satisfaction Euphrosyne and Melintus knew not yet if they should beleeve it or no and continued silent and astonished No no replied Dicearchus never doubt of what I tell you Euphrosyne knowes who she is and for you sayes he to Melintus open your brest to her that shée may see the marke of the heart which will assure her that you are her sonne Melintus shewed her that marke and then Euphrosyne said opening her arms Ha my sonne is it you indeed whose sight I have so longed after and whom I could never heare any newes of Ha Dicearchus how from my heart I pardon you all the torments you have made me suffer and if Hermocrates were with us how happy should I esteeme my selfe for the present At the same time a streame of teares bedewed her face all over Melintus had his heart so pressed to feele himselfe embrac'd by this vertuous mother whose losse he had so often lamented that he could not be at ease but in letting fall also many teares This object so tender and so pittifull mixt with regrets and satisfactions with sorrow and joy could not be seene but with weeping which serv'd for two uses being capable to represent both the resentments of griefe and the excesses of contentment Melintus presented afterwards Ariana to his mother and having told her a part of her vertues and of their adventures let her know that she was destin'd to be his wife if shee were pleas'd withall Then they embrac'd one another with much transportation and Euphrosyne said that after so much happinesse she had nothing to be sorry for but the losse of Hermocrates Melintus express'd to her that his greatest desire was to know what their fortune had beene since their exile from Syracuse and in what sort she had encountred in that place She let them know that she was very willing to give them this contentment beleeving now she had strengh enough to performe it but Dicearchus foreseeing how that discourse could not be made but that he must receive the stings of many a reproach withdrew himselfe with Palamede leaving Melintus Ariana Lepantus and Cyllenia in preparation to hearken to Euphrosyne who began thus her discourse holding Melintus by the hand History of Hermocrates and Euphrosyne MY deare sonne if you desire to know the originall of our misfortunes and what the great Hermocrates your father hath beene I must of necessity take up my discourse something from afarre off for to let you see that at what time I married him fortune never brought together any couple that had cause to expect more happinesse and yet proved so unfortunate as wee Under the reigne of the Emperour Tiberius Hermocrates of whose illustrious birth I will make no relation to you because I beleeve you are not ignorant of it would goe to Rome being very young His father and mother having no other child but him were in trouble to have him so farre remov'd out of their sight but in the end he obtained leave As soone as hee was at Rome he stayed not long to put himselfe into the acquaintance of the great Prince Germanicus who then was the refuge of what ever there was vertuous upon earth Hermocrates that was perfect in all kinds of excellent qualities and among others had a wisdome and a valour to be admired was presently lov'd of him and a while after the occasion of the German warres was presented wherein he followed that Prince and made so many proofes of his valiance and prudent government that he gave him great commands in the Army and honour'd him divers times with many crownes and advantageous praises After these warres were finished he return'd to Rome with Germanicus and admiring the vertue of this great Prince he could not forsake him Germanicus on the other side loving Hermocrates dearely gave him cause enough not to abandon him and knowing his noblenesse and his vertues beleev'd that he alone was worthy of his friendship They were a long time in this sort inseparable and if the gods willing to punish the earth by the cruell Emperours they gave since had not so soone taken out of the world this lovely Prince whom by a just title they call'd the delights of humane kinde I beleeve I should never have knowne Hermocrates nor beene to him the cause of all his miseries But Germanicus having beene poysoned by Piso and Plancinus in Syria Hermocrates could not endure to see Rome any more where there was an Emperour so execrable who envying the vertue of his Nephew and the love that all the world had to him had cruelly depriv'd him of his life so as he return'd to Syracuse but with such a regret for the death of Germanicus that his sadnesse appeared visibly upon his face and made him be affected the more by others to see him faithfull to a Prince so lamented of the world At that time was I one of the most considerable of Syracuse although I were not originary of that Countrey but the Nobility of my birth was well enough knowne for that my grand-fathers that went out of Carthage when it was destroyed by the Romans were of the race of the Princes Hamilcar and Hannibal and therewithall I had an estate if I may say it equall to my Nobility and my mother onely was left me of my kindred all whose cares tended to the choyce of some party that might be for my advantage Dicearchus many ages since descended of Timoleon and having a sufficient estate to sustaine the ranke that his birth gave him was one of the chiefe that presented themselves He was wanting in no care or practice for to order his affaires so as he might marry me and labour'd by a thousand wayes to give my mother great impressions of his honesty for he knew her to be of so great a vertue that he well saw she would be impregnable any other way but this But Hermocrates arriving at Syracuse obtained without thinking what the other tried to gaine by a thousand subtilties for every one being already prevented with his great reputation it was acknowledg'd not to be without cause that renowne had so high advanc'd him because his Nobility was accompanied with so many vertues and he added to his other good qualities so honest a modesty with a sadnesse that was still more gracefull in him that there was not a person but bare a love and respect towards him At the same time having beene bred under the government of the wisest mother in the world I made my selfe also sufficiently esteem'd by a great restraint I observed endevouring to imitate her vertue and give her all the contentments she could expect from a daughter I know not what it was Hermocrates saw in me that pleased him whether appearance of vertue or some other thing but he express'd with a great grace and respect the designe he had to serve me As for me who had no desire to make a choyce but would leave my selfe to my mothers judgement I alwayes
his house and could not sufficiently wonder at the great courage of Melintus and his resolution for the safety of Palamede Emilia was well pleased to have Melintus in her power and was casting in her minde what kinde of death she should give him being resolv'd to kill him with her owne hand Then word was brought them how Palamede had beene saved and there was a souldier that accus'd Dicearchus for having beene towards the prison thereupon those that guarded him being not to be found they conjectur'd that Dicearchus had gained them whereat Trebatius being offended made him be put into the same dungeon where his Nephew had beene before neare unto that wherein Melintus was and was resolv'd to put him to death for having dar'd to corrupt his men and save the enemies of Caesar and at the same time he made Pisistratus be banish'd from his presence On the other side Palamede being got out knew not what to thinke to see all the City in a rumour and yet considering of nothing at that time but his owne safety he regained the lodging of Arcas never enquiring what the matter was But he was greatly amaz'd when he understood that Melintus was gone out with eight souldiers and he could not imagine for what designe he had stollen away from his troop in that equipage Instantly he would depart for to goe seeke and succour him but he was hindred by the arrive of Arcas who learn'd them all that had passed The faire Ariana who began to dry her teares for her brothers return felt then a new affliction that open'd afresh the source of them Every one was in such a despaire at this calamity for the affection they bare Melintus that in stead of comforting her they express'd by their extreme griefe what cause she had to afflict her selfe Palamede seeing in what sort he was oblig'd to Melintus for having conceiv'd so generous an enterprise for his safety was fully resolv'd to render him the like but he could not yet invent the meanes to effect it and he onely mingled his despite with the extreme displeasures of his sister Lepantus and Cyllenia In the meane time Emilia that meditated of nothing but the meanes of intirely satisfying her vengeance having in her hands the subject of all her furious passions consider'd that if she could get Ariana into her power she might have wherewith to punish her for being cause of her torments and an occasion besides to aggravate the punishments of Melintus by the resentments he should have at that she would make Ariana suffer before she put him to death and doubting that she might be in the same place since Melintus was met there with Palamede and Epicharis she made a further search in all parts to have her in her hands But Arcas knew so well to divert the scrutiny that might be made in his house that she could never learne any newes of her Many dayes were thus consum'd in this search about the City and some places adjoyning in the end not able any longer to deferre her revenge and Trebatius urging her to put an end to the life of Melintus for to give a beginning to his happinesse she resolv'd one morning to goe her selfe and kill him with her owne hand She tooke a ponyard and Guides to conduct her to the dungeon then being sure that Melintus could not defend himselfe from her because he had his hands tyed behind him and irons at his feet she sent away those that were with her to enter alone into that obscurity with a torch in her hand having yet some shame left to commit that action in the presence of another What said she to her selfe in entring it seemes I tremble and that my body feares to execute what my minde has so resolutely undertaken Can I yet doubt whether I be to revenge my selfe having run over so many Seas to finde the occasion No no let this cruell man feele the fury of a woman justly provoked and repay all the torments he has made me endure She encourag'd thus her selfe for to fortifie her heart that seem'd not over much assured and went her way towards Melintus conducted by the torches light in designe to make him have a sense of the death shee would give him Melintus knew her presently and seeing that she sought him among the shadowes he would prevent her and said Come Emilia that you bring me is very agreeable to me Those words troubled her because this voyce heretofore so loved surpriz'd her and she thought not that Melintus could know her beleeving her dead and seeing her in the habit she was in Ha! traiterous Sorcerer said she at length what spirit hath learn'd thee that I am Emilia Yes I am that Emilia the object of thy contempts and thy ingratitudes that am come from hell to ravish from thee thy perfidious soule and abandon it to the furies Well then replied he gently dispatch Emilia doe that you have enterpriz'd behold my brest uncover'd strike the ponyard in and assure your selfe that the death you are going to give me I shall receive it not as a punition for having offended you but as a recompence for the good service I have done you Done me good service replied she instantly Ha! Villaine call'st thou that good service to have mocked at my love and to have rewarded my cares with disdaine and ingratitude call'st thou that good service cruell man when after thou hadst escap'd from me by subtilty thou wouldst no more thinke there remain'd an Emilia in the world to whom thou wast so much oblig'd call'st thou that good service thou ingratefull wretch when neither the sicknesse that hapned to me for the regret of seeing thee no more nor my death so neare nor my very death it selfe could oblige thee to give one visit to our house Emilia replied Melintus to what purpose serve these reproaches since you are resolv'd to make me dye Dispatch Emilia see my brest ready for you give the blow and beleeve that you never yet oblig'd me so much as you shall doe at this houre by taking away my life No answered she I will know first wherein traytor thou hast serv'd me Ha! Emilia said Melintus will you have me to your shame present before your eyes so trouble some remembrances Did I not serve you well when seeing that this same Emilia whose wit and vertue I had before admir'd let her selfe loose to desires that were not very honest I endeuoured to asswage that heat by my coldnesses for feare she should bewaile all her life time the fault of a few dayes Did I not serve you well when deploring with my selfe the wandring of your soule and comparing your abasement with the honour of your preceding life I was not willing to take advantage at your blindnesse but maintain'd you pure at least from ill effects since I could not hinder the impurity of your desires and thoughts And did I not well serve you when seeing that my presence rather
