expecting but that light Whose near approach must to eternal Night Their last Conductor be a sudden still And doleful silence such as oft doth fill The Room where sick men slumber when their Friends Stand weeping by to Contemplation bends Their busie thoughts within each troubl'd breast Being to leave the Mansion she 'd possest So long yet with so short a warning all Her Faculties the frighted Soul did call Forth of the Bosome of those Causes in Whose form they 'd fetterd to their Crasis been To joyn those powers yet strong in living breath For her assistance in the grasp of death The whispering Trumpet having cal'd them by Such sharp Notes as when powerful Foes are nigh Retreating Parties use all swiftly rise From bended Knees and the last Sacrifice They ere expect to pay to Heaven untill Their Souls last gasp the vocal Orgains fill Concluded was the last sad interview The Prince was marcht Pharonnida with-drew And now all from the open'd Ports were in A swift March sallying had their speed not been Thus swiftlier stopt those scatterd horse that fled The Battel to th' Epirotes Court had sped So well in their Embassage that the Prince Whom the least negligence might now convince Of want of love proud of so fair a chance To shew's Affection swiftly doth advance With a vast Army tow'rd them but the fear Prevailing danger ere their strength come near To their necessitated Friends might force Them to unworthy Articles some horse Selected are whose swifter speed might by A desperate charge broke through their Foes supply Their fainting friends the much desir'd Command Of these few men committed to the â—and Of brave Argalia nere more blest then now In serving the fair Princess did allow His Sword so fair a field to write the story Of Honour in that his unblasted Glory Beyoâ—d this day shall live out-live the reach Of long-armd Envy and those weake Souls teach That fear the frowns of Fate in spight of all Heroick Vertue sits too high to fall With the dayes close they take their March and ere The silver Morning on her brow did bear The burnisht guilt o th' Suns warm Rayes arrive In view o th' place when Fortune that did strive To crown their hopes had wrapt the earth in thick And heavy mists the sluggish Morning sick Of Midnight surfeiâ—s from her dewy bed Pale and discolourd Rose This Curtain spread To vail their plot in they assault their Foes Which when surpriz'd could not themselves dispose Fit for resistance but whilst some did flie From the distracting danger others die To their neglect a Sacrifice the swift Alarm like a rude winds circling drift Hurries confusion through the field and shook The trembling Soldier some unclad forsook Their half-fir'd Cabbens deaths large gripe did take Whole troops that Destiny ordaind to wake No more till Dooms-day and in 's march prevents Th' unition of unrallied Regiments This frighted Language of Confusion heard By those o th' Castle which were now prepard For their last desperate Sally switly draws Them to assist their friends and though the cause Being yet unknown was only thought to be Some private Jar grown to a Mutiny Or else the noise the Enemy had made When all their force was drawing to invade Them in their works howe're they stand not to Consult with reason but as striving who Shall first encounter death each severall hand Sought for his own from those that did withstand His rage-directed strength their Cannon in A Funeral Peal went off whose steam had been Their Covert to the Camp where finding such A wild confusion they assisted much The fortune of the day which now was grown Indubitable they might call their own A glorious Conquest the thick sulphry cloud Whose dismal shade did that destruction shroud Rent with those thunder-claps dissolv'd into A shower of blood what she vouchsaft to do Fortune lends light to shew them having left Their Camp whilst darkness did protect a Theft That only stole dishonour which they were Now in an open flight inforc'd to bear They see Almanzors broken troops ore-spread The neighbouring fields those clouds of men that fled Being pursu'd by Companies so smal That they appeard but like those drops that fall After a storm Yet as the labouring Hart Long struggles for that life which doth depart From the less noble Members to lend aid To her in deaths pale Conflict having stayd Some of his best Commanders hoping by Their valour to recal the rest with high Undaunted force Almanzor doth oppose His Enemies pursuit till like t' inclose Him in disdaining the reproachful end He must expect no longer stands t' attend The glimering light of hope the field he leaves To conquering Argalia but deceives Him of himself the prize most sought for which When lost beyond recovery he grown rich In shining honour that like Sun-beams plac'd Within a field of gules by being defac'd Had beautifi'd his Armour that dark mist Which did at first such contradictions twist That he both curst and blest it one cause did Aide his design the other cause it hid His Heaven of Beauty in their dewy Bed Had left the blushing Roses and was fled Upon the Wings of th' wind With wonder now Discoverd colours taught each party how To know their Friends The royal Standard in The Princes party had disvellopt been By that fair signal to discover who Was present there but ere Argalia to That place arriv'd Pharonnida who had Whilst desperation all her beauties clad In the pale Robes of fear heard all the loud Shock of the Conflict but until the Cloud Remov'd his fatal Curtain never knew How near the hour of her delivery drew That being dissolv'd through those which grief had rais'd In her fair Eyes did see and seeing praised Just Heaven which sent it each of those that Fought for her she commends but wonders at Although unknown the lightning valour she Saw in Argalia whilst with just rage he Unravels Natures workmanship a rent Which were a sin if not a punishment And from the slender web of life did send Forth Rebels Souls fast as each busie Fiend That wait their fals transport them fain she would Ere known conceit 't were he but how he should Come there and so attended did exceed Imagination Thus whilst her hopes feed On strange desires being come near unto The Coach wherein she sate prepard to do His Loves Oblations he that Face disarms Which when beheld by those attractive charms VVithin the center of her best desires Contracted all her hopes whose life expires Soon as they 'r crownd with wisht success too great A distance parts them yet she leaves her seat And flies to his Imbraces but conceald Her passion in his Merit being reveald To him alone whose better judgment knew That in those Spirit-breathing beams that flâ—w Through the fair Casements of her Eyes did move The secret Language of an ardent love This conflict of her passions which had been
and there Lurk in imperfect Forms his Breast doth bear Some Seeds of Goodness which the Soil too hot With rank Ambition doth in ripening rot Yet though from those that praise humilitie He merits not a dreaded power which he Far more applauds rais'd on the Wings of 's own Experienc'd Valour hath so long been known His Foes pale terrour that 't is fear'd he bends That Engine to the ruine of his friends Whose equall Merits claim as much of Fame As e're was due to proud Almanzors Name Yet what may raise more strong desires to see Her Court then Valors wisht societie Is one unusuall Custome which the love Of her kind Father hath so far above All past Examples rais'd that for the time He here resides no Cause although a Crime Which death attends but is by her alone Both heard and judg'd he seeming to unthrone His active power whilst Justice doth invest His beauteous Daughter which to the opprest Whose hopes even shrunk into despair hath in That harsh extream their safe Asilum bin So that even those that fear'd the ' vent could now Mix their desires the Custome would allow Her Reign a longer date But that I may Illustrate this by a more full survay Of her excelling Vertues no pretence Of harsh imployment shall command you hence â—â—ll you have been Spectators of that Court Whose Glories are too spatious for Report The noble Youths beholding such a flame Of Vertue shewn them through the Glass of Fame First gaze with wonder on it which ascends Into desire a Rivolet which ends Not till its swelling streams had drawn them through All weak excuses and engag'd them to Attend on Ariamnes when to show How much mans vain Intentions fall below Mysterious Fate even in the height of all Their full Resolves her Countermands thus call Back their Intentions by a Summons that Th' uncertain World hath often trembled at The late recoverd Aphron whether by Too swift a Cure Lifes springs being rais'd too high â—lowd to a dangerous Plethora or where Some Cause occult the Humours did prepare For that malignant Ill did whilst he lay In tedious expectation of the day Shook with a shievering numness first complain Through all his Limbs of a diffusive pain Which searching each to find the fittest part For its Contagion on the labouring heart Fixes at length which being with grief opprest By the extended Artries to the rest â—th ' body sends its flames the poysond blood Through every Vein streams in a burning flood â—is Liver broyls and his scortch'd stomach turns The Chile to Cinders in each cold Cell burns The humid Brains A violent Earthquake shakes The crackling Nerves Sleeps balmy Daw forsakes The shrivel'd Obticks in which trembling fits ' Mongst tortur'd Sences troubled Reason sits So long opprest with Passion till at length Her feeble Mansion batter'd by the strength Of a Disease she leaves to entertain The wild Chymera's of a sickly Brain And what must yet to 's Friends Affliction add More weights of grief their courteous hast which had Stayed to the latest step of time must now Comply with those Commanders which could allow No more delays and leave Argalia to Be the sole Mourner for his Friend which drew As far as humane Art could guess so neer His end that life did only now appear In thick short sobs those frequent summons that Souls oft forsake their ruin'd Mansions at The end of the first Canto PHARONNIDA The first Book CANTO THE SECOND The ARGUMENT III. Whilst here Argalia in a calm Retreat Allays the sorrow felt for 's sickly Friend Two blooming Virgins neer him take their Seat Whose harmless Mirth soon finds a hapless end IV. The fairest seiz'd on and near ruin'd by Impeteouâ— Lust had not Andremon's speed Protected her till from his fall drawn nigh The same sad Fate the brave Argalia freed THat sad slow hour which Art even thought his last With the sharp Feav'rs Paroxisme past Sick Aphron's Spirits to a cool reareat Beneath a slumber Lifes remotest seat Was gently stoln which did so long endure Till in that opiate quencht the Callenture Decayed forsakes him leaving nought behind But such faint symptomes as from â—ime might find An easie Cure which though no perfect end Is lent to th' care of his indulgent Friend Yet gives him so much liberty that now Fear dares without his friendships breach allow Sometime to leave him slumbring whiâ—st that he Contemplates Natures fresh variety The full blown beauties of the Spring were not By Summer Sun-burnt yet though Phoebus shot His Rays from Cancer when prepard t' expand Imprisond thoughts from Objects near at hand To ey-shot Rovers freed Argalia takes A Noon-tide walk through a fair glade that makes Her aged Ornaments their stubborn head Fold into verdant Curtains which she spread In cooling shadows o're the bottoms where A chrystal stream unfetterd by the care Of nicer Art in her own Channel played With the embracing Banks untill betrayed Into a neighbouring Lake whose spatious Womb Lookt at that distance like a chrystal Tomb Fram'd to inter the Nayades Not far From hence an Oak whose limbs defensive War ' Gainst all the Winds a hundred Winters knew Stoutly maintaind on a smal rising grew Under whose shadow whilst Argalia lies This Object tempts his Soul into his Eyes A pair of Virgins fairer then the Spring Fresher then Dews that ere the glad Birds sing The Mornings Carrols drop with such a pace As in each act shewd an unstudied grace Crossing the Neighbouring Plain were now so near Argalia drew that what did first appear But the neglected Object of his Ey More strictly viewd cals Fansie to comply With so much love that though no wilder fire Ere scortcht his breast he here learnt to admire Loves first of symptomes To a shady seat Near that which he had made his cool retreat Being come beneath a spreading Hawthorn they Seating themselves the sliding hours betray From their short lives by such discourse as might Have made even time if young lament his flight Retir'd Argalia at the sight of these Though no obsceaner vanity did please His Eyes then Anch'rites are possest with when Numbring their Beads or from a sacred Pen Distilling Heavens blest Oracles yet he Wondring to find such sweet Civility Mixt with that places rudeness long beholds That lovely pair whose every act unfolds Such linkt affections as wise nature weaves In dearest Sisters but their form bereaves That thought ere featherd with belief although To admitation beauty did bestow Her gifts on both she had those darlings drest In various colours what could be exprest By Objects fair as new created light By Roseall mixtures with immaculate white By Eyes that emblemd Heavens pure Azure in The youngest Nymph Florenza there was seen To which she adds Behaviour far more free Although restraind to strictest modesty Then the more sad Caâ—ina who if there Were different years in that else equal Paire Something the Elder seemd her
so near As to behold stopt with a reverend fear Least this intrusion on her Privacies Might ruffle Passion which now floating lies In a calm stream of thoughts he staies till she By her Commâ—nds gave fresh activity To his desires then with a lowly grace Yet such to which Prides haughty Sons gave place For Native sweetness he on 's knee presents A Packet from her Father whose Contents If Love can groan beneath a greater Curse Then Desperation made her sufferings worse Then fear could represent them 't was exprest In Language that not wholly did request Nor yet command consent only declare His royal Will and the paternal Care He bore his Kingdomes safety which could be By nought confirm'd more then Afinity With the Laconian Prince whose big fame stood Exalted in a spatious Sea of blood On Honours highest Pyramid his hand Had made the triple headed spot of Land One of her stately Promontories bow Beneath his Sword and with his Scepter now He at the other reaches which if Love But gently smile on 's new-born hopes and prove Propitious as the God of War his Fate Câ—imbs equal with his wishes but too late That slow-pac'd Soldier bent his Forces to Storm that fair Virgin Cittadell which knew Ere his pretences could a Parlee call Beneath what force that royal Fort must fall Inclos'd within this rough Lords Leâ—ters â—he Receiv'd his Picture which inform'd her be Wanted dissimulation that worst part Oâ— Courtship â—o put Complements of Art On his Effigies his stern Brow far more Glorying i th' Scars then in the Crown he wore His active Youth made him Retainer to The Court of Mars something too long to sue For entrance into Love's like Mornings clad In griesl'd Frosts ere plump-cheek'd Autume had Shâ—rn the Glebs golden Locks some silver hairs Mixt with his black appeard his Age dispairs Not of a hopeful Heir nor could his Youth Promise much more the venerable truth Of glorious Victories that stuck his Name For Ornament i th' Frontispiece of Fame Together with his Native greatness were His Orators to plead for Love but where Youth Beauty Valor and a Soul as brave Though not known great as his before had gave Loves pleasing wounds Fortunes neglected gain In fresh assaults but spends her strength in vain With as much ease as Souls when ripen'd by A wel-spent life hast to eternity She had sustaind this harsh encounter though Backt with her Fathers threats did it not shew More dreadful yet in a command which must Call her Argalia from his glorious trust Her Guardian to a separation in An Embassie to him whose hopes had been Her new created fears which sentence read By the wise Lady though her passions bred A sudden tumult yet her reason staies The Torrent till Argalia who obaies The strictest limits of observance to Her he adornd being reverently withdrew Inlarg'd her sorrow in so loud a tone That ere he 's through the winding Laberynth gone So far but that he could distinctly hear Her sad Complaints they thus assault his Ear Unhappy Soul born only to infuse Pearls of delight with Vinegar and lose Content for Honour it 's a sin to be Born high that robs me of my liberty Or is 't the curse of greatness to behold Vertue through such false Opticks as unfold No splendor less from equal Orbs they shine What Heaven made free ambitious men confine In regular degrees poor Love must dwel Within no Climate but what 's parallel Unto our honourd births the envied Fare Of Princes oft these burthens find from state When lowly Swains knowing no Parents voice A Negative make a free happy choice And here she sigh'd then with some drops diâ—tild From Loves most soveraign Elixar fil'd The chrystal Fountains of her eyes which ere Dropt down she thus recals again but nere Ne're my Argalia shall these fears destroy My hopes of thee Heaven let me but enjoy So much of all those blessings which their Birth Can take from frail Mortality and Earth Contracting all her Curses cannot make A storm of danger loud enough to shake Me to a trembling Penitence a Curse To make the horrour of my sufferings worse Sent in a Fathers Name like Vangeance fell From angry Heaven upon my head may dwell In an eternal stain my honourd Name With pale disgrace may languish busie Fame My Reputation spot Affection be Term'd uncommanded Lust sharp poverty That Weed which kils the gentle Flower of Love As the result of all these Ills may prove My greatest misery unless to find My self unpitied yet not so unkind Would I esteem this mercenary Band As those far more malignant powers that stand Arm'd with diswasions to obstruct the way Fancy directs but let those Souls obay Their harsh Commands that stand in fear to shead Repentant tears I am resolv'd to tread These doubtful pathes through all the shades of fear That now benights them Love with pity hear Thy Suppliants Prayers and when my clouded Eyes Shall cease to weep in Smiles I 'le sacrifice To thee such Offerings that the utmost date Of deaths rough hands shall never violate Whilst our fair Virgin-sufferer was in This Agony Argalia that had been Attentive as an envied Tyrant to Suspected Counsels from her Language drew So much that that pure essence which informs His knowledge shall in all the future storms Of Fate protect him from a fear that did Far more then death afflict whilst Love lay hid In Honours upper Region now whilst she Calmly withdraws to let her Comforts be Hopes of 's return his latest view forsook His Souls best comfort who hath now betook Her self to private thoughts where with what rest Love can admit I leave her and him blest In a most prosperous Voyage but happier far In being directed by so bright a Star The end of the first Book PHARONNIDA The second Book CANTO THE FIRST The ARGUMENT I. Still wakefull guilt Almanzors Rebel sin Taking advantage of unguarded mirth Which now without mistrust did revell in The Princess Court gives thence new Treason birth II. By treachery seiz'd and through Nights shades conveyed She had for ever in this storm been lost Had not its rage by such rude hands been stayed That safety neer as much as danger cost THese Hell-ingendred Embrioes which had long Lay hid within Almanzors breast grown strong Now for delivery strives Clandestine plots Ripen'd with Age and Lust dissolve the knots Wherein his fear had fetterd them and fly Beyond the Circle of his Loyalty Since his deserts made him a stranger to His Princess Court he 'd liv'd like those that do Fly that pursuing Vengeance which attends A Rebels Acts seen only to such Friends Whose blemmisht Honour suffering in his fall Assist his rising though they venter all By that unlawful Act on pathes that may Precipitate to ruine the dark way Had long been sought for Consultations did Whisper Rebellion in soft Aires forbid To live in louder Language until like Inevitable thunder
