CLORIA AND NARCISSUS CONTINUED A Delightfull and New ROMANCE Imbellished with divers Politicall Notions and singular Remarks of Moderne Transactions WRITTEN By an Honourable person LONDON Printed by S. G. and are to be sold by Anth. Williamson at the Queens Armes in St. Pauls Church-yard neer the West end 1654. To the Reader Courteous Reader YOu have now the Second Part of Cloria and Narcissus sooner sent after the First then was determined in regard the Stationer was something pressing to have it with the former perhaps it may give more satisfaction then the other for that according to my apprehension it doth as much cleare difficulties as can well stand with the nature of a Romance More I shall not need to say to any other purpose then what you may read in the Epistle to the first part Onely judicious Reader craving your favourable construction of all such faults as may have escaped in both parts either by defect of printing or otherwaies by oversight of the Author THE SECOND PART OF Cloria and Narcissus AS the Princesse Clorias thoughts now were reasonably well setled concerning the safety of Narcissus in regard of the messengers relation so Roxana with more alacrity and cheerfulnesse summoned a a new Dedalus to make an end of those passages belonging to the Island of Crete whereupon one day meeting in the same walke that had entertained the Princesse upon her first arrivall in the Country they both seated themselves together under a tree artificially made into an Arbour of pleasure that had its full prospect toward the sea whilst he gave her this further accompt Madam said he as for the interests which I formerly mentioned unto you not many dayes since you may be pleased to know that as Evarchus our King in his Warres with the Senate of Lydia must be forced upon all occasions to court any assistance whatsoever for his best advantage so of the other side doe the Cretans resolve to make use of their present power to gaine benefits to themselves and party in any thing they can procure either from their Prince or any other to this purpose after the agreement that I told you of which I made with the Natives of the Country however many of the most rigid sort would not at all come within any manner of communication whereby to be subject to the Lydian power thereunto incouraged as 't is supposed by a messenger from Delphos that neither understands the Islands interest or the peoples good they designed Commissioners to be sent to Philadelphae where the King then remained to Treat upon such conditions as they conceived most necessary for their commodity and security Thus arriving at court in a short time they were not onely admitted to kisse the Kings hands but withall permitted to present their Petitions and requests for this ceremony and so I may well call it since it produced but small effects to the advantage of any party there was appointed a great Hall in the City of Philadelpha into which place the messengers were brought with some State as soone as the King was seated in his Throne because they should not complaine of the want of any circumstance that belonged to the solemne entertainement of Ambassadours of other Nations to make them the willinger to comply towards the assistance desired After they had beene in this manner received as also with good language from the Kings own mouth cherished they presented a paper that contained these peremptory demands First they desired to have not onely the free exercise of their religion through the whole Island notwithstanding the Lydian lawes to the contrary according to the rights and customes of Delphos but withall to enjoy the use of the best Temples alone appropriated to themselves with all the rents and priviledges that of old at any time belonged unto them Secondly they expected an absolute concession from his Majesty that no governours whatsoever of any forraigne Nation should be appointed over them in Creet or in any Fort or Island belonging to the same besides they refused to admit of those of the very Country it selfe unlesse they were confirmed and approved of by the gentrall councell which they had established to manage odered all their affairs both in peace and Warre And lastly they expected as the writing which they had delivered the King exprest an absolute restoration of all those lands to the true owners that had beene taken from their possession by reason of any former pretended rebellion and given to the Myssians or Lydians either by the old Queene of Lydia or Evarchus father The King as I was informed after he had read these propositions seemed to the outward view of the assembly extreamely troubled in his apprehensions as if he had been exceedingly deceived in his expectation concerning the good nature and reality of our country-men however notwithstanding he was by this meanes sufficiently inflamed in his thoughts in regard of these proceedings not onely in some sort disdaining to be thus handled by his Subjects in his necessities but being also with some reason suspicious of their intentions as fearing that they aymed to become Masters of the whole Island and so by consequence to be possessors of most of the Lands of his best friends who were actually imployed now with him in his Warres yet conceiving that he was not at the instant in a capacity to shew much discontent to any party that could either good or hurt him in his present differences with the Senate he gave their commissioners at leastwise faire words in the generall promising speedily to send particular messengers of his own into Creet not onely more knowingly to Treat with them concerning their demands but withall if it were possible to conclude with them concerning his own desires which he conceived would be for both their advantages against the common enemy that had an intention to destroy either in this manner they were dismist into their owne Country partly pleased and a great deale more unsatisfied in regard no more life remained from their imployment then the expectation of the comming of the Kings officers But in the interim whilst these messengers were look't for both the Kingdome of Syria and the Country of Aegypt put in for their severall interests as well concerning the government it selfe of the Island as to be supplyed from hence with Souldiers in their Warres one against another the State of Syria went onely upon the score of Evarchus right and Titles though Sorastros challenged their affections in his service by an ancient Tye as he said they owed the Aegyptian Nation neither as I told you formerly was the Arch Flamin of Delphos backward in maintaining to the uttermost of his power by the industry of some instruments he imployed his owne jurisdiction above either as pretending the best right to the same by reason of those agreements that had been made with the Kings of Lydia who first conquered this Island These attempts I must say extreamely divided
Thus she continued her imployment untill the early morning and watchfull cruelty brought to her chamber doore the instruments of her destruction This warning was sufficient to make her prepare with Majesty to act the last scene that should render her famous to posterity Wherefore with a pleasant look as if she intended to laugh at deathes worst shape when she came out she bid the company good morrow and then proceeded to the Scaffold with all the circumstances belonging to her dignity that was covered over with blacke Velvet where being set in her dismall Chaire of State she told the spectators that as they must not expect many words from her in regard her sister the Queen of Lydia was not present to whom she would only have directed a discourse so of the other side she wisht them all to beare witnesse that she constantly expired in that religion she ever profest to the world for which she both did and was joyfull to shed her best bloud which being said by one and one she took leave of her servants who being over prest with griefe and teares were scarce able to performe their last though constrained duties to fit their glorious Mistresse for her execution And with another sweet smile holding up her white hands to the omnipotent gods for mercy not long after without the least unquiet motion she received that fatall stroake that sent her soule to an eternall habitation When this unexampled Tragedy became spread over Asia which gave sufficient occasion of large discourses it could not but with speedier wings flye to her Sons Court with all the particular circumstances of her death where it rested untill an Ambassador from the Queen of Lydia was sent in some sort to lessen the fact as being absolutely done without her privity as he pretended to which purpose some of her principall Councellors had been punished but this Balsame a long time had not power to heale the deep wound this apprehended cruelty had made in his dutifull bosome untill his people finding that Myssia was not able to contend with Lydia in any revenge and that the smallest attempt offered by way of force to vindicate his honour might interrupt his quiet and peaceable succession to a Crowne so rich and flourishing which ere long he could not by course of nature but expect since the Queene was both old and decayed not only disswaded him from any hostile evasion but also counselled him to entertaine a firme correspondency with the State he was to possesse and the rather for that the Lydian messenger threatned him with a legall deprivation from his royall right by the consent of the whole Kingdome by whose judgment as he said his mother had been condemned if any way he stirred violently to disturbe the peace establisht in both Countries These reasons I say render'd him as well satisfied in shew as in effect who was esteemed extreamly peaceable if not slothfull in his nature which was the occasion that as he could never be brought willingly to enter upon any actions of glory so did it make him for the most part as it were a captive to the pressing importunities of his covetous and insolent Country men the Myssians who scarce would be satisfied with any gaine or preferment whatsoever he could bestow upon them But to be short at last the old Queen of Lydia dying he without any contradiction quickly took possession of her Kingdoms in which government he continued with all the prosperity in the world during his life but that finished the Crownes of Lydia Myssia and Creet descended by a just right upon his hopefull Son and Successor Euarchus then newly married to Hyacinthia Orsames sister our now Queen who enjoyed also those possessions 〈◊〉 must needs say with as much happinesse untill these last stirres as it was possible for mortality to expect But the Myssians who as I said before received golden liberalities in the time of the old King he being a Prince that knew no way how to be provident when they found that Euarchus numerous issue and the Queenes necessary expences did in a manner drowne all their expectation first began to mutter in words against the accustomed vanities of the times and lastly they found fault that only smooth faced boys enjoyed as they said all the credit of the Court when Souldiers and men of valour wanted both countenance and meanes to live the King being so bewitched to his own ease and his wives content that he could not be drawne to helpe his own brother in law against the oppression of the King of Armenia by which warre many might be imployed that now wanted subsistance nor was there wanting in Lydia it selfe many factious spirits that not only received encomagement by this bold language who also coveted state preferment in the government of the Common weale yet these begun discontents lay hid in the cinders of some duty untill new taxations of the Subjects gave more desperate distastes besides the accidentall arrivall of Prince Cassianus in Lydia after his Fathers death stirred up the pride of one Dimogoras to a new spleen against the King by which means he believed he should be the sooner imployed But that which seemed most to contribute to Euarchus prejudice was the sudden arrivall of an old Myssion Captaine out of the warres of Armenia called Lycius who having gained in those services good store of wealth sued to the King to have himselfe rewarded by Titles of honour which being denyed him by some neglect as also Cassianus request for a competent assistance a little protracted this insolent Commander quickly flew from the Court with execrations in his mouth and malice in his heart and comming into his own Countrey omitted no diligence that could withdraw the people from their lawfull obedience which he had the better opportunity to effect since he found not only the nobility ambitious but the Priests violent The one he perswaded with brave spirits againe to looke upon the courage of their Ancestors who had by force of Armes torne priviledges from their King the other he admonished to cast their thoughts upon the recovery of that religion now almost lost that had formerly chaced their former Queen both from her Kingdome and life and for the common people it was sufficient ro plead to their imaginations liberty by whose perswasion the nobility not only raised a power absolutely to contemne the Kings authority in their own Country of Myssia but also led a great Army into Lydia whereby to compell Euarchus to summon the great Councell of the Kingdome To be short when this eminent assembly was met as it was designed in the City of Sardis which was also assured to be made a free Towne as much as to say as not to be compelled to any obedience to Euarchus and his posterity the chiefest discourses that were made there were in disgrace of the Kings actions and almost all the Acts that past were to destroy his authority All which the milde