than any of these persons here for having corrupted my men in my owne house and I had ordain'd you to punishment but I was constrain'd to give your life to the intreaty of Melintus the most vertuous of men and from henceforth you hold it of none but him Dicearchus was allasham'd once againe to have an obligation for his life to a person whose death he prosecuted but Melintus knowing his disorder would comfort him and went to embrace him then putting one knee to the ground he began to undoe his irons and ask'd him pardon for having given him much displeasure in that he was forced by his love to carry away his Neece Ariana at the same time was upon her knees before her uncle and desir'd his favour for the fault she had made in going away from Corinth and it was an action that drew teares from the assistants to see a captive at the same time suppliant and sought to and that the same persons demanded grace and gave it Dicearchus weeping also could not tell what to say to them only he embrac'd one while Melintus another while Ariana At last Trebatius said to him that he should receive Melintus for the husband of Ariana and for the most apparent happinesse that could arrive to his family that he himselfe acknowledg'd him to be the most valiant most vertuous man of the earth that he wondred how he could possibly have such animosity untill then against a person of so admirable qualities Live sayes he from henceforth happy together being oblig'd to one another by many important services and make much of the repose that fortune sends you The embraces then redoubled in testimony that they confirm'd the advice of Trebatius and a little after they consulted what they had to doe Trebatius said he would goe to finde his souldiers that were still searching Palamede in the Vessels to whom he resolv'd to say that Palamede had beene found in the City and put to death that at the very houre he would embarke them and returne to Rome with Emilia in whose company he hoped to passe away his dayes happily As for them he counsell'd them as well for their owne safety as his to change their names and retire to some part of Asia where the Emperour should never heare more of them besides they ought not to retire them to places commanded by the Roman Governours but into some Kings dominions either of Troas or Câ—mmâ—gena These advices having beene approv'd they tooke leave one of another with a thousand embracings and as many wishes that they might live all of them in prosperity and repose the rest of their dayes Nothing now remain'd but to finde out Epicharis and they judged that she had return'd to the first lodging they were in because she knew not they had changed it but there she was not to be found neverthelesse the day after having knowne that Trebatius was departed with all his troop they would remove againe into that lodging which was very great staying untill they might heare newes of her and sent the faithfull Arcas who remain'd amongst them to have brought thither what they had transported into the other house to the end they might in that place celebrate the marriage of Melintus with Ariana and Lepantus with Cyllenia which had so cruelly beene deferred but now was resolv'd on by the very consent of Dicearchus who was so ashamed for being so many times redeuable to Melintus that he could hardly lift up his eyes before him Palamede in the meane time went to the bay where the vessell was hid for to have it returne and to see if Epicharis were not along the Sea-coast somewhere but all his care proved unprofitable That very day they tooke out of the ship all they thought necessary for them to goe away by land as farre as the Hellespont and from thence to passe into Asia because the way was much shorter and withall they were in hope to finde Epicharis Afterwards they sent away the Vessell to Syracuse with charge to goe secretly advertise at the houses of Dicearchus of Melintus and Telephus what fortune they had met with and to bring them all the commodities they could get together out of their estates to the end they might be able to live in Troas where they would settle and that those were sent to them should come the same way they went not to faile of encountring them they gave marks also whereby they should be found and instructions concerning all they had to doe About evening when every one re-began the preparations for the next day they were told there had beene in that house some dayes a sicke woman that was landed at that place and appear'd very venerable They had the curiosity to goe see her and offer her what assistance they were able but when they were entred into the Chamber and came neare her bed she cried out having perceiv'd Dicearchus Ha ye gods Who presents this hangman to me this traitor and continued a thousand outrageous speeches against him in such sort as they thought her sicknesse was some burning fever and having recommended her to those that waited on her they left her A little while after Dicearchus by chance repassed by this womans Chamber who beginning afresh her injuries and maledictions made her selfe at last knowne to him to be the sage Euphrosyne wife of Hermocrates and mother of Melintus Dicearchus then full of confusion to finde himselfe guilty of all the miseries that had hapned to Hermocrates and her knew not what to doe with himselfe whether he regarded her or return'd towards Melintus whose sight he could not endure for having so much offended him and for being so oblig'd to him At last he resolv'd to goe nearer and he said to her that in satisfaction of so many miseries and displeasures he had brought upon her hee thought himselfe happy for having a meanes to give her as much contentment now presently as before he had given her troubles and griefes Euphrosyne not able to judge what he meant to say ask'd him if hee would not still continue his deceits and treasons and assur'd him that the gods would one day revenge her for all his villanies Dicearchus fail'd not to goe out and finding Melintus he said to him with a heart touch'd by repentance that he esteem'd himselfe at last very happy for having found out in his misfortune wherewith to pay him in part for so many obligations he had to him not onely in granting him Ariana for his wife but also in making him an inestimable present for which without doubt he would be extremely joyfull Melintus having given him thanks and not able to imagine what he could give him let himselfe be conducted by him into the Chamber where Euphrosyne was to whom he presented Melintus for her sonne and said to Melintus that he gave him Euphrosyne for his mother and that he rejoyc'd for that the gods had offered him this meanes to give them
many as they found and the rest of the Thessalians admiring the dreadfull fray of these Barbarians ceased not to put them to the edge of the sword in such sort as all the Camp over the dead bodies were heaped one upon another and in the meane time none of them left off crying Ariana Ariana When Alcydamas had visited all the tents the day now beginning to breake he came at last out of the Camp seeing no more enemy appeare and himselfe not able to finde what he sought for He left his men to pursue what remain'd of the Scythians who gained their shipping as well as they could and weary with killing searching and crying out finding himselfe out of breath too and all in a sweat he was constrain'd to alight from his horse and laid him downe at the foot of a tree And is this the fruit sayes he then to himselfe I must reape of all my travels There remaines not a man in Thessaly of so many Barbarians which invaded it Have I exterminated them all and yet have not Ariana Ah unprofitable valour that suffer'st this barbarous people to triumph over mee in their very defeat that wert not able by the death of so many men to redeeme the life of Ariana alone Miserable love what shall I doe Shall I unworthily survive my disaster or can there be any hope left me by some means yet untried Unjust gods why doe ye not render me her Have not ye your selves ravish'd her from me A god could assume no other shape but a Scythians for so barbarous an action Alas if a god now possesses her what rage of jealousie but if a Scythian has stollen her what horror of shame and infamy must I endure When the miserable Alcydamas was imployed in these wofull complaints he saw passing before him a Scythian that fled and a maid running after and pursuing him with bow and arrowes Alcydamas was afraid the Scythian might not turne backe and doe her some displeasure so as he arose up and following after her cryed out Stay faire Maid you are too valorous doe you not feare the Barbarian This Maid heard a voyce speaking to her and returning backe againe let Alcydamas come neare her whom she presently knew and said to him Ha! my deare Alcydamas is it you indeed Alcydamas as soone knew the voyce and face of Ariana and opening his armes for excesse of joy held her a long time embraced They continued thus some while without motion and unable to speake at last quitting embracements to looke upon one another and admire their good fortune for being so happily met Alas said Alcydamas is it indeed you I could never finde when I sought you in all places but now doe I finde you when I sought you not They were both of them so weakned with travell and seizure of joy as they were forc'd to lye downe upon the grasse neare an hedge and by and by Arcas who was wandred from his Master arriv'd the same place and a little after Amyntas who rejoyced with Ariana for the happinesse of seeing her againe As soone as she could speake at liberty Alcydamas express'd the impatiency he had to understand what her fortune had bin and how it came to passe she heard them not when they call'd her from all parts To let you know answer'd she in what fort it happened I must tell you the accidents befell me since I was taken at Larissa A Scythian that stole me having found an horse in the Towne set me up and rode away with me when he was out of the ports his purpose was to get to a wood to be the more remov'd from encountring his companions Judge you in what affright I was and how many shrieks and plaints I utter'd all in vaine but when he stayed to alight off a horsebacke with me he felt himselfe strucke with an arrow Presently he turn'd him and saw another Scythian that had followed him on foot whose designe being to have me because he could not so soone overtake him he thought to have stayed him by this blow shot from a farre off The first that had bin strucke drawing a shaft out of his quiver put it hastily to his bow and with it wounded the other also that was comming to him Then they both threw away their bowes and arrowes and tooke their swords in hand to fight it out and see whose of the two I should remine I was so forlorne that I knew not what resolution to take seeing what accident soever hapned I was to remaine with one of them I labour'd to get upon the horse that stood neare me to flye away while they fought but I was never able to compasse it so I was forc'd to attend the successe of this duell They gave one another furious blowes being both animated with the desire of having me but the first of them being inflam'd besides with anger and a longing to revenge himselfe upon the other seem'd to me the most valiant so he struck downe at his feet him that had assaulted him and lying upon him did his best to take away his life the other being unable to defend himselfe but by strugling Already had the first man struck him twice with his sword into the throat and I saw that he had even now won me when a Serpent gliding forth of a bush there hard by came and bit the legge of him that was uppermost then went and put her selfe into the bush againe I thought it presently an advice sent me from the gods that if I could defeat him that remain'd I might save my selfe I tooke courage then and beleeving I was assisted by some divine inspiration tooke up one of their bowes and putting an arrow upon it came neare them and bending the bow with all the force I had I let flye the arrow and pierced the body of him that had gotten the victory as the other Scythian in dying held him still embraced I was not content with this but seeing he could not yet get loose of him he killed I redoubled my blow so happily with another arrow that I pierced him to the very heart and at the same time they both of them expired I was well pleas'd to see my selfe thus delivered but when I thought to depart looking up I saw foure or five other Scythians approaching to me These had bin witnesses of my action and peradventure my face after so much motion having some extraordinary colour beleev'd there was something divine in me for having kill'd as they thought two men at one blow So they had a respect to me thinking I was some goddesse tutelary of Greece that tooke vengeance of them for the spoyle they had made in Thessaly But yet one of them bolder than the rest came neare and would have touch'd me I withdrew me instantly behinde the bush where I had seene the Serpent retire and putting an arrow to my bow shot it into the bush to make the Serpent come forth which presently glided
ARIANA ARIANA IN TWO PARTS Translated out of French and prsented to my Lo Chamber Sold by Tho Walkley at ye flying horse neare yorke House Melintus Ariana ARIANA. IN Two Parts AS IT WAS TRANSLATED OUT OF THE FRENCH and presented to my LORD CHAMBERLAINE LONDON Printed by John Haviland for Thomas Walkley 1636. To the LADIES FAire sex to whom Nature hath given what she had most rich and lovely spring of most agreeable delights that hold in your faire hands the Empire of the Universe since you command over men and distribute to them at your pleasures either good or bad fortune 't is to you alone I present this worke I addresse it to the most delicate objects of the earth and as you are that which most pleases in the world so is it you also I desire most to please If the very power of love depends not but on yours whatsoever appertaines to it owes no homage but to you and these adventures that are effects of Ladies beautie are not to be offered but to those that may produce the like I hope there is not one amongst you that will not finde here how to passe away some houres with pleasure The severest will not be offended that this booke speakes to them of love and will not feare as they read it to tell themselves that they would be loth to heare from the mouthes of men Those that suffer onely to be loved without loving and will have much respect and ceremony shall here find such Lovers as they desire And those that are softer and who to ease the flames of their servants are willing to take a part of them shall have some satisfaction to see their owne passions here authoriz'd by examples But because amongst those that love there are some constant and some wanderers and this booke altogether takes part with the first I should feare lest the other side might not take offence to see their humour ill intreated if I did not give them reasons to defend themselves against those that are alleaged in this worke The most severest Judges would finde it a hard matter to resolve which is more commendable either to know how to keep a passion in spight of fortunes traverses or to change it to good purpose It is indeed a very glorious thing to make an invincible love appeare that feares neither heaven nor earth that is the stronger for very opposition and that would not be shaken by the ruine of the whole world Such affections as these cannot be so perfect but that they are founded upon vertue and reason having bred them they must of necessity last alwayes it being impossible that what was once reason should be so no more There is none but must confesse this kinde of loving admirable but it is as rare withall The most part of loves grow of light causes a little charme surprizes the eies and takes from them the knowledge of many defects Constancy in these affections in without doubt more vicious than change and very often they call inconstancy that which in effect is but a judicious retrait Change is sometimes a vertue more strong and more couragious than Constancie it selfe 'T is by it one tames a