his Sword are now By bounty made too much his own t' allow Even flight suspition room This being done That Valour though with Love 't were wingd might run On no rash Precipice assisted by That skilful Sea-man from some Ships that ly Neglected ' cause by time decayed he takes So much o th' Tackling as of that he makes Ladders of length sufficient to ascend The Castle Wals which having to defend Them nought but slave security is done With so much ease that what 's so wel begun They boldly second and first entering in A Tower which had by th' prudent Founder bin Built to command the Havens Mouth which lay Too low for th' Castle where when come all they Found to resist is one poor Centry bound In sleep which soon by death is made more sound To lodge the Prince in that safe place before His active valour yet attempted more The Gates secur'd that led to th' Castle he Protected by that Nights obscuritie By a conceald smal Salliport is to Its strength soon brought when now prepard to view More dreadful dangers in such habit clad As by the out-Guards easie Error had Soon as a Soldier gave him entrance come To th' Hall he is there being informd by some o th' drousie Guards where his pretended speed Might find Molarchus to perform a deed That future Ages if that Honours fire Lose not its light shal worthily admire His Valours hast within a room whose pride Of Art though great was far more glorifi'd By that bright Luster the Spectators saw Through Sorrows Clouds in fair Pharonnida He finds the impious Villain heightend in His late success to such rude acts of sin That servile baseness the low distance whence He us'd to look grew sawcy Impudence Inflam'd Argalia who at once beholds Objects to which the Sould inlarg'd unfolds Its passions in the various Characters Of Love and Anger now no more defers The exâ—cution of his rage but in So swift a death as if his hand had been Guided by Lightning to Molarchus sent His Lifes discharge which with astonishment Great as if by their evil Angels all Their sins had been displayed did wildly fall Upon his Followers whom ere hast could save Or strength resist Argalia's Sword had gave Such sudden deaths that whilst Amazements reignd Ere all he from the heedless tumult gaind That glorious Prize the royal Lady who In all assaults of fears not lost unto Her own clear Judgment as a blessing sent From Heaven whilst her base Foes Confusion lent That Action safety follows that brave Friend Whose Sword redeemd her till her Journeys end Through threatning dangers brought her to that place Where with such passion as kind Wives embrace Husbands returnd from bondage she is by Her Father welcom'd into liberty Thus rescu'd whilst exalted tumours sweld To such Confusion as from sense expeld Reasons safe Conduct whilst each Soldier leaves His former Charge fears pale disease receives This Paroxisme the Fleet which yet had in A doubtful Quest of their surpriz'd Prince bin Directed hither with the new-born day Their streamers round the Cittadel display Which seen by them that being deluded by The dead Molarchus to his treachery Had joynd their strength guilt the Original Of shame did to defend the plat-form Call Their bold endeavour but when fidning it Too strongly man'd for undermineing wit Or open strength to force dispairing to Be long secure prompted by fear they threw Themselves on Mercy which calm Grace among Heavens other blessings whilst it leads along The Prince toward Victory made his Conquest seen Such as came not to punish but redeem The end of the fourth Canto PHARONNIDA The first Book CANTO THE FIFTH The ARGUMENT IX The gratefull Prince to shew how much he lov'd This noble Youth whoe 's Merits just reward Too great for less Abilities had prov'd Makes him Commander of his Daughters Guard X. Where seated in the most benign Aspect Kind Love could grant to fair Pharonnida A sacred Vision doth her hopes detect Whose waking joyes his absence doth withdraw FReed from those dangers which this bold attempt Made justly feard whilst joy did yet exempt Those cares which when by time concocted shall His Kingdome to a general Mourning call Sparta's pleas'd Prince with all the Attributes Ere Gratitude learnd from Desert salutes That noble Youth which even when hope was spent Kind Heaven had made his safeties Instrument By acts of such heroick Vertue that Whilst all the less concernd are wondring at The grateful Prince in all the noble waies Of honour lasting as his life repaies By whose example the fair Princess taught To shadow Love her Souls most perfect draught In friendships Vail so free a welcome gave The worthy stranger that al prayer durst crave Though sacrific'd in Zeals most perfect fire Seemd now from Heaven dropt on his pleas'd desire Some daies spent here whilst Justice vainly sought That Treasons root whose base production brought Unto an unexpected Period in Molarchus death with him had buried bin To future knowledge all confessions though In torments they extracted were bestow Upon their knowledge being th' imperfect shade Of supposition which too weak t' invade Even those whose doubtful Loyalty lookt dim The prudent Prince burying mistrust with him Leaving the Island with 's triumphant Fleet On the Sicillian shoar prepars to meet That Joy in triumph which a blessing brought His loyal Subjects with their prayers had sought To cure those hot distemperatures which in His absence had the Courts Quotidian bin The Princess guard as being an honour due To noble Valour having left unto That worthy stranger whose victorious hand Declar'd a Soul created for command The Prince departs from his loud Daughters Court To joyful Corinth where though the resort Of such as by their service strove t' express An uncorrupted Loyalty made less That Mourning which the Kingdomes general Loss Claim'd from all hearts yet like a sable Cross Which amongst Trophy's noble Conquerors bear All did some signs o th' publick sorrrow wear But leaving these to rectifie that State This Feaver shook return to whom we late Left gently calm'd that happy pair which in Desire the shady Porch of Love begin That lasting progress which ere ended shall So oft their Fate to strong assistance call Some Months in happy free delights before Passion got strength enough to dictate more Then Reason could right fair they 'd spent in which Slumber of Fancy popular Love grown rich Soon becomes factious and engages all The powers of Nature to procure the fall Of the Souls lawful Soveraign either in Each Action of the others did begin To place an Adoration she doth see What ere he doth as shining Majesty Beneath a Cloud or Books where Heaven transfers Their Oracles in unknown Characters Like Gold yet unrefin'd or th' Adamant Wrapt up in earth he only seemd to want Knowledge of Worth Her Actions in his fight Appear like fires feign'd Element with light But not destruction
might when at maturity afford Length to the Scepter from 's victorious Sword From this young Prince Heavens hopeful Blossom they Pleal'd but not satisfi'd their Souls convey On those wing'd Messengers their Eyes unto Manly Argalia finding there a new And various form of worth on 's Brow did sit Reserv'd discretion reconcil'd to Wit Serious and grave his carriage yet a Face Where Loves fair Shrine did Wisdoms Temple grace His scars those broad Seals which protecting sate His future safety sign'd in on him sate Not to deform but until Age remain Like Mâ—ids of Honour plac'd in Beauties Train True worth dwelt in the other but in this Brave Heroes breast had her Metropolis The Cyprians safety and Sardinia's brave Redemption were the past ports which Fame gave Unto his travelling prayse which fled in haste Through th' ears short stages in each breast had plac't A Love of 's worth which wise men softly prayse Whilst the loud throng to acclamations raise Not long these true-born Sons of honour in Palerino's Court remaine ere what had been The cause which had the youthfull Cyprian drew Froms Fathers Court white fame presents unto Busie Inquirers Which design from all Those swift but weak recruits good wishes call Except from some it most concern'd mongst which Cleander staggers unresolv'd the rich And powerfull Kingdome which affinity With Cyprus promis'd was a prize to be Valued before Epirus wealth who though Of late victorious yet could never grow Up to that glorious height This thought the most Of all the ere obstructed love had crost Zoranza's hopes had not his wishes been Though covetoâ—â—ly vast confin'd within The others merits amongst which the chief Opposes first it self and the relief Whispers in 's soul that had been thence brought by Him when his state wept bloud for liberty This in the Scale of Justice seem'd as large As Loves dimensions till a second charge Of thoughts proclaim the Cyprians power to doe The same if in necessity sought to Which blames becoming gratitude as in Relation to servility a sinne In the great souls of Princes who can be If they remain in debt for curtesie But Captives in the throne too oft the cause Why meritorious Subjects meet the Lawes Harsh Rigour for Reward when their Deserts Many and great o're fill their Princes hearts Before Cleanders Gravity had layd This â—empest of his Passions Fame betrayd Their Cause to the Epicote Prince who hears The Cyprians welcome which his various fears But briefly comment on before without More slow delays then what were spent about The swiftest preparations he intends To visit fair Pharonnida and ends His Journey ere a thought unwing'd with Love Could lead him forth of 's Court which hast did prove His Passions stronger then the strength of age Appeard to promise what it might presage To see at once two royal strangers in Their glorious Court which both imployd had bin About one amorous Errand strangely did Affect the Citizens whose fears forbid The publick Stage in private whispers tels What danger lay betwixt those parallels Yet in the opposition of those Scars That shine in Passions sphear Loves civil Wars Had no field Army all his power did rest Within the private Garrisons o th' breast Which though besieg'd by sly suspition made No verball Sallies but prepare t' invade Beauties bright Province yet each only had A single Visit given unto the sad Sweet Object of their hopes and thence receiv'd A Welcome such as neither had bereav'd The others hopes both rather finding cause Of cold despair Cleander pleads the Laws Of Nature and free choice to wave his own Engagements to Zoranza which had blown Loves sickly flame with the tempestuous breath Of anger forth had not those thoughts to death i th' Bud been doom'd whilst thus his Passions slept In Loves soft Armes the noble Cyprian kept A distance 'twixt his hopes and wishes by The stayd Epicots interest both rely On their own Merits and Loves doubtful sate Makes subject to the Monarchy of Fate But whilst this busie Combate of the heart On equal tearms it fought time bent to part The royal Champions through the obscure Ports Of dark disguize into Loves field resorts A third brave Combatant whose Merit had Though not i th' Armour of great Titles clad By parly wonne that Maiden Fort which they Although they scal'd on golden Mountains lay Before in vain Argalia though within Ghirenza's Court had yet a stranger bin More then in Fame and big Report to her Whos 's best of thoughts wore his Souls Character And yet although a Virgins bashful grace Conceald her own for to behold that Face So much in debt to th' peoples Prayses to Her window oft the royal Maid had drew Where whilst his eyes did wast their Beams in vain To pierce those stubborn Walls that did contain Rich Loves unvalued-Treasure she beholds His brave Deportment which since strange unfolds New Volumes of unprinted joy which she Sorrow affording so much liberty Oft with delight looks o're beholding in 't Argalia's Vertues in a different print But his wise Fare even when his prayer grew weak In Faith did through hopes cold Antartick break In a long Summers day his noble friend The Princely Cyprian did so largely spend His stâ—ck of eloâ—uence in 's praise when he Last saw divine Pharonnida that she Although from no remoter cause then springs From Vertues publike love tells him he brings His next best welcome with his Friend which proud To be observant in when time allow'd A visit he performs Now to the Court Beauties dull Cloyster which no throng'd resort Of Clients fill they 'r come the surly Guard Those wakefull Dragons did without reward Let in that danger in disguise which had Met death i' th entrance if in that unclad The way that clest the scowling Rock being by A thousand steps ascended they i' th high Clifts finde the Royal Eâ—glet trying that Bright eye of her fair soul discretion at The fiery beams of anger which were shot From her Majestick Father Being got Once more to breath his Soul upon that hand Where Loves first Vows seal'd with his Lips did stand Knowledge inflaming passions Feaver like Unpractic'd Saints which miracles do strike Into a Reverend zeal he trembling takes That holy Relique which a cold fear shakes In that warm touch Her eyes fair splendor shoâ—e Like bright Stars in heavens trepidation Shook with the general motion though betwixt The Sphears of Love and Wonder they stood fixt In their own Orbs and their united beams Center'd on him yet like dead friends which dreams Imperfectly present his Lovely form As Marriners when Land is through a storm With doubtfull joy desery'd she sees but yet Knowledge had met with no prospective fit To guide her through the dark disguize unto The Rode of truth his Valour was in new Habiliments of honour cloath'd and scars Made her Love's heaven adornd with unknown Stars But whilest her Recollecting spirits were All
discourses are Distastefull grown but what to sudden war Incites his rage which humor though it needs No greater fire then what his envy feeds Besides those Court-Tarantula's whose breath Stings easie Princes till they dance to death At the delightfull sound of flattery there Were deeper wits such whom a subtile care Not servile fear taught how to aggravate His angers flame till their own eager hate Though burning with a mortal fury might Pass unobserv'd since near a greater light Amongst those few whose love did not depend So much on fortune but the name of friend Was still preserv'd the faithfull Cyprian Prince Durst onely strive by reason to convince Their wilder passions but each Argument With which affection strugl'd to prevent A swift destruction onely seem'd to prove His friendship more effectual then his love From which mistake such as did strive to please The angry Princes passionate disease With what might seed the sickly humors draw A consequence that proves Pharonnida A blessing which was to his merits due Who most oppos'd the bold aspirer to That throne of Beauty which before possest Whole Armies must dispute their interest The slighted Cyprian since their fear could trust None but confederates from their Councils thrust Those swift conclusions which before to stay Their violence had Reason's cool allay Hurry'd to action strict commands are sent From fierce Zoranza through each Regiment Which stoop'd their Ensignes to his power that by Such marches as they 'd follow victory They reach Aetolia ere its new-crown'd King Warn'd by report had liberty to bring Opposing strengths a task too hard to be Perform'd with ease in powers minoritie Nor fails this Council for their Army draws No sooner near but such as in the cause Of unsuccessful Rebels late had been Expos'd to danger seek for refuge in A fresh revolt and since their ulcerous guilt Was so malignant that even mercy spilt Its balm in vain their injur'd Prince forsake To strengthen his proud Enemies who make Those Poisons up in Cordials and compound Them with their Army which being thus grown sound Whereas it lately fainted durst provoke Unto the trial of another stroke His late victorious forces which though yet Faint with the blood lost in the last great fit Of Honors fever when the Crisis prov'd The cures prognostick had with ease remov'd The proud invaders had Morea bin As heretofore a hurtful Neuter in That war which now since double strengths oppose Brave fortitude like base oppression shews So long both parties with varietie Of fortune fought that fearing whose might be The sad success that old Cleander in Such speed as if his Crown engag'd had bin Raises an Army whose command since he Base flattery takes for brave fidelitie Waving those Peers to whose known faith he owes The most of trust in hoodwink'd hope bestowes On false Almanzor who by power advanc'd Near to those hopes at which Ambition glanc'd But like weak eyes upon the dazeling sun From that last â—atal sâ—age his plots begun Mischiefs dark course which ere concluded shall Crush the Epirot in Morea's fall In this the hot distemper of their state Aâ—indâ— whom the Destinies of late To double-die his Honors purple-thred Robb'd of a father most disquieted Their secret councels since they knew the love He bore Argalia propt with power might prove A sad obstruction to their plots if he Urg'd by distastes shook their confederacie Off to assist his friend which to oppose With slattery fleeting as the gourd that rose But to discover his just wrath that made The plant to cover when it could not shade They all attempt though he engage not in Their party yet his easie youth to win By honors moths by times betrayers soft And smooth delights those serpents which too oft Strangle Herculean vertues But they here In Ages April find a wit appear Of such full growth that by his judgment they Are undermin'd who studied to betray Being thus secur'd from forein fears they now Imploy that rage whose speed could scarce allow Advice from Councel to extirpate those New planted Laurels vict'rie did compose To crown Argalia But before they go To ravish Conquest from so cheap a Foe Whose valor by orewhelming power was barr'd From lying safe at a defensive guard Till old Cleander that their league might be Assur'd by bonds whose firm stabilitie Death only could divorce intends though she With such aversion as their destinie Wretches condemn'd would shun attempt to fly The storm of fate yet countmanded by His power the fair Pharonnida although He not to love but duty seem'd to owe For such a blessing should Zoranza's be Confirm'd by Hymen's high solemnitie This resolution whose self-ends must blame Her fathers love once registred by fame Submits to censure whilst Pharennida Laments her fate some prompted by the law Of love and nature are to entertain So much of freedom as they prove in vain Her advocates Others whose cautious fear Dares only pity in that dress appear Silent and sad only Almanzor in This State-distemper by that subtile sin Dissimulation so disguises all His black intentions that whilst truth did call Him Treasons agent its reflected light Appearance spoke him Vertues proselyte So much a Convert as if all those hot Crimes of his youth ambition had begot Discreeter age had either cool'd or by Repentance chang'd to zeal and loyalty Whilst thus i' th' Court the most judicious eyes Deluded were by factions false disguise By rumors heavy as the damps of death When they flie laden with the dying breath Of new-departed souls this fatal news Assaults the Princess which whilst reason views With sad resentments to support her in This storm of fate Amindor who had bin In all her griefs her best adviser now Enters to tell her fainting sorrows how They'd yet a refuge left from whom she might Reap hopes of safety The first welcom sight Of such a friend whose former actions had â—nhanc'd his worth encountring with her sad And serious thoughts so rarifies that cloud Of grief that ere dissolving tears allow'd A vocal utterance as intended words Something contain'd too doleful for records Both sigh'd both wept at length the Princess broke Silence and thus lier dismal passions spoke Dare you my Lord approach so near unto A factious grief in this black storm to view Distrest Pharonnida have either I Or my Argalia's slighted memorie Yet in Morea a remaining friend Whose vertue dares by its own strength contend Against this torrent of Court-factions Now Now Royal Sir that doom which will allow My soul no more refreshing slumbers by My father's past my father Sir whom I Must disobey with all the curses due To black rebellion or else prove untrue Those vows those oft repeated vows which in Our Loves full growth hath to Argalia bin Seal'd in the sight of heaven About to speak Her passions fuller sorrow here did break The sad theme off and to proclaim her fears Except th'oreflowing language of her tears