there did please Her self with wilder pastimes on those Clifts Whose rugged â—eads the spatious Mountain lifts To an unfruitful height amongst a wild Indomitable herd of Goats the mild And fearful Cony with her busie feet Makes Warmth and Safety in one Angle meeâ— From this wild range the eye contracted in The Islands narrow bounds would think 't had been i th' world before but now were come to view An Angel-guarded Paradice till to A Pictures first rude Catagraph the Art Of an ingenious Pensil doth impart Each Complement of skil or as the Court To the rude Country as each Princely sport That brisks the blood of Kings to those which are The gross-Soul'd Peasants rude delight so far These Objects differ here wel-figur'd Nature Had put in form and to a goodly staâ—ure On whose large bulk more lasting Arts were spent Added the dress of choicest Ornament The stately Mount whose artificial Crown The Palace was to meet the Vale stole down On soft descents by labour forc'd into A fliding Serpentine whose winding Clew An easie but a slow descent did give Unto a purling stream whose Spring did live When from the Hils cool Womb broke forth within A Grotto whence before it did begin To take its weeping farewel into all The various Forms restrictive Art could call Her Elemental Instruments unto Obedience by it Courts th' admiring view Of pleas'd Spectators here exalted by Clear Aqueducts in showers it from those high Supporters fals now turnd into a thin Vapour in that Heavens painted Bow is seen Now it supplies the place of Aire and to A Quire of Birds gives breath which all seemd flew From thence for fear when the same Element With such a noise as Seas imprisond rent Including Rocks do roar which rude sound done As noble Conqu'rors who the Battel won From the loud thunders of impeteous War To the calm fields of peaceful Mercies are By manly pity led so Proâ—eus like Returnd from what did fear or wonder strike The liquid Nymph resuming her own shape Within a Marble square a clear escape Till from her winding stream the River takes Still fresh supplies from that fair Fountain makes Upon those Banks which guarded her descent Both for her Odour and her Ornament Lillies and fragrant Roses there were set To heighten whose perfume the Violet And maiden Primrose in their various dress Steal through that Moss whose humble lowliness Preserve their beauties whilst Aurora's rose And that ambitious Flower that will disclose The ful-blown beauties of her self to none Until the Sun mounts his Meridian Throne Like envied worth together with the view Of the Beholders being expos'd unto Each storms rough breath in that Vicissitude Finds that their pride their danger doth include When scortcht with heat or burâ—hend with a shower From blooming beauty sinks the fading Flower Though here defended by a Grove that twin'd 〈◊〉 Imbraces and with boughs combin'd Protects the 〈…〉 which it ne're leaves Till thence the Vale its flowry wealth receives Plac'd as the nobler Faculty to this Of vegitation like an Emphasis Amongst the flowers of Rhetorick did stand The gorgeous Palace where Arts curious hand Had to exceed example centerd in One exact Model what had scatterd been But as those Fragments which she now selects The glory of all former Architects Here did the beauties of those Temples shine Which Ephesuâ— or sacred Pallastine Once boasted in the Persian might from this Take Paterns for his fam'd Persâ—polis This which had that fair Carian Widow known Mausolea's Tomb had ne're a Proverb grown But been esteemd after her cost by her That did erect a homely Sepulcher Though to describe this Fabrick be as far Above my Art as imitations are Beneath its worth yet if thy Fancies eye Would at its out-side glance receive it by This cloudy Medium on a stately square Which powerful Art forc'd to a level where The Mountain highest rose compast about With a thick Grove whose leavy Vail let out Its beauties so 't is at a distance seen A silver Mount enameld o're with green The shining Palace stood whose outward form Though such as if built for perpetual storm Yet in that strength appeard but arm'd to be Beauties Protector whose varietie Though all met in an Artful gracefulness In every Square put on a several dress The sides whose large Balcones conveyd the Ey To th' Filds wild Prospects were supported by A thousand Pillars where in mixture shone The Parian white and red Corinthian stone Supporting Frames where in the like Art stood Smooth Ivory mixt with India's swarthy wood All which with Gold and purer Azure brought From Persian Artists in Mosaicks wrought The curious Eye into Meanders led Until diâ—erted by a sight that bred More real wonder the rich Front wherein By antick sculpture all that ere had been The various Acts of their preceding Kings So figur'd was no weighty Mettal brings Ought to inhaunce its worth Art did compose Each Emblem of such various Gems all chose Their several colours under a Saphir Sky Here cheerful Emeraulds chast Smaragdi ly A fresh green field in which the armed Knights Were all clad in heart-cheering Chrisolites With Rubies set which to adorn them twist Embraces with the temperate Amethyst For parts unarmd here the fresh Onix stood And Sardias stone appeard like new-drawn blood The Proteus like Achates here was made For Swords fair Hiâ—ts but for the glittering Blade Since all of rich and pretious Gems was thus Compos'd was shewn of flaming Piropus And least ought here that 's excellent should want The Ladies Eyes were shining Adamant These glorious Figures large as if that in Each common Quar these glittering Jems had been By sweaty Labourers dig'd united by Succesful Art unto the distant Ey Their mixt beams with such splendid Luster sent That Comets with whose fall the Firmament Seems all on fire amazes not the sight With such a full and sudden Flux of Light As Lines extended from their Center hence Unto the Islands clear circumference Four flowry Glades whose odoriferous dress Tempted the weary to forgetfulness Cutting the Mountain into Quadrants led Into the Valley Pleasures humbler Bed Where come if Natures stock can satisfie The Fancy at the Fountains of the Eye 'T was here performd in all that did include What active mirth or sacred sollitude Could happy call Groves never seen by th' Eye o th' Universe whose pleasing privacy Was more retir'd from treacherous light then those To hide from Heaven Earths first Offender chose When Contemplation the kind Mother to All thoughts that ere in sacred rapture flew Toward Celestial Bowers had here refin'd The yet imperfect Embrioes of the mind To recreate contracted Spirits by The Souls best Med'cine fresh variety An easie walk conducts them unto all That active Sports did ere convenient call All which like a fair Theater by th' Bank o th' River verg'd was guarded by a Rank Of ancient Elms whose lofty Trunks embrac'd By clasping
with fear Passions disparity In such extreams as Natures Laws require 'Twixt Earths cold Center and th' aires circling fire Dwelt in their troubl'd breasts his wild eyes stood Like Comets when attracting storms of blood Shook with portentuous sadnesse whilst hers sate Like the dull earth when trembling at the Fate Of those ensuing ills heavy and fixt Within their Orbs. Passions thus strangely mixt No various Feaver ere created in The phrenzi'd Brain when sleeps sweet calm had bin From her soft Throne depos'd this Lightning past Thunder succeeds as burning Mountains cast Out horrid noise after their flame and smoak So having paus'd his dreadful Voyce thus broke The dismal silence Thou prodigious Whore The curse of my Nativity that more Afflicts me then eternal wrath can do Spirits condemnd some Fiends instruct me to Heighten revenge to thy desert but so I should do more then Mortals may and throw Thy spotted Soul to flames yet I will give Its passe-port hence for think not to out-live This hour this fatal hour ordaind to see More then an Age before of Tragedy She that fell from a Firmament of pride To Fortunes lowest Region and there di'd A sad example to ensuing times That Honours Altitude supports not Crimes When in their stretcht Extentions reaching to Justice which can through reverst Opticks view Giants though Pigmy sins do oft appear Like the dim Moon more great because more neer Sins that till fear their guilt did aggravate Wore Vertues Frontispiece since now too late To hope for life in their own monstrous form Encounter Reasons Guards till the big storm Of various pâ—ssions all were settled in Dregs of despair when â—earing tears should winne The victory of anger Ammurat drawes His Simmeâ—er which had in blood writ Lawes For conquerd Provinces and with a swift And cruel rage ere penitence could lift Her burthen'd soul in a repentant thought Tow'rds heaven sheathes the cold steel in her soft And snowy breast with a loud gâ—oan she falls Upon the blouâ—y floore half breathlesse calls For his untimely pity but perceâ—ving The fleeting spirits with her bloud were leaving Her heart unguarded she imployes that breath Which yet remain'd not to bewayle her death But beg his life that caus'd it on her knees Sâ—rugling to rise but now calm'd Ammurat frees Her from dâ—sturbing death in 's last great work And thus declares some vertue in a Turk I have brave Christian by perusing thee In this great act of honour learnt to be Too late thy slow-pac'd follower this â—ing with that Gives him his Signet shall when question'd at The Castle guards thy safety be and now I see her bloods low water doth allow Me only time to lanch my souls black Bark Into deaths rubick Sea for to the dark And silent Region though we here were by Passion divorc'd Fortune shall not deny Our souls to sail together From thy eyes Remove deaths load and see what sacrifice My Love is offering with that word a stroak Pierces his breast whose speedy pains invoak Deaths Opiates to appease them be sinks down By 's dying Wife who ere the cold floud drown Life in the deluge of her wounds once more Betrayes her eyes to 'th light and though they bore The weight of death upon their Leads did keep Them so long open till the icie sleep Began to seize on him and then she cries Oh see just heaven see see my Ammurat dies To wander with me in the unknown shade Of Immortality but I have made The wounds that murther'd both his hand that gave Mine did but gently let me bloud to save An everlasting Feaver Pardon me My dear my dying Lord Eternity Shall see my soul washt white in tears but Oh I now feel times dear want they will not nowe Fast as my stream of bloud Christian farewell When ere thou do'st our tragick story tell Do not extenuate my crimes but let Them in their own black characteâ—s be set Near Ammurats bright vertues that read by Th' unpractic'd Lover which posterity Whilst wanton windes play with our dust shall raise On beauties throne the good may justice prayse By his example and the bad by mine From Viceâ—s Throne be scar'd to Vertues Shrine And here the speed deaths messengers did make To hurry forth their souls did faintly shake Her words into imperfect accents this She cries is our last enterview a kisse Then joyns their bloudlesse Lips Each close the eyes O' th other whilst the parting spirit flies Mounted on both their breaths the latest gasp They ere must draw Whilst with stiffe arms they clasp Each others neck Argalia through a cloud Of liquid sorrow did behold the proud Triumphs of death in their untimely fate He sees great Ammurat for a Robe of State Groveling in blood the fair Ihonusa lie Purpl'd in death like pollisht Ivory Dipt in Vermillion the bright Chrystals that Her Soul in conquering flames lookt thorough at Both quencht and coold in death but time did lend His tears scarce passage till a drop could end Its Journey o're his Checks before a Page Whose cruelty had far out-grown his Age Enters in hast and with an anger that Though indiscreet at wrongs seemd kindl'd at In wounds did on the Bassas body vent A spleen that deaths discharge could not content This seen Argalia to whom all must be Offence that injures fair humanity Stops the vain Torrent and a neerer way To just revenge directs the angry Boy Who by unfolded truth now lets him know His Rage to that uncivil height did grow Not from a childish spleen but wrongs that he A Christian sufferd in Captivity Assur'd by this confession that he might Be useful more then in a secret flight Argalia bids him in his Bassas Name A Mandate write for some of worthiest Fame ' Mongst all the Christian Citizens and those To send the Guard for ere the Morning rose On the black ruines of the Night this done Before that time the Victory had won Of opportunity their Warders slain Each Christian Captive from his rusty Chain His bold band frees and by their happy aide The Gates being first secur'd with ease dismayd The drousie Garrison from whom they found But weak resistance some soft fleep had bound To Beds of ease intemperate Riot kept Others more vainly waking here one slept Between a Mistresse Armes and there another Stole to a private Cattamit did smoother Delight in whispers in which loose Garb found Ere time rowls up what slow neglect unwound Even in securities soft Lap surpriz'd They met grim death in Pleasures â—hape disguiz'd All now being slain but feeble Eunuchs and Poor trembling Maids the new but valiant Band Of late freed Captives Crown the Wals from whence They saw the Soldiers wicked dilligence In finding those which the false Mandate had Design'd for Ruine general as sad The Cities sorrows were a desolate And silent horror unregarded sate i th' empty streets which action had not fil'd Yet with employment but when day did
busied his Idea to compare With what she a saw sudden glance o' th eye Disvellopes truth that Jewel which was by His first Protector left is seen by which Hope near impoverisht with despair growes rich In Faith heavens tenure But the rushing tide O're-flowes so much that Loves fresh Rivers glide Over weak natures banks she faints and in A silent joy contracted what had bin By Love dilated from which giddy trance To rescue her Argalia doth advance To charge those troops of passions which o're her Had prov'd victâ—rious nor did sate deferre Their Conquest long ere she displayes again Beauties fair Banner in Loves Ivory plain Th' imprison'd spirits freed the bloud in haste Fearing her Love had Wisdoms throne defac'd To beauties Frontiers flies So mornings weep And blush together when they over-sleep Themselves in nights black bed Though fears dull charmâ— Whilst in the circle of Argalia's arms Like Dreams fantastick Visions vanish in Her waking joyes yet knowing they had been Betray'd into a strangers view they both Stood mute with passion till the Cyprian loth To adde more weights unto affliction by Imping Loves wings with noble courtesie Fans off the Southern clouds of fear and thus Calms the loud storm Doubt not because to us Fair Princess Loves mysterious Riddles are By accident resolv'd the factious war Shall be renewd such base intelligence Traytors and Spies give when the dark offence Starts at discovery if my service may Be useful Know I sooner dare betray My sins to th' world then your intentions to A smooth Seducer This rare interview May be my wonder but shall never prove My guilt though all the stratagems of Love Lay open to my heart which though unskild In his Polemmicks yet with truth is fil'd Since now too late to seek protection by A faint denial the wisht privacy Their Room afforded gives them leave to lead His apprehension where conceit did read The story of Loves civil Wars whose Rage Since treaty could not calm makes him engage His stock of power in their defence and end His Passions progresse to let Love attend On Friendships royal Train what not the force Of Earths united Beauties could divorce Nor Wealths nor Honours strong Attractions draw To other Objects by that holy Law Informd as hateful Sacriledge doth fly The bold intrusion on Loves Hierarchy VVith joy assur'd of such a powerful Friend The hopeful Lovers sadder cares suspend To lay the plat-form of their safety by A fair escape but fear doth oft unty The golden webs of Fancy when they come To name the means Invention then struck dumb Startles into distraction no smooth stroke Of soft palmd flattery could ere provoke Sleep in her watchful Dragons nor no shower Of ponderous Gold pierce through her sable Tower The harsh Commander of her surly Guard VVakeful as foaming Cerberus and hard As Parian Quars a heart that could not melt In Loves Alimbeck the Slave never felt His Darts but when Lust gave the wound and then Seard with enjoying the blood stops agen And leaves behind the Feaver which Disease Now in him rag'd Amphibia that could please None but a sympathizing Nature in His blood had both Disease and Med'cine bin VVith Lusts Inchantments thick loose glances first Breeding a Callenture whose sickly thirst Consenting sin allays again but long This Monster thrives not in the dark ere strong By custome grown with Impudence he dares Affront unvaild Report and boldly bears Himself above those head-strong Torrents by VVhose streams harsh Censure grew to callumny Vvhich carelesse pride did unobstruct the way Through which to liberty Loves progresse lay A short delay which lets not Fancy rest In idle thought their Actions did disgest Into a Method the succeeding Night To that great day by whose triumphant light Their Annuall Feasts her Birth did celebrate The time design'd which done to stroke rough Fate Into a calm Argalia first finds out Despis'd Florenza then imployd about Course Huswifery in the dull Country where Shee soon became a Partner of his care Prepares for safety with a diligence Whose privacy payes lavish Times expence Now from Nights swarthy Region rose that day ' Gainst which Invention taught her Babes the way To level at delight though she flew high As Monarchs breasts Beauty and Valour vie Each other in a conquering Pride within A spatious field that ought before had bin The Theater of Martial sports each Knight VVhom the desire of honour did invite By her swift Herald Fame were met and all VVhom the respects of either part did call To th' Epicotes or young Cyprians part Repair unto their Tents which rich in Art Adornd both sides o th' stately Lists and lent Their Beauties to be Prospects Ornament Neer to the Scaffold every seat was fil'd Vvith bright Court beauties Ladies that did gild Youth Natures Throne of pollisht Ivory in Pride there but greatness though low Fortunes sin Rang'd next to these the City Madams that Came both to wonder and be wonderd at Fine as on their first Lady-dayes did sit Comparing Fashions to commend their wit Besides the Silk-worms spoyls their husbands gain Jewels they wore like Eyes in Beauties Wane Grown dim with Age so dim that they did look As if they 'd been from plunderd Delphos took Although that sprung from Faction yet each Face Was all set form hardly affording place For a stoln smile save when some ticklish Lord Strikes sail which they could wish should come abroad Below neer to the over-heated throng Sweet Country beauties such as nere did wrong Nature with nicer Art were seated where Though big rude pride cast them in Honours Rear Yet in Loves Province they appeard to have Command from their acknowledgd beauty gave Humble their Looks yet Vertue there kept state And made even Envy wish to immitate Their Fashions not phantastick yet their dresse Made Gallantry in Love with comliness Whilst here the learnd Astronomers of Love Observ'd how Eyes those wandring Stars did move And thence with heedful Art did calculate Approaching changes in that doubtful state The Princesse like the Planet of the day Comes with a luster forth that did betray The others beams into contempt and made The Morning Stars of meaner beauties fade Sadly confessing by their Languisht light They shone but when her absence made it Night Stately her look yet not too high to be Seen in the Valleys of Humility Clear as Heavens Brow was hers her smiles to all Like the Suns comforts Epidemical Yet by the boldest Gazer with no lesse Reverence ador'd then Persians in distresse Do that bright power who though familiar by An aiery Medium still is thron'd on high Least the ungovernd Multitude which raise Their eyes to her should in their lavish praise From zeal to superstition grow they 'r now Drawn off the enterd Combatants allow Their Eyes no further leisure but beginning Their Martial sports with various fate were winning Bright Vict'ries Laurels But I here must let Honour in their
