other buildinges and the metation finished with the circuit of a Thousand yardes all contained within the deepenesse of a double Moat to which industry of man had drawne vp the violence of many springes and the circomference of a triple Wall yet did a stealing hill in such soft vprising direct thee that what with the brauery of the Marbell paued streetes and the comlinesse of the euen built houses waling foure great wayes of two hundred foot in breadth eight hundred yardes in length from the Cittie gate to the first Pallace wall thou wouldest haue been delighted in the iorny and wondred with what pleasure thou hadst attained to such height thus was it stronge to with stand insurrection and in the midest for the better commaund of the Cittie and easier prouision of the Pallace like the heart enuiorned with the body and the nourisher of life to all the members they flourishing by the strength of it and that prospering by the good order of them Thus was it princely to resuscitate regarde because the state of Maiestie may not be confounded with communitie but retaine speciall reuerence Thus was it named Armamiranda that the people in remembring their well affected Prince might conceiue he forgot not his much deseruing parentes The next matter of import was to vnuaile the grosenesse of errors and to reduce the gouernment to vniformitie which consisting in the admittance of vertue and men louing vertue for vertues sake selected such whose integritie of life and prudent directions warranted their worth for any purpose as for follie either of her selfe lothsome or bewtiched with impietie abhominable she was altogeather banished the person whosoeuer reiected for the imperfection and the imperfection imputed rather to scorne of discipline then naturall defect This made the good goe forward in a well troden path and the bad desist from accoustomed ill life to which they were as it were directed by reason so great a king made himselfe exemplary by his owne vprightnesse in iudgment trueth of word reposednesse of speech chearefulnesse of aspect secrecie of businesse imparted tolleration of inconueniences resolution of enterprises heroyicke proceedinges in matters of Armes constancie in affliction and at all times reuerence towrad the Gods The officers of his house were such whose demeanour sollicited Honour to remember their worth or vertue beautified that Honour before collated to them yet was no man trusted to the libertie of his owne will but receiued these instructions to accknowledge the dignitie of a kinges person to maintaine the secretes of state and Court to perpetrate no fact incurring the crime of Maiesty to detract no time nor occasion which might set foorth the honour of his kingdome to admit no vnworthy person as an officer in Court to hinder no mans aduancement that had merited his place and to depraue nor depriue no complainant till his cause were iudicially heard His prouidence appoynted a Hundred Senators as Presidents of Prouinces dispersed through the Empire to whom he committed Causes of incombrances and Petitions of the people not yet withdrawing him selfe from Controuersies of importance nor forbidding to speake whom Iniuries enforced so that the Proude and Mighty were depressed the Weake and Innocent comforted and the Worthily regarded confirmed The Priestes had charge to watch late to rise early to be spare of Diet sober in speaking patient in suffering holy in conuersation seruent in execution of Sacrifice impartiall in reprehention vntainted with priuate malice no hoorders of Treasure administers of wants and keepers of their owne houses The Noble-men reziant in their Countries receiued these instructions To haue their Houses stored with seruiceable Attendants such as should neither be rash quarrellers lyers blasphemers gluttonous gamesters lecherous or infamed All which might be easily auoyded or quickly preuented if they themselues were milde honest sober silent patient familiar and deuoute neither murmuring at the haunts of Brothers Vncles Coosins and all other of their kin nor denying to succour the necessities of poore Allies or supplying the wantes of crauing Strangers whose enforced aduersitie deserued compassion The Iudges of the Kingdome and Iustices of each diuision were prescribed rules touching them selues and had a commission concerning others touching themselues in no sort to be irregular not lauish in tauntes not arrogating vnproper titles no vtterers of base reproches no nourishers of impatience no deriders of former instances no despisers of ciuillitie nor others ignorance and aboue all no deniers of iustice nor strangers to religion concerning the people to make stronge weaknesse to commend courage to prouide before enforcement to chastise dissolution to succour in time to appease sedition to obserue conformitie to cleare suspition to remedie heuinesse and to temper the momentary ioyes of prosperity The Gent whose youth added Iustinesse to desire and sufficiency to willingnesse were aduised with this caueat not to surpasse their degrees or endanger their estates to learne morallitie as an ornament of the minde and practise to be actiue for the enabling their bodies either to Courtly pastimes as the Prince delighted or to Warres necessitie as the Common wealth enforced whereby was put in vse the running of rases the swiftnesse of Footmanship the wrastling by armes the breaking of Horses the sleight of the Launce the casting of Dartes the benefit of Slinges the stroke of the Sword the wearing of Armour and the aduantage of other weapons besides the spare time of Countries repose was bestowed in taming of Beastes by pollicy force deuise of Toyles deceite of pittes coursing of Dogges or cunning of Horsmanship In catching Fowles by counterfeit of Voyce limings of bush placing of Ginnes and exercise of Hauking In snaring of Fish by skill of Hooke groping by hand casting the Net opening the sluce or poysoning the poole The Marchant was made acquainted to trauell abroad to obserue his Martes to learne nauigation to abstaine from curiosity to apply himselfe to the place of his Trade to exchange his commodities to be certaine of his admittance and to make difference in the choise of his Marchandise according to the variety of Countries each affording natures bountie and the earthes plentie The Countri-man had these informations to till the ground to Plough their seasons to Sow their Corne to reape the blessings to howse their Stuffe to order their Cattell to Plant fruite to sow Acorns to set Wood to quicke Ditches to draine Marshes to stocke Rootes to cast Pondes to sheate Sheepe to trim Wooll to weaue Cloth to spinne Linnin to dresse Hony and to practise whatsoeuer labour might attaine to or conceite imagine The Artificers were imployed to build strongly to Wall with stone to strengthen with Iron to make warme with Glasse to heaw Timber to burne Brickes to graue in Mettall to cast Armour to digge Mines to search Welles to deuise for Shipes to Tann Leather and to furnish townes so that nothing was left vndone which belonged to the vse of man nor any thing done according not to reason
suspecting what a mutinous Multitude might vnaduisedly yeeld vnto especially hauing already entertained mislike and now confounded with new action of distrustes which accordingly came to passe For the Cittie dismayed with the report of Olmus death and terrefied with the speeches of diuers who gaue out that the King ment presently to sacke it misdoubted their owne saftie and were vâ—…d to Master their forces to saue their liues which Gestarius incited them vnto a Minnion of the slaughtered Prince and with a slender inuectiue quickely exasperated their displeasure But heere Fortune laughed first to see a man of iudgement deceiued in an idle choyce and then the world bewitched to be caried out of the smooth path of Obedience by a blind guide into the stony and craggy streights of Innouation For concerning the man hee was in great credite about Olmus yet neither bitth allowing the fauour of a Court nor education meriting any extraordinate liking onely readinesse of Lip-labour adioyning some outward pleasantnesse to many abrupt speaches of them-selues neither in another gracious nor from another allowable made the ouercredulous Prince continue his loue because hee had begun his liking and admit the person for pleasing his fancie loth to reiect so great hope as his cunning perswaded and vnwilling to bring his first Iudgement in question which had so much ouerruled him Touching his Action as soone as silence was pittifully entreated hee seemed to excruciate him selfe with sorrow and began to vtter his minde yet could not for deepe sighs nor sigh long for many teares which proceeding from affection detained him awhile in some abruptnesse till at last the strength of his desire to Reuenge gaue libertie to the tongue thus to dispute O infortunate people sayd â—…e euen after so long goodnesse with the surfet of the same vnfortunate now are you inuited to a sower Banquet in which neither courtious entertainement alloweth a welcome nor holsome Diet satisfaction vnlesse odious Presumption arrogant Contempt wilfull Negligence vnexpected Oppression tyranous Slaughters and vnnaturall Murders be the fare you attend and the Dellicates you hope after For naught else affoordeth the Disshes of this course or the courses of this Feast considering your glory O yee that were proude in the fruition of such glory is quite extinguished but in whom in Olmus ô princely Olmus is slaine But where in the Pallace temple sacred to the people and sanctified to the Gods But how by force of Armes and furie of Tyrants But by whom by blood thirsty Artabazes who with his owne hands chased vs from the place and slew his Fathers Sonne in the Temple which as I cannot declare without griefe so I wish not let passe without redresse considering you importune to haue the gouernment worthy your obedience and not to remaine in a continuall feare of your ruine For what shall wee expect when the Common-wealth hath been made the Tennisball of Fortune and tossed as his violence inforced When the Complaints of the people haue been derided and irregular wilfulnesse set on foote manie diuelish stratagems as for the Warres which hath made vs all smart they haue been but counted pastimes and the meanes to disburthen him of ill willers But concerning our selues How shall we that be Strangers liue without dismay when hee which was his Mothers Sonne died without remorce Let my very Enemies whom yet I would not haue enemies to their Country looke about with the eyes of zeale and discretion and then tell mee if the Kingdome thus distracted stand not in need of better direction when they see in all strong compacted Estates either Wise