Anaxander piroxenus and Falantus who however well prepared for that visit had much to do to disuise her contentment and retain her joy so long it was that she had not seen her dear Anaxander as that only consideration was enough to shake her resolution and her constancy and discover openly to the King her father the impatiency of her mind and violence of her love yet she contain'd her self and save one amorous glance she cast by stealth on Anaxander nothing unordinary was observed in her welcome Daughter said the King comming neer her you had reason to solicit for Anaxanders freedom and I confesse I was too blame in not satisfying my self of a truth which you so resolutely maintained but fince that errour is remitted me le ts talk no more but how to remedy it and forget all our displeasures past to invent delights and give our selves over to ouâ— joy I declare that heartily I confirm that Marriage contracted secretly between you seeing t is true that honor was the ground of your lover and that nothing but vertue and modesty hath appear'd in you embraces and for a testimony of my consent I will in my presence have you now renew your vows and that Falantus may assure his Master of my granting all he asks while I take order that your Marriage be solemniz'd with a pomp to set all Asia in astonishment and make my greatnesse be admir'd of all my neighbours At these words our lovers could no longer conceal their transports they chang'd not only faiths but kinde embraces before all the company and with mutual tears of joy which ran from their eyes they dewed one another Meanwhile the King having learn'd that Lisimantus was comming with so mighty an Army which advanced to no purpose and that he was to marry his Neece Lisimena he sent an Embassadour with speed to meet him and acquaint him what had past and to enquire whether he would not partake of their contentment and desire to celebrate his Marriage with his brother Anaxanders in his Country Only Piroxenus now as to be pleased whose story the King was very glad to hear and much more to see that he was able to shew such arguments of his generosity as to the rest for though the whole Kingdom of decan was re-restablish'd under his obtdience and he the sole and peaceable possessor of it knowing that the fair Orixa was yet living he restor'd her presently her twelve Provinces and thought fit that Piroxenus should go to her who liv'd unknown still and carry her this good news himself and bring her to Bisnagar with Royall equipage that those three happy Marriages might be solemnized at once After his dispatch to Lisimantus and Orixa he sent back Falantus to Alcidaris that he better than any man might expresse his own and all his subjects joy whereof that great monarch intended to come and share in his own person The Queen Anaxarette not contented with the relations which would be made her of the magnificences prepared for her sons Wedding resolved to accompany him in that journey They then fitted themselves as soon as they could and having left good Garisons in their Countries although in peace they chose out the most expert Cavalliers of their Court and the handsomest women of Amadaba Campanel and Cambaye to conduct them to that delightful place where so many felicities expected them and causing a good part of the preparations for Lisimantus entrance and for Anaxanders and Piroxenus return to follow them in Chariots The King of Zeylan having known hereof by a Post dispatched to him by the King his brother in law he would likewise carry with him his daughter whom with a great deal of contentment he had vowed to Lisimantus whose birth he learnt from Albalot whom Alcidaris had sent him and failed not to be waited on by all the beauty of his Island that his Subjects might be seen to want nor skill nor power and that they might compare with all other nations He did Albalot the honor to take him into his own Ship with all the Cambayan Knights whom he brought with him that in a more stately train they might go all to Baticalus which is the next Haven to Bisnagar That City was exceeding great and one of the most renowned of the East but by reason of the great multitude and innumerable affluence which came from all parts of Asia to make some at the sports prepared and magnificencies which invited every body to them they were fain to set up Tents and Pavillions without the Walls and mark out all the lodgings of the City for the followers of those three Kings who came with the fairest and the richest ornaments of their Courts They all arrived severally at that stately City which at that time might justly boast to be the splendor and the glory of the East So great a pomp and so many wonders were never seen before together and I must make a Volume greater far than this if I would undertake to describe them all exactly and expresse the ravishments of all our Princes in their common rancounters as the Author of this book hath done with all the Conquests they have made since their Marriages of Lands usurped from Tamberlins children from whom they were descended but besides that other occasions busie me I should fear that this History might passe for a Fable becanse it would not be believed that Indian Kingâ— were so mighty in their States as in my writings It shall suffice that I tell you how that great Mogull who at this day makes all the East tremble and who justly boasts to be the greatest Monarch of the World vaunts him also to be issued out of Alcidaris the sole remainder of great Tamberlins race and to descend in a right line from Anaxander This whole History is painted in his great Palace Gallery at Lahor and in that of Dely which he hath had with the Kingdom of Citor and Decan by succession of Piroxenus who died childlesse as he hath inherited Cambaya and divers other Kingdoms lost and gotten again by the death of such as have descended from Lisimantus He got other great Countries and Kingdoms by his valor as all Indostan which is bounded by Indus and Ganges where the great City Agria is situated which is one of the chiefest scats of his Empire for he remaineth mostly at Lahor which is above fix score leagues from the Coast of Cambaya of whose magnificences all the East do talk with wonder He possesseth likewise Bengalus Aracam Ava Verma and an infinite number of other Kingdoms on this side Ganges and beyond but som likewise have been taken from his Prdeceessors of those which lawfully belonged to him as Narsinga Calicut and all the Coasts of Malabor which after Piroxenus death were divided into divers little Kingdoms of some of which the Portugals have made themselves Masters during the reign of Emanuel and since Yet at this time the Idalcan and the Nissamaluque enjoy all
few dayes conducted hither drawn in a triumphant Chariot which shall accompany his pompous funerals It cannot be long ere they returne for the Decanians ravished with joy to be delivered from two slaves who have driven out all their blood Royall from their government came every day to yeeld themselves unto the valiant Ariomant and bring him still their City keyes and Castles likewise And that poor people incapable of defending themselves with pleasure rank them under the Kings dominion whose clemency they know as surely as his justice The fair Orazia not able at that time to learn more newes of her deer Ariomant with much impatience look'd for his return and still she sought her common comforts from Lisimena from whom she could not hide the new occasions of her joy nor yet conceal her Lovers birth which from her Brothers Letter which the Gods would not allow an end to she began to know But she conjur'd her she should keep it secret and make no mention of it till a fitter season Mean while for her diversions and to beguile the time of Ariomants absence she often talked with Saradin and made him repeat the prayses which she already had tasted with so much content in his behalf whom more than all the world she lov'd And because she would make Saradin entirely hers whose faithfulnesse she knew unparallel'd her chief squire being slain in the battell she chose Saradin to succeed him to which she got the King her Fathers consent who was much pleas'd to give him that reward as worthy of his long good services If hitherto I have not spoken of that great Monarchs sorrow and excessive grief for losse of his dear son upon whose magnanimity and valour he had built his rest and hopes 't is to speak truly that I hold his woes unspeakable Besides in telling you the little strength he had to meet that unexpected newes and the despair which more than once had tempted him to do violence on himself I fear to lay a blemish on the other actions of his life Let us forget his sorrows and his over-passion then and call to mind the constancy wherewith he shortly after arm'd himself and resolution which he took to honour as his army had desir'd his deer Arontus memory and funerals He alwayes kept the brave Lisimantus with him and so much valued the courage of that invincible Knight as that he dar'd not in his presence shew his great resentments and truly 't was from him he had more comfort than from any other being a man who had despis'd a thousand deaths and one who though his life were glorious for a thousand brave exploits yet found no sweetness in it for the bloody discoutentments he each day received in the scorn of beautious Lisimena But whiles accommodations are preparing to solemnize the funerall pomps of that Prince whom they expect and whose body glorious though without a soul craves the honour of a triumph 't is requisite that by the way I tell you somewhat of this Lisimantus who for his vertue merits in this place to have a short abridgement of his life recorded He was a Souldier under fortunes banner who from his infancy being given a Page unto the Princess Lisimena and after given again unto the King of Zeilan her father as you shal see in the sequell of this story from step to step advanc'd him by his courage and by his excellent conduct rose to the greatest charges in the Kingdom and so far forth as after Arbiran's death he followed him and was made generall of that great Army which hath of late triumphed over the King of Maldives All the Indian Chronicles are full of memorable actions by him done in that long war and you shall by and by learn from his own mouth the reason why to take upon him the name of Lisimantus he forsook his own a name he borrowed from the King his Masters only daughter to whom from his first rising he was bold to send sighs and amorous aspects The fair Lisimena so was the Princess cald besides a private inclination which she had to cherish that accomplisht Knight for his own merits sake did yet besides account her self oblig'd thereto for great and noted services which every day he did unto the Crown of Zeilan whose chief support and prop he was but the great courage of her heart and honour which she valued more than all things else caused her to undervalue in her thoughts the secret love of that unknown young man whom she had seen to come so poorly fitted to the King her Fathers Court who knew no more than she his birth and could not enough wonder at the boldness which he took not only to send forth his looks towards her but even to sigh in presence of her whiles the whole Court saw and knew it because it was a Law throughout the Indes that a Princess could not marry but her equall nor without much dishonour suffer the addresses of a man who were not Kingly born And in some parts the Law was more severe than others as in the Kingdome of Decan where death was