as they said they could not chuse but be of a nature something more remarkable then ordinary in regard of the late transactions of both parties which seemed at present to put most of the Kingdome to a kind of a vast consideration concerning the issue the rather were they curious of this information the better thereby to tast the inclinations of the people Truly gentlemen said the Host as I must not take upon me the understanding of either of their proceedings and determinations when as perhaps they are not very well acquainted with their own intentions themselves so shall I to supply that defect enforme you if you please of those discourses that have lately passed in the Senate concerning the Kings government notwithstanding the Souldiers have him personally at the present under their jurisdiction who to say the plaine truth use him with that civility and respect that it gives his friends more then ordinary hopes of his speedy restoration againe to the honour of his Crowns and Dignity however the gods onely know what the issue of their determinations may be some of the Senate would have no King at all pretending that it would be too miserable a condition for all sorts of people to be Subject both in their persons and estates to an entire Monarch not suffering them so much as to aske a reason concerning any thing that should be done amisse although their purses and paines were forced upon all occasions to pay for the honour and the pride belonging to the dignity whereas a common government as they say gives a certaine kinde of encouragement pleasing in some kinde or other to all sorts of people as having an appropriated share in every action that concerned the good or ill of the Commonwealth others againe of a contrary spirit pretended they are afraid that if the government should be absolutely changed to a popular State though it might seem in outward appearance to have more freedome it could not neverthelesse but be of lesse security in that it would be alwayes Subject to faction and confusion in regard of the inconstancy of dispositions and therefore are rather of opinion that the government remaine in the same nature as it doth with some necessary restrictions to their King A third sort made some doubt how to finde out wayes to limite a Monarch in any kinde by what lawes soever could be established to that purpose it being almost impossible to take from a Prince altogether the sword of Justice power and yet suffer him still to remain in the condition of a governour which in effect would be no other then a common government varnished over with a glorious Title to no effect leaving the whole as subject to faction and confusion as if there were no King at all in that he should want the authority although he were honoured with the name necessary to that purpose there were others that suddenly started up in the Senate-house who imagined they had thought upon a way to remedy all inconveniences which was to have onely a King by election either of Euarchus family or some other but the proposition was quickly answered with these doubts that if the Prince intended should be elected out of the same bloud if not according to the direct line of succession it would endanger a new slaughter and faction through the whole Kingdome by reason of severall ambitious interests of the other side if he were absolutely chosen out of another family as no doubt but there would be many opposers in the very election it selfe so not possible to have any of an extraction illustrious enough to warrant his kindred from being a burthen to the Commonwealth in their maintenance and support which probably would prove a sufficient inconvenience to the people for that oftentimes justice would be sold other oppressions committed only to supply a needy and indigent family in conclusion however many seemed willing againe to restore Euarchus and his posterity to their ancient rights and dignity yet fearing in regard of their own proceedings that they might be strictly called in question for their past actians they utterly desisted from that resolution notwithstanding these severall and violent discourses for that time they setled upon no determination whatsoever only at last they ordered the government should remaine as it was at present in the Senates power though bearing still the name of Euarchus until farther confideration I must tell you as these were the manner of disputations in the Councels at Sardis both before and since the revolt of the Army so now by their favours as we suppose they must aske leave of the Souldiers before they settle either a government in themselves or take it away from others And the rather am I induced to this beliefe for that the common people appeare not yet much scandalized at the late revolt but of the contrary as t is thought would be extreamely satisfied with the Souldiers proceedings if they should speedily againe turne the streame into its right course however in that I shall say the least that may be untill I be more instructed in the constitution of the world with these words he ended his discourse and presently tooke his leave pretending some other company in his house needed also another part of his entertainment This information of the Host gave Creses and the Priest occasion to fall into a more serious disputation concerning the nature and property of Monarchy and other governments according to divers opinions and judgements with the severall benefits and inconveniences belonging to them The Priest would needs take upon him the defence of the Kingly part whilst Creses was to be content with the more inferiour degree both notwithstanding grounding their discourses from the hopes they had that the Souldiers would shortly againe restore Euarchus to his Crowne and government The Priest first began in this manner As Monarchy in the generall said he hath been held by writers to be the best and most absolute way of government so ought it as well be granted that a Prince by descent