his own just spleen to see himselfe in the height of all his Victories disobeyed by weake Forces suddenly besieged a small City that lay in the very heart of his new Conquests conceiving his enemies wanted power of refistance or at least ability to bring him any incommodation which made his Troopes lesse carefull to prevent correspondency But the Towne finding it could not hold out long against so strong a siege gave private intelligence to the Citizens of Sardis who apprehending the losse would absolutely turne to their ruine since the King would be sure as they believed after to imploy the rest of his endeavour in their subversion when he should have finished the designe in hand that only opposed him of a sudden sent out under the command of Dimogoras the Souldiers of Sardis it selfe that untill then were never known to remove many Furlonges from the smoake of their own chimneyes to try if it were possible to raise the Kings siege and with as quick an expedition as they were able marched towards the Campe imagining that the successe of this voyage was to determine their fates whether to remaine free Citizens or become conquered slaves Euarchus when he heard of this new and unexpected supply so much contrary to his imagination however rumours thereof had formerly come to his eares thought it his best course rather to fight with them in the open Fields then in continuing in his Trenches to hazard the danger of being starved for want of provision with these purposes after he had quitted the Walls of the Towne he advanced towards their quarters with a hope to set upon them in the plain Champaine since he conceived he had much the advantage of horse though his foot was of a farre lesse number But though the King omitted no industry to compasse his designe yet being betrayed by the common people in his intelligence who ever favoured the Senate more then their Soveraigne Dimogoras got some dayes journey towards the City of Sardis before Euarchus knew of his remove the designe of the Generall being no other now he had freed the City from danger but to get againe safe with his whole Army to the place from whence he came The King as he was enraged with this secret escape so was he resolved if it were possible to fight with him upon any termes since the contrary as he imagined would prove in the opinion of the multitude of no lesse a consequence then a Victory obtained by his adversaries To that effect as soone as he had overtaken his enemies by tedious marches he set upon them with desperate inconveniences not only for that they had locked themselves in inclosed Countries but never came out of their Trenches to skirmish by which meanes the Kings Cavalry proved of no service so that as I may say by reason of these unfortunate disadvantages Euarchus after twelve houres fight could pretend but to a very small Victory which successe returned Dimogoras to the City of Sardis with some honour in regard that however he had not beat the Kings Forces it might be said upon the matter he had worsted his designes Neverthelesse although this gave the Generalls party not only encouragement for the present but hopes in abundance in the future especially for that the Kings Souldiers every where began both to be negligent and treacherous more seeming to rely upon the supposed justnesse of the cause then resolving constantly to defend it by any hazzard yet the Senate at Sardis doubting something their own fortune or successe notwithstanding what policy soever they could use in the Kings Campe resolved againe to bring in the Myssians into Lydia with a powerfull Army To this purpose they made a contract with them not only to pay them a very great sum of money both to defray their charges and reward their endeavours but also promised to establish in the Kingdome of Lydia it selfe the same manner of worship of the gods as was practised in Myssia As this seemed in effect to be the whole agreement between them so the Myssians wanted not in their meaning underhand designes which was to beare at leastwise an equall share in the government of both Kingdomes whereby the better to satisfie their pride and avarice for the latter which as 't was said they would have sold the gods themselves if they had been upon the earth vendible By this meanes againe Euarchus became involved in new troubles for presently after the Myssians having made this unhandsome accord to the Kings disadvantage notwithstanding their so many vowes and promises to the contrary there was imployed at the same time an Ambassadour from the Kingdome of Syria to Euarchus not only to perswade him to entertaine a new Treaty and friendship with his Senate sitting at Sardis but also absolutely to break all correspondency and friendship between himselfe and the State of Egypt which being condescended unto by the King he undertooke as well to keep back the Myssians from entring Lydia as to settle an absolute peace in all the rest of his dominions whether these were only brags or no is altogether uncertaine rather may it be thought either the Kings Fate or unhappy Councell thrust him on upon those wayes that were most prejudiciall to his affaires in conclusion he did not only deny the Ambassador the least entertainment of these propositions but at the same time also was perswaded to publish a declaration against the City of Sardos though at present it seemed to contend with the Senate about the payment of that money promised to the Myssians in recompence for their expedition into Lydia This I must needs say so much exasperated the Towne that presently they went on with their accord by the generall consent of all when these summes were received presently the Myssians marched into the Country with a huge Army whilst another was sent with Dimogoras against the Kings own person As by this meanes Euarchus was constrained to divide his Forces so he sent the greatest part of his Army along under the command of Thyasmus his Nephew for the necessary raising of the siege before the City of Theatyra where the Myssians were already incamped however their power was encreased with such Troopes as the Senate had commanded to joyne with them in that service Prince Thyasmus upon his approach whether being as I may say too precipitate in his conduct or that he was betrayed absolutely in his intelligence when he came neere the Towne thinking either to surprize or defeat the enemy in an instant of the contrary suddenly he became involved in a most desperate Ambuscado which in a manner destroyed the persons or the courages of his whole Army though in truth the Myssians performed the least part of the service But the King being followed and furiously attempted in his march as I said by Dimogoras he kept himself and Troopes though fewer by many in number upon such sure and couragious grounds that the Generall at last was brought into so
new captivity though farre more nobly used was constrained to attend the comming of the commissioners of the Myssians to Sardis for the further disposure of his person and affaires but in the interim the Souldiers whether contrary to their custome and vocation reflecting principally upon the miseries and afflictions of the King or rather being willing to make that the ground or pretentions for their future intentions to quarrell with the Senate about their owne discontents in seeing the Myssians esteemed and themselves neglected not onely by degrees began to use the King gently but openly to complaine that themselves were so farre from receiving rewards for their services as that they had not been justly paid their wages when as the Myssians as they said received great summes of money for doing nothing else but running away and betraying their King also they seemed exasperated to have them countenanced in setting up their manner of worship of the gods throughout all the Kingdome of Lydia to the enslaving as was urged of the Nation in the free liberty of their consciences when as the people according as had bin promised them could not exercise their own manner of worship besides they seemed extreamly to repine that Myssian governours should be joyned with those of Lydia it selfe in the management of State affaires that belonged properly onely to the Nation neither did these discontented discourses end in this manner for they daily assembled in private Counsels to produce something for their advantages though they yet knew not very well what either to demand or act however these proceedings were soone brought to the knowledge of the Senate who being jealous also of their own intentions were a great deale the more fearfull of any dangerous accidents so that presently they sent messengers to the Army though as 't was said with intentions to perswade yet with authority to command the Souldiers to a better obedience but as these officers were extreamely deceived in their expectations concerning their own power and interest in the Campe so were they forced with expedition to returne to those that sent them with some terrour in their countenances As this for many dayes caused sometimes distracted Counsels otherwhiles more peremptory discourses so was it not over long before the Senate was saluted with a declaration from the Souldiers wherein they not onely taxed them with want of justice and extreame ingratitude to the Army that had fought so many Battels and shed so much bloud for themselves and the priviledges of Lydia but also presented their considerations with these following proposals wherein they wisht to be speedily satisfied first that they might with all expedition not onely be paid their just dues but in a convenient time be farther rewarded according to their deserts Secondly that no part of the Army should be disbanded without their owne consents Thirdly that such lawes and decrees might presently be established to assure the people of Lydia of their convenient liberties and Lastly that the worship of the gods according to the Myssian rights might not be imposed absolutely upon any person or condition These demands being sent to the Senate by messengers of their own that before never expected to be contradicted much lesse circumscribed by any power whatsoever began to thinke that it would be now their safest way rather for the present to endeavour to temper the Souldiers passions then further either to tempt or hazzard their fury To this purpose they returned back their messengers with faithfull or at leastwise fained promises that speedily they should receive satisfaction according to their hearts content Neverthelesse the Army finding after some weekes expectation that the Senate endeavoured rather to deceive their expectations by sowing underhand and private factions among the Souldiers then that they intended really to performe in effect any thing that was actually for their good after they had as it were chosen Farezius as their Captaine Generall for their priviledges as well as the Senate had chosen him for the Warres not only seized presently upon most of the Magazins of the Kingdome but also sent some Troopes to take the King out of prison where he remained Euarchus being a little amazed at this new and sudden attempt as he could not well interpret their meaning although 't is probable he might like well enough of their actions so at the first did he make some stand at their proceedings yet at last being perswaded of their faire intentions and having of the other side assured them of his affection they instantly carried him in a certaine kinde of triumph through most part of the Kingdome of Lydia untill at last they lodged him in a brave Castle of his own where he now remaines as it is believed with a great deale of satisfaction And the rather for that it being so given out they doe not only in an honourable manner suffer him to exercise his own rights concerning the worship of the gods with a free admittance of all companies to be entertained with what conversation he pleaseth but have lately envited him to send for the Queene and all his children who shall be as they say joyfull witnesses of his being againe established in his Throne and dignity and however they be something suspitious of the practises of the Commissioners of Myssia and those belonging to that faction least they might perswade the Kings heart from the interest of the Souldiers yet the better to give him satisfaction concerning the opinion of his own liberty neither they or any else are debarred either from his presence or communication whilst of every side they have promised the common people a happinesse according to their expectations both in their manner of worshipping the gods as well as belonging to all other priviledges that can possibly any way appertaine unto their future condition which in truth I must tell you was the only occasion of our assembly this day Not only to thanke the gods in the generall for this appearing happy change but also a little to exercise their ancient decorums in their rurall sports in regard they had been for some time debarred from such sports by the rigid severity of the Myssian customes which as I told you have been brought into Lydia by the Priests and others of that Nation that at last was imposed upon the people as an absolute injunction by the authority of the Senate This being what I can say for your satisfaction concerning the present affaires of the Kingdome wherein I feare me I have too much offended in the generall by my long discourses though upon the matter I do not see how they could have been well omitted in any particular so I hope you will now give me leave to end After that Narcissus had thanked him for the paines he had taken and the favour himselfe had received having past away some time longer in other discourses upon the same subject the Priest calling his boy to take the lights he conducted Narcissus into his chamber
