THE INDIAN HISTORY OF ANAXANDER AND ORAZIA WHEREIN Are mingled the Adventures of ALCIDARIS of Cambaya and the Loves of PIROXENUS Written in French by Monsieur de Boys-Robert and Translated into English By W. G. Esq CONCERNING The excellency of this History read the Letter of Monsieur du Balzac next after the Preface LONDON Printed by S. G. for J. Kirton and are to be sold as his Shop at the Kings Armâ— in S. Paul's Church yard 1657. AN ADVICE OF THE AUTHOR OF THE ORIGINAL Which may serve as a Preface to the Reader ALthough I list to passe here but as a bare Translator of Anaxanders Loves Alcidaris Adventures and to make my self more recommendable to thee seek my authority from the Arabians and Indians I assure my self Reader thou wilt be hardly perswaded that this History is true However it be seeing my aim is but to please thee and with pleasure to divert thee I care not much whether thou read my Book as a History or Fable so it do content thee If I did love to say much I would easily prove that there are in those brave Romances which are after the nature of Epique Poems instructions fit for all States that vice may be abhorred and vertue cherish'd as well as in Histories and in Romances so much the more as he that writes them proposes ever perfection to himself and sets those vertues in a more eminent degree whereof examples are presented us by Histories Besides there are but few Histories which do not either lie or flatter as they forget troublesome truths they publish lies that do oblige and commonly discover other mens imperfections to comply with some malicious minds and sacrifize to envy But the composers of Epique Poems and Romances are exempt from that black malice and most base complacency They describe things not as they are but as they ought to be T is without interest that they condemn foul deeds and Treasons and that they honor Justice Wisdome and Valor They make the guilty blush in their Consciences as well as true Historians and can tell better how than they to animate mens hearts in the defence of right and reason even to the last breath of life Besides that their design is but to be acceptable and stir up divers passions in the Readers they instruct them nevertheless and edifie them so as after reading them they grow much greater friends to vertue than before As for my self who cannot brag of those perswasive moving gifts I boast at lest to come thus neer a true History that I observe the justness of times that I describe exactly the Situation of Countries and Regions and that I relate the customs and ceremonies of the people at least of such as may give any pleasure to the Readers estranging my self from such things as may be harsh to their minds or trouble them As many as have been in the eastern voyage seen the Mogul's Court who is call'd great Achebar of his Subjects know that of all Asia they are the best men on horseback that they are great makers of Carrouzels but that at their publick feasts they mostly use the sports of Fencing Those who have seen as well as those that have described the Kingdom of Narsinga agree all of them that duels are more used there than in any part of the world that in times past they have been condemn'd and the duellists grievously punished but that of late years they were fain to suffer them hoping by that means to abolish them What I have said of the nuptials and interments of their Princes is confirmed likewise by divers as well antient as modern Historians So as Reader it rests only that I satisfie thee of the time amnd true race of Tamberlain from whom I make Anaxander to be descended Thou shalt know then if thou pleasest to believe what Albacen an Arabian Historian says who liv'd in Tamberlains time and who in two different Volumes hath writ his two childrens lives that after the death of that great Captain who was the Prince of Zaguetays son all his Countries which were of a great extent were divided between the two children Santochio and Letrochio and his chief Captains Axallo Odmar Synopes Colonel of his Infantry and the Prince of â—â—â—aiâ— his kinsman that Santochio had for his share being the â—â—dest son Zaguetay which was his fathers inheritance and Letrochio the younger took possession of a good part of the Indes on this side Ganges A hundred years after Alhacen another Arabian called Ologbet who hath written the History of the Kings of Gouzarate says that Letrochio Tamberlains son left his Countries and possessions to his only son Hâ—mar who was able to preserve Cambaya only by reason his other Subjects revolted from his obedience This Hamar had divers children of whom the eldest was called Alagmet who died very young and from the second called Abduli came the great Alcidaris the father of Alcidaris and Anaxander which he had by two wives He was surnamed the great because he had done many memorable actions from his youth up chastis'd many of his rebel Subjects having overcome them in sundry Battels and recovered much Land and many Provinces which had been taken from his father Hamar among others the Kingdom of Candahar otherwise called Sablestan situate on the North of the Kingdom of Cabul and that of Mandoa situate between the Kingdoms of Cambaya and Cytor Neverthelesse he left the enjoyment of them to King Babor he paying the accustomed Tribute imposed on him by his ancestors This Babor had one only daughter called Berenica whom Alcidaris married from her came the young Alcidaris and our Anaxander came from Anaxarette Queen of Dulcinda These two brothers being well united regained by their valour in time whatsoever Hamar had lost and conquered a part of those countries possessed this day by the great Mogul who boasheth to be the sole remainder of their race But I describe their Loves only and their first adventures purposing to do some better thing hereafter if I understand Reader that this little work hath pleased thee And now I intreat thee not to blame me for sundry faults escaped by misfortune in the impression I have corrected such as have come to my knowledge and if I have been so happy as to have stolen some importunate hours from thee I crave no other reward but that thou wilt amend what I have not observed Farewell A letter written by Monsieur du Balzac To a Lady of quality accompanied with the Indian History of Anaxander and Orazia Madam BEing not able to wait on you according to my promise when you went from hence I believe I shall not do you injury if I commend you better company T is that book I send you which you heard so much prais'd and which you thought to carry with you into those parts for a comfort in your absence from the Court It is certainly worth your estimation and as great impatience as I knew
few dayes conducted hither drawn in a triumphant Chariot which shall accompany his pompous funerals It cannot be long ere they returne for the Decanians ravished with joy to be delivered from two slaves who have driven out all their blood Royall from their government came every day to yeeld themselves unto the valiant Ariomant and bring him still their City keyes and Castles likewise And that poor people incapable of defending themselves with pleasure rank them under the Kings dominion whose clemency they know as surely as his justice The fair Orazia not able at that time to learn more newes of her deer Ariomant with much impatience look'd for his return and still she sought her common comforts from Lisimena from whom she could not hide the new occasions of her joy nor yet conceal her Lovers birth which from her Brothers Letter which the Gods would not allow an end to she began to know But she conjur'd her she should keep it secret and make no mention of it till a fitter season Mean while for her diversions and to beguile the time of Ariomants absence she often talked with Saradin and made him repeat the prayses which she already had tasted with so much content in his behalf whom more than all the world she lov'd And because she would make Saradin entirely hers whose faithfulnesse she knew unparallel'd her chief squire being slain in the battell she chose Saradin to succeed him to which she got the King her Fathers consent who was much pleas'd to give him that reward as worthy of his long good services If hitherto I have not spoken of that great Monarchs sorrow and excessive grief for losse of his dear son upon whose magnanimity and valour he had built his rest and hopes 't is to speak truly that I hold his woes unspeakable Besides in telling you the little strength he had to meet that unexpected newes and the despair which more than once had tempted him to do violence on himself I fear to lay a blemish on the other actions of his life Let us forget his sorrows and his over-passion then and call to mind the constancy wherewith he shortly after arm'd himself and resolution which he took to honour as his army had desir'd his deer Arontus memory and funerals He alwayes kept the brave Lisimantus with him and so much valued the courage of that invincible Knight as that he dar'd not in his presence shew his great resentments and truly 't was from him he had more comfort than from any other being a man who had despis'd a thousand deaths and one who though his life were glorious for a thousand brave exploits yet found no sweetness in it for the bloody discoutentments he each day received in the scorn of beautious Lisimena But whiles accommodations are preparing to solemnize the funerall pomps of that Prince whom they expect and whose body glorious though without a soul craves the honour of a triumph 't is requisite that by the way I tell you somewhat of this Lisimantus who for his vertue merits in this place to have a short abridgement of his life recorded He was a Souldier under fortunes banner who from his infancy being given a Page unto the Princess Lisimena and after given again unto the King of Zeilan her father as you shal see in the sequell of this story from step to step advanc'd him by his courage and by his excellent conduct rose to the greatest charges in the Kingdom and so far forth as after Arbiran's death he followed him and was made generall of that great Army which hath of late triumphed over the King of Maldives All the Indian Chronicles are full of memorable actions by him done in that long war and you shall by and by learn from his own mouth the reason why to take upon him the name of Lisimantus he forsook his own a name he borrowed from the King his Masters only daughter to whom from his first rising he was bold to send sighs and amorous aspects The fair Lisimena so was the Princess cald besides a private inclination which she had to cherish that accomplisht Knight for his own merits sake did yet besides account her self oblig'd thereto for great and noted services which every day he did unto the Crown of Zeilan whose chief support and prop he was but the great courage of her heart and honour which she valued more than all things else caused her to undervalue in her thoughts the secret love of that unknown young man whom she had seen to come so poorly fitted to the King her Fathers Court who knew no more than she his birth and could not enough wonder at the boldness which he took not only to send forth his looks towards her but even to sigh in presence of her whiles the whole Court saw and knew it because it was a Law throughout the Indes that a Princess could not marry but her equall nor without much dishonour suffer the addresses of a man who were not Kingly born And in some parts the Law was more severe than others as in the Kingdome of Decan where death was added to the shame of that Princess who should unequally dispose her self Which is at present yet the Custom among the Negres as well of the Kingdome of Cambaye as Calecut and all the parts of Malabar Not one however dar'd to speak his thoughts of Lisimantus open love envy it self was silent as well for that they knew the greatness of his humour as the respect which they were bound to owe the power of his command wherein he did so worthily acquit himself The King observed him as well as others but that his wisdome did oblige him to distemble what he saw because in truth he was very necessary as the chiefest instrument of that revenge he had ordained for his greatest enemy the King of Maldives who had for wantonnesse assaulted him and sworn his ruin But for fear of causing greater passion which he daily saw to grow in Lisimantus it seem'd him best to separate his daughter for some time and send her to his brothers in Law and friend the King of Narsingus Court to keep her Cousin Orazia company He wanted not a colour for this act for they had lately understood by an intelligencer that the King of Maldives who was then lately beaten in two sea fights by Lisimantus made great preparation to besiege the City of Colombo where the King of Zeilan commonly held his Court and he conceiv'd he should have lesse cause to fear when as his daughter who was the greatest treasure that he had though in his Countries Pearl and Emeraulds Saphires are found aboundantly should remain in safety This resolution he no sooner took but put in execution and sent his only daughter who long since lost her Mother to Narsinga with an equipage which well became her greatnesse Lisimantus would most gladly have diverted that voyage had he dared and had opposed his courage to the Kings
