not of the same opinions with them in the worship of the gods upon the which they seemed to ground their chief dislikes against both King and Senate so could he easily resolve her that the countrey in the generall was divided into three factions the first being for the King intirely the second enclined to the ancient natives and the third was wholy addicted to the Senates interest but whether in the end will prevaile said he the gods onely can informe since however the first seemes to have the best right yet the two remaining exceed in power and probability the one being better furnished with money and provisions as the others are accompanied with numbers and violence As he was about to proceed in his discourse they were both advertised of the return of those messengers that had been sent to enquire after the safety of the other ship wherein Narcissus was who being presently called into their presence one of them gave this short account of their voyage by Sea having for many daies said he not oneiy coasted severall Islands belonging to Greece but much also of the continent appertaining to the lesser Asia we could have no newes ar all of any such vessell either shipwrackt or put into harbour untill at last by chance we met with a Merchant of Rhodes going for Carthage who informed us that for certain before his departure from that City a gallant ship both with Syrian and Aegyptian Colours was arrived in the chiefe haven belonging to the Island however much beaten and torn with the weather but what people or commodities were contained in her he said he could not informe us in respect he himselfe was under saile upon his departure when that ship came in The Messenger also added further that a great fleet of Lydian vessels that were newly come upon the seas lay between Rhodes and Cyprus which hindred them for the present for making any further enquiry or experiment since if they should have approached the Island as he said it had been almost impossible to have escaped by reason they could not but have easily been discovered to be of King Euarchus party it is not to be doubted but as this intelligence sufficiently satisfied them concerning the safety of the other ship so did they haste to the Princesse chamber with the Messengers to give her information of the expedition which for the present hindred the period of Dedalus relation concerning the passages of the Island according to his intention FINIS CLORIA AND NARCISSUS CONTINUED A Delightfull and New ROMANCE Imbellished with divers Politicall Notions and singular Remarks of Moderne Transactions WRITTEN By an Honourable person LONDON Printed by S. G. and are to be sold by Anth. Williamson at the Queens Armes in St. Pauls Church-yard neer the West end 1654. To the Reader Courteous Reader YOu have now the Second Part of Cloria and Narcissus sooner sent after the First then was determined in regard the Stationer was something pressing to have it with the former perhaps it may give more satisfaction then the other for that according to my apprehension it doth as much cleare difficulties as can well stand with the nature of a Romance More I shall not need to say to any other purpose then what you may read in the Epistle to the first part Onely judicious Reader craving your favourable construction of all such faults as may have escaped in both parts either by defect of printing or otherwaies by oversight of the Author THE SECOND PART OF Cloria and Narcissus AS the Princesse Clorias thoughts now were reasonably well setled concerning the safety of Narcissus in regard of the messengers relation so Roxana with more alacrity and cheerfulnesse summoned a a new Dedalus to make an end of those passages belonging to the Island of Crete whereupon one day meeting in the same walke that had entertained the Princesse upon her first arrivall in the Country they both seated themselves together under a tree artificially made into an Arbour of pleasure that had its full prospect toward the sea whilst he gave her this further accompt Madam said he as for the interests which I formerly mentioned unto you not many dayes since you may be pleased to know that as Evarchus our King in his Warres with the Senate of Lydia must be forced upon all occasions to court any assistance whatsoever for his best advantage so of the other side doe the Cretans resolve to make use of their present power to gaine benefits to themselves and party in any thing they can procure either from their Prince or any other to this purpose after the agreement that I told you of which I made with the Natives of the Country however many of the most rigid sort would not at all come within any manner of communication whereby to be subject to the Lydian power thereunto incouraged as 't is supposed by a messenger from Delphos that neither understands the Islands interest or the peoples good they designed Commissioners to be sent to Philadelpha where the King then remained to Treat upon such conditions as they conceived most necessary for their commodity and security Thus arriving at court in a short time they were not onely admitted to kisse the Kings hands but withall permitted to present their Petitions and requests for this ceremony and so I may well call it since it produced but small effects to the advantage of any party there was appointed a great Hall in the City of Philadelpha into which place the messengers were brought with some State as soone as the King was seated in his Throne because they should not complaine of the want of any circumstance that belonged to the solemne entertainement of Ambassadours of other Nations to make them the willinger to comply towards the assistance desired After they had beene in this manner received as also with good language from the Kings own mouth cherished they presented a paper that contained these peremptory demands First they desired to have not onely the free exercise of their religion through the whole Island notwithstanding the Lydian lawes to the contrary according to the rights and customes of Delphos but withall to enjoy the use of the best Temples
