in one and the same place I need not tell you after what manner they beheld one another nor the manner of their salutation which was cold enough but in the end notwithstanding the Charge given them by their Mistress Periander began first with expressions of sweetness to win Orontus to resign up his right in Emilia which way of proceeding beging ineffectual he continued with threats but Orontus being one whose Love was too firm to forsake him and whose Heart was too couragious to be daunted told him he would rather resign up his Life than his Mistress Then replied Periander you must the place wherein we are is private enough and it is fit that either you should fall or I since we cannot both enjoy her the Prize doth well enough merit our dispute Therefore Orontus draw for I am resolved to end this dispute on equal terms Orontus at first seemed very unwilling to act so rashly and withal asked him if he had forgot the Command she laid on them Periander gave little heed to his words so jealous was he of loosing so great a Treasure but swore by all the Gods if he did not defend himself he would then kill him as he stood and to make good his word proceeded to make a Pass at him Then Orontus drawing his Sword cried out The Gods be Witnesses with what constraint I do this thing Dearest Emilia forgive me After which words he took no farther care but to stand upon his Guard and with what dexterity he could to put by the Passes of his Adversary and though several opportunities lay open to him to take his advantage of Periander yet would he make no use of them but stood only upon the defensive part Periander observed it and grew the more enraged insomuch that redoubling his thrusts he fell on like Lightning and making an Home-pass at Orontus his brest he skilfully put it by though not so well but that it coming with great force gave him a slight hurt in the shoulder which he soon perceiving did then begin to deal some thrusts and presently gave him another in the left-arm and immediately closing with him disarmed him Agenoris and Clidamant who at a distance had seen the latter end of the Combat were just come to them to learn the occasion of their Quarrel And as there was nothing they would conceal from him they revealed to him the occasion of their Combat after they had counselled them to renew their friendship with all the winning Arguments imaginable and had constrained them to make an unwilling Embrace of each other Agenoris desired Clidamant to conduct them to the Castle and to see their wounds dressed while he enjoyed himself in the Fields they all obeyed and being gone Agenoris wandred from one solitary place to another entertaining his mind with his ill-destiny in the sad loss of what he found he so much admired till at length he approached the side of a silent Wood where sitting down upon a Flowry-Bank by a sweet musical Stream he endeavoured to give his sorrow vent by singing what follows Song HOW wretched is Love And how cruel the flame When in vain it has strove Our grief to remove And to cure or to sweeten the same That Nymph is severe That for Love gives disdain And makes an Heart bear So great a despair Till it bursts with its sorrow and pain But I suffer more and in torture remain For loving the Nymph I may ne'r see again After which he breathed Sighs which were capable of moving Compassion in the very Trees themselves Ah! how happy are those said he that are slighted by the Fair-Ones they adore their Sighs and their Moanings may nourish them with the hope of causing Compassion to make way for Love But I lament and she to whose Ears it should arrive is altogether ignorant of my sufferings nought but the dumb objects of Woods Rocks and Valeys are witnesses of my Complaints sometimes some flattering Eccho doth seem to send me Comfort and assoon deprive me of it again the little Birds do sometimes lament me and then again as if they took delight to displease me in malicious Notes of joy they seem to make a mock of my miseries the very leaves too of these Trees in their silent whisperings do likewise seem to conspire against me and some objects I meet with that intermingle pleasure with my pain but those are soon vanished again and overswayed by a burdensome grief to admire her I once saw and to be deprived of her sight I now admire to receive the tender impression of Love with so much joy when my eyes were first made happy with her sight and to cherish the wound with that eagerness as I then did and do still and to be thus bereft of the only pleasure I hoped to enjoy of her presence Unkind Fates why did you let me see her if I must no more Ye Gods be favourable to me in my search of her and Love be thou my fortunate Guide no Grove nor Thicket no wild-Forest nor craggy-Mountain will I leave unsearched till I have found her I love and were it possible I would search even in Paradise it self a place not unlikely to harbour a Composition so Celestial could I but see her once more though she would not admit a Cure her Pity would at least lessen my sufferings and her Presence would make the Pain more pleasing In saying this he advanced some steps upon the Green that lay before the Wood where looking towards his left-hand upon a lively and flowry rising of the ground he espied a Flock of Sheep nibbing on the grass and on the top of all under the fair spreading-branches of a comely Tree still approaching towards that place he might discern one attired like a Shepherdess with a Crook in her hand in long dishevelled Locks and in a careless Garb though not so careless but the Party it inclosed did make it appear to be very graceful her Apparel was more plain than rich yet not so plain but Majesty seemed inthroned in what was most plain her Head was graced with an hat or rather her Head graced the Hat which though the materials wherewith it was composed were but homely straw that hindred it not from being extreme pretty No sooner had Agenoris with great astonishment viewed these things at an indifferent distance but he heard the noise of an Horn as from behind the Wood and immediately there presented to his sight a furious wild-Boar which was running with much celerity directly towards the place where he saw the Shepherdess he without much consultation with his thoughts drew his Sword and made what hast he could after it he came just as he had rent her Vesture and was going to devour that fair One where Agenoris joyning Courage to his dexterity made it appear that if Nature had rendred him knowing in the one Art had not made him less experienced in the other for approaching the Boar
it which are the same with the rest but do grow in such manner that it maketh it in form of a Labyrinth for in every green Valley you enter you continue still ascending till you have reached the top but with such pretty turnings and windings that it is an object both of wonder and pleasure On the top is a Lodg encompassed with Cyprus Trees in manner of a Circle from whence your Eye hath a full and free prospect over the whole Wood to the Sea which cannot chuse but be a lively Landskip of Nature Near this Lodg it was where Agenoris and Clidamant were walking when a Voice exceeding delectable approached their unprepared Ears and seemed to proceed from the Lodg where as yet they were not arrived they made a stop that they might hear it with more freedom and never did any thing surprize their Senses in the like manner it was such incomparable Vocal Musick that it seemed rather to be caused by some Heavenly Object than by any thing that was Earthly And by reason of the shrilness of the Voice they could give no other judgment but if the party was of Nature's forming it could be no other than a Woman though she seemed to be endued with most Divine perfections The more willing attention their Ears gave to it the more willing were they to continue a patient Ear. Agenoris appeared to be in such a rapture that he imagined his Senses would deprive him of any further pleasure by their readiness to forsake him Such was the supernatural power and charming efficacy of this Celestial Nimph's Voice Agenoris was unable to contain himself till he had blessed his sight with what he undoubtedly judged to be most miraculous concluding her Person to be as Divine as was her Voice But yet like one enchanted he could not move till he had heard her make an end of what she had just begun which were the words following sung beyond expression Song NEar the Courts of great Princes we scorn to abide Since securely we live free from Causes of Pride In a Sun-shiny Day With our Lambs we can play And triumphantly sing by a shady Woods side The Ambition we seek is on Hills and high Rocks Where we sit and we govern our milkey white Flocks What some may call Beauty we often display To be kiss'd by the Sun in a scorching hot Day We do think it a Sin A new Conquest to win By endeavouring to cherish what soon flies away The Ambition we seek is on Hills and high Rocks Where we sit and we govern our milkey white Flocks Of Intrigues and Amours we have often heard speak But to know their true meaning we yet are to seek In pure Innocence we With our Sheep do live free From all noise like a Bark that lies safe in a Creek The Ambition we c. Scarce was the Song ended but Agenoris peeped through the Trees to get a sight of the Singer which he did for her Face was opposite to that part wherein they were and there being but a single Row of Trees between he might with ease behold her which when he had done O Gods cried he to Clidamant see yonder the sweetest object that ever mortal beheld what blushing Roses and lovely Lillies dwell in that amiable Face Sure she is some Goddess descended from the upper Regions to delight her self in these cooler shades It is impossible but she must be more than humane her Beauty is beyond all that can be called Common Ah Clidamant in that sparkling Eye such Majesty is seated as doth add a glorious lustre to the rest of her numberless number of perfections Clidamant I must I can find no repose till I am nearer her person that from her own Lips I may know if a Goddess she be as she really seems after what manner she desires to be adored that I may so do it as to render Adoration acceptable to her to that end let us endeavour to enter the Lodg where she now is Clidamant soon consented to the desire of Agenoris and went round about into the Lodg where they expected to have found this fair unknown one but alas it was too late for before they could come to her she was gone from thence by another turning which when Agenoris saw he turned pale and looked as if he was going to breath out his life I could wish said he to Clidamant in a faint note that I had seen her once more for I find my desire as yet hath found no limits but why I cannot tell except it be to discover new perfections though I confess I am too curious in that because that what I have already seen hath left an impression deep enough in me Should it now turn to Love in what a miserable condition am I who knoweth not so much as where to find the object loved I fear I am past cure already and now I wish I had not gazed on her so much and yet methinks I wish I could see her once more How restless am I grown of a sudden Is it the Original of a growing Passion or is it only a curious desire of seeing again what Fate has deny'd me that renders me thus impatient Surely something above the nature of Curiosity has seized me or else I should never have found so great an alteration in me Methinks the Divine Idea of this pretty Nimph hath taken so sure a dwelling in my mind that for my life I cannot wipe her out And something I feel to sting my heart which doth both pain and delight me for sometimes the pleasure is counterballanced by an excessive pain and the pain again is eased by a sensible pleasure and then it is subject to such violent Pantings as if it would force a passage through my body Have you ever been in Love Clidamant If you have pray acquaint me how this passion rules us and whether what I now tell you doth bear resemblance with it for I do not remember that ever I felt the like agony before No replied Clidamant I never yet did love and I hope I never shall submit to what is so destructive to repose and the most noble part of man the Soul But by what I have been informed by those that have tasted the bitterness of it I find I have too much reason to fear that the sight of this unknown one hath Heaven grant it hath not seduced your reason and if so think of the frailty and inconstancy of that Sex think I say of Woman and if you judg right which you will if you place your Reason in the same place it was you will scorn to love so mean a thing as Woman but will aspire to something more Heroick and Noble What you call Love if you summon but your Reason to appear and make use of your Judgment to discern the truth you will find that you have abused that Name for something as much inferior to it as a Peeble to a Diamond Unkind