passion of many yeares and repaires all the disorder that was in the soule Men that have alwayes more cause to love fall least into inconstancy and Ladies that find in us so many defaults do oftentimes by reason by a generous striving that they are thought to do but out of weaknesse The law that forbids change is only more rigorous for us for it seemes we are oblig'd to suffer to the very extremity rather than be unfaithfull and women are excusable for changing the least unquietnesse love gives them Constancy is a quality too serious and too melancholike for so agreeable and delightfull a sex That which destroyes beauty ought to be detested amongst you as much as old age or sicknesse This same Constancy would appeare valiant in you and capable to support vexations at the charge of your richest treasures 'T is shee that extinguishes that lively brightnesse of the eyes that effaces the colour that ruines the good looke and that to gaine you the glory of loving well makes you lose the other of being loved Lightnesse hath much more jollity and charmes and if by some cruell accident in love there must happen one of these two changes either of the wit or of the beauty you may very well be pardoned if you chose that which preserves the thing in the world you account dearest And these are the reasons the inconstant may allege they that follow the lawes of fidelity shall finde enough in the book to answer them I counsell every one of you to continue in the opinion that is most conformable to her humour and demand of you this grace onely that those that are pleas'd to be unfaithfull blame not the austere fidelities they shall finde here describ'd and that those that love constancy accuse not the inconstant But I stay you while peradventure you are impatient to entertaine Ariana I leave you then with her and yet before quitting of you I must advertise you that she is somthing bashfull because she hath alwaies bin shut up and never yet seene the world and that if you desire her entertainment should divert you you must not addresse you to her altogether to learne her adventures Shee could not then tell which of you to satisfie and in the tumult would lose many of her graces Take her each of you apart into some retired place and then giving her attention and silence she wil freely recount to you all her life and tell the very least of her thoughts She cannot love noise or assemblies since repose and solitude gave birth to her ARIANA. THE FIRST PART ROme began to resent with griefe the violences and furies of Nero after having suffered with patience the first debauches of his youth and the people that was proud with the spoyles of all the world groned under the cruelties of that Prince when Fortune was pleas'd to bring forth accidents to crosse the most vertuous affections of the earth and suffer'd that the Cirque where Combats were made onely for pompe and recreation should bee watered with blood by a detestable treason But that basenesse could not have its full effect and was not left unrevenged for that by a prosperous foresight of heaven those who were appointed to assault were prevented by a terrour which taking from them their courage and judgement preserv'd the lives of those that were ordain'd to destruction Two young Sicilians going by night through the City one of them carried by love the other out of complaâ—sance onely for his friend and passing neere the Cirque with foure or five of their traine after they had made a noyse with their swords upon some designe they had were set upon by a troope of men at Armes whose disorder made them rather seeme persons affrighted than resolute for the
my misfortune that hath given me this benefit to make her lye in the same chamber with me for whom I have had so many longings Palamede said Epicharis if I have so freely put my selfe into your hands take no other advantage of it besides the testimony I give you of an honest desire to serve you for if you abuse this my freedome I shall know how to punish you well enough and my selfe too for having obliged an indiscreet man She spake these words something in passion but Melintus said to her No no Epicharis I shall be his surety assure your selfe Palamede has not so lost his judgement as not to know what respect wee are to beare to your sex and honour to your courage She knowes that well replies Palamede if I be not deceiv'd in her humour and if I honour it I have beene sufficiently instructed to my cost how I ought to live with her and learn't more discretion in her company than my wit hath seem'd capable of Neverthelesse she knowes withall that I must alwayes be jesting These occasions sayes she permit no jesting content your selfe that I love you as my Master and Melintus as my brother Melintus admir'd her vertue and gentilenesse and gave her many thanks for the good will she had for him without any obligation of his part to have ever moved her to it Melintus said she you are of more worth than all my services give me leave only to doe for you what I am able and for this time doe me the favour to let me sleepe for I had never so much need of rest Melintus intreated her to take their bed for her selfe alone because it was more commodious than her owne but she would never consent to that and went into another very little one that was made ready for her after she had prayed them to remember she was called Eurylas and no more Epicharis They promis'd her to have care of it and then they all three held their peaces to go sleepe The next day she arose before them and went to make acquaintance with all of that obscure house then having understood there were some Romans come that desir'd to speake with the two friends she went to them to know what their desires were They signified to her they were come to offer them their goods and services Epicharis went to aske the Gaoler if she should let them in but he said that was expresly forbidden and shee made answer to them that it was not possible to speake with them but how they were best to employ themselves with the Senators to make their innocence appeare to them and what the actions of their life past had beene which they promis'd to doe and went their way after she had knowne the lodging of some of them to make use thereof if need were Melintus in the meane time that waked long before Palamede entred upon the consideration of his good fortune and commended this accident for making him receive so deare an expression of Ariana's affection as to send her faithfull Epicharis to assist him with her brother when shee could give them no helpe her selfe He doubted not of escaping that danger seeing himselfe strengthened with such a helper and spent all his thoughts in the remembrance of Ariana and the fortune of his loves which he found to be in a very happy condition For although he might thinke shee had not sent this maid but for her brothers sake yet he found this action to be too gentile and too generous to proceed from a simple friendship and not rather to be a Love-invention and then resting him upon that meditation he said within himselfe And dare I also to pretend to so much happinesse and can I without presumption beleeve that she loves me for if I beleeve her altogether perfect I am to be perswaded that she hath an excellent judgement and with what vanity can I hope she should thinke me worthy of her and yet because her judgement is so perfect she knowes to what degree my passion has proceeded and peradventure she will have the perfection of my love be comparable to the greatnesse of her desert Should I then be so happy that for this reason she had found nothing in the world besides me worthy of her that she had separated me out of the number of all men to be made choyce of and that in her soule she had kept her to that choyce Pleasing but too ambitious thoughts whither doe you lead me are you so bold to compare me to this Divinity that nothing was ever yet comparable to where are your respects and your feares Let us continue in a submission and not expect her grace but by adoring her and not in equalling our selves to her But is not this againe to wrong the perfection of my love to abase it in humility in stead of acknowledging the beauty and greatnesse of it Things that are arriv'd to this degree are of a glory too transcendent to suffer contempt of us they will be admir'd and confess'd to be as divine as they are indeed Pardon my love I had rather let thee alone than offend thee equall thy selfe if thou beest willing to so many merits 't is by thee alone I have hope It may be this faire soule loves thee already and embraces thee taken with thy perfection and if wee doubt of this let us continue in the beleefe that is more fitting for us and at least not give over the contentment of hope These delightfull fancies entertain'd him with great pleasure when all on a sudden he felt himselfe embrac'd of Palamede who said to him Pardon Epicharis alas Epicharis I aske you pardon Melintus embrac'd him in like manner and spake to him that he might continue this discourse hee made in his sleepe but Palamede awaked and confest to Melintus that he dreamt hee was taken by Epicharis making protestations of love to Camilla and that hee fell downe at her knees to cry her mercy Then looking about in the chamber and seeing she was gone out he continues There is no doubt but the love of this wench comes alwayes to challenge the place it had in my soule what ever lightnesse may possesse me for I loved her before I went to Athens where you are a witnesse how many Mistresses I serv'd at our returne from thence to Syracuse I had no sooner seene her but I was more subjected to her than before time being come to Rome I loved Camilla and you have seene how coldly I made use of those advantages you obtaind for me since she arriv'd there with my sister now shee covers my wound more than ever by the care she takes of us and by a thousand pretty devices her wit is continually working For my part said Melintus I cannot thinke her borne of a servile condition she has too many faire qualities for so wofull a birth and I vow to you I shall never blame your affection for being carried away with such
was Corinna he had encountred in the passage going to have surprised Eurylas and how she was forc'd to get her gone at Melintus comming He confest to them also that willing to goe find Corinna and put himselfe upon her bed he had in stead of her embrac'd that man that had awak'd and seiz'd upon his body at the instant that he was strangely amaz'd to feele a beard and a man that would not let him escape did he what he could that in striving together they were fallen from the bed and Curio undermost whose fall must needs have well dazled him for that he did not so much as dreame of calling for helpe that in the end he thought he was to make as if he had beene mistaken and to call him brother to have him beleeve he tooke him for Melintus and was in a wonder he should be in so great a madnesse as not to let him goe what ever he did to get out of his hands They never ceas'd laughing the rest of the night at these rancounters Neverthelesse Melintus reproached Palamede for having had a thought to such an enterprize He excus'd him by the example of Corinna whose attempt was no lesse unchaste and intreated Epicharis to pardon him that crime which she willingly did not being able she said to take offence at a thing that had made them so much mirth About morning they fell asleepe and waked not till it was neere noone and being up it was told them Corinna kept her bed They went to see her and to know how she did and meeting with Curio in the chamber express'd againe to him the displeasure they had for being cause of her sickenesse then they came towards the bed where they found her with her forehead bound up but yet very curiously and as if in that disorder of her face she had not beene over negligent in dressing her Palamede made her a thousand excuses for his ill fortune and a little after going aside with Melintus to entertaine Curio Corinna tooke Eurylas by the hand saying to him What will you doe for one that has beene thus handled for love of you Madam sayes he all that ever I can doe in the world I offer you in assurance that I am too much ingag'd to you and dying for griefe that I was not able to receive the favours you would have permitted me Palamede would favour the contentment and pleasing deceit of Corinna for he drew Curio on the other side of the bed as he spake to him and Corinna taking the occasion said to Eurylas I see very well you must forsake me now but promise me to returne hither one day and you shall see what affection I have to you As shee spake those words she brought Eurylas head close to hers and kist him with a great transportation and besides she uncover'd all her neck to him that he might be the more in love with her Eurylas had trouble enough to refraine laughing and to recompence her with the like favours could wel have shewn her as much but he was content to give her kisses back and promis'd her it should not be long ere he came to see her againe They were at last to give over that delightful exercise for fear of being taken by the husband that came for Eurylas to lead him to dinner The sweetnesse of Melintus conversation had wholly gained that man and at dinner he told him that some Jewels they had still hidden about them but it would bee hard to change them for things that were more necessary as horses and other provisions Curio promis'd to accommodate them and presently they went to his stable where they made choyce of three horses for which Epicharis gave him a Ring that was of a farre greater value because she would recompence him for the good entertainment they receiv'd at his house Curio gave them besides to every one a sword and something with them to eat the rest of the day then they went to take leave of Corinna who wept to see Eurylas part yet shee conceal'd her teares and Curio having seene them a horsebacke let them goe with a great deale of sorrow They were no sooner a good way off out of their sight but having liberty to laugh they were dispos'd to mocke at the abuse of Corinna and her so passionate farewell The incounters of Palamede also serv'd them for no small pastime and Epicharis flouting him that his desires had beene so rewarded I finde sayes he there is nothing so delightfull as that which falls out in love for if a man has that he desires nothing is more happy and the greatest disgrace that may arrive is but matter of laughter I sayes Epicharis but the mischiefe is you are laugh'd at to your cost I finde you onely happy in this that you are of a humour that shrinks not for any accident befals you It is true said Melintus for I beleeve never any man was so often deceiv'd and punish'd as he At Athens he began his apprentiship with a thousand tricks were played upon him at Rome he hardly scap'd dying in the trade and here see what an adventure 't was to goe cast himselfe into the armes of an husband and so to be quit for the hurt he receiv'd in his face Besides all this replide Epicharis his greatest unhappinesse is that experience cannot make him wise How well you are both agreed said Palamede to despise my humour but tell me whose courage doe you esteeme the greater of him that puts himselfe into many hazards comes well off with some is hurt in others but never yeelds or his that never attempts any thing Would you have one after he has beene wounded in a combat quit armes for ever and grow wise by experience You have reason answer'd Melintus to make a comparison with love and valour but as valour is a vertue so you ought to compare with it a vertuous love that is not fastened but to a faire and perfect object like as valour that has nothing for its object but honour no differing considerations to move to the duties of it so in love he that shall have but one designe and ever maintaines that is more couragious than he that will alwayes be changing the subject of it Palamede replide if you will needs compare Love to Valour in my conceit this is exercis'd upon differing subjects and divers encounters one while in the siege of a Towne another at a battell another againe in a private combat Yet ever 't is but one valour sayes Melintus cutting him short Neither is it but one love answer'd Palamede that makes me cherish every thing that is amiable But this valour said Melintus hath but one object which is honour And this love replide Palamede hath but one object neither which is pleasure Pleasure said Melintus cannot be the object of a vertuous love and if you will heare me I beleeve you will be of my minde Vertue never has any thing for object but