bright and pure a flame as ere Did in the shades of modesty declare Passion breaks forth which happy signs by him Whose heart her eys even whilst they shone most dim With mutual flames had fir'd that loyal love Which fate in vain shall struggle to remove Begins with flames as innocently bright As the first rayes of new created light But stay rash Reader think not they 're led Through these smooth walks unto their nuptial bed But now behold that their misfortune prove Which thou hast wept for if thou e'er didst love A separation the suspition that Sparta's vext King when first distemper'd at His daughters loss did of this stranger Prince Justly conceive perswades him now that since Not found within the Cyprian Court that he Who had been vainly sought abroad might be Yet lodg'd at home which supposition bred So strict a search that though the silent dead Not silenter then her Attendants were Yet kind Orlinda whom a pious care Prompted to save what she did yet possess Whilst seeking with a Lovers tenderness How to secure him doth at length convay Her roving fancy to this hopeful way Not long before though now 't were silenc'd in Domestick ills Report had busied been In the relating of the sad distress Of a brave Lybian Prince whom heaven to bless With an eternal Crown in midst of all His Youths fresh glories by a powerful call Summons to serve her and that faith which he Had from the early dawn of infancie Suckt from the great Impostor of the East Though now by time Opinions strength increast Spight of a peoples prayers or fathers threats Wholly forsaking which revolt begets So much aversion pitty could invent Nought easier then perpetual banishment To punish what their faith mistaken in Its object terms a black Apostates sin Disguis'd in such a dress as pitty might Expect t' encounter so distrest a Wight As was that wandring Prince attended by No train but what becomes th'obscurity Of such a fortune to the Spartan Court Amindor comes where though the thick resort Of well known friends might justly make him fear Some treacherous eye knowledge could ne'r appear Through that black vail his happy art had took To make him like a sun-burnt Lybian look Yet what engag'd them more then safety in Prayers to heaven his person had not bin Not long the wonder of the Court before His fairer vertues which adorn'd him more Then th' other could disguise did justly prove The happy object of the Princes love Whose influence whilst it him to power did raise Taught by reflex the people how to praise That fair election till the Pyramed Rais'd to his fame had fixt its lofty head Above the clouds of fortune yet not this Fates fairest smile a Lovers best of bliss A free commerce which unsuspected might Though long and pleasant as the Summers light Be ne'r disturb'd with fair Orlinda gives Content such fulness that although he lives To all unknown but her alone in that Enjoy'd more then ambition e'er aim'd at And now from all the fruitless diligence Of inquisitions and the vain expence Of time return'd were every troop that had Trew forlorn hopes been Active in the sad Search of Pharonnida which ending in A just despair some that till then within The Castle walls had though as vainly sought Their sorrow forth before the griev'd Prince brought Brunorchus whom they in a small lodge where Secur'd by sollitude the houshold care Of locks and bolts were vain unsought they found In the soft bands of griefs best opiate bound Sleep who though thron'd within her ebbon seat From lusts hor field appears but his retreat When tir'd with action for besides him they Where 's poisons antidote Amphibia lay Block'd up in 's arms beheld the air with all Their voices stroke at length had rais'd a call That drown'd their sleeping thunder from the bed Brunorchus starting struggles to have fled The shamefull danger whilst Amphibia creeps Beneath her sheets protection but nought keeps Pursuing vengeance back there took and brought Before the Prince who startl'd at the thought Of such a complicated crime refers Their punishment to death 's dire Messengers The yet succesfull Lovers long e'er this Safely arriv'd at their first stage of bliss Florenza's low unenvied roof did there Since speed was now the fairest childe of care Stay only to exchange their horse and take With her a guide whose practick skill could make Their untrod paths familiar through a low Dark vail where shade-affecting weeds did grow Eternal strangers to the Sun did lie The narrow path frequented onely by The forest Tyrants when they bore their prey From open dangers of discovering day Past through this desart valey they were now Climing an easie hill where every bough Maintain'd a feather'd chorister to sing Soft Pahegyricks and the rude windes bring Into a murmuring slumber whilst the calm Morn on each leaf did hang her liquid balm With an intent before the next Suns birth To drop it in those wounds which the cleft earth Receiv'd from 's last days beams the hills ascent Wound up by action in a large extent Of leavie plains shews them the canopie Beneath whose shadow their large way did lie Which being lookt ore whilst thankful praise did pay Their debts to heaven they thence with a convay Of prayers those swift ambassadors did send A hopeful glance tow'rd their large journies end These short surveys past since the place assures A safe repose to cool the Calentures Of feverish action down a way that led From Pleasures throne unto her fragrant bed A rank of Laurels spreading to protect The flowry path which not unprun'd neglect Robb'd of delight they past the slow descent Soon brings them where her richest ornament Although with art unpleited Nature in A lovely Landshape wore that once had been Sacred to th' Islands fruitful Goddess here Whilst they behold the infants of the year i th' Springs unsullied livery clad the fair And large-limb'd trees preparing to repair Autums spent stock from out an humble hill A tributary fountain did distill The earths cold blood and murmuring convays It on a bed of peebles till it pays Her debts to th' neighboring river Near to it Full Chorusses of feather'd Hero's sit Amidst their willow-mansions to whose ease Their shrill notes call the sportive Driades Whilst by the brightest glories of that age This Royal robe worne in a hermitage Is seen with such a silent sad delight As smooths the furrows of an Anchorite Their solemn walk had brought them to a green Skirt of that mantle fairly spread between Two mossie rocks that near the chrystal slood Appendixes to larger mountains stood Near which they saw with mournful majesty A heap of solitary ruines lie Half-sepulchred in dust the bankrupt heir To prodigal Antiquity whose fair Composures did beneath times pride sunk low But dim vestigia's of their beauty shew Yet that it might unreverend gazers tell It once was sacred Ceres image
Mannor whose intemperate Lord out-grew In debts the compass of a Bond besides His common guard of Clowns fellows whose hides Serv'd for defensive armor he commands His sons attendance who since from his hands Rack'd Tenants hop'd for ease he thought that they Would for that hope with reverent duty pay But vain mistakes betray opinion to A fatal precipice which they might view I' th objects of each glance one side affords Large plains whose flock's the wealth of several lords By him contracted but the spoils appears Of beggar'd Orphans pickl'd in their tears Farms for whose loss poor widows wept and fields Which being confin'd to strict inclosure yields To his cram'd chests the starving poor mans food For private ends robbing their publick good With guilt inclos'd those wayes which now haâ—â— brought Him by some cottages who honors bought Poor livelihoods at a laborious rate From his rack'd lands for which pursuing hate Now follows him in curses for in that They yet take vengeance till arriving at The thicker peopl'd Villages where more bold By number made the fire of hate takes hold On clamarous women whose vext husbands thirst I' th' fever of revenge to these when first They kindled had the flame swiftly succeeds More active men such as resolv'd their deeds Spight of restrictive law should set them free From the oppressor of their liberty His son the noble Vanlore to appease The dangerous fury of this rash disease Spends all his stock of Rhetorick but in Fruitless attempts His rustick guard had bin At the first onset scatter'd and were now Posting for fafety whilst his son taught how By frequent injuries to entertain Anger 's unusual guests shews it in vain Though brave attempts of valor by whose high Unhappy flame whilst circling foes did die Unworthy hecatombs for him at length Engag'd him had beyond the power of strength Though back'd by fortune to redeem which when Beheld by those whose characters of men In rage was lost they wildly persecute Revenge till life natures hurmonious fruit Was blasted to untimely death And here Her fatal story in its full carier The memory of him who di'd to be The peoples curse and crime of destinie Grief did obstruct whilst liquid passion feeds Her chrystal springs which stopt she thus proceeds His brave defender now retreating to The rode of death whilst he did vainly sue For undeserv'd remorse Amarus lies Their furies object in whose wild disguise Whilst giddy clouds of dark amazement dwell Ore his dim eyes th' exalted tumult fell In a black storm of danger in whose shade They drag him thence that fury being made Wise by delays might study torments great As was their rage but in their wild retreat They thus are stopt A wandring Knight that near The place approach'd directed by his ear How to inform his eye arrives to see The wretched trophies of this victory A dying son whose latest beams of light Through deaths dim opticks bids the world good-night With looks that did so black a sorrow lim He frown'd on earth though heaven did smile on him Hurri'd from thence by unrelenting hate A living father of more wofull fate Pity that brave allay of manly heat Perswades the noble stranger to intreat A parle with rage which being deny'd he then Attempts to force and since their ablest men Were wounded in the former conflict soon Successfull proves like mists i' th pride of noon Being hudl'd into hurtless clouds they flye Before his fury till from reach o' th eye Shrunk to the woods protection where whilst each With such a fear as sanguine guilt did teach The worlds first murtherer seeks for safety he Retreating leaves the scatter'd herd to be Their own afflictors and hastes thence to finde Him to whom fortune prov'd so strangely kinde In his approach as by his sword to be When hope lost anchor blest with liberty Come to the place where old Amarus lay With fear so startl'd that he durst betray Life through no motion yet he 's follow'd by That train of Cowards which though they did fly The danger when they saw their foes pursu'd On the reward the victory intrude Whose easie spoils those invitations to A Cowards daring such a distance drew Them from their homes that they with labor were Recall'd from rifling enemies to beare Their feeble Masters off Amarus living As weak with fear as Vanlore was with dying Before the black obstructions of the night Did interpose they were arriv'd i' th sight O' th Castles ruin'd walls a place whose hew Uncouth and wild banish'd delight into Uncomly profit and at distance gives A sad assurance that its honor lives By men so hated and by heaven unblest As he enjoy'd not what he there possest Come to the front o' th house whose dirt sorbid A cleanly entrance he sees pavements hid With heaps of rubbish times slow hand let fall From the neglected ruines of the wall Green Arbors pleasant Groves all which were now Swiftly dismantling to make way for th' plow Onely his Barns preservers of that store Detain'd with curses from the pining poore Their upper garments of warm thatch did weare So thick to keep them dry whilst thin and bare E'en his own lodging stood the Hall first built To have that wealth which he in sparing spilt Spent there in hospitality nere by More heat warm'd then a candle gave did lie Moulded with lazy damps the wall oregrown With moss and weeds unhaunted and alone The empty tables stood for never Guess Come there except thin Bankrupts whom distress Spurr'd on with sharp necessity to crave Forbearing moneths which he when brib'd forgave Hence by a rude domestick led he goes To veiw the cellar where like distant foes Or buildings in a new Plantation stand The distant Barrels yet from all command But his own keys exempted To bestow A welcom on him which he ne'r did shew To man before led by a rusty slave Whose iron limbs ratling in leather gave Alarums to the half-starv'd Rats he here Is by Amarus visited whose feare That place should too much suffer soon from thence Sounds a retreat to supper where th' expence Became a Usurers purse yet what was by Sparing defective neatness did supply A vertue where repining penurie Prepares unusual but he soon did see Whence it proceeds the sad sweet Ammida Whom shame and grief attempted to withdraw From publick view was by her fathers call To crown that entertainment brought whose all Was else so bad it the first visit might Repented make not to the next invite Here with afflicted patience he had spent Some few but tedious days whose slow extent Behind his wishes flagg'd ere he had seen Vanlore interr'd whose obsequies had been In secret huddl'd up but then prepares To take his leave when adverse fate that shares Double with mans intentions in the tart Of 's full resolves opposing claims her part By harsh command a dangerous Fever that Threatned destruction ere arriving at Its
if drawn to light Dayes beauties to the palace of the night Toward which the prisoners yet detain'd within The City in this dreadfull pomp begin Their mournful march led by that doleful call By which loud war proclaims a funeral Those that had been the common guards unto The murther'd Princes to the peoples view Are first presented on an ebon spear Each bore a scuchion where there did appear The arms which once adorn'd those Princes shields Sadly display'd within their sable fields Next these some troops whose prosperous valor in Their Courts had steps unto preferment bin Come slowly on but slowlier follow'd are By elder Captains such whom busie war Whose victories had their youth in honor di'd As useless-now for Council laid aside I' th' rear of these the Officers of State Grave as they 'd been of Council unto Fate I' th' purple robes of royal Mourners clad With heavy pace conducted in a sad And dismal object two black Chariots drawn Like hideous night when it assaults the dawn In dreadfull shadows where to fright the day With sadder objects on black herses lay Th' Effigies of the murther'd Princes in Whose form those spots of treason that had bin Fates Agents to unravel Natures law In bloody marks the mourning people saw At which sad fight from silent sorrow they Advanc'd had let external grief betray Their love and loss if not diverted by Succeeding objects which assault the eye With what though living yet more terror bred Then what they found for the lamented dead In such a garb as sorrow strives to hide The hot efluviums of a sullen pride Almanzor next with slow portentous pace Follows the herses his discover'd face So subtilly di'd in sorrow as it had Strove to out-mourn the sable arms which clad His falser breast whose studi'd treason knew No such disguise as first to meet the view O' th' censuring people in a dress that shews Him by their States maturer Council chose ' Gainst who'ere durst maintain the pris'ners cause By 's valor for to vindicate their laws But now to lose these rivolets of tears In the vast Ocean of their grief appears Their last and most lamented object in The royal Captives whose sad fate had bin Not so disguis'd in attributes of guilt But that the love their former vertue built In every breast broke through their fear to show How much their duty did to sorrow ow. In that black train they had beheld before Though full of sadness wearied life past ore The stage of nature is their darkest text To comment on which since good men perplext With life's cares are finds less regreâ— then now To living sufferers justly they allow Friends though less near since death is but that rest They vainly seek that are in life distrest Being pitied more then those whose worst of Fate We have beheld destruction terminate That nought might in this scene of sorrow be Wanting to perfect griefs solemnitie The Kingdoms Marshal who supported in His hand a sword which glitring through a thin Wreath'd Cipers through the sad Spectators eye Strook such a terror as if shadow'd by Death's sooty vail conducting after goes Th' undaunted Cyprian with a look that showes A soul whose valor was of power to light Such high resolves as by their splendor might Make death look lovely on his upper hand Her sexes glory she whose vertues scann'd Her actions by heavens strictest rules the sweeâ— Pharonnida unmov'd prepares to meet The ministers of death her train being by Florenza who must in that Tragedy Act her last part sustain'd The garment which The beauteous Princess did that day inrich Was black but cut on white ore which the fair Neglected treasure of her flowing hair Hung loosely down upon her head she wore A wreath of Lillies almost shadow'd ore With purple Hyacinths on which the stains Of murther yet in bloody marks remains Over all this a melancholy cloud Of thick curl'd Cipers from the head did shroud Her to the feet through which those spots of white Appear'd like stars those comforts of the night When stole through scattred clouds in her right hand She held a watch whose next stage should have spand The minutes of her life her left did hold A branch of mirtle which as grown too old To live began to wither for defence O' th' falling leaves as death and innocence Had both conspir'd to save 't the bow was round In mistick wreaths of black and silver wound Near to the royal Prisoners many Peers Of either Kingdom men of th' gravest years And loyal'st hearts did with a dolefull pace Bring up the rear each melancholy place Through which they past being with those pensive flowers That wait on funerals strew'd The lofty towers Of checquer'd marble had their stately brows In sables bound their pinacles with boughs Of dismal Yew adorn'd as if their knell Should next be rung a solemn passing bell In every Church was toull'd whose dolefull sound Mixt with the drum trumpets dead march dround The peoples cries whose grief can ne'r be shown In 'ts native dress till loud and clamorous grown In this black pomp the mourning train had left The sable City which being now bereft Of all her sad and solemn guests did bear The emblem of an empty sepulchre So full of silence all her throng being gone With heavy pace to be attendants on Those funeral rights which ere perform'd must have More vertue for attendants to the grave Then ere they could again expect to see Whose hopes of life lay in minoritie Come to the desert vale which yet had kept A solitary loveliness that slept There in untroubl'd rest a levell'd green Chose for the Lists which nature lodg'd between Two barren hills upon whose bare front grew Though thinly scatter'd here a balefull Yew And there a dismal Cypress plac'd as they Had onely chose that station to display The peoples passions who with eyes fixt in Full orbs of tears ere this had sorrowing seen The pitied prisoners to those Scaffolds brought Where those lamented lives whose treason sought To ruine must be sacrific'd to please Ambitious man not angry heaven appease This curles their bloods which soon inflam'd had grown Had not the varied scene of sorrow shown The murther'd Princes who product as they Had been reserv'd as opiats to allay Their angers flame are both expos'd unto The satisfaction of the publick view Mounted on herses which on either side O' th' Temple gate with deaths most dismal pride On ebon pillars stood as rais'd to show What justce did to their destruction ow. Plac'd near to these their sorrows sad Records Almanzors tent to shew that it affords For red revenge a close reception stood Like a black rock from whence in clouds of blood The sanguine streamers through the thickned sky Did waving with unconstant motion fly In view of which though at the other end If any durst appear that could defend Their cause whom heaven alone knew innocent There to
