a long time in that place or else to put her suddenly to death She was thus brought into an obscure place and as she went she saw one of those that led her away which made himselfe knowne to her It was Arcas the faithfull freedman of Melintus who told her in her eare Let me know where they are that are sought that I may advise them to save themselves if it be possible She nam'd him the place so handsomely that none perceiv'd this secrecy because they no whit mistrusted Arcas who as soone as ever Epicharis was shut up escaped from among those of that troop and went to finde Melintus and those of his company that knew nothing of all had passed Melintus was well pleas'd to see againe his deare Arcas and from him expected much succours in the necessity they were in But he was in a great amazement when hee heard that Epicharis was taken and had beene knowne by Dicearchus and Pisistratus who were arriv'd at this City with some Romans that on the Emperor's part sought to put them to death Arcas told them how Epicharis express'd resolution enough never to tell the place they were in that she would make them beleeve very finely that they were in a very farre Countrey and had sent her hither by Sea upon some defignes but that he saw little hope of escaping because the City was every where environed with souldiers All these cruell newes dismayed their spirits for griefe that were already well forward in feares Alas said the faire Ariana it seemes the fury of our misfortune assembles forces from all sides of the earth for to take from us all hope of safety What crime good gods have we committed that you should suffer men to persecute us with such rage and from whom can wee eâ—pect helpe since he that serv'd in stead of a father to us is the most animated to destroy us Alas how miserable am I to live Without me Melintus should not have beene here nor my brother at this present and but for me my uncle had not thus pursued their life Just gods if I be cause of their misfortune let me be punish'd onely give an end to my life which is to them so fatall and by my bloud appease your anger But what my bloud is too poore a thing to extinguish so much choler you will not have so much as one of us escape Well then ye gods delay not the time to make us perish Are we so puissant and so redoubtable that so much people must be brought against so few persons Gather here together all the forces of the Empire joyne our very friends to our enemies provoke besides against us all the rest of the earth with heaven and hell The valour of Melintus and my brother is then very formidable since it makes it selfe be feared even of you that you should need the assembly of so many powers for to vanquish them Ariana in her griefe cast against heaven all those complaints and if she had beleev'd any thing to be more rever'd yet than the gods which might have power of governing the resorts of fortune in that transport she was in she would not have feared to assault it Melintus comforted her the best he could possibly and told her they were yet all estate either to save themselves by artifice or defend them by valour At the worst that death was not a thing so miserable and that there were in life many things more to be dreaded above all he intreated her not to accuse the gods for their calamity We must take heed said he of offending those from whom succours may be expected They have drawne us out of greater perils and if they permit for the present that we be reduced to such an extremity as this it may be 't is to the end we should acknowledge that we hold not our safety but of them Melintus thus labour'd to appease the griefes of his deare Ariana whose sorrow was more insupportable to him than his owne misfortune Lepantus also employed all the Art of his eloquence and all the force of his vertue to finde out a remedy or at least a consolation for the danger they were in There was none but Palamede transported with fury who knowing in what sort Epicharis was handled and that she was in danger of her life would have parted that very houre to finde out meanes for her delivery What said he shall I let her dye that she might make me live and be so unworthy as to secure my owne life by the losse of hers I will rather kill all those that keepe her and my uncle himselfe Nothing is capable of resisting my love and courage in such an enterprise as this Thus made he many threatnings in his fury and nothing seem'd impossible to him but he was kept backe by the rest that represented to him how by going forth he expos'd them to danger that they were to consult a while what was to be done and that if force were to be used he would much better bring to passe his designe when he should be assisted with all their troop These considerations something appeas'd the agitation of his spirit and the care they had over him put him out of hope of escaping their hands In the meane time Melintus and Lepantus enquir'd of Arcas who they were that had question'd Epicharis and were landed at the Port before Dicearchus for it was necessary to know all and how he had encountred them to the end thereupon they might see what enemies they were to guard themselves from and what remedies they might invent in the miseries that menaced them Arcas told them that the relation hee had to make them upon this subject was something long that he was first to returne to those he had come with that they entred not into suspition of him if they saw him not but that he would presently returne and passe away the night with them especially he would learne the resolution had beene taken since he left Epicharis They let him goe and having attended him with much impatiency he came backe about evening and after they had eaten a little he assembled them all in a place where setting himselfe in the middest of them he began thus what he had to tell them History of Arcas Trebatius and Emilia IT must be confest that a benefit is never lost and that by knowing how to acknowledge an obligation receiv'd one ordinarily drawes on a second for had it not beene for the care Melintus my Master tooke to send mee to Rome with presents for Maximus to recompence him for the losses he had suffer'd for our occasion I should not now be here to advertise you of what is prepared against you and give you assistance according as I shall be able When I was come to Rome I enquir'd where Maximus dwelt because his house that was consum'd by the fire had not yet beene repaired At last I found him out and having beene
ARIANA ARIANA IN TWO PARTS Translated out of French and prsented to my Lo Chamber Sold by Tho Walkley at ye flying horse neare yorke House Melintus Ariana ARIANA. IN Two Parts AS IT WAS TRANSLATED OUT OF THE FRENCH and presented to my LORD CHAMBERLAINE LONDON Printed by John Haviland for Thomas Walkley 1636. To the LADIES FAire sex to whom Nature hath given what she had most rich and lovely spring of most agreeable delights that hold in your faire hands the Empire of the Universe since you command over men and distribute to them at your pleasures either good or bad fortune 't is to you alone I present this worke I addresse it to the most delicate objects of the earth and as you are that which most pleases in the world so is it you also I desire most to please If the very power of love depends not but on yours whatsoever appertaines to it owes no homage but to you and these adventures that are effects of Ladies beautie are not to be offered but to those that may produce the like I hope there is not one amongst you that will not finde here how to passe away some houres with pleasure The severest will not be offended that this booke speakes to them of love and will not feare as they read it to tell themselves that they would be loth to heare from the mouthes of men Those that suffer onely to be loved without loving and will have much respect and ceremony shall here find such Lovers as they desire And those that are softer and who to ease the flames of their servants are willing to take a part of them shall have some satisfaction to see their owne passions here authoriz'd by examples But because amongst those that love there are some constant and some wanderers and this booke altogether takes part with the first I should feare lest the other side might not take offence to see their humour ill intreated if I did not give them reasons to defend themselves against those that are alleaged in this worke The most severest Judges would finde it a hard matter to resolve which is more commendable either to know how to keep a passion in spight of fortunes traverses or to change it to good purpose It is indeed a very glorious thing to make an invincible love appeare that feares neither heaven nor earth that is the stronger for very opposition and that would not be shaken by the ruine of the whole world Such affections as these cannot be so perfect but that they are founded upon vertue and reason having bred them they must of necessity last alwayes it being impossible that what was once reason should be so no more There is none but must confesse this kinde of loving admirable but it is as rare withall The most part of loves grow of light causes a little charme surprizes the eies and takes from them the knowledge of many defects Constancy in these affections in without doubt more vicious than change and very often they call inconstancy that which in effect is but a judicious retrait Change is sometimes a vertue more strong and more couragious than Constancie it selfe 'T is by it one tames a passion of many yeares and repaires all the disorder that was in the soule Men that have alwayes more cause to love fall least into inconstancy and Ladies that find in us so many defaults do oftentimes by reason by a generous striving that they are thought to do but out of weaknesse The law that forbids change is only more rigorous for us for it seemes we are oblig'd to suffer to the very extremity rather than be unfaithfull and women are excusable for changing the least unquietnesse love gives them Constancy is a quality too serious and too melancholike for so agreeable and delightfull a sex That which destroyes beauty ought to be detested amongst you as much as old age or sicknesse This same Constancy would appeare valiant in you and capable to support vexations at the charge of your richest treasures 'T is shee that extinguishes that lively brightnesse of the eyes that effaces the colour that ruines the good looke and that to gaine you the glory of loving well makes you lose the other of being loved Lightnesse hath much more jollity and charmes and if by some cruell accident in love there must happen one of these two changes either of the wit or of the beauty you may very well be pardoned if you chose that which preserves the thing in the world you account dearest And these are the reasons the inconstant may allege they that follow the lawes of fidelity shall finde enough in the book to answer them I counsell every one of you to continue in the opinion that is most conformable to her humour and demand of you this grace onely that those that are pleas'd to be unfaithfull blame not the austere fidelities they shall finde here describ'd and that those that love constancy accuse not the inconstant But I stay you while peradventure you are impatient to entertaine Ariana I leave you then with her and yet before quitting of you I must advertise you that she is somthing bashfull because she hath alwaies bin shut up and never yet seene the world and that if you desire her entertainment should divert you you must not addresse you to her altogether to learne her adventures Shee could not then tell which of you to satisfie and in the tumult would lose many of her graces Take her each of you apart into some retired place and then giving her attention and silence she wil freely recount to you all her life and tell the very least of her thoughts She cannot love noise or assemblies since repose and solitude gave birth to her ARIANA. THE FIRST PART ROme began to resent with griefe the violences and furies of Nero after having suffered with patience the first debauches of his youth and the people that was proud with the spoyles of all the world groned under the cruelties of that Prince when Fortune was pleas'd to bring forth accidents to crosse the most vertuous affections of the earth and suffer'd that the Cirque where Combats were made onely for pompe and recreation should bee watered with blood by a detestable treason But that basenesse could not have its full effect and was not left unrevenged for that by a prosperous foresight of heaven those who were appointed to assault were prevented by a terrour which taking from them their courage and judgement preserv'd the lives of those that were ordain'd to destruction Two young Sicilians going by night through the City one of them carried by love the other out of complaâ—sance onely for his friend and passing neere the Cirque with foure or five of their traine after they had made a noyse with their swords upon some designe they had were set upon by a troope of men at Armes whose disorder made them rather seeme persons affrighted than resolute for the
