able to get out of Bed and to dine with his Queen feeding much more greedily with his eys then with his mouth The Court was full of banquetting and contentment Onely Prince Doralbo though he knew it misbecame him not to appeare more joyfulll then usuall among these universall rejoycings could not keep the sad Ensignes of inward melancholy from appearing in his pale face which fretted him even to the heart his extraordinary sadness being perceived by all the Queen not many dayes after was also aware thereof to boot that it was commonly whispered about by the Ladies and Gentlemen She had compassion on him and to give him some comfort and since the cause of so great a melancholy might not for a long time be seen into she began by degrees to be more gracious unto him sometimes cheering him with pleasing smiles sometimes with partiall lookes so as shortly returning to his former vivacity he became not onely cheerfull as before but was the ioy and delight of the whole Court O the fondness of vain Lovers who think themselves made happy by a smile or look which sometimes is but casuall and not willingly confer'd and perhaps sometimes not without fraud and are again made miserable by another look which they interpret as scorn or ingratitude which may peradventure be a cunning invitation to spur them on to be more ardent in their loves Nissena imparted these favours unto him so as they were no ways prejudiciall to the cand or of her faith which she had plighted and vowed to Thoas For from the time she had tane upon her the yoke of marriage though it were not yet consummate not so much as one misbecomming thought sullied the inward purity of that breast which witnessed outwardly immaculate innocency She I know not whether out of favour to him or sollicited by her naturall genius to read bookes of Chevalry desired him to provide her some fitting for her to read that she might pass away the tedious hours of that season which was now hotter then usuall though it was alwayes very hot under the Climate of Cyprus He interpreted the honor of this command as a favour from the prodigall Heavens and his understanding being inlightned by blind love which infuseth subtilty into the most rough hewen minds much more into such as are quick and airy he furnisht her with many books the leaves whereof he had in some places cunningly turn'd down where amorous affections are by ingenious Writers expressed whereby he discovered his passions to her who was their adored occasion Nissena being quick of understanding finding Doralbo's cunning restored back his books unto him folded down in like manner in other leaves whereby he might understand and receive such answers as sometimes excited hope in him sometimes reproved him of boldness The modest Lover was herewithall so fully satisfied as he pretended to no other food or reward of his love The King this mean while would needs have the Queen who was now satiated with Feasts Turnys and Tiltings honour a Theater with her presence whereon the Marquess of Martasses who with great fervency had desired this favour caused an excellent Stage-play to be acted She went thither having on her a vesture given her that day by her husband contrived and woven with Amianto a pretious stone which is spun like threed of which as of other Jewels and Minerals the Mines of Cyprus are very fruitfull so as Beams being cast abroad on every side by the reverberation of lights which inlightned the Theater Nissena semed to be the Sun of Beauty Poor Doralbo How many and how great splendors wer't thou to resist to keep the eyes of thy mind undazeled The Play took all the Auditory exceedingly being represented with stately Sceans and inventions sutable to the Marquess his generous minde but the Prince was chiefly pleased because it made most for his purpose with the fall of an unfortunate Lover who desperatly threw himselfe from the top of a Mountain into the Sea and to all appearance seemed to be therein drowned Nissena was a little moved at this spectacle as she witnessed by saying Poor wretch Since thou wer't onely guilty of too much love thou didst not deserve so miserable a death Doralbo let not this occasion slip without making his use of it being already become so bold as he durst reply unto the Queen Good Gods How is it possible your Majesty should commiserate one drowned in the water and not be any thing at all concern'd in him who is consumed in flames And who is he replied she who is thus consumed I see none hereabouts invironed with fire Ah said the Prince with a trembling voyce you see him too well but will not vouchsafe to look upon him 'T is I that am that wretch who in love with you would a thousand times have breathed forth my Soul had not my life been miraculously preserved by your more then humane Image which is imprinted in my Heart Disdain not O my Goddess that I adore you for I know how to doe it without any blemish to your honour prejudice to your reputation or offence to my Soveraigne Lord Thoas I pretend to nothing else nor doe I ought desire but that I may be permitted to adore you whilst I shall live and that you will suffer it without disdain I will doe what becomes your greatness and my condition be not you therewithall scandalized most mighty Queen if you would have me live And here with a broken sigh he stopped expecting his sentence of life or of death from the mouth of his beloved She somwhat blushing answered That if the love he talked of were of any other temper then what he had sayd he might doe well to leave the vain and rash enterprize of loving her but that if it were true that he knew to love like a true Prince and Gentleman in termes circumscribed within the confines of that integrity and faith which she intended to preserve immaculate to her husband she was pleased with his affection and that he might rest assured of like correspondency in her whilst his thoughts should continue thus modest These were the beginnings of that Love which not knowing how to get entrance into her chast bosom went thus by piecemeal insinuating it self insensibly into her heart Thou shalt shortly see Nissena and be aware that affections enter our souls as it were by stealth that they may afterwards in process of time become Tyrants These discourses might pass freely between them without being observ'd or listn'd unto the Queens chair being placed somewhat high and the Prince standing close by her on foot whose soul was so filled with joy upon this lucky incounter as whereas formerly he perisht through affliction he now was almost kill'd with content which was a little lessen'd in him by hearing how that Thoas who grew daily better in his health would by consummation of his marriage reap Nissena's Virginity and though the knowledge of the unjustness of
a derivatory power to be by them imployed as they should be pleased 'T was resolved that in the interim they should be kept conceal'd from the knowledge of the Army till they had resolved what to do putting on their womanly apparel Doralbo's Tent was privatly appointed for them wherein they were to stay attended but by some few till they should have put on some resolution When Nissena consulting only with her own thoughts began to consider how unfortunately she had in vain come from Nicosia to the Camp to finde out her beloved Doralbo who amongst her so many misfortunes was her greatest care She suffered her self to be so carried away with a violent love passion as she could neither eat nor sleep but fed her breast and eyes only with sighs and tears The Prince his absence whose merit was already ingraven in her heart was not the only thing which made her lament she found her self struck through with those accidents which by securing her of the fervency of his love should have rather comforted then afflicted her O how readily said she within her self hath my Doralbo obeyed my very beck that scarcely come from the battel and wounded too he hath with winged feet flown to receive my commands Unhappy me Let it not please the Gods that he be come to Nicosia at a time when he may believe my feigned death to be true but say it be so if it shall have so faln out I shall at least know with what resentments of sorrow and compassion he shall have wedded my funerals I shall from hence prove his affection alas I know well enough without any testimony that he loves me as much as a man may love and I am bound to correspond in love with him and so I do since whether my fortune be to live a privat woman or to be re-invested in the Throne of Cyprus my heart shall never be capable of any amorous affection save for Doralbo Do thou prove true to me as I shall do to thee How much more would she have lamented if she had known he was in prison condemned to death and perhaps his head struck off These were her mental discourses when she was alone but when she discoursed either with Eurania or Filarbo she talked of nothing else but how she might repossess her self of the Crown and if sometimes she indeavoured to hear tidings of Doralbo it was under pretence that his presence would have helped much to the compassing of her designes Eurania as crafty as a Lady of honest and untoucht reputation could be very well understood her Nieces inward passions and having pitty of her durst not take any the least notice thereof fearful lest she should be offended that others should discern and penitrate into those affections which she desired to keep conceald as much as possibly she could Many days being spent in vain in expectation of Doralbo's and Theocastro's return or of some news