little discourse unto you what may be the suppositions of the Syrian State that seemes so much to countenance the Myssians before the Souldiers and to say the plaine truth doe more favour them then any other people that have seemed most affectionate towards the Kings interest First you may suppose that they thinke the Myssians not onely in regard that most of the gentry and Nobility have either command or imployment in the Army or Warres of Syria but the common people and inferiour sort have such a dependency upon the Nation by reason of certaine priviledges granted them time out of mind by way of a free Trade and commerce amongst them that it is unpossible for them to quit their interest for any other benefit that can be proposed to their consideration And the rather for that the Court maintaines alwayes some Ambassadour or Agent in their Countrey both to direct their actions and designes and to inform the State upon all occasions of their proceedings which joyned with the large pentions are bestowed amongst their rulers and other eminent persons of Myssia will prove as they believe necessary ties and obligations to retaine their fidelities constant to the Syrian ends And so consequently can they never attempt the destroying or lessening of Monarchy but as they shall direct and approve of besides most of the factions now prevailing against Euarchus authority in Myssia are composed either of Lords or Priests who are most commonly not so envious to royalty or at leastwise as they may believe more to be perswaded by reason then extravagant people that have learned no rules necessary to government and order by any manner of fitting education wherefore not so much to be feared in their courses and prevailing jurisdiction if they should be suffered something too much to prosper in either proceedings against their King Secondly it cannot be doubted but that Monarchy in the generall is a great deale more conducing to the commodity of the Myssians then a common government either in Lydia or Myssia and therefore not probable they should joyne in such a strict amity with the Senate as absolutely to destroy the prerogative and Kingly jurisdiction of Euarchus since by that conclusion they would neither be able to temper their own factions at home amongst the Nobility and persons of greatest quality nor have any hope to receive benefit from other Princes abroad in their occasions and whereas many may be perswaded to believe that by agreeing in those designes for the absolute overthrowing of Monarchy in Lydia they might in time come to be equall sharers in the government of both Kingdomes and so consequently participate alike in the profit and gain being the chiefe if not the onely thing their covetous dispositions looke after such thoughts are meere fancies and chymeras for certainly the Senate understanding well the poornesse of the Country of Myssia and not being ignorant of the secret intentions of the people withall how insulting and encroaching they are in their natures will be sure to take order they shall have no more interest in the affaires of Lydia then is intirely necessary for their own service and commodity so that when the Myssians shall find their aymes to faile in these particulars it is to be imagined that they will not onely be perswaded upon the least endeavour of the State of Syria to fall off from the Lydian faction but even to make a War with that Nation it selfe for the establishing againe of their King in his ancient glory and command and to that effect adhere either to Syria or any other Nation that may assist them in those proceedings onely this doubt in some sort may be made that Argilius and Lycius who so unworthily have betrayed the Kings person for a sum of money will never by their good wills trust themselves any more under his power for feare of revenge answerable to their deserts And they being the most principall men of the Countrey it is to be suspected they will have so great power and influence over the actions and determinations of the rest of the Inhabitans in the generall that they can never be brought in any kind to own the Kings interest to purpose notwithstanding all the labour and industry of the Kingdome of Syria But to this I shall only make this answer that however these people prevailed in the Myssian Army for the selling of the Kings person against the thoughts and wills of many yet that very action of theirs hath procured them since so much hatred in their own Country that it may very probably be believed by the State of Syria there must of necessity arise daily new factions amongst them neither want they intelligence at the present that assures them that an Army will suddenly march into Lydia from Myssia in King Euarchus behalf which advertizement I suppose is sent them by their Ambassadour there remaining Last of all I may adde that the Court of Syria may imagine the Souldiers who have now the King in their possession having no other relation but to their own wills and uncertaine principles will prove from time to time as inconstant in their resolutions as they have been heretofore desperate in their fortunes and be rather in the generall inclinable to affect equality then continue long contented to be governed by Kingly authority or to say the plaine truth willing to be under any jurisdiction whatsoever witnesse their falling off from their command both under the Senate and their old Generall besides it is esteemed a maxime among their tenents to have scarce dependency upon any power neither in those things that belong to the gods worship or concerning other their humane actions pretending by such constraint an absolute freedome cannot be enjoyed either in minde or body so that however the King may seem a little to revive by their proceedings yet I can assure you in Syria there is a great doubt made of the reality of their actions but whether these opinions be grounded either upon the perswasions of the Myssians or upon other more solid though secret reasons I will not take upon me at present to determine but rather shall expect both with hope and patience the issue in the interim apply my selfe to my direction and commission as well in keeping a correspondency with the Souldiers as with the Myssians by this time again the way began to be something uneven so that they could not well prosecute any farther discourse At night they tooke up their lodging not above halfe a dayes journey where the King remained and not much farther distant from the City of Sardis where encountering with a jovial companion master of the house as appearing also faithfull to Euarchus in his intentions after they had accommodated themselves to their minds in their chambers they desired their host with an equall indifference to let them understand as well the newes that concerned the proceedings of the Senate as that which belonged more properly to the Army since
since he can never hope to be againe re-established in his rightfull authority but either by the humours and inconstancy of the common people who when they finde the Kings absolute oppression brings no prosperity to them will probably become exasperated against the Senates proceedings and power or by an unreconcilable difference betweene the Senators themselves who may most command when they shall finde no other jurisdiction to oppose them both which in all likelihood will conduce to the Kings benefit if he sit quiet sometime under his injuries which I conceive to be the reason that he hath in outward appearance yielded so much to their demands And for the Myssians perhaps by this opposition they would perswade the world to a beliefe of their integrities as if at the first they consented not to the Kings hard usage whereby to obtaine a greater party not only in the Kingdome of Lydia if they have an intention to dispute their own profit but in other Countries if they meane to make Warre upon our people because they cannot be sharers in the government as they hoped the only cause certainly of the now seeming quarrell so that in my opinion Euarchus hath done like a wise and politick Prince in seeming not to contend where he was sure not to prevaile especially since by the dispute he might have endangered those hearts that will now be of his side if the occasion be offered either out of pitty to his sufferings or our of hate to the Senates government And besides it is to be considered that no act he shall passe in this condition of constraint can binde either himselfe or posterity by all humane and divine lawes if his Sword ever become more powerfull in the meane time the Senate will seek to preserve the Kings life and person with their best care since their own authority falls entirely by his death which as I say is the reason they desire more a terme of yeares in the continuation of thier required government then the determinable fate of the Princes life because they may have alwayes the liberty to presse him to new conditions if they finde by experience they have not yet obtained sufficient since they shall not need to feare the vexations of his person may bring any hazard upon him I cannot deny said Roxana but these reasons are sufficient to render me wholly satisfied in my doubtfull opinions but the gods are only capable to foresee the event of things And with that looking upon the Sun she perceived the time of the day called her to the attendance of the Princesse which made her for the present take her leave Upon her arrivall she found Cloria only accompanied by her Lute in a small withdrawing room belonging to her own chamber where none but her selfe had permission to be admitted not long after she had saluted the Princesse she discovered she had been weeping by the red circles about her eyes that gave the old woman occasion further to be inquisitive after her imployment untill she spyed this complaining ditty lying written before her upon the Table that quickly gave her satisfaction of the occasion though her excellent voyce and rare skill rendred the Musick heavenly Is Justice could some favour finde Or were not rather truly blind Ambition sure durst never weare The spoyles of such a vertue heare When every houre Doth need her power To set both Crownes and Kingdomes free For love I see is but a flame That onely beares a constant name And is by interest as a wave Tost here and there as others crave If objects seeme Of more esteeme To summon sense unto the call But whatsoever dwells more high Shoote but your Commets from the skie Against the hate that mortalls beare To such as lawfull Scepters weare And wee 'l adore For evermore That action as a Diâ—â—â— Yet whilst that fate and pride contend Whether shall conquer at the end The Gods themselves have cause to feare A revolution of the Spheare And then like we May Martyrs be In the vast Chaos of the fall But the Princesse after she had made an end of her Musicke began with many complaints and more sighes to blame absent Narcissus for his too much negligence in his love since in all this time of her last restraint he had not found as she said some disguise to visit her person though he might want the power to procure her liberty which she continued with a certaine passion untill Roxana not only chid her for those sad expressions that as she told her had destroyed in part the ravishing delight of her song but seemed unjust in accusing her servant that had in so many dangerous adventures shewed alwayes the entire constancy of his affection who was no doubt at the present retired into some region where he might best advantage her service However Cloria was willing upon any hopes to be satisfied with the proceedings of Narcissus and much more with his intentions yet could she not but tell Roxana that although she was pleased to be his advocate that seemed to have a powerfull perswasion in her beliefe yet were the loves she feared from Farezius and the importunities she expected of Cassianus in her apprehension arguments sufficient to make her think Narcissus wanted much diligence at leastwise violence that he did not endeavour to scale the very Walles where she remained a prisoner rather then to endure her to be so injured Truly Madam answered Roxana as I cannot tell why you should expect miracles instead of services so have you no cause to doubt the importunities you mention since I am not certaine Farezius love was ever presented to your liking either from himselfe or any of his instruments And for the Addresses of Cassianus you have been already so accustomed to refusals that I conceive you have not any other hard part to play then to continue the same course still Besides you may well remember by Cassianus own Letter that his affections are not so hot as to presse you upon over great inconveniences and therefore in my opinion you may very well quiet your thoughts concerning his courtships O Roxana said the Princesse you are much deceived in both these particulars for as to my knowledge which I have understood since I saw you last Farezius hath already intimated his desire to my father whom you may be sure will comply almost in any thing that concernes the Generall So doth Cassianus labour the Senate underhand to be propitious to his love since as he sayes their own honours are ingaged in the issue for that the world takes notice of their protestations which are to see him established in a prosperous condition both in power and affection And the rather as â—retends for that they formerly sent for him according to their professions to see them put in execution Roxana replyed as there be many reasons of sufficient force to make me give way to your opinions since your own beauty honour and vertues are loadstones
performed in this manner After said he I parted from this Castle according to your command I went to the very doore of the Senate-house the best place as I thought for intelligence where finding all those that stood without in a most confused distraction both in their words and looks it was not long before many of the chiefe Senators of a sudden came out of the room when presently they went with a great deale of haste towards another chamber where I understood by the discourses of the multitude they were designed to meet some of the Lords about a conference concerning the settlements of the disorders of the Kingdome I being both bold and little and so consequently as I thought not much to be suspected in the confused crowd thrust in along with them where placing my selfe in a nook of the chamber under a hanging it was my chance to heare these severall discourses from them The first sort of Senators that spake thought it convenient if not altogether necessary again to settle the King in his ancient dignity not onely in regard of the extraordinary cries of the common people to that purpose but also for that there were so many severall factions within themselves in the Senate not probable to be reconciled with any advantage to the Nation Others notwithstanding were of a contrary opinion alleadging that it were better to hazard the ruine of the whole Countrey in a generall confusion then to come any more under the jurisdiction of that Tyrannicall government as they said they had with so much bloud already endeavoured to destroy A third number of that assembly seemed in some sort to be willing to restore againe Euarchus to his Crowne in full lustre but they doubted least his unrelenting spleen might put him on to call the Senate to a strict account for their past actions and severity used both against his authority and person wherefore wisht rather to have some of his posterity Crowned in his place whom for such a benefit as they believed would easily be perswaded to forgive and forget his fathers injuries This proposition a long time entertained their fancies untill they considered that not only Prince Arethusius was in the Kingdome of Syria prosecuting the Queen his Mothers designes and my Lord Ascanius his brother had lately by flight procured his owne liberty without their consents that absolutely beate back any more discourse upon that subject however they thought it convenient if not extreamely necessary for the present to give what satisfaction they could to the discontented people who belike attended in great numbers about the City of Sardis to that purpose yet it