father for giving him a man of so heroique a courage The King of Phrigia did fight in person with Cleander who thought once to have killed him but as he lifted up his arm a thought came into his mind which made him change his blow and turned it upon another next the King of Phrigia whom he killed at that blow saying in himself Perhaps I am born a Subject unto that King In short Madam after the King of Phrigia was forced to retreat into Apamea and the season of the year growing very bad Cleander after he had put his Troops into their Winter quarters returned unto Sardis after a compleat year since he had been there 'T is true Renown did speak so high in his behalf to the Princess Palmis that she could not forget him yet she would not admit of his passion and I know not whether or no she had some kind of fears that absence had changed his heart Cressus was received with high magnificence and Cleander was looked upon as the Conqueror of many Nations and in that posture wherein he came to Sardis there was none could come in competition with him but every one esteemed himself happy in his favorable looks But Madam in the midst of all these Triumphs Love did triumph over the heart of Cleander And he was more terrified that day he was to see the Princess then he was in all the days of Battel for he went to fight in hopes to overcome but he exposed himself unto the looks of his Princess in certainty to be overcome and in uncertainty of being kindly treated The first address unto her was in the presence of the King who in favor of Cleander told the Princess his daughter that she should regard him as the only Conqueror and as the greatest stay of his Empire Cleander answered unto this with much modesty and the Princâ—ss did second the King her father with many obliging civilities But the next morning Cleander were himself alone to wait upon her and she entertained him neither with her former freedom nor her latter coldness As she was grown more fair so he more amorous and as victories does elevate Souls and infuse a kind of handsom boldness which is very much becoming if it be mixed with modesty so Cleander was grown incomparable more amiable then ever he was and on the contrary Artesilas much less for his envy at Cleanders glory did make him of so bad an humor that every one shunned him so that he coming unto the Princess as Cleander was with her she did so palpably perceive the difference between them that she could not chuse at night in speaking unto Cylâ—nisa but wish that Cleander had the birth of Artesilas or that Artesilas had all the good qualities of Cleander However though she saw he was infinitely honored by all and Cressus esteemed him exceedingly the Prince Myrsiles loved him most tenderly and thought he was adored by all the world yet for all this he esteemed himself very unhappy for when he began to consider that he knew not who himself was and that in all likelyhood this incertainty of his birth would be an invincible obstacle unto an happy success in his passion he grew past all consolation and all additaments of honour did rather increase then diminish his sorrows But Madam these great favors upon Cleander eclipsing Antaleon that ambitious Prince who thirsted after the Crown did secretly treat with Artasilas unto whom he promised the Princess Palmis his Neece in marriage if he would help him to kill Cressusâ—nd â—nd the Prince Myrsiles This Conspiracy was so horrid that I will not trouble you with a particular relation of it for when I consider that a brother would murther a brother and a Nephew and that a Lover should embrew his hands in the blood of a Father unto his Mistress I apprehend such horrors that I must needs pass them over very slightly and tell you that Esope who was yet at Sardis having smelt out this Conspiracy did acquaint Cleander with it who went so prudently to work that he did not only discover the whole Plot but also quasht it Antaleon was forc'd to fly for refuge to the Phrigian King but he never reached so far for in his going thither he fell down a Precipice and so hurt himself that within a few days after death became his sanctuary for it seems the Gods would defer no longer the punishment of so black a Crime As for Artesilas nothing could be proved directly against him and though afterwards it came to light that he was of the Conspiracy yet he stayd in the Court as if he had been innocent 'T is true he durst not any longer shew himself openly as a Lover of the Princess for if she would have harkened unto any professions of love Cleander would have been near his happiness For Cressus thought himself so infinitly obliged unto him for this last piece of service that he esteemed all his Treasures too mean a recompence for it The Prince Myrsiles for his part being a debtor unto him for his life thought him worthy of all things so that though he knew Cleander was in love with the Princess his sister yet he would never take any notice of it In the mean while Cleander not being able to live and not have liberty to publish his love to her who caused it did lead a most melancholy life and the Princess also not being able to forbear an expression of too high an esteem of Cleander was extreamly troubled For said she one day to Cylenisa Though this esteem do me no other hurt but to hinder me from loving him whom my Father would have me marry is not that too much and ought I not to wish that I had never seen him As I think said Cylenisa that would be an unjust wish and Cleander perhaps has more reason then you to wish he had never seen your beauty You know Madam that the King is his Debtor for many victories and you your self do owe him for the lives of two Princes who are most dear unto you but as for him I do not see that he is obliged unto you at all for truly you use him very coldly because you are obliged to him and you wish you had never seen him because he is very handsom and amiable there is not much reason or justice in these wishes I beleeve said the Princess and smiled that Esope has suborned you to help to make his Fable true As Cylenisa was about to answer the Captain of the Guard unto Cressus who always loved Antaleon very well though none perceived it and who by that consequence had not over-much love for Cleander came to the Princess to tell her a piece of news which he thought deserved a recompence though perhaps it would not be pleasing Madam said he unto her I beg your pardon for coming to tell you a thing which doubtless will much trouble you but since by knowing it in time
untill we came unto the Court of Guard where we found very few Souldiers for you must know Sir that the King of Pontus would not have the Princesse see him untill she was out of Sardis and past the Camp of Cyrus therefore taking one Ring himselfe and giving one to Pactias and one unto Timonides they followed us unperceived I will not trouble you with a relation how the Princesse was amazed when she was out of the Cittadell onely with three men and us and when she heard the horrid noise that was in the Town But let me tell you that the waies being very fair and sandy from the Cittadell unto the River Pactolus which was close by we went in more fears then trouble The King of Pontus and Pactias followed us also Timonides who carried the Heliotropes which were to be put into the Pomels of the Saddles as I told you when when we were come to the River we saw horses ready and a little boate into which the Princesse Mandana our conductor Martesia and I entred the two Souldiers rode over the River upon two of the horses and carried the rest in their hands And give me leave to tell you Sir that when the Princesse saw her selfe in the midst of the River her fears began to vanish and joy took possession of her heart it plainly appeared that she did not so much fear being taken by your forces as by those of Croesus or the King of Pontus Now shall I be presently out of the King of Pontus his power said she unto Martesia and me and shall not be beholding unto a perfidious Prince for my liberty when we landed he whom we called our deliverer went where Timonides was who was fixing the Heliotropes unto the Saddles on which the Princesse Mandana Martesia and I were to ride It being night and the Moon shining but dimly also our minds being taken up with various thoughts we never observed that the horses on which we rid were invisible nor had we any leasure to descant upon what we saw or not saw for as soon as wee were on horsback we went away I forgot to tell you Sir that Martesia riding behind our conductor the vertue of the Heliotrope sufficed for both As for the two men who came in the boate with us they went on either side Mandana to conduct her And to the end these two Souldiers who were not invisible should not be observed by your forces Pactias had put them into Persian habits also the King of Pontus not trusting wholy unto the virtue of these Heliotropes was so carefull in chusing his way and passing between the Quarters on that side where the line of communication was not finished that I am perswaded though there had been none of these Heliotropes he had passed safely In the mean time the King of Pontus let Mandana go first that the two men that were visible might be guides unto all the company who saw not each other commanding them that if any of the Enemy came to take them not to make resistance but to let Mandana go next whom he alwaies rid though she saw him not Though our minds were so full of hopes and fears and the night was so dark that wee took no notice of this wonder yet when we had rid a while and I observed that we could not see any but the two footmen which ran by the Princesse but could not see either Martesia or our Conductor wondering what should be become of the other horses which we saw at the water side I confesse that fear did so possesse me that I could not chuse but cry out I thought that I had wandered out of the way as well as those two men The cry which I made caused the Princess to look about her and seeing only the two men vvho held the bridle of her horse she vvas as much surprised as I was Martesia who was behind our Deliverer and who committed her self wholly unto his Guidance coming out of a deep contemplation had her share in the astonishment when she looked could not see us In the mean time Mandana stopped and I also and we were so affrighted that the King of Pontus thought twenty times to discover himself and comfort us but he did not still leaving the care of us unto him vvhom vve looked upon as the Author of our Liberty and he comming to Mandana let her feel the hand of Martesia assuring her that she needed not to fear any thing and that the vvonder vvhich she savv vvas an inchantment