and inheritance is the freest of all others from burthen and inconvenience to the people since the making up of new families upon every exchange and the many dangerous factions would arise by reason of elections would at one time or other either hazzard or ruine the Commonwealth for that all ambitions could never be supprest totally in every person with the only consideration of the common safety but that I may more particularly make good my argument I shall endeavour from certaine principles of Divinity nature and institution to prove my affirmation and opinion In the first place according to the example of the divine providence there is but one God that made and now rules the heavens since if there were more none could be absolute much lesse omnipotent in any kinde and so consequently the government should still be subject to variation both in part and in the whole for as divers persons must
had hitherto paid for the purchase But what the sweet Cloria would have answered to this discourse could not be known since Farezius occasions call'd him suddenly away from her presence into the City not so much to receive those Triumphs prepared for his further entertainment as to procure money for his Army Though the Generall continued some violence against the rich Town of Sardis in imprisoning their chief Officers as also in causing those Senators which he had formerly accused to be sent into banishment yet the affaires of Euarchus became no whit more amended since he was not onely still detained as a Prisoner though with something a greater liberty and freedom but the Senate was permitted to press his patience with those former propositions they had sent by Aâ—gyllius prejuditiall to his Crown and in truth to the absolute taking away of all his royall authority which gave occasion of many discourses amongst all sorts of people some said that Farezius was in love with the Princess Cloria and by that means endeavoured to force the Kings consent to the mariage whom he thought else could not be brought to yield to such unequall Nuptialls much less would his Daughter be won to give up her person to those disadvantages who had been courted by all the great Princes of Asia with multitudes of glorious offers Others again believed the contrary faction began to prevail and had by some means either bribed Farezius to their party or out-witted his designs Neither wanted there a third Company that imagined the people grew weary of their own sufferings by reason of the Armies free quarter suspecting the Generalls power intentions only to make himself his Souldiers mighty without looking upon their liberties and prosperity For a testimony of which as they supposed the Nobility carried the chief sway in the Senate House contrary to their desires however certain Trybunes were chosen in the Army to preferr the rights of the ordinary Souldiers and common people Whilst these thoughts or rather fancies were tost to and fro almost in every mans bosom for that the whole affairs of the Kingdom were at a stand and Euarchus seemingly no nearer his enlargement then the first day he was imprisoned nay farther off in most opinions Roxand one morning according to her custom being troubled with more feares than ordinary for that the Princess her Mistriss appeared to her imagination not a little concerned in the business since it was not improbable some sparkles of love joyned with Farezius ambition might be obstacles against the Kings prosperity came to entertain her self within certain groves belonging to the Castle which were ordered into many delightfull walks that here and there crossed one another for the more conveniency of the Company that should frequent them for recreation where long she had not remained disputing with her doubts and hopes but she met accidentally with Creses who seemed to be there with the same intention they both appeared pleased at the incounter whereupon Creses quickly asked her after some short salutation what she thought of the strangeness of these times so much changed contrary to both their expectations when as they looked rather for the King to have been royally received in Sardis then to have been still continued a prisoner much less to be pressed with new propositions dishonourable to his person and destructive to his authority Truly my Lord answered Roxana as my thoughts are in a Wood about the actions of the times so no doubt but som mystery waits upoÌ„ the issue however I must confess my fears outgoe my faith in any good they mean the Kings power since both the delayes used and much more these Articles presented are no good Omens to Euarchus prosperity but take off rather that glory which Farezius should have obtained to himself if he had made the Kings restoration to his rights his first and chiefest work since by his power and authority the rest of the necessary affairs of the Kingdom would in all probability have been better and surer setled when they should have carried with them both Law and Justice You are in the right Madam said Creses wherefore if I may not be thought over tedious to your patience I will discourse to you some things which I have not only heard from the Kings own mouth when I last waited upon him but other observations I took when I was in Syria by which you may make what conjectures you please So taking the old woman by the hand he led her to a little banquetting house not far off for the more privacy where after they were both seated he made unto her this Relation Madam said he first you must understand that Euarchus the King is opposed in his just government or rather legall authority by four factions that for the present seek to undermine one another all having absolutely in their hearts cast off their obedience to the Kings Person and Prerogative The Senate strives with violence to maintain that jurisdiction it hath extorted from him as the Mysians endeavour out of a high covetousness to be sharers in the Government and Riches of this flourishing Kingdom