factions in the high State of felicity and honour he left it to your vertuous brother though an infant under the protection of your mother who enjoyed the Tuition as long as the lawes of the Kingdome would give her leave to governe however it hath not pleased the Gods as yet to blesse him with posterity so that by all probability the succession is like to fall upon you if your owne actions doe not divert and change the mindes of those people you are to rule either by discontenting your brother in that obedience you ow him as your Prince or by giving the Subjects an opinion you rather ayme passionately at your owne private pleasures then their future good in châ—sing a wife of a strange Country when you may have so many at home as if you disdained the election meerly because you were out of love with your own Country especially when you know the lawes of Syria absolutely forbid the heire apparent to take a Consort without the approbation of the King which intirely absolves you from that contract between you and Alciana for which onely act you are now detained in prison not only to your own discontent but to your brothers displeasure since he is about new Councels how he may settle the succession upon other pretenders for that your stubbornnesse seemes to render you uncapable of the Empire Perhaps you will alledge that the rules of Religion command you inviolably to observe the sacred promise of marriage accorded between you two before the face of heaven unto which I must answer that all compacts made in the prejudice of an others right are altogether to be esteemed invalid of no force and not to be persisted in without a double offence the one to the party injur'd and the other towards the Gods who have expressely enjoyned the contrary so that if at first you did commit a sinne of disobedience to your brothers will by attempting to take a wife without his consent contrary to the knowne ordinances of Syria let at last your sudden repentance extenuate the offence whereby you may be reconciled both to heaven and earth lest the justice of the one and the vengeance of the other overtake you Againe whereas you may thinke that the perfections of Alciana are not to be paralleld which however is no sufficient plea to render you obstinate I answer that oftentimes our fancie out-does our judgement which makes that become excellent in our sight that we have onely brought our minde by some accident passionately to desire and therefore will lay before yâ—â— this consideration as a reâ—â—ting example wheâ—â— you can possibly believe with a cleere apprehenâ—ion that the small circle of Alciana's body can containe so much beauty as the large extent of all Syria in which compasse you may be your own Carver with envious contention who may be the happy object of your choice With these words hee ended his discourse expecting his reply with a respectfull silence which presently brought forth many considerations in Orestes troubled bosome and after some time these expressions Must the sacred Lawes by which our soules are united in one before the Throne of Heaven be thus abrogated by humane power shall Policie triumph over Religion and Kings exalt themselves above the Gods not fearing to contend against their decrees must Philostros wisdome be esteemed above Hymens Rights can pittilesse man behold the perfections of divine Alciana and not melt into compassion All which hee uttered with other extravagancies of the like nature which gave Dion a desire to take his leave for the present hoping another time to find him in a more moderate temper But Orestes perceiving his intention and reflecting in some sort upon the gravitie of the person that gave him the advice of a sudden tooke him by the hand telling him it was not kindly done to leave him in his extreamities since there was a hope as hee said after a little consideration he might be wrought to credit any perswasion that intended for his good and would be the prosperitie of Syria This gave Dion so much â—â—tisfaction that he not onely staid with him foâ—â—â—e instant endeavouring to fortifie his reasons with new arguments but in a short while plying him continually with importunate solicitation at last procured his absolute promise to performe what acts his Brother should command him to the disanulling of the former contract between him and Alciana When Dion had gained thus much upon the Princes inconstancie with this joyfull conceived newes hee went to congratulate the itching eares of the great favorite that from time to time expected the issue who esteemed it a most supream dishonor to have any of his plots faile in their successe and to this purpose a day was appointed soon after for a publick Assembly who were to be witnesses to the whole Kingdome of Orestes intentions to the content of many but wonder of all since the example was esteemed extraordinarie as the persons were eminent which gave Orestes libertie to take his recreations where he pleased so that one time walking under a row of orderly set Trees in a Parke belonging to his Lodgings being accompanied onely with his now more quieted thoughts since his love Alciana began to be blotted out of his memory by new considerations that entertained him he was saluted by a youth