only to set her at liberty if you only vvere invisible said she unto him I should think you had found the ring of Gyges vvhich I hear Croesus hath lost but I cannot see either Martesia or Arianita and I perceive by vvhat they say that they do not see me Hovvever it be Madam said he unto her I assure you that you have no cause to fear any thing and the better to assure you vvhen none passeth by you may speak either with Martesia or Arianita and I perceive by vvhat they say that they do not see me Hovvever it be Madam said he vnto her I assure you that you have no cause to fear any thing and the better to assure you when none passeth by you may speak either vvith Martesia or Arianita whom I will cause to come nearer you whilst this man and the Princesse were talking thus Martesia and I were in extream fright yet being under the conduct of a man who had so much power as to act such wonders vvee durst not but speak him very fair thinking that since he vvas able to make us invisible he vvas able to do vvhat he pleased The Princesse having the same thoughts did not much presse him to tell her hovv he vvrought these miracles and thought it more expedient to concur with him only to carry her unto the place where she desired to go to wit unto Ecbatane and to stay at some Town where she might stay with safety and have so much time as send her a fitter Equipage Since we were yet in the place where we might meet with some of the Troops of Cyrus hee he promised her all she desired lest she should meet some and cry out So that the Princesse putting a new confidence in him she onely admired the prodigie without any fear of his deceiving her contenting her self with seeing onely those two men who guided her horse and speaking unto Martesia and me Thus then we passed the Camp of Cyrus between two Quarters we met some Troopers and Souldiers severall times but since the two visible men were cloathed in Persian habits they passed for their own men who were going from Quarter to Quarter So that we travelled without any obstacle And that which at first was a terrour unto us became afterwards our diversion Martesia and I had a hundred phantasticall wishes For my part I wished to see the King of Pontus to upbraid him with his injustice at a
Artanus he knew not at all what he did for giving his Horse too much bridle then pulling him in too suddenly one great bound bounst him all on one side then this Horse shaking his head fiercely and half rearing upright he suddenly runs away with his rider to the other end of the lists before Artamenes could salute him with one blow but Artamenes turning his Horse he followed him and fell upon him before he was well got into the Saddle again then he paid the debt he owed him and gave him such a blow with his sword upon the right shoulder that bloud ran down his gallant suit of Arms Artamenes gave him another Artanus all this while kept himself upon his posture of Defence but durst not strike so terrible an enemy lest he should further provoke him alwaies hoping that Artamenes his Horse would tire before his or that some accident or other would chance to take pity and relieve him Mean while Artamenes was much angred for he could kill him when he pleas'd but that Victory would not please him for he desired to satisfie the world out of Artanus his mouth concerning the truth of the whole matter he fought and spared him also Notwithstanding this advantage which Artamenes gave him yet this wretch durst never turn one blow back he was hurt in four several places not once daring to lift up his Sword against my Master His Horse being ashamed to bear so base a burthen would have thrown him at last my Master extreamly disdaining such a coward gave him a lusty blow with the back of his Sword which made him tumble upon the neck of his Horse who thereupon took that opportunity to throw him half dead upon the ground his Helmet falling off his head his Sword out of his hand and he held fast unto nothing but his Buckler of which he alwaies made more use then any other Arms. Artamenes lighted presently from his Horse and running at him with his Sword lifted up Confess thou base enemy said he to him all the truth of my first Victory I 'le confess all answered this wretched coward covering himself with his Buckler so you will spare my life There is so little honour in taking it from thee answered my Master holding his foot upon his neck that I will grant it But be sure thou tellest no more lies before the Judges If thou dost not tell all the whole truth there 's nothing shall save thee from the fury of immediate Revenge The Judges descending from the Scaffold went into the Lists towards Artamenes who seeing them coming Come said he to them Come and hear the truth from the mouth of an Enemy Speak it then said he to him if thou wilt live and defer no longer the vindication of my honour Then the wretched Artanus being moved with remorse but much more with fear of death told in few words the whole truth of the Story saying only by way of excuse that when he perceived the manner of the fight and that the victory was in great dispute that in all probability all on their side would be lost therefore he thought to have that by cunning which he could not by valour In conclusion he confessed that Artamenes was left but fifteen against fourty that he brought it to be ten to ten afterwards seven to ten after that himself to against three presently himself against two and at last himself against Pharnaces only In short he confessed all he knew and feared death much more then infamy And truly since he was so pitifully bafled he needed not to fear the losse of any more honour having lost so much already that it was impossible for him to lose more The Judges hearing the confession of Artanus did entreat my Master to content himself with this acknowledgement and to let him rise and live I will let him rise and live answered Artamenes upon condition he will live in honour and use to play such base tricks no more The Judges then were in no more controversie but all agreed that my Master was victorious Declaring Cerasia to belong unto the King of Cappadocia and ordained that the Trophee which Artamenes had piled up should be hereafter built in earnest unto the honour of Artamenes The King of Pont did receive this news like a Prince both of courage and wisedom and he witnessed more resentment of sorrow for the vile action of Artanus then for the loss of Cerasia As for Ciaxares he received Artamenes with extraordinary joy which doubtless was no welcome news â—nto Aribees and Philidaspes who were both present As for Artanus since he was of great quality some of his kindred took him off and had care of him notwithstanding the Kings anger But the King told them that though they did cure him of his wounds yet he would never look upon him again When the Judges of both sides had acquainted their Masters the Kings with their judgements the two enemy Kings and the King of Phrygia did meet and saluted one another the second time The King of Pont told Ciaxares that he would return unto his Army and the next day withdraw it off from before Cerasia to the end he might take possession of it He told the King of Cappadocia in conclusion that he had more reason to esteem himself happy in having the friendship of such a man as Artamenes then in recovery of the Town and for his part he would with all his heart give half his Kingdom to have but one Souldier so valiant as he Artamenes was close by Ciaxares when this complement passed who returned an answer full of modest civility though all which come from a Lover of Mandana was nothing pleasant to him After this the Kings departed Ciaxares to Anisa All the people came out of the Town to meet him the whole Army was drawn up into Batalia The Princess her self being advertised of all passages by a man whom the King had speedily dispatched with intelligence met the King just at the gate of the Castle where Ciaxares presented Artamenes unto her whom she received with abundance of joy But as she did express her joy that he was come off so safe from so dangerous an encounter Call it not so Madam I beseech you said he to her and blushing do not wrong me so much as to beleeve I could think my self exposed unto any danger in this Combat The honour which you were pleas'd to do me in promising your praiers for victory had such an operation as I became victorious without any danger I know not answered the Princess whether you vanquished without danger but I am certain you did not vanquish without honour Many other Complements passed which would be too long to relate and Ciaxares to recompence in some manner the services of Artamenes bestowed upon him not only the Government of Cerasia which he had conquered and of which he thought to take possession the day after But the government of Anisa also with all
he spent some time in travel and did not only see whole Greece but likewise the famous City of Carthage which did then wage war with the Massilians who inhabit a place which they have of late made famous by a cry'd up Academy wherein eloquence and all the Grecian Sciences are rarely well taught I will not relate unto you all the gallant actions he did in Africa nor what befel him during that Journey which continued till some moneths before you came to Cyprus where Solon stayed awhile again not suffering himself to be seen almost by any one But I will tell you that Philoxypes at his return to Court charm'd all the world and that the King himself grew so far in love with him as never was known so great a favour as his nor yet so little envyed neither did he make use thereof but for his Masters glory and to do good to as many as he could he received no rewards but to enrich such as stood in need thereof all the advices he gave were good he did none but good offices and thus he stood fair in the opinion of the great ones and of the people as well as in that of the King and there were none but our Ladies who continued to accuse him of inflexibility Thus did he live amidst delights in the stateliest and most gallant Court of all the world without envy without love and without melancholy But the King was not this mean while so happy as he for after having had some flitting passions which had notwithstanding much disquieted him he fell mightily in love with the Princesse Aretephile who certainly is very beautiful and hath an hundred good qualities but who with all this was extreamly ambitious The King was no sooner aware of the violence of this his passion but that he discovered it to Philoxypes and entreated him to intercede for him with Aretephile who at that time did often visit the Princesse Agharista sister to Philoxypes You