more then her soul Antimaques returned with the consent of Timantes his Father and to recompence his pains a match was made up between him and Dorida and they were marryed eight dayes after Timantes and Parthenia I shall not trouble you Sir with a relation of the great rejoycings in Paphos for you are not concerned in them onely let mee tell you this Sir that never were two so happy as Timantes and Parthenia and to let this Princesse see he loved her above Parents Country and and all the world he would not goe into Crete but resolved to dwell in Cyprus The King for Philoxipes his sake conferred upon him the Government of one of the principall parts of the Isle So that Parthenia found a full accomplishment of her joyes insomuch as you Sir have reason to hope that the same gods who declared her happinesse and yours at the same time would produce the same happy events unto you Sir as unto her Also it was the Prince Philoxipes his pleasure that I should come and acquaint you with the happy conclusion of this adventure that you might with greater hopes wait for a happy end of all your misfortunes and for an accomplishment of your felicity which he desires with all his heart and wishes with as much zeal as he doth his own Megasides having ended his story Cyrus expressed a thousand thanks to the Prince Philoxipes for the hopes he gave him of an end unto his miseries and thanking Megasides in particular for his exact relation of this pleasant adventure he thought he had good reason to hope that since the Gods had made Parthenia so happy so odde a way they would also make him happy after all his miseries After this Cyrus asked Leontidas where he met with Megasides and he was answered at Milete then he dismissed them assuring Megasides and Leontidas that he would take orders for their dispatch as soon as he had taken a little rest But they both beseeched him to give them so much leave as to stay and see the end of the Siege of Sardis Leontidas importuning him to send his orders unto Thrasibulus by some other and Megasides desired he might not return unto Cyprus but with news of a new Victory to the end he might be more joyfully welcomed by Philoxipes Cyrus consented unto their requests and giving them both thanks and commendations he bad them retire unto their rest being himself in more quietness of spirit then he was the day before for though the Oracle of Babylon did threaten him and the Sybill declared sad things unto him yet since Venus Urania spoke him fair he did not so sadly resent the rest nor despaired of happinesse since he might as well beleeve the one as the other Thus this news did invigorate his spirits amidst his sufferings He had fresh hopes of happy success in his siege of Sardis and hoped also that the unjust jealousie of Mandana would shortly end So that after he had given some Military orders he refreshed himself with two or three hours of sound serene sleep His Dreames also which used to be horrid now smiled upon him and he saw Mandana and Mandana not jealous nor angry He thought he saw her sitting in an Arbour set round with Flowers and that she called him with as much sweetnesse in her voice as in her eyes but as he was going unto her and ready to kneel unto his Princesse he thought he heard a great noise which made her vanish and him awake very sorry he could no longer enjoy so fair and sweet a vision The end of the first Book ARTAMENES OR CYRVS the GREAT THE SIXTH PART BOOK II. CYRUS as soon as he was awake begun to think how he might turn his pleasing dreames into reall enjoyments of Mandana but since that could not be unlesse Sardis were taken the getting of that famous Town was the object of all his wishes and thoughts Never was this victorious Prince so greedy of Conquest as at this time Nor did he neglect any thing that might further his design but did so often hazard his life at that Siege that if Fortune had not had a greater care of his life then himself his Rivals had triumphed over his ruin without any quarrell among themselves But this Prince was so powerfully protected by heaven to fall in so just a war though those who judge of things according to appearances and consider not that the secrets of Soveraign power are inscrutable did think him to be forsaken Mean while the cessation of hostility untill the dead of both sides were brought off being ended both the Assaulters and the Assaulted began both to use all endeavours to compasse their desired ends Cyrus attempted to raise another Sconce under the Counterscarp of the Ditch opposite unto that which he made before to the end that when he made a second Assault this might facilitate his design and that when he was Master of two Passes over the Ditch he might make a scalado in two several places at once without the losse of many men Yet this was not done without a Councell of War But since this Prince never propounded any thing without deep judgement and which was not advantageous to the common cause both his Friends and his Rivals were forced alwayes to approve of what he sayd Yet would the King of Assyria sometimes oppose him out of pure obstinacy And if the wisdom and prudence of Mazares had not sometimes interposed and tempered the violence of the Assyrian Prince perhaps the combat between Cyrus and him would have been fought before the War and by consequence before Mandana was at liberty For so was the condition between Cyrus and this Prince to put to hazard that in a single Duell which he had wonne and so justly merited by so many generall Combats by the taking of so many Towns by the conquest of so many Provinces and Kingdomes and by the winning of so many Battels 'T is true all the Friends of Cyrus had an observant eye over them and more true that Cyrus himself had sometimes pitty upon this Prince who without all doubt had many excellent qualities For when he considered how he was a great King that he had lost a great Kingdome and the prime Town in the World and that the Violence of his passion forced him to serve in the Army of his conqueror and rivall and also enemy that he was certainly hated of Mandana he excused his imperfections and weaknesses and deferred his revenge untill after Mandana's releasment when he might with honour take it yet would he augment his sorrowes by letting him know what the Oracle of Venus-Vrania had said in his commendations that he might have lesse confidence in that which he received from Jupiter-Belus at Babylon It was not only envie to take all hopes from a rivall which moved Cyrus to publish this Oracle but as his reason why he would not divulge the sad answer of the Sybill was because he
Arguments to induce him thereunto yet as for her part in consideration of the King her Father his humours she did not much disapprove of the motion I perceived she had some inclinations that he Sonne should be removed but that her Maternall tenderness joyned with her desires of concealing her Fathers cruelty from Cambises knowledge did impede it and that this was her only reason which hindred her from absolute consenting to his departure both she and I did conceive much likelihood of producing good effects provided he were so hansomely disguised and not discovered by the Spies which Astiages had lurking in every corner of Persipolis Moreover she considered that the King of Medes her Father was old and of a mutable disposition therefore it might so happen that during her Sonnes travell he might either die or alter his minde when he knew that he who was the cause of his fears was far enough remote from being in the head of any Army to trouble him and since he was so giddily travelled without any Accommodations or Train proportionable to his quality And though the Queen did well enough resent and understand all this and confessed it yet the presence of her Sonne was so deer unto her as she could not fix upon this harsh resolution however so full of reason I pondering all these Circumstances and knowing that Honour was the only motive which prompted Cyrus to this design also conceiving it the only prudential course for the preservation and maintaining of Peace between these two great Kingdoms then I resolved without disclosing any of these reasons unto the Prince to consent unto his desire and I my self to be a partaker of his Fortunes and a witness of his vertues from which I expected high atchievements Certainly it was not without great reason that I concealed from him the causes of all our fears which we apprehended of his Life if he had stayed any longer in Persia for doubtless if he had known the truth he would quickly have alterd his resolutions and would not have quit the Name of Cyrus for that of Artamenes which now I advised him to take upon him I cannot express the joy this Prince was in when I went unto his Chamber and told him that he had overcome me and that I would consent unto his desires upon condition he would promise me that in all the voyage he would be pleased to promise me to condescend unto mine and be rul'd by me Indeed I never in all my life saw so many signs of full satisfaction as appeared in his looks Ha my Chrisantes cried he out and embracing me since you have consented in this fear not but I will obey you in any thing Let us go let ut go upon any conditions for as long as you shall demand nothing but what is just and honourable be confident I will never disobey In conclusion Sir not too much to abuse your Patience it was resolved that Cyrus and I and Feraulas from whom he had not hid the design and two other servants should be all the number As for our subsistence we took with us all the Princes Jewels which were not a few nor common ones though the Persian Nation does openly profess to contemn all such magnificent superfluities but the Queen following the custom of her own Country brought with her a vast number and gave the most and best of them unto Cyrus her Sonne who seldom wore them unlesse at publike Feasts and grand Ceremonies intending to poise himself between the magnificent Mede and the moderate Persian We put up all these Jewels and pretending to Hunt with a small number we did prolong the Chase until night then dispersing our selves in the Forrest and meeting at an appointed Rendez-vous we took our way and began our voyage the horrid sequel where of affrights me when I think upon it But before our departure the Prince writ unto his Father asking pardon for departing out of the Kingdom without his leave He wrote another Letter also unto the Queen his Mother upon the same subject and without acquainting me he left a Note to be conveyed unto Harpagus in which he told him that though he had refused his offer yet he should see ere long by what Rule he squared his Actions As for my part I thought it not good for me to write unto the Queen least the King should come to see what I writ and gather something out of it which the Queen would have concealed Now Sir Cyrus must cease to be Cyrus and under the Name of Artamenes you shall understand some of his glorious Acts. After we had layn three dayes in the wildred Forrest where we chang'd our habits and travelled three nights we arrived at Susianes that way seeming more safe then the other to passe into Assiria of which you know Babylon is the Metropolis a Town then of the greatest splendor of any that ever was But Sir it befits me not to speak of it before you since you all except Thrasibulus contributed to the destruction of it and therefore are not ignorant I will only tell you that though Artamenes had no intentions to take part with the Assirian against the Phrygian because the Assirians were the old enemies of Astiages yet we went thither to see the Court which then was the greatest and most pompous in all Asia When we approached neer it the object did much delight Artamenes As we passed along the banks of the River Euphrates we admired the situation of this proud Town which stood between two of the most famous Rivers in the world Tygris and Euphrates Here passed by us two men talking together how that the Queen was possessed with great Joy and great sorrow both together Artamenes did overhear them and you must know Sir Cambises had alwayes a great desire that his Sonne should be taught the Languages of all the prime Nations in the world It was his customary Speech that it were very strange a Prince should not understand the Language of that Nation from whom he would entertain an Embassadour so that both Artamenes and I understood that Language Artamenes then understanding what these two men said addressed himself very civilly unto them and asked them in their own Language What did the Queen so much joy and so much sorrow at The one answered That her joy was because about some eight dayes since the tedious warre between the King of Assiria and the King of Phrygia was happily ended a happy Peace was concluded upon advantagious termes and joyfully proclaimed about some two dayes since But the joy of this great Queen who solely governed the Kingdom since the death of the King her Husband although she had caused the Prince her Sonne to be crowned King this joy I say was turned into great sorrow the reason of it is because she having but this only Sonne whom she intended to marry unto the Daughter of a Prince called Gadates with whom this Peace was concluded and whom
fairest that ever eye beheld I no sooner saw her appear but I saw Artamenes also pressing near her and leaving the stranger which we met with for a fairer object This Princess might well kindle such curiosity in the soul of Artamenes as she did Be pleased Sir to remember as I told you in the beginning of my Relation that this Princess was born about three years after Artamenes so that the first time he saw her she entred upon her sixteenth year she was this day most richly drest and though there did not appear any affectednesse in her habit yet it was infinitely becoming her Tiffany Vail of Silver did not at all hide the splendour of a thousand rich Jewels set in Gold to deck her Hair which was the fairest flaxen that ever was seen her Ornaments did not Eclipse the vivacity of her sprightly looks which is the essential part of a perfect beauty She was of an excellent stature and walked with so much modest Majesty as she did attract the eyes of all beholders Her neck no snow so white her eyes were blewish fair but so sweet so lovely so sparkling and so full of inviting charms as it was absolutely impossible to look upon them and not admire Her lips no Rose so red Her teeth no Ivory so perfect white nor no Rule so even Her complexion so pure so clear so smooth and so exact vermilion that all the lustre of a flowry spring was ugly in comparison of her glorious Idea Her hands as white and clear as ever any eye beheld for I beheld this last peece of beauty as she lifted up her Vail at her entrance into the Temple and as afterward with wonder I bebeld all the rest In short Sir all these beauties and attractive charms which last I related are good arguments to render Artamenes more excusable He was so Planet-struck with all the actions and motions of this Princess that whether she walked or sat whether she spoke or were silent whether she smil'd or frown'd she was all charms all attracts all admirable With this Divine apparition was Artamenes surprised and amorously blasted So that not regarding Ciaxares he beholds Mandana coming in such a manner as I told you but fairer by a thousand degrees then any tongue can tell He was so ravisht that removing from his station he got up close to the very foot of the Altar where she kneeled Feraulas and I seeing him do so pressed up also and we saw him so placed that he might both see and be seen by her for I never in the whole course of my life saw such a passage since the Princess of Cappadocia came into the Temple Artamenes minded nothing but her he knew not whether it was a sacrifice or only an Assembly or some publique game for a price he saw nothing but Mandana He lookt upon her continually and the more he lookt the more he lik't and often changed colour he told us afterwards how he was so wrapt with the Divine Vision as he had not power to look off her and he assured us he did what he could to divert his eyes and thoughts but it was not in his power Mean while the Sacrifice begins and the Chief Priest being prostrate at the foot of the Altar pronounced these words the King the Princess and all observing a husht silence FOr the happinesse of this blessed Peace which we enjoy Accept O Mighty God of War these pure and innocent Victims which here we come to offer in lieu of those which young Cyrus the terrour of all Asia would have offered if the goodnesse of Heaven had not established the Thrones of all the Kingdoms of the Earth in Peace by his death Receive from the King from the Princesse his Daughter from all Capadocia and from all Medea these their most devout thanks for the great benefit of his death His death I say which hath given a happy Peace unto all Asia and whose life would have put the whole Earth into confusion and misery I leave you to judge Sir in what a case I was in and how my Master was started though he minded nothing else but Mandana for he was much astonished when he heard himself named I lookt him in the face and he lookt upon me but his minde was upon something else I removed from my station to come to him Sir said I very low we should not do ill to be gone from hence but we shall do better said he blushing to stay here When I saw the Prince in that Resolution I durst not presse him further lest some notice should be taken of us Then I staied by him who notwithstanding all this did still look upon Mandana with so much earnestnesse that he neither minded the death of the sacrifices nor the perfumes He perceived no such thing until all the Ceremonies were over and th 〈…〉 King and Princesse his Daughter were going out of the Temple Then he followed them out and I think he would have followed them into the Castle whither they went to dinner and which was some sixty paces out of Sinope if I had not stopt him Sir said I shewing him the way that is your way to the Town then Artamenes without any answer to what I said but still looking after the Princess Chariot as long as they were within sight he never turned his head that way at last we came to the house where we lodged All this while our Ship was trimming and putting into some condition to make sail but when we came to it there was a great alteration for Artamenes at his going to the Temple was all for haste but at return he said they made too much haste to do it well All dinner while he spoke little ate lesse for my part although I saw him look very attentively upon the Princess of Cappadocia yet I did not think he could so suddenly in so short a time be charmed Presently after dinner Feraulas whom we had lost in the crowd comes back and he having more particularly enquired into the cause of the Sacrifice he drew Artamenes and me aside Sir said he to him you must prepare for your departure hence and that presently and Why such haste answered the Prince smiling because replied Feraulas you are in a Country where the People give thanks to the Gods for your death and think it such a happiness as they have offered Sacrifice for it I know that already answered the Prince without any motion but since they think me dead they will not seek me alive But Feraulas said I do you know any more then what you had from the mouth of the Priest when he spoke in the Temple I have learned answered he from one of the Sacrificers that Astiages being assured by several intelligences that young Cyrus is perished by shipwrack and beleeves him to be dead therefore he hath commanded that same day which is supposed he perished upon to be a day of Thanks unto the Gods in all
this terrible alteration Truely said she when I call to memory all that has hapned unto us and that after all these hurryings away so many perfecutions so many warres so many shipwracks and so many misfortunes that Mandana should be a prisoner in Armenia and Artamenes a prisoner in Sinope I do confesse unto you that my spirits are confounded I have learned to despair of nothing since after all this I am living and at Sinope and with some whom I am not sorry to see You are very good Martesia said Feraulas interrupting her to say so And you would continue that goodnesse said Chrisantes if you would relate all your adventures since our departure from Themiscira and by what wayes Philidaspes brought about his designe why he being Prince of Assyria he appeared onely as Philidaspes how he treated the Princesse after he took her away how Mazares fell in love how that Prince deceived the other and took her away how you did during the shipwrack how you escaped it and how it comes to passe the Princesse is not free for I do confesse this last event is incomprehensible and puts all the Court into amazement None can imagine who it should be who has thus saved the Princesse to destroy her nor can any conceive who is that King whereof she speaks and why she named him not in that Note which we received from her Therefore sweet Martesia I do conjure you by the Illustrious name of the Princesse Mandana and also by the name of Artamenes to tell us exactly all that you know concerning the King of Assyria concerning the Prince of Saces and concerning the King whom we cannot guesse You require so many things said she in requiring this that I know not whether I can in a whole day give you that satisfaction I will therefore abbreviate my discourse as much as I can We do not desire you should do so replied Feraulas but on the contrary we do befeech you not to deprive us of one of the Princesse thoughts for truly Artamenes has need of all the comforts we can afford him and we cannot bring him a greater then to let him know what is become of that Princesse whom he adores therefore I do conjure you to give us this satisfaction for we are gladly disposed to give you hearing as long as you shall please But said Martesia do you not think it fit that I should know also what has chanced unto you I will engage my self to tell you all answered he before we part from hence so you will first satisfie our extreamly longing desires to understand your adventures for as Artamenes has no interest which is not mine so I am certain Mandana has none which is not yours Martesia seeing her self so urged did recollect her memory to order the discourse she intended into the better method and after a little silence she began thus THE HISTORY OF MANDANA TO make all our adventures more clear unto you also the reasons why the King of Assyria did appear in the Cappadocian Court under the name of Philidaspes although his right name is Labinet It is requisite that I do begin my story far off and that I relate the History of the Queen Nitocris and of the Princesse Istrina daughter of Gadates as well as that of Mandana I doubt not but you wonder to hear me speak so precisely of the Assyrian affairs and of the particular relations of two Princes who have the greatest share in this History But at the end of my story I shall acquaint you by what wayes I came to know what I am now going to tell you Doubtlesse you know that it was the Queen Nitocris unto whom the Kingdom of Assyria did belong and it was upon this reason that the Prince her son had not the quality of a King although the King his father was dead This great Princesse was lineally descended from the first Kings of Assyria And there never was a Princesse ever since the great King Ninus and the famous Semiramis more illustrious then she The King her father died when she was very young and she wore the Crown at an age when any other but she had strength enough to support it yet all the Assyrians did confesse that they never knew more wisdom and prudence in any then she did manifest in all her actions Yet notwithstanding although her own reason was very ripe she had a Councel which was composed of the most excellent men of the whole Monarchy who steered affairs But since by the fundamental Law of the State she could not marry any stranger Prince so all the Assyrian Princes were then at Babylon and I have heard reported that this Court was at that time the most magnificent of all the world As this Princesse was very fair and was owner of the prime Crown in all Asia so she moved passions in the souls of all the Princes which ever saw her and I have been assured that of all this great number of her servants there was not one of them which were not more amorous then ambitious I will not stay to tell you with what wisdom and vertue she behaved her self amongst them only this I must relate that amongst the rest there were two which seemed to be in greatest hopes to effect their design more likely then any of the rest The first was a Prince called Labinet as he who is now King of Assyria is called The other named Gadates who at that very time was a very miracle in beauty in handsomnesse in valour in spirit in gallantry and in vertue his quality also was very high and allied unto the Royal family But as for Labinet although he was nothing so accomplished and his good qualities were more dim yet he had this advantage that he stiled himself to be descended from one of the children of Sardanapalus if it may be called an advantage to descend from so bad a Prince and by consequence he pretended to have some right unto the Crown although he did not at that time openly declare his pretentions As the Queen was then very young so she did not consider this reason of state and her soul preferring him which was more accomplished before him that was lesse therefore her inclination leaned towards Gadates who doubtlesse was most worthy both both for his rare qualities and in respect of his passion since they say he adored the Queen Nitocris with as much purity as men adore the Gods This innocent passion having took root in the heart of this young Princesse who thought she could do nothing more advantagious for her people then to give them a King whom she knew most vertuous she began to receive the services of Gadates in such a manner as this precedency above all the rest of them which were interested was made known unto them There needed no more to trouble all the Court principally by Labinet who by reason of his pretentions unto the Crown was most dangerous Questionlesse this
while Cyrus did lye down upon the bed more to rest himself then to sleep but he had not leasure to do that for one came to tell him that the Prince Artibies was at the last gasp and desired to see him He did rise immediately and went unto him Walso he found him at the very point of death but in so free a mind and quiet so us that Cyrus was surprised at him I am desperately forty said he unto him coming heer him that I should be partly a a cause of your deplorable condition No most generously did this dying Prince answer rather rejoyce with me who since the death of Leontina looked for nothing from the wars but ruine I could never in any place have died with more honor then neer you nor shall I desire life but shall die with more joy then I can express if you will promise me to cause my ashes to be inclosed within the Tomb of Leontina In pronouncing this name which was so dear unto him he expired without the least motion by reason of his great loss of blood yet had he this satisfaction before he died to hear Cyrus promise what he desired for he weakly held out his hands and cast his eyes towards him by way of thanks That which was most admirable in this sad accident was that death did not afright out of his countenance those pleasing signs of desire to dye which he ever more since the death of his Mistress The heart of Cyrus was exceedingly tendered at the loss of this young Prince who doubtless did own all the accomplished qualities that might merit his esteem and friendship he testified his sorrow by most apparent signes and though his Tomb was covered with the spoils of vanquished enemies and hung about with Trophes of broken Arms yet was it further honoured in that his ashes were watred with the tears of the greatest Prince in the world In the mean while day did begin to break and inteligence was brought that there was so great a Tumult within Artaxates and such an universal amazement that the King of Armenia was gone out of it with his whole Court and a great part of his Forces retreating unto certain inaccessible Mountains where he had some Castles very well fortified he understood also that the King had carryed the Queen his wife and the Princesses his daughters with him and he imagined that perhaps Mandana might be there also his desire was to go after them immediately but he was confidently told that before he could be in readiness to see forward the King of Armenia would be got within his Sanctuary where he had nothing to fear but famiâ— Yet since Cyrus would not trust unto what was told him he took horse after he had commanded an Egyptian Chyrurgion which was in the Cyprian Brigado to imbalm the Corps of the Prince Artibies after such as excellent manner as was used in his Country and which would keep the Corps a long while is corruptable he gave orders also to present a complimentive excuse unto the Princess of Pont that he could not see her untill his return and these orders being given he went with two hundred horse only to be shewed these Mountains and indeed he perceived it impossible to arrive thither in any time he then resolved to go and possess himself of some advantagious placed betwixt those Mountains and the Town to prevent any communication between them But no sooner did thoâ—â— which were appointed for that design under Hidaspes begin to march but the Inhabitants of Artaxates multiplying their fears had held a tumuluous councell and conceived it more safe for themselves to submit unto such a Conqueror as Cyrus then any longer to reast such an 〈◊〉 Prince They sent then Deputies unto him to beg 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that in such submission terms as if his whole Army had been at their Gates As he was the sweetest prince upon Earth unto all such as resisted him not so he desired no more from them but a bare oath of Fidelity he did not conceive it expedient with so few Forces as he had to â—ngage himself within that Town but contented himself to posses himself of both the ends of Artaxes and some Castles which were indifferent strong in divers Entrances into Artaxates to the end he might thereby take all relief away from the King of Armenia and all ma 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 communication between the town and the mountains where he was 〈◊〉 continued his design of sending Hidaspas with twelve hundred men only to the foot of the mountains 〈…〉 by to prevent the country from carrying in of provisions after all which he resolved to wait unâ—â—il Ciaxares came up before he would make any other attempts and 〈◊〉 he had given our all expedient and necessary orders he returned unto the Castle 〈◊〉 whence he came with much impatience to discourse with the Princess of Pont imagining that perhaps she could tell where the King her brother was and by consequence where the Princess Mandana was Having then rested himself a while and put himself into a fit and handsom garb to appear before her he sent to ask whether he might be permitted the honor to see her As she did no less desire it then he though for different reasons so she sent word back that she should be very glad to entertain his visit so that going immediately unto her he was received with all possible civility and he rendred her all the submission and reverence as if she were in Heraclea After the first complemental ceremonies were performed Sir said she unto him if fortune had been as favourable unto the King my brother as you were unto him in procuring his release I would not have lost those Kingdoms which he once possessed I know not Madam replied Cyrus whether the King of Pont has not been a greater gamer by the loss of his Kingdoms then he would have been in keeping them But I am most certain that I prefer that favour which fortune has bestowed upon him since he lost them before all he had before she deprived him of them and I wish unto the Gods with all my heart that he were reinvested and set upon those Thrones again which he has right unto upon condition he would restore that unto which he has no right at all This discourse is so obscure unto me said the Princess of Pont that I am not able to return a pertinent answer for indeed I know very well that the King my brother has lost the Kingdom of Pont and Bythinia also that he was forced to depart from the last town that was left him and to fly away in a Ship to seek security for his person from you but I do not know how Fortune which deprived him of this Throne has made him a gainer since But I understood since that he was not with you and I was told the last without any certainty that he was here in Armenia whether I came to seek him
all the consolation which the Princess had was a secret correspondency with the Princess Aristea and in doing her all the good offices she was able The King was so deeply perplexed at the death of Pharnaces as possible could be but since the love of Mandana was more predominate in his heart then any thing else he cheared up himself with the thoughts of her and that seeming peace after your victory being again broken Wars as you know began to break out more violently then before then I must needs tell you Sir that none could ever entertain a greater admiration of any then we of you and when we heard the wonders of all your actions related we had a good ground for our belief that the Gods were infinitely favourable unto Ciaxares in sending him such a Defendor To be short it was impossible for any to esteem an enemy more then we did the Illustrious Artamenes Also when the Princess heard how Artanus had conspired against your life and suborned forty Conspirators to destroy you she had such a fresh and strong aversion to him that his very name was horrid unto her ear for since she understood you had saved the King her Brothers life she became extreamly tender of yours and when you pardoned Artanus and sent him back she murmured a little though she did admire you against that excessive generosity which moved you to desire the King of Pont not to punish him yet notwithstanding she negotiated so with the King her Brother that she procured his banishment out of the Kingdom with a strict command never to be seen in it again Since this Sir until that famous adventure when you took the King of Pont prisoner and when we thought you dead I have nothing to relate unless I should entertain you with those sorrows which the Princess apprehended for the disgrace of the King her Brother and with her Lamentations for the long absence of Spitridates But since I should thereby only abuse your patience because you may easily imagine it without my relation I shall only tell you that the very next morning after you came wounded unto that Castle where the Princess Arbiana and the Princess Aristea were there came a messenger from the King of Pont who was going unto the Princess Araminta his Sister with this message that he was as much grieved for the death of his vanquisher as he was for the loss of his own liberty siâ—ce this Envoy did but only pass by and was not to stay in this Castle where Arbiana and Aristea were the Princess Aristea taking you for Spitridates did write these few words only in a Letter The Princess ARISTEA unto the Princess ARAMINTA I Hardly dare tell you that Spitridates is here because he is here wounded yet since I cannot make a Secret of any thing which will add unto your joy I cannot conceal it ARISTEA You may imagine with what variety of apprehensions the Princess mind was possest upon the receipt of this Letter and understanding by this Messenger that the King her Brother had lost two Battels in one day That he was taken prisoner that you were dead You Sir I say in whom the King her Brother had so great a hope her sorrows were so great that she could not perfectly relish any joy at the pretended return of Spitridates especially hearing by the same relation that he returned wounded yet since love as they say is a most imperious passion and will be Soveraign in that heart which is possessed with it therefore she would sometimes rejoyce and chear up her self in hopes of seeing Spitridates again but within two days after this she was deprived of that hope for the Princess Aristea did write again unto her how she had been deceived by a most prodigious resemblance she intimated by her Letter that the picture of the Princess Araminta did undeceive her when she shewed it unto him whom she took for her brother and the conclusion of the Letter was that Spitridates was not returned so that she resented the misfortunes of her brother the King of Pont without any ingredient of consolation but yet notwithstanding presently after when she heard of your being revived as I may say it was a great mitigation of her sorrows especially when she heard that it was you who was taken for Spitridates at the house of Arbiana her hopes was that you Sir being the most generous of men would treat her brother the King of Pont very well and her hopes also was the more pleasant unto her that Spitridates according to the Princess Aristeas Letter would exactly resemble him In the mean time since this Princess had a soul which was capable of all things she began to cast her cares upon the business of State but she found them to be in extream disorder The King of Phrygia was retreated after the loss of two battels in a day unto the furthest part of all Bythinia and who when he was over the river Sangar received intelligence that Craessus King of Lydia was entred into his Dominions with a puissant Army so that he was constrained to look after his own defence and taken off from the assistance of others All his Regiments also were exceedingly shattered and weakned but yet when the Princess did conceive that Ciaxares having the King of Pont prisoner he would not make any new attempts since he was able to make his own conditions without any â—urther hazard of his forces she was then a little more at rest But within a few daies after she was extreamly astonished to hear that all the souldiers after the King was taken did declare themselves for Arsamones and that all Bythinia was up in Arms in his behalf and were resolved to return under the obedience of their antient Lord. Moreover that Artanus who was one of high quality was returned into the Kingdom and had also raised a great part of Pontus and was himself retired unto a very considerable Town called Cabira having before hand suborned the Governour thereof with a good sum of money Imagine Sir I beseech you in what an intangled condition this young Princess was in to see the King of Pont her brother a prisoner and that Arsamones the father of Spitridates was not only Master of all Bythinia but was also in the head of an Army ready to fall upon the Kingdom of Pontus so that she was constrained with all the power she had to oppose and make war against the Father of a Prince who infinitely adored her and whom she her self did not hate She furthermore saw that he who of all men living she most scorned and had the greatest aversion unto had bandied a considerable party against her notwithstanding his great affection unto her She poor Princess had neither any forces nor money to raise them and that State was so imbroyled that she knew not whom to trust and in this pittiful distracted condition she knew not whether she should be sad or glad at the
of Assyria hath done you rather as an effect of his good Fortune then any extraordinary testimony of his affection But after all this he hath delivered her said he and methinks I see the Princess bestow upon him a thousand expressions of acknowledgment Yet were I assured that this divine Princess did wish in her heart that it were I who had done her this good office I should be satisfied but liberty is so sweet that it is most difficult not to love the hand that gives it Oh ye rigorous Destinies said he why would you not let me have the honour of breaking her Chains asunder Had ye been so propitious unto me I should have thought my self the most happy Prince upon Earth But now though I have won so many Battels conquered so many Kingdoms nothing resisted me all obeyed me the King of Assyria himself thrown out of his Throne and compelled to yield unto the fury of my Fate yet this unfortunate Prince is now a thousand thousand times more happy then Cyrus who has been reputed the greatest Favorite of the Gods of all men living How dare I appear before my Princess and how can I contain my impatience to see her in his hands When he was in Babylon he was less dreadful to me then now for then Mandana looked upon him as her Ravisher but now the case is altered and he is her Deliverer and all that ever I did for her was not so advantagious to her as this act of his at this time Yet I am much to blame to grieve now my Princess rejoyceth and yet were I mad to rejoyce at the glory of my Rival Perhaps I am deceived and my adored Mandana is most just and will remember that though I did not deliver her when I returned from the Messagettes when I saved the life of her Ravisher yet it was because I knew him not and that though I did not deliver her in the taking of Babylon it was because the King of Assyria did take her away the second time and though I did her no service at Sinope it was because the Prince Mazares to his own misery and mine did carry her away Therefore when she considers that the King of Assyria has been her Ravisher and Detainer whole years together it may be this last adventure of his will have no great operation upon her heart But no no said he presently after let me not flatter my self past services are small in comparison of those which are at present and a thousand good intentions are nothing equal to one real good office effectually done though it cost him who did it but little and therefore unhappy man that I am I may in all reason fear that the King of Assyria hath this very day gained more upon the heart of Mandana then I have done in all my life Afterwards when he began to consider that in drawing lots which side of the River either should take all his wisdom and pâ—ety could not keep him from murmuring against Heaven What have I done O ye just Gods said he to merit this misfortune Have I not during all the Wars that ever I made preserved your Temples and your Altars Have I not offered Sacrifices and Oblations unto you Was I ever unjust cruel or bloody I loved Mandana it is true but I loved her with unparallel'd purity I loved her most passionately I confess but since you made her so hâ—ghly accomplished and made me know it it had been a sin to do otherwise and I could not possibly love her less and yet you inflict upon me as severe â—orments as those who are most culpable could be punished with I would gladly cease â—y murmur but I cannot Fury doth command my mind Jealousie disturbs my Reason and I cannot endure that my dreadful Rival and my mortal Enemy should be Mandana's Deliverer After this being out of all patience that it was not yet day he rise â—p and taking horse maugre all perswasions to the contrary he would have them march and because he would be exemplary to the rest he was the first that groped through the thick of darkness having in his mind a more gloomy melancholy then the obscurity of the night which was so dark that no objects could be discerned in that great Forrest The End of the third Part. ARTAMENES OR CYRUS the GREAT The Fourth Part. BOOK I. AFter a long and blind March day did by little and little appear And Cyrus came to the River side where the Guides being within their aim again conducted the Prince to the place where he desired to be at the last he came to a place where he discovered Coaches and Souldiers going before him This sight seemed something strange and made such a mixture of joys and sorrows love and jealousie hopes and fears in his heart that he knew not what to think on it He looked upon Feraulus and pronouncing the name of Mandana shewing him the Coaches and doubling his pace Come Feraulas said he unto him let us go and enjoy the happiness to see our Mistress or at the least disturb the joys of my Rival putting on then very fast he overtook some horsmen which were two hundred paces behind the Coaches and Troops and knowing them at the first to be Meades Is the King of Assyria said he unto them with the Princess Mandana We know not that Sir replied they for presently after the Combate yesterday against Abradates when he perceived that in lieu of delivering the Princess he had only taken the Queen of Susiana he turned all fury and took another way with part of his men How said Cyrus is not Mandana in this Coach which I see before me No Sir replied they the King of Assyria had intelligence that she was on your side of the River so that desiring to come unto you and share in the deliverance of her he took a nearer way which his Guides did shew unto him and thereby stop the King of Pont's way after he had passed the River at a place the name whereof we have forgotten hoping also to overtake Abradates and meet with you But since we see you here we know neither where he nor the Princess Mandana is especially since it appears you hear nothing of him but return without meeting with him Cyrus was so astonished and sad that the Princess Mandana was not delivered and to know that if he had followed the way he first took he might have done it and that his Rival might perhaps be fighting for her at that very time whilest he was speaking on it that not staying any longer there nor going to the Coach where Panthea was he faced about in all haste sending Araspes to have a care of that Queen he returned then unto the first place where he might have pass over the River and marching almost as fast as if he had been alone he was so much transported with anger against himself that he had much ado to contain himself within the
cannot perswade me that the Princesse can continue long in this beliefe However replyed Cyrus I must make hast and go to Sardis that I may either perish under the Walls or else come to throw my selfe at Mandanas feet and aske her with whom she thinks me in love and that I may protest unto her I love none but her selfe After this and much other discourse with Feraulas he resolved to send him who brought Mandanas Letter to him with an answer unto that Princesse For the man seeming to be resolute and bold Cyrus thought it an easie matter for him to gett into Sardis as indeed he did so Cyrus transported by the violence of his passion writ a letter unto Mandana but in such hast as one may sweare it was the dictate of his heart and his hand following his thoughts he writ these words Vnhappy CYRUS unto unjust MANDANA MADAM It must needs be that I love you better then ever any did since notwithstanding your injustice in calling me perfidious I love you no lesse then I did before On the contrary my passion is so violent and your unjust accusation makes me so sensible of it that if you did but know the resentments of my soule you would confess your selfe to be the most cruell and unjust woman in the world If fortune in War continue her smiles upon me and that I find no greater difficulty in taking Sardis then in winning that Battle which Cressus and the King of Pontus lost you shall ere long Madam see me at your feet and as you were my first passion so you shall be my last In the interim I beseech you remember that you permitted me to affect glory and that 's the reason I did not think it handsome to be rigorous after conquest but that it was permitted me to be civill towards two great but unfortunate Princesses and to compassionate their miseries This is all I have done to too unjust Mandana unto the two only Ladies I have seen since the War began and to the only persons I thinke you can suspect me to be in love with But how was it possible Madam you should doe so How comes it to passe you knew your selfe and me no better However I beseech you dispence with me from surrendring my power unto the King your Father untill I have set you at liberty and when that is done Madam and when I have conquered all my rivals I shall surrender the Army which I command unto the King of Medes and leave you all the Crowns I have conquered that you may weare them upon your head and then as I have already said I will come and prostrate my self at your feet and either die with sorrow love or else perswade you that I was never unfaithfull and that never any since the world began did love one more then you are by CYRUS This Letter being written Cyrus read it over more then once imagining that his repetitions of it would perswade Mandana of his innocency and after he had sealed it Feraulas was to give it unto the man who was to deliver it yet upon second thoughts Cyrus would needs deliver it with his owne hand and it may truly be said that never bringer of ill newes was better recompensed After this he was forced against his will to take some houres of rest and the wearinesse of the day precedent and his sorrowes were something charmed by sleep 't is true his sleep was but an interrupted slumber and far from soft security for since his Imagination was sweld with nothing but tumultuous things his sleep and dreames could not be pleasant But to see the force of his love tendernesse of his affections in lieu of dreaming upon combatts and noise he dreames only of Mandana and Abradates he was full of various dreames though all were sad ones sometimes he saw Mandana without Abradates but he never saw Abradates without Mandana this Princesse was most deeply imprinted in his Fancy as well as in his heart though that part of the soule is accustomed to be light extravagant and will ordinarily represent severall kinds of objects especially in sleep 'T is true the sleep of Cyrus was not deep nor lasted long assoone as he was awake a councell of war was held in his Tent where the King of Assyria Mussanes and all those that used to be there were present where it was resolved that without giving any time unto the enemy to recollect himselfe or to the King of Pontus to carry Mandana out of Sardis they should the same hower goe and beleaguer the Towne so that without more delay they considered the scituation of it when quarters were most convenient to be possessed Cyrus then assigned the quarters unto all his Army which was to march that very hower but he himselfe stayed untill the next day because he intended a visit unto Panthea to condole the death of Abradates with her and to comfort her but newes was brought that his Corpes could not be found upon the place where he fought by reason of the abundance of men slaine which lay dead upon the ground Cyrus commanded search should be made the second time and sent for all the Captains that fought under Abradates and were alive to assure them that he would recompense the admirable service both of their Master and them Then after he had taken all requisite order for the Siege of Sardis and for the interment of the dead he took horse to visit Panthea all orders for the beleaguering of the Towne were easily executed for as Cyrus foresaw it would come to that passe he brought all manner of Engines with him which were requisite for the taking of that Towne But before he went to the place where Panthea was he stept into the Tent into which the Aegyptian Prince was carryed who was so loved by his souldiers The chief of those Egyptians who never did nor would forsake him told Cyrus that the Chyrurgeons after search of his wounds did not despaire of Life but yet would not undertake for him and though the Physitians did forbid any to speak with him yet theywould permit their illustrious Conqueror to enter but he refused knowing it might prejudice their wounded Master so commanding that all possible care should be had of him and assuring those Egyptians that they might expect any thing from his assistance he departed But as Cyrus was as sad after Victory as if he had been conquered so Cressus and the King of Pontus were in a most deplorable condition the first of these in flying away after the losse of the Battle did forsee the losse of his Kingdome and though the Delphique Oracle assured him that if he undertook Warr with Cyrus he should ruine a great Empire he was affrayed he meant his owne and that he understood the Oracle since he saw himselfe so neer ruine on the other part the King of Pontus considering he was the cause of his ruine who had protected him imagined
things I must tell you that I have often in my life even almost hated the most compleat men only because through vveakness vvithout reason they have put me to the blush in talking vvith them Consider therefore vvhat I should do if you should offer to intangle me in any such kind of gallantry Consider Sir that I am not fit for it if you please to esteem me more then another I shall be glad of it but let this esteem be vvithout any ingredient of Love or tenderness if you vvould oblige me unto you As Myrsiles vvas ready to reply Arpalice and Cydipe came in vvho told Doralisa after their first complements vvere performed that vvithin this houre an Ambassador vvould arrive vvhich the King of Phenicia sent unto Cyrus vvhose Equipage vvas reported to be more magnificent then ever vvas seen and that the Princess Timaretta vvhose Chamber opened unto the place vvhere he vvas to pass had charged them to tell her she vvould be very glad of her company vvith the rest of the Ladies to see these Phenicians vvho vvere reported to be so magnificent The Prince Myrsiles hearing vvhat Arpalice and Cydipe said did vvithdravv himself having no disposition to see an Ambassador pass vvho came not to the King his Father Also the passion of his soul did so possess him and the manner of Doralisa's usage did so trouble him that he vvas not in any humour of seeing such diversions But it vvas nothing so with Doralisa for she was so well pleased at her harsh language unto the Prince Myrsiles that she vvent vvith the blithest disposition in the World to quibble at these Ambassadors vvho vvere to arrive but she found not vvhat she sought for and her blith and critical humour could not find any cavil in them she vvent to see The truth is the like magnificence vvas never seen both for the great abundance of Camels covered vvith cloaths of Tirian Purple imbroydered vvith gold and for the rarity of their Horses also for the richness of their habits Moreover this Ambassador vvhose stature vvas as high as his Quality vvhich vvas of the best in all Phenicia had vvith him above a hundred men of Quality extraordinary handsom vvhose curiosity only to see Cyrus induced them unto this voyage Amongst this hundred there vvas one illustrious person vvhose merit vvas rare and superlative his name vvas Aristheus a name very famous both through all Greece and all Asia so that in vvhat humour of rallary soever Doralisa vvas in that day she vvas forced to commend all she savv that day Hovvever this Ambassage vvas variously talked on though none knevv vvhat it vvas yet they vvere not ignorant long but knew the cause of it After this Ambassador was lighted from his horse at the Gate of the Cittadel he was conducted by Hidasps unto a great Hall where Cyrus gave him audience This Ambassador spoke in his own language vvhich Cyrus did very well understand and presented a Letter from the King his Master which began thus The King of Phenicia unto the greatest Conquerour that ever was AS I make no question but that since you have be sieged Sardis you will ere long take it So I have sent this Ambassador to ask that favour from you which Croessus cruelly denied me but which I hope you will not He hath Commission to offer you my alliance and friendship with thirty thousand men if you stand in any need of them I assure you that if you accept this offer and accord unto my demand you will ever oblige me The King of Phenicia All the while this Letter was reading Cyrus was thinking what it should be that the King of Phenicia could desire of him but not being able to imagine it he told the Ambassador that it was from him he must know how to satisfie the King his Master Then the Ambassador told him with an excellent grace and much eloquence that the principal point of his Voyage was to satisfie the desire which the King his Master had of being allied unto so great a Prince and to the end that this alliance might be more firm he desired that he might be obliged unto him by requesting a favour which Croessus denied a little before the War Then the Ambassador pursuing his discourse let Cyrus understand that the young King of Phenicia's desire was he would be pleased to restore that Statue which Cressus bought of Dipoenus and Scillis and which the late King his Father caused to be made a little before his death offering for it above three hundred Talents of Incense and whatsoever Arabia the happy produced out of her precious and Aromatical store for Siria joyning upon Arabia and Phenicia making part of Siria there was constant commerce between those people therefore the King of Phenicia made choice of that which he thought most worthy for the ransome of the Statue of the fairest person in his Kingdome and most worthy to be offered unto the greatest Prince upon earth This Ambassador told Cyrus further that he came from Tyre as soon as the King of Phenicia heard that he had won the Battel against Croessus and as soon as he heard that his design was to besiege Sardis adding in applaud of Cyrus that he made more hast in his Conquests then himself did in his journey since he came after his Victory But to testifie unto this Prince that the King his Master did not doubt of his generosity but beseeched him before he gave his answer to honour him with a view of those presents which the King of Phenicia sent beseeching him to look out at the Window upon the Camels which stood loadened and which by the magnificence of their coverings made it evident that what they carried was precious Also it might be judged by the odoriferous smells wherewith the Ayr was perfumed by reason of those perfumes that it was a most magnificent present Cyrus seeing such generous proceedings did satisfie the Ambassadors desires To testifie unto you said he unto him that without further deliberation I consent unto the King your Masters desires I will accept of what he hath sent not as a price of that Statue which I will restore him but as a Gage of his amity which is very dear unto me And I do accept of his present to testifie that I will learn how to imitate his liberality After this Cyrus behaved himself with a thousand civilities to this Ambassador for he seemed to be a most accomplished man Moreover Cyrus knowing that the Tirians were very powerful at Sea he hoped to get some aid from them for the siege of Cumes therefore he resolved to render unto the King of Phenicia in the person of his Ambassador all the honours that he could devise But since the King of Phenicia's extraordinary desire to have this Statue filled Cyrus with much curiosity he asked whether it were possible that the person whom it represented were as full of beauty as it Asking further Whether she had a
all his Orders and all his Prayers unto Anaxaris also Anaxaris confirming all his Promises Cyrus took thought for nothing but how to steal away in the night a little before day to the end his fight might be finished before he could be missed yet he went late in the Evening to Mandana's where the Conversation was very pleasant Yet sometimes when Cyrus thought that perhaps the next day before this time the King of Assyria should see the Princesse and not himself he was extremely sad though not outwardly But sometimes again when hee thought that perhaps the day following he should be the Conquerour of his Rivall and so return unto his Princesse he was extremely pleasant So leaving her with that agreeable hope he returned home and trusting none but Ortalques only he got a horse and a sword fit for Combate But to the end that those who waited upon him in his Chamber should not wonder at his going out before day and with so small a Retinue he spake openly as he went to bed that he intended to go very timely in the the morning unto the Quarters of the Prince Artamas where he was told he might meet with a Foorde which was passable seeming to be very impatient to be Marching So that those who waited upon him being accustomed to see Cyrus play the part of a common Souldier as well as the Generall of an Army they did not wonder he should be so early up that he should take none but Ortalques with him or that he should command them to tell all such as asked for him that he was still asleep Thus this Illustrious Prince after he had gained so many Battles subjected so many Provinces subdued so many Kingdomes yet hung his whole felicity upon Fortune and his own valour so that a King whom he had conquered and a King without a Kingdom was still in a condition to vanquish him to send him to his grave and to enjoy the Princesse for whom Cyrus had done such great things Also all the way as he went his soul was so full of different thoughts as he could hardly repeat them in any order Then did he call into memory his old hatred to the King of Assyria at that time when he passed under the name of Phylidaspes and all the bussles he had with him under the name of Artamenes He remembred the bloody fight they had at the Temple of Mars close by Synope and his imagination represented unto him the place where he saved his life as he returned from the Massagettes so that forgetting none of the obligations which that Prince had unto him though he was used alwayes to forget his own benefits he made use of them to incense his hatred as well as the remembrance of all the miseries he brought upon Mandana by first carrying her away But at last coming just at Sun rise unto the place where the King of Assyria waited for him with one Page onely these two Rivalls accosted each other with a haughty civility as was evident they intended the ruine of one another Yet since they resolved to fight on foot to make quicker dispatch they left those who came with them to stay under some trees with their horses and they went themselves under an old ruined Castle where the ground was very even to end this great difference which had put all Asia into Armes As they went they talked together And the King of Assyria told Cyrus that he ever thought him more nobly devoted unto Glory then to break his word and he thought himself as much obliged unto him for it as possibly an enemy could be Desire of revenge replied Cyrus sharply is so sweet as I beleeve it is that which moves me to give both you and my self this satisfaction as much as my devotion unto Glory What ever it be said the King of Assyria I must highly commend you for it and confesse I owe you both my life and my liberty But I am forced to confesse also that it is much consolation to me to see you from the Head of an Army of two hundred thousand men over which I had no power and to see you here upon equall termes with me At these words both being come to the place where they were to fight they parted and without any measuring of swords they began the Combat And they began with more fury then others use to end They fell upon each other with such impetuosity as if they both intended to end all differences at one blow 'T is just now said Cyrus ' and fell furiously upon the King of Assyria that I will either vanquish or die for Mandana This very blow replied the other valiant Prince and furiously made at Cyrus shall let thee see which of the two will happen Yet the work was not so quickly done for Cyrus having warded the blow which the King of Assyria made at him as the King of Assyria warded the blow which Cyrus made they did not touch one another so as these two fierce enemies employing all their valour and all their skill against each other they assaulted and defended themselves so valiantly that their own valours was an obstacle unto their victory For they disputed the matter a long time with such equality that neither of them could get the advantage of the other since Cyrus used more judgement in this Combat then the King of Assyria did who was of a more impetuous temper Doubtlesse he made better choise of the places where he aimed his blowes But on the other side the King of Assyria did strike with such fury that none but Cyrus in the world was able to defend himself from the weight of such blows Sometimes Cyrus would lie open and put all to hazard to the end he might sooner vanquish Presently after he would lie close upon his Guard and manage his advantages a little better also would profit by the King of Assyria's despair who sometimes mocking at the precepts of that Art would employ onely his strength But 't was strange that these two valiant Princes who had both of them wonderfull agility if they would have used it yet dispatched this Combat in a very little space For neither of them being willing to give one foot of ground unto his enemy they were alwayes so neer each other as within reach and every minuit in danger to be both killed But at last Cyrus had not onely the advantage to see the blood of his enemy by reason of a slight touch in his left arm but also it hapned that the King of Assyria fell upon his knee so that Cyrus making a passe upon him the sword of that unfortunate Prince fell out of his hands yet he recovered himself so readily that Cyrus could not passe upon him as he intended but yet he could not recover his sword because Cyrus had seized upon it In so much as seeing himself at the mercy of his Rivall and his Conquerour his despair was without equall Yet it
the Athenian liberty I am ready to goe out of it upon condition it may be with you Yes Madam after I have made my self master of the most famous City in all Greece after I have driven out all my Enemies and put my selfe in a condition to make all the Athenians happy in governing them better then they were before yet I will forsake all provided you will follow my fortune and let us live together in some Asian Kingdome for I confesse Madam I have such an aversion against all divided Authority that I had rather bee the slave of a great King then to be the greatest Citizen in any Common-wealth and therefore Madam it rests onely upon you what I must resolve upon The remedy which you propose replyed she being worse then the Disease I desire to cure I will not accept of it for thanks be to God I have no hand either in my Fathers misery or in any of your actions But I should have a great share in them all if I should follow your fortune without the consent of those who have a right to dispose of me In the mean time I have a great deal of reason to complaine against you for denying me every thing Aske me any thing replied he which will not hazard the losing you and if I doe deny it be it what it will hold me for the basest of all men living But Madam if it doe not conduce to the keeping of you I cannot hearken unto it Moreover I beseech you Madam let not this title of Tyrant which my Enemies have aspersed upon me hinder you from thinking me worthy the being your slave promising you to use all my endeavours to bring Megacles unto Athens And I will aske no other condition but his consent into my happinesse After this Cleorante used all her arguments to perswade Pisistrates not onely as the Daughter of Megacles but as a Citizen of Athens But the love and ambition of Pisistrates being in that businesse inseparable she could obtaine no farther of him but libertie to stay where she was until Megacles changed his minde But when Pisistrates afterwards asked leave to see her every day she denyed him and said she would not bring her selfe into suspition of knowing his designes and indeed she was in so good earnest that as much a Master of Athens as he was obey her he must but yet as it was with an ill will yet since he feared nothing so much as to displease her he contented himself with hearing from her every day And indeed Pisistrates and Cleorante did carry themselves so prudently in their affections that the General voyce of all Greece did not attribute any love unto the usurpation of Pisistrates nor unto the hatred betweene Lycurgus and him In the meane this new soveraigne of Athens behaved himselfe with so much moderation as if he had never desired any soveraigne Authoritie but onely to make the Lawes of Solon better observed and to render Justice unto all according to their demerits Solon also went often to visit this Great Man and he confessed that he wanted nothing but the being borne the Sonne of a King to have made him one of the greatest Princes in the world And Solon afterwards said that if the people of Athens could but forget that they been long without a Master they might be the happiest people upon earth Pisistrates so carryed the matter that Solon after assisted him with his Counsels and an accident fell out which made Pisistrates voluntarily submit to be punished for infringing one of his Lawes In the meane time he remembred the esteeme which he ever had of Cerinthe and Euridamea and highly favoured of all those of that Family On the other side Megacles and Lycurgus united themselves together and so carryed the matter by bribes that one night one of the Gates should be delivered up unto him After which they surprized the Castle and forced Pisistrates to goe out of Athens though he did as much as any brave and valiant man could Thus the Conquered became Conquerours and the Conqueror was the most miserable man in the world 'T is true his Rivall was not so happy as he hoped for as Megacles did intend to call for his Wife and Daughter out of the Temple of Minerva purposely to marry Cleorante the next day unto Lycurgus Cleorante with her mothers leave who hated Lycurgus and loved Pisistrates claimed the priviledge of the Temple which is a place inviolable for all those who retire thither And Cleorante sent her Father word she was resolved to stay there Many men thought that Megacles consented to it and would never have promised his Daughter unto Lycurgus but because he stood in need of him But however is was Lycurgus might complaine as long as he would and presse Megacles 〈◊〉 keep his word yet Cleorante would stay in the Temple In the meane time Theocrite went to Cerinthe and asked a recompence for having brought her designes so well to passe but since the disorders of Athens did not please her she entertained him as coldly as if he had not done what she had desired him On the other side Megacles and Lycurgus did so ill agree together and their government was so Tyrannicall that they horridly hated each other and so did all the people insomuch as all the people said aloud that if they must obey any one it should be Pisistrates and repented of the change Megacles hearing this and being advertised that Lycurgus intended to take Cleorante out of the Temple and that he intended to get Pisistrates banished for ever and to render the antient liberty to the Athenians he was almost at his witts end On the other side being retired with a great number of his friends about Athens he was in a desperate condition yet he was much comforted by the resolution which Cleorante had taken but for all that he was as much perplexed as any ambitious Lover could be when all succeeds ill For my part I being sick during the time of these disorders I was of no side but rested in quietnesse to see how Fortune would decide so great a difference In the mean time not a day passed but some quarrell or some disorder or other happened in some quarter of Athens for besides the inclination of the divided people thereunto certainly the friends of Pisistrates did much contribute to them For my part I understood that Ariston came disguised into Athens and caused many commotions in one of which Theocrites was killed but it was very observable that Cerinthe was so little grieved at it that when Euridamea came to comfort her she cruelly said that she was glad of it for she gained more by his death in losing his visits then she did lose by losing his affection But disorders encreased every day Megacles and Lycurgus jarred more and more and all things were in such a pittiful condition as every one had great fears that the Town would be Cantoned and the people fall