was considered with all that if they should endeavour altogether to please the multitude without having their Swords ready drawne in their hands whereby to be able to chastize them if they should prove too unreasonable in their demands they must expect dangerous and insolent affronts instead of quietnesse and obedience to their commands In so much as they thought it convenient in the interim that they entertained the peoples expectations with good words and faire promises to send privately to Farezius wishing him to be ready to march with his Souldiers to keep the multitude in due obedience to the Senates authority if they should continue these extravagant prosecutions of their designes which in effect being fully resolved upon by them all they quickly broake up the Assembly So that when they were in this manner dispersed and I had freed my selfe undiscovered from their companies I thought it my duty to gaine what other intelligence I could amongst the common people since I conceived much consisted in their constant and brave resolutions to which purpose they seemed in some sort to have assembled themselves with an intention to contend against the present government by some violent manner of prosecution though for the better colour of their actions and intentions they appeared only with petitions in their hands instead of other weapons of danger With these thoughts I held it my best course to retire into the very heart or body of the City of Sardis as well to feele the pulse and constitution of the Inhabitants as the likelier to be informed by their intelligence concerning all other proceedings of the Kingdome neither in this designe was I much deceived in my expectation for sorting my conversation with watermen and other inferiour people I understood that as the rich Citizens of the Towne although they desire againe to have their King to governe over them though with some restriction in his power because they feare his revenge since otherwise as they believe they could probably expect nothing but a generall confusion so of the other side it is apparant the multitude for the most part desire a change not only in regard of the envy they beare to the Senate who more absolutely command over their persons and estates then the King ever did in his greatest glory but also in regard they doubt the Souldiers at the last will come to be Masters of every mans fortune which jurisidction of all others they most detest in their natures and dispofitions As I was sufficiently satisfied in these inclinations of the people I repaired to the publike place of commerce for the whole City where in short amongst the Merchants I understood that not onely a great part of the Navy was revolted to the King the Marriners being encouraged thereunto by some Senators which Farezius the Generall had formerly sent into banishment but that the Myssians were also preparing a great Army by the directions of the Kingdom of Syria suddenly to invade Lydia on the Kings behalfe These newes giving my endeavours sufficient encouragement still to prosecute my designe for other intelligences within three or foure daies afterward I became certainly informed that the Senate being not able or at leastwise not willing to give the multitude satisfaction according to the desire of their petitions they had in great numbers not onely taken up armes for their own defence in regard they understood that Farezius had directions notwithstanding the opposition of the Lords to march towards their assemblies with all his power but they had also seized upon many Castles and Towns towards their enterprize and assistance in the Kings name with whom in like manner many of the Nobility joyn with considerable Forces Last of all you may be pleased to know That Hercrombrotus Lieutenant Generall to Farezius is of a sudden called away with a great part of the Army towards the confines of Lydia neere the City of Smyrna occasioned by reason of the revolt of some of his own Commanders who are joyned with the power and force of the Countrey to oppose the Senates proceeding which in effect is the full information I can give concerning my imployment When the Dwarfe had made an end of this relation the Princesse Cloria smiled upon her brother not onely to see how well the boy had performed his office according to the confidence
constancy untill Roxana her self being displeased with her fruitlesse irresolutions at length went without her leave When Cassianus came he found the Princesse seated not onely in a darke chamber but invironed with those mourning Curtaines about her bed which she had caused to be hung up since her last imprisonment as testimonies of the discontented State she conceived her selfe in when Roxana had informed her of the Princes presence to attend her pleasure after she had with a low voyce desired him to sit downe in a chaire neere her she used this discourse unto him Cousin said she is it possible you can thinke that the bload of the poore and aged Flamine may be so acceptable an offering to the gods as to make them thereby more propitious to your desires or doe you believe that my love which you seeme to hope for will be perswaded easily by the cruelty of so horrid a sacrifice if you meane to threaten instead of intreaing perhaps you may please your owne nature but never I can assure you compell my liking since I finde in my soule so much courage yet left notwithstanding all my misfortunes as not to give away my affections to one that hath merited so much just hate from me Certainely you are mistaken to thinke Cypres branches are fit ornaments to become a marriage bed for the many examples in that kinde have beene alwayes prodigious can you flatter so farre your owne imagination as to apprehend the slaughter of my friends and slaughtered chiefly for my service can create lesse effects in me then a revenge when I shall have power to execute it according to my will upon those that have occasioned my displeasure It should be strange they should expect to be entertained in my bosome that have spightfully procured my disgracefull discontent No Cousin assure your selfe these are not the wayes to captivate a Virgins gentle heart or to trust protestations of such a Suitor that wanted not hate in the highest professions of his love Cassianus after he had heard these words from the Princesse hastily without any reply at all tooke his leave which not onely gave occasion of many conjectures both to Cloria and Roxana but also of some discourses that produced hopes and feares untill within three houres of his departure he againe returned into the Princesse Chamber with a reprieve for the old mans life signed by the hands of the Senate though with this condition that she must be pleased to follow the direction of the whole Kingdome in her marriage however Cassianus vowed by the heavens he imployed all his power to have procured it absolute Cloria notwithstanding she was not well satisfied with the restriction yet she was pleased with the pardon and presently sent it by Roxana to the officers that had the custody of the old Flamine whilst in the meane time she conceived some dissembled satisfaction was necessary that he might continue still his begun courtesies to the aged father withall to possesse him with the knowledge of the impossibilities that hindred the progresse of his love whereby he might be lesse violent in pressing the Senate to the accomplishment of his desires and the rather she fell upon this resolution for that Narcissus absence secured him from all danger by underhand practises though her selfe could not be confident of his safety since she had heard nothing from him which consideration at the present drew from her faire eyes some teares before she used these wordes to Casstanus Worthy Cousin said she for so I will now call you since I finde your words reall and your love noble if the Gods did give me the possibility of being your wife I should a great deale rather declare my selfe perswaded to the choyce by your owne vertues then by the Senates wisedome since the interest of a kingdome is not to be put in the ballance with the unity of affection the one proceeding onely from forced reasons that last no longer then the motives have power by the operation of private ends when the other arising from the secret influence of the heavens engraves a perpetuall affection in the heart not to be removed by humane Tyranny Wherefore I say interests of Crownes cannot contribute any thing to the felicity of Nuptialls however sometimes they pretend false shewes to cover hidden discontents and so by that meanes conzens the world into a beliefe of what the married couple never enjoy of the contrary enduring millions of concealed torments that are increased in violence when they burst forth like imprisoned flames which by accidents procure their owne liberty Therefore I say nay I will boldly professe the undergoing the punishment of a thousand deaths before I be ever compelled to marry by the prescription of earthly respects much lesse be commanded to take any for my husband that hath not really perswaded my judgement or absolutely wrought upon my fancy let it suffice your perfections carry with them more powerfullnesse in my consideration then the Senates desires doe waight in my understanding though I should be sorry to chuse rashly or to be guided wholly by mine owne opinions which is enough to let you see my unconquered and I hope pure love cannot be constrained although my deare life pay the ransome of my seeming wilfulnesse for though Tyranny may shut up my weake body within strong Walles untill the just gods punish the wickednesse yet my resolved soul will be free to make election of death or life as the occasion shall be presented so that as your actions have changed already my beliefe of your intentions doe not againe change your actions that I become of an other minde wherein you will but lose honour instead of gaining love and that losse perhaps may make you uncapable of all other fortunes it is enough I valew your bloud I esteem your person and love your vertues however I cannot be yours in possession as long as Narcissus lives and with those words wept againe as at her former apprehensions of his safety which continued her in a silence untill Cassianus reply gave her thoughts new matter to work upon Madam said he as I cannot but be perswaded though unwillingly by your powerfull and excellent Rhetoricke yet give me leave to tell you that I understand not your conclusion since you have beene pleased to say in your discourse that as long as Narcissus lives you cannot be mine a choyce I must confesse that the gods have never to this houre revealed unto me since at my leaving of Lydia a match of a farre greater dignity in Titles seemed to be the obstacle that destroyed my hopes and so consequently all motions I could make of my secret love but however if my ears have not much deceived my knowledge I have heard it generally reported that some accident many moneths since hath deprived Narcissus not onely of the share you pretend he hath in your affection but also of all the claime he can expect in this world If it have
knew in a very blunt manner my thoughts being over burthened for complements and presently directed my course to the Island of Cyprus where I hoped you were or at leastwise by my comming thither would be arrived notwithstanding I could not in my fearfull apprehension but doubt the worst notwithstanding those in the ship endeavoured by many circumstances to confirme me in a certain belief of your safety which made the journey something lesse tedious and distastfull I conjured the whole company entirely to conceale my name from any person whatsoever untill you were found when we landed at Salamine I understood the Queene your mother and my father were both lately removed from thence to Paphos where again strictly enquiring after you and not hearing any news whatsoever either of your aboad or safety after I had spent some time in tearing my haire and using other fruitlesse complaints I resolved in a disguise to seek you out in the country of Pamphylia whither very probably I conceited the winds and the storm might have driven your ship and by that meanes have committed your person to a new imprisonment since that Territory is known to belong unto the King of Egypt To this purpose having changed my habit being only accompanied by a few of my attendants I could best trust we put Egyptian colours upon the top of our vessel as if we had onely belonged to the principality of Pamphylia thus we sailed with all possible speed towards the confines of the lesser Asia in regard we understand by certaine Merchants of Syria remaining in Salamine no newes had been heard of you in that Kingdome since your departure from the City of Memphis but the gods perhaps intending by this diversion to bring about other purposes according to their divine and inscrutable decrees before we approached the shore of Pamphylia by some howers sail we were suddenly set upon by two vessels of Tyre and presently commanded to yield our persons to their power and dispose without dispute or contradiction unlesse we would hazzard our selves in a contention most dangerous and desperate This language meeting my discontents and despaire caused me to make a greater resistance then was either convenient or necessary for our welfare untill at last being wounded in many parss of my body and not a few of the company slain or hurt our ship was not onely seised upon but my selfe carried to the Castle of the Town where an Officer belonging to Philos commanded me to custody for that Philos was for the present gone to Damascus within three daies Philos returned from Court and not long after comming into my chamber he quickly knew who I was so bestowing upon me some few complements I desiring him in the interim to conceale my name and qualisy he presently gave order for my respectfull attendance and necessary cure also he appointed me to be removed to the best lodgings in his Castle with a promise absolutely not to discover my person to any but his own sister Artemesia who as he said to his knowledge would contribute her best assistance to my recovery in this condition though extreamly afflicted inwardly by reason of your selfe I remained for at least a weeks space when againe one day Philos came and feated himselfe by my bed side telling me after some few complements that as his sister had provided such rare simples for the practise of my Physitians as could not otherwise be procured by all the power and art of the great and rich Kingdome of Syria so was she resolved