Neither wants the Army pretentions by reason of the service they have done in the late Warres to claim reward and subsistance And last of all the wealthy City of Sardis in regard it hath for the most part furnished the Souldiers and Councell with money requires to be made a free Town that is to say to depend upon no subjection but what Magistrates created by themselves shall prescribe This contention of all sides is the chief occasion as 't is thought that makes every thing at a stand whilst in the mean time the people seem to cry out being overburthened with oppressions and payments which in the end certainly cannot but turn to an absolute confusion since there is scarce possibility left to satisfie all parties And thus much shall suffice for the common state of things Now concerning the proceedings of Syria which I have most from the Kings own mouth be pleased to understand that when he was forced to assemble this great Councel that hath proved so unfortunate to his happiness there was sent into Lydia from Philostros an Ambassador as Euarchus imagined for his consolation and assistance against the violent proceedings of his Senate but presently after his arrivall he was so far from complying with the Kings occasions that he kept a frequent correspondence with those persons that seemed most to oppose his authority in so much as the King was constrained at last with some violence not only to forbid him any longer attendance upon his person but earnestly to desire the State of Syria to recall him home from all further imployment in Lydia which setled the thoughts of Euarchus in some quietness whilst his own victories over his disobedient subjects and the death both of Philostros and Orssames gave the King more then probable hopes of a finall and happy successe in his enterprize
active parts that are and have been obvious to all the world no man can accuse him of cruelty or pride his deare affections to his wife and children are beyond the patterne of all his predecessors his activity and solicitation almost not to be imitated his moderation in Dyet and Apparell scarce equals any of his subjects if his parcimony can be imputed to him for a fault let his numerous issue and the small extent of his own revenues make for him at leastwise a probable if not a sufficient excuse besides and over and above these specified vertues I must commend his discreet valour and entire patience since as in the one he never declined any engagement when the necessity of his fortune did any way stand in need of the demonstration of his courage so did he never yet appeare overcome by passion when he tasted the greatest bitternesse of what affliction soever with these words the Priest as if he had been transported with the very apprehension of his suffering seemed to end his discourse both in tears and sighes and certainly had so continued for a long space in a certaine kinde of extasie if an old woman and a little youth the whole family with himselfe of his private habitation had not interrupted his sorrowfull contemplation by bringing into the Parlour Wine and other junkets to entertain Narcissus who notwithstanding after he had tasted sufficiently of that civility put him in mind againe of his promised relation in the field which was to make an end so farre of his information concerning King Euarchus fortunes that he might be instructed in the reasons of the joyfull assembly of the people dancing about the Altar and Statue of god Pan. The Priest after he had acknowledged in some sort his own digressions from the matter intended he let him know that as it was no part of his meaning to deprive him of his due according to his own obligation so he desired him to excuse his passion in the Kings behalfe occasioned only by the sight of the picture that suddenly brought into his mind a certaine kind of representation of his heroicall vertues proceeding from his nature and education whereupon presently leading Narcissus into his Garden furnished him with many dainty flowers of all sorts in which curiosity he seemed to take an extraordinary delight at last they both seated themselves in one of the Arbours neatly contrived to defend the inward part of the habitation from Phoebus oppression which afforded a sufficient conveniency for discourse and that joyned with the opportunity quickly entered him into his new relation after this manner Euarchus said he being as I told you retired to Philadelphia after the Battle as soon as he came into the Towne he went presently to his Garden without speaking one word to any person although many Troopes followed him with passion to know some particulars concerning his fortunes the rather for that they conceived themselves also to be sufficiently interested in his fate There he walked with a quick pace according to his custome sometimes casting his arme abroad and otherwhiles againe beating his breast with no small violence then would he look up to the heavens as if a little he accused the gods determinations to suffer him that intended nothing but justice and goodnesse to be so cruelly persecuted by his owne Subjects without any known cause whatsoever so that in truth the whole company with teares in their eyes began more to consider his inward sufferings then their own outward state and condition thus I say he continued untill Prince Thyasmus his unfortunate Nephew who not long before had retired thither with his beaten and scattered Troopes came also with a few Attendants into the Garden when he had saluted the King with a sad look walking with him in that manner two or three turnes he at last humbly desired him to let the company understand a little of his unfortunate passages since they could not be worse as he said then they imagined them to be and for ought they knew they might be better then they supposed the King went presently and seated himselfe upon a Bench whilst all the company flockt about him though he only made a discourse to them in this nature Gentlemen said