may imagin this Prince did not refuse to assist him since his affection was innocent yet did he sometimes crave pardon of the King if he did not much bewail him in his disquiets For Sir said he love being a malady which I am not acquainted with and which I have much to imagine is so great as man would have it thought I confesse I do not so much compassionate your Majestie as peradventure I ought and consequently I may perchance not so fully exaggerate your sufferings as I should do when I speak with the Princesse Aretephile Fear not Philoxypes said the King that I complain of your inflexibility on the contrary if you had a more tender heart I would not have chosen you for the confident of my passion and did I think that you could become my rival I would not give you Commission to speak so often with my beloved Princesse But my intention not being to speak of the Kings love otherwise then as it relates necessarily to Philoxypes adventures I will only tell you that though Aretephile were ravisht to see her self beloved by the King yet aiming at the Crown of Cyprus she thought she was a little to disguise her sense thereof and to make it a harder matter for the King to win her then she had found it to win the King So as this Princesse behaved her self with much discretion and reservednesse and mingling continually severity with mildnesse the King stood long in need of Philoxypes assistance whom Aretephile who knew what power he had with the King used with all possible civility Philoxypes was notwithstanding sometimes much troubled at the continuance of this passion which made him for his recreation go to a very stately house which the famous Solon had caused to be built for him near Soly and wherein he had made a collection of whatsoever Greece had of most rare and curious were it either for pictures or statues In this place it was which is called Claria where wondering sometimes at the Kings passion he did me the honour to bemoan himself to me of his employment and he himself gave me a thousand pleasant marks of his inflexiblenesse by those things which he uttered against love This mean while though the King were much in love with Aretephile yet he had somewhat to do to perswade himself to marry her because indeed in reason he should much rather have married the Princesse Thimoclea by reason of some claim she pretended to have to the Principality of Amathusa Insomuch as the King being yet unresolved what to do had not as yet acquainted Aretephile nor let her be acquainted that his love tended meerly to set her upon the Throne but onely following the custome of Cyprus he had sufficiently witnessed his service and to purchase her esteem had done whatsoever a handsome and ingenious Prince seconded by Philoxypes could do who though he were himself insensible of love was notwithstanding a very great gallant so as Aretephile who was absolutely resolved never to part with her heart for lesse then a Crown treated the King sometimes severely enough insomuch as the whole Court was troubled thereat and Philoxypes delight lay onely in Hunting and in his stately Countrey-House Some other times Aretephile fearing lest she her self might extinguish the fire which she had kindled in the Kings heart was somewhat more kinde unto him and by the Prince his Joy rejoyced the whole Court 'T was then in one of these pleasant conjunctures of times that Philoxypes to oblige the King made the Princesse of Salamis his sister and the Princesse Agharista do him the honour to entertain the King upon a day that he invited the King and all the Court to go from Paphos to Claria and to passe one whole day in his retiredness which indeed deserved to receive so Princely a company Never was there so gallant an Assembly as this It was wholly composed of young and handsome personages of great birth and understanding and one would have said that fortune had favoured Philoxypes in ordering it so as that all persons of Quality who were peevish or of ill humour in the Court were either sick that day or busied about some important affairs so as this well compacted company was not troubled with the importunity of any of their companies On what side soever they did cast their eye they met with nothing but goodly objects there was no fear of being wearied or annoyed Philoxypes had taken such excellent order for all things were it either for the stately furniture of the House for the magnificency of the Feast or the excellency of the Musick as the King to give him the highest praise he could said aloud that if Philoxypes had been in love and that his Mistresse had been in that company he could have done no more then he did On the contrary Sir said Philoxypes I think that if I had been in love all things would have been much more in disorder then they are it seeming impossible to me that a
hath got much renown by this adventure But Sir to abuse your patience no longer I will onely tell you that in stead of going to Paphos Philoxypes and Solon went the next day to Claria whither they brought Megisto Policrite Dorida and all the women that attended them after that Philoxypes had largely rewarded all the Fisher-mens wives for their Hospitality and courtesie shewed to Policrite To tell you how great Philoxypes and Policrites joy was would be no easie matter and to relate unto you in what termes this happy Lover exprest his satisfaction to Policrite and with what an obliging modesty she received the testimony of his affection and gave him some marks of hers would be to undertake too difficult a task For to learn in one and the same day that she was Daughter to the so Illustrious Solon and that she was to be wife to Philoxypes were two things wherewith her soul was divided Philoxypes failed not to shew Policrite her Pictures in his Gallery which though rarely handsome came much short of her The next day Solon sent to enquire out Cleanthes at Paphos where he was found and brought to Claria Necessary order being taken for it Cleanthes Megisto Policrite and Dorida had clothes made answerable to their condition The next morning the Princesse of Salamis and the Princesse Agharista being advertised by their brother Philoxypes of the truth of his Adventure these two fair Princesses I say who loved him dearly who had learned Policrites Illustrious birth by this advertisement and who did reverence Solon as a god went to Claria to conduct this beautifull creature to Paphos But good gods how they were surprized with her extreme beauty comparing which with her Pictures they found her to exceed them far but if she appeared fair unto them she seemed yet more spirituall She had somewhat in her of admirable modesty which having nothing in it of Rustick rendred her yet more pleasing she had a soul doubtlesly fraught with all that innocency which she had preserved amidst those Rocks but withall a minde and humour wherein were all the Charmes which the Court could afford For Megisto being rightly Solons Sister knew as well as any one what was requisit in and did necessarily become those of her Sex and had perfectly instructed Policrite therein Young Dorida appeared also to be very fair and lovely at the Court where the King received Solon Cleanthes Megisto Philoxypes and Policrite with unexpressible joy and honour And this so much the more as that being at last resolved to content Princess Aretephiles ambition that so he might satisfie his own love had made her be told the day before that it should be her fault if she were not Queen But if Aretephile were Queen of Cyprus Policrite was the Queen of Beauty none but the Princesse of Salamis could any way dispute that glorious Empire with her In fine Sir there was nothing heard of now but feasts and rejoycing Solon being of necessity to be gone they hasted the consummation of those famous marriages The king would have one Ceremony serve for them both nor did Cyprus ever see any thing of more glorious though it were done with precipitation Solon called then to mind Epimenides his predictions and confest that there was somewhat of Divine in that holy man But his Countreys interest prevailing more with him then whatsoever other interests he departed for Athens so as some tears of sorrow did for a while a little allay Policrite's joy but to comfort her young Dorida was left with her when Cleanthes and Megisto imbarked themselves with Solon This was the condition Sir wherein this great man left the Court of Cyprus to wit the King highly content Queen Aretephile as highly satisfied and Philoxypes and Policrite so happy as wishes could not adde thereunto Within a few dayes after the Prince of Sicily sent to ask the Princesse Agharista sister unto Philoxypes in marriage and it was consented unto Also it was included in the conditions of the marriage that he should send some certain Troops unto you as the King of Cyprus already had And since it was I who had the honour to conduct the Princesse Agharista into Sicilie I accepted of the employment which was offered me to come hither And returning unto Cyprus to accommodate my self with necessary equipage the Prince Philoxypes charged me to relate his adventure unto you and to entreat you from him that you would not lessen his good fortune by depriving him of your friendship which is infinitely dear and pretious unto him As soon as Leontidas had made an end Artamenes assured him that if the felicity of Philoxypes were never lessened but by the want of his affection he might be certain to be happy for ever Thimocrates and Philocles seemed to be exceeding joyed at the satisfaction of a Prince whom they infinitely loved Artamenes also was doubtlesse as pleasant as any one in his present condition could be But his state stood upon such terms as he could not hear of either any good or bad adventures without some sorrow for when the felicity of any one was discoursed upon and comparing it with his own misfortunes he alwayes sighed and also when he heard of any disasterous acoident he sighed still So that it was very true that experience in misfortunes makes a soul sensible of compassion He rejoyced then at the good fortunes of Philoxypes but it was with a sigh and he testified unto Leontidas how sorry he was not to be in a condition wherein he might make the Prince Artibies and himself see how infinitely dear the recommendations of Philoxypes was unto him But Leontidas said he unto him you are come to serve a great and most just King who will never suffer your vertues to be unrecompensed as well as if I were at liberty Sir answered Leontidas it would be a difficult matter to perswade all Asia that the King of Medes is just in all things as long as you are a prisoner Kings replied Artamenes with much wisdom do sometimes commit injustice innocently because they are perswaded they have reason for what they do and such as suffer such injustice as I speak of are themselves unjust if they do not endure them without murmur or complaint Thimocrates Philocles Leontidas were ravished with the prudence of Artamenes and to see he knew how to make use of bad fortune as well as good and so they left him making a thousand new protestations of inviolable fidelity But all the while he endured his strict imprisonment with invincible patience all his illustrious friends had no other thoughts but how to get him out Ariobantes whom Ciaxares had left Regent in the Kingdome came from Themiscira unto Sinope as well to render an account of his office as to advertise the King how all the inhabitants of Themiscira Amasia and that part of Cappadocia which was not revolted began to speak high that they would send deputies unto the King to desire him