Clidamant said Agenoris not only unkind but unjust thus to prophane that sweet Emblem of Heaven Had you called them destroyers of poor men nay had you called them Murderers I could better have endured to have heard it than to hear them named Frail Inconstant and Mean and thus to abuse a Passion that is as spotless as Innocence innocent as Virtue virtuous as Humility and as pure as Chastity it self And since I find I must cherish the fore that pains me my comfort is that it was occasioned by so splendid and transcendently beautiful an object You replied Clidamant who have often conversed with the fairest Ladies in Asia both at home and abroad you who in the Field have smiled when Blood and Death hath encompassed you will you stoop to the soft Enchantments of a Woman remember great Sir that now it is the worst of times to submit to Love You must cast away the Banner of Venus and bravely put on that of Mars Now is the time because the present state of affairs requires it Appear once more in the Field Sir and let Aphistamenus see how much your great heart disdains him This and much more he said to cause that rising Flame to cease that had already possessed him but it was all unavailable for it did but make it burn the fiercer After they had entertained each other with these and the like Discourses for some time they thought upon the Stranger and went strait towards the Castle and entred both into his Chamber whom they found awake they first made an apology for their long absence from him and afterwards asked him if he had found any refreshment since they left him His answers were so exceeding courteous and obliging to what they demanded that he even charmed Agenoris and Clidamant with the sweetness of his behaviour Agenoris had already so great an esteem for him and Clidamant thought he saw something so singular in him that he could not forbear acquainting him how desirous he was to be ranked among the number of his choicest friends wherefore with much humility he beg'd the favour to know how he should call-what he so dearly esteemed Sir replied he I cannot but be very sensible how much your noble Friendship exceeds my poor deserts who am no other than a Stranger to you both however since you have conferred the honour of your Friendship on me I find my inclination not undisposed to embrace so great a happiness unless it be because I know my self as yet not to have merited it He seemed to have a special amity for Clidamant and no small respect for Agenoris though his Eye was ever fixed on the first with a more than ordinary outward show of tenderness and in truth it may be said that Friendship never appear'd to be more sincere than it did afterwards between Clidamant and this pretty Youth They desired at length of him the knowledg of his late misfortune whereto he gave them some satisfaction though but small and they were loath to press him too much because they perceived by the measures he used that he had some most urgent reason to conceal the greatest part of his adventures from them notwithstanding he told them that if they pleased they might call him by the name of Theocles and that his Father was Governor of a Town in the neighbouring Island called Creet and that his occasions calling him to sail for Lydia the Ship wherein he was being driven upon the Cyprian Coasts by contrary winds and foul weather it chanced to run with great violence against a Rock where it split all to pieces and that when he found himself exposed to the merciless Seas that it was his lucky fate to lay hold of a small Box which he believed the Mariners had cast over-board with many other Goods to lighten the Vessel and which he now perceived to be his own by the aid whereof it appeared that he was carried above the water towards the shore where they had found him And now said he how sensible I am of those courtesies I have received from you nothing but my own grief can express for not knowing in what manner to repay them and indeed they do far exceed what-ever can be offered They both of them in the most obliging language they could were paying him their acknowledgments for what he had now related to them when they judged it time to retire by reason the night was pretty well wasted away and therefore after the usual Ceremonies in such cases they left him to his repose to seek their own But before the Sun had drunk up the Morning-dew they arose with an intention to entertain him and were scarce entred his Chamber when Agenoris espied his fair Kinswoman Emilia already performing the Office he designed to do a person endued with all the choicest Gifts of Nature I need not make a particular description of her Perfections since it is but guessing what might be thought most worthy of admiration to judg of her In the time the Court flourished she was thought by all that beheld her to out-shine the brightest Star there She followed her Kinsman Agenoris where-ever his destiny led him and was now an Inhabitant with him in his solitude as were also two Illustrious Gentlemen who were her faithful Adorers they both equally admired her whereby they forsook the former friendship in which they lived and became Rivals and by consequence enemies one of another They neither of them yet had revealed their griefs to her but by their sighs and eyes of which she did ever seem to take little notice The name of the one was Periander who indeed was of an age that could add no great lustre to Love The other was called Orontus a person endued with great Merit and one whose Youth did seem to argue on his behalf what the wasted years of the former seemed to oppose Agenoris with his Friend and Kinswoman after very pleasant discourses of Gallantry Theocles not being in a condition to make up the number to help to pass away the time all unanimously agreed to take a walk in the Plain that fronted the Grove wherefore all retiring to a private corner of the Chamber till Theocles was dressed which was not very long they went to execute this their design with very much content and pleasure only there appeared a small alteration in the brow of Agenoris ever since he had seen the unknown Lady insomuch that he found some difficulty to suit himself to the chearful humors of the rest of the company They had not walked far under the tuition of a pretty row of Trees that elevated their ambitious branches over the middle of the Plain but they were surprized with a clashing of Swords which they heard on the other side Agenoris and Clidamant were presently so curious as to the hazard of themselves to discover who they might be and to their no small trouble they found it was Orontus and Periander and
me already thou art rich enough in natural Riches thou art able to make Princes happy Adorable Mellissa dart down then a Ray of Comfort upon thy comfortless Agenoris and revive his Heart with the warmth of thy Love which must otherwise break If Modesty be a Virtue said Mellissa so is likewise Gratitude if it be Immodesty then to grant a modest Requital to him that hath hazarded his own Life to save mine I may then be said to abuse that commendable Virtue but since the World doth not use such unjust constructions I will pass a grant upon what you ask me It is Love you say come you have it Agenoris and though a Fort doth seldom surrender at the first Artack yet to you Agenoris you see it does the Service you even now did may make me excusable and doth make me sensible of what I owe to a Person like you but though you have my Love my cruel Fate will not permit me to give you that Requital you may merit and as I could wish for as you seem to be a Person of Honour I am you see but a poor gentle harmless Shepherdess one that would not willingly wrong her self nor have any body wronged by her especially you who are my Life's Preserver therefore if ever you loved to grant the desire of her you say you love let me intreat you not to endeavour the hastning to your dishonour by the enjoyment of miserable Me but rest contented with the knowledg that I love you yet if Fortune should change her Face towards me which seems not likely on lawful and honourable terms make me yours if not think it never can be yet this consolation I will afford you Agenoris that no body shall reap what by you was not obtained and for your sake I 'll die as innocent as I was born Since said Agenoris your Decree is such I must submit and will live if it be but to gaze upon those sparkling Eyes and in gazing I 'll enjoy what I so dearly love That sweet concordance of Colours in that lovely Face doth almost seem to ask me if desire is not limited therefore what can be more desirable than to behold a sight so glorious Much Discourse to the same effect which was very charming and passionate passed between them till being inquisitive how and where he might enjoy the happiness he now did once more she gave him to understand that in the same place where she now was he might every pleasant Evening find her attending on her Flocks and that as his Birth seemed honourable she hoped his Actions would speak him no less and therefore should not be against that freedom he desired since he looked like one who would make no ill use of it After he had paid her his Devoirs for the good opinion she seemed to have of him he for that time took his leave of her but with an intent to renew his Addresses to her the next day which he accordingly did taking Clidamant with him and when they came they found that Melintus her Father was with her who shewed them a Respect almost equal to what their Qualities required and having been informed by Mellissa how the brave Agenoris had been the Protector of her Life it is not to be imagined with what kindness they were received by Melintus which was not ill rerurned by Agenoris who after some indifferent Discourse with him did earnestly solicit him and his Daughter whom he highly respected to be his beloved Guests and to forsake their Sheep to accompany him to the Castle where he resided Many Arguments as well Clidamant as Agenoris used before they could prevail with them to leave that sort of life wherein they found so much content But at length what by the force of very rich Presents that they presented to Melintus and offered to Mellissa though she would except of none and what by most tender expressions of Love and Good-will they in the end perswaded him and his Daughter to accept of a Lodging far different from what she then had so giving the Charge of his Sheep to another Swain they guided their steps to their place of Habitation and having acquainted his other Guests of those he had newly received who did all of them extremely admire the Beauty of Mellissa and did not unjustly imagine that she designed more than to be a Shepherdess and thereupon gave her a Reception suitable to her Merit and not to what her Quality seemed to speak her and a Chamber was provided for her with a Maid to attend on her Person to the great joy and comfort of Melintus vvho knevv that Agenoris had an heart full of Honour and vvas not so abject as to do her any violence he likevvise knevv his Daughter 's to be proof against all enticements and therefore vvas not a little glad of the occasion and though the Presents h ehad given him by Agenoris vvere sufficient to make him forsake the Title of a Shepherd yet the peace and quietness he found in that life vvould not permit him to leave the svveetness of it insomuch that though he had changed his Cottage for a sort of Palace he vvould still each day frequent the Plains as vvould also Mellissa to guard the harmless Lambs Agenoris himself too for her sake vvould not scruple to take up the Sheephook to attend on her vvhere as he sat on the green Hillocks by her side he vvould divert her vvith the Stories of unhappy Lovers and pulling out his Flute vvould beguile the time vvith its Melody as she vvould vvith her vvell-tuned Voice He vvould never permit her to resort alone to the Plains neither vvould he be ever satisfied but vvhen he vvas in her presence and on the other side it vvas evident that she found not his passion displeasing to her nor vvas she uncapable of receiving the svveet sting of Love hovv agreeable vvere his Sighs to her and hovv charming the expressions of his Love But let us leave these avvhile to endeavour to ease our other Lovers and first let us learn the immediate cause of their several sufferings vvhich could not be vvith more case guessed at than by an Adventure vuhich hapned one day to the general amazement of all the Company It vvas after Agenoris vvas returned from attending on his Mellissa in the Plains vvhen being entred the Castle and into a lovver Room vvhere Emilia Theocles and others of the Company were he saw Clidamant with much eagerness as the Company all imagined Courting of the Fair Emilla while Theocles walked chafingly about the Room as though something had given him cause of offence Agenoris addressed himself to him and perceiving him to look discontentedly asked him the cause Ah Agenoris said he if ever you did bear any Respect to my Friend Clidamant or me or if ever you knew what true Friendship was I conjure you by those Tears which you see trickle down my Cheeks by whatever you hope