which of these soever it be it makes you equally culpable yes and you Artamenes much more in fault then the King of Assiria since her quality may pretend to both but your condition by all appearances is far below them Sir replied Artamenes faintly by this argument you may suppose that the King of Assiria would never contend with me about such a thing into which I could never pretend You speak replied the King in a tone so dissonant unto your condition that it doth rather confirm my jealousie then extenuate it for though the King of Assiria be my enemy yet he is a King and in that respect you owe him more regard then is fitting for your Discourse When I have a sword by my side answered Artamenes who could no longer contain it may be I should make a King look about him as well as another man you know some who can inform you whether I speak truth or no and he whose part you scorn to take can tell you something if he had not a very bad memory I do not question your gallantry said Ciaxares nor make any doubt of your valour but I have some cause to suspect your fide 〈…〉 lity Your Majesty needs not to doubt of either if you did but know me well said Artamenes to him It cannot be imagined his faith should be corrupted who hath had so commanding a power as I have had why then replied the King do you not make your actions more clear and intelligible since you are so innocent I beseech your Majesty answered me Presse me no more to discover a thing which I neither ought nor can reveal It is sufficient said he that the gods have so often imployed my hand to support that Scepter unto which you think I pretend and kept your Crown upon your head Upbraid me not with your services retorted Ciaxares angerly for if you remember what once you were and what now you are you will acknowledge they have not been ill rewarded I have remembred them too much and if I had lost the memory of them perhaps you had ere now lost your life Consume no more time in contriving excuses to palliate your crime I should be as glad as you that you could purge your self from them Sir replied Artamenes I am far from upbraiding you with my services for they have been so inconsiderable I should not so much as have thought upon them but in vindication of my injured Innocency Can you produce any proof of your pretended Innocency said Ciaxares to him yes answered Artameus from arguments drawn from my virtue if you were capable of knowing it Well Replied Ciaxares you will not then diseover unto me what this correspondence is which you hold with my Enemy and Ravisher of my daughter Sir answered the innocent Artamenes you shall never kuow that Artamenes this man whom it seems you know not the man who as you are perswaded would betray you the man whom once you loved that this man did ever hold any intelligence or correspondency with your enemies I shall in time make you confesse replied Ciaxares for it is apparent enough both by your Letter and your Discourse and as the knowledge of every particular in this close conspiracy is necessary to my own safety and good of my Kingdom so perhaps when you are in a close Prison safer then that wherein you kept the King of Assiria then I say you may perhaps better inform me Sir answered Artamenes without any passion or transportation Prisons and punishments compell Artamenes to reveal what he hath a minde to conceal My prison shall thus far comfort me that I have exchanged my sword for fetters in a time when your Majesty have no potent enemies to molest you so that thus losing me you have but lost an unprofitable Servant I understand you very well replied Ciaxares in much choler you cannot forbear upbraiding me with your services then going to the Chamber-door he call'd for the Captain of his Guard and commanded him to conduct him unto his Chamber and keep him safe upon forfeiture of his life The Captain who dearly loved Artamenes and who knew how great a favourite he was stood amazed at the command not well knowing whether he should obey or no and finding so sudden a Revolution in the fortune of one who the very day before was the only man in the Kingdom and who ordered the destinies of Kings and Princes as he pleased he was so confounded that he knew not what to do But Artamenes observing his astonishment Come said he let us go giving him his sword and pay this last service unto the King thereby teaching the rest of his Subjects to obey with a willing minde more course commands then these In saying so he made low obeisance unto the King and followed Andramias with as slow a motion as if he had been free After this the King commanded to secure Araspes and was obeyed It were a very difficult task to relate fully how Artamenes resented this passage and what strange thoughts he apprehended The King of Medes also had much reluctancy for what he did Artamenes did more wonder at the oddnesse of his Fate then lament it The King repented almost every minute of what he had done What shall I do said he with this offender who hath done me so much good service and whom I loved so well who hath stolen away the hearts both of my friends and enemies this offender I say who all the world esteems yet none knows where he was born Who ever met with so crosse an accident Can it be imagined that Artamenes by whose valour I have obtained so many Victories and conquered so many Kings and Countries should wound his honour with Treachery On the other side what can I conceive of this Letter which puzzles him to explain and the Crime is so great that his pretence and colours cannot hide his correspondency with the King of Assiria No no said he Artamenes is guilty And though it be either in matter of love or matter of ambition he is culpable and deserves punishment The worst is loving him as I do I shall grieve more for him then he will for himself but said he suddenly the sorrows which I resent for the losse of Mandana will quite me from that of Artamenes And my soul will be so sensible of the one that there will be no room for the other But let us use all expendients to bend this obstinate spirit Let us do what we can to make him confesse his fault that so we may have occasion of pardon Whilst Ciaxares was thus arguing the matter with himself Artamenes whose amorous soul could not be separated from the memory of Mandana was more troubled at her shipwrack then his prison and entertain'd more sad apprehensions of her losse then sorrow for his own Do your worst ye rigid destinies said he you cannot afflict me more My soul is not sensible of any sorrow but for Mandana
unto And Astiages sent afterwards unto her to let her know that if she pleased she might return into Persia for he had this conceit that it was the first Sonne of Mandana only whom he had to fear which being secured he was then glad to be rid of the Mother whom if she should detain any longer would by her extremity of sorrow draw a thousand reproaches upon himself As soon as this Liberty is obtained she presently returns to Cambises unto whom she opened not a syllable of her troubled soul but attributed the alteration of her Complexion unto her absence from him and her sorrowes for the death of her Sonne I am forced Sir to be a little longer then is fitting in the relation of my Masters strange Infancy who though all this while in a poor Shepherds homely Cottage was notwithstanding Apprehensive of those Glories which belong unto a Kingdom Be pleased Sir to know in few words that this young Prince though then unknown unto himself or any else to be one did then act the part of a King and caused himself to be called so amongst all the neighbours Children which played with him when he was but ten years of age He made himself feared loved and obeyed amongst them as if he had been really their absolute Prince One day having punished one of the boyes whom he called subjects for some offence committed the Father of that Childe so punished chanced to be an Officer in the Kings house who coming to the knowledge of this passage and wondring that this young poor Shepherds Sonne should act the part of a King so well told Astiages of it and infinitely extolled the beauty and boldness of this Childe The King caus'd him to be sent for and asked the Childe why he punished the other boy the Childe did return so quick an answer as struck the King into a wonder seeing him speak unto a King with as much confidence as if he had been among the boyes Moreover Astiages was infinitely astonished to see this Sonne of a poor Shepherd so much resemble his Daughter Mandana as never two were more like Indeed he had some secret suspicions in his soul which told him it was the same that he suspected him to be In conclusion Sir Astiages could not be satisfied untill he sent for the Shepherd himself out of his Cottage and asking him in a terrible tone and with stern looks where he got this Childe the poor simple Methridates thinking the King had known the passage and being terrified with the Kings looks and question confessed the whole story The King in spite of all his fears could not chuse but like and love this admirable Childe and after he had assembled all the Magicians they told him whether it was the truth of their thoughts or whether it was their pity which moved them to dissemble I know not that the Royalty which this Childe had exercised over the boyes was an infallible sign that the Gods had heard their prayers and that all the Dominion which this young Prince should have over the Medes was limited and confined unto that which he hath exercised over the boyes so that there need no more fears of him They further told him that the Gods do sometimes threaten great Princes by these Prodigies only least they should forget that duty which they owe unto them and in conclusion they told him that if he would be pleased to follow their advice he should send this young Prince unto the King of Assiria his Father Astiages who conceived many affectionate thoughts of this Childe was glad of the advice and being himself of a weak soul relied much upon the judgement of these Magicians and was fully perswaded that this imaginary Royalty was the fulfilling of his Dream and truly Sir as the case stands now with Artamenes it is apparent that Astiages has no reason to fear Cyrus yet though he permitted this young Prince to live whom he named Cyrus he would not pardon Harpagus for he banished him the Court and Kingdom This man who would neither be absolutely pittifull nor absolutely cruell is left without support or refuge and compl'd to the rigor of a long exile Nevertheless as I know you are not ignorant Astiages sent Cyrus unto Cambises his Father writing this excuse unto him That to prevent certain malignant Constellations which threatned this Childe he out of his affection was forced to hide him and cause his sorrowes in divulging him dead but this sorrow will quickly change it self into a double recompence of joy when he shall see him living so well and so amiable Cambises received him with unexpressible joy and the wise Mandana gave as many thanks unto her Father Astiages as ever she received causes of displeasure from him though she had learned the truth of the story by the information of Harpagus who was fled thither and told her all in hopes thereby to procure himself Protection And though she could not be convinc't that Astiages was so innocent as he made himself yet by the knowledge of what was past she was instructed how to prevent the like for the future Mean while the young Cyrus is in Persipolis for joy of whose welcome both publike and private Sacrifices are made throughout all Persia and for whose Education all men of high parts throughout the whole Kingdom are imployed When Ciaxares heard of these passages he sent unto Cambises and the Queen his Sister to congratulate their good Fortunes in finding their Sonne and he writ in a high Complement unto the Queen how he wisht his Daughter Mandana might hereafter become worthy to be the Mistris of Cyrus whose fame fil'd all the world This young Princess was born unto the King of Cappadocia about three years after the birth of Cyrus and had the Name of her Aunt Mandana given unto her Now Sir to tell you how young Cyrus was educated would but abuse your Patience for his high atchievements since does sufficiently demonstrate it unto all the world I shall only tell you that both the King and Queens endeavours were with all possible care to infuse such good dispositions as now appears to be in him For all men finde in all his actions and all his words something so sweet so high so complacentiall and so full of goodnesse as it is an absolute impossibility to know him and not to love him He was marvellous well proportioned exceeding fair and as this charming Symmetry did from his very infancy appear in all parts of his body yet his soul and spirit was infinitely above it Perhaps you know that in Persipolis there is a pleasant spacious place called the place of Liberty in one Quarter thereof stands the Kings Palace None inhabit within this square but Grandees and wisest sort of Persians for wisedom in that Nation is no lesse valued then Nobility by descent which also is in very high esteem It was within this famous Quadrangle wherein none but persons of great wisedom
and Nobility did live that the young Cyrus was educated Amongst us all private men do breed their children with as much care as if they were to be all Kings and are perswaded that to be men and to be virtuous are terms inseparable Cyrus coming out of a poor uncouth shepheards Cottage unto this most famous and learned Academy it was a wonder that nature should furnish him with as much prudence and wisedom as if he had been brought up here from his Cradle He had for his Tutors in vertue the wisest which could be cull'd out of the Old Doctors Active young men for the exercise of his body and a younger sort for his recreation which were well educated in all virtuous qualities Great care was had to prevent all sorts of vicious persons from coming about him lest they should chance to corrupt his own naturall sweet inclinations for they knew well that if the soul of a Prince who must rule over a People be once poysoned the people also will be infected though here he saw none but examples of goodnesse and vertue Moderation Liberality Justice Valour and all the vertues were so eminent in him and got him so much applause among the Persians that they extol'd him as a Childe sent from Heaven rather to instruct then be instructed by them But I fear Sir that I have already transgressed my limits and by consequence abused your Patience especially those Persians which hear me because perhaps they know these things better then I my self My Master lived in this Quality until his sixteenth year of Age And then Fortune began to offer him opportunities of discovering the greatnesse and generosity of his soul both in his words and Acts And to put in practice that greatnesse of spirit which his youth did promise you remember Sir how Harpagus was banished by the King of Medes for not exactly obeying his commands in putting to death this young Cyrus This exile had formerly been of great power in Medea being so in such favour with the King as he made him Governour in one of his greatest Provinces This man did endeavour to reconcile himself unto Astiages but all in vain he was in this discontent forced to travel from Court to Court to finde out protection and relief from those Princes which were enemies unto the King of Medes and being some certain daies disguised in Persipolis found out an opportunity to discover himself His habit was Persian he mingled himself among the multitude which waited upon the Prince to hunt and having the language of the Countrey passable enough he was not known to be a stranger Cyrus was lively and active at the sports and none are lesse tyred or more bold and forward at these sports then he either in following the Chase or assaulting the wilde Beast at a Bay He drew a bow threw a dart and used a sword admirable well he was alwaies victor in the publique games and bore away the prize but to return to Harpagus he did follow Cyrus very close at this great hunting whereof I spoke and waited upon him so near when the Prince followed a wilde bore so eagerly and fast through the thick of the Forrest lest he should lose sight of the bore as none of all the Persians was able to follow only Harpagus Cyrus overtook this wilde Beast bent his bow and shot an arrow through his heart After this Victory whereof Harpagus only was a witnesse he sat down and rested himself until some of his own servants came in upon a bank close by a little brook which ran across the Forrest in that place In all these chases it is the custome of the Countrey for Hunters to carry a Bow a Quiver a Sword and two Javelins This gallant young Hunter wore them all and his Buckler also for them also they use in hunting as well as wars Ys he was thus sitting Harpagus drew near him Cyrus who had not yet seen him took him for a Persian began to shew him the Prize and cried out I have killed him I have killed him but Harpagus kneeling upon the ground told him that he knew how he might obtain a more glorious victory then this The Prince thinking the man had discovered some greater Bore then this which he had killed rose up and asked him heartily whether he should go to get this victory Into the head of an Army of thirty thousand men answered Harpagus which I come to offer unto you so that if you please to accept of it you may make your self Lord of a Kingdom Cyrus astonished at his words lookt upon him more earnestly then before and supposing he had seen him formerly Who are you said he that make this gallant offer I cannot yet think my self worthy of it since my valour was never tried against any but Bear Bores Lions and Tigers I am Sir said he one that is sent by the gods to tender you a brave opportunity of getting immortall glory If all be true you say said Cyrus shew me the way I must take and let it be as difficult as it can be I will follow it with all alacrity I have already told you Sir said Harpagus you must repair unto the head of an Army of Thirty thousand men which wait for your commands and to conquer when you bid them It becomes not him to command replied Cyrus who hath not yet learnt how to obey it is far fitter I should be their Companion then their Generall But I pray you Noble Stranger whom I think I have seen before though not remember you tell me where this Army is and who they are also who is the Enemy and what the Kingdom you would have me conquer Sir answered Harpagus I am not at all unreasonable in my desires when I wish your assistance against a King who hath basely broken the Laws of humanity against a Prince who is both the Love and Wonder of all which know him A King I say who hath acted against Nature Reason and Justice who by an ill governed ambitious jealousie would against all humanity or conscience take away the life of such a Prince in whose behalf I now salute you It is in the Behalf of a hopefull young innocent Prince and against such an unnaturall unworthy King I desire to animate you It neerly concerns your own honour to condescend unto my desires Your desire answered Cyrus is too full of justice to be denied And not to keep me any longer from this Army which you desire I should repair unto Inform me who is this barbarous King and who is the injured Prince for I do much wonder since I have been so carefully informed of all the prime passages of the world I should not guesse at them both Sir then answered Harpagus you are the Prince which owes revenge Yes said Cyrus And by whom Noble Stranger can I be injured I who have hardly yet begun to live I who ever since I first breathed have been rockt in a Cradle
year with the King to render thanks unto the gods for the death of a young Prince who if he had lived had usurp'd all Asia Then she hates his memory said Artamenes blushing and interrupting him and is very glad of that mans death who would have hindred her from being Queen of so many Kingdoms I never discovered any thoughts of hate in her said the Priest and I beleeve her too good to carry malice to the grave or to hate the man she never knew especially such a one as he whom report speaks to have been rarely accomplshed she knows it her religious duty to take both the good and the bad which the hand of heaven doth give with an equall Thanks and since she knows that Conquerors and Usurpers cannot act their designs but by the permission of the gods who makes them only Instrumental to chastise those whom it is their pleasure to disthrone therefore I suppose her joy proceeds from her knowledge that the gods are appeased by the death of that young Prince whose life did portend destruction to us but then this Joy is so moderate and sweetly tempered without the least ingredient of hate or anger that her soul keeps hell within her limits and without disordered passion To thank the gods for the death of a man considering him simply as a man were impious and sacrilegious rather then any devotion and neither the King nor the Princess nor any of the Magi are so ill instructed in Divinity But to render thanks for the death of Tyrants and Usurpers who would pull down Thrones and depopulate Kingdoms is an act both of justice and piety which doth not contradict the Rules of Religion humanity or justice Artamenes did hearken unto this Discourse with such different resentments as indeed I pitied him sometimes he was all joy and sometimes all sorrow now in hope then presently in despair but however he thought it a great happinesse to hear that Mandana was owner of as much vertue and wisedom as he saw she was of Beauty Mean time this Priest liked Artamenes very well and said thus unto him Friendly Stranger If you desire to see our stately Ceremonies Come hither three daies hence for those which we shall then celebrate will be much more magnificent and sumptuous then these which you have now seen Artamenes thanked him and desired to know the end and reason of them to whom the Priest answered that there was a Prince and Neighbour unto Cappadocia called the King of Pont and Bythinia This Prince being in Love with Mandana had sent his Embassadours unto Ciaxares to demand her in marriage Artamenes being much moved at this interrupted and asked him Whether this Ceremony was for the Marriage of the Princess No no answered the Priest for we do observe the custom of the Assirians who were our ancient Lords that when a Princess must succeed unto the Kingdom she cannot by this Custom marry a stranger and therefore Ciaxares had refused the King of Pont who being not content with this answer nor able to help his passion to the Princess hath confederated with the King of Phrygia and declared War against the King of Cappadocia so that their Army being ready to march the King and Princess come at the time I told you to supplicate the Gods especially him to whom this Temple is dedicated that he would be pleased to prosper their Proceedings and assist them in so just a War which maintains the fundamental Law of their Land Artamenes was so surprised with different Apprehensions as he had no minde to ask any more questions but after he had in few words given many thanks he civilly took his leave and as he was fully resolved not to hide any of his thoughts from either Feraulas or me because he could receive no assistance but from us so as soon as he had opportunity he said thus unto us Was ever such conceited Fortune as mine are the Gods resolved I should be tormented with two violent Passions at one time I am no sooner in Love but I am Jealous also I no sooner saw her Beauty and her Wisdome but I understand how it has captivated the heart of a Prince and that an excellent Prince whom only one bare Custom of the Cappadocians has caused to be rejected and nothing else Who knows whether the Princess does not in her heart disallow of this Custom and whether I do not Love one whose soul is already bestowed Alas alas this Customary Law which makes something worse for the King of Pont makes me despair For as he is a stranger so am I therefore for that reason as also many others I can never have any hopes of Pretence unto her Sir said I to him if all these difficulties which you imagin and which are a thousand times greater then you do apprehend would alter your resolutions I should with all my heart consent unto it but since I cannot yet do not I beseech you contend with monsters and almost impossibilities No no Chrisantes answered he never hope to make me give over my design especially now since I can satisfie my desires of Glory and my Passions for Mandana both together And since I finde a War in Cappadocia why should I go seek it at Ephesus But Sir said I to him If you should chance be discovered in what danger are you then It is not the consideration of any danger replied he that can alter me but I ought on the contrary to seek after dangerous enterprises and to give you full satisfaction know that I am absolutely resolved to carry my self so Gallantly in this War under the Notion of Artamenes as that Cyrus may without danger come out of his Tombe afterwards Sir said I to him all this while the King your Father and the Queen your Mother do think you dead and doubtless are infinitely troubled at it it is a piece of inhumanity to suffer them continue in it Why should not you think as I do said the Prince that this report of my death is nothing but a device of my Mothers to divert Astiages from seeking me and that she hath acquainted the King my Father with his cruelty so that this false news is dispersed by his consent and hath sent it to Astiages as true so that Chrisantes your reasons are too weak to convince me or make me alter my resolutions Indeed I did finde some probability in what the Prince had said not imagining how any other way this report of shipwrack should arise But yet notwithstanding I fell afresh to perswade him from his Passion to fly from that Court which was so full of danger to him and to give intelligence of his being alive unto the King his Father and Queen his Mother But as to the first of these I might as well have bid him do a thing absolutely impossible As to the second as no danger could dismay his soul so he told me that my reasons were not good but that I gave them
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
Camp did publish the Generosity of my Masters Name for which the King of Pont sent a Trumpeter to thank him most heartily for his civility But Sir I never consider how I abuse your Patience nor how long those Passions which I resent for Artamenes have kept me therefore let me reflect if you please upon the most important things of my Masters story Winter drawing on when this last Battle was fought and the Town which Philidaspes besieged being presently after taken where Philidaspes behaved himself like a man of great Gallantry and prudence and Ciaxares having had such happy success within the compass of eight moneths he called off Artamenes and Philidaspes who after they had setled all their Troops in their winter-Quarters and seen their Enemy do the like did come unto the King who now returned unto Sinope I need not tell you Sir how Artamenes and Philidaspes were entertained by the King and the Princess for you may be assured that it was with as much civility and joy as their great services could deserve As they were disposed when they took their leaves of the Princess so they were the very same at their return the first time that they saw Mandana at her chamber there they met It seemed by Feraulas who was there and well recovered of his wounds that the Princess was displeased and angry yet she shewed nothing but such charms as were able to captivate the hearts of most rebellious Lovers She diverted her Discourse after such an ingenious manner by her sweet complacence which had nothing of affectation in it that she gave them no occasion to renew those differences which passed between them in the last battle of which the Princess was not ignorant When you took your leaves of me said she to them I remember that I entreated you to look unto your selves so well as I might from your own mouths receive the particulars of the Victory but now I will spare you that labour for I have such an indisposition unto war that I do not love much to discourse of those glorious advantages which my father hath obtained by your valour Never fear that I am ignorant of them or that I will ever forget them Fame doth court and love Artamenes so much and doth not hate Philidaspes that the least of your actions must needs be published My soul is more ingenuous then to lose the memory of benefits But truly I do much affect peace the calm and quiet vertues do much better agree with my inclination then these lofty proud ones That Prince then Replied Artamenes could be very unhappy who hath a particular aim to please you and could finde out no other way to pay you service but by Sword and Fire and Bloud Questionless added she that a Prince who had nothing but valour and good fortune in fighting hath not in my opinion all the qualities necessary to deserve the esteem of a reasonable Princess For if he have those only and no more I should beleeve that a common ordinary esteem might well enough content him but he ought not to pretend unto so high a degree as Love What qualities then I beseech you Madam replied Philidaspes are requisite to purchase that favour of an illustrious and great Princess It is requisite answered she if I be not deceived that his valour be not too cruell that he love victory better then bloud that his fury last no longer then fight That he be ever civil That he affect glory without pride That he lookt for it in such waies where he may finde it That sweetness and clemency be his predominant qualities That he be very liberal but liberal with discreet choice That he be alwaies gratefull That he do not envy the glory of another That he be just unto his very enemies That he be an absolute Master of his passions That his conversation be not lofty or proud That he be alwaies faithfull to his friends and terrible to his enemies and to speak all in one word that he have all the virtues and none of the vices You have reason Madam replied Artamenes to say that he ought to be exact in all who deserves the affection of an illustrious Princess But Madam doubtless she must be such a one as resembles you who without injustice can desire that perfection which is not to be found amongst men and if she never confer her affection upon any but those who are worthy of it then that treasure would never be enjoyed by any though without question it be desired by all the Princes upon earth I know not said she whether the affection of such a Princess as resembles me be a thing so precious as to be called a Treasure but I know very well that if she resemble me her affection should not be easily obtained since by a premeditated design I am resolved never to bestow any part of my Love lightly but to fight against my own inclinations if they should offer to overcome me I know not Madam said Philidaspes interrupting her whether this hardness of heart be not as much to be condemned in your sex as you conceive pride is in ours I do not think it said she if I did I should perhaps change my minde But whatsoever it be to shew that I am not unjust I pray know that I am as liberall of my esteem as I am wary of my love since truly I shall never refuse it unto my greatest Enemy when they shall deserve it Imagine then said she to Artamenes if I do not only much esteem you but admire you for all those gallant acts which you have performed And imagine Philidaspes said she in turning towards him if you have not much reason to pretend unto a great part of my Commendations for what you have done Thus did this discreet and wise Princess entertain these two Gallants whom she perceived to be very ambitious and extreamly jealous of their honours and therefore she durst not aggravate the great actions of my Master lest Philidaspes who seem'd to be the more violent and hasty should be offended Then they parted being very well pleas'd with Mandana's civilities but much troubled to have it from her own mouth that her affection was so hard to be obtained It appeared that Philidaspes who was as amorous as Artamenes and did entertain the same resentments was a little more netled then he especially since throughout the Princess discourse he found many more obliging terms towards his Rivall then himself All this while Ciaxares thinks upon nothing but Feasts and publique jollities Astiages hearing of his Victories sends to congratulate with him and sent also a great Complement unto my Master reflecting upon his valour The Court was never so full nor so glorious as now All the Officers of the Army made Sinope their Rendezvous and almost all the Ladies of Quality throughout both Kingdoms repaired thither The presence of the Princess was free and open there was not a day but the King went
me but that he and others did share in the glorie with me But that Artamenes should love me and out of his profound reverence and respect unto me should not tell it me untill his death This Martesia reflects wholy upon Mandana this it is which makes me plainly see that Artamenes he did value me And this is it which obliges me to love the memory of a man who had reason in his love and loved me without offending or displeasing me Madam said Martesia then unto her I do conceive it just indeed that you should cherish the memory of Artamenes but yet I know not why you should so much injure your self as to grieve so excessively I know not replied the Princesse whether it be just or handsome but I am sure I can do no lesse I should never have finished my relation Sir if I should tell you all that Mandana said and did upon this occasion She went to bed and would not eat any meat she passed away all the melancholy night without a wink of sleep The same night that the King knew of the victories and death of Artamenes by him whom Philidaspes sent to advertise him he testified an extreame sorrow for his losse All the Court and all the Towne were sad one would have thought his Battle had been lost and the whole Kingdome utterly ruined All were quite deceived only Aribeus who was glad in his hart though he durst not let it appear since the King thought that the Princesse was yet ignorant of this sad news he sent to tell her and went himself the next morning to condole and also comfort her for he knew very well that she did very much esteeme Artamenes This meeting was condoled on the Kings part very tenderly and sadly and very wisely and reservedly on the Princesse part for she discovered no more sorrowes and compassion then the interest of the state might reasonably cause in her soul for such a losse but as soon as the King was gone she sent to seek me and as I could not stay any longer at Sinope so they found me coming to take my leave on her when I came into her Chamber Madam said I coming neer her bed I come to desire your leave that I may returne to the Camp what will you doe there replied the Princesse I would goe replied I to see if Chrisantes have since my departure from him yet found the corps of my deare dead Master which before we could not finde what said the Princess sighing has not the unfortunate Artamenes received the honour of a Burial No Madam said I with eyes sweld with tears unlesse Chrisantes have found him since my departure Then she enjoyned me to relate unto her all that I have told you to wit all that we found along the river of Sangar and all I knew concerning the death of my dear Master after I had told her all and by my sad relation caused her to bedew all her fair face with a deluge of tears she began to presse me again to tell her his name For said she what good reason could he have to conceal it I know not Madam answered I nor can I I confesse comprehend it considering the greatnesse of his birth But it belongs not to me to examine my Masters reasons it is my duty onely to execute his last Commands with all punctuall observance You have reason said she to me and I have done you wrong in pressing you unto so unjust and unreasonable a thing It is sufficient that I know that he was of a Royall extract and there is not any Prince in the world let him be as great as he can be but may desire a Son which shall be like unto him Mean while said she to me beleeve it Feraulas and assure Chrisantes of as much that all they which had relation unto the most glorious Artamenes may obtain any thing from the Princesse Mandana and that which she has not done for him she will do for his You are too generous Madam said I to her but I have already told you tha 〈…〉 ask no more from the Gods but onely the Corps of our dear Master and the honour to bring him unto his grave these words did so extreamly move the Princesse that putting out her hand unto me she said you are worthy servants of such a Master as you have lost Go and seek out with all diligence these glorious and sad Relikes until you have found it out and when you have found it let me be acquainted with it to the end I may move the King my father to pay those honours which are due unto his merit and unto those services which we have received After this she dismissed me with a profound sigh and would have given me a Jewel but I refused it and went from Sinope to the Camp that I might follow the invincible Artamenes if I could do nothing else Mean while although the King was much troubled at the losse of my Master yet I would not lose the fruits of his Victory and fearing left the King of Phrygia should bring fresh forces into the Field and relieve the King of Pontus therefore he sent the next morning that I parted from Sinope a command unto Philidaspes to bring the prisoner King to Court so that the day after I came to the Camp Philidaspes with six thousand men went to conduct him He left the command of the Army by Order from Ciaxares unto Artaxes brother of Aribeus and came unto Sinope with intentions to Triumph and assume unto himself all the glorious Labours of my most Illustrious Master Neither Chrisantes nor I would return to Court but both stayed in the Camp and continued our search all along the fatall river Sangar and in all places thereabouts for what we had lost and to lament our misfortune The Prince Tigranes who saw there was no more to do in the Army returned to Sinope much grieved for the losse of Artamenes As for Philidaspes as generous as he was I do beleeve that if he was not glad of the death of Artamenes yet he had some resemblances of it which presently after produced the same effects in his heart He departed from the Camp in such a manner as was not ordinary but very magnificent As for the King of Pontus he had contrary resentments in his soul for he was extream sad at the losse of the Battel much grieved at the death of him which won it angred to follow Philidaspes as his Conquerer who was not so and in extream confusion to appear as a conquered prisoner before that Princesse whom he loved yet amongst all these bad resentments he had some secret joy that he should see her again Mean time Philidaspes marcht in all hast and as he went to Sinope he ordained a petty Triumph wherein might be seen all signes of mourning as well as Victory for the death of their General not daring to expresse it otherwise Then as at the last Battle
banish you and that I do it not with much sorrow and that I was not more displeased at the report of your death then I shall be at your absence But however Artamenes Glory is to be preferred before all things and as long as I do not strive against you but rather to give you all satisfaction you have not just cause to complain of me Artamenes knew well that he neither could nor ought to hope for any more from such a one as Mandana and though he ought to prepare his minde for it yet he could not chuse but be very much grieved at it She knew how to comfort him so sweetly in his sorrows by the heavenly charms of her conversation that he preferred the evils which he suffered as a servant unto Mandana before all felicity he could enjoy without her He began then to follow Ciaxares more closely then before He courted Aribeus contrary to his own inclination with more diligence and neglected nothing which might get him a good esteem in the Court so that though he should discover himself they would not think of destroying him And so it was that he was universally beloved and so much that the extraordinary care he took did not create him any new servants nor augment the zeal of those he had before so great was their zeal already In the mean time the man who Artamenes sent to carry the Jewels unto the daughter of that Lady who mistook him for Spitridates and who had so charitably entertained him returned unto Sinope who informed Artamenes that there was like to be a new war in Bithynia he further told him that he found the Castle invironed with many Souldiers and that when he had spoken unto that Lady she was extreamly surprized to see the Jewels which he had to present unto her daughter That at the first she doubted whether she should suffer her to accept of them but in conclusion she did permit her That at his taking leave of her she bestowed a very rich present upon him and charged him to tell Artamenes after she did with astonishment understand it was he that the King her husband was endeavouring to put himself into such a condition as that hereafter he might be able to retaliate his liberality and to make Spitridates his son who had the honour to resemble him worthy of that resemblance This man told Artamenes further that in his returne he saw all the Countrey full of Souldiers and that some of them had stayed him for some certain dayes which was the reason he did return no sooner Two hours after his arrival there came certain news from Artaxes that all Bithynia was in rebellion and Pontus about to be the like and that the King of Phrygia was compelled to retreat because that Croesus King of Lydia was entred with an Army into his Dominions and that a great part of his Forces did change Masters and sided with those who moved the people to revolt and who in truth had much right unto the Crown of Bithynia In conclusion they knew Arsamones husband unto that Lady who had treated Artamenes so well when he was wounded and who took him for Spitridates her son was in the head of a very considerable Army and that if the King of Pontus were not soon set at liberty and to take some course to oppose his Conquests not onely Bithynia which his father had usurped would be lost but Pontus also which was legitimately his would be in the same condition It was reported that the King of Phrygia was about new Levies in his Countrey but yet the reports went also that he would have his hands full of war against the King of Lydia Insomuch as it was apparent that there would fall an infallible revolution upon the Kingdoms of Pontus and Bithynia if they were not presently remedied Artamenes finding a good opportunity to oblige the King of Pontus and acquit himself of his promise to him and also to procure his departure from Sinope where he was not very glad to see him did beseech the King that he would not onely give him his liberty but also that he would lend him some Forces wherewith to reduce his Subjects unto their obedience He represented unto the King that it would be much more glorious for him and advantagious also to do so then to detain him a Prisoner Since if it should so fall out that he should lose his two Kingdoms as very likely he was then he would not be able to pay his Ransom but would be either forced to keep him alwayes or else cruelly to deliver him in a time when it was too late and when there was no hopes to get into the Throne Moreover he told him that the King of Pontus was generous and that obliging him thus gallantly he could run no hazard of danger In conclusion as Artamenes was alwayes very prevalent with Ciaxares and could perswade him unto any thing he pleased so the King condescended unto his desire upon condition notwithstanding that the King of Pontus should deliver into his hands two considerable places which yet held unto his side and that he should solemnly promise never to make any war against Cappadocia Artamenes having obtained his suit went presently to the King of Pontus who was already informed of his misfortunes but knew no remedy He no sooner saw my Master but going to him with much constancy though with much melancholy Generous Artamenes said he to him if in losing the Crown of Bithynia you had conquered it I should not be so sad as I am but that my most mortall enemies should triumph over my misfortunes I confesse that I have not patience to endure it without complaint nor can I chuse but much desire that liberty which I have desired you to obtain for me Sir answered Artamenes as it is my use to do what I ought so I have effected your demands and perhaps above your desires for I do not know whether I have not gone further then you desired My Master then told him what he had done with Ciaxares and how by this Article not to make any more war upon Cappadocia it was to be tacitely understood not to pretend any more unto the Princesse As this was reasonable so he did not murmur he grieved in secret without complaint and thanked Artamenes very civilly for his Generosity he extreamly extolled this great Act and thanked him who brought it to passe If ever I come unto my Throne again generous Artamenes said he to him I shall owe unto you all my glory and all my good fortune and I do protest unto you that if I can conquer again the Kingdom of Bithynia it shall be your fault onely if you do not as absolutely command it as my self you are no more a Cappadocian said he to him then you are a Pontean so that without offence unto Ciaxares I may well hope for the same happinesse and advantage which he hath he hath nothing now to do
merit that honour But yet consider Madam that the glory of my conqueror does lessen the shame for my defeat and though conquered and prisoner as I am let me not offend the Princess Mandana if I begg a little room in her esteem since I must never pretend more unto her affection Be not Madam lesse generous then the King your father and the Illustrious Artamenes The last of these did ask my liberty and the other granted it Refuse not then the favour which I beg of you and do me so much honour to believe that ever since the first minuite I saw you I have as much esteem and all the veneration of you than can be imagined Indeed Madam I adored you before I was a King I did the same when I was owner of two Kingdomes and I continued it also in declaring war against the King of Cappadocia I did not repent of it when I was all wounds and swam in my own blood and I retained the same thoughts whilst I was in those fetters which the clemency of the King your father has freed me from and I shall ever keep them whether my sword do win me my Scepter again or whether it cause me to lose my Crownes and as long as life is in me I must love you Madam with a most respectfull and violent passion now you know that Madam which I had a most earnest desire once in my life to tell you and which since told will make me die somthing lesse unhappy since my love is well known throughout all Asia though I never told it you but in the Language of my eyes I do not fear that this speaking thus boldly unto you and before so great a company will offend you and since I know that my Protector said he in looking upon Artamenes has som credit with you I shall hope that in consideration of him and after his example you will not insult over my misfortunes nor speak harsh things unto him concerning me since it is the last time that perhaps I shall ever have the honour to speak unto you Artamenes harkened unto this discourse with as much vexation in his mind as was imaginable he looked upon the Princess he looked upon his Rivall and though he could not perfectly know the thoughts of Mandana yet he thought them somthing too favourable to the King of Pontus and was often in a mind to mingle converse with them although the quality in which he did appear did not permit him so to doe yet he was very glad to hear it from the mouth of his Rivall that he had never spoke of his love unto Mandana But he was in some disorder to hear those high Commendations which he gave her and knew very well that his love did render their friendship impossible In conclusion after the King of Pontus had done speaking the Princess who rose at the same time he did lifting up her eyes and blushing a little I do not know said she whether it be the fashion of all young Princes to colour their Ambition with a more gallant passion or whether it be only a simple desire of glory but I am certain that you do give me a great subject for my vanity and a great cause to complain of you For Sir I cannot deny but that it is very advantagious for me to be esteemed by a Prince who is accomplished with so many excellent qualities and I must also tell you that I have some reason to accuse you and perhaps to punish you too for speaking unto me as you have done But Sir said she to him I will take all that you have told me as I ought to do and will be so far from using you ill that I do protest it shall not be long of me if you do not depart from this court as free in your mind as in your body and if my prayers would conduce any thing to set you in your throne again notwithstanding all that is passed you should not want them Madam answered the King of Pontus I had rather you had harkened unto my prayers then to inploy yours in my behalf but that is not a thing to be thought upon further then to punish me for my rashness in daring to love the most glorious Princesse upon earth After this the Princess answered and he replied again then he took his leave and went out Artamenes knew not whether he should stay with the Princess or follow this Prince he feared lest the King of Pontus should observe his vexation and he was apprehensive lest Mandana should perceive his Jealousie and be offended at it So that to expose himself unto neither of these hazards he went first unto Ciaxares and and presently after the King of Pontus returned to bid adieu This word adieu put the mind of Artamenes into its accustomed tranquillity out of his apprehensions of Joy to see his Rivall packing so that he began to behave himself with much civility towards him Ciaxares did treat him very well at parting gave him a hundred horse for his convoy unto the campe sent orders unto Artaxes commanding the army to obey this prince to put a garrison into those two places which the King of Pontus was to deliver up unto the King of Cappadocia Artamenes waited upon by all the Court did conduct the King of Pontus a good way out of the Town and although he was his Rival and entertained some sparks of jealousie of him yet this Prince did testifie so much friendship unto my Master at parting that he could not forbear being much moved with him Yet after his departure Artamenes was in a much happier condition then he could have beleeved For since the Princesse knew his Quality and his affection and suffered him to see her often since he had no Philidaspes to torment him since the King of Pontus was gone never to return again he thought himself sometimes in the height of happinesse and sometimes also he was not without his vexations of minde For when all was done he must discover himself what he was and expose himself unto the violent humours of Astyages and perhaps unto the anger of Ciaxares Yet notwithstanding since the one of them was far off and the other seemed to love him very well the hopes of his heart were above his fears and he seemed never to be so well satisfied Now since peace brought joy thorowout all Cappadocia there was nothing to be seen in all the Court but diversions and entertainments and my Master was no lesse frollick and gallant among the Ladies then he was couragious in warre and prudent in Councels The King went at that time unto the pleasant Town of Amasia which as you know is seated upon the river of Iris and afterwards went unto the stately Town of Themiscira where he stayed as well because he had some businesse there as because indeed the Princesse did love that place For as the river Thormodon which washes the feet of the
enterprize did at all astonish him but because he apprehended that it would take a long time to execute so great a designe and would move the King of Assyria to take some violent resolutions against the Princesse Mean while Ciaxares having accepted the King of Persias offer Aducius returned in all hast to inform the King his Master and all sides thought upon nothing but preparations for War The King of Assyria who was not ignorant of the Medeâ—n preparations began to act his part Mazares the Prince of Saces who as you know was his vassall and who then was in Babylon promised him his assistance And you are not ignorant Sir how the King of Arabia did as you did that is he took part with the King of Assyria Also it is rather unto the generous Thrasibulus whom I now speak unto then unto this Illustrious company since there is none of them onely he which is ignorant of what I shall hereafter tell you Then the King of Hircania interrupting Feraulas told him that it was true indeed it was onely unto Thrasibulus unto whom he was to addresse his speech yet notwithstanding although he did know a good part of what he had to relate yet he should be very glad to have it revived in his memory Thrasibulus thanked the King of Hircania for it and Feraulas continued his discourse as followeth The King of Assyria then preparing for warre as well as we was not onely assured of help from the King of Lydia from the King of Hircania and from the King of Arabia but also from the Prince of Saces from the Prince of the Paphlagonians and from the Indians As for the King of Phrygia he was also pressingly solicited to take the King of Assyria's part following the Treaty of Peace which was made with the Queen Nitocris But since he had warrs with Croessus and that this Prince was to assist the King of Assyria as well as he he told this Ravisher of Mandana that he was willing to assist him provided his Troops might not mingle with the Lydians his enemies which was promised him but which was not performed This Prince had a good minde not to engage himself on the King of Assyria's side But having not ratified that Treaty of Peace which was confirmed between the King of Pontus and Ciaxares he resolved upon that which he could not help As for the King of Pontus he was not in a condition to take either part for he was embroyled with Civil warrs in his own Kingdom which did extreamly presse and which doubtlesse would have destroyed him if they have not already done it Observe Sir how many Kings and how many Princes had engaged themselves on the unjust side Moreover Aribeus seeing the King of Assyria in possession of the Throne of his father did declare and publish thorowout all the Province of which he was Governour that the Princesse consented to go with the King of Assyria He leavied Troops called back Artaxes his brother who was sent to help the King of Pontus notwithstanding the King last Orders and perhaps conduced to the destruction of that Prince thereby Having then got a considerable Body together he sent it unto Babylon Moreover the King of Assyria dispatched an Embassadour unto Croessus as I have told you to solicite him that he would joyn with his Army Representing unto him that the Persians and Medeanâ— were two such Nations as if they were joyned together they might well aspire unto the Universal Dominion of all Asia Moreover he urged that there was ever an Alliance between the Kings of Lydia and the Kings of Assyria so that in demanding Assistance upon this occasion which concerned the common good though in appearance it seemed onely for the taking away of the Princesse Mandana he ought not to be denied Moreover yet the consideration of Consanguinity ought to be no impediment in the businesse since if he made warre against Ciaxares he did it in behalf of Mandana and that he would never have taken her away but with intentions to put the Crown of Assyria upon her head Indeed all the world knows that Croessus was perswaded by him So that his Enemy had on his side the Saces the Hircanians the Arabians the higher and lower Phrygians the Indians part of the Cappadocians the Lydians the Paphlagonians the Serians and the Assyrians we understood how he endeavoured to engage the Carians in his Quarrell but they refused Mean while the King of Persia being strongly solicited by the Queen his wife sister unto Ciaxares made choice of two hundred Homotimes these are the noblest Persons of all Persia unto every one of these two hundred men he gave leave to chuse four others of the same Quality so that that by this means they made up a thousand men afterwards he appointed every one of this thousand to leavie amongst the people ten men with Bucklers ten Archers and ten Slingers so that this compleated the number of thirty thousand men besides the Homotimes This thirty thousand choice men were better then fifty thousand others Hidaspes whom you see there had the Command of this Potent Aid and Adusias was his Lieutenant General Ciaxares you may well imagine received them with much joy and Artamenes was so sensible of it that I know not how to expresse his extasie Mean time he ever was sending out for Intelligence and was credibly informed that Croessus brought in ten thousand horse and fourty thousand Foot Bucklers and Archers That the King of Phrygia had six thousand Horse and twenty thousand Pikes and Bucklers That Aribeus sent out of Cappadocia four thousand Horse and ten thousand Foot That Maragdus King of Arabia pretended to have five thousand Horse ten thousand Foot and a hundred Armed Chariots The Hircanians were to have also a hundred Chariots and four thousand Slingers The Cadusians eight thousand Foot The Indians as many Also the Paphlagonians Besides all these the King of Assyria had twenty thousand Horse and fourty thousand Foot All these compleated up the number to be fourty five thousand Horse and neer a hundred and fifty thousand Infantry besides the Chariots On ourside we had ten thousand Horse and fifty thousand Foot all naturall Subjects of Ciaxares besides the Auxiliaries from the Provinces of the Arisantines of the Struchaltes and others all which mounted unto ten thousand Horse and fifteen thousand Foot So that when all were joyned together with the thirty thousand Persians the thousand Homotimes and five thousand Horse and ten thousand Foot for that part of Cappadocia which was not Revolted we found that our Army was in a Gallant condition though it was not so numerous as the King of Assyria's since it consisted onely of five and twenty thousand Horse and one hundred thousand Foot without any Armed Chariots and though it was very advantagious to have thirty thousand Persian Infantry and ten thousand Medean Cavalry yet the number was much inferiour But my Master seemed not to be at
day But neither in the Kings Palace nor in the Castles nor in the Temples nor in any of the houses for Artamenes caused all to be searched could the King of Assyria or Mandana be found only one of the Assyrian women which they had placed about the Princess and who followed not which said that at the beginning of the night being accompanied with many of his men came into her Chamber and took her and her two Cappadocian women away with him and went down a paire of stairs which leads into the Garden but whither they went afterwards she could not tell To represent unto you my Masters despaire is a thing impossible why does the gods said he loade me thus with insupportable misfortunes why will they not permit me to deliver my Princess and punish my Rivall Ha Feraulas I seen is impossible It was very happy that Ciaxares and so many Grandees accompanied him and gave out necessary orders to calme this huge Town for as for my Master Mandana was the only thought that he could entertaine A whole month passed without any intelligence either of the King of Assyria or the Princess during which time he suffered as much torment as man could do Alas said he somtimes unto me what am I better for winning Battles taking of townes or subverting of Kingdomes if I can neither relieve my Princess nor punish my Rivall If it were not my own hand that put her into the power of her Ravisher I should be less troubled but since it was by my own valour that the King of Assyria carried her away and that same valour cannot make me kill him this is a thing which is a bove my patience For to save the life of her enemy when he was set upon by eleven Cavaliers and not to be able to take it from him at that time when so many others as valiant as himself felt the weight of my blowes This is it Feraulas that the Gods are resolved upon my destruction and that I must prepare my self for it I forgot to tell you Sir that we found in Babylon a great number of Ladies of very great quality who having been used with much respect for Artamenes before he entered the Town did give express command that none should offer any violence unto any women came to give him thanks and assured him that the Princesse Mandana would thanke him also for the Civility which they had received from him At the very name of Mandana my Master did double his civilities towards them and he received this satisfaction however to heare Mandana well spoken of as well in Babylon as Themiscyra it being most certain that this Princess had caused her self to be adored amongst them Artamenes understood by these Ladies that his Rivall did treat her with abundance of respect at least in their sight But they told my Master that since the beginning of the siege none were permitted to come neer the Princess nor any Lady to come within the pallace I will not tell you Sir the severall reflections which my Master made upon all these things for it would too much lengthen my story only this that sometimes he knew not well whether he should grieve more to understand that his Rivall was more rigorous unto her since the siege of Babylon then to use her as he did before To speak truth I do believe that what these Ladies had said unto him as thinking to tell good newes did not much please him so much did Jealousie disturb his reason so difficult a thing it is to prevent that humour from possessing those that are most reasonable But Sir at the last there was such great care taken to be informed concerning the King of Assyria that they had intelligence he was retreated unto Pteria whereof Aribeus was governor thta Mazares conducted him thither and that Aribeus his old friend had received him into the town and that the Princess was very strictly guarded in that place yet we neither could know then nor at this day how they could get out of Babylon This newes did at first afford much Joy unto Artamenes who moved Ciaxares to disencamp his Army which lay in and about this stately town and after he had left a strong garrison in it and given all requisite orders for keeping it we marched with all speed towards Pteria and although this march was very long yet such was the prudent provision of Artamenes as our Troopes wanted nothing nor were they worse for it But Sir when we came within three dayes march of this town that Joy which my Master had to know where his Princess and his Rivall were was much lessened for we had Intelligence that the King of Assyria the Prince Mazares and Aribeus had conveyed away the Princess and themselves to Sinope when Artamenes considered how that town was seated upon the sea and without a navall Army it was impossible to besiege it his sorrowes were mightily multiplyed For indeed Ciaxares had no ships neither could he get them so soone as to be serviceable and yet was all in faine to beleaguer Sinope without them since if they stormed the town from the land side then the King of Assyria had the Sea open to save himself and carry away the Princess this was the thing which most of all Artamenes feared This disasterous circumstance which was a reason why he durst not besiege Sinope with an Army of a hundred thousand men caused such a sadness in him as cannot be expressed Desperat then as he was he propounded unto Ciaxares to send me into Sinope disguised to the end I might suborne some or other and try whether the town could be taken by conspiracy When Ciaxares could not think of a better way he consented unto this and I obtained that which I my self desired for indeed Sir it was I who first made the motion unto my Master I went then after I had moulded my self into the habit of a Countrey Pesant and since we had heretofore stayed a long time in Sinope I had got my self many friends Amongst the rest Artucas was one who is a kinsman unto Martesia and now here with us he alwayes loved me though he was somthing obliged unto the service of Aribeus when I had got into the town and had concealed my self with one who was very faithfull unto me I perceived that it was a thing impossible to speak with the Princess as I designed And I understood that they alwayes kept Gallyes with oares and ships ready for saile in case of any need especially since the King of Assyria understood that our Army was so neer him I smelt also that though Artucas was a Captain of one of the gates in the Town yet he did not approve of the revolt in Aribeus but thought it very strange that the Princesse should be a prisoner in a Town which was her own I understood also that the Prince Mazares had all possible care of her and did as much as he
Prince had no great faults in him although he was not owner of those heroique vertues which prefer men above their own qualities yet notwithstanding ambition and love together inflaming his heart he talked of nothing but civil wars of revolt and of sedition and truly the matter was so forward that every one began to bandy parties All the discontented lovers made one faction Labinet made another by himself followed by some stirring spirits and Gadates he had only the Queen on his side The young Princesse seeing the condition of affairs stand so she was extreamly troubled and after she had well consulted with her self that perhaps it might cost her a great Kingdom she took a resolution which made the greatnesse of her soul and vertue to appear For calling Gadates unto her who doubtlesse she loved very well and more then she had signified unto him calling him I say unto her to give him a testimony of her affection after a new and surprising manner Gadates said she unto him I have a desire to tell you that which doubtless you are ignorant of at the least I am certain that I have had some care to conceal it from you Know then pursued she that I have thought you worthy to wear the Crown of Assyria Madam said he it becomes the Queen Nitocris too well to take it from her and he whom she shall chuse for that honour were unworthy of it if he should not content himself with being only the first of her subjects Reserve your thanks Gadates said she unto him until the end of my discourse for after I have given you this great testimony of my esteem I must require another testimony from you of your affection If it be to die at your feet Madam replied he I am most ready to obey you and I do not know any thing in the world which I would not consent unto observe me I conjure you to the end I ask you nothing impossible Gadates who never durst speak of his love unto the Queen was a little surprised yet after this which she spoke unto him he quickly recollected himself and looking upon her with as much respect as love provided Madam said he unto her that your Majesty do not forbid me to adore you I shal never disobey you No said she sighing I do not intend that my authority shall extend it self over the thoughts of the heart and though may be my dominion would reach so far yet would I not destroy those thoughts which your soul has of me But that which I would tell you is this That the necessity of State affairs and the good of my people will not permit me to make my own choice of a husband I would have you know I am resolved to assemble the States General of my Kingdom and to receive a husband by the universal allowance of my subjects If they be reasonable you may perhaps obtain their voices as I would have given you mine if they would have given me the liberty But if you cannot procure your self to be chosen by them then resolve with your self Gadates never to see me again as long as you live but to retire unto that Province which belongs unto you and never come at this Court. I will not stand wise Chrisantes to tell you all the discourse between Gadates and the Queen Nitocris nor many other passages which depend upon this discourse though they be well worth observation and much concerning I shall only tell you to the end I may come unto the more essential part of my discourse that do what Gadates could he could obtain no more from her but liberty to sollicite the Judges of the matter Then the Queen assembled the states generall of her kingdome declaring unto them that she thought upon the good satisfaction of her people therefore left them the liberty to chuse themselves a King When all the incensed lovers heard of this they were surprised at the declaration they were ravished with the wisdom vertue of the Queen came unto Babylon to solicite their interests but in conclusion this powerfull reason of state which would have all causes and pretences of civill wars removed induced the states general to beseech the Queen that she would be pleased to marry Labinet which she accordingly did without the least shew of repugnancy was all her life extreamly well pleased with her marriage lived very well with her husband yet it was her pleasure that Gadates should obey her should retire unto his province and never returne to the Court The King who knew the business and also was acquainted with the vertue of this Princess did much solicite her that Gadates might returne to Babylon but she would never consent unto it A while after her mariage she sent commands unto Gadates that he should marry a Princess descended from the Ancient kings of Bithynia who was extreamly rich and infinitly virtuous which he did although certainly he did ever preserve his violent passion to the Queen He lived as well with the Princess his wife as the Queen did with her husband Mean while Nitocris had a son which was he whom you knew somtimes by the name of Philidaspes somtimes by the title of the King of Assyria Gadates had also a son and a daughter and as soon as they were crept out of their first infancy the Queen who was then a widdow and still forbade Gadates from coming to Court commanded him to send his children unto her that his son who was called Intaphernes might be brought up with the Prince of Assyria and the young princess his daughter called Istrina lived in that place where there might love grow between her and her son unto whom she had a designe to marry him as well to satisfie the law in marrying a Princess who was not a stranger as to testifie the esteem she had unto Gadates thinking she could not better nor more innocently acknowledge those services which he had done her then by preferring his daughter unto the throne of Assyria It seems also that she took not this resolution out of choyce only but out of a necessity also for all of the princes which had been pretenders unto the Queen Nitocris the greatest part of them were resolved not to match with him and the rest had no daughters so that the Princess Istrina was the only Lady whom the King of Assyria could marry But here you may well admire how humane prudence is limited and how this great Queen who by such publique works is rendered famous throughout all the world and ever shall be to all posterity was deceived in her reasons and how that which she thought would have caused love did inspire the heart of the young King of Assyria with aversion The Princess Istrina was ten years of age when she came to Babylon Intaphernes her brother fifteen and the Prince of Assyria fourteen But from that very time the imperious humour which we saw in Philidaspes began