so near As to behold stopt with a reverend fear Least this intrusion on her Privacies Might ruffle Passion which now floating lies In a calm stream of thoughts he staies till she By her Commâ—nds gave fresh activity To his desires then with a lowly grace Yet such to which Prides haughty Sons gave place For Native sweetness he on 's knee presents A Packet from her Father whose Contents If Love can groan beneath a greater Curse Then Desperation made her sufferings worse Then fear could represent them 't was exprest In Language that not wholly did request Nor yet command consent only declare His royal Will and the paternal Care He bore his Kingdomes safety which could be By nought confirm'd more then Afinity With the Laconian Prince whose big fame stood Exalted in a spatious Sea of blood On Honours highest Pyramid his hand Had made the triple headed spot of Land One of her stately Promontories bow Beneath his Sword and with his Scepter now He at the other reaches which if Love But gently smile on 's new-born hopes and prove Propitious as the God of War his Fate Câ—imbs equal with his wishes but too late That slow-pac'd Soldier bent his Forces to Storm that fair Virgin Cittadell which knew Ere his pretences could a Parlee call Beneath what force that royal Fort must fall Inclos'd within this rough Lords Leâ—ters â—he Receiv'd his Picture which inform'd her be Wanted dissimulation that worst part Oâ— Courtship â—o put Complements of Art On his Effigies his stern Brow far more Glorying i th' Scars then in the Crown he wore His active Youth made him Retainer to The Court of Mars something too long to sue For entrance into Love's like Mornings clad In griesl'd Frosts ere plump-cheek'd Autume had Shâ—rn the Glebs golden Locks some silver hairs Mixt with his black appeard his Age dispairs Not of a hopeful Heir nor could his Youth Promise much more the venerable truth Of glorious Victories that stuck his Name For Ornament i th' Frontispiece of Fame Together with his Native greatness were His Orators to plead for Love but where Youth Beauty Valor and a Soul as brave Though not known great as his before had gave Loves pleasing wounds Fortunes neglected gain In fresh assaults but spends her strength in vain With as much ease as Souls when ripen'd by A wel-spent life hast to eternity She had sustaind this harsh encounter though Backt with her Fathers threats did it not shew More dreadful yet in a command which must Call her Argalia from his glorious trust Her Guardian to a separation in An Embassie to him whose hopes had been Her new created fears which sentence read By the wise Lady though her passions bred A sudden tumult yet her reason staies The Torrent till Argalia who obaies The strictest limits of observance to Her he adornd being reverently withdrew Inlarg'd her sorrow in so loud a tone That ere he 's through the winding Laberynth gone So far but that he could distinctly hear Her sad Complaints they thus assault his Ear Unhappy Soul born only to infuse Pearls of delight with Vinegar and lose Content for Honour it 's a sin to be Born high that robs me of my liberty Or is 't the curse of greatness to behold Vertue through such false Opticks as unfold No splendor less from equal Orbs they shine What Heaven made free ambitious men confine In regular degrees poor Love must dwel Within no Climate but what 's parallel Unto our honourd births the envied Fare Of Princes oft these burthens find from state When lowly Swains knowing no Parents voice A Negative make a free happy choice And here she sigh'd then with some drops diâ—tild From Loves most soveraign Elixar fil'd The chrystal Fountains of her eyes which ere Dropt down she thus recals again but nere Ne're my Argalia shall these fears destroy My hopes of thee Heaven let me but enjoy So much of all those blessings which their Birth Can take from frail Mortality and Earth Contracting all her Curses cannot make A storm of danger loud enough to shake Me to a trembling Penitence a Curse To make the horrour of my sufferings worse Sent in a Fathers Name like Vangeance fell From angry Heaven upon my head may dwell In an eternal stain my honourd Name With pale disgrace may languish busie Fame My Reputation spot Affection be Term'd uncommanded Lust sharp poverty That Weed which kils the gentle Flower of Love As the result of all these Ills may prove My greatest misery unless to find My self unpitied yet not so unkind Would I esteem this mercenary Band As those far more malignant powers that stand Arm'd with diswasions to obstruct the way Fancy directs but let those Souls obay Their harsh Commands that stand in fear to shead Repentant tears I am resolv'd to tread These doubtful pathes through all the shades of fear That now benights them Love with pity hear Thy Suppliants Prayers and when my clouded Eyes Shall cease to weep in Smiles I 'le sacrifice To thee such Offerings that the utmost date Of deaths rough hands shall never violate Whilst our fair Virgin-sufferer was in This Agony Argalia that had been Attentive as an envied Tyrant to Suspected Counsels from her Language drew So much that that pure essence which informs His knowledge shall in all the future storms Of Fate protect him from a fear that did Far more then death afflict whilst Love lay hid In Honours upper Region now whilst she Calmly withdraws to let her Comforts be Hopes of 's return his latest view forsook His Souls best comfort who hath now betook Her self to private thoughts where with what rest Love can admit I leave her and him blest In a most prosperous Voyage but happier far In being directed by so bright a Star The end of the first Book PHARONNIDA The second Book CANTO THE FIRST The ARGUMENT I. Still wakefull guilt Almanzors Rebel sin Taking advantage of unguarded mirth Which now without mistrust did revell in The Princess Court gives thence new Treason birth II. By treachery seiz'd and through Nights shades conveyed She had for ever in this storm been lost Had not its rage by such rude hands been stayed That safety neer as much as danger cost THese Hell-ingendred Embrioes which had long Lay hid within Almanzors breast grown strong Now for delivery strives Clandestine plots Ripen'd with Age and Lust dissolve the knots Wherein his fear had fetterd them and fly Beyond the Circle of his Loyalty Since his deserts made him a stranger to His Princess Court he 'd liv'd like those that do Fly that pursuing Vengeance which attends A Rebels Acts seen only to such Friends Whose blemmisht Honour suffering in his fall Assist his rising though they venter all By that unlawful Act on pathes that may Precipitate to ruine the dark way Had long been sought for Consultations did Whisper Rebellion in soft Aires forbid To live in louder Language until like Inevitable thunder
griefs as did exclude The comforts of his passive Fortitude Opprest the Prince when now an Army led By their pursuing Enemies ore-spread The circling fields and brings their fear within The reach of th' Eye heighten'd with hope to win That now by parl which ere the sad success Of Battel made their conquer'd numbers less He feard in fight the confidently bold Almanzor in a Scrowl that did unfold A Language whose unreverend stile affords Far more of anger then his Soldiers Swords Had ere stird fear within his Princes breast His fixt Intentious thus in brief exprest Great Sir NO airy tumour of untam'd desire Nurst my Ambition prompts me to aspire To any Action that may sore above My Birth or Loyalty it was the love I bore your verteous Daughter that first clad Me in defensive Armes which never had Been else unsheathd though 't had been to defend Me from Injustice should your Sword extend Its power to tyranny but failing in That first attempt ere streams of blood had bin Shed in addition to those drops my hand Had broke my Sword as guilty had this Land To whom I owe for the first Aire I breathd Not washt the stain in tears and since unsheathd It in the name of Justice to their good Which trembling on uncertain hopes hath stood Whilst fearing forrein Governours I have Added my love and satisfaction crave For both before a greater ill may fall To make our sufferings Epidemical By being slaves to some proud Tyrant that In politick Ambition reaches at A Kingdom by profest Affection and Marries your Daughter to command your Land This Scrowl spotted with Impudence receiv'd By the vext Prince whom passion had bereav'd Of politick Evasions he returns A swift defiance but his high rage burns Nought but his own scortcht breast the fainting fire Quencht by constraint wants Fuel to blaze higher Then flashy threatnings which since prov'd a folly Sink in the Ashes of Melancholy For which his ablest Councel could prepare No Cordial of advice they rather share With him in sorrow whose harsh burthen growes Not lighter by the company of those That now lend hearts to bear it only in This sullen Clouds obscurity this sin Of their Nativity the noble Soul Of the undaunted Princess did controul The harshest Lectures of her Stars and sate Unshaken in this Hyrocane of Fate Calming her Fathers hot adversity With Dews of comfort taught him how to be Prince of his Passions a Command more great Then his that trembles in a regal seat The Enemy that vainly had till now Toil'd forth their strength no more endeavours how By force to conquer some smal time they knew Would with the bloodless Sword of Famine do More then their Cannon could the meager Fen Already grew tyrannical his men Like walking Ghosts wait on their Prince and stand For shadows on their Plat-forms not a hand But was unnerv'd with want yet whilst each part Languisht tow'rd death each bosome held a heart Which though most large could never empty he Being doubly fil'd with grife and loyalty Amongst both which hope for a part puts in As the Supporter of what else had been A burthen insupportable and spoke This pleasing Language that the royal Oke Beneath whose Winter Fortune now they stood Pining for want the witherd under Wood That all his miseries dropt on yet they shall When ere his brighter Stars again do call His Fortune into light be comforted By his kind shadow which shall those that fled Him in this sad extream then leave to be Scortcht in the Rays of angry Majesty Reduc'd unto this pitied exigence Yet by his honour which could not dispense With ought that like suspition lookt detaind From what by parl might have their freedome gaind The loyal Sufferers to declare how far They fear declind those mourning weeds of War Whose fight a desperate valour doth betray Black En signs on their guarded Wals display When to augment their high resolves with what Their valour was to pity so fâ—ned at After with all those course though scarce Cates they By sparing first attempted to betray Time till relief with they 'd been fed till now There nought remaind that longer could allow Life further hopes of sustenance to do An Act so great all Ages to ensue Shall more admire then imitate within The Hall appears their Soveraign leading in His hand the Princess whose first view though drest In Robes as sad as sorrow ere exprest Was but the Frontiers of their grief to what When nearer seen whilst sorrow silenc'd at So sad on Object might for death be took Made solemn grief like grave Religion look Whilst all thus in sad expectation stand Of future Fate disdaining to command Those whom an equal sorrow seemd to make His fellow Sufferers the sad Prince thus spake His fixt resolves Brave Souls whose loyal love Opprest by my unhappy woes must prove Part of my grief since by my wretched Fate Forc'd with my own life to precipitate Yours into danger from whose reach since by No Crime until the love of Loyalty Become a sin you are cal'd guilty yet Seek some evasion 't is not you that sit Upon the Throne he aimes at nor doth here Arival in Pharonnida appear No 't is our lives our lives brave Subjects that His bold Ambition only reaches at By this pretense what to my Daughter love To 's Country's pity cal'd could he remove Those now but smal Obstructions soon would grow To 's pride united till it over flow All limets of a Subjects duty by Rebellious reach usurped tyranny Go then and let not my unhappiness Afflict you more i th' shadow of distress T wil like warm comforts swel my Soul to know That to his Favour you for safety ow. Did not those sacred Canons that include All vertue in a Christians Fortitude Obstruct our Passions progress we ere this In death had made the haughty Rebel miss The glory of his Conquest which since now Denâ—'d although unweildy age allow Not strength to sell my life at such a rate Honour aimes at yet shall the slow debate Even in my fall let the World know I died Scorning his pity as they hate his pride Here stopt the Prince when as if every breast One universal sorrow had possest Grief grown into more noble passion broke Th' attentive silence and thus swiftly spoke Their resolutionâ— On on and lead Us unto death no Critick eye shall read Fear through the Opticks of our Souls but give Command to act here 's not a heart durst live Without obedience camforted with this Rich Cordial from his sorrows dark Abyss Rais'd to resolves whose greatness equal'd all His former Glory by their fatal fall To darken the ensuing day the Prince Gives a Command to all his Train that since Their own free Votes elected death they now With Souls that no terrestial thought allow A residence ' gainst the next Morn prepare That wisht for freedome with himself to share All sadly sate
then If power had quench'd ambitions fever when 'T was first inflam'd with hope whose cordials prove Oft slow as opiates in the heat of love This with a heat that spoild digestion by The angry Tyrant heard rage did unty The curles of passion whose soft trammels had Crisp'd smooth hypocrisie from which unclad Disvellop'd nature shews her unfil'd dress Rough as an angry friend by no distress Of beauty to be calm'd since slie deceit Vertue had now unmask'd no candid bait Conceals his thoughts which soon in publick shews From what black Sea those mists of passion rose Dayes sepulchre the ebbon arched night Was rais'd above the battlements of light The frenzy'd worlds allaying opiate sleep Oretaking action did in silence steep The various fruits of labor and from thence Recovers what pays for her times expence In which slow calm whilst half the drowsie earth Lay in the shade of nature to give birth Unto the burthen of sick fancy fear Groans deep as deaths alarms through her ear Fly toward the throne of Reason to inform The pensive Princess that the last great storm Of fate was now descending beyond which Her eyes orewhelm'd in sorrow must inrich Their orbs with love no more but in the dawn Of Life behold her Friends destruction drawn Since threatn'd danger sad assurance gives In those deep groans he now but dying lives More swiftly to destroy the falling leaves Of blasted hope with horror she receives By a convey of wearied light that stroke Through rusty grates intelligence which shoke The strength of fortitude there was a room Deep and obscure where in a heavy gloom The unstirr'd air in such a darkness dwelt As mask'd Egyptians from Heavens vengeance felt Till by the strugling rayes of a faint lamp Forc'd to retreat and the quicksilver damp Shed on the sweaty walls which hid within That glitt'ring vail worn figures that had been The hieroglyphick epitaphs of those Which charity did to the earth dispose In friendships last of Legacies except What is to cure loose fames diseases kept Here ' mongst the ruines of mortality In blood difigur'd she beholds one lie Who though disguis'd in death's approach appears By 's habit that confirmer of her fears Her gentle Love alone and helpless in The grasp of death striving in vain to win The field from that grim Tyrant who had now Embalm'd him in his blood and did allow Him no more spirits but what in that strife Serv'd to groan out the Epilogue of life And then depart natures cold stage to be Suck'd up from time into eternitie When thus the ever lasting silence had Lock'd up his voice and death's rude hand unclad His hovering soul whose elemental dress Is left to dust and dark forgetfulness When natures lamps being snuft to death he lay A night-piec'd draught of once well-modell'd clay With such a silent pace as witches use To tread ore graves when their black arts abuse Their cold inhabitants his murtherers were Entred the vault from the stain'd floor to bear The cold stiff coarse which having softly laid In 's doom-days bed unto the royal Maid Whose beauty in this agony defac'd Griefs emblem sate with eager speed they haste Either a guilty shame or fear to be Converted by her forms divinity Made them chuse darkness for protection in Whose hideous shade she of her self unseen Is hurried thence unto that dreadfull place Where he intomb'd lay whom she must imbrace In death's dark lodgings and e'er life was fled Remain a sad Companion of the dead Confining beauty in youth's glorious bloom To the black prison of a dismal tomb Where fast inclos'd Earth's fairest blossom must Unnaturally be planted in the dust Where life 's bright Star Heav'ns glorious influence Her soul in labor with the slow suspence Of lingring torments must expecting lie Till famine Natures ligatures untie And can oh can we ever hope to save Her that 's in life a Tenant to the Grave Can ought redeem one that already lies Within the Bed of Death whose hot lust fries In the enjoyment of all beauties that The aged World e'er had to wonder at To feed whose riot the well temper'd blood That sanguine youth's smooth cheek mixt with a flood Of harsh distemperatures o'erflows and brings Some to their lodgings on the flaming wings Of speedy feavers whilst the others creep On slow consumptions millions from the steep And dangerous precipice of war Some in A stream of their own humors that have bin Swell'd to a dropsie being even prest to death By their own weight whilst others part with breath From bodies worn so thin they seem'd to be Grown near the souls invisibilitie But whither strayes our fancy have we left The wofull Lady in a tomb bereft Of all society and shall I let My wandring pen forsake her such a debt Would banckrupt pity Th' undistinguish'd day Whose new-born light did but e'en then display Its dewy wings when first she was confin'd To the dark tomb was now grown almost blind With age when thus through fates black curtin broke Unlook'd for light that darkness which did choake All passages by which the thin air held Commerce with neigboring rooms being now expel'd By the dim tapers glimmering beams let fall Part of the rayes through an old ruin'd wall That fenc'd an ugly dungeon where the night Dwelt safe as in the Center by the fight Of which unlook'd for guest some prisoners who Had there been stay'd even till despairing to Be ere releas'd in eager fury tries To force their way where their directing eyes Led by the light should guide them come at length Where with times burden tir'd the buildings strength Losing its first firm union was divorc'd With gaping clefts an easie strength inforc'd Those feeble guards but come into the room Where ore the living Ladies sable tomb Hung the directing light they there in vain For further passage seeking were again To the black dungeon horrors dismal seat In sad despair making their slow retreat Now neer departing a deep dolefull groan Revers'd their eyes amazement almost grown To stupefaction stays them whilst they hear New sighs confirm their wonder not their fear Till thus Euriolus whose bold look spoke The braver soul the dismal silence broke What ere thou art that hoverest here within This gloomy shadow speak what wrong hath bin Thy troubl'd Ghost's tormenter art thou fled From wo to stir the dust o' th' peacefull dead Or com'st from sacred shadows to lament Some friends dead coarse which this dark Tenement Hath lodg'd in dust The trembling Lady hearing A humane voice again and now not fearing Th' approaches of a greater danger cries What ere you are fear moâ—ks your faith here lies A wofull wretch intâ—mb'd alive that nere Must look on light again my spirit were Blest if resolv'd to air but here it must A sad companion in the silent dust To Loath'd corruption be until the pale Approaching Fiend harsh famine shall exhale In dews of blood