the true one every day Emilia on the other side loves Theocles whom she know not to be a woman and rejects the love of Orontus who long had been her constant adorer upon all which circumstances when Livia reflected it was both a trouble and a pastime to her she would not deliver Emilia's Letter presently to Orontus but stayed two or three days to find out an opportunity in which time she did and gave the Letter to him with the Instructions she had received from her Mistress he seemed very glad of it but could not deliver it presently to Theocles because of the pleasant Comedy that was passing between him and Clidamant and seeing them in in discourse together as he thought about some private affair he out of civility retired Being gone I must confess Theocles said Clidamant that the oftner I look upon the Picture I received from you I every time discover things that are more remarkable in it than I did before I find in the Face now wonders which does every minute even add more fuel to make that fire burn the fiercer that consumes me I confess I once loved Emilia and to all outward appearance most tenderly yet I find the love I have for this Idaea doth manifest that it is possible to be endued with a love more tender than ever that was and as my love to this unknown fair one doth daily increase so doth likewise my curiosity to see the person whom this Piece resembles Then with a look that almost spoke what he desired It is now a great while Theocles said he since you promised me a sight of this beautiful Creature when must be the time then that I must see what I never yet did but ever shall love when must my eyes enjoy a happiness that doth doubtless surpass all beautiful objects I ever yet saw and when Theocles when shall I with an awe that shall evidence as much the fear I have to offend as the desire my love inspires me with to please her let her know by whom she is adored and admired and who it is her shadow only hath made a Captive Are you resolved then replyed Theocles to make choice of no Woman but the choice I have already made for you you have the Picture of her I have pitched upon for you and now it shall not be long before you have seen the party it was drawn for Now you are kind Theocles said Clidamant the choice which you have made for me I like so well that if I would yet would not my inclination permit me to love any other therefore it is she that must give me either Life or Death and I have some glimps of hope by what you have told me of her that her pitty may cause her to be inclined to the first rather than to the latter Then said Theocles smiling I perceive you think to make an easie conquest of her before you have seen her In truth your humour is pleasant you have so good an opinion of her I see that you think she loves no delays by a tedious courtship in that perhaps too she may agree with you for she may think them superfluous yet let me tell you Clidamont that though she doth not love superfluities she is so prudent that she loves to try her pretendets before she will let them know her mind and then whoever she thinks most worthy them to be sure she will gratifie Suppose me Clidamant to be that Lady whom you pretend to love and whom that Picture represents and let me see after what gallant manner you will Court me to make me increase the good opinion I have of you Agreed answered Clidamant it is but a frolick and however you shall see that I 'll behave my self before you as if I were in her presence then making a low obeysance to Theocles he thus began Madam I need not tell you how much I was your admirer before I saw you for that were to say that Nature had not framed you more perfect than the Painter hath done but when I tell you that his Workmanship did first inspire my heart with love I hope Madam you will with reason believe that the works of Nature being more fair and perfect than their representations that if I loved you then I love you more now than ever I believed I could love any and as the Painters in their Land-skips of Woods Rocks Meadows and every thing else that is made to please the eye and fancy cannot in picturing the the Heavens draw the Sun with that splendour it therein appears but only by some faint stroaks represent the beams it sends forth a little before its rising or sometime after its setting so shew what they would do if they could even so doubtless Lady he could do no other by you some shining rayes he has adormed you with to let the beholder see that what he imitated was extraordinary and that he would fain have done more if his cunning could have accomplished it He was proceeding when his seemingly pretended Lady prevented him saying You are very expert Clidamant at your subtil flattering expressions to steal a Ladys heart away when she is farthest from suspecting of any such thing but alas you Gallants are all alike you will swear by Heaven and all that 's most Holy therein and by that which you flatteringly term Beauty that you adore your Mistresses with such a resolute constancy as cannot be parallelled and yet a new object extinguisheth those desires you had for the first to be rekindled in your mind for the second insomuch that all your pretended constancy consisteth in being constantly inconstant which quality if a Lady knows a Gentleman to be endowed with can you think if she be wise that she will give him any incouragement in his pretensions to her I understood Clidamant by a friend of mine that your humour doth not much differ from this and that you once loved a fair Lady whose Beauty I am sure deserves not to be slighted by you for the sight of any new face whatsoever yet because you love not to Love too long forsooth in one place you have forsook her to deceive another in the same kind Ah Madam said he passionately call you that inconstancy when the cruel rigour of her you speak of forced me to that I should otherwise never have done had I received that favour from her I most desired I mean her Love and after this obligation had I ingratefully forsaken her then might I have been termed inconstant and then might she have said False Man is this my recompence have I deserved this for making my tongue and heart agree But since her greatest desire was to be freed from my importunities and since the greatest kindness I could do her was to be seldom in her presence which did plainly testifie the aversion she had towards me what should I have done Madam since I could never so much as hope for what I desired did I
from my constancy and that I was resolved rather to lose my Life than my Honour he dragged me through retired and lonely places into solitary Desarts imagining by therein to take by force what he could not obtain by intreaty but the Gods did not forsake me in distress for the King of Pysidia coming then with a powerful Army upon the Town of Latronia Captain Decius Kinsman to Dyonisius came with Twenty or Thirty Horsemen that way just at the time when he was going to put in practice his pernicious enterprize when I saw this Troop coming directly towards us I began to hope for Death to put a period to my miseries or to change my Master Cleobalus who took them to be some of his own gang advanceth towards them and very boldly asked them whither they went But Decius imagining him to be one of those that King Arcon had set upon not knowing him to be the Governor of Latronia approached him and encompassed him so close that he had only the leisure to quit me and draw his Sword During this Combat I stole away from the Crowd because the little Casket I brought with me from Cyprus wherein were a great many Rich Jewels that were presented to me by Agenoris kept me from running I hid it in a little thick Bush and covered it with some White Linnen to the end I might know it again if I escaped In the same instant I took my flight but I had scarce got thirty paces from thence when five or six Souldiers of King Arcons Army that were there in the Field laid hold on me and were going to evil use me but Decius took me out of their Hands and said aloud Since I was the first spoil that was taken that they must reserve me to be made a Victim to the Gods They carried me then to the Lodgings of Dyonisius who commanded the Vant-guard of the Army and shut me in a Chamber till the taking of Latronia here it was I heard of the Death and Name of Cleobalus from this place I was carried to Pisidia to be sacrificed at the Temple of Jupiter to mention my Complaints and Lamentations the whole length of my Journey having left Agenoris without a Sepulcher in a Cave I should never find an end to my Discourse for I thought him dead and although the same night that I was carried away by Dyonisius I heard in the next Chamber to mine a Voice that resembled his I rather believed it to be his Ghost than him to be alive let it suffice to tell you that I did but change my misfortune in changing of place and it seemed as though Fate would preserve me from one disaster to make me fall into a greater for scarce had I been a day at the House of Dyonisius the Priest of Pysidia but Philander who was his youngest Son broke open the Gates where I was enclosed and carried me away from his Fathers House accompanied with three more Youths besides himself promising that if I would consent to marry him to render me the happiest Person in the World and to preserve my Life all his promises were unavailable to me the Visage of Agenoris had so deep an impression on my Soul that to extinguish the least Character of him was to take away my Life and whosoever could make me love any other Object must cause me to be born again and enrich me with a new Heart Philander thought nevertheless that time might sweeten this Natural Obstinacy that seemed to be in me and that at length Love might softly steal upon me with this hope he carried me away to Pamphilia where he had some acquaintance but as we were passing along through a large Forrest to go to the Town of Pezga which is near the Sea we saw our selves encompassed by Ten of the Kings Guard who were then pursuing a Syrian Gentleman as I know since who had secret Intelligence in Forreign parts and would endeavour to stir up the People to rebel against their Legitimate Soveraign and because Philander as they told us since did much resemble him they seized upon us and carried us to the King but when they had examined him more nearly they sent him again into his own Country without any farther trouble and the Queen of Pamphilia stayed me in spight of him having secretly understood that I was stolen away by him I remained sometime in this Kingdom and can without vanity say that there was neither Cavallier nor Lady at the Court but thought the sight of me a favour I must confess I was ashamed of receiving what I believed I so little deserved in a Prince's Pallace not onely because I knew nothing in me that could make me worthy of the least Favour they shewed me in a Place of that Splendor but because I knew how mean my Birth was and though I had Apparel and every thing else allowed me that was truly Magnificent yet I thought my self still in my Shepherdess Weed and though I also sometimes sate on Cloth of Gold I thought my self as it were seated on a Swelling Bank of chearful Green still keeping my homely Flocks But when I likewise thought on the Death of Agenoris for I could not be perswaded that he was alive I was no more capable of any Contentment I passed my dayes in perpetual Languishings and every Object I saw offended my sight I entreated the Queen then to permit me to go and end my days in Cyprus there was then a Pilot in the Port of Necopolis that was going towards Famagusta he put me under his protection but it was to engage me in new misfortunes for we were scarce got Forty Leagues from the Port but a Pirate took our Vessel and sunk her after he had taken all the Merchandize and all those that were in her out of her I was carried Captive to the Island of Rhodes and I escaped narrowly losing my Life there for these Pirates have a Custom to Sacrifice a Virgin to the God Neptune every time they go to make some Voyage and as bad luck would have it the lot fell upon me but as if Fate would seem to contadict it self the Priest became deeply in Love with me he hid me in the most retired place of his Lodgings and changed my Habit taking away every thing that he thought might render me remarkable and when the day of the Sacrifice came he took out of the Prison a young Grecian Virgin who had been taken about Ephesus and for whom they were in hopes of a great Ransome he Apparelled her in my Cloathes and brought her to the Sea side where she was Sacrificed in my place During the Ceremony and knowing that every Body was gone to see the Spectacle and that no Body could hinder me from going forth I took a Resolution to run away to deliver me from the slavery of so many Corsares the effect did happily answer my expectations I got clear of the Isle of Rhodes by favour of the
for of Happiness and by the Love you bear to Clidamant to desire him to desist from Courting of that Lady something I could tell you that might perhaps move your heart to do the thing I desire of you if what I have already said would not but several Reasons oblige me to conceal it till such time as it makes a voluntary appearance of it self besides I have made an Oath not to do it by that strong Argument then though unknown to you and whatever it be let me implore of you to fulfil my will in this You know I suppose with what sincerity Emilia is already Adored by the two Rivals Orontus and Periander suffer not Clidamant then to obstruct their Progress for I question not but she may one day smile on one of them consider then seriously of what I say and without asking me any other Reasons than what I have told you for my being thus urgent in this Affair use your uttermost power to put a stay to his proceedings Agenoris was something surprized at this Discourse and told him that if his desire aimed at his Friends good Fortune he should rot contemn the present Actings of Clidamant since the Lady he seemed to love was both Fair Honourable and Young for which Reason he should rather rejoyce at it than seem to be confused and troubled O never never propose this thing to me said Theocles if you do you kill me Agenoris then seeing him so eager in his intreaty though he was not able to discern the occasion of it promised him to make use of all the power he had to prevent it and withal desired him to rest satisfied till he had effected it Theocles had no sooner paid him his Acknowledgments for the promise he had now made him but Agenoris left him and went strait towards Clidamant and Emilia to the end he might break off their Discourse if it were of Love as he could think no otherwise after then some indifferent Discourses with them both a-while he took Clidamant aside who was ever his trusty Confident to ease his distressed mind by entertaining him concerning his Beloved Shepherdess Ah Clidamant said he had you but seen and heard with what a Grace she pronounced that which must be the cause of my future Hope or present Despair your surprizal would have been great and then gave him to understand what progress he thought he had made in that Fair-One's heart and Clidamant could not choose but