might enjoy the felicity of one anothers conversation at last Cloria asked her brother how he liked the wisedome of her Governesse which gave him occasion to tell her that he did not now wonder how she had passed through the intricacie of so many dangerous adventures having had so faithfull and discreet a Pilot to guide her in the vast sea of such desperate accidents In the meane time this delighted company past away their howers in such conversation as most tended to Euarchus wished prosperity sometimes complaining of the unrelenting cruelty of the Senate that could so long detaine their just and mercifull King in a darke prison instead of casting themselves at his feet humbly to desire pardon for their offences otherwhiles againe they would entertaine their thoughts with new hopes of his releasement by powerfull Armies sent into Lydia by all the Princes of Asia in which number Narcissus had no low ranke in the opinion of lovepartiall Cloria neither seldome did they agree in beliefe that the generall distractions of the Kingdome would soon put an end to the differences without any other assistance untill these diversities of fancies carried them one day into the garden where Clorias diligent servant in the view of other attendants observed so carefully the directions of her charge that she made alwayes election of those fruit that the Princesse intention did but only covet and presented them to be made more beautifull by the touch of her white hand In these entertainments I say they continued untill an ancient Lord of the Senate who had not altogether put off his duty and affection to the Kings posterity with a seeming joy that made him forget his accustomed ceremonies to the Princesse Cloria not onely suddenly entred the Garden but made a kind of rude passage through the crowd of such as waited neere her person and with a breathlesse voyce informed her that that very morning as the Nobility were sitting in their own Councell chamber divided by a partition from the common assembly of the lower Senate they were saluted in a tumultuous manner by may thousands of people having their leaders of much greater quality with a petition that not onely complained of the proceedings of the Army but desired they might again speedily enjoy the liberty of their King the freedome of the Lawes and an establishment of their Religion as they said absolutely obstructed from their possession by the licentious power of the Souldiers under Farezius command whom as they intimated they had formerly chosen to be their Captaine for some season but not to be a tyrant against their priviledges for ever vowing withall that as they would not depart the great City of Sardis without a direct answer so were they resolved to procure an accomplishment of their just requests to the hazzard of their lives and fortunes O Madam said he how these brave beginnings inflamed our soules with new courages notwithstanding we could not chuse in some sort but reflect upon our own poornesse of spirit or at leastwise dulnesse in understanding that never went about to put in execution what these people propound at present for their and our advantages Truely replied the Princesse Cloria although I cannot but commend these peoples understandings that appeare to have some sense and feeling of their reputations yet must I a great deale more extoll their courages that dare expose themselves to maintaine those small priviledges which by a certaine kind of birth-right they have received from their honest and wise ancestors when as you of the Nobility of the contrary seem altogether stupid in the apprehension of such honourable rights that appertain to your qualities left you by the brave endeavour of your most Noble predecessors who were at the first so spleenative indiscreet in your passions against your Prince though without any known cause whatsoever that you were content to sacrifice your known own advantages above the common all people onely that you might but destroy him and his prerogative not leaving your selves so much power as to be able again to recover your own dignities These words and reproofe of the Princesse almost put the Nobleman out of his tale but she finding him something out of countenance encouraged him to the prosecution of his relation Madam said he when we had thanked them for their prudent admonition as we termed it what our own duties should have remembred we presently dismissed them with other speeches and promises that sufficiently contented them for the instant After they were gone I must tell you we were sent to the other part of the Senate sitting in another room distinct from ours intimating we desired some conference with them whereby the people might be rendred satisfied in their seeming just demands upon our meeting many things were propounded to that purpose as well concerning our selves as the souldiers but what will be the issue of these proccedings for my part I am not able to divine onely we are informed that the multitude will not depart from the City of Sardis untill they have received such answer as may in some sort give content to their thoughts which either must settle the Kingdom in a probable posture for peace and quietnesse or so inflame the Armies resolutions that they will endeavour to become masters of the whole With these words he abruptly took his leave as if his apprehensions had been transported only by imaginary conceipts As soone as the Lord had quitted the garden and the rest of the attendance being also removed some distance from them the Princesse Ascanius and Roxana began to fall upon considerations and discourses of the Kings affaires sometimes their hopes were carried to assure themselves that it was unpossible but those