from them and no news being heard after many consultations had and argued too and fro by Nissena Eugenia and Filarbo they all of them resolved to send Ambassadors to the Senat of Famagosta to desire that they would be pleased to give audience to a certain personage who with tvvo only Companions demanded leave to be admitted into their presence to treat of peace and in the mean time they would expect Doralbo's return which could not be long This was done and those grave Senators did both rejoyce and wonder to hear peace propounded by a victorious Enemy from whom they had learn'd at the expence of bloud to fear force and this they did the rather for that they could expect but little help from Soria wherein was raised a terrible fire of rebellion Some of them cautiously doubted that some Warlick stratagem might lie hid under a specious pretence of peace so as they were long in consulting how the propounded personages might be brought into the Senat at last their answer was that they would willingly give them a hearing on condition notwithstanding that they should enter the City unarmed and with their eyes blindfoulded according to custom All this while there was no news of Doralbo's return whereat Nissena was so much afflicted as he must have had a Tygers heart who would not have pittied her if she had as openly demonstrated her passions as she kept them conceal'd The day was come nay the very hour wherein the Commissioners from the Camp were to be brought to the Senat of Famagosta and presently it was noised throughout the whole Army that Nissena by right of succession Queen of Cyprus was she who accompanied by Eurania and Filarbo would by her going into the Enemies Citie put an end to the War and conclude a well settled peace She past through the midst of the Army all covered over vvith a sad black mantle but her fair countenance her vvhite bosome and her lively eyes shevved a Majestie so svveetly severe as she made her self at once be both feared and adored She past through the Army reverenced and adored as a Goddess For vvheresoever Mars governs Venus finds alvvaies obsequious and devout hearts The Commissioners vvere vvaited for by tvvo chief Officers of the Senat at that gate of the Town which led towards the Camp where Nissena being come alighted out of the Coach and led underneath the arms by Eurania and Filarbo the Officers of Famagosta stood amazed no less at her beauty then at the unusual novelty of the Ambassy when they bound her eyes they in a low voice within themselves complained that they were to rob the people of the pleasing object of those eyes which were unworthy to be covered had it not been pretended that like sacred things they were to be hidden underneath a vail Thus said these two gray heads at once both admiring and making themselves merry with Nissena's more then human beautie But they stood musing not without suspition of some future evil to what end this unusual Treaty of Women might be Being admired by the people she came into the Senat nor needed this fairest Oratrice to win their attentions by any artificial Rhetorick since all the Senators with their eyes fixt upon her stood expecting what graceful and eloquent speech was to proceed from that mouth which was so rich in treasures Some of them whose hearts were not frozen though snow lay on their hair said with fitting vivacity How is it possible that she should treat of peace whilst at the very first aspect her countenance intimates War Having made her requisit reverence and being sat on a chair which was prepared for her whilst Eurania and Filarbo stood retir'd behind she spake thus That fire of War which with barbarous flames hath hitherto unduly imbroyl'd and consumed the felicity of peace even to ashes which hath wasted the fruit of the fields exhausted the treasure of Exchequers and been the death of those Subjects who have as gloriously as unopportunely shed their bloud and lost their lives is
after so many troubles into the absolute possession of that Crown which was due unto her by her so many deserts and for so many other reasons Nissena was mightily pleased with this newes but the hearing that her beloved Doralbo had run hazard of his life onely in her revenge caused so great a passion of heart in her as though it were the effect of joy had yet somewhat mixt with it of sorrowfull and bitter passions which she wisely concealed Having rewarded the Souldiers with a rich chain of Massie gold they were dismist and she immediatly her impetuous-impetuous-love passion ceasing a little gave Order that all the Commanders and chief men of the Citie should follow her for she would goe towards Niccsia The Sun hasted towards the West to leave the World in darkness and Doralbo accompanied with above an hundred Gentlemen spurâ—d on his Horse towards that Sunne which brought unto him a rise of joy and whose bright beams he hoped to enjoy in spight of the approaching night Nissena when she heard a far off the noyse of Trumpets which advertis'd her of her Warriers approach she felt her heart not onely beat but flutter so within her breast as she thought she had been neer death and that those were the last beatings of her soul which would open the passage to get out of her body When Doralbo heard from a-far off the thunder of those Drums which preceded the lightning of that countenance with which his adored Nissena came to assault him he much to his amazement fell a trembling even then when he found himselfe more then ever inflamed with unquenchable heat At last these two souls in love who had long since incountred each other in their affections met one another now with their eyes Nor did the noyse of a thousand musket shot of a hundred Trumpets and of as many other War Instruments mixt with the neighing and trampling of horses and common shouts of joy hinder them from hearing one another say with their looks and strive who should best express themselves therein Well met dear eyes so long desired I now do more then ever feel the fire of love Thus they said in a language understood by none but themselves Doralbo leapt from horsback and had not she hinder'd him was ready to fall down prostrate before Nissena to whom with a trembling voice he said Your Majestie is at last return'd to Nicosia to receive that Crown which will be proud of the honour of incircling your Temples you are come to receive some shadow of that reward which is due to the Immensitie of your merit I have not bin wanting for whatlies in my power to sacrifice my life to the Deitie of your greatness but the Gods have pleased to preserve me that upon some other occasion I may be readie to lose it I shall do it at all times O my Queen for your service for whose sake death would have been and shal ever be welcome to me He would have proceeded but was thus by her interrupted Sir I know how great my obligations are to you the Crown of Cyprus would be but a weak return of Gratitude for what you have done for me Let it suffice I am not ungratefull Doralbo would have reply'd but struck through with a pleasing smile and affable look from her his answer was turnd into a sigh which though it were cut short off made the inamour'd Queen fully understand that she was the Shrine that he adored She afterwards apply'd her selfe to receive obsequious applications from the other Gentlemen who with reverence bowed unto her to whom she answered with such a Majestical Grace as all of them blamed Fortune which had so long kept her from that sublime degree which her so many perefctions did deserve All the Ladies of Nicofia came to her clothed in black as a Livery which they wore to the memory of the deceased King and to their Queens Widowhood to whom humbly bowing themselves they found in her an affable but not abject correspondency such as shewed Majesty but not pride whence that reverentiall love began in them with which Nissena was ever after respected and beloved by all her Subjects of whatsoever condition Before they could get to Nicosia darkness had canopied over the vvhole Orizon so as the great abundance of lighted Torches and Bonsires did in an instant so inlighten the darkness of the night as it had no reason to envie the brightest day and yet all these flames and heats appear'd to Doralbo but obscure horrors in respect of those beams which darted from Nissena's eyes She came unto the Palace amidst the noyse of Warlâ—ck Instruments the shouts and acclamations of the rejoycing people and calling to mind how she had not long before fled from thence abandoned by all and how she now returned reverenced and cried up nay as it were adored she could not but admire the strauge fickleness of Fortune She would not forbear giving of audience and receiving congratulations from the numerous inundation of Ladies Lords Tituladoes and personages of all condition til she was insufferably weary but at last she was inforc'd to betake her self to her rest She gave order that Eurania Doralbo Agenor of Soria and Filarbo should sup in privat with her the chief Commanders of the Army having their Lodgings appointed out to them in the Court and being treated with such sumptuositie as belonged unto them The Armies were entertained in the field with such abundance of rich Wines of vvhich Cyprus is very plentiful with such varietie of Viands as the Soldiers spent the whole night almost in their cups and eating The Queen vvas readie to sit dovvn vvith the others at the Table vvhen she vvas inform'd that tvvo Gentlemen of Rhodes desired audience bring them in said she I shal soon dispatch them Theocastro