added to the shame of that Princess who should unequally dispose her self Which is at present yet the Custom among the Negres as well of the Kingdome of Cambaye as Calecut and all the parts of Malabar Not one however dar'd to speak his thoughts of Lisimantus open love envy it self was silent as well for that they knew the greatness of his humour as the respect which they were bound to owe the power of his command wherein he did so worthily acquit himself The King observed him as well as others but that his wisdome did oblige him to distemble what he saw because in truth he was very necessary as the chiefest instrument of that revenge he had ordained for his greatest enemy the King of Maldives who had for wantonnesse assaulted him and sworn his ruin But for fear of causing greater passion which he daily saw to grow in Lisimantus it seem'd him best to separate his daughter for some time and send her to his brothers in Law and friend the King of Narsingus Court to keep her Cousin Orazia company He wanted not a colour for this act for they had lately understood by an intelligencer that the King of Maldives who was then lately beaten in two sea fights by Lisimantus made great preparation to besiege the City of Colombo where the King of Zeilan commonly held his Court and he conceiv'd he should have lesse cause to fear when as his daughter who was the greatest treasure that he had though in his Countries Pearl and Emeraulds Saphires are found aboundantly should remain in safety This resolution he no sooner took but put in execution and sent his only daughter who long since lost her Mother to Narsinga with an equipage which well became her greatnesse Lisimantus would most gladly have diverted that voyage had he dared and had opposed his courage to the Kings
scandal for we sometimes spend a good part of the night as scarless of the air as our domesticks who are acquinted with the pleasing freedom of our secret entertainment No creature hears us nor is there entred in the garden but a little Page who holds a Torch ready to light us at the door when we return unto our chambers Wherefore the Prince seeing there was no danger in so long communication shewing all due obedience to the Princesses proceeded thus in his discourse THE INDIAN HISTORY OF ANAXANDER AND OF ORAZIA The third BOOK THe customary prayers for our souls before they cast us into the fire were begun when as that Bramin which had serv'd the Princess and who since her comming to herself had leasure to cast about his sight look'd earnestly into my face which formerly he had not done and being he had spent all the last year in the King my fathers Court where he had opportunity enough to note me Unfortunate Prince said he to me for doubtless if my eyes deceive me not you must be Anaxander son and only heir unto the great Alcidaris King of Guzarat what desparation may have made you hide your name and birth and so prefer a shamefull death before a happy Marriage Born as you are a Prince and above all I know accomplished this Kingdome Laws have no pretension to your life since you are he who have enjoy'd the Princess favours Boldly then shew your self for t is yet time and with one word believe me you may save her life and honour and your own I was exceedingly indeed surpriz'd for being known for thought it would have troubled me enough to die it would much more have grieved me to live with such an infamy as to have matried a wife who had been bedded by another and who had nere been thought upon by me the last consideration therefore ruled me and thus I answered him Good father you are not the first that have mistaken me for the Prince Anaxander a whole City have been deceiv'd as well as you for comming out of Persia whence originally I am about some twelve or fifteen months since with a purpose to â—ee all the Indes and especially these parts where I imagin'd not to finde such barbarism I passed through the great City of Campanol where King Alcidaris holds his Court and was amaz'd tâ— see that every body saluted and made me great obeysance as I pust the streets To be short I found they took me for the Prince and even the King himself who saw me was transported at the great resemblance and detained me there some while with him and sent me afterwards away with costly presents No No said he to me no halting before Criples I am no whole City I have but two eyes but you cannot deceive me for you are even the same I mean nor hath the apprehension you may have of death so changed you but that I know you Anaxander and desery the fraud of your disguisement For howsoever should you not be glad to be esteemed such a one as if it did not wholly save it might at least prolong your life and see I not that you deny your self for nothing else but through a brute aversion in you to contractia Princess whom you have abus'd but I profess unto you Anaxander that her life and honor and contentment are more dear to me than your chimeraes And therefore Gentlemen said he to the Guard while went by the Chariot go tell the King that for the honor of hi-daughter and his house t is sit to stop the execution and that I have found out a truths which doubtlesly will ravish him with joy Then instantly one of the Troop went to adveruse the King hereof and in the interimâ— some went to a Fountain which was in the great place for water to cast into the Princess face who was scarce come out of her swounding when a Captain of the Kings Guard accompanied with an unknown old man divided the throng with an incredible diligence crying withall their might to have the execution stay'd hold the King commands it Immediately a very great noise was moved through the whole assembly and followed with great acclamations of joy for there was not one of all the company who was not touched at our fortune and shed not tears for our distress And surely all were much amazed at the comming of the Captain of the Guard for our deliverance for that the officer who went to advertise the King was but then gone and all men thought he must have had some notice from elswhere which notwithstanding had not secur'd our lives had not the Bramin so much observed me as to know who I was and sure this last means had arriv'd too late for that there was not any ceremony more which might retar'd the execution As soon as the Captain whom they made room for was advanced as far as where we were the old man who accompanied him did all he could to cast his arms about my neck but not able to reach me for that the Chariot was somwhat high Anaxander said he my dear Anaxander my Prince and Sovereign Lord what evill fortune hath guided you to this sad place and you dear Piroxenus what have you done to have deserv'd this cruell usage My dear children for so may I call you since from your infancy you have had under me your education is it a dream or reall act of your ill destiny which makes me finde you in this lamentable taking and after such a tract of infinite misfortunes which have crost me since your absence is it possible the gods would give me this much happiness to see you ere I die and guide me to this Country at the instant when you must have otherwise been put to death You may imagine Madam whether I were surpriz'd finding it was the wise Evander who spake to us whom the King my father had ordain'd our Governor and unto whom I bare as great repect as if he had been my father Wherefore howsoever much I was afflicted and notwithstanding any resolution I had taken to conceal my self I could not chuse but shew him tokens of my friendship and answer with my tears that tenderness of his so that none doubted but I was the man for whom indeed the Bramin took me Piroxenus who till then had neither wept nor said one word because the greatness of his grief had drown'd his senses and shut up the powres of his soul waking as from a most deep sleep by the found of Evanders words and seeing they were like to be delivered from that danger hich he thought inevitable or that at least their deathâ—should be deferr'd he somewhat recollected his spirits and exchanging tears and kinde embraces with the old man he did for him what for Orixa he could not The Princess only remain'd silent as of all most surprized and amazed and through wonderfull displeasure she conceiv'd at my denying her had her whole mind
giving the Gods thanks for the recovery of her only son whom she had so lamented touch'd to the quick by the sense of that irreparable losse and for that time losing all patience and accustom'd modesty could not for bear accusing heaven and injuring its powers Ye unjust gods said she whom too in vain I have invoked with so great fervency and zeal for my sons safety I see plainly ye are deaf that have not heard me he that burns insense on your Altars foully deceives himself your power is but opinion or have you any it serves but to offend those that distressed make their vows to you Alas I had regain'd my dear child but for invoking you and you even since my vows and prayers have snatch'd him from me I perceive my dear Anaxander that I have lost thee for ever I shall no more see thee in this world and yet where ere thou art I am resolv'd to seek thee and die for sorrow if no other remedy But ere that be I mean to satisfie thy good Angel and since thy murtherer is fallen into our hands I promise thee to be revenged on him These sorrows served but to augment the Kings displeasure who was strucken to the heart as well may be a father who hath lost the honor of his house and hope of his Kingdom However he was infinitely just and generous seeing it was that brave Lisimantus whom Evander had brought whose known vallour was renowned every where he thought it would be too great an act of basnesse and inhumanity to revenge his sons death on him who had slain him like a gallant man in Duel and unknown but by a borrowed name which he had taken and thought it an action of a great King to send him to the King of Zeylan without punishment and seeing too that Anaxander could not live by tother death But however absolute he was in his Kingdom he could not then be Master his Subjects too much loved the memory of their Prince to suffer his murtherer to scape unpunished whom they had in their custody And seeing that the great Alcidaris inclin'd to mercy all the Judges assembled themselves suddainly and seconding the Queens angry purposes they hastned Lisimantus judgement and that very day condemned him to die As for Zenobus they judged him to a perpetual imprisonment who had not scap'd so cheap but that he averred himself overcome by Piroxenus whom he assured them he left alive and weeping by his dead friend When the sentence of Lisimantus condemnation was read unto him that great and invincible courage which had scorned death in all the shapes and forms it ever had appeared to him in was shaken by that so severe and terrible judgment He fiercely look'd upon the bringer of those cruel tidings and his rage prevailing in his sense of that cruelty shewn on him Thou wicked man said he who serv'st the fury of the most barbarous people of the world hast thou impudence enough to come and outrage me in the miscrable condition I am in and publish with a ceremony the injury prepared for my innocence My name which hath made so many Nations to tremble and is so regarded through the Indes shall it be so much scorn'd by you as you will dare condemn me for an honorable action Will ye be so unworthy as to stain the memory of your Princes death who did so valiantly defend himself and make me bear so many marks of his courage Can I believe I do converse