he you now behold Euarchus tumbled from his Throne it is apparant the gods are displeased with our actions neither doe I well know what will become of this unfortunate Kingdome for however they punish and demonstrate their indignation oftentimes by evill and wicked instruments yet they never shew their displeasure and indignation but where offences are apparant enough to deserve that chastizement whether these faults for which for the present we are scourged abound most in my own Court or the poyson hath too much dilated it selfe over all my dominions I will not say only sure we are that sinnes of all sorts are encreased in such a measure that it is probable the gods no longer could abstain from demonstrating the very height of their fury and wrath I could be contented to suffer for you all so that would be sufficient to pay the score of our obligations we owe the heavens justice for our crimes but I feare me we are designed to be more generally involved whereby to satisfie the divine exasperated indignation who can be no more cozened in its knowledge then restrained in its power In my opinion the best way is instantly to take asunder by way of profitable consideration all our particular actions and thoughts and so by wholsome and true repentance if it be possible to give some stop to the furious Torrent of our misfortunes before they come to such a Sea of confusion that necessarily a generall destruction must follow when I consider the pride covetousnesse and dissimulation of my own family I am partly convinced in my thoughts that the ills we have suffered wholly proceed from that originall againe when I look upon the disobedience luxury and atheisme of the whole Kingdome I may suppose from the peoples impieties have come our misfortunes If I have been too blame for either I must rather implore the gods pardon for my omissions then overmuch accuse my own intentions that made them so since however my nature may be too passively indulgent in such particulars yet my disposition was not at all prone to give them allowance and approbation I must confesse I cannot altogether free my selfe from every imputation that hath been cast upon my government for it is no small fault to be remisse in punishments where crimes may be encouraged to example though much more to be countenanced in oppression And where inferiour officers are permitted though not commanded to be unjust the Prince ought to beare a share in the active part for that he had the power to have restrained the mischiefe which perhaps is the occasion of my present suffering with the rest of my Subjects and what more indignation the gods have in store I cannot be certaine to prevent
so often deceived him with their faire promises and false actions it was my part in complements to tell him as much after I had made him acquainted with the Kings arrivall As the Ambassadour appeared somewhat amazed at the newes so did he not stick to assure me that he knew his Majesty would be received by the Army with all honour and safety and presently went along with me to finde him out The King after some few civilities used this language to the Ambassador Sir said he as you now see me in a posture far below my birth and dignity so the gods to let us know we are but men have for the present suited my person according to my misfortunes whereby to comply the better with my necessities this I hope is sufficient to shew what a desire I have to put my selfe into the hands of my native Countreymen if either the consideration of my past benefits bestowed upon them in the generall or any compassionate reflection upon my unfortunate state at the instant are motives sufficient to work upon humanity I shall be safe here and may be prosperous hereafter wherefore as I would not have them to worke upon my miseries for poor and contemptible gaine so shall not I remember them any more of their former ingratitude and disobedience but rather let us both unite in such a constant conjunction that as by their means I may come againe to be King so will they ever by such an act of kindnesse oblige me to govern for their benefit they cannot but consider with what little probability they can hope for any establishment in Lydia but by my means when as already the Senate doth not onely disvalue their actions and proceedings by most disgracefull and contemptible speeches but now that they have brought as they believe their affaires to a prosperous issue whereby they have no more need of their assistance and so consequently would be rid of the trouble they not onely dispute with them the Titles and reasons of their own interest but even deny them the payment of their just due for all those services they have performed for their advantages in Lydia As the Ambassadour did not make any great reply to the Kings discourse but in a few complements concerning his own services so did he presently conduct him to his house for his better accommodation where he gave present order to have him furnished with apparell and other necessaries whilst in the interim as it was supposed he acquainted Lycius the Generall and the rest of the Officers of the Army with his arrivall in the camp After two or three daies time the Ambassadour not onely exposed the King to the view of the people but delivered him into the protection of the souldiers where however Lycius and some of the principall of the Nobility entertained his presence with an extraordinary outward humility yet neverthelesse with certain kind of sad and distrustfull looks and countenances they performed their duties and respects in kissing his hands and using other ceremonies as if they were not any way privy much lesse consenting to his journey the King notwithstanding he seemed not to take any notice of their actions in publique but of the contrary gave testimonies of joy and gladnesse at the apprehension of his happy fortune yet in private by many words and sighes he expressed his own doubts and opinion concerning his future entertainment