should not have beleeved it and whosoever should have told me the first time that I saw Artamenes in that same place and on that same day that I should mortally hate him I could not have believed it for truly I saw no women in that Temple which could enamour me And I found Artamenes very handsome well proportioned of a good deportment and very civil yet I am in extream love with you and in extream hate of him The Princesse blusht at the name of Artamenes and the Prince who alwayes looked upon her observed it yet notwithstanding he durst not then speak of it and it was at Babylon where he told me of it The Princesse seeing her discourse was to no purpose broke it off and went away whether he would or no. A few dayes after we heard of the death of Astyages though Philidaspes kept it from the Princesse as much as he could but when he understood she knew of it he put himself in mourning and came to visit her And not long after that we heard how the Queen Nitocris died after she had finished her magnificient Tombe which is in the prime Port of Babylon and that the disobedience and bad action of her Son was the cause of her death These two accidents did both of them extreamly trouble the Princesse The first because he was so neer in kinred The second because she relied much upon the vertue of the Queen Nitocris We understood by one of those women which they had placed about the Princesse that Mazares did the Prince of Assyria very good service at this time and that but for him the Queen had disposed of her Crown from him We understood also by her that the Princesse Istrina according unto the last Will of the Queen went from Babylon the next day after her death into Bithynia where her brother Intaphernes then was who went thither to assist Arsamones in recovering his estate from the King of Pontus who as was reported was likely to lose both his Kingdoms Mean while we were not persecuted with any visits from the new King of Assyria for some certain dayes because as indeed he had some Generosity in him he was very sad at the death of the Queen Nitocris Yet as Love was the predominate passion in his soul and the first dayes of mourning being over he hoped that the magnificence of Babylon might perhaps work upon the heart of the Princesse which caused him a little sooner to cheer himself up from his sorrows for the Queen his mother who put mourning into the hearts of all her Subjects Mean while Mazares writ unto the King that it was very requisite he came presently as soon as he could to shew himself unto the people and that a Throne was such a place as ought not to be long empty lest some should be tempted to fill it up Yet for all that there was no reason of State so strong as could move him to leave Mandana to go unto Babylon but he writ unto Mazares that he should prepare all things in the most pompous manner against his entrance and that he should send thither unto him all things necessary to conduct the Princesse of Medea thither for since the death of Astyages we will no more call her the Princesse of Cappadocia I forgot to tell you wise Chrisantes how after the death of the Queen Nitocris the Princesse by my advice sent unto the new King to tell him she was very sorry for the death of the Queen his Mother and how afterwards he came to thank her for that Complement which with much ado I obtained from her But to return unto my story The King of Assyria came one day unto Mandana's chamber aster he had civilly sent to ask leave and after he had with much reverence saluted her Madam said he unto her The River Euphrates is jealous of that honour which the River Tygris hath received from you and it is but just that the prime Town in the World should be honoured with the presence of the most Fair and Illustrious Mandana When I asked you to go unto Babylon replied Mandana the Queen Nitocris was living And when I would wait upon you thither replied this Prince the Throne of Assyria is ready to receive you and all the people willing to salute you by the Title of Queen No Sir said she to him never hope that change of place can change my soul nor that the sight of stately Babylon can move my heart I had rather spin away my life in a Shepherds cottage then sit on the Throne of a King that is offensive unto me No Sir once for all I will neither command nor obey you I will never sit in the seat of that Queen whose vertues I cannot paralell and I had much rather be in your prison then on the Throne of Assyria If I were able to resist I would not I warrant you be hurried whither you would have me nor would I willingly draw the war unto that Town which passeth for one of the wonders of the World I would if I could save the blood of so many innocent persons wherewith it is filled But since I cannot resist your designe Let me tell you that I shall be the same at Babylon I am at Opis and that the King of Assyria with all his great Magnificence shall move no heart of mine more then he could when he seemed onely Philidaspes Time Madam replied he because for all her severity he was in some hopes will shew whether your rigorous resolution be more strong thou my perseverance At least if you do resolve upon my death I shall have a more Illustrious Tombe at Babylon then I can have here and you will have more witnesses of that cruelty wherein you glory So it was Chrisantes that three dayes after we must resolve upon departure and to report what our equipage was is so unnecessary it would but abuse your patience unlesse you be of their humour who say that liberality is the tried measure of love for if so then I cannot make you understand the greatnesse of the King of Assyrias passion better then by relating the prodigious expences at the entrance of the Princess into Babylon That morning which we went from Opis we saw in a great court under the window of the Princess Twelve magnificent Charriots for the Ladies which were to accompany her and another most incomparably above the rest for her self We saw also two hundred Camels for the baggage with sumpter clothes of Tyrian purple embroidered with gold and when we were at the gates of the town we saw in a great plaine fifteen thousand men in Armes all having gilt morrions and croslets of the same with Bowes of Ebonie and Arrowes piled with gold who dividing themselves into two bodies one part marched before the other behind and the Charriots in the middle As for the Camels they went some two hundred paces before the Souldiers And as for the King he
invented wherewith to torment me would you have me all at once resent the wounds your Souldiers shall give unto those of my party would you have me apprehend my misfortunes before they fall upon me what would you have unhappy Mandana do I would have you know answered he that upon your will depends the destiny of all Asia Thus many men thus many Provinces and thus many Kingdoms have you brought hither in my behalf I know Madam added he that the King your Father assisted by the King of Persia has brought his Troops into the field and that he is upon the banks of the River Gindes to come to you and therefore Madam I put my self into a posture of defence and try if this last remedy will mollifie your heart Consider if you please Madam that the Kings of Lydia Phrygia Arabia Hircania and a hundred other most valiant Princes who are in my Army do not acknowledge the King your Father nor are they in love with you as I am and therefore will not spare you as doubtlesse I shall do Consider seriously I conjure you that amongst two hundred thousand men one of them may easily deprive you of that person who is so dear unto you Oh cruel man cried she unto what a fearful punishment do you expose me Ah pittilesse Princesse answered he whose hard heart had rather all Asia should be in arms that it should swim in bloud and be ruined and that the King your Father should be engaged in a dangerous war rather then accept the affection of a Prince who adores you who lives not but for you and who is ready to imply this same Army to Conquer more Crowns for you if those he has does not satisfie your ambition you see Madam two hundred thousand men ready to march and ready to fight when occasion requires yet although so many valiant Captains and Souldiers be all impatient to look their enemies in the face and fight them yet one favourable look from you is able to make all their Arms fall out of their hands Yes Divine Princess the Fate of people depends upon your eyes Cast but one pleasant look upon me pronounce but one advantagious word unto me be but lesse cruel and afford me but one spark of hope and then all Asia shall rest in peace and the King your Father in safety Speak then I conjure you or if you will not speak let your eyes speak for you say that you will hereafter love the King of Assyria or promise once only that you will love Artamenes no longer Pronounce the doome Madam Must I fight or must I disarme But consider well before you give the fatal sentence Sir answered the Princesse The Gods are absolute Masters of all men and Mandana ought not to usurp that Supream authority over them It is my part patiently to endure the misfortunes they shall send me and not oppose their wills If they were not resolved upon a warre they would change my heart and also the heart of my father to pardon you So I am not in a condition to dispose of my own will It is enough I know from your mouth that the King of Medes is in Arms against you I may know thereby that it is not permitted me to afford you either a favourable look or an advantageous syllable or to give you the least glimps of hope Since he holds you for his enemy I have a new cause to use you ill nor must I pardon you though I should be so weak as to wish it And though Artamenes were not living yet I should be the same I am unto you Moreover although your Army be very great yet will I hope the Gods will be favourable unto the justnesse of my Cause making all my fathers enemies to fall before him and giving him the Victory Yet the Gods do know if I could with the losse of my life prevent the danger of my fathers I should sacrifice it with incredible joy Yes Sir if you can suffer me to be that Victim which will bring peace unto all Asia I freely consent unto it with all my heart And if nothing will give you satisfaction but the taking Mandana away from unfortunate Artamenes I also consent unto it so you will put her into her grave and that it may be permitted her to passe out of the hands of the King of Assyria into the hands of Death which she would sooner chuse But in the Name of the Gods Sir be Generous Do an Heroick act surmount that passion which is in your heart The conquest of Mandana is not worth half the blood which will be spilt Love does deceive you Sir and that Beauty which thus charmes you is but a pleasing desusion And although she were as fair as you phansie her yet at the best it would be but a treasure which time would certainly steal from any that enjoyes it Recollect your self therefore Sir and if there be any spark of reason in you affect honour and glory and prefer it above Mandana That is much more fair then she and will treat you better Then will you esteem Mandana more and also she will you nor will she then blame you for the injuries you have done her Consider that such a Princesse as she is not worthy of so constant a love as yours think how she hates you treats you coursly and will never love you In short either by reason or revenge or out of generosity restore Peace unto all Asia and hate Mandana who hates you I would do so Madam said the King of Assyria if I could but alas I cannot if I would and I think it is as impossible for me not to love Mandana as it is impossible for Mandana not to love Artamenes But Madam added this Prince in extream anger If you love the life of your father the King of Medea be moved with my prayers for know assuredly that there is not a valiant man in all my Army which has not a resolute designe to encounter with him Imagine that all the Arrows in the hands of all these souldiers which you see are aimed at Artamenes that all their spears are set against his heart and that all Engines all Strategems all offensive Arms are employed particularly against him and that it rests onely in your power to take so many enemies off him Therefore cruel woman if you love Artamenes hate not me but give me some slight signe of your good will and repentance No Sir answered the Princesse you do not yet know me for if I would have changed my minde it would have been when I heard the name of my Father pronounced and that which I will not do for him I will never do for Artamenes Not but that since you force me to tell it I am infinite tender of that Prince and shall preserve an immoveable fidelity for him and between a Father and a Lover I will do what befits me without any wavering what resolution to take Then Madam said
should have shun'd the Land should get no further from it and that he should come just at the minuit of our shipwrack that he should save me and keep me in his power I tell you Martesia these prodigious casualties make me all fear But Madam said I unto her the misfortune of this Prince will be your security for what can a King without a Kingdome do and what Sanctuary could he finde if he should offer any violence unto you or detain you against your minde I know not my Martesia answered the Princesse but I am sure my fears are above my hopes not but that I have prevalent Reasons to induce the King of Pontus to do as I would desire but Martesia my Fate is to make all men I deal with to lose their Reason I banish vertue out of the souls of them who love me I alter all their good inclinations And I think it a miracle that Artamenes in loving me should retain his Generosity Then Chrisantes whilest the Princesse was thus discoursing with me the King of Pontus who had changed his course and made towards the main Sea was no lesse unquiet in his minde then the Princesse was and going into another chamber with one of his servants called Pharnabases in whom he had great confidence he began to relate the present state of his soul unto him Orsanes who is here and who endured the shipwrack better then we because he could swim was in another little Room neer them where he could hear all they said and all which he related unto me the next morning for although he had been the servant of Mazares yet he was so serviceable unto us whilest we were in Babylon that we did not use him ill Orsanes then being in that place I told you of heard the King say unto the man It must be acknowledged Pharnabases that my destiny is odde and that the gods do treat me in a rigorous manner For besides the consideration of the ancient misfortunes of my House If I call to minde all which hath happened unto me by reason of my passionate love of Mandana may I not well beleeve that I am reserved for crosse adventures I was left as a Hostage with Ciaxares and I became enamoured with Mandana his Daughter I durst not then declare it openly because that then there was no hopes of my being King Yet I was no sooner out of that Prison but I was presently in the Throne and then I demanded the Princesse Mandana of Ciaxares her father by way of Marriage and he denied me I began a War and was unfortunate in it I was taken Prisoner and did passionately love my vanquisher I came out of prison by the assistance of his Generosity Then did I enter into a Civil War not being able to break those chains which tied me unto Mandana What should I say Pharnabases I have been beaten pursued besieged and persecuted by them who my Father left subjects unto me and who are now become my mortall enemies I had once two Crowns upon my head but now I am forced to flee in one single ship as my onely safety and retreat I am reduced unto this extreamity I finde Mandana whom I ever adored in my heart at the very point of death It was my hap to save her and now I have her in my power Ah Pharnabases how much would this last adventure advantage me if I could make good use of it I should value the losse of both my two Kingdoms at a low rate if I could but conquer the heart of Mandana But alas that likelihood is there that the gods will ever permit me to so glorious a Conquest If â—ver they had intended me such a happinesse they would never have taken my two Crowns â—rom me But also what likelihood was there to finde this Princesse in such a deplorable â—ondition or that they should ever afford me so much joy as to have her in my power â—urely they intended me some consolation for the losse of my two Crowns No no I will â—ill hope that since they have given me possession of such an unestimable Treasure which does not belong unto me and which I am unworthy of they will render me that which does belong unto me But oh heavens I am not rightly amorous to remember any crowns at the feet of Mandana no proud passion which vaunts and domineers in the hearts of all men thou shalt not do so in mine and love shall surmount thee yes in spite of all my losses all my disgraces and all my ambition this very one thought that Mandana is in my power shall rejoyce me and make me willingly forsake them all But yet thou unfortunat Prince what canst thou do Is it possible that a King who is turned out of his dominions whose imaginations can think of nothing but subjecting thrones Broken Scepters and Crushed Crowns can be sensible of any delights but on the other side is it possible to see Mandana and Mandana risen from the dead and risen by thee and not be sensible of so much Joy as may comfort thee in all thy sorrowes No no this is a priviledg of love which ambition cannot dispute for The Joyes of ambition are not alwayes serene and the remembrance of my losses do somtimes trouble me but the Image of Mandana no sooner comes into my memory but all those melancholy thoughts forsake me those mists vanish and I see nothing but Mandana yes Pharnabases I no sooner apply my self unto this pleasing thought but I know not whether I am still upon a throne or whether I be thrown out of it whether I be upon the sea or whether I am upon earth I know only that I never think upon regaining my kingdomes nor of revenging my self upon my enemyes All my thoughts are how to vanquish the civility of my Princess But Pharnabases the enterprise is extreamly difficult and I shall have much a do to find out such reasons as can give me any hopes of softening the severity of Mandana The obligation Sir which she owes you replied Pharnabases is argument sufficient to move her mind and I think that such a one as owes unto you a life were extreamly unjust if she did deny you her affection alas Pharnabases said the King unto him it seemes you are not acquainted with Mandana yet know thus much that although I should expose my own life a thousand and a thousand times to preserve hers yet would she owe me nothing for it is no more then duty of all such as have the honour to know her to do as much out of their love unto her and I should do as much although I were certain to be extreamly hated eternally But Pharnabases my Joy to have such a treasure in my possession which I value at a far higher rate then the empire of all Asia is both a most sweet and a most bitter grief unto me since I shall not now be troubled by the misfortune of any
Rivall for I understand by one of them who escaped the shipwrack that the Princess was ever very averse unto the King of Assyria and that though he had her in the prime town in the world yet could he not move her at all what can I then hope to do who cannot present her with any crowns or scepters and has nothing left in my power to give her but that same heart which she has so often refused Ah Pharnabases Ambition is a great incitement unto love Crowns and Scepters moves hearts which are most insensible I cannot think a Prince who is driven out of his dominions and can present nothing but a share in his misfortunes is in a condition to strike deep into the mind of Mandana For my part said Pharnabases I think you complaine of this accident which you rather ought to rejoyce at because if you restore the Princess Mandana unto her father I am certain that the same army wherewith he intended to take Babylon and since is master of it and which as these men who have escaped from the shipwrack do say will be presently returned into Cappadocia shall be imployed to reconquer your estate againe and I am certain that Artamenes who you so much speak of will not deny you his assistance I do confess Pharnabases and am fully perswaded that it would be more prudent and Judicious to take the course you speak of rather then to humour my extream passion But yet in doing so I should be more ambitious then amorous and love a crown better then I do Mandana and not prefer her as I do above all the Crowns and Scepters upon earth for although he do give me his army yet will he not give me his daughter so that if I part with her I shall be almost certain to regain my Crown but then I shall be certain also to lose Mandana Ha Pharnabases there is no comparison in the choise of these two and I had much rather never get my Crown then never see Mandana againe But Sir answered Pharnabases all your thoughts of ambition and Crowns will be but thorns in your heart and you would be still unhappy unless you were loved and I do make it a grand question whether you ever will be so as long as you are without a Crown without a Scepter without a habitation but as thus a wanderer a fugitive and an unfortunat man consider Sir I beseech you that by restoring this Princess you will gaine a potent protector and find a safe sanctuary and that if you do not restore her then you know not where to find a place of retreat in all the earth and you will ruine your self under the arms of an enemy who in the turning of an eye can command two hundred thousand men I do confess Pharnabases answered the King that all you say is true But I know also that I have a more formidable enemy in my own heart which I know not how to overcome and who I should be sorrie if he did so yes Pharnabases the sight of Mandana has so much inflamed my passion that I can harken unto nothing but what will satisfie it I know that in lieu of a gallant act I shall commit a crime but what should I do It is the violence of love enforceth me to it and I conceive it a thing absolutly impossible to have one who is beloved as I love Mandana in ones power and voluntarily to part with her moreover there are not the same reasons why she should hate me as there are why she should hate the King of Assyria for I did not take her away as he did but on the contrary I saved her life and rescued her out of the arms of death she cannot therefore without great injustice call me her Ravisher since I did only preserve that treasure which the gods did send me as a cordiall after all my losses But alas how can I keep this unvaluable treasure in a poor single ship without any refuge or retract and can I find in my heart to make her unto whom of all the earth I wish most happiness so infinitly unhappy Truth is Chrisantes this Prince after such an extream agitation of his mind could not resolve upon any thing but when he understood by the physitian that the Princess was in so good a condition that she might be seen he sent to desire permission that he might visit her At his first approach unto her he expressed much Joy to see so many signs of health in her countenance considering the accident not but that there was much melancholy in the eyes of the Princes but since she was ever so fair that she could not ever look ill he thought better of her then indeed she was moreover rhe King seeing her the day before in a worse condition did think she Looked well then The Princesse as owing her Life unto him Received him with a Civilitie and after she had caused him to sit down she said unto him with as much spirit as sweetnesse you see here Sir a wonderfull effect of fortunes inconstancie for when you Left me last at Sinope I was in a condition then to doe you a favour but now I am in a condition to Receive one from you War brought you into my fathers prison and fortune has brought me into yours and I rejoice in my captivitie since I have an opinion that he who has saved my life will suffer me to enjoy it and perhaps will remember that he went out of Cappadocia without any ransome but Sir I do not speak this with any intention to quit my own but on the contrary I am certain that the King my father will both pay it and also if you please assist you in the reconquest of the kingdomes of Pontus and Bythinia I am at this present Madam replied the King so rich since I have the honour to see you in a place where I have power that I cannot think of any conquests and if you had not remembred me of my misfortunes in speaking to me of my prison I think I should have absolutly forgot all my losses and disgraces But they are so considerable replied she that they cannot chuse but be remembred at all times and in all places yet generous Prince there wants a remedy against them doubtless Madam you may said the King sighing if you please yes answered the Princese but it must be by the valour of another therefore Sir I beseech you make towards Sinope that we may send one of your men on shore to get information where the King my father is my designe was replied the King to go and offer my self unto him that he would be pleased to accept of my assistance in recovering you out of the King of Assyrias power but now the course and end of my voyage is altered you may better proceed in your voyage said the Princess since in rescuing me from death you have done that alone which you could not have done
with two hundred thousand men if you had been to deliver me out of the power of the King of Assyria so that Sir you shall come into the camp of Ciaxares as a Prince who has done more then a puissant army could do yes Madam answered he kneeling notwithstanding the opposition of the Princess but Madam do you know my thoughts and if you do know them can you think that the loss of my two kingdoms can alter them I think Sir replied the Princess that if you did esteem me you will do so still and you may in all reason think that since you have not changed your thoughts no more have I mine but that I continue still the very same I was oh Madam replied he will you continue so insensible and so inexorable for ever did the gods send me to raise you from the dead that you should so cruelly give me my death I do confess Sir answered the Princess raising up her self a little that I owe my life unto you but if you gave it me with any intentions it should be a torment unto me I do freely permit you to take it again when you please No Madam replied he you shall never lose it that way for it is a jewel which I will ever defend with the hazard of mine own Sir answered she do you think that there is neither fire nor sword nor poison can send me to my grave No no you deceive your self if you think it and there are other kinds of death more cruel then they though they do not look so horridly yes Sir said she I do prefer the most violent death above a servitude and I shall think you more innocent in killing me then keeping me by force or in making me die by despair but generous Prince I cannot believe you have any such design and when I remember how bravely you treated a man who did every day endeavour to catch you into his power when I remember I say how you advertised Artamenes of the conspiracy against his life and how you did command he should not be shot at I cannot think that since ambition left you your reason free love should so deprive you of it as not to consider in what state your businesse is in and though you were not generous but prudent only and interested yet would it be very advantagious for you to restore me unto the King my father and absolutely prejudicial unto you to retain me long I see very well Madam answered he that all you say is most reasonable yet I must be master of more reason then I am before I can execute it That which most comforts me in this adventure Divine Princesse is that I see you never were in love so that I have no other impediment to remove but that of insensibility For indeed Madam if you did but know what it was to love you would never speak thus unto me and you would know that all other passions in comparison of it are nothing But Sir replied she and blusht I think that they who love desire to be beloved again and that it is a general rule all lovers would not incur the hatred of them they love if so then consider if you please that by restoring me to my father you will at the least obtain some of my esteem and perhaps my friendship and that if you do not restore me I shall then hate you above all comparisons more then I think you love me Your esteem Madam and friendship answered the King are two things which are infinitely pretious and ought fully to satisfie such as do only esteem and honour you But love Madam is a passion much more tyrannical and will be satisfied with nothing but the same think it not strange then I beseech you if the hopes which you give me to enjoy your esteem and friendship do not move me to forsake the interest of my love But Sir replied she then in lieu of obtaining my love you will find my extream hate who knows Madam answered he whether a little time may not move an alteration in your heart and whether pitty may not procure that from you which nothing else can Consider I beseech you Madam that he whom you see here before you has a soul so possessed with violent passion as never man had the like and if you will know it be pleased to consider but two things First that one only favourable look from you does comfort more then the regaining of my two Kingdoms would Secondly that though perhaps I might obtain sufficient forces from the King your father to reconquer them if I should restore you unto him yet I had rather chuse to lose them both then be deprived of you Take heed Sir what you say replied the Princesse for in restoring me my liberty you will only want the sight of me but if you do not restore me you will not only lose my esteem but also in a few dayes my life whereas on the contrary if you please you may sit in your Throne again in glory and have this satisfaction to boot that I shall be most extreamly obliged unto you A Throne Madam answered he is not necessary for that Prince who cannot live without you and if during my late wars I had not retained some hopes to find out wayes whereby I might move your heart by my perseverance I should not have so obstinately disputed the victory with those who have vanquished me not Madam but that I know you have great reason to despise and scorn that Prince whom fortune has forsaken But yet Madam it is worth consideration to think how inconstant this fortune is who one day perhaps courts him whom the next day she cruelly persecutes and this very accident in meeting with you perswades me that all my misfortunes are blown over and that a serene calm will follow my boistrous storm yes Madam the sight of you speaks serenity unto me and infuseth lively hopes into the souls of them who before were sunk in sorrows I hope therefore Madam that good fortune will follow as long as I am with you and that there is no Country I shall not find a sanctuary in as long as I carry you thither yet notwithstanding Madam I do promise you never to use any thing but my tears and sighs and prayers and perseverance wherewith to overcome you fear not therefore Madam to be engaged in my fortunes and believe it that when I see I cannot obtain your love by these innocent wayes you shall then receive your liberty by the end of my life How Sir replied the Princesse with her eyes full of tears must I not have my liberty till â—ou die I beseech you do not force me to desire it it is a thing I never yet wished unto â—y most mortal enemies and I should be very sorry to be compelled to wish it unto a Prince who has so many excellent qualities to one who has saved my life and one who doubtlesse
voyage unto the Massagettes as his returne to Cappadocia and also all the Assyrian War They related also the lamentable encounter that Artamenes had with Mazares when he was dying who had from him the scarfe whereof she spoke in her relation and which Artamenes knew to be the same which Mandana had refused him a little before he went to fight But added Feraulas I am certain he was much more sad when he received it then he was when it was denied him Truly said Martesia the destiny of that scarfe is very strange for I beseech you consider by what an odde way Fate has brought it into Artamenes hands First you know that it was of most rare Golden Tissue and admirably wrought by the Princesse her self for her own diversion and that was the reason why she valued it so much though she had other reasons to deny it Artamenes when he desired it from her at Anisa But as if she valued it at a higher esteem because Artamenes had desired it she commanded me to have an extraordinary care of it and would wear it no more Afterwards when we returned to Sinope I carried it thither and when we departed from thence and went unto Amasia and from thence to Themiscira I left it there amongst a hundred other things which belonged unto the Princesse so also when we returned thither again with the King of Assyria there I found it for Aribeus did not suffer any disorder in the Castle and that same night we went away this scarfe I know not how fell out of my hands and immediately being moved unto it by I know not what conceit Madam said I unto the Princesse who came in as I took it up shall this scarfe which you value so much and which you denied Artamenes remain in the hands of the King of Assyria No Martesia said she unto me it shall not for if Artamenes should hereafter see him wear it in any combate he would imagine perhaps that I gave it him In conclusion Feraulas she took it and wore it and see by what Fate Mazares came by it and how Artamenes received that from one of his Rivals which the Princesse had refused him Last of all Feraulas and Chrisantes resolved that Martesia should stay a day or two before she shewed her self to the end they might have leasure first to relate what she had told them unto their dear Master and whilest they had consulted with his friends when would be the fittest time the King should see her Martesia desired Feraulas to assure Artamenes that she would most seriously interest her self in his fortunes and that she did most passionatly wish that this little shadow of liberty which was permitted him of late might be speedily seconded by an absolute freedome so as he might be in a condition to go and relieve the Princesse After this Chrisantes and Feraulas left her and went to give Artamenes so much satisfaction as to hear of Mandana's Fidelity and Constancy The End of the Second Book ARTAMENES OR Cyrus the Great THE SECOND PART BOOK III. THese two faithful servants of a famous Master could not satisfie their desires until the next morning because it was not possible to find Artamenes alone by himself since Ciaxares had given this liberty to visit him unlesse it were in a morning before he did rise out of his bed for every one did earnestly desire the benefit of that priviledge and every one to make this priviledge to continue longer told Ciaxares that Artamenes did bend at last and would discover what he desired This generous prisoner was extreamly impatient to be at liberty that he might free Mandana but although love took up all his soul he did not forget that Araspes was in prison as well as himself and he sent very often to see how he did and did apparently testifie that his imprisonment did augment the rigor of his own He was extreamly ravished with admiration when Chrisantes and Feraulas came unto him as he was in bed and told him Martesia was come to Sinope the name of Martesia caused him to leap up for joy imagining that Mandana was not far off and the relation which afterwards they made unto him of Mandana's adventures and of her fidelity to him made so great a rapture in his soul as he was not able to receive such good news in its full delight for indeed Chrisantes and Feraulas told him also of that Oracle which the King of Assyria had received at Babylon And also to hear that the Princesse was in the power of the King of Pontus whose excellent merit he very well knew was another means to moderate his excessive joy Do you admire Chrisantes said he unto him the humorous disposition of Fate which procures me the most accomplished and most reasonable men in their loves to be my Rivals For truly if Mandana had been courted only by Princes of brutish passions such as would speak of nothing but violences of sword or fire or bloud who would make themselves to be loved by such courses as commonly procures hatred such as pretend only unto vitious favours and ask them with daggers in their hands and fury in their eyes then I would not fear that the Divine Mandana would prefer them before Artamenes But Chrisantes I have much reason to fear what now you come to tell me and as you relate the story unto me the ravishers of Mandana are a hundred times more to be feared then if they were less reasonable not so submissive But Sir said Feraulas I beseech you consider that the King of Assyria is now not with Mandana Also you are certain that Mazares is not alive and she is only in the power of a King who has not a kingdom It is true replied he but this King without a Crown deserves a hundred and that is it which makes him terrible unto me yet notwithstanding he was somtimes very glad to know that the Princess was in Armenia and somtimes againe he would be sorry for it for though the virtue of Tygranes was a comfort unto him yet the violent and ambitious disposition of the King his father caused some sorrow in him Feraulas then presented Martesia's complement unto him which he received very kindly and sent back Feraulas presently unto her to testifie his thanks and sorrow that he was not in such a condition to come hinself and tell her what he thought and also to let her know how much he thought himself obliged unto her for acquainting him with the Princess thoughts he also sent Chrisantes unto the Princess which had interested themselves concerning his liberty to consult with them upon the return of Martesia and all of them conceived that the sooner she shewed her self unto the King it would be the better for they thought that the certainty of the Princess fortune and the infallible appearance of a new war would much conduce unto his freedom Chrisantes then advertising Martesia of the resolution she appeared
the same night and said she came but then to town The King received her with extream joy and shed many tears of tenderness for he knew how the Princess his daughter loved her she acquainted him with all the removes and rapes of Mandana and with every passage excepting what related unto Artamenes which she handsomly concealed with much care naming him but once in all her relation nor did she mention the Oracle received at Babylon lest it should trouble him and displease Artamenes and as she was very witty so she did deliver every thing or pass it over as it might be either advantagious or prejudiciall Ciaxares was glad that the Princess was in the King of Pontus power supposing that a Prince who was deprived of his own kingdomes would hardly find protection in another He beleeved that the King of Armenia would be glad to have a new pretence for a war and upon that thought he sighed and could not chuse but secretly wish that Artamenes would put himself into a condition to relieve her by confessing what he desired to know from him After the King had welcomed Martesia he would have had her lie in the Castle but she beseeched him to let her return back unto her kinsman whither she went accordingly and was visited by all the Ladies of the town and also by all the Princes and men of quality in Sinope mean while all the friends of Artamenes were continually soliciting the King in his behalf and indeed the King did seem much to desire it yet was very obstinatly resolved to know either his innocency or his crime yet he had such confused thoughts that he himself knew not well what to resolve upon untill the return of Megabises whom he had sent into Armenia for if by it he found that his daughter would be restored then would he be less indulgent towards Artamenes But if on the contrary she were refused and that he must be forced unto a fresh war then he knew how necessary the liberty of Artamenes would be unto Mandana's thus being in himself irresolute the King of Phrygia the King of Hircania and all the rest of the Princes who were advocates for Artamenes could not get one peremptory word from him As they were upon a day altogether about him intelligence came that there appeared many strangers and forrain troops upon the plaine coming towards Sinope and presently after Thimocrates and Philocles came in and told the King that the Prince Philoxypes a favorite unto the King of Cyprus their master and an ancient friend unto Artamenes having married the Princess Agarista his sister unto the Prince of Sicily had obliged him upon the marriage to send ten thousand men unto Artamenes to the end he might present them unto his majesty and that he would be so pleased as to permit them to have some part of that honour which these troops would get under the command of so great a King and by the valour of so gallant a man as Artamenes Ciaxares blusht at the discourse and somwhat wondred that he who was to present the Sicilian troops was himself in such a condition as to need the help of another also he very civilly accepted all that Thimoerates and Philocles said unto him and permitted him who commanded these souldiers who was brother unto the King of Sicily to enter Ciaxares himself to do him the more honour would go upon the wals of the town to see these troops come in which he found to be very gallant composed of handsom men well armed and accoutred and the Prince who commanded them young and handsom After the King had viewed these Sicilian troops under the wals and had ordered them to encamp close by the troops of Cyprus they two being in amity one with another the young Prince who was their General called Artibies was brought by Thimocates and Philocles unto Ciaxares who told him that Artamenes was not in a condition to be present Artibies enquiring the cause was much surprised at it and made some doubt whether he should continue his offer unto Ciaxares considering Philoxypes would never have moved his brother to send these troops but only in favour of Artamenes But Thimocrates and Philocles conceiving that in case of necessity they might be usefull unto Artamenes told him that he ought not to decline from his offer unto the King but that he should when he spoke unto the king acquit himself of his commission and tell him that it was the interest of Artamenes which moved Philoxypes unto it This young Prince was no sooner come before Ciaxares but after he had saluted him Sir said he unto him I was in hope to have been presented unto you by one who ought to be very dear unto you and one who has made himself most Illustrious throughout all the world but I see that Thimocrates and Philocles have great need to comfort me in my sorrowes to be deprived of that advantage For indeed although the Prince of Sicily my brother and soveraigne and the Prince Philoxypes have sent me for the service of your Majesty and accordingly I have obeyed them yet for my own particular I must confess unto you I should have been extreamly Joyfull if I could hope to learn under the Illustrious Artamenes that mystery in which he is so exactly knowing You may find so many other expert commanders in this army said the King and shewed him all those about him that though my affaires will not permit me to set Artamenes at liberty yet you will find no cause to repent you came amongst us Sir replied the King of Phrygia we are all but Schollars unto Artamenes and this Prince has great reason to grieve as he does for the privation of so great an advantage Since this discourse was not pleasant unto Ciaxares he turned it to somthing else and asked very inquisitively concerning the health of the King of Cyprus and of Philoxypes and also of the Prince of Sicilie but say what he would yet Artibies would alwayes bring in Artamenes If the King spoke concerning the King of Cyprus he would then answer that this Prince had ever a good opinion of his prudence since he understood how he had committed the conduct of his army unto Artamenes If Ciaxares asked him any thing concerning Philoxypes then he would answer him that Philoxypes had a great desire to come himself and command in the room of Thimocrates only that he might learn of Artamenes if Ciaxares spoke any thing concerning the Prince of Sicilie then would Artibies tell him that if he were not so infinitly uxorious loving unto the Princess his wife whom he had newly married he would have come hither himself purposely to be acquainted with Artamenes of whom fame spoke so loud at the last when Ciaxares saw that no discourse though never so far off the matter but still the name of Artamenes was in the mouth of Artibies he told him that it was not just he should be
moments of delight amongst many houres of anguish This mean while he could not endure to tarry at Paphos and when he went thither all he could do was only to visit the Princess Aretephile which the King compelled him to do but he appeared so melancholly and so changed as he was hardly to be known The King who loved him dearly was much afflicted to see it he together with the whole court sought what might be the occasion of this alteration but they could not find it The King askt it of Philoxypes self but could learn nothing Philoxypes answering alwaies that it was some melancholy which proceeded certainly from his temper and from some little indisposition of health But said the King solitariness is no usual cure for such incommodities wherefore you ought not to go any more to Claria Yet affairs went still on thus yea even when Winter was come which did the more astonish the whole Court they knew he built no more at Claria that the Painters and Engravers who had been so long there were all gone that the season was foul that when he went thither 't was but with a small traine and that he walked alwaies alone they saw a strange sadness in his face and a wonderfull alteration and all this without any appearing cause The King heaped favours and honours upon him he askt him an hundred times what he would desire of him he had not any one enemy the whole Court loved him he was exceeding rich he appeared not to have any sickness as the Physitians could perceive In fine his melancholy and retiredness were things which could not be guest at The whole Court talkt of nothing else and the King was strangely troubled at it who not knowing how to inform himself of what Philoxypes ailed he be thought himself of me whom he knew this Prince did love particularly and in whom he did more confide then in any other Thus upon a day when Philoxypes was gone to Claria the King sent for me and after having assured his Majestie as it was true that I knew nothing of particular concerning this Prince his melancholy he did me the honour to command me to go to him and to use all my cunning to discover what it was that was in his minde For said he Leontidas I do so love Philoxypes as I cannot live content unless I see he do so likewise and were it to give him half my Kingdom I would doubtlesly do it rather then not to give him satisfaction I then departed reallie intending to endeavour to satisfie the Kings curiosity who certainly stood in need of Philoxypes presence to counsel and comfort him concerning Aretephiles behaviour for I think there was never known a stiffer combat between ambition and love I went then to Claria where I found Philoxypes in his usuall melancholy the which I made the greater because I hindred him from going that daie to Cleanthes At first sight of me he endevoured notwithstanding to inforce himself to honour me so much as to seem glad to see me but it was after a fashion which made me easily see that his heart gainsaid his words and that notwithstanding any friendship he had for me he wisht I had tarried still at Paphos Leontidas said he I am much beholding to you for coming to visit me in a season when the Countrie hath lost all its ornaments and when the Court is fullest of diversions Sir said I you commend me with less reason then the Court complains of you for to forgo Paphos for Claria when you are there 't is to forgo the Court for the Court nay for the most pleasing part of the Court but to forgo Paphos only to seek out solitarines at Claria as you do Oh Sir said I not suspecting him notwithstanding of any passion 't is all that a Prince in love who is upon bad tearms with his Mistresse can do Philoxypes blusht at these words and looking upon me with a kind of smile which did not notwithstanding drive the melancholy from his countenance I perceive Leontidas said he I am not so much beholding to you as I had thought since doubtlesly you are come hither rather to chide me then to visit me I am come Sir said I to trie whether I may not be able to serve you in a time when all the world believes that somwhat of great importance which they cannot guess at doth afflict you Leontidas said he I am much bound to you but I should be so more if you could hinder the Court from looking so far into my heart For I confess said he I finde it somwhat hard that a man may not look inwards somtimes though whilst he does so he is hardly master of his own minde Sir said I were you less beloved you would not suffer under this persecution which you complain of This kinde of Love replied he causeth in me no small suffering For what can I more rationally do then to conceal my Melancholy in a retiredness to the end that I may not trouble the joy of others But Sir said I t is the cause of this Melancholy which every body seeks after and none can finde as for my particular I must crave your pardon if I do For Sir t is not ambition that torments you No Leontidas said he if I were sick of that disease the King would quickly cure me Neither is it revenge said I for not being hated by any it is not to be believed that you are possest with hatred You have reason for what you say said he and sighing added I think I am mine own greatest enemy It is not said I again the passion which you have for books for that passion may cause solitariness but not such melancholy as you are possest withall And moreover you have had that passion a long time without the product of so bad an effect It is not books certainly said he which cause my trouble which were I capable of reason would rather be my comfort It is not Love said I that torments you for you see none that can cause it in you Conclude then said he taking me in his armes that there is no more to be said but that I hate my self that I have lost my reason and if my friends be wise they will let me alone and will leave the knowledg or cure of my malady to the process of time Sir said I shall Leontidas who hath so particular an affection for you be dealt withall as others are shall he have known nothing more of your concernments then do your enemies if any such you have Ah Sir said I you must if you please do otherwise to prove to you that Leontidas doth in some sort deserve you should do so know Sir that hitherto I have spoken unto you as a spie sent by the King who will know at whatsoever prcie what t is that afflicts your minde But after having bootlesly acquitted my self of my commission I speak no longer Sir as one
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
that Artamenes might be set at liberty Sir said Ariobantes unto Ciaxares all Galatia sayes the same and all your three Kingdoms cannot brook that a man whom they reverence as a god should be in prison Also that which I tell you of Cappadocia and Galatia I understand that all Medea intend the same Ciaxares harkened unto Ariobantes but returned no answer because he staied for the result of the King of Armenias answer before he would resolve upon any thing Mean while Chrisantes and Feraulas were continually negotiating both by their own endeavours and the solicitations of all the Kings Princes and friends which Artamenes had Ciaxares was never without some about him who was speaking for this illustrious prisoner The King of Phrygia was no sooner gone out but the King of Hircania came in and after him succeeded Persodes or Hidaspes In short either by Aglatidas or Thimocrates or Philocles or Gobrias or Gadates or Thrasibulus or Madates or Artucas the name of Artamenes was perpetually pronounced If Ciaxares went to the Temple the sacrificers spoke of him If he went into the streets of Sinope the inhabitants kneeled and begged his liberty If he went out to walk in the fields or Camp all the souldiers petitioned for their General and except that old friend to Aribeus who alwayes held intelligence with Artaxes there was not one but was ready to serve Artamenes so that this man whose name was Metrobates was doubtlesse the only man that had a design to destroy him Martesia for her part who was informed by Feraulas of all that passed was extreamly glad to see the merit of Artamenes so applauded and to see that it was not with him as with other favourites who when fortune forsakes them then all the world does the like but that on the contrary the love of every one augmented with his misfortunes She also received every day by Feraulas a complement from Artamenes who told her that his prison had wrought no alteration in him but that he still retained his passion as well as his civilitie As all things stood in this condition Megabises returned and came unto the King when very many were with him and more still pressed after him when he entered to hear news Ciaxares no sooner saw him without making any secret of his answer well Megabises said he unto him let us know how they have received my Daughter into Armenia will that King restore her unto me as he is obliged to do Sir answered Megabises my journey has not had happy successe I cannot know who the King is which the Princesse spoke of in her paper the King of Armenia will not acknowledge that she is in his dominions although there is great appearance she is nor did I find the Prince Tigranes in his fathers Court But yet said Ciaxares unto him how did that King receive you Sir answered Megabises when I came at Artaxates and had sent unto the King to demand audience he made me wait three dayes and during that time I was always carefully observed by several people Afterwards according to those commands which I had received from your Majesty I told him that since you understood the Princess your Daughter was within his dominions you had sent me unto him to demand her I thought said he unto me very fiercely you were come to solicite me about the payment of that Tribute which I paid unto Astyages but will not pay unto Ciaxares since I never promised it But as for the Princesse Mandana she is not in my power and though she were questionlesse I would not restore her but would keep her for a hostage until by an authentique Treaty your Master would acknowledge that the Kings of Armenia are not Tributary Kings Sir said I unto him consider well what you say before you dismisse me for the King my Master knows most certainly that the Princesse is in your dominions I will cause her to be searched for said he unto me and she shall be treated according to her quality but if she be here I tell you once again that I will not send her unto the King of Medes until he has quitted his pretensions unto any Tribute out of Armenia Let him be contented said he unto me that fortune has given him such a man as has made him so full of conquests and let that comfort him for the losse of a poor Tribute Sir said I unto him if you give me no other answer but that I have orders to tell you that the King my Master will come himself with an Army of an hundred thousand men and fetch the Princesse his daughter Go then speedily said he unto me and bid him prepare himself and tell him there are no such valiantsouldiers in the world as those who fight for their liberties and that since Artamenes is in prison as I understand he is the Prince Tigranes my son will not make any great difficulty of it to fight him and perhaps victories will not come so cheap unto him as they have done Megabises did know very well that there was no great prudence in speaking thus unto Ciaxares before so many people nor to tell so precisely what the King of Armenia said concerning Artamenes But thinking that perhaps it would be advantagious unto him he resolved to do so Then he ended his relation by telling that after he went out from the King of Armenia they brought him commands to be gone out of Artaxates the next morning and that they guarded him unto the utmost frontiers of Armenia Ciaxares hearing the answer of this Prince was in a high and cholerick passion and presently resolved upon war No no said he I make no question but Mandana is in Armenia she her self has writ it and Martesia confirms it also the answer of this audacious Prince do tell it plainly But yet said the King of Phrygia unto Megabises were you not enformed by any whether there were any forraign Princesse arrived at that Court Yes Sir said he for I heard that there came once some women whose quality every one was ignorant of and that they were sent unto a Castle towards the Countrey of the Chaldeans but stayed not at Artaxates No no said Ciaxares once again there needs no more information Mandana is in Armenia and I must carry the war thither And by consequence said the King of Phrygia with as much generosity as boldnesse we must have Artamenes out of prison for Sir if your souldiers do not see him in the head of them but that he should be left at Sinope they will march but very slowly into Armenia and perhaps not fight as they used to do when they come there also added the King of Hircania I cannot believe there is any better way to move the gods to become propitious then to protect that man whom they have so much favoured These two Princes were not the only persons who spoke thus for every one in the chamber said the same It seemed that
of Pontus although he hath lost both his Kingdoms yet he retains the Quality of a King The Prince Mazares was Royally born and lived in expectation of a Crown But as for Artamenes do doubtlesse he was born in a prison his Parents were some slaves else he would not hide his condition from us as he doth Sir replied the King of Phrygia Artamenes has performed such Martiall Actions in War as me thinks sufficiently denotes the contrary to what you say Artamenes replied Ciaxares has committed such a Crime in stealing away my Daughters heart that I will never pardon him for he saw I denied her unto the King of Pontus who had then two Crowns He saw that I Armed above a hundred thousand men to fetch her out of the power of one of the greatest Kings in al Asia and yet he presumes to bear such an assection unto her as cannot be innocent For if he do not design to marry her then his aims are to defame her and if his presumptuous thoughts do aim at marrying her then his design is to set a slave upon the Throne of Medea and doubtlesse to depose me hereafter since it is not possible he can ever hope that I should consent unto his design The truth is he has such unjust so strange and guilty thoughts that death is too small a punishment for them and him that owns them yet Sir replied the King of Hircania what new matter have you against him since you were once in a mind to acquit him A hundred things answered Ciaxares which makes me think of nothing but his ruine Sir replied the King of Phrygia such a resolution as that ought not to be tumultuously undertaken and though Artamenes were culpable as I believe him innocent yet he hath so gained the hearts of the souldiers that it is much to be feared that if you should ruine him it would make a great disorder in your Camp Not at all replied the King for when I shall fully know the basenesse of his birth as doubtlesse I will know it since know it since I have Chrisantes in my power and when I have published unto the world by a Declaration that a common souldier of fortune and perhaps something worse is so audacious as to think upon the daughter of a King and to take away his Crown I believe there will be none so unjust as to oppose me in punishing such a one For truly it is most strange that such a man as Artamenes should be so insolent as to dare so much as to look upon my daughter My daughter I say who hitherto has appeared as wise and prudent as any in the world But Martesia shall tell me by what charms she lost her reason and by what enchantments Artamenes made her forget her duty both unto her self and me But Sir replied the King of Phrygia you did accuse Artamenes for holding intellignece with the King of Assyria as a lover of your daughter and now you accuse him for loving her himself how can you reconcile these two things which seem so directly contrary I know not replied Ciaxares but the rigour of punishment and fear of death will doubtlesse make Chrisantes Ortalques and Artamenes himself confesse that I yet know not But Sir said the King of Hircania what convincing reasons have you for it I have a hundred I tell you replied Ciaxares all which do plainly let me see that Artamenes does hold intelligence with my enemy and with my daughter and that my daughter hates not him there needs no more to move me to pronounce sentence of death against a man whom I so much loved although he was of so hase an extract But Sir replied the King of Phrygia what if he should prove the son of a great King he would have told it long since replied Ciaxares if he had been such a one but certainly he is only a forward ambitious man whom fortune favours and whom the simplicity of my daughter has made both happy and culpable and when I am fully informed in all the circumstances of his crime out of his own mouth and by the confession of Martesia Chrisantes and Andramias whom I suspect to be too much his friend when I shall know I say by Artucas Ortalques Araspes and by Feraulas if I can catch him all that love and ambition did prompt this secret enemy unto then I will call you all to be witnesses of his condemnation Sir said the King of Phrygia unto him I do most humbly beseech your Majestie not to condemn him upon surmises appearences he is perhaps one whom you do not know how great he is and that affection which he has unto the Princesse also the intelligence he hath held with the King of Assyria are not so criminal as you suppose them aftewards the King of Hircania added I dare tell your Majestie thus much that those services which Artamenes has done you deserves a pardon for greater crimes then these It is true replied Ciaxares and truly I was resolved to pardon him for holding intelligence with my enemy but that such a man as he should have any attempts upon my daughter I shall never pardon that These Princes seeing Ciaxares so incensed would not urge him any further at that time they only intreated him to examin the businesse very well and not to condemn him but upon convincing proofs as that he was absolutely of a guilty correspondency with the King of Assyria that he had plotted some unjust design with the Princesse Mandana and that he should prove no more then a vile slave as he supposed him or a common Cavalier after this they left him intending to advise altogether what was most expedient to be done As they went out of the Kings Closet all they who were in the chamber gathered about them to know how squares went seeming by their discourse and actions that they were ready to undertake any thing in behalf of Artamenes but those Kings being unwilling to enform them of any thing in that place went unto Hidaspes whither they were waited upon by all this multitude of brave men which this great alteration brought unto the King They were no sooner there but Feraulas who there expected them desiring to speak a word in private unto the King of Phrygia told him that since he went out he understood that Metrobates had taken the Cabinet of Artamenes from him and carried it unto the King he told him further how certainly he would find Mandana's picture in it which was never made for him and that Mandana did not give it unto him as it would be easily proved and that Martesia did lend it unto him that same day But though it was an easie matter to justifie the Princesse concerning this picture yet there was no pretence to colour the love which Artamenes bore unto Mandana which seemed to be the cause why he desired to have this picture in his prison In conclusion since all those who were
execution of them was impossible for the accident did so disturb their Reason and animate their Courage that all of them did strive how to signal themselves by the dangers they would undertake in the enterprise Some would have them go by open force unto the Castle and demand Artamenes others advised to joyn the subtlety of the Fox to the fury of the Lion and others would have them go kill Metrobates immediately Some advised to go and raise the people some others would have them cause the Army to advance and all of them concluded to transact and bestir themselves to save the life of Cyrus Since they looked upon Ciaxares as a prejudicated Prince yet since they were all of them really generous they had not one thought of attempting any thing upon his Person but only so far as might get that Hero out of his hands unto whom he owed the Glory of his Raign and the Conquest of many Kingdoms In conclusion it was resolved upon to let some one down the walls of the Town by cords that he might go unto the Camp and make it known unto the Persians that the only Son of their Soveraign was in danger of death if they did not speedily relieve him hoping that afterwards all the whole Army would come unto the Gates of Sinope and move Ciaxares not to execute his Design with so much precipitation In the mean time it was resolved that Ariobantes and Megabises should return into the Castle and advertise them concerning all passages and also to try if they could any ways qualifie the King For their parts they assembled all their friends which they had within the Town to wait until the Army came up and to be in readiness for any attempt if there were a necessity of it and to stir up the people if there were no other remedy but there was no need of taking any thought for that because they perceived the people to come out of the Castle in tumults and as they walked the streets nothing could he heard but the name of Artamenes pronouncing it with troubled spirits Immediately after the people of Sinope seeing all their hopes turned into fears and their joys into sorrows grew into so great a commotion that there was not any who followed his accustomed course shops were shut the women spoke loud in the streets Merchants consulted together upon what was best to be done the Gentry flocked about the King and Princes to hear what was done in the Castle and the confusion was so tumultuously apparent that it was easie to perceive they wanted but little of a declared Revolt That which did most of all augment the Tumult was the Orders which Metrobates had given to suffer none to enter or go out of the Town for they who were come dut of the Camp into the Town being desirous to return thither again and they who were gone out of the Town into the Camp being also desirous to come back and both restrained The one endeavouring to come in the other to go out made such an hideous Garboil at the Gates that the noise of them sounded throughout all the Town and one benefit accrued by it for since all the Souldiers which Metrobates had brought from Pteria were all busied either at the Gates of the Town or at the Castle it was less difficult for Madates during the obscurity of the night to get over the wall and ditch He went then in all hast unto the Camp and acquainted all the Persians that Artamenes was Cyrus and that their Prince would presently be put to death if they did not interpose their lives to save his when he came there he found the Camp already in disorder by the return of several Captains and Souldiers who were denyed entrance into the Town who reported that certainly they would put Artamenes to death and perhaps all their Commanders and Princes also Madates then found the Army in a fit posture for his designe if he met any Captains It must be you would he say unto them which must save the invincible Artamenes you who have been sharers with him in the honour and you who he has so favourably looked upon If he spoke unto the Common souldiers It must be you would he say to them who must preserve your valiant General who would ever be in the deepest dangers but would never have any share in the Magnificent Plunder wherewith you are enriched If he saw any Phrygians he told them that it was their Kings Command to come unto Sinope and demand Artamenes If he saw any Hircanians he would tell them the same from their King and so the like unto all the several Nations which were in the Army so that the Discourse of Madates meeting with that violent passion which had taken root in the hearts of all the Captains and Souldiers towards Cyrus for we will not hereafter call him Artamenes it is not at all strange if Madates did so suddenly kindle so great a fire out of matter which was so combustible The Name of Cyrus was quickly divulged throughout all the Army for the thirty thousand Persians who had it from their Commander in chief unto whom Madates had imparted it did presently disperse it abroad And as this great Body was moved by one Soul every one ranged himself under his Colours and desired to be conducted unto Sinope The Name of Artamenes and of Cyrus ecchoed from Company to Company from Regiment to Regiment and above an hundred thousand men did in an instant talk and bestir themselves to relieve him whom they regarded as a God both in times of Peace and War Mean while the King of Phrygia and the King of Hircanias Troops grew great in the Town composed of all the Men of Quality in Sinope and of those who were not permitted to return unto the Camp The people also who at the first did only grumble do now take Arms and randezvouz into Companies in divers Quarters of the Town Ariobantes and Megabises were within the Castle where the disorder was greater then either in the Camp or Town Metrobates moved Ciaxares with all his Arguments to pronounce the last Sentence of death against Cyrus and Ciaxares himself was at the ultimate resolution both of them did foresee the dangerous consequences of so dismal a designe but choller did so prepossess the Spirit of Ciaxares that he disguised his thoughts And the wicked Metrobates that he might expel out of the Soul of Ciaxares all just fears of an universal subversion of his Empire by the death of Cyrus did blow the coals of his fury and quen ched all such apprehensions in him Sir said he unto him the reason why all these Kings and Princes are so hot and zealous in the behalf of Cyrus is only because they hope that if they can get him out of prison they shall receive a recompence for it but if he were once in his Grave you should see them in another mind The fidelity of Courtiers