confusions must needs produce effects to that purpose since as they believed the souldiers of the Senate could not long agree and then the common peoples desires of necessity would again bring him into his Throne for they imagined that however there might be obstacles contentions for the present in regard of the extraordinary power of the army yet the souldiers at the last could not but admit of a King more willingly then any other Generall of their own ranke to command over them besides they doubted not but the Nobility and the City of Sardis would joyne together to establish Euarchus in the same honour and dignity as he was in before these late troubles since the consequences had already not a little impoverished the whole Kingdom and what it would doe further if it should continue might very well be feared though as yet not certainly known In that the dignity of a Court probably would as well confirme the one in their hereditary priviledges as inrich the others by traffique and commerce seeing it was chiefly the better sort of persons that took off the commodities of the Merchants These pleasant apprehensions invited them all three to take some delight in a certaine beautifull and refreshing Grote encompassed round about by an
cunning in a reserv'd though civill discourse putting on a more solemne countenance then ordinary she told him that his addresses appeared something scandalous to the eye of the World as she was informed by many of her best friends whose admonitions she was bound to observe and since his quality and her condition could not suit together by way of marriage she desired he would demonstrate so much his regard towards her honour which in charity and religion as she said he was obliged unto as altogether to forbeare her company unlesse in thoâ—e publick assemblies that could not be avoidedâ— this she assur'd him was the noblest part of affection he could use to a poor mayd whose reputation was her principallest dower since she most esteemed it Oreâ—es hearing such a request so much against his expectation and liking told her that as the Gods had set some disparity in their persons by the fond opinion of the flattering world yet that conceived distance was aboundantly supplied by the admirable perfections of her rich mind in which she was to be valued before the greatest Empresse however my Lord said Orbella dressing her countenance with a deceiptfull smile whereby the better to colour her intention although I might flatter my thoughts with the seeming reality of your professions and by that means take all for granted you say yet certainly the King your brother can never be brought to be of the same opinion without whose consent you know our loves will be to no purpose since the strict Lawes of Syria deny you to be your own chooser Again said he is this unjust and tyrannicall Law urg'd to my miserable disadvantage No Sir said she it is neither tyrannicall nor unjust but was wisely ordained at the first to bridle the dangerous passions of such young Princes as your selfe that might else marry to the prejudice if not overthrow of all Syria I doe not believe said Orestes that there was ever made such a Law or if there were I will have it blotted out to all posterity since it not onely proves an obstacle to my love but is against the very constitution of the Heavens No no my Lord said she you cannot rather therefore endeavour to give your brother satisfaction in your choice who no doubt will provide better for your honour then your selfe leaving these vaine professions which I know proceed but from the mouth of a youthfull Courtier that rather then want a subject to work upon would play with a feather or take a babie for his Misteis and with that offered to retire into her private Cabinet telling him she could not but be jealous of her own modesty in that she had been too long in private discourse with him Orestes although for the present he took his leave yet being debarred as he conceived the freedom of ordinary addresses however he noted alwaies in Orbella a carriage that rather wisely endeavoured to avoyd scandall then demonstrated disaffection to his person since she knew how to play her Cards to the best advantage of a sudden through the whole Court divulged his violent affection swearing by all the Gods he would die if he enjoyed not Orbella for his wife but this soon came to the eares of crafty Philostros who having as he thought absolutely intangled the wild beast he meant to take one day hee drew Orestes aside in a certain room not onely neere the Kings lodgings but where frequently he was accustomed to passe to such recreations as daily hee entertained himselfe withall where hee began to expostulate with him after this manner My Lord said he as I have ever imployed my best endeavours for your brothers service and I vow by the immortall God also for your good thouph perhaps otherwise interpreted by the false suggestions of others so I beseech you since there hath been lately an intire reconciliation between your selfe and me you will not seek under hand not onely to wound my honour and destroy my house but absolutely to take from me my greatest happinessâ— your brothers favour by pretending love so preposterously or deceitfully to my poore Neece Orbella for as I know she is altogether unworthy to be your wife so of the other side I must confesse I shall ever esteem her to be too good to be your Strumpet therefore I must intreat you either to forbeare your fantasticall and not credited Courtships or I shall be forced to discover my thoughts to the King who I hope will use his just authority to restraine you as well as satisfie me and with that held his peace earnestly looking him in the face as if the businesse required a speedy reply But poor Oreâ—â—es thus unawares surprised by the wise favourite knew not what answer to make yet at last breaking out into many extravagant protestations