contribute with him in his joy though for his own part he found but little cause for having received a wound from the Eyes of the Fair Emilia and imploring her relief her Rigour had almost made him desperate for in stead of finding Love he found her Hate Agenoris then disswaded him from loving Emilia and shewed him how unjust it was to seek to deprive Orontus and Periander of that Happiness they laid claim to before him for which they but now would have sacrificed eath others Lives All his Arguments were in vain it was enough to know he loved to apprehend he was obstinate for which cause Agenoris said not much more to him but induced him to accompany him to see the two Rivals wounds which were not very considerable and afterwards because it was late to their several Apartments and so to their rest But when day-light had conquered darkness every body with much willingness left their Beds especially Orontus and Periander whose wounds being pretty well again were both of them upon going to give a Visit to Emilia but with what face to do it since they had both been regardless of her last Commands they knew not However Orontus imagined himself to be less Criminal than his Rival because he was provoked to do what he did in defence of himself with this assurance then though seized with a certain awful fear of some just punishment from her for what she thought him guilty he saw her first and in humble kneeling told her that he was come to sue a Pardon of her for a thing which though in her Eyes might make him seem altogether Criminal yet when she should know what provocation occasioned it and the necessity he was in either to die upon the point of his Rival's Sword or to use his own in defence of that Life he was every minute ready to sacrifice for her sake he hoped she would in some measure lessen the severity of that Decree he saw she was every moment ready to pronounce against him and though this last Action of his might bear the outward form of negligence yet was his Will altogether obedience But Madam said he rising up if what I have done does make me black with guilt before you let me receive my punishment from your Fair Hands when he had said this he opened his Breast drew his Sword and offering it to her said here Madam give your disobedient Servant that which he hath justly deserved and let him be blest with Death from your Fair Self which will be so welcome a Favour that in dying he shall think you have been kind because you will then deprive him of a Life which would have been worser than ten thousand Deaths to me should I have lived in your Hate Here Madam proceeded he in opening his Broaâ—â— wider let out this guilty blood strike Madam and strike home But she only turning her Face aside and bidding him put up his Sword told him no that though the Crime of which he was guilty had given her a just cause of offence yet was not her aim at his Life for you may live said she in a saint note but not to love me you may find enough whose Deserts and Beauties are far more powerful to inspire Love than any thing you can see in me I shall not banish you my sight for what you have done because I see something in your Face that speaks a silent penetence but yet I must conjure you never to speak more of Love to me one word of it hereafter condemns you to an everlasting Exile She had scarce pronounced this heavy Sentence on poor Orontus but Periander entred and at her Feet was going to speak his submissions when she prevented him in saying she wondred how he dare intrude himself into her Presence after what he had done adding withal that it was in vain for him to speak for she would hear nothing he should alledg in his Vindication Madam said he trembling I come not here to plead Innocence but like a Prisoner at the Bar I wait for that punishment I merit and Fair Judg as it 's you only that must pronounce the Sentence it 's you only that must inflict the severity of your Indignation Since it is so Periander said she I charge you never to see me more and without one word more of Reply rising up from the ground making a low Bow with the Tears in his Eyes and a down-east Look Madam said he you shall be obeyed and
pray smile upon him and do not wish him harm I wish him none said she Theocles with a sigh but I must not love him nay I cannot since you can plead so well for your Friend said she smiling what a becoming Orator would you be for your self if you had occasion but pray desist from speaking any more in his behalf for fear my weakness should make me submit not to deny you Ah Madam added he did you but know how sincere his Love is did you but know how little he enjoys himself and did you but know what deep-fetched sighs he breaths for your sake certainly your Pitty would introduce Love Pitty him I do replied she blushing because I cannot love him and that 's all he may hope for from me yet tell him I would have him live She spoke this in a kind of distracted manner and with a faultering speech and a look extremely wild and fain would she have revoked her words but that she thought it too late because they were already uttered Theocles rejoyced exceedingly for having obtained thus much of her on his Friend's part and therefore with many thanks to her for the same he left her to carry the poor Lover the chearful News which he had no sooner told him but it seemed to him almost incredible And does Emilia bid me live said he can she then pitty her languishing Lover As Storms at Sea do for the present make the despairing Seamen prepare for unwelcome Death yet when by some miraculous Fate the roaring Winds suddenly cease and the briny Ocean does once again wear a smiling Calm it doth in such manner chear up the Heart of the mournful Mariner that his present joy causeth him to forget his past misery Even so this unexpected Blessing which Emilia hath conferred upon me does so revive my drooping Spirits which were once perishing in the frightful Sea of Despair occasioned by her storms of Cruelty that the desire I once had to die to be eased of my sad pain is changed into a pleasant desire I have to live Since it is likewise by her command brave Sir said he to Theocles in embracing him the remembrance of that singular Favour you have now done me is too great not to be acknowledged which I am sorry I can no otherwise do than by bearing the unfeigned Title of your Obliged Servant too small a Requital for so noble a Courtesie Theocles returned his Complements after a very gallant manner and then left him to search for Clidamant to learn of him whether he had yet heard any news of Agenoris and Mellissa who sorrowfully told him that the Servants were returned but could hear nothing of them except it was those that took their way towards Paphos who informed him that after enquiry made there after two such persons they had been seen in the Temple of Venus Clidamant seeing all his endeavors to find them were unprofitable was sensibly grieved as was likewise Old Melintus as vvell for the absence of Agenoris as for the loss of his Daughter But much more vvere all their sorrovvs increased vvhen novv they had vvaited vvith longing expectation to learn Nevvs of them till the Sun had half finished his Course through the tvvelve Heavenly Signs and yet nought could be heard of them then vvas it that all Hope began to forsake them then vvas it that their Tears did once more manifest hovv much they suffered by such a loss but time at length made them consider that since there was no other Remedy they must be constrained to rest unwillingly contented And indeed Clidamant however sorrowful he was for the absence of the Prince yet was he not in the least neglectful of paying his Devoirs to Emilia which in the same moment did seem very much to perplex Theocles though Clidamant perceived it not his small success in his Application to her gave him great displeasure and small encouragement to proceed though Love perhaps might be of force to make him endeavour to resist his Fate notwithstanding which his trrouble was apparent enough for he would sometimes seem to rave and in his ordinary Discourse would often breath out Emilia at unawares how to heal his mind he knew not till on a certain day a sudden thought possessed him and he resolved to visit the Temple of Venus at Paphos and thence to learn his Destiny and to know whether he might ever obtain the happiness he aspired at he soon prosecuted his design where saluting the Priest and deolaring the occasion of his coming he found admittance into the Temple and being silent till the usual Ceremonies to the Goddess were performed formed he by the instigation of the Priest did kneel down and made the ensuing Prayer Great Goddess thou who art not only the Governess of poor Mortals present Fate but likewise of their future Thou who alone canst make Lovers happy and art the only Ruler of our Affections Thou who canst trace the unbeaten Paths of the Soul and art the true Vniter of all pleasing desires grant the Humble Supplication of a Love-sick Mortal and reveal to him whether he may extract any thing of Sweetness from what doth appear to be most Cruel or whether Cruelty may continue to Reign in what doth bear the outward form of much Sweetness whether the Heart of her he affecteth hath any room to entertain Love or whether Love may make him hope for a Return from the Heart by him affected Having ended his Prayer the Altar before which they were planted seemed to give a deep-groan and the hollow and retired Vaults of the Temple like distant Thunder in loud whisperings to presage that the Oracle was going to speak which in a faint though plain Voice it did in these following words The Oracle Thou doest to Love pretend but lov'st not well And art not lov'd yet there 's none can excel A Love so true as is for thee in store In Venus Grove the Gods will tell thee more Neglect not then t' embrace that courteous offer The Gods themselves will thee that moment proffer Scarce was the Oracle silent but Clidamant departed with much distraction in his thoughts and discontent in his looks for he found himself as much unsatisfied as he was before in vain therefore did he often endeavor to unravel the sense of what he had heard it seemed all along to him so palpable a contradiction that the more he studied the more he found his thoughts incumbred though he imagined the latter end did plainly seem to flatter him but yet for two or three days he continued very melancholy keeping his Chamber and deserting Company in so strange a manner that it raised an astonishment in all that knew him although those who knew him well attributed it to the absence of Agenoris the third day he seemed not altogether so sorrowful nor was he yet in the least danted at the several Repulses his Mistress gave him but renewed his Suit to her with as much
said Theocles you have thus revealed your thonghts to me and have given me a positive answer to the thing I demanded of you Wonder not if I now tell you that since my arrival into this Island I have obtained a singular accquaintance with a Lady between this and Paphos who by my procurement hath often seen you though unseen by you perhaps she is not altogether destitute of those qualities you desire in a Lady you would pretend to such esteem she may have for you which when you throughly come to know you will find you have reason to chearish if I have revealed more to you than her own modesty would suffer were she here if ever you know her as you are a Gentleman I doubt not but you will give such a favourable construction of her behaviour as she most deserveth It s the general discourse of them that know us both to report her to be extreamly like me and indeed nature hath made her features so concordant with mine that we have often been taken for fister and brother Now if you will promise me utterly to reject Emilia and to take no Wife but what I shall chuse you may sometimes see her Let the Gods witness replied Clidamant I do faithfully promise it though Emilia still may Iodg in a corner of my heart and mind yet I doubt not but the sight of this beautiful Lady you speak of and the remembrance of the formers cruelty will expel her quite it is impossible that any Lady can smile on me did I not know thee Theocles to be a real friend I should not believe thee I am so astonished at it that I do almost think my fancy deluded yet said he again to himself softly this must be the proffer I was advised too by the Gods I must not nay I find I cannot refuse it the place I am in is Venus Grove and then said he more loud I do resolve to embrace this happiness and do here absolutely promise to take no Wife but she you shall chuse for me if she be like you Theocles I shall in truth think her not unhandsom I have often wished that the transmutation of Sexes were real that you might immediately commence Woman for whereas now being a man though the esteem I have for you is not small were you a Woman my Love to you would be boundless But when said he very eagerly where and how shall I see this sweet Creature Soft said Theocles I have not yet done you shall see her presently so putting his hand in his Pocket he pulled out a Picture in a Case of Gold embellished with Precious Stones and gave it to Clidamant here said he take a view of this and keep it till you have seen the Original which in a proper time you may likewise Clidamant observed this Picture as one that had been altogether deprived of sense he had not so much as the power to move a step forwards but stood still to take a strict view of all the parts of it Gods said he to Theocles this does far exceed all that I could imagine to be most Beautiful and how far does this Face excel the description you made of her if her Idea or Copy then be so excellent doubtless her Person must be Incomparable for the Painter