for she assisted him very carefully yet so much respect had he to her that there was nothing but his eyes that durst make love to her and of every thing else they communicated one to another with much confidence One morning she came to him and bringing a little table booke with her she pray'd him to read what was written in it where he saw these words Marcelin to Ariana FAire Ariana since your eyes forbid me speaking pardon me if I have recourse to this meanes to make you know the affection wich your perfections have brought forth If you be come hither to begin the acquisition of all the hearts of the Empire I blesse the fortune that hath made me the first of your conquests and ranging mee without reluctancy under your obedience I will be bold to hope for some part in the honour of your good graces if they may be aspir'd to by services eternall and a passion infinite These letters said Melintus put us to no paine in guessing to whom they are addrest nor who sends them but Madam added he who gave you them Epicharis said Ariana found them on my table as I was rising without being clos'd for feare I beleeve that I should leave them in the same state But what would you advise me to doe Madam said Melintus your heart is free you may dispose of it as you please you may be deceiv'd for all that answer'd she but this is not the thing I aske you what shall I doe with these tables if you desire sayes he to answer them you need but efface the wax and then write what you please You laugh at me replies she and by whom shall I send them when I know not who brought them You are but to put them sayes he in the same place and who ever laid them there will know where to take them againe well enough And what if I will replide Ariana that they be never more spoke on You may said he cast them into the fire I am very glad sayes she they have beene condemn'd by your mouth and at the same time threw them in Melintus considering this action said to her well enough satisfied if hee meanes to write often to you he must make great provision of tablets It will be as necessary for him answered she to be provided of patience but if he be opiniated I shall not be without trouble neither Yet our depart shall quickly deliver us of all Palamede thereupon comming in and seeing the tables burning ask'd his sister why they were throwne into the fire She a little surpriz'd said she would no more make use of them Is it long since you have used said he such things since I came to Rome answered she Ha! sister cryed he out why are you so secret to me you had them but this morning and if I had beene willing you had never seene them at all Ariana blushing told him I protest that if I had beene able I had hid them from my selfe and I thought not they had come to your knowledge if there had beene fire in my chamber I had not burnt them in this where I found that Melintus was not so curious as you for he never inquir'd as you have done what the matter was But continued she can you tell who brought me them No said he but going into your chamber while you were yet sleeping I saw them upon your table and put them as they were since they were not directed to me I find you sayes she very discreet but you had done well to have kept mee from the sight of them See replied Palamede if I be not good to a man that has done me so much ill but I am assur'd you will doe him no great good I wish only said she for his punishment that he may love me all his life as much as I shall detest him for your sake In the meane time Melintus made himselfe very ignorant of those tables and in the end ask't them what it was T is a letter replies she Marcelin made mee receive by I know not what meanes looke if it be not directed to a good place for a very favourable reception His desert sayes Melintus is very considerable but his misfortune is extreme to fall into your hands to revenge us of his Aristides comming into the chamber brake off this discourse and Ariana leaving them went out of the house to the next temple coverd as she was accustom'd with a great vaile that hindred her from being seene at all being not desirous to make her selfe knowne at Rome for the small time she had to stay there Marcelin that set a spie to watch her going out fail'd not to follow her and approaching to her when she seem'd most attentive at her prayers said The gods grant to your desires as much happinesse as you may give me She as in amazement lift up her scarfe to see who spake to her and let him see her extreme beauty but armed with so much severity that the sight infinitely astonisht him and he receiv'd from her eyes an answer more cruell than her mouth had beene possibly able to make him That usage made him see that she was not accustom'd to suffer such words and he beleeved that the faire stranger would never satisfie his love if he sought not out honester meanes to possesse her There remain'd a scruple in the soule of Ariana for having entred Emilia's house She thought her selfe prophan'd and that her honour might be stain'd with that reproach Every houre the discourse Melintus had with her to make her get out of that place came into her minde seem'd to accuse her so as she was resolv'd to be purified in Diana's temple That very day she spake of it to the priestesse who was cal'd Virginia and told the cause she had for it Virginia promis'd her the chamber of purifications for the day after but the next day she put her off to the eighth day telling her for excuse that some Roman Ladies whom she could not refuse were to be purified during that time Ariana was forced to have patience till then and when the eight dayes were past she was receiv'd into that chamber with Epicharis only to wait on her This place was as it were a second temple added to the first but yet lesser and of a round figure whose roofe was bigge enough and that without appear'd to end in a vault but within at that time a heaven represented hid the arches of the vauting Ariana brought in by the priest was amaz'd to see so much riches in the place The hangings were the ground of gold and the figures imbrodery of silke In the middest of the chamber was a bed whose valences were of purple imbroyder'd with gold of a most rich worke and the curtaines of a carnation stuffe with little flowers of gold Neare the bed was a cisterne of white marble next to the wall out of which came two great pipes of gold that were
to open and shut from the one of which was drawne hot water and from the other cold On one side of the chamber was a buffet charg'd with little vessels of gold and with great ones of the same inrich'd with diamants rubies and Emeralds on the other side was a table cover'd with a tapistry of the stuffe the bed was on suted with moveables of the same and upon it a great looking glasse with a border of the most curious gold-smiths worke that was in Rome On the side of the cisterne was a table charged with vessell of Christall and Agath filled with sweet waters of all sorts with basons of the same and great store of linnen clothes to serve against comming forth of the bath the paving of the chamber was of quarries of marble and porphry of severall fashions Ariana after having admir'd these sumptuous things and beene instructed by Virginia about the ceremonies she was to observe was left alone with Epicharis Presently she put off her clothes in saying the prayers that were appointed her and when she had nothing on but her smock with a cloke that cover'd her she drew neare to the cisterne and from thence tooke water three times which she sprinckled about the chamber then she discover'd her foot and legge naked which she put into the water of the bath Then was seene to be disputed the whitenesse of that faire legge with the whitenesse of the marble but the vivacitie which animated so delicate a flesh soone gave the victory to her and the marble seem'd to grow pale for being overcome Ariana had hid within the water that faire foot whose little shape possest such perfection and all her legge too but presently she drew them out feeling the water cold and restor'd againe to the day that chiefe workmanship of nature Then having made the water luke-warme by meanes of the pipes so as she might put her selfe therein with assurance she tooke off her smock in feare as much asham'd to be naked as if so many inanimate things had had eyes and going to put her selfe into the cisterne by chance she cast her eye upon the great glasse and was at first in a wonder thinking she saw there a picture of Diana going into the bath which she had not before regarded but as soone perceiving her errour she was astonish't to see her selfe of so perfect a handsomenesse For whether she consider'd her face or beauty pleasingnesse that charmes hearts and sweet Majesty had spent all their riches upon her or whether shee look'd upon the just length of that neck of snow the handsome proportion of it and of those two divine globes which seem'd to be swel'd with nothing but pride to be so perfect or whether she stay'd to see the beauty of her armes and delicate hands or the rest of her body so well proportioned whose universall whitenesse dazel'd her very eyes her mind equally satisfied could not judge which part might give precedency to the other She was some while overjoyed to see her selfe so admirable but suddainly a shame came upon her and accus'd her for commending her selfe so then the consideration of that faire body where she found nothing amisse made her againe confident that she was the handsomest woman in the world and presently her modesty withdrew her from so many pleasures causing her to blush so that she was not able to resolve of any thing for the severall motions of her mind Happy those mortall eyes that with her see so many marvells and which are the longer blest by these uncertainties of Ariana The love of her selfe and her modesty were a long time disputing together as she stood before that mirrour having already one foot upon the cisterne and holding but with one arme the robe that before cover'd her but at length not able to determine if she were fuller of satisfaction than shame she went into the water and there drown'd all these differences When she was at repose discoursing with Epicharis of the rarities they saw she was in a strange wonder that the windowes began to be more obscure as if the heaven were prepar'd for a storme and suddenly they perceiv'd to fall upon them a sweet raine of perfum'd waters The admiration that surpriz'd them of an effect so strange in a place that was cover'd was followed with a farre greater when all at a time they saw the heaven which was represented over their heads to open and fill the Chamber full of lights By and by they heard a sweet consort of voyces that sang Diana's praises and after them they saw Diana her selfe by little and little to descend having her haire truss'd up like a huntresse a halfe Moone of Diamonds on her forehead a robe of Azure girt under her bosome that cover'd her but to the knees her legges and armes naked her feet cover'd with guilt busquins her quiver in a scarfe and bow in her hand when she was at ground the musick ceas'd and the Goddesse approaching to Ariana that was confounded with amazement held her this discourse Faire Ariana your devotion is infinitely pleasing to me I commend the purenesse of your soule that could not endure a simple reproach might fall on you though in it selfe excusable And this also is my will that those that adore me bee not onely Virgins in deed and thought but that their vertue be also above the aspersions of calumny Neverthelesse I forbid you so austere a vow you are borne to be a wife and in that estate I shall ever love you and make you happy since I doe as much affect chaste marriages as the vowes of perpetuall virginity I have chosen you a husband that shall put you into the greatest felicity the world can give I will have you love him if you meane to make your selfe worthy the favours I am to doe you Farewell my dearely lov'd Ariana I goe to send you messengers that shall prepare you not to oppose my desires In saying these last words she kist her on the forehead and presently remounted up to the same heaven she came from Ariana was so troubled at these miracles that she could not answer so much as one word the presence of a Divinity so great her advice and promises with the beleefe she had the goddesse spake of Melintus possest her soule and kept it from being at rest Epicharis was standing in another place farre off Diana out of respect all in admiration and immoveable The heaven clos'd having receiv'd Diana but open'd againe for the descent of six little flying Cupids who being sustaind in the ayre shot their arrowes into the bath and the arrowes entring into the water set it on fire and made light flames come out of it This fire frighted Ariana a little but was no way offensive and a while after the Cupids flew backe againe into heaven Then beganne the heavenly musicke againe singing the good fortune of Ariana to be so favour'd of the Goddesse And presently Diana came