men be aduanced to authoritie or men in authoritie endeauour to be Wise Nor are-we so slauishly bound to the succession of a Monarchy not yet confirmed with eighty yeares memorie to submit to priuat insatiatnesse rather then prouide for publicke good What shall I say I protest neither old rooted Malice nor any priuate Displeasure of my owne giueth this euidence Or as the ill willer may inferre perpretrateth a crime but the dangers you remaine in most honourable Armenianus to see your Priuiledges taken from you your Goods dispearsed your selues made slaues your Wiues rauished your Daughters deflowred and your Citties set on fire as if your names were to be forgotten on earth compelleth this aggrauation For the Head corrupted suffreth the Body to perish and the Minde to be contagious a Spring poysoned dissolueth the venom into the running Streame and the Prince lifted vp like the head of a polliticall body either of him selfe wicked or of as wicked as him selfe mis-ledde quickly ruineth the flourishing'st Kingdome Then may the Subiects wish amisse because they hate and hate in that they can receiue no good which seeing wee haue such pregnant proofe of let vs in time either alter this vntoward beginning or depose our new beginning Tyrant for in our case wee forâ—…y not that good men doe die but tremble that the vicious doe liue No sooner had his rebellious eloquence soothed the conceites of the multitude but with a mutinous hurliburly not vnlike a raging Sea swelling ouer some small defence which caryeth before it what so euer stoppeth his course or a boysterous Winde whose violence hurleth downe the greatest and highest Buildings did they thronge on heapes against the place whither safety had withdrawne Artabazes and seeing the Ports guarded were the more enraged because resisted yea altogeather out of patience as finding a likelihood of Gestarius inuectiue the most of them not knowing whither they went nor aduised what to doe yet because they would bee dooing did indeed what was not to be done Some crying it surpasseth Homicide and no way to be excused others wished their silence and inferred there might be a causing circomstaunce Some whispered the danger of delay and that there was opportunitie to reuenge all their wronges others gaue an assault vainely presuming on the glory of the exployte Some thought it too much outrage and therfore seemed halfe angry others of a more dangerous courage fearing a slacknesse in the deuision were the angrier at their anger Some gaue a caueat to be aduised least the King should preuaile others made vse of that doubt that no Pardon would euer be graunted and therefore as good purchase their Peace by force or make it a generall trespasse Thus vnstayed hastinesse the very principall part of trayterous insurrection deuided their wits and debarred all motions of alleageance causing them which intended to doe well to practise what was amisse and such as ment amisse to continue in tenn times worse so that Artabazes was amased at the wretched vprore and in a manner confounded to see such a concurrencie of mischiefe but when he perceiued their outrage bent to entrap his life and that they had begun a worke of great trouble he summoned the best aduise he could of preuention which concluded to winne time the father of contraries and by secret flight to preuent the present fury reasonning thus
the greatnesse of her state in that place where once shee had liued in meane degree But as hee was marching a Brother of the Queenes vnder colour of Embasie from Artabanus and crauing priuat conference stabd him to the heart with a poysoned Knife Now was Damafloris sole Queene and with her cunning and authoritie handled her businesse so well that by aduancing of some bestowing of Offices on others placing reconsiled Friends least farre off they might prooue dangerous Enemies neerest her seate and forbearing a time the vsuall impositions of the Kingdome her former errour was forgotten and they were contented to admit of her Sonne Ascrasapes for King who by this time was able to conceiue of matters of gouernment and seeing the miseries which the Warres had in a manner deuasted all the Kingdome with pollitickly matched with Mitrea the Daughter of Tautaxes slaine by his Vnckle hoping by vniting both the Families togeather to leaue no scruple nor doubt for his succession In his time many troubles were appeased but what he purposed the strength of his state was his owne ouerthrow like a man determining to spit poyson out of his mouth but doing it against the winde it flyeth backe againe in his face and inuenomeâ—… as ill Which came to passe by hauing a Sonne this Astiages now reigning whom his Mother Mitrea brought vp very carefully as looking on him with reuengefull and ambitious eyes to maintaine her owne greatnesse and by his meanes to bring to good end what shee had long since deuised First then the remembrance of her Father helped forward her hate against Damafloris and that ended not without effects and they procured Ascrasapes to depose her from her regencie by suggesting a conference happening betweene the Mother and Sonne wherein shee dared to tell him hee must respect her as principall cause of his Honour and that hee was tyed in a kind of duty toward her for aduancing him in this sort Little needed the Spurre to a forward Horse little needed Mitrea to vrge this against her because hee tooke it in ill part and the Sonne of such a woman had malice enough in store which according to the Queenes owne desire made his Will stand for a Law against both his Mother and her partakers The second attempt was against the King himselfe for finding her heart to stomacke shee was matched with a Bastard for whose sake her Father was slaine and her selfe more in pollecie then honour and loue thus confirmed shee cared not what troubles were procured or mischiefe might settle her minde so that after many circumstances Ascrasapes died not without suspition of poyson and shee in her Phaâ—…tons flourish was sole Queene of the East But the Noble men of Persia casting vp the account of these strange distractions of the Common-wealth thought by taking away the cause to remooue the effects and by quite abolishing the race of Ormisdates especially the ofspring of Damafloris and some what fearing the violent humour of the Queene Mitrea determine for another King and looking toward Artabanus of Medea as well for his owne worth as his Grandmothers sake and Fathers losse who though he perished not in the Fieldes of Persia yet by his beeing heere his troubles in Media were occasioned nominated him to the place and sent accordingly to bid him prouide for all their goods Yet by the good behauiour of Mitrea was this iudgement reuersed and Astiages her Sonne appearing with some towardlinesse made them repeale the former Edict as it were pittying his youth and that hee deserued no such punishment but indeed the desire of satisfaction toward the noble house of Tautaxes bound in their duty and obedience with stricter obseruation So they all submitted to Astiages and misfortune weary of tartying long in Persia passed into Media as you haue heard in which time the Kingdome of Astiages recouered some part of her former glory vntill Artabanus tooke vpon him the burden of being wronged and so lay in waite for reuenge which hee went about but was frustrated by his forces defeature vnder the leading of Adelphus and so shot another shaft of all peace working goodnesse bythe sending of Mulâ—…asses but how he sped the Prince Sacromirus beere can-best tell For as I suppoose the beautie of Roxana daughter to Astiages had then drawne him into Persia Indeed said Sacromirus indeed sayd the Duke by your Princely leaues we will be sparing of this delight For pleasure vsed with extremytie looseth her sweetnesse and best propertie therfore let vs first diue and remember the Ladyes as well loue exercise as discourses and yet the hearing of other mens matters doth little touch their owne prayses so that day passed with the varietie of Courtly pastimes and the next with the flying of Hawkes the third with hunting and the fourth made the time seeme very long had not the company entreated Sacromirus to finish Anzitemus story who thus began AFter Aistages was in in a manner restarined by the wisdome of his Councell he yet most ingenerously scorned to be so courbed of his will and enraged put in execution a terrible reuenge imprisoning Mulcasses against the Law of Armes and surprising Adelphus against the Law of honestie within the time of truce gathering his Armie togeather and one night came vpon him vnprouided he yet vsed the aduantage of his Trenches and some streight passages he had fortunately Barrocaded But alasse this rather sharpned then rebated their courage So by reason of ouernumber and home assisted they quickly made a breach into the Campe and Triumphed with a notable slaughter Adelpbus dangerously wounded and hardly escaping to be the messenger of more harder tidinges When Artabanus saw him selfe thus subiect to the mallice of fortune and that he resembled a man who once stumbling neuer left reeling till he came to the ground or one whom shrewd Turnes as it were in sequence followed after one another his modest anger could not refraine from inuection and pashionat complainning against his Fortune But when Anzitemus stomached the dishonor because his Councell consorted not with successe and that he saw a further procrastination of his businesse little needed Arttabanus to trouble conceite how to winde vp the Wheeles of this engine For he importuned the iorney in person and opposed against the difficulties obiected Wherupon the Magi and Haruspices were commaunded to attend who by their sacrifices deuined the greatest and happyest euent and Anzitemus with a well prouided and sufficient Armie passed through all the borders of Persia possessing the strongest holds and after in three encounters preuayled against Astiages enforcing his retreate to the strong Towne of Susiania where the place almost impregnable made him lye a while houering like a skilfull Faulken that with aduantage he might sease on his prey By this time had report added much to his glory and that made the comparison betweene his true vertue and Astiages ill disposition stand him in great stead For when vntoward remembrance had layed