in consideration of himself he would not have stood in need of all his constancie All his guards were changed and those Souldiers which Artaxes had sent were placed about him so that he received no consolation at all Since the King was well acquainted with his resolutness although he once intended to examine him himself concerning his birth concerning the correspondency with the King of Assyria and concerning his love yet he did alter his opinion and resolved to use others in the business whom he had in his power and to that end he promised them recompenses he terrified them with most cruell punishments and began to use them coursly But do what Metrobates could he could not make them alter their answers neither Chrisantes nor Martesia nor Ortalques for as for the three others they had nothing at all to say Artucas did confess his cosen was three dayes in his house before she she went abroad but he said the reason was because she was not in a condition to be seen or at the least she gave him no other reason for it and though indeed Martesia did desire to see Chrisantes and Feraulas he could not tell what the business was Metrobates did not relate their answers unto the King rightly but on the contrary did assure him they trembled when they spoke and often contradicted themselves and that ere long they would tell all Mean while the King would needs see Martesia although Metrobates opposed it as much as he could so that this couragious woman was guarded unto him after she had done all due reverence unto the King and behaving her self boldly like one that was innocent in the businesse Martesia said he unto her you are the confident both of Mandana and Artamenes and I must have the truth from your mouth though I have met with it other wayes Sir said she unto him since I know not any thing which can prejudice those two Illustrious persons you name I shall easily answer you How Martesia replied the King very angry do you not think it prejudiciall unto Mandana to love Artamenes as most certainly she does I think Sir replied she that the Princess were one of the most unreasonable women in the world if she did not highly esteem him and one of the most ungratfull also if beleeving him so innocent as he is she did not acknowledg those services which he has done your Majesty But Sir all the thoughts of the Princesse are confined unto these two she esteems him and thought her self obliged unto it But Martesia replied the King vertuous Princesses who only esteem a bare Cavalier such as Artamenes do not use to bestow their pictures upon him Oh Sir cryed out Martesia the Princesse never gave that picture unto Artamenes if it be found in his hands it must needs be Feraulas who is a good friend of mine and unto whom 〈…〉 ent it that shewed it unto him as a fine peece for that picture Sir was never made for me much less for Artamenes and if we were at Themiscira I could easily prove â—t was made for the Princesse of Pteria who died before she received it Indeed Martesia replied the King this picture is found in the Cabinet of Artamenes and doubtless Mandana did send it by you to comfort him in her absence No Sir said Martesia I cannot endure that the Caâ—umnie of wicked men should make you beleeve so I do invoke all those gods whom I adore to witness that the Princesse does not know that Artamenes hath it and you would be the most unjust Prince upon earth if you should accuse the most innocent and the most vertuous Princesse in the world of any such thing But what were you doing replied he those three dayes which you were with Artucas before you saw me Martesia being not well able to answer this last question changed colour yet presently assuming her confidence Sir said she unto him since I was not then in so handsome a condition to appear at Court I had no disposition that another should acquaint you with what I had to say therefore I thought that those three days might well be spared since I knew you were not ignorant how the Princesse was living But all that while replied the King you saw Chrisantes and Feraulas It is very true said she I did so and 〈◊〉 endeavoured to comfort them in their sorrowes and to give them some hopes that ere long your Majesty would know how innocent their Master was you might have contented your self said this violent Prince with concealing the weakness of your mistress without justifying such a bold and unthankfull person as never remembring the baseness of his birth durst cast his eyes upon my daughter Sir replied Martesia when the King of Assyria was in your Court under the name of Philidaspes you then thought his condition no greater then that of Artamenes It is very true replied the King but that is no argument to perswade me Artamenes is any other then what I think him to be yes Sir replied Martesia I should rather think Artamenes to be the son of a great King then the son of a slave what King said Ciaxares very angerly can he be son unto the King of Phrygia hath none was the King of Hircania ever married hath the King of Armenia more then two whom all the world knowes Had the King of Arabia ever any is not the son of the King of Saces drown'd or can he be son unto the King of Persia who as they say was never heard of and whose father yer mourns for Sir said Martesia whom the name of Cyrus cau 〈…〉 sh I c 〈…〉 whose son Artamenes is but let me tell you that I am 〈◊〉 perswaded th 〈…〉 does not know what he is the King then being transported with Cholâ—◠〈…〉 se but take part with 〈…〉 â—amous 〈…〉 oner and to 〈…〉 Princesse of 〈…〉 and her self 〈…〉 I know 〈…〉 to 〈◊〉 a diff 〈…〉 â—etween 〈…〉 I can make 〈…〉 Martesia and 〈…〉 Martesia yo 〈…〉 day repent of 〈…〉 say 〈…〉 being able to scrue no 〈…〉 Martesia 〈◊〉 her back and w 〈…〉 ly troubled He might know by her answers although 〈◊〉 denied all that there was a secret in the business which she would not reveale The 〈…〉 s of Mazares and Mazares dying were considerable Mandana's picture was a con 〈…〉 ing argument the concealment of Martesia with Artucas the frequent visits of 〈…〉 aulas and Chrisantes Ortalques his voyage unto Pteria and a hundred circumstances which came into his memory did most strongly perswade him that Artamenes was most culpable and the impossibility to find out his true condition did the more confirm him in his belief that he was of a base descent not but that when he considered sometims whether he would or no how this extraordinary man had saved his life had got him so many battles had submitted so many Kings he could not chuse but wonder at the obscurity of his birth yet since
blows with him according to his desire After this Cyrus assumed fresh vigour and hoped for Victory in spite of all the angry Oracles This hope also was infused into the hearts of all his Souldiers who at this time did resemble the Saylers which followed a famous Pilot who never were astonished at the fury of any surging Waves but when they saw him astonished So likewise the Troops of Cyrus did never consult with any thing but the face of their General to prognosticate the Victory so that they always finding there a serene tranquility amidst the greatest dangers they fought like Souldiers who thought their General could commit no fault or ever be vanquished but whilest this Prince prepared himself for fight many things fell out which did for a while keep back that glory which he expected and which did extreamly puzzle Croessus When this Prince returned answer by the Herald which Cyrus sent unto him he was at Sardis and the King of Pontus and Abradates were at the Camp so that these two Princes hearing of this Answer thought strange that Croessus should so peremptorily determine upon the day of Battel without ever acquainting them Since it was they principally who were responsible for the good or bad success of this great Enterprize The Prince Myrsiles being by reason of his imperfection incapable of any service but his person and the Prince Mazares thought it was known who he was yet he had no authority to do any thing but shew his valor These two Princes then being much incensed did highly complain against Croessus especially Abradates who at the same time received a Letter from Panthea which did so highly extoll Cyrus that it did dispose him more to complain against the King of Lidia Also considering with himself that it would be a greater difficulty to get Panthea out of the power of Croessus after the Battel what e're the success be then before he resolved to entreat Cyrus that the Prince Artamas might be exchanged for Panthea But for the more expediency of his Design he did communicate his desires unto Andramites whom he knew to be in love with Doralisa who was with the Queen of Susiana So that Andramites interesting himself in the Design did promise Abradates to be present and urgent with Croessus when he should motion it unto him As for the King of Pontus he never opposed his Project for since Abradates did not demand the Princess Mandana in exchange for Panthea but only Prince Artamas he durst not be seen he approved of it Abradates then went unto Croessus in the morning and after he had acquainted him with his discontent that he should fix upon the day of Battel without acquainting him he desired him that he would suffer the Prince Artamas to be exchanged for the Queen his Wife before the Battel was fought If we get the Victory replyed Croessus we shall release her more gloriously then by any negotiation of exchange You may get the Victory replyed he and yet I not get Panthea since certainly the weaker a Party is the more carefully they keep their Prisoners The truth is Sir added he since I do not fight to conquer Provinces but chiefly to release Panthea and next to oppose the over-swelling Power of Cyrus I know not why I should hazard the loss of that Lady for