and Emerino entred together with the miserable Melaspus loaded with Irons who prostrating themselves before her presented Melaspus to her as a slave All were amazed at this so unexpected a sight but Doralbo I know not whether out of disdain or pittie a colour coming into his face broke forth into these words The Heavens at last leave no guilty persons unpunished Who would ever have imagined most gratious Queen that this fellow should at this time be brought hither in this condition perfectly to compleat your Majesties happiness and safety These said she are miracles which divine Justice knows only how to bring about Let him be led unto the Castle and let him be well treated there I bequeath him to you Prince Doralbo appointing you to be his Judge but upon this condition that you absolve him of being partaker of his fathers wickedness Go and be of good comfort Melaspus said Doralbo you have already begun to taste of the Queens clemencie Theocastre and Emerino having recounted their adventures sate down likewise at the Table with Nissena who had leasure enough at a long and gladsome supper to let Doralbo know by her most modest favours that she lov'd him better then her self Four whole days were past over by these two Lovers neither of them daring to discover their affections unless by their looks and by letting some little words escape which equivocally noted their inward heat of heart in which Nissena busied her self onely in dispensing her rewards and favours and in winning not only the love but the Idolatry of her Subjects Nissena thought it unbefitting her to speak her love to Doralbo and though she knew she was in regard of her prioritie bound to begin first in the declaration thereof and was sometimes resolved to do so her innate modestie would not suffer her so to do or else her very affection hindred her it being impossible for one who truely loves to say he loves Doralbo who did not believe he merited Nissena's service much less her love would rather have chosen to die then to make his affection known unto her by discovery of his flames Who am I said he within himself or what am I that I should pretend love unto so beautifull a Queen 'T is true I am born a Prince I have served her to the evident neglect of my life and I love her more dearly then mine own soul But what 's all this She merits greater things Should I discover my love and she not correspond with me therein what would become of me is it not safer to say nothing to serve observe and nourish stil my hopes then to receive my death from her scorn or from her flat denial if she be pleased to Crown our love with reward she will not want ways and means how to do it Thus did both she and he in vain lament which crafty Eurania perceiving and compassionating their too abstenious ravings she invited them one day after dinner into a Closset to see certain Pictures wherein were drawn to the life the affections between Venus and Adonis and hence she took an occasion freely to say unto them this is the way of love my Children I know Nissena and Doralbo that you burn in love each with other in unquenchable fires and strive who should love one another best why do you then thus id'ly consume your selves away cold in the midst of flames Say Nissena I take thee Doralbo for my husband Say you Doralbo I take thee Nissena for my wife so so imbrace each other Matrimonial love is no shame to the world nor fault committed against heaven The two Lovers with a blushing countenance and ill assured look confirm'd her sayings and grew so bold as at one and the same instant they ran so greedily to interchange a kiss as their souls had almost flown through excess of joy from out their inamour'd breasts Here ended the sorrws and began the joys of Nissena and Doralbo who reigned prosperously and loved each other faithfully all their life FINIS
tenderly then my self or mine own Interests and I call your selves and heaven to witness whether I had ever any other end then to govern like a good Shepheard ready to shed my sweat nay my very bloud for the good of my Flock It may notwithstanding be that without any consent of my will some one may think himself either ill dealt withall through my rigor or injur'd by some innocent fault of mine If I have done amiss I have done it out of ignorance and for doing it I first humbly ask pardon of Gods hands then at your hands who are here present and lastly from the meanest and poorest of my Vassals It hath pleased the Gods peradventure because I knew not how to deserve it that I die void of succession or an heir to whom leaving that love hereditary which I bear to you I might assure my self that for the future you were to be govern'd with those just ends wherewith I have always governed you But my faults have been too great to others which have withheld me from having deserved so greatly a desired felicity and death would be too welcome to me if I could die with this content Yeild I beseech you unto my will and be therewithall wel pleased and if the Love and Justice which I have ever indifferently born unto you all have merited any retribution from you I beg a comfort of you able to make me happie before I breath my last Grant it unto your King if you wil not that he die slain rather by desperation then by sickness Grant it I desire you I beseech you I conjure you if for nothing else for the publick prosperity which is to arise from thence I would have my Scepter to pass from me to Nissena I know that as being the last of my race I may by the ancient Laws of this Kingdom justly dispose of but I will receive that as a gift from your consent which I might freely dispose of according to mine own will Let her afterwards chuse a husband whom I wish may be such a companion to her both in the Kingdom and in her bed as you by her privat election may enjoy publique tranquility Howsoever if it had pleased the Gods to bless me with longer life she must have been your Queen she is already Crown'd The Fates have given you her for your Queen and the Gods knowing that she deserves a Kingdom and that a Kingdom is but an adequat reward to her deserts I vow unto you by that sincere Faith which may be expected from a dying man she is no less inwardly then outwardly beautiful Did I not know her to be so I would not propound her as a Head to those my dear Subjects whose happiness I shal for ever love even in my grave Let the performance of this my pleasure be your charge Mintaurus who are my chief President for methinks I see a willing content in every ones countenance that Nissena should be their Queen Mintaurus rising from his seat kneeled down and said If the heavens have ordained which the Gods forbid that your Majestie forgoe this life the Queen shal see how highly her merits shal be observed by me and how obsequiously your Majesties commands shal be obeyed They all one after another kneeled down before her and humbly kissed the hem of her garment to which the much grieved Ladie answered only in tears which falling in abundance from her eyes invited many of the standers by to do the like Do not bewail said the dying King with an almost smiling eye the loss of a King since you make so advantageous a change in so worthie a Queen I wil carrie with me the memory of your goodnesse my faithful Subjects into Elisium Remember you your Thoas who dies Here his voice growing very weak he made signes that all should withdraw except Nissena to whom with words hardly brought forth for want of breath he expressed his affections scarcely understood I die Nissena whilst I lived as soon as I had the happiness to know you I made you a free gift of my heart in death since I have nothing to present you withall more worthie of you I give you the Scepter of Cyprus after death my Soul shal eternally love you Remember Nis and not being able to pronounce her whole name he at once lost both his memorie and his voice which he never recovered again Help help cried the Queen aloud help my Lord the King for he dies and weeping downright she fel in a swound upon the beds side which seemed a hears loaded with two dead corps Phisitians and servants came running in and women being sent for the swounding Ladie was carried to her Lodgings whilst with divers Balsoms Cordials and odoriferous extractions they indeavoured but in vain to recall the King to his sences He laie languishing all that night til the break of day and then breathed out his soul Alas that neither Kings nor yet Kingdoms are exempt from the darts of death and in death greatness and Dignities serve only to make death the more grievous Behold that Court which but awhile afore abounded in Feasting and Nuptial Jollities now become a Theatre of sorrow plentiful only in dolorous tears and shal shortly be the Scene of Fatal and Tragical revolutions The Queen when she was come to her self wondred to find her self not near the bed of her expiring husband after whose condition she immediately enquired whether he was yet alive or no or whether he had for ever abandoned her Answer was made that he was at rest and that she should do wel to mind her self for he wanted for no care nor possible assistance Early the next morning papers were found thrown about in divers parts of the Palace wherein was publisht that the King was dead by slowly working poison betraied by some who plotted yet more execrable assassinations to the universal ruine of the whole Kingdom This was whispered up and down the Court til at last it came to Nissena's ears who betaking her self to fresh sorrows would have accompanied her Husband in death She past afterwards from tears to so impetuous and blind a desire of revenge as she seemed out of her wits threatning the Gallows Ax Fire ruine and destruction to whosoever had kild Thoas But there was not the least signe nor imagination to be had who this wicked one should be Mintaurus came in vvho under pretence of obviating those scandalous accidents which might be occasioned by the Queens ill regulated violence changed and redoubled the Guard comforting her in an almost imperious and severe manner Not long after his son Melaspus came in to comply with her and to offer her not only what he ow'd unto her as a Subject and servant but promising with his sword and the expence of his bloud to do what in him lay to bring her consolation by way of revenge These unusual complements misbecoming his rough and bestial nature were observ'd by Eurania Nissena's Ant but