with men where reigns so great in humanity Where is that generous Alcidaris whose praises are so ignorantly sung throughout all Asia He suffers me to be a prey unto his Subjects fury and endures that after having led a life full of honor I be put to a shameful death under his own eyes The Officer who was in truth a generous and compassionate man and touched at the misery of that famous Knight reply'd thus to him I come with sorrow brave Lisimantus to execute the sad commission given me against you but consider that my charge requires it of me and that I must whatever justice bids me Were it your safety did depend on me you should be soon made free I have admired long your vertue and however far from your profession I cannot but do reverence to men like you But what in this disability wherein I am can I tender you but vows unprofitable and pray the gods to give you resolution enough to bear your evill fortune patiently Do not accuse Alcidaris he wishes you at liberty and believe me his subjects have hastned your condemnation but since they saw his nature willing to remit you He is not this day master of his peoples wills who are doubly animated against you as well by the strong motions of the Queen as by their own resentments What manner of Country must it be replyed Lisimantus where the King is govern'd by his Subjects he that forbids not evill does command it and truly though divine and humane Lawes did not condemn Alcidaris cruelty yet she honour he professes should perswade him to defend me He to whom all power is given should shew it less than others and you will g rant me that your Prince uses too insolently his authority and makes too poor a use of my calamity Well well Death will deliver me from his tyranny but he shall not be freed from his neighbors blame I will let him see I can tell how to die and that the crosses of my fortune are not able to shake my Resolution nor deject my Courage 'T is true 't is hard to part with life at so young an age but 't would be more intollerable if I feared Death I know I live to dye and that the very day of my Birth nature sets limits to my dayes and besides an unworthinesse of heart it were a folly in me to fear what I cannot avoid I have so often beheld Death as my eyes are acquainted with him and I call the gods to witness nothing aftonishes me but the manner of my dying I pass the headsmans hands ah who soere thou art that look'st with pitty on me and are touch'd with my misfortune if thou have any credit with the King or those that seek my life obtain of them that either a Dagger or poyson satisfie their cruelty Excuse me from the shame prepared for me and permit not that I outrage nature so much as to deliver my self out of their hands which doubtlesse I should rather do than to expect their punishment This compassionate Officer was so touched that the tears came in his eyes at those last words and curseda thousand times that day wherein for his preferment he was taken from his ordinary commerce with men to be a Judge of their lives he then drew near Lisimantus to comfort him and to offer him all the aid was in his power and however dark the Prison might at first entrance seem yet by a little stay and accustoming the fight
wherefore thinking it enough what I had said and inclining my self very low to kisse the hem of her garment she did me the honor to offer me her hand which caused me to return full of ardent desire of glory to Arbiran whom I found ready to depart and whom with open signs of joy I followed I then entred the eighteenth year of my age and was grown to such a strength and advantagious stature that I could desie the strongest at wrastling and had so well bestowed my time with Arbiran after I had left being Page as that my skill was more commended than my strength Besides Lisimena had so many charmes and all her features so well form'd that she ravisht all men with her beauty which I dare not embolden my self to describe lest I may not be able to do it sufficiently The ambition I had to do something that might come to her ears was so sharp a spur unto me as being at hand blows with our enemies whom we went to force even in their own Trenches my good fortune would that I had to do with their Chief the valiant Ibraim who till that time had so fortunately guided so great an enterprize Him then I chose among the rest finding him doubly notable as well for his aspect as horrible slaughter he made among our people and after having some space resisted the fury of his arm in the end made him sink by a blow of my sword I very happily disengaged my self from the Troops which had encompassed me who seeing him fallen lost their courage and rather sought to succour than revenge him yet I was Iustily assaulted by five or fix of his guard with whom I fought stoutly and had they been seconded I had been undoubtedly loft by being too far engaged in the throng Arbiran on his side had done his part so well being assisted by divers Gentlemen voluntiers who did indeed wonders in that occasion that he put the rest of our enemies to flight and when he saw me return cover'd with blood and sweat and dust with the restimony of what I had been seen to do and how I had with my own hand slain the chief of the Maldives he gave me great commendation and did me the honor to write more good of me to the King than he had seen I confesse to you Sir that little action gave me great estimation and from that instant I was thought fit to command a chosen Company of Souldiers who had loft their chief in that Battel and which I afterward led on many hot occasions As soon as we had routed the enemies Army we had order from the King to return to the siege of Tanadarus and to take that place whatsoever it cost But I abuse your patience by telling you particulars of those things whereof all Asia is insorm'd and which your self should know as well as those who did them Hereat the King of Cambaya expressed to him that he should be very glad from his mouth to learn the very particulars of the fortune he had run in those Wars which had so long lasted between the two enemies Kings Whom Lisimantus obeyed and made him a summary discourse thereof in these words following After we had taken that City whose Siege lasted ten whole months and that we had forc'd it at our enemies nose who were come with the unprofitable power of an hundred other sails to succour it the King gave me the government thereof Notwithstanding I rested not long there because I was thought useful elsewhere and that the brave Arbiran who was Admiral of Zeylan did me the honor to make me his Lieutenant to repel that Enemies Fleet which since the taking of Tanadarus had never ceased pillaging our ships returning from Narsinga and ransacking whatsoever call'd it self ours The King of Narsinga brother in law to our King and his especial friend believing that we were not strong enough to resist the King of Maldives power by sea sent us of his own accord a hundred sail to strengthen our Fleet wherewith we went to present Battel to our enemies who at that time had not the heart to meet us but six months after returning stronger than at that time and we having notice of them although of lesse number were so bold as to assault them and the Fight continuing untill night the advantage remained on both fides equal and had the windâ— been as favorable unto as as to them without doubt the Victory had been clearly ours The next morning when we thought to recompence the Fight there rose so furious a tempest the winde at Southwest as spoil'd our whole designs and whether we would or no were constrain'd to yield to the violence of the storme which dispers'd a part of our Fleet and drave the Admiral wherein we were into the Road of Commory at the point of Narsigna The valiant Arbiran impatient that he could not revenge as yet the injuries which those barbarous Maldives had so many times done us obtained of the King that he might land upon one of their Islands to endammage them to purpose and do them the affront with which they had but threatned us The King having approved this design we were eight months on sitting our selves that we might not fail of our purpose during which time I remained at the Court and favored by the sight and entertainment of my divine Princesse who touched with that little reputation which I had gotten in those last stirs did so much the rather force her inclination to endure me that she look'd respectfully on me and because she thought that age which had acquir'd me more knowledge had diverted me from that disordered meaning which I had in my infancy to serve her as a Lover But alas that liberty she gave me was the cause of all my ruin for as it is the custom of Lovers to flatter themselves in their passions I made my self believe that the good acceptation she began to give me was a testimony of her affection and so blinded my self in my love as I took her civility for an argument of good liking Being deceived with this foolish belief I proceeded farther than before even to embrace her with mine eyes and to give her certain proofs by all my actions that my flame was augmented This obliged her to resume her former severity and to live so recluse unto me that I am forc'd to say to my consusion that since that day she never saw me but with trouble Ny I was so unhappy that fearing lest I would take leave of her the day of my departure she said she was sick and kept herself unseen by any I lost not however my courage although the better part of my amorous hopes and followed Arbiran as resolutely as if I had departed with a favor from Lisimena so powerful in my soul was the defire of glory where ambition reign'd with Love Our design succeeded happily we forc'd the place we attempted which was the most important
afflicted as if her Father had been spoyl'd of all his Countries whom formne and the valour of Lisimantus had made victorious over the King of Maldives and who had 〈◊〉 his Empire over all his enemies possessions Lasimena I say forgot the pleasures of these Conqueslis and only would remember that great loss so late received in that Country which she loved equall with her own although she had not had an obligation by the Laws of nature and of blood Now as she never fail'd from alwayes being with Orazia to assist in the contrivances of new Pastimes far was it from her thoughts to leave her in the woefull case whereto this new mis-fortune had reduced her But how was their entertainment now altered from thier former conversation for whereas they were wont to breath no other thing than sweetness and content they now could nothing else but mix confusedly their tears and sighs not able to speak a word Thus in embraces they were found when Saradin Arontus faithfull squire with a countenance bearing deaths picture in it entred the Princess Chamber and kneeling said Madam behold the first time ever I unwillingly observ'd my Masters commands and surely I obey him now in this last service in duty to a sorrowfull Commission and saying this he from his pocket drew a handkerchief to wipe his tears which ran about his face abundantly and in his other hand holding a Letter sealed with Arontus Signet Madam said he see the last reliques of that generous Prince which made all India tremble at him dying he ever named you and when he saw Physicians left him having but two houres time to live he spent that space to let you see his last desires under his dying hand in this short letter which he wanted strength to finish yet had he care to have it sealed in his presence whiles he lived and among all his people