that happened in that place and how the Sibyll had from thence led Aeneas into Hell Neverthelesse after Melintus had assured her that those were but fabulous stories she was the boldest of the company and put her selfe the forwardest but she repented of that courage for going onwards in the depth of this den and being a good way off from Melintus and Palamede she heard some complaints comming out as it were from the most hollow secret places of the Cave She started backe for feare and ran towards Melintus whom she tooke by the arme and thought her selfe then well fortified she told him the cause of her being frighted they came neare to heare what it might be and perceiv'd avoyce that spake which made them judge they were it may be theeves that were retir'd thither but lending their eare more attentively they heard these words Ah Fortune how trecherous art thou and how more advantageous is it to be miserable at first than happy since thou art so changeable How cruell were the favours thou gavest me since they serv'd for nothing but to bring upon me the more sorrow and how malicious wert thou to place me in a condition worthy of envy for to reduce me afterward so miserably to provoke pitty But what pitty of whom can I expect it Of men they have abandon'd me Of the heavens they have none to give Of the earth she scarce affords me this retreat And of the Sea she refus'd me the succours I hoped from her when I sought my death in her bosome Alas Love what wouldst thou have mee doe doest thou let me live to have a perpetuall remembrance of the good I possessed and of that misery which followed it both of them alike troublesome to my memory I beleeve said Epicharis to Melintus this man is mad thus to speake to himselfe You know not answered hee to what a desperation may bring one and if you knew that which belong'd to a Lover you would soone excuse these extravagances Then they heard how hee went on But seeing I must suffer Courage let us againe put the iron into our wounds Cruell remembrances I provoke you to the end you might againe hurt mee with your most sensible prickings Sweet entertainment deare confidence agreeable pleasures heretofore the joyes now the executioners of my soule and you Oaths of love that ought to be inviolable come to me traytors and if there remaines any place in me to murther spare not your rudest blowes there teare me with rage despite and shame and make my sufferance as eternall as the love that causes it Epicharis admir'd the transport of this wretched man and the violence of his evill that forc'd him to despaire thus and a while after hee continued still It seemes I hope to ease my griefes by these unusefull words but how unpowerfull are they for such an excesse of evils and to what purpose serve these plaints when all things are deafe to me and though they were willing to give mee some remedy yet it is now impossible Ah ye gods What make you in heaven and how doe you cast off men to so many miseries to what end are our incense and our sacrifices seeing the most innocent are the most miserable for I will no longer beleeve you take care of us What visible assistance receive we of you What is become of the help of your Oracles for the distressed Are we more wicked than our fathers to whom you gave sometimes by your advice either a remedy or at least a comfort And thou holy Sibyl whose dwelling I take possession of if it be true that thou art no more but a voyce why dost thou not make it speake in my favour And why wilt thou not favour mee with some one of thy prophecies to teach mee what consolation or what end I ought to hope for Epicharis told Melintus shee had pitty upon that poore Lover and that she was resolv'd to counterfeit the Sibyl's voyce to make him have a purpose to goe to his kinred againe amongst whom he might more easily recover his wits Melintus approved her invention but she told him she must speake in verse and that she could not make any Melintus answered make haste and pronounce aloud the verses I shall tell you in your eare and say every one after me which she did thus with a very shrill voyce Lover of Constancy undaunted Thou shalt perceive thy griefes decay If thou return'st without delay Where thy birth to thee was granted The poore man having heard this voyce and making no doubt but it was the Sibyl's fell downe upon his knees and cried out Sacred Sibyl I give thee thankes for the pitty thou hast had of my miseries I shall follow thy advice for thy holy voyce hath beene ever true and if by thy helpe my life shall prove more fortunate thou from that time shalt be the onely Divinity I will adore Onely suffer me but this night to abide within thy grotte I would be glad to finde a little sleepe here which I have alwayes denied my self and to morrow will I begin my course to goe seeke out the effect of thy Oracle Melintus and Epicharis were pleas'd to see their device succeed so well but Palamede told them If you desire he should perfectly beleeve this Oracle he must not heare us speake nor finde us in this place tomorrow Epicharis said she was of opinion they were best goe out being not well resolv'd neither to sleepe in that den and that she desir'd rather to passe away the night in the shadow of some trees where she should be lesse afraid They tooke that resolution and when they were got out sate them downe under poplers where they tyed their horses too The next day Palamede went to the Port of Cajetta to see if some vessell were not to set saile that might take them in for Sicily Melintus and Eurylas saw passing by them a very pale man with a wandring looke but yet that seem'd of a good mine and to have some satisfaction in his minde although the estate wherein he was did not promise any great reason for it He came towards them from the â—â—otward and they tooke him to be the very same they had heard there to whom Epicharis had given the Oracle that might be the occasion of his contentment Eurylas had a good minde he would have stayed by them to have knowne his fortune but he went off farre away when he perceived them to avoyd the encountring of mankinde and though Eurylas call'd to speak with him yet he still continued his way in a very feeble pace What would you learne said Melintus to her the world is full of these Love-traverses he is so eager to depart because of your Oracle that there is no likelihood hee would stay his journey for us and if he be soundly in love he will never tell you his fortune for I judge of him by my selfe that in the like occasion would not publish my
vessell and going aboord it in lesse than an houre they lost sight of that land where they had runne so many fortunes making a thousand imprecations against it and all of them taking an oath never to see it more Being arriv'd at Messina they kissed their native soyle and prayed it to be more favourable to them the next day they went away betimes and in three dayes journey came something neare to Syracuse but the night overtooke them and the day after passing by the house Dicearchus had in the Countrey Palamede demanded if they would rest them there that he might againe see the place where he had spent so sweet houres with Epicharis Melintus liked not that motion and said they were not to lose any time to goe to Syracuse They continued their way and came to a hill that was of a good height with a wood by it and from thence they might begin to discover a plaine they were to descend to and the City of Syracuse it selfe Melintus who went some thirty paces before perceiv'd three men afoot arm'd and masked that made goe along with much rudenesse an old man with his eyes muffled and forced him to enter into that wood Hee spurr'd his horse to see what they would doe with that man and came neere to them just as they were going to kill him suddenly he tooke his sword in his hand and striking from his horse him that went to give the blow hee overthrew him to the ground the two others set on him behinde but turning about towards them with a reverse blow he cleft the head of one of them and laid him dead in the place The other came to him with a great deale of courage but Melintus made no great account of it having but him to combat with and gave him foure or five sound blowes with his sword in the meane time he that was overthrowne had got up and had shrewdly troubled Melintus but for Palamede who having seene his friend goe galloping away doubted some encounter and had followed him He came in just as this last man was comming to Melintus and made no great matter to defeat him for having brought him to the ground the second time he trode on him with his horse feet and ran him in three or foure places with his sword at the same time that his friend had made an end of killing the other Melintus presently alighted from his horse and tooke off their vizors to see if he might know them and he was strangely astonish'd when he saw they were Garamant and Toxaris their ancient enemies whose treasons they had now punish'd without thinking of them then he went towards the old man that had a venerable appearance but was so out of all heart expecting nothing but death that hee thought not of unbinding his owne eyes though he were left alone to himselfe Melintus and Palamede undid the napkin that covered his face and were in a great amaze to see that it was Dicearchus who dazeled with the light he so suddenly beheld and having still the image of death before his eyes said to them Alas will you have me see my selfe dye too Neverthelesse his sight restoring him he knew Melintus and Palamede whom hee thought dead which made him still more possest with trouble not well knowing whether he himselfe had not beene already kill'd and were now with them in the Elizian fields or whether their soules were not come to succour him And that which caus'd in him those doubts was that they on their part were amazed too and spake nothing but at length Palamede said to him Ah gods my uncle into what hands were you fallen Tell me rather answers he in what hands I am for the present in for I know not if I be among the dead or the living We are not dead sayes Melintus the gods have preserv'd our lives to save yours this day and I admire my good fortune for comming so timely in when they were going to strike a dagger into your bosome Was it you then replied Dicearchus that hindered that misfortune May the gods render you this benefit but I know not but you may also succour my neece Ariana who is within this valley in the hands of above twenty souldiers with Ericine your sister Let us goe cried out Melintus and keepe them from having any violence offered them and he would have parted that instant but that Dicearchus said to him Stay a while that we may advise what is to be done I am certaine they will doe them no harme because they stay for the returne of these you have slaine and then I shall have leisure to tell you the occasion of what is hapned to the end we may take counsell together then they were silent and he goes on You must know that this man shewing Garamant seeing how Ariana my neece had a great estate forbeing left sole inheritrix of Aristides and me by the death of Palamede which was thought most certaine was so insolent as to make her be demanded in marriage by this other call'd Toxaris and who at the same time made himselfe in love with Ericine your sister said he to Melintus I excus'd me the fairest way I could but they attributing this refuse to contempt made me at length be threatned that they would be reveng'd for this and they had such despight at it that this day to cut you short having knowne how I was to goe to my Countrey house with my neece and Ericine that accompanied her they way-laid us at this vale where having staied the Charet we were in they made mee come downe with a great deale of insolence and were resolv'd to come to cut my throat in this wood because said they I did alwayes seeke to revenge me of them and that if they would live at their case I was to bee taken out of the world In this designe they gave charge to the other souldiers of their company to attend them and keepe Ariana and Ericine well till they should be come backe from hence let us therefore see for the present what we have to doe for albeit your valour be great 't will bee a difficult matter to goe set upon so many men It is no matter sayes Palamede I hope we shall amaze them considering they have no more Commanders I am thinking replies Melintus on some other thing that will not be much amisse Let us put on the coats of Arms of these dead men take their vizors and their false haire and then goe to finde them out they being never able to doubt we be other than Toxaris and Garamant whom they stay for and so mingling our selves among them we shall have kill'd a number of them before ever they be perceiv'd what we are Palamede found this invention to be very good Dicearchus approv'd it too and Arcas being then arriv'd Melintus bade him put upon him one of those Coats of Armes as well as Palamede and he would doe to goe execute