wound up in Rings part whereof was tied up with Ribbons part artificially curld which falling carelesly upon the shoulders and upon the cheeks made them blush to be kist by so wanton hair Others barbarously artificious the treasures of their hair wholly lockt up under a monopolizing turbant of purest linnen shewd forth only some few fine threeds of refined gold whence the worth and loveliness of the intire Mass of those hairs which were vailed and hid might be judged Others on the contrary prodigall and ambitious to divulge their Treasure gave them their naturall liberty to be plaid on by the windes who being free dispensers thereof afforded part of them to the thicker aire that it might not annoy those which were illuminated by the Sun-beams I mention not those Roses of Diamonds Rubies and a thousand other Jewels which crowned the purity of those fore-heads ushering in the Orientall eyes Nor yet those great and purest Pearls which they wore at their eares and about their Alabaster necks and which wondred to see themselves out-done in whitenesse for I intend to speak of beauty not of the accessories thereof I cannot notwithstanding pass over in silence the comeliness of their aparrell the Silkes wherof being taken from Persia the severall fashions from the most effeminat Provinces I know not whether they did receive from or bequeath more loveliness to those members which it was their good fortune to cover In fine on what side soever you could look your eye incountred nothing but wonders Faces composed of Lillies and mountain Roses bosomes of purest Alabaster lips of Coral pearls shaped into teeth Eyes brighter then the Sun milky hands such and so many were the ravishing graces and comportments in this so fair assembly of Virgins as mens minds confused with amazement and thinking it not possible that those could be real truths which seemed to be the miracles of beauty they doubted whether the felicity they saw were true or but an Illusion The Embassadors who were to make choice perceived then that it was not so easie as men believed to judge of beauty much less amongst so numerous a multitude where the understanding was consounded by comparing one with another and where they were to satisfie anothers liking and not their own inclination To this was added that their judgments might be abused by their curious Dresses which sometimes do not only mend but alter the defects of nature They would not have known what to resolve upon had not one of them after much cogitation and discourse desired that the Prince might be intreated that all those Virgins might be commanded once more to appear in competition but all of them clothed after one and the same manner with transparent vails and loose dishevell'd hair to the end that such blemishes in the other parts of their bodies covered by their Aparrel dressings or were it but with the artificial painting of their faces might not traduce their judgment This was agreed upon in so much as some of the Virgins chose rather to renounce the uncertain fortune of a Crown then their innate modesty by suffering themselves to be seen little less then naked But though the number were lessened and all Artifices forbidden yet would it not have been easie to make choice had not a daughter of the Marquiss of Filerno named Nissena by such vivacity as became a Queen freed the judges of their doubt to whom the glory and praise of Beauty did of most due belong The Virgins being brought again into the aforesaid place the Embassadors hid behind some Arras and peeping through certain holes stood with wonder gazing now upon one now upon another of those pillars of snow when on the suddain Nissena advancing somewhat before the rest with a maidenly blush said thus She who desires to Reigne ought by her actions to make her self appear worthy thereof I my Companions not less modest then your selves will not be ashamed to display unto the Heavens the reallity of those beauties which they have pleased to bestow on me the gaining of a Kingdom is in question which cannot be purchas'd at a less rate then by suffering our selves to be seen so as upon such an occasion we need not to be ashamed of No less astonished at the magnanimity of that generous action then struck with admiration to behold those naked and unamendable beauties the Ambassadors stood awhile in suspence and afterwards ran to reverence her for their Queen to whom nothing but the worship of the knee was wanting to make her the true Image of Venus She being afterwards clad in her accustomed aparrel and the fame of so noble an action being spread abroad Fermondo's self came to reverence her as a Queen and the rest of the young maids frustrate of their coveted fortune bewail'd even with tears the loss of their vain hopes One of them who rasher then the rest thought her self much the handsomest of them all taking it for granted that the Crown of Cyprus was to be the Guiderdon of her beautie imagined her self already possest of the Scepter insomuch as she had promised places and preferments to divers of her kindred and servants which as she affirm'd should be confer'd upon them by that King over whom she already pretended absolute power She seeing Nissena prefer'd before her though she died not fel grievously sick out of meer vexation and in the heats of a violent feaver which assailed her fel into raving fits of commanding and expecting to be served and obeyed as a Queen having after some months recovered her bodily health she could never recover the health of her mind agitated with continual melancholy which utterly clouding her understanding brought her within a few years to her grave with a fond imagination that she was the Kings wife and chief Commandresse of the Crown of Cyprus Thus doth Ambition and vain glory finde always punishment in their own faults The sorrow of the other maids was somewhat allayd by rich and pretious Jewels presented unto them by the Ambassadors as testimonies of the Kings munificencie Publique rejoycings were had through the whole Island for Nissena's preferment whiles sad Emerino deeply in love with her was he alone who amidst the common rejoycings made tryal of more then mortal sufferings He swounded at the first news that for her beauties merit she was exalted to the throne of Cyprus and had assuredly died had not grief supplyed the place of his soul to keep him alive the poor disconsolate young man was so much the more unhappy in that he saw himself in som sort forc'd to aplaud her fortune whose prosperity and greatnesse he was bound to wish well unto though to the prejudice of his own heart He was now out of decency bound to change his love into observance and yet was it impossible for him who was in love to force a passage from the one affection to the other without the resentments of a thousand deaths I rejoyce said he weeping my
adored Nissena to see thee a Queen but I cannot rejoyce nor yet without breathing out my Soul suffer that thou being exalted to a Crown art for ever to deprive me of any more seeing serving or observing thee and yet my grieved heart must suffer it O my too fair and too intirely beloved Nissena wherefore was not my love lesse fervent and you why were not you lesse fair I should not then be now thus tormented Could my inauspitious stars plot a greater misfortune for me Give a Kingdoms Scepter to the Queen of my thoughts to the end that I might for ever be by her abandoned and forgotten Ah Emerino cease lamenting be of good courage give way to Fortune and be glad that thy beloved hath met with honour befitting her merit and such as thou thy self art bound to desire for her Thou oughtest to have foreseen that Nature intended her for a Crown Rejoyce and be glad for if thou rejoycest not in her happiness she may justly believe thou didst never love her But alas how can I be glad if in her I have lost all my joy all my content I will afflict my self yea as long as I live but so as my mournfull complaints shall never arrive at my Faire ones Ear nor in any the least manner disturbe her contentment in being become a Queen Courage my Heart let us seem to rejoyce with her and for that shee may perhaps disdain to hear me speak I will by Writing acquaint her with my souls affection Then taking a Pen he wrote thus unto her DIsdain not I beseech you my long in vain adored NISSENA to abase your Eyes so far in these your present Greatnesses as to read this Paper Peruse this last time the Characters of your formerly not forlorn EMERINO who appears before you not in the posture of a Lover but of an humble Servant rejoycing to see you raised to that sublime degree of Dignity to which your adorable Conditions and my perverse Fortune