the rather in regard they presently set a strict gard upon his person though pretending it to be done for no other end but for his greater honour and safety however his hopes became something better satisfied for that they admitted freely to his conversations not onely many of his houshold servants that were come from Philadelphia after the Town was surrendered to Farezius but some of those Priests also of his owne faction that were under the jurisdiction of the Flamins In this manner the King remained for divers weeks delighting his thoughts with such recreations as had been almost made customary to his nature by continuall practice from his infancy which made not a few wonder how he could seem pleased with such triviall things in the height of his vexations and discontents Again it was spightfully laid to his charge by his adversaries that he had no great prejudice in being tumbled from his throne when as he appeared not to have apprehention enough to be sufficiently sensible of what consequence the losse of a kingdome was but probably either he had so much wisdome as to reflect upon the uncertainty of all worldly things with a right consideration or was endued with such a supream goodnesse in his disposition as perswaded him to beare his afflictions with no ordinary temper and pacification In the interim the Myssians were not idle to play their game to the best advantage both with the Senate and the King for as of one side they made the Senate believe they had a mind to dispute the Kings injuries and sufferings both out of honour and Religion so did they alwaies tell the King that he must give satisfaction to the demands of either Kingdome before they could become instrumentall in his establishment which drew on their consultations to the length of many weeks expectation the Senate urging the delivering of the Kings person into their possession out of right and justice in regard they had been onely hired in the warres and service of Lydia by their money so that consequently they were obliged with a punctuall decorum to observe their commands in every thing of the other side Euarchus party affirmed that he being King of Myssia as well as Lydia the Myssians ought to have as particular an interest in his person and preservation as the Senate of Lydia in prosecution of which they were to see him again restored to his Crown and dignity notwithstanding any desire to the contrary but whilst these disputations lasted as I may say with some seeming bitternesse of either side which as 't was thought would instantly have caused a cruell and bloudy warre between both Nations one Argilius a Nobleman of Myssia came suddenly from his own Countrey into the Campe who from the very beginning of the stirs had been a main opposer by reason of his own covetousnesse and ambition of the Kings interest in that Nation intending thereby more absolutely to govern all the affaires of that kingdome himselfe when he arrived he presently went to the counsell of the Army where he made this oration unto them Gentlemen said he I understand you are now assembled about these consultations that may belong to the Kings particular concernments partly proceeding from the earnest solicitation of the Syrian Ambassador and partly in regard Euarchus is now present amongst you in the Camp In my opinion it is more just and convenient in the first place to look upon the gods worship in the next to mind our own preservations to this purpose in my judgement it ought to be considered why we took
desires in those people towards her posterity they have now filled this Kingdome with tumults troubles and bloud the better to make good their own jurisdictions so unlawfully purchased in former times but however these opinions of deposing of Kings and aldering the worship of the gods prevailed entirely in Myssia by reason of those crafty and factious actors that Herezius had sent yet his Doctrine found not so ready acceptance in the Kingdome of Lydia for that the Queen then raigning endeavoured against the violence of all their endeavours both to conserve Monarchy and maintaine their Flamines though the State altered many Tenents in Doctrine untill the late agreements of each Nation to oppose Euarchus in the same designe contrived an accord to extirpate in effect both King and Flamines This may passe my discourse of the Kingdome of Syria that hath not only formerly borne part in the suffering by reason of these opinions sowed in the world but hath been a principall occasion to give the Myssians protection by whose power Euarchus hath been chiefely destroyed To which purpose you must understand that although Herezius other messengers could not so easily beate downe the strong Walles of Monarchy established by so many ages in Syria against the power of great Armies alwayes kept in pay by that Nation yet oftentimes they filled the whole Kingdome with most lamentable slaughters to gaine enterance for their opinions and freedome for their Doctrine in so much as the Prince himselfe then governing finding the Temples overthrowne his Countrey spoyled and his Subjects destroyed by the fury of the contention was forced at last so farre to give way to the Herezians religion in Syria that they had not only granted them a free exercise of their consciences throughout all his dominions but many fortified Townes were delivered into their hands wherein they put their owne Garrisons to secure better this agreement which both afforded him peace and seemed to give them satisfaction for the present however every yeare almost after notwithstanding these benefits produced new stirres by that faction to the disquieting of the Kingdome that gave sufficient cause of vexation to many good Princes since they could not be assured of the loyalty of their obliged Subjects nor of the continuation of their owne prosperities when neither graces could win them by reason of the spleen they bore to Monarchy or power could compell them in regard of those Forts they