who lamented him about his bed within his Tent he chose out me and thus said to me Saradin as soon as mine eyes close go to my Sister and tell her she observe what I advise her by this Letter which thou shalt trust no other hand with than her own scarce had he said these words but that his soul followed them and took its flight to heaven The fair Orazia who had not need of this addition to her sorrow had notwithstanding resolution enough to open the letter which she received from the faithfull squire But yet her tears which choak'd her eyes gave her not leave so soon to see that it contain'd these words Arontus Letter to Orazia MY deer Sister the little time I have to live I spend in teaching thee to bear my death with comfort I pray thee trouble not thy self because it could not be more glorious for it has succeeded the destruction of our enemies whom I have over-thrown in battell The only grief I have in dying is that I cannot with my person clear a truth unto you which is needfull you should know Those accomplish'd Knights who under names of Ariomant and Calistenus have so long aisguis'd themselves among us are two of the most renowned Princess of Asia and I conjure thee to observe the Gods intention and thy Brothers last will which do ordain the first of them to be thy husband he is the son of great Al The poor Prince would have said Alâ—idaris King of Cambaye and Father to the generous Anaxander whose qualities and manners he intended to describe if so his hand had power to second his desire but strength upon a suddain fayling him by reason of his mortall wounds received he was constrained to leave unperfected his Letter and in his presence have it sealed as it was to keep his promise given the Prince Anaxander and his Cousin Proxenus that he would never make them known but to his Sister Orazia nor make their birth apparent till they were fit to shew themselves in Princes equipage before the King of Narsinga This letter did redouble her affliction and among the violent touches of her sorrow waked her amourous dislurbances After she had a thousand times accused the heavens and curs'd Arontus fatall victory which cost his life comming at length to cast her eyes upon the notice he had given her in his Letter admire the force and power of love a suddain alteration surprised her and mov'd her thoughts from the sad mourning of her brother to reflect upon her Lover She alwayes had opinion that Ariomant whose actions were so Kingly must be of eminent quality and notwithstanding his so humble fashion in the King her Fathers Court she knew that in his eyes and Courage there was somewhat great and famous But at that instant she receiv'd so glorious a testimony of his birth she neither could disguise apprehension nor dissemble from Lisimenaes eyes the passion she was in to be more fully satisfied For which cause drawing Saradin apart My friend said she to him since the misfortune hapned to us by thy Masters loss hat testimony hath Ariamont given who now commands the Army Madam answered Saradin since that wofull day where in the Prince forced to leave us gave him the guidance of our Troops he hath so worthily discharg'd himself that though he be a stranger and known by nothing but his actions he hath not purchased the smallest jealousie all our Captains with delight obey him and though the Prince had not himself appointed him as chief I think he had been chosen by the Armies generall consent His wisdom and his valour are so met and so full of every vertue sit to make up a commander that if there be any thing which may administer a comfort to us in this dire mischance it is to see our Prince his power hath fallen into so noble hands The Princess receiv'd a two-fold mitigation of her sorrow when she learnt that he to whom she had already given her heart not knowing his descent was not alone a Prince by birth but that his reputation was so great and universally admired by all the King her Fathers subjects as that she saw fair likely-hoods of good success unto her loves The only curiosity she had to know his parentage and over what people he commanded did yet keep her unsatisfied and gathering by Saradins discourse that in the Army he was not held for what he was she guest there was some reason why he publish'd not himself and that she could not know the truth thereof except himself did tell it her This was the reason why among so many other questions ask'd of Saradin she enquired of him whether his return would not be shortly Madam answered the faithfull squire as soon as he shâ—ll have conquered that rest of the Kingdom of Decan which had been made a prey unto those two revolted slaves whom we have punished and overthrown in battell he will bring back the victorious army which as you know have decreed sacred honours to my Master whose pretious body embalmed will be within a
fear if that he should not have too openly declared himself and with insolency abused the prosperity of his fortune and his Armes this made him hide his discontent and yeelding to necessity permitted her to go away who had fomented still his courage and was cause of all the goodly actions he had done It was indeed the King of Maldives project to besiege the City of Colombo that in some sort he might repair his severall assronts receiv'd in many Sea fights But by the impatient courage of Lisimantus he was prevented who sinding they were slow in comming and perceiving how the King his Masters Forces were augmented by the late ayd sent by the King of Narsinga his Brother in Law thought sit to prevent the enemy and go lay battery to Bandos his chiefest fortresse which was not far from the Isle of Male where then he made his war-like provisions And that which put him upon the enterprize was that he had intelligence within the place he proposed it to the councill of warre who approv'd thereof and was so happy as his plot succeeded for the King his Masters advantage he took that Castle under the King of Maldives nose who was come to succour it sunck divers of his great ships and in a word to finish all his victories he defeated absolutely the King of Maldives who fled into the farthest parts of the Isles of Palandurus he got all his Countries wherewith he enlarged his Masters and did such notable things and worthy of admiration as will never be forgotten as you shall more at large perceive in the fifth Book of this History for I mean now to tell you only what adventures brought him to the City of Baticalus No sooner was he return'd victorious into the Island of Zeilan but the King had notice that the two revolted slaves the faithlesse Rozalcan and his Brother Zabain who had usurp'd the Kingdome of Decan and driven out of all their lawfull Princes not contented with the Signiories of those twelve mighty Provinces would yet augment themselves at the charges of the King of Narsinga from whom already they had taken the Country of Canara which bordered on them and lay convenient for their purpose As soon as the King of Zeilan knew hereof having no more to fear now from the King of Maldives whose pride was well abated though nothing more than how to succour and revenge his friend his neighbour and allie the King of Narsinga to whom he sent back his Troops adding as many of his own subjects under the conduct of Lisimantus whose service by the same occasion he presented him if in the present necessity of his affairs he thought him needfull You may imagine if our Heros who did seek but new occasion to employ his courage in was very glad to find it in a place where he was sure to see the sweetest object of his thoughts he did not run he flew unto it and being arriv'd at Bisnagar where then the King of Narsinga was he had the honour to divide the Royall Army with the Prince Arontus only heir to those great Kingdoms of Narsinga Bisnagar and of Orixa But Arontus as great reason was did choose and took the greatest and the hardest task to undergo Lisimantus then with those Troops which he brought out of Zeilan were sent to re-obtain the Country of Canara from the enemies and the Prince Arontus led his Army into the Kingdome of Decan resolving to root out those two slaves which had revolted from their Prince and caus'd so many and so divers mischiefs he therein bore himself so bravely that having met them in the field and with the pride of all their Army he gave them battail he slew Zabain with his own hand and aided by the valour of Ariomont and Callistenus had so glorious a success as that he rooted out those Monsters of whom the one as I have said with his own hand he slew but from the other had his mortall wound who was then presently tane prisoner by and by shall serve to adorn the Funerall Triumph of that Prince falln in his victory and whom to sorrow for we begun already Before those passags in Decan Lisimantus had already done so well his duty as he regain'd the Province of Canara so famous for those three Cities Onor Mangalor and Baticalus and after he had put to death or banisht far enough from thence all those who had been constant to those slaves who faith-less had oppos'd themselves against his power he sent a post to give knowledge of it to the King of Narsinga which when he understood as well because he would enjoy the fruits of that valiant Cavaliers victory as for his neer being to Decan and sooner having advertisements from his Son he left the great City of Bisnagar removed his whole Court to Baticalus wich heretofore had been the antient burying place of the first Kings of Narsinga when they aboad in the Country of Canara and shall serve shortly in the same stead unto the generous Arontus There 't was that Lisimantus saw again the dearest object of his passion there 't was that all his great desires awaked and where he thought having orecome his enemies he should obtain fair Lisimena But though that beautious Princess knew sufficiently Lisimantus merits and was not ignorant of one of all those services he did her Father the evill relish of his petty birth diverted her from loving him and from his conversation too for fear lest those perfections which she noted in his mind and body might at length gain on her and light a fire which was already kindling in her heart which then she might not know to quench The fair Orazia knew all the secrets of her soul as she had likewise opened hers to Lisimena and whiles each entertained other with their amorous resentments there came a Post from the King of Zeilan who crav'd again his daughter and pray'd the King of Narsinga to send her back because there was no stir or trouble now within his Countries But this news greatly grieved Orazia who was like to lose and may be lose for ever that deer Princess unto whom besides so neer a bloud so great and perfect friendship had united her However little was that sorrow to another which befell her shortly after by the arivall of a Post come from Decan who as I said brought her the wofull newes of her only brother Arontus death But for we have already mentioned the honours meant unto him although dead and the provisions fitted for his triumph Let us go on in our story and renew no more the plaints and griefs which but too oft already I have for a losse so generall repeated Scarce had a Month been spent since that sad news had entred Baticalus when a Post from Ariomant came to the King to give him notice of his Victorious Armies coming home which waited on the glorious body of his Son Immediately that valiant King forgetting or dissembling