hours of the succeeding night to find How in that factious troubl'd sea inclin'd The City stood whose shallow sons dare vent By nothing but their tongues that discontent Their hands might cure were not those useful parts Restrain'd from action by unmanly hearts Which being at once with grief and fear opprest Durst do no more but pity the distrest Which gentle passion since so general lends Some light of hope to her enquiring friends To usher in that dismal day whose light Design'd to lead into eternal night As much of beauty as did ere give place To death the morning shews her gloomy face Wrapt up in clouds whose heavy vapors had Hung heaven in black when to perform the sad And serious office of â—onfessors to Those royal sufferers whom harsh fates persue To deaths dark confines through their guard of foes Argalia and his grave assistant goes Where he whose love to neither did surmount His zeal to take the Cyprians last account Himself addrest whilst his kind passions lead Argalia from Pharonnida to read Her lifes last story made authentick by The near approach of her eternity Enter'd the room which to his startl'd â—ight Appear'd like sorrow sepulcher'd in night So dismal sad so silent that the cold Retreat of death the grave did ne'r unfold A heavier object by a sickly light Which was even then to th' artificial night That fill'd the room resigning'ts reign he saw Griefs fairest draught divine Pharonnida Amidst her tears faln like a full-blown flower Whose polisht leaves oreburthen'd with a shower Drops from their beauties in the pride of day ' To deck the earth so sadly pining lay The pensive Princess whom an extasie Oâ— passion led to practise how to die In such abstracted contemplations that Angels forsook their thrones to wonder at Wet with those tears in whose Elixar she Was bathing of the Lilies nurserie Her bloodless cheeks her trembling hand sustan'd A book which what heavens mercy hath ordain'd For a support to humane frailty in Storms of affliction lay which as she 'd bin Now so well in repentant lectures read That faith was on the wings of knowledge fled To meditation her unactive grief Lets softly fall whilst Time wise natures thief That all might look like sorrows swarthy night Is stealing forth of the neglected Light Whose sullen flame as it would sympathize With those quencht beams that once adorn'd her eys After a feeble blaze that spoke its strife But vain in silence weeps away its life Come to behold this beauteous monument Of mourning passion his great spirits spent On love and wonder the astonish'd Prince Here silent stands valor could not convince His wild amazement To behold her lie By rigid laws restrain'd from libertie To whom his soul was captive troubles all His reasons guards But when how she must fall From beauteous youth and vertuous life to be One of the graves obscure societie Must fall no Martyr whose lamented death Grows pities object but depart with breath ' Mongst ignominious clouds of guilt that must Stick an eternal odium on her dust That thought transports him from his temper to Passions in which he had forgot to do His Priestly office and in rage as high As ever yet inflam'd humanitie Sent him to actions whose attempt had bin The rode his valor must have perish'd in Had not her sorrows agony forsook The Princess by whose first unsteady look He being as far as his disguise gave leave Discover'd is invited to receive Those last confessions in whose freedom she Seeks by absolving comforts how to free Her soul of all which a religious fear Like spots on her white conscience made appear Having from her unburthen'd soul learnt how To ease his own the Priestly Prince had now As far as bold humanitie durst dive Into remission heavens prerogative Pronounc'd that pardon for whose seal there stood The sin-polluted worlds redeeming blood By which blest voice rais'd from what did appear Like sorrow till her faith had banish'd fear The Princess in such gentle calms of joy As souls that wear their bodies but to cloy Celestial â—lights can feel to entertain Her fatal doom with a resolv'd disdain Of death prepares whilst he whom heaven to her Had made their mercies happy Messenger Forsaking her repairs to him that had With the same hand the Cyprians thoughts unclad By whom inform'd how that in their defence His sword protected nought but innocence Arm'd with those blessings which so just a cause Proclaim'd his due he secretly withdraws To change those emblems of Religious peace Monastick robes for such as might increase Their joy and wonder whose contracted fear Despair'd to see a Combatant appear Although they knew his sword defended then The best of causes ' gainst the worst of men Whilst he prepares with near as much of speed As incorporeal substances that need But will for motion to defend her in Th' assaults of death that hour which long had bin The dreadfull expectation of those friends That pitied her arriv'd in sorrow ends Fears cold disease those Ministers of fate The props to all that 's illegitimate The Army to suppress the weak essayes Of love or pity guarded had the wayes By which illegal power conducted her From that dark room griefs curtain'd Theater To be beheld upon the publick stage The glory yet the scandal of the age Which two extreams met on the scaffold in A Princess suffering and a peoples sin Which now join'd to the dreadful pomp that cals His Subjects to attend the funerals Of her lov'd father whose lifes vertues won Tears for his death thus solemnly begun Remov'd no further from the City then An hours short walk though undertaken when Sol rag'd in Cancer might with ease convay Scorcht travellers a dismal temple lay In a dark vally where more antient times Had perpetrated those religious crimes Of humane offerings to those Idols that Their hands made for their hearts to tremble at Yet this since now made venerable by Those reverend reliques of antiquity The Spartan Princes monuments by those Of later times though alter'd faith is chose For their retreat when lifes extinguisht glory Sought rest beneath a silent dormitory Nor stood this fabrick all alone long since A Palace by some melancholy Prince Which hated light or lov'd the darkness built To please his humor or conceal his guilt So near it stood to distant eyes which sent Thither their beams it seem'd one monument Whose sable roof ' mongst Cypress shadows fills The deep dark basis of those barren hills With such a mournfull Majesty as strook A terror into each beholders look Awfull as if some Diety had made That gloomy vale to be the sacred shade Where he chose in enigma's to relate The dark decrees of mans uncertain fate Betwixt this temple and the City stood In squadrons thick as shews an ancient wood To distant sight the Army plac'd to be In this sad march their guilts securitie Whose glittering swords shon as
my Virgin-freedome ere I will Consent to that which being performd will kill My honour to preserve my life and turn Th' unworthy beauty which now makes you burn In these unhallowed flames into a Cell Which none but th' black Inhabitants of Hell Will ere possess Those private thoughts which give If we continue verteous whilst we live On Earth our Souls commerce with Angels shall Be turnd to Furies if we yield to fall Beneath our Vices thus O then take heed Do not defile a Temple such a deed Will when in labour with your latest breath With horror Curtain the black Bed of death Though Prayers in vain strove to divert that Crime He prosecutes yet to protract the time She more had sayed had not all Language been Lost in a storm of 's Lust which raging in His fury gives a fresh assault unto Weak Innocence for Mercy now to sue To hope seems vain robustious strength did baâ— The use of Language which defensive War Continuing till the breathless Maid was wrought Almost beneath resistance just Heaven brought This unexpected Aide A lovely Swain Whose large Possessions in the neighbouring Plain Had stil'd him rich that powerful which t' improve To that fair stock his vertue added love Which to flattery since it lost its eyes The world but seldome sees without disguise This sprightly Youth led by the parallels Of Birth and Fortune what ere else excels Those fading blessings to Florenza in His Youths fresh April had devoted been With so much zeal that what that heedless age But dallied with like Customes which engage Themselves to habits ere its growth he knew Love equal with his active manhood grew Which noble Plant though in the torrid Zone Of her disdain 't had nere distemper known Yet oft those sad vicissitudes doth find For which none truly lov'd that nere had pin'd Which pleasing passion though his judgment knew How to divert ere reason it out-grew It often from important action brought Him to those shades where Contemplation sought Calm sollitude in whose soft raptures Love Refining Fancy lifts his thoughts above Those joyes which when by trial brought to th' test Proves thoughts bright Heaven dul Eâ—rth when once possest Whilst seated here his eyes did celebrate As to those shade Florenza oft had sate Beneath kind looks to ravish that delight The tir'd Caâ—ina in her breathless flight Come neer the place assaults his wonder in That dreadful sound which tels him what had bin Her cause of fear which doleful stories end Arriv'd to th' danger of his dearest Friend Leaves him no time for language ere wingd by Anger and Love his hast strives to out-fly His eager thoughts Being now arriv'd so near Unto the place that his informing Ear Thither directs his steps with such a hast As nimble souls when they are first uncâ—s'd From bodies slie he thither speeds and now Being come where he beheld with horror how His better Angel injur'd was disputes Neither with fear nor policy they 'r Mutes When Anger 's thunder roars but swiftly draws His Faulchion and the justice of his Cause Argues with eager stroaks but spent in vain ' Gainst that unequal strength which did maintain The more unlawful all his power could do Is but to shew the effects of Love unto Her he ador'd few stroaks being spent before His feeble Arme of power to do no more Faints with the loss oâ— blood and letting fall Th' ill-manag'd VVeapon for his death doth call By the contempt of mercy so to prove A Sacrifice slain to Florenza's Love The cursed steel by the robustious hand Of fierce Almanzor guided now did stand Fixt in his breast whilst with a purple flood His life soiâ—s forth i th' Channel of his blood This Remora remov'd the impious deed No sooner was performd but ere the speed Florenza made though to her eager flight Fear added wings conveyd her from his sight His rude hand on her seises Now in vain She lavisht Prayers the groans in which her slain Friend breaths his soul forth with her shrieks did fill The ambient Aire struck lately with the still Voice of harmonious Musick But the Eare Of penetrated Heaven not long could heare Prayers breath'd from so much innocence yet send Them back deni'd white Mercy did attend Her swift deliv'ry when obstructing fear Through Reason let no Ray of hope appear Startl'd Argalia who was courted by Her pleasing Voices milder Harmony Into restrictive slumbers wakend at Their Alter'd Tone hast to discover what Had causd that change and soon the place attains Where in th' exhausted treasuce of his Vains Andremon wallows and Florenza lies Bath'd in her tears ready to sacrifice Her Life with her Virginity which sight Provok't a hast such as his presence might Protect the trembling Virgin which perceiv'd By curst Almanzor made to be bereav'd o th' Spoils of such a wicked Victory As Lust had then near conquerd fiercely he Assails the noble stranger who detesting An Act so full of Villany and resting On the firm justâ—ce of his Cause had made His guiltless Sword as ready to invade As was the others that had surfeited In blood before Here equal Valour bred In both a doubtfull hope Almanzors Lust Had fierd his Courage which Argalias just Attempts did strive to quench The thirsty steel Had drunk some blood from both ere Fortunes Wheel Turnd to the righteous Cause that Vigor which Through rivolets of Veins spread the salt Itch 〈◊〉 feaverish Lust before was turnd into 〈◊〉 flame of anger â— whilst his hands did do What Rage doth dictate Fury doth assist With flaming Paroxismes and each Nerve twist Into a double strength yet not that flood Which in this ebullition of his blood Did through the Channels boyl till they run o're With flaming spirits could depress that store Of manly worth which in Argalias breast Did with a quiet even Valor rest Moving as in its naturall Orb unstraind 〈◊〉 any violent motion nor yet chaind By lazy damps of faint mistrust but in Dangers extream still confident to win A noble Victory or i th' loss of breath Iâ— his Fate frownd to find an honourd death Fil'd with these brave Resolves until the heat Of their warm Fury had Alarmes beat 〈◊〉 th' neighbouring fields they fought which tumult by Such of Almanzors Followers as were nigh The Grove repos'd with an astonishment That rouzd them heard they hasten to prevent The sad effects that might this Cause ensue â—re more of danger then their fear they knew Arriv'd even with that fatal Minute he Who against Justice strove for Victory With such faint stroaks that their descent did give â—ought but assurance that his Foe must live 〈◊〉 happy Conquerour they usurp the power 〈◊〉 Heaven revenge and in a dreadfull shower 〈◊〉 danger with their Furies torrent strive 〈◊〉 orewhelm the Victor but the foremost drive Their own destruction on and fall beneath His conquering Sword ere he takes time to breath Those spirits which when
neer with Action tiâ—'d Valor breaâ—hd fresh fast as the spent expir'd Here rash Araspes and bold Leovine Two whose descent i th' nearst collateral Line Unto Almanzors stood beholding how His strength decâ—yd must unto Conquest bow In spight of Valor to revenge his fate VVith so much hast attempt as if too late They l come to rescue and would now to shun T is just reproof by rashness strive to run To death before him finding from that Sword Their Lifes discharge which did to him afford Only those wounds whose fears must live to be The badges of eternal Infamy But here ore-whelmd by an nnequal strength The noble Victor soon to th' utmost length Had lifes smal thread extended if not in The dawn of hope some troops whose charge had bin VVhilst th' active Gentry did attend the Court To free the Country from the feard Resort Of wild Bandeets these being directed by Such frighted Rurals as imployment nigh The Grove had led arriving at that time VVhen his slain Foes made the mistaken Crime Appear Argalias soon by power allay That fatal storm which done a full survay Of them that death freed from distress being took Them through whose wounds life had not yet forsook Her Throne they view ' mongst whom through the disguise Oâ—'s blood Almanzor whose high power they prise More then discover'd Innocence being found As Justice had by close decree been bound T' espouse his quarrels whilst his friends convay Him safely thence those ponderous Crimes they lay Unto Agalias Charge whose just defence Pleads but in vain for injur'd innocence Now neer departing whilst his helpfull friends Bore off Almanzor where he long attends The cure of 's wounds though they less torment bred Then to behold how his lost honour bled The sad Florenza comes to take her last Leave of her lost Andremon ere she past That sad stage ore to his cold clammy Lips Joyning her balmy Twins she from them sips So much of deaths oppressing Dews that by That touch reviv'd his soul though wing'd to flie Her ruin'd seat takes time enough to breath These sad notes forth farewell my Dear beneath The ponderous burthen of mortality My fainting spirits sink Oh mayst thou be Blest in a happier Love all that I crave Is that my now departing soul may have Thy Virgin prayers for her Companions through Those gloomy Vaults which she must pass unto Eternall shades had Fate assign'd my stay Till we'd together gone the horrid way Had then been made delightfull but I must Depart without thee and convert to dust VVhilst thou art flesh and blood I in a cold Dark Uâ—ne must lie whilst a warm Groom doth hold Thee in thy Nuptial bed yet there I shall If fled souls know what doth on earth befall Mourn for thy loss and to eternity Wander alone the various World shall be Refin'd in flames time shall afford no place For Vanity ere I again embrace Society with flesh which ere that must Change to a thousand forms her varied dust What we shall be or whither we shall go When gone from hence wheth'r unto flames below Or joyes above or whether in death we may Know our departed friends or tell which way They went before us these oh these are things That pauze our Divinity Scepterd Kings And Subjects die alike nor can we tell Which doth enjoy or which in torments dwell Oh sad sad ignorance Heaven guide me right Or I shall wander in eternal Night To whose dark shades my dim eyes sink apace Farewel Florenza when both time and place My separated Soul hath left to be A stranger maskt in Immortality Think on thy murtherd friend we now must part Eternaly the Cordage of my heart That last sigh broke with that the breath that long Had hoverd in his Breast flew with a strong Groan from that mortal Mansion which beheld By such of 's friends whom Courtesie compel'd To that sad Charge the bloodless body they With sad slow steps to 's Fathers home convey The end of the second Canto PHARONNIDA The first Book CANTO THE THIRD The ARGUMENT V. The brave Argalia who dâ—sign'd to raise Through all approaching ills his weighty Fate In smooth Compliance that harsh Guard obeys Who tow'rd his death did prosecute their hate VI. To death which here unluckily had staind Maugre his friends the ill directed Sword Of Justice had not secret love obtaind More mercy then the strict Laws dare afford LOw in a fruitful Pasture where his Flocks Cloud with their breath those Plains whose leavy lock Could hardly shadow them though Meadows need No shearing where in untold Droves did feed His bellowing Heards of which enough did come Each day to 's Yoak to serve a Hecatombe Lay old Andâ—enâ—ons Country Farm in which Happy til now being made by Fortune rich And Goodness honest from domestick strife Stil calm and free the upper Robes of Life Til witherd he had worn to ease whose sad And sullen Cares less bounteous Nature had Lent him no numerous Issue all he 'd won By prayer confin'd unto this murtherd Son The blasted Blossome of whose tender age When blooming first taught Hope how to presage Those future Vertues which interpreted By Action had such fruitful Branches spread That all indulgent Parents wisht to be Immortalizd in blest Posterity Had seen in him whose innocently good Stil let his Heart by 's Tongue be understood In such a sacred Dialect that all Which verg'd within deliberate thought did fall Towards Heaven was grac'd and in descent did prove To 's Parents Duty and to 's Neighbours Love This hopeful Youth their Ages chief support Whose absence though by 's own desires made short Their Love thought tedious having now expir'd His usual hours the aged Couple tir'd With expectation to anticipate His slow appearance to their Mansions Gaâ—e Where softly walk'd where cooly shadowed by An Elm which planted at his Birth did vie Age with his Lord whilst their desires pursue Its first design they with some pleasure view Their busie Servants whose industrious pain Sweats out Diseases in pursuit of gain All which although the chiefest pleasure that Their thoughts contain whose best are busied at The Mart o th' World such small diversion lent The aged pair that his kind Mother spent With a too long protracted hope had let Even that expire had not his Father set Props to that weakness and that mutuall fear Which fil'd their breasts let his sound Judgment clear By the proposing Accidents that might Untouchd detaine their Darling from their sight But many Minutes had not left their seals On the Records of Time ere truth reveals Her horrid secrets A confused noise First strikes their Ears which suddenly destroys Its own imperfect Embrioes to transfer Its Object to that nearer Messenger o th' Soul the Eyes whose beamy Scouts convey A trembling fear into their Souls whilst they That bore their murtherd Son arriv'd to tel Their doleful Mâ—ssage which so fierce storm fel
as death turnd on the Beast and threw His happy Javelin whose wel guided aime Although success it knew not how to claime From strength yet is so much assisted by Fortune that what before had scornd to dy By all our power when contending in Nice Art the honour of that day to win To him alone fals by that feeble stroke From all his speed which seen he to provoke His hastier death seconds those wounds which in Their safety are by those with terrour seen That had escapt the danger and even by Us that pursu'd with such amaze that I Who had before observ'd those Rays of worth Obscur'd in clouds here let my love break forth In useful Action such as from that low Condition brought him where I might bestow On him what Art requir'd to perfect that Râ—re piece of Nature which we wonderd at From those whom I ' mongst others thought to be Such whose Affection the proximity Of Nature claimd with a regret that shewd Their poverty unwillingly bestowd So lov'd a Jewel had procur'd the Youth His Foster Father loath to wave a truth That in the progress of his Fate might be Of high account discovers unto me The worlds mistake concerning him and thus Relate his story He was brought to us Quoth the good man some ten years since by two VVho could men be discoverd to the view Of knowledge by their Habits seemd but such As Fortunes narrow hand had gave not much More then Necessiâ—y requires to be Injoyd of every man whom Life makes free Of Natures City though their bounty shewed To our him judgments that they only owed Mischance for those course Habits which disguiz'd What once the World at higher rates had priz'd i th' worst extream of time about the birth o th' fluggish Morning when the crusted earth Was tinsel'd o're with Frost and each Sprig clad With Winters Wool I whom cross Fortune had Destin'd to early Labours being abroad Met two benighted men far from the Road Wandring alone no skilful Guide their way Directing in that Infancy of day But the faint beams of glimmering Candles that Shon from our lovely Cottage-Windows at Which Marks they steerd their Course one of them bore This Boy an Infant then which knew no more Then Natures untrod pathes These having spi'd Me through the Mornings Mists glad of a Guide Though to a place whose superficial view Lent smal hopes of relief went with me to Mine own poor home where with such course cheap Fare As must content us that but eat to bear The burthens of a Life refresht they take A short repose then being to forsake Their new-found Hoast desire with us to leave The Child til time should some few daies bereave Of the Habiliments of Light We stood Not long to parl but willing to do good To strangers so distrest were never by Our poverty once tempted to deny My wife being then a Nurse upon her takes The pretty Charge and with our own Son makes Him Fellow-commoner at the ful Brest And Partner of the Cradles quiet rest Now to depart one that did seem to have The nearst relation to the Infant gave Him first this Jewel at which word they shewed One which upon Argalia was bestowed By those that left him then that we might be Not straightned by our former poverty Leave us some Gold by which we since have bin Enabl'd to maintain him though not in That Equipage which we presume unto His birth although to us unknown is due This done with Eyes that lost their light in Tears They take their leaves since when those daies to years Are grown in which we did again expect They should return but whether be neglect Or else impossibility detain Tâ—em from his sight our care hath sought in vain Having thus plainly heard as much as Fate Had yet of him discoverd I that late Desir'd him for his own now for the sake Of 's Friends what ere they were resolv'd to take Him from that barren rudeness and transplant So choice a Slip where he might know no want Of Education with some labour I Having obtaind him til virility Rendred him fit for nobler Action stayed Him alwaies with me when my Love obayed His Reason and then in the quest of what Confin'd Domesticks do but stumble at Exotick knowledge with this noble Youth To whom his Love grew linckt like spotless truth To perfect Vertue sent him to pursue His wisht design from whence this interview First took its fatal Rise and here the Lord That a more ful discov'ry might afford Them yet more wonder shews the Jewel to Sparta's pleas'd Prince at whoe 's most serious view The skilfulst Lapidaries judging it Both for its worth and beauty only fit To sparkle in the glorious Cabinet Of some great Queen such value on it set That all conclude the honour on'â— must be Some falling Star i th' Night of Royaltie From Honours sphear the Glories of a Crown To vaunt the center of our Fears dropt down And now the Court whose brightest splendor in These fatal Changes long eclips'd had been Resumes its luster wich to elevate With all the pleasures of a prosperous state For that contracted span of time design'd For th' Princes stay Fancies are wrackt to find New forms of Mirth such whose Invention might Inform the Ear whilst they the Eye delight All which whilst to the less concernd they lent A flux of joy yet lost their first intent To please the Princess who from mirth did move Excentrical since first iuflâ—m'd with Love Which did soon from Fancies Embrion grow A large limbd Tyrant when prepard to go She sees Argalia who engag'd t' attend Th' Embassadors here soon had put an end To what even from those unto Love unkind Must now force tears ere it a period find That time expir'd ordaind to terminate Her Fathers stay and so that splendid state That yet adornd the Princess Court to shew How much he did for 's Frontiers safety ow Unto those moving Cittadels a Fleet His Mandates cals each Squadron for to meet Within Lepanto in whose harborous Lay Those Ships that were ordaind for a Convay To the Calabrians Messengers who now With all that Love or Honour could allow To noble strangers being attended by The brightest Glorys of two Courts draw nigh A royal Fleet whose glittering streamers lent Dul Waves the beauties of a Firmament Amongst which numbers one too stately far For rough Encounters of defacing War VVhose gilded Masts their crimson Sails had spread In silken Flakes advanc'd her stately head High as where Clouds condense where a Light stands Took for a Comet by far distant Lands For Cabbins where th' imprisond Passenger VVants Aire to breath she 's stor'd with Rooms that were So fair without and yet so large within A Persian Sophy might have reveld in Their spatious bulks To this Molarchus he VVhom greatness joynd to known Ability Had made Sicillia's Admiral invights The Royal Train where with what ere