ever who is so infinitely dear unto me for want of a reasonable Proposition therefore I beseech you take it not ill if I be very urgent with you to make this Proposition unto Cyrus Negotiations of this nature replyed Cressus are not to be made in so short a time as we have remaining before the Battel I have such hopes in the generosity of Cyrus answered Abradates that I believe he will not deny a Truce for some daies if you will be pleased to ask it I am not used unto any such compliance with my enemies answered Croessus very sharply and therefore I know not how to make any such motions neither do I conceive your desires of an exchange just upon the very point of giving a Battel to be very just or much to any purpose for you will bring a Princess into Sardis and send one of the most valiant men upon earth into the Enemies Camp to fight against us No no Abradates I cannot consent unto this He who can fear one single man answered the King of Susiana and is in the head of 200000. men can never trust the valour of his Souldiers However it be said Croessus very siercely since Artamas is a Delinquent against the State as well as a prisoner of War he shall not be exchanged for the Queen your Wife Then you shall fight without me Sir replied Abradates Sir said Andramites and addressed himself unto Croessus I beseech you do not deny this request which is made unto you I will alwayes deny any thing that is unjust answered Croessus and therefore press me no more Andramites used many other perswasive arguments but all were to no purpose Then Abradates went from Croessus exceedingly unsatisfied and fully resolved not to fight unless this Proposition was first made unto Cyrus Andramites after Abradates was gone did speak many things unto the King of Lydia which did much offend him The King of Pontus fearing that this disorder would make a mutiny amongst the Souldiers did do all he could to perswade Croessus to consent unto the King of Susiana's desires and also used his best perswasions unto Abradates that he would not impead the main business though Croessus should not satisfie him but all his arguments perswasions would not work upon either of them At the same time the Father of Panthea came from Clasomena unto Sardis where he had been levying some Forces so that finding things in this State he joyned with Abradates and Andramites and was more importunate with Croessus then they and since he had a great considerable Province under his power his solicitations did more perplex Croessus then any of the rest out of his fears that his refusal might cause a Civil War in his own Dominions at a time when he had his hands full of a very considerable Enemy upon him The Prince Myrsiles also none knowing his true reason for it did Patronize Abradates as much as he was able expressing his earnest wishes that the Queen of Susiana were released by Treaty and he made it known unto all his creatures that they could not any way more sensibly oblige him then by their endeavours of perswading the King his Father unto it Things then were in such a confusion both at Sardis and in the Camp that when Croessus would have given Battel at the day appointed it was not in his power However he would not consent to release the Prince Artamas but seeing himself extreamly importun'd he purposed the exchange of the King of Assyria for the Queen of Susiana But Abradates replied that he would never consent unto that Proposition because it would more incense Cyrus then induce him
to the satisfaction of his desires to have any Propositions of releasing his Rival and his Enemy made unto him Moreover the King of Pontus did much rather desire the Prince Artamas should be set at liberty then the King of Assyria Thus this contest growing so high and fearing a revolt in an Army which was composed of so many several Nations Croessus resolved to ask a Truce for some daies in order to a Treaty for the liberty of some Prisoners not yet telling who they were because he was not yet resolved upon them Then he dispatched a messenger unto Cyrus importing as much who was much surprized at the demand and certainly had denied it if upon serious deliberation he had not found that he could not force his Enemy to fight but with the loss of many men Cyrus therefore consented unto a Truce for eight daies upon condition that such of his men as would go into Sardis might go with as much security as his Enemies might come into his Camp and desired that this condition might be specified for all the advantage which he hoped for by this Truce was to hear how Mandana his Rivals and his friends did fare And also knowing of the division which was amongst these Princes he hoped to make the gap wider So that this Truce being resolved upon it was published the next morning both in Sardis and in the Camp So that after this there was a pleasant mixture of friends and enemies in both Camps and Town and so that one could not make any difference of sides All the streets of Sardis as well as the Camp of Croessus was full of Persians Medes Arminians Assyrians and Hircanians and the Camp of Cyrus was as full of Lydians Myssians Grecians Thracians and Aegyptians In the mean time Cyrus sent Ortalgues into Sardis to see if he could find out any possible means for him to have a sight of his dear Mandana Ligdamis disguised himself to that intent also having no desire to shew himself publikely in that Town because he was very well known but he was informed by them both that it was a thing impossible and that since the Truce the Princess Mandana did not walk upon the top of the Tower as she was wont so that if he were at Sardis he could see nothing but the Walls which shut her up Yet had this Prince much ado to forbear and I believe indeed he had gone if some of his friends who observed him not Master of his reason had not disswaded him not that they feared Croessus would violate the Publique Faith but their fear was lest if he should have met with Mazares or the King of Pontus there might have been some jars between them which might have caused a general disorder In the mean time Abradates sent unto Cyrus to desire that he might see his Panthea in the presence of whom he pleased lest it should be suspected he spoke unto her concerning some affairs of War or to know from her the affairs of the Camp Cyrus who experimentally knew how sweet it was to see her one loved and hoped that perhaps Abradates would retaliate the favour in letting him see Mandana did very willingly consent unto his desire So that giving all requisite orders for this meeting which was to be the same day Abradates was conducted unto Cyrus who received him with extraordinary civility after which he himself conducted him unto the Town where Panthea was and into her Chamber where she alone only with Doralisa and Pherenice as soon as they entred Madam said Cyrus unto her I hope you will pardon me for all the hardships which you have indured during the absence of Abradates since now I bring him unto you But lest during your discourse the sight of a Prince who was forced to keep you a Captive should molest you I will leave you in freedom to discourse of all your misfortunes Panthea was so over-joyed at the sight of her dear Abradates that she did not half understand what Cyrus said yet after she had saluted her illustrious Husband with as much reverence as affection she entreated Cyrus to be a witness of their conference yet notwithstanding he left them together and went to visit the Princess Araminta telling her how he left the King of Susiana with Panthea As soon as ever this Princess heard this she had an extream desire to be acquainted with him yet would she not by any means interrupt so sweet a conference so soon so that she kept Cyrus company who to please her said that she would one day be as much joyed to see Spitridates as Panthea was to see the King of Susiana Whil'st they were thus entertaining each other Panthea to publish the high generosity of Cyrus after Abradates and she had expressed their affectionate souls to each other called Cleonice Doralisa and Pherenice to witness her aggravations and obligements unto Cyrus and grieved that it was the King her Husbands ill fortune to be ingaged in so unjust a quarrel as that of Croessus who was so ungrateful as to deny him a Prisoner for her exchange In conclusion she expressed her self in such eloquent tearms as she moved Abradates earnestly to desire that Croessus would disoblige him and give him a just occasion of changing sides Then did she again aggravate her obligations unto Cyrus in punishing Araspes At the name of Araspes Abradates started and told her that he who she named was with Croessus and well entertained and that he much complained against Cyrus If it be so said Panthea I have taken a valiant man from Cyrus and given him unto Croessus But however I do conjure you if you have an opportunity for it to perswade the Prince my Father to incline Croessus unto a Peace at least that he vvould not ingage himself in this War vvith him Abradates loved Panthea so extream dearly that he could deny her nothing and told her that if he could not procure the Prince Artamas to be exchanged for her he vvould then quit Croessus and vvhatsoever became of it he vvould ingage his vvord to be presently with her As they were thus discoursing Cyrus brought the Princess Araminta unto Panthea that she might see Abradates who returned her such civil thanks for the honour she did him as she perceived he was a man of no less Generosity then Courage The Conference of these four illustrious Persons did much augment the esteem each one had of another principal between Cyrus and Abradates for though they were never together before this day yet there was no superstitious Ceremonies or Complements of Vanity passed between them but they spoke sincerely to each other and with a civility so full of freedom as it was apparent Fame had before made them acquainted But whilest the Princess Araminta was congratulating the Joys of Panthea Cyrus asked Abradates whether he could obtain so much favour for him from Cressus as that he might see Mandana during this Truce I should not despair of