downe the second time bearing a man that had the appearance of a god all glittering in gold and precious stones She came neare againe to Ariana and said Vertuous Ariana see here the husband I present you with I know the greatnesse of your mind and wisdome you can never satisfie the generosity which the noblenesse of your blood gives you but by the great honours and riches he is possest of nor see your owne vertue contented but by that which shall accompany him all his life long Receive him from my hand and be assur'd that in obeying me you shall in like manner enjoy the greatest good fortune that hath beene ever tasted upon earth Ariana filled with a new amazement and seeing a goddesse whose brightnesse and discourse confounded her senses never thought how she was naked before a man but when her sight was more confirm'd and she knew him to be Marcelin she then recover'd her senses and having no respect to the Goddesse she came out of the water putting about her a great linnen cloth and all wet as she was hid her selfe in the bed so inwrapping her about that shee could neither be seene nor touched Diana ascended againe into heaven and left that which remained to be finished by Marcelin who carefull of Ariana's health before he spake any thing to her would have Epicharis dry her and while she was busie at that office he aboorded his Mistresse with these words Why hide you your selfe from me divine Ariana I am not so terrible None in the world besides you flyes from me I have Nobility and honours Doe not despise me faire Ariana you see that men and the gods conspire to make me powerfull and happy I am lov'd not onely of the Emperour but of the Divinity also you adore how shall you dare hereafter to addresse your prayers to her if you refuse obedience to her pleasure You know in what sort she approves the violent passion wherewith I love you Abate oh cruell one the cruelty of your heart and render you if not to the intreaties of men yet at least to the counsell of the gods can you thinke to doe amisse following their advice and hope to live content upon the earth by not following them The more Marcelin continued his discourse the more did she hide her in the bed but he seeing his speeches were to no purpose went on speaking for all that Alas Ariana I will not take advantage from the succour of the gods but be beholding for all my fortune to your favour alone give me but some hope to asswage the ardent affection that torments me After that laying him downe upon the bed as dying for love he said Helpe me faire Ariana and give me my life I dye to see you so hard-hearted and am brought to this point but for adoring you with too much respect But Ariana deafe to all those supplications constraind him in the end to cry out O gods Oh Cupids ayd mee and suffer me not to dye of the wound you your selves have given me Then the heaven open'd againe and the six Cupids descended and three of them staid to hold Epicharis while the other three flew upon the bed going to uncover Ariana and give her up to the power of Marcelin This faire creature had no recourse but to her shriekings Ah! yee gods said shee are you accessary to such a wickednesse she defended her selfe as well as she might from Marcelins attempts labouring to teare his very face but her forces had beene all in vaine the Cupids holding already her armes had it not beene for Virginiaâ—… helpe who open'd the Chamber doore and came in with some other Maids that had heard the voyce of Ariana and Epicharis crying out for helpe She ran instantly towards Marcelin and stopping him said Ha! the gods what fury is this Is this the oath you sware to me Goe out from hence prophane man I renounce your friendship for ever Marcelin answered the Priestesse My designe being lawfull and favoured of the gods the effects of it could not be criminall but since you are a hinderance to me let me returne to the gods that shall revenge my cause and in spight of you give me Ariana Then hee went up againe into the heaven which open'd as before time and closed againe In the meane time Ariana that thought she had beene divinely succoured as she was before divinely surprised knew not what Deity to thank nor what to detest seeing that Diana her selfe was a complice of the misery she was upon the point to suffer and all in confusion she let her selfe be dressed by Epicharis and those Maids whom shee conceiv'd to be so many Nymphs and made them many excuses for enduring the honour they did her In the end she gave them thanks for their helpe and still full of disorder shame and despite she went out of the Temple to be in safety at Maximus house where she presently told her adventure to her brother and Melintus Every one made thereupon differing judgements Ariana was so prepossest with those deities and lights that one while she fear'd shee had offended Diana another while she was fully resolv'd not to obey her at all Epicharis perswaded them that Diana and all the marvels of heaven did never appeare more visibly to any than they had done to them Palamede beleev'd they had not invented all those particulars and was amaz'd with them at a thing so extraordinary But Melintus that was of a more piercing wit and could not imagine Diana was so carefull in Marcelins affaires that was a Traytor and assasinate desired them to beleeve this was not the time of seeing deities upon earth any more and that there was some couzenage secretly practised in it Ariana resisted his reasons a good while saying she was neither asleepe then nor Epicharis and that it was impossible any artifice could bee able to sustaine in the Ayre without any supportation a Diana and the Cupids Neverthelesse she waver'd betweene the assurance she had in her eyes and the doubt Melintus considerations brought her to but some dayes after shee was fully perswaded of the truth It was found out that Virginia was sister to Marcelin who being unable to approve either his wicked desires or his designe to marry Ariana though she were very nobly borne to the end hee might at Rome match himselfe into a Patrician family and knowing the distaste this faire Maid had to her brother was resolv'd one day as shee saw her in the Temple to discover the whole plot of Marcelin to her that on her side shee might find out some meanes to put him off his enterprise Shee confest to her that the first time they spake together Marcelin was in the Temple and that when she was gone out he came to know of her what Ariana had to say to her which shee presently declar'd to him whereupon hee mused sometime then he desir'd her to suffer him to see her in the bath that at
and the faire Ariana who in this fray let Melintus see beauties which his imagination could never have so perfectly represented to him The little Damis a young slave of Maximus came to advertise his Master that was in their company that looking out at a window he had perceiv'd a man that held a Torch in his hand and set fire to one side of the house that made them doubt of Treason and they had besides greater assurance of it when upon the Tibers side they heard two slaves of Maximus crying out as they were killed who were gone out to fetch water at the River Melintus and Palamede issued out to succour them but they were assaulted by ten or twelve Souldiers with such fury that the best course they could take was to retire into the house againe defending themselves as they went Melintus thought there was none but Marcelin could be Author of so fearefull a villany and could not tell what they should resolve on seeing they were environed with fires on all sides and a certaine death whether they stayed there or whether they went out He look'd upon Ariana the teares in his eyes and strucke with griefe that so excellent a beauty should dye so cruell a death came sadly to her and said Madam into what misery are we brought and how have the heavens permitted that all the furies together should come to assaile us to make our losse inevitable Is it possible that I cannot by some enterprise or yet by my owne ruine preserve your life And can I not have at least this joy in dying to see you out of danger Melintus answered she doe not hope from me either counsell or consolation this accident so troubles me that it leaves me nothing but teares and plaints but if it be true that Marcelin bee chiefe of this conspiracy I had much rather dye with you than survive and fall into his hands Seeing the gods have suffered this mis-fortune to come to passe I beseech them it may have his full course rather than that I be reserv'd to live after you to be expos'd to the insolence of these desperate people Madam replide hee I cannot beleeve we are ordain'd to an end so miserable and though the fire on all sides seemes to shut up the passage to all hope the way of heaven from whence succours may be sent us is yet free Let us yet hope Madam and moderate your weepings and complaints whilest I goe to see by what means we may be saved and whether some god may not inspire me what we are to doe in this extremity She answered him not but with a sigh and Melintus having kist her hand left her hiding his teares as well as hee could then hee look'd round on all sides and after having search'd in vaine a thousand inventions in his wits at last passing by the Stable he advised with himselfe to get up upon the strongest and fleetest of his horses He advertis'd also Palamede and the rest to take what horses there were and after having covered Ariana's head with a cloth for feare the fire might offend her he lift her gently into his armes and making the gates be open'd tooke his sword in his hand Then putting spurres to his horse he went furiously away and after he had struck off the arme of a Souldier that would have got hold of his bridle hee saved himselfe by running carrying away his deare Ariana through the thickest of armed men and flames that already devour'd the neighbour houses Marcelin seeing Melintus passe that held Ariana and that he was not able to stay him although he had cast himselfe in the way before him and encourag'd the rest to kill him was now in despaire seeing himselfe on foot not able to overtake him and as he return'd he saw Palamede his principall enemy who after Melintus example would have got away carrying his father with him but they so closed themselves together to hinder him that Palamede seeing how it was impossible for him to force them being loaden with his fathers heavy body entered in againe and gave Aristides to Hermes one of his men then having carefully recommended to Arcas the safety of Epicharis he gave them charge to follow him as soone as hee should have made a passage with his sword He tooke a buckler and going out againe set upon the boldest of them that would have stayed him and charg'd them with such fury that with two blowes he gave