many not to be beholding to anothers report many to giue notice how well they had profited in the Schoole of Ciuilitie and many to performe Goodnesse because Vertue delighteth in action Amongst this number Coranus though the last which came yet was not the least meanes of his comfort because hauing him selfe experienced distresse he tould how counsell and reliefe might be seasonably confirmed and heere like the discreete Phisition knowing the state of his Patients body reduced him to some moderation so that their humanity and Placandus good vsage made Montanus beleeue he was ordayned to this quietnesse For with a kind of delight he put in practise willingnes and exercise the ouermasterers of difficulties which vnder propped his knowledge with these particulars how to pasture the Cattle before the Sunnes pride might preuent theyr stomackes how to guide them ere the Euening had determined theyr rest when to water and where to refresh them when to driue them to the Fold when to retyre from the Field and in what sort to vse the instruments of commaunde his voyce and Pipe all which were done with so good a grace that the beholders woondred aâ—… the action and he mused how necessity had so soone acquainted the action they loueing his Maister liking and hee satisfied to be thus loued and liked BY this time Fame was not so nigardly but the women as wel as men to whom in deed curiosity seemed more proper entertained the newes had not a customarie modesty restrained their desires they would sooner haue satiated their longing then they did yet because their Sommer Feast approched in which many meetings ancient ceremonies had their seuerall passages their forward desire was a little suppressed and the feastiuall approached to put them in remembrance that Time had strengthned their encreases and this Stranger expected the setting them selues foorth to best becomming In the meane while Coranus returning home told his Daughter Deltona for the Man was wiuelesse and a stranger amongst them of Montanus ariuall with amplification of the circumstances belonging to his shipwracke which because it agreed to their fortune shee was willing to heare and hee readie to dilate Truely quoth hee I neuer saw a man of a better presence his stature comely and tall yet not exceeding mediocritie his members so framed as if our first Mother looking backe on the worke had like a skilfull statuarie new polished what shee escaped his Shoulders large and Body vpright of mighty Bone and not ouermuch Flesh the Necke in equality of length made to support a well proportioned Head and an amiable yet stately Countenance which like some faire Planet in a frostie night by speciall markes doth warrant him of Noble birth For the Tresses spatiously plighted seeme to boast of extraordinarie curiousnesse and the Tyara sumptuously fashioned to propose vnto vs a very certainty of wealth his Eyes according to the course they intende louely compelled to distemperature fearefull enclining to sadnesse very Adamants of Compassion to be plaine hee may be what our greatest thoughts can comprehend but as he is we repute him Placandus seruant by name of Montanus Deltona could not but like her Fathers description and allow of his opinion yet was not satisfied because shee had not seene him and wished to see him that she might be satisfied wondring how her desire tooke vpon it such a libertie and halfe ashamed least her Father might perceiue her minde distempred but hee poore man had a world of conceites to thinke of for though hee looked on her with a kind of demurenesse yet was it to ouerlooke her least shee might haue discouered his sighing and teares which to preuent he cunningly led her foorth into a larger feeld of other conference and so they remained with a reciprocall gladnesse not to be seene perplexed Now the Feast comming forward Placandus much mooued with the desert of his new Seruant and as it were enriched with the care he had ouer his charge and the prosperitie following his care thought to gratifie him with a thing of some worth and therefore one Euening by way of relation hee told the Storie how his Wife his louing Wife his louing loued Wife Iapeta miscarying long since in child-birth left him a fatherlesse and a sorrowfull Widower which for the time had such impression that for feare to be so againe called to the account of passion he vowed in Marpesias Caue he would neuer marry and although I haue found it a matter almost of impossibilitie to tie our frayltie to such strict rules yet my honest Montanus I haue waded through the difficultie and I hope reserued my selfe to some good the Haire vntyed without curiositie but that the hanging downe seemed a curiousnesse hung downe with sufficient comelinesse their Loynes were loosely girt with a kind of Belt which at pleasure made the neither part of their Mantell resemble a full blowne double Rose their Countenances were amiable youthfull rather smiling then sad and bending to another respected none but them selues the Head was decked with a Corenet of Flowers as if they meant to tell vs Vertue compelleth Honour as well as commendation and the whole portrature so well graced that a man could not but affoord a reuerence In the midst of this roome was a square Table seruing to many purposes as contracts of Mariages the parties enterchangably embracing ouerthwart then kissing then with a setled countenaunce laying one hand vpon another swearing an inuiolable League Bargaines and exchangings dispatched both buyer and seller promising no more then they meant to performe and performing no lesse then they presumed to promise offerings of their encreases presented which euer returned with aduantage according to the willingnes of the partie and the honestie of the giuer sacrifices for pacification fulfilled as their consciences layed open transgression or their desires meditated Religion knowing the Gods were to be adored and their neighbours to be beloued The Anchress was extracted from the blood of Prometheus whom they superstitiously beleeued a great God and once had his residence on Mount Caucasus and so began a Familie amongst them shee euer liued vnmaryed and had sixe seruant Maides likewise to attend her her reputation was the greater because she neuer fed the people with vntruths nor exacted from them more then their owne willingnes extended vnto the inward Roome she kept shut and yet stood open while anyes businesse imported it because the next commer might haue warning the place was supplyed but why the name of Marpesia receiued estimation amongst them you must bee thus aduised IN the mightie Kingdome of Scithia at such time as the first Amasons women of Heroiecall courage gloried to make themselues instruments of vertue raigned as Queen the excellent Laciana a woman of great Industrie greater successe in her Industry for much affecting the magnanimity of Tolmilanda against the Tartarian Mulmashag she fortunatly determined diuers famous exploits and after gouerned the
countreyes with such maiestie and wisedome that other Kingdomes feared her displeasure with louing her vertue and her owne subiects had the practise of singular discipline which so much the more grew beneficiall by how much the imployment tended to their good of her proceeded Deiophaeba and from her the faire Poligambis vnder whom an enuious anger that women should so raise the Trophees of Honor excited the adioyning Kingdoms to conspire their destruction and Fortune neuer constant but in vnconstancies permitted a wicked Furie to massacre the wonderfulnesse of nature wherein though the large circumstance and the strangenesse of the Action keepeth my tongue from her full discourse yet this must I discouer that the course of time disappointed their ambition and dissolued this imparadised company onely Marpesia sister to Poligambis as it were alotted from the beginning to some deuinesse retyred hither and erected another Regiment but of diferent qualitie For though shee grewe in fauour so Beautifull and in Beauty so Celestiall that the greatest Princes deuoted their endeuours to her acceptation yet shee proclaimed against vanitie defiance and Cupid stormed to bee so counterchecked this made her abandon all Courtly fashions least deceitfull temptation might at aduantage entrappe her weaknesse and heere repose herselfe in a solitarie Groue that a quiet dispensation from the company of men might settle obedience to vndefiled thoughts But some Writers haue iustified how the desire of reuenge so exasperated her anger that ere three yeeres had resetled the Company and drawne backe againe her dispersed Forces shee returned with a newe Alarum and prosecuted her attempts with sufficient successe leauing the example of her glory to animate Lampedo to maintaine this second industrie shee prospering induced Antiopa from her proceeded Penthisilia the mother of the gallant Thalestris and the last Marpesia with whose renowne other Kings offended Enuie neuer desisted vutill they shrunke indeed vnder destruction Howsoeuer the reziance of the former Marpesia gaue name to this place and occasioned these Ceremonies so that after a ciuill consideration had acquainted the people with husbandry and tillage in the felling and stocking vp the wood was this Caue found for the wonderfulnesse religiously preserued and the conueniencie in manner aforesaid regarded and now beginneth our Festiuall AFter they had sacrificed at the Caue the Custome allowed Montanus with his Batchellers to deuide themselues amongst the Virgines as Fancy led opinion the way to iudgement but who had seen the louely Deltona comming forward must needs haue remembred that Diana with her Nymphes added something to Natutes allowance when she was to entertaine so great a Lady and Iupiter determined the Rape of Calisto for whether the behauiour of this Stranger taught expectation the practise of other things or whether time had ripened their estates that they began to take benefit of their wealth or whether their own conceits meant to make much of the blessings of Nature as not willing to continue in a barren rudenesse or whether the acquaintance with ciuell Cities induced them to immitation I dispute not but the fortune of this day was such that euery one in a manner sequestred from the common basenesse of Tartary detayned the lookers on with the seuerall presentation of beautie and comelinesse Next to Deltona came Crolaca old Silenus Daughter who manifested she was begotten in a time of discretion by attyring her Head after the plainest fashion and because no deuise obscured any imperfection she might the better haue satisfied a iudicious Censurer had not the neere approach of a prying looke marked the equalitie of her forehead tending to a little flatnesse The second was Enseria very ill placed so neere the formost her attire seemed rather fantasticall then costly and added this to suspition that shee determined some strange course of life because her beautie was adulterate The third was Hiale pleasant Parastoes daughter who might well haue brought liking with admiration on her side but that a little smiling somewhat more then cheerefulnesse as if mirth determined not