whose face appeared beautifull as his looks innocent onely a large patch upon the side of his cheeke with his haire carelessely covering a great part of his fore-head rendered him by much lesse lovely then nature seemed to have intended him however his eyes sparkled a kind of perfection that gave an admirable lustre to the rest of his obscured countenance which againe was augmented by the rubie of his lips Orestes taken with the delight of the object could not be but curious of the businesse therefore with more attention he gave eare to his words and the rather for that the boy told him he had not onely a message but a request to present unto him if his patience or charity would give him the hearing and with that wept as if a sad Storie were the subject of his discourse But after he had a little dryed his faire eyes with a handkirchieffe he carelessely held it in his hand he told him his name was Phalarius an unfortunate Cousin of Alciana since her late retirement into a Cloyster had left him to the world to seeke entertainment in his service after having been robb'd and wounded by certain Theeves Orestes hearing the name of his almost forgotten Alciana seemed suddenly strucken with some fatall Omen that accus'd him of perjurie and ingratitude for which deservedly he merited to be punished wherefore he seated himself upon a bench in those walks with his armes folded one within another as if hee meant to weave his thoughts an intricate labyrinth of discontent his eyes being cast up to Heaven as it were to penetrate the very bosome of the Gods to be informed of the
body which lay before her eyes that instead of making him any reply tending to his satisfaction she shewed him her naked breast wishing him to dispatch her presently that she might not undergoe many torments by his cruelty The captaine of the other side being transported with that taking object instantly flung away his sword and kneeling down by her bed as if he intended to sacrifice to some Deity gently fixt a kisse with his impure lips upon that more then white Altar continuing in that posture untill Roxana's cries had brought to the doore many of the Pyrates who with a tumultuous noise not onely entred but finding the dead carcase of the slaughtered woman and also the suspected demeanour of the Admirall by reason of that information they had formerly received of the dead Strumpet concerning his private love to the Princesse Cloria suddenly threatned him with this language Villaine said they was it not enough injustice in thee to have oftentimes by thy imperious commands defrauded us of the equall distribution of such prizes we had gotten at Sea but to endeavour also to deceive us of our hopes of our pardons by the ravishment of the faire Princesse which is a present we intend to Osirus to redeem our lives and liberties and render us again possessors of our native Countrey from whence we have been so long banished under thy proud jurisdiction The Captaine being not able to support this sharp reproofe from his base vassals of a sudden leapt to his sword that lay upon the ground and when he had it in his hand flew amongst them like a Tiger calling to his ayde such in the ship as were faithfull to his faction which ere long procured a most bloody encounter for what the Admirals party wanted in number they supplied in courage so that the fight a great while seemed to be equall wherein the uncouthnesse of the season added horrour to the slaughters augmented also by the cries of dying wounded persons with the whistling of the winds that appeared to contend with the seas in a new combat but at last the Captain himselfe being slaine a sudden despaire seized the remaining company in so much as they all either fled to seek refuge into dark corners of the ship or yeelded to the mercy of the conquerours who putting the head of their late Lord upon a Speare crying Liberty shewed it to the people of the other vessels not farre off and presently sent a messenger not onely to inform them of their proceedings and just judgement against their tyrannicall master but to desire a conference how they might best dispose of their affaires to procure all their pardons During the conflict the Princesse Cloria as it were transported beyond all degrees of amazement rather conceived her selfe to be in a terrible dream then the beholder of such inhumane actions lay as it were without motion untill Roxana who had newly broke through the confused crowd came into the Cabine to give her deare Lady some consolation After she had a little driven away her feares and comforted her hopes with couragious language she not onely recounted unto her all the particulars of the fight and the occasion thereof but informed her of the resolution of the Pyrates which was instantly to convey her into Aegypt and put her into the protection of Osirus Cloria when she had spent some time in teares sighes and silence at last uttered these words O Roxana said she we may perceive that the gods are angry with us and therefore the successe of our fortunes cannot be but doubtfull however we may be delivered from this barbarous captivity and committed into more Noble hands for I feare that Osirus will never forget the injuries that have been done unto him for the