he strucke downe two of them at his feet the rest sustain'd him with much resolution and he had much adoe to ward all their blowes but in the end mingling him amongst them he put them in such disorder as he gave time to Hermes to get away and save Aristides Arcas did likewise beare away Epicharis and the others taking the rest of the horses saved with them that that was most precious Palamede seeing they were farre enough off now dispatch'd him of his enemies and went away in a gallop after them Marcelin inraged to see his wicked designes thus ruin'd strucke his owne men also accusing them of cowardise and seeing a slave of Aristides passing that went away later than the rest getting at last a horse with much adoe he gave him a blow on the head with his sword laid him dead upon the place Then mounting a horse-backe upon his owne horse he pursues those that saved themselves and gave order to his companions to find horses and come presently after him to ayd him Melintus finding no security in the City which he saw all on fire and full of his enemies was got out of the ports and when he was in plaine Champian he could not complaine at this accident that gave him the favour of daring to embrace his faire Ariana who did as sweetly cleave close to him for feare of falling She was become so dazled with the swiftnesse of the course that Melintus after he had put his sword into the scabberd and taken away the cloth that covered her head found her seeming to have lost all remembrance but considering how this happened but by astonishment and seeing her faire necke bare because the handkercher that covered it was fallen by the violent motion he used nothing to make her come againe to her selfe besides sweet and chaste kisses which he gave one while to this admirable neck another to her diuine eyes and sweet mouth He was transported in these pleasures then full of respect he accus'd himselfe of rashnesse to steale the favours which at another time he would scarce presume to conceive a desire of and presently before he could resolve whether he had done amisse or no carried away by the power of those admirable objects he kist them againe with so much ravishment that in this estate the losse of his judgement excus'd the losse of his respect and his senses busied about so pleasing a fault mocked at his reason whose severity also being charmed gave consent to their thefts and refus'd
and resolv'd to depart the City by the same river for not being apprehended They went downe the streame very easily till they came a good way off Rome and about morning they found themselves foure or five miles distant from it There they quitted the clothes they had on and having fill'd them with stones cast them into the water then they were of opinion to goe by land and take a way quite contrary to that wherein they were taken for then following the Tyber they had gone streight to Ostia and if they were pursued they would not faile to search along the River It was therfore decreed they should gaine the haven of Cajetta because that of Reggium was too farre remote and that they should not march but by night for being in danger of taking the second time Eurylas that had wash'd him in the water look'd so lovely in the new clothes he was drest in that Palamede was in paine to conceale the new wounds she gave him And then when no body saw them he help'd her to goe and sometimes Melintus lead her for Epicharis was not accustomed to so great journeyes and their desire was to advance to some place where they might passe away the day And still as they went they entertain'd one another with their adventures and tooke it for a good fortune that the pinacle fell for else the rope had beene left there which would have made them be followed but now the world would think they had precipitated them their comming out by the chimney being to be discern'd by some stooles they had used to get up with After they had gone a good journey in discoursing thus they arriv'd at a village where they tooke with them something to eat and for feare of being discover'd continued their voyage then they passed through a great field to get them far out of the way found a very retir'd place where there was a running brook neere to which they sat downe under the shade of sallowes After they had made their repast they began againe to recount their fortunes together and the feares Aristides Ariana Telephus and all their friends at Syracuse were in for them that for this occasion they must not lose time in getting to Sicily to lessen by so much their displeasures That consideration made them resolve to continue their march which they did incommodiously enough because they kept them altogether in by-paths lest they might be discovered upon the high-wayes At last about evening they arriv'd neere to a house they judged very faire Eurylas had a good minde to have beene there receiv'd to repose him that night and not to be so ill provided for as to have nothing but the heaven for a Canopy but they thought it best not to put themselves to the hazard of falling into hands they could not afterwards get free of and seeing very neere that place a little wood they purpos'd to enter into it and there to choose out some shady place where when they were set Eurylas overcome with slumber and travell presently fell asleepe the two others fearing to wake him made no kind of noyse and that silence insensibly made them sleepe also When they were in the depth of their sleepe a young Lady Mistresse of the house they had seene taking in the evening the fresh ayre of the wood passed very neere them as she walk'd about They could not be seene where they were of any that had beene in the walks of that wood But Eurylas turning him from one side to another removed some leaves that were about him and made a little noyse Corinna this Lady was so call'd curious to see if it were not some beast went softly forward and found the faire Eurylas sleeping in a fashion so agreeable that the sight ravish'd her the delicacy and whitenesse of his complexion his vermillion mouth his browne but fine and curled haire that hung over his shoulders and above all the amiable proportion of the features in his face gave her too sensible impressions to seeme her selfe insensible of them for she stood without all motion and so stedfast in regarding this faire sleeper that it might have seem'd he had communicated his heavinesse to her but that her eyes were still open but she thought she had not eye-sight enough to consider him well so many beauties saw she the least of which was capable to have the possession of her eyes and fill them with admiration She put one knee to the ground as it were to render him homage and came softly neere to kisse him that he might not awake but Eurylas at the same time heav'd himselfe up and fetch'd a deepe sigh from his stomacke which constrain'd her to retire thinking he had bin about to wake and gave her a sight of Melintus and Palamede that were sleeping also there hard by whom she had not before beene aware of for being so much taken up with the sight of Eurylas That caus'd her to be a little fearfull seeing her selfe all alone betweene three men and yet considering them she took them for persons of honest quality and to see their equipage judg'd they had suffer'd some injury Shee advis'd to goe home and returne againe with some of her people that with her might desire them to take covert at her house and as she was going away she could not choose but cast her eye upon Eurylas beauty yet at length she left him and being in the house shee perswaded her husband to goe walke out with her into the wood that hee might himselfe invite them home to him A little while after she went away Epicharis awaked and letting Melintus and Palamede sleepe on would have risen and perceiv'd foure or five comming to them she tooke them to bee some of those that dwelt at the next house and were now walking towards the evening at their liberty They waked Melintus and Palamede out of their sleepe at their first comming neere and enquir'd of her what they did there to which she answer'd that they were three brothers who had lost in the burning of Rome the best of their goods and were robbed of that which was left them and now were brought to lye thus upon the ground in getting by little and little to Sicily where they should not want for conveniences Corinna seem'd to be toucht with pitty for them and prayed Curio her husband to take them home with him for a night This man that was of a sufficient good nature was well content therewith and could not take them for theeves because of their fashion and especially to see they had no swords so hee told them that if they would come to his house they should be very welcome Melintus and Palamede agreed seeing this free invitation and thanked him as courteously as they could They went along with them thus for company Melintus telling Curio the newes of Rome in his ordinary pleasing way of discourse and when they were come to the house they
that happened in that place and how the Sibyll had from thence led Aeneas into Hell Neverthelesse after Melintus had assured her that those were but fabulous stories she was the boldest of the company and put her selfe the forwardest but she repented of that courage for going onwards in the depth of this den and being a good way off from Melintus and Palamede she heard some complaints comming out as it were from the most hollow secret places of the Cave She started backe for feare and ran towards Melintus whom she tooke by the arme and thought her selfe then well fortified she told him the cause of her being frighted they came neare to heare what it might be and perceiv'd avoyce that spake which made them judge they were it may be theeves that were retir'd thither but lending their eare more attentively they heard these words Ah Fortune how trecherous art thou and how more advantageous is it to be miserable at first than happy since thou art so changeable How cruell were the favours thou gavest me since they serv'd for nothing but to bring upon me the more sorrow and how malicious wert thou to place me in a condition worthy of envy for to reduce me afterward so miserably to provoke pitty But what pitty of whom can I expect it Of men they have abandon'd me Of the heavens they have none to give Of the earth she scarce affords me this retreat And of the Sea she refus'd me the succours I hoped from her when I sought my death in her bosome Alas Love what wouldst thou have mee doe doest thou let me live to have a perpetuall remembrance of the good I possessed and of that misery which followed it both of them alike troublesome to my memory I beleeve said Epicharis to Melintus this man is mad thus to speake to himselfe You know not answered hee to what a desperation may bring one and if you knew that which belong'd to a Lover you would soone excuse these extravagances Then they heard how hee went on But seeing I must suffer Courage let us againe put the iron into our wounds Cruell remembrances I provoke you to the end you might againe hurt mee with your most sensible prickings Sweet entertainment deare confidence agreeable pleasures heretofore the joyes now the executioners of my soule and you Oaths of love that ought to be inviolable come to me traytors and if there remaines any place in me to murther spare not your rudest blowes there teare me with rage despite and shame and make my sufferance as eternall as the love that causes it Epicharis admir'd the transport of this wretched man and the violence of his evill that forc'd him to despaire thus and a while after hee continued still It seemes I hope to ease my griefes by these unusefull words but how unpowerfull are they for such an excesse of evils and to what purpose serve these plaints when all things are deafe to me and though they were willing to give mee some remedy yet it is now impossible Ah ye gods What make you in heaven and how doe you cast off men to so many miseries to what end are our incense and our sacrifices seeing the most innocent are the most miserable for I will no longer beleeve you take care of us What visible assistance receive we of you What is become of the help of your Oracles for the distressed Are we more wicked than our fathers to whom you gave sometimes by your advice either a remedy or at least a