the King according to his use came that way as they were earnestly discoursing together who finding that rather passion spake the language then temper would needs be informed of the difference by which meanes Orestes new love came to his knowledge so contrived of purpose by Philostros that he might not appeare himselfe to be the author of his own designe supposing the issue would follow the intention since the greatest difficulty appeared in the discovery for that probably Orsames was easily to be perswaded that it would seem too great a tyrannie to deny his brother his youthfull affection in both his elections which accordingly so succeeded for Oreâ—tes violence so overprest his brother with the crafty instruments Philostros had set about the King not appearing at all visible in the businesse that Orsames was not onely soon wonne to his consent but a solemne day was appointed for the marriage Feast to be performed with most glorious Ceremonies according to the dignity of such eminent Nuptials wherein the Kings heire and the Favourites hopes were to play their parts upon the Stage of Syria to the wonder of all Asia However though seemingly these industrious preparations drew on towards the joyfull consummation attended by the longing desires of the two Lovers yet the destinies had a hidden determination to raise an obstacle against the triumphs intended for Prince Austratius brother to the wronged Alciana not onely provoked by his own dishonour but exasperated by his sisters injuries with a mighty Army entred suddenly the Confines of Syria vowing to interrupt the joy or revenge the injustice and in that manner endeavoured with the fire of destruction to light ominous torches to the bridall feast which were onely to be extinguished with blood so that of necessity the marriage was to be deferred since the King in person was resolved to stop the torrent of this threatning stream besides most of Alciana's kindred were assembled in the enterprize to accompany Austratius in his valiant designe conceiving themselves also interessed in the quarrell which in honour could not dispence with Orestes absence although love seemed to plead by all the gentle lawes of that profession his excuse as also from
yet the sparcles of so great a disunion were impossible to be buried in the Cinders of a quiet peace especially since the Aegyptian neighbouring Countries were alwaies capable to kindle new flames without some agreement by consent so that it was designed to use all means could be devised to render the uncles contented whereby the Prince might the better be secured and established in his rightfull inheritance and the Country freed from the feare of any more civill warre in prosecution of which the one was bought with rich gifts to become Orsames Generall in those warres he intended against Sorastros by reason of these occasions and the other was married to the Dukes sister his own Neece the likelier to continue his friendship between him and his sister in Law and make the party stronger for Orsames intentions which was to revenge the injuries that he conceived the Aegyptians intended against his sisters honour and his nephews right This Madam said Roxana hath been the beginning of the quarrels between these two mighty Monarchs that both have and is likely still to disturbe the tranquillity of the most part of Asia of which now the Country of Lydia your fathers Kingdome begins also to beare a large share since it is not to be doubted but Philostros set afoot the troubles there because the King would not joyn in an absolute league with Syria but scarce had she come to this point when she was informed that Osirus was neere at hand to visit the Princesse which gave them no more time then was necessary to prepare for his unwelcome company and so consequently broke off for the present their discourse Osirus that began to esteem himselfe in a manner Lord of his desires having his Mistris affections as he believed under his command as he had her person in his custody nothing being now between the fraition and his hopes but a few ceremonions approbatious of her parents entred the roome not like a fearfull Lover or a modest suiter but already a married husband taking presently Cloria in his armes whilst he prophaned as she imagined the chaste temple of herlips with three or foure impure kisses that left them after a while to blush for the attempt however he presently turned to Roxana and told her that when the Nuptials were past he would study some convenient preferment for her age either by a rich husband to keep her sides warm or an honourable jurisdiction to exercise her experience not knowing how little faithfull she had been and intended to be to his purposes notwithstanding she hambly thanked him for his gracious favour after this he began to fall into a large commendation of all his vertues but especially of his admirable valour that never refused any danger as he said how great and common sovever in the warres or otherwise though the dignity of his person was a sufficient priviledge as he said against such attempts But during the time that he was using these brags which gave poore Cloria a sufficient surfeit he was informed that a Herald attended in the Gallery with a Letter from the Campe. Osirus believing that it was some offered treaty of composition from Orsames hearing of the determination of his father to raise the siege instantly commanded the messenger to be brought into his presence that his mistris might be witnesse of his glory after he had received and opened the Letter he read it aloud that the whole company might be satisfied in the contents scorning to conceale what resolution soever of the enemy however contrary to his expectation the writing spake this Language Osirus I am to let you know that your Messenger whom you intended to send into Cyprus is surprized by our Army whereby the love you offer to the