to goe out of a generation cal'd her modestie in question and ouer-wrought the ornament of her face the mouth The foorth was Niphe from whom some quarter of a yeere before Deaths Harrold summoned both Father and Mother who amased the beholders with the appearance of liuely colours naturaly embelishing her cheekes onely a dead eye accused her of fullennesse yet it might be former remembrance admitted the vnkinde ghuest sorrow and limited commendation from ouer-reaching too farre Now marched Ladra Daughter to Argias to whom for his excellencie in Musick they had giuen a Pension and was quickly seene For hauing her Haire large long and of a singular amber she ware it in a kinde of loosnesse but so kindly that it seemed an excellent carelesnesse because shee was faire and vpright yet kept pale Lippes the full life of beautie aside Then presented her selfe Carista lusty Darpanos Daughter who of purpose to shew varietie or vnwilling to patrizare being a Maide merited a choyce commendation had not a kind of sobrietie made her strangenesse reputed a littell pride whereby a liuelinesse wanted to set foorth her worth to the best becomming The seuenth was Gralle Temellus onely Child in whom the best cunning might be deceiued because though now a fauourable countenance seemed dimmed with ouermuch Blood yet imputing it to a kind of blushing or allowing time the effect of moderation without doubt she was an amiable president of delight so that Enuy added not this as an other fault her speech was ouer loude The eight was Ranata whose cost questionlesse exceeded her fortune in regard that beside a well proportioned Body the face could boast of no great Beautie and wanted many parts to make it fauourable Now approched Tarina ritch Pleios Daughter who made demonstration of her Fathers Wealth by her owne statelinesse yet in so good an order that it seemed a prerogatiue and had not a seucere Censor exprobated Nature for not allowing so sweete an aspect a perfect clearenesse to all others it either appeared no defect or appearing durst not so be counted considering her owne countenance better marked dispelled the former conceit and made a new impression applaud all deserued worthinesse Next her came Carix blacke Alcastoes Daughter whose Haire enclining to a more then brownnesse added that bie name yet was she full of fauour which seemed attractiue as ioyned to a sober demeanor so thou couldest not choose but repine at Nature for vniting two contraries togeather because the choysest louer was astonished when that nakednesse which modesty allowed to be seene surpassed the rest for dellicacie and coloure The 11. was called the strange Duplana who hauing no good part exactly lookt vpon possessed yet euery part without exception because her sweete cariage and dellicate behauiour strocke an amazement ere you could examine the particulars The last of especiall note was Sabetha and in outward shew the least but such a least as shined like
they apprehended it as the voyce of some good Angell for their happinesse and without more adoe elected the Honourable Mulcasses to the Embasie by whose Commission Adelphus Artabanus Lieuetenant generall in Persia was against his will discharged because in deed the Souldiers were disappoynted in their expectation as euer louing better Booty and Spoyle then Pay or strict Obedience to home Commanders But certified of Medormus treasons and how honourably Anzitemus had behaued himselfe they quickly returned to the sweet walkes of loue and dutie and allowed Mulcasses authority So Adelphus leasurely gathered vp his Army and yet departed not quite out of Persia till hee vnderstood Astiages answere who keeping his Court at Susiana whither hee had withdrawne his Forces to garison entertained Mulcasses as a Messenger of peace and after audience limitted a time to receiue his satisfaction But after he was fully dismissed the monstrous enemies of Prosperitie Enuie and Wrath made an onset against the Kings honour and so battered the citadell of good thoughts that hee could not depresse his malice without discouering it thus to his Councell My Lords I am sure you will not be so sparing in your regard toward the renowne of Persia and my Honour but you remember the disgraces offred my fathers house by the first Artabanus who many yeeres turmoyled with a Ciuell-warre our Country and denied our right to this Kingdome and now you see Artabanus his Sonne as his Father against the Law of nature would haue disappointed vs against the Law of nations hath intruded himselfe my auncestors cast cleane out of doores by a mutinous rebellion and I not permitted the saftie of my hard gotten peace yet you see Iustice hath taken my part a little and Fortune openeth now the doores of a further recom pence I meane the Croune of Media it selfe but how not by base relaxation and accordance to their wills but by our owne vallutes and preuailing excursions pressing now forward as if a Tree cutt to the heart and hanging by a small hold were with a strong push to ridd the workman of mâ—…e labour Let vs therfore sooth this opportunitie and catch the Goddes by her goodly foretop least she take in scorne the disdaine and we preposterously repent the negligence But the most of his Councell interposed their negatiues and forecasting the benefits of a florishing Common-wealth through sweete peace deciphered the mischiefes yea the miseries of the best warre Then Astiages replyed the Honor of a King was more then a Million of liues and the Gods had appointed them their vicegerents sometime like good stewards to husband their plenty encrease their inheritance sometimes like seuere Maisters to correct offenders and to be the scourges of Iuorath howsoeuer he would not remaine ouerinsulted by the wrong of an other but be famous in after ages for some exployte of his owne They againe inferred that contentions arose from prestigious spirits which delighted in the blood of men that their late scares of desolation and aduersitie were not yet worne out that plentie like an Orphan went mourning in the streetes and that his election to the Diadem challenged no such bondage at their hands because they well hoped in his conformity to good purpose and had â—…eofaild with Artabanus in the promise of the Kingdome but this put him beyond all patience as euer stomaking the house of Media and watching an opportunitie to be reuenged though in deed the first errour proceeded from the incontinencie and tyranny of Persia vpon this occasion ORmisdates not long since King of Persia hauing matched with Garifeola Artabanus Otanes Mother of Media matched her likewise with Noblenesse of birth and minde and by reason of their loues the Kingdome like a well manured Ground brought foorth encrease of much happinesse to the inestimable enriching of the possessor For although the Queene was barren of her body yet her inward excellencies so flourished that they added life to good conceite toward her and indeed moderated to the admiration of diuers and the honor of the King that wanton libertie which such a Prince in enioying many concubines presumeth on But the oldest Wood doth soonest burne and Ormisdates in his declining age was soonest allured to lust-breaking faith and did degenerate from himselfe I meane stood not so strongly on his Guard of vertue when there was expectation of setled humours as in the heate of youth when the errors of life might haue passed with excuse For as he passed through the streetes of Magranopolis to cellebrate the feast of the Sunne he cast his eyes vpon a window wherein a Lady at left her outward shew bare the same record sate with a countenance compounded of cheerefull affabillity and louely modesty little thinking that cunning had taught her eyes both to allure and draw compassion that experience had brought her countenance to the vse of many changes that necessitie had made her tongue deny where she wished and demaund where she knew there was nodeniall that time had wrought her heart sometime like waxe to melt with the warmth of desier sometime like stone to be hardned with disdaine that coustome had custructed her demeanor Matronlike if there were occasions of sobrietie Courtlike if great estates importuned and fantastique if there were inducements of wantonnesse This was Damastoris a woman of reasonable good Parentage of reasonable good yeares of reasonable good estate a Widdow childles and wealthy two helpes in all conditions and Common-wealths and a wanton taking the benefite of her time and belike finding inconuenience in the obedience of one man would not so subiect her youth and liberty any more whereupon shee made vse of her experience and indeed ouerliberally satisfied her pleasure Yet with that delicate conueyance that the fault seldome appeared and if it did could not be vrged against her With her Ormisdates fell in loue or at least in such liking that hee perswaded him selfe it was loue and so determined to perswade her this yet was the doubt the meanes of accesse hee not able to come to her without speciall notice taken and for speciall purpose shee not likely to come to him neither willing to attende in Court nor hauing cause of Petition or complaint At last Desire bred Imagination Imagination Conceit Conceit some Disquiet and Disquiet must needes haue Redresse Now when Princes come to seeke Redresse I hope no man will imagine that any worldly meanes can be wanting and when the King of Persia importuned dispatch who would not nay who did not endeuour to please and to pleasure him yet heerein hee onely imployed Pasquito a man of reasonable comelinesse exceeding good behauiour dellicate ellocution setled experience as hauing all his time like a cunning Marchant seene many Countries and neuer daring to venture his Wealth in one Shippe and honourable secrecie such a quallytie that somtimes all other good partes fayling it simplie preuayleth who at the first pleaded many excuses to the King of disgrace in the