could not be so cunning sure but he hath missed some of the best Features and though he hath represented a Skin whiter than Alabaster yet I am apt to fancy he hath not brought it to the clearness of hers then said he first looking upon the Picture and then upon Theocles in truth this hath a near resemblance of your Features and yet methinks I see something in you that seems to exceed some Perfections in this Face however this is the resemblance of a Treasure worthy of our wonder and now I find I have no more love for Emilia than just as much as may make me say I do not hate her A Star of the first Magnitude is glorious so is Emilia but as the Beauty of the Sun doth far exceed that so doth this dazling Beauty out-shiue the Brightness of hers and though my eyes were never bless'd with the sight of this Fair Object yet may I safely say that never any had a love in store for those they never saw like that which lies concealed in my Breast for her Thus they discoursed while they walked he admiring what he saw and Theocles giving him encouragement to continue his admiration till they came to a solitary place in the Grove where the thickness of the Trees combined together to make a thicker shade than in the other parts of the Wood which though lonely was exceeding delightful Thither were they no sooner arrived but they were surprized with a mournful note as it were of complainings issuing from the thickest parts of those Trees near which they were they stood some time a little still to listen and thought they should know the Voice and softly approaching a little nearer they could distinguish what he said which was very pittiful and much after this manner Ye Powers why have you deprived me of the only comfort I had of my Life and let me live No no my only joy now is the time now is the time I must follow thee when my Soul in Airy-mists pure and white as the Love I bear thee shall ascend and meet thee in the middle Region where sitting on a Golden-Cloud I 'll fly into thy Downy Bosome whose softning Charms shall melt me into Dew when being ready to drop down upon the Flowers here below thy powerful Beauty shall like the Sun raise me up again then in each others Arms we will gently fly from that lower part through a more refined Air till we have reached the Starry-Orb and in the Milky-way we will spend some time in chaste Embraces and undefiling Kisses and to the Harmony of the Heavenly Sphere we will dance our way into Elizium where we will obtain all pleasing Satisfaction where we will be Crowned with everlasting Love and where we will triumph over Death and obtain leave of the Gods to make it our perpetual abode I am coming Mellissa said he I am coming Pretty Nymph when he said this Clidamant chanced to get a sight of him through the Trees when he was just going to fall upon his Sword they both rushed in and prevented him and were not a little glad of it because they first heard and then saw that it was the lost Agenoris so long mourn'd for by all that knew him He was a little astonished at their sudden coming upon him but being come to himself said he to them endeavouring to get from them when I was here before I took you both for my Friends but this action of yours doth now make me believe otherwise If you had a respect for me you would suffer me to do what I would with my self since what I do is for my own ease and future happiness Do you think
I must out-live Mellissa nay do you think I can these eyes said he these wretched eyes were witness of her cruel death I will therefore deprive them of sight by mine they would not consent to what was so injurious to himself After they had given him some comfort they perswaded him to go with them to the Castle where when he was come he was welcomed with all the joy they were capable of expressing which did plainly evidence how generally he was beloved by them all yet when they saw his humour so altred and melancholy so predominant in him we are not able to think how great their trouble was Emilia was discontented and Clidamant notwithstanding his late cause of joy was sad Theocles was very much interessed they were all unsatisfied till they could know the Original cause of Agenoris his affliction and which they believed they should never know till they could find him in a condition to relate his Adventures that they likewise might know where he had been all this time they were silent for six or seven days but afterwards they presumed to intreat him and though he knew it would but renew his sorrow to relate his sufferings Yet since nothing could lessen it but the sight of Mellissa living and since they were his Friends that importuned him he one day began his Story in this manner The Adventures of Agenoris and Mellissa IF there be any body under Heaven that have cause to complain I believe it is only I to whom Fortune hath given the most occasions for whatsoever I can say touching my miserable Condition my Sufferings surpass the number of my words and if I should go to make a relation of all the dangers I have run and the divers accidents that hapned to me since my departure from hence the Sun that now begins to rise in a smile will sooner finish his ordinary course than I can make an end But as briefly as I can you shall have it When we departed hence we went to Paphos to the Temple of Venus where we both desired to learn whether or no our Loves should ever be Crovvned vvith Marriage-Rites the Priest had no sooner made his Prayer to the Goddess touching vvhat vve demanded but the Lamps vvent immediatly all out of themselves and left us in the horror of a dismal Darkness long did vve not continue so for soon after they vvere all lighted again to our great amazement Then did vve behold the Divine Statue to tremble svveat and to vveep in such a manner that vve could discern the Tears in Pearly-drops glide dovvn her Cheeks The Goddess said the Priest is not a little moved at something these are deep Prodigies He had no sooner said these vvords but her Tears seemed to be dried up again and then she smiled in an excessive manner the Lamps also vvhich in the time of her vveeping did burn but dimly vvhen she began to smile gave a more glorious and bright-shining light than they had done before All vvhich things moved a general vvonder in the hearts of us all and the Priest which vvas likevvise a little terrified vvent strait behind the Altar to understand the mind of the Goddess and coming forth again vvith a strong and plain Voice he declared her Mystery in these following vvords Oracle WHen the threatning Danger is gone and past and Death hath triumphed over both till then and not before your Loves shall pleasing be to us and a Shepherdess shall be thought worthy of a Crown After this had been said vve left the Temple to return homevvards both of us very much confused at vvhat vve had seen and heard and the more because it promised us no happiness till death We continued still vvalking till vve came to some Trees under vvhose cooler shades vve designed to sit avvhile for our refreshment though vve soon found it to cost us dear for vve vvere scarce set dovvn but vve savv our selves environed vvith five or six men vvhose hideous postures and outragious vvords gave us not the least hopes of escaping from them They vvere Armed vvith long Cimeters and large streight Bucklers and they had every one by his side a short Dagger But vvhether they had met vvith no Prey lately at Sea for they came as from thence to be so desperate as to land and seek some on the Shore of this Isle a thing never knovvn before or vvhether it vvas their nature that rendred them thus furious nothing can be imagined to appear more barbarous than their grim looks sparks of fire seemed to issue from their eyes and the rage vvith vvhich they fell upon us raised such fear in the Heart of Mellissa that she svvooned avvay and I vvas in the extremity of either losing my life or generously preserving it by contemning of death I vvould have been content to have fallen into their hands alive if Mellissa might but escape I put my self then into a posture of Defence and presented my self before these Inhumane Tygers vvith my Svvord in my hand and making use of all vvhat either Art or Nature had given me of Perfection and Agility I throwed my self among the midst of my Enemies giving some Blows and receiving others and made a sign to Mellissa to take her flight while opportunity presented Three of them I had no sooner dispatched but I saw six more coming toward us three of which seeing Mellissa endeavour to escape run after her and the rest came upon me I put my self in a posture to receive them but they came upon me so strongly and I being already almost spent vvith the length of my Combat that I vvas constrained to give way to force I desired them that if they had not altogether banished Humanity from among them that they would treat my Sister meaning Mellissa with Civility and if you have any design upon my life let her that fled live by my death The confused language of these Villains and the anger which they bore on their Faces made me lose the hope of ever softning their hearts they bound us together and loading us with chains of Iron they blinded our eyes and pushed us before them with all the rigor imaginable till we came to the Sea-side where having a Boat in readiness for them in it we were thrown and carried on Board of a Ship that lay scouting upon the Coasts for their return Being on Board they unblinded our eyes and put us into the Hold we had not sailed above four days and nights before they blinded us again and carried us on Shoar where I understood by a great noise when we landed a whole Troop lay ready to attend them they set us Horseback our eyes being still blinded and carried us as we understood afterwards upon the side of Mount Taurus where unblinding us again they dragged us into an obscure Cave under the hollow of the Mountains where they fastned us in two divers places to the end we should have no discourse one with another
seeing that no News could be heard of Mellissa and that they intended to put me to Death did underhand deal with my Keepers by a sum of Money for to get away for besides the Box I had found of Mellissa's which was very full of rich Jewels I had much more about me which I had at the time of my departure from hence my design succeeding then as heart could wish I took my way where my design guided me and perswading my self that Philander was gone towards Caria because that those the King sent after him had taken that way in a disguise that they might not know me again I followed them at a distance but I was not got fifty Miles from Antioch before a Courier from the King came to give notice that the Sacrifice was done and that it was not necessary for them to go any further Then was I in new apprehensions I knew not whether I had best return back again to Dionisius and present my self a Victim or go into Caria where I had some acquaintance The death of Mellissa bereft me of any desire I might have to survive her and when I saw that they were not permitted to go any further I easily believed that she was found and that King Arcon had sacrificed her to the Gods Can any one concevie themselves to be more miserable than I When I reflected upon all these cross accidents truly I then believed that Fortune had done all she could to me I went into Caria and came into the Town Heracleus near Latmos where Reigneth the King Polidor I continued in that Court for sometime where my friends were troubled to see so much grief in my countenance The Price was very civil to me and would make me use all manner of Diversions to endeavor to drive away my Melancholy sometimes would be carry me to hunt upon Mount Latmos but nothing could dissipate that Melancholly that consumed me In fine after I had took my leave of this Prince and returned him thanks answerable to the favors I had received of him I had a desire to return and end my days here in Cyprus I embarked at the Haven Mileta and sailed by the Isle of Rhodes but it was but to render me more miserable for I was taken by Pyrates who robbed me of my money and of the Box I had that belonged to Mellissa nevertheless as I was fastened in the Cabben all alone as they were consulting upon my life there came two great Vessels sailing upon us and stuck so closely to us that we were constrained to change our Master as if the Gods would punish the injustice of the first by the wickedness of the other This new change filled me with new fears for wishing for nothing more than death and not being capable of receiving it it was to dye as often as they gave me hope of life the Merchandize of our Vessel and all the Prisoners being put into the Ships of the Conquerors I saw the most cruel and bloody spectacle that fortune could make me see I perceived Melllissa upon the shore of the Island of Rhodes on that side of it where it advanceth it point into the Ocean for we were not very far off from it who was fastened and bound with chains followed by an infinite number of Corsaryes and a Priest that held in his hand a knife to cut her throat I could not well see her face for a long vail covered her head but I knew her cloathes her port her Actions and what I had formerly took notice of in her that was most remarkable the Vessel wherein I was threw out her Anchor to stay and see the ceremony for there was an Altar erected on the shore upon which the Incense did already smoak and all preparations were made for the sacrifice I took notice of this prodigy a great while Is it possible said I to my self that Mellissa is not yet dead Is that her Ghost or is that which I see true I know her apparel and if my eyes deceive me not I see the very features of her face O Gods said I if it be so plunge me in the bottom of the Sea