hath raised you For my Fortune hath been miserably unfortunate But may your Glories be daily greater though they cost me my Life if my Sorrows may not suffice for I will never grieve thereat Neither doe I now complain for that seconding the destiny and the immenseness of your Merit you have forsaken me to bestow your self upon a King Yet must I needs be afflicted to see my self so unexpectedly abandoned by you who by your Nuptials in vaine long pretended unto by me are now going to make another happy Goe notwithstanding accompanyed with all imaginable prosperity May your Husband love you the Nobles of your Kingdome reverence you the People bow unto you the Heavens make your Womb fruitfull and fill your Soul with Mirth For my part I shall remain amidst my tormenting Passions bewayling my being deprived of all Consolation save in as farr as my Afflictions prove the Effects of your felicity Your most humble Servant EMERINO This Letter caused some compassion in Nissena yet not such as to be sencibly afflicted therewith First for that there had never been any such correspondency in love between her and Emerino as though but in the condition of a privat Lady might have necessitated her to be his next because her heart was so possest with content and ambition as that it was incapable of any other passion In fine great preferments if they do not totally change they do at least very much alter the minds of whosoever they be much more a womans minde who suffers her self easily to be carried away by Pride After a few days she went from Rhodes towards Cyprus much honour'd by Fermondo courted by many Ladies and Cavaliers and accompanied by her kindred a Gentleman being before sent from the Embassadors to Thoas to acquaint him with their retun and with their bringing a Beauty with them which they thought really worthy of him He received the tidings with much content though he had long kept his bed through much sickness Causing his Cousin Doralbo to be called unto him who was brother to the desceased Almira and being ill dealt with by nature as being the third son could no ways pretend to his Fathers Crown and therefore entertained himself there in Thoas his Service He commanded him to see four Gallies forthwith put in order well furnish'd with Arms and that accompanied as became him he should prepare to go aboard and in his stead to meet the new Queen The Prince did immediately obey the Kings Commands in all points who charging him to make all haste he could back bad him farewell and the mean while minded with all possible care his recovery but being opprest all the next night with an unwilling and unwelcome inward melancholy he grew much worse and was found by the Physitians the next day in a high fit of a feaver these were the presages which foretold him that some other body was ordaind to espouse Nissena Our souls as I believe partaking of Divinitie foresees though obscurely and by unknown means as well our prosperous as our fatall successes every one having within him a certain beam or sparkle of Prophetical light either more or less according to the several Organs which subserve the understanding Doralboes Gallies being this mean while favour'd by prosperous windes and by a quiet calm came within two days in ken of the Embassadors Gallies Great expressions of joy were made on all sides the aire was rent in two with the thunder of Canon with the musical noyse of Trumpet and Drums which were answered by the remote eccho's reverberating applauses to the glory of Nissena fill'd the Navigators hearts with joy The Vessels being come nearer one did put forth from the midst of those of Doralbo's which at first was thought to be a small Pinace was afterwards found to be a large Schalop richly trim'd with purest silver and of such a greatness as it contain'd within the Concave bosome thereof a Venus accompanied by Cupid who in a smiling and rejoycing manner expressed his extraordinary gladness by the frequent clapping and beating of his wings The sumptuous Engine being come so near the Gally wherein Nissena was as that the voice might be heard the aire was fill'd with such sweet musick as the winds withholding themselves at such melody breathed nothing but such aires as proceeded from the Goddess her inspired mouth who made it plainly appear that she had learn'd the harmony of the Sphears The words of the ditty said That the Crown of Cyprus was more due to Nissena then to Venus who did as well yeild up unto her the Government of the Kingdome as she did the prize of Beautie The two principal Gallies of either side boarding one another Doralbo was he who first hasted to prostrate himself before Nissena as Queen he being followed by twelve young Ladies six Matrons and four and twenty Cavaliers so richly atired as refin'd Gold was the least considerable material thereof great store of footmen and pages in sumptuous liveries
were not wanting who when they first saw Nissena fell all upon their knees at a good distance off whereunto she corresponded with such Majesty as she seem'd to be born not assum'd to a Scepter The Prince leading her by the arm she past into his Gallie which being cover'd on the outside from the Poop to the fore deck with gold and Crystall with sails of Purple silk and lin'd within with green Arras intermingled and bordered about with gold appear'd a stupendious spectacle to the eye The lighting of Artillery and the noise of Canon troubling and deafning the air which voluminous smoke and vain glorious noise proved that praises given to human greatness are nothing else in reality but wind and smoke Amongst so many lovely and admirable objects there was none more worthy of sight or which took the eye more then the fair Nissena who was the boundeur of all sight the wonder of all minds and caused agitation in all hearts her decent affability fitting vivacity gratious comportment without affectation and her majestical aspect without severity increased love and reverence towards her in every one They came happily within sight of Cyprus where they were forced to stay at Anchor half a day and a whole night by reason of a Westerly Wind which blew from land a little too briskly at last they entred the Haven early the next morning where all those signes of welcome and both publique and privat demonstrations of duty and rejoycing vvhich are accustomarily used either by vvay of flattery or respect by subjects tovvards their Soveraigns did abound Nothing vvas vvanting but the presence of the King vvho though cured yet opprest by melancholy could not abandon his bed the skilfullest Physitians not knovving vvhether to attribute the cause to any outvvard or invvard disorder He affirm'd he found his heart opprest and overcome by extremity of content it being incapable of so immense a joy and thus taking but little nourishment he rested unquietly in the night season and in the day time vvas troubled vvith strange distractions of mind yet variety of solemn sports and publique feasts were not forgotten wherein it was observed by the vviser sort as a prodigie of future evils that a guilded woodden statue of the Kings was unavoidably burnt to ashes the manner how or cause vvhy being never able to be learnt Nissena considered these inauspicious occurrences and seeing the serenity of her fortune thus troubled at the very first beginning she was highly therewithall afflicted yet did she with all the care she could conceal her inward sorrow from others After five days space the face of affairs altered the King forgoing his bed with a pretty competency of health and perfect chearfulness who visited by his Bride at the first encounter of her brightest countenance was like to die for meer Joy she appear'd handsomer unto him then he could have conceived her to be so as quite alter'd even to his very voice he met her and with open arms imbraced her affectionately saying Welcome my dearest delight in whom I am to be happy Good Gods of whom have the Rhodian Mothers learnt to bring forth daughters so beautifull blessed be the hour my dear Nissena that first brought thee into the world blessed be those swadling clouts wherein thou wer 't bound those breasts that gave thee suck but more blessed be that Fortune which gave thee into my possession I will be King of Cyprus and thou shalt be my Queen Not uttering one word she answered with the tongue of bashfulness which shewed her to be no less fair within then without The King making her afterwards sit down by his side Pressing hard and often kissing her hand asked her divers questions to which she answered with such modesty as he might easily discern the vivacity of her wit and the wisdom of her understanding Had not the many consultations of the learned Doctors who tended his cure denyed him he would that night have celeberated his Marriage with his beloved Great is the misery of great ones who can seldom compass what they most covet it not being in their will to eat or take their delight according to their own pleasure but by the good liking of such as do either flatter them or such as would seem wise and who do sometime hate their contentments The Physitians ordered that Thoas should keep a spare but nourishing diet for a good many days and that he should be kept from hearing of any news or from seeing of any thing which might incumber his mind with any sort of affection or passion He punctually obey'd them desirous to be soon rid of their rigour every hour appearing an age unto him till he should be made happy in the Embraces of his Nissena The Kings recovery of his health together