had in their custody But to be short before the great and wise Favourite Philostros durst take upon him the huge worke he intended which was to suppresse the gloriousnesse of the Aegyptian Empire he imagined he could not be absolutely safe at home and so consequently not fitted for so large a conquest as long as he should leave behind him in his own bosome so eminent a danger as those he esteemed lawlesse Subjects in Orsames Kingdome knowing they would upon all occasions be ready to joyne with forraigne Forces to overthrow their owne Kings government and therefore resolved first before he undertooke any new designe to subdue their power to the absolute obedience of his great Masters jurisdiction as in times past it had been to some of his predecessors to which purpose he not only suddenly besieged the strongest Towne they had in Syria but within a short space left them never a Fort in the whole Kingdome that was not constrained to deliver up the Keyes of its Gates to the will and pleasure of fortunate Orsames who began to grow great in the opinion of the world by the conquest of his own Subjects that were accustomed to give sufficient imployment to other Kings However after that Philostros had made this speedy progresse in glory as well as in security for his Masters parant advantage both in quietting his Subjects at home and terrifying his enemies abroad which proved mighty advantages for those designes he had contrived in his politick braine because it was not convenient and scarce safe to continue desperate discontents in so dangerous a body that had vastly spread it selfe thorough most Countries in Asia whilst his thoughts and endeavours were otherwise to be imployed he began by little and little to smooth his brow towards that sect and at last not only assured them of his absolute forgetting all faults past but made many of them chiefe officers and commanders in that Army Orsames provided to goe against the Aegyptian Forces wherein he craftily procured a double commodity to his affaires the one in winning a party he had good cause to suspect and the other in rendring them ingaged in the quarrell he intended against Sorastros besides he was most assured that they would fight with spleen against that religion by nature they most hated since the Aegyptians of all others were held obsequious to the rights and ceremonies of Delphos which also was a meanes to binde the Myssians to the affaires of Syria since no Nation or people in Asia professed more violently the same worship of the gods introduced by Horenzius and exercised by his followers in Orsames dominions which were not onely reasons to tye Philostros to that sect by all the favours he could procure it in his own Country whereby to make them serviceable in the Warres he had with Sorastros but by that meanes gave countenance to the Myssians against Euarchus their lawfull Prince which by consequence afforded the Senate of Lydia conveniency also to suppresse his power that they might not seeme to goe lesse in jurisdiction in mastering their King then those people they had bought with their money onely to doe them service so that by this meanes the Favourite gave worke enough at home to Euarchus that he should not have the opportunity although he might have the wil to assist the King of Aegypt which the pollicy of every Nation requires according to some opinions when a Prince is not able to make good his party against another prevailing Monarch This Madam as I say hath been the fate of these mighty Kingdomes only troubled by the cunning industry of one factious and ambitious Priest as if the Gods had sent him into the world to let man see his owne frailty and the rather for that Euarchus not many yeares agoe appeared so glorious and fortunate in his government crowned with a flourishing prosperity in wife children peace and power that he was not only the absolute envy of all Asia but seemed to carry in his hand the arbitration of the world being now cast downe into so low and I may call it miserable condition by a little faction of his own people that he is not only denyed to be a King but deprived of the comfort of all that ever was his with an addition of a sharpe and lasting captivity according to the discretion sometimes of his meanest Subjects whilst in the interim honour love justice and gratitude seeme to be laid a sleep in the deep Center of the earth other Princes only watching to their own
since he can never hope to be againe re-established in his rightfull authority but either by the humours and inconstancy of the common people who when they finde the Kings absolute oppression brings no prosperity to them will probably become exasperated against the Senates proceedings and power or by an unreconcilable difference betweene the Senators themselves who may most command when they shall finde no other jurisdiction to oppose them both which in all likelihood will conduce to the Kings benefit if he sit quiet sometime under his injuries which I conceive to be the reason that he hath in outward appearance yielded so much to their demands And for the Myssians perhaps by this opposition they would perswade the world to a beliefe of their integrities as if at the first they consented not to the Kings hard usage whereby to obtaine a greater party not only in the Kingdome of Lydia if they have an intention to dispute their own profit but in other Countries if they meane to make Warre upon our people because they cannot be sharers in the government as they hoped the only cause certainly of the now seeming quarrell so that in my opinion Euarchus hath done like a wise and politick Prince in seeming not to contend where he was sure not to prevaile especially since by the dispute he might have endangered those hearts that will now be of his side if the occasion be offered either out of pitty to his sufferings or our of hate to the Senates government And besides it is to be considered that no act he shall passe in this condition of constraint