his inward sorrow caus'd the stately sumptuous Convoy to be fitted which by night and with this ceremony passed from the gate of the great street of Baticalus to the Royal Palace First the whole street was spread with black Velvet and at each window burnt six Torches throughout every story of Virgin wax to shew the pomp of that Solemnity All the Souldiers who in that War had followed him past File and File in streaming tears trayling their Pikes upon the ground as conquer'd people rather than victorious their brazen Drums in mourning cases beat but now and then and gave a certain doleful sound which mov'd new horror in the people when as the Foot companies which were a great number had all pass'd by the Cavalry in Sable Armes appeared their horse Caparisons of the same colour having the fights of their Helmets down and holding but the shivers of Lances in their hands their Trumpets but half blown sent forth most lamentable sounds or rather cries which now made melt the hearts of those who formerly they had encouraged next them came Ariomant who really afflicted hid not his face as did the rest but in his eyes would have them see the sadness of his heart and in this sorrowful appearance he did seem so handsome that Orazia who observ'd him passing by was doubly but for divers causes moved by his tears â—allistenus was by his side who nothing differ'd from him save that his Sable plume was not so long as his the Chariot followed them close after which drawn by six black horses carried the Cypres smelling Coffin where lay the body of Arontus and over it his Image fixt in Kingly rober holding his Scepter in his hand Rosalâ—on was on his knees chain'd at the feet of this Effigies who looked in his face and round about him there marched in much pain by reason of their chaines the chief of those who had rebelled and Trayterous Villains to their King had taken party with a pair of Slaves Before the pillarâ— of the Chariot there hung as Trophies every piece of the Princes Armour from head to foot and at the hinder pillars were made fast some of the Ensigns and the Warlike spoylâ—s which he had gotten from the two Usurpers and what the Chariot could not carry were borne on Elephants which follow'd them in coverings of black Velvet In this glorious and mournful equipage Arontus body was carried as far as the Temple of the Royal Palace which was the ancient place of burying their Kings There had they rais'd a stately Altar on which was set the Image of the Prince exceeding like him which they honored with Persumes and lighted Lamps were plac'd about it And that according to the ancient custom that ceremony might last for ever a yearly sum was settled and people appointed who with great molten Censers almost like those wherewith they worshipped the gods should still persume that Image and see that everlastingly those Lamps should burn at the feet of the Effigies was set this inscription in Arabique verses which I have in our language thus translated In thickest of my Victory When my strong arm in honor high Did strew their Camp with dread and fear Twice wounded by two deadly darts Triumphing ore the rebels hearts Death did his triumphs on me rear As soon as they were gone forth from the Temple Rosalcan whom the Executioners had seazed by the Kings command had his head struck off at the gate and was slain as a sacrifice unto the Princes Guardian Angels When all the Funeral ceremonies were ended and the great sorrow overpast the King who had a manlike heart diverting by degrees his trouble sought comfort in the great perfections of his Daughter which was left him the rare Orarza who gaining every day new charmes from the return her of deerest Lover grew a continual object of delight to all that saw her her beautious face shining within that great and obscure Veil had more force than when the Sun bursts through the cloud which in foul weather environ it Love never leaves her eyes in greatest sadness nor in her strictest mourning do her graces ever quit her Before the Kings departure from Baticalus he made provision for disorders in the Kingdom and chiefly to restrain the liberty of private Combates which the War had lately very much renew'd among his brave Nobility Indeed they gave too great a way unto that brute and boundless fury and thereby too much wrong'd their courage which exalted them above all other Nations far For preventing therefore anew the progresse of this mischief which from day to day got strength the Councill was assembled and the King ordained a Law severe whereby without exception of or rank or quality whatever it was decree'd that the infringers should unpardonably passe the Hangmans hands and have their heads struck off besides the losse of offices and goods which should remain confiscate to the King and that the execution might be sure and that all hope of favour for the future might be clean taken away his Majesty swore solemnly before the Altars on the sacred Books and by his Fathers soul to make due execution of it nor that his Son if yet alive should have exemption from the Law if he should give himself to that inhumane course and thereby run the hazard of it This strict Ordinance repress'd exceedingly the fierceness of that ready youth who were compelled to hide their often resentments after injuries received and restrained their too too heady forwardness wherein so indiscreetly they had laid the chiefest point of honor When as sufficient provision had been made for this disorder and that the King had for the good and quiet of his people settled other wholsome Laws and strengthned all the Holds of Canara with faithful Governors and meet provisions he commanded all manner of Carriages and Wagons to be ready for that within eight daies he would depart from Baticalus and for more acceptation to the King of Zeylan who desir'd his Daughter he meant to wait on her himself unto the neerest Port for her conveniency with which advertisement he bid the Post return unto the King his Master This resolution of the Kings pleased greatly Lisimantus who being to be chief of that Conduct meaned to declare himself upon the way and let Lisimena know who saw too much already his great passion so her love In Baticalus he had never opportunity to speak in private to her though for that end he had imployed his subtilest contrivances and so far forth as what by gifts and flattering he had won a little Page of hers call'd Aquilant whom she much loved and was ever of her train with him he had the boldness to trust a Letter which contained his secret Loves and told him t was an intelligence that much concern'd his Mistresse service and that he should not fail to be careful in the delivery without telling her from whence it came for that she would her self finde well
that can reserve your self and keep so strict a silence before â—ose from whom you have not kept your most concealed thoughts But if my ears have not deceiv'd me you should be rather glad than sorry that have your Love in your possession are sure that dainty Picture will refuse not one of your embraces Verily Madam I was never so surpriz'd in all my life by any accident as at his words and t was great hap but in the exigent I was I had from point to point discovered all our purposes and conjur'd him to assist us but when I saw he continued on his jesting spake not of our voyage I guest he had discover'd nothing so as we were content to keep on sporting with him without so much as striving to deny the love whereof he had accused us However since that time we more reserv'd our selves and that at length we might be free from those disturbances our fears and our continual jealousies had kept us in we took a firm and valiant resolution to go on with our design which we conceal'd from all the world except two Gentlemen that had from youths been bred with us and whose entire affections and fidelity to do us service we had known He whom I took and who is with me still is called Almerin and he alone wen tout of Campanel with us because we thought it sit to leave Neander for so was piroxenus Squire called as a spie some daies at Court to learn what would be said of our departure and gave him Pala for a randezvous which is some either or nine daies journy off from Campanel and for that Town is in the desert and neer joyning to the ountains of Gate a little from the apssage to Narsinga which we went we thought that few would have imagined we had gone a way so steep and difficult We were a thousand times about to ship our selves at the Port of Cambaye but thought the voyage would be over-long by sea and happily the King your fathers Court might be an Bisnagar which would much shorten our journey and save us labour to crosse over the high Mountains of Gate which as we understand do separate your two Kingdoms and have such property as to divide the Winter and the Summer so betwixt them as when t is could at Bisnagar t is warm at Narsinga We were the more invited to go by land for the defire we had to passe through the Kingdom of Decan which lay in our way whereof we had heard great praises and that among all the Royal Courts of Asia there was not any which exceeded that whereof the gallantry was a the highest degree that could be wisht and Ladies courteous as in any part of the World we therefore resolv'd to go that way in some sort to refresh our selves as to observe whether it were a truth was said of it that of all parts of India men were best on horsoback there and where all the Rules of fencing which my Couzin and my self knew very well were best observed We therefore Piroxenus and my self when as the Moon was one night very favourable to our flight stole out of Campanel without more company then Almerin for we had left Meander in the City and when we had advanc'd some ten Leagues forward I found my Cousin had had more foresight than I for doubting that we might be followed when 't was day being found wanting he had commanded a servant of his call'd Madaron whose honesty he long time knew to go two dayes before with a couple of excellent horses upon one of which himself was mounted and led the other in his hand and gave him charge to stay for us at a little Town call'd Oby which is some twenty Leagus from Campanell upon the road of Pala and was Neanders Rendezvous After the whole nights travell and that day began to break Piroxenus seeing me troubled for the fear I had left they might send through all parts after us he told me of his providence and taking provender out of a Sck which Almerin carryed for our horses gave them an hours space to breath and â—id as fast as we could possible till we had teached Oby and commanded Almerin to come but slowly after us a far off as well because we had no fresh horse for him as that if we were follow'd on that way where neer he had a house he might diverâ— their course and when he should be come where Madaron was at Oby they should find us in the City Bialis which is from thence two little journeys where we would expect them and with earnestnesse injoyn'd them from thence forward to forget our names of Anaxander and Piroxenus and to call us Taxilus and Cleantus Some two houres after the sun was up we ariv'd at Oby where we left our horses with Madaron who had sufficient time to walk and refresh them before Almerin could come and after