his inward sorrow caus'd the stately sumptuous Convoy to be fitted which by night and with this ceremony passed from the gate of the great street of Baticalus to the Royal Palace First the whole street was spread with black Velvet and at each window burnt six Torches throughout every story of Virgin wax to shew the pomp of that Solemnity All the Souldiers who in that War had followed him past File and File in streaming tears trayling their Pikes upon the ground as conquer'd people rather than victorious their brazen Drums in mourning cases beat but now and then and gave a certain doleful sound which mov'd new horror in the people when as the Foot companies which were a great number had all pass'd by the Cavalry in Sable Armes appeared their horse Caparisons of the same colour having the fights of their Helmets down and holding but the shivers of Lances in their hands their Trumpets but half blown sent forth most lamentable sounds or rather cries which now made melt the hearts of those who formerly they had encouraged next them came Ariomant who really afflicted hid not his face as did the rest but in his eyes would have them see the sadness of his heart and in this sorrowful appearance he did seem so handsome that Orazia who observ'd him passing by was doubly but for divers causes moved by his tears â—allistenus was by his side who nothing differ'd from him save that his Sable plume was not so long as his the Chariot followed them close after which drawn by six black horses carried the Cypres smelling Coffin where lay the body of Arontus and over it his Image fixt in Kingly rober holding his Scepter in his hand Rosalâ—on was on his knees chain'd at the feet of this Effigies who looked in his face and round about him there marched in much pain by reason of their chaines the chief of those who had rebelled and Trayterous Villains to their King had taken party with a pair of Slaves Before the pillarâ— of the Chariot there hung as Trophies every piece of the Princes Armour from head to foot and at the hinder pillars were made fast some of the Ensigns and the Warlike spoylâ—s which he had gotten from the two Usurpers and what the Chariot could not carry were borne on Elephants which follow'd them in coverings of black Velvet In this glorious and mournful equipage Arontus body was carried as far as the Temple of the Royal Palace which was the ancient place of burying their Kings There had they rais'd a stately Altar on which was set the Image of the Prince exceeding like him which they honored with Persumes and lighted Lamps were plac'd about it And that according to the ancient custom that ceremony might last for ever a yearly sum was settled and people appointed who with great molten Censers almost like those wherewith they worshipped the gods should still persume that Image and see that everlastingly those Lamps should burn at the feet of the Effigies was set this inscription in Arabique verses which I have in our language thus translated In thickest of my Victory When my strong arm in honor high Did strew their Camp with dread and fear Twice wounded by two deadly darts Triumphing ore the rebels hearts Death did his triumphs on me rear As soon as they were gone forth from the Temple Rosalcan whom the Executioners had seazed by the Kings command had his head struck off at the gate and was slain as a sacrifice unto the Princes Guardian Angels When all the Funeral ceremonies were ended and the great sorrow overpast the King who had a manlike heart diverting by degrees his trouble sought comfort in the great perfections of his Daughter which was left him the rare Orarza who gaining every day new charmes from the return her of deerest Lover grew a continual object of delight to all that saw her her beautious face shining within that great and obscure Veil had more force than when the Sun bursts through the cloud which in foul weather environ it Love never leaves her eyes in greatest sadness nor in her strictest mourning do her graces ever quit her Before the Kings departure from Baticalus he made provision for disorders in the Kingdom and chiefly to restrain the liberty of private Combates which the War had lately very much renew'd among his brave Nobility Indeed they gave too great a way unto that brute and boundless fury and thereby too much wrong'd their courage which exalted them above all other Nations far For preventing therefore anew the progresse of this mischief which from day to day got strength the Councill was assembled and the King ordained a Law severe whereby without exception of or rank or quality whatever it was decree'd that the infringers should unpardonably passe the Hangmans hands and have their heads struck off besides the losse of offices and goods which should remain confiscate to the King and that the execution might be sure and that all hope of favour for the future might be clean taken away his Majesty swore solemnly before the Altars on the sacred Books and by his Fathers soul to make due execution of it nor that his Son if yet alive should have exemption from the Law if he should give himself to that inhumane course and thereby run the hazard of it This strict Ordinance repress'd exceedingly the fierceness of that ready youth who were compelled to hide their often resentments after injuries received and restrained their too too heady forwardness wherein so indiscreetly they had laid the chiefest point of honor When as sufficient provision had been made for this disorder and that the King had for the good and quiet of his people settled other wholsome Laws and strengthned all the Holds of Canara with faithful Governors and meet provisions he commanded all manner of Carriages and Wagons to be ready for that within eight daies he would depart from Baticalus and for more acceptation to the King of Zeylan who desir'd his Daughter he meant to wait on her himself unto the neerest Port for her conveniency with which advertisement he bid the Post return unto the King his Master This resolution of the Kings pleased greatly Lisimantus who being to be chief of that Conduct meaned to declare himself upon the way and let Lisimena know who saw too much already his great passion so her love In Baticalus he had never opportunity to speak in private to her though for that end he had imployed his subtilest contrivances and so far forth as what by gifts and flattering he had won a little Page of hers call'd Aquilant whom she much loved and was ever of her train with him he had the boldness to trust a Letter which contained his secret Loves and told him t was an intelligence that much concern'd his Mistresse service and that he should not fail to be careful in the delivery without telling her from whence it came for that she would her self finde well
me where my husband is or what 's become of him that if he be in safety I may dying have this consolation that I leave the sweetest half of life behinde me Whiles she uttred those complaints they heard the languishing voices of those who had been lamed by their falls and suddainly they ran to see and found them in the miserable case I mentioned and one of them was dead whom at first sight they took for Piroxenus but when they found he had saved himself they went to acquaint the Prince thereof who taking me for the offender presently besets my Lodging where he assur'd himself I was retir'd as in truth Piroxenus naked as he was had done and indeed he much amazed me when suddainly he brake my sleep and told me how his amorous robberies had been discovered but said he because they have not known me you will be more concern'd than I and I much fear lest you be here surpriz'd and may not have the time to justifie your self Save you then my dear Anaxander for t is you alone they seek and when you shall be safe I will go tell the King my name and save the Princess life and honor by presenting him my self his son I well liked his counsell but also scarce were my cloaths half on to execute it when Demonax acompanied with a hundred of the Guard brake open my door and without holding at my reasons bound me and carried me to prison leaving Piroxenus free who kept a tearing and a raving without being understood I was a hundred times about to tell them who I was and how the matter had been carried but I considered that if they should not give me credit as no doubt is but that a man to save his life will use a hundred slights that besides unprofitably I should disgrace my blood I should embroil my friend for whom I had been taken so that because I lov'd him better than my life and valued his preservation above my own I freely confessed the crime and was resolved to die not knowing how to hinder it As soon as it was day the Princes went to tell the King of this unhappy action and presently the noise of it ran through the City I will not dwell here Madam on the sorrows and afflictions of the Queen when she knew the lamentable case to which her only daughter was reduc'd that daughter whom so dearly she had loved and whose vertue she had had so many former proofs of Surely she with exceeding tears lamented the losse of her life but much more griev'd she for her wounded reputation Meanwhile because the crime which was but too certain might not be long unpunished the King relinquishing all fatherly affection left his daughter to the Law which did condemn her to be burnt alive with him who was convicted for enticing her The Pile was therefore fitted in the middle of the great place which made all the inhabitants of Visaporus tremble with horror because though such a Law had been a long time since established it never had been executed but on her for whom it was first made which was a sister to one of their Kings who had about threescore and ten years past been burnt for falling in love with one of her Domesticks whom she married secretly and this was the first example they had ever seen for that the other was so long ago as that the eldest man among them scarce remembred it Meanwhiles provision was a making for that wofull Tragedy wherein Orixa and my self were to be Actors Piroxenus who was not accused and might if he pleas'd avoid all difficulties not enduring I should be expos'd to death for an offence of Love whereof himself alone was guilty Went and cast him down at the Kings feet and there accus'd himself as he who had seduc'd the Princess and protested that he was of Royall blood and that he was both great and rich enough to merit her with multiplied oaths endeavouring to perswade him of my innocence But the Kings trouble and the rage that ruled him admitted not his justifications nor intreaties He once knew well enough that I was he whom the Princess had made choice of for her husband and collecting by Piroxenus discourse that he had also got into her favours What how said he that Whore has not been satisfi'd with one but given herself over to this other also to aswage her lust there needs no other proof than his confession he condemns himself let him be bound and all three cast into one fire The Prince Arazus who was neer him when be pronounc'd this sentence had still unto that unfortunate day maintain'd inviolable his affection to us which in severall occasions he had testifi'd and Madam I confesse that being in such favour with him we did very ill not to make known our selves unto that gentle Prince who doubtless had shewn favour to my friends desires and liked the design of our exchange unto the Princess who bestowed her love on me in vain But Heaven deny'd it and Piroxenus still was so respectfull of Orixa and so fearfull of displeafing her that notwithstanding I perswaded him he dar'd never to declare himself expecting alwayes that good office from me who was in truth even ready to have done it when as this mischance surpris'd us Araxus now who lov'd us yet and would have been glad that Piroxenus reasons were found true as well for what concern'd his Sister as his love to us turned towards the King his eyes bewraying mercy and compassion and when hee would have spoken not in our excuse but to attempt at lest to have our execution deferred untill tryall might be made whether Piroxenus words were true or no. How said the King art thou so simple to believe that those who have not wanted impudence to do me such affronts do want invention to coyn lies if this bold man were born a Prince would he not in wayes of honour have sought for my alliance and would he have so long remain'd among us in a private quality without so much as making known himself to her whom he confesseth so perfidiously to have dishonoured No no Araxus I see thy sister is a strumpet and that undoubtedly those two deceivers are not the only men that have had knowledge of her But Sir reply'd Araxus you may please to consider that this man accuses himself of the offence as only Author of it and willingly presents himself to die to save his friend whose innocence he offers to make good O impudent man said the King who will defend a fellow taken in the manner If he comes to accuse himself see'st thou not it is the just permission of the Gods who wrought so much his conscience to remorse and will not have so fowle a crime unpunished Know Araxus that the Conscience is a marvelous thing and that for want of other witness it often shews it self against our selves Poor Piroxenus looking pittifully upon Araxus would again implore his