faire Princesse Cloria is discovered with your designe to demand her in marriage of her mother the Queen Hyacinthia which is a request neither in her power to grant nor for your honour to desire since I pretend a former promise of her affection not to be released by any power unlesse she her selfe doe unworthily fly from the contract an act I can never believe untill I see it under-written by that white hand that I suppose will not be consenting to so black a deed in the mean time I must think it either a project of your own foolish presumption or a constraint proceeding from the wicked tyranny of her imprisonment that gives you boldnesse to make so unjust a demand Wherefore if you have any remnants left of that Noble blood which belongs to your house a prerogative you so much boast of shew it either in leaving off so preposterous a suit and set the Lady free from her captivity whereby she may become absolute Mistris of her choyce or else prepare your selfe with courage to give me the meeting in a single combate to dispute the Title else I must let you know that as I am the white Knight which disarmed you in the head of your Troops so must I from hence forward proclaime you to be a cowardly Traytor to love valour and vertue and so consequently not onely unworthy of your pretentions to be husband to such a wife but of any other match how low soever can be propounded although you beare the name of a Prince unto which I subscribe my name NARCISSUS After that Osirus had read the Letter and for some time considered the contents thereof with a disdainfull smile he told the Messenger that as he pardoned his rashnesse for bringing such peremptory lines to be presented to a Majesty not to be discerned by so poore a sight as his own so he commanded him to let the boy know not onely his owne contempt of his person but that the Princesse Cloria who was a wife rather fit for the gods then for a child of so mean condition disdained the very mentioning of his love wherein he thought he much obliged her with a complement And for the combate if the greatest Monarch of the world had sent him a challenge as he said he must therein have followed the direction of his Councell much lesse endeavor to give satisfaction to such preposterous lines After the messenger was discharged Osirus went out of the room as if his choler had got the absolute prerogative over his brags whilst in the mean time Cloria and her Governesse had sport enough to laugh at his folly as well as to be joyfull at the neighbourhood of Narcissus which gave them sufficient imployment and delight all the day following However the next morning to their no small amazement they were called up to the leads of the Castle to behold a great distraction in Orsame Army before the Town wherein appeared an extraordinary slaughter upon what ground they could not possibly imagine unlesse it were some accidentall and unfortunate mutiny amongst themselves which notwithstanding so much troubled them both that they soon retired with the undelightfulnesse of the prospect into their own lodgings to attend the
liberall lamentation since these were the onely sacrifices they could offer in his behalfe for although he was esteemed amongst them but a private Gentleman of Iberia yet could they not chuse but grieve to see a Youth of his naturall perfections untimely brought to his destruction by the cruelty of a wicked Tyrant But in the meane time poore Brisania summoned to the spectacle by the noyse of the spectators at the first sight began to feele new passions in her gentle bosome not so much of love as pitty since the prisoner himselfe had by divers messages solicited her to yield rather then to make him the onely object of Fridius his hate wherefore first she laid before her thoughts the innocency of the prisoner that was to suffer onely because she continued wilfull Then she began to thinke there was nothing but her own miserable captivity could redeem his life religion charity and affection pleaded of one side as hatred honour and courage contended of the other which made her sometimes resolve to breake through the crowde and fling her selfe at Fridius his feet to begge his pardon But then her spirit againe disdaining such a submission rather chusing to cast her person amongst the people and by her own death incite their revenge Whilst these confiderations tormented her gentle soule and that his approaching execution seemed to exact from her consent a speedy resolution at the further end of the Market place appeared a confused feare amongst the common people which was quickly seconded not onely with cryes of Treason but with the noyse of many warlike instruments tending to the surprize of the Towne so that the scaffold that was ordained to be the stage where Cassa was to act his last part became soon emptied of all those unwelcome assistances and he lest onely to be his own prisoner an accident certainly that sufficiently pleased him although his amazed joy had scarce beliefe enough to apprehend he was freed which made him longer continue that posture the executioner had put him in then his good fortune required at his hands so that he moved not untill one of the Souldiers wish't him to pray for the life of Saxanius who had delivered him from death By which declaration it was quickly knowne throughout all the Market-place that Brisanias first Suitor had both saved Cassa from destruction and possest himselfe of the City who hearing of the cruell captivity of his deere Mistresse by the wicked tyranny of Fridius had assembled all his friends to her rescue and by a neat stratagem had happily brought about the designe for her delivery and her enemies punishment Fridius sufficiently apprehensive of the guilt of his own Treason staid not to dispute the right of his cause with his victorious rivall but presently retired under the safe protection of the strong Castle where he supposed was a