a more sad discov'ry They behold The brackish Main in funerall Pomp unfold The Trophies of her Cruelty Her Brow Uncurl'd with Waves was only spotted now With scatter'd Ruines here engag'd within The ruffl'd Sails some sad Souls that had been For life long strugling tir'd at length are forc'd To sink and die Yonder a Pair divorc'd From all the warm Society of flesh With cold stiff Arms embrace their Fate The fresh And tender Virgin in her Lovers sight The Sea-Gods ravish and th' Enthean light Of those bright Orbs her Eyes which could by nought But Seas be quencht t' eternall darkness brought Whilst pittying these a suddain noise whose strange Confusion did their Passions Object change Assaults their wonder which by this surprize Amaz'd perswades them to inform their Eyes With its obscure Originall when led By sounds that might in baser Souls have bred A swift aversion clashing Weapons they Might soon behold upon the Sands that lay Beneath the Rock a Troop of desp'rate men Unstartled with those dangers which even then Their ruin'd Ship and dropping Garments shewd Heaven freed them from what Mercy had bestowd Let their own anger loose which flaming in A fatall Combate had already bin In blood disfigur'd But when now so near Them drawn that every Object did appear In true distinction they with wonder rais'd To such a height as Poets would have prais'd Their Heroes in a noble Christian saw Whose Sword as if by the eternall Law Of Providence to punish Infidels Directed with each falling stroke expels A Turks black Soul Yet Valor being opprest By multitudes must have at length sought rest From Death had not brave Ariamnes by His Hunters followed brought him Victory Whilst the approaching danger did exclude Even hope the last support of Fortitude The desperate Turks that chose the Sea to be Their sad Redeemer of Captivity Though from that fear they fled to death had now Upon the Shoar left none life could allow But motion to though stopt by death such store All the Escap'd appeard but such as bore The fatall Story of destruction to Their distant Friends when now a serious view By Ariamnes and that noble Youth Whose Actions honourd as authentick truth Made all admire him of their pitty'd dead With sorrow took one worthy Soul unfled From life they found which by Argalia seen With joy recalls those Spirits that had been In busie Action lost but danger that Toward the Throne of life seem'd entring at Too many wounds denies him to enlarge The Sheam of Love as noble Vertues charge To him her follower Ariamnes by His goodness and their sad necessity Prompted to pity fearing slow delays As dangers fatall Harbinger conveys The wounded strangers to the place where he His Palace made the Throne of Charitie 'T was the short journey 'twixt the Day and Night The calm fresh Evening Times Hermaphrodite The Sun on Lights dilated Wings being fled To call the Western Villagers from Bed Ere at his Castle they arrive which stood Upon a Hill whose Basis freng'd with wood Shadowed the fragrant Meadows thorough which A spatious River striving to enrich The flow'ry Valleys with what ever might At home be profit or abroad delight With parted streams that pleasant Islands made It s gentle Current to the Sea conveyd In the composure of this happy place Wherein he lived as if fram'd to embrace So brave a Soul as now did animate It with its presence strength and beauty sate Combin'd in one 't was not so vastly large But fair convenience countervaild the charge Of Reparations all that modest Art Affords to soâ—â—r pleasures every part More for its Ornament but none were drest In Robes so rich but what alone exprest Their Masters providence and care to be A prop to falling Hospitality For he not Comet-like did blaze out in This Country Sphear what had extracted been From the Courts lazy Vapors but had stood There like a Star of the first Magnitude With a fixt constancy so long that now Grown old in Vertue he began to bow Beneath the weight of time and since the calm Of Age had left him nothing to embalm His Name but Vertue strives in that to be The glorious wonder of Posterity Each of his Actions being so truly good That like the Ground where hollowed Temples stood Although by age the Ruines ruin'd seem The people beare a reverent esteem Unto the place so they preserve his Name A yet unwasted Pyramid of Fame Rich were his publick Vertues but the price Of those was but the World to Paradice Compar'd with that rare Harmony that dwells Within his Walls each Servant there excells All but his Fellows in deseâ—t each knew First when then how his Lords Commands to do None more enjoyed then was enough none less All did of plenty tast none of excess Riot was here a stranger but far more Repining penury ne're from that doore The Poor-man went denied nor did the rich Ere surfet there 't was the blest Medium which Extracted from all compound Vertues we Make and then Christian Mediocrity Within the compass of his spatious Hall Stood no vain Pictures to obscure the Wall Which usefull Armes adornd and such as when His Prince requir'd assistance his own men Valiant and numerous mannag'd to defend That righteous Cause but never to attend A popular Faction whose corrupted Seed Hell did engender and Ambition feed His Judgment that like Lifes Attendant Sence To try each Objects various difference Fit Mediums chose which he made Vertue here Beholding though these wandring Stars appear Now in their greatest detriment the Rays Of perfect worth he to that Vertue payes Those Attributes of honour which unto Their Births though now in course disguise was due To Aphrons wounds successfull Art applies Prevailing Med'cines whilst Invention flies To the Aphelion of her Orb to seek Such modest Pleasures as might smooth the Cheek Of ruffl'd Passion which being found are spent To cure the sad Argalia's discontent Which long being lost to all delight at length Revives again his Friends recover'd strength They having now no Remora to stay Them here but what their gratitude did pay To his desires whose Courtesie had made Those bonds of Love with as much zeal obey'd As those which duty locks preparing are To take their leave even in whose civil War Whilst they contend with Courtesies as sent To rescue when his Eloquence was spent Brave Amminander with such hast as shewed His speed to some supream Injunction owed Such diligence a Messenger brings in A Packet which that noble Lord had been Too frequently acquainted with to fear Th' unseen Contents which open'd did appear A Mandate from his royall Master to Attend him ere the next dayes Beauties grew Deform'd with Age which honourd Message read To banish what Suspition might have bred In 's doubtfull Friends he the inclos'd contents With cheerfull hast unto their view presents Their fear thus cur'd by information he That his appearance in
my Virgin-freedome ere I will Consent to that which being performd will kill My honour to preserve my life and turn Th' unworthy beauty which now makes you burn In these unhallowed flames into a Cell Which none but th' black Inhabitants of Hell Will ere possess Those private thoughts which give If we continue verteous whilst we live On Earth our Souls commerce with Angels shall Be turnd to Furies if we yield to fall Beneath our Vices thus O then take heed Do not defile a Temple such a deed Will when in labour with your latest breath With horror Curtain the black Bed of death Though Prayers in vain strove to divert that Crime He prosecutes yet to protract the time She more had sayed had not all Language been Lost in a storm of 's Lust which raging in His fury gives a fresh assault unto Weak Innocence for Mercy now to sue To hope seems vain robustious strength did baâ— The use of Language which defensive War Continuing till the breathless Maid was wrought Almost beneath resistance just Heaven brought This unexpected Aide A lovely Swain Whose large Possessions in the neighbouring Plain Had stil'd him rich that powerful which t' improve To that fair stock his vertue added love Which to flattery since it lost its eyes The world but seldome sees without disguise This sprightly Youth led by the parallels Of Birth and Fortune what ere else excels Those fading blessings to Florenza in His Youths fresh April had devoted been With so much zeal that what that heedless age But dallied with like Customes which engage Themselves to habits ere its growth he knew Love equal with his active manhood grew Which noble Plant though in the torrid Zone Of her disdain 't had nere distemper known Yet oft those sad vicissitudes doth find For which none truly lov'd that nere had pin'd Which pleasing passion though his judgment knew How to divert ere reason it out-grew It often from important action brought Him to those shades where Contemplation sought Calm sollitude in whose soft raptures Love Refining Fancy lifts his thoughts above Those joyes which when by trial brought to th' test Proves thoughts bright Heaven dul Eâ—rth when once possest Whilst seated here his eyes did celebrate As to those shade Florenza oft had sate Beneath kind looks to ravish that delight The tir'd Caâ—ina in her breathless flight Come neer the place assaults his wonder in That dreadful sound which tels him what had bin Her cause of fear which doleful stories end Arriv'd to th' danger of his dearest Friend Leaves him no time for language ere wingd by Anger and Love his hast strives to out-fly His eager thoughts Being now arriv'd so near Unto the place that his informing Ear Thither directs his steps with such a hast As nimble souls when they are first uncâ—s'd From bodies slie he thither speeds and now Being come where he beheld with horror how His better Angel injur'd was disputes Neither with fear nor policy they 'r Mutes When Anger 's thunder roars but swiftly draws His Faulchion and the justice of his Cause Argues with eager stroaks but spent in vain ' Gainst that unequal strength which did maintain The more unlawful all his power could do Is but to shew the effects of Love unto Her he ador'd few stroaks being spent before His feeble Arme of power to do no more Faints with the loss oâ— blood and letting fall Th' ill-manag'd VVeapon for his death doth call By the contempt of mercy so to prove A Sacrifice slain to Florenza's Love The cursed steel by the robustious hand Of fierce Almanzor guided now did stand Fixt in his breast whilst with a purple flood His life soiâ—s forth i th' Channel of his blood This Remora remov'd the impious deed No sooner was performd but ere the speed Florenza made though to her eager flight Fear added wings conveyd her from his sight His rude hand on her seises Now in vain She lavisht Prayers the groans in which her slain Friend breaths his soul forth with her shrieks did fill The ambient Aire struck lately with the still Voice of harmonious Musick But the Eare Of penetrated Heaven not long could heare Prayers breath'd from so much innocence yet send Them back deni'd white Mercy did attend Her swift deliv'ry when obstructing fear Through Reason let no Ray of hope appear Startl'd Argalia who was courted by Her pleasing Voices milder Harmony Into restrictive slumbers wakend at Their Alter'd Tone hast to discover what Had causd that change and soon the place attains Where in th' exhausted treasuce of his Vains Andremon wallows and Florenza lies Bath'd in her tears ready to sacrifice Her Life with her Virginity which sight Provok't a hast such as his presence might Protect the trembling Virgin which perceiv'd By curst Almanzor made to be bereav'd o th' Spoils of such a wicked Victory As Lust had then near conquerd fiercely he Assails the noble stranger who detesting An Act so full of Villany and resting On the firm justâ—ce of his Cause had made His guiltless Sword as ready to invade As was the others that had surfeited In blood before Here equal Valour bred In both a doubtfull hope Almanzors Lust Had fierd his Courage which Argalias just Attempts did strive to quench The thirsty steel Had drunk some blood from both ere Fortunes Wheel Turnd to the righteous Cause that Vigor which Through rivolets of Veins spread the salt Itch 〈◊〉 feaverish Lust before was turnd into 〈◊〉 flame of anger â— whilst his hands did do What Rage doth dictate Fury doth assist With flaming Paroxismes and each Nerve twist Into a double strength yet not that flood Which in this ebullition of his blood Did through the Channels boyl till they run o're With flaming spirits could depress that store Of manly worth which in Argalias breast Did with a quiet even Valor rest Moving as in its naturall Orb unstraind 〈◊〉 any violent motion nor yet chaind By lazy damps of faint mistrust but in Dangers extream still confident to win A noble Victory or i th' loss of breath Iâ— his Fate frownd to find an honourd death Fil'd with these brave Resolves until the heat Of their warm Fury had Alarmes beat 〈◊〉 th' neighbouring fields they fought which tumult by Such of Almanzors Followers as were nigh The Grove repos'd with an astonishment That rouzd them heard they hasten to prevent The sad effects that might this Cause ensue â—re more of danger then their fear they knew Arriv'd even with that fatal Minute he Who against Justice strove for Victory With such faint stroaks that their descent did give â—ought but assurance that his Foe must live 〈◊〉 happy Conquerour they usurp the power 〈◊〉 Heaven revenge and in a dreadfull shower 〈◊〉 danger with their Furies torrent strive 〈◊〉 orewhelm the Victor but the foremost drive Their own destruction on and fall beneath His conquering Sword ere he takes time to breath Those spirits which when
his Sword are now By bounty made too much his own t' allow Even flight suspition room This being done That Valour though with Love 't were wingd might run On no rash Precipice assisted by That skilful Sea-man from some Ships that ly Neglected ' cause by time decayed he takes So much o th' Tackling as of that he makes Ladders of length sufficient to ascend The Castle Wals which having to defend Them nought but slave security is done With so much ease that what 's so wel begun They boldly second and first entering in A Tower which had by th' prudent Founder bin Built to command the Havens Mouth which lay Too low for th' Castle where when come all they Found to resist is one poor Centry bound In sleep which soon by death is made more sound To lodge the Prince in that safe place before His active valour yet attempted more The Gates secur'd that led to th' Castle he Protected by that Nights obscuritie By a conceald smal Salliport is to Its strength soon brought when now prepard to view More dreadful dangers in such habit clad As by the out-Guards easie Error had Soon as a Soldier gave him entrance come To th' Hall he is there being informd by some o th' drousie Guards where his pretended speed Might find Molarchus to perform a deed That future Ages if that Honours fire Lose not its light shal worthily admire His Valours hast within a room whose pride Of Art though great was far more glorifi'd By that bright Luster the Spectators saw Through Sorrows Clouds in fair Pharonnida He finds the impious Villain heightend in His late success to such rude acts of sin That servile baseness the low distance whence He us'd to look grew sawcy Impudence Inflam'd Argalia who at once beholds Objects to which the Sould inlarg'd unfolds Its passions in the various Characters Of Love and Anger now no more defers The exâ—cution of his rage but in So swift a death as if his hand had been Guided by Lightning to Molarchus sent His Lifes discharge which with astonishment Great as if by their evil Angels all Their sins had been displayed did wildly fall Upon his Followers whom ere hast could save Or strength resist Argalia's Sword had gave Such sudden deaths that whilst Amazements reignd Ere all he from the heedless tumult gaind That glorious Prize the royal Lady who In all assaults of fears not lost unto Her own clear Judgment as a blessing sent From Heaven whilst her base Foes Confusion lent That Action safety follows that brave Friend Whose Sword redeemd her till her Journeys end Through threatning dangers brought her to that place Where with such passion as kind Wives embrace Husbands returnd from bondage she is by Her Father welcom'd into liberty Thus rescu'd whilst exalted tumours sweld To such Confusion as from sense expeld Reasons safe Conduct whilst each Soldier leaves His former Charge fears pale disease receives This Paroxisme the Fleet which yet had in A doubtful Quest of their surpriz'd Prince bin Directed hither with the new-born day Their streamers round the Cittadel display Which seen by them that being deluded by The dead Molarchus to his treachery Had joynd their strength guilt the Original Of shame did to defend the plat-form Call Their bold endeavour but when fidning it Too strongly man'd for undermineing wit Or open strength to force dispairing to Be long secure prompted by fear they threw Themselves on Mercy which calm Grace among Heavens other blessings whilst it leads along The Prince toward Victory made his Conquest seen Such as came not to punish but redeem The end of the fourth Canto PHARONNIDA The first Book CANTO THE FIFTH The ARGUMENT IX The gratefull Prince to shew how much he lov'd This noble Youth whoe 's Merits just reward Too great for less Abilities had prov'd Makes him Commander of his Daughters Guard X. Where seated in the most benign Aspect Kind Love could grant to fair Pharonnida A sacred Vision doth her hopes detect Whose waking joyes his absence doth withdraw FReed from those dangers which this bold attempt Made justly feard whilst joy did yet exempt Those cares which when by time concocted shall His Kingdome to a general Mourning call Sparta's pleas'd Prince with all the Attributes Ere Gratitude learnd from Desert salutes That noble Youth which even when hope was spent Kind Heaven had made his safeties Instrument By acts of such heroick Vertue that Whilst all the less concernd are wondring at The grateful Prince in all the noble waies Of honour lasting as his life repaies By whose example the fair Princess taught To shadow Love her Souls most perfect draught In friendships Vail so free a welcome gave The worthy stranger that al prayer durst crave Though sacrific'd in Zeals most perfect fire Seemd now from Heaven dropt on his pleas'd desire Some daies spent here whilst Justice vainly sought That Treasons root whose base production brought Unto an unexpected Period in Molarchus death with him had buried bin To future knowledge all confessions though In torments they extracted were bestow Upon their knowledge being th' imperfect shade Of supposition which too weak t' invade Even those whose doubtful Loyalty lookt dim The prudent Prince burying mistrust with him Leaving the Island with 's triumphant Fleet On the Sicillian shoar prepars to meet That Joy in triumph which a blessing brought His loyal Subjects with their prayers had sought To cure those hot distemperatures which in His absence had the Courts Quotidian bin The Princess guard as being an honour due To noble Valour having left unto That worthy stranger whose victorious hand Declar'd a Soul created for command The Prince departs from his loud Daughters Court To joyful Corinth where though the resort Of such as by their service strove t' express An uncorrupted Loyalty made less That Mourning which the Kingdomes general Loss Claim'd from all hearts yet like a sable Cross Which amongst Trophy's noble Conquerors bear All did some signs o th' publick sorrrow wear But leaving these to rectifie that State This Feaver shook return to whom we late Left gently calm'd that happy pair which in Desire the shady Porch of Love begin That lasting progress which ere ended shall So oft their Fate to strong assistance call Some Months in happy free delights before Passion got strength enough to dictate more Then Reason could right fair they 'd spent in which Slumber of Fancy popular Love grown rich Soon becomes factious and engages all The powers of Nature to procure the fall Of the Souls lawful Soveraign either in Each Action of the others did begin To place an Adoration she doth see What ere he doth as shining Majesty Beneath a Cloud or Books where Heaven transfers Their Oracles in unknown Characters Like Gold yet unrefin'd or th' Adamant Wrapt up in earth he only seemd to want Knowledge of Worth Her Actions in his fight Appear like fires feign'd Element with light But not destruction