comfort And thou holy Sibyl whose dwelling I take possession of if it be true that thou art no more but a voyce why dost thou not make it speake in my favour And why wilt thou not favour mee with some one of thy prophecies to teach mee what consolation or what end I ought to hope for Epicharis told Melintus shee had pitty upon that poore Lover and that she was resolv'd to counterfeit the Sibyl's voyce to make him have a purpose to goe to his kinred againe amongst whom he might more easily recover his wits Melintus approved her invention but she told him she must speake in verse and that she could not make any Melintus answered make haste and pronounce aloud the verses I shall tell you in your eare and say every one after me which she did thus with a very shrill voyce Lover of Constancy undaunted Thou shalt perceive thy griefes decay If thou return'st without delay Where thy birth to thee was granted The poore man having heard this voyce and making no doubt but it was the Sibyl's fell downe upon his knees and cried out Sacred Sibyl I give thee thankes for the pitty thou hast had of my miseries I shall follow thy advice for thy holy voyce hath beene ever true and if by thy helpe my life shall prove more fortunate thou from that time shalt be the onely Divinity I will adore Onely suffer me but this night to abide within thy grotte I would be glad to finde a little sleepe here which I have alwayes denied my self and to morrow will I begin my course to goe seeke out the effect of thy Oracle Melintus and Epicharis were pleas'd to see their device succeed so well but Palamede told them If you desire he should perfectly beleeve this Oracle he must not heare us speake nor finde us in this place tomorrow Epicharis said she was of opinion they were best goe out being not well resolv'd neither to sleepe in that den and that she desir'd rather to passe away the night in the shadow of some trees where she should be lesse afraid They tooke that resolution and when they were got out sate them downe under poplers where they tyed their horses too The next day Palamede went to the Port of Cajetta to see if some vessell were not to set saile that might take them in for Sicily Melintus and Eurylas saw passing by them a very pale man with a wandring looke but yet that seem'd of a good mine and to have some satisfaction in his minde although the estate wherein he was did not promise any great reason for it He came towards them from the â—â—otward and they tooke him to be the very same they had heard there to whom Epicharis had given the Oracle that might be the occasion of his contentment Eurylas had a good minde he would have stayed by them to have knowne his fortune but he went off farre away when he perceived them to avoyd the encountring of mankinde and though Eurylas call'd to speak with him yet he still continued his way in a very feeble pace What would you learne said Melintus to her the world is full of these Love-traverses he is so eager to depart because of your Oracle that there is no likelihood hee would stay his journey for us and if he be soundly in love he will never tell you his fortune for I judge of him by my selfe that in the like occasion would not publish my
ordained and Melintus being the last that ascended the scaffold to receive his of her hand the whole field resounded with the noyse of the people that had an incomparable affection towards him Ariana as she presented the prize said to him in a very low voyce Courage Melintus 't is time the world know what you are That intention was accompanied with the peoples at the same time for that Melintus turning his head while he was still upon the scaffold the most ancient of the Judges said to him Brave Melintus you promis'd the Syracusians to make this day the demand of that you desire of them they intreat you no longer to deferre this contentment of theirs that these pastimes might end with a thing that were just and very agreeable as some recompence to your vertue would be Palamede was remounted a horsebacke with those of his troop and barricadoed up the Judges with the rest of the people in such sort that it was impossible for Diocles to get out Then Melintus being by Ariana's side made a signe that he concurred with the desire of all and every one giving him silence he began thus SYracusians if I were not pressed by your desires I should but trouble my selfe in hindring your recreations having not a demand to make but an accusation Neverthelesse as I am forced by your selves and by my owne just resentment I declare that it is Diocles I accuse and who ought to depart from among the Iudges to be condemned by them after he hath beene convict of the crimes which hee can never cleare himselfe of Then there was heard a great noyse every one looking upon Diocles and he himselfe was in great trouble never expecting this businesse might concerne him afterward recollecting his spirits hee made an apologie that it was to surprize him and that this was no day for the accusation of Citizens yet for all this the people willing that Melintus should continue his appeale Diocles was constrain'd to retire from the rest of the Judges and to goe apart waiting Melintus his discourse whereupon he might frame his defence these contestations being appeased with the noyse Melintus went on thus THe gods are my witnesses if I love not my Countrey to that height as to have beene in paine to resolve of displeasing one of our Citizens by redemanding of him the estate that he detaines from me and I beleeve that if my honour had not bin mingled with my interest I had forsaken my pretentions and contented mee with the fortune I am already in But these very gods would judge mee unworthy of the favours they have given me if I should let them be lost and my silence would rather be thought cowardlinesse than patience There is none of you but wondred whence Diocles riches came not being a man that hath store of ships for trafficke or one that hath taken in farme any thing of the Publike which are the ordinary wayes from a meane estate to attain to great faculties fortune recompencing sometimes those that are wholly addicted to her The goods of the earth fall not from heaven in a moment not being perceiv'd their originall is not of that nature but being things that belong to the possession of men they arrive to no man without the order of succession or acquisition I cannot tell by what succession the goods of Hermocrates should fall to Diocles share and for his acquiring them that can he not justifie by any title But since it is necessary for knowing the secret of his affaires that I declare that of my life I will conceale nothing from those that expresse so much affection to me not doubting but when ye shall have understood the truth you will render justice to whom it is due Syracusians the greater part of you may remember Hermocrates who by a misfortune was banish'd this City he thought Diocles so much his friend as hee feared not to commit to his trust what-ever he possess'd within Syracuse and the rest of Sicily to have the government thereof untill his returne But Hermocrates having beene lost by an adventure that came not yet to light Diocles that heard no more newes of him was resolv'd with himselfe in the end to call his owne all that was Hermocrates his This usurpation had for ever beene hid but that another deposition was made to a friend more affectionate and more faithfull than he Diocles accompanied Hermocrates one dayes journey onely out of the City at what time hee went away but Telephus followed him as farre as the Port of Lylibeum where he was to embarque to passe unto Carthage and Euphrosyne that departed from Syracuse very big being at that place surpris'd with the paines of child-birth was brought to bed of a sonne whom Hermocrates desir'd Telephus to carry to Syracuse and nourish as his owne untill he should returne being not willing to expose him to the Sea Diocles was not ignorant of this truth for Hermocrates sent him the newes of it and so did Telephus and to both of them he gave answer of Congratulation with him I will not be afraid Syracusians to tell you that I am that sonne of Hermocrates whom you have hitherto thought the sonne of Telephus All the people clapt their hands for excesse of joy understanding this strange newes and Melintus continued on Hermocrates had alwayes lov'd you and you have favour'd the memory of him and I know that his very banishment was a testimony of your affection towards him Therefore I make no doubt at all but you receive these newes joyfully since you have both loved him and are inclin'd to love me also There remaines nothing for mee to doe but to give you the proofes of what I say which proofes will appeare so cleare that you shall neither make any doubt of my birth or Diocles's infidelity for besides that I could produce many witnesses Hermocrates as he spake to Telephus gave him a writing signed with his owne hand by which he acknowledg'd to have put into his hands a sonne of his that in the place of his heart was marked with another heart Telephus who was present gave that writing to the Judges and Melintus pursues Diocles himselfe making answer to Telephus wrote to him to Lylibeum that be rejoyc'd for the birth of this sonne of Hermocrates and that the heart hee was mark'd with signified that he should gaine the heart of every one and be a lover of his Countrey Telephus put that letter too into the Judges hands which being read aloud Melintus unbutton'd his doublet and discovering his stomacke he rais'd his voyce and said Now Diocles looke upon this heart that accuses thine of the basest perfidiousnesse that ever was 'T is this heart that reproaches thee for having fail'd of faith to thy friend besides I doe dot know whether to this crime thou hast not added yet a greater treachery than that by taking out of the world Hermocrates to be more secure of his estate Neverthelesse I will
running with some of his officers that assisted him and as soone as he was arrived Tygranes expired which put the King into a great sorrow But that which astonish'd all the world was that an old man of the chiefe about Archelous cast himselfe upon the dead body of Tygranes and embracing him melted into teares and filled all with his complaints The King demanded of him what cause he had so particularly to be tormented for that accident Ha! Sir said he let the cause of my extreme griefe serve for diminution unto yours I will tell you then that this same was my sonne whom I carried with the little Tygranes your nephew when you sent him by me in hostage to Rome Your nephew dyed at Sea and seeing that it was altogether important for the good of your affaires this child should goe to Rome because there remain'd not any of your bloud to be given in ostage I supposed my sonne in his place who was receiv'd for him and ever since he has beene bred as if he had beene the true Tygranes I beleeve I am not blameable for making this supposition having then had no other designe but the establishing of your estates and if since I have left every one in this error it was for feare the Romans might thinke you had beene author of the deceit but since I durst not render him any duty of a father during his life suffer me at least to give him this last testimony of my affection and thereupon he betook himselfe to embrace him and to mourne as before Every one was immoveable for astonishment but the King more than all who left not for all that to take care of Tygranes body and to comfort this good man whom he had alwayes proved most faithfull In the meane time they had arrested the two Armentans who after some torments confessed that they had beene sent by Araxes for the dispatching of Tygranes and me and how they were not able to devise a better meanes to compasse it I had Araxes then in horror for that he would have caused my assassinate after so many good offices he had received at my hands and I thanked the gods for preserving mee from that danger The King and the Princesse had now no other care but of me they constrain'd me to keep my bed because of my wound though it were a small one and I was not angry for it for being visited by the Princesse who said to me the first time she was alone with me Ah Eurymedon these are the presents of your good friend I answered her Madam a though his intention were most