to the end I may not see so horrible a massacre the Pilot who saw me in those transports not knowing the cause of such a sudden motion laid hold on me for I was just going to cast my self into the water for my eyes alas must that word be pronounced saw the knife stuck in the throat of that Divine Beauty I was grieved I could not give her the last adieu nor know the cause of this barbarous action the Captain of our Vessel straight hoysted his sayls and we were carryed into the main Sea having no other objects to behold but Air and Water I enquired of those that were prisoners with me what ceremony it was we had seen uon the shore they answered me that all that Country was peopled with nought but vagabonds and Pyrats who before they sailed upon any enter-prize had a custome to cast lots amongst their slaves for which of them should be sacrificed to the Divinities of the Sea Scarce were we lanched into the Ocean when the rising of a mighty tempest made large foulds upon the waters and the fury of the wind was so great that our Vessel was split all to pieces nevertheless as if I could not meet death in the middle of so many dangers I saved my self upon a broken table and meeting as fortune would have it a ship that was sailing for Pamphilia I got into it and arrived safe at the Haven where the Gods darted on me a ray of their favor in giving me the knowledg of a Merchant I had once seen in Syria when I travelled thither who after he had favourably received me into his house made me take of him as much money as I would to relieve my train but I who desired to have no body with me took up as much mony as I thought would bear my charges to Cyprus when imbarking in the first ship that was bound thither I happily arrived at Paphos where after I was landed I was about to sacrifice my life in the Grove of Venus to follow my Dear Mellissa when you Theocles and Clidamant did too soon prevent me Pardon me dear soul continued he If I have not rendred thee tat duty I ought to have done my life I know is a present thou must expect and I ask nothing more of the Gods than a glorious death that I may bear thee company in the Elizian shades In saying these words the tears trickled down his cheeks like Orient pearls and his grief would let him say no more Clidamant acknowledged love to be very powerful when he is master of all the other passions of which opinion they were all and said whatsoever they were able to comfort him and give him hopes of a better fortune for the time to come it now begininng to grow late they all but Clidamant departed the
I am in how can I expect he should know what I would have him yet how dare I reveal it to him is there not a kind of modesty that restrains me from giving my tongue that liberty Alas I can but think if I should go about it how imperfectly and with what faltring Speech I should acquit my self of it nay my very Blushes would manifest my weakness to him Ah Clidamant what way shall I make use of then to discover to thee that secret thou least dreamest of Ah Clarinda thou art clearly lost happy hadst thou been if thou hadst never left Creet but why do I say so when I account all my happiness to be in Cyprus Should I tell him what I am and that I love him can I think it would not be the way to make me lose his favour and by imagining my humour to be light by such a declaration can I imagine too that he would not reject my generous proffer But stay I think I have begun a way already wherein if I proceed I may accomplish my design with prudence that picture I gave him may help me much in it Courage then Clarinda After these words were spoke Livia ran to the stone Steps to get to the Arbour to see who this Clarinda was where when she came she found it to be Theocles at which being at first not a little amazed it made him suspect that she had heard his discourse wherefore to prevent her from speaking and with a troubled countenance he said I doubt not Livia but your Ears were witnesses of some foolish Discourses I made but even now to my self but I imagin you are too discreet to believe them or if you do you are too prudent to publish them especially to those from whom they ought to be most concealed What I have heard replyed Livia I have too long suspected not to believe now confess then Theocles confess to me that you are a woman if I can be serviceable to you in your Love-commerce you may make use of one that will not betray you Know then Livia replyed he that I am a Woman I am called Clarinda and not to dissemble with you I must not disown I love Clidamant and that this Island was the first place of my Captivity I think I may not injoyn your secresie since it were to suspect ill of you for if my eyes deceive me not you have a countenance that bears marks of more honesty and good nature She would have proceeded had not Livia told her how great the obligations were she owed her for those good Sentiments she had of her and that she might be sure she would endeavour to conserve her self in her good opinion by keeping that concealed which was now discovered to her Theocles then took his leave of her to go in to the rest of the company because his too long stay might not raise some suspicion in them Livia continued still in the Garden where after she had fetched a great many turns she chanced to come near the other Arbour in the Terras-walk that was opposite to this where she had heard Theocles and there she heard a noise much after the same nature she had heard in the former and listning more attentively to it she thought it resembled the voice of Emilia her Mistress which made her half suspect the Garden was Inchanted she was resolved to hear what it was she said because she had had a suspicion a great while that she was in Love by reason she was more retired and melancholy than she was wont to be but with whom she could not divine for she knew that Orontus was slighted by her wherefore she had the patience to hear these words I find I am unjust for being so cruel to Orontus but alas had it not been for Theocles I could not have given my self these reproaches yet when I think with what an indifferent Eye he looketh upon me it sometimes causeth me to say to my self Thou hast deserved to be thus treated Emilia for rejecting true Love for indifferency but then Theocles knows not who loves him if he did perhaps he would carry himself with more complaisance towards me Alas these are but suppositions too for how could he choose but take notice of thy looks Emilia when thou wert in his presence what man is so stupid that cannot read love in a womans face when her eyes sparkle and dart pleasing glances upon the object beloved when a blush intermixt with a smile and a languishing look upon her lover doth show with what constraint she would conceal her weakness Then proceeded she Perhaps this Letter I have writ may not make me altogether despair and though he may thereby think me bold yet since I shall not be present to blush before him it will not so much confound me besides I know he is too generous to give a bad construction on what a Lady sends him In saying this she went forth of the Arbour into the Terras-walk and Livia retched a turn another way nevertheless in a small time after Emilia spied her and beckoned her to come to her and accordingly she obeyed Livia said she the experience I have had of thy fidelity doth not make me scruple to tell thee of the most inward passages of my heart If I tell thee then that I love Theocles I hope thou wilt not condemn me since thou art guilty of the same crime if it be a crime by loving Theobaldus Follow the instructions that I shall give thee touching my intrigue with Theocles and as thou hast been true to me hitherto continue so for the future and I do promise thee I will bring it about that Theobaldus shall be thy Husband nay and more than that I will give thee thy Wedding-Gown when thou marryest him Livia smiled at these words and modestly seemed to thank her But said Emilia proceeding in her Discourse and holding a Letter in her hand this Letter Livia I 'l recommend to thy care it is for Theocles do not give it him thy self but leave it to Orontus and tell him from me that if he hopes for any favour from me he must give it to Theocles with his own hand and withal let him know that in it I have fully expressed my mind to his friend concerning the resolution I 'l take Livia told her That she might assure her self that she would acquit her self of this Commission as she desired Whereupon Livia left her to effect her commands but when she was gone from her how greatly did she wonder at the strangeness of this adventure at least she thought it so and had it not been that she had promised secresie to Theocles she had told Emilia that he was in a woman these things could not choose but seem odd to her Theocles is in love with Clidamant who takes Theocles for a man and Clidamant is in love with a Picture the original of which he believes he never saw when he sees
not make use of the best means by courageously conquering this sullen passion and truly Madam it is none but you I must render thanks for taking me out of this Captivity to bring me I hope to one so pleasing to me that thereby I may fancy my self to be at more liberty by wearing your chains and to tast more sweetness than ever my life did afford me when I thought my self at the very height of freedom give me then that love the rigour of my first Mistress refused me and by my constancy you 'l find how lasting and true mine is I shall then likewise enjoy those sweets I before mentioned and which I hitherto did never find Here Theocles sighed and then said Well Clidamant I 'll try how faithful you will be to her you love But Lord what do I say proceeded she I have made a promise to my self to love no body that promise is unjust No body said Clidamant but Clidamant answered she and in speaking that she blushed so extremely that if she had not cunningly upon some pretence turned her face another way she would doubtless have betrayed her self this then made her resolve to break off this discourse which though perhaps she thought not very unpleasant however she imagined it might reveal a weakness in her which she had as yet no mind to have discovered After then she had rallied with him upon what had passed between them their discourses were concerning matters altogether indifferent in which interim Orontus entred and whispering Theocles in the ear told him he had something to deliver him from Emilia Clidamant thinking it not decency to remain there any longer departed the Room and scarce was he gone when Orontus produced the Letter and delivered it to Theocles telling him that Emilia had certified him in that Letter concerning the resolution she would take touching himself Theocles opened it and with much amazement read these words Emilia to Theocles I Know not whether these Lines may obtain their wished-for success as well because I expose my self to your censure by doing what so ill suits with our Sex as because I never found you in the least inclined to what I could desire you were If for saying I love you your unkindness can reach to that extent as to hate me for saying so I must then prepare to suffer an indignity occasioned by my imprudence I never before indeavoured to seek and I must confess had I not seen something in you not common in other Men I had not blushed by writing these Lines keep that concealed then from Orontus which I would have no body to know but your self and let me know whether it lyes in your power to oblige Emilia Orontus asked Theocles after he had read the Letter whether there was any comfort in it for him Theocles looks then began to be troubled but clearing them up again as well as he could not to make Orontus suspect what he had most reason to fear and having thought what to answer bid him take courage for it was all so favourable on his behalf that if he saw it he would scarce believe it and to that end therefore she had in it forbid him to let him see it because she had no desire to let him too soon know that which would so much please him If said Theocles I have told you what perhaps you should not know I doubt not but you are so discreet as to behave your self so before her as if you knew it not and however cruel she seems to you let not that cause your trouble because I tell you she hath here expressed her self more favourably perhaps then you could think and after he had begged his pardon of him for not shewing him the Letter poor Orontus departed the Chamber with a very joyful heart little thinking after what manner he was deceived When he was gone Theocles was at a stand to know what he should do in this intricate business but he continued so not long because he thought he had found out a way to help Orontus to what in all likelihood he was so far distant from which this design in his head then he quitted the Chamber with an intention to visit Emilia whom he happily found in her own apartment seeming to be very melancholy for there was no body with her but Livia at his first entring into the Chamber she turned her face away to conceal some blushes from him which she had no mind he should see by which modest bashfulness Theocles nevertheless might perceive that she was inclined to a constrained repentance for sending that favourable Letter Therefore said he to her because as yet he had no desire to let her know what he was Madam though your beauty be capable to charm the very Gods themselves and to make them forsake their heaven for one more delightful here below though all the graces that dwell in that face and the pure carnation which nature hath spread in those cheeks that dart forth such powerful influences as to make all those that behold you become your Captives and Madam though I am one among the rest the love of you must kill but not permit me to pretend to what will make me undeserving of those high favours you have conferred upon me which indeed have been so great that by giving you a denyal I may appear to you in some sort ungrateful yet I hope Madam when you shall consider that on the other side I shall be not only ungrateful but perfidious by betraying my friend who intrusted me with his hearts most secret passages and who not only did that but imployed me to indeavour to obtain that from you which he himself could never do you cannot be so unjust as to suffer it Shall I then betray poor Orontus that loves you and puts his confidence in me Shall I do that Madam which I when I have done you will with justice esteem me unworthy of what I wish I could tell how to accept or receive otherwise Besides he that will be unfaithful to his friend will certainly be so to any other may not you with reason fear then Madam after such an action that I would be so to you Am I then slighted by you Theocles replied Emilia ungrateful Man are Ladys so prodigal of such favours as I have thrown upon you as this ought to be esteemed of so No no proceeded she I did not expect this requital thy baseness unwòrthy man shall now banish thee from my mind for ever I 'll conquer that which hath made me indanger my honour and which I only have done by saying I loved thee yet this poor refusal from thee is returned me instead of affection and though my love was honourable as I imagine if you know me you think no otherwise I see you prize a Friend more than a Mistress the tender love of which doth far better deserve that name than the other love and friendship are there so linked