losse of his great fleet upon the Ionian shore though my father himselfe was betrayed to the action nor forbeare with violence to solicite his old proposed love by my Grandmother Queen Anaxia which either must absolutely destroy my intentions to poore Narcissus or put me in some desperate prevention since his thoughts cannot be so low as to suffer himselfe to be undervalued by a captive that he hath in his power upon which ground I suppose the Pirates have taken their resolutions These were reasons sufficient to have converted Roxana although she had been of another opinion however being more willing to apply balme then corrasives to the wound that was already made onely returned her answers of hope and not replies of despaire to entertaine her imagination untill the thieves resolutions within two daies and a nights saile the winds seeming in the mean time to play with their intentions had brought them safely into the river of Nilus and so consequently soon landed them with their rich prize at the City of Memphis where Osirus the Prince then kept his Court. But the Heavens being not pleased that so valuable a Jewell should be the price to buy the redemption of so vile offenders the Pyrates were presently apprehended and not onely in recompence of their many robberies but also of their late murder committed without form of Law upon their Captain were put to death with severall torments as an example of terrour to their imitators whilst in the mean time the Princesse Cloria was with all honour conveyed to lodgings prepared for her in the Castle Yet one day being alone with Roxana and reflecting not onely upon the horrid danger she had past when she was in the absolute power of the rude Pyrates but considering what a heaven of felicity her outward sense seemed to be acquainted withall now she was in the glorious Pallace of Osirus King almost of all Aphrica where every one appeared ready to comply with her pleasure as she understood by the command of their great master she could not but with some pensivenesse think upon the sudden change of her fortune for weighing the ticklishnesse of her own state that had in so short a time woven her thoughts and loves into so many hopes and fears it began to raise in her some doubt of her yet safety and considering that the Aegyptians had received too many affronts to be heartily affected to the Lydians she could interpret Osirus kindnesse but two waies either that he bore a Noble minde beyond example notwithstanding her Countries seeming injuries or else that he had some underhand designe to compasse which made him gild over his intentions with an outward humanity whereby the better to obtaine his ends or render his revenge more terrible which at last made her break through her silence by this discourse to her Governesse What the gods have determined of us Roxana said she their onely divine wisdomes must measure out in time and we with patience and reverence are to attend the issue of their decrees for if in any kind they seem to smile upon our condition we should entertaine the blessings with a joyfull humility rather using them as necessary refreshments of humane nature then
taught by the Princes valour that there was more safety in his former profession which fortune also hapned to many more that endeavoured to encounter him as namely Lorenseus husband to beautious Lawran and Fridius who thought onely to have overcome by his choler with others of equall ambition untill about the latter end of the day there suddenly started out two at so even a distance to the eye of the Judges that it was a question which should have the preheminence in the incounter The one was armed in a white Armour artificially painted over with a short mantle of Tyrian purple that little more then covered his shoulders his bases were embroidered with an orderly procession of Flamins and other Priests clothed in white vestments his caparisons were cut out into multitudes of Souldiers managing their severall weapons In his shield was pictured a heaven with a person in his religious habit at his prayers though seemingly distracted by the tumults at his backe which was explained by this Motto I cannot if I would The other Knight was onely armed in greene with bases and Caparison figuring oaken leaves intermixt with Acrons of gold in his shield was set forth a brave ship in full saile though a black cloude behind it seemed to threaten a tempest or rather shewed it had past a storme exprest by this Motto I speed me to my happinesse both striving to be formost in the encounter they disputed the title pretending each one to have the priviledge for that they intended to defend as they said the admirable beauty of the Princesse Gloria daughter to the King of Lydia this discovery seemed so much to increase their passion by an appearing jealousie that they presently drew out their swords to maintaine the rest of the quarrell untill the greene Knight by his prevailing blowe stroake off the Helmet of the other who appeared being disarmed to be Philos the Nephew to the great favourite which as suddenly stopt the courteous hand of his adversary so that Orsames moved by such an accidentall difference came himselfe into the list and by his own judgement gave the prerogative