and in the second life I look for make it all my souls contentment The Princess heard him with attention and although the dolors of her Feavor were of power enough to take away the liberty of talk she notwithstanding would have forc'd herself to answer him when by the comming of a Post she was prevented who after boldly knocking at the door demanded entrance and admittance to the King for reasons of a high importance the King commanded him to be brought to him and truly at first entrance he affrighted the whole company and ere he spake his countenance bewrai'd that all things went not as they should Sir said he to the King all is lost even your own subjects have betrayed you Those wicked slaves to whom you gave in charge the Government of your Countries have made a great Assembly of people in the City of Danaget for to revolt against you and break off the yoke of your Royall authority without so much as caring for their children which you have as Hostages They are all met in one desire to betray you and divide your provinces but two among the rest have shewn themselves more wicked than their fellows to wit Rozalcan and Zabain one of whom you made Governour of Bider and the other of Danaget For being Brothers and alwaies of a plentifull intelligence whâ—n they saw those other their sworne fellows in a Town whereof they had the Sovereign power because themselves would reign alone cut all their throats and having reassembled all their Forces and won the greater part of your Subjects either by presents or fair words they are comming with a mighty Army against your person and purpose to besiege you in your City of Vsaporus that they may absolutely be Masters of your Countries and without hinderance command the Empire which the gods have given to you You may imagine fair Princess whether such an humor as I have describ'd the Kings to be were surprized with such news He could not hide his apprehension from us a deadly paleness disfigured his face and not finding himself able enough to resist a misfortune which so neerly threatned him he could not speak a word when as Araxus who knew his very heart ashamed we were witnesses of so much poverty withdrew him from thence and told him t was his way to call his Councill together and suddainly provide against the present necessities In the meanwhile he left us in the Chamber with the Queen in whose presence the gods permitted after Piroxenus had recounted to the Princess all the passages of their secret Loves and that he had by his unfeigned tears given testimony of his innocent affection which ras'd out the crime he had committed she was somewhat appeased Wherefore once more they pledg'd their marriage faith to one the other in our presence they joyned hands and kist and from that day Orixa did begin to love me as a Brother not a Lover Although my known innocence had eas'd her spirits of a heavy burden which in her thoughts of my disdain she under went her body was buâ— little sensible thereof and no abatement of her Feavor was observ'd But contrary she was so troubled for the evill next of imminent danger threatned to the King her fathers Countries newly then arriv'd together with the cruell blows of former miseries so over come as more than ever all the Physicians grew into despair of ever seeing her recovery Meanwhiles this sicknesse lasted Rozalcan and Zabain came still onward and their Army made such haste as it had almost compassed the City before they had so much as time to furnish a tenth part of what was necessary to sustain a fiege or that they had enclosed works without or fortified the approaches Demonax had under hand Arms for some thirty thousand men and Coyn enough but wanted Souldiers for his Subject were his enemies and was so suddenly surpriz'd as that he had not time to crave assistance from his neighbours who were besides but ill affected to him The King of Maldives only and of Palandurus his brother in law could have succor'd him in time but that ill luck would have it he but late before had been himself defeated and his Army cut in pieces by the King of Zeylan who being assisted by the valour and wise conduct of couragious Lisimantus ahd made himself Lord of all his Islands except but three or four of Palandurus where he was retired without other hope of refuge A midst the trouble which this miserable King was in he called us into his counsel of War and crav'd our help but we represented to him the impossibility thereof and that there remaining unto him no other retreait but that only City from whence he was ready to be driven by those who sought but for his life to reign without contradiction we should not be able to bring any succours though they lay but six daies journey off and though we found them ready for the march And what then said he to us must I lose all my hope and that my children and my self be brought to so cruell a necessity as to die or live for ever under the power of base scoundrels By and by he cast out divers blasphemies against the gods and instantly caus'd all the childrens throats to be cut which he receiv'd as Hostages from those slaves Verily Madam we saw not how to give him great comfort because we found his matters in a desparate condition However we made a vertue of necessity and joyned the Princes his children and we together with as many Naires as there were in the Kings Guard all the inhabitants of Visaporus which were of age to bear Arms to try if we could raise a power able enough to do some dammage to our enemies but they consisted of so great a number as we judg'd it more rashnesse than valour to assault them we forbare not at the beginning to Skirmish sometimes with them when there came many of theirs too short but as from an Hydra's head their seemed alwaies quadruple the number to encrease so that perceiving our affairs in so ill case to attempt the freedom of the City Piroxenus and my self sent to defie Kozalcan and Zabain to fight with us but though as indeed they were hardy and valiant they were not dispos'd to venture any thing in the condition they were in and had they willed to do any thing in single Combate they would have had to do with the two heirs of that Kingdom Meanwhile they laid their Batteries against the City and it was threatned by a quick assault when the King fearing to fall underâ—he power of the besiegers resolv'd at any rate to save himself and without knowing what would become of him or where to turn and without telling any body of his flight except one of his servants which waited in his Chamber called Panaris whom he chose to accompany him he stole away by night upon a good horse out as a Postern door of the
Father for at voiding such inconveniencies as might happen she was thereto more pressed by the perswasions of Lisimena who seeing the Kings rage each hour increase for want of news was of opinion that by telling him the true extraction of those two Princes it was best to hold him no longer in errour who were not Subject to his jurisdiction nor the observation of his Laws But whatever great appearances obliged her to this discovery Orazia feared to be worse than that word she had given the two Princes not to make them known untill they were returned to Gouzarat and therefore she entreated Lisimena to continue the secret and not reveal it till the time were come So our two Heroes remain'd conceal'd in Saradins Castle untill Anaxander were recovered and being both assured of their mistresse savours burnt with one equal impatience of returning to their own Provinces where they expected earnestly that the good Evander who should have been long since returned should have regained for them Alcidaris good will but this sage old man was taken and held sick some six or seven daies journey from Visaporus which hindred the performance of his commission so soon as he ought and that he could not come time enough to divert an Embassage which tended to the ruin of Anezanders contentment as you shall understand by what does follow Alcidaris the great had by the common noise learnt all that had befaln his son Anaxander and his nephew Piroxenus in the Kingdom of Decan which gave him wonderful discontentments And because in that great sally they had made where the two Princes Araxus and Demonax were slain upon the place some of those who sled from the confusion as well as they themselves had spread the news of their deaths as in truth sew men knew what was become of them the King of Cambaya believing them out of the world notwithstanding all their youthful parts and follies past was hardly able to be comforted especially when he reflected on their amiable presence and the good education which they had gotten in his house and that which added to his affliction was to see that that child which remained to him by his former wife was so unhappy born as not be acceptable to one subject he had the most complacent and foulest flatteners of his Court wanted boldnesse to applaud his ridiculous actions or commend him be never did any thing but out of season if he had a mind to oblige he did the contrary and dulnesse was as natural as vice unto him however this unhappy father who believed that he had no other child alive finding himself obliged to marry him not for any good inclinations he had for him but for the proper interest of his greatnesse and to perperuate his name and memory having known of the death of Arontus sole son unto the King of Narsinga who had remaining but one only daughter heir to all his Estates thought good together with his Counsell to seek her in Marriage for his son for this purpose he dispatched Pirobus who had worthily served him in divers other occasions in an Embassage towards the King of Narsing a as well to condole with him the losse of his son as to desire his daughter of which the young Alcidaris had no sooner understood but he burst out a weeping as if he had lost all his friends For