shortly in person to give me a visit if not daily accompany me in my distempers when I should be rendred as he said more proper for the conversation of ladies then he made me exactly tell him the story or manner of our unfortunate separation at sea seeming extraordinary inquisitive as well in what posture I left you at parting as what my opinion was concerning your safety Although this relation with so many particulars brought to my remembrance by the discourse encreased my torments like so many sharp daggers piercing my heart with a thousand mortall wounds yet I could not well deny the civillity in regard that I was not onely in the Country of Syria where I knew it would have been held a kind of a rude barbarisme in conversation not to comply in all discourses whatsoever notwithstanding any discontent or passion but that for the present I seemed to be also entertained with the best expressions of love and kindnesse could be imagined in his house after I had made answer to what he could possible require at my hands in that nature I both desired and conjured him to send speedily what ships he could spare out of his Harbours to enquire after your welfare and aboade which being promised some of the Physitians at the same time comming into the room he necessarily left me to their dispose and directions As I began to recover my health I became every day more then other perswaded and satisfied concerning the certaine hopes of your safety in regard we cold not heare of any shipwracks that had hapned upon any of those coasts or seas neer Syria Pamphylia or Cyprus how diligent soever the messengers had beene in their enquiry which in a short time so mended my condition if not repaired my disability that oftentimes I was not only able but prescribed to walk into the garden and other places of pleasure for my better recreation And this was an occasion that one afternoon I was sent for by the Lady Artemesia Philos being for the present somewhere out of the way attending upon his necessary occasions at my arrivall I found the Lady her selfe seated at the upper end of the room with a Sampler in her hand and a waiting woman attending by her that furnished her with those silks she had occasion to use however at my approach she rose up to give me a respectfull salutation and that drew from me some complements in regard of the dainty work she had designed which in truth appeared excellent to my apprehension being only the pretty banquet of the gods where Juno sweld with over much jealousie because Ganymed was so neer her husband but that which pleased most my opinion was to see the angry lookes of Cupid because his mother courted her deformed Vulcan in such an assembly whilst Mars appeared to be out of countenance at the action After I had not only viewed but commended the artificiall hand that had so lively described the delightfull story Artemesia made me this reply that it was no wonder if humane creatures were given so much to love when the very gods themselves were troubled with those passions Truly Madam said I although I cannot but allow of the passion when it is ordained to produce onely noble effects yet certainly the gods could never be subject to those imperfections when for the most part their flames were unlawfull as either preventing of other mens loves or destroying the chastity of virgines as
I say this admirable Princesse had a base brother also named Leonatus who wanted not ambition enough to desire the Crowne of Mysia though he were not furnished with sufficient vertues to merit such a dignity and to this purpose left nothing unattempted that might either advance his own esteem or deprave his sisters actions and to that end insinnated himself by all meanes possible not only into the good opinion of the Lords but much more into the favour of the common people in which interim the young Princesse being furnished with youth and beauty was perswaded by the chiefe nobility to thinke of a noble husband that might accompany her in her conversation and give the Kingdome a hope of posterity two essentiall parts as they pretended of her own happinesse in prosecution of this desire there was presented unto her view a handsome Lord of this our Countrey of Lydia in conclusion the nuptials were quickly solemnized to the appearing content of both parties and the rather for that the then Queene of Lydia was well satisfied with the choyce not doubting to maintaine by this meanes a continual and strong interest in the Kingdome of Mysia since she had married to the Princesse one of her own Subjects But now Leonatus began to play his part for finding this conjunction proved a bar to his pretention for succession he thought it his best way to establish himselfe notwithstanding a certain power in the government and to that purpose strived by all meanes his malicious will could instruct to gaine the good opinion of the young King whereby to set him at difference with the Queen who began to be a little distasted to see his wife take upon her so absolute authority he only bearing the name of a Prince which at last grew to such a height by the underhand provocation of wicked Leonatus that one day when the Queene being great with child was retired into her private chamber to conferre with a certain Secretary of State most imployed in the Kingdomes affaires her husband of a sudden rusht into her presence with his sword drawne and there before her amazed eyes slaughtered her poore servant However this was an act of some horrour to the great bellied Queen and so consequently might be thought sufficient motives of her lasting indignation to see her selfe and authority so affronted by one she had lately raised from being a Subject to be her husband yet religion and good nature proved so powerfull in her noble disposition that upon the Kings sorrow and submission she was content both to forgive the injury and forget the dishonour by a perfect reconciliation But Leonatus not weary yet of his own wickednesse though despairing of his further ability to retain his interest with the young King since the Queen as he thought had so absolutely circumvented him in that project of a sudden stroake into friendship with certaine factious Priests that had newly brought in a religion into Mysia that taught this dangerous Doctrine That Princes deserved no longer to governe then whilst they contented the People Which opinion you may very well imagine took feelingly with the multitude in so much as in a short time the Queen had imployment enough to defend her person from reproaches as her Kingdome from civill warre This exceedingly tormented her thoughts untill the birth of her young sonne againe revived her spirits however Leonatus still prosecuting his horrid designes to supplant the Queen in her just right whereby to bring the government of the Kingdome under his own jurisdiction one night secretly caused not only the young King to be cruelly murthered in his bed in execution of his revenge because he had quitted his party but also laid the bloudy slaughter by way of private aspersions upon the innocent and religious Queen the more to bring her in hatred with the common people who seemed already sufficiently poysoned by the late pernicious doctrine brought into the Countrey by the turbulent Priests Although these crafty practises had not as yet power to shake or rather absolutely to destroy her grounded authority which had been cast upon her by so rightfull a succession yet by little and little they so wounded her reputation that they made her desire to have a faithfull companion to assist her in her government which politick Leonatus perceiving judging it a love passion in the Queen put on some of the nobility underhand to perswade her not only presently to marry but to take for her husband a valiant Gentleman his intimate friend who a long time had pretended unto her love however he was not without some suspition that he had been an actor in the Kings death with these baites I say Leonatus so farre intangled the Queenes innocency that she was wonne by perswasion to make this election being councelled thereunto by the chiefe nobility set upon her to that purpose though she first caused a decree to be past by the unanimous consent of all that this Lord had been no way guilty of the false aspersion his enemies had cast upon him concerning the Kings murther No sooner were these nuptials solemnized which was the thing Leonatus desired but secretly he admonished the new King to flye assuring him as his friend that either he would be suddenly slaine by many that had conspired his death or publickly be apprehended and brought to his Tryall by the consent of the whole Kingdome so that he whether knowing himselfe faulty indeed or fearing the power and injustice of his enemies since emulation amongst his equalls had procured him a world of envy quickly followed his advice and privately without the Queenes privity quitted his Country and Fortunes Leonatus conceiving now he had compassed the hardest part of his projects sent secretly into Lydia to possesse the Queen there with an assurance of Minerva's guilt since she had married the murtherer of her first husband too apparently as he pretended discovered by his strange flight at the same time also by the help of his factious priests he raised tumults against her in her own kingdome whereby she became imprisoned because she would not quit her government This you may believe gave the poore Queen sufficient imployment insomuch as being wearied by continuall troubles and invited to the Court of Lydia by her kinswomans promises for her better and quiet protection she was content to resigne the Crown to her sonne and accept of those offers she esteemed reall But alas no sooner was she arrived within the bounds of this kingdome of Lydia but contrary to her expectation wherefore amazed in the execution instead of being admitted into the Queens presence with love and honour she was commanded as a prisoner to a Castle not farre off whilst in the mean time her young sonne was committed to the tuition of Leonatus her worst enemy however with this pretention that as soon as she could cleare her selfe of those aspersions and accusations that her subjects brought against her she should enjoy those respects
so often deceived him with their faire promises and false actions it was my part in complements to tell him as much after I had made him acquainted with the Kings arrivall As the Ambassadour appeared somewhat amazed at the newes so did he not stick to assure me that he knew his Majesty would be received by the Army with all honour and safety and presently went along with me to finde him out The King after some few civilities used this language to the Ambassador Sir said he as you now see me in a posture far below my birth and dignity so the gods to let us know we are but men have for the present suited my person according to my misfortunes whereby to comply the better with my necessities this I hope is sufficient to shew what a desire I have to put my selfe into the hands of my native Countreymen if either the consideration of my past benefits bestowed upon them in the generall or any compassionate reflection upon my unfortunate state at the instant are motives sufficient to work upon humanity I shall be safe here and may be prosperous hereafter wherefore as I would not have them to worke upon my miseries for poor and contemptible gaine so shall not I remember them any more of their former ingratitude and disobedience but rather let us both unite in such a constant conjunction that as by their means I may come againe to be King so will they ever by such an act of kindnesse oblige me to govern for their benefit they cannot but consider with what little probability they can hope for any establishment in Lydia but by my means when as already the Senate doth not onely disvalue their actions and proceedings by most disgracefull and contemptible speeches but now that they have brought as they believe their affaires to a prosperous issue whereby they have no more need of their assistance and so consequently would be rid of the trouble they not onely dispute with them the Titles and reasons of their own interest but even deny them the payment of their just due for all those services they have performed for their advantages in Lydia As the Ambassadour did not make any great reply to the Kings discourse but in a few complements concerning his own services so did he presently conduct him to his house for his better accommodation where he gave present order to have him furnished with apparell and other necessaries whilst in the interim as it was supposed he acquainted Lycius the Generall and the rest of the Officers of the Army with his arrivall in the camp After two or three daies time the Ambassadour not onely exposed the King to the view of the people but delivered him into the protection of the souldiers where however Lycius and some of the principall of the Nobility entertained his presence with an extraordinary outward humility yet neverthelesse with certain kind of sad and distrustfull looks and countenances they performed their duties and respects in kissing his hands and using other ceremonies as if they were not any way privy much lesse consenting to his journey the King notwithstanding he seemed not to take any notice of their actions in publique but of the contrary gave testimonies of joy and gladnesse at the apprehension of his happy fortune yet in private by many words and sighes he expressed his own doubts and opinion concerning his future entertainment the rather in regard they presently set a strict gard upon his person though pretending it to be done for no other end but for his greater honour and safety however his hopes became something better satisfied for that they admitted freely to his conversations not onely many of his houshold servants that were come from Philadelphia after the Town was surrendered to Farezius but some of those Priests also of his owne faction that were under the jurisdiction of the Flamins In this manner the King remained for divers weeks delighting his thoughts with such recreations as had been almost made customary to his nature by continuall practice from his infancy which made not a few wonder how he could seem pleased with such triviall things in the height of his vexations and discontents Again it was spightfully laid to his charge by his adversaries that he had no great prejudice in being tumbled from his throne when as he appeared not to have apprehention enough to be sufficiently sensible of what consequence the losse of a kingdome