arm'd like the fair Sun When through a chrystal Aqueduct he'th run His piercing Beams until grown temperate by That cooling Medium through humility Shun her Majestick worth in eithers Eyes The other seemd to wear such a disguise As Poets cloathd their wandring Gods in when In forms disguiz'd they here converst with men But long this conflict of their Passions ere Resisted lasts not when disdaind to bear Those leaden Fetters the great Princess tries To quench that fire i th' Embrio ere it rise To unresisted blazes but in vain What her tears smoother are by sighs again Blown into flames such as since not to be By ought extinguisht her sweet modesty Strives to conceal nor did them more betray Then by such Fugitives as stole away Through her fair Eyes those Salliports of Love From her besieged heart now like to prove Had not her Honour cal'd the Act unjust So feeble to betray her Souls best trust Her flames being not such as each vulgar breast Feels in the fires of Fancy when opprest With gloomy discontents her bright stars sate Inthron'd so high that like the Bays of Fate It stopt the Current of the stream and to The Sea of Honour Loves fresh Rivers drew Thus whilst the royal Eaglet doth i th' high Sublimer Region of bright Majesty Upon Affections Wings still hover yet Loath to descend on th' humble earth doth sit Her worthy Lover like that amorous Vine When crawling o're the Weeds it strives to twine Embraces with the Elm he stands whilst she Desires to bend but like that love-sick Tree By greatness is deni'd he that nere knew A swelling tumour of conceit nor flew Upon the waxen Wings of vain Ambition A thought above his own obscure Condition Thinks that the Princess by her large respect Conferd on him but kindly doth reflect Her Fathers beams and with a reverend zeal Sees those descending Rays that did reveal Loves Embassies transported on the quick Wings of that heart-o're-coming Rhetorick Instructing that the weakness of his Eye Dazl'd with beams of shining Majesty Might for too boldly gazing on a sight So full of glory be depriv'd of light Stifling his Fancy till it turnd the Aire That fand his heart to flames which pale dispaire Chil'd into Iâ—e soon as he went about With them to breath a storm of passions out But vain are all these fears his Eagle sight Is born to gaze upon no lesser Light Then that from whence all other beauties in The same sphear borrow theirs he else had bin Degenerate from that royal Airce whence He first did spring although he fell from thence Unfledg'd the growing Pinnions of his Fame Wanting the purple tincture of his Name And Titles both unknown yet shall be fly On his own Merits strength a pitch as high Though not so boldly claimd and such as shall Inhance the blessing when the dull mists fall From truths benighted Eyes whispering in His Souls pleas'd Ear her passion did begin Whilst all the Constellations of her Fate Fixt in the Zenith of bright honour sate Whilst his deprest by adverse Fortune in Their Nader lay even to his hopes unseen Whilst thus Enthean fire did lye conceald With different Curtains least by being reveald Cross Fate which could not quench it should to death Scorch all their hopes burnd in the angry breath Of her incensed Father whilst the fair Pharonnida was striving to repair The wakeful ruines of the day within Her Bed whose Down of late by Love had been Converted into Thorns she having payed The restless tribute of her sorrow stayed To breath a while in broken slumbers such As with short blasts cool feverish brains but much More was in hers a strong Prophetick dream Divering by Enigmaes Natures stream Long hovering through the Portals of her mind On vain phantastick Wings at length did find The glimerings of obstructed reason by A brighter beam of pure divinity Led into supernatural light whose Rayes As much transcended reasons as the dayes Dull mortal fires faith apprehends to be Beneath the glimerings of divinity Her unimprisond Soul disrob'd of all Terrestial thoughts like its Original In Heaven pure and Immaculate a fit Companion did for those bright Angels sit Which the Gods made their Messengers to bear This sacred truth seeming transported where Fixt in the flaming Center of the world The heart o th' Mycrocosme 'bout which is hurld The spangl'd Curtains of the Sky within Whose boundless Orbs the circling Planets spin Those threads of time upon whose strength rely The pondrous Burthens of mortality An Adamantine World she sees more pure More glorious far then this fram'd to endure The shock of Dooms-daies Darts in which remains The better Angels of what earth contains Plac'd there to govern all our Acts and be A Medium 'twixt us and Eternity Hence Nature from a Laberinth half above Half underneath that sympathetick Love Which warms the World to Generation sends On unseen Atomes each small star attends Here for his Message which receiv'd is by Their influence to the Astral Faculty That lurks on earth communicated hence Informing Forma sends Intelligence To the material principles of earth Her upper Garments Natures second birth Upon each side of this large Frame a Gate Of different use was plac'd at one there sate A sprightly youth whose Angels form delights Eyes dim'd with age whose blandishments invights Infants i th' Womb to court their wo and be By his false shape tempted to misery Millions of thousands swarm about him though Diseases do each minute strive to throw Them from his presence since being tempted by His flattering form all court it though they ly On beds of thorns to look on 't saving some More wretched Male-contents that hither come With Souls so sullen that whilst time invights Them to his Joys they shun those smooth delights This the Worlds Favourite had a younger Brother Of different hue each more unlike the other Then opposite Aspects Antipathy Within their breasts though they were forc'd to be Almost inseparable dwelt this Fiend A passage guarded which at th' other end o th' spatious Structure stood betwixt each Gate Was plac'd a Laberinth in whose Angles sate The vanities of Life attempting to Stay deaths pale Harbengers but that black Cleâ— Times dusty Girdle Fates Arithmetick Griefs slow pac'd Snail Joyes more then Eagle quick That Chain whose Links compos'd of hours and daies Thither at length spight of delay conveys The slow pac'd steps of time there alwaies stood Near him one of the triple Sisterhood Who with deformity in love did send Him troops of Servants hourly to attend Upon his harsh Commands which he from all Society of flesh without the Wall Down a dark Hill conveyd at whose foot stood An ugly Lâ—ke black as that horrid flood Gods made by men did feare Myriads of Boats On the dark surface of the water floats Containing Passengers whose different hue Tell them that from the Wals do trembling view Their course that there 's
How little to domestick toyl he ows By the displaying beauteous Wardrobes where The world 's each part may justly claim a share Though what in all Arts stiff Contention lent Most luster was the Windows Ornament Fair Constellations of bright Virgins that Like ful-blown Flowers first to be wonderd at Display their beauties but that past with all Tempt some kind hand to pluck them ere they fall Their entrance in this triumph made whilst now Each busie Artist is endeavouring how To court their Fancies times smal stock t' improve The grave Epirote whose designs toward Love Yet only by Ambition led had made His first approach so seeming retrograde By States nice Cautions and what did presage More ill the inequality of age That when Converse his Fancy Captive led His largest hopes on the thin Diet fed Of a Paternal power assisted by Whose useful aid with all the industry Of cager Love he stil augments that fire Which must consume not satisfie desire But as occasion warn'd him to prevent Unequal flames he but few dayes had spent In Loves Polemmicks ere unpractic'd Art From this calm field to wars more serious part Is sadly summond those large Conquests he Had triumph'd in whilst glorious Victory Waited on 's Sword too spatious to be kept Obedient whilst that glittering terrour slept In an unactive peace disclaiming all The harsh Injunctions of proud Victors fall Off from 's obedience and to justifie Their bold revolt to th' unsafe refuge flie Of a defensive power to crush whose pride With such a force as an impeteous tyde Assaults the shoars defence he 's forc'd to take A march so sad as Souls when they forsake The wel-known Mansions of their bodies to Tread deaths uncertain paths and there renew Acquaintance with Eternity perplext To hear those new Combustions but more vext With Loves proud flames burning in which wee 'l leave Him on his hasty Voyage and receive A smile from the fair Princess fate which till Enjoyment stifles strong desire will fill The tragick Scean no more but with as sad A progress to her hopes as ever had Poor Virgin to the Throne of Love will frame Those harsh Philacters which in Cupids name She must obey unless she will dispense With sacred Vows and Martyr Innocence These storms blown o're and the Epirote gone Her Father that till now had waited on His Entertainment with a serious eye Looks o're his Kingdomes wounds and doth supply Each part which in this late unnatural War Was grown defective unto some that are Not Lethargiz'd in Ill he gently layes Refreshing Mercies sometimes danger stayes From an approaching Gangren by applying Corroding threats but unto those that flying All remedies prescrib'd had mortifi'd Their Loyalty stern Justice soon apply'd The Sword of Amputation which care past As 't was his greatest so becomes his last Pharonnida he places where she might At once enjoy both safety and delight Her thoughts clear calm too smooth for th' turbuler And busie City wants that sweet content The private pleasures of the Country did Afford her Youth but late attempts forbid All places far remote which to supply He unto one directs his choice that by Its scituation did participate Of all those rural privacies yet sate Cloathd in that flowry Mantle in the view o th' Castle Wals which as plac'd neer it to Delight not trouble in ful bulk presents Her publick Buildings various Ornaments This beauteous Fabrick where th' industrious hand Of Art had Natures Midwife prov'd did stand Divided from the Continent by th' wide Armes of a spaâ—ious stream whose wanton pride In Cataracts from th' Mountains broke as glad Of liberty to court the Valley had Curld his proud Waves and streâ—cht them to inclose That type of Paradice whose Crown-top rose From that clear Mirror as the first light saw Fair Eden ' mids the Springs of Havilah So fresh as if its verdant Garments had Been in the first Creations beauties clad Ere by mistaking of the fatal Tree That blooming type of blest Eternity Subjected was by mans too easie Crime Unto the sick Vicissitudes of time Nor was she in domestick beauty more Then Prospect rich the wandring eye past o're A flowry Vale smooth as it had been spred By Nature for the Rivers fragrant Bed At th' opening of that lovely Angle met The Cities Pride as costlier Art had set That Master-piece of Wit and Wealth to shew Unpollisht Natures pleasures were below Her splendid beauties and unfit to be Lookt on less in the Springs variety Though from the Palace where in prospect stood All that nice Art or plainer Nature wood If in Contention shew to magnifie Their power did stand yet now appeard to vie Ehat Prospect which the City lent unless Diverted from that civil Wilderness The pathless Woods and ravenous Beasts within Whose bulk were but the Metaphors for sin We turn to view the stately Hils that fence The other side o th' happy Isle from whence All that delight or profit could invent For rural pleasures was for prospect sent As Nature strove for something uncouth in So fair a dress the struggling streams are seen With a loud murmure rowling ' mongst the high And rugged clefts one place presents the eye With barren rudeness whilst a neighbouring field Sits cloathd in all the bounteous spring could yield Here lovely Landskips where thou mightst behold When first the Infant Morning did unfold The Dayes bright Curtains in a spatious Green Which Natures curious Art had spread between Two bushy Thickets that on either hand Did like the Fringe of the fair Mantle stand A timerous herd of grasing Deer and by Them in a shady Grove through which the eye Could hardly pierce a wel-built Lodge from whence The watchful Keepers careful diligence Secures their private walks from hence to look On a deep Valley where a silver Brook Doth in a soft and busie murmure slide Betwixt two Hils whose shadows strove to hide The liquid wealth they were made fruitful by From ful discoveries of the distant eye Here from fair Country Farmes that had been Built ' mongst those Woods as places happy in Their privacy the first salutes of light Fair Country-Virgins meet cleanly and white As were their milky loads so free from pride Though truly fair that justly they deride Courts nice Contentions and by freedome prove More blest their Lives more innocent their Loves Eaâ—ly as these appears within the field The painful Husbandman whose Labour steeld With fruitful hopes in a deep study how T' improve the Earth follows his slow-pac'd Plow Neer unto these a Shepherd having took On a green Bank plac'd neer a purling Brook Protection from the Suns warm beams within A cool fresh shade truly contented in That Sollitude is there endeavouring how On 's wel-tun'd Pipe to smooth the furrowd brow Of careful want seeing not far from hence His flock the Emblems of his Innocence Where the more lofty Rock admits not these Domestick pleasures Nature
Argalia though it could not be Yet counted more then what his Merits might Claim as Desert but this smal beam of light Through the Prospective of suspition to Envies malignant Eye conveyd to do An Act informs the curst Amphibia that Makes Love lament for what she triumph'd at Since Vertue Heavens unspotted Character On the belov'd Argalia did transfer Merits of too sublime a height to be Shadowed with vice from that Flowers fragrancie She sucks her Venome and from what had built His Glory now intends to raise his Guilt For â—hough the Prince no Engines need to move His Passions Frame but just Desert his Love Her close endeavours are to heighten 't by Praises that make Affection jealousie Whose Venome having once possest his Soul It swiftly doth like fatal Charmes controul Reasons fair Dictates and although no fear From such wel-order'd Actions could appear To strengthen it Argalia's Merits caus'd Some sad and sullen doubts such as when pauf'd Awhile upon resolve their Cure must be Their Cause remov'd though in that Action he From his Breasts royal Mansion doth exclude The noblest Vertue generous Gratitude My worthless Fortune with will but prepare Our future happiness the time we spare From feeding on Ambrosia will encrease Our wealthy store when the white Wings of peace Shall bear us back with Victory there may Through the dark Chaeos of my Fate display Some beam of Honour though compar'd with thine That Element of living flames it shine Dim as the pale-fac'd Moon when she lets fall Through a dark Grove her beams thy Vertues shall Give an Alarum to my sluggish Soul When ere it drops thy Memory controul The weakness of my Passions When we strive i th' heat of glorious Battel I 'le revive My drooping Spirits with that harmony Thy Name includes thy Name whose memory Dear as those Reâ—icks a protecting Saint Sends humble Vot'ries mentions will acquaint My thoughts with all that 's good then calm again This Conflict of thy fears I shall remain Safe in the Hail of Death if guarded by Thy pious Prayers Fates Messengers that fly On wings invisible will lose the way Aim'd at my breast if thou vouchsafe to pray To Heaven for my protection But if we Nere meet again yet oh yet let me be Sometimes with pity thought on at which word His ore-charg'd Eyes no longer could afford A Room to entertain their Tears both wept As if they strove to quench that fire which kept Light in the Lamps of Life whose Fortunes are i th' House of Death whilst Mars the regal Star Some time in silent sorrow spent at length The fair Pharonnida recovers strength Though Sighs each Accent interrupted to Return this Answer Wilt oh wilt thou do Our infant Love such injury to leave It ere full grown When shall my Soul receive A comfortable smile to cherish it When thou art gone they 'r but dull Joyes that sit Enthron'd in fruitless wishes yet I could Part with a less expence of sorrow would Our rigid Fortune only be content With absence but a greater punishment Conspires against us danger must attend Each step thou treadst from hence and shall I spend Those hours in mirth each of whose minutes lay Wait for thy life when Fame proclaims the day Wherein your Battels joyn how will my fear With doubtful Pulses beat until I hear Whom Victory adorns Or shall I rest Here without trembling when lodg'd in thy breast My heart 's expos'd to every danger that Assails thy Valour and is wounded at Each stroke that lites on thee which absent I Prompted by fear to Myriads multiply But these are Fancies Wildfiâ—es we in vain Do spend unheard Orizons and complain To unrelenting Rocks this Night peect Scrol This Bill of our Divorcement doth inrole Our Names in sable Characters nought will Expunge till death obliterate our Ill. Oh do not dear Commandress of my Heart Argalia answers let our moist eyes part In such a Cloud as will for ever hide Hopes brightest Beams those Deities that guide The secret motions of our Fate will be More merciful then to twist Destiny In such black Threads should Death unravel all The feeble Cordage of our Lives we shall Spight of that Prince of Terrours in the high And glorious Palace of Eternity Being met again renew that Love which we On Earth were forc'd before Maturity Had ripen'd it to Leaves i th' numerous throng Of long departed Souls that stray among The Mirtles in Elizium I will find Thy Virgin Ghost and whilst the Rout inclin'd To sensual pleasures here refining are In purging Flames laugh at each envious Star Whose Aspects if ill cited at our Brith With poysonous Influence blasts the Joyes of Earth Oh wast not cries the Princess dear time in These shadows of Conceit the Hours begin To be ' mongst those inserted that have try'd The Actions of the World which must divide Us from our Joy the Sea through which we sail Works high with woe nor can our prayers prevail To calm its angry Brow the glorious Fraight Of my unwelcome Honours hangs a Waight Too ponderous on me for to steer the way Thy humbler Fortunes do else ere I 'de stay To mourn without thee I would rob my Eyes Of peaceful slumbers and in course disguise Whilst Love my Sex's weakness did controul Command my Body to attend my Soul My Soul my dear which hovering neer thee not Midnight alarums that appear begot By truth should startle 'twixt the clamorous Camp Lightned with Cannons and the peaceful Lamps That undisturb'd here wasts its Oile I know No difference but what doth from Passion flow Whose close Assaults do more afflict us far Then all the loud impetuous storms of War We must we must replies Argalia stand This Thunder bolt unmov'd since his Command Whose Will confirms our Law happy had we Great Princess been if in that low degree From whence my Infancy was rais'd I yet Had liv'd a toiling Rural then when fit For Himens pleasures uncontrol'd I 'de took Some homely Village Girl whose Friends could look After no Joynture for to equallize Her Portion but my love no jealous Eyes Had waited on our Meetings we had made All our Addresses free the friendly shade Cast from a spreading Oak as soon as she Had milkt her Cows had prov'd our Canopy Where our unpollisht Courtship had a Love As chast concluded as from th' amorous Dove Pearcht neer us we had learnt it when arriv'd Unto Loves Zenith we had undepriv'd By disagreeing Parents soon been led To Church by th' sprucest Swains our Marriage-bed Though poor and thin would have been neatly drest By rural Paranymphs clad in the best Wool their own Flocks afforded in a low And humble Shed on which we did bestow Nought but our labour to erect we might Have spent our lustie youth with more delight Then glorious Courts are guilty of And when Age had decayd our strength grown up to men Beheld our large course issue Our dayes ended