Garrison able to contend whilst other succors camâ—â—â— his assistance besides he had Brisania in his power by whose authority and Title he imagined the better to retaine the obedience of the People But Saxanius intending neither to be slothfull in his love or hate after he had given some orders for the surer obedience of the Towne soon placed a formall siege before the Fort where his Mistresse was imprisoned with so great a probability of prevailing that within some few dayes he received a Message from wicked Fridius that if he did not presently retire himselfe and his Troopes from before the Castle he vow'd by all the gods that Brisania should act the first part in that Tragedy was intended And for the greater assurance of his intention he caused the Lady to be brought upon the Leades where were already prepared the circumstances of her death Saxanius after he had understood this peremptory demand from the proud Tyrant and beheld with his sorrowfull eyes the threatned danger of his faire Mistresse for whose safety he had ingaged not onely his owne courage but the valours also of all his friends and kindred became tormented with many thoughts and divers resolutions since if he absolutely performed the commanding request of his hated rivall he was no more secured as he supposed of Brisania's preservation then if he should yield to nothing he desired but rather gave Fridius the more liberty to be cruell when he had no occasion to feare And for any promise he could make it was to be esteemed like the rest of his false actions wherefore he almost determined to send away the Harralde with a threatning deniall instead of a submissive consent But then reflecting upon the apprehensions of his deare love who as he believed would imagine that he esteemed much more a little honour then the saving of her life it destroyed his former halfe resolution and entered him againe into new and confused considerations which were lost in his desperate breast with diversity of passions untill casting his sad eyes towards the place where Brisania was as a pure sacrifice to be offered according to his imagination who seemed in his apprehension already to accuse him of unworthy love that could so long dispute in his minde her preservation of a sudden he might see one cast headlong from the top of the Castle into the ditch which too soon perswaded his beliefe that the wicked Tyrant had prevented his judgement by performing the execution before the returne of his messenger so that he remained like one that seemed to be changed into a marble Statue untill a flagge of Truce appeared joyfully upon the Castle as a testimony of future friendship however Saxanius could not be satisfied in the Omen untill a Messenger from the Fort assured him not onely of the Ladies safety but also of the death of Fridius with this relation that the Souldiers of the Fort neither being able to endure their Princesse captivity nor the Tyrants cruelty had by force rescued their Mistresse and committed a supreame Justice upon his person who now was sent from Brisania to know what conditions the besiegers expected both for her liberty and the Towne they had already conquered But Saxanius would make no Articles at all with his Love for after he had disposed of his Troopes into severall Quarters he went to present himselfe a slave to the faire Captive he had redeemed where he intended to chaine his freedome for ever However Cassianus finding that he was not onely fallen into some disdaine by reason of those desires he exprest for his own preservation as also Saxanius likely to take possession of those favours he might have enjoyed imagined there was no way to preserve him still in the good will of his Lady but to discover his quality which he supposed would both advance his esteeme and lessen his rivals credit and by that meanes become a publicke pretender to Brisania which notwithstanding produced no other effects then a challenge from Saxanius which Cassianus in honour could not refuse after he had given sufficient testimonies of his condition to be a Prince and
in my behalfe according to the noblenesse of your nature so may you be pleased to take what free liberty you please for your departure with a promise also on my part to be ready to assist you with my best services either in your loves to the fairest Princesse or upon what other occasion soever that may make you better honoured and esteemed in the world After he had delivered thus much I must confesse I was so well satisfied with this discourse not onely in regard of your safety but also in respect of my own releasement that Philos imagined as I then thought by my present actions and expression that I meant to run away from him for suddainly taking me by the hand he said he had a few more words to deliver unto me that concerned his sisters proceedings since he held it most necessary his own innocency might be cleared for that in no particular he protested was he guilty of my last usage As I cannot deny said he but that I kindled the first sparkles by my commendation of your person and worth that afterward flamed so violently in my sisters bosome so of the other side I never expected it should have broken out to such an ominous passion whereby you were to be injured without measure as my sister destroyed beyond example But as the Gods have their secret workings in all humane things we must with patience and reverence submit all our endeavours to their pleasure which will for the most part keep us from extravagant and wicked actions since however sometimes we might faile by misprision yet by a small repentance we should againe be brought into our accustomed temper when as letting loose the reines of our desires without moderation we are borne into a vast Sea of confusion that produceth nothing but prodigious destructions as it fared with Artemesia who was resolved because she could not obtaine suddenly what her