we had eaten somewhat making great hast three or four times resting our horses and our selves and feeding them with what we had we got to Bialis withall the speed we could Next day our people without any accident came to us and we altogether undiscover'd took our way to Pala. We had not long been there before Neander came unto us from whom we learnt in how great trouble all the court was at our absence and that indeed the first two or three dayes they were not so much troubled because they thought we had been gone about some secret wantonnesse but when the King perceiv'd no newes was to be had of us his anger mastred him and if the Queen had not restrained him he would have gone beyond the bounds of Fatherly affection These are said she but tricks of youth which are to be excus'd and me thinks no strange matter that young Princes living in continual restraint run out a little and a while seek the freedom which our Court affords them not 'T is altogether contrary said the King for Princes ought not to commit such follies Their Governours and good instructions given them together with their births should make them old before their time and being enlightned as they are from every where their meanest actions should be squared so as to be good examples for the world and me thinks they that cannot rule their passions are unworthy to have power of men But neither King nor Queens displeasure might compare with sage Evanders discontent That Grave old man who loved us only and who amongst his other excellent Sciences had also cunning in the art of divination which among the Persians is a common thing had found among his other Speculations that Piroxenus and my self should at two severall times run hazard of an extraordinary and a violent death and fearing lest effects might follow his predictions remembring us so often to retire in private and to have heard us speak of Orazia's Picture he suspected we might secretly have undertaken a voyage to Narsinga
secretly he promis'd me to do But t is impossible to tell you her excesse of joy when with a smiling countenance at his return he yielded her account of his so fortunate negotiation but chiesly when he gave her this deceitful testimony of my love which thus was written Cleontus letter to the Princesse Orixa IF I have any cause to wonder at the honour you were pleas'd to do me by the favour of your letter t is rather through the meanness of my own deserts than any way the freedom of your words But since without accusing your choice I cannot condemn the meanness of my merit I must think or else accuse of errour your opinion of me that I am worthier than others are and that the favour I receiv'd is not a dream or an illusion since I keep its markes I will reserve the full expressions of the honour you have done me untill we meet if heaven do so much favour me as that for excess of joy I die not by your side and send you these but to advertise you I look for Callias with impatience and that your faithfull Taxilus with closed eyes is ready to obey you Thus Piroxenus and the Princess passed the rest of that day in sweet disquiets for their amorous expectation and when the night was come Callias whom I had promised to finde me in my door and by a certain sign exchanged by us took Piroxenus in my stead who only in his nightgown followed his faithfull guide untill they came unto the foot of a Ladder made of Cords and fastned at Orixas Chamber window and after notice taken by him of the places he had passed that he might not in returning misse his way Callias delivered him the key of the little Garden and so softly took his leave of him This happy Lover who as yet proceeded in some trouble for the fear he had of being known was more than ever bold when he perceiv'd the room was without light and that he saw a hand out of the window making sign to him to hasten up which with incredible diligence he did and found the Nurse who did receive him in whose presence he cast himself upon his knees before the Princesse bed and after having kist her hand and thankt her for the extream honour she had done him to elect him for her husband he protested to her all the faith and perfect love that could be thought on and did tell her that it may be she would lesse repent her of her choice when she should know his birth Here Madam you will pardon me if I omit to tell you of the transports and the sweets of their embraces for besides that manners may forbid me how should I well enough discribe a pleasure which even he who tasted it confest he could not worthily enough expresse I only think it fit to tell you how that Love to be reveng'd upon them for the sweet deceipt they us'd towards him was often on the point to kill them both with joy They spent five or six nights in such contentments whiles Piroxenus fearing to convert Orixa's love which taking him for me she witness'd to him into hatred dar'd not tell her who he was Mean time my heart which did aspire but to your love liv'd in continuall pain and daily must my eyes belie it and by stoln embraces make the Princesse think 't was really my self that did enjoy her as her husband I never for complacency us'd so great art and though I should a thousand times expose my life for Piroxenus he could not ow me more than for the part I play'd in Visaporus to advance his love whiles my soul languisht after you and with impatience burnt to go my voyage to Narsingus But as impossible it is that mans prosperity and pleasures can last in one condition long without disturbances of fortune it hapned at the end of ten or twelve daies that our poor Lovers were discover'd by a treason very strange Callias had used since this secret imployment often to frequent our house he play'd for much and was a man of wit enough but of small judgment and lesse courage Now it fell out that being on a time at dice with Almerin and Neander who are those two Gentlemen that went the voyage with us they dissred on a cast Callias and Almerin which as all truth of reason was Neander being third judg'd on his fellows side at which Callias who was arrogant and of a naughty humor at play was moved in such sort as he fell into insolent and injurious terms and though ignoble and of low descent he was he fell into comparisons Thou poor fellow said Almerin to him if thou were out of my Masters Lodgings whom I honor I would both kick thee and pull out thy Tongue My gallant seeing himself so ill handled went away in great rage and made complaint to a certain camrade of his who was indeed a man of valour that such an affront was offred him and pray'd his help to take revenge by killing his enemy That young man who would for nothing of the world have committed such a baseness advis'd him to revenge himself in way of honor and offred that he would call Almerin to meet him with his sword which he was fain to accept but notwithstanding all the power he used on his cowardly disposition he never had the heart to meet him at the place appointed for which his camrade who had challeng'd Almerin excus'd himself extreamly to him and Neander also who had serv'd as second protesting whiles he liv'd to have no more to do with such companions But Callias who was stuck as well the man may be that loses honor and good name contriving deadly vengance in his thoughts but wanting boldness to perform it thought at last to use the power he believ'd he had with me by reason of his trust and that undoubtedly he had my life honor in his hands to make me put off Almerin for this cause he came to me and concealing his quarrel made me a long discourse which for troubling you I will not repeat but issued from a great and notable subtility of wit to make me understand that Almerin betrayed me that he had discovered my Loves and that it was expedient without more inquiry to put him out or doors I promis'd him to do it but having learnt the passages betwixt them I was far from giving Callias his desire and was amazed at his baseness I told not Piroxenus of it for the fear I had of angring him and I confess my folly not foreseeing what misfortune might arise This wicked man seeing that notwithstanding my promise to him I had yet kept Almerin by me enrag'd to see himself dishonored be those whose fortune and whose credit he esteem'd himself the author of was so much troubled and his anger so prevailed over him as he went to Prince Demonax whom he knew lov'd me not very well and told him he was bound to
such as had our names in question us'd to say that if we were not above seventeen years of age we might procure the envy of the most expert and accomplisht Knights of Gouzarat I ask you humble pardon Madam if in this or any other part of my discourse I chance to speak in commendation of my own exploits since I have said already that the gods dispos'd my humour like to Piroxenus and therefore cannot without prejudice to him speak meanly of my self and seeing we have both pursu'd the same adventures there is no glory which I may have stollen but he shareth with me in the theft We were of eighteen years compleat before we felt the smallest sense of Love and did enjoy all harmless pleasures that our age aloud If sometimes wearied with our exercise or tired with Hunting we frequented Dancing Matches and bestowed our time in visiting of Ladies t was only for civility or manners sake or rather through perswasions of Evander who finding us to have obtain'd enough of what he shew'd us said often to the King we wanted nothing but a little Love and that the least time we should take delight to spend with Ladies would accompish us for people of breeding because said he Love hath this proper to it self to waken and refine the mind and raise it to high meditations making it likewise able for most glorious undertakings With such discourses likewise did he often entertain us wherein we much delighted and sure we were like those who from a far discover beauteous prospects but know not what waies lead unto them we every day saw store of beauties within the City of Campanel where commonly Alcidaris does hold his Court but in their faces found not the effects of good Evanders words But on a day being in the Queen Anaxareta's Closet where least of any thing I thought of Love that god upon a suddain made me know his power and let me see that if till then he had omitted me t was only by a favour extraordinary to reserve me pure and whole to serve the most incomparable Orazia Being I say within the Queen my mothers Closet where certain Merchants of Arabia which traded into China were allowed to enter and had about them all the rarities of those parts they had past through They unfolded among others that they had a Picture which surpriz'd the eyes of all the Curt and made them instantly confest that if it were a piece drawn by the life the Lady that it represented was the greatest beauty of the world you are not much deceiv'd said one of the Merchants for t is an original after the Princesse Orazia drawn by a Chinois Painter now abiding in the Kingdom of Narsingus at a great allowance of the Kings as being the renowned Painter of the Indies And this fair Orazia is sole daughter to that mighty King worthy indeed more for her rare perfections to nommand all men than for her great descent No sooner had I cast my eyes upon that beauteous Picture but suddenly I found an alteration in my heart and was a certain augure of my new Loves birth Piroxonus who could read my sccret thoughts know by my change of face and my reiterated commendations of that piece that it had touch'd me more than pictures use to do The Queen on t' other side perceiv'd I had a liking to it and though she had a purpose to have kept it for her Closet she bestowed it on me and as deer a present I esteem'd it as the life she gave me I therefore took it with me and it soon became the most invaluable part of all my goods I could not hide from my deer Piroxenus the delight I took therein he was the witness of my transports and my exstacies which often in his presence with such meditations I accompanied O worthy inasterpiece of Art as the great beauty you present must be of Nature can it be possible that you should have at first more power upon me than so many living wonders who so long in vain have sought to snare my liberty and that your sweetness without motion which but in shadows and in lines