dwel High as his Hopes and that a Parallel To hers appearing eithers Merits had A Climax to preferment and thus clad Vertue in Honours Robes which equal Fate Gave his Affection Language to relate What their Disparity kept dumb nor did Those Motions find acceptance such as hid Them for presumption rather 't was a Frost Of Virgin Ice then fire of pride that crost His Masculine Desires her Eyes unfold So much of Passion as by them she told Who had most interest in her Heart which she From all brave Rivals his resolves shall be ' Mongst those Mazara one whose noble blood Enrich'd the Gems of Vertue though they stood In Honours Altitude was chief nor could A nobler Choice were her Affections rul'd By Worth commend her Judgment his fresh youth Being Crownd with Vertues which might raise a truth Above Hyperboles his Nature mild As was the Gaulless Dove yet not the wild And furious Lion when provok'd could have More daring Valour an untimely Grave Whilst it i th' Embrio was to every Vice But unto Vertue a fair Paradice Whose weedless Banks no pining Winter knew Till Death the Iufluence of warm Life withdrew That sympathy of meeting Vertues which Did both their Souls with equal worth enrich 'Twixt him and brave Euriolus had ty'd A League not to be broke could Love divide His Blessings amongst Friends But that of all Our Passions brooks no Rival fear may call Friends to partake of Palsies Anger strives To fire each neighbouring Bosome Envie thrives By being transplanted but a Lovers pure Flames though converted to a Calenture Unwillingly with the least flame will part Although to thaw anothers frozen heart Few ' mongst th' observant Wits o th' Court yet knew Though it with twisted Eye-beams strengthend grew At every interview and often dropt Some Tears to water it whose Love 't was stopt Mazara's Sute Euriolus to her Whose melting pity only could confer A Cure unlocks the Secrets whilst the other More confident to win nere strives to smoother A Passion so legitimate but by All actual Complements declares how high He priz'd her Vertues but this Worthies Fate Fixt him in Loves intemperate Zone too late â—he pining Fruit was sown the Spring so far Being spent its dayes were grown Canicular Schortching all hopes but what made able were By fruitful Tears Loves April Showers to bear Neglects untimely Frosts which oft have lost In bloomy Springs the unhappy Lovers cost When this accomplisht Youth whose Tongue and Pen With Negatives more firm and frequent then Curst Usurers give impoverisht Clients oft Had been repuls'd truth for discovery brought This Accident within the royal Court Of bright Pharonnida a full Resort Of valiant Knights were met conven'd to try Whose Valour Fortune meant to glorifie Of which selected number there was one Who though a stranger Vertue soon made known To all ' cause fear'd of most his valour had Before the first triumphant day unclad The silver-vested Hemisphear been oft Cloathd in the Ornaments of Honour brought On Fames fair wings from the opposing part Uncresting them to crown his high desert But now when this new Constellation neer Its Zenith drew in Honours Hemisphear Cald thither by deciding Lots the brave Euriolus appears whom Victory gave In the first shock success and plac'd his Name In the Meridian Altitude of Fame Where though the valiant stranger prove no Foe So fortunately valiant do ore-throw the structure of his Fate yet his close Stars Now sinks a Mine to which those open Wars But easie dangers were Mazara in His Crest a Scarff that formerly had been Known for Florenza's seeing jealous Love Converted into Rage his Passions move Above the sphear of Reason and what late Was but a gentle blaze by alterd Fate Fires to a Comet whose malignant beams Foretold sad Ills attending Loves extreams Loth to betray his Passions in so great A breach of Friendship to a close Retreat Mazara summons forward Rage yet in The strangers Name whose Fortune might have been The Parent of a private Qâ—arrel sends To call Euriolus who now attends Nought but triumphant mirth unguaâ—ded by Applauding Friends in secret Fight to try What power did him from threatning danger guard When publick Fame was Victories Reward This fatal Scroll receiv'd by him that thought It real truth since Passion might have sought In him the same delay a swift consent Returns his Answer but the Message went So far from its directed Road that ere It reacht Mazara's loose Neglect did bear It to Carina's Ear a Lady that In silent tears her heart had offerd at His Vertues Shrine yet with such secret zeal Her Eyes forbid their Cupids to reveal That Language of her heart she knew that in Florenza's Sea of Merits hers had been Shipwrackt and lost yet with a Soul as far From envying her as hating him this War Of factious Passions she maintains and since Reason now wanted Language to convince Those head-strong Rebels she resolves to be Though ruin'd ruld by their Democracy The Information her officious Maide Had from Mazara's careless Page betrayd Assures Carina the preceding Night Such Horse and Armour as the stranger Knight Euriolus had conquer'd in had been By his most cautious diligence within A not far distant Wood in whose black shade He meant his Fury should his Foe invade Lodg'd by his Master which discoverd truth Frighting her tears from the swift chase of Youth And Beauty into froward Age to meet Sorrow in private shades withdraws the sweet But sad Carina who resolves to spend Her sighs unnoted by her dearest Friend This in Florenza who fore-saw that nought But Passions more then common could have wrought So swift a change works high who that she might Dis-plume these Ravens ere the Babes of Light Smile in their weeping Mothers Face prepares To see Carina who with wakeful cares Her sad Companions by her friend surpriz'd No longer in their Ebbon Vail disguiz'd Her thoughts pure candor but with looks that did Seem to implore Assistance whilst they chid Her own indulgent Nature shews her how Preposterous Love made her to Passions bow Whose fruit since none of her first Planters came From forward man could be but female shame This with its fatal Authour known to free Her Friend from shame her self from cruelty Unto Mazara whose firm Love attends Her least Commands incenst Florenza sends Whose zeal transported Soul no sooner hears That welcome sound but though presaging fears Prompt him to stay least haughty honour fall Ruin'd by Fame be le ts her Standards fall Before commanding Love and goes to wait On 's honourd Mistress but this sly deceit Of hope no Cordial proves unto the sad Carina's grief the long experience had Of his Affection to Florenza tells Her doubtful Soul those even Parallels Could not by all her Friends perswasions be Wrested into the least obliquity Which sad mistrust did Love precipitate On pathes whose danger frights protecting Fate Assur'd the Combates hour drew on and
Trophies though unknown to be By his victorious Beauty reard to save From the cold grasp of an unâ—imely Grave So ripe a Virgin whilst her Brother stands Unnerv'd with grief amongst the helpful hands Of other Friends are his imployd till by Their useful aide fled Life returns to try Once more the Actions of the world before It shot the Gulf of Death but on the shore Of active Nature was no sooner set But that together with the Light she met Her far more welcome Lover whom whilst she Beholds with trembling Heaven resolv'd to free A suffering Captive turns his pity to So much of Passion as ere long Love grew On the same Stem whose Flowers to propagate She in these words uncurtains mystick Fate For bear your aide brave Sir and let me dy Ere live the Author of a Pâ—odigy That future times shall curse yet pardon me Dear Brother Heaven will nere impute to thee The guilt of blood t was my unhappy Love Which rais'd this Storm which if my prayers may prove In death successful let me crave of you Dear Sir to whom I long have born a true But indiscreet affection that from hence For poor Carina's sake for this expence Of tears and blood you would preserve those dear Respects of Friendship that did once appear Confirmd betwixt you and although my Fate Unto the worst of Ills precipitate My Fame and Life oh let my name not be Offensive to your Ear this this for me Is all you shall perform which spoke she 'd let Her hovering Soul forth to have paid the Debt Of Nature to the Grave had not shee bin By some assisting Friends whilst dropping in Scayd at the last step and brought back to meet The Bridal Pair no single winding Sheet This doubtful Combate ended they are to The Court conveyd where Fame upon this new Text Commenting in various Characters Transcribes her sence some this bold Act of hers Term un-becoming Passion others brave Heroick love but what most comfort gave To cur'd Carina was that this lost blood Had prov'd Loves Balm and in a purple flood Washt from her heart Grief 's sable stains for now Merit had taught her dear Mazara how To prize her verteous Love and for its sake Its Cabinet her hearts best Temple make Thus Passions troubl'd Sea had settl'd in A smooth and gentle calm had there not been Unhappily to blast their sweet content Not long before an Act for th' banishment Of all such Courtiers made as should withont A Licence from the Councel fight about What ever private Quarrel but not this Mazara or his new choice frights their bliss Stood on more firm foundations then the Courts Uncertain Favours were whose glorious sports Although he left it was not to retire To sullen cares what Honour could require A state which cal'd him her unquestiond Lord Without depending favours did afford But whilst we leave this noble Lover by This Mandate freed from what before did tye Unto a troublesome Attendance we From brave Euriolus are forc'd to be With sorrow parted since the generall love His Vertue had obtaind wants strength to move The ponderous doom ere his impoverisht heart Grown poor in streams could from Lifes springs impart Warm blood enough for his pale Cheeks to drink A Health to Beauty he 's enforc'd to think Of that sad theam of parting on whose sense His griev'd Soul dictates sighs yet could dispense Even with its harshest rigour were there but Any acception in it that might put Out parting with Florenza that though he Were shrunk into his former poverty Calling the rugged frowns of Fate would bear A Brow unclouded with Ambitions care But he must go not all the Rhetorick Of tempting Love could plead against the quick Approach of time whose speedy motion now Only some slippery Minutes did allow Their parting tears in whose exalted flood Had Reason not with future hopes withstood The rising stream Loves Summer Fruits had been Ore-whelmd with grief for ever buried in A delluge of Despair but that whilst she With such sad looks as wintring Scithians see The Sun hasts toward the Artick Pole beholds His slow departure glimmering hope unfolds Twylight which now foretels their frozen fear Day may return to Loves cold Hemisphear The end of the first Canto PHARONNIDA The third Book CANTO THE SECOND The ARGUMENT III. The Princess by unluckie Accident Having Loves secret Embassies betrayd To her great Father by that Action spent That stock of hope which promis'd future Ayd IV. His rage being to such rash extreams inflam'd That he whose Mandates none durst disobey As if his power were of such Acts asham'd Shrinks from it self and poorly doth betray IF angry Aid the Enemy to Love Tels thy grave pride thy Judgment is above What with contempt although it injure truth Thy spleen miscals the vanity of youth If harsh imployment gross society That feast of Brutes make thee an Enemy To love the Souls Commercive Language then Remove thy Eye whilst my unenvied Pen That long to Passion hath a Servant been Confines the fair Pharonnida's within These paper limits frozen still she lies Beneath opposing Passions her bright Eyes Those Stars whose best of influence scarce had power To thaw what grief congeald into a shower Of heart dis-burthening tears their influence spend In sorrows polar Circles and could lend No light to beauties World i th' vigorous reign Of this pale Tyrant whilst she did remain Unlighten'd with a beam of comfort in A Bower being sate that formerly had been Her seat when she heard the unhappy news Of parting with Argalia whilst she views She blames the guiltless shadows who to ask Pardon in trembling murmures did unmask Their naked Limbs and scatterd at her Feet The fragrant Vail in 's death-bed sate the sweet But pining Rose each Grass its heavy head Laden with tears did hang whilst her Eyes shead A pattern to instruct them hence whilst she Looks thorough on a way conceiv'd to be The same her Loâ—d marcht with his Army when He left Girenza with a hast more then A common Traveler she sees one post Towards her Court whose Visage had not lost Its room within her Memory he 's known Argalia's Page and now each minute grown A burthen to her thoughts that did deâ—er A neerer interview the Messenger Arrives and to her eager view presents His Masters Letters whose inclos'd Contents Are now the Object her expecting Soul Courts with desire nor doth she long controle Their forward hast A Diamond being by The Messenger returnd whose worth might vie Price with an Indian Fleet when it sails slow With 's glittering burthen though each word ore-flow With joy whilst her inquisitive discourse Was on this pleasing theam time did enforce The Pages swift departure who with all Affected Epithites that Love can call To gild Invention when it would expresse Things more sublime then mortal happinesse Is gone to carry his expecting Lord What pleasure could when ratified afford Whilst
this sweet joy was only cloathd in fresh Blossomes of hope like Souls ere mixt with flesh She only by desire subsisted but Now to her Chamber come and having shut The treacherous door from the conjugal seal The white Lipt paper freed doth soon reveal Loves welcome Embassies she reads and by Each Line transported to an Extasie In Fancies wild Meanders lost the way She rashly enterd faint desire would stay At every word in amorous sighs to breath A Love-sick groan but she is yet beneath The Mount of joy and must not rest untill Her swift-pac'd eye had climb the flowry Hill Which now past lightly o're with an intent Of a review to its best Ornament His Name she comes which whilst bathd in the Balm Of fragrant kisses from joyes gentle calm She thus is startl'd a redoubled groan That sign of neighbouring sorrow though unknown From whence affrights her Soul but she too soon Too sadly knows the Cause the height of Noon Rag'd in reflected heat when walking in Those outer Rooms her Father long had been In expectation of her sight but not Finding her there a golden slumber got The start of 's Meditations to comply VVith whose calm councel he did softly ly Down on a stately Couch whose glittering pride A Curtain from the publick view did hide VVhere having pluckt from off the wing of time Some of her softest Down the Dews that clime In sleep to stop each Ventrickle begin To steal a soft Retreat hovering within His stretcht-out Limbs sleeps vapours lye his hands Rub from his Eyes those leaden boults that stand Over their heavy Leads which scarce was done VVhen first surpriz'd Pharonnida begun To read her Letter and by that sad chance Betray her Love Passion strove to advance Her Father from his Lodging when he first Heard the discovery but though anger thirst For swift Revenge yet policy perswades Him to hear further ere his sight invades Her troop of Pleasures whose thin Squadrons broke By what shâ—'d heard before she could revoke Her vanquisht spirits that were fled to seek Protection in her heart robbing her Cheek Of all the blood to waft in whilst she stands A burthen to her trembling Legs her hands Wringing each others Ivory Joynts her bright Eyes scattering their distracted beams the flight o th' Curtain from her Fathers angry touch Discovers whence that groan which caus'd so much Her wonder came Grief and amazement strives Awhile with Love which soon victorious drives Those pale Guests from her Cheeks unto whose aide Her noble heart secure from being betrayd By its own strength did send a quick supply Of its warm blood her Conscience knows not why To fear ' cause knows no guilt nor could have been By Love so verteous ere drawn neer a sin But as the Evening blushes for the rude Winds o th' ensuing day so fortitude Upon the lovely Roses that did grow Within her Face a deeper Dye bestow Then fear could ere have done and did presage Th' ensuing storms exagitated rage Silent with Passion which his Eyes inflam'd The Prince a while beholds her ere he blam'd The frailty of Affection but at length Through the thick throng of thoughts armd with a strength Which crusht the soft smiles of paternal Love He thus begins And must oh must that prove My greatest curse on which my hopes ordaind To raise my happiness have I refraind The pleasures of a Nuptial Bed to joy Alone in thee not trembled to destroy My Name so that advancing thine I might Live to behold my Scepter take its flight To a more spatious Empire have I spent My youth till grown in debt to Age she'th seen Diseases to arrest me that impaire My strength and hopes ere to enjoy an Heir Which might preserve my Name that only now Must in our dusty Annals live whilst thou Transfer'st the glory of our house on one Which had not I warmd into life had gone A Wretch forgotten of the World to th' earth From whence he sprung But tear this monstrous birth Of Fancy from thy Soul quick as thou 'dst fly Descending wrath if visible or I Shall blast thee with my anger till thy Name Rot in my Memory not as the same That once thou wert behold thee but as some Dire Prodigy which to foreshew should come All ills which through the progress of my life Did chance were sent I lost a Queen and Wife Thy verteous Mother who for her goodnesse might Have here supply'd before she took her flight To Heaven my better Angels place have since Stood storms of strong Affliction still a Prince Over my Passions until now but this Hath prov'd me Coward Oh thou dost amisse To grieve me thus fond Girl With that he shook His reverend Head beholds her with a look Compos'd of Grief and Anger which she sees With melting sorrow but resolv'd Love frees Her from more yeilding pity to begin The Prologue to obedience which within Her breast still dwelt though swayd by Love she fals Prostrate at 's feet to his remembrance cals Her dying Mothers Will by whose pale dust She now conjures him not to be unjust Unto that promise with which her pure Soul Fled satisfi'd from Earth as to controule Her freedome of Affection rather she Desires her Interest in his Crown might be Deni'd her then the choice of one to sway It in her right she urges how it may Be by his Vertue far more glorifi'd Whom she had chose then if by Marriage ti'd To any neighbouring Prince who only there Would rule by Proxiâ— whilst his greater care Secur'd his own Inheritance she then Cals to remembrance whâ— reliv'd him when Distâ—est within Alcithiu's Walls the Love His Subjects bore Argalia which might prove Her choice their happiness with all how great A likelyhood iâ— was but the retreat Oâ— Royalty to a more safe disguise Had shewd him to their States deluded Eyes So mean a thing Loves bâ—undless Rhetorick About to dictate moâ—e he with a quick And fuâ—iouâ— hast forsakes the Room his Rage Thus boyling o're And mâ—st my wretched Age Be thus by thee tormented but take heed Correct thy Passions or their Cause must bleed Until he quench the flame at which harsh word He leaves the room nor could her strength afford Her power to rise which whilst she strives to do Her Memory adding more Weights unto The burthen of her thoughts her â—oul opprest Sinks in a pale Swoon catching at tâ—e rest It mâ—st not yet enjoy swift help lends light Though faint and glimering to behold what Night Of grief ore-shadow'd her You that have been Upon the Wrack of Passion tortur'd in The Engines of forbidden Love that have Shed fruitless â—ears spent hopeless Sighs to crave A rigid Parents fair Aspect conceive What wild destruction seiz'd her I must leave Her Passions Volume only to be read Wiâ—hin the breasts of such whose hearts have bled At the like dangerous wounds whilst she sits here Amaz'd with grief know that no