own thoughts perhaps esteemed lawfull to convert that passion to so strange a hate that of necessity would not onely render the object of her wishes nothing but her selfe miserable without hope of ever being able to enjoy what she so much longed for however her old nurses counsels although they did not contribute to her passions yet they produced those projects that caused your ill usage for finding you were not by any faire meanes to be wonne to my sisters desires she advised her to assay the contrary to try if that course could terrifie you to consent All which Artemesia confessed before her death her body againe reviving after it was brought into her private Chamber as also with many Teares and sighes entreated your pardon which I thought good to acquaint you with that her unfained repentance might procure your charitable forgivenesse And with that taking me by the hand againe with teeres in his eyes he desired me as a testimony of a perfect reconciliation I would vouchsafe the paines to visit the dead Corpes before the Funerals which shortly were to be performed Although I went with him as fully contented in my minde as he seemed oppressed with sorrow for his sisters death yet I could not chuse but have a noble compassion at the remembrance of the Ladies hard fate especially for that the cause was only for over much loving me but at my arrivall instead of imbracing the dead body to my wonderful amazement I was saluted with these words from living Artemesia My Lord said she that you may not think you converse with dead though changed Artemesia you must first know that after I had performed in your Lodgings that unparalleld action of my mad rage bathed all over with mine own bloud I was carried into my chamber whilst you unknowne to me was in danger to have suffered unjustly for my fault And being there by the carefull industry of mine own Physitian without the privity of any but such as were intrusted about my person I was not onely recovered from my trance but before my brothers arrivall put out of danger of death however I desired the businesse might be kept secret from the knowledge of all but my intimate servants since I was resolved to quit the world by a more religious way not being willing to support the shame of so detestable a fact yet considering that an absolute repentance could not be where there wants an intention of full satisfaction I was desirous with my own mouth to make this declaration before I enter into the strict rules of my pennance by which I humbly and sorrowfully beg your pardon wishing a perpetuall prosperity to the chaste loves between you and the Princesse Cloria And this my Lord being all I have to say to you I desire you will have no more remembrance of me then meerly what charity instructs your pious thoughts And with these words she drew close the Curtaines of her bed not willing to be seen or any more spoken withall These things I must confesse rather appeared to my imagination visions then actions untill with as much honour as could be devised I was set free by Philos who also courteously offered to accompany me with his best service in my journey but because I was resolved to visit the place of your aboad in a disguize not onely for that I knew you were in the custody of your enemies but also in that I had a desire to understand by the way the secrets of the Senates intention concerning Cassianus love which I must confesse gave my thoughts some trouble I refused his offer As this discourse seemed to give a singular content to the lovely Princesse demonstrated by many visible signes both in her eyes and blushes so Roxana who had all the while with a most exact attentivenesse given eare to his severall relations uttered this language with a kind of a formall gravity Truly my Lord said she you have not onely gallantly now cleared all our doubts and feares but also in my opinion have carried your selfe in your difficult adventures more like a valiant Martyr then a constant lover which I must confesse deserves both praise and requitall and yet Governesse said the Princesse we must not commend him overmuch lest he expect a greater reward then we shall be willing to afford him Deare Cloria replied Narcissus I cannot but confesse my own covetousnesse since no lesse a present can content my thoughts then your admirable selfe which is a Jewell beyond the price of the whole world But said Cloria the chiefe property of Jewels are to be looked upon at a distance wherefore if you will be satisfied onely with that liberty and moderation perhaps I shall without much difficulty grant your request Yet Madam replied Roxana it is most necessary he make choice of some other apparrell better to become his person so may you have both the conveniency now and then to meet in these walkes without suspition untill the confusion now in the Kingdome afford you a greater liberty But Narcissus most earnestly entreated to be
delight their old stories in their youth when they have no more power or will to act to any purpose whereas the other continues us enjoying our own vertues like a plentifull and flourishing Harvest producing variety of new fruit to the industrious Husbandman He further said that Letters were onely usefull in seasons of quiet whereas armes could onely secure and protect-learning at all times to make it become profitable for that mens unruly and preposterous courses and actions were to be restrained and regulated more by power then persivasion This being said Narcissus with a gentle smile gave the Priest also occasion to shew his reasons The Priest told him as he hoped without offence he would give him leave to be of a contrary opinion however he honoured sufficiently the profession of armes so with a courteous smile he began the question also in this manner although I will not deny said he but my selfe to have been a souldier in my youth yet I cannot but stand for the priviledge