action hassard of preuayling so incurring his displeasure danger of temptation ielosies mistrustes and the cunning of Women At last the king commaunding or he being willing to obey Pasquito furnished him selfe and came to Damafloris with all the graces of a Princes solicitor first beginning with her owne worth that shee did Beautie wrong to keepe it like a Flower in a close Potte making no vse either to please the scent or the sight that shee was a present for a mighty King and peraduenture a King indeed did like her This hee sayd to make her inquisitiue knowing Women were subiect to curiositie that he had heard and knew shee was Wise and therefore would not refuse the fortune was toward her and that hee came from Ormisdates who wished well vnto her and had sent a Present of kindnesse by him so that if hee were not an vnworthy Messenger and a man hatefull it could not choose but shee must apprehend the blessing ment This was vttered in so good a fashion that though shee had knowne how to haue reprooued Incontinencie yet could shee not much mislike him that did but his dutie to his Prince nor the King that offered fauour to his Subiect nor her selfe for beeing solicited by the mighty Ormisdates But with a kind of abasshed drawing backe rather studying to contriue her businesse to the best purpose then willing to entertaine any cause of mislike shee yet made him beleeue there was cause of mislike saying and almost weeping in so saying that the King wronged her much to suppose shee would make sale of her Chastity that hee wronged her more so to motion her dishonour hauing neither seene nor heard any tokens by her of immodesty All this sayd Pasquito is confessed yet quoth hee the loue of a King is of that prerogatiue that hee protested it was more for her owne sake then the Kings satisfaction hee came thither and so by degrees of insinuation fell to appeasing her from appeasing to perswading from perswading to counsayling that howsoeuer she determined which sayth he I will not vrge further against your vertuous resolutio it were not amisse to speake with the King Heere shee stopped againe falling to the examination of particulars how when and where the King should take notice of her All which he certified with excellent circumstances Then she made many doubts of the Queenes ielousie the Courts opinion and her owne iourney Nay sayth hee if you vouchsafe me the Author of this good Newes to my Prince neither Queene Court nor your selfe shall know your selfe or once haue cause to entertaine the attributes of Ielosie Thus it was concluded that shee should bee disguised like a Marchant of Arabia and so vnder colour of the sale of rich Iewels haue secret conference with Ormisdates and this she did with that gallant demeanor and attractiue that the King was rather rauished then â—…amored toward her yea she behaued herselfe so well that at a second meeting he promised to inuest her a Dutches and if he had issue by her to proclaime him heire to his kingdome which was performed accordingly For with in one yeere after she brought him a sonne named Ascrasapes and he thought himselfe a happy man to be the Father of a Child This made him dote on her the more and that made her deale with him the cunninger so that the Queene Garifeola seemed altogeather forgotten and her former deseruing was ouergrowne with the rancke weedes of a Strumpets flatterie which shee could not but repine at yet at the first shee gently behaued her selfe till finding the nature of some things as Nettles and Burres to sting the sorer by the softer handling shee remembred her great birth and plainely tould him the wrongs done to her and her house were intollerable and that shee would be reuenged both on the tother and the Bastard this incensed the king and mingled with the Counterfeate feare of Damafloris contriued a strange course which was by deuorce vnder colour of barreâ—…nesse to be seperated from her nor desisted he so But as a man tumbling downe a paire of Staires neuer lins falling till he came to the bottome did â—…e cause the same resemblance in the Queene absolutely putting her by all gouernment and proclaiming Damafloris in her stead But when Artabanus Otanes her Sonne vnderstood of these proceedings the indignitie was too hainous to tollerate and the reuenge too difficult to attempt yet something must be done to keepe his Honour intigrate and his Mother from so strange infamie wherupon without further ambagie finding himselfe vncapable of the Scepter by reason that the Lawes of Persia debarred a Stranger which yet they afterward went about to disanull and vnable to make a conquest in regard of home incumbrances hee determined to cast it on some other whose 〈◊〉 and abilitie might second the enterprise To this counsaile was Tautaxes called a Noble man of Persia of the honourable family of Odâ—…nates and next heire to the Crowne to him did Artabanus inferre the scandall of the Kingdome the wicked life of Ormisdates infaming them all the bastardy of Ascrasapes an vnlawfull stop to hinder his course the desire of the people to haue reformation who most commonly vnder that goodly shew begin inuouation and his owne power to assist him touching sparingly his Mothers wronges as if hee would leaue out somewhat for him to remember and so might be sure of his apprehention which consorted to his wish For Tautaxes ambitious enough of himselfe was willing to be thought worthy to be a Prince not remembring the danger of that point but now incited by such liklyhoodes he gathered his forces and friendes togeather sending Artabanus word that if he would come in person because he would haue the name of a King and credite to the action there should not any oare want to â—…owe the Boate to what streame he liked Thus began the ciuell Warres of Persiâ—… and this stone neuer left rowling till Ormisdates house was cleane extinguished and the Crowne at last vnited to Media yet many battailes were first fought and the seuerall alterations gaue only notice that this world is a stage of vncertainties For as Artabanus once brought the King to a narrow streight and Tautaxes if he had followed his Fortune might haue ended the Warre Ormisdates thus despighted in the worst manner made the wronged Garifeola beare the burden of his rage and striking off her head sent it her sonne as a present I will not say he lamented a remedilesse matter but he prosecuted his reuenge and went forward apace had not his owne misfortunes in despight of resolution recalled him and this was the first reuolt of Medormus and Gliranda in Media yet Tâ—…taxes proceeded as well now to liue as to raigne For there is no Medeum betweene an Emperor and Traytor and in a gallant encounter shew the miâ—…ed Ormisdates and returned in triumph toward Magranopolis where the incontinent Damafloris kept her Court of purpose to shew
striuing with an excellent courage made it a perilous fight and the perill bade them beware of the effectes which was vtter destruction And as when two mightie Lyons hauing both their Females in necessitie of food hapning at an instant on a little pray fall at such variance that the scorne of distribution settleth them to besatisfied in the bloud one of another So these as mightie combatanta not acknowledging the least difference determine that life shall depart before Honour be subiect to disgrace wherby the strangnesse wrought an amase and the manner a kind of delight For they taking vp the narrow Rome of the streete the rest had libertie to breath as if they seemed weary in the Butchering one of another and apprehended the end of all their troubles in the end of this controuersie But Astiages seeing no hope of the conquest and beginning to misdoubt him selfe fell backe againe to his first resosution of escape and remembring his League with Cleonidas thought there was possibilitie to returne with sufficient Fortune and Reuenge if hee could get thither by any meanes Whereupon lifting vp the fayling legges of Courage with all the remainder of a worne-out Furie he whirled at the turning head of his aduersary a blow of too great perill had not his eyes twinckling at the brandishing of the weapon been a caueate to other motiones wherby a sudden starting made his right foote slip and the earth yeeld so that thinking to giue forward the body measured the ground with his length which Astiagas tooke hold of and by crying Auzitemus was slaine in despight of opposition made for the time a fortunate escape euery one confounded with the sorrowfull newes and hindering one another with a rumerous entercourse But their feare and griefe with a chearefull contrarietie is soone reuersed by the vprysing of Anzitemus and although they could not satisfie him with reuenge on the person of the King yet did they recompence him with the gift of the Kingdome and with Panegericall ceremonies conducted him to the Pallace not doubting but as the Beare displeased with natures deformity by often licking fashioneth her young ones to an appointed shape So would he deale with their dissolute Common wealth and reforme what had misled the company amisse But because I haue brought him to so good lodging and that he found the beautifull Roxana there I will qustionlesse leaue him as vnwilling to enter into vnfortunate discourses either concerning himselfe and father or touching Brizaca who might be suspitious to heate Roxana named Nay qouth Trezoboro in his Sisters behalfe things past are past care therfore I dare auouch Brizacas content shal consist in Anzitemus future respect but they I perswade my selfe will well agree So shall we neuer replyed king zalby vnlesse we be thankefull to the Prince for his discourse and entreate the gratious Brizaca once againe to impose this taske on Anzitemus For I proteste I long to heare by what chaunce the director of all chaunces hath consented that this meeting should be recorded in the volumes of admiration But Rugio sayd there was no reason in the suddennesse For he had a purpose to shew the Princes the Arbour which King zalby so much liked and they after they liked so much commended in this taking the benefite of the next sunnes aduancement the Feast was prepared but till it please them to rise from their solemnytie I dare not begin to trouble you with the discourse Finis libri Tertii THE FOVRTH BOOKE of the Historie OF TREBIZOND Imprinted at London by W. White for T. Downes and E. Dawson 1616. To the Honorable Lady CHANDOS HONORABLE LADY HOweuer Honour hath appeased your repinings and as it were coosoned your Birth-right with the courtesie of England so that it seemes a disparitie to place you the last that are eldest in blood and as worthy as the best Yet would I not exempt you from my owne poore Wishes nay I durst not deuide you from your Mother and Sisters least I might want the full participation of that grace and Vertue which I proposed to my selfe from your fauour Therefore I pray you giue me leaue to warme all benumming despaire with the Sunne of your Honor acceptation and amongst your other Vertues let me both affright Despaire that you will pardon my Errour and strengthen my Hopes that you will entertaine my good meaning though it be but in the presenting of a Booke For I protest when I ran away hoodwinckt with an opinion it would passe in the World as the deceit of Idlenesse there was a pleasure in pretending your Patronage and more then a Hope in naming my Lady Chandos as a Mistris of this Dedication Your Honors humbled in all impositions Tho. Gainsforde The fourth Booke of the Historie of TREBIZOND NO sooner was the Solemnitie