with the approaching celebration of his marriage did so rejoyce his subjects as the whole Kingdome gave publick and privat testimony of their gladsomness Bonfires and Fire-works by night Baales Tilting Turneys Barriers Theaters and Scenes were every where had with much sumptuousness The Queen being present at the greatest part of them was by the judgement of all men still the most praised and most admired object which Doralbo did prove and approve of more then any other who from that fatall minute that he saw her taken with her beauty fell mightily in love with her his flames being the more hot and devouring by how much he kept them the more concealed he burnt and knowing the inconvenience and rashness of his fire he had oft and in sundry wise endeavoured to extinguish at least to appease it His own heart was onely conscious thereof he durst not so much as sigh lest being discovered by the winds they might communicate his ardency to the ambiating air If somtimes his looks did in the presence of the beloved Nissena betray the secret of his thoughts by suffering themselves to feed too greedily upon her reverenced beauty he had a punishment ready prepared for them by making them fall languishing and without life upon the ground he durst neither aspire unto nor hope for correspondency the one and the other of them being unlawfull and dangerous he loved and knew not to what end unlesse it were to suffer under torment Whilst he consumed away amidst these painfull straits it happened that waiting one afternoon upon the Queen on whom by the Kings command he continually attended in the little Court of Statues so called by reason of the abundance of stately Sculptures wherewith it was adorned he stood with her accompanied with some few Ladies beholding the statue of Hercules embracing Anteus cut out in stone when they might hear from the neighbouring parts a noyse of out-cries and weapons at the same time came in a groom of the stable with a face as pale as Death who cried out aloud Fly Fly and save your selves for a fierce Tygre escaped from the usuall inclosed place wherein he was kept roaves hereabouts killing and destroying
as many as he meets withall save your selves I say for he will be shortly in this Court and we shall be all unavoidably dead The Women with their outcries the Men with their swords in hand but all of them affrighted and confused ran some one way some another seeking how to escape the danger which threatned them so sorely Onely dauntless Doralbo griping hard his Sword and looking upon Nissena whom he might see look pale holding her hands out towards him to implore aid said Be not afraid Madam the fiercest Tygers of Hercania came they all in a Troop much less this one shall not offend you whilst you have Doralbo by your side May my death prove your safeguard dear Madam For how happy shall he be to dye for you once only who doth so daily This being said he went hastily to defend the entrance into the little Court where he had not been long when he might see one come running who could scarcely draw his breath who with much adoe told how the unwary Beast following the trace of a Mastiffe Dog which he had wounded was got into a house the Windows whereof being well furnisht with strong iron Barres and the gate vvell fortified and shut by a Souldier more couragious and vvise then vvere the rest vvas there made a prisoner having slain onely his keeper and two of the Warders At the hearing of this happy news every one took breath and a number of armed men coming in they vvere by Doralbo dismist to their severall imployments vvhilst he the Ladies and the other Gentlemen stood discoursing vvith the Queen of the danger vvhich they had escaped Being vvaited upon to her lodging she observed how the Prince taking leave at his parting from her fixt a look in her eyes vvhich though it vvere but momentary and as it vvere by stealth seemed as if it said I for the present depart from you my adored lights but I leave all my thoughts deposited with you At this instant she call'd to mind the words which he let fall in the little Court then when he exhorted her not to be afraid of the Tyger and though at first she understood them onely as a complement from a Generous and Noble Prince yet remembring that she had heard him say It should be happy for him to die for her once onely for whom he died daily She thought the words tasted more of affection then complement Thus from his words and from his looks she drew two infallible conclusions that he was in love with her and though as then she shew'd no signes of liking yet was she not scandalized with his love every woman being desirous to be beloved if not out of wantonnesse yet out of ambition she resolved notwithstanding to curb that in him which she judged rather to be a motion or custome of youth then an affection grounded in so short a time The King quitt her of these thoughts who came to rejoyce with her for her having happily escaped the late danger she was in he had understod the busines from Doralbo who waiting upon him to the Queens lodgings he never omitting any occasion of being where she was sighed to see himselfe received by her with a less pleasing countenance more grave maner then accustomed he presently cal'd to mind the words which had escaped his mouth through the force of his affection then when he prepared with hazard of his own life to save hers from the Tygers imminent fury judging she might have taken offence thereat so as he had no sooner waited upon the King but that retiring himselfe into his Closet full of passion and griefe he threw himself down upon a Couch and fixing his eys upon the ground he by many deep-fetcht-sighes usher'd in these lamentations Unfortunate Doralbo What heynous fault hast thou committed What was this thy rashness Why didst thou presume so much Audacious tongue why did not I rather pluck thee from out my throat then suffer thee to say in the presence of Nissena That I die daily for her Alas the fault was neither thine nor mine I did not then think to discover my affection neither didst thou intend to speak it 'T was my heart which without advising with my understanding did dictate those words unto thee 't is thou my heart who wer 't the Traytor I certainly would never have said it nor will I ever say it more I will rather die a thousand times He would have lamented longer had not his excessive griefe by making him almost sensless hindred him from saying more So as after having a long while with much perturbance of mind nourisht his sufferings and fancies he call'd in his servants and making himselfe unready he faigning to be weary went to bed What rest he took that night let them tell it for me who train'd up in the School of Love have reall affections and know what torments such accidents doe cause He slept but a little if somtimes though but for a very smal space he stole a nap he forthwith seemed to have Nissena before him who much incenst and in a threatning manner reproved his rashness As he would have prostrated himselfe before her feet to ask her pardon he awakened and found himselfe void of the hopes of asking much more of obtaining it His body and mind were sorely agitated all the night save that towards the break of day falling asleep he dream'd he saw a very handsome young woman cloathed all in green who seemed smilingly to say unto him Awake from sleep and sorrow dull Doralbo for Nissena attends thee pursue to serve and love with loyalty and constancy for after the tempests of thy troubles thy love shall find a ealm and quiet Haven to rest in This being said the pleasing shadow vanisht and he somewhat eased of his vexatious thoughts leapt out of bed and as soon as he was ready he hasted to the Queens Antichamber where desirous to visit her and to wish her a good day he was answered otherwise then formerly that he must be pleased to attend a while till such time as her women had drest her head and put on her Jewels This was a deadly wound to the soul of the suspitious Prince yet he patiently obediently observed her cōmands not giving any the least shew of disturbance As he this mean while walked with her Lord Chamberlain the Lord Angria he wondred to hear himself thus spoken unto by the Baron What thinks your Highness Sir of the strange accidents which happened the last night and what strange accidents replied Doralbo I know nothing save onely that somwhat wearied I hasted to bed sooner then usuall and was all night troubled with a thousand dreams and fantasies Doe you mock me reply'd the Baron and looking Doralbo in the face and finding his looks to express rather a desire of information then any mockery he prest him again saying Doe not you indeed know vvhat befell the Queen At these vvords the Prince