can binde either himselfe or posterity by all humane and divine lawes if his Sword ever become more powerfull in the meane time the Senate will seek to preserve the Kings life and person with their best care since their own authority falls entirely by his death which as I say is the reason they desire more a terme of yeares in the continuation of thier required government then the determinable fate of the Princes life because they may have alwayes the liberty to presse him to new conditions if they finde by experience they have not yet obtained sufficient since they shall not need to feare the vexations of his person may bring any hazard upon him I cannot deny said Roxana but these reasons are sufficient to render me wholly satisfied in my doubtfull opinions but the gods are only capable to foresee the event of things And with that looking upon the Sun she perceived the time of the day called her to the attendance of the Princesse which made her for the present take her leave Upon her arrivall she found Cloria only accompanied by her Lute in a small withdrawing room belonging to her own chamber where none but her selfe had permission to be admitted not long after she had saluted the Princesse she discovered she had been weeping by the red circles about her eyes that gave the old woman occasion further to be inquisitive after her imployment untill she spyed this complaining ditty lying written before her upon the Table that quickly gave her satisfaction of the occasion though her excellent voyce and rare skill rendred the Musick heavenly Is Justice could some favour finde Or were not rather truly blind Ambition sure durst never weare The spoyles of such a vertue heare When every houre Doth need her power To set both Crownes and Kingdomes free For love I see is but a flame That onely beares a constant name And is by interest as a wave Tost here and there as others crave If objects seeme Of more esteeme To summon sense unto the call But whatsoever dwells more high Shoote but your Commets from the skie Against the hate that mortalls beare To such as lawfull Scepters weare And wee 'l adore For evermore That action as a Diâ—â—â— Yet whilst that fate and pride contend Whether shall conquer at the end The Gods themselves have cause to feare A revolution of the Spheare And then like we May Martyrs be In the vast Chaos of the fall But the Princesse after she had made an end of her Musicke began with many complaints and more sighes to blame absent Narcissus for his too much negligence in his love since in all this time of her last restraint he had not found as she said some disguise to visit her person though he might want the power to procure her liberty which she continued with a certaine passion untill Roxana not only chid her for those sad expressions that as she told her had destroyed in part the ravishing delight of her song but seemed unjust in accusing her servant that had in so many dangerous adventures shewed alwayes the entire constancy of his affection who was no doubt at the present retired into some region where he might best advantage her service However Cloria was willing upon any hopes to be satisfied with the proceedings of Narcissus and much more with his intentions yet could she not but tell Roxana that although she was pleased to be his advocate that seemed to have a powerfull perswasion in her beliefe yet were the loves she feared from Farezius and the importunities she expected of Cassianus in her apprehension arguments sufficient to make her think Narcissus wanted much diligence at leastwise violence that he did not endeavour to scale the very Walles where she remained a prisoner rather then to endure her to be so injured Truly Madam answered Roxana as I cannot tell why you should expect miracles instead of services so have you no cause to doubt the importunities you mention since I am not certaine Farezius love was ever presented to your liking either from himselfe or any of his instruments And for the Addresses of Cassianus you have been already so accustomed to refusals that I conceive you have not any other hard part to play then to continue the same course still Besides you may well remember by Cassianus own Letter that his affections are not so hot as to presse you upon over great inconveniences and therefore in my opinion you may very well quiet your thoughts concerning his courtships O Roxana said the Princesse you are much deceived in both these particulars for as to my knowledge which I have understood since I saw you last Farezius hath already intimated his desire to my father whom you may be sure will comply almost in any thing that concernes the Generall So doth Cassianus labour the Senate underhand to be propitious to his love since as he sayes their own honours are ingaged in the issue for that the world takes notice of their protestations which are to see him established in a prosperous condition both in power and affection And the rather as â—retends for that they formerly sent for him according to their professions to see them put in execution Roxana replyed as there be many reasons of sufficient force to make me give way to your opinions since your own beauty honour and vertues are loadstones