Argalia though it could not be Yet counted more then what his Merits might Claim as Desert but this smal beam of light Through the Prospective of suspition to Envies malignant Eye conveyd to do An Act informs the curst Amphibia that Makes Love lament for what she triumph'd at Since Vertue Heavens unspotted Character On the belov'd Argalia did transfer Merits of too sublime a height to be Shadowed with vice from that Flowers fragrancie She sucks her Venome and from what had built His Glory now intends to raise his Guilt For â—hough the Prince no Engines need to move His Passions Frame but just Desert his Love Her close endeavours are to heighten 't by Praises that make Affection jealousie Whose Venome having once possest his Soul It swiftly doth like fatal Charmes controul Reasons fair Dictates and although no fear From such wel-order'd Actions could appear To strengthen it Argalia's Merits caus'd Some sad and sullen doubts such as when pauf'd Awhile upon resolve their Cure must be Their Cause remov'd though in that Action he From his Breasts royal Mansion doth exclude The noblest Vertue generous Gratitude My worthless Fortune with will but prepare Our future happiness the time we spare From feeding on Ambrosia will encrease Our wealthy store when the white Wings of peace Shall bear us back with Victory there may Through the dark Chaeos of my Fate display Some beam of Honour though compar'd with thine That Element of living flames it shine Dim as the pale-fac'd Moon when she lets fall Through a dark Grove her beams thy Vertues shall Give an Alarum to my sluggish Soul When ere it drops thy Memory controul The weakness of my Passions When we strive i th' heat of glorious Battel I 'le revive My drooping Spirits with that harmony Thy Name includes thy Name whose memory Dear as those Reâ—icks a protecting Saint Sends humble Vot'ries mentions will acquaint My thoughts with all that 's good then calm again This Conflict of thy fears I shall remain Safe in the Hail of Death if guarded by Thy pious Prayers Fates Messengers that fly On wings invisible will lose the way Aim'd at my breast if thou vouchsafe to pray To Heaven for my protection But if we Nere meet again yet oh yet let me be Sometimes with pity thought on at which word His ore-charg'd Eyes no longer could afford A Room to entertain their Tears both wept As if they strove to quench that fire which kept Light in the Lamps of Life whose Fortunes are i th' House of Death whilst Mars the regal Star Some time in silent sorrow spent at length The fair Pharonnida recovers strength Though Sighs each Accent interrupted to Return this Answer Wilt oh wilt thou do Our infant Love such injury to leave It ere full grown When shall my Soul receive A comfortable smile to cherish it When thou art gone they 'r but dull Joyes that sit Enthron'd in fruitless wishes yet I could Part with a less expence of sorrow would Our rigid Fortune only be content With absence but a greater punishment Conspires against us danger must attend Each step thou treadst from hence and shall I spend Those hours in mirth each of whose minutes lay Wait for thy life when Fame proclaims the day Wherein your Battels joyn how will my fear With doubtful Pulses beat until I hear Whom Victory adorns Or shall I rest Here without trembling when lodg'd in thy breast My heart 's expos'd to every danger that Assails thy Valour and is wounded at Each stroke that lites on thee which absent I Prompted by fear to Myriads multiply But these are Fancies Wildfiâ—es we in vain Do spend unheard Orizons and complain To unrelenting Rocks this Night peect Scrol This Bill of our Divorcement doth inrole Our Names in sable Characters nought will Expunge till death obliterate our Ill. Oh do not dear Commandress of my Heart Argalia answers let our moist eyes part In such a Cloud as will for ever hide Hopes brightest Beams those Deities that guide The secret motions of our Fate will be More merciful then to twist Destiny In such black Threads should Death unravel all The feeble Cordage of our Lives we shall Spight of that Prince of Terrours in the high And glorious Palace of Eternity Being met again renew that Love which we On Earth were forc'd before Maturity Had ripen'd it to Leaves i th' numerous throng Of long departed Souls that stray among The Mirtles in Elizium I will find Thy Virgin Ghost and whilst the Rout inclin'd To sensual pleasures here refining are In purging Flames laugh at each envious Star Whose Aspects if ill cited at our Brith With poysonous Influence blasts the Joyes of Earth Oh wast not cries the Princess dear time in These shadows of Conceit the Hours begin To be ' mongst those inserted that have try'd The Actions of the World which must divide Us from our Joy the Sea through which we sail Works high with woe nor can our prayers prevail To calm its angry Brow the glorious Fraight Of my unwelcome Honours hangs a Waight Too ponderous on me for to steer the way Thy humbler Fortunes do else ere I 'de stay To mourn without thee I would rob my Eyes Of peaceful slumbers and in course disguise Whilst Love my Sex's weakness did controul Command my Body to attend my Soul My Soul my dear which hovering neer thee not Midnight alarums that appear begot By truth should startle 'twixt the clamorous Camp Lightned with Cannons and the peaceful Lamps That undisturb'd here wasts its Oile I know No difference but what doth from Passion flow Whose close Assaults do more afflict us far Then all the loud impetuous storms of War We must we must replies Argalia stand This Thunder bolt unmov'd since his Command Whose Will confirms our Law happy had we Great Princess been if in that low degree From whence my Infancy was rais'd I yet Had liv'd a toiling Rural then when fit For Himens pleasures uncontrol'd I 'de took Some homely Village Girl whose Friends could look After no Joynture for to equallize Her Portion but my love no jealous Eyes Had waited on our Meetings we had made All our Addresses free the friendly shade Cast from a spreading Oak as soon as she Had milkt her Cows had prov'd our Canopy Where our unpollisht Courtship had a Love As chast concluded as from th' amorous Dove Pearcht neer us we had learnt it when arriv'd Unto Loves Zenith we had undepriv'd By disagreeing Parents soon been led To Church by th' sprucest Swains our Marriage-bed Though poor and thin would have been neatly drest By rural Paranymphs clad in the best Wool their own Flocks afforded in a low And humble Shed on which we did bestow Nought but our labour to erect we might Have spent our lustie youth with more delight Then glorious Courts are guilty of And when Age had decayd our strength grown up to men Beheld our large course issue Our dayes ended
that Mazara's love-sick Soul was offering at Florenza's Shrine and by that willing stay Might be inforc'd some Minutes to delay The time in which his readier Opposite Expected him she being resolv'd to write Affection in her blood with Loves wild hast Makes toward the Lists there finds his Armour plac'd Within the dark shade of an ancient Wood In whose black breast that place of horrour stood Where they appoint to meet like those of Fate Obscure and dark by Beasts and Birds that hate The Light alone frequented but love had Dis-plum'd fears Haggars being resolv'd she clad Beauties fair Pearl where smooth delights did dwell i th' rough-cast Mould of that Ciclopian shell But that no Armes nor bounding Steeds affright Where Loves fair hand hath Valours pasport wright Here we should pause and pity her that now Fancy beholds whilst she is learning how To manage stubborn steel within her sleek And pollisht hand through devious pathes to seek For doubtful dangers such whose horrid shape On mans best judgment might commit a Rape Her swift Conductor Love ere this had brought Her to the place where Passion had not sought Long for the Object of her hate ere she Her valiant Brother that was come to be His Fames Protector sees but so disguiz'd In 's Armes that both with envy unadviz'd By knowledge an unthought of guilt prepare In blood to meet their foaming Horses were Now freed from the commanding Rain and in Their full Carier but Love in vain to win The Field from Valour strives her eager hast But argues such an envy as did wast It self in weak Attempts which to the length Of power extended fals beneath the strength Of her Victorious Foe whose Fortune had In Robes of Joy what he must weep for clad Conquer'd Carina now dismounted lay Struggling for life whose Fortress to betray Toward Natures Tyrant Death her blood transports False Spirits through their purple Salliports Her Brother with an Anger that was grown Into disdain his Fury should be shewn On such resistless Subjects ere he knows How much of grief his Soul to sorrow owes For this unhappy Act froms finisht course Was now returning not by strength to force The harsh Commands of Tyrant Victors but By calm advice a bloodless end to put To that ill-manag'd Quarrel but before He there arrives to make his sorrows more When truth unvails their dark design a Knight With hast as speedy as the secret flight Oâ— wrath when wing'd from angry Heaven he saw Bolted into the Lists who soon did draw Too neer in sober Language to dispute Their fatal Quarrel both with Rage grown mute Disdaining conference found no place for words Amidst the mortal Language of their Swords Which the first shock past o're and Lances broke In hast took place and at each furious stroke Unbay'd the Fountains of their blood to stain With purple guilt the Flower-enamel'd Plain Whilst each did thus with silent Rage imploy An Art directed Fury to destroy The others strength the bordering shadows weep In trickling Dews and with sad murmures keep Time with the hollow and ill boding Note Sent from a fatal Ravens stretcht-out Throat Which from an old Oaks witherd top did sing A baleful Dirg but these sad Omens bring No terror to their busie thoughts which were Too much imployd in Action to take care For any danger more remote then what With the next stroke might fall perceiving that Their Horses faint they both dismount and do On equal terms the Fight on foot renew Till a Cessation from the want of breath Not Valour was enâ—orc'd the Vail which death Contracted from those steams his wreaking blood Breathd forth its Spirits in already stood Over Mazara's Eyes which clouded seâ—s Not that approach of Night his trembling Knees Sâ—agger beneath their fainting Load which in To th' Grave had dropt had not their fury bin When its last heat was with Lifes flame neer spent From further Rage restraind by accident Some of the lost Carina's frighted Friends Fearing those Ills which desperate Love attends Spending that Morning in the fruitless Quest Of her had been and now their hopes distrest With vain inquiries to communicate Their Grief returning were which secret Fate To interpose through dark Meanders brought Neglect to find what care in vain had sought Whilst yet no more then brave humanity Prompts them to part a Quarrel that might be Defil'd with blood which if not shead in Wars With Murther stains what it doth guild with Scars They toward them hast even in that critical And dangerous Minute when Mazara's fall With Vict'ries Laurels to adorn his Crest His valiant Friend had rob'd of future rest Had not this blest relief of Innocence The one from death the other from expence Of tears restraind before Revenge had found So much of Guilt as might his Conscience wound His high wrought Rage stopt by too many hands To vent its heat Euriolus now stands Shook with the Feaver of his anger till Those Friends which saw Mazara grown so ill With wounds to gasp for breath by giving way For aire they to the Victors view betray His best of Friends at which afflicting sight Cursing the cause of that unhappy fight His Sword as guilty thrown aside he hasts To his Relief in which kind act none wasts Their friendly help Life as but stoln from pain Behind the Vail of death appears again On Natures Frontiers whose returning flame Though scarce of strength to warm lookt red with shame When he so many wel-known Friends beheld Sad Witnesses how much his passion sweld Above the Banks where Reason should have stayd When to that meeting it his Friend betrayd Their Vails of steel remov'd each now beholds What shame and wonder in firm Contracts folds Amaz'd stands brave Euriolus to see None but his Friend his honourd Friend should be The Parent of that Quarel shame confounds Mazara more and from internal wounds Though like the red Seas Springs his other bled Perhaps less danger but more torment bred Both now by his unforc'd confession knew Whose equal'd honourd Beauty 't was that drew Them to this fatal Combate whose event Him neer the Grave on Loves vain Errant sent Friendship renewd in strickt Embraces they Are now arriv'd where weak Carina lay So faint with Loves Phlebotomy that she Maskt in forgetful slumbers could not see Approaching shame which when discoverd sticks Lifes fair Carnations on her death-like Cheeks Hasting to see what over-forward Rage That unknown strangers weakness did engage In that unhappy Quarrel they beheld At the first glance an Object that expeld Into the shades of Sorrows Wilderness All temperate thoughts his Sisters sad distress Wrought by his Arme whose strength betrayd her neer The Grave did to Euriolus appear Dreadful as if some treacherous friend had shown Those flames in which his scorâ—cht Companions grone Nor did Mazara though but prompted by Pity that tender Child of sympathy With less relenting sorrow live to see Loves bloody
sate Beneath a darker Vayle then that which shades Repentant grief since sinne but wisht invades The soul with that which leads to horror when Grief for sins past bring into light agen One through a sea of trouble leads the way To a safe Harbour th' other casts away Poor ship-wrackt Mortals when by deaths swift stroak Lifes feeble hold is from hopes anchor broke So far the fair Jonusa in this sad Region of grief had gone till sorrow had That Feaver turn'd upon whose flaming wings At first lust only sate to one which brings Deaths symptomes near her heart which had so long Beneath the burthen groand untill the strong Disease had wrought up all the blood within Her checks into consuming flames the skin Had lost its soft repose of flesh and lay On nought but bones whose sharpnesse did betray Their macerated nerves The Rose had lost His Ensigns in her cheeks and though it cost Payns near to death the Lillie had alone Set his pale Banners up no brightnesse shone Within her eyes dim Orbs whose fading light Being quench'd in death had set in endlesse night Had not the wise endeavours of her Mayd The carefull Manto griefs pale Scouts betrayd By slie deceipt Knowing if she should want Health untill cur'd by that exotick plant The Captives love what lust at first did burn With inflammations might a Gangrene turn Although she cures not yet gives present ease By laying Opiates to the harsh disease A Letter which did for uncivil blame His first denyal in the strangers name Disguiz'd she gives her which with eyes that did O're-flow with joy read ore had soon forbid Griefs sullen progresse whose next stage had been O're Lifes short road the Grave deaths quiet Inne From whose dark terror by this gleam of light Like trembling children by a Lamps weak light Freed from nights dreadfull shadowes she 'd imbrac'd Sleep natures darknesse had not joy defac'd Those sooty characters and on the wings Of ayrie hope that wanton bird which singâ— As soon as fledg'd advanc'd her to survey The dawning beauties of a long'd for day But ere this pyramid of pleasure to Its height arrives with 's presence to undoe The golden structure dreadfull Ammurat From 's floting mansion safely landed at The Cities Pott impatient Love had brought In an untimely visit ere swift thought Fetterd with guilt could from his eager eye By an excuse to sanctuary flie He enters and she faints in which pale trance His pity findes her but to no such chance Imputes the cause rather conceives it joy Whose rushing torrent made her heart imploy His nimble servants all her Spirits to Prevent a deluge which might else undoe Loves new made Common-wealth But whilst his care Hastens to help her fortune did declare Her sorrows dark enigma from her bed The Letter drops which when lifes Army fled Their frontier Garrisons neglected had Been left within 't this seen declares a sad Truth to 'th amazed Bassa though 't were mixt With subtill falshood whilst he stands betwixt High rage and grief distracted doubtfull yet In what new dresse to wear revenge the fit Forsakes Ihonusa who not knowing she Detected stood of Lusts conspiracie Gainst honours Royal Charter from a low Voyce strayns a welcome which did seem to flow From fickle discontent such as the weak Lungs breath the thoughts in whilst their fibers break To counterfeited slumbers leaving her He 's gone with silent anger to confer And though rage lives in fire the fury lies Unseen through the false opticks of his eyes With such a farwell as kinde husbands leave Their pregnant Wives preparing to receive A Mothers first of blessings he forsakes The room and into strict iâ—quiry takes The wretched Manto who ere she could call Excuse to aid surpriz'd discovers all Her sins black art from whose dark Theorems he This method drawes that night design'd to be Lightn'd with Lusts hot triumphs he pretends Commanded absence yet the false stroke bends But towards that guard ere by a swift reverse Brought back his souls slie Scouts had gain'd commerce With all those enemies to honour by Whose aid Ihonusa ruins chastity Plac'd by false Manto in a Closet which Silent and sad had only to inrich Its roof with light some few neglected beams Sent from Ihonusa's room which serve as streams To waâ—t intelligence Here he beheld Whilest she who with his absence had expelld All thoughtfull cares was with her joy swell'd high As Captives are when cal'd to liberty Her Linnen like a Princely Brides that meets In the soft folds of her first nuptial sheeâ—s Perfum'd and costly her fair bed was more Adorn'd then Shrines whose Saints rich Kings adore Incense in smoaky curles climbs to the fair Roof whilst choice musick rarifies the aire Each element in more perfection here Then in their first creation did appear Yet liv'd in harmony the wing'd fire lent Perfumes to 'th aire that to moist Cordials pent In Christal Vials strength and those impart Their vigour to that ball of earth the hart The nice eye here epitomiz'd might see Rich Persia's wealth and old Rome's luxury But now like Natures new made Favorite Who untill all created for delight Was fram'd did nere see Paradice comes in Deceiv'd Argalia thinking he had been Cald thither to behold a Penitent Arming for death not heavens choice blessings spent On th' vanities of Life but mirth soon gives That thought its mortal wound and shewes she lives Beyond that dark sphear where her joyes did move As if her eyes alone gave Lawes to Love Where beauties Constellations all did shine As if no crosse aspect could ere untwine Their claspt Conjunctions which did seem to guide Old Natures steps till from their Zeniths pride By vertue the Souls motion which the World In order keeps into coufusion hurld For here gay vanity though cloathd in all Her gawdy Pageants lets her Trophies fall Before bright Vertues Throne with such a high Heroick scorn as aged Saints that die Heavens Favourites leave the trivial world he slights That gilded Pomp no splendent beam invites His serious eye to meet their Objects in An amorous glance reserv'd as he had been Before his grave Confessor he beholds Beauties bright Magick whilst its Art unfolds Great Loves mysterious Riddles and commands Captive Ihonusa to infringe the Bands Of Matrimonial modesty when all Temptation falls she leaves her Throne to fall The scorn of Greatnesse at his Feet but Prayer Like flattery expires in uselesse aire Too weak to hatter that firm confidence Their torments thunder could not shake from hence Despair Loves Tyrant had enforâ—d her to More wild Atempts had not her Ammurat who Unseen beheld all this prevented by His sight the death of bleeding modesty Made swift with rage the ruffl'd Curtain flies His angry touch he enters fixt his eyes From whence some drops of rage distil on her Whose heart had lent her Face its Character Whilst he stood red with flaming anger she Looks pale