of his Guard and appointed two women of quality in Elephantine to goe unto Timareta But since Heracleon would needs be the first that should carry this good news unto his fairest Shepheardesse he beseeched the King he might wait upon the two Ladies thither which he granted him expresly charging him and the Officer who found Ladice's letter and Traseas to say nothing without permission from him of any thing which had passed amongst them Thus the Prince Sesostris being ignorant of what was doing against him thought of nothing but that misery which his greatnesse caused unto him not thinking he was like to lose it In the mean time Heracleon went to Timareta who was much troubled for Traseas as well as Nicetis but much more was she moved at the sight of a Coach full of Ladyes and when these Ladyes told her they had commands from the King to carry her unto him at first Timareta answered that it was not credible so great a Prince desired to see so simple a Shepheardesse as her selfe Yet when she saw them in good earnest she began to fear that Heracleon who she saw amongst them would put some trick upon her But he perceiving her thought by the leave of the Ladies tooke her aside and being separated some Paces from the Company conjured her not to acquaint the King how he had revealed his secret unto her Truly Sir said she unto him you think I do not know my self but because I have been brought up with the Prince Sesostris therefore that must make me familiar with the King his Father No Madam said he unto her ah Sir said she and interrupted him I beseech you do not so extreamly Jeere me do not give me any such title as shepheardesses do not understand I doe not give you the title as a shepheardesse replyed he but as a Princesse For now Sesostris is no more then a simple shepheard and you are the Daughter of Amasis Believe me Madam said Heracleon seeing she gave no credit to him what I speak is truth and before to morrow night you will see your selfe above all the Grandees in Aegypt and Sesostris will 〈…〉 below all that can be called base Oh Sir replied Timareta all amused Fortune is ne 〈…〉 so blind nor so unjust as to cause such a Revolution However it be said he these Ladies have orders to wait upon you unto Elephantine And I to guard you then being my self infinitly happy in the honour of being the first messenger of such good newes This you tell me seemes so impossible replied she that I cannot believe it and though it should be true yet I finde my selfe so unworthy of such an honour that I shall never receive it After this they put Timareta in the Coach but she would not goe unlesse they would let Nicetis go with her In the meane time she being naturally handsome and since she was alwaies uncertain whether Sesostris would come that way in hunting she was never in her negligent dresse Therefore she appeared so fair in the eyes of those Ladies who waited upon her that they all admired her beauty As for Heracleon he thought himself almost at the top of happinesse For he imagined himselfe married unto the greatest beauty of all Aegypt and unto one who would make him King Moreover he had the satisfaction to put his rivall besides his Mistresse and Throne So that meeting with that at one time which would fully satisfie both his love his ambition his jealousie and his revenge he was as happy as his own wishes could make him But so was not Timareta whose astonishment was so high that she was not capable either of joy or sorrow yet she enclined more unto the latter of these then the first In the meane time she arived at the Court Heracleon acquaints the King and he bids her to enter But she was not sooner two paces within the Chamber and the King upon a sudden seeing as well as ever he did he found in Timaretaes face such a prodigious resemblance of the Princesse Ladice his wife that he made no doubt but Timareta was his Daughter so that embracing her with abundance of tendernesse he acknowledged her for his own and acknowledged her with as much joy as he was at the miraculous change in his sight which made him able to behold Timareta and confirmed him in his opinion that the gods would protect him Timareta seeing the honours which the King did her knew not how to receive them yet she told him with as great grace as modesty that she was onely a simple shepheardesse and farre unworthy such favours from so great a King for since she thought it impossible that she should be acknowledged for a Princesse and that Sesostris should become a shepheard again she would not answer the King as his Daughter In the meane time since the King made no question of of what Traseas told him concerning Timareta he also believed all he said concerning Sesostris so that thinking his repentance had expiated his crime he commanded him to be set at liberty and to come before him Traseas no sooner saw Timareta but he asked her pardon for offering to take the Crown from her and giving it unto Sesostris Timareta hearing Traseas say so blusht and looked down with her eyes yet was it not for any anger at the injury he had done her but for sorrow that she should be a cause of Sesostris his returning unto a shepheard again In the meane time the King caused all the Ladies to enter and told them who Timareta was so that this fair shepheardesse becoming a Princesse in an instant you may well imagine she stood in need of as great a spirit as she had And since Amasis had commanded the matter should be closly carried lest Sesostris should know the alteration in his Fortune he caused Timareta and all the Ladies to go into another room and commanded to fetch Sesostris unto him But as Timareta was ready to go out of the Kings Chamber being prompted by a thought which she could not keep in Sir said she unto him I beseech you give me leave before I goe to ask you whether Traseas who I ever thought to be my father ever told you how I owe my life unto Sesostris and that if I have the honour to be your Daughter you are obliged to recompence him for my sake As Timareta could not speak 〈◊〉 without some disorder which appeared in her face Heracleon had much more dis 〈…〉 in his heart and the more because the King desiring to know how Sesostris saved Timaretas 〈◊〉 e This fair Princesse it unto him with all possible aggravations as if shee had a desire in taking the Crown from Sesostris at least to procure him the Kings favour 'T is true he had a stronge inclination to lend a favourable eare unto any thing that was in advantage of Sesostris Therefore when Timareta had ended her relation the King assured her that he would esteem
restore Mandana and that he would give liberty to the King of Pontus because he would not move him to betray a Prince unto whom he had given retreat Cyrus hoping that if this Prince would not accept of this offer yet it would stir up the people against him and would hinder the King of Pontus from carrying away Mandana So that having sent a Herald unto the Prince of Cumes to tell him that having some advantageous Propositions to make unto him he desired a man of some credence might be sent to receive his intentions This Prince after a consult with the King of Pontus answered that their two interests being inseparable he could not receive his message without his participation but that they would send joyntly the next morning to know what the will of Cyrus was that in the interin there might be a cessation of Arms Though this answer of the Prince of Cumes was not according to the wish of Cyrus yet he took him at his word and to obtain his ends he resolved to transact with equal generosity unto his Rival So that the next morning after the Truce was published and after he who the King of Pontus and the Prince of Cumes sent unto him were come into the Camp Cyrus would needs shew him all his works to the end the negotiation might better proceed So that he carried him from Line to Line from Fort to Fort and let him see there was no hopes of ever relieving Cumes by Land Also what Cyrus said unto him was so full of generosity that he could see no reason why any of his offers should be refused for he demanded of the Prince of Cumes Mandana only and yet offered unto the King of Pontus all the conditions which the Princess Araminta heretofore offered from him which was an Army to reconquer his Dominions I do not offer this said he unto the man out of the least doubt of taking Cumes presently but it is because I am obliged unto the King of Pontus ever since I wore the name of Artamenes and having a high esteem of the Prince of Cumes courage I should be sorry any occasion should force me to ruine them and to tell you truly I desire to shorten the captivity of Mandana by a happy negotiation After this Cyrus did much oblige the man to whom he spoke and without any unworthy Proposition he made him extreamly satisfied with his generosity but the more reasonable the Propositions were the more sharp were they unto the King of Pontus and he laboured to put things unto the utmost extremity and the Prince of Cumes protested never to shrink from his interest and though he was most desperately in Love yet he could not chuse but consider that since he was not able to keep Mandana it were injustice wilfully to ruine a Prince who had given him retreat But for all this though he did know it to be both unjust and imprudent yet his passion had no ear to hear of any Proposition which had any clause of Mandana's restitution in it yet notwithstanding not dare to tell the Prince of Cumos in plain terms that rather then restore Mandana into the hands of Cyrus he was resolved to see both him and himself to perish he gave him such language as might gain a little time and if possible recover some hopes and therefore he thought it expedient to tell Cyrus that they could not return him any positive answer without imparting these Propositions unto the Xantheans and Caunians and also until they knew from Pactias and Licambes in what condition their forces were and therefore desired until they were satisfied in these things that the Truce might continue so that they sent back this answer unto Cyrus who accepted of it provided there were a time limited unto this negotiation and that the term were not long and thus the Truce was continued The King of Pontus and the Prince of Cumes sent out an Envoy unto the General of their Army and another unto the Xantheans and the Cauneans Cyrus sending Heralds with them to carry them thither and to bring them back In the mean time the King of Pontus who had never consented unto this negotiation but that he might thereby have longer time to consider which way he might save himself or at least defer his ruine a little longer he now pumped all his invention for an expedjent how to get Mandana out of Cumes But whilst he was vainly seeking for that which was so difficult to be found Cyrus and Mazares admired what was become of the Assirian King they could not imagine where he should be nor how it was possible he should be living and not before Cumes Somtimes Cyrus thought him dead and otherwhiles had a jealous phancy that he was in Cumes and some way or other transacting his ruine though yet he could not imagine which way he was able to do it In the mean while the Truce being published as well in the Sea as