of the first tryall to the strange Knight who as he said deserved it both in regard of his being a forraigner and for that he had also by his fortune disarmed Philos. After the King and the rest of the company were againe placed in their seates the two gallant Champions performed their courses with such an equall bravery that as it procured an extraordinary delight to the people so it raised some difficulty in the opinion of the judges to whom they should grant the prize onely the Prince of Arabia in his last course lost one of his stirropes which was the reason that the question was ouce more brought before the King as the supreame Judge of the sport however the Prince because he would overcome the strange Knight with his courtesie though not with his lance prevailed so farre with Orsames that he might buy his friendship by the discovery of his person unto whose honour he was willing to sacrifice the victory hoping to purchase thereby as he said a greater Jewell which was his acquaintance With that the green Knight presently pulling off his head-piece was knowne of every one to be young Narcissus who understanding that the admirable beauty of his deare Mistresse Cloria was not yet mainteined by any valour though jealous he proved when he found Philos undertake the defence he dispenced with the inconveniency of his owne wound that appeared by his halting and privately arming himselfe came in to the List either to be conquered or finish his Adversaries glory The unexpected discovery of Narcissus person after the Turnament gave occasion to all the people with a kind of a Triumphall though confused Aclamation to expresse their extraordinary Joy in that none but he as they said who had subdued Osiris greatnesse deserved the honour of those martiall sports however the gallant youth esteemed his desires but halfe satisfied untill he had also in some sort procured the approbation of the beautifull Princesse since shee alone he reckoned the sole period of his endeavours Therefore when he had performed his humble respects to Orsames according to the lawes of the Tilting and the custome of the Countrey he presently cast himselfe at the feet of his glorious Mistresse with these words in his mouth As it may easily be perceived what a powerfull influence your rare perfections have over all hearts and actions of men so no doubt the heavens in a particular manner designe to render you the admirable patteme of your sex since your lustre not onely hath created in me a new ability but the very power of your name doth induce my Noble adversary to attribute to my small performance those victorie I never merited therefore as your owne goodnesse will daily invite you to frequent the gods Altars with your welcome and acceptable sacrifices so must I beseech you to vouchsafe this brave Prince such a congratulation as may fully pay the score of my obligation who freely hath bestowed upon me that by no right whatsoever could I challenge Cloria although shee spake her owne inward content in nothing but bashfull smiles yet the sparkling earnestnesse of her faire eyes sufficiently shewed how farre her heart was taken with the fortunes and bravery of her servant in so much as the whole multitude cryed out presently for the solemnization of the cerentonies belonging to their Nuptialls pretending the City of Memphis that had endured so long a siege being at last delivered by the occasion of their loves might in some sort enjoy the honour of such Triumph This caused Orsames to take the lovely Couple by the hands with intention to performe the office himselfe but Cloria rather conquering her inward passions then giving way to her owne desires told her Uncle that nature and education had taught her thoughts a better duty then precipitatly to give away her person in such an Assembly without the privacy and allowance of those who had as shee conceived a principall right and interest in her disposall The King by reason of this strict prohibition from such an authority was forced to desist from his purpose however he could not in his minde but much commend his Neeces temper and discretion Yet poore Narcissus who seemed at the instant strucke with some killing disease finding his principall hopes thus in a moment blasted when he thought he had had his happinesse in possession had not one word to utter either of reproofe or perswasion so that he could not chuse but extreamely blame such a rigid severity untill Cloria againe by a gentle smile gave him as he thought some new encouragement though no otherwise then like people brought upon the scaffold ready to dye might receive from flattering enducements to be reprived being onely framed by their owne indulgent fancies without any other grounds for alass alass Tyrant honour had so strong a predomination in Cloria's