complement with me the visit concerns my own interest and therefore regains no thanks and I do take so much delight in your company that you are not at all obliged unto me for it Sir said she unto him in a low voyce although there was none but the daughter of Artucas in the chamber who adressed her self to Feraulas as soon as Cyrus entred I do very well understand your most obliging discourse and to testifie that I do rightly understand it I will no longer deprive you of that delight which you take in talking of the Princess and I will ask you whether you beleeve she would grieve for your Imprisonment and rejoyce at your liberty if she were here I dare not beleeve it Martesia replyed this Prince with an amorous sigh and blushing indeed I dare not least I should deceive my self and unless your goodness can dissipate my fears and testifie the weakness of my hopes I do not know either what to think or believe Martesia then presenting a chair unto him and taking another for her self and the daughter of Artucas called Erenice being gone unto the window discoursing with Feraulas Sir said she unto him I cannot think but knowing as you do the greatness of the Princess Spirit and also your own merit and many obligations whereby you have obliged her unto you that you can possibly doubt but she will be very sorry for your imprisonment and very glad for your enlargement Why may I not doubt it replied Cyrus since you are pleased to be so inhumane as that you will not so much as lend me the Picture of Mandana Have I not reason to think cruel woman as you are that you do but deal with me according to the resentments of our most incomparable Mistress for if you had not known that she conceives only a poor common bare esteem of me could you have endured to see me a Prisoner a most unfortunate man absent from her I most adored and deprived of all consolations and denied me that Picture which would have been a Cordial in all my sorrows and an Antidote against any miseries Confess the truth Martesia was not your cruelty in that business only an effect of those secret thoughts which you knew to be in the heart of our Dâ—vine Princess You are so very ingenious to persecute your self replied Martesia that I do not well know whether I ought or can undeceive you Yet notwithstanding Sir since I must needs be sincere with you I shall ingeniously tell you that all the cruelty wherewith you charge me proceeds from my self and the Princess has no part in it Not but that and questionless you would conceive it so she would not take it well that I should give you that Picture which she gave unto me yet for all that her thoughts are not disadvantagious unto you although she be a little severe she was a lover of vertue and glory before she was acquainted with you and you must not think it strange if she continue so still Yet Martesia replied Cyrus would she have been less vertuous if you had given me that picture No Sir replied she but I had been less reasonable Well Martesia said he be more inhumane unto me then Fortune is unto a King from whom she hath taken away his Crowns for she notwithstanding does allow him the sight of that Princess whom he loves and has her in his power Cruel woman must the King of Pont every minute look upon the real substance of Divine Mandana and do you deny Cyrus the sight of her picture You have again Martesia discovered those secret resentments which are in the heart of our Princess and are disadvantagious unto me Sir answered she smiling you had some reason to tell me that I ought you no thanks for this honour you have done me in coming to see me since I see you came with a designe to quarrel with me You may make Conditions of peace when you please said he unto her and indeed it is but doing what formerly you have done Lend me that picture of Mandana unto that day I shall deliver her for I know the King hath restored it unto you Sir said she unto him you are very urgent but do you not consider what misfortune this picture was like to have caused Do you not consider said he unto her how much joy it will be unto my soul I know it very well said she unto him by that joy which this picture does usually afford my self Ah Martesia said he you comprehend it but imperfectly if you judg of my thoughts by yours Why Sir replied she Do you think I do not love the Princess as much as my capacity of loving is able Yes Martesia replied he I do believe you love her with all imaginable affection and I do think Feraulas loves me with the like affection but certainly he knows how to love one who you know more perfectly then he ought to love Cyrus You are very good said she unto him blushing in permitting Feraulas to love any one more then your self But indeed I am not so indulgent and what respect soever I bear unto you I cannot yeild that you should love the Princess better then I do But for all that I do conceive iâ— fit to make my peace with you and therefore to compose all differences I will lend you her picture unto the day you depart for Armenia and putting her hand into her pocket she produced it and gave it unto him Cyrus was ravished with joy and received it with as much reverence as if Mandana were present he kissed it and pleased Martesia so well that she repented not of her complacency in lending it After this Cyrus having had no conference with her ever since his departure from Themiscira asked her an hundred several questions he desired her to relate every thing concerning the taking away of the Princess by Philidaspes after what manner she was carried unto the City of Opis how she was entertained at Babylon in what sort she lived there how the King of Assyria treated her how she behaved her self towards Mazares how they came out of Babylon to come unto Sinope which way Mazares got her away under colour of setting her at liberty and lastly how she fell into the hands of the King of Pont after he had lost his Kingdoms Martesia did fully satisfie his curiosity but yet she would not mention that favourable Oracle which the King of Assyria received at Babylon lest such an averse story should too much vex him so that he thought himself sometimes most perfectly happy For when Martesia did mention with what constant resolution Mandana had repulsed the passions of three great Princes and all of them most compleat men he was wrapt in unexpressible joy and endeavouring to make her speak of more passages which were in his advantage But yet said he unto Martesia and looking as earnestly upon her as if he would penetrate into the bottom of her heart
yet cannot find him How Madam said Cyrus is not the King of Pont and the Princess Mandana in Armenia I do not believe answered she that the King my brother is here and though he were indeed I cannot imagine how the Princess Mandana should come hither Cyrus seeing with what free ingenuity this Princess spoke unto him told her all how the King of Pont had saved the Princess Mandana from shipwrack how he left his ship and took boat up the river Halis to come into Armenia so that Madam said he I do not see it possible but he must be here and I wonder you should not know it I have had so little liberty said she since I came into Armenia that it is not impossible but he may be here and yet I not know it But Sir how can it be that he of whom you speak who has divers times spoken unto me concerning you as the man whom of all the world he most esteems though he knows not your quality should any way disoblige you He I say whom you have so much obliged he unto whom you gave both life and liberty and he who had an intention to preserve you at a time when you were in danger He never had any intention to destroy me replied Cyrus but he has most cruelly wronged me Ah Sir said she he did not describe Artamenes unto me to be so unjust as that he should think it to be a wrong which was done without design nor can I think him changed since he was Cyrus he is not changed at all replied he for he loves the Princess Mandana now as he loved her then although the King of Pont did not know it then so that Madam you may easily judge he does not at all oblige me in carrying away the Princess and retaining her against her will I should not speak thus unto you Madam said he if the affection I bear unto her were not now known over all Asia and if I were not forced to justifie my self â—o the opinion of so excellent a Lady as you Sir said she unto him I can say nothing to it yet for your consolation let me tell you that the King my brother owes such a profound reverence unto the Princess Mandana that you need not fear any ill treatment of her and if I knew where he were I would beg of you permission to go and try whether I could move him to restore her unto her father Cyrus returned thanks unto this Princess with much affection and she discourse on both sides was â—o very obliging that Cyrus did wonder to find a disposition so ready to do him any good office in the Sister of his Rival It is very true she was so handsome and so amiable that it was impossible but one must needs esteem her infinitely and be in terms of friendship though not in love with her Moreover since she found in Cyrus the resemblance of a person who was most dear unto her she expressed more obliging civility towards him then she perceived in her self so that for three or four dayes Cyrus did visit her every spare hour wherein he did not visit some guard or other and a great friendship grew betwixt them for after Cyrus had satisfied the curiosity of this Princess by making a short relation of his fortunes unto her and since he assured her that if the King her brother would restore the Princess Mandana he would help him to recover his lost Kingdoms she thought the condition good and she her self also believed that as soon as the King of Pont should know that Artamenes is Cyrus and that Cyrus did love and was loved by Mandana he would change his design So that conceiving she ought not to look upon this Prince as the King her brothers enemy she regarded him as both her and his protector and as a Prince who perhaps would become a Mediator between the King of Pont and the new King of Bythinia so that she enjoyed pleasure and satisfaction in the sight and conversation of Cyrus This Prince was for some certain days a little troubled to observe that this Princess never saw him but she changed colour and sighed often when she looked upon him But remembring the picture which was shewed him in Bythinia he concluded that Spitridates whom he resembled was not only in love but it must needs be that he was loved also and since he had great hopes in the negotiation of this Princess with the King her brother when it was known where he was and since he knew that there was nothing so engaging as to be a confident unto one who is in love and he knew how to carry the matter so handsomly without too much pressing so that I moved her ingeniously to acquaint him with the misfortunes of her life to the end some expedient remedies against them might be applied and that he might find out means to prevent her misfortunes as she would his if it were possible One morning when Cyrus heard that Ciaxares would come up within three days and that the King of Armenia had not any victuals to hold out long his mind being in more tranquility by reason of his hopes to be satisfied from the King of Armenia himself where her he sought for was he went unto the Princess of Pont to put her in mind of her promise but though she was very willing to give him satisfaction yet had she no mind that her adventures should come out of her own mouth but that one which was with her who was well acquainted with every circumstance even to the least of her thoughts might make a relation of them Cyrus consented unto the motion and for the present retired but presently after dinner he returned unto her chamber where he found her who was to relate the misfortunes of the Princess of Pont who was her self gone into her Closet with some Armenian women which waited upon her This Lady who was to make the relation was called Hesionida one of very good quality originally from Bythinia whose mother was Governess unto the Princess and who indeed was a kind of Governess her self unto her for since she was six or seven years elder then Araminta her mother who was very old and sickly committed the charge unto her so that she was exactly knowing in all the passages of that Court and since she had a most charming wit and was very sweet and complacential in all just things she made the Princess of Pont even adore her Cyrus who knew the quality of Hesionida by the information of one of the Princess men did treat her very civilly and full as respective complements returned as given Then did they sit down and thus did Hesionida begin The History of the Princess ARIMINTA and SPITRIDATES THe order which I have received from the Princess to make an exact relation unto you of her misfortunes requires Sir that you arm your self with abundance of patience for they are so numerous that they cannot
be comprehended in a short story and necessity compels me to let you understand not only those which relate only to the Princess her self but those also which concern her father the usurpation of the Kingdom of Bythinia is the real cause of all those miseries she endures You Sir who has won so many battels thereabouts do know that a river only divides the Kingdom of Pont and the Kingdom of Bythinia so that it is not at all strange that an ambitious King of Pont should stretch his limits over it But I believe that the course he took will appear so unjust unto you that you will hardly endure so much as the relation of it Be pleased to know Sir that the Grand-father of the Princess Ariminta was a very violent Prince one that was most jealous of his authority and as adventurous as any man in the world all his life was wholly taken up in wars with his Neighbours sometimes against the King of Phrygia other whiles against the King of Cappadocia and Galatia and sometimes against the King of Paphlagonia but in all these wars he was continually assisted by the King of Bythinia which then reigned who was father unto Arsamones who now is upon the reconquest yet notwithstanding he bore a spleen in his heart against him because he once opposed a new war which he would needs undertake against Cappadocia without any ground or reason for it for since Bythinia was between the Kingdom of Pont and Galatia he could not make any attempts upon it unless that Prince gave him a passage through his Dominions which he refused to do After this he always looked upon Bythinia as a great Obstacle unto his ambitious designs But Sir it befits me to pass this over very slightly for since I am originally a Bythinian the love of my Country may perhaps make me speak more then is fit considering the respect which I am obliged to render unto those Kings from whom the Princess whom I serve is descended yet must I not make that crime a secret which is publikely known unto so many Kingdoms since it is the very foundation of all I shall tell you Be pleased to understand then in few words that the King of Pont desiring to confer with the King of Bythinia about some important affairs which he said concerned them both both these Kings drew towards their Frontiers and since the river Sangar is the limits unto both of those Kingdoms they made choice of a most pleasant Island wherein there was a very fair house fit for this enterview which was made ready with all possible magnificence But yet since this Isle belonged unto the King of Pont he therefore was at all the expences of these feasts which lasted three days in all imaginable prodigality and splendor The last of these three days the King of Bythinia was seized upon with so suddain and violent a sickness that the Physicians did give him over and it was impossible that he should be transported out of this Isle where the King of Pont stayed with him expressing so many testimonies of real sorrow that all the world were deceived in him and especially the King of Bythinia more then any else This Prince then having only one son about six years of age and having buried the Queen his wife seeing himself in this extremity and thinking to prevent the King of Pont whom he knew to be of an ambitious humour from usurping Bythinia he would declare him Governour over the Prince his son so that being in this deplorable condition unto which all the Kingdom believed he was brought by a poyson which the King of Pont had given him he assembled all the Grandees of Bythinia which waited upon him to this enterview and declared unto them how he intended the King of Pont during the minority of his son should have the Government of his Dominions and disposure of all things with this proviso yet to confer the offices of Government only unto the Bythinians The King of Pont made a shew as if he were unwilling to accept of this offer but at the last this unfortunate Prince pressing him more urgently unto it he promised him to preserve the Crown of Bythinia as his own and he spoke with so much seeming generosity that he caused him to die a satisfied though a violent death Though all the Grandees of Bythinia did seem to approve of this resolution not daring to desire their dying King yet after he was dead reports of poyson making great noise they opposed against it and made use of the guards unto the late King to secure the person of their young Prince who was within fifty furlongs of that place in a Castle where the Kings of Bythinia used to bring up their children until such times as they were fit to be taken out of the hands of women But the King of Pont foreseeing such a design caused all the Garrisons of all the towns along the river secretly to redouble their guards so that in drawing them out he quickly made up a little Army with which he seized upon the person of the young Prince and made himself master of Bythinia procuring the favour of some Grandees in the Kingdom by golden arguments After this he returned into Heraclea where he educated the young Prince Arsamones at the first he caused all honors due unto a King of Bythinia to be rendred unto him to the end he might the handsomer deceive the Bythinians and allure them to receive his orders But afterwards when he had well established himself he published a Declaration by which he would make it appear that the late King of Bythinia did acknowledge his Kingdom had been formerly usurped from the Kings of Pont and by which he said that the late King desired his son should be only a subject unto him who now raigned In short Sir Force not Justice was his Law and Arsamones was now created only as a Prince not a King and was indeed no more then a Slave which is loaded with heavy chains of gold he wore them with an unexampled patience and dissimulation Those who use to dive deep into the reason of things could not comprehend why the King of Pont should put the father to death yet spare the son but whether it was out of fear to force the Bythinians unto a war against him or that he was restrained from it by a predominate power of the Gods which would not suffer him yet he did it not Arsamones then lived as a subject and married a Bythinian Princess which was permitted because she was not rich but in recompence thereof she was at that time admirable fair and at this time as vertuous as fair then you know Sir her vertues and condition as well as I do since you were with her when you were taken for the Prince Spitridates he permitted also a sister unto the King whom he had imprisoned to marry the Prince Gadutes yet it was because Nitecris Queen of Assyria
while silent and before Spitridates durst open his mouth Yet since he feared she would accuse him of some indiscretion in acquainting the prince her brother with his love to her I did at last begin the discourse I do not know Madam said he unto her whether I shall be so unhappy as to be suspected of rashness and imprudence but when you shall understand how the Prince after he was pleased to acquaint me with the honor he intended unto my sister was also pleased to tell me that he knew of my passion unto you and that he would be ready to do me any good office When you understand I say that at the first I desired him not to meddle and did not confess unto him my affection unto you till he had urged me above a hundred times then I hope you will conceive it very difficult for a man who adores you as I do to refuse such a prevalent assistance having such need of it as I had For heavens know Madam I could never find by any of your actions any reasonable ground to build the least hope upon After that Spitridates had done speaking in his own justification the Princess lifâ—ing up her eys which she continually held down as long as he spoke I am glad said she unto him that the business is as you tell me and that I sâ—e this accident is grounded only upon the imagination of the Prince Sinnesis who to induce you to do him a good office would perswade you to love to love me better then you do But Spitridates let not thiâ— at all ingage you and I do protest unto you that I think nothing but what I thought before my brother spoke unto me therefore I pray let you and I rest upon the same terms we did and endeavour only to perswade the fair Aristea whom I should be infinitely joyed to see matched according to her merit An Madam cried out the Prince Spitridates do not so cruelly torrure me nor render all the promises which the Prince Sinnesis hath made me so in effectual What hath he promised replied she He hath pur me in hopes answered he that you will give a favourable ear unto me If he continue until to morrow in the same mind replied she then I shall consider what I have to do in the mean while I advise you to retire your self with a resolution to do my brother all the good â—fficâ—s you can unto the fair Aristea without any other interest or design concerning me In saying so she rise up and went away so that pitridates was constrained to leave her without any returning any answer As soon as this Prince was gone she called me but though she seemed to muse upon the matter yet seemed she not very melancholy and to tell you truly I believe that since she did esteem Spitridates very much she was not at all angry with her self after she had well considered it upon that she had expressed some marks of affection unto him as without any wrong unto her modesty she might well do since her brother had spoken so unto her I confess also that when the Princess had acquainted me with the passage I was ravished with joy to see so happy a beginning of that design which my mother was to transact by the last will of the Queen of Pont for as she was even dying she commanded her to low as many seeds of friendship and love between these young Princesses as possibly she could Mean while the Prince Spitridates as soon as he was gone from her went unto Aristeas chamber with intent to do the like good office unto the Prince Sinnesis which he had received from him and thinking he had brought the best news in the world unto 〈◊〉 young and fair Princess Sister said he unto her and speaking low lest any of her women should hear you ought to entertain me with more then ordinary ceremony for I bring you such a Crown as is not unworthy of you If such a thing as that were in your disposition answered she and laughed as well as he I believe you would be so ambitious as so keep it for your self and not offer it unto me Do you not know said he unto her and sighed that one violent passion drives out another and that since I am so deeply in love with the Princess Araminta I have no other ambition but to please her In short Sister said he the Prince Sinnesis would marry you and I have Commission to tell you as much and to move you to entertain him as he deserves I am very sorry brother replied she that you have undertaken any such Commission for indeed the Prince Arsamones hath absolutely forbidden me to give any hopes of it unto the Prince Sinnesis and therefore I dare not entertain the least thoughired it Buâ— certainly said Spitridates he does not believe his design is real asicisq Pardon me answered she for I did ingeniously tell him that it was And did he not acquaint your with his reasons replied Spitridates No replied Aristea though the Princess my mother did press him unto it very importunatly as I understand by one of her women whoâ— heard her Then came one 〈◊〉 and said that the Prince Atsamones was coming into the chamber and indeed so he did presently after As soon as he entred he caused all to withdraw except the Prince his son and the Princess his daughter who were both of them a little surprized After he had a while silently looked upon them I know Spitridates said he unto him that you are yet so young that your green experience has need of some advice and though you were born with high and noble inclinations yet may you be capable of some imbecilities which may be dishonorable and perhaps destructive unto such as do not arm themselves against them I would have you know both you and your Sister unto whom I have already spoken that it is not my mind ever to have any alliance with the usurpers of my fathers Kingdom I was born unto that Throne which they unjustly enjoy and doubtless I am able to resent many things which your young innocent years are not capable of especially being born infortunate But since I believe you both to be generous and worthy to be descended from the ancient Kings of Bythinia your Predecessors and mine I conjure you Spitridates stoutly to guard your heart against the charms of the Princess Araminta which have already a little ingaged you and I command you Aristea to keep you from the Prince Sinnesis for it would be as dishonorahle in you to sit upon the Throne by such an unworthy way as it would be in Spitridates to renounce it as he would if he should too deeply ingage himself in the affection of the Princess Araminta Those who have lost Crowns ought to be possessed with no passions but only desire to get them again and to ruine those that usurp them therefore since I cannot unworthily degenerate I
would contract no alliance with those whom I ought and will ruine upon the first occasion which shall present it self Dissimulation is excuseable in weak oppressed people but yet not so far as any such alliance and if hereafter I shall arrive to such a condition as to pull my enemies out of that Throne which they usurp I would not destroy my own children with them live then with them in all appearing civility but ingage no further unless you will be unworthy of your selves and my affection I know very well that to speak thus unto persons of your age seems to be imprudent but I know also that since you are descended from so many Kings you must needs be generous and have souls sensible of ambition and therefore I do not doubt but you will honor what I say unto you and willingly obey me As soon as Arsamones had ended his speech unto them he went away not receiving any other answer from either Spitridates or Aristea but their humble reverence For this Prince had caused all his children to respect him so much that they durst hardly look upon him when he was gone Spitridates did so deeply grive at it that the Princess Aristea who was no less sad then he was moved to cheer him up Brother said she unto him since you have both more wit and more generosity then I have I hope you will not so desperately resent this accident and the excessive sorrow which I see in your eyes makes me take so much liberty as to beseech you not to be too much overcome by it He my dear Sister said he unto her what an advantageous thing is your insensibility to the prince Sinnesis unto you It is much more easie for you to endure that Arsamones shall hinder you of a Crown then it is for me to be hindred of the princess Araminta not but that I have ambition enough in me but it is because love is predominate in my soul and because it is much more easie for me tolet the usurpers of the Kingdom of Bythinia live in peace then for me to live without the Princess whom I love There are other Crowns in the Universe which Fortune and my Sword may give me yet there is but one only one Princess Araminta in all the world Yes my dear sister she is the only one in all the world I can adore without her all things else are nothing to me without her I make no difference between slavery and a Kingdom yet for ought I can judge by the orders of the Prince Arsamanes he intends I should nourish in my heart a design to poynard the King of Pont the father of Araminta to kill the Princes her brothers and whensoever occasion presents itself to bury her in the ruines of her house He no no I will never sit upon a Throne by such bloudy conditions I do know very well that the Grand-father of Araminta was an usurper I know also that the King her father possesseth the Kingdom which belongs to me but withall I know that since Araminta has usurped the Empire of my heart she hath rendred the possession of the Kingdom of Bythinia legitimate unto these of her house I pretend nothing unto it dear sister since I cannot come unto it but by the loss of my Princess who doubtless would never look upon me but with horror if I should wash my hands in the blood of her father and brothers The Gods do know it is not out of any feeble fear that my ambition submit unto my love and I am so well satisfied with an inward testimony of my courage that I do not care what men think of me But you my dear sister whose soul is so sensible of this tender passion certainly you are more ambitious then I am Can you be contented to lose two Crowns Do not I conjure you Harken unto the Prince Sinnesis and not unto the prince Arsamones for which way is it possible he can bring his design about he has been five and twenty years about it and yet can find no hopeâ— he has educated me as a subject and he would now hinder you from being a Queen though he have no power to make me a King For where are his Allies where are his Armies or where is any retreat for his security he can have no design in it but by way of conspiracy against the persons of the Princes but by his favour he shall execute it without me or to say better he shall perish without me since what he would attempt is an impossibility Resolve then my dear sister to entertain the affection of the Prince Sinnesis for indeed if once you be Queen of Pont and Bythinia the prince Arsamones would not what ere he say subvert that Throne upon which you sit he has permitted you to dissemble and me also Let us dissemble then said he but let it be with him The Gods do know I would never do any thing contrary to that duty which I â—â—we unto him wherein my love is not interested but when it concerns Araminta I cannot obey him Yet brother said Aristea unto him you run a great hazard in disobeying him I shall run a greater in not disobeying replied he And what sister do you intend to yeeld a blind obedience I am of that Sex answered she which permits me not to do otherwise Can you treat the prince Sinnesis unkindly said he unto her who offers you two Crowns he who hath spoken in my behalf unto the Princess Araminta he who may perhaps give her unto me he who has given you all his affections and does infinitely adore you I will not treat him unkindly said she but I will not marry him unless my father consent unto it Would you then have me die answered he Would you then have me dishonor my self replied she I would have you sit upon a Throne and save my life and make me happy answered this grieved prince The Gods do know said the princess Aristea that I would undertake the greatest difficulties for you but to marry without the consent of Arsamones is a thing which I neither ought nor can do for I believe that neither the King of Pont nor the prince Sinnesis would offer it if they knew that Arsamones would not consent So that said she since prudence tells us we must not bring things to that pass as that the princes should know my father is against our alliance with them since they would then easily suspect his reason therefore all the whole business had better reflect upon me and that I pass for a phantastical Girl that has a simple secret accession to the prince Sinnesis You are very prudent Sister replied Spitridates and it seems your reason is at liberty But since it is so consider well I beseech you into what a desperate condition you bring me if you deny me this favour at the least to testifie unto the prince Sinnesis that I have solicited you with all my power and
from me and Spitridates from you he is gone in the night with all his houshold and imbarqued secretly not being discovered by any but by this inscription which is posted up at every corner in the Town as this which I have here brought you in saying so he gave her the note which contained these words The Prince Arsamones tells the King of Pont that to marry the Prince his son and the Princess his daughter unto the children of a Slave would be to make an alliance unworthy of himself therefore to transact both justly and generously he must restore the Kingdom of By thinia unto him before he treat of any alliance otherwise he declares war against him as an usurper of his Dominion and as his mortal enemy You may well imagine Sir how this surprized the princess yet being wise she vented her resentments of it before the Prince her brother but inquired of him with much reservedness all that he knew concerning the business yet he who was of a violent temper uttered all that either love choler sury and despair could prompt him unto sometimes his rage roved at Arsamones then presently after he suspected Spitridates as accessory to the design and confounding the innocent and culpable together or to say better not being able to discern them he railed against Arsamones against Spitridates against Arbiana against Euriclides and against Aristea also During all this turbulent passage the Princess spoke not a word she had a desire to ask him whether he had sent unto the King to advertise him of the accident whether he had caused Arsamones to be pursued and what order he had taken in the business but not knowing what she her self should advise them unto she suffered her sorrows silently without complaint yet was her curiosity satisfied presently after without any further enquiry for the prince himself told her that he had sent unto the King and commanded two ships to follow Arsamones in which Pharnaces was imbarqued This news made the princess blush because she knew that if they were overtaken there would be a combate since Pharnaces was there yet dissembling the matter as well as she could she told the prince Sinnesis that according to her apprehension it was Arsamones only who had any hand in the design Afterwards this prince being so passionately disordered that he neither knew why he should leave the princess nor whether he should go but he went out of her Chamber and left her at liberty to lament Well Hesionida said she unto me when I came to her bed-side what do you think of Spitridates or what ought I to think of him Madam said I unto her I have so strong an inclination to interpret all things unto the advantage of that prince that I am apt to believe he did all he could to prevent this design If so said the Princess sighing he is very unfortunate but if not I am sure he is very culpable for if he had any secret design to transact with his father in his just pretensions unto Bythinia why did he testifie any particular affection unto me or why should he engage my heart to esteem him above all the world If he had any such privy design said I unto her he pretended unto you the more to delude the Court and hide his design the better But Madam I cannot believe it and although the melancholy which of late I observed in his mind did much amaze me yet I am fully perswaded that he really loves you If so replied she then why does he go away How can he ever hope I should continue my affection to him if he intend to make war against my father Believe me Hesionida added she tears falling from her fair eyes whether she would or no though I would gladly find out some good ground to justifie Spitridates yet I cannot Perhaps he thought it no unworthy act to delude the daughter of that Prince who kept a Kingdom from him and to get into a Throne again it was excuseable if he used a hundred thousand false oaths and as many lying protestations But no Spiridates said she you deceive your self Heroique vertue is more difficult to practise then you imagine not is it permitted to commit crimes though it be to gain Crowns by it Be not so hasty Madam said I unto her to condemn too rashly who ever seemed to be vertuous Ah Hesionida said she unto me did you but know all he said unto me the last night you would tremble that he thus abandons me to day and that he should declare war against my father for he must needs know that the Kingdom of Bythinia will never be restored him without a war and he must needs imagine that if he fight against the King of Pont unto whom I owe my life I shall my self fight and drive him out of my heart But yet since she had not sufficient ground either to condemn him or justifie him she knew not how to regulate her own desires she could well have wished that Pharnaces might meet with him and bring him back unto Heraclea yet not knowing how he should then be treated she did sometimes make prayers for his flight and desired that he might either not be taken or else that he might vanquish Pharnaces for truly would she say unto me whether Spitridates be innocent or culpable I wish with all my heart he may not fall again into the hands of the King my father Then did she entreat me to enquire whether Spitridates had carried all his Train with him and I found that every one of his servants stayed behind and not one of them went with him and that the Prince Sinnesis and the Prince Aryandes had caused them all to be arrested who all of them did say that they were altogether ignorant in the design of Arsamones and also did affirm that my Master was ignorant of it as well as they because he sent for some of them to get him to bed when Arsamones sent for him Though this was a strong conjecture to justifie him in the opinion of the princess yet the two Princes Sinnesis and Aryandes were so prejudicated in their imaginations that they absolutely assured her that Spitridates did know of the design so that though she did not believe them yet her soul stood upon incertainties betwixt what they told her and what she wished to be true In the mean while the King returned unto Heraclea but so incensed against Arsamones as never man was more And when he considered that this Prince transacted thus at such a time when he would have set his daughters upon the Throne and have given his own daughter unto his son he could not then find out any excuse for him and never considered that he detained his Kingdom from him but was as much incensed against him as if he were a rebellious subject Then did Pharnaces return without meeting with him bringing this intelligence with him from some Merchants ships which he met withall
respect and submission then with any domineering pride so that we lived together in much sincerity and much obliging confidence After we had repeated many misfortunes and bestowed many a tear upon the memory of Sinnesis she assumed some thoughts upon the unfortunate Spitridates Is not that Prince unfortunate said she unto me to lose a Kingdom in losing that person for whose sake he was resolved to have lost it Certainly the King my brother though that Arsamones should permit him yet would never consent unto his good fortune as well because he loves him not as because he loves Pharnaces so that I see my self exposed unto very great persecution Yet said she did but Spitridates know the justice that I render unto his merit and how exactly I do obey the Prince Sinnesis my brother I should have some consolation in that it would be a consolation unto him But alas it is not the pleasure of my fate I should have so much happiness and I have nothing to do but to prepare my self for all imaginable misery Madam said I unto her never excessively grieve at misfortunes which are to come because perhaps they may never come and can you be obliged to follow the will of the King your brother rather then the will of the late King your father If I were only his Sister replied she I believe I should not but since I am his Subject as well as Sister I think I am obliged to obey him as I was the late King my father After much such like discourse as this observing that night drew on for it being the Spring time the dayes were not very long I perswaded her to retire yet since the Moon shâ—ned she followed not my counsel but would sit down at one end of the walk neer the Fountain within a quarter of an hour after I saw a man coming towards us whom I supposed to be some of the Princesses servants coming to tell her something but I was much surprized when this man whom I could not know in that dark place came neerer us Madam said he unto the Princess bowing unto her with much reverence will you be pleased to suffer the unfortunate Spitridates to come and mingle his tears with yours and help to lament your misfortunes by grieving for his own You may imagine Sir how much the Princess and I were surprized when we heard a voice which we could not but know it was so great that the Princess cried out so loud that some of her women came into the walk thinking she had called but I stepping readily towards them said that she did not call them and that this was a man who had a suit unto the new King and came to beg the favour of the Princess unto him After this coming neer the Princess I heard Spitridates since she answered him with nothing but tears continue speaking unto her I am even desperate Madam said he unto her that I should renue your sorrows and to find that my presence in lieu of pleasing you should grieve you I desire your pardon said the unto him for receiving you so very ill But Spitridates my weakness has so just a cause for it that you may excuse me The Prince Sinnesis my brother did so tenderly love you that I cannot look upon you without a revival of my sorrows and so many several things comes into my mind at once that it is not strange if my reason be a little disordered for truly the remembrance of what is past the fear of what 's to come and surpriz'd to see one so neer me whom I thought in prison are lawful causes of this disorder in my soul I was in hope Madam said Spitridates that this last mentioned cause would rather have rejoyced then grieved you So it does answered she but not so much as it would if the Prince my brother were yet living Yet tell me I conjure you how the choler of Arsamones is appeased It is not appeased at all Madam replied he and doubtless I have more incensed it by this my flight from him which now I have made Was it not by his consent said she unto him that you are come out of prison No replied he the Princess Aristea is she unto whom I am obliged for my liberty for after I was brought from Chalcedonia into Chrisopolis she observed that the place they put me in was not inaccessable as that was wherein I was before so that as soon as I was brought thither and before my father discovered the weakness of the place she corrupted three of my guards who out of a window which was not barred with iron they helped me to escape and carried me disguised into a house of the Town where I remained three dayes Afterwards when we heard the news of the King your fathers death which as you know preceded the death of the Prince Sinnesis my Sister advised me to come unto that Prince whom she then supposed to be King and out of her goodness to me she gave me a great part of her Jewels for the accommodation of my journey In my way hither I heard of yours and my second loss but though I did conceive it was not safe for me to come hither since the Prince Aryandes was to be King yet I could not deprive my self of so much happiness as to come and throw my self at your feet Madam and to ask you what should be the fate of my life Would to the Gods replied the Princess and sighed that it were in my power to make you happy but yet Spitridates fortune is more powerful then I am and I am afraid she will not consent unto it So that you will consent replied he I cannot think she is able to hinder my happiness I wish that all you say were true replied she but my reason does not shew me how it can be However Spitridates though I cannot deny but that I receive my consolation to lament it with you yet I cannot chuse but tremble to see you at Heraclea for the King my brother is to arrive here within these few dayes and if he come to know that you are here disguised what will he think of it Alas Madam said he do you think to drive me from you by telling me the King will come so soon and that perhaps he may know I am here Ah Madam torment me not so cruelly I have a very sâ—cure lodging and since I have nothing to do at Heraclea but to see you I shall not easily be discovered Yet however answered she I may hazard both my reputation and your life by permitting enterviews which how innocent soever they be may be interpreted criminal It is not late replied she and therefore it will not be thought strange that a sad melancholy Mourner should walk so long therefore Spitridates said she in rising up we must leave you However Madam answered this Prince I beseech you do me the honor to promise me another oportunity of speaking with you I
cannot consent unto your desire replied she but Hesinoida shall see you in any place That indeed Madam is a great favour answered he yet truly it cannot satisfie the passion which my soul has to you and to discourse with you in freedom does so much import the welfare of my life that I do declare Madam I will never go out of Heraclea if you do not grant my respective passion that favour which I ask I do not beg it Madam for any merits of my own but in the name of the Prince Sinnesis who has so often pleaded in my â—avour This conjuration is very prevalent replied she yet all that I can promise you is to use my best endeavour that I may see you once again I shall be every day about this hour in this walk replied he where I may safely receive your orders for the Gardner is most absolutely my faithful friend having a long time served the Prince my father it was he who came to advertise me of your being here I cannot consent that you expose your self every day to the view answered she but tell Hesionida where you lodge and she shall advertise you of my will After this the Princess left him and Spitridates having told me where he lodged it happened to be with one of my acquaintance and whom I durst trust with any thing Since the time that the Princess returned to her lodging she appeared more studious and melancholy then before she had seen Spitridates and indeed she grieved extreamly when she considered that this Prince would extreamly incense the King of Pont as he had already Arsamones by his escape so that to avoid this misfortune she saw a necessity of moving Spitridates to depart presently though she knew not in what quarter of the world he could find a Sanctuary yet the misery had no other remedy for she knew well enough the King of Pont did not love Spitridates but affecting Pharnaces as he did he would solicite her to marry him She knew also that this Prince did never approve of the late King his fathers policy in desiring this double alliance with Arsamones but on the contrary he would often say that the best way to establish the Kingdom of Bythinia was to ruine all the pretenders unto it and not to exalt and magnifie them so that on every side she could find nothing but misfortune unto Spitridates It was in vain to tell her that the Gods when they pleased could change the hearts of Kings for what confidence soever she had in them she could not hope for that in which she saw so little appearance The next morning news came that the King would not have the day on which he intended to come to the Town precisely known but that at the longest it would not be above four or five days The Princess seeing then so short a time to resolve and that to defer the seeing of Spitridates until he was come to Town would be extreamly dangerous she appointed me to speak unto him and if I could to perswade him unto a departure without her seeing him but that was not possible to be done But to tell you the truth I did not very obstinately oppose his design because I did beleeve it would be in vain and because I conceived this Prince had reason for his desire perhaps also the love I bore my Country did induce me but whatsoever it was I told the Princess what Spitridates told me which was that absolutely he would either see her again or die The Princess perceiving his obstinacy and seeing that the longer she stayed the more danger there was both unto Spitridates and her self resolved to permit a conference We were long in consulting whether it should be in the Garden or in her Chamber at last the result was it should be in the Garden because since the Kings death so much respect was rendred unto the Princess as that none took so much liberty in that place as before they used Also because if by any misfortune the business should come to be discovered it might there be taken for a surprize upon the princess then for an enterview which she premeditately consented unto as it might if he should come into her chamber I advertised this unfortunate Prince then to be in the Garden that evening and in the same walk in which before he met the princess who was in twenty minds to go back with her word one who saw her would have said she was going to commit some crime which she abhorred and if I had not even violently forced her I think she had not gone But thither she went without any with her but her women who according to their custom followed her no further then that solitary walk unless she called them so that I was there alone with her Since we went thither betimes because the walk should not seem extraordinary Spitridates was not yet come for he was to stay until it was night not but that he was well enough disguised and his lodging so neer the Garden door that he might come thither without danger yet I did so strickly charge him to make it late before he came that he did obey me and make it dark and since the Moon dâ—d shine it was not strange that the Princess should walk so late especially since she used to do so before I cannot relate the thankful acknowledgments which Spitridates rendred unto her for this favour all his words were so full of passion and respect that all my expressions are too weak to manifest unto you the joy this Prince resented The Princess for a quarter of an hour together did lend him a willing ear without returning any answer but afterwards she fetched a profound sigh and said unto him Spitridates indeed has some reason to invite me to this conference but he has much more reason to lament and complain against Fortune for engaging his affection unto one who can make him nothing but unfortunate Fortune Madam replied he has no share in that affection which I bear unto you It is only your own beauty your vertue my own inclination and reason which promps me unto it and I am fully perswaded that if it be but your pleasure to doom it so all the malignity of foolish fortune who often persecutes the innocent and protects the vicious cannot render me unhappy Yes yes Divine Princess If the unhappy Spitridates can but find any place in your heart and that your goodness will always reserve it for him he defies any misfortune that can come all the disgraces of his family shall vanish out of his memory his own particular dishonours shall not trouble him the pleasing thoughts only of being in the fair Araminta's heart shall charm all his sorrows and root them out of his mind I understand Madam since I came hither that the Prince Sinnesis upon his death-bed and before many people did mediate in my behalf and desire you to look favourably upon me This
is it Madam which makes me thus bold and moves me to desire you not to deny this favour unto that prince who never denied you any thing Therefore I beseech you Madam let not the King who now is and who loves not me hinder me from loving you or you me But yet I am his Sister and Subject replied the Princess interrupting him You are also both Sister and Subject unto the Prince Sinnesis though he be dead replied he and the King who now raigns having his Crown immediately from him ought not in justice to obstruct the performance of his last Will since indeed he was his King as he is now yours Ah Spitridates cried she the Will and Commands of a dead King are never so well obeyed as the Commandements of a living King a Raign of seven days and in all that time death raigning over him will by the Successour be esteemed as nothing Yet if it be esteemed by you answered Spitridates it is enough Yes replied she and sighed you may be confident that the last words of the prince Sinnesis confirming in my heart those thoughts which your vertue had inspired me withall I shall as long as I live be the same I am at present But alas Spitridates it will not make you any thing more happy but my self much more infortunate for indeed I do foresee that perhaps this will be the last time that ever I shall speak unto you The last time Madam said he and interrupted her then must this be the last of my life and I beseech you Madam unless you desire I should immediately die do not deprive me of some better hopes I pray you hope then if you can said she unto him and enjoy that comfort which I cannot find for my self Doubtless the reason is said this sad Prince because you will not try all ways to make me happy Perhaps replied she I shall not try all ways but I will promise you to do all I ought though perhaps not all I can to procure your satisfaction but as the case stands which way should I contribute unto it I dare not tell you Madam answered Spitridates that since you do not apprehend it your self it is a great signe you have not any mind to do any thing for me I would do any thing replied she which is not against the rules of vertue and prudence Can you not then assure me said he that all the power of the King shall not move you to marry Pharnaces And if it be not too much to ask cannot you permit me some hopes that if any advantagious alteration in my fortune chance to fall out it shall inseparably reflect upon you I am very sensible Madam that since I am without either Crown or Kingdom it is too much rashness to speak thus Yet since the reason of my unhappy condition is only because I am not upon the Bythinian Throne which the King your Brother unjustly detains from me I conceive that the Princess Araminta ought not to despise me It is very true said she unto him and I shall much more esteem you because you merit Crowns then I shall do them that wear them without desert But for all that Spitridates although I should promise you not to marry Pharnaces as perhaps without any crime I may yet I fear that you would not be nearer any happiness for you may very well imagine that I shall never marry you against the Kings mind since it is a decency which all of my quality ought to observe But suppose I should marry you what should we do afterwards you are out of all favour with the prince Arsamones for the love of me Here is no safety for you by staying in this Court Neighbour Princes will not entertain you who are son to an unfortunate and weak prince lest it should incense a young King to declare War against them therefore Spitridates though you should not hearken to all rules of reason and prudence yet me thinks your affection unto me should disswade you from any such design since questionless you will never carry a Princess disguised and wandering throughout all Asia No Spitridates no I know you would not I am sure you love Araminta in a more noble and uninterrested way yet do not think that my unwillingness to follow your fortunes how harsh soever is any obstacle at all I do protest that it does not at all affright me but it is my shame that I should have any such resolution which most deters me Love Spitridates is a most innocent passion I confess provided that all the effects be innocent also and never deviate from the â—uâ—s of reason and therefore to justifie my indulgence towards you I must not do any thing which is unreasonable Tell me then Madam I beseech you what you would have me do professing that since you do not forbid me to love you nor to despair of love from you I shall most exactly obey you Alas I am not able to advise you replied she yet the best course which I can think upon is to travel as a stranger in some unknown Country untill such time as the Princess Arbiana and the Princess Aristea have made your peace with Arsamones This advice you give me Madam answered Spitridates is a good expedient to bring me into the subjection of the King your brother as the Prince my father is already but I cannot conceive it a good course to procure me the enjoyment of the Princess Araminta since Arsamones possessing only an unfortunate share of the whole Kingdom of Bythinia which is his due the King of Pont will never consent unto any alliance with poor Arsamones more then Arsamones would with him And therefore Madam since the affection which you are pleased to honor me withall will not go a little higher then the limits of ordinary prudence I must resolve upon my death I see the prayers of the dying King your brother are not prevalent since they cannot obtain that favour from that Princess who is the sweetest in the world to them that do not adore her but the most rigorous unto him who of all men upon earth does most reverence her But Spitridates said he whom do you complain of Of you Madam replied he who would perswade me that you love me and yet deny me any remedy for a love-sick soul but if you did indeed love me you would make me an absolute promise never to marry Pharnaces and that if the Gods would permit As Spitridates was going on with his discourse Artanus came to tell the Princess that the King was coming to her chamber By good luck I heard his voice beyond the rail of the walk so that we caused Spitridates to retreat in all hast yet for all that Artanus did see one with us when he came first into the walk but as soon as he had told the Princess she gave her hand unto him to the end she might draw him out of the garden We were no sooner
absence of Spitridates for she conceived it not fit for him to fight for her against his own father neither did she desire he should fight for his father against her so that not knowing either what to wish or what to do she prayed unto the Gods to deliver her out of this gulph of misfortunes But in conclusion Sir your generosity not deceiving her hopes but setting the King of Pont at liberty unto whom you gave considerable Auxiliaries under the conduct of Artaxes we received this intelligence with all acclamations of joy and indeed the people of Heraclea took fresh heart when they heard their Prince set at liberty after so generous a manner publike rejoycings were appointed and the glorious name of Artamenes was as highly celebrated in Heraclea as it was in Sinope or Themiscira The Princess then hearing the King was upon his return would go to meet him and since we knew there was none of Arsamones his troops that way which he was to come we went two dayes journies before to meet him but to our great misfortune we fell into an Ambuscado which waited for us in a Forrest and carried us a blind way which was unknown unto us we knew not whether they would carry us unto Arsamones or Artanus and in the choice of these two the Princess knew not which to wish for if it should be unto Arsamones though she was in hopes of much mildness from him by the mediation of the Princess Arbiana and the Princess Aristea yet she imagined that the King her brother might perhaps suspect she did voluntarily fall into his hands since he was not ignorant of her affection unto Spitridates though he could not be ignorant that Arsamones did hate his son for loving her yet notwithstanding the very name of Artanus was so averse unto her fancy that at the hazard of being ill used by Arsamones or suspected by the King her brother she wished rather to be carried into Bythinia then unto Cabira under the power of such a man But yet the choice was not in her for towards night we were brought unto Artanus who as amorous as he was durst not venture himself in this enterprize but committed the carriage of the business unto a resolute souldier who heretofore was one of those who conspired against your life When the Princess saw Artanus in the head of two hundred horse ready to receive her she was surprized for though he was known to be a very Coward yet since to be a Mutineer and a Rebel is sufficient to raise a party his was not small and we were much grieved to see so many gallant men obeying such a Captain but we were forced to submit unto fortune and be carried into Cabira where he was Master and in which there was a Castle of a great strength wherein he lodged us I will not stay to relate unto you Sir all the insolencies of Artanus for it is enough that you know him a Coward to imagine how he would lay aside all due respects when he is once the stronger and since it is most ordinary to see them who want courage never to be submissive but when they are weak yet he met with a soul so great in the Princess and so resolute a spirit that maugre all his insolence she so charmed him that he durst hardly come into her chamber or to see her Mean while the King of Pontus as afterwards we heard came to Heraclea and was extreamly angry at the carrying away of the Princess his Sister but as the state of things stood he durst not by any means divide his Army and he knew that Arsamones was so strong that it would not permit him to continue a siege and therefore since his business was either to relieve a Sister or to save two Crowns I believe common policy might easily incline him unto the latter rather then the first The condition of things standing thus Artanus was so impudent as to send unto the King of Pontus and offer unto him his forces upon condition of his consent unto the marriage betwixt himself and the Princess Araminta but the King would not hearken unto any such propositions answering him That if he had a desire to vanquish his enemies without any trouble he would wish them such aid as he offered and also bidding him have a care how he used the princess his Sister because as soon as he had finished the Bythinian war he would then call him to a strict account for all his demeanour You may imagine then Sir in what a condition the princess was in who knew of all these passages by one of her guards who was suborned unto it For when she imagined that Arsamones would kill the King her brother or that the King her brother would kill the father of Spitridates she did absolutely lose her reason In the mean while the King of Pantus after he had rallied all the forces he was able went into the field to oppose Arsamones who was already master of a great part in the Kingdom of Pontus and in the first encounter the Prince Euriclides was slain which much grieved Arsamones But Sir why should I busie my self in relating the particulars of a war which is known all over Asia It is enough that I acquaint you how this Prince as gallant as he was yet was he almost quite beaten that which contributed much unto his ruine was Aribeus who calling away his brother with all his forces did much weaken him and though the King of Pontus would not conâ—ent unto it because it was done without any order either from Ciaxares or you yet Artaxes obeyed the absolute authority of Aribeus who was then Governour of Sinope so that this Prince being much weakned thereby was forced to make a retreat into Heraclea and to stay there until he had raised fresh forces and be able to come again into the field But Sir he had not time for it for Arsamones after that the Prince Inâ—aphernes the son of Gadates was come unto him not omitting such a favourable opportunity advanced with his Army and besieged him within the capital Ciâ—y of all his Kingdom which indeed was the only place that remained under his obedience for that part which was not subjected unto Arsamones yet took part with Artanus We understood by several relations whilst we were in Cabira how the King of Pontus during this fiege did do such miracles as that it may well be said he deserved a hundred Crowns in losing his own But however seeing his enemies were not only Masters of all without the Town but also of one of the Gates and that they had now nothing to do but to enforce the last entrenchment since he had no mind to fall alive into the hands of Arsamones he resolved to fly away in a ship and to go and offer his sword unto Ciaxares towards the delivery of the Princess Mandana of whose carrying away he had heard with unconceiveable sorrow and hoping
that aâ—ter this you would aid him to recover his Dominions And indeed he did execute the first part of his design for he went out of Heraclea not any thing of two flourishing Kingdoms remaining unto him but the title of King which fortune could not deprive him of When the Princess received this sad news she resented it with insupportable sorrow for Sir be pleased to know that the insolent Artanus assuming new boldness upon this new misfortune came unto her with more incivility then ever before we saw him Madam said he unto her since I ever thought that the strongest reason which moved you to treat me so imperiously as you have done was because I was a subject unto the King your brother I think it therefore expedient to let you know that now he must never be my Master again since fortune has taken from him his Crown and two Kingdoms which he enjoyed and has nothing left him but one single shâ—p â—n which he has convayed himself away from his enemies therefore Madam since you are not now the sister of a King you may well look upon my condition as not inferiour unto yours and for the future carry your self otherwise then heretofore you have done Since you have only the heart of a Slave replied the Princess I should do you too much honor to regard you as a simple Subject of the King my brothers and though fortune should take away his Crown yet since she cannot take away his birth which is infinitely above yours she therefore cannot change my opinion of you and though you had more Crowns then the King my brother has lost yet should I despise and scorn you upon your Throne as much as I do now and though there should be an alteration in your soul as I think it impossible yet should you never sâ—e me change therefore Artanus consider a little better what you say and remember that my fathers were ever Masters over yours that I have the honor to be daughter and sister unto three Princes unto whom I have seen you subject and indeed there is an undispensable obligation lies upon you to reâ—pect and honor me all the daies of your life The Princess pronounced these words with so much majestique choler that she made him blush and forced him to make a scurvy excuse for his insolency and aâ— last to leave her at liberty to lament the disgrace of the King her brother which we had a more particular relation of from that guard which was very faithful unâ—o us Alas Hesionida said she how deplorable is my destiny and unto what a cruel fate am I exposed I was boâ—n upon a Throne and am now a Slave and a Slave unto him that is the most unworthy amongst men Iâ— I consider the misfortunes of my brother I have not tears enough to lament his misfortunes If I contemplate my own I shall find them so dismal that I see no way buâ— death to terminate them hitherto I have loved Spitridates most innocenâ—ly the late King my father desired it the Prince and King Sinnesis my brother appointed it But now Hesionida since he is son to an usurper of my brothers Kingdom and a ruiner of my Family how is it possible I should love him without a sin But Madam said I unto her Spitridates was not in this war 'T is true said she but yet he is son unto the usurper of the Kingdom of Pont so that though my reason does not induce me to accuse him yet it is not handsom or fit I should love him any longer therefore Hesionida whether he be innocent or culpable I ought not to see him any more though he were in a place where I might do it Moreover in what part of the earth could he possibly be where he could not hear the Pontean and Bythinian war discoursed on and is it credible that since he must needs know the state of things I should never hear any news from him if he was fuller of ambition then love why did he not appear in the head of his fathers Army and if he was fuller of love then ambition why does he not endeavour to deliver me out of the hands of Artanus and why did he not let me know that his heart did not approve of what Arsamones his father had done I confess Madam said I unto her that I cannot understand why Spitridates should be so long silent No more can I replied the princess and therefore in all reason I must imagine him dead but I wish the Gods he may not justifie himself in my opinion by so sad a way If I should Sir repeat unto you all the lamentations and reflexions which the Princess had upon the King her brotâ—ers misfortunes upon the muâ—ability of terrene things and upon the innocent passions of her soul I should abuse your patience therefore I shall slightly pass by them and tell you that Artanus considering himself under the verge of a victorious Aâ—my commanded by a Prince who had conquered two Kingdoms he was not without some unquiet thoughts fâ—r althâ—ugh he had very gallant mâ—n in his party yet was he not at all grown more valiant himâ—elf and notwithstanding all his love unto the Princess I believe he repented more then once of his undertakings He also sent unto Arsamones to capâ—tulate and propound some conditions betwixt them But since he desired that Cabira should remain in his hands for his security and that he might alwayes keep the Princess Aramâ—nta under his power Arsamones absolutely desiring it himself would not hearken unto him nor handsomely entertain those which came from him so that after this refusal Artanus was more perplexed then before 'T is true he enjoyed some dayes of rest because Arsamones falling sick it retarded the march of his Aâ—my which was coming against him As things stood in this condition there came a Cavalier into Heraclea where then the Queen Arbiana was for it is but just to give her that title which is her duâ— there came I say a Cavalier who on his Buckler bore the Emblem of a Slave which seemed â—o have his choâ—ce either of Fâ—tters or Crowns and he broke the last and assumed the first with th 〈…〉 Mâ—tro More heavy but more glorious As it was late when he came so he was unknown at his entrance into the Town and his devise was not observed that night but as soon as he alighted from his horse at the house of an old acquaintance he went unto the Palace where the Queen Princess were as for Arsamones he was yet sick in the Country whither these Princesses with the Princess Istrina sister unto Intaphernis who was then in that Court were the next morning to go This Cavalier went straight unto the chamber of the Princess Aristea and desired a servant to tell her there was a stranger which desired to speak with her in private concerning some important business the servant told him that she was with the Queen