Land-Army there was a genearl idleness amongst the Souldiers on both sides and a kinde of a dim image of Peace amongst them all Things standing upon these terms and Cyrus being one morning upon the top of a Fort which he had made upon a hill in the Quarters of Mazares he discovered a Fleet which with full Sail made towards his He no sooner saw this but his passion moving him to suspect some foul play he changed colour and would send unto Cumes to clear his suspitions but as he was upon the point of sending an Envoy came unto him from the King of Pontus and the Prince of Cumes who came to ask him whether this Fleet did come to strengthen his Army and whether he would keep within the limits of the Truce So that knowing by this the Fleet were not his Enemies he concluded they were for him knowing how he had negotiated for Ships in several places and indeed he was not mistaken After this he dismissed the Envoy with orders to assure the King of Pontus and the Prince of Cumes that he would make no attempts until the Truce were ended or broken And as for the Fleet which appeared they had no orders from him to approach nor knew he from whence they came yet he would ingage his word to make no use of them until those Princes had refused the Propositions which he made them After this Envoy was gone Cyrus and Mazares saw that Thrasibulus sent out two little Vessels to meet those which were making towards him and that those two Ships returned with the Fleet as friends towards Thrasibulus so that rejoycing to see fresh aid he thought it would conduce much to make the people of Cumes revolt if those Princes should not accept of those offers which he made them Also he conceived fresh hopes of seeing his dear Princess very shortly yet he was very impatient to know from whence this Fleet should come but he was not long without full satisfaction for the two Fleets were no sooner
did not commend him only unto her for she had ever a most charitable desire to unite all her friends as much as she could and to make them love one another as well as she did therefore she spake often of the Prince of Phoceus unto Bomilcar to the end that begetting an esteem of each other a friendship might grow betwixt them But Madam her good intentions did but halfe hit for though they had all imaginable esteem of each other outwardly yet there was an implacable antipathy in their hearts And I do not think that ever since love and ambition did make any Rivalls there was ever two who mote tated each other yet lived so well together as the Prince of Phoceus and Bomilcar Doubtlesse the vertue of Cleonisbe and the prudence of Glacidia did much contribute to the keeping of Peace and Civility between these two Enemies But most certainly if they had not both been most excellently accomplished men they had not agreed so well However as soon as we came to the place where the King did ordinarily reside we found nothing but feasting and pleasures and since strangers have any where that priviledg to be shewed all the diversions of the Country it was unto Onesicrite and the Prince of Phoceus that the King Carimantes and Cleonisbe did shew all the delights of the Court Yet Madam you must not imagine their Feasts to be so magnificent as those in the Asian Courts nor in the principall Towns of Greece but for all that though they smelt something of the rusticity of their first institution yet were they handsom and delightsome And the admirable spirit of the Princess Cleonisbe did add much unto their lustre though in themselves they were but meanly magnificent For truly their greatest feasts were those of Bulls of Shepheards of Fishers and another which had most of gallantry in it which they called the feast of Flowers or the triumph of the Sun The greatest beauty of the first of these feasts was to see four or five hundred Bulls of a prodigious bignesse whose horns were painted and guilded who had upon their backs cloaths embroydered with a thousand severall colours and about their necks garlands of flowers So as these fierce animals going two by two and their naturall fierceness being moved by a kind of shrill harmony which those who drive them do make they make a show so stately that they move much delight in passing under the Kings Palace where all the Court are that day After which out of a superstition of the Country they are carryed round about the Town where the People do offer them little bundles of fresh grasse conceiting that if they eate them they shall have a plentifull harvest and if they refuse then not But this Feast does not end thus for as soon as these Bulls have gone the round they choose out twelue of the fairest and strongest of them and bring them unto a place before the Kings Palace where they are baited As for the feast of Fishers indeed it is very delightfull as that of the Shepheards for since they are persons of Quality who make them both there are a thousand pleasant passages to be seen But Madam I will not trouble you with a description of them But as for the triumph of the Sun I beseech you give me leave to be a little longer in the description of it because it was this Feast which gave all those whose histories I relate some light to know the thoughts which they had in their hearts Since we were there at that time of the yeare when they were wont to celebrate this Feast wee were all the discourse of all the Ladies in the Country every one wishing that it might be the Princesse Cleonishe who should receive all their honours For Madam be pleased to know that since the Sun shines clearer in that Country then any where else because it is seldom or never obscured by any Clouds and since there are more flowers there then in any other place of the world the Inhabitants do believe it their duty to render homage unto that bright Planet so that every year they engrave upon certain little shells the names of all the Beauties in the Court and put them confusedly together into a great Basin inlayed with mother of pearl After which the King puts his hand into the Basin and draws out one and the Lady whose name is engraved npon that shell which the King doth draw is she who is destined to represent the Sun and to receive all the honours which are done unto that glorious Planet which she represents The day of this Ceremony being come chance seconding the wishes of all the Assembly the name of Cleonisbe was found upon the shell which the King drew so as it was the office of this Princess to receive all the honour of the Feast which was to be celebrated eight dayes after as hereafter I shall tell you Imagine then Madam that all the great streets in a great Town were all decked up with Garlands of flowers from the very tops of houses to the bottom and all the ground strewed with variety of the same flowers certainly you would conceit this to be a most pleasant object yet I am most confident you cannot imagine it halfe so beautifull as it was However it being as I tell you all the Ladies who were not Actors in this Ceremony stood in the windows which were round about the place where it was to be celebrated in the middest of which was erected a Throne over which was a great Canopie supported by foure pillars decked with flowers and wreathed with Mirtle But the most delectable object of all was that in the midst of this Canopie was the face of the Sun most admirably represented unto every beholder For my part Madam I must ingenuously confesse that all I saw this day was so new unto me and did so exceedingly delight me as I never in all my life found a more excellent diversion But the hour of beginning the Ceremony being come I saw the gates of the Palace which joyned unto that place to open and a little Chariot in which was Onesicrite appeared who representing Aurora which is always the Usher of the Sun had garments sutable unto what she represented Her Chariot and Horses were painted with Aurora colour resembling the Sun a little before it appear in our Horizon so as Onesicrite both young and faire she really appeared more fresh then Aurora it selfe which she represented especially in the eyes of Carimantes and Menedorus who were both of them more in love with her and more jealous of each other But after this Chariot had gone round the place and vanished out of sight the Chariot of Cleonisbe which represented the Sun appeared with so much luster as I assure you this Princess dazled the eyes of all the Assembly And though the brown beauty of Cleonsisbe do not seem very fit for the resemblance of the Sun yet dark
Father she would not pronounce his doom with any words of sweetnesse But on the contrary she spoke so sharply that she was out of all patience Fie Madam sayd he unto her after she had absolutely charged him not to pretend unto her choise Can you remember my most violent and constant passion and treat me thus T is true pursued he I complained both against you and the King But Madam how could I do lesse seeing the injustice which was done me Might it not well be sayd that my passion was not worthy of you if my resentments had been lesse violent or had been more wise in my anger For the very truth is what have I not done to deserve you and in how great hopes hath the King put me to be preferred before all my Rivalls Moreover Madam can you think I am able to endure that an exile Prince should take a happiness from me which I have purchased by a million of services And because he hath been weather-beaten and found safety under the shelter of your favour therefore it must be I who must suffer shipwrack Think upon it Madam consider it seriously and do not force me to dispair Cleonisbe then thinking her selfe too blame for incensing a man who had some reason to complayn though he was much to be blamed for complaining so violently after the Ceremony she resolved to accord a misfortune which might happen and perswade him more mildly to receive his misfortune To testifie unto you sayd she unto him that you have no reason to accuse the Prince of Phoceus for your being no better in my thoughts I will open my very heart unto you and confess my whole weakness and injustice I will tell you then that since I am not a very stupid I know very well your worth I know your originall is great and that your Ancestors have been illustrious Citizens of Carthage and also Kings of Numidia Moreouer I know you to be a man of much spirit and courage and generosity Also I know how I am obliged unto you by a thousand services you have done me But I know also and I must tell it that there hath ever been such a kind of conceipt in my heart as I am not able to expresse and which would never allow you to love me Yet notwithstanding this naturall antipathy which I have in vaine striven against I was