of the Feast ended and the conueniencie of the place renewed their desires to beguile tediousnesse with delight but Brizaca proposed to Anzitemus the importunitie of the Princes to be made acquainted with his Story and he surrendring obedience thus proceeded I cannot deny but the fortune of that Victorie if I add not an vnpropper Title to the successe flattred mee with better hope then Astiages tried in his election Yet I protest Ambition had no such scope either to elate my fraâ—…ltie or admit of their proffers although peraduenture with my owne and other auxiliary forces I might haue awed both forren and domestick repining So that I made slight answer to them and vrged againe in a manner denied to be so incombred But they supposing a further worthynesse by my abaâ—…shed drawing backe oppressed me with reasons of their loue choice and necessity and compared iâ—… my behalfe abillity vertue and deseart I againe remembring my fathers captiuity and the trust reposed in me by Artabanus meant not to committe my fayth to a strange gouernment of deceite nor betray a good beginning to contumely Therefore gathering togeather the best reputed amongst them I thus demeaned my selfe I vnderstand worthy to be beloued Lords that some slender towardlynesse in these proceedings hath ouerswayed better consideration whereby you determine to impose this soueraigâ—…ety vpon mee but Wisedome aduiseth you â—…o take â—…eed in a polliticall body what Head you admit because if that exceed not in all aptnesse the iâ—…eriour members no concord can continue a peace nor conformity make a perfection For though in a Monarchy setled in many degrees of discent some one degenerating from the vertue of his predecessors for those vertues and those prâ—…decessors sake is not all togeather impeached yet in such a kingdome as this if the place be 〈◊〉 be supplyed with a man from the choise of others neither must your obedience be abused noâ—… his wilfulnesse maintained Let not then my defects so bewitch your opinion with a sparing regard of your selues considering all that is or should be in such a person though I weare no alien and might liue without feare of any
full recompence indeed if he could haue preuented a double mischance The one in suffering Cleonidas the sonne to enioy his fathers bad conditions with his estate the other in being deuided from his Royall Queene whose life was now brought to an vntimely period by a heart vexing sicknesse but heerein some supernaturall power wrought for the best because now Childlesse he after matched with Tolmiranda the Assirian Sophy by whom he enioyed the fruites of his body in great towardlinesse and continued the rest of his time in a gratious peace had not time ripened the wicked disposition of Cleonidas the sonne and hate as it were innated within him enforced many exorbitant actions setting againe the kingdome in combustion which at last was better ordred and preuented For his places of refuge were leueled with the ground his Lands and wealth confiscate his Allies and associates vnder arest and himselfe exiled the Kingdome who otherwise might haue liued a glory too the kingdome These warres and Armenus life had end togeather wherupon my father Artabazes began his Royall rase at such time as this Cleonidas entertained a conceite of reuenge by this course of Piracie wherein thirty yeares continuance made him an archmaster and custome in wickednesse so blinded him that great faults were reputed slender and small ones not so much as imperfections but the chiefest proppes too this wicked life were the confederacie of many Princes and his owne wealth vniustly amassed with which in this latter time he maintained thirty well appointed Ships and amongst other Stratagems as you haue heard was beholding to the warth full Nemesis for Artabazes losse but whether deuine Iustice tooke my cause in hand I know not For the best part of my Fortune extended to see him cursing and raging amidst the ouerraging Billowes AT this Period Anzitemus made a stoppe and king Zalby with the Princes acknowledged the delight of the story but the great affayres in 〈◊〉 â—…portuned a further matter then 〈◊〉 wherupon it was concluded that the most of them should accompany him into Armenia as well to secure his estate there as to contriue how Trezoboro might purchase his reconsiliation with Mengrelius because if it were effected it must be done by Anzitemus and Brisacas meanes but she finding how this businesse would detaine them awhile togeather ment belike to make some vse of the spare time and therfore like a true Louer stepped into the first path of Ielousie could not forget the short and passhionate description of Roxana which caused her to vse a little cunning in the matter and by making pittie a branch of vertue she questioned with him of matters of Gouernment of Geneolagies of Petigrees what became of Mitrea Astiages Mother and lastly as if it fell in by chance of discourse of Roxanas yeeres how he satisfied the Princes and how he could neglect such a proffer as the mightie Persia contented My only content replyed Anzitemus mistrust no idle disposition For deuine appoyntment hath reserued vs one for another yet will I assure you such was and I hope I may hope such is the preeminence of her beautie and louelynesse that I protest excepting the incomparable Brizaca she liueth peerelesse and well deserued a better regard then my businesse permitted and because you haue sturred conceite and by a Rauishing presence encreased that sweete delight which your company euer affoordeth I will once be humorous in a slender description of her so the louely Brizaca finde not too many faults apply that to her selse now which I am sure might be allowed Roxana then What Cunning can depaint her prayses foorth In whom appeared such exceeding worth The outward substance all at once behold And thinke the Gods a secret to vnfold Each part apart commend then Nature will Affoord thee choyse of her approoued skill The Head resembled some rich golden Spheare Which all the chiefest Lines aloft did beare Yet round about the Paralels did meet So fâ—…ll her beauteous Lockes euen to her feet The Face it selfe scarse durst a curious eye Watch at the full yet there we might espye Fauour and Loue ioyne hand in hand togeather To welcome a rare Guest Perfection thither This made her smile blush and blushing smile The lookers on deceiued all the while As though two colours had for mastry strouen And White and Crimson been togeather wouen The Necke did any counterfeite surpasse In outward shew for Princely life this was Shewing a way where Cupid vsâ—… to stand Telling the lookers on Venus owne right hand Cast vp those pretty Mounts whose sides betweene A pleasant Vally keepes delight vnseene Till it conduct thee to a bending Hill Made like an Iuâ—…ry Arch by curious skill Faire hanging ouer a well fashionâ—… Dore Wherein are hid ten thousand â—…oyes and more Yet Chastitie holdes sure both Key and Lock Vnwilling that the Gods them selues should knock For though Gods vse to Paradise to goe Yet did they heere a Priuiledge bestow That none might enter against Vertues minde Least forc'd admittance prooue the cause vnkinde Her Body bolt vpright in comely grace Outmatched Pallas for a stately pace thought Mounted on Horsebacke you would sure haue Bellona had some gallant Battaile fought Marching on foote Diana could not bee Amongst her Nimphs more gallanter to see With these her yeares were like a timely Spring Which in an ouer-ioying Hope did bring Her Blossoms foorth all happinesse assuring To him more happy in the soyles manuring With these her Vertues did proportionate The qualities belonging to the state Of high Magnificense that we might know Shee was ordained a Princes pace to goe With these a Kingdome was a mighty Dower A Kingdome full of Riches Pompe and Power Then thinke I had good cause to wish her well Who did with such great Priuiledge excell I protest quoth Brizaca you haue praysed her well but I rather allow it for a custome of Idlenesse then Necessitie and finde it vnbefitting to Iudgement to admit of ouerpalpable Flattery What call you Flattery replyed Anzitemus Assure your selfe that the Gods framing Man to commaund all the Creatures vnder the Sunne neither shuffled vp their workmanship nor were so carelesse afterward but with a great regarde sent him foorth to pubish their glory and for that purpose gaue him prerogatiue of excellencie both in body and minde This especially appeareth in your selues to whom they haue vouchsafed deuotion as finding time and your owne vertues to perfect the worke which they but began And from hence proceedeth our resemblance of this outward substaunce to a rich Treasure house made to secure more richer Wealth Now as Wealth is dispersed ouer the world to vse and good order and without that lyeth hid like Earth within the ground So your-selues are left in the world to comfort and benefit according to the fortune of him that possesseth you to happy purpose Heere then resteth the cunning and grace in the meanes of the seisure which I
auouch is first wrought by the instrument the Tongue For though some haue made a principle that a womans Eye doth guide her witte yet vnlesse occasion be offred to discouer the liking what good can follow But to speake more generally Are not Presents faire Entreaties and the causes moouing your deserts which must be praysed the ordinarie meanes of winning all women And are not all these like dead Ashes without liuing conference besides the necessitie of conuersation and the true regard of Natures excellencies in you alloweth vertuous courses to obtaine your fauours which howsoeuer is determined is yet begun with protestation and when it extendeth to great persons compelleth a surther search then in common Courses For neuer was Misanthropos nor Tyrant so implacable but beauty hath reduced neuer was Beast so furious but man hath tamed Neuer was any thing so strong but truth hath ouercome and how by reason and sweete enforcement Belike then answered Brizaca you suppose vs so simple that we delight in vaine speeches and because in Curtesie we entertaine communication and would not altogeather outcountenance you with disdaine we are therfore to be carryed away with slightnesse Farre be it from my frailest immagination replyed Anzitemus but to proportionate withall reuerence your vertues yet vnlesse it be amongst Pesants or wretched Parentes that frame contracts by endenture where loue melteth with the Waxe and weareth with the Parchmeâ—…t I see no reason but to sue for good-will and practise the best meanes to establish the happiest life contentment As for Princes though they make no Prentishippes of their loues yet in the violence are they more passhionate then another