never the farther from loving me At that time I gained also the affection of Misander if I may so call the desire he exprest to see and speake with me fot doubtlesse you will laugh at the humour of that man I have heard say interrupted Ariana that he is of Reggium and comes often to Syracuse but that he is very melancholicke It is impossible replide Erycine you should imagine to what degree he is so He came one day to see me in the company of Amyntas that was his friend at that time Hyperia my mother was very sicke and in danger to dye my affliction which he found to have some sympathy with his sad humour caused as I beleeve the good will he had to me His discourses were to make me see that I had cause rather to bee afflicted than comforted his wit affording him no reasons for to vanquish my griefes and after he had employed some words to expresse the part he tooke in my sorrow he thought he had sufficiently declar'd his affection to me since it may be I was the first he had obliged by that compleasance Thinking therfore he had got familiarity enough with me by this first encounter he came to revisit me when my mother was in better health and I rejoyced at her recovery my jollity truly made not his affection dye which my sadnesse had produc'd but standing mute to all the discourses wherein I express'd a satisfaction in him he would peradventure have had mee beleev'd that his silence proceeded from love and some dayes after seeing me to receive him with a great deale of kindnesse as I am accustomed to use all that come to see me he tooke the liberty to complaine of me and would have mee thinke that I dealt unjustly with him not to acknowledge the affection hee bare me although he had made none at all appeare to me whether by discourse or any other way For my part having no cause to satisfie him it was no difficult matter to me to keepe him in that plaintive humour and every time he saw me he seem'd to have obtain'd what he desired for when I us'd him with harshnesse or contempt he set himselfe to discourse that he was the most miserable of men that those women that had a sweetnesse for all other had nothing for him but disdaines that his encountring was so unfortunate that at the same instant he appeared he inspir'd refuses and rude usage into them he desir'd most to be esteem'd of that in his very presence they affected a favouring of others to give him the greater displeasure To end upon the subject of the misery of his life there came a torrent of words from him which was impossible to be stopped I laugh'd within my selfe that he was satisfied after that fashion in making all those complaints and reproaches to me his soule loving to feed on nothing but such ill nourishment as this You describe a man to me interrupted Ariana of a very strange nature and yet pleasant enough withall I cannot replide Erycine sufficiently represent this miserable humour for I have observ'd that it 's impossible to please him giving a sense to all things that confirmes his opinion of being miserable If I us'd him with any sort of kindnesse he tooke it for feining if I treated him with coldnesse it was a certaine contempt If I spake to him it was said he in a certaine fashion whereby he perceiv'd well enough the small account I made of him if I held my peace it was to let him see that he was troublesome and to give him leave to be gone In the end I found very true what I had heard my brother say of him that of all the passions he thought he had none but the displeasant and unfortunate ones as sadnesse feare jealousie despaire distrust and the rest And upon this subject he made an observation which I have found a very pretty one and am like to retaine it in my memory that the most things have two faces which diversly regarded make effects as divers As in a combat a man of courage considers nothing but the glory of vanquishing and makes sure of it a poltron regards nothing but death which brings horrour and trouble upon him Even so Misander being within corrupted with this same blacke humour regarded but the ill sense of all things and interpreted all my actions to his disadvantage I had two servants then very differing one that complain'd incessantly without having cause the other that alwayes satisfied himselfe what-ever rigour he receiv'd I confesse to you Amyntas displeas'd me not for the other you may judge if he were love-able yet although he were a man I had reason to banish my company the softnesse of my nature suffer'd me not to anger him enough to drive him away Amyntas knowing by the intreaty I made Misander that himselfe was not ungracious with mee ceased not seeing me and had not failed of greater attempts but that I made him know his duty and my modesty altogether stayed him Misander had so contagious a melancholy that he was a vexation to all he came neare Amyntas brought me his acquaintance but he repented him sufficiently of it for my sake and more yet for his owne because Misander never left me and hee could not entertain me as he desir'd 'T is true that if I had an enemy I should wish him to endure the love of a man of this humour for I beleeve there is nothing in the world more insupportable If you stay at home they will besiege you cruelly without speaking sometimes a word in a day and will weary out the most resolute that might thinke to attend their depart to speake with more freedome if you have businesse abroad they will still accompany you and not give you so much as one houre of respite and in the meane time they will have their sighes be taken for the sweetest entertainments of love their silence for an admirable discretion and their importunity for services that cannot be sufficiently rewarded I remember one day Amyntas came to our house feining to save himselfe from the raine he was taken in as he had ever some pleasant excuse to come often thither and finding Misander there whose presence importuned him sufficiently without adding to his trouble any thing by this sorry humour he was not able to endure that constraint and went out to be delivered of it in spight of the raine that still continued but when hee was abroad the storme so increas'd as he was forced to come backe againe to us where we passed away a day as blacke as can be imagined as well because of the weather as for the humour of Misander On the subject of that raine Amyntas the day after gave me these verses Last day faire Erycina with a storme assail'd At your house I beleev'd I should have shipwracke fail'd As at some happy Port by heaven granted me Soone by their radiant beames your eyes me dried But
backe himselfe to Syracuse if need were For to make any resistance to their uncle into whose hands Aristides at his death had committed Ariana they could not thinke it fitting From that day till the depart Melintus could never entertaine Ariana in private onely he let her see these verses which he gave a borrowed name to that they might be read before all WHat fortune envious at my love Or what command imperious Absenting Cloris farre from us Doth my soules better halfe remove And shall I for my punishment See her depart and give consent To this absence to my misery Destinies jealous heavens inhumane Let me part and her accompany Or in her hands my life retaine Will any this injustice offer And must I now till her returne The more for love of her I burne The more condemned be to suffer Already feare and discontent And cares that never durst attempt To seize me in her heavenly presence At her depart their powers will try On me and threaten my innocence With their insulting tyranny Cloris can you be so resolute The god of our hearts to despise And yeeld to the severities Of a sorry force lesse absolute I cannot make you pitty me Nor by my loves extremity Nor by the fountaine of my teares Come forth my weepings I will have My eyes cast out these armes of theirs That were too weake her stay to save And can this so constant humour In all duties lawes so tried Never to see me be denied And pretend the name of Lover Cloris your love is not like mine My heart with jealousie must pine At such a cold tranquillity For but that in your eyes I vent My passions livelier ardency I should be smother'd where I went Are you so cruell then to leave me Can nothing hinder this remove No sense of pitty can her move That has no pitty to releeve me Adieu then severest beauty Adieu heart full of durity No vainer hope can joy recall Hereafter let us nought pretend I lose my life my speech and all And I am ruin'd without end The griefes Melintus felt at this depart can hardly be describ'd those of Ariana were no lesse but she so well conceal'd them that Dicearchus never knew the unwillingnesse she had to be gone They were accompanied by their friends to Pisistratus his ship and Melintus could not bid farewell but with his eyes to the faire Ariana but this adieu was so sensible to them that she betooke her selfe with Epicharis into one of the Cabins of the ship to lye downe upon a bed where she was drowned in teares and Melintus after having taken his leave of Dicearchus and quitted the deare embracings of Palamede seeing her no more and the ship sailing away let himselfe be so carried away with griefe that he fell downe betweene the hands of Arcas and was a long time ere he return'd out of his fainting His sute and his love were now divulg'd in Syracuse and the more he was loved the more pitty did his sorrow move in the end full of discontent and weaknesse he was reconducted to his owne home for he lodged no more now with Telephus since he had beene restored to his estate and his friends laboured to divert him from his griefe which none but himselfe could have experience of the greatnesse of Pisistratus thinking to have the wind of love as favourable as that that filled his sailes went his way to Corinth proud with the spoyles hee imagin'd to carry away and the conquest he promised to himselfe Dicearchus gave him great assurances Ariana's discretion forbade him not to hope and Palamedes courtesie made him beleeve he would not be displeased with his alliance He nothing wondred for that Ariana shunned his entertainment judging that in these occasions of being sought to maids will appeare modest Dicearchus who receiv'd him with more freedome was his ordinary company and Ariana had no other consolation but in speaking of Melintus with her brother and her deare Epicharis Palamede that became more and more in love with the beauties of this Maid never ceas'd rendring her honest testimonies of his passion but every houre hearing the reproaches of so many lightnesses he resolv'd hereafter to make himselfe be knowne for a faithfull man and submitted to all the proofes she could desire Having passed the Isle of Cephalenia they entred into the gulph of Corinth to which they had but lately given the name of Lepanto At last they arriv'd at Corinth where Sebastus a Cousin of Dicearchus came to receive them and bring them to his house and there they were entertain'd according as the quality of Dicearchus and the magnificence of Sebastus requir'd This old man was renowned for his authority in the City and more yet for being one of the wisest of all Greece he brought to salute Palamede and Ariana a young daughter of his called Cassiope whom they found very modest and handsome but when Ariana heard tell of the marvellous qualities of another sister she had named Cyllenia who was among the Maids that serv'd at Iuno's Temple shee had a great desire to know her Her beauty had given her the prize above all those of Corinth but her wit had made her still more recommendable and the extreme love which the vertuous Lepantus had to her lessened not that reputation Ariana was impatient till the next day came to goe see her and Cyllenia that heard speake of this divine Ariana had no lesse desire to judge of so many perfections Pisistratus being come in the morning to see them conducted Ariana and Palamede to the Temple and when the sacrifices were made these two faire Ladies encountred with so much rapture on either part that there was never satisfaction equall to that Their sight was so busie in judging of their beauties that they never thought of speaking one to another Ariana had a brightnesse that farre surpassed that of Cyllenia but sweetnesse and modesty were very equall in them the admirations they had then one of another were since followed with mutuall protestations of friendship and in stead of having jealousie for the advantages that each saw in her companion the knowledge of those merits bred more esteeme and affection in them Presently faint civilities were banisht from them to make place for a freedome that permitted them to conceale nothing from one another The resemblance of their beauties and of their wits joyned their soules together and by and by after that of their fortunes made this friendship perfect Dicearchus that would put into practice the promise he had made Pisistratus declar'd at last to Palamede that he had not brought them to Corinth but to make up the marriage betweene him and Ariana that he would never while he lived consent to marry her to Melintus the sonne of his greatest enemy and that this was the resolution they were to take Palamede astonisht at this discourse labour'd to divert him from his designe represented to him the obligations he had to