villanous I know not how to complaine of him for thinking to take me out the world he has taken him away too that would soone have filled me with miseries and rendred you unfortunate besides for being unworthy of you But since he is no more give me leave Madam my voyce failed me then whereat she smiled and having a while regarded me said to me You may go on I tooke up my speech but in trembling and said Give me leave Madam to hope My tongue was tyed the second time and she smiling againe said to me I will not have you make an end for I permit you to hope all things Ha! Madam said I how happy doe you make me but when you shall consider that I am a stranger and unknowne I may well feare my happinesse change not Your actions answered she make you to be knowne too wel what you are and as Tygranes actions could not be but base being no Prince so is it impossible but you must be a Prince considering you doe all the actions of one I replied My ambition never made me affect that title although I were brought up in the opinion of possessing it but yet I will retaine it for this since it is that alone that may encourage me to pretend any thing neare you though my extreme passion will take a great part in the enterprise of acquiring the honour of your good graces Shee said to me I will beleeve concerning your passion all you please to have me but I command you to take upon you from henceforth the quality of a Prince staying till you may verifie your birth for to strengthen in the meane time and bring to a good end the choyce I will one day make of you I tooke then one of her faire hands which shee let me kisse a long time and I could not let it goe not knowing in what other sort to expresse my joy to her But we were to separate now and shee went her way after having ordained mee so to order my affaires as I might know what I was I promis'd her to employ all my care in that re-search since from thence depended all the good fortune of my life The day after when I arose I went to see her to give her thanks for the cares she had taken of me At my first comming she came to meet me and told me she had strange newes for me heaven at length hath delivered us from Araxes A man of his came to let me know that he is dead of his wounds but before he died see what impression he was willing to leave with me of you Then she presented me a letter she had receiv'd from him where in I read these words Araxes to the Princesse Pasithea FAire Princesse I am going to dye for you and having alwayes had this designe I should not regret the quitting of my life if I lost it not by the hand of a traytor The care I have had to serve you continues even after my death and I advertise you that he you favour and who calls himselfe Prince is the most famous and infamous Pyrat that ever cours'd the Seas The hurts I have receiv'd of him have beene my recompence for having given him the happinesse to see you and you are not to expect but the like treason at his hands If you doe him justice you will rather let him feele the hand of a hangman than ever give him hope of the honour of touching yours Ha! the wicked rogue cryed I out after I had read it see what rage he is in The Princesse said to me If you had not acquainted mee with your life and I had not beene witnesse in what sort you are cause of his death he might peradventure make me beleeve something against the truth and besides I must not have knowne him for a villaine and an artificiall companion But as his other malices have turned to your advantage so shall this more augment the favour I will have to you The rest of our discourse passed in admiration of the strange fury of that Armenian and in common assurances of our affection Since that she could not so well hide the love shee bare mee but that the King perceiv'd it he express'd to her that it was not agreeable to him and in the end he entred into an extreme choler against her so farre as he
not beene for a mischance that befell Palamede for his foot slipt when he was going to redouble his blow and he was constrain'd to quit the bridle of the horse which carried away his Master so farre that he could never overtake him Palamede was forced to returne the way he came and having found his owne horse againe he rode backe into the City when the daylight began to appeare Being come to his lodging he told his adventure to Melintus and the rest and counselled them that without troubling themselves more about their wedding they should depart as suddenly as they could because Pisistratus having escaped out of his hands would not faile to goe to Maxentius if his wounds hindred him not This newes brought no small trouble againe to the contentments they expected Ariana then besought Melintus that he would no more desire to have their marriage perform'd till they were in a place full of repose and security and said he should first of all thinke upon his owne safety and afterward she would endevour to make his life as happy to him as she possibly could Melintus was constrain'd to obey her and Euphrosyne approving the wisdome of Ariana was of her opinion Instantly they all considered upon the retreat and they repented them for having sent away the vessell because they would have sav'd themselves more certainly by Sea although the way were longer neverthelesse they were resolv'd to goe by land and to put their baggage into Carts and they were perswaded that there being above fifty of their troop counting the traine they had nothing lesse than an Army would assault them So they encouraged themselves to depart that they might get out of Epire before Maxentius the Governour were advertis'd by Pisistratus and having bought as many horses as they needed they put into the way trusting in the gods and their owne courage This troop so faire and so persecuted of men had the good fortune to passe Epire in three or foure dayes journeyes and at last arriv'd in Thessaly without any adventure They wanted no diversions or pleasures having at least with them what they made most of for which they accounted themselves so happy as it seem'd they desir'd nothing but the continuation of the same kinde of life Yet Melintus gave not over his admiration that misery should persecute them with so much eagernesse and not permit them so much as one day of repose for to let them enjoy a blessing they desir'd and which ever escaped them when they thought to have attained it and upon this thought one day he made these verses FOrtune incessantly adverse Eternall source of miseries What mean'st thou by a new reverse To hasten our calamities O gods by what severe decree Are you inrag'd so suddenly When we beleev'd you were appeased For me I can no more complaine Thinke you to make me feare the paine Of death which you have me refused 'T is surely some immortall strife Whereby the Stars are all conspiring To vex the pleasures which my life Has beene too earnest in desiring These Stars in their malignant spight Some storme or other still excite Iust as I thinke at Port t' arrive Then forced by my innocence They mitigate their violence And dare not me of life deprive 'T is true the blessing I desire Transcends all mortall faculties And I preferre where I aspire To that of having sacrifice Heaven be not jealous any more If I see her and her adore For there my pleasures all abound Then temper thy excessive rage Since in this blessing I asswage My other vast desires around Tedious griefes before her presence Durst not make attempts upon me Fierce anger and impatience Fly from me when her face I see And then despaire as in disgrace Forsakes me too and giveth place To mirth and sports of innocence Love quitting then his envious spights Offers me all the deare delights Wherewith he ravishes our sense Alas one feare does onely hant me I speake too unadvisedly If heaven knowes how thus I vant me I shall have some new misery Conceale my soule this joy of thine That jealous eyes it may decline If long thou wilt thy blisse enjoy Or soone this heaven inexorable To render thee more miserable May take thy happinesse away Thus did Ariana's presence give a great ease to the love of Melintus but in all the troop there was not a more afflicted man than Palamede who regretted Epicharis and met not a passenger that he demanded not newes of her Besides he was in a kinde of constraint with Dicearchus not daring before him to let that affection appeare and so was depriv'd of this consolation at least in the power of free complaining Euphrosyne had no greater pleasure than to make Areas or some other relate the admirable life of her sonne and with how many marvellous qualities heaven had furnished him whereat she ceased not to give the gods thanks and esteeme her selfe very happy She had already passionate cares for the faire and vertuous Ariana whose respectuous duties she receiv'd with much contentment Lepantus and Cyllenia were no small ornament to this faire company but recreated them with their sweet humour and gentilenesse of wit and all of them together made up a troop of as pleasing travellers as could be found in all the world againe Already had they traversed all Thessaly and were approaching to Larissa which is neare the Sea when they entred a village where they saw all the inhabitants in great trouble They all ran up and downe divers wayes not able to finde security in their owne houses and not knowing to what part they should retire Melintus address'd him to some of these forlorne men and asked the cause of this affrighting and disorder They told him how a fearefull number of Scythians after having crossed Thracia and pass'd the Egean Sea was come to land in Thessaly and plonder'd all those coasts in drawing towards Larissa Melintus re-assur'd them the best he could and was of opinion they should all retire them into that Towne as speedily as they could that to be better receiv'd they were to carry with them the most of the Corne and other victuals they had he promis'd he would serve them for a leader and prayed them to have no feare This resolution being taken among them he rallied all those that were scatter'd and having made them load into Carts all the provisions they had he armed the strongest of them who made three hundred men besides those were with him then he appointed to set a good watch all the night and the next day in the morning he disposed the old people with the women and baggage in the middle and put those that might serve to fight part of them in the head part on the flanks and the rest in the rere He gave the vantgard to be led by Lepantus the rere-ward to Palamede and reserv'd to himselfe the grosse for to have an eye over all Hee would have given the command