is repreented here can kindle in my soul so pure and living flames Indeed I thought that the divinity of whom you aâ—â— the image did communicate its power but unto Love alone and that he only was allow'd to take from her fair eyes the fiery shafts where with he burneth all the World and yet I by this table see a mortal hath by force of his imagination shared reputation with a god and burns me with the shafts which he hath drawn from the incomparable Orazias charms Piroxenus seeing that in carnest I was taken did what he could to please my passion which by so great a beauty was so justly caused and was the first that to deliver me from my continuall thoughtfulness advis'd that we might secretly make a journey to Narsinga and that it was high time to manifest our selves in some brave action and that besides an universal peace being throughout the Countries of Alcidaris we should go some where else to seek adventures both of Love and Armes Judge you fair Princess if this were acceptable counsel yea or no and whether a greater testimony of my deer Cozins friendship could be given me I must confess if he prevented me t was only by his speech for all my purposes were that way bent and if I had been so unhappy as that he had been of other mind I must confess before him here I should have hazarded to leave him and that a meer necessity would force my separation from him to go joyn me to the fairest and most excellent part of my soul After that time we often used to retire in private that more freely we might talk of my new passion and to consider how to steal away unknown but we could not so conceal our entertainments but the wise Evander who at all hours came into my Closet did surprize us and had learned something of my Love but not of our design for though in earnestness of talk we might sometimes be loud yet held we at the least noise made for fear of being discovered But one day looking I know not how before he entred through a crany of the door and finding â—â—our talk some kinde of action he had a mind to hearken to us but the thickness of the door and length of the whole room betwixt us took away the sound except of some few words and he could collect no more but that we spake of Love and of a Picture and of Orazia How ever he was very glad to see we did begin to rouze our selves a little and to finde by our discourse our stony hearts began to mollifie But coming suddainly upon us and at an instant husht he could not chuse but make a little war upon us and especially on me Indeed said he Anaxander having but two daies been in love you are a good practitioner
and more he was confirm'd in his belief and apprehension when he understood that that same night wherein we had departed a Ship having the wind at large had from the Port of Cambaye hoysed Sail towards the Isle of Zeilan Where the War was hot against the King of Maldives that either for renown we would go serve under one of those two Kings or else land iâ— some one of the King of Narsingas havens whose neighbour and allâ—â— and friend the King of Zeiland is Having a good while thought thereon he went and told the King of his opinions who presently believ'd we had indeed that way escaped and protested that the Captaines life should answer as he thought for carrying us away without his leaves Wherefore a Post was preently dispatch'd from Campanel to Cambaye with directions that hee should set forth with speed a light Vessell to seek afer that which three or four dayes past had put to Sea and for more surety he dispach'd another Messenger by Land to Bazaim to send out another Vessell to surprize that which he thought had wafted us and that if happily the first might not light on him the other should not chuse but meet him however they were charg'd to go as farre as zeilan in their chace and that before he could have doubled the Cape of Commorin they should have some newes of him Here Madam you may see what news Neander brought us from the Court for which cause having call'd a Councill among us we resolv'd to put off our journey to Narsinga for a while and spend delightfully some time in the King of Decans Court which sometimes is at the City of Bider and otherwhiles in the great City of Visaporus and because those goodly cities are far in the Countrey we conceiv'd they would not come and seek us there and that after the time were past wherein those that were gone in quest of us had in vain enquired in Narsinga we would freely go on our jouruey under the names which we had newly taken of Taxilus and Cleontus Wherefore we departed from Pala and us'd such industry as we arived at Bider where we thought to find the King of Decan as being the chiefest City of his Kingdom But we understood that he was but a little while before retir'd to Visaporus which over and above that it is better fortified with men and walls is likewise seared in an air more temperate and pleasing And here Madam it is fit I tell you something of this poor Prince who not long ago was Master of so many Countreyes and such mighty wealth and through his own default hath caused the ruine of himself and them I doubt not but you know the whole story of his life and therefore will I say no more of his behaviours nor his doings than to the purpose of my History This miserable King who car'd for nothing more than how in ease and quietnesse to spend his time and buried in voluptuousnese being both lasie in his nature and distrustfull even to fear his own Children whose names were Demonax the one as he himself was called and Araxus the other that at greater case hee might enjoy his soft contentments cast the burden of his State from off himself and gave the charge of his twelve great Provinces to twelve of his free'd slaves upon condition that each of them should send his Eldest Son into the City of Visaporus there to remain as pledges to him where for greater safety he retir'd He had besides those Sons a Daughter of exceeding beauty who as the Kingdom and the City she was born inâ— was call'd Orixa for in former time King Demonax his father and the Queen his wife went thither great with child as then she was to wash her in the River Ganges which passeth through the Kingdom of Orixa and hath this secret vertue that it clenseth from all sorts of sins and I have understood the King your father whose it is draws a large tribute from it for the Pilgrimage is famous through the Indes But for it does not appertain to my discourse I say no more thereof to tell you only in the pursute of my History that we went from Bider unto Visaporus where we were sure to finde the King of Decans Court and just as we arrived at the great City we heard many Trumpets sounding flourishes with distinct pauses betwixt each flourish and three times renew'd and this within the great place where stands the Royal Palace and after saw a great man clad in a rich Coat of Arms accompanied by four Heralds and because after having gone three or sour times about at the sound of those Trumpets and brazen Drums they at length stayed about the middle of that place we drew us neer to understand what they would say and heard that one of them with louder and resounding voice than the rest uttered these following words Be it known unto all Princes Lords Knights * Are amoÌ„g the Indians as the Janizaries among the Turks Naires their Chiefs throughout the whole Kingdom of Decan and Malabares adjoyning and of whatever Kingdom or Country else excepting such as have been banished or are enemies unto our Sovereign Lord King Demonax that the eighth day from this being he twentieth of the Moon in this same place shall be a great defiance at arms amost noble and magnificent Combate sought with Darts and Lances in their fit caparisons with Crests Coats of Arms Foot-cloaths and Targets garnished with sine devices as braâ— Combatants according to the antient customs of this Kingdom and as Chiefs Prince Demonax defendant on the one side and Araxus as assâ—ilant on the other all for the glory of the King and celebration of the happy day of his nativity which falls to be the twentieth of this Moon And for those causes know ye moreover Princes Lords and Knights and Capains of Naires as well of this Kingdom as whatever Country else who for the love of honor shall desire to excrcise themselves and for the pleasure of the Ladies that they must think thereon and chuse them God-fathers that their names may be written down before the Judges of the Combate of whom they must be taught the rules and that they will be more encouraged to glory when they knew the Ladies purpose to bestow most fair and costly prizes as well upon the Darts and Persian Lances as the Fencing after the custom of Molabar which will be exercis'd the following daies As soon as this Proclamation by the Herald was concluded we withdew our selves out of the throng that compassed him extreamly pleas'd that an occasion should so soon be offered after our arrivall wherein our skill might be commended and knowing very well the Language for the great conformity it hath with ours having enquired of the first we met where we ruight be conveniently lodged we were conducted by one of them unto a house of his which was both great and spacious where certain other
deserts to avoid the King my fathers fury but especially my eldest brothers who does hate me mortally I never will forsake his company nor reply thou more hereto except thou wish me dead The poor woman knew it would be labour lost to make her more remonstrances and seeing to how dangerous extremity she was reduc'd finding her self distracted by so severall apprehensions her dear affection to her and the pitty of her tears prevail'd at length more with her than the fear of her destruction and the ruin of her honor and for that cause furthered her desires in all she could and so far forth as to make choice of Callias her own son to serve in that so dangerous a secret which but to me alone she would be glad to have communicated had the modesty of sex and eminency of her condition suffred her to call me to the consummation of our Wedding by her personal demands to which how ever she ordain'd her self then presently and boldly sent me Callias with a letter to this purpose with command to bring her back my answer Orixas letter to Taxilus SInce in Loves enterprizes thou art lesse couragious than at Armes and the respect thou seem'st to bear my quality compels me to prevent thee know that I love thee Taxilus and that however thou among us art a stranger and unknown thy noble actions have enough declar'd thee to oblige her who hath scorn'd so many Princes Loves Orixa to chuse thee notwithstanding all the Kingdoms Laws and good behaviour for her husband If thou dost only worth my sex no doubt but my proceeding will 〈◊〉 too bolds but in reflecting on thy own 〈◊〉 and parts accomplished I know thâ—◠〈◊〉 allow my choice and like the freedom 〈◊〉 thee with to come this night where Callins my Nurses son will with all saith will secrecie conduct thee by the favour of obserity and when in presence of my saithfull Nurse who shall be with me only to receive thy oath thou shalt have sworn thy self my lawfull husband thou shall finde me in my bed without more company than thy belov'd Idea and without other light than Cupids Torch whom I already have conjur'd to rule in chief our Weddings which with small ceremony but great affection I accommodate Callias who was of the Princesses houshold and had a mind to quit himself with reputation of the charge was given him cunning and wary as he was comes in the morning to my lodging and having asked to speak with me from the Prince Araxus says thus softly in my ear while Piroxenus and our people were in presence I present you Sir with this letter in private because I know you cannot read it without some expressions it contains a secret of importance which does promise better fortune than you look for but ere you do receive it I am charg'd to crave your answer which I will come to fetch within this hour because I know the secret joy it brings you will require some time to meditate thereon After this complement delivered me which yet I could not comprehend he went forth of my chamber and I retir'd into my Closet where calling Piroxenus I in his presence opened the Princesse letter which put us both into astonishment and truly Madam