he had fallen in love with a mean towns-mans daughter whom by all means he would marry and for her sake despised the love of the greatest Ladies and the rarest beauties of the Court This faithful Pirobus whose age and abilities made him very venerable soon after departed from Campanel and having learned on the way shat the King to whom he was sent remained yet at Baticalus made so good journeys as he arrived there the very next day after that Duel had been fought The King received him magnificently and dissembling the displeasure he took at that so late fought Combate he resolved to give him Audience before he would depart for Bisnagar that the grave oid man might have lesse labour and journey to return He knew not the cvill conditions of the Prince of Gouzarat nor any thing but of the greatness of his race and his possessions for that indeed there was not in all India a more mighty Monarch than the King his father He stood not long deliberating whether or not he should satisfie Pirobus and prefer the alliance offered by him before all other that might be hereafter And a speciall motive which so much rather made him give him his desire was the assurance given in the King his Masters behalf that be had but that child only hopeful to inherit four Kingdoms And thus you see how the King of Narsinga sent back Pirobus with great embraces and fair presents and fully pleased every way with his so happy imployment Before he departed he was by the Kings leave to kisse the hand of his future Princess who having nothing dearer in the world than that name of Cambaye to whose lovely Prince she had already vowed her self receiv'd him with a smiling countenance and dessembling the knowledge of his evill parts for whom he sought her said to Pirobus that the gods had favored her too much that had design'd her for the most perfect and accomplished Prince of Gouzarat She was even on the point of opening her self wholly to the grave Embassadour because she knew he was the man that had treated the match for Anaxanders mother and that she happily might do him an exceeding favour to declare him his adventures and to tell him where with Piroxenus he was concealed for having been one of that Combat which he heard so much noise of in Baticalus but she thought best to say nothing for fear of disobliging Anaxander who would not be known in Narsing a but with a Royal train and worthy of the love he made to Orazia However because she had a perfect knowledge of her Lovers story and because she had learnt it from his own mouth that after the taking of Visaporus the good Evander his old Governor returned to Gouzarat where he was to declare unto Alcidaris the adventures of his son and nephew she very much wondred that Pirobus assured the King her father and her self likewise that the Prince in whose behalf he was sent was the only son of his Master among other questione which she made him of the Kingdom of Cambaya she askt him what was become of the wise Evander of whose abilities she had heard so much discourse Madam answered the Embassador we know not what fortune he hath run since he stole from our Court to pursue the two Prince whose losse we have felt so sensibly as we shall never come again to our selves and for mine own part Madam I should be the unthankfollest man alive if I did not weep for their losse as long as I lived The Princess imagined by this disoourse that some accident had befallen Evander on the way
sometimes I met her in the Palace I saluted her a far off with certain gestures which equally witnessed my passion to serve her and my fear to discontent her and that beauty who had still the signs of my foolish passion fresh in her memory look'd over from me whether out of scorn or judgment I cannot tell Forgive me Sir if I busie my self in telling you a thousand needlesse circumstances but most pleasing to my remembrance which are nothing to our matter but contrary do set me off from the design I had to tell you the fust and principal cause which so absolutely goâ—me the King of Zeylans favour That Prince who is exceeding pious and alwaies delighted in serving the gods according to the custom of his Country and devotion of his fathers having understood that that new sect of Mathometans was lately slid into his Island which is the fairest and fruidfullest of all the Inde desirous to banish that strange religion which was able to undo his Subjects and to disunite them from their lawful obedience unto him he made an Edict by which he proclaimed guilty of high Treason to his the Divine Majesty all those that should be convicted of adhering to those new opinions and as such he ordained that their goods should be consiscate and banished within a months space out of his Country There were a number of those Infidels dwelling in the Port Tanadarus who as soon as they heard a breath of this Ordinance seizâ—d on the Castle which is one of the best in the Kingdom and expecting that they should be assâ—ulted deputed three or four of them to go speedily to the King of the Maldives to seek his aid seeing he was of their Law and had embraced the sam unhappy belief which they had done This King of the Maldives who was Lord but of several pieces of land seperated by arms of the Sea and envious of the King of Zâ—ylans prosperity was very glad of so fair an occasion offered to enter upon his Countries so convenient for him And that he might not want pretext not be unprovided to answer the blame which his nâ—â—ghbours might lay on him he dispatch'd an Embassidor to the King of Zeylan by whom be prayed him to use his Subjects with more faver and to permit them the liberty of their religion in his Island if otherwise he should be obliged to protect them as his brethren united with him in belief toward the god he worshiped according to the Divine Laws of Mahomor his great Prophet The King of Zeyland gave a generous answer to that Embassador that he very much wondred at his Masters extravagancy and rashnesse who Impertinently thrust himself into the knowledge of his Subjects affairs that if his threat did stir him unto any thing it should be to a greater rigor towards those who without any good ground had miserably forsaken their fathers gods and for his own particular he should instantly depart out of his Countries lest his anger might make him violate the Laws of Nations and in his person punish his Masters insolence whom he would prevent That Embassador who look'd not at all for so rough an answer so exasperated the King his Masters courage which was enough irritated before that he immediately sent forth a hundred Ships and more from the Port of the Maldives to go succour the Rebels of Tanadarus In the mean time as the Sectaries of that cursed law think they cannot do God better service nor finde a shorter way to heaven than by murthering those that oppose their belief they plotted a furious conjuration against the Kings person twelve of the most resolute of his Rebel Subjects drink each others blood to encourage themselves and take a firm resolution to go kill the King in his Palace Hal and in the middle of his Guards This open and generous Prince who till that time had arm'd himself with no defence gave liberty to all sort of people as accustomed to be in his Palace where four of the conspirators entred without notice taken of them and as the formost of them lift his arm to strike the King it was my happy fortune only of the company to perceive him for that Traytor not at all troubled at his damnable design had so well taken his time that if the Tutelary gods of Zeylan had not directed my cies unto him undoubtedly the King had died As soon then as I spied the action and motion of that perfidious murtherers arm I threw my self at all hazard betwixt 〈◊〉 and the King and taking his hand to put by the blow which slightly hurt me in the face hold Traytor said I to him and fearing lest he might redouble it I took him by the coller The King who saw my check bloody and with what rage I opposed that Ruffin whose design be know not ask'd what was the matter Ah Sir said I doubtlesse some great Treason plotted against your Majesty then by and by he saw the Dagger which the murcherer had let fall he was instantly set on the Pâ—ack where he confess'd â—he number of the parties sworn who were found out and quartered alive as well as himself The King was so much pleas'd with me for this action as he embrac'd me before them all and praising what I had done to save him I swear said he Euribaldus that I will not be unthankful for the service you have done me but posterity shall know thou hast oblig'd a thankful Prince wherefore dispatch and ask me any thing in my power and I protest to thee again by the tutelary gods of this Kingdom it shall begranted thee of whatsoever price it be I being dazled by so great a sevâ—â—â— made him this answer on my knee which 〈◊〉 than what had past oblig'd his love of me It is your only noblenesse Sir which makes the sinall service I was obliged to do you acceptable although at hazard of my life the gods forbid that I should ever pretend to deserve an acknowledgment from you for what my duty bound me to and for a thing I ought my self t is only Fortune whom you are to thank for having happily addrest mine eyes unto the murtherer to turn his stroak and I a ssure my self there is not any Subject you have but would have shewn the same zeal to save you admitting him the same good fortune The King seeing how gracefully I refused the good he offered me Observe truly said he turning towards Arbiran a great deal of youth accompanied with a great deal of vertue and I intend not that this service shall be unrewarded Say then Euribaldus what thou askest of me I protest to take thy silence as a scorn if thou crave nothing of me When I saw my self thus put to it Great Prince answered I I should be wholly ignorant if I did not acknowledge the graâ—â—ity which your Majesty offers me to proceed from your alone goodnesse and I should injuce heaven which hath caused me favour