together that such a one deserves to be called the friend of friends But notwithstanding all this disdain and scorn must be the effect of your ill-bred Gallantry I beseech you forbear these injuries Madam said Theocles in interrupting her when I tell you that you have overcome I may with reason call them so and though I never yet loved woman I find your eyes are inducements too perswasive to make me be still in love with freedom and yet methinks I wish I could not love you that you might love despairing Orontus whom you will doubtless kill But alas I find said he with a counterfeit sigh that my love is too great to let my Rival have what I would solely have to my self I could likewise wish said Emilia that I could love Orontus his person I confess it is not unhandsom neither are his parts unanswerable to it but yet if I may say so Theocles I find I know not what in you which I cannot see in Orontus I find something so worthy of my affection that my very reason doth seem to say to me fix thy love there Emilia and now since you have begun to deserve what I doubt not but I have worthily placed let me see how constant you will prove You shall find I shall not be unconstant replyed Theocles but Madam as a mark of that love you are pleased to bestow upon your unworthy servant may I presume to ask you to grant a request I am going to demand of you What is it Theocles said she But a promise Madam answered he of no great importance 'T is granted already what ever it be said she therefore pray let me hear it Only proceeded he that if ever it should happen that you refuse to make me your Bride-groom you would confer that happiness on Orontus with the love you bear me If that be all said she I do once again confirm my promise for should I ever refuse you it would be me you might first tax with inconstancy but that I am certain will never come to pass I wish the thing you made me promise had been of greater consequence added she for I find I can deny you nothing that is decent Then Madam said Theocles because he would partake of some Mirth I 'l be bold to beg another favour of you You shall likewise have it said she therefore let me know your desire My desire is only Madam said he smiling That you would let me seal the Covenant that was now made between us How do you mean Theocles replied she Upon those cherry Lips Madam said he Whereupon he presently saluted her which made the Roses of her Cheeks wear a deeper dye then they did before and Orontus entred the Chamber in the same instant and saw him do that which did not a little displease him During his stay there Theocles read an anger in his countenance which he feared would too soon break out yet he smiled in himself to think how causless his anger was if he knew all the more cruel his Mistress seemed to him the more did his trouble seem to increase and had it not been for the respect of her in whose presence he was he had doubtless made an open manifestation of his displeasure on Theocles who because he would give him no further occasion went forth of the room Orontus imagined Emilia to be far more rigorous to him than she had been yet and therefore his suspicion that Theocles had done him a discourtesie increased the more he seeing then that all his protestations all his vows to her of the faithfulness of his love and all his unfained sighs did seem but the more to harden that heart he indeavoured to soften took his leave of her soon after Theocles even with the tears in his eyes and scarce was he got out of the chamber door but he found a piece of Paper handsomly wrapped up like a Letter which it seems Theocles had chanced to drop out of his Pocket Orontus had no sooner found it but looking upon it there it was he saw Emilia to Theocles he had both the curiosity and patience to see what it contained which when he understood you must needs think the latter left him to give way to rage and the first continued to find out Theocles whom he swore he would kill wheresoever he met him he raved stamped and poured forth all the imprecations he could invent against poor Theocles he called him whatever can be thought most vile and not long after finding him by chance by the Sea-side he thus accosted him with his naked Sword in one hand and Emilia's Letter in the other Insolent Traytor canst thou think to breath in this innocent Air after thy perfidious false and unworthy Action was it this Letter gave thee incouragement to behave thy self with that baseness and she O cruel Woman does she hate me to love this Traytor but my Sword said he flourishing of it in his hand shall chastise thee therefore defend thy self if thy guilt will permit thee to fight in so bad a cause Hold Orontus said theocles trembling because he never had been used to such Weapons whose very glittering struck terrour into him I am no Traytor Orontus as you believe me to be but on the contrary you will find that I have done you service Bold affronter replyed Orontus what dost thou deride me after thy treacheries did I not with these eyes see what thou didst to abuse me when I came into her Chamber did you not also deceive me by telling me what she never writ wherefore I will not believe any thing you shall say more He was going to bid him draw when Agenoris and Clidamant were come towards them and having asked Orontus the meaning of the posture they saw him in he excused it with a Joak which was likewise forwarded by Theocles for they were not so near them as to hear what they spake Orontus then for the present dissembled his trouble and they both accompanied Agenoris whom Clidamant had perswaded to walk out to divert himself for grief had so changed him and melancholy was so predominant in him ever since his return home for the loss of her he so dearly loved that it was to be feared it would kill him if they did not try to prevent it by causing him sometime to take the Air and to use all manner of noble and heroick exercises to expel that tormenting Grief the chiefest of which was Hunting but alas he took little pleasure in it for sometimes would he stray from the rest of his company and retiring to some solitary place there would he to the Trees and to the senceless Flowers that embellished the Grass give a pretty though mournful account of his present sufferings and from the yearly droppings of the Dew from their fragrant tops would he sometimes extract comfort because they seemed to be his companions in sorrow and to weep with him All those that did
it was drawn because the Picture was not so beautiful but much more were they surprized when she told them that they all once knew her as Theocles a man but never yet as Clarinda a woman I shall not need to defire you to call me the latter said she because you see my Sex not only requires it but it is also a name that is real whereas the first was feigned They remained all of them some time silent they were so confounded and they beheld her with admiration for if when she seemed to be a man she made one so handsom that she was without comparison now she was a woman she was so extremely fair and pretty that no Sun could out-shine her Clidamant blessed himself a thousand times for that the Gods had been so favourable to him what her Picture only excited in his soul her presence did make it double his extasie was so great that he wanted words to utter his transports but after he had a while silently admired at what he saw Heavens said he to himself what a divine Lady is here whoever sees her without a heart enflamed he either loves not or doth not know the sweet delights of Love Emilia was going to speak when Clarinda proceeded in her discourse There are several things I know said she that may seem incredible to this Illustrious Company if I should not explain them one I know is my continuance in this disguise all this time the other is the strangeness of my arival to this Island As to the first to speak truth I had a desire to have my Sex concealed but all that I shall say now for to excuse my discovery is only to intreat Emilia to remember her promise However said she smiling if she thinks me a fit Bridegroom for her I am content Well I see replied Emilia that notwithstanding all my strong resolutions to the contrary I must refuse you now I think I was guilty of no crime in loving you since never any man was seen with a face so lovely and though I loved you before imagining you to be the wonder of the Male Sex my love must not forsake you now because I must still love you as my dear friend However said Clarinda going to Orontus and making him conduct her or rather she him Here said she Orontus causing Emilia to give him her hand Now enjoy fair weather after all this foul she is yours Orontus she 'll be no more cruel now for my sake the love she bore me she now bestows on you see said she that blush doth now confirm what she promised me Then said Emilia in a low note after she had composed her countenance which was a little disordered since Promises should never be broke and since Fate hath thus unexpectedly ordered things I do not so much think Orontus said she that you deserve to have a place here laying her hand upon her heart but also that your constancy and your long service may more than have deserved it therefore to conser the love I had for Theocles on you is the least I can do but the most I am inclined to Then was it that Orontus saluted her hand but with the greatest Rapture imaginable and replied I am so over-joyed Madam at this fulness of bliss that I want words to thank you for it And then directing his Speech to Clarinda Can you pardon Madam the rudeness I lately committed against you I must confess it was ignorance made me guilty of it but I hope you are so good that since now I know my fault and am grown a penitent you will forgive me the obligation likewise I owe you for this days happiness doth even stupifie my senses when I think how little I have deserved this from you Clainda returned his complements in as gallant a manner as could be when Emilia going towards Clidamant whose eyes were stedfastly fixed upon the fair Clarinda told her That as she had been the occasion of extracting the performance of a promise from her on the behalf of Orontus she did now likewise expect that she should do the like on the behalf of Clidamant For said Emilia to her I know who it was you promised to bestow on Clidamant nay and he hath deserved her I 'll assure you since he loved her so tenderly before he saw her Perhaps replied Clarinda in a faint voice he may not with justice do what he promised because it is not unlikely that he hath found out some fair Lady whose merits are far greater wherefore I shall not urge him to perform what he hath promised Ye Gods said Clidamant running to her and saluting her fair hand with much eagerness can I hear this and not die fair Jewel said he either suffer me to perform the promise I made to your dear self for if you were once Theocles it was to no other and grant I may obtain what I have so long humbly sued for or with the wound those shining eyes have given my heart give me that which may end my days for any thing whatever it be fair sweetness if it come from you it can be no other than welcome Do you think I can kill you then Clidamant said she no here now take your Clarinda if you die with any thing from me it must be the excess of my love must kill you Kind Love I thank thee said Clidamant for affording me such heavenly Joys thy Deity shall be adored by me and thy Altars ever loaded with my Victims and thou kind Nymph who hast thus crowned my hopes with comfort shall find so true a love in this poor heart inclosed that shall almost make thee think it worthy of thy acceptance Here Agenoris interrupted him This is a day said he that hath been filled with nothing but wonders it ought to be solemnized for having produced such Miracles Now said he you are all happy But I who am and yet must not and who may and yet dare not Ye Gods how just are you thus to allay my happiness Divine Princess said he in directing his Speech to Alcandra I do adore you but it is an adoration that nothing equalleth but that I pay to the Gods themselves The Princess was going to answer him when Clarinda prevented him by telling him that doubtless what the Gods had done already they would complete and therefore bid him not refuse what they offered him so after a small pause I am now going to let you understand said she the occasion of my being at Sea My Father as I told you before is Governour of a Town in Creet on whom King Porus hath conferred many other Offices by which you may perceive he was not a little beloved by that Prince but one Polianor had insinuated himself into the Kings favour to that pitch that he seemed among all the other Favorites at Court to be the best beloved and being therefore one of no mean power after he hd long courted me under specious