like a strong body put to more paine in sicknesse then a weake But say there is inequallitie of persons as many times it chanceth for Poets make loue blind I hope then the inferiour person applaudeth his Fortune and studieth with the helpes of art nature and industry to demeane himselfe For it were ridiculous nay inhumane to see a sottish-man vse presumption toward you without insinuation and consent which I neuer will esteeme happy if there be not a preparing by discreete parle besides loue looseth his sweetest pleasure without appearance of difficultie Indeed answered the halfe yeelding Brizaca I thinke of an vnfained tongue as an excellent instrument to worke with yet must no man goe about a Building without other prouision For the greatest deceite is shaddowed by smooth Oratory as we sound the deepest places in the calmest Channels Not vnlikely said Anzitemus but because a villaine doth a mischeife with a Candell shall we therfore vse no light doe not so conclude For I am resolued that both contract of Maryage and discouery of fancy are Dull enforcements without lybertie of speech and ceremonious complement therfore blame me not for praysing Roxana and ratefying she was a deseruer of all iustifiable desires yet I protest the sorrow for her father and her duety in the same made me to study to pacefie her Corasiues rather then display the Coulours of delight and when I was vrged to solicite a new Course which a messenger from Artabanus to please my selfe emboldned thereturne of Astiages with Cleonidas quight diuerted me and so I reassure you she was vnacquainted with my thoughts and left to be a Lady of wonderfull expectation IN this manner did some dayes post after their forefathers the spare time bestowed in acceptable communication to the better strengthning their loues and the rest in serious matters for the dispatch of their busines wherein Anzitemus after a little debating went effectually to worke desiering a loane of Fiftie thousand pound and a generall League for the entercourse of Merchants as for the kind proffers of the Princes to accompany him into Armenia hee woul not oppose against it yet gaue hee reasons that hee meant in no sort to detaine them ftom their home occasions These poynts were mooued in the Senate of Fortona by Trachinus the Cittie Orator whom Philano for that purpose had sent for and had receiued his instructions to this end to certifie the people that though Anzitemus desert compelled the greatest regard yet would not the Duke without their consent so slightly part with so great a Summe out of the kingdome as for the Leauge wherby freendship and Traficke might encrease he referred that to themselues much time was not spent herein For the Cittisenns enterpreting the motion to to proceed from the Dukes wisdome and loue were doubly drawne to consent as well to remaine gratious to Rugio as to seeme men of respect and abillytie to Anzitemus besides they offered a beneuolence toward the charges of this great entertainment with such extremytie are they caryed that neuer so little crossed in matters of wealth and superstition they are hardly drawne without murmuringes to trifeles againe quietly soothed with a meane allowance of libertie they profusely offer their Mony and applaud that which otherwise they haue dared to contradict Thus was Anzitemus supplied and which prooued aduantagious vnto him hee bargayned with certaine Merchants by great for his conduct neuer troubling the Dukes Nauie nor his Prerogagatiue to muster vp new forces whereupon with all conueniencie they prouided him fourty well appointed Shippes and became creditors themselues for foure Months pay and victuals In the meane while the magnificent Company departed and King Zalby to augment his Nephewes honour gaue Philano in present possession the Prouince of the nether Comagena which hee in great courtesie acknowledged yet modestly respyted the ceremonies of his enstawlement till his returne For hee would questionlesse accompany Trezoboro and Anzitemus into Armenia wherein hee wrought a double contentment First the Souldiers and Cittizens were ouerliberally pleased as imputing loue and care toward them the motiue of this iourney next Anzitemus apprehended it to his comfort not doubting but Philanos presence would keepe obedience in forme besides the Treasure returned by so conuenient a Messenger would disburthen him of care and chardge to make a particular vioage Now are all thinges ready for the departure and the Duke accompanied them to their Shipps committing their iorny to auspicious influence so the farwell suffering a ceremonious diuision gaue the one occation to returne and the other to steppe into the tract of worldly felicitie but as Anzitemus studied to contriue his businesse he stopped at this doubt whether he should make directly for Armenia or take Media in his way where he was sure of Artabanus ayde and the Persians loues then againe remembring the Message of Euphamia he supposed the seedes of dissention were buried past growing and so he might be warranted of their true fayth yet for all this to giue way vnto their opinions of his wisdome gouernment he called a conference to which were especially desiered Trezoboro Philano Coranus Bertosus as for Ardemio Mitranes and Obecam they thought themselues Honored in the matter besides Placandus whom he determined to fashion to the world and bring his aged
of Paphlagonia and Mithridates of Taurica all Kings confederats and Tributaries amongst his naturall subiects Carembello Duke of Raganda supposed the fauorit of the widdow Emprese Putrasso Hardubax Marquidan Theoricus and Deiphoebus were principall diuers others of great worth and Nobillytie added to the state by their presence as for his Sister Pisana she was long since inuested with the Royalties of Russia whereby a Crosse-mariage encreased many Friendes resembling a Sheafe of Arrowes which bound togeather are not to be broken but disioyned are subiect to a slender furie When Bertosus perceiued the Emperour determined to set foorth the ampliation of his glory and that this stately shew was of purpose to make apparant his greatnesse hee not much mislyked the same though it tended to cause him to vse the more reuerence wherupon after the ceremony ended and that their expectation had wrought a still silence he layed open the recordes of admiration and red thus distinctlie before them all Subiects mighty Emperor entring into great and important actions are to consider whether they be commodious to the Common-wealth Honorable to themselues easie or at least not difficult to be effected and respectious for whom or against whom they deale but Princes or Princes Embassadours by all constitutions are licensed to deliuer their Message freely and to be answered or dispatched honourably This I am mooued to inferre because of the strangenesse wherewith you must be acquainted yet such may be my fortune that I shall rather seeme a trusty Mercury from Heauen then a tedious Herrold on Earth But howsoeuer this is the will of the Gods and the pleasure of the Armenian Kinge Although the first inconuenience in the Oath to Kalucki hath produced strange alterations and in a manner sequestred you from the happinesse incident to other Princes but quite debarred these from the comfort of a naturall Successor yet if you can be thankefull to supernaturall Power and louing to your selfe in the receipt I offer you a rich and inestimable Present To be more plaine I bring you glad tydings of a Sonne and to these of a true Prince yea such a Prince that you may presume on Deuine bountie and Worldly felicitie considering his preseruation and perfection With that hee vnfolded the wrapped vp secret of Trezoboros and Brizacas infancie his owne troubles in their bringing vp the theft of Cleonidas their Shipwracke at Sea the aduenture of Anzitemus the Mariage of Brizaca and the now setled greatnesse of Armenia where the heroijcke Trezoboro expecteth the loue of a Father and is ready to performe the duty of a Sonne But ere Bertosus had fully concluded such was the excessiue ioy of the Court and the ioy exceeding all ioyes of Arcabella that Mengrelius was quite disappointed and in a manner compelled to the same passion least he should seeme a contrary amongst so many pleasures wherupon he rewarded Bertosus according to his estate and confirmed the priuiledge of his place yet loth to detaine him longer then was conuenient for feare the people might immagin him Ielious of the newes he tooke order for his dispatch and appoynted Mithridates Prince of Taurica to accompany him to Armenia attend on Trezoboro to Trebizonda but neither Arcabella nor Ballutasa could so slightly dismisse him the one like a true Mother asking diuers questions touching her Children wherin she was much satisfied yet beginning againe and againe asked many things worthy of selution the other like a gallant Princes seemed to glory in the action and because successe answered her expectation was very proud to be author of so Famous a deed nor left she to enquire of the manner of the deliuerie when Gellida and Perinthum caryed them into Capadocia for which seruice she had contriued to Crowne the eldest Queene of Phrigia and to match the other to Omphalus King of Lidia but the desier to see the Princes hastneth Bertosus returne who comming to the Empresses tooke his leaue with gladnesse was glad to leaue them in such a taking but parting with the Emperor it seemed rather a farrewell of necessitie then delight the manner wherof at his returne he imparted to Trezoboro and Anzitemus In this sort receiued his iorny a limitation and the faithfull dispatch thereof moued Anzitemus to remember that vertue meriteth a recompence and Honor florisheth with the countenance of the Prince wherfore he determined to aduance both Bertosus and Coranus had not Trezoboro entreated him not to entercept his good meaning toward them considering they were subiects of a nother kingdome and how much they were endeered to him so that Placandus at this time Triumphed alone and was inuested with the Royalties of the Dukdom of Taurasim the cellebration whereof put Trezoboro in minde of his iorny and Mithridates vrged it the rather because Brizaca cheared her selfe with the Societie of her owne Ladies whom Arcabella had very considerately sent vnto her and seemed reposed in the fulnesse of Princely greatnesse and happynesse had not the very name of a Father Mother imposed a taske one desire to see and know them THus was she left to the fruition of her ratefied mightinesse and the Prince setteth forward toward Trebizonda but vnderstanding the Court was kept in Samarchanda a rich and populous Cittie hee studied how to make his entrance least Mengrelius might except against an