Callias was very right when he told me I should not read it without some disorder in my self for how could I but be troubled to perceive that so great and vertuous a Princesse so much honored me in vain by an election of such grace and favour and did lose her time seeking that heart which was already none of mine As for Piroxenus where the declaration which the Princess made me of her passion should in likelihood have cooled his and made it lesse it in such sort increased it and the incredible sense he had thereof wrung from him such complaints and lamentations as my heart was touched for him and I could not chuse but that my tears would shew it but when I saw his grief had choak'd his speech and that with dying eyes which seem'd to crave my help he turn'd towards me I confesse that tenderness did blind me Madam and drew guilt upon me of a crime which in your presence I accuse me of provided it be sin to knit two souls by an extraordinary means which by Loves tyranny were set asunder Do not torment thy self dear Piroxenus said I to him nor by thy woes which slay me cast us headlong into one destruction much had I rather since thy remedy is in my power than that thou shouldst be more afflicted hazard my honor for thy wellfare which than life has ever been to me more dear Seeing thou canst not then command thy passion nor my self obey that which the Princesse shews I will chuse rather to be false to her than fail in duties of that friendship which I vowed thee from my infancy but wherefore false for sure I think I shall oblige her if I send thee to supply my room and that she cannot take offence thou art as I am born a Prince thy qualities exceed and where in me she thought to have made choice but of a Knight thou wilt hereafter make her know by telling what thou art that by the gods allowance and beyond her thoughts she shall have met her equal Courage than Piroxenus nothing is to be feared in thy enterprize save the beginning and since she lets me know that Callias by the favour of the night must guide me and that there shall no other torch enlight her chamber but what Love provides thou mayst without discovery passe in my room and steal thee our again before the day reveal thee If in this counsel I offend the gods I hope they will forgive me when they call to thought that for thy safety and the Princesse life I have contriv'd it Ah my dear Anaxander answered he half wakened from his swounding by my words how is thy friendship helpfull and the comfort thou administrest a dear and real proof of perfect love but do not think thy honor is ingaged by the counsel thou dost give me nor that the fair Orixa taking me for thee can be abused since I am certainly thy other self and for like reason do not think the fruits which I shall reap under thy name from her embraces will be lesse sweet or acceptable than if I were received to her bed as Piroxenus or Cleontus But that in every thing she may not be deceiv'd since Callias is to fetch an answer to her letter let me have leave to write it for thee and that promising to come unto her I may make it good Madam I granted his desire and let him write his letter in my Closet which he had newly ended when as Callias came to take it from me I told him that he should not fail to come to me at midnight and that I would expect him in the door of my lodging to be guided by him where the Princesse had appointed which
reveal a secret to him which concern'd the Crown In a word he told him that almost every night I lay as husband by the Princesse Orixa and that after the matter was concluded between us she had made choice of him for hee friend to relie on how that he had seemed very willing but that he could not chuse but presently come and give him notice of it that it was very easie to surprize us in bed together where he assured him I came three or four times a week by a Ladder of ropes fastned at her Chamber window He moreover for securing his mothers life protested that she was no way accessary to that shameful act He likewise did all he could to palliate the Princess crime and swore most horribly to make the Prince believe I had suborned her but could not for all that divert the tempest which that night fell on her For Demouax who though at the dishonor of his house was very glad to have that subject of revenge against his sister whom he extremely hated fail'd not to surprize them in bed together conducted by perfidious Callias who knocking at the door of the outward Chamber where lay the Nurse he waked her and having told her that he had some business of importance to her the poor woman opened it unto him and was amaz'd to fee the Prince come in with her son and eight or ten men following him Wonder not mother said the traytor to her Prince Demonax is advertised of a disorder which the Princess uses whereof he knows you are not guilty deliver me the key of her Chamber for he intends to finde her in bed with her minion The Nurse more dead than living for thus seeing herself by her own son betrai'd aplying herself to the Prince Alas Sir said she what can your sister Orixa have done nay can you have any ill opinion of her honor Sweet heart answered Demonax be not you troubled I know you are free give me but the key and you shall see you are betray'd as well as we and that my sister hath dishonored your grave conduct as well as her own birth Piroxenus whose errant there was not to sleep although they spake with voices low enough heard a confused noise of words and thought at first the Nurse was talking to some of the Princess women who were come it may be to watch with her in the outward Chamber but when he perceived they came neer the door and that the key was put into the Lock Ah Madam cry'd he out we are discover'd we are betrayed and without giving the Princess leave to answer him leaving his night Gown behinde him which would but cumber him besides that he had not the leasure to take it with him he made but two springs from the bed to the window and just when as his foot was on the first stop of the Ladder to save himself Demonax came in who seeing the poor Lover flying with incredible haste Take him take the gallant but take him alive said he if possible that justice may be done upon him Presently three of them went to go down the Ladder to obey the command but Piroxenus who carried his sword in his hand had so much reason left him as in going down to cut as many of the rounds of the Ladder as he could in so much as those who followed him finding no footing fell from the top to the bottom and had so ill speed as one of them burst out his brains and tother two so crusht their bones as that our Lover had good leasure to get to his Lodging Meanwhiles Orixa was in wofull case That most unhappy Lover seeing herself surprized so and no way able to deny an action whereof there was such testimony being with shame confounded and possest with horror believing that her Nurse had betrayed her instead of replying to Demonax abuses and endeavouring to disswade him by entreaties she furiously beholding him snatch'd at a Daggar by his side having taken it thou cruell Tiger and unnatural whom once I called Brother I will glut thy rage said she and since the losse thou think'st my honor hath sustain'd must be accompanied with my lifes catastrophe I shall at least have thus much comfort that my own hands shall be my executioners which said she would have stab'd herself but was prevented by the Prince and those of his company whose power she was not able to resist That night therefore they kept her safe during which time she uttered complaints which might have mov'd the most inhumane hearts and I believe the Prince himself whatever hatred he had borne her or purpose taken to revenge himself had sure relented if he had remaiued in the Chamber But he retir'd because her tears should not importune him and in his person would take order for imprisoning Piroxenus and left the sorry Lady in the custody of five or six who gladly would have hazarded their lives for hers if so their duties and their faiths would have permitted them The traytor Callias had no mind to stay among them he too much fear'd the Princess accusations and his mothers curses that poor woman seeing her Mistress in such case though she were no way made a party in her crime would yet accuse her self and die with her left being free and her son author of the Treason her sidelity might be suspected Bind me said she to those that kept her I am as guilty as Orixa and might it please the gods the little life I have might satisfie for both our crimes yea cannot spare me without cruelty nor think I can out-live her life who only is the cause I care to live No Mother no said one of them Callias hath cleared you sufficiently and we perceive what ere you say proceeds from your affection to the Princess your true feeling of her great misfortune The Prince hath too great justice to entangle you in her mischance however you desire to follow her But notwithstanding all their reasons she was so resolv'd to taint herself of guilt by tearing off her hair and knocking her brest as the unfortunate Orixa though so troubled knew she had no hand in that foul treachery and that her son alone was author of it she therefore in her rage had so much wisedom as not to destroy her but beheld her with mixt eyes of love and fury Then as an instant cursing her ill fortune which had lead her to the push of losing life and honor both together she spake to those that watched her and with wrung hands and watred eyes conjured them that if they had not heart enough or rather piety to kill her they would at leastwise suffer her own hands to do that last act on her and prevent thereby the shamfull death was threatned her When as she saw she obtain'd nothing and that her begging drew no other issue from them than their tears refuse me not however said she to them this request to tell
aid and make reply to the great wrong the King had done him But that he had scarce opened his mouth when the King transported with indignation take the Impostor said he from my presence and dispatch him with the rest Then was he carried to a Prison till the hour of execution and more tormented for my loss than for his own and when that mournfull time was come surely I shake for horror to remember it before we parted from the Prison they read the sentence of our condemnation and instantly the Hangman took us and all three were bound fast in one Chariot which was compassed about with Halberts and other Officers of Justice so conducted to the Pile where by that cruell Element we were to be devour'd For reconciling of our Consciences three of the ablest Bramins of the Indes were allowed us They did their duty in perswading us to fit for death assuring us the mercy of the Gods and promising a thousand spotless pleasures after this life ended Piroxenus from the Prison to the place of execution dared not once to turn towards us nor to speak one word so much cause he found himself of our destruction His sorrows had already even as much consumed him as if he had endur'd the flames so much he griev'd that 't was not his power by death to expiate a crime by him committed and with his blood redeem the loss which he had caus'd of those he loved more than all the world But surely Madam in so great extremity I could not chuse but wonder at Oriaxes courage and her resolution who being still abused with the belief she had I was her husband not able being bound to cast her arms about my neck leaned her head upon my face to give me her last kiss and seeing that I shew'd but little joy at that her testimony of perfect love which even in dying she then gave me and that the apprehension may be of the punishment might cause forgetfulness of what I ought her Taxilus said she to me with a strong voyce and setled countenance I swear by that same Sun that looks upon us and which we shortly shall behold more neer in Heaven that I am no way griev'd to die since thou in death art my companion One thing there is alone that troubles me and that to see thee sad and that thy heart seems not to hold his wonted seat can it fall out that neer thy faithfull Orixa thou should'st fear death which ought to be a pleasing passage to a far more happy life Let us my Taxilus out-brave our evil destiny and take revenge on fortune which does