of this accident arose to goe comfort Ariana and after having spent some time in that duty he recommended it to the sage Lepantus with the guard of what they had both most deare in the City while he himselfe thought of nothing but fighting He parted before day to goe finde Palamede whom at the same time he told very sad newes learning him the death of Dicearchus and other as agreeable relating how Epicharis was his sister This intelligence made him lose the griefe for his uncles death and he was so ravish'd with knowing this good fortune for his deare Epicharis wherein he had a great participation that he embrac'd Melintus a thousand times and prayed him to promise him she might be his wife Melintus esteem'd himselfe very happy for having wherewith to acquit himselfe towards him for the assistance he had given him besides Ariana and after some other discourse upon this rejoycing and some regrets for Epicharis losse they gave over that entertainment to think of araying their troops in good order and preparing themselves that day to atchieve actions worthy the great reputation they had acquired ARIANA. The sixth Booke ALready had the Scouts beene sent from all parts to know what countenance the enemy held and they reported how the Scythians look'd as if they expected the combat for not daring to scatter any more into severall troops to goe a foraging because the Romans were now a body of an army they had gather'd all their forces together which appear'd to be of about forty thousand foot without any horse at all The Towne of Larissa is situate betweene two hills the valley whereof inlarging it selfe by degrees towards the Sea ends at last in a spacious campagnia This situation afforded the commodity of chusing the just extent that was necessary to containe the front of an Army and for this cause after they had taken up that space they were resolv'd to goe assaile their enemies by some skirmishes of horse to draw them thiâ—her in feining a flight to the end they might afterwards have such advantage of place to fight in as they desir'd Alcydamas and Polydore were that day armed with the rich Armes those of Larissa had presented them with and had not forgot to dresse them in rich skarfes and to be cover'd with plumes that they might be the more remarkable to those they commanded and in an estate worthy of the brave actions they desir'd to performe The Army presently tooke up the place that was destin'd for the fight and the troops being embattell'd the Chiefs began to walke about the ranks to encourage their souldiers The valiant Alcydamas seem'd that day higher than usually and had a certaine sparkling in his eyes and splendour upon his face that made him appeare like unto some god descended from heaven for the succours of Greece and the Roman Empire They saw waving his white and carnation plumes over the ranks he exceeded by the head and his mine alone seem'd to inspire a part of his great courage into those that were ready to fight under his command At length willing to speake to his men before sending out a party to the skirmish he commanded silence and with an agreeable and assured voyce spake thus to them FEllow Souldiers if I speake to you 't is not that I doubt of your courage nor that I desire to provoke it more but rather to expresse to you the contentment I receive in seeing my selfe assisted with so generous troops I hope this day to make the Romans confesse what their good fortune is to have the Thessalians for guards to the limits of their Empire for I am assured seeing the ardour of fighting which appeares on your faces they will be beholding to us for this dayes victory Remember you that we are in that Thessaly which hath alwayes beene fatall for great exploits of warre which hath seene heretofore decided the quarrell for the Empire of the Vniverse betweene two of the greatest Captaines of the world Let us shew as much valour this day as those famous warriers did in fighting for causes farre more just than theirs They ruin'd the world to remaine Masters of it but your fight is to preserve your Countrey from the fury of Barbarians They were not moved but by a violent ambition but you are animated with a generous piety desirous to conserve your Altars your parents and your dearest Countrey Let us goe then fellowes in Armes let us on to goe swim in the rivers of bloud we shall make these bruitish Nations shed whose number will but serve to augment our trophees and our glory Let us make them feele with our swords a regret for having dared to assault so warlike a province Follow me companions But what is this You will be gone already I will follow you then and labour by imitating you to serve the valiant Thessalians in the acquisition of an immortall glory When Alcydamas had thus spoken all his company lift up their swords on high to expresse to him the desire they had he should lead them on to the combat presently he commanded some of his troops to goe charge the Scythians and feine by little and little to flye that they might draw them to the place where they were The Barbarians received them with great cries and seeing they were so few a number pursued them by shot of arrowes with all the body of their Army that approached the Romans within shot Then Maxentius sent to command Alcydamas and Polydore to goe charge them to the end the Barbarians should not have the honour of the first chocque They both parted in the head of their troops and with such fury rushed upon the Scythians that they brake through the two wings of their Battalion which they had formed in the figure of a Crescent Alcydamas having foreseene that it was necessary for him to make a great slaughter had provided a broad sword of fine mettall that no kinde of Armes was able to resist so as being manag'd by a strong and able arme it cut off all it reached and the field was spread all over with heads armes legs and trunked bodies Polydore also on his side gave no little proofes of his valour and the Thessalians courageously followed so valiant Leaders and cut in peeces whatsoever presented it selfe before them The Romans seeing so happy a beginning avanc'd their point and went to set upon that part of the Scythians Army that was opposite to them for to second the happy successe of the horse Alcydamas in the meane time continued his great blowes and put all the encountred either to the edge of the sword or into disorder in the end with the assistance of his companions he was come to the middest of the enemies left wing from whence he began to perceive somewhat a farre off a troop of Scythians that stood close round about one that surpassed them by the head and had all the marks of being their King There it was he set
out upon them Then they made no doubt at all but I was a goddesse thinking the arrow I had shot had bin chang'd into a Serpent to devoure them They cast themselves at my feet to adore me and exprest to me in their language which I understood not how they desir'd I should pardon them and keepe the Serpent from hurting them It happened by chance that the Serpent went away from them at the same time to hide her selfe in the hedges they signified by their actions how much beholding to me they were But when I would make use of this opinion I had produced in them of my being a goddesse to get away from them I found it no easie businesse for they came round about me upon their knees and prayed me not to forsake them On the other side I was rather willing to stay with them that were possest with this errour than fall into the hands of some others who might not be so mistaken as they were So I was resolv'd because I could doe no other to goe along with them and serve my selfe of their company for my defence against others I went in a stately pace and one while I threatned them with my bow another while I look'd with a more pleasing face upon them to give them hope of my assistance At last they brought me into a tent and presently made it be noysed among the Scythians that they had found the goddesse tutelary of Greece because I saw many of them come and open the tent borders and to looke upon me in great admiration I was much troubled how to demeane my selfe that they might not be disabused and fearing that having knowne me for one that had abus'd them they would make me suffer many indignities I resolv'd with my selfe since I could not escape from them to dye by hunger and this resolution serv'd to confirme their opinion the more for still refusing them when they offered me any thing to eat they beleev'd I had no need of the ordinary sustenance of mans life and I was in hope to dye in this fashion when they never perceived any thing So I passed away the night and yesterday too without taking any nourishment but in the evening seeing how they drank more than ordinary I had some hope to save my selfe I provok'd them my selfe to drinke and be merry and in the end they were so drunke that of seven or eight that were in the tent there were but two of them yet awake though their eyes shewed they would soone be laid upon the ground with their fellowes Then I still offer'd them wine which they receiv'd with respect being very proud I beleeve to have a goddesse their Cup-bearer and a while after they fell backward as well as the rest So was I left alone in that tent with open eyes and I resolv'd to save my selfe but being as much pressed with hunger as desire to be gone I confesse I tooke some peeces of bread and meat before I went out and as I made my escape I could not refraine from putting to my mouth instantly what provision I had But I was no sooner twenty paces out of the Camp but I heard Trumpets sounding on all sides I was affrighted at them and knew not if I should goe forward or else returne into the Campe but choosing all sorts of ill adventures rather than to come among the Barbarians againe I went onward and found a cave whereinto I had the assurance to enter having the bow in my hand and the quiver on my shoulders with an arrow in readinesse to defend me either against men or beasts I kept close a while within this place but hearing so much noyse I was curious to see what the matter was and went up to the top of the cave from whence I perceiv'd all the Scythians running away and so terrible a fray amongst them as they thought themselves pursued by those very men that fled I rejoyc'd at their defeat with a conceit I had that Alcydamas was chiefe in so bold an enterprize I spent above three houres in considering that sight which was not unpleasing to me and I began to wonder that all the field over there appear'd not a Scythian any more for now the day began to breake I was lifting up my hands to heaven for so great a victory acquired by the Greeks when I heard a noyse and perceiv'd two Barbarians that sought where to save themselves I was afraid they would have seene me and done me some mischiefe so as I entred the cave againe and a little while after perceived them comming into the same place with an intention to hide themselves there Then being unable to avoyd their finding me if they came any further I resolved because I saw them and they were not aware of me to shoot my arrowes and drive them away by striking a terror into them The first strucke one of them into the throat and laid him dead upon the earth the other Scythian hearing it whizze and beleeving some enemies were hidden there within began to flye His cowardise made me courageous and I felt my selfe carried away with a certaine ardour of glory to have the honour of killing the last Scythian So I set my selfe to pursue him with shot of arrowes and in the chace I was so happy as to incounter you And this my deare Alcydamas continued Ariana hath beene my fortune since I lost you whereby you could neither finde me nor I heare you when you called me in the Campe and I doubt not but you have had feare enough for my sake and that your enterprise was attempted onely for my deliverance Then they embrac'd againe and Amyntas related to the faire Ariana what he had heard of the two victories of Alcydamas in the day of the battell the death of the King of the Scythians by his hand his regrets afterwards for having lost her and the strange resolution he tooke with five hundred men to fight with the rest of the Barbarians Army that he might deliver her before they departed When they recited their adventures together the Thessalians that were scattered on all sides rallied in that place when they knew their Captaine to be there and they told him there was not a Scythian left alive in all the coast and that the few that remain'd had fled gained the plaine Sea in their shipping These Gentlemen were so well pleased at this glorious victory that they could not containe their joy for never did so few men defeat so great a number and Alcydamas having seene some of them too busie in pillaging prayed them to leave the booty because they were rich enough in honour but to make it appeare at their returne into the Towne how great a defeat was given and how many men they alone had slaine that they would load themselves with as many bows as each of them could beare to astonish Arimin the people with these very spoyles in their entry Every one