his Keepers charge as to Suffer more torments then the rest should do And lodg'd him in that Castle to affright And soften his great Soul with fear the light Which lent its beams unto the dismal place In which he lay without presents the face Of horrour smeard in blood a Scaffold built To he the Stage of Murther blusht with guilt Of Christian blood by several torments let From the imprisoning Veins this Object set To startle his Resolves if good and make His future joyes more welcome could not shake The Heaven-built Pillers of his Soul that stood Steady though in the slippery pathes of blood The gloomy Night now sate enthron'd in dead And silent shadows Midnight Curtains spread The Earth in black for what the falling day Had blusht in fire whilst the brave Prisoner lay Circl'd in darknesse yet in those shades spends The hours with Angels whose assistance lends Strength to the wings of Faith which mounted on The Rock of hope was hovering to be gone Tow'rds her eternal Fountain from whose source Celestial Love enjoynd her lower course Whilst in this holy Extasie his knees Descent did mount his heart to him that sees His thoughts disvellop'd whilst dull shades opprest The drousie Hemisphear whilst all did rest Save those whose actions blusht at day-light or Such wretched Souls whose sullen cares abhor Truce with â—efâ—eshing slumbers he beholds A glimering light whose neer approach unfoâ—ds The Leaves of darknesse whilst his wonder gâ—ows Big with Amazement the dim Tapour shews What hand conveyd it thither he might see False Manto enterd who prepard to be A Bawd unto her lustful Mistâ—esse caâ—ne Not with perswasive Rhetorick t' inflame A heart congeald with deaths approach but thaw Him from the frozen Rocks of rigid Law With brighter Constellations that did move In sphears where every Star was fir'd with love The Siren yet to shew that she had left Some modesty unrifl'd by the theft Of mercenary basenesse sadly wept Her Errands Prologue but guilt was not kept Within the Curtain long she only sate A Mourner for the sicknesse of his Fate Until esteemd for pitiful and then Prescribâ—s this Remedy Most blest of men Compose thy wonder and let only joy Dwel in thy Soul my coming 's to destroy Not nurse thy trembling Fears be but so wise To follow thy swift Fate and thou mayst rise Above the reach of danger in thy Armes Circle that power whose radient brightnesse charms Fierce Ammurat's anger when his Crescents shine In a full Oâ—b of Forces what was thine Ere made a Prisoner though the doubtful state Of the best Christian Monarch will abate Its splendor when that Daughter of the Night Thy feeble Star shines in a Heaven of Light If Life or Liberty then bare a shape Worthy thy Courting swear not to escape By the attempts of strength and I will free The Iron bonds of thy Captivity A solemn Oath by that great power he serv'd Took and believ'd his hopes no longer sterv'd In expectation from that swarthy seat Of sad Despair his narrow Jayl repleat With lazy Damps she leads him to a Room In whose Delights Joyes Summer seemd to bloom There left him to the brisk Society Of costly Bathes and corsick Wines whose high And sprightly temper from cool Sherbets found A calm ally here his harsh thoughts unwound Themselves in pleasure as not fearing Fate So much but that he dares to recreate His Spirits by unweildy Action tir'd With all that Lust into no Crime had fir'd By Mutes those silent Ministers of sin His sullied Garments were remov'd and in Their place such various Habits layd as pride Would cloath her Favourites with she means to hide From those Deformities which Accident On Natures Issue striving to prevent Forms eaven progresse casts when she would twine That active Male with matter feminine Unruffl'd here by the rash Wearer rests Fair Persian Mantles rich Sclavonian Vests The gawdy Thuscan or transmuted shape Of the phantastick French the British Ape The grave and constant Spaniard all might here Find Garments such as Princes would appear To grace their honourd Nuptials in or tell Strangers how much their Treasure doth excell Though on this swift variety of Fate He looks with wonder yet his brave Soul sate Too safe within her guards of Reason to Be shook with Passion that there 's some bing new And strange approaching after such a storm This gentle Calm assures him but the form Of pleasure softens not that which the other And worse extream not with fears damps could smother He flies not with the rugged Separatist Pleasures smooth Walks nor doth enjoying twist Those threds of Gold to Fetters he dares tast All mirth but what Religions stock would wast His Limbs from Wounds but late recoverd now Refresht with liquid Odours did allow Their suppl'd Nerves no soâ—ter rest but in Such Robes as wore their Ornament within Vaild o're their beauty Linnen smooth and soft As Phoenix Down and whiter then what 's brought From furthest China he puts on and then What habit Custome made familiar when Cloathd in his own makes choyce of for to be Most hoâ—ourd of that rich variety In an Italian Garb â—o th' Dubblet clad Manto Lusts swift and waâ—chfull Spy that had With an efficious care attended on That motion entring hasts him to be gone To â—'rd more sublim'd delights which though a just And holy doubt proclaim the road of Lust Knowing his better Angel did attend Upon each step he ventures to descend The dreadful Precipiece so far untill The burniâ—g Vale was seen then mounts the Hill Of Heaven-bred Fortitude from whence disdain Floods of contempt on those dark fires did rain â—is guilty Conduct now had brought him neer Ihonusa's Room the glaring Lights appear Through the Windows chrystal Wals the strong Perfumes of balmy Incense mixt among The wandring Attomes of the Aire did fly Sights nimble Scouts yet wer made captive by A slower sence as if but to reveal What breathd within those Fugitives did steal Thorough their unseen Salliports which now Were uselesse grown the open doors allow A free accesse into the Room where come Such reall Forms he saw as would strike dumb Their Alcharons Tales of Paradice the fair And sparkling Jems i th' gilded Roof impair Their Fapours fires yet both themselves confesse Weak to those flames Ihonusa's eyes possesse With such a joy as bodies that do long For Souls shall meet them in the Doomsdayes throng She that rul'd Princes though not Passions sate Waiting her Lover on a Throne whose state Epitomiz'd the Empires Wealth her Robe With costly pride had rob'd the checquerd Globe Of its most fair and orient Jewels to Inhance its value captive Princes who Had lost their Crowns might here those Jems have seen That did adorn them yet she trusts not in These Auxiliary strengths her confidence In her own Beauty rests which no defence Of Chastity ere yet withstood and now She scorns to fear it when her power
sate Beneath a darker Vayle then that which shades Repentant grief since sinne but wisht invades The soul with that which leads to horror when Grief for sins past bring into light agen One through a sea of trouble leads the way To a safe Harbour th' other casts away Poor ship-wrackt Mortals when by deaths swift stroak Lifes feeble hold is from hopes anchor broke So far the fair Jonusa in this sad Region of grief had gone till sorrow had That Feaver turn'd upon whose flaming wings At first lust only sate to one which brings Deaths symptomes near her heart which had so long Beneath the burthen groand untill the strong Disease had wrought up all the blood within Her checks into consuming flames the skin Had lost its soft repose of flesh and lay On nought but bones whose sharpnesse did betray Their macerated nerves The Rose had lost His Ensigns in her cheeks and though it cost Payns near to death the Lillie had alone Set his pale Banners up no brightnesse shone Within her eyes dim Orbs whose fading light Being quench'd in death had set in endlesse night Had not the wise endeavours of her Mayd The carefull Manto griefs pale Scouts betrayd By slie deceipt Knowing if she should want Health untill cur'd by that exotick plant The Captives love what lust at first did burn With inflammations might a Gangrene turn Although she cures not yet gives present ease By laying Opiates to the harsh disease A Letter which did for uncivil blame His first denyal in the strangers name Disguiz'd she gives her which with eyes that did O're-flow with joy read ore had soon forbid Griefs sullen progresse whose next stage had been O're Lifes short road the Grave deaths quiet Inne From whose dark terror by this gleam of light Like trembling children by a Lamps weak light Freed from nights dreadfull shadowes she 'd imbrac'd Sleep natures darknesse had not joy defac'd Those sooty characters and on the wings Of ayrie hope that wanton bird which singâ— As soon as fledg'd advanc'd her to survey The dawning beauties of a long'd for day But ere this pyramid of pleasure to Its height arrives with 's presence to undoe The golden structure dreadfull Ammurat From 's floting mansion safely landed at The Cities Pott impatient Love had brought In an untimely visit ere swift thought Fetterd with guilt could from his eager eye By an excuse to sanctuary flie He enters and she faints in which pale trance His pity findes her but to no such chance Imputes the cause rather conceives it joy Whose rushing torrent made her heart imploy His nimble servants all her Spirits to Prevent a deluge which might else undoe Loves new made Common-wealth But whilst his care Hastens to help her fortune did declare Her sorrows dark enigma from her bed The Letter drops which when lifes Army fled Their frontier Garrisons neglected had Been left within 't this seen declares a sad Truth to 'th amazed Bassa though 't were mixt With subtill falshood whilst he stands betwixt High rage and grief distracted doubtfull yet In what new dresse to wear revenge the fit Forsakes Ihonusa who not knowing she Detected stood of Lusts conspiracie Gainst honours Royal Charter from a low Voyce strayns a welcome which did seem to flow From fickle discontent such as the weak Lungs breath the thoughts in whilst their fibers break To counterfeited slumbers leaving her He 's gone with silent anger to confer And though rage lives in fire the fury lies Unseen through the false opticks of his eyes With such a farwell as kinde husbands leave Their pregnant Wives preparing to receive A Mothers first of blessings he forsakes The room and into strict iâ—quiry takes The wretched Manto who ere she could call Excuse to aid surpriz'd discovers all Her sins black art from whose dark Theorems he This method drawes that night design'd to be Lightn'd with Lusts hot triumphs he pretends Commanded absence yet the false stroke bends But towards that guard ere by a swift reverse Brought back his souls slie Scouts had gain'd commerce With all those enemies to honour by Whose aid Ihonusa ruins chastity Plac'd by false Manto in a Closet which Silent and sad had only to inrich Its roof with light some few neglected beams Sent from Ihonusa's room which serve as streams To waâ—t intelligence Here he beheld Whilest she who with his absence had expelld All thoughtfull cares was with her joy swell'd high As Captives are when cal'd to liberty Her Linnen like a Princely Brides that meets In the soft folds of her first nuptial sheeâ—s Perfum'd and costly her fair bed was more Adorn'd then Shrines whose Saints rich Kings adore Incense in smoaky curles climbs to the fair Roof whilst choice musick rarifies the aire Each element in more perfection here Then in their first creation did appear Yet liv'd in harmony the wing'd fire lent Perfumes to 'th aire that to moist Cordials pent In Christal Vials strength and those impart Their vigour to that ball of earth the hart The nice eye here epitomiz'd might see Rich Persia's wealth and old Rome's luxury But now like Natures new made Favorite Who untill all created for delight Was fram'd did nere see Paradice comes in Deceiv'd Argalia thinking he had been Cald thither to behold a Penitent Arming for death not heavens choice blessings spent On th' vanities of Life but mirth soon gives That thought its mortal wound and shewes she lives Beyond that dark sphear where her joyes did move As if her eyes alone gave Lawes to Love Where beauties Constellations all did shine As if no crosse aspect could ere untwine Their claspt Conjunctions which did seem to guide Old Natures steps till from their Zeniths pride By vertue the Souls motion which the World In order keeps into coufusion hurld For here gay vanity though cloathd in all Her gawdy Pageants lets her Trophies fall Before bright Vertues Throne with such a high Heroick scorn as aged Saints that die Heavens Favourites leave the trivial world he slights That gilded Pomp no splendent beam invites His serious eye to meet their Objects in An amorous glance reserv'd as he had been Before his grave Confessor he beholds Beauties bright Magick whilst its Art unfolds Great Loves mysterious Riddles and commands Captive Ihonusa to infringe the Bands Of Matrimonial modesty when all Temptation falls she leaves her Throne to fall The scorn of Greatnesse at his Feet but Prayer Like flattery expires in uselesse aire Too weak to hatter that firm confidence Their torments thunder could not shake from hence Despair Loves Tyrant had enforâ—d her to More wild Atempts had not her Ammurat who Unseen beheld all this prevented by His sight the death of bleeding modesty Made swift with rage the ruffl'd Curtain flies His angry touch he enters fixt his eyes From whence some drops of rage distil on her Whose heart had lent her Face its Character Whilst he stood red with flaming anger she Looks pale
with fear Passions disparity In such extreams as Natures Laws require 'Twixt Earths cold Center and th' aires circling fire Dwelt in their troubl'd breasts his wild eyes stood Like Comets when attracting storms of blood Shook with portentuous sadnesse whilst hers sate Like the dull earth when trembling at the Fate Of those ensuing ills heavy and fixt Within their Orbs. Passions thus strangely mixt No various Feaver ere created in The phrenzi'd Brain when sleeps sweet calm had bin From her soft Throne depos'd this Lightning past Thunder succeeds as burning Mountains cast Out horrid noise after their flame and smoak So having paus'd his dreadful Voyce thus broke The dismal silence Thou prodigious Whore The curse of my Nativity that more Afflicts me then eternal wrath can do Spirits condemnd some Fiends instruct me to Heighten revenge to thy desert but so I should do more then Mortals may and throw Thy spotted Soul to flames yet I will give Its passe-port hence for think not to out-live This hour this fatal hour ordaind to see More then an Age before of Tragedy She that fell from a Firmament of pride To Fortunes lowest Region and there di'd A sad example to ensuing times That Honours Altitude supports not Crimes When in their stretcht Extentions reaching to Justice which can through reverst Opticks view Giants though Pigmy sins do oft appear Like the dim Moon more great because more neer Sins that till fear their guilt did aggravate Wore Vertues Frontispiece since now too late To hope for life in their own monstrous form Encounter Reasons Guards till the big storm Of various pâ—ssions all were settled in Dregs of despair when â—earing tears should winne The victory of anger Ammurat drawes His Simmeâ—er which had in blood writ Lawes For conquerd Provinces and with a swift And cruel rage ere penitence could lift Her burthen'd soul in a repentant thought Tow'rds heaven sheathes the cold steel in her soft And snowy breast with a loud gâ—oan she falls Upon the blouâ—y floore half breathlesse calls For his untimely pity but perceâ—ving The fleeting spirits with her bloud were leaving Her heart unguarded she imployes that breath Which yet remain'd not to bewayle her death But beg his life that caus'd it on her knees Sâ—rugling to rise but now calm'd Ammurat frees Her from dâ—sturbing death in 's last great work And thus declares some vertue in a Turk I have brave Christian by perusing thee In this great act of honour learnt to be Too late thy slow-pac'd follower this â—ing with that Gives him his Signet shall when question'd at The Castle guards thy safety be and now I see her bloods low water doth allow Me only time to lanch my souls black Bark Into deaths rubick Sea for to the dark And silent Region though we here were by Passion divorc'd Fortune shall not deny Our souls to sail together From thy eyes Remove deaths load and see what sacrifice My Love is offering with that word a stroak Pierces his breast whose speedy pains invoak Deaths Opiates to appease them be sinks down By 's dying Wife who ere the cold floud drown Life in the deluge of her wounds once more Betrayes her eyes to 'th light and though they bore The weight of death upon their Leads did keep Them so long open till the icie sleep Began to seize on him and then she cries Oh see just heaven see see my Ammurat dies To wander with me in the unknown shade Of Immortality but I have made The wounds that murther'd both his hand that gave Mine did but gently let me bloud to save An everlasting Feaver Pardon me My dear my dying Lord Eternity Shall see my soul washt white in tears but Oh I now feel times dear want they will not nowe Fast as my stream of bloud Christian farewell When ere thou do'st our tragick story tell Do not extenuate my crimes but let Them in their own black characteâ—s be set Near Ammurats bright vertues that read by Th' unpractic'd Lover which posterity Whilst wanton windes play with our dust shall raise On beauties throne the good may justice prayse By his example and the bad by mine From Viceâ—s Throne be scar'd to Vertues Shrine And here the speed deaths messengers did make To hurry forth their souls did faintly shake Her words into imperfect accents this She cries is our last enterview a kisse Then joyns their bloudlesse Lips Each close the eyes O' th other whilst the parting spirit flies Mounted on both their breaths the latest gasp They ere must draw Whilst with stiffe arms they clasp Each others neck Argalia through a cloud Of liquid sorrow did behold the proud Triumphs of death in their untimely fate He sees great Ammurat for a Robe of State Groveling in blood the fair Ihonusa lie Purpl'd in death like pollisht Ivory Dipt in Vermillion the bright Chrystals that Her Soul in conquering flames lookt thorough at Both quencht and coold in death but time did lend His tears scarce passage till a drop could end Its Journey o're his Checks before a Page Whose cruelty had far out-grown his Age Enters in hast and with an anger that Though indiscreet at wrongs seemd kindl'd at In wounds did on the Bassas body vent A spleen that deaths discharge could not content This seen Argalia to whom all must be Offence that injures fair humanity Stops the vain Torrent and a neerer way To just revenge directs the angry Boy Who by unfolded truth now lets him know His Rage to that uncivil height did grow Not from a childish spleen but wrongs that he A Christian sufferd in Captivity Assur'd by this confession that he might Be useful more then in a secret flight Argalia bids him in his Bassas Name A Mandate write for some of worthiest Fame ' Mongst all the Christian Citizens and those To send the Guard for ere the Morning rose On the black ruines of the Night this done Before that time the Victory had won Of opportunity their Warders slain Each Christian Captive from his rusty Chain His bold band frees and by their happy aide The Gates being first secur'd with ease dismayd The drousie Garrison from whom they found But weak resistance some soft fleep had bound To Beds of ease intemperate Riot kept Others more vainly waking here one slept Between a Mistresse Armes and there another Stole to a private Cattamit did smoother Delight in whispers in which loose Garb found Ere time rowls up what slow neglect unwound Even in securities soft Lap surpriz'd They met grim death in Pleasures â—hape disguiz'd All now being slain but feeble Eunuchs and Poor trembling Maids the new but valiant Band Of late freed Captives Crown the Wals from whence They saw the Soldiers wicked dilligence In finding those which the false Mandate had Design'd for Ruine general as sad The Cities sorrows were a desolate And silent horror unregarded sate i th' empty streets which action had not fil'd Yet with employment but when day did
gild The Ebbony of Night to hear the rude Murmure that did from the mixt multitude Open'd together with their Doors assures Argalia that their â—ear which yet secures That bandfull of insulting Tyrants might With anger being charg'd home be put to flight With a reserve of hope whilst every breast Was sweld with stiffl'd Spirits whilst opprest With silent grief helplesse Spectators they Saw those they once for Vertue did obey Their reverend Senaâ—ors whose silver'd heads Age now made fit for ease forc'd from their Beds By feaverish powers rude fits whose hear not all The Jewleps of their Tears though some drops fall From Beauties lovely blossoms cools their Râ—ge Neglected Youth slights like unreverent Age. But when the conquering Captives by the brave Argalia rescued from the Castle gave Bright Vict'ries Signal when they saw each Lance The bleeding head of a grim Turk advance Anger like unobstructed Love breaks forth In flaming hast yet here the Want of worth And Valour ' mongst the City heard had drove Them all to deaths dark Fields if whilst they strove With that stout band of Iannizaries they Had not been by Argalia taught the way To Victory who in a sally meets Retreating fear when crecping from the streets To th' vain protection of their doors and now His conquering Sword having taught all to bow Beneath its burnisht splendor since the high Applause o th' loudest acclamations fly Beneath his worth a general Vote elects Him for their Prince but his brave Soul affects Not so sublime a burthen knowing they Bred under a Democrisie obey Contracted power but harshly he returns All to their Senate who of late like Urns Nought but the uselesse Ashes did contain Of their own Laws which were by Conquest slâ—in But his refusal where accâ—ptance not Envy could say Ambition had begot But new Plants Vertue who from thence did take The deeper Root and ' mongst the throng did make That choice so Epedemical that he For Valour feard lov'd for Humility The peoples prayer those humble shrubs that ow For safety to powâ—'s Cedars joyn to grow â—hadowd beneath his Merit and create Him Prince o th' Senate who their doubtful state Requiring strong Ailies A Fleet prepard To seek those Princes who their danger shard Which ready with a prosperous Gale of wind He though imployd by Honour sails to find Out Loves rich Indiaes and with 's white winged Fleet Hastens Palermos neerest Port to meet CANTO THE FIFTH The ARGUMENT With prosperous Sails mov'd from Sardinia's Shore Argalia safe doth now from danger set The Cyprian Prince who though so large in score With noble friendship soon repays the Debt In Sparta's Court they 'r now arriv'd where he That Life he sav'd venters to serve him in An Act so great it sets the Princess free Who for his sake had long a Prisoner bin WHilst with bent Oars Argalia's Squadrons move Like the light wings of Times Physitian Love Who steerd his course and now had safely drawn Him through th' Ionian Waves when by the dawn Of a still Morning whose pale sickly light Yet bounded in the Ebbony of Night Shewd like a dull Quicksilver foil spread o're The Worlds great Glasse whose even Surface bore Within their view two Galleons whom they saw Like timerous Hares base Hunters give no Law Chac'd by a nimble numerous fleeâ— Drawn near Christians the chac'd the Chacers Turks appear Which like a shole of smaller Fishes made So bold by number that they