cross our loves by shewing her a courage able to make head against her and a resolution brave enough to undergo our evils Fair Orixa made I answer I invoke even that same Sun which you have call'd as witness of your courage that my sadness is not for the fear of death but from the just affliction I endure for having as I know abused you Know you fair Princess that in Taxilus you have loved an ungratefull undeserving and perfidious man who was not worthy of the honour of so beautious and so brave a friendship and that it is Cleontus who adores you and whom the Gods have chosen for your husband And as for me behold me not in this small bit of life that rests us but to say I do forgive thee Taxilus and may the Gods allow thy soul to rest in peace with us The poor Princess who was praepossest with that strong imagination that on me she had bestowed her embraced marvelously strucken at the change and that of love there came not one word from me Ah Cruell said she that in the case thou art so neer to yeeld the Gods a reckoning of thy actions doest not apprehend their justice thou miserable dost thou then now deny me because thou canst no longer have me wilt thou by scorn revenge thy death which my love causes thee Ah how ill doth this wickedness become thy sex to leave me in extremity as if 't were sin agaist the Gods to love a maid that is unfortunate Can those be the effects of all thy promises and of thy faith which thou so oft hast sworn me thou should'st somuch have reverenc'd the memory of thy faithfull Orixa as to have lov'd her after death and have preserv'd for ever her Idea in thy heart but see thou giv'st her to another when she can be thine no longer and for a recompence of that incomparable love which made her hold thee deerer than her honour or her life thou wilt not suffer her to dye in patience Thou art not barely pleas'd to take the only comfort from me which I dying had to flatter my self with of thy pure constancy but wilt accuse thy self of treachery and want of faith to kill my constancy and resolution that in deep despair I may depart this life I would have spoken to have dispossest her of that hard belief and pacifie her thoughts but that I scarce had uttered the first word to justifie my self when with a fiercer and a more incensed voice preventing me No no thou hipocrite said she thou double-hearied thankless and forsworn Taxilus thou art industrious at the price of innocent Cleontus life whom most injustly thou accusest to preserve thine own I call the Gods to witness that he never knew me and that thy self art only guilty of the crime for which we are all three condâ—mned Thou may be thinkest that those holy men who hear us may by thy lies be drawn to credit thee and when thou basely bast turn'd all the fault upon thy harmless friend who maketh no defence thinkst to be free But though they were so credulous as to believe thy words and that it hapned which the gods forbid that thou shouldst scape the hangmans hands I vow thou shouldst not save thy self from mine and if before I die I had not leave to strangle thee my ghost shall never leave to haunt thee More she would have said but that her sorrow and her rage made her insensible her eyes and judgement strayed and her heart and voice at once did fall her in the passions of her anger Meanwhiles the Charior which kept alwaies going was come neer the Pile and those that guided us as well the Bramins as the Hâ—ngmen were so courteous as to leave that miserable Princess in her swounding being more willing for the pitty they were touch'd with that her grief should kill her than that fire which was already kindled and mov'd horror in all those that did behold the fear fill spectacle But Ladies for the sequel of this History is yet long and that the hour is laâ—â— may you be pleased I defer the prosecution till to morrow the two Princesses who were equally inflam'd to know the rest seeing the Moon so favourable to their entertainment go on go on Anaxander said they and do not fear our late stay here will cause us
when you were about to die a shamefull death that I might turn from off you one of those blows your evill destinies had threatned you withall See Madam what discourse Evander entertain'd us with which set my thoughts into as great confusion as they were but two hours before for I believ'd I was Alcidaris his only son and much it angred me a fool should be my elder brother However I cheer'd up my self in hope or one day having the fair Kingdom of Dulcinda which could not be taken from me And however I despaired not of gaining others which my courage and my sword did promise me But as on our parts we were recounting our adventures to the wise Evander who much blamed us after having told him of Orixas loves and the change we us'd towards her for not revealing our selves to the Prince Araxus a Page came to advertise us the King was comming to see us in our Chamber I was a little surprized at it because I foresaw already what would be the issue of that visit However Piroxenus and I composing our selves as well as we could we went forth to meet him and after mutuall salutations he began and thus said to me I much admire Sir that being born as you are and for our neighbourhood knowing my greatness and my Lordship of the famous Potts of Chaul and Goa which adjoyn to yours you would chuse rather death than my alliance when you had first abused my daughter who had been alwaies till your comming hither the pattern both of honor and of vertue I finding his discourse grew to be long and that he went on reproaching me and excusing himself for the violence had been shewen us suddainly interrupted him to tell him every circumstance that passed I told him of the passionate affection Piroxenus bare the Princess his daughter how that he was my Conzin germain and the only heir unto the Kingdom of Citor how he had borne so great respect unto her as not to dare declare himself her husband though never any save hithself had known her how when he saw things grown to such extremity as they were and me condemned for his fault he went and cast himself at his Majesties feet who would not hear him At length I so far perswaded him as having appear'd his spirit and freed him from the trouble which his former rage had put him in he relished my reasons which he found most just and likely and taking us by the hand that he might suddenly finish Piroxenus Marriage he lead us to the Princess Chamber who was very sick a bed and by her sat the Queen in tears Although amid so many accidentâ— and misfortunes her soul were laden with profound and fearfull thoughts the spite she had conceiv'd against me had not gained so much over her but that her wasting body was still battered with love whose heat joyning to that of her Feavor kindled so great and violent a five within her as Physicians did despair already ever to be able to quench it Seeing me come into her Chamber and the King her father leading me by the hand believing he was come to confirm our Marriage and that it had been done more through compassion of her friends than of my own good will the tears ran in her eyes and to conceal the passion which surprized her she turn'd her head the other side My daughter said King Demonax unto her behold your husband whom I bring you and would it had so pleased the Immortall gods that I had had but patience enough to have understood the truth of a History which will no less amaz your self than me we should not then have had the labour to oppose our Laws against you nor threaten with a shamefull punishment your life and honours which at once I now do warrant you Know if as yet you do not know that those two Knights who have been condemned with you are sons to the most puissant Kings of India this same said he pointing at Piroxenus has the Kingdom of Citor already in possession and is Ceuzin germain to this other who lives in hope after the death of Alcidaris to reign over the Empire of Guzarat They have not only chang'd their names but their hearts also and he who you as you believed chose for husband was never yours more than for manners sake or for civility but hath in that good fortune given his Cousin place who only for his marvellous affection to you merits your possession Turn your self towards me think no more of what is past for which I am more sorry than your self and hence forth studying but to please your self receive with courtesie your real husband whom I here present you Here at the Princess turn'd her face towards the King and seeing it t was Piroxenus he presented her How Sir said she to him that impostor then is constant in denying me after renouncing of himself to quite undo me and you believe him and I shall be so miserable as that you will put off your common knowledge to be overtaken by his lies she would have prosecuted her reproaches when Piroxenus who till then had not dar'd speak a word emboldning him by presence of the King who favoured his love took liberty to interrupt her and casting himself down at her feet he fram'd her this discourse Madam said he though you should heap your scorns upon me and all my life I should repent me of my rashness yet I finde fit I should no longer hide it from you but make known the errour you till now have been in Know fair Orixa that I have never loved any save your self and that the meer consideration of my love and of your beauty hath compelled me to keep Anaxander so long in this Country we have between us both but one desire and one affection wherefore I having learnt by him that your unhappy Inclination carried you to bear him love who was already gaged in affection to another I conjur'd his help and favour to my sute he had compassion on me and admitted me instead of him and that which by good forune I was not able to deserve I got by subtility Love fair Orixa made me bold to deceive you blame therefore him not me who weak against so strong a Master was compelled to yield and follow him T was I whom Callias under favour of the darkness guided where you look'd for Anaxander and in short t was I who in your Nurses presence sware to be your lawfull husband and who made you a thousand protestations of unalterable Love which since I 'me sure I never violated the fear of death has not been able to do it nor shall your scorns of me prevail at all no though you should be more cruell to me than the destinies who have so threatned me with punishments and though by taking all hope from me of your favour you should condemn me unto death I vow I will preserve your love even in my grave Orixa