againe without seeing it and closed as I had received it The same night that I did his affection that outrage and that hee receiv'd that usage so unworthy of him I understood how hee hardly escap'd dying his affliction assailed him in such sort that they thought hee would have beene strangled but for the remedies were brought to ease him I thought I could no more receive his letters since I suffered the sute that Callias renewed I let my selfe goe with the common opinions that all the women that live in the world have not husbands so perfect and yet are no lesse contented with those they have that it were better to obey ones father than satisfie the desires of a person that was before unknowne and if there remain'd in mee any consideration for Lepantus I said that hee having a strong and a constant spirit would learne resolution by the losse of me and with this vile reason I defended that cruelty that sent him death into his bosome I often considered upon the excesse of his respect and love that never suffered him to make so much as one complaint of me and the resolutions hee tooke afterwards made mee plainly see that this silence proceeded of no little resentment hee was affected with In the end I consent to the marriage of Callias and hee is receiv'd at our house Every one wonders at my resolution and how Lepantus had so dis-ingaged me from loving him Callias was not very vicious and had no remarkable imperfection in him but hee was of the number of these middle and indifferent sort for whom those that have wit and courage have so much contempt At first I compared him to the most part of them I knew married and I found that hee might equall them But all on the sudden see my traiterous memory that had sometime concealed Lepantus from mee how it came to represent him with all his perfections and making comparison with Callias to him I found so great a difference that I was asham'd of the fault I went about to make In stead of a right shape and majestuous countenance I saw a heavy body and gracelesse in stead of that exalted spirit that handled rare subjects with so much facility and so pleasingly diverted mee I found a languishing entertainment and that was capable of nothing but the meanest things in stead of that so native courtesie and gentile carriage I saw a man that observ'd no civilities but those he tooke from the imitation of others I begin to regard him with coldnesse afterwards with disgust and in the end with a contempt that was more cruell to me than to him neverthelesse I had let all things be resolv'd on and could no more goe backe The day that Lepantus knew the agreements were to be signed when I went to the Temple he came neare me unseene and said to me Never will I be brought to make any reproach to you while I live but the death I am going to seeke will never leave you in repose At the same time he with-drew himselfe from mee I had not knowne what to have answered him so much did his sight and words trouble mee and seeing him no more an horrour seized me and so great a shaking withall that I could hardly stand upright Yet recalling all the resolution was left me I thought it had beene the last agony of our dying friendship I estranged therefore as much as I could Lepantus from my imagination and rejected the exact consideration of what I was going to doe but when all was setled and by my hand too and that I had shut my eyes to take this poyson comming to open them againe I perceiv'd that all those that lov'd Lepantus could no more endure the sight of mee the pitty of the sicknesse he could have no cure for made them have mee in detestation and they esteem'd me unworthy to have beene so well loved of him in stead of a common rejoycing there was a generall silence and there was none but the most contemptible persons that express'd any joy All this amazed mee one while Lepantus presented him to my imagination reproaching mee with my infidelity all his faire qualities came to assault mee one after the other and seeing Callias in the place he was wont to hold I turned away my eyes and could not endure him Every one acknowledg'd my phrensies but they imputed them to my humour which they tooke to be something proud and singular At last the day arriv'd that I was led to the Temple betimes in the morning and having knowne that Lepantus was gone out of the City for not being a witnesse of an action so shamefull for mee and so unfortunate for himselfe I never had so great desire to heare newes of him as then to learne what would become of him After I had beene married I perceived at the doore of the Temple a man that was not knowne but I knew he belong'd to Lepantus and ghessing hee was not there but to bring this newes to him I said to him passing by Goe tell thy Master what thou hast seene and at what houre soever it be come againe to tell me what he has done after thy relation Judge faire Ariana what care I could have of him after the action I came from The rest of the day I was so full of trouble that to see my face they thought I had beene sicke It seemed the cruellest of thoughts attempted to assault me all at once for to put mee into the greater disorder and sometimes they provok'd mee with such fury that but for the restraint our sex is obliged to I beleeve I had given up my selfe to desperation My soule was already filled with these confusions when about evening I knew that one ask'd to speake with mee I presently imagined it was newes from Lepantus and went in great haste but trembling withall to know what the matter was I saw it was the very same man that having taken mee apart told mee with the teares in his eyes that having passed in a Squiffe as farre as Naupactum hee found Lepantus that attended him upon the banke of the Sea to whom hee told what he had seene with that hee heard mee say and how â—â—pantus had answered him Stay not a moment to goe tell her againe what thou art about to learne and suddenly hee had got up to the promontory that avances into the Sea and from thence precipitated himselfe into the Gulph he being unable to have come neere to hinder him Hearing this wofull newes I cryed out Oh gods I have made him dye and staying no longer by the man I bade him withdraw himselfe and I went againe into the great Chamber all in trouble and with wandring eyes They enquired what I ailed but presently I fell into a weaknesse My father Callias and the rest astonish'd for this accident laboured to bring mee againe and by force of remedies I opened my eyes then I was carried to my bed where I was
feare for you About the evening we landed and were lodged in the City Presently I went to see Telephus and told him of the search was making after you which troubled him exceedingly We advis'd that we were that very night to send tickets all about the Towne for to intreat those of Syracuse if they loved Melintus to take heed of telling the Romans whither he was gone because they sought to put him to death We brought this to passe and the peoples love was so great towards you sayes he to Melintus that Trebatius and Emilia were more than eight dayes enquiring after you in all places without being able to learne any newes at all As for me I had resolv'd to goe to Sea in the meane time and finde you out at Corinth to advertise you to save your selfe but they had stayed all the shipping at the Port so as this was impossible for me to doe At last I cannot tell by what meanes but they came to know whither you were gone presently they made us goe on ship-board againe and I departed with them after I had taken my leave of Telephus Hyperia and Erycine whom I left all in teares I curs'd the winds for being so favourable to us for we arriv'd at Corinth in lesse time than could be hoped and at the Port found all in great trouble Trebatius demanded what the matter was and they told him they had carried away certaine Maids in ships that set saile not above an houre before We went on shore and I was greatly amaz'd to meet Dicearchus and Pisistratus who were busie in preparing a Vessell to goe out after the ravishers Trebatius ask'd him what his trouble was Roman Lord said he I had a Neece the government of whom was committed to me by my brother when he lay a dying I had promis'd her to Pisistratus you see there sayes he in shewing him and a traitor call'd Melintus is come from Syracuse and hath taken her away from me Ha! the villaine cryed out Emilia 't is the same man wee are seeking for the Emperour to have him dye Comfort your selfe good man continued she we shall revenge you well enough I beleeve replied Trebatius they are in one of the two ships we encountred sayling towards the coasts of Greece we are to lose no more time to depart and follow them if your Vessell be ready said hee to Dicearchus and Pisistratus accompanie us and wee will joyne our quarrels together Never saw I any thing so encourag'd as Dicearchus who hastned his imbarquement with Pisistratus as fast as he could and when Trebatius and Emilia set saile he followed them After having passed the promontory of Naupactum wee tooke the right hand along the Grecian Coasts and came into all the ports one after the other where we did but enquire if two Vessels had not arriv'd very lately Thus went we into divers places never hearing any newes of you At last we arrived here where being descended Epicharis that was at the Port disguis'd in a man was so unhappy as to be knowne by the Goalers sonne that kept you prisoners at Rome He had accompanied us having knowne the designe of Trebatius for his father being kept in irons because hee had beene too negligent over you hee was in hope to deliver him by lending his helpe to make you be put to death and for this reason he embark'd with us You may see by this how many persons have encountred together for to worke your ruine and this is that we are for the present to endevour to defend you from But even now when I left you I learn'd that they had set straight guard at all the ports and along the walls of the Towne from thence I went to marke out the lodgings for those of my company and I have kept for my selfe a very commodious one that it may serve you if you should have occasion to use it then I came to find you againe and we must for the present advise how we ought to order our selves and in what sort I may succour you Arcas ended thus and he was heard of all with much astonishment and feare learning by his discourse so many occurrences that were prepar'd to make their deaths inevitable Melintus brake off his silence then and said Well then I see 't is but my life they require they seeke neither Palamede nor any one of you by my dying I will make them all satisfied and deliver all of you from the danger wherein you are for me alone Yes I will goe and present my selfe before them I will open my bosome with a ponyard in their presence for to content with one blow the vengeance of the Emperour of Emilia and of Dicearchus Were it not farre better to let it appeare that none was able to make me dye but my selfe rather than fall unworthily into their hands and receive a shamefull death It is no fury this that transports me If I saw any appearance to secure my selfe and you too by valour or by any other meanes I should be much troubled to desire to lose my life before I lost all hope but seeing us environ'd with men of warre on all sides 't were better I dyed alone courageously than to attempt meanes that could never succeed but bury you all under my ruine The sage Lepantus stopped this discourse of Melintus in putting his hand upon his arme and said to him Pardon me if I esteeme you not exempt from transport in the resolution you take Those that have a great courage as you have when they offer themselves to dye are carried many times away to this desire rather out of a pleasure they finde in despising death than for any necessity that obliges them to desire it But we are never excusable for having prevented our destiny as long as wit or force are yet capable of surmounting the rigour of fortune We are to make a triall of all things before that extremity and not to neglect the meanest hope that may be left us One moment of time may change the state of the whole world and this same fortune that assembles so many enemies to destroy you can with a reverse bring themselves to ruine and overthrow so many accidents by one alone They know not yet where we are Arcas is in good estate to give us advice every houre and if you must dye stay at least till you can no longer live For my part I am of opinion that we change our lodging and goe presently into that that Arcas has taken for himselfe in the Towne as if we were Romans too because that lodging being marked for them they will never come to seeke us out there Then must Arcas goe and advertise those of our ship that they retire to a bay I saw hard by for feare they should discover us if they enquir'd of them we will finde out afterwards some meanes to deliver Epicharis Those reasons and that counsell appeas'd Melintus and gave a little
man to carry his load of them at the triumph and afterwards to put them on a heape wherein the victorious heart was to be burned Melintus who was advertis'd of all that passed by him that had him in keeping seeing that he was to dye and knowing that Pisistratus alone was cause of his death meerely out of malice sent word to Arimin that he desir'd but two favours at his hands the first that he might fight with Pisistratus before he dyed and punish him for his wickednesse and the second that Ariana might accompany him in the Chariot going in triumph and that hee might have the consolation to hold her by the hand during the punishment for to dye betweene her armes Arimin who was not cruell nor hated Melintus granted him these two requests provided that Pisistratus consented to the first and he beleev'd Melintus had found out this invention to let himselfe be kill'd in the combat rather than endure the shame and cruelty of the punishment and because Pisistratus might be in feare of Melintus as a man whose valour was of that esteeme he sent for him and told him that Melintus his designe was to dye his armes in his hand rather than by punishment that for this occasion he had said that Pisistratus was a traytor and a base fellow of purpose to provoke him to fight with him that he might therefore acquire much honour with little danger by taking away the life of so valiant a man that had no other designe but to lose it Pisistratus who wanted no courage was easily perswaded by Arimin finding himselfe flattered also with the hope of putting his enemy to death by his owne hand and answered him that he accepted the Combat to make it appeare he was neither traytor nor base fellow the onely griefe he felt in this case was to fight with a man condemned All that day passed on in these contestations and in preparations for the cruell ceremony Palamede was distracted with fury to be shut up and not able to know what they did with his friend All was full of sorrow in that house and Ariana never ceas'd pouring forth teares for the feare shee had of what might befall her deare Melintus But the day after when they came for her to goe to him and she knew what passed though they indevour'd to put a resolution into her and perswaded her to a constant support of that misfortune she swooned at the very first hearing of so horrible a punishment Neverthelesse after she was a little come to her selfe againe they carried her into the prison and set her beside Melintus who astonish'd all the world by his admirable constancy and seeing her without colour and voyce and so transported with griefe address'd his speech to her thus Faire and deare Ariana you that have taken part in all the accidents of my life refuse me not at this last the assistance I desire of you Since I have bin so fortunate as to deliver you from the Barbarians and returne you safe suffer me some time to enjoy the happinesse of seeing you and assist mee also now death is going to deliver me from the Barbarians that have ordained it mee Courage Ariana let the world see there never