do for ever devote my self unto your service I do wish unto the Gods with all the desires of my soul that the state of things did stand upon the same terms they did that I were still a Subject unto your Brother and that it were then permitted me to hope for the same which now I do Your very long absence replied the Princess did doubtless work some change in your mind otherwise your banishment notwithstanding my enjoyning it would not have been so long when Spitridates heard her make that objection he then told in short the cause of his departure from Paphlagonia the cheat of Artanus his dispair when he believed her perfidious his voyages his return and his extream sorrows to bear of all the victories which his Father had obtained and that she was in the power of his Rival And now Madam said he unto her at the conclusion of his relation you know not what the life of unfortunate Spitridates hath been he loved ever even when the King your Father detained that Kingdom unto which he 〈…〉 pretend for a share and he adored you even then when he believed you to be 〈…〉 lamented all his fathers victories he grieved at the Cor quest of two Kingdoms 〈…〉 preferred the condition of your Slave before the glorious Title of a King and 〈…〉 and ever will adore you be you unjust or as incensed as you will against him 〈…〉 devoted unto you that there is nothing which he will not attempt for you Yes 〈…〉 you should command me any thing but to turn my Arms against the King my Father 〈…〉 do it and truly if you should be so unjust as to command that I know not whether 〈…〉 â—â—e were able to stand out long or no Now after all this Madam can you believe 〈…〉 â—e I took up Arms 't is true but it was only to kill Artaâ—us and force you out of 〈…〉 I carry them still I confess but how could I have come to have known your pleasu 〈…〉 I had seemed your enemy Therefore Madam since I am only unfortunate and not 〈…〉 pable you would be most unjust if you should change your opinion of me Though you 〈…〉 ly perswaded me of your innocency replied the Princess yet are you not nearer 〈…〉 ness for truly Spitridates true generosity will never allow me to preserve so pu 〈…〉 ction as that which I retain for you since you are son unto a declared enemy of the King 〈…〉 Brother for consider I pray you in what a deplorable condition is that Prince 〈…〉 flourishing Kingdoms which once he had has not but one poor Ship in his power and 〈…〉 more in the power of unconstant winds and waves then in his own and would 〈…〉 me Spitridates to surrender my self without any conditions and can you think 〈…〉 Arsamones would consent sit upon that Throne which belongs not to me whil 〈…〉 my Brother who his most right unto it is tossed upon the waves and languishing 〈…〉 ble exile Oh no no I never will and if you think it you esteem me but a little 〈…〉 me not at all I have esteemed you I do confess and do still very much and if 〈…〉 too weak to express think upon one more obliging for your satisfaction and 〈…〉 unto it but yet for all that though my heart be the same unto you that it was 〈…〉 yet I cannot comply with you but as with the Son of mine enemy therefore Spitri 〈…〉 these two things must necessarily be done either move the King your Father to con 〈…〉 self with the Kingdom of Bythinia and restore the Kingdom of Pontus or else you resolve never to have this place but by violence and force or at the least upon such Capiâ—ulations as shall permit me to go whither I shall hear the King my Brother is for I do peremptorily declare my self that you shall never put me into the hands of Arsamones and there is nothing which I will leave unattempted rather then I will submit unto that I know very well that the Queen Arbiana and the Princess Aristea would protect me but I know withall that all Asia would suspect me for either treachery or weakness which I am not capable of therefore Spitridates never endeavour to make me change my thoughts for it will be absolutely in vain and if there be any memory of the Prince Sinnesis yet remaining in you promise me that you will never bring me under the power of Arsamones if fortune should reduce me into yours I will promise you any thing Madam replied he upon condition you will promise me not to hate Spitridates if he be not able to compass all your desires The Gods do know that if I were absolute Master of two Kingdoms you and only you should be the sole disposer of them and I should without the least murmur consent unto the loss of the Bythinian Crown once again rather then I would in the least displease you But alas Madam they are not in my power the King my Father is in possession and all I can do is to imploy the Queen my mother and the Princess my Sister to perswade him for my part if I should quit the Army I should then fear he would not permit me to return and so I should disable my self from being inseperably devoted unto your fortunes as my intentions are But Madam dare I be so bold as to tell you that if Spitridates were as deeply rooted in your heart as he might be you would not transact thus with him You would then leave the conduct of things unto the Gods and wait their happy time for the re-establishment of the King your Brother nor would you then reject a Prince who for you has suffered prisons banishments and all imaginable miseries and who may hereafter make you change a prison for a Throne and bring you into a condition to give a Crown unto the King of Pontus Not Madam but that I am resolved to obey you most exactly but because I foresee into what a miserable extreamity I shall be reduced I do not intend to impose any possibilities upon you replied the Princess something more mildly and therefore if you cannot obtain these my desires I shall surrender up the Town upon condition that I may be conducted unto what place I shall chuse to go unto and if that cannot be obtained then assure your self I will bury my self under the ruines of the Ramparts whilest you enjoy the pleasant fruits of your fathers Conquests and making love submit unto ambition by forgetting the Princess Araminta you become as happy as I am miserable Ah cruel Lady said he unto her I shall make it appear that I am not capable of any such thoughts No no Madam you shall never see Spuridates happy as long as you are miserable nor will he ever be a King until you be in a conâ—â—tion to be a Queen and this I solemnly protest before the Gods who hear me But I beseech you Madam
promise me this at the least that when I have abandoned all the world for you you wâ—ll be pleased to let me follow and participate of your destinies and that I may never leave you The Princess was so moved at the expressions of Spi 〈…〉 es that she repented her self that she had in perplexed him I will believe said she unto him that all your thoughts are generous and I will promise you not to suspect your fidelity and be perswaded of this that though I act as your enemy in many things yet you shall be still the same in my heart that ever you were yet for all this I must tel you that in all likelihood we shall not agree Oh Madam said he that language is so cruel as it moves me to part with my life and so neither take your part nor turn Arms against them I command I am not of so violent a temper as you replied she and as I do not intend to do any thing unworthy of my self so I do not expect or desire any thing from you which shall be dishonourable for you Therefore without any more unprofitable complaints said she and sighed I advice you to go back Spitridates and endeavour to induce Arsamones unto some reason let those whom you imploy tell him that the best expedient to preserveth Kingdom of Bythinia which is his right in peace is to restore the Kingdom of Pontus which is not his right Go Spitridates and transact with all your ingenuity both for your satisfaction and mine And if you cannot induce Arfammes unto it yet yet however remember that you preserve my liberâ—â— if you desire to preserve your life Spitridates was so troubled at these words as he hardly knew now â—o â—nâ—wer Why Madam said he would you have me leave you Because it is not convenient answered she And let me tell you once more Spitridates because I desire to die in liberty And let me tell you once again Madam said he and interrupted her That I desire to die your slave I is not for those who are happy replied she to desire death Nor is it for those who are unfortunate said he to desire life and therefore Madam if I cannot alter either the mind of the King my fathers or yours though I should set you at liberty yet should I expect nothing but my grave Since your life is and ever shall be most dear unto me answered she I desire you should preserve it But Spitridates once wore I advise you to retire and tell your Captains that which I shall tell mine which is that you cannot give an answer unto my Propositions before you have sent unto the King your father Your wits are at so much liberty Madam replied he that I perceive your heart is not over-deeply engaged Since you have so great a soul replied she this answer is not becoming you but Spitridates I will pardon you and wish you would not think as you seem to do of me In saying so she bowed unto him and went away agreeing first that there should be a cessation of Arms until the answer of Arsamones was received for my part I never saw a more lamentable parting Spitridates was as pale as if death were in his face the Princess for all her high soul seemed so dejected at that instant as it might well have been a cordial unto the Prince had he been able to have discerned the sadness of her eyes He looked after her as long as he could but so Pâ—anet-struck that he knew not what he saw When the Princess was gone ten or twelve paces from the Bar I stepped to him Sir said I Fortune offers you a good occasion to use your generosity Fortune answered he may be more propitious unto me in the favour of Hesionida who may do me many good offices to the Princess Araminta I shall do all I can Sir said she and retired but in the mean time do you all you can This was spoke so low and quickly that none could hear or take any notice of it And presently after we went back to the Town in which we no sooner were but Spitridates since he could not see the Princess any longer took horse and retired to his company He told what she appointed him unto his Officers and not to lose any time he made choice of one Democlides to send unto Arsamones This man was one of an excellent wit and who loved the prince extreamly so that he could not make a bâ—tter choice and that he might the better understand all his thoughts he related all the passages of his life unto him He gave him a Letter unto the Princess his Mother and another unto the Princess his Sister He writ also unto the King his father withall imaginable submission he forget nothing which might probable induce him to be contented with the Reconquest of his own Kingdom with the usurpation upon the Kingdom of another He instructed Democlides with all the subtil and politique Maximes expedient for his negotiation and to perswade Arsamones that it were better to possess one Kingdom in peace then to have two upon terms of war Whilst Spitridates was dispatching this Captain the Princess was exceedingly grieved and almost wished that she had not spoken unto him in so obliging a manner Sometimes again she was very glad she was not deceived in her choice and that she had no cause to repent her self for loving Spitridates but yet these moments of consolation were very rareâ— for when she considered the present condition of her fortune and looked upon the future she found so many sad objects of sorrow that all hopes were as far from her soul as from the princes who since the departure of Democlides was full of unquiet thoughts and fears not to obtain any thing from Arsamones and indeed his apprehensions were not without cause for all the perswasive arguments which the Queen and Princess could use would not move the new King of Bythinia This excellent Princess imployed all those who had most prevalency with him but all in vain Democlides used all his politique arguments wherewith he was instructed but could not perswade more then the rest the tears of the Princess Aristea would not move him but he answered them that moved him generously to restore the Kingdom of Pontus unto them it belonged that when he and his had enjoyed the Crown of Pontus as long as the Father and the Grandfather of this King had enjoyed the Kingdom of Bythinia then perhaps there would be some justice in the restitution demanded I have said he gotten it by more legitimate and honorable wayes then they usurped ours and it is but just that they who have thus long fettered others should take their turn and bear those fetters themselves that they may experimentally know the miseries of servitude and therefore it is my positive pleasure that Spitridates assist me in taking this Town wherein the Princess Araminta is otherwise I shall let him know
and the Princess Araminta during our Navigation But in short they expressed themselves unto each other in all the terms that love and vertue could invent After we were come into this Arm of the Sea we quitted our Ship and Democlides whom Spitridates had ordered to take money enough for a long voyage when he came first from his Quarters went unto the next Town to buy horses to carry us unto the River Euphrates for as you know this River divides the two Armenia's Then was it put to the question what course Spitridates should take when they came in Armenia and it was a most pitiful story unto him when the Princess said that he must leave her for I must confess unto you said she unto him that I dare not trust too much unto the generosity of the King my Brother and though I do know him to be very generous yet I will not adventure you in the power of a Prince who never loved you especially now since you are son unto his enemy and an enemy who hath taken two Kingdoms from him Therefore Spitridates since your vertue has preserved me from falling into the hands of the King your Father It befits me to preserve you from the fury of the King my Brother Alas Madam said he let not any considerations of my interest trouble you nor hinder me from waiting upon you for though the King your Brother should treat me hardly yet would I most willingly endure it for the love of you I doubt it not at all said she unto him but however I desire you should only endure the miseries of absence for the love of me for I cannot look upon you but with an eye of great esteem and I know that the King my Brother will not relish it because perhaps he will imagine that my complacency towards you proceeds from my hopes of two Kingdoms from Spitridates But Madam said he unto her whither would you have me go Any whither said she where you may with safety to your person wait for a turn of fortune and until the heart of the King your Father be molified But Madam replied he since I most willingly forsake all for you may you not diâ—pense a little with that rigid Decorum which you observe in every thâ—ng If you really love me and think upon my passion and respects unto you what sorrows I have suffered what imprisonments I have endured and what exile I now undertake for you I conceive you will permit me to live disguised with you or else to let us go and live together in some unknown place far from any acquaintance where we may wait upon the pleasure of the Gods until such times as I am in a capacity to restore one Crown unto the King your Brother and present another unto you What you now tell me replied the Princess is neither just nor honourable for I should thereby incense the mind of the King my Brother and you the King your Father and we should expose our selves to a thousand unprofitable miseries Then suffer me said he to go with you unto the King of Pontus without any disguisement or banishment Though he should be in a disposition to receive you favourably answered she yet certainly it would be upon a condition that you should bear Arms against the King your Father which questionless you never will nor will I advise you unto it and therefore Spitridates of necessity you must leave me Must I needs leave you Madam replied he in a sad â—one Yes said she and if reason will not prevail with you I will joyn my prayers and commands unto it And however you may be sure of this advantage that as my fortunes are you need fear no Rivals Ah Madam cried Spitridates in taking away of Crowns they have not taken away your unparalled beauty nor your incomparable mind which has not a second in vertue Therefore Madam I must always doubt it especially knowing that the King your Brother will be continually exasperating you against me Look not upon Spitridates I beseech you Madam as the son of an Usurper but as a Prince who will never be King till he can restore one Crown unto the King your Brother and another present unto you I have already said it and I repeat it again you Madam shall either raign and your Brother too or else I will not and therefore you may if you please be so just at the least as to give him some assurance of your affection who has consecrated every minute of his life unto you Do not I beseech you banish me from you before you assure me that I shall be entertained always in your heart and that nothing can ever banish me from thence for without this Madam I cannot obey you I will promise you said she unto him to possess the King my Brother with your generosity as much as I can and will eternally remember the Commands of the dying Prince Sinnesis and by consequence keep my affection entirely for you as long as I live May I build upon this said this sorrowful Prince You may replied she and I should think my self most unjust and ungrateful if I failed since you are so generous and since my affection is so pure and innocent that it were a greater crime to resist it then preserve it for you I know not Madam whether I should dare to tell you that this is not enough I know not Spitridates said she and interrupted him whether I should tell you that I think it a little too much and that you do me wrong to suspect me and complain But Madam replied he what is it I beseech you that you do for me and what can I do more for you You do every thing answered she that I can desire I cannot deny it but though I do nothing for you yet I do all I can or may be more then I ought and let that satisfie you Oh Heavens replied he what do you do my Divine Princess which I can interpret unto my advantage I shew you answered she those sorrows which I cannot hide you may see the thoughts of my soul in my eyes and I permit you to think that my heart prefers you before all the world and after this Spitridates what can you desire more and whether is it not more then the Princess Araminta ought to do for the Son of Arsamones However Spitridates take heed lest ambition be too prevalent with you during your absence since it is usual to alter the souls of all men To be sure of that replied he do not banish me from you I would I could not answered she but it must be and you must be gone I should be too tedious Sir if I should repeat all this sad conference which truly on both sides was so tender so generous and so full of sorrow that I who heard it wept for the Princess desiring I was all the while present It was in vain for Spitridates to use any arguments of dâ—sswasion
search through both Armenia's was then resolved upon for since the King of Pontus his Slave told the princess Araminta when he was dying that the King his Master was gone into Armenia and besides that since Mandana had written as much with her own hand it could not be beleeved but she was in some unknown place or other In the mean while Harpagus came from Ecbatan to advertise Ciaxares that there was a great disposition amongst the people to Revolt by reason of his long absence and that it was necessary to send some person qualified with high Authority to remain there until he came himself Cyrus received Harpagus with much goodness remembering that he was in some sort a cause both of his love and all the glory he had obtained since if he had not come unto Persia and had given him that counsel which he did perhaps he should never have left the Persian Court. But the business which he came about being put into Consultation Cyrus desiring to oblige Aglatidas did propose to send him unto Ecbatan and to confer upon him the Government of the Province of the Arasantines which Ottanus would not accept of imagining that since he might well hope to enjoy Amestris after the death of her husband he would not refuse it It was then resolved upon that Aglatidas should depart the next morning and go for Ecbatan that he should carry Artaban with him and that he should assure the Medean people that Ciaxares would make a speedy return Upon the breaking up of the Councel Cyrus sent for Aglatidas toacquaint him with this good news which doubtless he received with as much joy as Megabises did with sorrow He thanked Cyrus in such fit language to express his gratitude that it was apparent his passion was high He made shew of some sorrows to leave him and without doubt he was as loath to part from him as any Lover who was going to see his Mistress could be He assured him he should have his dispatches that night and imbracing him Wish said he my dear Aglatidas that I were as near my happiness and satisfaction as you are when you go to see your dear Amestris I wish with all my heart you may find her as faithful as you have described her amiable and admirable Artaban also took his leave of Cyrus and the next morning these two friends went together to Ecbatan To chear up Megabises Cyrus gave him one of the prime offices in the Kings House which then was vacant yet this consolation was but weak to divert his mind since Aglatidas would ere long see Amestris but since there was no other patience must be his remedy There came news that day to Court that Craessus was raising a very puissant Army and did solicit all the people of Ionia to take his part so that Cyrus seeing so fit an opportunity to help the Prince Thrasibulus would not let it slip and the next day following he moved Ciaxares that in case Craessus had any designes upon his Dominions as in all likelihood he had then it were the best expedient to make a diversion and to draw the Lidian forces unto more places then one So that it was resolved the Prince Thrasibulus accompanied by Harpagus who had much experience having followed the late King of Medes in all his wars should go with ten thousand men into Cappadocia where Ariobantes would make new Levies to joyn unto those Troops which Ciaxares left at his departure from Sinope to keep that Kingdom in peace That Thrasibulus should be General of this Army on foot Harpagus commanding under him and without needing any new orders he might in the name of the King and Cyrus punish or pardon as he thought fit In the mean while Cyrus had a conceâ—t in his mind which did much vex him that Mandana might be any where since they could hear no news of her Love hereupon which is always very ingenious made him invent P 〈…〉 t s which he set up throughout all parts where he had made any Conquests to the end he might in less time and with more expedition hear news of Mandana After Thrasibulus had taken his leave of Ciaxares the separation between that Prince and Cyrus was very f 〈…〉 of tender expressions for since the first day they fought with one another they had a most high esteem of each others vertue and it was impossible but this esteem should tie a firm knot of friendship between them The Names of Mandana and Alcionida were often pronounced at parting which was in private Thrasibulus desired Cyrus to pardon him for leaving him before he heard any news of the Princess and he assured him that if he saw any more enemies to fight with he should never be able to do it Cyrus did thank him with all expressions of civility and desired he would excuse him for not going himself in person to put him in possession of his Dominions and to perswade Alcionida to obey the Commands of the Prince Tisander However since he thought the Grecians would be very willing to assist a Grecian Thimocrates Philocles and Leontidas were chosen for it and intreated by Cyrus to serve him in the Person of Thrasibulus They were too gallant to refuse any occasion of war yet could they not find hearts to part from Cyrus without abundance of sorrow Thimocrates told Cyrus at parting that he saw his Destinies did not change but that absence still must be the greatest torment of his life since certainly he could not part from him but with extream regret Philocles did most obligingly complain that he was no more beloved of Cyrus then his Mistress since if he had he would have kept him with him And Leontidas suting his complement to his humour as his friends did to their fortunes told him that he did not look upon all those who were to enjoy the happiness of the Princess with less jealousie then he did upon the Lovers of Alcidamia After these first Complements of Gallantry they expressed effectual testimonies of their zeal to serve Cyrus in the person of Thrasibulus who had gotten so much love amongst all the Kings and Princes in the Army that there was not one who did not with much sorrow bid him adieu He went also to take his leave of the King and Queen of Armenia of the Princesses his daughters of the Princess Onâ—sila of the Princess Araminta of the Princes Tigranes and Phraartes After all which he departed with his Forces which Harpagus commanded under him which were joyned unto the Cicilian Troops which Leontidas commanded after the death of the Prince Artibies with an addition of the Cyprian forces also whose Body was sent unto the Prince his Brother with all honours fit to be rendred unto one of his quality with a desire that Cyrus might be as good as his word and that his body might be carried to Thebes and laid in the Tomb wiâ—h his dear Leonâ—ina Cyrus sent a Letter by his men
a visit and to assure me of the life and health of the King my Lord and Husband I would not have you think your self Madam said he unto her at all obliged for so poor and inconsiderable a service but I beseech you take the pains to read this Letter shewing her Mandana's Letter to him and by it you may see there are no services which I do not intend to do you for since the Princess Mandana hath written unto me I am not Master of my own will but subject wholly unto hers I wish Sir replied Panthea that I could handsomly divide my gratitude between you both for you both have highly obliged me After this Cyrus enquired concerning the health and welfare of his dear Princess and after he had desired her pardon for taking so much liberty to himself he conjured her to tell him how the King of Pontus used her Sir replied Panthea for the satisfaction of your mind let me tell you that the King of Pontus is so absolute a Slave unto the Princess Mandana that it is a very wonder he can retain her as he doth for excepting her liberty there is nothing which she may not absolutely command so that I can assure you he gives her no cause of any complaint but only that he will not part with her for my part I have used my best arguments to move him unto it But his answers always were that he could not and though he never received other satisfaction then to prevent all Rivals from enjoying her he would wander about the world until he found a safe place of Retreat and some potent Protector who was able to defend him Oh Madam cryed Cyrus out Certainly the Gods will never protect the Ravisher of so divine and innocent a Princess The truth is replied Panthea we are but deservedly punished for affording him any protection Cyrus then seemed more civil unto her then before and told her that if he did not depend upon the power of Ciaxares he would immediately let her have her liberty But since the Princess Mandana is concerned and since the King her Husband had entered into league with her Ravisher he must needs acquaint Ciaxeres with it before he released her yet in the mean time he assured her she should find all due observances rendred unto her Panthea returned most civil thanks and both parted well satisfied one with another And indeed it is no wonder that two so highly accomplished should much esteem of one another for as Cyrus was in all things transcendent so Panthea was a most admirable Princess her beauty was infinitely taking It did much surprize the eyes and inspire love she was of so sweet a Majesty and so charming a modesty that whosoever saw her must needs interest themselves in her misfortunes In the mean while Cyrus commanded Araspes to conduct her unto Artaxates leaving him five hundred horses for that purpose After which taking horse with the King of Assyria they made such haste that in three days they came to Ciaxares unto whom Cyrus did render an account of his voyage from thence he went to wait upon the Princess Araminta where Phraartes already was Cyrus did ask the Princess pardon for departing from her without bidding her adieu assuring her that for her sake he designed nothing but to deliver the Princess and not to ruine the King her Brother and she told him her fears of receiving some sad consequents of his enterprize As Cyrus was with this Princess news was brought him that a Post came from Ecbatan which moved Ciaxares to go thither There came also another the same day from Ariobantes who sent him word how he received intelligence that Craessus sent to consult with several Oracles and imployed in one and the same day men of much ingenuity and honesty to go unto Delphos to Dodona to the Temple of Amphiaurus to Antredes Triphonâ—us to Brachides which is upon the Frontiers of the Milesians And into Africa to the Temple of Jupiter Ammon to the end he might either be confirmed or disswaded from his intended designe Mean while he raised a puissant Army and solicited his Allies to arm with him This being the state of things it was resolved that in consideration Ciaxares had noâ— his health very well he should return unto Ecbatan and pacifie all troubles there and that Cyrus with all his Army should march towards Lidia as well to procure the liberty of Mandana who was carried unto Ephesus which Craessus had conquered as also to oppose the designes of that Prince Thus both ambition and love being the legs of Cyrus he went with as much zeal as those two violent passions could inspire into a most Heroick and amorous soul It was also resolved upon that to keep Abradates within the compass of reason Panthea must be retained and conducted into Cappadocia towards the Frontiers of Lidia for certain intelligence was received that this Prince had entered into league with Craessus which did very strongly confirm what Ortalques had related Since the Princess Araminta had no desires to remain in Armenia because of the Prince Phraartes and since moreover Cyrus had some hopes in her solicitations with the King her Brother he was very glad she resolved to go with the Queen of Panthea who arrived at Artaxates as these resolutions were fixed upon and who was according to the desire of Mandana treated with all possible honours And to that end Araspes received new orders from Cyrus to have an extraordinary care of it This Prince telling him with a smile which in spight of his melancholy did appear in his eyes that he could not more safely trust the fairest Queen in the world with any better then with the most insensible man upon earth The great separation was within two or three days after for from that day Ciaxares prepared to return unto Ecbatan with two thousand men amongst which was Megabises Cyrus also accompanied with the King of Assyria the King of Phrigia the King of Hircania and all the rest of the Princes which were in the Army began to disencamp and march towards Lidia after he had subjected a Kingdom unto Ciaxares The Prince Tigranes out of his affection to Cyrus and ingratitude for his so generous leaving the Crown unto the King his Father would needs follow him in this war Phraarees also prompted both by his generosity and also his love to Araminta would by no means stay behind so that the providence of that Princess was ineffectual However to convey the Queen of Susiana and the Princess of Pontus more conveniently Araspes with five hundred horses did begin his journy the day before the Army which was the reason why the messenger whom Abradates sent found not the Queen his wife at Artaxates who was come thither to demand her but he was answered that a Prince who was allied unto the King of Medes and who protected the Ravisher of the Princess Mandana could not obtain any thing from thence Before
in use among the Ladies of quality in Apamea who had any reputation of wit Mean while the King of Phrigia dyed and the prince Artamas being elder then either the prince Tydens or the prince Adrastus succeeded in the Throne and was in a condition to crown Elsimena his Queen As soon as the Funerals of the King his father were solemnized he published his Marriage and magnificent preparations were made to receive the Princess at Apamea to acknowledg her Queen before all the people and by consequence to declare you his legitimate Heir and only Successor This great Feast was so near that the stately Coach which was prepared for the Princess at her entry was gone unto her and I sent every thing requisite and neglected not so much as a Mantle made of Cloth of God in which you were to be wrapped that day of his Ceremonies but alas Sir the day was pitifully disturbed for two days before her departure since all things were in readiness for her stately entry and the King your father joyed beyond all expressions being gone towards the Princess to testifie his satisfaction unto her I met upon the way men who came to advertise the King that some had surprized the Castle the might before had carryed away the Queen your mother and you and also all which was of value in that place where there was things of great consideration for all the Jewels of the Crown were there Artamas having sent them unto his dear Elsimena since he was King I leave you to judg Sir how I was amazed Since I was not far from the Castle I went unto it and I understood by the Mother of Elsimena who dyed for grief within a few days after that men in Arms who were unknown had surprized it and had carried the Princess and you with all the rich Booty into a Ship but none knew which way these Ravishers went because it was night having plundered the Castle so clean that they left almost nothing in it However this sad news must be carried unto the King who received it so sadly that I thought he would have lost both his Life and Reason he caused a most strict search to be made every where to see if it could be discovered who were the Actors but all in vain He sent several Ships at random to seek about He much suspected the Prince Tydeus both as his Rival and as an ambitious man who had in one day taken from him his Successor and the person whom he loved as well as he did but having no proofs against this Prince who never had stirred from Court nor so much as any pregnant conjectures he could not accuse him Tydeus seemed to be much troubled at the loâ—s and the King your father was forced to endure a misery without having so much consolation as to know whom he should be revenged upon nor of whom to complain After this he still made a diligent enquiry and continually grieved for his dear Elsimena never giving ear unto any that motioned him to a second Wife and having no other comfort but in the picture of his dearest Elsimena However he could never have any confidence in the prince Tydeusâ—nce â—nce that time who often left the Court made many journeys and at the last went to dwell in the Lower Phrigia I shall not tell you Sir how the prince Adrastus going to visit him had the misfortune as he was shooting in his Park to kill him with an arrow without any design of it for I know you are not ignorant of it and thus the Justice of Heaven which sees that crime no man could see did punish him in such an extraordinary way But give me leave to tell you that some of my enemies with much injustice falling upon me in the Kings presence and procuring his displeasure I was forced to absent my self for some time and I had not come into this Court but only to endeavor the liberty of a Nephew whom you took prisoner in the last Battel and not with intentions to bear arms against the King my Master Mean while Sir I no sooner saw you with the King of Lidia but I found some features in your face which did so freshly revive the image of your Mother in my mind that me thought I knew you yet the longness of the time since and the little appearance of any truth in my thoughts caused me not make no further reflection upon it for I had heard you were one whom Fortune had raised but I never did particularly know you nor who you were But Sir as I was with the Princess I chanced to see that Picture which I caused to be made and which that dumb woman gave unto Timocreaon this did so extreamly amaze me that I knew not well what the Princess thought of my odd conversation my mind being at such distraction at it At my coming out from her as if this day were a day of Prodigies I met an old man who knew me and who at the first I knew not he desired to speak with me in private concerning some matters of consequence after a serious look upon him I remembered that I had seen him about the prince Tydeus so that wondering to see him at Sardis I gave him hearing Then Sir he told me that since he had already one foot in his grave and ready to render an account unto the Gods of all his crimes he would endeavor to merit a pardon by an ingenious confession which he would make unto me After this he discovered that the late prince Tydeus his Master was the man who caused the Princess Elâ—mena and you to be carried away out of some humors of jealousie rage ambition and revenge finding some sweetness in depriving his Rival of the only person he loved and much more in taking away from him a Successor by that means to assure himself of a Crown or at least render himself more considerable in the Kingdom since he should be looked upon as one who hereafter should be King for he believed the King his Brother could never forget Elsimena nor would ever marry again This man told me then that he was the chief in the Enterprize That the Prince Tydeus appointed him to go and dwell in one of the Isles of Cyclades which was least peopled and to keep Elsimena from speaking unto any whosoever intending to put neither her nor you to death because he thought that if his crime should be discovered he had a most certain way to save his life being Master of yours and of the Queen your Mothers This man whose name is Acrates told me then that obeying his Master he carried away the Princess Elsimena and you and that he took with him all the riches in the Castle But lest he should be discovered he took but one woman of the Queens to wait upon her and placed none about her but a dumb Slave which he had who was not able to reveal his secrets He confessed that when
my part said Panthea I have stood in need of his help for without it I should have sustained a lamentable loss and then she related the adventure of the Princess of Palmis her Picture Since the place where they were was very pleasant they stayed there almost an hour but afterwards Cleander told them it was time to go and refresh themselves at a Castle on the furthest end of the Park close by the Lake of Gyges over against the Tomb of Alliattes and so the Princes and Princesses all together went to this Castle where a magnificent Banquet and admirable Musique waited for them In going thither Mexaris rid close by Panthea but he had not the freedom of discourse with her because the Prince Abradates did also ride close by her In the mean time the poor Perinthus followed after all fretted to the heart to see how the beauty of Panthea made every one Adorers that looked upon her Yet as he since told me he had this poor comfort in his thoughts that persons of her Quality are seldome married unto such Princes as loves them or as they love and therefore his hope was that if ever any enjoyed her it would be some Prince who married her perhaps more out of some reason of State then any affection But whil'st he was thus entertaining his own thoughts Doralisa and I observed how Abradates did continually eye Panthea with extraordinary attention not only in the way to the Castle but during all the time of the Banquet and Musique one would have thought that she only of all the company was fair not that he was at all uncivil or neglected any respects due unto the Princess of Lydia But for all that it was an easie matter to discover by his looks that the Princess of Clasomena's beauty did penetrate deeper into his heart then any oothers Mexaris perceived it as well as we and Perinthus much more and I am perswaded that Panthea her self from this very first day did begin to understand the prodigious effects that her Beauty did produce in the heart of Abradates For be pleased to know Madam that as he hath told me since he was so desperately in Love this very first sight that his passion would not admit of any augmentation ever since In the mean time after all the Ladies had most pleasantly passed away this day they returned to Sardis in their Chariots every Prince did ride next them who did most attract their inclinations to wit Artesilas and Cleander close by the Chariot of the Princess Palmis the Prince Atis next that of Anaxila Mexaris Abradates and Perinthus next the Princess of Clasomena When we were come unto Sardis all the Princes did lead their Ladies unto the Chamber of the Princess Palmis after which the Prince Atis carried Abradates unto the Chamber of Croessus and presented him unto him who received him with many testimonies of affection and joy For since he alwayes loved the Queen of Susiana his Sister very well from whom he had received a Letter which did intimate the voyage of this Prince he was much ravished to see him in his Court and to find him of so fine behaviour and spirit The Princess his Mother was so careful in instructing him in the Lydian language that he spoke it so exactly and without any accent of a stranger that every one admired him We understood within a few daies after that Abradates was to stay a long time in this Court because he stood not upon good terms with the King his Father for driving on the Interests of the Queen his Mother with too much zeal against an Elder Brother of his who though he had not so much virtue as he yet was to succeed in the Kingdom So that the King of Susiana having with much injustice threatned to imprison him the Queen his Mother desired protection from the King of Lydia her Brother for this her Darling Son who had not lost his Fathers favour but only for the love of her The cause of Abradates his exile being well accepted of by Croessus he bad him exceedingly welcome and after his example so did all the Court and truly it was but a just due unto his merit for certainly a more accomplished Prince was never seen then the Prince Abradates Also when Panthea was returned home from the Hunting to her own lodging she continually spoke of him all that night which was not at all pleasant unto Perinthus who was present when she related all the pleasant adventure unto the Prince her Father The next morning Abradates performed a ceremonious visit unto the Princess Palmis where the Princess of Clasomena and all the Court were present and the same day towards night he went unto Panthea as soon as he heard she was returned from the Kings Palace Some daies passed before any discovered the affection of Abradates unless it were Mexaris Perinthus Doralisa and my self But afterwards it was as apparent as the Sun for his discourse was all upon her beauty and wit and he never neglected the least occasion of seeing her Since the Love of Mexaris was not yet divulged Abradates gave no check unto his growing passion and was ignorant how that Prince had any interest in the Princess Panthea so that clearly submitting himself unto the charms of this admirable beauty he made no secret of his passion In the mean while Mexaris whose Love had took as deep root in his heart as any thing that was not gold could in the heart of a covetous man began to publish it but truly it was after a manner much different from his Rivals so that it might rightly be said that never were two Princes more unlike in all things then these two For Madam as the state of Abradates his fortunes then stood it was very like that he would be compelled to live all his life an exile without any other estate or fortune then his own virtue nor any subsistence but either what the Queen his Mother did secretly convey unto him or what Croessus would please to give him As for Mexaris the case was otherwise with him for he was not inferiour in riches unto the King his Brother And as there was a great disparity in their fortunes so there was a greater in their dispositions for Avarice was the rule of all Mexaris his actions and Liberality was the predominate virtue of Abradaâ—es Indeed I think this Prince was as liberal as valiant and as valiant as man could be Mexaris on the contrary was hide-bound in all things if he built any thing he would alwayes have some sparing trick or other which wasted and spoiled all the rest of the expences which he had been at If at any time he gave any thing it would be alwayes too late and little and commonly with a melancholy grudging complement His attendance was big enough but shabbed and ill accoutred His Table was little and naught for so great a Prince as he was and disguizing his covetousness
as Perinthus did sorrows yet had he this bitter ingredient amongst his sweets that Croessus was no better disposed then usual to consent unto his Marriage with Panthea so that he had some Cloudy daies as well as many Sun-shine After he had lived thus some certain time he understood that Croessus having conferred with the Prince of Clasomena at last gave him leave to return and to carry the Princess his Daughter with him to the end that absence might extinguish the passion in Abradates his soul Perinthus you may imagine did not oppose this design but on the contrary did so zealously prompt the Prince his Master unto it and also set Andramites upon Croessus to hasten it that the voyage was talked on as a thing certainly resolved upon So that when Abradates thought himself neerest his happiness he feared to be furthest off it The Princess was extreamly troubled at this resolution insomuch as she desired Doralisa to be extreamly urgent with Andramites to prevent this journey For my particular without either telling the Princess or Doralisa I spoke unto Perinthus and told him that I found no disposition in him to satisfie my desires Then he told me at first how knowing that both Croessus and the Prince of Clasomena for some reasons of State would never suffer Panthea to marry Abradates and therefore he thought it serviceable to the Princess to negotiate that she might be further off him lest any longer conversation with this Prince should too much ingage her heart Moreover the Prince his Master desired not to let slip this favourable opportunity to return into his own Dominions and get out of that place where he had not liberty to retire himself without this reason In short he told me so many things and so handsomely that any other besides my self would have believed that Love had no part in all his actions But in the conclusion he ingenuously confessed that to separate Abradates and Panthea was his main design which prompted him unto all he did but he told me all this in such violent raptures of Love that as angry as I was against him I could not quarrel with him as I thought I should In the mean time Doralisa having solicited Andramites and imployed all the power she had over him to cause this voyage to be broken off telling him it was meerly in consideration of her own interest because she was to lose the Princess Andramites told her he could not do her the service he desired for the voyage was so absolutely resolved upon that it was impossible to prevent it Now you may imagine Abradates all sorrows and Panthea was not without her share for she perceived that the designs of those that transacted her separation from Abradates was that they should never Marry and therefore not to see each other yet since she had a high and constant soul she did so hide her own sorrows that thereby she augmented the sorrows of Abradates he conceived that his Love deserved at least a melancholy look from her if perhaps not tears from her eyes He sighed and sorrowed so excessively at her insensibility that the Princess to pacifie him was pleased to meet him at Doralisa's house lest he should run into some violent resolution for since the Princess had but two daies to stay in Sardis time was very precious with them he came then to Dornlisa's house and saw her so sad all that day as he had good reason to be satisfied at the tenderness of her affection and more then himself had at the crossness of his fortune This Meeting was extreamly sad and the parting was insupportable not only because they were to be absent but because their absence had no limits and since the Princess would never be enduced to do any thing contrary to her duty she told Abradates who did extreamly importune her that she would not suffer him to come and see her in a disguise At last Madam after all was said that could be between two persons who were resolved to love for ever and who feared never to meet again they parted For though Abradates was to make a ceremonious Visit unto the Princess to bid her adieu he valued that but as an empty superstition since he knew he could not then talk in private with her so that when she left him at Doralisa's house he looked upon her like a Statue and as if he would have sunk with sorrow As soon as she was gone some of the servants of Abradates came to tell him that Croessus sent all about to enquire for him but since the mind of Abradates was much incensed against that Prince he bade them tell those that looked for him that they could not find him and so he stayed above two hours with Doralisa talking of the Princess and the miserable condition he was in after which he went to Croessus who carrying him into his Closet with extraordinary civility told him that his fortunes now looked with another face and that he should receive a Letter from the Queen of Susiana which would tell him that the Prince his Brother and the King his Father were both dead and that he was to be King This News did extreamly surprize Abradates and moved him unto much sorrow for though these two dead Princes had in their lives been both extreamly unjust and rigorous in exiling him yet natural affection did produce such effects in him as useth to be in generous persons so that he received the news of his being King of Susiana with a mixture of some sorrows but yet such sorrows as were not above his Reason Croessus told him that the man who brought this news had a Letter for him from the Queen his Mother who sent this message in particular that she conceived it expedient for him to stay yet in Sardis until four Grandees of his Kingdom who would set forth within three days were come to desire him in the Name of all his People That he would please to come and take upon him that Scepter which the King his Father had left him who the last hour of his life did express his Repentance for exiling him and did declare him his legitimate Successor since he lived three days after his eldest Son who only caused that bad understanding between them After Abradates knew all these things he retired to his Lodging with a mind full of various apprehensions so that at first he could not himself well tell what he thought Since it was now very late very few did know this news that night but the next morning there was not one which did not know that Abradates was King of Susiana and rejoyced at it Perinthus himself was glad because he flattered himself with an imagination that Abradates would be forced to depart that very day and that perhaps ambition and absence might root out of his heart all thoughts of Love unto the Princess so that I do verily think she apprehended fewer joys at the good fortune of Abradates
replyed Cyrus After which sending Aglatidas unto the King of Phrigia to give him an account of the success in his Voyage he spent the rest of the day which he had designed for his own rest upon contemplation of the present state of his fortunes and to contrive ways how to release his Princess Doubtless it was a great consolation unto him to hear that the King of Pontus was in the Army and that the King of Assyria could not send unto Mandana Nor am I altogether unfortunate said he since my Princess is in a place where she may think upon me with freedom But how do I know said he whether or no she thinks well of me Have I not more reason to fear that she thinks upon me as the cause of all her misfortunes and remembers me with horror in lieu of tenderness Perhaps the same Gods which promised the King of Assyria that he should see an end of all his misery and that he should have the glory to hear Mandana sigh for him did make him a Prisoner purposely to hasten his happiness and it may be she pities him whilest she accuseth me and at this very hour as I am speaking of her he has a greater share in her thoughts and affection then I have But most unjust man that I am said he and reprehended himself why do I accuse the most perfect person upon Earth of any inconstancy She I say who hath given me a hundred most obliging testimonies of her unalterable constancy She hath seen the King of Assyria who was Possessor of a great Empire and could command an Army of two hundred thousand Men lie prostrate at her feet and never be moved at his tears Why then should I now ever think that since he is deprived of his Kingdom and in fetters and never speaks to her he can alter his mind yet notwithstanding pity hath much power in it she can mollifie the most obdurate hearts and soften the most fierce Souls especially such as suffer for her also she delivered me and retained the King of Assyria Then afterwards when he began to consider how the Gods had promised Victory unto Cressus and yet since he entered into Lidia he had nothing but good success against this Lidian King he knew not what to think Sometimes he feared the Gods did raise him only to throw him down again and in a moment after he thought that perhaps they did never intend it So that when one glimpse of any hope did but shine upon his heart then all his thoughts were of fighting and vanquishing his Rivals After he had relished the sweetness of this last thought he fell asleep and slept on with more tranquility then usually he was wont but his sleep was not long since he awaked by break of day He was no sooner up but the King of Phrigia came to thank him and express his joy that the Prince his Son was not exposed unto the fury of Cressus Afterwards this Prince understanding from Aglatidas how infinitely Abradates loved the Queen his Wife did advise Cyrus to carry her unto the Army telling him that such an occasion might present it self that her presence and the presence of the Princess Araminta might happily much advantage him At the first Cyrus did not much harken unto the counsel of the King of Phrigia thinking that he was to employ nothing but his courage in the Releasment of Mandana and remembering what small effects the last meeting of the Princess Araminta with the King of Pontus produced he could not fancy any advantage by them Yet since the King of Phrigia Chrisantes Aglatidas and Ligdamis were not of his opinion he yeilded unto them Then the very same hour he sent Aglatidas unto the two Princesses with the Letters which he brought for them and to beseech them they would be pleased to come unto one of those Towns which he had taken and which was close by the place where he was encamped But for more civilities sake he writ unto them both and the more to oblige Ligdamis he desired him to go with Aglatidas and conduct the Princesses with whom was his dear Cleonice giving orders unto Aglatidas for Araspâ—s that he should take his Troops unto Nisomolis In the mean while Cyrus whose constant custom was to conquer all opposers resolved to enforce the Enemy and to drive them from that quarter which they possessed before all their Army came up so that this being his full resolution he intended to assault them in so many places at once that they being forced to divide their Forces he might more easily vanquish them yet this could not be executed in the morning because he thought it most expedient to fall on in the night thereby to spare his Troops and to avoyd the arrows which they who guarded the Trenches might with more judgment aym if it were not in the dark On the other side the King of Pontus desiring to put nothing to the hazard would not fight until the whole Army of Cressus was arrived and desired that the Battel might be fought neerer Sardis to the end that if Cressus was beaten he might more readily retire into the Town to defend his Princess so that he resolved to disencamp the night following and in order to that the day was no sooner done but causing many fires to be made as usually was wont he marched away with all his Troops towards the plain of Sardis Cyrus was much surprized when going to assault his Enemy he found none there he made ready a great body of Horse to follow them and himself being in the head of them he pursued a long while yet the Enemy made such haste that he could not overtake them so that conceiving it not safe to engage himself too far he returned back and possessed himself of the same quarter which the Lidians quitted Yet was he extreamly sorry to understand by the sick and wounded Enemies which the Enemy left behind in their Camp that the King of Pontus was gone to quarter on the other side of the River Halis which runs along the Plain of Sardis over against Pactolus which bounders the other side And judging by this that the Enemy intended to protract the War he fell into such sad despair as is unconceiveable so that without imparting his design unto any but him he sent he dispatched Artabases unto the King of Pontus to tell him that since it was not just the Princess Mandana should continue so long a Captive he conjured him to obtain permission from Cressus for a Duel between them two and so to end all differences betwixt them concerning the Princess Mandana offering that if he were Conqueror to restore the Queen of Susiana and the Princess Araminta upon condition he would restore the Princess Mandana unto Ciaxares if the Fate of Arms went on his side adding further that if Cressus would prolong the War he might the better satisfie his desire In the mean time since Cressus and Abradates did
Andramites but yet I have some reasons which induce me to think that he will not make use of his Soveraign Authority in this business but will rather break off the Truce I consent unto it said the King of Phrygia most generously and had rather the Treaty were broke then a Prince unto whom I am so much obliged should not receive this poor satisfaction No no replied Cyrus I cannot believe the King of Lydia is so weak a mannager of his Interests but that he must think it more dangerous for him to disoblige Abradateâ— then the King of Pontus since the one hath a Kingdom and Forces on Foot and the other hath neither therefore Andramites I pray tell the King your Master what I say and let me know his resolution In the mean time Andramites added Cyrus being very glad to perceive some sparks of his affection to kindle towards Doralisa which might make him more zealous with Croessus it shall be your own fault if you carry no commendations from the illustrious Abradates unto his Wife the Queen of Susiana for if you please you shall be conducted unto her Andramites hearing this acceptable offer could not refuse it so that he was conducted thither by Ligdamis being ravished with joy that he should see Doralisa who was with this Princess and for whose freedom he did equally solicite Andramites was welcomed by this Queen with much civility and satisfaction for since she was ignorant how Croessus did only seek for a pretence to break off the Treaty she made no doubt but ere long to see her dear Abradates Doralisa for her part was not uncivil towards Andramites yet he found to be as much as formerly she used to be very fair infinitely lovely and a little too subtil and indeed in lieu of thanking him for the pains he took for the liberty of the Princess which included hers she told him with a smile that she could not set any great value upon this Proposition which he brought since if it take effect we shall but go out of one Prison into another For to tell you truly said she whil'st Panthea was writing unto Abradates I think we are more safe in the Camp of Cyrus then if we were at Sardis since in all probability Cyrus will ere long take it for he having both Justice and Fortune on his side he will infallibly be victorious over all his Enemies But what then will become of the Oracle which Croessus received from Delphos replied he if what you say should come to pass Truly Andramites said she unto him it is much rashness to think that men should so well understand the language of the Gods since sometimes men cannot so much as understand the language of men I do confess it said he unto her that sometimes you would not understand the language of men but to tell you truly I think the reason was because you had not a will to understand it nor do I know very well whether you will understand me now if I should in plain language tell you that I never did nor shall love any comparably as I do you I understand you Andramites replied she much less then heretofore for since I hear of late no language but Persian Hircanian Assyrian Arminian and Medean Tongues I have forgot the Lydian language and therefore before you speak unto me of any thing which concerns your self I must learn that Tongue or at least be a year or two in Lydia As Andramites was ready to reply and beseech Doralisa to speak a little more seriously Panthea having writ her Letter came to give it unto him so that it being time to return he could receive no other satisfaction from Doralisa but that she was as fair as ever yet did his flames of Love burn hotter then ever and he returned unto Sardis with resolutions to use his utmost endeavours to move the King of Lydia that Cyrus might see Mandana And in order to that he went unto the Camp before he went unto Sardis and advised the Prince of Clasomena and Abradates not to stir though Croessus should send for them till the Treaty was accomplished and to transact with the Prince Myrsiles whom he knew was a well-vvisher to this Treaty yet did he not think this Prince had any other end in it then the satisfaction of Abradates and the releasement of Artamas whom I alwayes vvished might marry his Sister the Princess These tvvo Princes then taking his counsel let him go unto Sardis alone vvhether he vvas no sooner come but he gave Croessus an account of his voyage But as soon as he had ended his relation Croessus told him that Cyrus demanded a thing vvhich vvas not vvithin the compass of his vvill to grant for he had resolved never to contradict the King of Pontus in that business Then it is impossible to conclude this Treaty replied Andramites for Cyrus is so fully resolved to obtain his demand that the King of Phrygia himself to satisfie his desires would perswade him to insist upon it though Cyrus should otherwise be contented Though Treaty should break off replied Croessus it should not trouble me at all Yet believe it Sir replied Andramites it is something dangerous to incense the King of Susiana and the Prince of Clasomena Croessus apprehending this reply of Andramites whom he knew to be their friend for a kind of threatning was much offended at him and without any direct answer only told him that he would ere long let Cyrus know his mind Andramites also being angry at this the King of Pontus came in and did so importunately press not to consent his Rival should ever see Mandana that he confirmed him in his resolution to make his colour for rendring the negotiation of Andramites ineffectual yet the King of Pontus was very anger that he thus disobliged Abradates unto whom he was so much ingaged but this tyrannical passion did so disturb his reason and usurped power over his soul that he could not do any otherwise nor was he Master of his own mind In the mean while Abradates and the Prince of Clasomena hearing of Croessus his denial and the King of Pontus his opposition spoke high and like Princes that could not brook such usage Andramites and the Prince Myrsiles did also cajole with the people in Sardis and gave out that Croessus refusing this desire of Cyrus would infinitely incense him against them if he should become victorious and therefore it were but just to seek for their own security So that both in Town and Camp things grew into great disorder for as it is the easiest matter of a thousand to make the herd of people do any thing so upon this ground divers that were very intimate friends unto Prince Artamas whose virtues had purchased him thousands of secret servants who would venture life and all for him began to speak very high that Croessus never cared for the safety of his people but would let all run to ruine so he could