Palace and carried with him the richest Jewels of his Crown This persidious Panaris seeing no way of safety for himself or Master being to crosse the Camps mischievpusly conceived in his heart to kill the King and take his Jewels which doubtlesse would remain as reward to him when he should carry his head to his enemies This purpose was no sooner resolved on but put in execution for when that poor Prince thought of nothing lesse than Treason from his servant he was thrown to ground by a thrust made through and through his body and having cut off his head he carried it to Rozalcan who was encamped towards the River Notwithstanding he was a barbarous man and sought nothing but the death of the King and his children yet could not that action chuse but fright him however he put not the traytor to death but after having taken his riches from him was only pleased to forbid him his presence and no more He presently advertised his brother Zabain of what had passed and they thought good to advertise the besieged by a Trumpet of the Kings death that they might be the more disheartned promising them that if the Souldiers would render themselves they should depart with bag and baggage without any hurt done them and as for the inhabitants of the City they should quoitly enjoy their lands and houses on this condition alwaies that they should deliver up the Princes Araxus and Demonax into their hands The people of that poor distressed City were so moved at the news of the Kings death who had so long a time maintained them in peace as without considering what became of themselves seeing they yet demanded the Princes of them to put them cruelly to the sword likewise fell so furiously upon the Trumpeter as in an instant they had crusht him and their rage was so great as they dismembred him with their teeth and every one would have a plece On the other side the Queen whō the apprehension of an approaching ruin had already very much afflicted having been told of the murther done upon the King her husband what was threatned to her children sound so great a load of sorrow grown upon her as being not able longer to endure it she was compelld to submit unto its violence soon the gods gave leave that wound should pierce her heart took away that life which was but grievous to her Meanwhile the Princess Orixa knew not any thing of these misfortunes and had already these two daies lost all manner of understanding and so great was the strength of her disease as taking from her all appearances of life she who attended her came to advertise us how she had followed her mother Orazia exceedingly moved at this conclusion which she looked should not be so Tragical Ah said she to the Prince interrupting him the poor Orixa then is dead truly she should not have dyed after having past so many troubles Hear the sequel of the story Madam reply'd Anaxander we are not at the end of our misfortunes yet As soon as Piroxenus was advertised of this fad accident he hastily ran to her and finding neither Pulse nor motion in that body which more than his life he loved he forgat his resolution and his constancy and that great courage which all the injuries of Fortune and threats of death it self could not so much as shake was by that wofull spectacle constain'd to yield to his affliction and his sorrow he did at first all that a man in desperation could devise to do in such extremities he tore himself he cursed heaven fell out with those that would but comfort him and when that fury was past over casting himself upon his knee◠to worship those pretious reliques of his love and with a flood of tears bathing the liveless face of the fair Orixa Unhappy Princess said he is it possible that after so much trouble to obtain thee I must all the remnant of my life hereafter lose thee and have the Gods ordain'd I shall not freely have thee in possession till after death O my fair mouth which pale and changed or how ever cold your kisses are do notwithstanding charm me I must love them yet Alan Had I but come before thy last sigh given I might have clos'd my lips to yours that that fair soul which I lament mightnot have had so free a leave to take her flight Give me orixa leave to follow her that without mine she may not go if thou hast any feeling yet of worldly things stay for thy miserable husband thou canst not yet be far direct me quickly which way thou art fled that I may come unto thee Much more he would have said and the extravagance he had already shewn began afresh when being call'd to comfort him I with such language interrupted him What pleasure said I deer Piroxenus can you take in giving testimony of your weakness and appear quite loft in presence even of those who ravish'd with your noble actions past accounted you a demy God and without humane frailty recall quickly dear friend recall thy reason that in our presence it may disavow what ever in its absence thou hast done Thou knowest not why thou moanest and art so unhappy as to give thy self up to despair when thou should'st rather thank the Gods for so great favour as to take her from thee who was ready to be taken by the hands of meer barbarians Imagin she had liv'd falling into the power of such notorious revolted slaves who seek but to exterminate the race of Demonax and where she must have been a prey unto her enemies what would become of her ought'st thou not rather to be glad that she is with the Gods who loved her too well to let her see her last Town pillaged her Fathers Murther and her Mothers suddain death with loss of all hee friends in general Besides these reasons I administred so many other as I somewhat setled his mind but not being able longer to remain in that sad place which had been a theatre unto us of so many mischiefs grief and affliction which had rul'd his heart gave wrath and vengeance at one instant full possession Le ts forth le ts forth Anaxander said he out of this unfortunate City which even affrights me stay we not till the enemies do force it and be taken among those who must give up themselves unto the mercy of barbarians let us revenge the Royall blood of Decan and with the choyce of all the brave and valiant men among us powre upon those Traytors and if we cannot scape their hands le ts at dear rates sell our lives and gloriously expire my blood already boyles with anger in me and I perswade my self that rascall rout cannot resist my sury I had already made the same overture to the Princes and told them 't was the only way which they could try to save themselves seeing how true it was they sought but for their lives and therefore
and shortly after she demanded how the state of the bâ—sieged City stood and how her friends all did But Evander keeping from her the misfortunes bapned in her hoâ—â—e Madam said he take courage for if you preserve your self all will go well and â—assure you Piroxenus florisheth in life and glory At two or three daies end he found a greaâ— amendment in her and thought it fit not to make known to any body that she was reviv'd but when she wondred that the King nor Queen her brothers nor your selves had come to visit her after a number of excuses and disguisements Evander was at length enfore'd to â—ell her even the naked truth of that lamentable History in which she found yet cause of comforting her self for that her husband liv'd and that her self remained only heir unto the Kingdom of Decan the gods undoubtedly would guard her since they had had such a particular care of her life untillthat time I will not repeat you the complaints she made unfeignedly they were extreme and if any thing oblig'd her to out-live her Parents and without desperation to endure their losse it was the comfort only they had given her in assurance that her Husband liv'd in his escape who taking it for granted she was dead as all we did he had resolv'd to follow her but that his friend had hindred him and by constraint enforced him to live for love of him though in such case as by affliction he was cast into death had been sweeter to him far than life and that no longer able to endure that City which had heap'd so many miseries upon him he undertook that sally which succeeded to them and had been so fatal to the brother Princes who could not with more glory have expir'd At length Madam said Evander to her where ever Piroxenus be I can assure you he is living if a continual tract of torments may be called life and even as soon as Neanders would is whole he shall go tell him how you do and well I know those Princes will use all their power to settle you again within your fathers Throne Meanwhile I pray have patience Madam and take comfort from the gods but because all the world thinks you are dead and that the noise thereof is spread into the enemies Camp I think t is best to let it run so still and even that all the inhabitants of Visaporus may believe it likewise that when the enemies shall become Masters of the City which in a day or two will be when I have capitulated with them they may not satisfie their cruelty on you who would undoubtedly aswage their tyranny Meanwhilke you should conceal your self and taking on you another name and parentage should passe as a kinswoman to your Nurse who shall take you into her house which she hath in the City where we desire we may to morrow conveigh you secretly The Princess who expected aid and Comfort no where else except from us did all she could to pacifie her sorrow in obedience to the Counsel we had given her and when she was in place of safety Evander call'd the chiefest of the City to my Lodging who being battered with their losses and misfortunes were of our opinion that it was expedient they should send to tell the two usurpers that the Magistrates were ready to give up themselves unto them as their Lords and Matters on condition they should use them favourably Rozalcon and Zabain whose great fury died with those whose lawfull possession of the Crown stood as an obstacle to their ambitious desires received acceptably such just terms as we propos'd to them and having granted all we ask'd we opend them the gates As soon as they had taken possession of the Royal Palace and strong places they sent their Army being well paid into small Towns and Cities bordering about them into Garrison and took the dead King Demonax his Naâ—res under their command and us'd the inhabitants of that unhappy City as their Subjects not their enemies As for my part they offred me very good conditions if I would have served them and having learnt who Evander was they gave him goodly presents for Alcidaâ—is King of Cambayes sake to whom he did belong and whose good will they passionately desird and sent him to his Master He took his leave of me with tears in his eyes and gaveme a great charge of you at parting Haste thee Neander said he to be well and go finde out our Masters with as much good speed as may be and tell them from me they no longer please themselves to go unknown for I foresee more miseries do threaten them under the names of Ariomant and Calistenus and bid them not forget the hazards they have run whiles they were known as Taxilus and Cleontus As for me said the good old man as soon as I have receiv'd the Princesse commands I purpose to make all the haste my age will give me leave to carry news of them unto their parents if so the gods allow me strength enough to do my journey Orixa meanwhile under the name of Asteria which she had taken on her lived in private manner in her Nurses house and hopefull that she should again behold her husband and recover by his courage and his might what was usurped from her once her fathers just possession she by some and some forgat her past misfortunes and resolved to think upon her self again As for my self Sirs because I had a bone which was exceedingly hurt I was almost three months in cure during which time the feign'd Asteria had recovered all her beauty and strength and having understood which we were glad for that Rozalcan and Zabain making ill use of their prosperity were gone to Conquer the Country of Canara under the King of Narsinga Cheer up Neander said the Princess to me the gods undoubtedly are weary of â—mâ—â—hing more those Tyrants seeing their arogance hath carried them to set upon the mightiest Monarch of the Indes who wellknows how to pay their rashness and seeing thy Master and his dear friend are at present with that King whose rage our enemies have now provoked Go go with speed Neander to them tell them I am yer alive and that amidst a thousand crosses and misfortunes the gods have kept me to delight my faithful husband from whom for my past negligences I crave humble pardon tell them they hasten to my succour and use all their power with the King of Narsinga whom the gods for punishment of our common Usurpers have interrested to revengeme I have told you now whatever hath fallen out in Vâ—saporus since your leaving it which I have us'd much diligence to come and do Surely Madam this relation of Neanders did so mollifie Piroxenus heart that at one time he shed both tears of joy and of compassion from that instant he consider'd nothing but which way to re-establish the deposed Princess and revenge her wrongs upon her enemiâ—s and Madam as you