imprinted in a faire character but written by a much fairer hand which she giving to Roxana to reade it spake this language COusin Although I can no way doubt of your affection by reason of so many protestations you have made upon all occasions able to convert any misbeliever from the strongest opinion to the contrary since otherwise honour as well as religion should extreamely suffer by so much falshood yet whether that love or no be of so noble a quality as to merit my regard is scarce a question when you dare not before the face of any enemy own these professions you have so often uttered Alas alas Cassianus to what a miserable condition am I brought when he that my heart would pleasure is afraid to receive the favour because he that I have no will to love is pleased to be angry What dazeling beames proceeding from Farezius greatnesse have power to captivate the soule of so Illustrious a Prince whose antient bloud hath filled the veynes of all the mighty houses in Asia with lustre and renowne If I be growne lesse in vertue then I was when you first made those large tenders you ought to expresse wherein that I might defend my reputation but if your inconstancy proceed from fancy or want of courage you cannot expect I should remaine the same CLORIA When Roxana had read the Letter she told the Princesse that as she did approve the manner of her writing since it wanted not force to stirre up the coldest courage to that violence which was necessary for their purpose so did it not give much advantage for future engagement but however Cloria was not able to heare her words without letting fall a few gentle Teares not only to shew that her heart consented not to the hypocrisie but her soule melted at the remembrance of her absent love though she meant no way to prejudice his interest and in this sorrowfull posture gave her governesse commission to send away the paper whilst she her selfe quickly retired into her own chamber at leastwise to content her thoughts with those hopes she had been perswaded to entertaine by Roxana's discourse though not many dayes did she spend in diversity of contemplations before she received this answer from Cassianus MOst admirable Princesse as I cannot but confirme my former protestations by a thousand other new oathes not onely to re-assure you of my fidelity in those pure affections I firsi offered upon the Altar of myheart to your sacred perfections but must conjure your beliese by all the powerfull spells of honour and justice to be confident that neither the feare of Farezius greatnesse or doubt of my owne safety could give the occasion to lessen those respects so justly due from my love to your worth since I not onely hold the Generalls person of too low a consideration for my thoughts which are alwayes imployed upon that high subject your excellent selfe but my life to be of too small a value to be lost in any thing that can possibly be named your concernment No deare Madam it was nothing lesse then the horrour my imagination apprehended to suspect your unvaluable person might be in some danger by the unjust jealousie of the proud Generalls feares to see you adored by any interest and withall no small doubt least your royall fathers rights might againe be restrained by his rage when he should perceive a forraigne Prince of his own bloud began new addresses without his leave to any of his posterity since I believed Farezius aymed alone at the honour to doe the King justice but now finding he hath not onely changed the opinion with his fortune but that I have a releasement by the powerfull warrant of your pen the gods shall not with-hold my fury from performing those services wherein I will esteeme death a purchase if the faire Cloria doe but own the Sacrifice of offered CASSIANUS The Princesse could not chuse but reade this Letter with a little kind of trembling as if she feared what she did not doubt since the worst she was to expect as she thought from Cassianus was to comply with her desire but it is the nature of all passion to produce new violences whether in those things we wish or others we would not have And so it fared with sweet Cloria who in a manner dreaded what she had designed to be because it came But after a lovely smile had taken possession of that countenance that for a while put on some distraction she told her governesse that although their plot in all apparance had thus far well succeeded since she perceived her Cousin was wonne to be sufficiently valiant yet she made some question how she was to entertaine his presence when he should make his addresses for if she should as she said give him but ordinary welcome he might againe fall back from his seeming fury against Farezius and if too well he might expect some greater engagement then was convenient for her to grant Truly Madam answered Roxana make no scruple to let him have as much as you can spare upon the old score since my Lord Narcissus appearance at any time will absolutely blot out the obligation which you know were the first conditions you treated upon in saving the old Flamines life I but said Cloria I should be very sorry any suspected testimony did remaine that so much as intimated my thoughts could ever be perswaded to another choyce In good sooth said the old woman your conscience is so tender in matters of love that I believe when you are married to your servant you will make a doubt whether he be the same man or no and by that meanes call your affection in question to the raising of some desperate jealousie between you At these words the Princesse smil'd but was prevented in her reply by the information she received that her dinner waited her pleasure It was not long after this discourse before Cassianus himselfe in person came into the Princesse Lodgings not only in confirmation of the truth of his Letter he had sent but as it were according to his profession to obraide Farezius suspected if not pretended love although Cloria for that present was so busied by reason of some imployment in her chamber with her maid servants that Roxana was constrained with some complements not only to give him entertainment but to make her Mistresses excuse which at last seated them both in a withdrawing roome belonging to the Princesses lodgings and that conveniences drew on many discourses amongst which Cassianus was perswaded by the old womans desires to relate the passages of his own fortunes with the rest of the Princes of Armenia pretended to be injured by the usurped power of Artaxes their great King which he delivered in this manner as a greater motive by Roxana's meanes to perswade Clorias affections You must know said he that after the valiant King of Seythia had lost his life in the Armenian Warres in defence of the Princes