of the pen according to reason and justice wherefore as contemplation doth not destroy the exercise of the body so of the other side books render a man more capable to act with advantage without which attempts would not be much profitable since mans life is too little a space to learne sufficiently what were best to be done in many things he said further that Military discipline it selfe could not subsist to any prevailing purpose without those rules and orders which were before thought upon and learned by method and instruction for that it is not onely the running precipitately into hazzards and dangers that ought to render a person deservedly admired though sometimes blindfold fortune crowne the action or attempt with successe but rather when as by a knowing valour we have either prevented a mischiefe or procured a victory deserves estimation A prudent and valiant Generall said he goeth not so much into the field to hazzard and destroy as to preserve and overcome which certainly cannot be so well effected as by least slaughter and most policy or although Monarchies and Countries are oftentimes conquered by force of armes and power yet seldome without stratagems and prudence can they be long quietly enjoyed for want of good established lawes to maintaine them in peace and security Warres he affirmed resembled furious windes and stormes that overthrow buildings and productions but order and quiet like good builders or provident husbandmen make up againe the breaches to fairenesse and commodity even as a rough and harsh hand may quickly disorder the strings of instruments for want of sufficient skill but it must be skilfull Artists that makes them sound delightfull to the eare A disorderly commonwealth said he may sometimes necessarily be chastized with the sword as dangerous putrifactions which are to be cut away from the rest of the members to save the whole body from perishing yet good and knowing government must be alwayes applyed as a sâ—lve to render the rest againe whole and sound in conclusion said the Priest a State or Kingdom may stand without Warre but without learning it cannot possibly subsist since armies themselves that are esteemed the very instruments of glorious acquisitions must to preserve their own being much more to purchase them considerable successe be obliged punctually to observe those rules prescribed them in times of peace To this discourse Narcissus only replyed since he had so well defended learning by learning he had no reason any more to endeavour by the sharp lauguage of his tougue to destroy the excellency of the subject These and the like discourses at last carrying them to dinner which being finished and the cloth taken away of a sudden the Priest was whispered in the eare by the little youth Narcissus civilly removed from his place to give them the more freedome of speaking when he had done the Priest told him that he was sent for by one Creses a young Nobleman of Lydia unto whom he had been formerly beâ—â—olding not only for the saving of his Library but for many other courtesies during his being imployed in the Senates service who was just now being come out of Syria arrived in the Towne hard by from whom he doubted not as he said but to have some relations of consequence to which purpose he did intend to bring him along with him to supper He farther enformed him that he had formerly enjoyned him to write the passages of these Times which gave his studies some daily exercise with this he took his leave of Narcissus wishing him to thinke upon what imployment he pleased in the interim either in his gardens or amongst his bookes Narcissus after the Priest was gone as he reflected upon Creses arrivall who might bring newes out of Syria as he hoped towards the establishing of Euarchus in his Throne by which consequence he doubted not but the sooner to come to the period of his own love so of the other side'did he resolve upon his quitting suddenly the Priests house to put himselfe under the command of the revolted Army not knowing which other way to doe his sweet Princesse any considerable service especially for that the King her father seemed now to be only under the care and protection of the Souldiers The next consideration that came into his minde was by what meanes be might with the least suspition provide himselfe with horse and armes to that purpose since he dâ—rst not discover his intention to the Priest for feare of the more notice to be taken of his quality and condition The whole afternoone in a manner he spent in these considerations untill the old Priest returned with Creses in his company who yet had not enformed him of any newes at all concerning his Travels by reason they had neither privacy or conveniency in regard of the many visits and other complements they received from the Townsmen As soon as Creses entered the room the Priest made him acquainted with Narcissus who was one as he said that belonged to the Countrey of Cyprus whereupon Creses replyed that as his person merited in outward appearance the best respect that could be given by all civill people of any Nation so was he extreame happy in the encounter for that his Travels perhaps might furnish him with something out of his own Countrey if lately he had not heard from thence of some consequence after that Narcissus had returned him a sutable complement both the Priest and himselfe seemed somewhat passionate to heare his relation which quickly carried them all three to a convenient feat in the garden where Creses without much circumstance used this discourse unto them whilst their supper was preparing in the kitchin in the interim As it is sufficiently known said he how unfortunately the Princesse Cloria after she was delivered out of the Castle by my selfe was carried back againe to the Senate by the Treason of certaine Souldiers fled from the Bartell which Prince Thyasmus lost to the Myssians so will