was so perfect a friendship as ours and that it has beene as constant in well suffering as in well loving Ariana have a care you deface not by these teares the glory of your excellent courage Shall not she that has vanquish'd the Scythians overcome sorrow which is not made strong in us but by our weaknesse Deare Ariana if we have followed all our life the lawes of wisdome let us inforce our vertue in this last action and in stead of giving pitty give admiration to the whole world Shake not I pray you the force of my resolution by the assaults of your griefe and since the greatnesse of your merits hath advanc'd my courage ruine not you your owne worke but finde in your selfe the same vertue which you have produc'd in me Let us goe my deare Ariana I demand no other favour of you till my death but that I may hold this faire hand you have given me and after my soule is departed this body that you would expresse love enough to be able to survive me Never had Melintus Eloquence an effect so contrary to his desire for the more reasons he alleaged to perswade her unto Constancy the more griefe had Ariana to see so great a vertue so cruelly outraged She could make him no other returne but deep sighes and teares being impossible for her to have better answered that she could not be comforted than by letting it appeare that she could not answer When Melintus knew that all things were prepared he call'd for his faire Armes that had serv'd him the day of the battell they were brought him streight and after he had entirely arm'd himselfe except his head he intreated Ariana againe to resolve to accompany and assist him to the very last breath since this favour was accorded him by Arimin She let her selfe be led away not able to stay her teares and dying a thousand times for sorrow to see her deare Melintus destin'd to a death so barbarous and shee alone the cause of it The streets and the publike place were bordered with Arimin's souldiers to hinder disorders and commotions The Thessalians who had followed Melintus in that glorious defeat his onely crime were commanded to goe before disarmed and bearing their bundles of arrowes When all were passed in their order they set up Melintus in a golden Chariot armed as he was having his head onely uncovered and his casque at his feet The desolate Ariana was set by him whom he held by the hand The Priest went afterwards on horsebacke and about him those that were necessary for the sacrifice the hangman followed on foot carrying a hatchet and after him some other officers So began to march this funerall triumph that drew teares from all the company every one considering the glorious cause Melintus was to suffer in His face so cleare and his countenance so assured neare so cruell a death affected the hardest courages that were present but the softer natures as the greater part of the people by their complaints and cryes testified how sensibly they were touched with compassion On the other side the continued teares and heavy fighings of Ariana broke all hearts with pitty in such sort as the constancy of the one and the weaknesse of the other wrought an equall displeasure in all But the sage discourses of the vertuous Melintus whereby he endevoured to resolve her being heard added great astonishment to the common griefe and in the end when they had thus passed the streets and gone round about the place the Chariot was driven to the foot of the scaffold that had beene erected in the middest of which was an Altar where the sacred knives lay By and by arriv'd at the place from another side Arimin bringing with him
Pisistratus all armed on horsebacke and sent another horse to Melintus The Priest and Ariana ascended the scaffold and sate them downe upon two seats that were on each side of the Altar and Melintus after he had promised Ariana to returne presently to her took his leave of her and when he had put on his head-peece mounted on horsebacke Arimin caus'd the souldiers that were at the ports and in the streets to come thither and re-inforce the guards of the place for feare of an insurrection seeing the wills of the people hotly inclin'd towards Melintus who was placed at one of the ends of the Camp and Pisistratus at the other having each of them but one great Javelin in their hand and their swords by their side Ariana unseene had seized one of the knives that were upon the Altar for to kill her selfe with it if Melintus dyed in the combat and full of feare and horror regarded what the issue would be The trumpets sounded and instantly Melintus and Pisistratus rode one against the other as they approached they darted their javelins that of Pisistratus lightly strucke against Melintus Armes but Melintus his parting from a more dextrous and puissant arme pierced thorow his Armour and fastened it selfe very deep into his left shoulder Presently they tooke their swords in hand Pisistratus enflam'd with fury against Melintus and with despight that he spared him not and Melintus mov'd with his owne great courage and a desire to punish the villany of Pisistratus Melintus in a moment showr'd his blowes as thicke as haile upon the Armes of Pisistratus without scarcely giving him leisure to lift an arme up and after hee had made flye about the place the peeces of his armour and casque in the end opened his stomacke with a large wound then seeing he was going to fall he cut off his head at one blow and so punished him with the same death he had prepar'd for him This combat ended the people began to clap their hands and cry out Save the brave Melintus but he never staying for these acclamations and hoping for no grace return'd of himselfe towards the scaffold whereupon he mounted and bade they should disarme him to finish what was ordain'd for him only he intreated that he might not be bound In the meane time he comforted Ariana and prayed her not to envy him by her teares so glorious a death that nothing but her griefe lessened the contentment he went to dye in after having sav'd her out of the hands of the Barbarians after having acquir'd so many victories and punished his principall enemy Well Ariana said he what could we more have desired of the gods but to let us enjoy our affection with repose If they refuse me an idle life and ordaine mee to dye now there remaines no more honour for me to acquire ought I to complaine of them for retiring me in the most illustrious period of my life No Ariana I well see you doe not complaine for me contrarily you envy my death but yet peradventure you mourne for this to be abandon'd by me Ah! my deare Ariana comfort your selfe and live without that feare I wil be the happy Genius that shall assist you incessantly untill the gods have dispos'd of you I will remove all misfortunes from you I will conduct your wayes and your actions that you may incounter nothing but happinesse and you ought to be assur'd to have me alwayes at your side by day I will invisibly assist you and by night communicate with you in pleasing dreams Prevent not my deare Ariana the Destinies that are ordain'd you you are to shew as much constancy for life as I ought to have for death Adieu my deare Ariana be comforted and live for my sake as from my heart I am going to dye for yours Then he came nearer her to give his last kisse but she not able to endure that cruell farewell in the middest of her sighings at last let escape these words O gods O heaven ah Melintus I dye and fell downe thus in a swoone upon the scaffold Neverthelesse they brought her againe with water they threw upon her face and opening her eyes she knew what fault she made to let Melintus dye on that fashion without assisting him then taking courage she look'd whether she had still the knife about her which she had hidden and when shee found it she made a shew of resolution At that time Melintus being undrest to the girdle and seeing the honorable pile they had prepared of the enemies arrowes for to burne his heart in he turned him towards Ariana and said to her Deare Ariana I demand yet one grace of you after my death 't is that this heart which hath lov'd you so well when it shall be taken out of my brest may be receiv'd into your faire hands and carried by you to be burned upon this pile Permit not faire Ariana that this heart that feeles it selfe so noble for loving you be touched by other hands than yours and see that having never burnt but for you it be not also burnt but by you What joy think you will it receive when after having adored you so much without knowing you but by desire it shall feele it selfe carried by these hands so faire and so belov'd Ariana promise me this favour have no horror to touch a thing that hath ador'd you and despise not after my death this part of my selfe which in its little space contain'd so much love and affection to you I give it you to be sacrific'd by you to your selfe and be assur'd there never was an offering purer or presented with more ardour Ariana having other resolutions in her minde promis'd the constant Melintus that she would obey all his desires and after they had a long time embraced one another to give their last adieu the old Priest with teares in his eyes bade Melintus overthrow himselfe upon the Altar that hee might open his brest And then this brave and generous courage quitting at last his deare Ariana though never letting goe her hand laid himselfe downe backwards upon the Altar having his stomack all naked and bade the Priest dispatch When Ariana saw he had taken the sacred knife and bent himselfe downe upon Melintus she could not support the cruelty of that sight but turning her head tooke out the knife she had hid then she stretch'd out her hand as farre as she was able to strike it with more force into her bosome But the cry which at that time the Priest gave troubled her and made her turne her head to see what had befallen him The good old man that very unwillingly lent his hand to so cruell an office comming nearer with his eyes to Melintus brest and seeing the marke of the heart which he had from his birth fell a crying out Ah my sonne ah Melintus the true bloud of Pyrrhus and Achilles never will I be your executioner Then having let fall the knife he fell
that which is perfect and certaine and for this reason she her selfe is her owne end and recompence there being nothing in the world perfect and certaine but shee So hath valour no satisfaction but in it selfe and this is that wee call honour which is nothing else but the glory that is in us for not failing in what valour requires at our hands what disgrace soever may happen because fortune hath no power over vertues hee that has this quality in perfection is as valiant being overcome as when he is victorious and is conscious to himselfe of the same glory Victory and honours cannot be the principall objects of it because these are not things we can be assur'd of In like manner the perfect love cannot have pleasure for his principall end because it is not certaine but depends on the will of another and for that cause his end cannot be to be lov'd neither these being things that are without us and we cannot dispose of but his onely certaine object is this to love perfectly So the end of this perfect love is in it selfe and can never faile it If it chances one be loved or receives some contentment these are but fruits of love and not the end even as victory and honours are to valour otherwise it must be necessary that after the satisfactions love receiv'd and the honours that valour possess'd both this and that should cease and have no more operation as being arriv'd at their end You see that imperfect loves that have no other end but pleasure dye as soone as ever they have attain'd that pleasure and this might serve for an infallible reason to make you beleeve there must be an end farre more noble and more assured than pleasure to crowne a perfect and never decaying love I beleeve said Epicharis to Palamede you would be much troubled to answer these reasons 'T is very easie for him sayes he to vanquish an enemy that feeles his conscience wounded being to maintaine an evill cause for all the disasters I have met with and reason with this very dispute learne mee thus much that we are to love but one thing which is perfectly lovely and for this cause that it is you alone I am to love I pray you said Epicharis make not Melintus weapons serve your turne against mee and yet I shall not bee displeas'd that he instruct you and when you have had time enough to bee made wise I shall demand of him what I ought to thinke of you Sweare said Palamede you will alwayes report your selfe to him That will I surely said she so much confidence have I in him that hee shall herein be Judge with Ariana Melintus said there was hope of amendment in Palamede and that he would promise if Epicharis joyn'd her helpe to make of him a perfect lover one day for her sake having already a Master very affectionate and a Mistresse very lovely Assure your selves replied Palamede that I knew before how to love very well what ever I said for I love none but the faire Epicharis 't is she I love perfectly and will love her so for ever Do you take these little searches I make to others for infidelities What be they else sayes Melintus I would faine know went Palamede on if to love so perfectly as you pretend you abstaine from all sorts of pleasures as hunting pastimes exercises and what ever else may content you That were not reasonable answer'd Melintus So then said Palamede these little favours are of those pleasures we are not to avoyd The choyce a man has made once in his heart continues still there and by this meanes he attends with patience till the cruelties of her he seekes be over and the time may bring some ease to his desires I finde this said Epicharis an easie way of loving and if all were of your disposition there would not be heard such complaints and desperations of lovers because they would so soone know wherewith to comfort them 'T is not replied Palamede a particular humour in mee but reason that makes mee love after that fashion and every one finds contentment by it for having a cruell Mistresse I seeke for consolation to the usage she makes me and in the meane time leave her in repose When all comes to all replide Melintus you would perswade us that you love extremely but desire moderately and if you can make these two agree you have reason for what you say Although sayes Palamede I follow not these desires so ardently thinke you I desire the lesse for that Contrariwise I more honour her I love not to torment her seeing her resolv'd to grant me nothing and appease where I may the violence of my desires But replide Melintus they are not the desires you have for her which you goe to ease otherwhere they be some other Sometimes answers Palamede I imagine I am easing those very desires perswading my selfe I enjoy her and receive those favours at her hands Ah ye gods cried out Melintus what crimes are here together And why said Palamede am I so criminall First of all replide Melintus in seeking these favours from others you serve your selfe of the same words and the same oaths which you use to her you love see there prophan'd the fairest meanes you can have to make your selfe be loved imploying them indifferently upon a thousand subjects unworthy of the vertuous designe you ought to have What poorenesse it is to lye and which of them all can beleeve you having but the same protestations to give in all places after all this if you love but one person can you still finde another lovely and there stay your eyes for as for pastime which you alleage a man may seeke that without injuring his love but one beauty may stand in competition with another and if you can make much of any with or besides that you love 't is infidelity But what crime can be greater than that your imagination commits in the favours of another and will your fancy then needs have it her you are courting who receives your discourse with affectation who either yeelds with weaknesse or prostitutes her selfe with shamelesnesse and doe you perfectly love her you imagine to your selfe with all those defects You charge me very criminally said Palamede but I protest to you I have not so vile an intention No no pursues Melintus you must resolve with your selfe either to beleeve your affection is very imperfect or else to purge it of all those errors if you desire to make it perfect See there said Epicharis one good lesson already and if every day he tooke but such another I thinke he might be reduced into the right way To heare you both speake replied Palamede it seemes I have beene instructed in an ill Love-schoole and must endevour to forget the false principles I there learn'd but I doe still finde something in me repugnant to the austerity of your precepts Neverthelesse I honour my Master and love