he should come to receive his answer she should desire him to do so The good woman promised total obedience yet was she afraid and doubtful least this might be done out of cunning that her Lady might come to know him and so cause him to receive deserv'd punishment yet confirm'd by her Ladies redoubled Oaths who protested to her that it proceeded only out of a certain itch of curiosity and knowing her ingenuous and sweet nature she resolved to let the stranger know that her Mistress was not only ready but very desirous to speak with him He likewise made fearfull by too much facility answered that whensoever it might be so done as he might be sure to come by no harm he would be very ready to receive so great an honour not that he did believe there could be any abuse used or traps laid by such a Lady but that the favour seemed to him to be too sudden and too exceeding great which answer being by her brought back unto her inquisitive Lady after a long consultation had they resolved so great a power in Women hath curiosity and ambition that before he should come to Parley with her a little tender child whom he very well knew to be Telisbes only son should be delivered into his custody By this her so great expression of fidelity he infer'd safety to himself from all deceit so as he refused all other security save what might proceed from her curteous Ingenuity The manner and hour of their interlocution was agreed upon wherein to Biamartes good luck it was proved true that the same Fortune which sparingly withholds her favours from some dispenseth them prodigally to other some With efficacy worthy of one who laid open the amorous passions of a King the crafty and eloquent Officer endeavoured to perswade Telisbe that she was more dearly beloved by Biamartes then any thing that did never so nearly concern his Crown nay more then his own soul She at that instant were it either out of decency or that her ambition and curiosity being already satisfied some new thoughts came in her head answered Friend if I had imagined that your discourse should have tended to these vain expressions of Love whether they be true or false I should as well have refused you audience as I shal alwaies refuse to make my heart a receptaecle of any other affections then what prompted by my Genius and dutie I have dedicated as inviolable and eternal to my Lord and husband I was perswaded to give you hearing out of a belief that Biamartes in love with somewhat else then my beautie would by these his pretences of love seek to discover how my house is inclined to these our unjust pettie Princes who carrie themselves unwisely and very violently against all those of my bloud If he will that I do faithfully assist him in his Victories I am at his disposal for though a woman I will make all other Princes learn by the example of these how to treat their Nobilitie better but if his only pretence be to dishonour me he does but lose his labour for a nobly born soul doth alwaies more esteem honour then life Not without wonder and much joy did the other hear these expressions and seeing so large a way opened to undream'd of good success he answered That he was certain as much as his Master would be displeased to hear his love repulsed by her so much would he be pleased to understand the offer of her adherence to him in the winning of that City that he therfore desired her to give him leave to acquaint Byamartes with her favourable intentions towards him that then he would return with freer resolves assuring her that she should not befriend a Prince who would repay her with ingratitude He without further delay went from Famagosta safely and easily under a counterfeit habit commerce being allow'd to all men nor entrance denyed to any on who came in alone unarm'd and who would go out at convenient and set hours He came to Biamartes who being already Master of the Field was levying of more men and was incamped not above twelve miles from the Town to whom having related what he had learn'd of new Byamartes instantly forgot Telisbes beauty and the poor childe Love wholly compos'd of tenderness and swavitie fled from his heart and gave place for Mars to enter who in a terrible and bloudy manner did in a moment usurp the seat He grew impatient to see himself wholly Victorious over his Enemies so as sending back the Messenger in haste with order to promise Telisbe in his behalf whatsoever she could desire in recompence were it even the fee Farm of Famagosta with the Title of Government so as she would devise a means how he might surprise it This Messenger at his return found the Lady more rosolv'd to assist Byamartes now then ever since concealing his love addresses she had told her husband how the King had craftily indeavoured to draw from her to what side he as head of a numerous faction did adhere and that if he would be pleased to second that fortune which offered its forelock to him the means was in readiness whereby he might take revenge for all his ill usage received from the petty Princes He was a little jealous to hear his Wife talke thus though afterwards wieghing every particularity having advised with himself and some of his nearest friends he resolved not to let slip so fair an oportunity of revenge and of advancing his own greatness and Fortune Telisbe would speak no more with Biamartes officer without her husbands being present and all things being agreed upon between them he returned to the Camp instructed in all that was to be done in execution of the enterprise Telisbe desired and did obtain it that when Byamartes should have made himself master of the Citie he should give way that for the future it should be governed by the Nobles and by the name of a Common-wealth but still as feudatory and tributary to his Majesty in a great sum of money whose Vicegerent should in appearance hold the principall place though his Authority should not exceed that of the other Senators For what remain'd that the Army should draw nigh and should give an assault by night for that by such helps as he should meet withall he should with ease and without the expence of bloud obtain the Victory All things were agreed upon and so successfully executed as one of the petty Princes was slain whilst he fought valiantly in the defence of his Palace by night and the other flying away by Sea trusted his safety with the Winds passing in a little Bark to the banks of Soria From that time till Thoas his reign Famagosta was peacefully governed in the form of a Republick when rebelling against him he dispatcht away Prince Doralbo to chastise so rash and insolent a commotion The hidden and wicked Treachery of one of Thoas his chief Ministers of state had
was hurt before This was the end of this days action Agenor being carried to his Tents and the Prince upon a very fleet horse to his Quarters The Armies being mustered about 2000 horse and 3600 foot were found wanting on the Crowns side and on the Common-wealths side little less then 4000 horse and only 2700 foot So as those who defended the Kingdom had but small cause to boast of a Victorie purchased with so much bloud Doralbo's wound being tented and drest was found to be but slight and no ways dangerous so as he who long'd very much to be where his heart alreadie was after having given order and express command in what was requisit for the burial of the dead for the cure of those that were wounded and for all other occurrences which belonged to the Interest of War which he affectionately recommended to Filarbo and Theocastro's care he speedily took his way toward Nicosia awaited on only by two Gentlemen and one page 'T is hard to imagin much harder to say how many troubled thoughts he was agitated with in this his Journey he found his heart beat within him for joy to think he should so soon be made happie in the so often wisht for sight of his Nissena from vvhom he hoped hereafter for correspondencie in love if not more ardent at least more free and lavvfull she not being novv bound unto any other affections save to the gratefull matrimonial memorie of her dead husband he hoped and fear'd hope and fear being inseparable from a soul in love He hoped to make himself vvorthy of his beloveds favour by doing some great actions aiming at her service and relief But he feared lest she being raised to the Regall Throne might despise him who though born a Prince had no considerable fortune save what he might be made partaker of by her from whom he could not be induced to hope for or to pretend unto any thing more then some little gratitude in not being contemn'd or abhor'd He thought he had already put a period to Mintaurus his pride that he had trode him under foot cut his throat and offered him as a victime in sacrifice to his adored Idoll Spurre on thy Horse in Gods name poor Doralbo thou shalt shortly see to what fatall Spectacles and sad misfortunes thy miserable destiny hath reserved thee And thou unhappy one not foreseeing thy adverse destiny hastest to see and hear things and objects which will make thee suffer a thousand deaths He was scarcely come within sight of the Citie when he might perceive how much Nicosia was altered for what concern'd him from what it was when he left it He was questioned whilst yet a good way off by two Sentinels who were armed and walked carefully upon a Bulwark who he was and not allowing him leasure to reply they in an imperious manner added That he must either presently stay or else give in his name and lay down his Arms at the entrance into the Gate to the which whilst he drew neer he was withstood by a number of Soldiers who kept the Guard And what said he in angry manner is my countenance so much alter'd How now you Rascals doe you not know me Then clapping spurres to his Horse he would force his entry One of them more rash then the rest laying hold upon his Horses bridle said Stay Sir for we are Mintaurus his Souldiers and have no respect for you At which he reply'd aloud Did I not disdain to defile my sword in so base bloud I would teach thee to discourse thus with a Prince What is Mintaurus And since when commands he over such as I am in Nicosia He would have said more but the Captain of the Troop coming in interposed himselfe in such like words Sir these may be excused enter in Gods Name I in the mean while will acquaint him whom I ought to doe so with your Highness arrivall