revenged on him who had slain her Brother goes boldly to the King tells him where our Masters were and that at hazard of her life he should finde them alive in Saradins Castle where they laught at his authority and skorn'd the rigor of his laws The King who had been offended and who kept his anger still in force found it renew within him by this unhappy notice he by and by commanded an Officer to seize on Saradin and to be answerable for him untill he had seen whether it were true which Corisba had told him and to be throughly satisfied he dispacht the Provost of Bisnagar with a great many of the guard to bring our Princes to him either alive or dead that however they came they might serve as a memorable example to posterity of his despis'd authority Saradin who presently found himself guilty of his little secresie sound means to advertise the Princesse Orazia of this disorder that she might seek to remedy it and accused himself of having revealed the secret to one whom he accounted as his other self not remembring that he kept his sister whom Anaxander had slain The Princesse incontinently writ all she knew to my Master and advis'd him by her letter that he should not stay till those of the guard came that if he were in cas to save himself he should do it speedily how that she thought it not meet that he should on that occasion declare himself what he was for that he would run hazard not to be believed and that that would be a double cause of disgrace that if he were so unhappy as to be tâ—â—en by them she should never be comforted for that unawares she had let her Cosin Lasimena carry with her the dead Prince Arontus his letter which might happily have served to have verisied his birth and that she wanted all other proof if braven did not send them some one or other in that present and dangerous necessity The poor Princesse relyed on the Post for that road but when her Post was ready to be gone â—o horse could be gotten for that the King had forhidden all men from being furnished Mean time the Provost went with all diligence and the best Orazia could do was to send a Foot-man which went excellent well with promise of great reward if he came first to the Castle The man was subtle and crafty but notwithstanding all his eare in seeking by-waies that those of the Guard might not see him he came unto us but a half quarter of an hour before the others Admire the extravagancy of Fare and the malice of Fortune we were ready the very next day to be gone from that place the Prince my Master was perfectly well of his hurts and we were in the pleasure of our approaching journey when this messenger came to us At first without complement he pressed us to be gone because he assur'd us that those who sought our lives were not far from us Anaxander had scarce read the Princesses letter to Piroxenus and me when behold the Castle beleagured with that rabble of Archers which in number were above two hundred they so surprized us as already twenty of them had gotten in by a little door of the outer Court before we had perceiv'd them we cry'd out to shut that door and pull pu the draw-bridge which was presently done by our people and then presently we rushed upon those unfortunate people which remained all on the place Anaxander nor Piroxenus gave one stroak in vain they seem'd two angry Lions which breathed nothing but revenge and I may truly say they alone did that great execution for eight or ten of us that we were of their people besides my self being but waiters and Grooms lent them but little aid Meanwhile the rest kept loudly beating at the great gate of the base Court saying that they came from the King and that we must follow them When we had dispatch'd the forwardest we consulted what we had to do and on the other side those roagues having heard the clashing of our swords incensed by our resistance threatned to burn us if we came not forth and yield our selves to them The generous Anaxander seeing us reduc'd to that extremity he who never feared in danger nor never dreaded the greatest threats of fortune seeing we were to weak to resist that multitude of armed men and that as it would be weaknesse in us to suffer our destruction without resistance so it would be rashnesse to set upon them with so small a number as we were He directed the little gate to be opened again whereby they could not enter but two and two which passage we three would well enough maintain and should they be so unwise as to hazard themselves we might kill a good many of them and by so many lessen the number of our enemies His opinion was presently put in execution but when the first five or six came short the rest retired insomuch as we shut the gate again to see what the gods would counsel us and truly in that eminent danger I was very sorry for Neanders absence whom Piroxenus had sent to Orixa for being a man skilful and valiant he would by one means or another have been very helpful to us We were by this time weary of slaughter where we had so good fortune as but one of ours were slain and of us three Anaxander only had a light hurt in his shoulder but indeed the Princes behaved themselves so couragiously that if they had had to do but with a score of them I believe they would have made no more resistance to their fury than the former did The Provost discerning that by force he could not so soon possess himself of us in that Casile by the advice of his companions assembled the Peasants of the next Village who being commanded to bring with them store of straw and dry fagots they set fire to the gate of the base Court and Stables belonging to the Castle with intention to burn it or compel us to come forth when we perceived the fire to encrease towards us we thought it better became us to disputâ— our lives couragiously than die unworthily without any resistance The Princes therefore took each a Lance which they found and got upon two of the swiftest horses in the stables purposing rather to try to save than to defend themselves there being no Lance for me I took my sword in my hand and our people opening the gate as the Princes commanded them which was already half consumed we set spurs lively to our horses and past through the flame which was more favorable unto us than those that looked for us Anaxander who was best mounted would passe first and flying like lightning ran three or four of them through with his Lance which in one body waited for us in the passage and gave leave to Piroxenus and me to save our selves but as our unhappy Prince thought himself free from those hangmens
Arontus life when they had held such rank and kept such state among the Courtiers of Narsinga as they had got more jealousie than friendship One only Saradin had been able to have helped them in that extremity and seconded the Princesse good endeavour if himself for his innocent ofsence had not partaken with them When the King came to know that he was guilty of concealing the breakers of his Edict he commanded him to be carried from his house where he was detayned to the same prison where the unhappy Anaxander was shut up All that Piroxenus with the Princesse could do was to scatter a murmur through the Court that he whom they had used with so great in humanity was the Prince Anaxander Alcidaris the King of Cambayas Son but very few were found that believed it and the King himself who heard thereof laught at it because he had long time believed the common report that he with Piroxenus was slain together with the two Princes of Decan in that sally they made during the siege of Visaporus besides the assurance they had lately received from Pirobus his mouth that the King of Cambaya had but one Son alive That had not retarded his condemnation one minute had there not hapned a contestation between the Ministers of Justice The Grand Provost pretended that he ought to give Judgement on him because he had taken and brought him by the Kings command and on totheer side because he had commanded in Armies and till that time done things becomming a Gentleman and a man of quality The Chief Justice of the Naires disputed that it belonged to him to make his processe and spent two or three dayes in this debate the one undoing and disanulling what the other commanded insomuch as the King was fain himself to regulate it He was then of opinion that seeing there had been certain of the guard slain by Ariomant there was no reason that their Chief should be both Judge and Party and that it was reasonable that the Court of Nayres knew that it was a very easie matter to proceed against a man convicted and that they should hasten his Judgement that he might quickly serve for an example The Princesse had some small hope that the King her Father would not so wholly yeeld himself up to his passions but that he would cast an eye to the many services which her Anaxander had formerly done the dead Prince Arontus as well as the Crown under the name of Ariomant besides she hoped for some good from the journey Almerin had made into Cambaya but when she saw that the King hastned so very much the Judgement of the cause and that purposely for that reason he had sent to the Chief of the Judges she thought he would run great hazard and that when it may be her Fathers nature might incline to Pitty and Compassion he ight be too much engaged to this honour and his word not to give such example to his people The greatest part of hte Judges were very sorry for that poor offenders misfortune and seeing when they came to give Judgement that there was no liklihood of saving him there was not one but did it against his will and with sorrow condemned a man of so great merit but the reverence of the Laws and the honour they bare unto the Princes authority oblig'd them rather to save his Oaths than him who had despis'd them and seeing they must do Justice they pronounced the sentencce of death against Anaxander and condemned him to have his Head struck off in the great place before the Palace When this sad sentence was read unto him in the Prison he was marvelously surpris'd for beside that he hoped for deliverance by Pirexenus and Almerin and from the Princesse favour he did not expect that the severity of the Laws would have extended to that last rigor and thought when they had only frighted him with punishment they would have let him go But when he saw it was in good earnest they condemned him to death Friend sayd he to him that came as Deputy from the Court of Nayres does the King know who I am and that he hath no power of right over my life Sir Answered the Judge there hath been a report spred here that you are the King of Cambayas Son but the King will not believe it and himself told us he had a thousand arguments to convince that falsehood heâ— ought at least said Anaxander to have known the truth before he had thus precipitated my condemnation and he should have found that report very true Remember my Friend that this sentence passeth against himself and his own blood because I am his Daughters husband and if he be so barbarous and unnatural as to proceed farther to the execution of an unjust sentence tell him that besides the revenge I expect from heaven he shall draw on his head all the powers of the King my Father who will never indure so foul an action to escape unpunished Is this the welcome that Strangers receive in this country which come to do is honour although I were not as I am born a Prince yet ought my person to be safe even by the Law of Nations your Laws cannot by right extend themselves beyond the limits of this Kingdom nor punish crimes of honour in those whom you have not forbidden and are not subject to the observation of your Lawes Must I serve as an example and be the first man chastis'd for an action never yet by any man seen punish'd in Narsinga though Ducls frequent in it and Edicts chang'd a thousand times Ah pray bid the King he look more than once to what he does and that a Kings Son ought not to be the first mark of his vengeance Go to him presently if you love his honour and ask the Princesse whether in disgrace she will abandon those whom in Prosperity she hath made shew to love The Judge was much astonished at his words and thought himself oblig'd to tell them the King wherefore he came knocking to the chamber door to acquaint him w i th what he had learnt from Ariomant but the Door keeper would not admit him because the King was private with his Daughter and had forbidden any whasoever to be let in till she were gone That amorous Princesse having known of Anaxanders condemnation and seeing that all her vain hopes of his liberty promised no good overcome by her sorrow and most earnestly importun'd by Love forgot all respect and shame and believing that that very day he whom she so tenderly loved should unhappily end his dayes and be a shamefull spectacle for all the Court jealous of his Vertues and past Victories went and cast her self at the King her Fathers feet and full of tears told him the reason she had to beg Anaxanders life of him whom she boldly avowed for her Husband and with a thousand oaths and by the testimony of her dead brother Arontus she confirm'd the noyse that