sometimes I met her in the Palace I saluted her a far off with certain gestures which equally witnessed my passion to serve her and my fear to discontent her and that beauty who had still the signs of my foolish passion fresh in her memory look'd over from me whether out of scorn or judgment I cannot tell Forgive me Sir if I busie my self in telling you a thousand needlesse circumstances but most pleasing to my remembrance which are nothing to our matter but contrary do set me off from the design I had to tell you the fust and principal cause which so absolutely goâ—me the King of Zeylans favour That Prince who is exceeding pious and alwaies delighted in serving the gods according to the custom of his Country and devotion of his fathers having understood that that new sect of Mathometans was lately slid into his Island which is the fairest and fruidfullest of all the Inde desirous to banish that strange religion which was able to undo his Subjects and to disunite them from their lawful obedience unto him he made an Edict by which he proclaimed guilty of high Treason to his the Divine Majesty all those that should be convicted of adhering to those new opinions and as such he ordained that their goods should be consiscate and banished within a months space out of his Country There were a number of those Infidels dwelling in the Port Tanadarus who as soon as they heard a breath of this Ordinance seizâ—d on the Castle which is one of the best in the Kingdom and expecting that they should be assâ—ulted deputed three or four of them to go speedily to the King of the Maldives to seek his aid seeing he was of their Law and had embraced the sam unhappy belief which they had done This King of the Maldives who was Lord but of several pieces of land seperated by arms of the Sea and envious of the King of Zâ—ylans prosperity was very glad of so fair an occasion offered to enter upon his Countries so convenient for him And that he might not want pretext not be unprovided to answer the blame which his nâ—â—ghbours might lay on him he dispatch'd an Embassidor to the King of Zeylan by whom be prayed him to use his Subjects with more faver and to permit them the liberty of their religion in his Island if otherwise he should be obliged to protect them as his brethren united with him in belief toward the god he worshiped according to the Divine Laws of Mahomor his great Prophet The King of Zeyland gave a generous answer to that Embassador that he very much wondred at his Masters extravagancy and rashnesse who Impertinently thrust himself into the knowledge of his Subjects affairs that if his threat did stir him unto any thing it should be to a greater rigor towards those who without any good ground had miserably forsaken their fathers gods and for his own particular he should instantly depart out of his Countries lest his anger might make him violate the Laws of Nations and in his person punish his Masters insolence whom he would prevent That Embassador who look'd not at all for so rough an answer so exasperated the King his Masters courage which was enough irritated before that he immediately sent forth a hundred Ships and more from the Port of the Maldives to go succour the Rebels of Tanadarus In the mean time as the Sectaries of that cursed law think they cannot do God better service nor finde a shorter way to heaven than by murthering those that oppose their belief they plotted a furious conjuration against the Kings person twelve of the most resolute of his Rebel Subjects drink each others blood to encourage themselves and take a firm resolution to go kill the King in his Palace Hal and in the middle of his Guards This open and generous Prince who till that time had arm'd himself with no defence gave liberty to all sort of people as accustomed to be in his Palace where four of the conspirators entred without notice taken of them and as the formost of them lift his arm to strike the King it was my happy fortune only of the company to perceive him for that Traytor not at all troubled at his damnable design had so well taken his time that if the Tutelary gods of Zeylan had not directed my cies unto him undoubtedly the King had died As soon then as I spied the action and motion of that perfidious murtherers arm I threw my self at all hazard betwixt 〈◊〉 and the King and taking his hand to put by the blow which slightly hurt me in the face hold Traytor said I to him and fearing lest he might redouble it I took him by the coller The King who saw my check bloody and with what rage I opposed that Ruffin whose design be know not ask'd what was the matter Ah Sir said I doubtlesse some great Treason plotted against your Majesty then by and by he saw the Dagger which the murcherer had let fall he was instantly set on the Pâ—ack where he confess'd â—he number of the parties sworn who were found out and quartered alive as well as himself The King was so much pleas'd with me for this action as he embrac'd me before them all and praising what I had done to save him I swear said he Euribaldus that I will not be unthankful for the service you have done me but posterity shall know thou hast oblig'd a thankful Prince wherefore dispatch and ask me any thing in my power and I protest to thee again by the tutelary gods of this Kingdom it shall begranted thee of whatsoever price it be I being dazled by so great a sevâ—â—â— made him this answer on my knee which 〈◊〉 than what had past oblig'd his love of me It is your only noblenesse Sir which makes the sinall service I was obliged to do you acceptable although at hazard of my life the gods forbid that I should ever pretend to deserve an acknowledgment from you for what my duty bound me to and for a thing I ought my self t is only Fortune whom you are to thank for having happily addrest mine eyes unto the murtherer to turn his stroak and I a ssure my self there is not any Subject you have but would have shewn the same zeal to save you admitting him the same good fortune The King seeing how gracefully I refused the good he offered me Observe truly said he turning towards Arbiran a great deal of youth accompanied with a great deal of vertue and I intend not that this service shall be unrewarded Say then Euribaldus what thou askest of me I protest to take thy silence as a scorn if thou crave nothing of me When I saw my self thus put to it Great Prince answered I I should be wholly ignorant if I did not acknowledge the graâ—â—ity which your Majesty offers me to proceed from your alone goodnesse and I should injuce heaven which hath caused me favour
and in the second life I look for make it all my souls contentment The Princess heard him with attention and although the dolors of her Feavor were of power enough to take away the liberty of talk she notwithstanding would have forc'd herself to answer him when by the comming of a Post she was prevented who after boldly knocking at the door demanded entrance and admittance to the King for reasons of a high importance the King commanded him to be brought to him and truly at first entrance he affrighted the whole company and ere he spake his countenance bewrai'd that all things went not as they should Sir said he to the King all is lost even your own subjects have betrayed you Those wicked slaves to whom you gave in charge the Government of your Countries have made a great Assembly of people in the City of Danaget for to revolt against you and break off the yoke of your Royall authority without so much as caring for their children which you have as Hostages They are all met in one desire to betray you and divide your provinces but two among the rest have shewn themselves more wicked than their fellows to wit Rozalcan and Zabain one of whom you made Governour of Bider and the other of Danaget For being Brothers and alwaies of a plentifull intelligence whâ—n they saw those other their sworne fellows in a Town whereof they had the Sovereign power because themselves would reign alone cut all their throats and having reassembled all their Forces and won the greater part of your Subjects either by presents or fair words they are comming with a mighty Army against your person and purpose to besiege you in your City of Vsaporus that they may absolutely be Masters of your Countries and without hinderance command the Empire which the gods have given to you You may imagine fair Princess whether such an humor as I have describ'd the Kings to be were surprized with such news He could not hide his apprehension from us a deadly paleness disfigured his face and not finding himself able enough to resist a misfortune which so neerly threatned him he could not speak a word when as Araxus who knew his very heart ashamed we were witnesses of so much poverty withdrew him from thence and told him t was his way to call his Councill together and suddainly provide against the present necessities In the meanwhile he left us in the Chamber with the Queen in whose presence the gods permitted after Piroxenus had recounted to the Princess all the passages of their secret Loves and that he had by his unfeigned tears given testimony of his innocent affection which ras'd out the crime he had committed she was somewhat appeased Wherefore once more they pledg'd their marriage faith to one the other in our presence they joyned hands and kist and from that day Orixa did begin to love me as a Brother not a Lover Although my known innocence had eas'd her spirits of a heavy burden which in her thoughts of my disdain she under went her body was buâ— little sensible thereof and no abatement of her Feavor was observ'd But contrary she was so troubled for the evill next of imminent danger threatned to the King her fathers Countries newly then arriv'd together with the cruell blows of former miseries so over come as more than ever all the Physicians grew into despair of ever seeing her recovery Meanwhiles this sicknesse lasted Rozalcan and Zabain came still onward and their Army made such haste as it had almost compassed the City before they had so much as time to furnish a tenth part of what was necessary to sustain a fiege or that they had enclosed works without or fortified the approaches Demonax had under hand Arms for some thirty thousand men and Coyn enough but wanted Souldiers for his Subject were his enemies and was so suddenly surpriz'd as that he had not time to crave assistance from his neighbours who were besides but ill affected to him The King of Maldives only and of Palandurus his brother in law could have succor'd him in time but that ill luck would have it he but late before had been himself defeated and his Army cut in pieces by the King of Zeylan who being assisted by the valour and wise conduct of couragious Lisimantus ahd made himself Lord of all his Islands except but three or four of Palandurus where he was retired without other hope of refuge A midst the trouble which this miserable King was in he called us into his counsel of War and crav'd our help but we represented to him the impossibility thereof and that there remaining unto him no other retreait but that only City from whence he was ready to be driven by those who sought but for his life to reign without contradiction we should not be able to bring any succours though they lay but six daies journey off and though we found them ready for the march And what then said he to us must I lose all my hope and that my children and my self be brought to so cruell a necessity as to die or live for ever under the power of base scoundrels By and by he cast out divers blasphemies against the gods and instantly caus'd all the childrens throats to be cut which he receiv'd as Hostages from those slaves Verily Madam we saw not how to give him great comfort because we found his matters in a desparate condition However we made a vertue of necessity and joyned the Princes his children and we together with as many Naires as there were in the Kings Guard all the inhabitants of Visaporus which were of age to bear Arms to try if we could raise a power able enough to do some dammage to our enemies but they consisted of so great a number as we judg'd it more rashnesse than valour to assault them we forbare not at the beginning to Skirmish sometimes with them when there came many of theirs too short but as from an Hydra's head their seemed alwaies quadruple the number to encrease so that perceiving our affairs in so ill case to attempt the freedom of the City Piroxenus and my self sent to defie Kozalcan and Zabain to fight with us but though as indeed they were hardy and valiant they were not dispos'd to venture any thing in the condition they were in and had they willed to do any thing in single Combate they would have had to do with the two heirs of that Kingdom Meanwhile they laid their Batteries against the City and it was threatned by a quick assault when the King fearing to fall underâ—he power of the besiegers resolv'd at any rate to save himself and without knowing what would become of him or where to turn and without telling any body of his flight except one of his servants which waited in his Chamber called Panaris whom he chose to accompany him he stole away by night upon a good horse out as a Postern door of the