durst invade The big bulkt Whale on every side assails The slow-pac'd fleet who since not strength prevayls Against such ods their fiery spirits spent In thunder which had from their broad sides sent The last great groan for powers decease and they Not their Foes terror but good fortune lay Whilest crampt in this convulsion of their fear Which honour gilding made despair appear The childe of fortitude they all prepare Braveâ—y to die Argalia's squadrons bare Up with the winde and ere the Turks proud Fleet Deceiv'd by their own Crescents fear to meet A danger like a Hirrocane falls in Destruction which was suffer'd whilest unseen So wealthy Merchants whose returning cost A storm on the pacifick Sea hath lost Fall from the arms of hope Sudden and swift As inundations whose impetuous drift Swallows a sleeping City up had they Lost the firm hold of Victory and lay Sad Captives in their own lost Ship for flight Saves few where all in hopes of conquest fight Fair Vict'ry made more bright by accident Even when despair hopes wasted stock had spent Those that were rescu'd from their soft prayers raise To pay heavens tribute in their louder prayse Which oft neglected debt discharg'd they gave Allay'd with thanks to him whose band did save A miracle in their delivery all Dâ—sev'd applause that can when mounted fall i th' Circle of Humanity to kisse Those hands wich pluckt him from the black Abbysse Of Death their brave Commander goes where he Discoverd by Majestick curtesie Such real forms of worth that he was grown Rich in esteem before more fully known But long Truth stands not vail'd in a disguize Of Ignorance ere they are taught to prize His Friendship at a higher rate by seeing Their active Valour had been blest in freeing The Cyprian Prince for such he was and then Bound for Morea this made publick when Acquaintance had taught Love more boldnesse he All that discretion would permit to be Lodg'd in the Closet of a friendly Breast Tels to Argalia who though in his best Of hopes a Rival knowing him was in Love too secure to harbour envious sin Their prosperous Fleet ere times short steps had trod In hours a full dayes Journey safely rod At Anchor in Ghirenza's Bay from whence When known their Cannons in a loud expence Proclaim their welcome the Acquaintance that The Cyprians Father ere his youth stayd at Its Summer Solstice with Cleander had Revives i th' Suns embraces which the glad Citie in th' triumphs ecchoes ere 't was known That his Resolves were such as Love was grown The wishes of the peoples throng who thought That that unpollisht Prince Zoranza brought Unequal strength of Merit ere to win The Fort Pharonnida lodg'd Vertue in When first they enterd the admiring Court Fame wise mens care but the Fools busie sport Making the Ear the Eyes wise Harbinger By Learning first their Vertues did coafer More honour on their persons they beheld i th' Cyprian Prince heroick worth yet sweld With no ambitious tumour calm and free As whoâ—esome aire when its Ubiquity Breaths healthful blasts where his smooth thoughts to all Most sweetly affable but few could call His Love familiar his Youth had not Yet learnt rough War although from Precept got Its useful Rudiments and by Valour shews Future Command may pay what Action ows To speculation by the Grave sad man Whose counsel could Conspiracies unspan When ready to give fire he is beheld As one whose Vertues far his years exceld And
fell From a thrones splendor did neglected lie Sunk with her temple to deformitie Dark gloomy groves which holy altars shade With solitude such as religion made Full of an awful reverence and drew The ravisht soul from the worlds wandring view Circled the sacred valley into one Of which our Royal Lovers were alone Retir'd in private sollitude to pay Sleeps forfeitures whilst the bright bloomy day Sweats the hidroptick earth but joy denies That sullen ghest an entrance in their eies Their eyes which now like wandring Plannets met After a race of cross aspects and set Within a firmament of beauty thence On Loves cold Region dropt their influence Warm'd by whose vigor springs of pleasures had Watring their cheeks those fields in roses clad Fear that till now had made them languish in A dang'rous hectick or at best had bin But cas'd with intervals which did include Ambiguous hopes in times vicissitude Ceas'd to usurp yet though the throne expell'd A large command in Reasons Empire held Leading those parties which wise counsel sent Close ambuscado'd dangers to prevent Nor could the conduct fail assail'd by ought Within the circuit of extended thought Deliberation the souls wary Scout Being still imploy'd to lead fresh parties out ' Gainst the known enemies of hope But here Black Troops of danger undiscern'd of fear Assaults unralli'd fortitude whilst she Slept ' mongst the rose-beds of securitie Exalted far above the gross mistakes Of vulgar love cloth'd in such thoughts as shakes Ripe souls from out their husks of earth to be Pick'd up by Angels joys Stenographie In their embraces met not with less strength Of love though yet not to be wrought at length Then that which meets in nuptial folds when they Reap Heavens first blessing in their bloods allay Met their full seas of passion yet both calm As vertues brow their blood but warm'd like balm To pour in sorrows wounds not boild into A scum of lust The worlds first man did wo The blushing offâ—pring of his side the fiâ—st Unpractickt Virgin with as great a thirst Of blood as theirs when in the safe defence Of Paradice each act was innocence Here whilst thâ—ir sweet imployment was discourse Taught in the School of Vertue to divorce Those maiden brides their twisted eye-beams sleep Which flies the open gates of care did creep In at their cristal windows to remove The lamp of joy fill'd with the oil of love The Princess spirits fled from the distress Of action into calm for getfulness Having the Curtains drawn Argalia's head Softly reposing on her lap that bed Of precious odors there receives a while A rest for sweetness such as Saints beguile Time in in their still dormitories till Heavens summons shall their hopes on earth fulfill Remov'd from them feeding his horses in A well-fleâ—â—'d meddow which that age had seen Till then ne'er loose its Sommer robe before Russet with age he put it off and wore A glittering tissue furr'd with snow did lie Their careful guide secure till frighted by A dreadful noise of horse whose rushing wakes Him to behold what seen with terror shakes Off sleeps declining weights in such a strange Amaze as forts surpris'd the skar'd guards change Their swords for Fetters flying he looks back On the steel fronâ—ed troop till at his back Approaching danger gathering in a cloud Of death overwhelms him frighting with its loud Exalted clamors from their then clos'd eyes Loves altars sleeps intended sacrifice Shook from their slumber with the first salutes Of light to meet their ruin thick recruits Of brave resolves into Argalia's brest Had swiftly summon'd but the Princess rest Exchang'd for wilde amazement in which sad Restraint of spirits life with beauty had Fled to the silent Region if not by Her Royal friend supported who the high Pitch of exalted anger whilst he draws His sword to vindicate their righteous cause Descends to comfort her thinking those troops Her Fathers Messengers his brave soul stoops Not to request a favor but although Their multitude in hopes account outgrow Life more then those diseases which attend On ages cold extream he dares defend Love though by vigor of supream commands Depriv'd of favor's mercinary Bands Prompted by power that soveraign antidote ' Gainst Natures poyson baseness and by roate Not Arts fair Rules taught Lessons of defence These dregs of men not having more pretence Then what from Riot was extorted in Unwieldy throngs the conquest strive to win From single valor not the powerfull pray'r Of her whose voice had purified the ayr To a seraphick excellence the sweet Heav'n lov'd Pharonnida could come to meet Pitty in this rude wilderness her words Losing their form in the wild air affords Their busie souls no heedfull leasure but With wilder passions the soul's portals shut That sober friend to happy sollitude Silence which long those blest shades did include By rude noise banisht from her solemn Throne Did in a deep and hollow eccho grone Whilst the brave Champion whose own worth did bring Assistance yet had in a bloody ring Strew'd death's pale triumphs and in safety stands The dangerous business of so many hands All which had in the grave joyn'd palms if by One stroke that index unto victory His sword had not with sudden breaking prov'd Traitor to th' strength by whose command it mov'd Rob'd of this safe defence Valors brave flame In vain is spent that Piramis of fame Built by his hand o'er Loves fair temple now Even in the view of 's Saint is forc't to bow Beneath an earthquake his commanding soule In this sharp conflict striving to controle Nature rebellious to her power le ts flye In vain the piercing lightning of the eye Whose dark leads drooping in a death like close Forbids high fury thundring on his soes He falls and from each purple salliport Of wounds tir'd spirits in a thick resort Flie the approach in which wild trance His eyes did their declining lights advance Above their gloom of darkness to convay The last faint beam of natures falling day To his distrest Pharonnida but she In clouds of sorrow lost was gone to be Close mourner for his rigid fare beneathe A pale sowns shady vale and could not breathe One sigh to welcom those sick guests nor lend A beam to light them to their journies end Which being depriv'd of in deaths dark disguise Forgetful shadows did obscure his eyes Branded with an ignoble victory His base oppressors staying not to try Where fire remains in lifes dark lamp forsake Their bleeding shame and only with them take The trembling Ladies whose amazement yet Griefs floodgates shuts in a distracting fit Of wilder passions circled in which cloud She 's hurried thence and ere that damp aloud Light through her souls prospectives had past ore Much of the Desart and arriv'd before A barren Rocks proud front which being too steep For the laborious traveller a deep Dark vault did pierce whose dismal black descent Safe passage to a
Hypocrisie by paths untrod to reach The Apex of his hopes What not the fear Of ills whilst her own interest did appear The onely sharer could perform he now Presumes affection to her Friend would bow With low submission if by that she might Aid his dim Stars with a reserve of light With frequent visits which on sins dark Text Wrought a fair gloss Almanzor oft had vext The calmer passions of the Princess in To rufled anger but when all could win No entrance on her favor fury tries A harsher corrosive stern power denies Her even of those poor narrow comforts which Her souls dark region that was onely rich In sorrows sables could possess Withdrew Were all those slippery Parasites that knew To her no pity but what did reflect The rayes o' th Tyrants favor whose neglect Taught them the Lesson of disdain whilst she Her practic'd soul trained in humility Pensive as an unpractic'd Convert in A Bath of tears she shadow'd lies within The unfrequented room a curtain bed Her close retreat till Lights fair Angel fled The swarthy Region But whilst here she lies Like a dark lanthorn that in black disguise Circles imprisoned Light Grief from the sullen world conceal'd to turn The troubled stream as if the silent urn Of some dead friend to private sorrow had Summon'd her thither enter'd was a sad And sober Matron in her hands she bore A light whose feeble rayes could scarce restore The sick successor of the day unto A cheerfull smile Sad Pilgrims that renew Acquaintance with their better Angels by Harsh penitence have of humility Less in their looks then she her habit shew'd Like costly ruins that for fashion ow'd To elder pride in whose reversion she Appear'd the noble choice of charitie This shadow of religious vertue drawn Near her disordered bed a sickly dawn Of light breaks through the Princess clouded eyes To meet the welcom object the disguise Of sorrow which at first appearance sate Fixt on her brow a partner of her fate Making her seem nor was the fancy crush'd I' th infancy of faith fair truth first blush'd For verbal crimes near to the bed reposed Where the sad Lady lay she thus disclosed Her cause of entrance Cease fair stranger to Monopolize a sorrow which not you Here share alone pitty instructed by Experience in the rules of misery Hath brought me from complaining of my own To comfort thine this Castle once hath known Me for its Mistriss though it now behold Me in the dress of poverty grown old Despis'd and poor the scorn of those that were Nurs'd into life by my indulgent care This in her tears o'erflowing language spoke Perswades the pensive Princess to revoke Deprav'd opinions doom confessing she Wedded not grief to singularitie But comfort in the julip of her words Was scarce dissolv'd e're a reply affords Conceiv'd requital striving to prevent The oft more forward thanks Rise to content Fair soul she cries be but so wise to let Sick passion die with just neglect I 'll set Thy dropt Stars in their orbs again I have Forc'd by command a late attendance gave Unto a wounded stranger that remains Within this Castle in the heavy chains Of cruel bondage from whose weight unless Your Love redeem him dark forgetfulness Will draw the curtains of the grave about His dull mortality and the sick doubt Of hope resolve in death this evening I Ore heard his heavy doom from which to fly He hath no refuge but your mercy which Strip'd of light passion must be cloth'd in rich But graver robes of reason when it sits In counsel how to reconcile the fits Of feverish love when being most propense To passions heat a frost of abstinence Benums it to a Lethargy In brief 'T is he whose prosperous tyranny the chief Command within this castle gave that in His swift destruction doth attempt to win Free passage to enjoying you then prove He friend to him that begs you to change love For now more usefull pity and so save A life that must no longer live to crave If now deny'd This Ring with that presents A jewel that when loves first elements The harmony of faith united she Gave to confirm her vows he sends to be A note that he denies what e'er was made Authentick when your mixt vows did invade Unwilling Heaven which in your sufferance shews We may intend but wiser powers dispose Pharonnida whose fears confirm'd did need No more to wound a fancy that did bleed At all the springs of passion being by The fatal Present taught whose liberty Her Loves exchange must purchase with a sad Reverse o' th eye beholding it unclad Her sorrow thus And did oh did this come By thy commands Argalia no by some Unworthy hand thou' rt rob'd of it I know Thou sooner wouldst be tempted to let go Reliques of thy protecting Saint Oh cease What e'er you are to wrong him the calm peace He wears t' encounter death in cannot be Scatter'd by any storm of fear would he That hath affronted death in every shape Of horror tamely yield unto the rape Of 's Virgin honor and not stand the shock Of a base Tyrants anger but I mock My hopes with vain fantasms 't is the love He bears to me carries his fear above The orb of his own noble temper to An unknown world of passions in whose new Regions ambitious grown it scorns to fall Back to its Center Reason whither all The lines of action until now did bend From 's souls circumference yet know his end If doom'd unto this cursed place shall tell The bloody Tyrant that my passing bell Tolls in his dying groans and will e're long Ring out in death if sorrow when grown strong As fate can raise the strokes of grief above The strength of nature which if not yet love Will finde a passage where our souls shall rest In an eternal union whilst opprest With horror he by whose command he dies Falls to th' infernal pow'rs a Sacrifice If that your pitty were no ficton to Betray my feeble passions and undo The knots of resolution tell my Friend I live but to die his and will attend Him with my pray'rs those verbal angels till His soul 's on th' wing then follow him and fill Those blanks our Fate left in the lines of life Up with eternal bliss where no harsh strife Of a dissenting Parent shall destroy The blooming springs of our conjugal joy Vext by this brave display of fortitude To sullen anger with a haste more rude Then bold intrusions lusts slie advocate Forsakes her seat and though affronts too late Came to create a blush yet passion had Her cheeks in red revenges livery clad Her eyes like Saturn's in the house of death Heavy with ills to come her tainted breath Scatt'ring infectious murmurs with a look Oblique and deadly the curs'd Hag forsook That ebbon cabinet of grief and hastes To tell Almanzor how his passion wastes More spirits in perswasions hectique
distant crisis and on flaming wings Posts through the blood whose mass infected brings Deaths banners near the Fort of life which in Acute distempers it attempts to win From Natures guards had not the hot assault By youth sustain'd made deaths black army halt Whilst marching to the grave the swift disease Like a proud foe repulst forc'd to give ease By slow retreats yet of those cruel wars Left long remaining bloodless characters But ere the weak Euriolus for he This hapless stranger was again could be By strength supported base Amarus who Could think no more then priceless thanks was due For all his dangerous pains more beastly rude Then untam'd Indians basely did exclude That noble guest which being with sorrow seen By Ammida whose prayers and tears had been His helpless advocates she gives in charge To her Ismander that till time enlarge Her then restrain'd desires he entertain Her desolate and wandring friend Nor vain Were these commands his entertainment being Such as observant Love thought best agreeing To her desires But here not long he stayed Ere Fortune prompted by his wit obeyed That artfull Mistris and reward obtains By fine imposture for firm vertues pains The gout that common curse of slothfull wealth With frequent pain had long impair'd the health Of old Amarus who though else to all Griping as that for ease was liberal From practic'd physick to the patients curse Poor pratling women or impostors worse Slie Mountebanks whose empty impudence Do frequent murthers under healths pretence He all had tried yet found he must endure What though some eas'd none perfectly could cure Oft had his judgement purse and patience bin Abus'd by cheats yet still defective in The choice of men which error known unto My brother and Euriolus they drew Their platform thus Euriolus clad in An antick dress which shew'd as he had bin Physitian to the great Mogol first by Ismander prais'd at distance doth apply Himself unto Amarus where t'â—inhance The price of 's art he first applauds the chance That had from distant Regions thither brought Him to eclipse their glory who had sought For 't in his cure before then seconds that With larger promises which tickled at Amarus vies with his threatning to break His iron chests and make those idols speak His gratitude though lock'd with conscience they To his own clamorous wants had silent lay Some common medicines which the people prize ' Cause from their knowledg vail'd in slight disguise Apply'd to 's pain and those assisted by Opinion whose best antidotes supply The weak defects of art he soon attains So much of health that now his greatest pains Had been th' ingag'd reward had he not bin By future hopes kept from ingratefull sin So far that in performing action he Exceeds his passions prodigalitie Large promises with such performance that Whilst his deluders smile and wonder at Thus speaks its dark orginal To shew Euriolus how fortune did out-grow Desert in his estate he was one day From th' Castle walls taking a pleas'd survay Of spacious fields whose soils made fertile by Luxurious art in rich variety Still youthfull nature cloath'd which whilst he views An old suspition thus his tongue renews How blest my worthy friend how blest had I Been in my youths laborious industry T' have seen a son possest of this but now A daughters match a stranger must endow With what I 've toil'd to get and what is more My torment one that being betroth'd before My sons decease wants an estate to make Her marriage blest but knew I how to shake This Swagg'rer off there lives not far from hence One that to match her to were worth th' expence Of my estate his name is Dargonel A wary Lad who though his land do swell Each day with new additions yet still lives Sparing and close takes heed to whom he gives Or whom he lends except on mortgage by Whose strength it may securely multiply This worthy Gentleman with wise foresight Beholding what an object of delight Our link'd estates would be hath since I lost My heir been in 's intention onely crost By this Ismander whom though I confess A braver man yet since a fortune less Ne'r must have my consent onely since by Her contract I have lost the liberty Of second choice unless I vainly draw My self in danger o' th ore-busie Law I want some sound advice that might inform Me how to rid him yet not stand a storm Broke from his rage although my daughter love Him more then health I shall command above Her feeble passions if you dare impart So much of aid from your almighty art As to remove this remora and here He stopp'd yet lets a silent guilt appear In looks that shew'd what else the theam affords He 'd have conceiv'd as being too foul for words Which seen by him whose active wit grâ—w strong In friendships cause as loath to torture long His expectations thus their stream he stayes With what at once both comforts and betrayes Raise up your spirits my blest Patron to Sublime content Heav'n sent me to renew Your souls harmonious peace that dreadfull toy Of conscience wisely wav'd you may enjoy Uninterrupted hopes yet since we must Be still most wary where we 're most unjust Le ts not be rash swift things are oft unsure Whilst moles through death's dark angles creep secure Then since it 's full of danger to remove Betroth'd Ismander whilst his publick love By your consent rais'd to assurance may A granted interest claim first let us stay His fury and the peoples censures by A nuptial knot whose links we will unty Ere the first night confirms the hallow'd band By wayes so secret that death 's skilfull hand Shall work unknown to fate and render you To the deluded worlds more publick view A real mourner whilst your curtain'd thought Triumphs to be from strict engagements brought Besides the vailing of our dark designe Like vertue thus this plot will sink a Mine Whose wealthy womb in ample jointure will Bring much of dead Ismanders state to fill The vast desire of wealth This being done I with prevailing philters will outrun Sorrows black Bark which whilst it lies at drift I 'll so renew her mirth no sigh shall lift Its heavy sails which in a calm neglect Shall lie forgot whilst what 's not now respect To Dargonel shall soon grow up to be Like Natures undiscovered sympathie A love so swift so secret all shall pause At its effects whilst they admire the cause This by Amarus with belief which grew Into applause heard ouâ— he doth renew With large additions what h 'had promis'd in His first attempts Then hasting to begin The tragick scene which must in triumph be Usher'd to light his known deformitie Of wretched baseness for a while he lays Aside and by a liberal mirth betrays Approaching joy which since incited by His wishes soon lifts Hymens torches high As their exalted hopes The happy Pair