Pirates themselves who seeing me in an ill Habit and Equipage for I disguised my self purposely and did use all the Art I could to make me seem homely and deformed I got then to a Town in Lycia where I consulted the Oracle and understood that Agenoris was alive and moreover that my Extraction was from Kings and that the Birth of Agenoris was not in the least despicable I likewise understood that I should find him in an Island very Famous scituated in the Eastern Parts of the Mediterranean Sea These words gave me both Joy and Grief I was glad of this happy News but I knew not what Island the Oracle meant I was nevertheless resolved to sail into Creet as one of the most Flourishing Kingdoms in the Mediterranean but not learning any News there of what I sought I embarked from the Town of Beau-port to sail here into Cyprus but to augument our Disaster we were by a Tempest cast upon the Coasts of Syria where the Pirate Martius concluded to render us miserable in robbing and depriving us of the richest things in the Ship where I ws embarked This Priate who was one of the Principal Agents of General Goudolo seeing me as he thought a Beauty that did not displease him became in love with me and after he had caused me to be dressed in the Richest Robes he had in the Vessel to obtain my Favour he presented me with a little Casket full of precious Stones I was very much astonisht and confused when I saw this present for I knew it to be the same Box that I had formerly hid on Mount Taurus when Cleobalus was preserved by Decius the same I mean Agenoris that you was pleased to honour me with when I was so far from being a Princess that I was below the scorn of the meanest subjects I have in Sicily not being willing then to refuse so precious a Gift I began to seem compliant to his addresses and to shew him some friendship as if I had esteemed my self happy in having fallen into his hands I came likewise to know that he had taken those Riches from a Sea-rover near the Island of Rhodes and how he had taken Agenoris and of the storm that had broke teir Vessels and how that of all that he then possessed he had onely saved that Box. I continued a while with him and by reason he hoped to Marry me he used all the Caresses and shewed me all the Civilities in the World Notwithstanding I lived in a continual fear for I could not be perswaded that Agenoris had escaped so fierce a Tempest he presently seeing Melancholly in my Countenance to divert me put me under the Tuition of his Nephew while he pursued a Cyprian Vessel which he knew would strait imbark from Cilicia for Cyprus he commanded us to land in a small Island that lies very near Tripoly which by reason of the multitude of Green Shady Woods that therein elevate their close Branches thereby causing therein a certain agreeable Solitude does bear the name of Desart I remained there the space of two days during which time I enjoyed all the content that could be obtained by hunting for the place being but very little frequented whatsoever way I looked I found subjects enough whereon to bestow mine Arrows but however fair I carrid my self to the Nephew of Martius I always endeavoured to wander to the Sea side to try if I could discover any Vessels wherein I might cast my self to go to Cyprus for I imagined that Agenoris could be in no other part In fine while our Marriners were passing their times in debaucheries and drunkenness in their Tents I at a distance discerned a Vessel that came directly to the Island it was the same Prize they expected from Cilicia which notwithstanding the Artifices of Goudolo and Martius did not omit to proceed in her Voyage I presently forsook their company faining my self to go a hunting and came to the Sea side just as those of the Vessel were landing the Captain of the Vessel who thought not that Martius was so near him was willing to remain there and refresh himself I recounted to him a part of my misfortunes and begged of him if he had any compassion of my miseries to retire me from this dangerous Labarinth because that the Pirates would not fail to pursue him the Captain who thought himself to be in safety in this Island began to think on what he had best to do and pressed his chief Mate on board and hoised up Sails and so steered away to our intended Port. We had not got far to Sea but we saw our selves pursued by Martius with three Brigantines notwithstanding we at length out sailed and lost sight of them and arrived happily at Amathussa where I was scarce landed and having hired a youth to carry my things for me but I overtook a Grave Ancient Man the same that is now in our presence who presently asked me if I had lived long in this Island I told him yes and that I thought I was born here Then pray Mad am said he since you are acquainted with the Countrey let me implore the favour of you to direct me to the place I should go to I remember I was once here before but it is some years since which is the greatest cause that I cannot find my way for time hath bred in me forgetfulness I am newly come from Sicily near to a place called Regium in Italy and because I would not forget the Mans Name I came to seek I have written it down which is Melintus Here I interrupted him and told him it was the Old Shepherd Melintus he meant I knew very well where he lived for I called him Father Pray Lady said he what may I term your Name I am called Mellissa said I then answered he pulling off his Hat and standing bare with the Page that waited on him which I must confess did a little confuse me My business is of greater weight to you than him the Gods have favoured me beyond my expectation by my thus happily meeting of you Know then proceeded he and be not surprized that you are no more a Shepherds Daughter but a Princess and of one of the greatest Islands in these Seas which is the place from whence I came I mean Sicily I am come to establish you in your Throne and to desire you to receive the Joys and Acclamations of your Subjects who do as much long to see you as they have been grieved to hear of your supposed Death Thus far added Mellissa I have told you of my Adventures the rest I will leave to Cleonidus meaning the Ancient stranger for that was his name Then did Cleonidus after a low obeisance proceed after this manner It were a folly worthy Gentlemen for me to go to prove by Arguments that the Royal Alcandra is a Princess since it is but observing her well to find marks enough in her of greatness to
shall sink beneath the weight of such a loss Madam said Evagoras These sweet expressions have revived my drooping heart and having you on my side I do not question Victory Dearest Princess were it not more for my Honour and the Love I bear you than for my Right I would not nay I could not leave you Generous Sir said Alcandra since I see you to be resolute then in your purpose go and may you return Victorious may all things answer my wishes to compleat your happiness and may the Gods prosper you but added she speaking more low however forget not her you have left behind in the midst of dangers blot not Alcandra out of your minde No said he with a deep sigh the thought of her will spur me on to Victory which I hope will be speedy that I may hasten my return too morrow then Madam I will take my farewel of you till then I shall not so taking the freedom of a salute which she did not in the least refuse him they both returned to the Castle Many tender expressions of the like nature passed between Clidamant and Clarinda whose eyes were all in tears at the thoughts of it Clidamant revealed his right name to her and told her how he was a Lord that lived in the Court of Cyprus and had followed the Prince Evagoras in his misfortunes and that she must no more esteem Agenoris as a private Gentleman but as that Prince he spoke of not long since because it is really him Clarinda was much astonished at this news though she said he had not carried himself so like a private Gentleman but that there were some marks of greatness in him that were visible Evagoras and Coriander for so we must now call them having fitted themselves with Armor and all other necessaries for their Heroick Enterprize they were preparing on the morrow to go but when Evagoras was taking his leave of the Princess she wept so bitterly that her excess of grief would scarce give her tongue the freedom of pronouncing the word Adieu and Clarinda instead of speaking to Coriander swounded away and was carried in by her Attendants They both being well mounted on two incomparable Horses Evagoras first having kissed the lips of his dearly beloved Princess gallopp'd away having each of them an Esquire to attend them with an excellent grace To have seen with what a resolution they departed it would even have moved pity and astonishment the first to have observed how ready they were to sacrifice themselves on Honours Shrine the other to remark the greatness of their courage It is to be imagined that in all the time of their absence the two Lovers Alcandra and Clarinda had but very little enjoyment of themselves Often did the Prince write to Alcandra and as often did Clarinda hear from Coriander which in the midst of this cruel affliction afforded them some comfort The last Letter they received was that the two Armies were going to engage and that as soon as the Battle should be ended they would make all possible speed to return to them again The first seemed to pierce their very hearâ—s for the apprehension they were in for those they loved yet their hope for the second was as a salve to heal the wound their fear occasioned Insomuch that the two passions of hope and fear seemed wholly to occupy them during the absence of Evagoras and Coriander Emilia who though she was touched with some regret for the absence of them both yet the presence of her Orontus over-powered all for her countenance was more chearful her behaviour more jovial and her heart more light than the rest and indeed her alacrity and chearfulness would sometimes banish those sullen thoughts which over-ballanced the minds of the other two Ladies She would endeavour to infuse into them the Cordial of Comfort and to that end would cause them sometimes to take the Air with her in the Fields Especially one day the three Ladies being in a Coach and Orontus on Horse-back which was some considerable time after the departure of Evagoras and Coriander when passing thorow a desolate Forrest they espied a Horse running very fast cross it with a man that lay on the ground all in blood as if he was dead they were presently curious to see this Spectacle and therefore all the Ladies presently descended from the Coach and Alcandra who approached it first saw that he was indeed dead Orontus who had a desire to know the original cause of this Massacre advanceth a little forward and at a distance he faw three men fighting very desperately with a young Lord who although he defended himself with much courage and valour yet did they press him with so much advantage that he was to expect nothing but Death Orontus presently hollowing immediately drew his Sword and gallopped directly towards them but he came not time enough to preserve the Lord from two wounds he received the one in his left Arm the other a little beneath the right Shoulder Emilia and the other Ladies there being nothing more timerous than this Sex fearing least some misfortune might happen to Orontus endeavoured to call him back as loud as they were able but as they came near to the dead body and saw him lie in that manner Alcandra whether she suspected something or whether she was desirous to see his face out of curiosity lifted up his Helmet for he was in Armor and finding it to be Evagoras O gods said she what dismal spectacle do I see here Is it then thou Dear Life of my Soul May the day thou departed from us be for ever accursed May the Sun on that day never shew its glorious Light and may it be for ever blotted out of the yearly Register Oh my heart why dost thou not break that I may go with my Evagoras to the Celestial Paradise Must I stay behind when he is gone No my Dear in shining rayes of light we 'll meet each other and since we could not here enjoy the fulness of Love we 'll intermingle souls in the other world and enjoy more sweets in our Etherial Beings than dull heavy Mortals can ever comprehend There will our lives be never crossed by fears nor into black despair our hopes shall never turn through the warm smiling beams of the bright Sun we 'll gently glide and therein amorously sport and play till on a sudden we find our selves wrapt in the heavenly Mansions Then addressing her self to the Corps But art thou then dead Evagoras Must thy Eyes be for ever shut It is Alcandra that calls thee it is Alcandra that bemoans thee and who if thou art now not dead will before thou diest render thee eternal testimonies of her Love At the name of Alcandra Evagoras who was in a swound by reason he had lost much blood and because of the blows he had received as well in the Battle as in this rencounter for his Armor was pierced in several