was but probably either he had so much wisdome as to reflect upon the uncertainty of all worldly things with a right consideration or was endued with such a supream goodnesse in his disposition as perswaded him to beare his afflictions with no ordinary temper and pacification In the interim the Myssians were not idle to play their game to the best advantage both with the Senate and the King for as of one side they made the Senate believe they had a mind to dispute the Kings injuries and sufferings both out of honour and Religion so did they alwaies tell the King that he must give satisfaction to the demands of either Kingdome before they could become instrumentall in his establishment which drew on their consultations to the length of many weeks expectation the Senate urging the delivering of the Kings person into their possession out of right and justice in regard they had been onely hired in the warres and service of Lydia by their money so that consequently they were obliged with a punctuall decorum to observe their commands in every thing of the other side Euarchus party affirmed that he being King of Myssia as well as Lydia the Myssians ought to have as particular an interest in his person and preservation as the Senate of Lydia in prosecution of which they were to see him again restored to his Crown and dignity notwithstanding any desire to the contrary but whilst these disputations lasted as I may say with some seeming bitternesse of either side which as 't was thought would instantly have caused a cruell and bloudy warre between both Nations one Argilius a Nobleman of Myssia came suddenly from his own Countrey into the Campe who from the very beginning of the stirs had been a main opposer by reason of his own covetousnesse and ambition of the Kings interest in that Nation intending thereby more absolutely to govern all the affaires of that kingdome himselfe when he arrived he presently went to the counsell of the Army where he made this oration unto them Gentlemen said he I understand you are now assembled about these consultations that may belong to the Kings particular concernments partly proceeding from the earnest solicitation of the Syrian Ambassador and partly in regard Euarchus is now present amongst you in the Camp In my opinion it is more just and convenient in the first place to look upon the gods worship in the next to mind our own preservations to this purpose in my judgement it ought to be considered why we took
which was againe in a very short time to reduce all Lydia under his lawfull jurisdiction but belike the State of Syria following the same maximes of government under the young son Orsames had left behind him contrary to all humane expectation sent presently after the death of Orsames another Ambassador to Euarchus not only anew to invite him to breake the League which he still continued with the King of Aegypt but to allow his contesting Senate to be a lawfull and continued Councell by his absolute approbation thinking belike that it would better conduce to the affaires of Syria to have Euarchus power limitted then to suffer him to remaine in his high prerogative but these demands the King most violently and disdainfully refusing the Ambassador not only with some seeming discontent took his leave but as it was thought invited the Myssians againe into Lydia which hath been as you know the reason of Euarchus overthrow since the Senates single power had never probably prevailed against his fortune and successe however the businesse did not yet rest for after the King had notwithstanding strugled with infinite difficulties to make good still his declining cause his son Arethusius Forces also being destroyed in many set Battells who after fled into Syria to the Queen his Mother Euarchus was forced to put himselfe under the protection of the Myssians Army yet with so little benefit to his affaires that in a short time after he was delivered in person into his enemies hands who treated him with all manner of hardnesse untill the Army took him violently from that jurisdiction As this Madam is the sad particulars I can relate unto you of the Kings misfortunes and captivity so may you very well make conjecture of the consequences Roxana after she had thanked him for his discourse wherein as she said he had made her acquainted with some passages she never understood before yet he should oblige her much more if he would be pleased to deliver his opinion what might be the intentions of the Syrian State in thus desiring to lessen or rather to outward apparence to overthrow the Monarchy of Lydia since the example seemed of a dangerous consequence for its own government for that those Subjects might also fall upon the like pretences Truly answered Creses what I can say of that Theame is that either they thinke it more convenient for the glory of Syria to reduce all Kingdomes but their owne into Commonwealths whereby theirs may appeare to Asia the onely Empire or they have an intention to make a conquest of ours by reason of those multitudes of divisions they see arising amongst our selves or perhaps they ayme to set up Prince Arethusius in his fathers Kingdome because he is of the Syrian bloud whereby they believe they shall purchase both honour and friendship But if I thought I should not prove over harsh in my unpollisht language whereby too much to injure your patience by my tedious relation I would discover yet a story though acted long time since that in my opinion hath been the originall of the sad effects of this last Warre it will prove the longer in regard it toucheth the proceedings not only of the Kingdome of Lydia but the Countries of Syria and Myssia that formerly have been all three interwoven in dangers slaughters and civill broyles by the spightfull proceedings and factious maximes of a certaine Priest called Herenzius Roxana glad to entertaine any conveniency that might instruct her farther in the Mysteries of these unlucky times although many things she had read of Herenzius violent spirit told Creses that as no language proceeding from his lips could prove tedious to any eare how ignorant soever so did she not doubt but the consequence of the present affaires required rather ample stories then short descriptions which gave him a sufficient warrant to use his own pleasure both for the manner and matter of his discourse untill his endeavours produced this following relation You must know said he that this Priest Herenzius some yeares since when all the world seemed to yeild obedience to the great Flamine of Delphos as the only Oracle upon earth to prescribe the manner of the worship of the gods suddenly starred up in the Kingdome of Syria who by reason of an ignominious punishment he had undergone as t was reported for a hainous offence committed against humane and divine Lawes began violently to fall out with heaven and earth in so much as in the first place he quarrelled with the forme of the service to the Gods then used and in the latter he denyed Kings and Princes obedience or rather loyalty from their naturall subjects To this purpose to execute his malice against all authority because he had suffered by it and withall thinking againe in some sort to recover his lost reputation in doing notable actions how wicked soever of a sudden flew to a certaine Towne upon the confines of Arabia whose people had newly not only disobeyed their Flamine but cast off their government to his authority which quickly gave him admittance with his Doctrine since they knew his opinions suited with their designes yet being rather friendly entertained then perfectly established by their welcome his insolency and pride in a short time banished him againe from the City seeing he could not shew temper in his first entrance and so remained untill the feare of the inhabitants of comming once more under their old government for that they understood their Prince prepared for a siege constrained them not onely a new to desire his company whereby to be assisted by his Councell but were forced to binde themselves by a solemne oath to submit absolutely their wills to his institutions with these conditions he became fully possessed of that power that gave him opportunity both to governe as he pleased and instruct as he listed untill he had fitted all their thoughts for the impressions of his designes by the eloquent language and cunning practices he used which in a short time so prospered that many disciples were found of such towardly dispositions instructed by his principles that he sent many of them also into other Countries to poyson the peoples loyalties since obedience is the most assured tye that probably warrants the safety and prosperity of Kingdomes But these men having as I said taken their journeyes with these intentions the first prevailing progresse they made was in the Countrey of Myssia where finding some discontents already ingendring between the young Queen then raigning grandmother to Euarchus and some factious and ambitious Nobility soon introduced their new and dangerous opinions into the hearts of the common people by which meanes the Lords became also so powerfull by their assistance that the poore Princesse in a short space was forced to quit both her Kingdome and Life a Tragedy too pittifull now to be related whilst the Rebells took possession of her authority from which usurpation proceedes Lydia's miseries since by a continuance of the same
desires in those people towards her posterity they have now filled this Kingdome with tumults troubles and bloud the better to make good their own jurisdictions so unlawfully purchased in former times but however these opinions of deposing of Kings and aldering the worship of the gods prevailed entirely in Myssia by reason of those crafty and factious actors that Herezius had sent yet his Doctrine found not so ready acceptance in the Kingdome of Lydia for that the Queen then raigning endeavoured against the violence of all their endeavours both to conserve Monarchy and maintaine their Flamines though the State altered many Tenents in Doctrine untill the late agreements of each Nation to oppose Euarchus in the same designe contrived an accord to extirpate in effect both King and Flamines This may passe my discourse of the Kingdome of Syria that hath not only formerly borne part in the suffering by reason of these opinions sowed in the world but hath been a principall occasion to give the Myssians protection by whose power Euarchus hath been chiefely destroyed To which purpose you must understand that although Herezius other messengers could not so easily beate downe the strong Walles of Monarchy established by so many ages in Syria against the power of great Armies alwayes kept in pay by that Nation yet oftentimes they filled the whole Kingdome with most lamentable slaughters to gaine enterance for their opinions and freedome for their Doctrine in so much as the Prince himselfe then governing finding the Temples overthrowne his Countrey spoyled and his Subjects destroyed by the fury of the contention was forced at last so farre to give way to the Herezians religion in Syria that they had not only granted them a free exercise of their consciences throughout all his dominions but many fortified Townes were delivered into their hands wherein they put their owne Garrisons to secure better this agreement which both afforded him peace and seemed to give them satisfaction for the present however every yeare almost after notwithstanding these benefits produced new stirres by that faction to the disquieting of the Kingdome that gave sufficient cause of vexation to many good Princes since they could not be assured of the loyalty of their obliged Subjects nor of the continuation of their owne prosperities when neither graces could win them by reason of the spleen they bore to Monarchy or power could compell them in regard of those Forts they had in their custody But to be short before the great and wise Favourite Philostros durst take upon him the huge worke he intended which was to suppresse the gloriousnesse of the Aegyptian Empire he imagined he could not be absolutely safe at home and so consequently not fitted for so large a conquest as long as he should leave behind him in his own bosome so eminent a danger as those he esteemed lawlesse Subjects in Orsames Kingdome knowing they would upon all occasions be ready to joyne with forraigne Forces to overthrow their owne Kings government and therefore resolved first before he undertooke any new designe to subdue their power to the absolute obedience of his great Masters jurisdiction as in times past it had been to some of his predecessors to which purpose he not only suddenly besieged the strongest Towne they had in Syria but within a short space left them never a Fort in the whole Kingdome that was not constrained to deliver up the Keyes of its Gates to the will and pleasure of fortunate Orsames who began to grow great in the opinion of the world by the conquest of his own Subjects that were accustomed to give sufficient imployment to other Kings However after that Philostros had made this speedy progresse in glory as well as in security for his Masters parant advantage both in quietting his Subjects at home and terrifying his enemies abroad which proved mighty advantages for those designes he had contrived in his politick braine because it was not convenient and scarce safe to continue desperate discontents in so dangerous a body that had vastly spread it selfe thorough most Countries in Asia whilst his thoughts and endeavours were otherwise to be imployed he began by little and little to smooth his brow towards that sect and at last not only assured them of his absolute forgetting all faults past but made many of them chiefe officers and commanders in that Army Orsames provided to goe against the Aegyptian Forces wherein he craftily procured a double commodity to his affaires the one in winning a party he had good cause to suspect and the other in rendring them ingaged in the quarrell he intended against Sorastros besides he was most assured that they would fight with spleen against that religion by nature they most hated since the Aegyptians of all others were held obsequious to the rights and ceremonies of Delphos which also was a meanes to binde the Myssians to the affaires of Syria since no Nation or people in Asia professed more violently the same worship of the gods introduced by Horenzius and exercised by his followers in Orsames dominions which were not onely reasons to tye Philostros to that sect by all the favours he could procure it in his own Country whereby to make them serviceable in the Warres he had with Sorastros but by that meanes gave countenance to the Myssians against Euarchus their lawfull Prince which by consequence afforded the Senate of Lydia conveniency also to suppresse his power that they might not seeme to goe lesse in jurisdiction in mastering their King then those people they had bought with their money onely to doe them service so that by this meanes the Favourite gave worke enough at home to Euarchus that he should not have the opportunity although he might have the wil to assist the King of Aegypt which the pollicy of every Nation requires according to some opinions when a Prince is not able to make good his party against another prevailing Monarch This Madam as I say hath been the fate of these mighty Kingdomes only troubled by the cunning industry of one factious and ambitious Priest as if the Gods had sent him into the world to let man see his owne frailty and the rather for that Euarchus not many yeares agoe appeared so glorious and fortunate in his government crowned with a flourishing prosperity in wife children peace and power that he was not only the absolute envy of all Asia but seemed to carry in his hand the arbitration of the world being now cast downe into so low and I may call it miserable condition by a little faction of his own people that he is not only denyed to be a King but deprived of the comfort of all that ever was his with an addition of a sharpe and lasting captivity according to the discretion sometimes of his meanest Subjects whilst in the interim honour love justice and gratitude seeme to be laid a sleep in the deep Center of the earth other Princes only watching to their own