he doe not so injuriously taxe your owne judgement but rather lay it upon the obstinancy of your owne will which is a property I must confesse incident in a most high measure to all those of your Sexes that is not to doe a thing because you will not doe it and not for that reason and consideration tells you it may be the best Truly Sir answered the Princesse as I thanke the gods I finde not in my owne nature such an obstinancy as you speake of so cannot I yet be diverted from these maximes that I have learned in my youth which are that obedience to my parents and a contentednesse in disposition ought to be esteemed neither folly or impiety but of contrary wisedome and goodnesse I confesse the same replyed Philos but when the one may be conserved and the other encreased certainely we ought alwayes to apply our endeavours to the greater commodity and benefit as for example if you now goe along in the company of your great Uncle Orsames to Damascus you shall not onely with a world of honour and respect gaine those experiences of beholding the excellent rarities of the earth but the Queene of Lydia your Noble Mother no doubt will be sent for with all expedition both to accompany your fortunes and content Cloria having formerly heard by discourses from the Queene and others that Philostros Philos Uncle was not onely a maine obstructer of her Fathers designes but was also absolutely against her Mothers comming into Syria could not forbeare but plainly to tell him her thoughts in that particular with some teares in her eyes as if her apprehensions anew began to work towards the affairs of Evarchus her Father in Lydia insomuch as he might easily perceive there rested in her mind notwithstanding other diversions certaine discontented motions concerning his Unâ—â—â— usage of the Queene in her distresses not â—â—â—â—ng so much as shee was informed ever invited her into Syria notwithstanding all her misfortunes and oppressions of her owne Country but rather was a meanes to divert Orsames her brother from either giving her countenance or reception though grounded principally as it was conceived upon his spleene that Anaxia the old Queene of Syria had been so nobly entertained in Lydia having been banished from her Sons Court onely by his power and greatnesse what the se quell of these discourses would have produced cannot well be imagined for that diverse of the company being already sufficiently tyred with beholding the fire-workes were retired into that part of the roome where Cloria and Philos were discoursing which for that time not onely ended the dispute but tooke off all occasion to begin anew neither indeed was there any commodity at all for it since the whole assembly one with another fell into diversity of pleasant communications which in truth was a great deale more proper for the season then those of another nature that had happened from Cloria onely by accident though of the other side they might be occasioned by reason of Philos passions and underhand designes however the company continued confusedly mixt both in persons and language until they were invited into another roome to taste the delicacies of a Banket provided for their nights refreshment that appeared not more curious then magnificent as it were designed to close up their expectations with the reallity of what was againe unpossible to be parallel'd by any other Nation it might be esteemed an impertinent vanity to dwell here againe upon descriptions since not onely by what hath beene already said the rest in part may be imagined but the time of the night also calling the company to their rest may very well give a full period to Philos sumptuous entertainement though in them according to his expectation he found not his wishes satisfied neither in his own violent affections to Cloria nor his sisters preposterous passions concerning Narcissus which was the occasion that being retired into his private chamber instead of sleepe he became incumbred with diversity of troublesome thoughts Philos as I say being withdrawne into his own solitary lodgings in imitation of the rest of the company to the outward view thought not to the same intention according to his inward disturbances began more seriously to reflect upon his purposes considering not onely the progresse he had made in them but the issues consequently were probably to follow To this effect in the first place he found it was unpossible to remove the setled affections betweene the young lovers Cloria and Narcissus as well by their manner of discourses he had made to them both in the commendation of the Syrian excellencies as by divers other reasons and circumstances that he had observed in either which made him belive as the combinations he had made with the Ambassador would prove to little effect to his benefit so would they be of most desperate concernments to those sweet and innocent creatures next he laid before his remembrance not onely the gallant bravery of Narcissus person in many attempts he had made at the siege upon the Aegyptians having withall in a manner saved the life of his Uncle Philostros in the fight as another time his owne from the fury of the Lion but also more particularly he reflected upon the courteous disposition of the Princesse Cloria notwithstanding her dignity and quality accompanied with her excellent beauty and rare perfections not to be equalled againe in all Asia Lastly he considered with some horror what a world of inconvenience his family had brought upon Evarchus and his Kingdome of Lydia not onely at the first by stirring up of the ungratefull Myssians to contend with him but also in discountenancing of Hiacynthia the Queen in her solicitations