flow Whose wit grown wanton with canaries wealth Makes the chast Muse a pandress to a health Our royal Lovers story I 'll pursue Through times dark paths which now have led me to Behold Argaâ—ia by assisting art Advanc'd to health preparing to depart From his obscure abode to prosecute Designs which when success strikes terror mute With pleasing joy shall him the mirror prove Of forward valor glost with filial love But let us here with prosperous blessings leave A while the noble Hero and receive From times accounts the often varying story Of her whose love conducted him to glory Distrest Pharonnida whose sufferings grown Too great for all that vertue ere had known From humane precepts flies for refuge to Heavens narrowest paths where the directing clew Of Law to which the Earth for order owes Lost in zeals light a useless trouble growes Return'd were all the messengers which she Had at the first salutes of Libertie To seek Argalia sent But since none brought Her passions ease sick hope no longer sought Those flattering Emp'ricks but at Loves bright fires Kindling her zeal with sober pace retires From all expected honors to bestow What time her youth did yet to nature ow A solemn Recluse by a sacred vow Lockt up from action whilst she practis'd how By speculation safely to attain What busier Mortals doubtfully do gain Within the compass of the valley where Ismanders palace stood the pious care Of elder times had plac'd a Monastrie Whose fair possessors from life's tumults free In a calm voyage towards heaven their home there spent The quiet hours so sweetly innocent As if that place that happy place had bin Of all the earth alone exempt from sin Some sacred power ordaining when 't was given It for the next preparing school to heaven From whence those Vestals should when life expires Be for supplies advanc'd to heavenly quires Lost to the world in sorrows lab'rinths here Pharonnida now out of hope to cleer This tempest of her fate resolves to cast Her faiths firm anchor But before she past The dangerous straits of a restrictive vow She to such friends as judgment taught her how To prize imparts it ' mongst which few the fair Silvandra whom lost love had taught despair With sad Florenza both resolve to take The same strict habit and with her forsake The treacherous world But to disturb this clear Stream of devotion soon there did appear Disswading friends Ismander loth to lose So lov'd a guest whilst she 's of power to choose Together with the vertuous Amida Spend their most powerful arguments to draw Her from those cold thoughts that her vertue might Whilst unconceal'd lend weaker mortals light Long had this friendly conflict lasted ere Her conquer'd friends whom a religious care Frighted from robbing heaven of Saints withdrew To mourn her loss yet ere they left her to Her cloyster'd Cell Ismander to comply With aged custom calls such friends whom nigh Abode had made familiar to attend His Royal guest some hasty days they spend In solemn feasting where each friend although Cloath'd as when they at triumphs met did shew A silent sadness such as wretched Brides When the neglected nuptial robe but hides The cares of an obstructed love before Harsh parents wear The mirthless feast past ore The noble Virgins in procession by The mourning train unto the Monast'ry Slowly conducted are each led by two Full-breasted Maids whom Hymen to renew The worlds decaying stock his joys to prove By contracts summon'd to conjugal love These as they past like Paranymphs which led Young Beauties to espouse a Maidenhead With harmony whose eachâ—concording part Tickl'd the ear whilst it did strike the heart With mournful numbers rifling every brest Of their deep thoughts thus the sad sense exprest I. To secret walks to silent shades To places where no voice invades The air but what 's created by Their own retir'd society Slowly these blooming Nymphs we bring To wither out their fragrant spring For whose sweet odors Lovers pine Where beauty doth but vainly shine Cho. Where Natures wealth and Arts assisting cost Both in the beams of distant hope are lost 2. To Cloysters where cold damps destroy The busie thoughts of Bridal joy To Vows whose harsh events must be Vncoupl'd cold Virginitie To pensive prayers where heaven appears Through the pale cloud of private tears These captive Virgins we must leave Till freedom they from death receive Only in this remote conclusion blest Cho. This vale of tears leads to eternal rest 3. Then since that such a choice as theirs Which stiles them the undoubted heirs To heaven 't were sinful to repent Here may they live till beauty spent In a religious life prepare Them with their fellow-Saints to share Celestial joys for whose desire They freely from the world retire Cho. Go then and rest in blessed peace whilst we Deplore the loss of such societie Through all the slow delays of Love arriv'd To the unguarded gate friendship that thriv'd Not in Perswasions rhetorick withdraws Her forces to assist that juster cause Prayers for their future good with which whilst they Are taking leave th'unfolded gates give way For the blest Votries entrance whom to meet A hundred pair of Maids more chastely sweet Then slowers which grow untoucht in desarts were Led by their Abbess to whose pious care These being join'd with such a sad reverse Of eyes oreflowing as the sable herse Close mourners leave when they must see no more Their coffin'd dead their friends are from the dore With eager looks woes last since now denied A further view departs unsatisfied This last of duties which the dearest friend Ought to perform brought to successful end For here no custom with a dowries price At entrance paid nurst slothful avarice They 're softly led through a fair garden where Each walk was by the founders pious care For various fancies wanton imagrie To catch the heart and not to court the eye Adorn'd with sacred histories From hence To th' center of this fair circumference The fabrick come the roving eye confin'd Within the buildings to enlarge the mind In contemplation saw where happy Art Had on the figur'd walls the second part Of Sacred story drawn in lines that had The worlds Redeemer from his first being clad In robes of flesh presented to the view Through all his passion till it brought him to The Cross that highest seal of love where he A sinless offering died from sin to free The captiv'd world which knew no other price But that to pay the debts of Paradice Past through this place where bleeding passion strove Their melting pity to refine to love They 're now the Temple enter'd where to skreen Their thoughts yet nearer heaven whom they had seen i th' entrance scourg'd contemn'd crucifide They there beheld though veils of glory hide Some part of the amazing Majestie In his Ascension as when rais'd to be For them that hear his death freed from the
the peoples love To anger turn the active Guards remove To still the clamorous multitude who sway'd By various passions did whilst each obey'd Opinions dictates but in darkness rove At shadow'd truth whence now they boldly strove To pluck the vail from Declarations that Contain'd those falshoods which whilst wondring at They wept to force upon their faith are sent Through th' Lands each Town Armies Regiment By which Almanzor who attempted in This plot to joyn security with sin Doubting if ere this story reach his ear Argalia might their combatant appear Besides those stains which common fame did take For sins just debts sliely attempts to shake The heaven-erected fabrick of his love By closer engines such as seem'd to move On noble pity which with grief ingrost That faith which envy in disdain had lost Black rumor on the wings of rais'd report Flying in haste had soon attain'd the Court Of the amaz'd Aetolian Prince who hears The dreadfull story with such doubtfull fears As shook his noble soul but not into An easie faith each circumstance was true He knew Almanzor's vilany to be Of that extent so foul a progenie As all those horrid murthers might from thence Take easie birth but when the innocence Of 's vertuous Princess and his honor'd Friend The noble Cyprian Prince come to contend With oft confirm'd report that strikes a deep And solemn grief yet such as must not keep A firm possession in his soul until A further inquisition either kill His yet unfainting hopes or raise them to Joy by confirming those reports untrue The End of the Fourth Canto PHARONNIDA The Fifth Book CANTO V. The Argument I. Through royal blood to level that dark way Which Rebels pass unto the injur'd throne Pharonnida is now condemn'd to pay A debt for crimes that none durst call her own II. When near the last step brave Argalia who In close disguise truths secrets had betraid When most did doubt 't was now too late to sue To heaven for pity brings a timely aid IF on those vanisht Heroes that are fled Through the unknown dark Chasma's of the dead To rest in regions so remote from hence Twixt them and life there 's no intelligence When ere thou look'st through times dim optiques then Brave emulation of those braver men Rouses that ray of heav'n thy soul to be A sharer in their fames eternity Thou 'st then a genius fit to entertain A Muses flight which may be rais'd again To sing thy actions when there 's left no more Of thee but what by life whilst passing ore Natures short stage had either scatter'd bin By careless youth or firmly planted in Maturer age whose wasted talent spent Those were his Friends this is his monument Is all except some Muse thy life records That to thy worth th' unthankful world affords But if thy uninspired soul do beare A lower sail which flagging with the care Of humid pleasures ne'r is swell'd into Sublimer thoughts then such as onely view Earth for its object which ne'r yet did lend Her favorites more then what they here do spend T' improve her barren wants may none rehearse Thy name beneath the dignity of verse But trivial flatterers such as strive to gain Thy favor from Ephemera's of the brain Unsalted jests pleas'd at whose painted fire I leave fond thee in vapor to expire Whilst from thy living shadow I return To crown the dust in brave Argalia's urn From common fame that wild impostor he Had often heard what Love deny'd should be For truth admitted his Pharonnida Accus'd for sins which envy strove to draw Objects for heavens severest wrath and now Ere his considerate judgment would allow Report for real secret Messengers To Corinth sends who ill inform'd transfers His further trouble in confirming what Whilst others wept for he transported at So sad a change in her whose vertue had Inflam'd his thoughts by passion near unclad His soul of all his robes of â—lesh which now So loosely hung as if she practic'd how To strip her self should unexpected death To heavens hard course call forth the nimble breath Could earth here conquer or had it within The power of whatsoever is mortal bin T' have wrought disorders of amazement where The noble soul such true consent did beare With the harmonious Angels he in all His acts like them appears or ere his fall Perhaps like man that he could onely be Distinguish'd from some hollow'd hierarchie By being cloath'd in the specifick vail Of flesh and blood this grief might then prevail Over his perfect temper but he bears These weights as if unfelt on his soul wears The sable robes of sorrow whilst his cheek Is drest in scarleâ— smiles no frown his sleek And eaven front contract like to a slow And quiet stream his obscur'd thoughts did flow With greater depths then could be fathom'd by The beamy lines of a judicious eye Whilst those good Angels which fond men call wit Reform'd by age did all in Council sit To steer those thoughts by which he did attend Pharonnida's escape they to this end At length reduc'd his Councils that he must To succor her leave groveling in the dust His Kingdom which being by domestick strife Late wounded was but newly rubb'd to life Yet since that there to her redemption lay In all the progress of his thoughts no way Less full of danger such of 's Lords as he Honor'd for age and prais'd for loyalty Call'd to a secret Council he discovers His fixt resolves which they though now no Lovers With such consenting souls did hear that though They knew his danger might ev'n fear outgrow They to oppose that scourge of cowards brings His vows his sacred vows those scepter'd Kings Which justly rule the conscience that aw'd by Usurping fear submits to Tyranny Their first proposals whence their judgment sought To hide his absence to conclusion brought They thence proceed to level him a way Through that thick swarm of Enemies that lay Circling the walls where reason stayes a while In various censure ere 't could reconcile Their diff'ring judgments but at length in this As that which in this dangers dark abiss Seems to lend fear most of the helpfull light Of hope concludes that when succeeding night With strength of age was grown so gravely staid That dark designs fear'd not to be betraid By th' wanton twilight he in close disguise Whilst some of 's troops diverted by surprise His watchful foes might pass their guards which don Their care might be with 's surther march begun In dismal darkness that black throne of fear Nights silent Empress aw'd the Hemisphear When now Argalia's ready troops with slow And noiseless marches issued through their low Close Salliports are swiftly rallied by Such as had long taught valor how to dy For honors rescue Captains that had bin From youth's first bud till age was reverenc'd in Her honor'd scars such strict disciples to Wars hardest precepts that their fame out-grew
Their power which that had so authentick made Where fear was scorn'd they were for love obay'd By these brave Hero's which had often led Armies to sleep in honors purple bed The Prince assisted was with secret haste By wayes where fear no Centinel had plac'd Drawn near the Leagure which th' alarum took From a storm'd Fort had with such speed forsook Their huts that haste which was intended to Preserve being now to wild confusion grew Helps to destroy In undistinguish'd sounds Which not inform but frighted sense confounds With wild amazement the unnoted words Even of command are lost no ear affords Room for advice nor the most serious eye A place for order Ensignes vainly flye Since unperceiv'd through the dark air which in A storm ne'r knew more tumult then had bin Since first their fear on this alarum fled From Reason through the troubled Leaguer spread In this loud horror whilst they need no lamp To guide them more then their own flaming Camp His frighted foes fled from their quarter lend The Prince some hope this sudden charge might end Their slow-pac'd siege yet since approaching day Perswading haste denies his longer stay The power to those Commanders left which he For valor knew might force from victory Unwilling laurels though their judgment such Those hallowed wreaths they ne'r durst rashly touch ' He leaves when first his sword which none did spare Within its reach had of his being there Left bloody marks the conquer'd foes to finde Out sterner foes in his afflicted minde Which since usurping doubt with peaceful love For empire strove taught passion how to move In spheres so differing from his reasons right Ascension that his cares protracted night From this oblique position caus'd had made His sorrow tedious as those nights which shade Cold Artick regions when the absent sun Doth underneath th'Antartick tropick run This passage forc'd through his obstructive foes That now the treacherous day might not disclose Him whilst unguarded to their view that might In larger troops persue a baser flight Through deep dark paths which ne'r to th'sun had shown Their uncouth shades being to all unknown Save neighb'ring rurals he conducted by A faithful guide directs his liberty Towards stately Corinth near whose confines ere Six morning dews had cool'd the hemisphere Arriv'd in safety that kind heaven might bless His future actions with desir'd success To seek to them he first sought those that in The wane of 's blood had lifes supporters bin Those holy Hermites to whose art he ow'd For life next heaven which first that gift bestow'd Come to their quiet Cell where all receive Him with a wonder that did hardly leave A room for welcom till their fear had in A full relation of his fortune bin Chang'd for as much of sanguine mirth as they Could know that had Religions cool allay To check delight he being retir'd with him Whose first discoveries in his fortunes dim Imperfect light directed him to know His royal off-spring lets his language flow With so much freedom as discovers what Whilst he by active war was aiming at His Kingdoms safety call'd him thence to save Sweet vertue from an ignominious grave The fatal story heard by him whose love Fixt by religion passion could not move Although he pitied all th' afflicted to More softness then what had its off-spring drew From heav'ns strict precepts which are then mispent When easie man mistakes the innocent Since what permits hypocrisie to win Remorse by mercy doth but cherish sin Which to avoid ere his consent approve Of the design neglecting all which Love Prompted by pity could alleage to draw Him to the combat though he in it saw Nought to defend but innocence since in That shape deluded charity hath bin Too oft deceiv'd that his victorious sword Might not but where fair justice could afford Vict'rie be drawn he like a Pharos plac'd ' Mongst rocks of doubt thus rectifies his haste Take heed brave Prince that in this doubtful way 'Twixt love and honor thy bright vertues stray Not from Religions latitude into More dangerous stations Reasons slender clew Is here too short to guide thee and may in Its conduct but obliquely lead to sin Be cautious then and rashly venture not On unknown depths where valor seems begot By vain presumption Mortal beauty that Imperfect type of heaven though wonder'd at Yet may not be so much ador'd to make Our passions heavens directing road mistake Though thy affections were legitimate As mans first choice since in that happy state Of innocence frail woman then found out A way to fall still let thy reason doubt The same deceit since that affected she Which thou ador'st yet wears mortalitie A garment which since maâ— first wore hath bin But once cast off without some spots of sin Yet know my councel strives not to prevent Thy swords assisting of the innocent As much of mercy on neglect being spilt As there 's got vengeance from presumptuous guilt Only before thy valor dares to tread This rubick path whose slipp'ry steps have led So oft to ruine let Religion be Thy prompter unto so much policie As may secure thy conscience which to do Claim my assistance as thy vertues due The grateful Prince with lowly looks had paid His thankful offerings when that promis'd aid Might not fall short of expectation he Whose words like vows that hold affinitie With heav'n breath'd nought but constant truth did thus Proceed towards action whilst lov'd Prince with us Of this poor Covent you by wounds restrain'd From action liv'd you know that what 's contain'd In our calm doctrine gives us leave to be So intimate with each societie No secret though maskt in the clouds of sin Flies those discoveries which informs us in Their last confessions by which means you may Know whether justice calls your sword to pay These bloody offerings as a victim to Th' appeasing of an inward vertue due By this advice instructed to convince What love suggests the apprehensive Prince Since this includes nothing but what 's too just To disobey although he all mistrust Of her like sin avoids consents to be Rul'd by his Council whose assistance he So oft successful found which that delay That slow-pac'd sin might not obstruct the way With times too oft neglected loss he now So fast toward action hastes they could allow The night scarce time to steal a dark retreat Ere having left that melancholy seat Devotions dark retiring place he goes To see how much her frowns did discompose That Cities dress of whom he 'd ne'r a sight Before but when 't was polish'd with delight His Arms bright Honors burnisht robes into Such weeds as shew'd him to the publick view A course Monastick chang'd attended by His aged friend soon as the mornings eye Adorn'd the East the prosp'rous Prince begun His pious journey which before the sun Blusht in the West found a successful end In clouded Corinth where arriv'd they spend The