might when at maturity afford Length to the Scepter from 's victorious Sword From this young Prince Heavens hopeful Blossom they Pleal'd but not satisfi'd their Souls convey On those wing'd Messengers their Eyes unto Manly Argalia finding there a new And various form of worth on 's Brow did sit Reserv'd discretion reconcil'd to Wit Serious and grave his carriage yet a Face Where Loves fair Shrine did Wisdoms Temple grace His scars those broad Seals which protecting sate His future safety sign'd in on him sate Not to deform but until Age remain Like Mâ—ids of Honour plac'd in Beauties Train True worth dwelt in the other but in this Brave Heroes breast had her Metropolis The Cyprians safety and Sardinia's brave Redemption were the past ports which Fame gave Unto his travelling prayse which fled in haste Through th' ears short stages in each breast had plac't A Love of 's worth which wise men softly prayse Whilst the loud throng to acclamations raise Not long these true-born Sons of honour in Palerino's Court remaine ere what had been The cause which had the youthfull Cyprian drew Froms Fathers Court white fame presents unto Busie Inquirers Which design from all Those swift but weak recruits good wishes call Except from some it most concern'd mongst which Cleander staggers unresolv'd the rich And powerfull Kingdome which affinity With Cyprus promis'd was a prize to be Valued before Epirus wealth who though Of late victorious yet could never grow Up to that glorious height This thought the most Of all the ere obstructed love had crost Zoranza's hopes had not his wishes been Though covetoâ—â—ly vast confin'd within The others merits amongst which the chief Opposes first it self and the relief Whispers in 's soul that had been thence brought by Him when his state wept bloud for liberty This in the Scale of Justice seem'd as large As Loves dimensions till a second charge Of thoughts proclaim the Cyprians power to doe The same if in necessity sought to Which blames becoming gratitude as in Relation to servility a sinne In the great souls of Princes who can be If they remain in debt for curtesie But Captives in the throne too oft the cause Why meritorious Subjects meet the Lawes Harsh Rigour for Reward when their Deserts Many and great o're fill their Princes hearts Before Cleanders Gravity had layd This â—empest of his Passions Fame betrayd Their Cause to the Epicote Prince who hears The Cyprians welcome which his various fears But briefly comment on before without More slow delays then what were spent about The swiftest preparations he intends To visit fair Pharonnida and ends His Journey ere a thought unwing'd with Love Could lead him forth of 's Court which hast did prove His Passions stronger then the strength of age Appeard to promise what it might presage To see at once two royal strangers in Their glorious Court which both imployd had bin About one amorous Errand strangely did Affect the Citizens whose fears forbid The publick Stage in private whispers tels What danger lay betwixt those parallels Yet in the opposition of those Scars That shine in Passions sphear Loves civil Wars Had no field Army all his power did rest Within the private Garrisons o th' breast Which though besieg'd by sly suspition made No verball Sallies but prepare t' invade Beauties bright Province yet each only had A single Visit given unto the sad Sweet Object of their hopes and thence receiv'd A Welcome such as neither had bereav'd The others hopes both rather finding cause Of cold despair Cleander pleads the Laws Of Nature and free choice to wave his own Engagements to Zoranza which had blown Loves sickly flame with the tempestuous breath Of anger forth had not those thoughts to death i th' Bud been doom'd whilst thus his Passions slept In Loves soft Armes the noble Cyprian kept A distance 'twixt his hopes and wishes by The stayd Epicots interest both rely On their own Merits and Loves doubtful sate Makes subject to the Monarchy of Fate But whilst this busie Combate of the heart On equal tearms it fought time bent to part The royal Champions through the obscure Ports Of dark disguize into Loves field resorts A third brave Combatant whose Merit had Though not i th' Armour of great Titles clad By parly wonne that Maiden Fort which they Although they scal'd on golden Mountains lay Before in vain Argalia though within Ghirenza's Court had yet a stranger bin More then in Fame and big Report to her Whos 's best of thoughts wore his Souls Character And yet although a Virgins bashful grace Conceald her own for to behold that Face So much in debt to th' peoples Prayses to Her window oft the royal Maid had drew Where whilst his eyes did wast their Beams in vain To pierce those stubborn Walls that did contain Rich Loves unvalued-Treasure she beholds His brave Deportment which since strange unfolds New Volumes of unprinted joy which she Sorrow affording so much liberty Oft with delight looks o're beholding in 't Argalia's Vertues in a different print But his wise Fare even when his prayer grew weak In Faith did through hopes cold Antartick break In a long Summers day his noble friend The Princely Cyprian did so largely spend His stâ—ck of eloâ—uence in 's praise when he Last saw divine Pharonnida that she Although from no remoter cause then springs From Vertues publike love tells him he brings His next best welcome with his Friend which proud To be observant in when time allow'd A visit he performs Now to the Court Beauties dull Cloyster which no throng'd resort Of Clients fill they 'r come the surly Guard Those wakefull Dragons did without reward Let in that danger in disguise which had Met death i' th entrance if in that unclad The way that clest the scowling Rock being by A thousand steps ascended they i' th high Clifts finde the Royal Eâ—glet trying that Bright eye of her fair soul discretion at The fiery beams of anger which were shot From her Majestick Father Being got Once more to breath his Soul upon that hand Where Loves first Vows seal'd with his Lips did stand Knowledge inflaming passions Feaver like Unpractic'd Saints which miracles do strike Into a Reverend zeal he trembling takes That holy Relique which a cold fear shakes In that warm touch Her eyes fair splendor shoâ—e Like bright Stars in heavens trepidation Shook with the general motion though betwixt The Sphears of Love and Wonder they stood fixt In their own Orbs and their united beams Center'd on him yet like dead friends which dreams Imperfectly present his Lovely form As Marriners when Land is through a storm With doubtfull joy desery'd she sees but yet Knowledge had met with no prospective fit To guide her through the dark disguize unto The Rode of truth his Valour was in new Habiliments of honour cloath'd and scars Made her Love's heaven adornd with unknown Stars But whilest her Recollecting spirits were All
fell From a thrones splendor did neglected lie Sunk with her temple to deformitie Dark gloomy groves which holy altars shade With solitude such as religion made Full of an awful reverence and drew The ravisht soul from the worlds wandring view Circled the sacred valley into one Of which our Royal Lovers were alone Retir'd in private sollitude to pay Sleeps forfeitures whilst the bright bloomy day Sweats the hidroptick earth but joy denies That sullen ghest an entrance in their eies Their eyes which now like wandring Plannets met After a race of cross aspects and set Within a firmament of beauty thence On Loves cold Region dropt their influence Warm'd by whose vigor springs of pleasures had Watring their cheeks those fields in roses clad Fear that till now had made them languish in A dang'rous hectick or at best had bin But cas'd with intervals which did include Ambiguous hopes in times vicissitude Ceas'd to usurp yet though the throne expell'd A large command in Reasons Empire held Leading those parties which wise counsel sent Close ambuscado'd dangers to prevent Nor could the conduct fail assail'd by ought Within the circuit of extended thought Deliberation the souls wary Scout Being still imploy'd to lead fresh parties out ' Gainst the known enemies of hope But here Black Troops of danger undiscern'd of fear Assaults unralli'd fortitude whilst she Slept ' mongst the rose-beds of securitie Exalted far above the gross mistakes Of vulgar love cloth'd in such thoughts as shakes Ripe souls from out their husks of earth to be Pick'd up by Angels joys Stenographie In their embraces met not with less strength Of love though yet not to be wrought at length Then that which meets in nuptial folds when they Reap Heavens first blessing in their bloods allay Met their full seas of passion yet both calm As vertues brow their blood but warm'd like balm To pour in sorrows wounds not boild into A scum of lust The worlds first man did wo The blushing offâ—pring of his side the fiâ—st Unpractickt Virgin with as great a thirst Of blood as theirs when in the safe defence Of Paradice each act was innocence Here whilst thâ—ir sweet imployment was discourse Taught in the School of Vertue to divorce Those maiden brides their twisted eye-beams sleep Which flies the open gates of care did creep In at their cristal windows to remove The lamp of joy fill'd with the oil of love The Princess spirits fled from the distress Of action into calm for getfulness Having the Curtains drawn Argalia's head Softly reposing on her lap that bed Of precious odors there receives a while A rest for sweetness such as Saints beguile Time in in their still dormitories till Heavens summons shall their hopes on earth fulfill Remov'd from them feeding his horses in A well-fleâ—â—'d meddow which that age had seen Till then ne'er loose its Sommer robe before Russet with age he put it off and wore A glittering tissue furr'd with snow did lie Their careful guide secure till frighted by A dreadful noise of horse whose rushing wakes Him to behold what seen with terror shakes Off sleeps declining weights in such a strange Amaze as forts surpris'd the skar'd guards change Their swords for Fetters flying he looks back On the steel fronâ—ed troop till at his back Approaching danger gathering in a cloud Of death overwhelms him frighting with its loud Exalted clamors from their then clos'd eyes Loves altars sleeps intended sacrifice Shook from their slumber with the first salutes Of light to meet their ruin thick recruits Of brave resolves into Argalia's brest Had swiftly summon'd but the Princess rest Exchang'd for wilde amazement in which sad Restraint of spirits life with beauty had Fled to the silent Region if not by Her Royal friend supported who the high Pitch of exalted anger whilst he draws His sword to vindicate their righteous cause Descends to comfort her thinking those troops Her Fathers Messengers his brave soul stoops Not to request a favor but although Their multitude in hopes account outgrow Life more then those diseases which attend On ages cold extream he dares defend Love though by vigor of supream commands Depriv'd of favor's mercinary Bands Prompted by power that soveraign antidote ' Gainst Natures poyson baseness and by roate Not Arts fair Rules taught Lessons of defence These dregs of men not having more pretence Then what from Riot was extorted in Unwieldy throngs the conquest strive to win From single valor not the powerfull pray'r Of her whose voice had purified the ayr To a seraphick excellence the sweet Heav'n lov'd Pharonnida could come to meet Pitty in this rude wilderness her words Losing their form in the wild air affords Their busie souls no heedfull leasure but With wilder passions the soul's portals shut That sober friend to happy sollitude Silence which long those blest shades did include By rude noise banisht from her solemn Throne Did in a deep and hollow eccho grone Whilst the brave Champion whose own worth did bring Assistance yet had in a bloody ring Strew'd death's pale triumphs and in safety stands The dangerous business of so many hands All which had in the grave joyn'd palms if by One stroke that index unto victory His sword had not with sudden breaking prov'd Traitor to th' strength by whose command it mov'd Rob'd of this safe defence Valors brave flame In vain is spent that Piramis of fame Built by his hand o'er Loves fair temple now Even in the view of 's Saint is forc't to bow Beneath an earthquake his commanding soule In this sharp conflict striving to controle Nature rebellious to her power le ts flye In vain the piercing lightning of the eye Whose dark leads drooping in a death like close Forbids high fury thundring on his soes He falls and from each purple salliport Of wounds tir'd spirits in a thick resort Flie the approach in which wild trance His eyes did their declining lights advance Above their gloom of darkness to convay The last faint beam of natures falling day To his distrest Pharonnida but she In clouds of sorrow lost was gone to be Close mourner for his rigid fare beneathe A pale sowns shady vale and could not breathe One sigh to welcom those sick guests nor lend A beam to light them to their journies end Which being depriv'd of in deaths dark disguise Forgetful shadows did obscure his eyes Branded with an ignoble victory His base oppressors staying not to try Where fire remains in lifes dark lamp forsake Their bleeding shame and only with them take The trembling Ladies whose amazement yet Griefs floodgates shuts in a distracting fit Of wilder passions circled in which cloud She 's hurried thence and ere that damp aloud Light through her souls prospectives had past ore Much of the Desart and arriv'd before A barren Rocks proud front which being too steep For the laborious traveller a deep Dark vault did pierce whose dismal black descent Safe passage to a
greatness shut from all Those glorious objects of the world that call Our souls in admiration forth her time Being spent in grief made life but Natures crime The rough disguise of time assisted by The meager gripe of harsh captivity Had now expung'd those characters by which Ismander once was known and even the rich In love and duty rendred strangers to Their honor'd Master from whose serious view Neglective grief withdraws them so that he An unknown Pilgrim might have gone to be Theirs and his own afflictor had that fear Not thus been cur'd A Spaniel being of dear Esteem to Ammida since the delight Of her Ismander once come to the sight Of 's first protector stays not till a call Invites acquaintance but preventing all The guides of reason by the sleights of sense Fawning on 's Master checks th' intelligence Of 's more forgetful followers which being seen By an old servant whose firm youth had been Spun out amongst that family till by Grave age surpris'd it led his sober eye To stricter observations such as brought Him near to truth and on contracted thought Rais'd a belief which though it durst conclude Nought on the dark text yet i' th' magnitude Of hope exalted by his joy he hastes To 's mourning Mistress tells her that she wastes Each minute more she spends in grief if he Dares trust his eyes t' inform his memorie Contracted spirits starting from the heart Of doubtful Ammida to every part Post through the troubl'd blood a combat fought Betwixt pale fear and sanguine hope had oft Won and lost battails in her cheeks whilst she Leaving her sullen train did haste to see Those new come guests But the first enterview Unmasks Ismander wing'd with love she flew To his imbraces 't was no faint disguise Of a course habit could betray those eyes Into mistakes that for directors had Loves powerful optiques Nuptial joys unclad In all their naked beauties no delight So full of pleasure the first active night Being but a busie and laborious dream Compar'd with this this that had swell'd the stream Of joy to fainting surfeits whose hot strife Had overflow'd the crimson-sea of life If not restrain'd by a desire to keep What each had lost in the eternal sleep But now broke through the epileptique mist Of amorous rapture rallied spirits twist Again their optique cordage whose mixt beams Now separate and on collateral streams Disperst expressions of affection bore To each congratulating friend that wore Not out those favors with neglect but by A speedy though unpractick sympathie Met their full tide of bliss glad fame which brings Truths messages upon her silver-wings In private whisper hovers for a while Within the palace every servants smile Invites a new spectator who from thence Proud to be author of intelligence So welcom hastes till knowledge rang'd through all Diffusive joy made epidemical For though that noble family alone Afforded pleasure a triumphant throne Yet frolick mirth did find a residence In every neighbors bosom they dispence With their allegiance to their labor and Revel in lusty cups the brown bowls stand With Amber-liquor fill'd whose fruitful tears Dropt lov'd Ismander's health till it appears In sanguine tincture on their cheeks All now Had if not calm'd their passions smooth'd a brow To temporize with