and Belesis as sad as he was had a greater share in that satisfaction which he ought to have in hearing Mandana was alike then he himself had such a customary habit of sorrows had seized upon his soul yet finding some satisfaction in relating sad stories he told me what his thoughts were when he stole away from Tyburtus how having a design to seek out some place vvhere he might pass unknovvn he resolved to imbarque for Sicily and so to pass into Arabia the Desart and there end his daies Yet having consulted vvith an Oracle the Gods did by their ansvver forbid him that course and directed him to dvvell in the black Mountain in Sicily vvhere he should find some consolation Thither I vvent then said he unto me and at first believed that the consolation vvhich the heavens had promised me vvas death For passing a day and a half in these Mountains vvithout seeing any body I made no question then but death vvould soon be my lot But at last the Gods being my Guide as vvell as Commander I met Belesis vvalking in the Wood and spoke unto him presently vve grevv acquainted and the same day did begin so great a league of friendship that vve promised never to part from each other Yet I am very ready to disingage you from your vvord said Belesis and interrupted him for since the Princess Mandana lives it is not just you should be tyed unto he fortunes of a miserable man vvho is out of all hopes to better himself yet I shall have this advantage that the end of your miseries will shorten mine since certainly I shall dye as soon as I am deprived of the sweetness which I find in your company Alas alas Belesis said the Prince Mazares you are not acquainted with the malignity of my fate if you imagine I can ever be happy I must confess it is an extraordinary comfort unto me to hear that Mandana is alive and that though I was her Ravisher yet I was not her Executioner But for all that since I cannot leave loving her and knowing it to be impossible I should ever get my self so high in her esteem as I was before it may be said that I do nothing but change misery for misery and which way soever I look upon the matter I find my self the most unfortunate Prince upon Earth for since I was the cause that this Princess fell into the power of the Pontean King that she hath been hurried from Kingdom to Kingdom and that all Asia is in War about it I am most confident she hates my memory every minute in the day and thinks the Gods most just in drowning me as a punishment of my crime And I may assure my self that as soon as she hears I am not dead she will be as sorry for it as I am glad to hear she is living Moreover I am so unfortunate as to have such Rivals as in any reason I cannot hate them but such as I ought rather to lament The King of Assyria is cruelly betrayed by me and I carryed away from him her whom he infinitely loved for whose sake he hath lost the greatest Kingdom in all Asia As for the King of Pontus how can I complain against him Since I ruined Mandana and he saved her must I not rather accuse my self then him Can I in any justice quarrel with a Prince who rescued my Princess from her grave which I layd open for her What can I alledg against the illustrious Cyrus What Crime can I tax him with or to say better How may he accuse me for I made use of his Name to deceive the adored Mandana under that illustrious Title I seduced her and have eternally lost that esteem and friendship which I might have for ever enjoyed Do you remember Orsanus said he to me the time when this illustrious Princess was at Babylon how she called me her Protector alas how undeserving was I of that glorious Title I have just cause to beleeve that of all her Lovers and Adorers she hates me the most The King of Assyria as violent as he is by Nature has not so much affronted her as I have done The King of Pontus in keeping that only which fortune gave him is not so culpable as I am for I miserable I am not only an unjust rash and insolent Lover of this Princess but also a perfideous Friend and wicked Cheater whose memory she may justly hate Why should I trouble my self about her Liberty said he for if the illustrious Cyrus do not recover it for her none else can The Prince Mazares was so vehement in such expressions as these that I thought it not convenient to contradict him lest I should more confirm him in his resentments by too much opposition But granting him some things and disputing others our Conversation lasted till faithful Arcas brought in Supper which was more neat then magnificent as you may well imagine After which my dear Master asked me how I came to see Mandana whether Martesia and Araminta were with her and as in my answers I phrased Abradates King of Susiana Belesis interrupted me asking how it was possible Abradates should be King since when he entered into his solitude the King his Father and the Prince his elder Brother were alive and he himself was an Exile at Sardis The Reason is replyed I unto him because those two Princes are both dead and consequently Abradates is King by succession The Gods are worthy to be praised for it replyed Belesis for Abradates is much more worthy to wear a Crown then the Prince his Brother who has been my greatest Persecutor Pray Orsanus said Panthea and interrupted him is this Belesis of whom you speak the same I have so often heard spoken of at Susa when I came there and one who of all men living is one of the most accomplished Gallants whom Love hath punished with all his tortures I know not whether he be the same you mean replyed Orsanus but I know that Belesis is of Mantiana and hath dwelt at Susa a long time That Love hath been the misfortune of his life and that the Prince of Susa elder Brother of Abradates hath made him complain much of his violence towards him There is no question said Panthea but he is the same I mean so that I can assure you the Prince Mazares is in company of one of the best loved men in all Asia as those who have known him tell me even by her whom he most loved though since she most hates him But Sir said she to Cyrus I pray pardon me for interrupting him in his Relation and therefore I beseech you let him continue it Cyrus then returned a Complement unto Panthea and commanded Orsanus to proceed and accordingly he went thus on with his Story You see Sir how the first day of my being in the Wilderness was spent Trusty Arcas giving me his bed and making another for himself as well as he could It was so
not need to tell you Sir what his thoughts were upon that occasion for you may easily imagine them but give me leave to tell you that after by the prudence of Abradates this dangerous conference was ended and that every one took the way unto his own Quarter the King of Pontus knew no more how to behave himself towards Mazares â—â—en Mazares knew what to say unto him After they had marched forty or fifty pâ—ces without a word passing amongst them Abradates came to my Master with much civility Generous Prince said he unto him I am sorry that I must render you more respect then hitherto I have for since it was your pleasure to be unknown I suppose you had rather have still been Telephanes then the Prince Mazares since you have made that name so famous that you cannot leave it off unless you wrong your self Sir replyed he I have been ever so unfortunate under the name of Mazares that it is no wonder I should desire to leave it off for a time but for ought I see the name of Telephanes is not more prosperous unto me All this while the King of Pontus spoke not a word but calling to memory how Mazares lived at Sardis and how he refused to go vvith him unto Mandana though he importuned him and considered that he had insinuated himself into the friendship of the Governour in the Cittadel and vvith all the men of Quality in Court he thought that he would at last put all these into some design but not being able to comprehend the mystery yet being very desirous of further satisfaction vvithout any further delay he went to the King of Susiana and the Prince Mazares and looking upon my Master I beâ—eech you Sir said he unto him though you be my Rival yet deny me not one favour vvhich I shall ask you as if you were Telephanes my friend and my extreamly loved friend Although I am your Rival Sir replyed the Prince Saces and by consequence Telephanes could never be very much your friend no more then Mazares could yet let me tell you that there are very few things which you are not able to obtain of me For truly since you saved the life of the Princess Mandana whom I most unfortunately caused to perish your prayers must needs be very prevalent with me and indeed so they shall be for ever If so replyed the King of Pontus tell me what opinion I ought to have of you for I profess unto you I do not know when I call to mind all I have seen you do I know not where I am and I yet doubt whether you be Telephanes or the Prince Mazares Certainly I am the last of these replyed he If you be said the King of Pontus Why do you ingage your self on the side of Croessus Why did you conceal your name And what motives had you to act as you have done Is it for your self or for me that you have fought It was neither for you nor for my self replyed my Master with as much subtilty as vvit to disguize the reality of his thoughts but it was against Cyrus Yet it does not seem to me replyed the King of Pontus that you spoke unto him vvith any such Symptoms of hatred as should induce you to fight in favour of one Rival to ruine another But tell me ingenuously I beseech you What ought I to think of your Actions and how must I consider you As a man replyed Mazares and sighed that does not pretend unto the least hopes or ayms of ever enjoying Mandana and I would it were the pleasure of the Gods that I could inspire you with the same bitter repentance which I have for carrying her away and causing the greatest parts of all the miseries which have befallen her How 's this Mazares said the King of Pontus do not you pretend any thing to Mandana and yet come disguised unto the place where she is You fight against the forces of the other side you engratiate your self into friendship you seem to be my friend and is all this without any pretention No no it is impossible you can never perswade me to beleeve it It is not an easie matter to imagine said the King of Susiana what the intention of the Prince Mazares should be Yet he hath one replyed the King of Pontus of what nature soever it be That which doth most trouble me added he in speaking to Abradates is that he hath used all his endeavors and arguments to perswade me to render the Princess Mandana unto Cyrus and indeed how is it possible added he and spoke to my Master if you yet love her you should advise me to put her into the power of a Prince adores her and for whom she scorns all those that love her To testifie unto you said Mazares that I have no secret interest at all I shall give you the same counsel now when you know what I am and conjure you with all the faculties of my heart and Soul to give freedom unto the Princess Mandana And I will engage my word that in acknowledgment of your saving her life and giving her liberty I will divide the Kingdom which hereafter I shall possess and give half of it to you if you cannot reconquer your own No no said the King of Pontus you wish not what you say for if you did I must not look upon you as my Rival but as my friend I know not well replyed Mazares whether I am your Friend or my Rival my reason is so rafled but yet I know that I love Mandana more perfectly then you do since I know how to limit my hopes and to seek no further then her satisfaction Did you know how to love so well as I you would be more sensible then you are of the sufferings which the person beloved endures But in the name of the Gods Sir let me perswade you to repent as I do and let not one of your Rivals have that advantage over you Moreover I beseech you do not think that I only say I will not pretend any thing unto the Princess Mandana out of any fear to make you my Enemy as valiant as you are for I care so little for my life that if I considered none but my self I would seek such an occasion to dye the sooner and more gloriously but I do really speak as I think and it is not more true that you do love the Princess Mandana then it is true that I pretend nothing unto her but I wish with all my heart and soul that you would set her at liberty and put her into the hands of Cyrus rather then let her continue miserable still If what you say be true replyed the King of Pontus of all men living you are the most virtuous or else the least amorous and I should much wonder if it should be the last of these and that a corner passion should cause you to carry away the Princess Mandana and forget your duties
and both they and he thought upon nothing but the taking of Sardis yet had they very different thoughts for Cyrus hoped that by the taking of this Towne he should justifie himselfe in the opinion of Mandana and assoone as he had vanquished the King of Assyria to enjoy her but as for this King the taking of Sardis and the vanquishing of Cyrus would not suffice to make him happy for when all this was done he had the obduracy of Mandana to vanquish which in all probabilitie he could never hope for unlesse in the promise of the Oracle as for Mazares he was in a more miserable condition then they both for which way soever squares went he could never finde any favourable hopes he did his best to banish that hope out of his heart by banishing that love which first planted it there so that at the same time when he fought against the Lydians he fought against himselfe and there passed not a day away wherein love and vertue did not contend which should have the dominion of his soule In the meane while Cyrus was extreamly vigilant he went perpetually from quarter to quarter and longed with exceeding impatiency to see things in such a state as they might make an assault upon the Towne though all the Walls were manned with such a multitude of souldiers that the very thought of placing ladders was enough to stagger the stoutest resolution 'T is true that those which in the Towne upon their ramparts seeing this great victorious Army environ it were not terryfied with the spectacle as not doubting their ruine thought upon nothing but how to sell their lives at as deere a rate as they could yet the sight of this apparent danger did not produce the same effect in the hearts of all the inhabitants for the Towne was so divided among themselves that Cressus stood in as great feare of his owne subjects as of his enemies As love is such an heroique pass on as is infinitely above the capacity of the vulgar so the people of Sardis could not believe that Mandana was the reall cause of the Warr but on the contrary they imagined it to be ambition only which exasperated Cyrus against them so that knowing how this Prince had rendred back the Kingdome unto the King of Armenia after he had conquered it and that he contented himselfe only with the honour of it and making him to pay a tribute which was due unto Ciaxares Therefore the rout of the people took up a Fancy to say that Cressus had no better way then to propose unto Cyrus to become his Vassall imagining that this Prince would accept of it so that this fancy passing from minde to minde and from mouth to mouth it raised so great a tumult in the Towne that Cressus to calme it was forced to tell the people that he would make some propositions of peace unto Cyrus but yet must stay a few daies first Whilst Cressus and the King of Pontus were in this condition Cyrus whose great soule thought nothing difficult prepared himselfe for a generall assault 'T is true one side of the Towne towards the Mountaine Tinolus was so inaccessible that there was no possibility of assaulting it on that side and every where else the Walls were so full of men that there was apparent danger in the assault however Cyrus resolved to attempt it he visited all his Engins and Ladders to see if they were long enough he mustered up all his forces he spoke his souldiers faire and after he had given order to assault it in three places at once the one of which was to be commanded by the King of Assyria the other by Mazares and the third by himselfe This Prince was the first that put a Ladder against the VVals of this Famous Towne after the ditch was filled full of Faggots maugre the resistance of his enemies considering the disorder in the Towne there was great hope of good successe unto Cyrus in the attempt Yet the report was no sooner spread about amongst the Inhabitants of Sardis that their Towne was ready to be stormed but despaire did so rouse up their spirits and made them so Valiant that there was hardly a woman that went not to defend it and had not to throw upon the heads of them that climbed the Ladders indeed the resistance of the Lydians animated by the King of Pontus was such that all the valour of Cyrus and them that sought under him could not force them that day Cyrus was repulsed above twenty times from the top of the walls and if fortune had not happly preserved him he had most certainly perished at this bout for the enemies did so stoutly defend themselves that there was no possiblity to get upon their Ramparts nothing but overturned and broken Ladders could be seen there flew from the VValls of Sardis such a prodigious number of Arrowes Darts and Javelines that the Aire was obscured by them those who escaped them missed not a shower of stones which were continually throwne at them they also had a kinde of Sythes which kept the Walls from the assaultants so that all three divisions were forced to come off but Cyrus in his coming off quartered under the counterscarph of the Mote since he would not be upbraided with getting no advantage Anaxaris who fought that day next him and did such wonders that Cyrus confessed he never saw a more valiant man did exceedingly help this Prince to take this Quarter and to keep it the night also coming on did much facilitate the worke and made it in a condition to be kept yet Cyrus was very sorry his first assault succeeded no better but knowing all daies were not alike in Warr he shrunk not no more then the King of Assyria or Mazares who were very gallant that day and he commended his souldiers as indeed he had no reason to complaine for they did as much as any couragious men could doe He was so happy as to lose not one man of any quality in this storme 't is true a great number of souldiers were killed so that assoon as day appeared a truce was made to carry off the dead during which time Cyrus was very circumspect to observe whether there was any other quarter of the Wall which might be attempted with lesse difficulty But whilst he was considering what was advantageous or disadvantageous the Lydians who in reason should have been more couragious after they had repulsed their enemies became more cowed in their spirits for many of them being wounded and killed they were more affrighted then before the women seeing their husbands and children wounded and killed were so full of cries and teares that they melted the hearts and courages of the rest so that supposing their King might now make a more advantageous treaty after he had repulsed Cyrus then before they began to speak of nothing else and that in so high a manner as this unfortunate Prince would willingly have parted with Mandana
surprised that Mandana should over-hear her would have denied her words but Mandana told her absolutely she did speak them and she would know the truth so that at last she told her all These two Princes then retiring themselves For my part said the Princesse Palmis I cannot find any reason why you should fear that this talk of the Guards should be true For is it probable or credible that the greatest Prince in the world should be capable of so much unworthinesse Though he were perfideous and could not preserve his heart yet certainly he would never make conditions of peace by disposing of you but would set you at liberty He may perhaps restore the Kingdom of Pontus unto the Brother of his new Mistris but has nothing to doe in the disposing of the King of Medes Daughter whose Army he commands and therefore I am confident Cyrus is innocent and these reports of the Guards are onely those vain popularities which such kind of people usually vent though there be no appearance of truth in them No no Madam replyed Mandana sadly the news is not all false nor doe I think it all true I doe not think the perfidie of Cyrus so high as to make his conditions of peace with me Yet certainly he loves not me but the Princesse Araminta and I must confesse that I have such probable conjectures of his crime that I doe not doubt it I confesse also I have concealed my suspitions from you because I could not possesse you so soon with an ill opinion of that man whom I had so highly commended unto you But I pray you said the Princesse Palmis what proofs have you of Cyrus his inconstancy who hath testified so many signes of unalterable constancy and done more for you then any did for any Be pleased to know replyed she that a while before the King of Pontus went to fight the Battle which he lost he came into my Chamber with more glimps of joy in his face then usually Madam said he unto me I beseech you pardon me if I acquaint you with a thing which doubtlesse will not please you but since it concernes you no lesse then me I think it my duty to let you know it Sir said I unto him and sighed you have so accustomed me to ill newes since I have been in your power that though you should tell me any thing which will not please yet I shall heare it I think Madam said he unto her that it will displease you to heare that Cyrus whom you preferre before all the Princes in the World and who indeed does merit all his glory hath preferred one before you that is inferior to you in all things I doe not desire Madam you should beleeve me but beleeve your owne eyes After this he gave me a letter telling me it was from the Princess his sister and which indeed was so adding that it was taken from a man who was taken prisoner But Madam said Mandana that you may see what cause I have to suspect and grieve I pray you read this letter from the Princesse Araminta which the King of Pontus left with me I need not tell you how this Princesse was in love with Spitridates sonne to Arsomenes King of Bithynia nor need I tell you how Spitridates does wonderfully resemble Cyrus for persons of your quality and wisdome know all these adventures After this Mandana did give the Princesse Araminta's letter unto the Princesse Palmis and the King of Pontus finding in it matter enough to make Mandana jealous resolved to give it unto her thereby to poison her opinion of Cyrus and the Princess Palmis opening this letter found these words ARAMINTA unto SPITRIDATES SIR I Conceive you have reason of wonder to see one whom you have driven to the necessity of justifying her selfe almost confesse all things that you can accuse her of In the meane time I cannot deny but that I am extreamly obliged unto the illustrious Cyrus who hath had more respect of me then ever conqueror had of a captive and that I have as much of him looking upon him as the greatest Prince in the world and the most glorious conqueror Nor can I deny but he does wonderfully resemble you and that the sight of him does extreamly delight me After all this I wonder you should write unto me that it should be reported I have conquered the conqueror of all Asia and that my heart is his most illustrious conquest for considering all I have done for you this is extream injustice there was no necessity that you should tell me that before you were in prison you heard of his respects unto me and to him for I confesse it lesse need to writ unto me how they report a hundred particular passages 'twixt him and me for you cannot do it without a wrong unto me Return Spitridates return render your selfe worthy of my justification repent of your accusation 'T is true I cannot much grieve since the taking of Sardis will let you know what the designes of Cyrus and my selfe are I doe not say this Prince hath promised to set you at liberty for you will perhaps think he would not doe it but only to recompence you for taking from you one who heretofore was most deere unto you After this I have no more to say but that since it is the voice of the people which accused me I doe expect and wait untill the same doe let you know I never did any thing which I ought not to do nor ever had the least thought which I ought not to think and that I love none but whom I will love unto the death of ARAMINTA Assoon as the Princesse Palmis had read this Letter Mandana began to speak VVell Madam said she unto her is it not reason that since the Prince Spitridates is jealous of the Princesse Araminta I should suspect the fidelity of Cyrus must there not needs be some truth in that which is so generally spoken both in Bithynia and Lydia in Chalcidonia in Sardis Moreover Madam I am most certain this is the hand of Araminta for I have severall times seen hers when the King of Pontus was a hostage in the King my Fathers Court so that I cannot think there is an imposture in it moreover I cannot suspect the King of Pontus of forgerie for I have seen the servant whom Spitridates sent with the Letter and he is the very same servant which I preferred unto Cyrus when he went unto Themiscyra But did this Servant tell you that Cyrus was in love with Araminta replyed the Princesse Palmis He did not directly say so replyed she but he said Cyrus did render as much honour unto Araminta as if she were at Heraclea he visited her very often and held long discourses with her Moreover this messenger from Spitridates tells me one thing which puts me out of doubt that there is a great league of secrecy between Cyrus and Araminta for he tells me
sequell you shall finde that they are essentially necessary I beseech you also Sir give mee leave to relate many things particularly which Fame doubtlesse hath already brought unto your ears yet it is impossible you should perfectly understand the adventures which have dependency upon them since it is not credible your Infancy could be capable of them nor indeed possible in your riper years that the Conquerour of all Asia should have so much leisure from his illustrious Conquest as to enquire of all the passages in Africa Give me leave to tell you then Sir that Sesostris is the sonne of Apriez that Renowned but unfornate King who after a long and happy Reign brought home so many glorious advantages from the Wars with Tyre and Sidon was at last thrown out of his Throne This Apriez boasts of his descent from the Race of the first Sesostris so famous for his Virtues and Victories For Psammethicus his great Grandfather was so 'T is true this Prince from whom Apriez descended was himself sufficiently adorned with glory without any derivatives from his Predecessors since it was he who had the honour to defeat eleven Kings or rather so many Tyrants which during a vacancie upon the Throne divided all the Kingdom into so many illegitimate powers This is Sir the extraction of Sesostris And I know Sir you will wonder when I tell you that Amasis who this day reigns in Egypt hath a Son of Apriez and a Son who commands all the Forces of Amasis Conqueror of the late King his Father But Sir if you will be pleased to lend as much patience as to hear me your wonder will vanish and all that which did seem incredible will easily be beleeved To return then unto the source of Sesostris his misfortunes it is expedient as I said before to acquaint you with the misfortunes of the King his Father and afterwards tell you how Amasis came unto the Throne for these are the hinges of all the History I have already told you Sir how happily Apriez raigned happy in Warrs happy in peace and as happy also in his marriage not only in a Princesse of most admirable beauty and vertue but also in a sonne born the first yeare of her marriage a sonne who from his very cradle seemed to be what you see him at this day and all the interim of his infancy was full of illustrious hopes Thus was Apriez the happiest of all the Kings upon Earth Master of the most abundant of rich Kingdomes in the World never was Aegypt in sweeter tranquillity never did the Floods of Nilus make our fields more fertile and never was the Monarchy more firmly established then it seemed to be at that time Yet Sir this Serenity was quickly overclowded but that you may the better see which way the Gods did bring it about be pleased to know that Amasis who at this day raignes and whose birth was more noble then his enemies report was then in the Court harbouring so much ambition secretly in his heart as seldome did suffer him to be in rest There was in the Court at the same time a Princesse whose name was Ladice who had been married who being a Widdow obtained the Queenes favour and consequently the Kings for it is the custom of Aegypt that all Husbands doe in generall respect their Wives and especially Kings their Queenes grounding this laudable custome upon the excellent example of Osiris who was infinitely uxorious unto Isis and this way Ladice possessing the heart of the Queen was in great credit with the King and as those in favour are alwaies looked upon so Amasis whose spirit was as great as his ambition perceiving the power which Ladice had with the Queen began to apply himselfe unto her more then any other before her favour was much divulged in the world to the end he might perswade this Princesse that this was not the reason why he saw her more then he was accustomed For Amasis being of a penetrating spirit and knowing the humours both of the Queen and Ladice though the favours of this Princesse were at first but small in shew yet he foresaw that undoubtedly they would augment and therefore to set a better price upon his services he began betimes to declare himselfe to be a devoted friend unto Ladice and indeed this Princesse who was extreamly pleased with the spirit of Amasis was not long before she became his friend as much as he hers and more for he loved her because of her favour and she loved him only in respect of his merit and person In the mean time when Amasis saw he was not mistaken in his conjectures but that Ladice did grow more and more in favour the better to cloake his ambition he made the Princesse think he loved her and so handsomly mannaged the matter that she was not angry with him for it I will not tell you Sir which way he discovered his passion to her nor how Ladice accepted it because I intend not a relation of his or her history only this that Ladice being both faire and a favourit all the men of any quality in the Court did apply themselves to serve her so that she neither accepting nor rejecting any of them she was absolute Mistresse of the hearts of all the Grandees of Aegypt and since this Princesse did love the State she made use of their loves as well as her beauty and favour to keep them from any rebellions in the Kingdome and inseparably to unite them unto the Kings interest and the truth is she did negotiate with so much wisdome and generosity that she merited eternall glory for she did dissipate severall factions shattered many confederacies and plots and reduced them all unto the Kings obedience In the meane time Amasis who in the eyes of all the world seemed only the friend of Ladice did really become her lover and a lover loved because she had a beliefe that he was the only man who loved her in consideration of her person and not of her favour not knowing that his soule was filled fuller of secret ambition then it was of love yet did she find some difficulties in the matter for there was then no suitable proportion between Amasis and his rivalls nor between him and her selfe yet notwithstanding since she did most passionately love him and thought her selfe obliged and since he courted her with unequalled respects and had served the King in many occasions with much fidelity since he got much glory in the Warr with Tyre and Sydon and since her inclination prompted her to preferre him before all the World and since her soule was disengaged from all others she could with more ease overcome all other obstacles and resolve to marry him if she could have any infallible assurance that those who then courted her and whom she kept from disturbing the state would not renew all their factions especially at that time when the King was engaged in a warre with the Cyrenians But
Amasis being in great favour and knowing all her thoughts and all the impediments of his happinesse he redoubled his courtship and suit for some further assurances of her affection for since he saw a necessity of his going to the Warres with the King and knew that some of his rivalls would stay behind with the Queen he feared lest in his absence Ladice should change her mind so that seeming desperate he told her absclutely he would not go with the Army that he had rather lose his honour then hazard the loss of her affection and was so resolute in his expressions that indeed she thought he would not go However Sir Ladice loving Amasis very well and having resolved to marry him assoon as this Warre was ended this ambitious lover found it no knotty matter to winne her unto a marriage in secret And indeed Ladices heart being as full of Love as the heart of this secret lover was full of ambition a few daies after the Kings departure they were marryed privatly in a little Church without any other witnesses but the officers of the ceremony except one of her women in whom she trusted By this meanes Amasis was in a quality to enjoy the benefit of Ladices favour which he desired more then the enjoyment of her beauty However Amasis went now to the Army and was husband to the faire Ladice But to put her selfe into a condition of publishing her marriage after the Warre she procured the King by the Queenes mediation to make him one of his Leiutenant Generalls his fidelity and courage being the pretence of her suit though it seemed something extraordinary to the Queen yet the Queen condescended unto it In the meanewhile this Warre wanted a plausible glosse for it was said Apriez did make it only to secure the Grandees of his Dominions lest they should ruffle into a civill Warre however the beginning was prosperous enough Amasis performed very considerable services he won the hearts of the souldiers and was Master of the Army whensoever Apriez encountered with his enemies he bafled them so that though no main battle had been yet fought yet there was enough done to get a reputation unto his Army and strike a terrour into the enemies country This being the state of things Apriez gave Amasis the command of ten Thousand men in his Army with them to assault the enemies upon another side thereby to separate their Forces and then more easily to conquer them but things did not succeed according to his designe for the Cyrenians would not divide themselves so that not separating their Army they did that which Apriez would have done which was they forced him to fight and vanquished him his Army was so absolutely defeated that he was forced to return unto Sais where he left his Queen and where he arrived full of shame and sorrowes for he had not only lost the Battle but the loss of Blood was so much that it put all Aegypt into mourning Apriez in his return to Sais sent for Amasis to come unto him and commanded him to draw off those forces under his command from the enemies country and keep them upon the frontiers leaving order unto the other Lieutenant Generalls to rally as many as they could of his shattered army Amasis obeying the King was very glad he had no share in the dishonor in this defeat and that he was able to tell Ladice that he had done nothing unworthy of the honour she did him In the mean time the losse of this Battle caused a generall revolt in all Aegypt both people and souldiers began to murmur and an universall report went all over that Apriez did suffer himselfe voluntarily to be vanquished that he divided his army purposely to ruine some Grandees of his dominions whom he thought did trouble him hoping after that to raign more imperiously over them and become more Tyrannicall However Sir whether the Souldiers spoke this from themselves or from the instigation of Amasis it is most certaine that all the rallied troopes with those which Amasis brought upon the frontiers did seem to revolt and make head against their Prince Apriez no sooner heard this but to calm this mutiny resolved to send Amasis to the army looking upon him as a plausible man with the souldiers and faithfull unto him Amasis accepting of this commission prepared to go unto the Army but before he went Ladice used all her perswasions and arguments which could move him to doe the King and his country good service upon this occasion adding unto all her prayers that if he could at this time pacifie the Army and by consequence all Aegypt she would then acquaint both the King and the Queen with her marriage who could not possibly disapprove of it after such a considerable service But Sir since Amasis marryed Ladice more for ambition then love he could not keep within those limits which this generous Princesse prescribed him yet when he came first unto the Army he began to doe like a faithfull subject and I am perswaded where his enemies say that then he had none but good intentions and as ambitious as he was would have made himselfe a fortune by noble waies He drew up all his Army into Battallia and calling all the officers together he shewed them their fault and the injustice of their proceedings But whilst he was thus speaking unto them an Egyptian took a Helmet and putting it upon the head of Amasis as is used at the coronation of our Kings let me put thee into the possession of the Kingdome of Aegypt said the souldier unto him and talk no more to us of obeying Apriez for we will not have a King that hath been conquered The insolent speech of this souldier being prompted unto it by many others was seconded by a generall acclamation so that Amasis saw it was in his choice whether he would be King or no. This rousing up the ambition of his soul he consulted not with generosity or reason or glory which forbids any to reigne by unjust wayes but did blindly and totally submit unto his ambition Yet at first hee rejected the proposition but yet so faintly and after such a manner as made all the Souldiers second their acclamations and say Amasis must be their Soveraign Then Sir Amasis began to speak as a man who was forced to receive the Soveraign power yet he would not directly take upon him the Quality of a King but told them that to acknowledge their confidence in him he would be their Protector and promised never to leave them untill he had obtained their pardon and also new Priviledges But the more Amasis excused himself the more violent were all the Officers and Souldiers who all unanimously said they would have him to be their King However Amasis dispatched a messenger to the Court and to let Apriez know how sorry he was for this accident assuring him that he would not seem to accept of any part of this power which the
Pythagoras to help him out and addressing his speech unto him I render most hearty thanks unto the Gods said he in the Graecian language for bringing a man into this Desart whose Reputation transcends all the reports of those seven Sages which Greece at this time boasts of This Philosopher wondering to hear Amenophis speak unto him and in the Graecian tongue saluted him with a Majestique civility and to shew the esteeme he held of our Nation he would not answer him in Greek but in the Egyptian Language Thus did these two Renowned men at their first meeting greet one another but not in their naturall Languages both of them retaliating equall Civilities The Complements of Pythagoras were short for doubtless you know Sir how this Philosopher was so great a lover of silence that hee would have his Disciples study five yeares and not speake His Maxim being to say little and heare much and the onely way to speak well was to heare much However that little he spoke was enough to charm Amenophis who carried him into his Cabin after he had presented Sesostris unto him as his sonne and all the rest of his Family as servants unto Pythagoras But Sir all the diligence of Amenophis to bid him welcome was ill bestowed for this Philosopher never eat any thing which had life in it but Figs and Fruits were a fine Feast unto him After this slight repast Amenophis began to discourse of the most sublime Sciences and so admirably well that this Philosopher charmed with his knowledge told him that since his businesse in Aegypt was onely to learn know those great men in it he must needs stay a while with him not goe so soon to Elephantine where he could not meet with better company Amenophis received his discourse with much modesty and conjured him to let him become his Scholar as well as two more meaning Sesostris and my self In short Sir Pythagoras resolved to stay some time in the Isle so that he sent back the Boat which brought him and liked his solitude so well that hee stayed there four Months In which time he instructed Sesostris with much delight for this great Philosopher was so ravished to finde so wonderfull a disposition in the spirit of this young Prince to learne the highest things as hee taught him both with wonder and delight He admired also the young Timareta and so much the more because said he I never knew any of her sex who could so handsomely be silent or speak quicker when there was need or suffer others to speak with more patience The truth is Sir he took an extreame delight in her For his opinion being that all soules doe transmigrate from one body into another either men beasts birds or any animals which the Greeks call Metempsuchosis he had an universall compassion of all living things as oft as he found Fishers with their Nets full of Fishes he would buy them all and set them at liberty And after he had been a while in our Isle he took notice that the young Timareta had many little birds in cages which sung very sweetly and that she loved them exceeding well because Sesostris gave them The Philosopher according to his Doctrine gave liberty to these birds and thereby did exceedingly grieve Timareta for the losse of her birds and Sesostris for the sorrows of Timareta yet did they murmur at their losse onely in secret for as Sesostris received many sapient Documents from Pythagoras so he practised that silence which he taught his Scholars Sesostris talking with Timareta after her losse told her as pittifull as Pythagoras was he was not able to set him at liberty as he had done her birds Truly replyed she I should think it more just to set men at liberty rather then birds But Timareta there is a great difference between them and me for those birds are glad of their freedome but I should be sorry any should break my chains So since Pythagoras intends onely a good unto those he frees when he knows I am your captive he would not release me But as for your part fair Timareta why doe not you follow the example of this great Philosopher and become pittifull would you have me set you at liberty replyed she as he hath done my birds No replyed he but I would have you make me happy in my captivity How shall I doe that replyed she The way is answered he by obliging me more unto you by charming me with a million of harmlesse favours by being gladder when you see my love augments then all Aegypt is when they see the Nile to rise and if it would not anger you to say it by participating with me in my Fetters Ah Sesostris said she would you have me to be pittifull and your self so cruell as to wish my captivity Fie fie it were not just therefore all I can doe is to tell you it shall not be long of me if you be not free Then you doe not love me at all replyed he and looked sadly upon her I doe not see replyed she how you can draw that conclusion from what I said for what greater good can be done to a prisoner then to set him at liberty yet you never gave those pretty birds which sung so sweetly and delighted you their liberty replyed Sesostris I doe confesse it said she for their imprisonment pleased mee better then their liberty I beseech you replyed Sesostris why will not my captivity please you also since I am and ever will be an eternall slave unto your beauty As Timareta was about to answer Amenophis came and interrupted However you see the Documents of Pythagoras were no hinderances to the love of Sesostris but rather taught him a thousand innocent wayes to become more amiable and his passion did still so violently encrease that he asked Timareta leave to move a Marriage unto Amenophis This motion much surprised him for he did not think it within the spheare of his Authority to marry Sesostris unto the Daughter of Amasis Yet for all that he was willing Timareta should love Sesostris still For when things were ripe and that he had raised a party in the Kingdom this might be a means of peace between the Legitimate King and the Usurper at least would be a good Hostage For Amenophis knew that though Amasis was married yet he had no children with his Wife nor could have because he had repudiated this second Wife And though this motion did surprise him yet he told Sesostris that his choice was worthy of his spirit and judgement but yet he was not of age fit for Marriage That his Marriage was a matter of greater importance then he imagined and that Timareta was such a Jewell as he must long hope for before he enjoyed it This too strict answer not satisfying Sesostris hee still added his prayers unto his reasons but all in vain for he grew so extreamly melancholly and sad that he was hardly knowable All the documents
him yet by no means would she receive them but pressed him still to tell her how he got so much riches and asking him further how after this he could return to be a Shepheard Give me leave said he unto her to begin my answer where you ended and to tell you that I am a Shepheard because you are a Shepheardesse and when you leave being so I will then cast away my Crook and for all the rest said he seeing mee coming towards them you may know them from the mouth of Miris As I heard these last words I asked Timareta after I had saluted her what it was I should tell her and she telling me I made a relation of our voyage but since I was to acquaint Timareta with the valour of Sesostris he would needs impose silence upon me but seeing he could not he rose up and went to Edisea who was coming towards us so I made an exact relation of all his acts how great a reputation he had gotten under the name of Psammetites and which way he came by the medall but whilst I related all these things I perceived such joy in the eyes of Timareta as plainly appeared Sesostris was not a little in her favour In the mean time Sir what assurances soever Edisea gave this amorous Shepheard that Amenophis had changed his mind and promised at parting that at his returne he would give him full satisfaction yet he had a mistrust in all these faire words and if Timareta had not been as wise as faire Sesostris had certainly carried her away out of the Isle before the returne of Amenophis but she was so angry at the very first motion of it that he never durst think of it afterwards for she continued three whole daies and would not speak unto him though he courted her with all imaginable plausibility yet after a thousand petitions for a pardon and as many promises to submitt totally unto her will Sesostris made his peace and resolved according to the orders of this fair Shepheardesse to rest quiet untill the return of Amenophis so that after this reconcilement wherein I was a mediator they lived together without the lest jarre unlesse only such as are essentiall redintegrations of love as are every day both in and out a hundred times yet was their tranquillity much molested by the death of Edisea who being gone Timareta had no reasonable conversation but in the company of Sesostris Traseas doubtlesse was a man of much spirit and was much civilized by the long communication of Amenophis Nicetis his wife was also a little more sociable by the company of Edisea but for all that they were nothing suitable to the youth and aire of Timareta and therefore having no other agreeable company she was the more joyed in that of Sesostris yet ever with much reservednesse making it appeare that she would give her selfe no more liberty then Edisea her governesse would were she living yet this reservednesse had nothing in it but modesty without any rigour or severity so that after all teares were dried up for the death of Edisea Sesostris was without any inquietudes but to see Amenophis returned not and because he thought the longer his absence was the more was his happinesse deferred But Sir his longing expectations of Amenophis were all in vaine for he was faln into a desperate Adventure For be pleased to know Sir that as he was going to the places where all the Officers of that faction which he had raised were covered he was so unfortunate as in going through the Town of Nea which is in the Province of Thebes and where there was a sedition raised that Amenophis and his servant chanced to be in the midst of this Tumult against their wills In the mean time as ill lucke was one of the principall men of the Town was hurt and was so near Amenophis and his servant that they with many others were taken as authors of this sedition the party of the hurt man prevailing against the other Thus was Amenophis and his servant a long while prisoners for being strangers they had no support Amenophis not daring to make use of any his friends in Thebes since those who were masters of this Town were for Amasis So than he was forced to trust onely unto his innocency But those who were reall Criminals and were taken with him they had kindred and friends in the Town they were released and the innocent more closly kept in their Prison Yet could they not proceed unto judgement against them because they would first see of him who prosecuted against them being in his bed it was long before they could be certain whether he would mend or end live or die so that the punishment being to be more or lesse rigorous according to the event Amenophis and his servant were kept Prisoners not being able or daring if they could to apply themselves unto any Amenophis was extream grieved at one thing for he found that he had lost Ladices letter to Amasis in the Tumult by meanes of which he hoped hereafter to make Sesostris and Timareta known and which he would needs carry with him both because he would by it justifie himself unto his friends and because he would not trust it any where but where he was himself But whilst he was in this pittiful Condition the Nile did swell afterwards returned again within its ordinary bankes as alwaies it used towards Winter Heracleon drawing his Forces out of the winter Garrisons did suppresse those which revolted and almost quite defeated them so that they were forced all to retreat into Thebes Yet Heracleon could not besiege them but contented himself with being Master of the field and have by this action obtained greater favour with the King This happy successe perswading Amasis that his best course to keep the People in their obedience was to shew himself in all his Provinces and to Perambulate all his Kingdom he began to go from Town to Town to win their spirits and to imprint a new Respect And that his voyage might seeme onely a Progresse of Peace the King would have all his Court with him at last Sir he came to Elephantine and hee was no sooner there but the imperfection and weaknesse of his eyes did so augment that hee thought he should have quite lost his sight but that which did most affright him was a terrible apparition which he then saw I am confident it was rather one of those mysterious dreams which sometimes foretells men of future accident then a reall apparition however it it was Amasis said that when he awaked one night an hour before day he saw or at least thought he saw a gloomy light by the help of which he perceived the Ghost of Apriez and distinctly saw the wounds he received when he was most barbarously massacred The body was all bloody and disfigured but the great amazementâ— of all was to see following the dead King the Princesse Ladice in a great
the guard and my self But the strangnes of this accident is Sir that just as they opened the Kings Chamber dore to goe and wake him and tell him Sesostris desired to speak with him we saw the wardrobe dore open at the same time and many men with drawne swords enter into the Chamber which had a Lamp burning in it Sesostris no sooner saw this but drawing his sword he ran with a most magnanimous generosity between the Kings bed and these Assasinates not considering him as the usurper of his Kingdome but as the father of Timareta So that the King being wakened with the noise of them that would have killed him and them that defended him for the two Guards and I followed Sesostris with our swords drawn the first object that he saw was that Sesostris killed one of the Assassinates and wounded another he also observed that he still stood betwixt him and them as much as he could I cannot easily tell you Sir what an affrighting object this was unto Amasis but it lasted not long for the incomparable valour of Sesostris repulsed all the wicked Assassinates Tanisis who led them up felt the weight of Sesostris his arm being wounded in two places So that after this fear seising upon all the Conspirators they went out of the Chamber and Wardrobe Sesostris would have pursued them further but Amasis rising up hastily would not let him So that making the doors fast on that side and guarding them untill all were awake in the Palace the King sent two of the Guard down the back stairs to know the number of the Conspirators and to report all they saw unto him Also hee sent other two to cause all his Officers to come unto him and amongst the rest Simandius In the mean time those who failed in the execution of that designe rallyed about Heracleon for hee stayed in the Court with those whom he had appointed to murder Sesostris But since he saw his designes did not hit and that hee could neither kill the King nor Sesostris hee pitched upon another plot which was to carry away the Princesse of Aegypt Hee knew shee had but few men with her and that shee lodged farre off the Kings lodging For Elephantine not being the ordinary residence of our Kings the Palace where he lodged was very irregularly built So that Heracleon finding more facility in this design then the other he did easily execute it Causing then her door to be opened in the name of the King he entered and took away Timareta maugre all her teares cryes and entreaties and this great Princesse had scarce time enough to dresse her self Yet she had this advantage in her misery that her women went with her In the mean time those men whom the King sent to discover the Conspirators hearing some women cry returned in all hast and told the King that they were in the Princesse Timareta's chamber So that Sesostris hearing this ran like a man in fury to defend his Princesse but he came too late for Heracleon and Tanisis were both already embarqued You may easily imagine Sir how this Prince was grieved especially when he saw all his pursuits of Heracleon were in vain That which favoured his flight was that none imagined that he was embarqued in the Nile but that he was still hid in Elephantine The next morning it was known that Heracleon landed at the place where he had layd his horses and that Tanisis stayed by the Rivers side and dyed in the arms of some Shepheards who found him in that place though no news could be heard of Heracleon or which way he took and though Sesostris used all possible endeavours to finde it out for he wandered two whole moneths hardly knowing whither he went Amasis for his part caused a strict search to be made all over the Kingdome and all in vaine So that at last Sesostris was constrained to stay with the King untill he had further light where Heracleon was In the mean time all those who took up Armes for the Son of Apriez layd them down againe And the King went to Thebes carrying Sesostris with him whose sorrows were beyond expression From Thebes they went to Memphis where the King met with an Ambassador from Croesus who demanded ayd according to the alliance which was between them So that Amasis sent those men who served in the war of Thebes who had been witnesses of the valour of Sesostris under the name of Psammetites Amasis willing Simandius to command them but a while after these Forces were departed a Letter which Heracleon writ unto one of his friends in Aegypt did happily fall into the hands of Sesostris which let him know that he was in Lydia So that Sesostris not communicating his design unto any but me resolved to steal away from Amasis and Amenophis to serve in the War under Croesus And this he did with abundance of reluctancy for he was infinitely charmed with the fame of your valour and virtue and loth he was to take any side but yours Yet Love being the predominate passion of his soul he resolved to serve Croesus thereby to obtain Timareta So that Sesostris stole away from the Court and I followed him At parting he writ unto the King acquainting him with the cause of his voyage also unto Amenophis desiring him to appease the King assuring him he would never return unlesse he brought back Timareta also desiring him to move Amasis to write unto Croesus that he would make a strict search for Timareta and return her to him At last Sir we arrived at Sardis where Simandius was before us with the Forces he commanded who were as full of joy as wonder to see my Master I need not tell you Sir how Croesus the King of Pontus and the Prince Myrsyles received Sesostris very well But I assure you hee was infinitely grieved that hee could hear no news either of Heracleon or Timareta after all his care and search with Croesus made upon the Letter of Amasis In the meane while as things stood honour would not permit Sesostris to goe out of Sardis to seek his Princesse from Town to Town throughout Lydia also the approach of the Army presently made it a thing impossible for him So Sesostris in lieu of looking for Timareta was engaged to fight and he did so courageously that he deserved immortall glory and Sir you know that your Battalion was the onely one that day which was not broken But Sir be pleased to know that the Prince Sesostris was not wounded by any of your men but by the base Heracleon I cannot tell you Sir how he came mingled amongst us or how he came to know my Master but when we were fighting with the valiant Abradates and when Sesostris did things worthy of your esteem had you been a witnesse this Traytor Heracleon came behind him who thought he had no enemyes to fight with but what were before him and wounded him in such sort that hee fell down
it was not the work of Dipoenus or of Sâ—ill s who were the two most curious Gravers that were then in the world imagining notwithstanding that this Statue was more then the bare effects of a fine phancy But the Prince Artamas after he had told him that it was indeed the work of one of those Gravers whereof he spoke who were of the Isle of Crete he told him further that it was made in representation of a Lady of Quality in Tyre with whom the late King of Phenicia was in Love and who was reported to be one of the fairest persons of the World much fairer then her Statue This being so said Cyrus Why did not that amorous King keep this figure Because as I have heard say replied Artamas this Statue was not finished when that King died and as doubtless you know Sir since you have been in Greece Dipoenus and Scillis did leave four images imperfect which they began in Peloponnesis to wit of Apollo of Diana of Hercules and of Minerva because there was not ready payment made of what was promised unto them so you may easily conceive that the King of Phenicia being dead and the Prince his Son who succeeded him having business of more importance upon him then to give them what the King his Father had promised Dipoenus and Scillis were no more patient with him then they were in Greece for after one demand of their wages perceiving there was some respite of time required for the payment they imbarqued in the night and carried their work with them And Croessus then having a repute to collect all rarities in all Asia they addressed themselves to him and sold this Statue unto him 'T is true the report is that a little after the War the young King of Phenicia sent to demand it of Croessus offering the double of what it cost but he would not part with it This adventure replied Cyrus is doubtless worthy the beauty of this Statue which caused it After this he looked upon the miraculous quantity of Arms belonging to all Nations in the world Arms of pure gold set with precious stones He also admired the Thrones of mossy gold the figures of all the Gods which were adored throughout all Asia whose price of the bare materials only were worth more then is imagineable He saw also in that place Tables Mirrous and Cabinets of an inestimable price All the Tables which were set round those Chambers and Galleries were filled with a million of most rare and rich things Pearls Rubies Emeralds Diamonds and such things made such a glorious and precious miscelany that no diapared Meadow in its glory of the Spring could make a more pleasant object then the variety of precious things did which lay upon those Tables In the midst of these magnificent varieties the ingenuous fables which Aesope composed at Sardis were shevved unto Cyrus in vvhich he had vvrit and vvith such art couched all the history of Croessus his Court and vvhich this Prince so esteemed that vvhen Aesope departed out of Lidia he vvould needs have him give them unto him And to testifie hovv much he esteemed them he caused them to be richly bound vvith those vvhich he had before composed which taught most excellent Morals unto those who understood well the language of Beasts whom he made to speak Indeed the book was covered with enamelled gold and so set with Diamonds as turn it which way one pleased the name of Aesope appeared the Clasps were as rich and suitable to the rest and Croessus did not more honour unto Homer or any of the books of the Sibbels so famous throughout all Asia then he did unto Aesope since he thought his works worthy to be amongst his Treasures which he prized at a higher rate then all things in the world besides After a serious contemplation of this world of riches and with astonishment beheld the vast number of huge giblets of gold and silver After I say he had reflected upon the misfortune of the Prince who lost them and so passionately loved them Cyrus went out of this place of riches unto the Chamber of miserable Croessus with whom was the Prince Myrsiles This old King and this young Prince received Cyrus with all civility due unto a Conquerour yet without any base dejection of Spirit As there appeared a sorrow in their eyes so also there appeared a constancy in their souls and Cyrus seeing with what resoluteness they indured so great a misery said aloud That they deserved to wear all their lives that Scepter which they had lost and that it should not be his fault if Cyrus did not restore it unto them And indeed this generous Prince did so behave himself towards Croessus and his Son in such an obliging manner that it may be said he made a most absolute conquest of them and gained their hearts by his civility as well as conquer their Kingdomes by his valour As soon as Cyrus entred into the Chamber where they were they advanced towards him but this minded Prince making hast to meet them received them with as much civility as if it were in times of peace or as if their present fortune were equal I could never have believed said Croessus to his illustrious Conquerour that I should ever have thought my self able to give thanks unto a Prince who conquered my Crown Yet Sir since I owe my life unto you and since the same hand which pul'd me from my Throne pul'd me also from the Scaffold which the King of Assyria's violence caused me to ascend I think it rather my duty to commend you then to complain of my misfortune But Sir since the life which you have preserved can neither be glorious nor pleasing unto me let it suffice I only commend you without giving you thanks and that I acknowledg you to be worthy of that glory which you possess I do not desire you should thank me replied Cyrus Nor do I fully consent you should commend me but I cannot indure that you should hold so bad an opinion of the Medean Kings as to dispair of your being in a more happy condition then you are especially considering that this Prince added he and presented Artamas unto him is my most dear friend and considering that I have almost as much credit with Ciaxares as Artamas hath with Cyrus The King of Lydia who had after then once since the taking of Sardis repented himself of the injustice which he had done the Prince Artamas did receive him very civilly yet with much shame it not being possible he should see him and not remember the obligements wherein he was bound when he carried the name of Cleander and the unjust imprisonment which he caused him to suffer after he was known to be the Prince Artamas yet notwithstanding as he was resolved to acknowledg unto Cyrus that he did not deserve his misfortune he did check himself and said since Conquerours may impose what Laws they please upon the
now a mind to contribute unto his liberty But since he had more wronged Mandana then the King of Assiria and consequently it more concerned him to repair the one then the other he stayed in the Camp to the end he might be present at the taking or rendition of Cumes though the very imagination of the enterview between Cyrus and Mandana would cut him to the heart In the mean time since the Fates were resolved to put the generosity of Cyrus to the utmost test there arrived a messenger from Arsamones who having demanded private audience obtained it from Cyrus who received a Letter from Arsamones under his own hand but it being only a Letter of credance it was from the man who brought it which Cyrus knew the Proposition which the King his Master made This Envoy being a man of parts he prepared the mind of Cyrus by a very long Prologue aggravating the unjust usurpations of the Pontean Kings upon those of Bithinea and what violent affronts the King of Assiria had put upon a Prince and a Princess who were so neer related unto Arsamones After which desiring to induce Cyrus unto a consent to what he should desire The King my Master said he unto him after he had sufficiently aggravated all causes of complaint against those two Princes doth think himself to be happy amidst his misfortunes in having such Enemies as yours and cannot think that you will protect them against him In this thought he hath commanded me to tell you that knowing the King of Pontus will ere long be in your power so the King of Assiria is already in his and that if you will be pleased to put that usurping Prince into his hands he will put the King of Assiria into yours unless you had rather have him keep him a Prisoner to rid you of an Enemy I do not use replied Cyrus to rid my self of my Rivals by any such wayes and I cannot chuse but wonder that a Prince who hath so gloriously reconquered his Kingdome should desire to rid himself of his Enemy by such an ignoble way But since Arsamones hath been so unjust as to hold Spitridates in a rigorous Prison who is one of the most illustrious Princes upon earth I need not think it strange he should desire to use his Enemy so However though the King of Pontus be mine and the King of Assiria also yet I will neither deliver the first unto the King of Bithinia nor secure the other as he adviseth me but on the contrary I have several times offered the King of Pontus to reconquer his Dominions for him if he will restore the Princess Mandana unto me and I have this day sent to offer the King your Master the King of Assiria's Ransome for his liberty I pray judg after this whether I can hearken unto any such Proposition as you make But Sir replied the Messenger these two Princes are your Rivals your Enemies and the Ravishers of Mandana It is most true replied Cyrus and therefore I am the more obliged to be revenged by honourable wayes and not to give them so much advantage as to wound my reputation which thanks be to the heavens did never yet receive the least blemish Tell therefore your Master that I neither can nor ought to do as he desires and that if he be well advised he will call home the Prince his Son and suffer him to marry the Princess Araminta whose virtues are high to the end he may have a legitimate title to the Kingdom of Pontus if the Fate of Arms should chance to make him perish in this War to whom it now belongs And as for the King of Assiria I do intend to follow my first design in sending to Arsamones about him This Envoy would have given farther reasons unto Cyrus but this Prince was so constant unto his first Principles as he imposed silence upon him However he gave orders that he should be treated well and kept him two or three daies in the Camp to the end the Troops might have the more room to rendezvouz Whilst he was there Gadates understanding that he was a Bithinean and sent by Arsamones did much wonder that he should hear nothing from Intaphernes his Son nor from the Princess Istrina his Daughter But this messenger telling him that they knew not of his journey his wonder ceaseed and he writ unto them by him when he departed with Hidaspes After which Cyrus had more restless thoughts then he was able to Master for as oft as he thought that Mandana was not in Cumes his sorrows were unexpressible The sad disaster at Sinope and that which he had at Sardis made him apprehend such fears of taking Cumes and not finding Mandana in it that he was not in less sorrow then if the misfortune had happened already In the mean time these his fears which seemed so well grounded proved shadows and the King of Pontus was as much perplexed at the loss of this Heliotrope as Cyrus was in the belief that he still had it Indeed as oft as he remembred that as he imbarqued at the Port Atarmes in such hast when he took Spitridates for Cyrus that he gave all his Heliotropes unto one of his men to carry and when he remembred that he to whom he gave them did in the Tumult let them fall into the Sea he was in a most desperate condition accusing himself of extream indiscretion for making so bad a choice of him he trusted for the neerer the Truce was at an end the further off was he of finding out any wayes of escaping with Mandana The Prince of Cumes who saw his State lost if this Princess got out had alwayes a most watchful eye over the King of Pontus so that which way soever he looked all seemed disasterous to him If he looked upon Mandana he saw her still incensed against him If he looked upon the Prince of Cumes he saw his Protector become his Spy If he turned his eyes towards the Sea he saw a puissant Navy If he looked towards the Land he saw Works Forts and Souldiers resolved to vanquish or dye If he looked upon the Walls of Cumes he saw such a breach as would let in Cyrus upon the first assault If he looked upon the Inhabitants of that Town he heard nothing but murmures against him and if he considered himself he found that he was the most unfortunate man in the world whether he looked upon himself as a Lover or only as a King without a Kingdom or as the Enemy of Cyrus for though he was obliged unto him and might be more if he would have accepted his generous offers yet now he was nothing but a lump of black melancholy since he could see no way to escape and could not resolve to part with Mandana In the mean while that faithful Agent which Cyrus had in the Town negotiated under-hand with the people and disposed them to revolt in case the Prince of Cumes and the King of