ambitious beginning or vaine popularitie yet the more hee meditated the more intricate were his owne conceites For neuer till this apprehending the incombrances wherewith Princes were intangled hee now perceiued the difference betwixt a great and a meane estate At last as it were playing his Fathers Sceane hee would needes enucleate the Prophecy but a very bitter taste followed and it represented a Toyle from which a man striuing to escape tyed himselfe the faster therein For no hope remayned but in descrediting the latter part considering his miraculous preseruing and Sisters Mariage had giuen life to the first yet remembring time must haue his course and all was to be committed to highest direction hee onely framed himselfe to giue no cause of mislike nor by any demeanour to mooue his Father to renew his thoughts of the Oracle As these particulars had a kind of mutinous passage hee passed still forward and came at last within sight of the Cittie which indeed prepared a day of solemnitie for his welcome and that neither durst the Emperour interdict nor Trezoboro gainesay least he might seeme the occasion of a preposterious beginning so that he was enforced to moderate that spirit of Maiestie which his Heroicall disposition euer maintained and saluted the companies in order as they came with a still behauiour when the applause of the people seemed more then a Triumph he went forward in quietnesse vntill the Emperor presented himselfe who hastned by his wife and mother but especially least in the retradance the people might immagin strange matters was now to giue and receiue the reciprocall comfort proceeding from so blessed
Resolution hee neither seemed much dismayed or abated For to complaine of Godes or Men of Fortune or the World he thought it a property of such as desired to liue Againe to crane pardone sue to Friends and make base Submission hee imputed to such as feared to die so that Death appeared now like a welcome Friend if the reproch might be taken away which made such an impression that he protested Anzitemus should not triumph in his disgrace not vse his liuing body contumeliously yet when there seemed want of meanes to effect this glorious Acte as hee supposed beeing left destitute of all prouision hee then boyled for very rage and was enforced to coole him selfe with a Cup of cold Water which working a better temperature somewhat reduced him and then he reprehended his dulnesse that conceiued not the infinite wayes whereat Death might make her entrance wherevpon with circumspection as if Desperatnesse meant to intreat her contrary aduise hee searched about the Chamber at last finding a rysing in the Wall where a Flint shoued out his Corner with a maine careere he dashed out his brairies leauing rather example of Manhod then Conscience With the death of Cleonidas remayned Armenia fully quieted and Brizaca without further suspition might prepare for her progresse to which the industry of Philiranus and the dutie of her Subiectes added outward Ritches and Pompe nor was shee behinde them for State and Maiestie So that shee set forward to their Ioy and Amazement from whence shee came to their Delight Contentment to whom shee went But when Anzitemus vnderstood of Cleonidas death hee tooke the newes as it were in ill part because hee thought him selfe disappoynted of a great deale of Honour in the courses meant toward him yet ballansing the assurance of his owne Peace and quietnes withall hee gaue way to more seasonable desires and seemed satisfied with the wantonnesse of the time and the pleasure of the place which delighted with varietie so that if his owne importunities had not compelled his returne into Armenia hee might very easily haue vsurped the felicitie of another Kingdome FINIS Scribimus indocti doctique Poeniata passim The Battaile betwixt Anzitemus and Cleonidas at Sea A dèsperate action of Cleonidas The Shipwracke of Anzitemus The storie of the Shepheards of Nagania Placandus fishing night Anzitemus saued by Placandus changeth hisname to Montanus Montanus as Placandus seruant saluted by Coranus Coranus not onely relateth the story of Montanus but describeth him to his daughter Deltona Coranus describeth Montanus to Deltona The Story of Marpesia The Shepheards feast wherein Mountanus and Deltona meet The description of the shepherds daughters The discription of the shepheards The continuance of the Feast with the Exercises of the shepheards The secodn meeting of Montanus and Deltonae The third meeting of Montanus and Deltona Montanus in loue with Deltona Deltona in loue with Montanus and how they came togeather Montanus commeth to Coranus and Deltona Corauus is pleased with Deltonas recouery and Montanus company Montanus meeteth with Franio comming from Corauus The Story of Franio an enuious opposite and riuall of Montanus Wicked idle men described Deltona is resolued to know what Montanus is and what shal be the issue of their loue so goeth to Marpesius Cane where she entertaineth Montanus Montanus commeth to Marpesias Caue and findeth Deltona Franio betrayeth Deltona to the Duke with his story aâ—…loue to Deltona The story of Rugio Duke of Fortona Deltona Deltona refuseth to be Dutches of Fortona The Duke stealeth away Deltona The Duke stealeth away Deltona through Franios mischieuous deuice who is slaine in the businesse The death of Franio Montanus followeth the Duke into the Cittie to see what will become of Deltona who is discouered to be an Emperours daughter Coranus meeteth his brother Bertosus in Fortona Egerius and Deltona discouered to be brother and sister the Emperour of Trebizonds 〈◊〉 The History of Mengrelius and Kalucki Kalucki dispossessed of the Empire by his younger brother Mengrelius seateth himselfe in the further Tartary Kalucki setled in Tartaria Menarelius marieth his sister Arcabella Mengrelius killeth his first Sonne The hystorie of Xantippus and Encelidon King Zalby commeth to Duke Rugio to Fortona Engerius prosceutcth the Historie of Mengrelius The description of Delphos Mengrelius troubled with a Dreame The Empresse is deliuered of two children the one named Trezoboro the woman Brizaca How Gellida and Perinthum saued the Princes The Empres Children deliuered to Coranus and Bertosus too Brothers in Capadocia Montanus hearing the Historie of Mengrelius is much troubled when the Duke confesseth that he loueth Delte na Bertofus proceedeth in the story of Mengrelius The Empres children with Coranus and Bertosus taken prisoners by Cleonidas The story of â—…xus and Menedemus The story of Cleonidas and Perinthum The Shipwracke of Coranus and Bertosus with the Emperors children who are here discouered to be Egerius Deltona But by their proper names Trezoborâ—… Brizaca Bertosussuffering shipwracke is taken vp by Piscarro nameth Trezoboro Egerus Coranus suffering shipwracke is taken vp by Selenus and nameth Brizaca Deltona Deltona thus reuealed doth not yet forget Montanus but confesseth her loue Mâ—…ntanus departeth from Fortonâ—… Montanus commeth to Placandus his father prepareth himselfe against the Triumph Montanus commeth to the Triumph unknowne The History of Artabazes and Olmus Olmus the Kinges Brother beginneth aninne uation Artabazes stomaching his Brothers presumption will not induer it but Kills him in the Hurliburly Artabazes Killeth his brother Olmus The story of Gestarius Artabazes leaueth Armenia Gestarius death The story of Cleonidas Artabazes Cleonidas carieth Artabazes away prisoner Montanus discouereth himselfe to be the Sonne of Artabazes Montanus hauing discouered himselfe to be King Artabazes Sonne by the name of Anzitemus maryeth Brizaca Anzitemus and Brizaca maryed Ligornio porceedeth in the History of Artabazes beginneth with the story of Artabanus and Astiages The story of Medormus and Gliranda Artabanus offereth priuat Combate to Medormus which Anzitemus performeth for the king Gliranda killeth her selfe Anzitemus meditateth on his owne affayres and his fathers imprisonment The story of Ormisdates and Damafloris Sacromirus sonne of Hircania proceedeth with Artabanus historie The story of Anzitemus and Astiages Astiages murdreth Mulcasses Astiages desperate of recouery considering Anzitemus possessed his Kingdome flyeth to Cleonidas Astiages flyeth to his Ships Anzitemus proceedeth in his owne story The Persiâ—…us would choose Anzitemus king but he refuseth Astiages returneth with Cleonidas who brought Artabazes into Persia. The cruell vnfortunate death of Artabazes Anzitemus father in reueng whereof he followeth Cleouidas to Sea and there encountreth him as in the first Chap. of the first Booke The death of Astiages Cleonidas killeth Artabaâ—…es Cleonidas and Anzitemns fight at Sea as in the beginnig The story of Cleonidas and Antanata with Armenus takeing her part possessing the Kingdome and denominating the Country Cleonidas conderateh with Colphurnus a Gyant Armenus Sonne of Sagarenus assisteth the Queene Artaxata Armenus Artaxata contract Armenus offereth priuate Combate Colphurnus death Cleonidas prisoner and restored Armenus is king and nameth the Country Armenia Cleonidas rebelleth againe and dyeth Cleonidas the Sonne is banished Armenia and becommeth a Piratte Anzitemus declareth his fortune with Roxana the heyre of Persia and how he was preuented from Marrying her by reason of his pursuing Cleonidas at Sea The discription of Roxana A circumstantial commendation of pleasing conference Presents prayers praises winne women Anzitemus preparcth to goe into his owne Kingdome of Armenia after to present Trezoboro to the Emperor Mengrelius Anzitemus returneth into Armenia is inuested King Bertosus is sent Embassador to the Emperor Mengrelius and discouereth the story of Trezoboro Placandus made Duke by Anzitomus Trezoboro returneth to Trebizonda and is entertained for Prince The story of Kalccki and Mullumalla The Empres Mullumalla in loue which Kalucki Barka determineth to murder Kalucki Mullumalla contriueth to saue Kaucki The murder of Barka Kalucki Emperour of Tartary Kalucki enformed how his brother had broken promise and couenant with him determineth to be reuenged Calucki certefied his brother had a sonne Malucki returneth to challenge the Empire of Trezibonda Mengrilius is resouâ—…ed to put it to the Tryall of a battaile but is preuented by miracle The battaile preuented by Miracle The story of Mengrelius and Trezoboro with the fathers ielosy against the sonne by reason of the prophesie Trezoboro in Armes proclaimed Traytor Auzitemus ioyneth with Trezoboro killeth Mengrelius fulfilleth the Prophesie inuesteth Trezoboro Emperor Mengrelius deposed and Trezoboro chosen Emperor Mengrelius slaine and the Prophesie fulfilled The story of Cleonidas after the Battaile with Anzitemus The death of Cleonidas