pleasure The sad story Of his own fortune and that Ages glory Pharonnida whilst each attentive dwells On expectation brave Ismander tells The End of the Second Canto PHARONNIDA The Fourth Book CANTO III. The Argument I. From the sad consort of her silent grief The Princess doth with pleasing wonder hear Poor Vanlore's fate and the unjust relief Which his unworthy Father freed from fear II. Whose hell-deep plots the dregs of avarice Had so defil'd that whilst he seeks for aid His subtlety mask'd on the road of vice By his presum'd Assistant is betraid COmposing time did now begin to slack The rain of mirth exalted Joy shrunk back From Pleasures summer-solstice and gave way For more domestick passions to obay An Oeconomick government which brought Loose fancy on the wings of serious thought Back to her sober home in that to find Those several burthens that were left behind In the carier of mirth amongst which number Pharonnida that had let sorrow slumber In the high room of joy awakes again That clamorous elf which she must entertain At Beauties cost Yet in this dark retreat From Pleasures throne to Sorrows dismal seat She finds a sweet Copanion one that had By fatal love oppos'd with loss unclad Delight of all his summer-robes to dress Her trembling soul in sables of distress The sad Silvandra for surviving fame Hath on record so character'd her name Being sister to return'd Ismander in This flourish of triumphant joy had bin So much eclips'd with grief that oft her tears Dim'd Beauties rays whilst through them she appears A fit Companion for the Princess to Twist those discourses with whose mourning clue Led through the labyrinth of their lives They oft In shades as secret as their closest thought With pensive paces meeting sit and tell Stories so sad that nought could parallel But Love and Loss a theam they both had bin By rigid power made hapless Students in One eye-bright morning tempting them to take The start of time soon as the Lark did wake Summons them from the Palace to the side Of a small Wood whose bushy crest the pride Of all the flowry plains they chose to be ' Gainst the invading sun their canopie Repos'd beneath a full-grown tree that spread His trembling arms to shade their fragrant bed They now are sate where for a while they view The distant vale whilst contemplation grew Pregnant with wonder whose next prosp'rous birth Had been delight had they not sent their mirth In sad exchange whilst tears did usher in Silvandra's fate who weeping did begin With such a look as did command belief The late-past story of a present grief In yonder fields with that directs her eye To a black Fen whose heavy earth did lie Low in a dark and dirty vale is plac'd Amarus Castle which though now defac'd More by the owners covetous neglect Then times rough strokes that strength which did protect Once its inhabitants being now but made Use of when want doth with weak prayers invade The gates being thought sufficient if they keep The poor at bay or whilst his stiff hindes sleep Their laboring beasts secure But I alas Blush to discover that this Miser was Father to my dead Vanlore and to her Whose living vertues kind heaven did confer As blessings on my brother but the sun Ne'r saw two sweeter streams of vertue run From such a bitter fountain This accurst And wretched man so hated that he durst Scarce look abroad fearing oppression would Be paid with vengeance if he ever should Fall into th' hand 's of those whose faces he Grownd with extortion till the injury Fear cloath'd like justice ventring once to view A
death arrest Him for his murtherer by which change opprest More then before with fear he who now thought On nought but death to a tribunal brought Ere ask'd confesses that foul crime for which He this just doom receives since to inrich What had before wealths surfeit took this sin Was chiefly acted his estate faln in To th' hands of justice by the judge should be From hence dispos'd of then from death to free His life already forfeited except Murther'd Ismander whom he thought had slept In 's winding sheet his hopeless Advocate Should there appear in which unhappy state The wretch now ready to depart beholds This glorious change Ismander first unfolds Himself and her who bound by natures laws Implores his pardon ere they plead his cause Which done the Judge that his lost wealth might be No cause of grief unmasking lets him see Euriolus by whom from th' worst of sin To liberal vertue he 'd deluded bin The End of the Third Canto PHARONNIDA The Fourth Book CANTO IV. The Argument I. Whilest we a while the pensive Lady â—eave Here a close Mourner for her rigid fate Let 's from the dark records of time receive The manner how Argalia wav'd the hate II. Of his malignant stars which when they seem To threaten most through that dark cloud did lead Him to a knowledge of such dear esteem He his high birth did there distinctly read FReed from the noise o' th' busie world within A deep dark vale whose silent shade had bin Religions vail when blasted by the beams Of Persecution far from the extreams Of solitude or sweary labor were Some few blest men whose choice made Heaven their care Sequestred from the throngs of men to finde Those better joyes calms of a peacefull minde Yet though on this pacifick sea their main Design was Heaven that voyage did not restrain Knowledge of humane arts which as they past They safely view'd though there no anchor cast Their better temper'd judgments counting that But hoodwink'd zeal which blindly catches at The great Creators sacred will without Knowing those works that will was spent about Which being the climax to true judgement we Behold stoop'd down to visibilitie In lowliest creatures natures stock being nought But God in 's image to our senses brought In the fair evening of that fatal day By whose meridian light Love did betray Ingag'd Argalia near to death was one Of these heav'ns happy Pensioners alone Walking amongst the gloomy Groves to view What soveraign vertues there in secret grew Confin'd to humble plants whose signatures Whilst by observing he his art secures From vain experiments Argalia's Page Crossing a neighboring path did disingage His serious eye from natures busie task To see the wandring Boy who was to ask The way for more his youths unprompted fear Expects not there to the blest man drawn near But when with such a weeping innocence As Saints confess those sins which the expence Of tears exacted he had sadly told What harsh fate in restrictive wounds laid hold Of 's worthy Master pity prompted by Religious love helps the poor Boy to dry His tears with hopes of comfort whilst he goes To see what sad Catastrophe did close Those bloody scenes which the unequal fight Foretold before fear prompted him to flight Noâ— far they 'd past ere they the place had found Where groveling in a stream of blood the ground His purple-bed the wearied Prince they see Strugling with death from whose dark monarchie Pale troops assail his cheeks whilst his dim eies Like a spent lamp which ere its weak flame dies In giddy blazes glares as if his soul Were at those casements flying out did roll Swifter then thought their bloodshot orbs his hands Did with deaths agues tremble cold dew stands Upon his clammy lips the springs of blood Having breath'd forth the spirits clotted stood On that majestick brow whose dreadful frown Had to deaths scepter laid its terror down The holy man upon the brink o' th' grave Finding such forms of worth attempts to save His life from dropping in by all his best Reserves of art selecting from the rest Of his choise store an herb whose soveraign power No flux of blood though falling in a shower Of death could force which gently bruis'd and to His wound apply'd taught nature to renew Her late neglected functions and through short Recruits of breath made able to support His blood-enfeebled body till they reach The Monastry where nobler art did teach Their simple medicines to submit to those Which skill from their mixt vertues did compose Life which the unexpected gift of fate Rather then art appear'd in this debate Of death prevailing in short time had gain'd So much of strength that weakness now remain'd The only slothful Râ—mora that in His bed detain'd him where being often seen By those whom art alike had qualifi'd For his relief as one of them appli'd His morning-medicines to a spacious wound Fixt on his breast he that rare jewel found Which in his undiscerning infancie There hung by 's father fortune had kept free From all her various accidents to shew How much his birth did to her favor owe. Shook with such silent joy as he had been In calm devotion by an Angel seen The good old man his wonder rarifi'd Into amazement stands he had descri'd What if no force had robb'd him of it since 'T was first bestow'd none but his true born Prince Could wear since art wise Natures fruitful ape Ne'r but in that had birth which bore that shape Assur'd by which with unstirr'd confidence He asks Argalia where he knew from whence When nature first did so much wealth impart To earth that jewel took those forms of art But being answer'd that his infancie When first it was conferr'd on him might be Th' excuse of 's ignorance that voice alone Confirms his aged friend who having known As much of fortune as in fates dark shade His understanding legible had made From weak Argalia to require him leads Knowledge where he his lifes first copy reads Drest in this language 'T was unhappy Prince For such this story must salute you since Told to confirm 't a truth my destinie When youth and strength rendred me fit to be My dearest Countries servant plac'd within Mantinea's glorious Court where having been Made capable by sacred Orders I Attain'd the height of Priestly dignity Being unto him whose awful power did sway That crown in dear esteem but Honors day Which gilded then the Courtly sphere sunk down I lost my Mitre in the fall o' th' Crown Sad is the doleful tale yet since that in Its progress you may find where did begin Your lifes first stage thus take it When the Court Stifl'd with throngs of men whose thick resort Plenty and peace call'd thither being grown Sickly with ease view'd as a thing unknown Dangers stern brow which even in smiling fates Proves a Quotidian unto wiser States Whilst pride grew big and envy bigger
flow Whose wit grown wanton with canaries wealth Makes the chast Muse a pandress to a health Our royal Lovers story I 'll pursue Through times dark paths which now have led me to Behold Argaâ—ia by assisting art Advanc'd to health preparing to depart From his obscure abode to prosecute Designs which when success strikes terror mute With pleasing joy shall him the mirror prove Of forward valor glost with filial love But let us here with prosperous blessings leave A while the noble Hero and receive From times accounts the often varying story Of her whose love conducted him to glory Distrest Pharonnida whose sufferings grown Too great for all that vertue ere had known From humane precepts flies for refuge to Heavens narrowest paths where the directing clew Of Law to which the Earth for order owes Lost in zeals light a useless trouble growes Return'd were all the messengers which she Had at the first salutes of Libertie To seek Argalia sent But since none brought Her passions ease sick hope no longer sought Those flattering Emp'ricks but at Loves bright fires Kindling her zeal with sober pace retires From all expected honors to bestow What time her youth did yet to nature ow A solemn Recluse by a sacred vow Lockt up from action whilst she practis'd how By speculation safely to attain What busier Mortals doubtfully do gain Within the compass of the valley where Ismanders palace stood the pious care Of elder times had plac'd a Monastrie Whose fair possessors from life's tumults free In a calm voyage towards heaven their home there spent The quiet hours so sweetly innocent As if that place that happy place had bin Of all the earth alone exempt from sin Some sacred power ordaining when 't was given It for the next preparing school to heaven From whence those Vestals should when life expires Be for supplies advanc'd to heavenly quires Lost to the world in sorrows lab'rinths here Pharonnida now out of hope to cleer This tempest of her fate resolves to cast Her faiths firm anchor But before she past The dangerous straits of a restrictive vow She to such friends as judgment taught her how To prize imparts it ' mongst which few the fair Silvandra whom lost love had taught despair With sad Florenza both resolve to take The same strict habit and with her forsake The treacherous world But to disturb this clear Stream of devotion soon there did appear Disswading friends Ismander loth to lose So lov'd a guest whilst she 's of power to choose Together with the vertuous Amida Spend their most powerful arguments to draw Her from those cold thoughts that her vertue might Whilst unconceal'd lend weaker mortals light Long had this friendly conflict lasted ere Her conquer'd friends whom a religious care Frighted from robbing heaven of Saints withdrew To mourn her loss yet ere they left her to Her cloyster'd Cell Ismander to comply With aged custom calls such friends whom nigh Abode had made familiar to attend His Royal guest some hasty days they spend In solemn feasting where each friend although Cloath'd as when they at triumphs met did shew A silent sadness such as wretched Brides When the neglected nuptial robe but hides The cares of an obstructed love before Harsh parents wear The mirthless feast past ore The noble Virgins in procession by The mourning train unto the Monast'ry Slowly conducted are each led by two Full-breasted Maids whom Hymen to renew The worlds decaying stock his joys to prove By contracts summon'd to conjugal love These as they past like Paranymphs which led Young Beauties to espouse a Maidenhead With harmony whose eachâ—concording part Tickl'd the ear whilst it did strike the heart With mournful numbers rifling every brest Of their deep thoughts thus the sad sense exprest I. To secret walks to silent shades To places where no voice invades The air but what 's created by Their own retir'd society Slowly these blooming Nymphs we bring To wither out their fragrant spring For whose sweet odors Lovers pine Where beauty doth but vainly shine Cho. Where Natures wealth and Arts assisting cost Both in the beams of distant hope are lost 2. To Cloysters where cold damps destroy The busie thoughts of Bridal joy To Vows whose harsh events must be Vncoupl'd cold Virginitie To pensive prayers where heaven appears Through the pale cloud of private tears These captive Virgins we must leave Till freedom they from death receive Only in this remote conclusion blest Cho. This vale of tears leads to eternal rest 3. Then since that such a choice as theirs Which stiles them the undoubted heirs To heaven 't were sinful to repent Here may they live till beauty spent In a religious life prepare Them with their fellow-Saints to share Celestial joys for whose desire They freely from the world retire Cho. Go then and rest in blessed peace whilst we Deplore the loss of such societie Through all the slow delays of Love arriv'd To the unguarded gate friendship that thriv'd Not in Perswasions rhetorick withdraws Her forces to assist that juster cause Prayers for their future good with which whilst they Are taking leave th'unfolded gates give way For the blest Votries entrance whom to meet A hundred pair of Maids more chastely sweet Then slowers which grow untoucht in desarts were Led by their Abbess to whose pious care These being join'd with such a sad reverse Of eyes oreflowing as the sable herse Close mourners leave when they must see no more Their coffin'd dead their friends are from the dore With eager looks woes last since now denied A further view departs unsatisfied This last of duties which the dearest friend Ought to perform brought to successful end For here no custom with a dowries price At entrance paid nurst slothful avarice They 're softly led through a fair garden where Each walk was by the founders pious care For various fancies wanton imagrie To catch the heart and not to court the eye Adorn'd with sacred histories From hence To th' center of this fair circumference The fabrick come the roving eye confin'd Within the buildings to enlarge the mind In contemplation saw where happy Art Had on the figur'd walls the second part Of Sacred story drawn in lines that had The worlds Redeemer from his first being clad In robes of flesh presented to the view Through all his passion till it brought him to The Cross that highest seal of love where he A sinless offering died from sin to free The captiv'd world which knew no other price But that to pay the debts of Paradice Past through this place where bleeding passion strove Their melting pity to refine to love They 're now the Temple enter'd where to skreen Their thoughts yet nearer heaven whom they had seen i th' entrance scourg'd contemn'd crucifide They there beheld though veils of glory hide Some part of the amazing Majestie In his Ascension as when rais'd to be For them that hear his death freed from the