Pontus should not accept of the offers of Cyrus at the return of those whom they had sent to Licambes to Pactias to the Caunians and to the Xanthians This man was so active and so fit for such an imployment his name was Tifernes that he alone had inspired the Spirit of Revolt through all the Town There was not one publique place in all Cumes unto which he did not go two or three times in a day If he saw any two men talking together he would be sure to make the third and with a cunning ingenuity bring them unto his opinion There was not a day on which he had not some horrid news or other to affright the people which was circumstanced and dispersed as it grew into a general belief On the other side Anaxaris he was not without his share of perplexities not but that he was treated with al the civility that a Prisoner of War could be nor was his Prison such a place as that he could comylain against it and if his soul had not been more a captive then his body he would easily have endured his misfortune But since there is nothing more dangerous to look upon then a Beauty in misery and since the Princess Mandana was the fairest unfortunate that ever was Anaxaris whose soul was of a passionate and tender temper could not look upon her but needs must love her At the first he did attribute all his tender thoughts which he had of that Princess unto the compassion which he had of her misfortunes He thought also for a while that it was as much the interest of Cyrus as the interest of Mandana which made him so sensible of all that concerned her But at the last his passion did so augment that he knew the greatness of it and knew it without any power to resist it Since he saw Mandana every day the fair eyes of this Princess did kindle such a violent flame in the heart of this violent unknown one as all his reason could not quench it not but that he saw very well that never any love could kindle with smaller hopes then his but yet not being a Master of his own heart he could not rule the motions of it all that he was able to do was to know he ought not to love Mandana yet in excuse of his irregular passion it must be said that he saw Mandana in such a manner as it was a very hard matter not to love her he saw her in secret and with some difficulty and since it was by him she knew the state of the Siege since she found him a very accomplished man and looked upon him as the friend of Cyrus and as a Prisoner of War in her behalf she used him with as much civility as it was possible for her to express Moreover since they were both of them Prisoners this conformity made such a kind of equality between them as rendred her civilities more sweet and obliging It may be further said in his excuse that Mandana was never fairer then at that time Indeed it may be said that her prison did only keep her from being Sun burnt and preserved the freshness of her complexion he saw her then fair sweet civil and in miserie and he saw her thus every day So that his heart being tentered by the tears of Mandana Love did more easily wound it and wounded it with such a poysoned arrow that the wound was incurable Alas said he unto himself when he considered the misfortune into which he was fallen What can I ever pretend unto by this passion Is it not the maddest fondness in the world to love such a person who neither can nor ought love me again though she did know the violence of my passion towards her For her heart belongs only to Cyrus by so many several rights as it would be the greatest extravagancy that ever was to pretend any thing unto her The inclination of Mandana is only to him Ciaxares hath promised this Princess to him and his incomparable valour hath conquered her he hath fought and won several battels for her he hath subjected several Prouinces and Kingdomes to her and will ere long take Cumes and restore her to liberty Judg Anaxaris what hopes thou hast of Mandana thou whom she knows not who dares not make thy self known unto her and whom she could not love though she did know thee Never think to conquer that heart which the Conqueror of Asia hath conquered Consider that thou canst not do as the King of Assiria the King of Pontus and the Prince Mazares did resolve couragiously to banish that Princess out of thy heart who can never give thee hers But alas said he and reprehended himself what good will it do me to oppose reason against an unruly passion which glories in scorning it The more unfortunate I see my Rivals the more I excuse my own errour and since the King of Assiria the King of Pontus and Mazares were not able to defend themselves from the charms of Mandana why should I be ashamed in my non-ability to resist them The first of these loved her when he was unknown as I am the second though at the rate of whole Kingdomes yet must love her so far as to become her Ravisher and the third though he knew she loved Cyrus though he was both Cozen and friend unto the King of Assiria could not chuse but love her and commit a double treason in carrying her away Know and believe Anaxaris for thy justification that the charms of this Princess are inevitable and that to fail after three such great Princes as I have named is no weakness submit then Anaxaris submit unto Mandana since thou canst not resist her and without knowing why thou lovest or without considering the sequel of so fond a passion endeavour only to please her Who can teâ—l said he further to himself whether all my Rivals will not ruine one another and whether I may not thrive by their ruines Also since I cannot chuse but love Mandana I have no way else but to delude my self as long as I can for such is the composition of my soul that though I were certain Cyrus were to enjoy her to morrow yet I could not chuse but love her In the mean time as hot as the love of Anaxaris was yet he had reason enough to rule himself so far as not to make his passion known unto the Princess who caused it so that behaving himself towards her with a profound reverence and unparallelled complaicense she grew very friendly towards him But to render himself more acceptable and that he might the ofter see her when he heard no newes he would invent it and since he could not invent any wherein Cyrus was not brought in and to be acceptable unto Mandana he must needs bring him in advantagiously therefore he was extreamly troubled to contrive it His passion brought one extream perplexity upon him for knowing that the King of Pontus plotted
the Tower and in seeing the Galley with which Ma 〈…〉 carried you away my deadness of heart and soul when I thought you perished my vexation to find you in the power of a Rival when I heard you were living my melancholy 〈…〉 when I delivered the Princess Araminta in lieu of the incomparable Mandana 〈…〉 see you on the other side of the River and I not able to follow you my grief to hear that you were imbarqued at the Port of Cicilie my sadness of soul to hear that you suspected me of infidelitie my unutterable grief when I took Sardis and could not find you in it my furie when I heard my Rival had found out an art to make you invisible my torment to be alwayes amongst my Rivals and still separated from you These Madam are the sorrows which I desire to talk of in hopes that judging of the greatness of my Love by the greatness of my sufferings you may know me better It seems we have long been separated replied Mandana with a modest sigh since you have forgot that though I permitted you to love me yet I could never endure you should speak to me of your Love My Love Madam replied Cyrus was at that time a hidden mysterie I durst not then tell any that I loved you but now since all the world knows me to be your Adorer and since Ciaxares himself approves of it it were not just that you onlie should be ignorant of my love For trulie Divine Princess there is not one Souldier in the King your Fathers Armie who knows not that he hath fought onlie for you I could never have any joy in all the Victories I have gotten because in getting them I could not release you I acquainted all my Rivals with my Passion Mazares himself would somtimes pitie me and would you Madam be the onlie one in all the Universe unto whom it should not be spoken Oh Madam this would not be just Speak on then said she unto him since there is no remedie But I pray Sir give me leave also to relate my sorrows I am afraid Madam replied he that they are not much different from mine for methinks I hear you aggravate your sorrows for being so often carried away and exposed unto so manie voyages so much pains and so manie dangers without your making me a sharer in them and how to my infinite glorie and delight would it have been if I had been the cause of your greatest sorrows But alas Madam I perceive you do not think me worthie of any such obliging expressions as to tell me I was any cause of them nor will you permit me so much as to think it Yet I assure you replied she that my fears lest you should perish in some of those dangers into which you exposed your self for the love of me was one of my greatest sorrows Your language Madam replied he is most obliging but since your sorrows might perhaps proceed onlie from generositie they were not of that nature which I desired For trulie Madam did you know how to love you would know that absence from the person loved is a most horrid torment But since the Gods have made you onlie to be loved and since they have infused love enough into my heart to make me endure this modest coldness which still opposeth my felicitie I will not murmure to see you no more sensible of my zealous Passion Yet Madam to my consolation I would gladlie believe that your modestie doth hide some of your thoughts from me and that I do not see all the advantagious resentments of your heart Being a Prince of so much virtue as you are replied Mandana and blusht and knowing me so well as you do I will freelie permit you to believe that I have all the advantagious thoughts of you all the esteem and tenderness which in any reason I ought to have of a Prince unto whom the King my Father is a debtor for his life and meny Victories and unto whom I owe my libertie and somthing more After this Sir be contented and ask me no more for as well accustomed as you are to get Victories you shall get no more of me At these words Cyrus did render a million of thanks unto Mandana for the Permission which she gave him and then they began to make short relations unto each other of all their adventures but it was in a different manner for Cyrus feared that he could never say enough to set forth the violence of his Passion and Mandana was so full of tenderness towards Cyrus that she feared lest she should say too much yet the conversation was most sweet and pleasing unto Cyrus for Mandana was not so absolute a Mistress of her looks and words but that Cyrus saw by the motion of her eyes that her heart was not insensible so that somtimes his excess of joy would silence him and he would gaze upon her without a word and somtimes again he would break into such raptures of expression as it was most plain his love was stronger then his reason I beseech you Madam said he unto her when he perceived the disorder of his own spirits pardon me if I cannot master my joyes for I profess they are so great that the more I consider you the more reason I find to devote my whole heart unto you for since I am now so neer the divine Mandana after so long and sad an absence after I believed her lost and bewailed her death this is so high a joy as is absolutelie unutterable when I call to mind the miserable condition I was in when I loveâ—d you at Sinope and compare it unto my present happiness Oh heavens what an advantagious difference do I find For I was then unknown unto you I durst not then tell what I was for fear of being hated though I knew I could never be loved unless I were known I had a great King to my Rival and another Rival in the head of a puissant Armie and I saw everie thing against me But now Madam I find the King your Father for me I see the King of Pontus without a Kingdome or any receptacle I have the Prince Mazares my friend in lieu of Rival and I see the King of Assiria a Prisoner unto Arsamones judg therefore I beseech you Madam whether the extravagancie of my joyes be not excuseable Since I am yet far from Ecbatan replied she I must confess I cannot resent the happiness which I enjoy out of fear it should be molested by some accident which I cannot foresee yet since it is vanitie to make imaginarie miseries I will hope that our happiness will be durable and that Fortune will be as constant in smiling upon us as she hath been in her frowns against us After this Mandana hinting unto Cyrus that it was late this Prince retired and went out of her Chamber with spirits so full of passion as he neither saw Martesia nor Chrisantes nor Feraulas who never stirred
three Rivals did not hinder the universal joy that was in both Town and Camp But to be short at their return from the Temple Cyrus after he had taken orders from Mandana sent unto Pactias and Licambes to acquaint them with the state of things and to induce them to lay down arms He sent also to the Xantheans and Caunians to confirm the offers which they made He sent dispatches also unto Ciaxares and Cambises The Princess writing unto the King her Father to thank him for his cares in procuring her libertie and unto the Queen of Persia also to testifie her obligations unto the Prince her Son After this was to be seen according to the orders which Cyrus sent over night the two Fleets of Thrasibulus and Timochares enter into the Port of Cumes and as they passed in sight of Mandana's Chamber where Cyrus then was the Flags of all the Fleets vailed Bonnet in honour of that Princess As soon as Thrasibulus Timochares Philocles and Leontidas came ashore they came also to salute Mandana unto whom Cyrus presented them You see here Madam said he and spoke of Thrasibulus a Prince who was my Conquerour and whose valour did exceedingly help me to finish the Armenian War In telling me replied Mandana that the Prince Thrasibulus hath conquered the Conqueror of others you oblige me to esteem him infinitelie The victorie I got Madam replied Thrasibulus did cost me so dear and the defeat of the illustrious Artamenes was so glorious unto him that if I might have chosen I had rather have been the conquered then the Conqueror As Cyrus was readie to replie and vie modesty with him the King of Hircania the Prince Artamas Gadates Gobrias Persodes and many others of Noble Quality came into Mandana's Chamber who entertained them with as much sweetness as Majestie Croessus and Myrsiles came a little after the first of these asking pardon for protecting the King of Pontus beseeching her not to be less generous then Ciaxares and Cyrus had been To testifie unto you said she unto him that I will not yeeld unto them in that virtue I assure you I am much joyed at the alliance which you have made with such a renowned Prince as the Prince Artamas who hearing what Mandana said of him returned a most ingenious and civil answer But since such kind of visits as these never use to be long this croud of renowned persons did soon disperse themselves Cyrus also was obliged to go out of her Chamber into his own to receive two Deputies from Susiana which Orsanus sent unto hm So that Mandana in this interval talked with Chrisantes and Feraulas unto whom she had not yet spoken therefore she went into her Closet whether Martesia brought them Now was the glorie of Cyrus aggravated with much zeal by these two faithful servants unto their Master and she did much better understand from them then from him how much she was obliged unto him In the mean while Cyrus being come to his Chamber whether Mazares and Hermogenes also resorted to hear some news of Belesis he received the Deputies which Orsanus sent He understood from them that all the Grandees in the Kingdome of Susiana no sooner saw the Testament of Abradates who gave him his Crown but all were joyfully disposed to become his Subjects and acknowledg him for their King That the people did submit unto it with abundance of satisfaction that Belesis had done him very good service in this business that Adusia's according to his order stayed at Susa to command in that Kingdom until he himself could honour that state with his presence that all things were there verie quiet that both Grandees and People had taken oaths of fidelity to him and that he was absolutely King of Susiana These men having ended their speech Cyrus did treat them as men who brought him a Crown and began to transact with them as with good and faithful Subjects Then appointing them to be lodged in the Town he dismissed them keeping Orsanus with him purposely to tell him some newes of Belesis whom he infinitely esteemed knowing that he did ever confirm Mazares in those resolutions of virtue which he had planted in his soul seeing then there was none but Mazares and Hermogenes neer him Well Orsanus said he unto him hath the voyage of Belesis been as happy for himself as it hath been for me Will Cleodora acknowledg him for her Slave with as good a will as the People of Susa are to acknowledg me for their King Sir replied Orsanus it is not so Why said Mazares and interrupted him had Cleodora accomplished her last vowes which the women consecrated unto Ceres use when Belesis came unto Susa No Sir replied Orsanus we came thither some daies before she was to perform them I pray said Cyrus relate unto us the business Hermogenes understanding by the discourse of Orsanus that Belesis did not thrive in his affection to Cleodora his curiositie augmented and his sorrows diminished for his belief was that Belesis was gone to take possession of her so that he lent a most attentive ear unto what Orsanus said Since you are pleased to command me Sir said Orsanus unto Cyrus to acquaint you with the adventure of Belesis be pleased to know Sir that when he came to Sâ—sa he presently enquired whether Cleodora had power to come out of the Temple unto which she was retired and whether it was believed she would remain there He understood that the last ceremony which was to bind her for ever was not to be performed of a moneth after that the general opinion was she would remain there because she might live a retired life there every one telling her that she was none of those who in lieu of seeking out a solitude amongst the vailed Virgins and preserving their innocence would trouble the first and lose the second and so dishonour them in lieu of adding glory Yet Belesis was not very much grieved at the thought that Cleodora would remain in the Temple because he hoped she might change her mind so that not to omit any tittle of his duty in matter of love he writ unto Cleodora and gave his Letter unto Alcenor to carry soliciting her also by many friends for leave to see and speak with her But whilst Alcenor and the Ladies his friends were negotiating for him he took order for all things which related unto your services and in the mean while he understood that Cleodora refused his Letter that she would not see him that she obtained leave to shorten the time of the last ceremony and that it was to be accomplished the next day You may judg Sir what sad news this was unto Belesis who no sooner heard it but he went unto the Temple of Ceres and so tampered with her who had power to command Cleodora that she commanded her to see and speak with Belesis an houre before she was to engage all the rest of her life Belesis then saw her and
an Auditor of this relation But since Intaphernes was then with him she could not do it Also since her vertue was very scrupulous and delicate as much as she esteemed Cyrus yet she would not let him see her after she had sayd that she would admit of none for as for Orcames the matter was not so great Martesia then seeing that none but Doalisa and Pherenice were with Mandana she brought in Orcames whom the Princesse received as a man from whom she expected satisfaction of her Curiosity You need not think it strange said she unto him that I should rather desire to know the life of Intaphernes from you then from himself For since the design in my desires of knowing it is principally because I would the more esteem him I thought his modesty would hide part of his vertues from me and that perhaps he would detract from himself and therefore I desire to receive them from you but I pray said she let not your relation be limitted only unto the adventures of the Prince Intaphernes but I beseech you let the Princess Istrina also have her place for I know the interests of that illustrious Brother and admirable Sister are so twisted as it were unjust to separate them in their stories Though I would do so Madam replyed Orcames yet I cannot for truly the Princesse Istrina hath so great a share in all I am to relate and in all the passages of all Asia even in this which hath hapned unto you Madam in particular as one may almost look upon her as the innocent cause of all the Wars Indeed if the Queen Nitocris had not peremptorily resolved that the Prince her sonne should have marryed her perhaps he had loved her or at least not hated her nor gone out of his Kingdome and by consequence he had never been an Enemy and Rivall unto the illustrious Cyrus he had never carryed you Madam away he would have rested peaceable in his own Dominions you had never come under the power either of the Prince Mazanes or the King of Pontus Croessus had at this hour possessed all his Treasures Armenia had not been tributary the Prince of Cumes had been alive all these great revolutions in Asia had never hapned without the Princesse Istrina But Madam I must not only bring in the Prince Intaphernes the Princess his Sister and the Princess of Bythinia but also the Prince Atergatis and the King of Assyria And to speak truth I have so many severall things to relate which are so twisted with one another as I doubt whether I am able to wind the clew of my relation to the bottom without such a disorderly ruffle as will weary you The only favour which I aske replyed the Princess is not to do as many relators do who design to iuclude many things in few words for indeed there are many passages whereon aggravations are pleasing and sometimes are necessary so that I cannot abide this sparing of a few words and therefore do not confine your selfe unto over-narrow limits but freely impart all you know Orcames being glad that the Princess commands did not thwart his inclination he assured her that he would most exactly obey her so that Mandana having placed her selfe opposite to him and caused Cushions to be given unto Doralisa Pherenece and Martesia Orcames began his story thus The History of the King of Assyria of Intaphernes of Atergates of Istrina and of the Princesse of BYTHINIA TO the end Madam you may more easily be 〈…〉 â—hat the Prince Intaphernes and the Princess Istrina are accomplished with a 〈…〉 vertues which persons of their quality ought to be I must begin my relation with an Elogie to the Queen Nitocris under whom they were educated and of whom they both were most tenderly loved But Madam this Queen hath so many so great and such rare qualities that if I should undertake to describe but a part of them I should want time to acquaint you i th wwhat you desire to know and to speak the very truth it need not be brought into any question but a Queen whose name hath filled all Asia is fresh in the memory of a Princess whose glory fills all the earth I will not therefore stay you Madam with applauds of a great Queen whose vertues I do believe you sufficiently esteem maugre the violences of the King her sonne Nor shall I stay you long with acquainting you in things so farre fetched as I should have done if I had not understood from Martesia how you are not ignorant of the affection which Gadates had unto Nitocris and of her vertue in thwarting her inclination unto Gadates so that I shall content my selfe with reviving in your memory that she having no mind to put the Crown of that Prince whom she loved for feare of causing a civill War in her Dominions but married another whom she loved not and with telling you how she banished him who had the greatest share in her heart How she commanded him to marry How he obeyed her and how afterwards to gratifie his obedience she intended to set the Princess Istrina upon the Assyrian Throne by marrying her unto the Prince her sonne After this Madam I believe you will imagine that the Prince Intaphernes and the Princess Istrina were educated with all imaginable care it being easie to be conjectured that the wisest Queen which ever reigned in Assyria since Semiramis would not neglect the education of a Princess whom she designed for a Throne and of a young Prince whose Father had such a share in her heart and whom she looked upon as one who was to be brother in Law unto the King of Assyria And certainly all her cares were not lost for I can assure you Madam that these two young persons did much exceed their age both in beauty and spirit and were the admiration not only of all the Court but of all Babylon which you know Madam is one of the greatest Cities in the world I shall not insist Madam upon any particular descriptions of Istrina's beauty for since the Prince Intaphernes is a very picture of her your own eyes may be judge I shall only say thus much that never was any brown beauty more lovely then hers nor fuller of attractive charms As for her spirit her physiognomy doth promise what it is to wit great and noble and which is most pleasing her humor is of such a sweet composition as it gains her more hearts then her beauty Yet for all that this sweet and lovely Lady has a heart full of ambition and so sensible of glory as she is ready to sacrifice any thing even all her pleasures unto it She being of such a temper as I have described her hopes were flattered up with being a Queen and her mind was so blown up with thoughts of Grandure as all her cares were how to please the Queen Nitocris and the Prince of Assyria whom she was made believe she was to marry Since you
the Queen committed unto me and promising most faithfully to perform my Trust this great Queen of ever honoured memory was no sooner expired but I prepared for obedience The Prince Mazanes who infinitely loved Intaphernes esteemed Atergatis and honoured Istrina did for the more safety of this Princesse give me a Convoy himself waiting upon her some forty furlongs out of Babylon I cannot tell you Madam how great was the grief of the Princess Istrina for the death of Nitocris for I have not words apt enough to expresse it but I can tell you that the looking upon the Prince of Assyria as the cause of her losse by reason of griefe which your carrying away caused did curse him with as many imprecations as you your self could do However as time is the best salve for all sorrows so when we came into Bythinia her teares were a little dryed up and her sorrows slacked As soon as we were upon the Frontiers of that Kingdom and quite out of the King of Assyria's power the Princess did stay to rest her self to give me time to acquaint the Prince Intaphernes and the Prince Atergatis with her Arrivall You may well imagine Madam that the bad newes of Nitocris death was not sweetned by this especially to Atergatis though he was to see Istrina beyond all his hopes for Madam be pleased to know that the Messenger whom I sent unto these two Princes who were then at Calcedonia where the Court was did find them ready to come unto Babylon in a disguise purposely for the safety of the Princess Istrina not knowing how the Queens prudence provided for it So that being now out of all feares of the new Assyrian Kings violence and hearing that they should see her much sooner then they hoped the sorrows of Intaphernes vanished and much more the sorrows of Atergatis since he was not so much obliged unto the Queen by reason of his Exile However to loose no time in lieu of answering Istrina's Letters and mine they went in all hast unto Arsamones to acquaint him with Istrina's Arrivall and to desire Sanctuary for her since Arsamones was much obliged unto them he was very glad of such an occasion to gratifie the services they had done him in the Wars so that consenting very cheerfully unto their desires he acquainted the Queen of Bythinia with it the very same hour who for the more honour of the Princess Istrina did send her own Coach to meet her a dayes journey from Calcedonia and also a particular Complement unto Istrina On the other side Intaphernes and Atergatis having an earnest desire to see her did make incredible hast unto the place where she was friendship and love being sharp spurrs unto both those Princes who did very pleasingly surprize us for wee could not imagine it possible for them to negotiate with Arsamones and be there so soon It is not an easie matter for me to tell you Madam how infinitely these three persons were joyed Intaphernes and Atergatis let theirs appear but as for Istrina she partly concealed hers Their conversation yet began in tears but yet their Joys to see each other dissipating all clouds of sorrow they began to relate all the passages which hapned since they saw each other they complained against the King of Assyria with such kind of aggravations as sometimes useth to comfort such as have freedom to complain of any Injustice done them Yet they did not vent all their thoughts for the passion of Atergatis forged a thousand which he never uttered yet he had so much satisfaction as to ease himselfe and his heart a little for after they had talked a long time with Istrina Intaphernes being desirous to confer with me did draw me aside and left Atergatis at liberty to vent his passion I know not Madam said he unto her whether you remember those cruell words you gave me at Babylon when you told me that a Passion which begun by absence never lasted long So many crosse adventures have hapned since replyed she that I do not remember what we said but said she and smiled if I did say so I think that I did not speak out of reason for since absence doth often destroy the most firm grounded affections well may it destroy a green beginning one It seems then Madam replyed Atergatis that my affection to you is not of such a Nature as time and absence can destroy since it is most certain I do love and adore you more now then when I left you and I may truly say that there was not a day passed over wherein my Love did not kindle new fires to burn my heart and make me more miserable For the more of the world I saw the more I knew how to value your worth And the Court of Bythinia though full of excellent Beauties hath let me know that you are not only a person of most absolute perfection in Assyria but in the world since I am most sure that all the places I ever came in could not produce one comparable Though Aplauds be very pleasing replyed Istrina principally from a man whom one esteems yet I beseech you be a little sparing of them least I should suspect you of flattery and doubt of what you shall hereafter tell me Provided Madam you do not doubt my affection replyed Atergatis I do not feare your doubting the truth of my words when I commend you more then ever I did any for truly Madam when I tell you that you are the fairest person of the whole world if you wil not believe me I beseech you believe your Glass If I tell you that you have more wit then those who have the most that very same wit which knows others so perfectly wil not permit you to doubt of what I say nor suffer you to accuse me of any untruth when I extoll all your vertues And if I were sure you would as well believe I love you as you must needs believe your selfe lovely I should be much happier then I am and indeed Madam unlesse you do not esteem me at all you cannot choose but think that I do admire you I do assure you Sir replyed Istrina I do so little know my selfe as I cannot tel 〈…〉 whether one doth me right or wrong when they esteem me much or not at all However I do once more intreat you not to commend me over much and I do conjure you not to tell me any more of your affection for said she and smiled though I would believe you loved me yet I ought not to give credit unto your words therefore Sir I intreat you to live with me as the Prince my brother doth for I do assure you that though he does not tell me that he loves me yet I am very confident of his affection Oh Madam said Atergatis Love and Friendship are things very different Friendship may be dumb and indeed it were an odd thing that all ones Friends should still be telling that they love but
to convince you But Sir I beseech you said I unto him are not all those fine Letters and this scroule both written by the same hand Yes Orcames said he but they are not indited by the same mind for when my Princess desires me obligingly to send her the news of the Army she does me no greater a favour then she might unto any man of quality about Arsamones But when she forbids me to mention my passion she tacitely implyes that she hath a right to command me she admits me to be her slave she testifies that she knows I love her and indeed gives me some signe of confidence since she honours me so farre as to assure me that I shall be happy in her favour if I can impose silence upon my selfe Truth is Orcames this rigid scrowl which seems to you lesse obliging then so many fine Letters which applaud me with so much eloquence hath something in it more satisfactory to the heart of a Lover then any thing those well pend Letters have which please you so well The very name of my adored Princess which I cannot pronounce without a trembâ—ing of heart does take something as I think from the excellency of those rare Letters and this Ticket unto which she durst not subscribe it has something in it which I am not able to express that renders it the more valuable For I am fully perswaded that a Lady who endeavours to conceale both the writer and the party to whom she writes hath some such sparks of tenderness in her thougâ—â—s as she would not have flashe out into a flame and be known And Orcames since Love of its own nature loves mysteries and secresies it may well be said that whatsoever is not mysterious and secret is not Love And if you would precisely know the difference which I put between letters of Civility which I received from my Princess and this little scrowl I must tell you that I put as great a difference as between letters from a friend and a Letter from a Mistriss After this Madam I left disputing with the Prince Intaphernes knowing him to be better versed in the doctrine of Love then my self and seeing I was not able to perswade him In the mean time since he knew the Princess of Bythinia's reservedness and severity he must obey her and enjoyn silence upon himself as well as Atergatis Yet I am sure that though the word Love was not used in their Letters yet they found an art to use others which signified the same thing yet without any disobedience unto the commands imposed upon them But their greatest grief was that the King of Pontus being retreated unto Heraclea Arsamones resolved to besiege him and began to draw that way so that it was easie to foresee that it would be long before they should see their adored Princesses The reason why Arsamones was so hasty to besiege Heraclea notwithstanding the illnesse of the season was because knowing with what zeale the invincible Cyrus under the name of Artamenes did presse upon Babylon he feared that if Babylon were taken before he took Heraclea Cyrus would then protect the same Prince whom he protected in relieving him at Sinope so that he was so earnest upon this great design as Heraclea in a few dayes was beleaguered Since it imported Arsamones to know how all passed at Babylon and since Intaphernes Atergatis and Istrina did hate the King of Assyria enough to be inquisitive of all the misfortunes that did befall him all the victories of Cyrus were very well known in Calcedonia and at the Camp And Madam your heroique resistance of the King of Assyria's violent passion was also known If Intaphernes and Atergatis had not been ingaged in their affections in Bythinia they had then with joy revenged themselves of that unjust Prince by following Gadates who had already took part with the Illustrious Cyrus But since Intaphernes could not forsake Arsamones as things stood unlesse he should forsake the Princess his Daughter he resolved to stay with him since considering the Wars he might do it with honour And as for Atergatis since if he changed Armies he should be at a greater distance from Istrina he chose rather to satisfie his love then his hatred As for the Princess Istrina I have heard her say that as oft as she was told with what noble resolution you treated the King of Assyria it joyed her to the heart to see such full revenge upon that Prince both by your beauty Madam by your rigour and by the valour of Artamenes It is true her joyes were something moderated by her feares least the siege of Heraclea should prove fatall either unto Intaphernes or Atergatis whose courages she knew would expose them unto the greatest dangers upon all occasions This feare in which the Princess of Bythinia shared with her was not yet all the sorrow which she had for the absence of the Prince her Brother and the unfortunate condition of the Princess Araminta did cause her many an ill houre for she loved that Princess exceedingly But for all that the glory which Intaphernes and Atergatis had got in the Wars did much cheer up the hearts of these two Princesses especially the glory which they got at the siege of Heraclea Since the taking of this Town would be a decision of the Warr and settle Arsamones in the Throne this Prince was not negligent about it And if I had not many things to tell you which are more essentially necessary to understand this story certainly my relation of the particulars would make you acknowledg that except the sieges of Babylon Sardis and Cumes there was never any more famous then the siege of Heraclea nor a siege where more glorious exploits were performed Since there wanted only this City to make Arsamones King of two Kingdoms he assaulted it with extraordinary vigour And since if this City were lost the King of Pontus would be without a Kingdom he did defend it with such Heroique courage as if he had an Enemy lesse valiant then Arsamones he had not been vanquished And he did such prodigious acts in defence of himselfe as if he had uot sullied the glory of them by his violencies offered unto you Madam he might well have been put into the Catalogue of Heroes But that which hastned his ruine was some reports in the Camp that the illustrious Artamenes had taken Babylon and that the King of Assyria had gotten you out and carryed you unto Sinope so that Arsamones falling upon the Town more vigorously then before and being seconded by the valour of Intaphernes and Atergatis he brought his works unto better perfection in eight dayes then he had done ever since the siege began The truth is Madam without further abusing your patience The Gods having resolved that the King of Pontus should be forced out purposely to save your life by preventing your being drowned they made use of the valour of Intaphernes and Atergatis to vanquish this
meet what Reports go of Artamenes whose name is so famous and I am sure all will answer you that he cannot be in Paphlagonia I need not enquire of any replyed the man when my own eyes tel's me I am sure therfore Sir with no murmur against my violence I beseech you give me leave to carry you unto a Queen whose Subject I am and beleive it it shall be long of your self if you be not favourably received I came by orders from her pursued he to inform my self of the causes of your Imprisonment the News wherof hath reached the Queen Thomiris to let you know that if you will change your thoughts of her she will march with an Army of a hundred thousand men to force you out of Ciaxares his Fetters and set you out of a Prison upon a Throne In order to this the Queen Thomiris hath given me wherwith to suborn your Guards and to attempt any thing for your Liberty but I perceive Sir you have your self procured it Then Spitridates protested unto him again that he was not Artamenes but that he was still a Prisoner unto Ciaxares but the man would not beleive him and was so obstinate in his mistake that Spitridates must submit The reason why this man was so hard to be undeceived was that though he had seen the Illustrious Cyrus a hundred times with Thomiris yet as he told him he never heard him speak so that the tone of Spitridates would not undeceive him though there was some difference between the pronunciation of Spitridates and that of Cyrus Yet Spitridates did not a little wonder that he should still be taken for another for since he did not then know that Cyrus and Artamenes were both one Person he could not chuse but think it strange that first they should carry him unto Cambises as being Cyrus and now carry him unto Thomiris as being Artamenes yet go he must for he was so stricktly guarded that he could not chuse But sayd he unto the man who thus forced him It does not appear unto me by your speeches that Thomiris ever appointed you to do as you have done since Sir replyed he she could not foresee I should find you in such a condition as I have done she could not command me to secure your Person with ten men only but since she honoured me so far as to tell me that she would arm a hundred thousand men to have you in her power it was an implicite Command to bring you unto it if I could by all the wayes that Fortune and opportuniry should offer me Also I have been this eight dayes since accidentally I saw you in the Temple in following you and waiting for an occasion to find you alone as now I found you upon the Banks of Araxes Thus Madam did this man speak unto this Illustrious Captive whom he knew not for his more safe Convoy he would have him alwayes lye in the Barque and not set foot upon land untill he came to the place where Araxes bounders the Country of the Massagettes He was no sooner there but the man carrying Spitridates to lodge with a man of his acquaintance which had a very good Tent upon the banks of that River he sent one of his men to acquaint Thomiris that he had brought Artamenes unto her and to know her pleasure concerning him not daring to bring him to her without having speciall orders for it But whilst this Messenger was in his jonrny Spitridates observing that the Master of the Tent where he lodged was of a good wit and that he understood broken Greek passably enough which is so generally spoken over all Asia because contrary to the custom of the Massagettes he had been a Traveller he asked him concerning the Queen and what they sayd of her Sir sayd he the Queen is a most excellent Princess and if her Passions were somwhat less violent she would be all Excellency and all Virtue but indeed they are so predominate in her that Reason often will not rule her For if either Ambition Choller or Envie possess her she humours the Passion without resistance Indeed her Action against the Prince Ariantes her Brother to Raign in prejudice of him her Action against the Prince Aripithes who was long since in love with her and her Actions concerning the Ambassador from Ciaxares who stole from Court and is called Artamenes All these do make it manifestly appear that she has no command over her Passions and that Ambition Anger and Love do easily get dominion over her heart and raign there in full Tyranny And indeed the voice is that this Princess will raise a very formidable Army either to be revenged upon Artamenes or else to make him love her as if it were as great a matter to conquer the heart of this Ambassador as to conquer a Kingdom I know that Fame speaks this Artamenes to be a most admirable man and that if the Massagettans had such a King they might pretend easily to be Masters of both Scythias But for all that since the Queen hath a Son and since Artamenes did steal away from the Court I beleive the War would be unjust and the Event cannot be happy Spitridates hearing this man express himself so wisely resolved to open himself unto him to try if he could procure his help to make an escape So that whilst all his Guards stood at the Entry of the Tent which was very spacious he told him how the case stood But Madam such was the Fate of Spitridates to be taken for Cyrus that though this man had never seen either of them yet he beleived that he who spoke unto him was Artamenes For Sir sayd he unto him if you be not he you need not fear being Arested by Thomiris since you may be sure that as soon as ever she sees you she will set you at liberty therfore Sir I need not endeavour your escape But I fear answered Spitridates I fear least the Queen should be mistaken in me as the man who first arested me is However it be Sir replyed the man your best course to make me endeavour your escape is to confess ingeniously that you are really Artamenes for if you be I must confes unto you that I am so devoted unto the Queens glory as I am apt enough to take an occasion from her of doing a thing which would reflect upon her honour if she should retain you Prisoner The truth is Madam since Spitridates had no other course he deceived this virtuous Massagettan since he desired to be deceived And indeed the man did so wel manage the matter as he got Spitridates one night out of his Tent by a back-way which his Guards knew not of and to make his flight more safe he would not let him attempt to cross the River which was very broad and deep since there was not one Fisher-man whom he durst trust Therfore he conveyed him into a poor Shepheards Tent which belonged unto him
he made continuall complaints against the Princess Araminta when he talked with Democlides he thought it time to let him see the Princess Istrina So that acquainting Arbiana with the imprisonment of the Prince her Son he permitted her to see him and to carry with her the Princess her Daughter and Istrina upon the condition that they use all their endeavours to disswade him from his obstinate thoughts of marrying Araminta But he did not acquaint them with the proposition he had made unto Spitridates concerning Istrina Since Arsamones was terrible unto all that knew him Arbiana and both the Princesess did promise what he desired purposely to see this illustrious Prisoner so that they were conducted thither the same day You may easily think Madam that Arbiana and the Princess her Daughter could not see Spitridates in Prison without extream sorrow And on the other side that Prince could not see them without some consolation though his heart was full of grief As for Istrina it did exceedingly pitty her heart to see this Prince in that condition But for his part though he did much esteem her when he last saw her at Heraclea before he went to Cyrus yet he was very sorry to see her now because he thought she was acquainted with the motion of Arsamones and did interpret all her obliging expressions as a premeditated design to render him perfidious and to drive Araminta from his heart So that looking upon her almost as an Enemy which came to assault him by open force he had much ado to hide the turbulency of his spirits Furthermore since Arbiana had promised to disswade him as much as she could from his thoughts of Araminta and indeed did wish it she would say somthing with as much sweetness and prudence as she could which might perswade him that constancy is a virtue which ought to have its Limits as other virtues have and that when one was resolute upon a thing impossible it was rather wilfulness then constancy and therfore she conjured him to consider very seriously whether his resolute denyall of Arsamones was of such a Nature as would merit the name of a Virtue Spitridates hearing Arbiana speak thus was much moved and most humbly beseeched her not to loaden him with new punishments by forcing him to resist her will as he had the King his Fathers For truly Madam sayd he unto her I am so fully resolved never to forsake Araminta as I shall not only be a Rebell unto the Kings will and yours but I must declare also that if I could get out of this Prison I should imploy my liberty only in going unto that Princess though the Conquerour of Asia should love her as they would perswade me he doth For the truth is I cannot live without her It is enough that the King hath driven the King her Brother out of his Kingdom without desiring to drive her out of my heart Therfore Madam I beseech your Majesty to beleive that though the King would resign up all his regall Authority and set me upon the Throne to morrow yet I would not accept of it unless upon condition that the first act of my Raign might be to Crown Araminta Queen Therfore Madam all that I am able to do is to beseech you that you be pleased to perswade the King and perswade your self how extreamly greived I am that Fortune and Love should drive me to a fatall necessity of disobeying him and denying you Spitridates did pronounce these words in such feeling manner as the hearts of Arbiana and the Princesess did even melt at the hearing them But since they knew very well that Arsamones would not have permitted this Visite but in hopes of perswading him the Princesess of Bythinia told Spitridates that he must give them leave to tell Arsamones how they had spoke unto him according to his desires With all my heart Sister replyed he provided still you tell him that I am not changed in my mind nor ever will After this their discourse changed subject and Spitridates asked how the Prince Intaphernes did and earnestly desired to see him adding that his Soul had somthing which he longed to impart unto him Istrina hearing this assured him that there was such a dear Corespondency between the Prince her brother and herself that he might trust her with any thing he desired to impart unto him and therfore being uncertain whether Arsamones would let Intaphernes see him she would willingly do him that Office That which I would impart unto the Prince Intaphernes replyed he and a little changed Countenance is of such a nature as I cannot well impart it unto you All I can say is to beseech you by the Queens leave if so it chance that one of the most excellent persons in the world do complain of me in his presence to tell him that I am not culpable and that I think my misfortune to seem as if I did not esteem her though really I do infinitely to be one of the greatest which ever hapned Since Istrina was unacquainted with the motion which Arsamones made unto Spitridates she understood him not but for his part he being perswaded that she was acquainted with it did think the least he could do was to put her off handsomly But as Istrina was ignorant of it so was Arbiana and the Princess of Bythinia also yet Istrina promised to tell the Prince Intaphernes what he desired On the other side Spitridates who fain would but durst not ask the Queen his Mother what he should think of Araminta he had much wavering in his resolution but at last being prompted by some suggestions of jealousie he asked her some indirect Questions concerning her And since the Queen imagined that the more faithfull he beleived Araminta the more obstinat he would be she only told him what reports were and not what she thought After which Arbiana and the Princesess retired In their return to the Palace to gain more time they resolved not to do as Spitridates would have them but on the contrary to keep Arsamones in hopes as long as they could In the mean time Arsamones who was hasty and violent in all his actions had sent for Intaphernes whilst they were with Spitridates and discovered unto him his intentions of marrying the Princess his Sister unto the Prince his Son You may imagine Madam that such a resolution did much surprize and perplex Intaphernes For his love to the Princess of Bythinia required one thing and his Friendship to Atergatis required another Also knowing how far the heart of Istrina was engaged he did not think it possible for him though he should cast of Atergatis to perswade her from him Moreover he thought that the Prince Spitridates would not obey Arsamones and quit his pretentions unto the Princess Araminta yet he knew that if he did directly oppose Arsamones he should indanger to incense him highly and to be banished the Court So that taking a middle course betwixt confessing and
Arsamones after he had given so much time as he thought requisite for the beauty of Istrina to work its effects in driving Araminta out of his sons heart he began to speak big like a Prince that would be obeyed and to declare unto Arbiana unto the Princess his Daughter unto Spitridates and every one to whom he spake that he was fully resolved to Court Istrina unto the marriage of Spitridates and that he was resolved to hinder Spitridates from marrying Araminta You may judg Madam how this resolution did perplex all the persons that were concerned in the businesse Then did the Princess of Bythinia Istrina Intaphernes and Atergatis being all together begin to justifie themselves by accusing each other and laying the misfortune upon every one but themselves But when this secret poyson wâ—h had lurked in their hearts caused many a throb did begin to evaporate by complaints they began to take fresh comfort At first they vented their Complaints tumultuously and in much confusion but by degrees collecting their thoughts into some order they did all justifie themselves and their passions teaching them to excuse the passions of others they made a Peace and accused only themselves for this secret schisme which was like to have spoyled their whole business So that esteem Love and friendship assuming place in their hearts without any anger spight and a miscellany of many other tumultuous thoughts they began to complayn of their own miseries not of one anothers But though this seemed to be solidly made yet Atergatis whose love was very violent he could not hope for any satisfaction of it untill he had found out a way to make the design of Arsamones impossible Though these persons had infinite spirits wit in abundance yet they were extreamly puzled For sayd the Princess of Bythinia though it should be possible to murder the passion of the Prince my Brother yet I should never consent unto it and though I believe his liberty would be his Exile perhaps cost him his life at least be very long yet I wish he had it It is the only remedy replyed Atergatis which can be found to comfort this illustrious Prince and perhaps to force Arsamones unto a cessation of his persecutions for truly Madam what comfort can you take to see the Prince Intaphernes loaden with fetters and to see him perpetually tormented by the King your Father Though its true replyed she that it would be more advantageons for the Prince my Brother to wander like a fugitive then to continue a Prisoner yet there is a strong reason which forbids me to procure his liberty if I could For since the King my Father during the exile of the Prince my Brother would declare me Queen I ought not to expose my selfe unto any suspition of such unjust ambition Oh Madam sayd Istrina your generosity is too scrupulous How can the Prince Spitridates ever suspect you of any thoughts to reign in his prejudice you I say whose soule is so high so noble and so disinterested and who is capable of no further ambition but to render your selfe worthy of more esteem then ever any had Whilst Istrina was talking thus Intaphernes hardly hearing what she said consulted with himself whether the liberty of Spitridates would be advantageous to him or no and after a serious debate with himself he concluded that as long as Arsamones had any thoughts of disinheriting Spitridates he could never pretend unto the Princess of Bythinia so that measuring the interest of that Prince by his own he thought it better for him that he continued still a prisoner then to wander over the world as he did during his exile So that concurring with the opinion of the Bythinian Princess and Istrina not daring to contradict them Atergatis ws singular in his opinion and consequently did submit in appearance However he was perswaded that the violence of Arsamones would reach further then they imagined and that there was no other remedy neither for Spitridates nor himselfe then that which he had propounded And he intended to try if there was any possible wayes to set that Prince at liberty and put it in execution when he thought best But whiles these four were thus reasoning with themselves Spitridates having received no answer from Araminta to whom he had writ he was extreamly sad in thought that her infidelity was the cause of her silence For Madam he knew not how he who carryed his Letter unto that Princesse and was to bring her answer was stopped by the Forces of Croessus and carryed unto Sardis as we understood after the liberty of Spitridates so that this unfortunate Prince being every day forced by his passion to expresse a thousand testimonies of fidelity unto a Princesse whom hee thought perfidious his despair was sometimes so great that he wished himself able to hate Araminta But for all that he still loved her with a most unalterable constancy and certainly he gave sufficient testimony of it after the Peace was established between Intaphernes Atergatis Istrina and the Bythinian Princess For Arsamones being infinitely enraged at his resolute resistance went to see him and gave him such bitter and menacing language as any other heart but that of Spitridates would have trembled Yet he kept close unto his prescribed Principles and without starting the least jot from his fidelity to Araminta or reverence unto the King his Father he resisted him without any tartness or complaint But the more patient and wise he was in his sorrows the more violent and unjust was Arsamones in his anger Know thou base man that thou art said he unto him that since thou wilt not be like the sonne of a King thou shalt not be one And to deprive â—hee of any title or right to succeed in two Kingdoms which I possesse I will declare and renounce the Kingdom of Bythinia and that I have no other pretence unto it but as a Conqueror Look upon me sayd this incensed Prince as an usurper and not as a legitimate King but as an usurper who can soveraignly dispose of what I have usurped and as one that will never give it unto a man who is unworthy of it and covers himselfe with eternall shame if within one moneth he do not repent this is the utmost minute that I will give him to choose whether he will be a King or a slave Then this violent Prince leaving him he was at freedom to complain against his injustice But Madam why should I consume any time in telling you the inquietudes of a Prince whom the Gods had so pointed out for a sufferer It is more requisite I acquaint you how Atergatis apprehending that Spitridates was resolved not to obey Arsamones and that Istrina was not so ambitious as to be Queen of two Kingdoms he resolved as I told you before to try all manner of wayes how to release him for being of a most liberall disposition and a winning spirit questionlesse he was qualified for
as he was ready to reply Arsamones left him and sayd that he saw so much turbulency in his mind that he would not have him answer confusedly but would give him time to consult with his ambition and his love after which he left him in a most perplexed condition For on the other side he found abundance of joyes in having a a possibility to enjoy the Princess whom he adored But when he considered that to enjoy so great a happiness he must give his Sister unto his Enemy betray his friend and usurp the Dominions of a brother unto his Princess by accepting it his Soul was in a very Hell Nor did he beleive that the Princess of Bythinia would ever marry him upon those tearms though he should promise her not to take any advantage of this declaration for he had heard her express somthing which intimated as much So that whether he considered his hatred of the Assyrian King his friendship to Atergatis the aversion of Istrina to the one her inclination to the other or whether he considered his duty to Spitridates and the high generosity of the Bythinian Princess he saw that Arsamones offered him a benefit which he could not enjoy upon such conditions though he did accept of them and consequently his sorrows were not mean In the mean time he knew not whether he should acquaint first the Princess of Bythinia or Istrina with it But going unto the Chamber of the Bythinian Princess and finding them both together he could not any longer let this vexatious secret lye lurking in his heart You may easily conceive Madam how these two Princesses wondred when they heard the King of Assyria was Prisoner and when they heard the King of Bythinias Proposition unto Intaphernes Truth is there wonder was so great as they both did extreamly blush though for different reasons But since the Princess Istrinas heart did extreamly hate the King of Assyria and was very tender towards Atergatis she was the first that spoke though it was not she unto whom the Prince Intaphernes addressed his speech Oh Heavens sayd she very heartily can Arsamones ever think of forcing me to marry the King of of Assyria Oh Madam added she and looked upon the Princess of Bythinia I beseech you pardon me if I do not obey him It is most just I should replyed that generous Princess since I am resolved to commit the same Crime my self For though I do esteem the Prince Intaphernes and have given him a higher place in my heart then ever any had yet I assure you I shall never consent he should take two Kingdoms from the Prince my brother nor be ever happy by making him miserable However Madam replyed Intaphernes and sighed I beseech you honour me so far as to allow me some comfort for refusing a benefit which you will not let me accept of and which Honour forbids me as well as my Sister since she cannot endure to be wife unto the King of Assyria rather then unto Atergatis Do but acknowledge Madam that the generosity of your Soule is the only Impediment and that if it were less you could consent unto my happiness I do acknowledge sayd she and blushed that I wish you were but if you should be capable of desiring it by any unjust wayes in lieu of wishing your happines I beleive I should wish the contrary But Madam not to consume more time in repeating the discourse of these three Illustrious Persons It was resolved that they should write unto Atergatis to invite his return and that in the interim Istrina should take upon her to resist Arsamones since Intaphernes had not power to incense a Prince who had made him such a motion as might make him happy if some unjust Conditions were not annexed to it But that which most troubled them was that they could not know whether the King of Assyria had denyed Arsamones but on the contrary had cause to beleive that he had not and that desire of liberty had altered his mind In the mean time the King of Bythinia who was ever wedded to his own will asked Intaphernes the next morning if he had considered upon the motion and that Prince in order unto their resolutions assured him that there was so much glory to him in it that he thought himself capable of committing Crimes rather then not accept of it but also he was obliged to tell him that he verily beleived that the Princess Istrina would never obey him if he commanded her to marry her Enemy To this Arsamones answered That a Prince who knew so well how to bring two Kingdoms into subjection knew well enough how to make Istrina obey him so that assuring himself of that he bent all his endeavours to perswade the King of Assyria But all to no purpose that Prince still telling him that you Madam and you only should Raign in his heart as long as he lived that he had nothing to do with Kingdoms that he had no need of any Army and that he only desired his liberty adding some expressions which denoted his extream aversion unto Istrina and Intaphernes of whom he spoke with intollerable scorn as we afterwards understood by one of the Guards in his Chamber Moreover when Arsamones did one day press Intaphernes to the Declaration which he would require of him never to restore the Kingdoms of Pontus and Bythinia unto Spitridates he perfectly perceived notwithstanding all his handsom answers that they did not proceed from his intentions So that being very angry and finding his design to be impossible he plotted another which he thought more easie by which he thought to be better revenged upon Spitridates and to hinder Araminta and all her family from having any part in his Dominions and this it was His design was not to speak of Istrina any more unto the King of Assyria thinking his aversion to her was chiefly his reason for not accepting his offer However Arsamones would have the Queen visite the imprisoned King that she should carry the Princess her Daughter with her And so they did who not being able to guess at his design were very glad to see a Prince whose Adventures were so extraordinary and who was so much talked of over all Asia Since you are all goodness Madam I hope you will give me leave without any anger to tell you that he received these Princesses with much civility and used many expressions which were full of spirit full of generosity and full of love to you for he did most earnestly intreat them to be Mediators unto the King for his liberty that he might go and recover yours And the more to oblige them unto it he fell into most high Elogies of you But after that since the naturall impetuosity of his honour could not longer be hid the Queen by chance naming Intaphernes this violent Prince fell into such an angry chafe both against him and Istrina also and used such unjust and injurious expressions that these two
Princesses were not able to endure it yet having no mind to quarrell with a Prince whose imprisonment seemed to them unjust they retired promising him their intercessions unto Arsamones for his liberty But as soon as they were out of the Chamber the King of Bythinia sent to tell him that he would mention Istrina no more unto him but would offer unto him the Princess his Daughter and two Kingdoms that he would recover Babylon for him by help of some intelligence which he had and assuring him that within fifteen dayes he would give him an Army able to resist Cyrus if he would make War with him Tell the King your Master replyed this Prince unto the man by whom Arsamones sent this message that if I could cease being the Rivall of Cyrus doubtless I should become his friend for besides all his rare Qualities worthy of my amity I must acknowledge that I owe him my self so that were I not his Rivall I should never raise an Army to oppose him But assure Arsamones also that though the Princess his Daughter be full of perfections and though I have as great a disposition to esteem her as I have aversion unto Istrina yet I cannot hearken unto a second Proposition with a more favourable eare then unto the first For since I must ever be the Lover of the Princess Mandana I can never be the Husband of the Bythinian Princess But Sir replyed the man were you in any hopes of ever obtaining the love of this Princess whom you adore I should not think it so strange that you should refuse this Offer But I must confess when I consider how you have lost your Kingdom that the Princess Mandana does not love you and that yet you should refuse two Kingdoms with one of the fairest Princess in the world for one that hates you my wonder is beyond my words What ere it be replyed the King of Assyria very sharply such are my reall thoughts and if the Empire of all Asia were offered me with a condition not to pretend unto Mandana I would refuse it as I do the Kingdoms of Pontus and Bythinia Oh Heavens cryed he was ever any Fate like mine Arsamones would give me two Kingdoms and a Princess worth more then both yet will not give me that liberty which unless he violate the Laws of Nations he cannot take from me Is it possible that I alone should be the only man in all the Universe unto whom he can give his Kingdoms and the Princess his Daughter I see very well pursued this violent Prince that he makes choise of me before any other because he knows that if I accept of them I shall never restore them unto the King of Pontus or any of his family and so the hate he bears unto his Enemies is the cause of his choise But since his Interest alone doth prompt him unto the offer he must not take it ill if mine prompt me to a refusall Tell him therfore that if I had power not to love the Princess Mandana and to overcome my self I had driven her out of my heart before they drove me out of Babylon and that I should have conquered my self before Cyrus did overcome me Or to express my self better if ever I could have left loving this Princess it would have been when she desired to do it with her eyes full of Tears and therfore I cannot follow those motions of hatred and revenge which induce Arsamones to make such odd Propositions unto me that I cannot accept of them upon those tearms though they seem to be very advantageous to me Tell him then that I can be his friend but I cannot be the Husband of the Princess his Daughter and so he needs not urge me to no purpose unto a thing which I cannot do for the most certain truth is I do love and am not loved and I am fully resolved so to do till death or fortune change my destiny But if after all this Arsamones will wilfully keep me Prisoner and hinder me from releasing Mandana tell him then that this King without a Kingdom whom he holds in his hands and whom he thinks so weak and wanting all protection perhaps is powerfull enough to cause the ruine of his new Dominions and make him loose those two Kingdoms which he offers me since he hath a Rival so generous as to release him though he be his most mortall Enemy After this the King of Assyria made a sign with his hand unto the man which intimated that he had no more to say and that he should return to the King his Master and did it with as much austere Majesty as if he were still upon his Throne Also he who was a witness of his violence and choller was so surprized that after he had reported unto Arsamones how the King of Assyria received his message he could not keep that secret which was such a wonder to him so as imparting it unto me I was extreamly astonished to hear that Arsamones should alter his resolution In the mean time I thought it requisite to acquaint the persons interested in this odd design For I must confess Madam that as resolute as the King of Assyria's answer was yet I thought he might change his mind Therfore I resolved to make the state of things known unto those who might find a remedy As I went unto Intaphernes I found Atergatis with him who returned sooner then expected but returned so sad to hear that Arsamones would marry Istrina unto the King of Assyria that Intaphernes was not able to comfort him and as soon as he saw me he called me to help him to settle the mind of Atergatis Alas Sir answered I I am not very fit to comfort him and you also for I assure you when I have imparted all the Prince Atergatis hath no other sorrows but what will be yours for the truth is Sir it is not Istrina whom Arsamones would have the King of Assyria to marry but it is the Princess of Bythinia These were such words of wonder that both these Princes cryed out But oh Heavens how different were their tones and how sad was the sound of Intaphernes his voice Indeed Madam I am not able to express what I saw in the faces of these two Lovers I saw in one minute despair to pass out of the heart of Atergatis into that of Intaphernes fury was quenched in the Soul of one and kindled in the Soul of the other I saw sorrow dye in the eyes of Atergatis and revive in Intaphernes and in an instant I saw the Comforter become the sad man and the sad man become the Comforter I should abuse your patience Madam if I should relate unto you all their Lamentations or how Atergatis imployed the same Arguments of Consolation unto Intaphernes which he immediatly before received from him Nor will I relate all that the Princess Istrina and the Princess of Bythinia sayd when they knew the business for having formerly acquainted