agreed to his desire and Ariana being set upon Arcas horse who went by her side Alcydamas gave order they should all march three by three bearing the bundles of bowes upon their shoulders and he put himselfe into a ranke in the middest and went beside the faire Ariana who triumphed also over the Scythians with bow in her hand and quiver in a skarfe Alcydamas was ravished for having found her and to see her now in this habit of a souldier which added a majestuous fiercenesse to so many graces she had before and augmented the affection of Alcydamas his valour even falling in love with Ariana's and in this equipage they marched all towards the Towne In the meane time they were in a great fight within Larissa for Arimin having sent to know about midnight if the supply were entred word was brought him that not a man appear'd but contrarily that Alcydamas was gone out with certaine troops he had drawne out of all the companies This amaz'd him not being able to imagine what Alcydamas project was and having let some houres more passe without receiving any message from Alcydamas they inform'd him at length that without doubt he was gone to save a Maid he loved whom the Scythians stole away when they were in the Towne because he had done nothing all day but mourne for her after having search'd all places Arimin could not then perswade himselfe that Alcydamas with so few men hoped to make his party good against all the Scythians but he beleev'd that to redeeme his Mistresse he would deliver to the Barbarians the best of his men he brought them for that purpose wherewith the Towne being weakned he might easily also bring the Scythian in to oblige them still more to render him that Maid He sent in all haste for Polydore who was in bed but when he was up and gone to him Arimin told him that Alcydamas was a traytor and a villaine and that he should answer for him Polydore after he was made acquainted with what had hapned assured Arimin that Alcydamas was no traytor that peradventure he might have attempted something out of despaire because the Scythians carried away Ariana but he was very certaine he would not lose those he tooke with him much lesse sell them whereof he gave him his owne life for caution Arimin caused Polydore to be surely guarded and not fully satisfied for what he had told him went to visit all the Towne-guards and the people were left in great feare not having above three or foure thousand men remaining to make resistance against so many enemies The Ports were therefore guarded with extraordinary care when Alcydamas with his troop demanded entrance They went to advertise Arimin that he was at the gates with those that went out with him and requir'd to be let in This newes restor'd the spirits of Arimin who for all that fearing a surprise commanded they should not suffer them to enter but one after another And this order serv'd to make more glory and praise be given Alcydamas for his souldiers entring thus separately charged with bowes the people gave acclamations to each of them as he came in and when they were all within the Towne they put themselves into the same order they march'd in before and went to the Temple to thanke the gods for so renowned a victory All the inhabitants for joy lift up their hands to heaven to see so many spoyles and so few persons to beare them away and they were in a wonder to behold by Alcydamas side that young Warrioresse who seemed to have a great share in this victory and to attract the eyes and vowes of all the world After Alcydamas had thanked the gods for the safety of Ariana and the victory they had given him he prayed Amyntas to conduct Ariana to their lodging and gave Arcas charge to accompany them but he with the rest of his troop went to finde Arimin He besought him to excuse the transport of his affection which had obliged him to abuse him and goe forth without his leave to deliver Ariana out of the Scythians hands and told him how the victory he had gained was so great that when he knew the truth of it hee hoped he would easily forget a fault that had beene followed by so happy a successe and freed all Greece of so many enemies Arimin in admiration of so wonderfull an effect though it had cost him many a feare was constrain'd to honour Alcydamas and smother all resentment he might have at his disobedience and when they had a long time discoursed after what manner the combat passed he suffered him to retire to his rest and gave Polydore his enlargement When they were come to their lodging Alcydamas was constrain'd to betake him to his bed and repose himselfe after so many combats cares and watchings Ariana on the other side was receiv'd with a thousand joyes by Euphrosyne and her deare Cyllenia who had taken no rest since her carrying away as well for the regret of her losse as the danger her belov'd Lepantus was in because of his wounds which now began to be in better estate Euphrosyne full of contentment to see them againe ceased not to take care one while of her sonne another while of Ariana and visiting them severally at their Chambers she obliged them to sleepe though it were then but mid-day A little while after Polydore and Amyntas hearing a rumour in the street look'd out at the window and spied a distressed Maid that certaine souldiers would have taken against whom an old man and a youth defended themselves with more courage than force They presently went downe to hinder that un worthy violence and labour'd by words to make those souldiers retire then seeing they would doe nothing by entreaty but continued to presse the old man and the youth they were forced to take their parts and defend them two other souldiers seeing this supply joyned them to the first but in a short time Polydore and Amyntas killed three of them and the rest tooke their heeles Then they desir'd to see safely bestowed those that had thus beene pursued and going towards the young man that so courageously had defended himselfe Polydore was advis'd that it was his deare Epicharis He embrac'd her in his armes full of joy to see her againe and for having secur'd her from that danger Amyntas had as much cause to rejoyce also seeing she that Epicharis defended was the faire Erycina his Mistresse and the old man was Telephus Erycina's father Embracements followed their admiration for so happily encountring one another some to be defended others to have succoured them and all of them having great impatiency to know how they were met together entred into the house where Polydore receiving her he had so much regretted Faire and valiant Epicharis sayes hee to her for the happinesse you give me in seeing you againe I will give you newes that will be very welcome to you but promise
Nicopolis I thanked him and taking my leave put my selfe in the company of some that were going to Rome We arriv'd there in a small time and I went to lodge at Maximus his who receiv'd me with many testimonies of affection and told me he had great obligations to Melintus for the remembrance he kept of him and about evening he shewed me the rich presents he had sent him which he said he receiv'd onely to keepe them as deare pledges of his friendship I beleev'd that he being lov'd of the powerfullest of Rome I might by his meanes enter into their acquaintance and when we were alone I began to tell him how many wayes Nero had persecuted us At first he onely pittied our case afterwards by little and little I so wrought with him that he discover'd himselfe and confessed to me the world would be much at ease to be deliver'd of so cruell a Prince Then I feined not to tell him my designe and that I should want no courage for an enterprise so profitable to all the earth He fortified me as well as he could in that resolution and told me he would give me accesse to persons by whose intermission he beleev'd my desire might succeed and because at the same time it was considerable to know who should be successour to the Empire he said he knew none more fit for it than Piso both for Nobility and all other qualities requisite and how that choyce would be approved of the Senate of the people and of the legions I told him all the discourse I had with Proculus and that it should not be laid to his charge that Nero receiv'd not punishment due to his crimes if he might be drawne towards Misena Maximus told me that indeed Nero went often towards Baiae and Puteoli which were in those quarters to delight himselfe upon the Sea and many times to Piso's house at Baiae and much opportunity might there be found to kill him but that hee knew Proeulus and that hee was not a man to be trusted for being both a great talker and of a turbulent and volaticke spirit The day after he brought me to the speech of two or three Senators and of some Roman Knights who received me as if I had beene sent from heaven to assemble what remain'd of vertuous and courageous men and by a generous violence to free the world of tyranny I was well pleas'd to see so happy a beginning but I encountred Proculus in the City who had followed me and sought me all about being no longer able to live without me as he said After having express'd much joy to see me he ask'd mee if I had done any thing in the affaire we were plotting together I was very much troubled how I should carry my selfe to this man that I might neither discontent him nor yet give him part in my secret for following the advice of Maximus I resolv'd in the end to tell him I had quitted the designe we had taken together and that the difficulties had deterr'd me He would have re-assur'd mee to the pursuit of the enterprise but I told him I would thinke no more of it After some other discourse he oblig'd me to tell him where I lodged and afterwards he came very often to visit me at Maximus his but I ever made him be answered that I was not there to avoyd any further engaging my selfe with him In the meane time within three or foure dayes I had drawne to my party more than twenty persons of authority and at last they brought me to Piso who after many kindnesses prayed me to have a good courage and promis'd me great rewards when he came to the Empire Piso was a friend to Seneca and Lucan for Seneca he durst not speake of this conspiracy to him redoubting his too severe wisdome but having gained Lucan Seneca's Nephew he prayed him to mention it to his uncle for to sound him that if he disapprov'd the designe he might at least be retain'd from revealing it by the consideration of his Nephew I met by chance at Lucan's when Seneca came to see him for I went ordinarily to his house because Attila his mother was of the conjuration and for the honour of my sex I was wel content to be often with her that I might not seeme a sole practitioner of men Lucan being desirous I should make report unto Piso in what manner he had spoken to Seneca shut mee up in a Cabinet where I could heare what they said and I was so extremely delighted at this incounter for having an occasion to heare the discourse of that great Philosopher whose vertue and learning were of so high a reputation When they were alone in the Chamber they spake at first of divers indifferent things and Lucan at length putting him upon the discourse of affaires and of the life of Nero Nephew said he I can informe you of nothing Since the Emperour as you know would not suffer me to retire into the Countrey I have found meanes to enjoy solitude even in Rome it selfe and not daring to remove my selfe from affaires I have remov'd them from me not suffering them to approach me any more Lucan answered him Take heed Nero imagines not a disliking you have to his actions in that you avoyd to be a witnesse of them and if he takes this opinion once he that feared not to put his mother his brother and his wife to death will never be afraid to have his Preceptor dye Ah! my nephew replied Seneca doe you beleeve I can be troubled with this feare to what end serv'd my continuall study of Philosophy if it learn'd me not to dye I give not up my selfe to wisdome for acquiring repose but I seeke repose to acquire wisdome I had much rather he should make me dye than oblige me to participate his crimes If he takes me out of the world I shall receive death as a benefit in stead of the retreat I desired and he shall give me without thinking the same thing he refus'd me These be speeches return'd Lucan worthy of your selfe but should you not expresse more vertue yet to succour the dying Common-wealth than not to feare dying your selfe If she reaches out her armes to be sustained by you when she is ready to fall will you refuse to lend her your hand and shall your Philosophy warrant you from the reproaches of having abandon'd her If this succours replied Seneca might be given without the death of him I have brought up and who holds the place of a sonne with me I call the gods to witnesse I would willingly employ this despicable life of mine for the universall safety but what vertue is there so severe to oblige me to kill my Nurse-childe and benefactor and what wisdome teacheth ingratitude and parricide Truly I excuse in you this affection for the Re-publike I protest if I were not Seneca I should be the first man to give Nero his death So many crimes and so