He entred all swoln with anger nor had he advanced far when he might discern such a hushness and melancholy in all the people as recalling into his mind Thoas his death presented nothing but confusion to him and what mischiefe might overhang him and Nissena insomuch as he found his heart struck through by an unexpected deep melancholy Troubled with these thoughts he came to the Court Gates which were likewise guarded by a body of men unknown to him He advanced being not so much respected as before but he did not much mind it his heart leaping within him to think he was so near seeing and discoursing with his dearly beloved Being got up the stairs he went towards the Queens Lodgings and entring into the ante-rooms he found them void and abandoned by the wonted Guard and the accustomed frequencie of Courtiers Cavaliers and Noble men being entred a little further in he might hear a whispering noise as of some that were talking Laying his hand upon the dore Oh! go no further Doralbo for thou goest not knowing it to meet with worse then death and opeing it he found none but two much afflicted Women who stood talking with a page of a misfortune which was befaln Where is the Quen said he has she changed her lodgings One of them bursting forth into downright weeping answered Alas Sir our Queen may well be said to have changed her lodgings since she is gon to heaven to enjoy the reward of her innocencie being now free from the power of the wicked Tyrant At this sad and unexpected newes the inamored Prince felt a chilness run over his whole body as is usual in a cold fit of an ague and a certain vapor rise from his heart unto his head which took his sight from him and made him for awhile stupid immovable and senceless He afterward brake forth into a loud crie and said Is it true that Nissena is dead hath the barbarous rascal murderd her or who is that barbarous rascall where is he tell me where and how and when and who it was that kill'd her The sorrowfull woman mingling sobs and tears with her words answered Two Soldiers commanded so to do by wicked Mintaurus ript her soul from out her bosome with their daggers the next chamber and her own bed was the tragical scene of so unjust an act Oh my heart how deadly was the wound savedg beasts and vipers not men but I I will take revenge said the Prince if I can so long out-live my lifes death as to have time to do it O that I could assoon by my death recall her to life Lamenting thus he turn'd his face to the dore of the next chamber and saw the bed and carpets which were spread about it upon the ground and the room it self all stained besmeared and sprinkled with bloud Oh said he this is my hearts bloud unworthily drawn from that spotless and innocent body Did I come hither O Nissena to serve thee to place thee in thy Throne to reverence thee and do I finde nothing of thee but bloudie
own merit would have prompted me to greater things then this to which I am bound as I am a Prince and a Gentleman If two Gallies will not suffice you take four My care shall be to give order for them and let it be your care to make speedy use thereof lest shee may suffer in her interest by delay Bee prosperous in your journey salute her in my name and intreat her to make use of me to the utmost of my power Theocastro returned all due thanks and took his leave thinking suddenly to goe from Rhodes though he staid a many days being detained by tempestuous weather This mean while he was desired to take Emerino for Captain of one of the Gallies he who was once so far in love with Nissena but his flames of affection being extinguished in the tears of desperation he had changed his love affections into the like of Friendship or rather of obsequiousness desiring to go to Cyprus for no other reason but only that he might glorie that he had not at all erred in the choice of his love by bequeathing his heart to a beautie who deserved the government of Venus her kingdom The storms being over they put from the haven in a serene calm but the second day after their departure they met with contrary winds and foul weather a calm insuing not long after they might see a ship not far off which lying at Anchor was by the provident Mariners mended in what she had suffered by the last storms they turn'd a little out of their way to satisfie their curiosity in knowing to whom she did belong and from whence she came and this they did the rather for that they might perhaps learn from those that were within her some tidings of the affairs of Cyprus So as they steered their course thitherward and cheering up their Gallie-slaves with excellent wines they incouraged them to row apace assoon as the two Gallies were come within Cannon-shot they were in an unusual and barbarous manner shot at by four piece of Cannon so as instead of getting information they were inforc'd to prepare for fight Theocastro's Gallie received an unluckie shot with two bullets beneath the Poop which giving large entrance unto the water made them strike sail and ship their Oars to keep out the sea which fraudulently stole in and was ready to swallow up the Gallie This mean while Emerino's Gallie boarded the Enemie and after a dangerous fight behav'd her self so gallantly as with great slaughter of the Enemy she got a bloudie victorie there was one Gentleman in the Enemies ship who fighting valliantly had drawn much bloud from the Rhodians and in a bold and barbarous manner would never yeild so as they were forced to load him with Irons and by force to drag him out of the ship whence together with him they took great store of treasure and brought it and him into their Gallie leaving the ship without any sails to the pleasure of the winds and water the other rent Gallie being in some sort mended Theocastro came in to succour his companion but met with no other occasion save only to rejoyce with him for his victorie They shewed him their bootie and amongst other prisoners to his great wonder and astonishment he found the Gentleman loaded with Irons to be Melaspus over whom Fortune would have thought she should not have sufficiently insulted had she not after so many miseries brought him into the hands of his Enemies Theocastre was as glad of this desired Prey as was Melaspus grieved and almost mad to see himself in his power whilst Emerino understanding who he was thanked his destiny for having delivered up Nissena's chiefest enemy into his power to whom he thought he could not present a more acceptable gift They forthwith hoisted their sails and gave such way with their Oars as shew'd their great desire to come suddenly to shore at Cyprus they sailed so swiftly befriended by a Westerly wind and the Gallie slaves plying their Oars as within the space of five hours they began to discover the tops of the promontaries which are in the west part of Cyprus nay they did already discover the top of high Olympus which being almost in the midst of the Island seems to joyn the earth and stars together Nissena was already parted with the two Armies from the parts about Famagosta some days since marching towards Nicosia The Commonwealths horse led the Van those of the Crown followed them and after these came she backt by two Troops of choice Gentlemen and carried in a chair having all the Foot for her rearward Agenor and Filarbo never parted from her side entertaining her sometimes with pleasant somtimes with grave and sometimes with sad discourse Of which later sort their communing was when they spoke of Doralbo's danger whose name though she were glad to hear of yet was she troubled to think some misfortune might have befaln him They made not much hast in their march for though Pioners went before them to make the wayes more easie for passage they endeavoured to march so as they might doe least prejudice to the Countrey and the Queen was delighted to be with the Armies who therfore did not march faster or further then seated with her conveniency At last they incamped themselves within 7 miles of Nicosia and were preparing to make neerer approches with part of the Army and if it should be thought sitting to storm the Citie walls when the 2 Souldiers who were formerly sent to enquire after Doralbo and to learn how affairs went in Nicosia came and desired that they might be admitted into the Queens presence who did not onely give them audience willingly but when they were brought to her did with some anxiety and impatience solicit them to say quickly what they had of good or bad to tell her It was superfluous said they that your Majesty should come attended with such Forces thither where you are expected with such devotion by Prince Doralbo by the Nobility and by all the people who look for you we would say as for a Goddess did we not think we should offend your modesty which will be contented that we shall say as a Queen by them reverenced and beloved You are come with an intention of fighting and your fight is turn'd to triumph Here they acquainted her at large with all that had befaln Doralbo who had been in extream danger of losing his life in revenging her beleeved death but that being delivered by Theocastro he had slain the Tyrant and that afterwards hearing of Melaspus his being fled he was come out of the Castle with the generall applause both of the Nobility and common people and that he already had in her name made himself absolute Master of the Citie on which the secure dominion of all the rest of the Kingdom did depend That having heard of her coming by some strangers he was already on his way to come and meet her and to receive her