out as 't was believed only to fright him to seek another station where he might be againe imprisoned with some colour and better security as pretending his intention was to escape out of the Armies jurisdiction and power so that the poore King finding causes enough for a suspition acquainted two of his servants both with his feares and intentions who to be short perswaded him to fly to an Island upon the borders of Caria where remaines as governour a valiant commander though formerly imployed by the Senate yet at the present was conceived to be wholly at the dispose of Farezius and the Army this Captaine they assured him would be entirely faithfull to his designes though upon what grounds I can neither informe you or satisfie my selfe since the consequence proved otherwise for no sooner was the King arrived under his jurisdiction but he entertained him not only with a sad and sowre countenance but after he had secured his person in the Castle and sent away his two officers he presently gave information to the Senate of all the proceedings desiring further directions in what manner he should be treated though he carries still in his demeanour a kinde of a reverence to his dignity all these passages as I told you before I have from one of those persons newly returned that accompanied him in the journey with this advertizement also that before the Kings departure from the Campe he left in his chamber under his own hand the reason of his feares and his escape all which Madam I may say is in such a mist that no lesse a knowledge then some divine Oracle can informe us concerning the certainty of the mystery only we may be confident that Euarchus hath imployment enough for his courage and patience At these words Roxana wept againe with the very sence of the Kings dangers and miseries Nay said Creses his suffering of all sides are so extreame that notwithstanding he hath sent to Farezius and offered to accord every difference and interest in the Kingdome being heard yet neither the Generall nor Senate will entertaine the motion or allow him that priviledge fearing belike he should speak too much reason to render his Subjects satisfied whereby they might be endangered to lose that authority which now they possesse without contradiction But said Roxana why doe the common people desire violently no King since Euarchus shewes such testimonies of his goodnesse Truly said Creses as that opinion in the Generall is erronious since all be not of that faction so of the other side there be too many that wish an universall equality not considering the confusion it would bring upon the whole Kingdome being as it were bewitched with an ignorant pride for most of them by such a parity would be in more slavery then they are now since they could never be capable of any command and necessarily must obey those that would governe with more rigour though elected from amongst themselves besides they are now so weary of the Senates rule in the same posture having had some experience of their managing affaires hitherto that they believe their owne cure can proceed from nothing but desperate change which is incident to all distempered minds since they that could not be well under Euarchus peaceable government wherein they enjoyed all wealth and prosperity though no doubt but there was some abuses certainly now will not rest satisfied when they shall feele nothing but want oppression and instability besides many feare that things are not yet at the worst when so many contrary interests with violence seeme to contend These discourses brought them both at last in dispute whether active valour or passive courage were the greater vertue in that Euarchus seemed to possesse them in a high kinde But Creses who had a dainty wit defended the latter with these arguments first said he before we can well consider what hath been the Kings sufferances we must rightly state his misfortunes which will appeare to be the greater when it is well knowne to the world he hath alwayes shewed courage in the Warres by venturing boldly his person upon all occasions as also eloquence and judgement both by his Pen and language when those faculties of Art and Nature were thought necessary and usefull a plaine demonstration that he wants not sense and knowledge fully to apprehend his own oppressions and the rather may it be so thought for that those who have most gaiued by his favours the ungratefull Myssians with some others of his owne Court have been the chiefe Instruments or rather I may say the only cause that have deprived him not only of the priviledge of his royall Crowne but of all the personall happinesses he enjoyed in his prosperity besides his want of liberty now at last to make up the full Catastrophe of his misery none almost giving eare to his complaints or pittying his captivity though they have separated him from his beloved Queene in whose beauty and vertues he took an unspeakable felicity as also the comfort of beholding his sweet children being a reall part of himselfe which the gods and nature have ordained to man as a humane right accompanied with the detention of his revenues that should maintaine him and them besides prosecuting him with as many slanders as they can invent This Madam as it may be supposed being the true condition of Euarchus misfortune it may easily be conjectured his sufferings are equall if not goe beyond example and yet his noble heart holds out still to endure as you see what malice can invent without breaking who notwithstanding offers love mercy and patience to his whole Kingdome and worst injurers things being in this posture I shall proceed to the making good of my promised argument which is that passive courage is a greater vertue then active valour if my discourses doe not seeme too tedious for your more necessary imployment As I must call the Kings constancy a noble fortitude since he hath neither Subject of hope nor object of diversion so certainly is it the highest magnanimity for a Prince to suffer patiently and without confusion from his own Subjects that owe him duty and gratitude for those men that hazzard their lives freely in desperate services either ayme at victory or conquest by which they intend to purchase gaine or glory which enflames their blouds with continuall agitation that scarce gives leasure to reflect upon the dangers much lesse time for cold and apprehensive consideration and yet we see such have for the most part need of noyse of drums and sound of Trumpets to waken their courages or lay asleep their feares to continue them better in action whereas suffering hath nothing to helpe or comfort it since the minde is still prepared to entertaine the misery it sustaineth with a pale expectation of the same or worse when as I say it is known it must be endured without hope having no diversion like a person sick in the night wanting objects of variety
attractive enough to intangle all the world in an intricate labyrinth of love and desire notwithstanding what difficulties soever yet it cannot but seeme most strange to my thoughts that Farezius low condition though his fortune hath been eminent should aspire to such a supreame excellency with any hope to enjoy Hold your selfe content woman said the Princesse there is no limitation of selfe-love and ambition when they have once taken possession of a proud heart though covered with never so meane an extraction And you know that Farezius is a gentleman which joyned with his former successe in the Warres and his present command now in the Army cannot want perswasions to make him attempt any enterprize for his own glory especially since the King seemes meerly to depend upon his assistance or allowance for his future prosperity and being so what counsell can you give me either to prevent his violence or instruct his passion since I dare not be too bold in hazarding my fathers fortunes by provoking the Generalls spleen by a harsh and disdainefull deniall In good sooth said Roxana I am very glad to see you have learned some temper since you were in the possession of Osiris where as you may remember I had much adoe to perswade you to entertaine reason or â—â—â—tinue you in patience wishing then you had hâ—â—arded a thousand deaths rather then have dissembled your love in any kinde but perhaps Narcissus is now farther from your remembrance though neerer your person No by all the immortall gods answered the sweet Princesse my affection is as pure and constant as it was in Osiris Court if not encreased by the effects of more tryalls to render it absolutely juditious only the consideration of my fathers present captivity and future danger makes me so farre willing to dispence with my own deare love as to maske it over with some hypocrisie for his sake which formerly I was unwilling to purchase with the assurance of my own life when I remained in the City of Memphis only the consideration of a necessarily jealousie in Narcissus breast when rumours shall bring such reports to his absent eares I must confesse something deterres my resolution from any dissimulation at all in love though no way prejudicially to his right or my own honour Indeed Madam said Roxana I doe not now only begin to love you for your wisdome but will endeavour to put a project into your head that may both keep your father safe and perhaps destroy your enemies at leastwise it will protract if not divert your violent prosecution certainly governesse answered the Princesse if you prove as good as your word I shall esteeme it the greatest piece of service that ever your wits produced since in my opinion it not only equalls all others in benefit for that the King as well as my selfe is concerned in the businesse but out goes the rest in difficulty considering how many powerfull adversaries you have to deale withall Well then said Roxana sit still and heare my propositions and afterwards prepare your selfe without resistance to put them in execution though never so much against your appetite if not returne me such arguments as may convert my judgement as well as satisfie your own fancy Cloria told Roxana that her injunction was so reasonable that it was not to be contradicted by any that had common sense or was not desperate against their own good promising withall to be punctuall in her obedience as a principall duty she esteemed her selfe bound unto in regard of that charge she had had ever since her infancy over her and then the old woman began this discourse For these two Suitors said she that seem likely to trouble your patience and the Kingdomes quiet since the one commands the Army as the other is possest of the hearts of the Senate I make no doubt but you may oppose their owne interest one against the other if you can dissemblingly but entertaine the love of either by which jealousie certainly there must needes rise discontents and factions towards your safety and fathers advantage for if you entertain the addresses of Cassianus the Souldiers will think their Generall undervalued who appeares now to the publike view to carry upon the point of his Sword the absolute power and strength of the whole Kingdome And if you accept of Farezius Courtships no doubt but the Senate will esteeme their own authorities dishonoured since they have proposed Prince Cassianus to be the subject of their chiefe care Besides if Farezius should faile in any thing he attempts many of the common people would conceive with some violence that the Senate hath an intention to couzen them out of those priviledges they have been promised when their greatest patron shall be debarred of his own desires and if Cassianus should misse of what he hath hitherto expected by the Senates liberall offers the Nobility might very well imagine that the people and Army endeavoured to become their Masters which would not be lessened by other jealousies already growing between the two factions since the Nobility doth not onely with all the secret policy they can seek to curbe the insolency of the common sort who strive for nothing more then to bring down all dignity to an universall equallity but the multitude have already so farre declared their dislike of the Lords proceedings that publikely they have required to have the authority of their jurisdiction taken away and made lyable to the peoples allowance who now enjoy their priviledges by inheritance from their Ancestors purchased either by their own merits or the Princes grace And last of all though the factions of the two Rivalls should not enflame at the particular disgrace of either Cassianus or Farezins yet certainly their owne Swords in a private combate would be very likely to decide the quarrell which would give you a faire pretence to refuse the Survivor that should covet to imbrace you with hands imbrued in bloud Governesse answered the Princesse although I should be very glad to be an occasion to raise any faction for my own present advantage and my fathers future prosperity yet I cannot deny but I am most extream sorry to heare of new troubles whereby the Kingdome should be engaged in more slaughters You are very pittifull replyed Roxana but I pray consider whether it be not better to procure the discomposure of those that have sought all this time by their authority to establish another government destructive to Monarchy whereby of necessity a generall confusion must follow for that it is not probable so many interests can be satisfied or give occasion to prepare Lydia for the conquest of forraigne Forces since it is impossible your fathers many children would be content to sit downe quietly with the perpetuall losse of their owne Birth-rights extorted from the King by his unruly Subjects during their minorities and able enough certainly they will be to contend for their dues seeing all the Princes of Asia are interessed as well