by an Honourable Person 80 Dianea an Excellent new Romance written in Italian by Gio Francisco Laredano a Noble Venetian in four Books translated into English by Sir Aston Cockaine 80 New and Choice Histories Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELEY at the Princes Armes in St. Pauls Church-Yard HIstoricall Relations of the United Provinces of Flanders written in Italian by Cardinall Bentivoglio and now rendred into English by the Right Honourable Henry Earl of Monmouth Fol. The History of the Warres of Flanders written in Italian by that Learned and famous Cardinall Bentivoglio Englished by the Right Honourable Henry Earl of Monmouth The whole work illustrated with a Map of the 17 Provinces and above 20. Figures of the chief Personages mentioned in this History Fol. 1654. The History of the Warres of the Emperour Justinian with the Persians Goths and Vandals written in Greek by Procopius of Caesarea in eight Books translated into English by Sir Henry Aolcroft Knight Wherein the City of Rome was taken and retaken above 8. times when it was the Seat of the Empire Fol. De Bello Belgico the History of the Low-Countrey Warres written in Latine by Famianus Strada in English by Sir Robert Stapylton illustrated with divers Figures Fol. The History of Life and Death or the prolongation of Life written by Francis Lord Verulam Viscount St. Alban in 120 M. Howels History of Lewis the thirteenth King of France with the life of his Cardinal de Richelieu Fol. Books newly Printed this Terme for me HUMPHREY MOSELEY A German Diet or the Ballance of Europe wherein the Power and Weaknesse Glory and Reproach Vertues and Vices Plenty and Wants Advantages and Defects Antiquity and Moderns of all the Kingdomes and States of Christendome are Impartially poiz'd by James Howel Esq Fol. Curia Politiae or the Apologies of severall Princes justifying to the World their most eminent Actions by the strength of reason and the most exact Rules of Policy written in French by the accurate Pen of Monsieur de Scudery Governour of Nostre-dame and now faithfully rendred into English with the Figures of many Emperours and Kings Fol. Parthenopoeia or the History of the most Renowned Kingdome of Naples with the Dominion thereunto annexed and the lives of all their Kings The first part by that famous Antiquary Scipio Mazzella made English by Mr. Samson Lennard Herald of Armes The second part compiled by James Howel Esq Who besides some Supplements to the first part draws on the Threed of the Story to these present Times 1654. illustrated with the Figures of the Kings and the Armes of all the Provinces THE FIFTH AND Last Volume OF ARTAMENES OR The Grand CYRUS THAT EXCELLENT NEW ROMANCE Being the Ninth and Tenth PARTS which finish the whole Work Written by that Famous Wit of FRANCE MONSIEVR de SCVDERY Governor of NOSTRE-DAME And now ENGLISHED by F. G. Esq LONDON Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELEY at the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Church-yard and THOMAS DRING at the George in Fleet-street M. D. CLV TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE AND MOST PERFECTLY NOBLE THE LADY ANNE LUCAS MADAM AFter many Addresses Your Great CYRUS comes to take his leave His Story runs full of such hazardous Attempts as bad us expect this Last Volume would prove his Tragedy But Your HONOUR knows how the Ancients differ about the Death of CYRUS And those who refuse Him for the Lover of MANDANA may equally deny MANDANA to be his Mother since That Name as well as CYRUS belong'd to more than one Our Author hath not shew'd more strength of Brain in the admirable Turnes and Mazes of this Work which makes it reputed second to none than He hath at last in tying all up wherein yet Hee swerves not from the Authority of two of the best Greek Historians Did Annalists and Chroniclers draw up Battails with that accurate skill this Author does here History would prove lesse tedious more usefull and freer from Contradictions But our Author is a Souldier and spent one would think all his Thoughts on Seidges and Battailes till we read his Letters and Sceanes of Love and then we admire how to both those former he is able to afford us such Politick Discourses There are men of no vulgar Genius and such as are no Strangers to the Author can lend a Clavis to most of this Story can tell where 't is Personall and where Morall they know what Prince the Author mean's by CYRUS fighting in midd'st of a Wood set on fire round about him where after conquest of his Enemies he must assault that Element And while He and the King of Assyria are duelling for MANDANA She the great Booty is taken from them both by a perfidious person to whom she was entrusted where MANDANA is no Woman but the Empire it self and so I am told the Word signifies in the language of that Country But without any Key an ordinary Eye may behold in TOMYRIS the bottomless Wrath of a revengefull Princess what mischief that Sex can do in a Kingdom when tempted by Power almost if Presidents had not taught us otherwise as destructive as a Man But herein Your LADISHIP will pardon the Author as one born and living under the Salique Law Yet nothing is more legible in his Chieftains and Commanders than that the lust after Thrones and Scepters is as boyling mad as Fond Love and infinitely more fatall since the violence of Lovers strikes but at a couple when the Thirst after a Crown drinks the blood of Millions who all must be slaughter'd for that person who aspires to it Our Author was so watchfull over his CYRUS and MANDANA that neither have their Lapses save in some Doubt Jealousie I cannot call it of their mutual Affections which yet was begotten on rational grounds and such overflowings are tolerable in Love though in no other Passion How He hath embelish'd his Queens and Princesses with distinct Graces your LADISHIP is best able to pronounce For the Author with all his Art and Abilities cannot feign more Virtues than Your HONOUR is possess'd of and might safely use no other Compellations for those eminent Personages he strives to magnifie than the Names of Your several Virtues And this MADAM is the great Inducement made me humbly offer these Volumes to Your LADISHIP for if they have ought that is Excellent and Transcendent they are yours in Justice and may finde their Exemplars at all capacities For whose accomplishment in all Degrees of Happiness for your most Learned and Noble LORD and that Confluence of Hopes in that matchless young LADY You have the constant Devotions of MADAM Your Honour 's most humble and most obedient Servant HUMPHREY MOSELEY ARTAMENES OR The Grand CYRUS The Nineth Part. Book I. CAn it possibly be true said Cyrus and cried out after he knew from Indatherses the true name of Anaxaris that Anaxaris should be the Prince Ariantes Brother unto Thomiris who was gone unto the Kingdome of Issedons with the young Spargapises when Ciaxares sent me
Pherenice to tell her So that having passed away the rest of the night and part of the morning in reasoning upon this strange adventure she sent to seek out Chrisantes yet it was long before her servant could get out because the foure Guards which Anaxaris had placed at the Gate of the Castle would not suffer any to pass out because their orders was to the contrarie but at last obtaining their leave this servant got out and went unto Chrisantes who understood before that you Sir was not at your own lodging And hearing at the same time by Arianita that the Princess was also gone out he thought it not fit to conceal her astonishment So that acquainting the Prince Artamas Mazares Intaphernes Myrsiles and others with it there was presently raised so great a report of your death Sir and of the Princesses her departure that I am not able to represent unto you the disorder which this sad news caused both amongst all your friends and amongst the Souldiers The greatest wonder was that none knew what course to take nor from whom to receive orders Some said the best way was to go unto the King of Hircania others unto Croessus and every one voting to revenge your death and going after Mandana yet all their Spirits were in such disorder that neither of those courses was taken Some said that happily Anaxaris had not carried away the Princess considering the manner of her departure But the Prince Myrsiles understanding from some of his servants that Andramites many daies since had prepared some of his friends for some great design which he said he had in hand he made no question but his design was that knowing Anaxaris would carry away Mandana he would also carry away his adored Doralisa So that supposing them to be carried away by fallacies this Prince making no reckonings of these reports which went of the King of Assiria's being alive and that he had killed you he assembled together some of his friends and went in all haste to see if he could discover which way Anaxaris took The Prince Mazares also took up the same design but took another way As for the Prince Artamas Intaphernes Chrisantes Aglatidas and my self we divided our selves with intentions to find you out So that being guided doubtless by the Gods unto the place where you were I have good reason to believe that they will also guide you Sir very shortlie unto the place where Mandana is No no replied this grieved Prince there is no hopes but on the contrarie all is to be feared After this the Sibels answer which was brought him by Ortalques coming into his mind he assured himself that he was destined unto a sad fate and that Thomiris would destroy him Then also he believed that the Oracle of the Assyrian King would be fully compleated and prove to his Rivals advantage nor durst he so much as hope that the Oracle which the Princess of Salamis had received could be interpreted unto his advantage So that his Spirits being wholly possessed with sorrow he talked no more of what happed in the place where Arianita was from whose own mouth he intended to be precisely satisfied of all that Feraulas told him He found her with Pherenice Amalde Telamire and all the rest of the Ladies which used to accompany her but he found them all in tears yet his sight was a great comfort unto them supposing that since he was living they needed not to fear Mandana However their astonishment was not a little unto them that believed the King of Assyria dead and had heard say afterwards that he had killed Cyrus when they saw them both living and carrie themselves to each other as formerlie And after they were informed of all that Arianita knew after they had examined the four Guards whom Anaxaris had left and who knew nothing but that Anaxaris had commanded them to let none go out of the Castle until it was late and that the King of Assyria had been dressed of a slight wound which he had in his left Atm they advised together upon the best expedients in such a disasterous occasion 'T is true their counsels were often interrupted for men come from all Quarters of the Army to be satisfied concerning this great report which was so suddenlie spread abroad both concerning the King of Assyria's life and the death of Cyrus and also the carrying away of Mandana But at the last since the necessity of the business did extreamly urge it Cyrus with the advice of all his friends and of his Rival and when they understood that Anaxaris had not above a hundered men with him resolved that the King of Assiria the Prince Artamas the Prince Intaphernes and himself should each of them take two hundered horse and divide themselves to try if any of them could find out the way which Anaxaris took of which they had no light at all But since Cyrus was glad that some of his friends would be with the Assirian King in case he should find Mandana and recover her out of Anaxaris his hands And so he had no means to break his promise and carry her away for himself therefore Cyrus transacted with abundance of discretion maugre all his sorrows And caused many of his friends to follow his Rival As Araspes Aglatidas and some others Thus these four Princes taking with them such men as they stood in need of they parted after they had agreed upon the several ways which they were to take and of the place unto which they would send intelligence in case they heard any news of Mandana But when these four Troops had taken their several ways and that Cyrus marched and enquired all the way he went also when he considered how after he had taken Sinope Artaxates Babylon Sardis and Cumes and how after he had subdued so many Kingdoms and delivered Mandana when she was carried away by the King of Assiria by the Prince Mazares and by the King of Pontus now to see her carried away again by the Prince Ariantes he fell into a most extream dispair For he saw himself in as miserable a condition as he was when he went under the name of Artamenes when upon his return from Massagettes as he approached Thimiscyra he understood that the King of Assiria under the name of Philidaspes had carryed away Mandana yet sometimes he imagined that Ariantes perhaps had not carried her away but this imagination was very weak in him for having confidence in his secresy he had told him the the hour when he was to fight with the King of Assiria So as seeing he had carried away Mandana before he had so much as fought with his enemy he could not find any foundation of hope And not knowing well what to think of this cross adventure he very well saw it to be full of cruelty unto him In the mean time all his vigilancy and cares to enlighten his knowledge was in vain The Prince Artamas was no
keep close in that Province until he have brought one of these two things to pass either until he have negotiated with the Queen his Sister or else until he have declared war for I understood within these few days that there came a man of quallity disguised unto him who told him that his friends had raised a great Party against Thomiris and that the state of things was so as he was able to take the Kingdom of the Issedons from Thomiris which he pretended that Princess unjustly detained from him This Scithyan who came to Ariantes replied Indatherses and addressed his speech unto Cyrus is certainly him for whom I desired your protection Sir If so replied Cyrus happily we may get more light from him then yet we know If he do know any thing replied Indatherses I am in good hopes he will impart it to me for he is my very good friend and is a little obliged to me So as since I know him to be a most accomplished man I have good reason to hope he will not hide what I shall desire to know if he can impart it without betraying his friend For Heavens sake said Cyrus let me know as much as you can concerning Ariantes I shall not fail Sir answered this generous Scithian for I assure you Sir I should be as much joyed to help you in the delivery of Mandana as I was when I had the happiness to help you out of the Massagetian Country After this Cyrus thanking him and confirming the promise he made unto the servant of Andramites he returned unto the place from whence Mandana departed but in his way thither he met the Prince Mersiles who with unequaled sorrow told him thus Sir said he since one that is a subject unto the King my father hath his hand in carrying away the Princess Mandana I may perhap seem to be accessary But if you will be pleased Sir to consider what he hath done against my self doubtless you will not think me culpable As he was saying so Mazares overtook them and with so much sadness in his face as it was easie to see that though he did not pretend any thing unto Mandana yet he did very much interest himself in her misfortunes And Cyrus had no sooner returned a civil answer unto the Prince Mersiles but Mazares conjured him to tell him whether he had heard any thing concerning Mandana So as Cyrus esteeming him very much and had loved him most tenderly had he never been his Rival he gave him a most exact account of all passages but he had no sooner done speaking then Mazares told him that he was exceeding generous to satisfie his curiosity For truly said he though I never carryed away Mandana but once yet it may very well be said that I am accessary both unto the King of Pontus his carrying her away and also unto this of Ariantes since if I had never begun they had never followed But I assure you Sir that I would spend both my blood and my life to recover unto her that liberty which I caused her to lose Alas alas cryed Cyrus considering what is past what may be expected from the future After this Cyrus began to march and muse with himself until he met with the Prince Artamas unto whom he related as much as he did unto Mazares And after that he went straight into the Castle where all Mandana's women stayed with all the Ladies of Thimiscira who were to return the next morning for the River which had not swelled its banks was now confined into its ordinary limits and would let them pass But since Arianite was of their acquaintance she and Pherenice stayed with them and all the rest of Mandana's women also Cyrus desiring Amaldea to have a care of them until their Princess was at liberty and that she would carry them unto Thimiscira where he would give orders for all things they should need In the mean time Indatherses went to visit Adonacris to scru what he could out of him before Cyrus resolved upon any course But whilst he was there he did not only give orders that all honor should be given unto the King of Assiria's Corps as if that dead Prince were living upon his Throne But also that it should be carryed unto the stately Tombe which the Queen Nitocris his Mother had built in Babylon And accordingly about three days after his Corps was put in a Charriot covered with black cloth imbroidered with Gold the horses which drew it in magnificent harness and this Charriot was waited upon by two hundred men in mourning on horse-back whereof half went before it and half behind In the mean time since it was ever the custom of Cyrus to do a hundred unnecessary things for the service of Mandana rather then neglect the least expedient that might be serviceable he conveyed away Spies to Cholchis where the servant of Ariantes said be would land and he sent Ortalques secretly in a disguise to Gelonide who had been very favorable to him when he was with Thomiris but since it was Chrisantes who had the most commerce with her Cyrus desired him to write unto her and desired Aglatidas who was Nephew unto that wise Lady to do the like he himself intending to march slowly towards that Country until he knew precisely where Mandana was Whilst Cyrus was thinking upon these things Indatherses having been to see Adonacris and having found him in a condition to be talked with he conjured him to tell what Ariantes his design was I can tell you replied Adonacris that since I came hither I opposed as much as I was able the unjust design of Ariantes And truly generous Indatherses I had a good mind to betray that Prince to the end I might the better have served him but since I was afraid to ruine him by desiring to serve him I durst not trust Cyrus unto whom I had not the honour to be known and if it had been the pleasure of the Gods that you had been here when I came first hither things had not now been in that lamentable condition as they are For truly Sir Ariantes hath lost a Kingdom to carry away Mandana and he chused rather to be her Ravisher then to be King of the Issedons I do so little understand the meaning of all this replied Indatherses that I cannot give any answer unto it for since I left Thomiris I have been alwayes in Greece seeking Anacharsis who as you know is my Unkle so as I have only a confused notion of what hath passed in both the Scithia's and since I desired to forget the ungrateful Thomiris I would not so much as think upon the Country where she dwelt nor ask any news of it 'T is true since I came into Asia I understood that presently after my departure from the Massagettes there grew a War between Arirntes and Thomiris by reason of apretention which that Prince had unto the Crowne but I have such a confused knowledge of
it that you would do me the greatest pleasure in the world if you would be pleased to tell me not only all you know concerning Ariantes and Thomiris but all the adventures happened unto your self and if you will compleatly oblige me let the illustrious Cyrus know it also and to induce you unto it I must assure you that it much concerns the Prince Ariantes whom you love you should oblige a Prince who certainly will one day be his Conquerour Since I have nothing to speak concerning the Prince Ariantes which can prejudice him replied Adonacris but on the contrary will rather excuse him I will willingly satisfie your desires as far as I can But to tell the illustrious Cyrus all that relates unto Ariantes and all that concerns my self will be a discourse so long that I am afraid considering my condition I shall not be able to go through with it But I have a friend which came unto me this morning who knows all things as well as I my self and who speaks Greek excellently well he shall relate the matter better then I my self can Indatherses seeing that indeed he was not able to speak so long together unless he should do himself hurt though he was indifferent well of his wounds he accepted of his offer So Adonacris sending for his friend whose name was Anabaris he presented him unto Indatherses and telling him what office he desired from him he prepared himself for obedience So that Indatherses telling him that he would first know what houre Cyrus would appoint and then send him word he went unto that Prince and left those two illustrious Scithians And Cyrus to loose no time desired Indatherses to bring Anabaris unto him that night So that he sent to seek Anabaris and presented him unto Cyrus who after a very civil reception desired him to satisfie his curiosity Then Cyrus Indatherses and he each of them taking their places he began thus The History of the Prince ARIANTES of ELIBESIS of ADONACRIS and of NOROMANTE WHen I consider Sir by what wayes the Gods do bring the strangest things to pass and what that indissolveable Chain of small things with great ones and great ones with small things is I cannot chuse but admire their order and acknowledg that it is not fit for men to pry too far into their mysteries Indeed Sir who can imagine that the violence which the Prince Ariantes hath done unto the Princess Mandana had its first cause in the adventures which I am now to relate unto you And that before ever Ariantes knew her he had done a hundred things which put a disposition into his Spirit of committing that Crime which now troubles you yet it is most certain that whilst you were with Thomiris and whilst the Prince Ariantes was in the Kingdom of the Issedons with the young Prince Spargapise there fell out such things as would have prevented this accident if they had not been Then Sir I do think it pertinent to tell you that the Father of Thomiris was not born a King and that when he became one he was already married Indeed Thomiris who was his then only Daughter was four years of age when the Prince Lypacari her Father by his prudence valor possessed himself of the Kingdom of Issedons after the death of the last of their ancient Kings So as by this means the Prince Ariantes coming into the world two years after Lypacaris ascended the Throne Thomiris was six years elder then the Prince Ariantes I tell you this Sir that you may the better understand by what right Thomiris raigns in prejudice of this Prince for be pleased to know that the Issedons are so perswaded that prudence cannot be found in youth as without any difference of Sexes they have a Law that when their King dies his eldest Child must raign So as if he have a Daughter elder then a Son the Crown is hers Things being thus and the Father of Thomiris dying this young Princess who was then fourteen years of age was proclaimed Queen because the Prince Ariantes was but eight And she found her way the more easie unto it because the Son unto the late King of the Massagettes who was then at Issedon and was deep in Love with that young Princess did countenance her cause by his presence and by his interest that so he might unite in her person two Kingdoms under one and the same Authority And indeed things went as he wished for Thomiris was declared Queen and he married her presently after 'T is true they stayed not at Issedon which is the Metropolis of our Kingdome because the King of the Massagettes being dead the Prince his Son carried the Queen his Wife into his own Country and he carried her thither in double mourning because the Queen his Mother-in-law died also So that this Prince carrying the young Ariantes with him by this means he took him out of the peoples sight lest murmuring that they had not a King resident in their own Kingdome there should any rebellion begin under his name In the mean time this young Princess being the first year delivered of a Successor the King her Husband died suddenly and left Thomiris Queen-Regent during the minority of the young Spargapises and left her also Queen of two Kingdoms Though this Queen was very young yet she raigned Soveraignly and absolutely and in great glory making her self so terrible unto all the Grandees and people that there was not the least commotion in either of her Kingdomes In the mean time though she was born at Issedon though that Kingdom was more civilized then the Massageâ—tes though we have their goodly Towns and though the others habitation be only in Tents yet she preferred that warlike people before that which was more civil and polite so as sending Lievtenants unto Issedon she dwelt in Tents Royal. Also it was her pleasure that the Prince Ariantes should stay with her until the People beginning to murmure a little at the exorbitances of those she sent to govern them and then she sent thither the young Spargapisis her Son though he was but a child to the end his presence might appease all tumults But because that young Prince did love Ariantes very well Thomiris let them both go together which voyage continued longer then she thought of This was the voyage Sir which those two Princes made when you were with Thomiris during which time all manner of diversions were invented amongst us to please the young Spargapises and keep him amongst us to the end we might still have him amongst us who was to be our King Since Issedon is a place as pleasant as any whatsoever it was there where Spargapises and Ariantes stayed most after they had surveighed all the Kingdome And though Spargapises was not yet at an age to relish pleasures yet since Ariantes was eight years elder then he the diversions were most for him Dancings Feasts Balls and other exercises of the body were for
quality is nothing slaves and Kings are all one In all other things I do respect Kings and Princes as much as becomes my duty but in matters of love I protest Madam that I do not value their quality and though you make a great difference between Ariantes and others yet I shall not but shall look upon him as my Rivall without any consideration of Spargapises uncle or Thomiris brother And to the end you may not doubt of what I say Pursued he with extream violence I swear unto you by Vesta by Hercules by Mars by Venus by Neptune and by all the gods which we adore that I will be as good as my word Since it is allowable to correct ones first thoughts upon some occasions replied Elibesis I hope that when your anger is over you will alter your mind Nay Madam as for that replied he I shall change and therefore you may build upon what I say for really I cannot indure you should be capable of any such imbecility I do protest unto you Sir said she then unto him that you have no reason in the earth to complain and if you would have me discover my heart unto you I will ingeniously confess that its true Ambition is the predominate Passion of my Soul and that the onely reason of my-slight complacency unto the Prince Ariantes is because I know that I do thereby vex all the beauties of Issedon by possessing that Prince so much that he never speaks unto them I know very well Madam replied he that you do vex them in causing the Prince Ariantes never to speak unto them but you may know withall that you vex me extreamly by perpetuall talking with him Since he is not to stay here replied she me thinks it need not trouble you so much and truely how do you think I can be uncivill unto a man of his Qualitie Oh Madam cried he out it is not Qualitie that justifies a Rivall for I have already told you and do tell you again that Qualitie is no reasonable cause of Inconstancie And as for Ambition Madam believe it Madam that there is more glory in slighting a Prince then in treating him favourably Moreover how can I assure my self of your mind and how can the Prince Ariantes assure himself if you should quit me for him For truely he is a Prince without a Principality and there are a thousand in the world whom you would prefer before him if you had the fortune to know them and if chance should so bring it about that Spargapises should fall in love with you you will quit Ariantes who is never to be a King for Spargapises who ere long is to have a Kingdome Also if the same fortune pursued he in a scoffing Rallery should let you see either the King of Phrigia the King of Medes or the King of Hircania you would for any of them quit the King of the Issedons and so passing from King to King if Jupiter should take a phancie to prostitute one of the gods at your feet or to come upon his Eagle to do you homage you would then be unfaithfull unto all terrestriall Kings to entertain the least of the gods Oh I beseech you Agatherses said she unto him do not use such reverent names to shew the folly of your mind if you would have me to appease you I care not for appearing said he unto her but I would either justifie you or else make you repent of the injustice you have done me If I have failed I will repent said she unto him but since I have not I must needs protest that you are very injurious to complain That the Prince Ariantes did never dispossess you of that place which you had in my heart And that unless he were able to make me à Queen I will never be more unto him than I am I pray judge then whether a Prince without a Principality as you say be able to give me a Crown Since in all likelyhood replied he and smiled Fortune will never do Justice unto your merit nor find you a King to set you upon a Throne me thinks you might very well speak more obligingly unto me than you have done and to tell me that though Fortune would make you a Queen and that a great one yet you would not make me the most miserable man upon earth But however since you assure me that none under the degree of a King shall ever supplant me in your opinion my soul will be at some rest I will promise you as much replied she upon condition you will not move me to alter my way of living with Ariantes whilest he stayes here For I must profess unto you that I cannot endure the reports of such as envie me who doubtless will say that I would never have changed my way of living with the Prince Ariantes but for the love of you moreover it will much concern your interest and fortune Alas Madam replied he as for my fortune it is not a reason to be alledged unto me for I think upon nothing but preserving you No no Madam deceive not your self that is not the way to bring me unto your opinion and therefore be confident that as long as it concerns onely my Fortune I will with abundance of joy sacrifice it all to have so much satisfaction as to see you treat the Prince Ariantes sharply But still I must confess that if it reflect upon your honour I will have as great a care of it as your self and therefore I do consent you should be something civill towards that Prince Provided Madam you have a little care of comforting me in this dispair that I am in and provided you do multiply your goodness towards me for if you do not I shall lose all my patience and be forced to do such things as will displease both you and my self when I have done them Think upon it therefore Madam and consider what it is to incense a Lover who hath a soul both high and sensible and who in the very center of his heart prefers none before him but such as have more vertue and merit than himself The truth is Madam pursued he vehemently if you seriously consider it you will find that qualitie doth not infuse any wit into the words of him who speaks nor alters his sence nor doth at all contribute unto discourse Therefore you need not wonder I should take it ill that you should be perfidious unto me for Ariantes his sake though a Prince more then if he were my equall After this the violence of his mind being by degrees cooled he began to talk most submissively unto Elibesis and was so full of his passionate expressions as in the end he permitted her to continue her complacency unto Ariantes as she had begun whilest he stayed at Issedon which he thought would not be long so that they parted very good friends yet they continued not long so for I do not think one day passed without a
possibilitie replied Ariantes there can be no danger in answering it since it is not like to happen Truly Sir replied she I think you are in the right Therefore Sir I will tell you that as to the first of your things whereof you speak Agatherses cannot think of marrying me within the time you have prescribed because both his affairs and mine will not permit it And as for the other I tell you again since you will have me That if a King do come and offer me a Crown and Agatherses do not advice me to accept then I think I shall because I should then think he did not love me and consequently might break off with him And for my part said Ariantes and interrupted her I conceive that if he should advise you to accept of it you would have good cause to accuse him for want of love and therefore whether he advise you or not still ye ought to prefer a King before a Subject and rather chuse to be a Queen than the Mistress of Agatherses Seriously Sir said Elibesis then you swell my joyes to hear you talk thus and truly I cannot be better pleased then to know that all you have said are but flashes of pleasant wit Time Madam will shew that replied Ariantes in the mean time remember you have promised me not to marrie Agatherses within one year and that if in this time a King comes and begs of you upon his knees to be a Queen you will accept of the Crown he offers you These are very easie to be promised replied Elibesis and laughed for truly Sir I have no desire to marry any whosoever and I am and ever shall as long as I live be desirous of being a Queen as far as I may desire it without folly After this much company coming in the discourse changed and Elibesis was put into a notable dilemma for the Prince Ariantes was so full of tender expressions in the beginning of their discourse and afterwards told such things so improbable that sometimes she feared he mocked her But otherwise she had so good an opinion of his merit that she hath since said she had more reason to belive that the violence of Ariantes love unto her caused him to tell her of such improbabilities then to think he spoke not seriously when he said he loved her However it be she spake not a word unto Agatherses of all that the Prince Ariantes had said unto her for though she did not see any possibility in the proposition which he made her yet since she did not desire to lose this Prince though she intended to keep Agatherses she would not acquaint him with the conference But Sir to the end you may not wonder as well as Elibesis why Ariantes should speak as he did be pleased to know that an Issedonian of great qualitie had been with Ariantes that morning and perswaded him to think of making himself King and also offered him the means how to bring it to pass At first the proposition seemed unto the Prince not onely as unjust but as impossible Yet since he would not reject the motion without more serious consideration he pressed the man who spoke unto him whose name was Octomasades to tell him upon what motives he grounded so great a design Sir replied he as I understood from himself I first ground it upon Justice and secondly upon your courage and upon the earnest desire of the people to have a King who will stay in Issedon For Sir the Law by which Thomiris reigns to your prejudice is that the eldest son or the eldest daughter unto the King of the Issedons ought to succeed in the Throne since so said Ariantes the reign of Thomiris is just for she is six years elder then I. No Sir replied Octomasades and thus I will make it good The Law of the Kingdom sayes that the eldest childe of the King of Issedon shall reign Now when Thomiris was born the Prince Lypacaris your father and 〈◊〉 was not King and in all likelyhood was never like to be so as she cannot truly be called the eldest daughter unto the King of the Issedons since when she came into the world her Father was not King So Sir since you were born two years after Lypacaris wore the Crown it is you Sir who are the Kings right born though he had a Daughter before and to speak equitably Thomiris is Daughter unto the Prince Lipacaris and you are Son unto the King of Issedons After this Sir I think you need not doubt the Justice of your Title and Right or at the least of a very plausible pretence Moreover all the people do exceedingly murmure at the remoteness of that Princess who prefers her Tents before our stately Towns insomuch as I am very confident that if you will please to think of ascending the Throne you may do it with much ease I will offer my life and fortunes in your service and also engage all my friends which are no small number Airantes hearing Octomasades speak thus stood pausing a while and returned no answer But since he had a very generous soul naturally until love did alter his inclination he hearkened unto what Octomasades said rather as a subtilty to make him revolt from Thomiris then as a real reason to pretend unto the Crown which she possessed So not accepting his offer he only thanked him for his zeal which he expressed unto him But Sir by this which I shall now tell you you may admire the omnipotence of Love Ariantes who hearkened unto Octomasades as I told you did change his minde whilst he was talking with Elib sis for having discovered the unlimitable ambition of her soul he resolved to attempt that out of love which he refused out of ambition so as it may very well be said that his desire of raigning only in the heart of Elibesis moved him unto a desire of raigning over the Issedons And indeed this was the only reason of his Speech unto Elibesis when he engaged her to promise not to marry Agatherses within one year and to accept of a Crown if it were offered her imagining that within the compass of this time his enterprize might either be executed or frustrated But Sir it was more then a light thought which love inspired into him for it was a design fully resolved upon and a design which he began to set on foot immediately in order to which he sent for Octomasades and that reason which before he hearkened unto as a subtilty appeared now unto him the justest title in the world So that conferring with him they concluded upon the matter and resolved that Ariantes should upon some pretence let Spargapises return whensoever Thomiris should call him home that in the mean time Ariantes should make as many friends as he could that Octomasades should labour all his that the people should be diverted with publike Feasts and to have men about him who know how to insinuate thoughts fit for the
very easie to move them against him whom the Princess had trusted with her Authority also to drive him out of the Town and make the Prince Ariantes master of it And indeed since he had no Army which could come up time enough to appease this disorder Octomasades did happily execute his design of feising upon Issedon and began war in the very heart of the Kingdom I shall not Sir insist upon any particulat relation of the whole business for I have so many other passages less tedious to tell you that I will only in two words tell you that the people by the Artefice of Octomasades did rebel some said according as they were inspired that Ariantes was their legitimate King and that Thomiris did but usurp the Kingdom of Issedons from him others did second them and all proclaimed Ariantes King who took up arms and drove the Lievetenant of Thomiris out of the Kingdom and secured all the strong places of the Town And all this in so short a time that it had been done without any resistance if Agatherses had not been a rub unto his design But Sir since the passages were extraordinary I beseech you give me leave to insist a little longer upon them Be pleased to know therefore Sir that Agatherses whose mind was enflamed with love and jealousie he visited Elibesis as much as he could not only because he was pleased with the sight of her but because he would hinder Ariantes from all private discourse so as when this great tumult was in Issedon Agatherses was with Elibesis who lodged far from that part of the town where the sedition began in so much as Ariantes was master of a great part of the Town before they knew it But at last the disorder was so great and universall that the noise of it reached their ears and interrupted Agatherses who was discoursing with Elibesis both concerning his love and his jealousie As they were much surprised at so great a noise and full of curiositie to know the cause one of the women of Elibesis came frighted in and told her mistress that all the town was in arms That Ariantes would make himself King and that none durst resist him You may well imagine Sir that this news filled Agatherses and Elibesis with wonder yet Agatherses believed that Elibesis did not onely seem fuller of wonder than really she was and that she knew something of the design For I forgot to tell you Sir that the night before Ariantes talked at least two howers together of his passion with her and Aâ—atherses knew it So that this Lover hearing his Rivall would be King and fearing least he should become his Subject his sorrows were beyond expression and the more because he believed or at least feared that Elebesis was Prince to the plot and approved of it so as not knowing what to believe or not to believe he looked fixedly upon Elebesis as if his eyes would look into the very bottom of her heart I have reason to think Madam said he unto her that you are acquainted with the unjust proceedings of the Prince Ariantes since you told me once that unless you were a Queen I was in no danger of losing you But know Madam that since I am as faithfull a Subject as a Lover and as terrible an enemy as a Rivall the Prince Ariantes is not yet in a condition to offer you a Crown and he shall never set you upon the Throne untill after he hath sent me to my grave Let me therefore leave you Madam and either go meet death or give it him who removes me out of your heart For I do profess I can never live a Subject either unto my Rivall or my mistress And I swear by all the gods that are adored at Issedon or any where else in the world that I will never be your Subject or Ariantes After this Agatherses went his way though Elebesis would have stayed him for though she was ambitious and desired to preserve Ariantes yet she loved Agatherses But it was in vain to recall him for since the noise increased Agatherses transported with rage and fury would needs go and see if he could find any means to quash the Rivals design so as he went out at a back door least he should be compassed about with a croud of seditious people and not know what to do But he was no sooner got out then he met one of his friends who with a hundred men onely would seize upon a For or Tower which Ariantes was not yet master of So as Agatherses without more delay went with this party to oppose Ariantes But before they could get into this Tower they met with this Prince and fought him with incredible valour As for Agatherses he did as much as any jealous Lover could who fought with his Rivall and he made his way so through the press and got unto the Prince Ariantes who seeing him come on so furiously received him with the same vigour the other assaulted him asking him for all the tumult whether he fought as subject unto Thomiris or as the lover of Elebesis I fight replied he fiercely to hinder you from being King to hinder Elebesis from being Queen and to keep my self from being subject unto either her or you After this Agatherses made a blow at Ariantes which slightly hurt him in the left arm And Ariantes made another at Agatherses which scratched him on the right side and which had killed him had he not warded it with much cunning and force But in conclusion Ariantes being ten times more numerous then his enemies Agatharses was not able to retard the designs of this Prince For all his men being neither souldiers nor men of quality they ran away as soon as they saw ten or twelve of themselves killed So that Agatharses fearing to fall under the power of his Rivall or else to become either his Prisoner or subject he was forced to retreat by a back-lane but it was with so much sorrow and rage that never man was more desperate All he could do was to get into the house of a friend for since he had assaulted Ariantes he durst not go into his own house Furthermore he sadly heard that nothing could withstand his Rivall and that the tumultuous assembly had declared that Thomiris was onely daughter unto the Prince Lipacaris and that Ariantes was the son unto the late King of Issedons and consequently King according to the Lawes of the Realm But to his greatest grief he was given to understand that Ariantes whose wound was so slight that he wore his arm in a scarf rather for fashion than need had been a whole house with Elibesis And indeed Sir since the ambition of this Prince was onely an effect of his love he no sooner saw his design executed but maugre all his business he would needs visit her whom he loved and adored and he might the better do it because the main weight of this great enterprize did
for war one out of ambition the other out of love that they brought the business to a kind of Treaty And within a few dayes after it was resolved to meet at a certain place and confer and each side give their reasons and thereupon to advise upon the best expedients of compoâ—ing the difference The place of conference being resolved upon Ariantes nominated Octomasades and six other Commissioners on his side Agatherses carried the matter so well that he himself was chief Commissioner for Thomiris to the end he might transact against Ariantes as well during the conference as the War and certainly he did most worthily acquit himself for do not think it possible any could bring stronger reasons to maintain that though Thomiris was born before her Father came to the Crown yet she ought to be looked upon as the eldest Daughter unto the King of the Issedons and not only as the Daughter of Lipacaris and consequently since the Laws of the Land made the eldest Child of the King to raign without any difference of Sex Thomiris was lawful Queen and Ariantes an Usurper Octomasades maintained very strongly that though the Laws of the Land made the eldest Child of the King to raign yet it ought to be the Prince Ariantes since he only was Son unto the King of the Issedons and Thomiris the Daughter of a Subject though she was his eldest Sister and by consequence incapable of raigning since it was the eldest Child of a King whose due it is The truth is said he to maintain the right of Ariantes Ariantes pretends not to the Crown as Son unto Lipacaris but only as Son unto the King of Issedons For truly a forced exposition ought not to be given unto that Law which gives him for the Scepter it must be understood according to the letter and be known that those who made it had sufficient reasons to authorize it Certainly there is all the equity in the world that the People who can never have too much respect unto those who ought to command them should have another kind of person over them then themselves to wit a person that is incapable of raigning and subject to the same obedience they are To avoid which inconvenience it must not be Thomiris which must raign since all the people know her born in a private condition when her Father was no King but on the contrary it ought to be the Prince Ariantes whom the people saw born upon a Throne But what if it will be objected Why though the Prince Lipacaris was a Subject yet he made himself King 'T is true indeed he did so but it was after another manner for the Prince Lipacaris did make himself King by the right of Conquerours but his Successors cannot be King but by the Laws he established So it must be the Son or Daughter of a King and not of a Subject who ought legally to succeed Moreover there is one reason which moves me to expound the Law thus for certainly a Throne stamps a new Character of Grandure upon those who are upon it And those who are born Kings have more Royal inclinations more worthy of a Scepter then others who are born in a lower condition And to speak rationally the first day of a mans life who makes himself King is the first day that he steps upon the Throne so as all before it were not his and it must be since he was the Father of his Subjects that he can be called the Father of his Children Thus I conclude that the Law which sayes that the First-born of the King of Issedons ought to raign ought to be expounded as I have done though Lipacares had had a Son elder then Ariantes in lieu of Thomiris from a more forcible reason therefore it ought to be thus since it is more advantagious to the people to have a King then a Queen Furthermore every thing argues in favour of the side which I maintain for Thomiris in yeelding the Issedonian Crown unto the Prince Ariantes remains still Queen of the Massagettes on the contrary the Son unto the King of Issedon who only ought to raign over them will be without a Kingdom and indeed the Issedons will have neither King nor Queen for since the marriage of Thomiris she never comes amongst them and she sufficiently makes it known that Nature hath not infused into her heart that tender affection which Kings ought to have unto their people since she never honours them with her presence and it may be said that she rather treats them like a People which she subjected by Usurpation then Subjects which a legal and successive right did give her since she governs them by Substitutes and never comes her self amongst them But not to use reasons and arguments where the authority of the Law is sufficient I will maintain that since the Eldest Child of the Issedonian King ought to raign it ought to be the Prince Ariantes And I will further affirm that it would be more glorious unto Thomiris to be the Wife the Mother and the Sister of a King then to have one Crown more and have a Brother that is Subject unto the Prince her Son So as I conclude that if she will have the Wars to cease she must restore the Crown of Issedon unto him to whom legally it belongs and that she let him be her brother by nature and her Ally by interest of his Crown and not a Subject After this Sir the eloquence of Octomasades went a little further and enlarged it self in commendations of the Prince Ariantes but concluded that he would rely wholly upon the Law which was that the eldest Child unto the King of Issedons should raign I willingly consent replied Agatherses after Octomasades had done that the Law be punctually relied upon which would have the eldest Child unto the King of Issedons to raign since that is the foundation upon which the right Title of Thomiris her raign is built and by which Ariantes ought to be looked upon only as an Usurper And to prove that Thomiris is the eldest Daughter unto the Issedonian King though she was born when he was only the Prince Licaparis I need only say that Lipacaris and the King of Issedons being all one and the same person Thomir's cannot be the eldest Daughter of the one but she must be the eldest Daughter of the other Also if you tell me she is not the Daughter to the King of Issedons I will tell you again that Ariantes is the Son of Lipacaris and you cannot deny it by the same reason For truly Lipacaris in ascending the Throne did not cease to be the same he was before in all things directly relating to his person he was still brave and generous he was the Husband of his Wife Father to his Daughter Cozen to his kindred and indeed all the very same he was before his being King The elevation of his Fortune did not subvert the course of nature it did not
break the ligaments of proximity and all his power cannot make that which is never to have been So since Lipacaris had a Daughter before he was King she is still his Daughter though afterwards he ascended a Throne I would gladly know if she be not Daughter to the King of Issedons whose Daughter she is For as soon as the King her Father was upon the Throne it seems he was no longer Lipacaris but Lipacaris was so mixed incorporated and confounded with the King of Issedons that none ever knew how to separate them So that since Lipacaris is King of the Issedons since the King of Issedons is Lipacaris and since they are both but one and the same it must follow by necessary consequence that Thomiris is eldest Daughter unto the King and her unto whom the Laws gives the Crown That the Prince Ariantes is her Subject and that he most unjustly takes up Arms by giving an interprecation unto the Laws of the Land which they will not admit of To say that the people before they can respect those who ought to be their Masters must obey Ariantes before Thomiris because they had seen her a Subject like themselves this in my opinion is the strangest thing in the world They might as well say that the people because they had seen Lipacaris a Subject like themselves thirty years together ought not to obey him after the Gods had placed him upon the Throne But there are stronger arguments and reasons why they ought to obey the Daughter of their King unto whom the Law gives more right unto the Crown of Issedon then force did unto Lipacaris Moreover there is much shallowness in that argument which sayes that Thomiris hath more Crowns then one and therefore may well part with the other for if she had a hundred yet the Crown of Issedon is hers and no reason but why she should keep it Private persons may somtimes doubtless yeeld somthing which descends unto them from their Fathers but Kngs never ought to yeeld Kingdomes And though it be said that it is not more glorious unto Thomiris to be the Daughter of a King then to be the Sister of another yet I say she ought to insist peremptorily upon her right unto the Kingdom of Issedon over which she hath raigned with so much glory that her presence was not necessary to make her people obedient so wisely did she govern them But not to dispute whether a King or a Queen is more advantagious unto the people I say as I said before that since Lipacaris and the King of Issedons are both one and the same person and since Thomiris is elder then Ariantes and eldest Daughter to the Queen she ought to continue her Raign as she began since the Lawes of the Land require it and since she ascended the Throne by the peoples consent And indeed to speak rationally what strange Chimique division would it be to divide Lipacaris from the King of Issedons It was the virtues of Lipacaris which made him King and he did greater things to get upon the Throne then he did afterwards So as it would be great injustice to put so great a difference between what he was when he deserved to be King and what he was after he was a King In my opinion whosoever is so happy as to make himself a King may be looked upon as one even from his Cradle to his Grave For as it may be said it is the Gods who gives Crowns as best pleaseth them so it may be said that whosoever is to be a King is so from his birth because it was so decreed from the beginning So though men did not know that Lipacaris was to be King yet by an infallible fatality he was to be so and from his Cradle induced with all high qualities fit to be ranked in the Catalogue of Kings by that power which Soveraignly disposes of Monarchies and Empires and which before he was born knew whether Thomiris or Ariantes should raign Lipacaris then being by the Gods put into the rank of Kings as soon as he was put into the rank of men though it should be granted that Thomiris is only Daughter unto Lipacaris yet it must of necessity follow that she is also Daughter unto the King of Issedons since he was marked out for such a one by those who have right to give unto men such Characters as best pleaseth them But not to fly unto any subtilties to maintain the equity of a cause which nothing can weaken I shall tell you only in two words that the Law sayes the Kingdome belongs unto the eldest Child of the King without distinction of Sex that Thomiris is five years elder then the Prince Ariantes that as soon as Lipacaris ceased being a Subject and began to be a King Thomiris also ceased to be the Daughter of a Subject and began to be the Daughter of a King and that unless it can be said her Father was never King of Issedon they cannot take from her the quality of a Kings Daughter since she cannot change her Father as he changed his Fortune So that being his and brought up with him she is as he is and by consequence is legitimate Queen according to the Laws of the Land and by the same consequence the Prince Ariantes cannot pretend unto any thing but a pardon for his crime and to be the prime Subject unto this great Queen I believe Sir you will think that a conference of men who affected not Peace would come to nothing but that on the contrary it would exasperate their spirits for since Agatherses hated Ariantes he used many offensive invectives and since Octomasades feared nothing more then to come under the lash of a Queen whom he had wronged he was full of tart expressions against her passion to the end he might hinder the War from ceasing Thus after three daies conference and repetition of things rather against Peace then for it the Treaty ended and the War began But Sir the thing most remarkable was that whilst Octomasades and Agatherses conferred together Adonacris accompanying Octomasades and Sitalces Agatherses the miserable Adonacris had the sorrow to see the Possessor of his dear Noromata whom he yet knew not for Sitalces was one of the Grand Signiors in his Country who was well contented with his Quality who came into the Wars when it came to him and who never came at Court but by chance So as Adonacris had never seen him And that which most amazed him was that since Sitalces did not know that he had any intelligence with his Wife that he was in love with her or any acquaintance between them he addressed himself alwayes unto him to propose such expedients as he fancied So that since it was not possible he should see the Possessor of his dear Noromata without extream grief he was in a most perplexed condition and the worse because his love encreased For Sitalces being one of those who think they can never
design of dis-engaging my heart from Meliantes did make me receive the Love of Hydaspes sooner than otherwise I had done so as not to dissemble with you I did did permit him to hope and a while after promised him my Love Since this Madam there hath hapned many strange revolutions and not to insist upon any but the last I will tell you Madam that notwithstanding all my coldness to Meliantes he came disguised unto the Tents Royall and was so generous as to hazard his life in being the death of my last Ravisher and I may truly say Madam that in killing Lycander he hath received part of that affection which formerly I had unto him so as I am now in the most peplexed condition in the World For I know that none can be more perfectly loved than I am both by Meliantes and by Hydaspes The first of which hath done me the most considerable service and the second hath the Engagement of my promise which I am not able to keep unless I be ungratefull unto Meliantes nor can I bestow my self unto Meliantes unless I be perfidious unto Hydaspes Thus can I give my self unto neither of these two unless I should greive for him whose I am not And I am so unresolved what to do that doubtless I should repent it if I should make my choise of either For truly I do no sooner entertain an advantageous thought of Hydaspes but presently I have another which blasts it And therefore Madam to be sincere with you I am not able to make him whom I shall choose or my self happy in my choice After thâ—s Mandana endeavoured to discover whether all this proceeded from the reality of her mind and indeed she did so plainly find that it was so as she could not choose but wonder But the great difficulty was to make Arpasia consent that her thoughts should be made known unto Meliantes and Hydaspes yet resolve upon it she must For after Mandana had given an account unto Cyrus and Gabrias of her conference they could find out no better course then to tell both Meliantes and Hydaspes ingeniously how the case stood So as sending for them both Mandana did so discreetly acquaint them with Arpasias mind and carried the matter with such artifice as she almost infused an equall desire in them both to yeild her unto one another by the impossibility which she made them see in making eithe themselves or her happy yet they could not resolve it so upon a sudden but desired two things The one that Arpasia would in their presence confirm all that the Princess Mandana had told them that they might see there was no possibility of changing her mind The other that they might have time given them untill the next day before they gave their answer Their demands were granted and Arpasia was brought unto them though much against her will But when they saw her they found all that Mandana told them so exactly true that they equally thought themselves most miserable yet Meliantes less than Hydaspes For after an absolute despair he found some sweetness in seeing that he had made some Entrance into Arpasias heart since he had gotten half of it from his Rivall yet this partition was a great affliction unto him as well as unto Hydaspes and they were in a hundred minds to give over all thoughts of a person who could not tell what to resolve upon And thus they passed away that night in a restless perplexity However Meliantes being as generous as amorous the very thought that Hidaspes would still be in a corner of Arpasias heart though he should marry her he was in a mind to quench his flames but since generosity told him it was against the haire to yeild her unto his Rivall he was resolved not to do it when one came to tell him that Cyrus was very desirous to speak with him and stayed for him in Mandana's chamber He remembring his promise of giving an answer did think it was that for which he sent for him but he was much surprized when in entring into the the Chamber of that Princess where there was only Cyrus and the King of Hyrcania and he heard Mandana say that she had such good news to tell him as she desired none should acquaint him with it but her self For Meliantes said she unto him you are Son unto a King and to a King who was the first friend of Cyrus when he begun the Warr But the worst is that in giving a Crown you must loose a mistress for the King your Father before whom I speak hath acquainted me that according to the Laws of his Kingdome it is not lawfnll for the successor unto that Kingdome to marry a stranger Princess Madam replyed Meliantes much amazed what you are pleased to tell is so far from any probability that not daring but to beleive your words I must needs think I have not rightly understood them No no replyed the King of Hyrcania neither the Princess Mandana nor you are mistaken for you are really my Sonn though you do not know it And to testifie that I do know all that ever you have done since you left the name of Clidaris and assumed that of Meliantes I must tell you that you were brought up in a Province of Assyria that you were beleived to be Son unto a man of quality there that you thought Cleonide was your sister and that you have travelled all Greece In the mean time those from whom you thought you had your birth were only the confidents of my marriage with a person whom I espoused secretly during the Life of my Father and who dyed presently after you were born But I beseech you Sir said Cyrus and intterrupted him what is the reason why after the death of the late King of Hyrcania you did not declare your marriage recall home the Prince your Son The reason of it was Sir replied he that having consulted with the Oracle of Jupiter Belus in Babylon concerning the birth of my son I was answered that if I did not conceal his quality untill he had taken the greatest Prince upon Earth Prisoner he should become the most miserable man in the world and if on the contrary I did not divulge it untill he was master of a Princes destiny who had the destiny of all Asia in his hands he should be able to cure himself of a passion which then would torment him and afterwards be very happy all the rest of his days So in obedience to the Gods I sent my son to travell into Greece in expectation of their promises which now are accomplished since my Son hath had the Glory to see the illustrious Cyrus his prisoner So as also the man who did educate him and when the men who did educate him and when he beleived me to be his Father being come hither to tell me he understood that my son under the name of Meliantes was in the Party of Thomyris and that he
impart them unto any Sirs said he unto them upon a recollection into my memory of things past and when I think upon that prodigy which hapned when the Lights of severall Lamps united themselvs unto that which was over the head of the Queen of Persia after I say a comparison of that with this which wee have seen over the head of the illustrious Cyrus I examined the interpretation which was then upon it I have consulted with the most learned books we have I have seriously observed the stars I have so cleerly read in Characters of Gold and light the will of the Gods that I cannot make any more doubt of it And sirs continued he and looked upon Ciaxares and Cambises that which the Gods do require of you is that you refer the the whole cares of your Kindoms upon the Government of the invincible Cyrus and that you leaving off soveraign authority he may be the sole soveraign over all Asia so many Kings as he hath subdued do teach us that the Gods would have all obey him and this is the interpretation of all the Lights extinguishing and re-uniting again in one over the head of Cyrus as those were heretofore over the head of the Queen his Mother yes sirs I dare assure you that if you do as I now say you will satisfie the Will of the Gods your sacrifices will be acceptable unto them and you will see no more prodigies to astonish you But on the contrary you will peaceably enjoy all the pleasures of Life under the shadow of Cyrus his palms and Trophies you wil raign in his person and without your being his Subjects he may yet be the sole Soveraign over all Asia Conform your selves therefore unto the Will of Heaven And that you may both conjunctly raign in the person of this great Prince make up the marriage immediatly between Mandana and him This Magi had no sooner done speaking but Ciaxares and Cambises declared their will unto him and told him that they were ready to conform themsesves unto the will of the Gods The modesty of Cyrus was such that he refused to accept the soveraign power which the Kings would have yeilded up unto him but they were so urgent upon him and the Magi told him so peremptorily that the Gods would have it so as without any more delay Ciaxares and Cambises made a publick declaration the next day by which they made it known unto all the world that they did voluntarily invest their authorities in the hands of Cyrus and accordingly the cheif of the Magi in Ecbatane in the Presence of all the court and in the midst of as many people as that Temple was able to hold did invest him with all the ceremonies and signs of Soveraign Authority that is to say with a Scepter a Royall wreath and all other things which distinguish the Kings of Persia and the Kings of Medes from other Princes Ciaxares would haue thrown at his feet as many Crowns as he had conquered Kingdoms and made Tributary Kings But Cyrus would not have it so not only out of modesty but in consideration of Cressus and Myrsiles whom he highly esteemed and ranked as his friends The most observable was that the Sacrifice which was offered after Cyrus was declared King was very acceptably received And the Magi assured Cyaxares and Cambyses that the Gods whom they adored were never better pleased But after this magnificent Ceremony was accomplished Cyrus had a most impatient desire to see Mandana that he might offer unto her all the Crowns which he had taken upon him And dis-engaging himselfe as soon as he could he went unto her to tender that Homage and to assure her that he thought himself more glorious in being her Slave than in being Master of so many Kingdoms In the mean time the day of Marriage being set downe nothing was thought upon but preparations for that glorious Ceremony And Cyrus being a most dear lover of his friends he thought also of their satisfaction Therefore hee perswaded the Princesse of Bythinia who had full power over her selfe to make Intaphernes happy As for Gadates he did voluntarily consent unto it And Cyrus after that perswaded that Prince to give Istrina unto Atergatis As for Arpasia she was in a strange condition For she did so resent the absence of Meliantes that Hydaspes was hardly pleased and she was in many minds to recall Meliantes thought at the rate of Hydaspes his banishment and yet she was resolved to marry him because Gabrias her Father did so command her But certain it is she had much ado to carry her selfe between her love and her friendship since she neither made herselfe nor any of her friends happy for Hydaspes was but half contented after he had marryed her But when Cyrus went about to satisfie the love of the Prince Myrsiles he found himselfe a little puzled not that Cressus was against the affection of the Prince his sonne For though the quality of Doralisa was inferiour unto that Prince yet considering the state of things he did not insist upon it But the main difficulty was how Myrsiles should be assured of her Love before he marryed her for Doralisa would never confesse it though those who knew her best believed that shee did not hate Myrsiles However she spoke always either so lightly or so sharply or so negligently of it that none knew well what to think and which was rare Cyrus did sooner perswade her to marry Myrsiles than he could perswade her to confess that she loved him but after she was resolved upon it she did this favour unto that Prince in a very pleasant manner For said she unto him I know not why you should complain Sir 'T is true I tell you that I do only esteem you but it is not that I do no more but the reason is because I want words to expresse the thoughts of my heart and therefore I had rather have you guess at my minde than down-right tell you what it is But at last after the modesty and humour of Doralisa together had made her say yes and no unto all the propositions which were made unto her whether she would marry or not marry at last she explained her self that she consented to marry the prince Myrsiles And these foure marriages being resolved upon it was also resolved that they should be solemnized three days after that of Cyrus to the end that the joyes of that Court might the longer continue And certainly that Court was the most glorious that ever was seen for there were not a man nor woman of any quality in all Medea who was not there The lovely Amistris also had quitted the solitude wherein she lived during the absence of her deare Aglatidas and came to Ecbatane whereof she was still one of the greatest Ornaments But the day designed for the compleat felicity of Cyrus being come the Temple where the Ceremony of his Marriage was to be celebrated was illuminated with