off feinings to speake more open and plainly to me It was a strange resolution of mine I wished he would love mee and thought I lov'd without being loved but when I saw him submit to me without knowing my designe I tooke upon me so absolute an authority over him that I would make him suffer as rigorous a government as if I had hated him and would put him to the cruellest trials of it Since that time he liv'd with me as before thinking I had receiv'd his excuse neverthelesse I would not stay there and my desire was admirable I had a minde that he declar'd himselfe to me and was for all that resolv'd to take away all hope from him So I sought the occasion as well as he did and one day as I spake to him of a dreame I had had he told me hee had put one of his into verse which he shewed mee that very time they were these FOnd man what have I done ah wretched bold device Have I then dar'd to breake theice Of a respect so long preserv'd And hath my fury then at last usurp'd this licence Me speake of love she heard And for this I am banish'd evermore her presence Those faire eyes without mercy more to justice bent Have added for my punishment Fierce anger unto Majesty I feele their venging fire she flyes away unkinde To a woods privacy And I in following her lose both force and wind Stay cruell one to satisfie you I entend For if my mouth could you offend My hands to right you shall not spare But all is darke as night and reaching but my arme I take but a light aire Gods I 'm in bed and but a dreame is all my harme O fortunate awake that favours innocence What her anger and my offence Are they into ayre vanished My respect triumphantly laughs at these Chymears And my senses ioyed Are safe from such fantasticke miseries or feares Goe dreame the terror of soules amorous Bearer of visions hideous Brother of shady ghosts and spirits Cruell impostor goe and plunge thee in the deepe Of hell devoyd of lights Where nought but crimes and monsters sadly keepe Are you still then said I to him upon this restraint not to dare declare your selfe Ah Madam answered he you have given me a lesson not to put me to that hazard All women said I are not made of this mould I told you before replide he that she without giving you offence is made just as you are I pray you doe not desire me to runne that fortune lest aspiring to blessings I dare not hope for I deprive not my selfe by imprudency of those I now enjoy I see her I speake to her and content my selfe with the esteeme she makes of me since I cannot pretend to be lov'd of her But replide I what can you hope will become of your affection if she have no knowledge of it He answered me Since she will not heare speake of it before shee knowes it she must know it before she heare speake of it What know you said I to him but that she knowes of it already and that there remaines not something more to be done besides assuring one another Promise me said he that she shall not be angry and I will take that liberty I promise it you said I for the power I have over her He answered me you have all the power over your selfe and for this cause I presume once againe to tell you that it 's you I love and that you are to be fully perswaded of it since you know well there is not a person in the world besides you that I can love You imagine said I coldly to him to make me answer againe in the name of her you love and to try me the second time No return'd he there is no feining at all in this I tell you now and what ever severity I may prove I am forced to say it by the excesse of my affection and by the assurance you have given me not to be offended I will not be angry with you said I since I have beene so oblig'd in the businesse but I forbid you ever speaking of this affection if you love me you will feare to disobey mee and if you love me not I will never heare your dissimulations Then growing pale as if hee had receiv'd an arrest of death hee durst no longer endure my sight and casting downe his eyes he said to me Madam at this time I am not faulty but for having obeyed you and since to obey your commands is to faile my disobedience to that you ordaine me shall not be any more a crime You are for all that answered I him to resolve you on this or never to see mee This last blow confounded him altogether and tooke his speech away some that came in upon us found us in a great silence which hee never brake but in his going out when he said to me I had rather be depriv'd of speaking to you than of seeing you and since you are so cruell I promise I will obey you all my life Neverthelesse he could not refraine from taking up this discourse againe another time whereupon I alleag'd the promise hee had made mee and would heare him no more The day after hee let mee see these Verses YEs I have promis'd and will keepe my word Hard-hearted woman whose record Holds onely what exasperates my paine To suffer alwayes and to hold my peace Inhumane inhumaine Keepe then as I doe all your promises Those eyes that hid a soule without all pitty Vnder a vaile of amity Assur'd me to your grace to dare pretend But now they are my cruell'st enemies Where me they should defend Why doe not they observe their promises When I resolv'd to send unto your prison My heart together with my reason Your beauty promis'd them so sweet a bondage Vpon those hopes to irons they were led But to endure your out-rage Is this to keepe what you have promised I grant a spirit without love as you May live as well and ne're be true But I alone will make my promise certaine And heaven that laughs at lovers perjuries Shall never be in paine To mocke or pardon my disloyalties Againe I vow to hold my peace for ever And if I chance to faile hereafter I will endure the worst of your disdaines All things will speake for me my paine will speake That on my face remaines And tell the griefes I suffer for your sake My silence more disert than my discours Will be ready at my succours To let you know the evils that compasse me And this amaze which your perfections In your presence give me Will tell you the excesse of my affections When you consult your glasse early or late The two bright Planets of my fate So worthy to be lov'd my love will tell And without crossing that you me enjoyne Your owne faire mouth as well Shall tell it to you in default of mine I confesse to you
I had a great power with my selfe to use him so cruelly for there was not any thing in the world I could esteeme like him nor that I had a greater desire to please yet knowing that he valued nothing so much as a vertue separate from the common and that he would love me the better for thus resisting his first attempts I thought I must live with him after that fashion But judging then that I had proved him enough and full of joy to see him so touch'd with love it became me to yeeld a little and changing my countenance I said to him with a smile Lepantus I will have you obey me all your life time by never speaking of your affection for I will be altogether assured of it thinking you too vertuous to be a deceiver Hee was so surpriz'd at this discourse never dreaming on so happy a fortune that taking me by the hand he could not tell what to answer At last he said to me It suffices that you have knowledge enough of your selfe and mee to be instructed what you are to beleeve of either And you have reason not to desire any words for your assurance since all the actions of my life shall declare nothing else to you Lepantus replied I you have sufficiently knowne how much I esteeme you If I must love something it cannot be but you I permit you to beleeve this and prescribe you no law for your manner of living with me hereafter being certaine that all your desires are regulated by vertue Madam said he to me kissing my hand my passion hath for its object a thing too perfect for to permit me a thought that may be unworthy of the cause of it and I receive no small joy for the assurance you are pleas'd to have of it whith makes me beleeve that you judge it as great as it is indeed though that be very hard to doe Let us leave said I to him these common protestations and live without doubting one of another 'T is not your words that have taught me what to thinke of you and one word onely from me ought to assure you of my friendship since I durst say it There is no more to be done then replide he but that you order how it shall please you to have me live whether you desire I should declare my selfe or else keepe still my affection hidden It were better said I to him not to discover us so soone because at that time Callias sought me you know added I what my father desires and I must breake that blow before it be knowne that I have another desire in the meane time live so discreetly that none may perceive your designe I receive answered he this ordinance for an extreme favour and you shall see in what sort I shall observe it From that time we liv'd together in a most perfect confidence which we conceal'd with a marvellous discretion and there were very few that could suspect us of intelligence which made us both severally be thought insensible of what belong'd to love as finding nothing worthy of us I advertis'd him of whatsoever passed whereupon he gave me counsell and receiv'd it of me also in that which concern'd him I told him good tales of those that attempted to love-me how they behav'd them in it and in what fashion they were receiv'd he pittied some and laugh'd at others If there happened any thing to me I longed to see him to make my report to so did hee also make mee so exact an account of his life and satisfied all I desir'd of him with so much care and respect that I became too much assured of the power I had in him But I sweare to you nothing was so agreeable to me as his discretion nothing seem'd so farre from any designe of loving me as he He never dissembled in presence of all and of my father too to speake what he had to say to me or knew of me under termes so pleasant and with so much dexterity whether in making any relation or to the purpose of what was spoken in the company that without being understood of any body we did understand one another as well as if we had spoke openly For the space of a yeare we lived after this manner but in the end having broke the marriage of Callias with much adoe and seeing how difficult it would be for me often to make the like resistance to the duty I ow'd my father since he express'd that he had no other desire than to see mee very soone married to one of the chiefe of Corinth I counsell'd Lepantus to lose no more time but to discover himselfe though I foresaw many difficulties for notwithstanding that my father esteem'd him as much as was possible and saw his condition as considerable as his owne yet was he farre from having a thought of him being unwilling to make an alliance out of Corinth Wee therefore consulted together of the wayes we were to take and although Lepantus receiv'd with much joy the permission of demanding me yet he never left fearing for all that for he saw that if fortune were contrary to him he should not onely lose the benefit of having me but besides the commodities he enjoyed before as to see and entertain me with so much facility Well for all this we were to resolve and I promis'd him to expresse in his favour whatsoever my honour might permit nay I gave him all the assurances of my affection he could desire and upon the sadnesse I saw him in I told him Lepantus are you not content with the words I give you tell mee what you would have them and you shall see if I have not a purpose to doe all I can for you Madam answered he the honour you doe me is so great that my silence in part is for not knowing how to give you thanks I have nothing to desire of you but what it shall please you to command me I had rather from henceforth be obliged to your good will for the favours I shall receive of you than to the promise I have drawne from you but give me leave a little to apprehend the hazardous fortune I am running there is no mid-way for mee I must either be the happiest of the world or dye for be you assured that if I see my selfe depriv'd of living with you the readiest death I can find shall be my deliverer Lepantus said I to him fortune it may be will not be so cruell to us and before you lose all hope I must first lose all sorts of meanes whereby you might have satisfaction The power answered he you have herein is so great that if you employ it I make no doubt of my happinesse you have a father that loves you and that has no cause to hate mee I dare say our conditions are equall but a light difficulty many times overthrowes important considerations 'T is not here as with ordinary marriages where after the proposition is