rights who were esteemed oppressed by Artaxes power a story most sufficiently known to all my selfe came into Lydia to demand assistance of Euarchus my Uncle to recover againe my conquered Country of Iberia detained from me by Tigranes Duke of Colchis Orsames also at the same time began his Warres against our oppressor with the same pretentions since Philostros his powerfull Favourite judged it a worke full of piety and justice however he knew there would be much bloud spilt in the quarrell fince as his master was mighty Artaxes was obstinate and both ambitious And to this purpose not onely prosecuted his designe with much violence against the King of Armenia but in a short time Orsames gained many Countries so that at last he brought Artaxes to be willing to accept if not to demand a publike Treaty whereby as t was pretended Asia againe might be reduced to its former happy condition by the effects of a generall peace since the discomposure of such mighty interests seemed to threten the whole world with a fatall destruction and to this effect all the injured Princes were called to shew forth their accustomed priviledges in a City upon the Confines of Syria and Armenia which was a place chosen as most indifferent for that effect where their Commissioners then meeting and yet remaining with more disputes then hopes of agreements gave occasion to the Senate of Lydia to invite me to flye to their protection as well for present subsistance as future hopes since it appeared these two powerfull Kings only beheld their own ambitions as the chiefe object of their considerations though they pretend a more charitable intention in their actions But my Lord said Roxana as I doe not desire to trouble my thoughts with the rights of other Princes that have little relation to our affaires but as they may concerne your particular so in regard they may prove over tedious for our intended discourse since the Princesse her selfe will be likely to surprize us before we have finished I must intreat the honour only to be made acquainted with those things that shall belong to your owne Titles and the rather for that I have heard some disputes formerly to that purpose which I was not very well able to answer and should be very glad to be better provided against other arguments of the same nature Truly Madam answered Cassianus as it is impossible for me to sever in all respects the interests of other Princes from my own so I will endeavour to avoid what unnecessary discourse may prove either tedious or impertinent after that Roxana had acknowledged the favour by a few complements he related these particulars Although I am confident said he that you are competently informed that my dead father was dispossessed of his fruitfull Countrey of Iberia for taking up of Armes against the power of Artaxes King of Armenia yet may not be perhaps sufficiently instructed how Tygranes became possessor of our Countries Titles and Honours wherefore be pleased to know that after my said father was driven forcibly from the possession of the Crowne of Mesopotamia which he had received by the free election of that people who found themselves oppressed by the Lawes Artaxes had imposed upon their consciences as well as many of the Nobility deprived of such Lands belonging to the Temples in their possessions which their predecessors had left them though formerly taken away I must confesse by violence from the Flamines and my mother forced to flye to her friends charity for succour and safety the King of Armenia with the assistance of Tygranes riches prosecuted so farre his begun good fortune that in a short space he not only quieted the stirres in his dominions but advanced his power into Iberia which being without any support but what few Forces Euarchus his father then King of Lydia had send to defend his daughters right quickly became master of what strong places he pleased untill at last he was Lord of the whole and being in possession he not only paid that debt he owed to Tygranes with part of my Lands but bestowed upon him in requitall of his other good services all our Titles and honours which for many lasting ages had remained in our family as being the next of kinne As this cruell injustice killed my father with griefe so after some yeares it brought to our assistance the forenamed Scythian Prince as one sent from the Gods in our apprehension to teach Artaxes a new law of obedience to the fortunes of so great a courage however this date of life became determined by the envious destinies and we left only to demand ayde of Orsames power to finish that work that we thought so happily begun to the advantage of the injured Princes in which number I was to be reckoned the chiefe since most eminent both in wrongs and honours As I may say my particular cause bearing the very name of all the rest In this signe the Syrians continued a large progresse within Artaxes Countries untill the King himselfe was forced in a manner by the consent also of Sorastros King of Aegypt to that generall treaty I formerly mentioned which notwithstanding all the while hath only produced disputations instead of conclusions for that the War continues still with violence to the ruine of the whole Kingdome without the benefit of any in particular began at first by the obstinate pride of Tygranes that would not restore those rights belonging to my selfe which probably might have given satisfaction to the other Princes of our faction however lately Tygranes being also oppressed by the burthen of warre in his owne dominions begins to be more plyant to our desires and to this purpose many arguments are alleadged of either side to give colour to the unfortunate actions of Souldiers who are maintained more to fatisfie the ambition of the two mighty Kings then to put us in possession of our rights Tygranes affirmeth that as the King of Armenias gratitude bestowed upon him in recompence of his services done the Crowne those honours and Lands that belonged to our Family so the money he hath laid out in the Warres makes him a lawfull purchaser of that benefit and therefore in all equity cannot be deprived of them without a full satisfaction according to the damage he hath sustained by those actions The State of Syria againe pretends that unlesse my selfe be restored to my former dignities the combination which is made with the injured Princes must of necessity be broken and so consequently their Kingdome of Syria dishonoured in their agreement and we further adde that although Artaxes might have some colour of displeasure against my father for taking upon him the Crowne of Mesopotamia and defending the possession in his life time by force of Arms which however is a Title disputable yet my self ought not to be esteemed any way guilty of the fault being an infant and therefore too much injured by such a losse when instead of enjoying the greatest
principallity of all Armenia for dignity I am left naked of honour and subsistance whilst others of lesse quality triumph with those spoyles that should adorn my person In conclusion not to detaine your expectation over long with diversity of relations although the Kingdome of Syria vowes never to lay downe Armes without a full restoration of the Princes rights yet many Ministers of that State did underhand conclude a league with Tygranes to my prejudice which shewes particular interest hath the chiefe preheminency in this Warre but since upon new breaches the Duke again is fallen off from that agreement in so much as the difference may produce better effects and the rather doe I hope it for that Tygranes hath lately offered to procure the King of Armenia to grant me equall honours to those my father hath lost as himselfe will be content to deliver up the possession of the Countries belonging to my right if a generall peace in all Asia may by that meanes succeed provided he be competently satisfied by the State for those damages he hath susteined by the Warres in which posture continue our present affaires without either moving backward or forward to the amazement of the whole world Truly my Lord answered Roxana it seemes to me nothing more is demanded in the Kingdome of Armenia then what you have been pleased to mention since your interest is the bases upon which the only occasion of the Warre hath been builded It is true said Cassianus however some differences in points of religion that the Scythians stand upon is a kinde of an obstacle also yet it is thought the State of Syria can when it pleaseth moderate that particular but the truth is that those contentions that depend upon Aegypt and Syria are of so much consequence to this Treaty that it absolutely hinders not only the progresse but successe of all the rest whose ambitions as 't is thought can never be satisfied untill one of those States perish from its appearing greatnesse by which meanes the other may appeare to the world more absolute By this time the Princesse Cloria came into the roome which for the present not only broake off their discourse but gave warning to Cassianus to present himselfe to his most glorious Mistresse as the chiefest deity his heart pretended to adore however she as if nature as well as art had taught a more beseeming quicknesse then ordinary fortified with those instructions she had received from her Governesse that gave her confidence prevented her kinsmans addresses with these words Cousin said she if my necessary imployment hath made me seem rude in that entertainment your kinde visit merited from me I must desire you rather to interpret my omission to the presumption I had in those tyes that have united us in bloud then any fault my governesse hath committed in my education upon which score I am bold to aske your pardon for your over long stay in expecting my company Cassianus finding himselfe saluted in this manner not only contrary to custome but his own expectation since formerly all her discourses were rather markes of civility then testimonies of affection stood some time amazed as if his imagination could not be satisfied in that truth which his eares heard uttered But after he had a little put off that pleasing distraction that anew captivated his senses though in a trembling posture he returned her this answer Truly Madam said he if the greatest Emperour in the world had been so bountifully repayed for whole ages of attendance upon so beautifull a goddesse certainly he would have made no question of his satisfaction but rather have given his whole domination of the earth for such a purchase much lesse must I esteem my selfe injured that only live by your pleasure O my Lord answered the Princesse since your expressions flye so high a pitch I shall begin to think it necessary to defend my reputation against your complements but yet upon better consideration I am of opinion it is much safer to confesse my selfe overcome by your courtefie then venture more blowes in counequall a combate where your wit will be sure to have the victory And with these words taking him by the hand she led him into a faire Balcony that had a large prospect over the goodly River of Pactole where long they had not remained the Princesse in the meane time casting her eyes downe the River upon whose bankes was seated that pleasant house of her Fathers that first gave Cassianus entertainment when he came into Lydia before she used this language though a sweet shower of teares opened the passage for her words I cannot said she but with some griefe remember the innocent times that gave both you and me meeting in yonder place when my Father seemed to triumph in glory that is now unfortunately metamorphosed into a Garrison of Souldiers who perchance neither honour dignity nor know goodnesse much lesse practise vertue Indeed said Cassianus as I must confesse those respects I then received from your most noble Father and my affectionate Uncle were farre beyond my poore deserts which gives me more occasion at present to lament his condition in being Subject to such a cruelty that no power of mine is able to redeem yet I cannot also but remember my own losses at that time since even then I quitted the liberty of my soule that untill this present I could never recover againe though I have sought all wayes of redemption and unlesse you prove more mercifull then the Kings oppressors I shall not only remaine in as great a captivity but have cause to accuse you of the like Tyranny though I dare not be so bold in my complaints But yet Cousin said Cloria I must make a great deal of difference in the nature of your sufferings though I should grant the quality for as the King hath by all meanes possible strived to give his oppressors satisfaction provided it may not be against the right of his Successors and good of his people so you of the other side violently ayme at your own content to the injuring perhaps of anothers Title Alas Madam answered Cassianus was I not your first and last lover the silent rocks can give sufficient testimonies of the one when at that famous hunting I retired under their protections only to make my complaints and the whole Senate can witnesse the other by my importunities wherefore no interest is to be esteemed equall to my pretentions either in affection or right Alasse alasse answered the Princesse you never let me know those powerfull affections before other respects had taken full possession of that heart which became also in some sort a prisoner not to be released who perhaps might as well have been your Captive if your omissions had not proved most unfortunate to your purposes And whereas you say you are my last lover I beseech you doe but consider Farezius intentions and looke upon his actions and you will finde both violence and power hath