resolved to choose you and had named you upon the day of solemnity if my heart could have submitted unto my reason and my tongue have pronounced the word Bomilcar How sad a fate soever it be replyed he and fighed to be hated yet I think my selfe in some sort obliged to hear you say that you did not choose me because you hated me rather then because you loved the Prince of Phoceus And I wish unto the Gods Madam said he lifting up his eyes to heaven that you hated me half as much more so you could love him halfe lesse For truly Madam I am sure that if he were no happier then my selfe I should not be so unhappy as I am Yet Madam as hated as I am since you would have chosen me why did you not or why will you not I will not replyed she because I conceive that I should wrong you and very ill requite the affection you have unto me if I should inseparably tye you and your fortunes unto one who can never love you so that without charging either the King or the Prince of Phoceus or my selfe of any injustice attribute it unto a soveraign power against which nothing can resist and which causeth that I cannot be Master of my own destiny You have a friend added she who can witness that I he not and who can assure you that I have done all I can for you against my selfe how Madam replyed he did Glacidia know that you have hated me I did conceale it long from her replyed she but I must confesse at last I told her I could not love you and I asked her pardon lest she should hate me for it Then Madam replyed he I have no more to say unlesse this that as you cannot chuse but continue your hate so I begg that I may have leave to continue loving you After these words Bomilcar rose up and went away so sad and angry as no mortall man could be more As soon as he was gone the Prince of Phoceus came in and finding her alone he began to discourse of his passion with abundance of delight for since it was approved of both by the King and Carimantes Cleonisbe did freely permit him So that passing insensibly from one thing to another the Princess did let him know that Glacidia did know what advantageous thoughts she ever had of him and told him what discourse she had with her concerning Bomilcar Then both these two friends of Glacidia did in one day make severall and different Complaints against her For Bomilcar complained extreamly that she never told him how the Princess hated him and the Prince of Phoceus murmured very much that she should so long conceale from him the affection of Cleonisbe But this wise and discreet person did so well satisfie them that it was not fit for her to do otherwise then she did as they ceased all Complaints and held her in high admiration For truly sayd she unto Bomilcar as much hated as you were you were very near your desired happiness And as much loved as you were sayd she unto the Prince of Phoceus you were very neer to be discarded for ever So as desiring neither to hurt nor help you I would never impart such things as you could not know without drawing some advantage one upon another which I neither would nor ought to doe But Madam not to insist any longer upon things of triviall consequence it was resolved that the first day on which the Princess was able to stirre abroad the solemnity should be accomplished The worst was it could not be done in private because the Law required that the doors of the Temple should be open that day unto all men of quality in the Kingdom either strangers or others and it was much feared lest some tumult should arise Yet all possible order was taken to prevent it for besides the pretenders unto Cleonisbe the dispaire of Menedorus was much feared Yet since the custome was that the marriage should be solemnized within fifteen dayes after the first Ceremony there was hopes all might be passed over without any disorder and that if any of these Lovers would make any attempts it would be in this intervall But there was a mistake for the imperious humour of Britomartes looking at the shame which would reflect upon him if he were not chosen did endeavour to discover who it was whom Cleonisbe intended to choose to the end he might send him a challenge But being not well informed and because in common prudence she should rather choose Bomilcar then either of his two Rivalls he believed Bomilcar
time when he could neither see nor follow us Martesia wished to meet the King of Assyria to tell him that this device was better then the white habits in a snow which he used to get out of Babylon that we might have the pleasure of seeing him desperate when hee could hear the Princesse and not see her As for Mandana she hinted to us though she did not name you that she was desirous to see you Sir and that you might onely hear her voice Thus we went on not suspecting that the King of Pontus was so near as to hear us Yet me thought that as we went over a stony way I heard more horses then we had in our company but durst not expresse my thoughts Thus wee got out of the Camp and about the height of the day the Sun began to be so hot that the Princesse complained very much And coming to a place where were two wayes the one leading unto a thick shady Wood and the other into an open Plain the King of Pontus seeing the men who guided Mandanaes horse to take the open way he forgot that he should not speak and commanded them to turn upon the right hand into the shade I leave you to imagine Sir how we were surprised when wee heard the King of Pontus his voice which wee knew full well The truth is it was so great that we cryed out all at once The Princesse stopped upon a suddain and leaping hastily from her horse she became visible and fell into such lamentable complaints as would have moved pitty from very stones I no sooner saw her lighted from her horse but I did the same and so did Martesia and went both unto the Prince the King of Pontus was extreamly perplexed for since he had only four in his company he thought it would be difficult to carry us away by force therefore he went politiquely to work for leaving his Ring with Timonides he came and threw himself at Mandanaes feet giving her all the respective language that a violent and submissive passion could devise beseeching her to pardon him protesting he would still observe the same submission unto her as formerly and assuring her that he would onely endeavour to winne her by his tears adding that if he could not obtaine this happinesse in a short time he would then carry her unto Ecbatan Yet all his submissive eloquence could not move the Princesse who told him peremptorily that she would absolutely die upon the place Insomuch as the King of Pontus perceiving her obstinate and would goe no further he began to beseech her not to force him to faile in his submissive respects and force her to follow him And to shew you Madam said he unto her that I am able to doe it know that I have fiftie Horse with me though you see them not At first the Princesse did not beleeve him but the King of Pontus causing Pactias and Timonides to speake she did no longer question the truth for she knew both their voices So that exceedingly grieving at it and chusing rather to follow her Ravisher then to force him by a vaine resistance unto any violence she yeelded since she could not chuse and got upon her horse Yet first she told the King of Pontus that he should never hope for any thing from her but hatred and contempt In the mean while since in lighting from my horse I had let goe my bridle it was a peece of difficulty to finde him againe since he carryed with him that which made him invisible and Timonides was ready to take me up behind him when this horse which was kept with that which Pactias rid upon came unto him when he neighed so that Pactias hearing him so near to him layd hold on him and I got up Then after that Timonides had given the King of Pontus his Ring againe wee went on but alass it was with thoughts different from those wee had before and certainely this Princesse did repent of her escape yet I cannot tell you her thoughts but by conjecture for since that I never heard her speak When we were come into the Wood where we saw some houses the King of Pontus let the Princesse stay under a shade and brought some meat unto her but she would take nothing onely a glasse of water and that at the request of Martesia after which we continued on our journey In the mean time Timonides feared that I should complain against him for not imparting his Masters secret unto her therefore he rid alwayes next me and I having a great desire to know how wee came to be invisible conjured him to tell me and assured him that if he would tell me the truth I would pardon him I had no sooner said so but Timonides being glad that I would accept of his justification bad me in a low voice stop my horse and stay a little behinde the King of Pontus for seeing the two Footmen which guided Mandanaes horse we knew he was not farre off her So that stopping our horses untill we were out of hearing after Timonides told me with a thousand oaths that he knew nothing of the designe untill the last night that Pactias cold him he related all unto me adding that it would be long before the King of Pontus came unto any place of retreat and that he was resolved to travell all night and not to rest the Princesse until break of day In the mean time we were so attentive unto our discourse that we never minded our way so that being in a thick Wood full of severall wayes we took a wrong one and we minded it so little that though wee met with two women with baskets of fruit upon their heads wee never so much as enquired of them Alas said Cyrus and interrupted her I met those women also and what they told me was the reason why I took not that way which would have conducted me unto the Princesse But I beseech you relate unto me quickly all that you know that I may in all hast go and repair my fault I shall quickly end Sir said Arianita for Timonides and I perceiving wee were out of the way wee doubled our pace back hoping to overtake them but wee never could Then this accident did happen unto me for be pleased to know riding along the Torrent my horse slipped and threw me into it so that being much hurt Timonides was much troubled with me and I know not what hee could have done without the help of him who brought you hither Ah Arianita cryed Cyrus out what will all you told me availe me unlesse you will let me have that stone which made you invisible that I may make use of it if ever I meet with Mandana Alas Sir replyed she one misfortune never comes alone for be pleased to know it fell into the River when my horse did throw me and as for that of Timonides hee took it from his finger when he came to helpe me out of