hate Of angry heaven the powerful Advocate Besides these bold attempts of Art that stood To fright the wicked or to prompt the good Something more great more sacred then could by Art be exprest without the help o th' eye Reacht at the center of the soul from whence To heaven our rais'd desires circumference Striking the lines of Contemplation she Wrapt from the earth is in an extasie Holy and high through faith's clear optick shown Those joys which to departed saints are known Before those pray'rs which zeal had tedious made With their last troops did conquer'd heav'n invade The day was on the glitt'ring wings of light Fled to the western world and swarthy night In her black Empire thron'd from silver shrines The kindl'd lamps through all the temple shines With dapl'd rayes that did to th' eye present The beauties of the larger firmament In which still calm when all their rites were now So near perform'd that the confirming vow Alone remain'd a sudden noise of rude And clamorous sound did through the ear intrude On their affrighted fancies in so high A voice that all their sacred harmony In this confusion lost appear'd so small As if that whisper'd which was made to call Although the awfull majesty that here Religion held the weak effects of fear With faith expel'd yet when that nearer to Their slender gates the murmuring tumult drew The Abbess sends not to secure but see Who durst attempt what heaven from all kept free By strictest law save those unhallow'd hands That follow curses whilst they flie commands But they being entred ere the timerous Scout Could notice give fear which first sprung from doubt Being into wilde confusion grown from all Set forms affrights them whilst at once they call For heavens protecting mercy to behold That place where peacefull Saints us'd to unfold Heavens Oracles possest with villains that Did ne'r know ought but want to tremble at Which look'd like those that with proud Angels fell And to storm heaven were sent in arms from hell Converts that Scean where nothing did appear But calm devotion to distracting fear Amaz'd with horror each sad votress stands Whilst sacred relicks drop from trembling hands Here one whose heart with fears convulsions faint Flies to the shrine of her protecting saint By her another stands whose spirits spent In Passion looks pale as her monument One shrieks another prayes a third had crost Her self so much ill Angels might have lost The way to hurt her if not taught to do'r Cause she to th' sign too much did attribute The royal Stranger by her fear persu'd To th' altar fled had with mixt passion view'd This dreadfull troop whilst from the temple gate They past the seat where trembling virgins sate Free from uncivil wrongs as if that they That entred had been men prepar'd to pray Not come to ravish from which sight her fear Picks flowers of hope but such as they drawn near From fancies soft lap in a Hirocane Of passion drop'd her pray'rs and tears in vaine As words in winds or showers in Seas when they Prepare for ruin the obstructed way To pitty which her stock of pray'rs had cost In the dark shade of sudden horror lost Seis'd on by two o' th' sacrilegious train Whose black disguise had made the eye in vain Seek to inform the soul she and the poor Florenza whilst their helpless friends deplore With silent tears so sad a loss are drew From the clasp'd Altar in th' offended view Of their protecting saints from whose shrines in A dismal omen dropt what ere had bin With hopes of merit plac'd Black sulphry damps With swift convulsions quench'd the sacred lamps The fabrick shakes and as if griev'd they stood To circle guilt the walls sweat tears of blood Shrieks such as if those fainted souls that there Trod heaven's strait paths in their just quarrel were Rose from their silent dormitories to Deter their foes through all the temple flew But here in vain destroying angels shook The sword of vengeance whilst his bold crimes struck ' Gainst heaven in high contempt with impious haste Snatch'd from the altar whilst their friends did waste Unheard Orizons for their safety they Unto the Fabrick's utmost gate convey Their beauteous prizes where with silence stood Their dreadful guard which like a neighb'ring wood When vapors tip the naked boughs in light With unsheath'd swords through the black mists of night A sparkling terror strook with such a speed As scarce gave time to fear what would succeed To such preceding vilanies within Her Coach imprison'd the sad Princess in A march for swiftness such as busie war Hastes to meet death in but for silence far More still then funerals is by that black troop With such exchange as falling stars do stoop To nights black region from the Monastrie Hurri'd in haste by whom or whither she Yet knows no more then souls departing when Or where to meet in robes of flesh agen The day salutes her and uncurtain'd light Welcoms her through the confines of the night But lends no comfort every object that It shewed her being such as if frighted at The Prince of day griev'd h 'ad no longer slept To shun shrunk back beneath a cloud and wept When the unfolded curtains gave her eyes Leave to look forth a troop whose close disguise Were stubborn arms she only saw and they So silent nought but motion did betray The faculties of life by whom being led In such a sad march as their honor'd dead Close mourners follow she some flow-pac'd days ' Mongst strangers passing through stranger ways At both amaz'd at length unfathom'd by Her deepest thought within the reach o th' eye Her known Ghirenza views but with a look From whence cold passion all the blood had took And in her face that frozen sea of fear Left nought but storms of wonder to appear Conven'd within the spacious Judgment-hall Of Reason she ere this had summon'd all Her weaker passions to th' impartial Bar Of Moral Vertue where they sentenc'd are Only to an untroubled silence in Which serious act whilst she had busied bin She is unnoted ere the fall of day Brought by her convoy to a Lodge that lay Off from the rode a place when seen she knew Ere his rebellion had belong'd unto Her worst of foes Almanzor which begins At first a doubt whose growing force soon wins The field of faith and tells her timorous thought Her fathers troops would ne'r have thither brought Her if design'd to suffer since that he Knew those more fit for close captivitie But long her reason lies not fetter'd in These cross Dilemma's the slow night had been With tedious hours past ore whilst she by none But Mutes no less unheard then their unknown Is only waited on by whom when day To action call'd she veil'd is led the way To the attending Convoy who had now Varied the Scene Almanzor studying how To court compassion in his Prince dares
No Herald left In which sad silent fit The valiant Cyprian who at first did sit His passions prisoner from that bondage free To her disease prescribes this remedie Cease Madam Cease to eclipse illustrious beauty by Untimely tears your griefs deformity Frights not Amindor from his friendship when I first beheld that Miracle of men Ador'd Argalia pluck from victorie His Naval laurels Honor told me I Was then so much his Vertues captive that Not all the dangers mortals tremble at Can make me shun assisting of him in Retaining you though my attempts have bin Imploy'd in vain in publick councel to Procure your peace there 's something left to do By which our private plots may undermine Their publike power and unperceiv'd decline That danger which without this secret friend It lies not in our fortune to defend From griefs cold swoon to living comforts by This cordial rais'd Pharonnida's reply Owns this pathetick language If there be In all the dark paths of my destinie Yet left a rode to safety name it Sir What I 'll atempt no danger shall deter So brave Amindor be my conduct through The dismal rode but my wild hopes outgrow What ere my reason dictates No my Lord Flie that sad fate whose progress can afford Nought but disasters and live happy in Orlinda's love should I attempt to win You from so fair a vertue 't were a wrong Too full of guilt to let me live among The number of your friends ' mongst whom let mâ— In all your future thoughts remember'd be As the most wretched to whom rigid fate All hopes weak cordials hath appli'd too late Here ceas'd the sorrowing Lady to suspend Whose following tears her charitable friend Prescribes this comfort Though my zeal hath bin When serving you so unsuccessful in My first attempts it gives just cause to doubt My future actions yet to lead you out Of this dark labyrinth where your sorrow stands Maskt with amazements not the countermands Of my affection to Orlinda though Confirm'd by vows shall stop let grief bestow But so much time unclouded by your fear To look Hopes volumes ore there will appear Some lines of comfort yet which that we may Not in a heedless horror cast away Prepare for speedy action to prevent Ensuing ills no time is left unspent But only this approaching night by which To slie from danger you must stoop t' enrich A course disguise whose humble shadow may Enquiring eyes to dark mistakes betray Our first retreat which is design'd to be No further then the neighboring Monastrie Where I of late did lie conceal'd I have Thus made secure There stands an antient cave Close hid in unfrequented shadows near Your gardens postern gate which when the fear Of bordering foes deni'd a free access To the old Abby they from the distress Of threatning Scouts were safe deliver'd by A vault that through it leads which though so nigh Unto the city careless time since not Forc'd to frequent hath wholly left forgot By busie mortals In this silent Cell Where nought but Lights eternal strangers dwell In the Meridian depth of night whilst all Are rob'd in rest you none encounter shall Except my self but him who may with us This secret share esteem'd Euriolus With whom and your indear'd Florenza we Within the unsuspected Monastrie Protected by some secret friends may stay Till fruitless searches waste their hopes away Whose watchful spleen by care conducted might Stop our intentions of a further flight Rais'd from the cold bed of despair from this Mature advice to hopes of future bliss The heavenly fair Pharonnida had now Withdrawn the vail of grief and could allow Some smiles to wait upon those thanks which she Return'd her friend who that no time might be Lost by neglect from needful action in A calm of comforts such as had not bin Her late associates leaves the Princess to Persue those plots which fortune bent t' undo Whilst hope on expectations wings did hover Did thus by fatal accident discover That knot in her fair thread of destiny That lurking snake the Purgatory by Which heaven refin'd her curst Amphibia had Whilst mutual language all their thoughts unclad Close as an unsuspected plague that in Darkness assaults an unknown sharer bin Of this important issue which with hate Her genius met soon strives to propagate A brood of Fiends Almanzor whose dark plots Like images of damn'd Magicians rots Themselves to ruine others like in this Last act of ill by too much haste to miss The rode that led through slipp'ry paths of sin From prides stupendious precipice falls in A gulf of horror in whose dismal shade A private room his dark retreat is made Here whilst his heart is boil'd in gall his brain Orewhelm'd in clouds whose darkness entertain No beam of reason whilst ambition mixt Examples of the bloodiest murthers fixt Upon the brazen front of time all which Lends no unfathom'd policie t' enrich His near impoverish'd brain he hears one knock Whose sudden noise soon scattering all the flock Of busie thoughts him in a hasty rage Hurries to th' dore where come his eyes engage His tongue to welcom one whose curst advice His tortur'd thoughts turn'd to a Paradice Of pleasing hopes on whose foundation he Prepares to build a future Monarchie A slow-consuming grief whose Chronick stealth Had slily robb'd Palermo's Prince of health In spight of all the guards of Art had long Worn out his strength and now had grown too strong For age to bear each baffl'd Artist in A sad despair forsaking what had bin Try'd but t' upbraid their ignorance except An aged Frier whose judgment long had slept From watchful practice but i' th' Court of Arts Been so imploy'd that the mysterious parts Of clouded Theoricks which he courted by High contemplation to his minds clear eye Lay all undrest of that disguise which in Mans fall t' afflict posterity they 'd been By angry heaven wrapt in so that he knew What astral vertues Vegetables drew From a celestial influence and by what Absconded magick Nature fitted that To working humors which they either move By ' xpulsive hate or by attractive love This Arts true master when his hope was grown Faint with delays to the sick Prince made known A swift command calls from his still repose The reverend Sire who come doth soon disclose That long conceal'd malignity which had The feeble Prince in sickly paleness clad Nor stays his Art at weak prognosticks but Proceeds to practice whatsoere may put His Prince in ease Cordials abstracted by A then near undiscover'd chymistry Such as in single drops did all comprise Nature ere taught Art to epitomise Such as if arm'd with a Promethean fire Might force a bloodless carkass to respire Such as curb'd fate and in their hot assault Whilst storming life made deaths pale army halt This rare Elixar by the Prince had bin With such success as those that languish in Consuming ills could wish themselves so long
receive him stood an empty Tent Whose outside as if fanci'd to deter His entrance there appear'd a Sepulcher Over whose gate her false Accusers had Transcrib'd those crimes which so unâ—ustly clad In purples sins those spotless â—ouls which seen In their bright vertues candid robes had been The hated wonders of those foes whose ends Now finde success i' th' pity of their friends Near this black tent on mourning scaffolds where Death did t' encounter innocence prepare His heaviest darts such as were headed by That more then mortal plague foul infamy The prisoners mounted at the other gate Almanzor like the messenger of Fate Fraught with revenge appears his dreadfull form More full of terror then a midnight storm To straitned Fleets appearing to the view O' th' multitude who whilst their prayers persue The prisoners safety on the flagging wings Of sickly hope his sure destruction brings Since from their knowledge more remote to cure Unto their hates impatient calenture Thrice had the trumpet sadly sounded bin And thrice a Herald's voice had summon'd in Some bold defendant but both yet so vain As if just Heaven neglected to maintain That righteous cause which sadly seen of all The sorrowfull but helpless people fall Since hopes of life was shrunk into despair To be assistant by their private prayer At deaths distracting conflict in a brief Effectual speech which answer'd to the chief Heads of 's indictment in those powerfull words Conceiv'd his last the Cyprian Prince affords Their sorrow yet a larger Theam which done Being first to die having with prayer begun That doubfull road he now a short leave takes Of all his mourning Friends then calmly shakes Off each terrestial thought and heightned by The speculations of eternity Above those damps which natures hand did weave Of humane fear submitting to receive The fatal stroke that Center to a crown But orb of wit his sacred head layes down Fled to the dark cell of their utmost fears With eyes whose lids were cemented in tears Each still Spectators thoughts did now repair To the last refuge of a silent prayer In which close parl from that deep Lethargy They are to joy and wonder waken'd by A trumpets voice which from the other gate Sounds a defiance 't was not yet so late In hopes dim twilight but they once more may In expectation of a glorious day Dare look abroad which done unto their view A Cyprian Herald being design'd unto That office they leading a stranger Knight Into the Lists behold whose welcom sight Was entertain'd with acclamations that Rais'd thunder for his foes to tremble at This valiant Hero whose brave gesture gave Life to that hope which told them heaven would save Such suffering vertue now drawn near unto The tent is taking a disdainful view Of that accurst inscription whilst all eyes Center'd on him see through his steel-disguise A goodlier shape though not so vastly great As that curst lump nature had made the seat Of 's enemies black soul The armor which He wore they knew not whether for more rich Or rare to prize the ground of it as he For those had mourn'd which now from infamie His sword sought to redeem was black but all Enamell'd ore with silver-hearts let fall From flaming clouds which hovering above Them look'd like incense fir'd by heavenly love ' Mongst these in every vacant place was found A deaths-head scatter'd some of which were crown'd With laurel others on their bare fronts wore A regal diadem in 's shield he bore In a Field argent on the dexter side A new-made Grave to which a Lamb deni'd Succor on earth to shun the swift persuit Of a fierce wolf was fled but ere one foot Was enter'd there from a red cloud that charg'd The field in chief a thunderbolt inlarg'd By heav'ns just wrath from 's sulphrie seat was sent So swiftly that what sav'd the innocent The guilty slew which now in 's blood doth lie A President for powerful tyrannie Those short surveys o' th' people hardly took Ere having now th'unuseful tent forsook The brave Defendant with a loud salute Had past the scaffold in the bold persuit Of glorious vict'rie whom his angry foe Whose valors flame ne'r an allay did know So cold as fear in that wild flame which rage Oppos'd had kindl'd hastens to engage Him with so high a storm of fury that Each falling stroke others did tremble at What they sustain'd Strength valor judgment all Which ere made Conquerors stand or conquer'd fall Here seem'd to meet As it t'outrun desire Each nimble stroke quick as ethereal fire When wing'd by motion fell yet with a heft So full of danger most behind them left Their bloody marks which in this fatal strife Seem'd like the open'd salliports of life Sadly expecting whom by fate would be This day chose favorite unto destinie The people in such silent extasies As if their souls only inform'd their eyes Sate to behold the combat when to give Their faith assurance justice yet did live Unchain'd by faction from a fatal blow Strook near his heart Almanzor faln so low From hopes of vict'rie they beheld that in His ruine what before their fear had bin Grew now their comfort when that speedy death Might not transport his soul ere his last breath Confest his guilt the noble Champion stays His just rais'd rage whilst his own tongue displays His thoughts black curtains by discovering all Those crimes beneath whose burthen he did fall Heavy as curses which from heaven are sent For th' peoples plague or Princes punishment In which short close of life to ease the grief Of late repentance that successful Thief Whose happiest hour his latest prov'd being took For president he in a calm forsock That world which whilst his plots did strive to build Ambition high he had with tempests fill'd The multitude whose universal voice Had taught even such though distant to rejoice As age or sickness had detain'd within The City-walls forc'd those that yet had bin Her foes converted by the general votes For joy to change their envies ill set notes To calm compliance in whose concord they With as much speed as duty did convey Her best of subjects to congratulate Her freedom hastes who in this smile of fate â—â—â—ilst all her friends strove to forget those fears Whose form they lately trembl'd at appears Shadow'd in grief on whose joy could reflect No beam of comfort the suppos'd neglect Of her Argalia whose victorious sword Did in her fears extremity afford Some hopes of comfort which t'opinion lost More sorrow then th' assaults of death had cost Had not whilst she did in dark passion stray His full discovery glorifi'd the day Amidst the peoples acclamations she Though from a scaffold now convey'd to be Rais'd to a Crown all that vain pomp beholds With eyes orecast in grief till he unfolds Her further comfort by discovering what Whilst each spectator was admiring at Becomes to her so much of joy that in This calm that courage which before had bin Unshook in tempests now begins to move And what scorn'd hate submits to powerful Love From whose fixt centre with as swift a flight And kind a welcom as the nimble light Salutes the morning pleasure now imparts Her powerful beams until those neighboring hearts That liv'd by hopes thin diet drew from hence Substantial lines to joys circumference Her innocence unvail'd by his success And both by that black foil of wickedness Almanzor's guilt more glorious made is now The only volume wonder could allow Those that before her worst of foes had bin Sadly to read repentant lectures in Which seen by her observant Peers that all Succeeding discords in that Tyrants fall Might find a tomb him being their Princess choice The Spartan Armies universal voice Salute their Chief which President affords A pattern to the wise Epirot Lords Who had a law age made authentick which Prohibited their diadem t' enrich A female brow on him whose title stood Nearest of all collateral streams of blood They wisely fix a choice which proves to be Their glory and their States securitie And now rais'd from that lowly posture in Which fear had left them the vast rout begin Their motion toward fair Ghieranza where The varied scene did such proportion bear With joy's exalted harmonie which in Their rescu'd Princess dwelt all that had bin Their sorrows dismal characters they now Obliterate and her late clouded brow Crown with delights The solemn bells whose sad Toll when they left your mourning City had Frighted the trembling hearer now are all Rung out for joy as if so loud a call Only becom'd a love which could not be Exprest until the full solemnitie Of their approaching nuptials did unite Their hearts or crowns not with more full delight Then what did near as great a blessing prove Discording subjects in your bonds of love Thus after all the wild varietie Through Fates dark labyrinths now arriv'd to be Crown'd with as much content as ere was known By any that death did enforce to own The frailties of mortality we leave Our celebrated Lovers to receive Those blessings which heaven on such Kings showers down Whose vertues add a lustre to the Crown FINIS Newberies second Fight