with Orsames her brother for her husbands interest however there seemed to appeare no other reason for these latter evils but that Anaxia the old Queene of Syria being in disfavour with Philostros had beene received by the Court of Lydia with some more then ordinary affection and ceremony These considerations after a long debate privately in his owne bosome made him at last utter this language O Heavens said he with what a Torrent of impious madnesse are mortals carried on in their courses when they steere their actions onely by ambition and fill the sailes of their intentions with nothing but violence and pride O wise moderation that should temper the heate of all our passions and make us rather good then politicke to what region art thou flowne to seeke vertue and quiet what if our endeavours could attaine every day to new conquests untill the world should become ours by the sword accompanied with bloud and slaughters what were the purchase worth still living in distempers and vexation doth more Titles any thing else but serve to create new appetites which daily encrease without satisfactions what serve command and greatnesse but to inflame desires that torment day and night our over indulgent thoughts with restlesse labours of such impatiency as
permit them to equall other Nations in painfull endeavour rather chusing in their natures to be wanderers then become willing to submit their persons under the jurisdiction of better customes But be it what it will in this condition they remained without any power at all to act untill the beginning of these differences between our King Euarchus and his great Senate when the people not having altogether forgot their old hate to the Lydians and now finding some opportunity to expresse it began anew to flie out however the particular causes were these When the Myssians first proclaimed their dislike by leading Armies to oppose Kingly authority in their own Nation one Polinex once governour of this Island though since destroyed for his service prepared a company of expert souldiers to be imployed against the Myssians as esteeming them most proper to the purpose in regard of their hate to those people but not to detaine you over long by needlesse repetitions and circumstances of things which are onely conjecturall After that our King Euarchus in a manner had committed the mannagement of affaires into the hands of his great Senate of Lydia it was not held either needfull by way of opposition or convenient by reason of the expence to continue afoot those souldiers that had been leavied and provided by Polinex in this Island of Creete wherefore orders were presently sent to disband the Troops but in some sort neverthelesse to give them satisfaction lest they might prove dangerous and troublesome to the government they gave them what liberty they pleased to contract with other Princes for their future entertainment in some forraigne warres However the Myssians when they perceived the souldiers were thus by bargain to be transported either fearing their returne in a body to their prejudice or rather I may say envying all felicity of theirs made earnest suit to the Senate of Lydia with whom then they held a most intimate correspondency not to suffer them to goe out of the Kingdome As these perswasions prevailed before the consideration of the contract made for their transportation so the people of this Island being not onely inflamed with these injurious proceedings as they esteemed them but also fearing an utter extirpation of the whole Nation by reason of the malice and practices of the Myssians of a sudden having entred before into many consultations amongst themselves began as well to make use of those armes they were already provided of as to seize into their hands many strong Townes in the Countrey however in the interim they set forth many Proclamations in their own defence which in effect were to this purpose that in regard the King himselfe had in a manner lost all his owne prerogative whereby he was formerly impowred to govern they in their own behalfes now were necessitated to take up armes for their preservation both against Myssia the Kingdom of Lydia that sought not onely the abolishing of their Religion but an extirpation of their persons but however these pretentions were plausible enough and perhaps no otherwise meant by them at the first yet the outragious violence committed of both sides soon drew many Commanders of Greete from other parts who instead of contributing their endeavours in making onely a defensive war they violently perswaded the people to stand upon their own pretended priviledges before the conquest as having either Kings of their proper Nation or at leastwise no strangers to command over them whilst they themselves also began to challenge old Dignities Titles with the possession of most of the Lands in the Countrey that for many yeeres had belonged to other persons and families that perhaps had bought them to them and their heires at most valuable and considerable rates This in a very short space set the whole Island in such a burning and outragious flame that slaughters of such execrable natures were committed to the very horrour as I may say of mankind both my selfe and some other Noblemen of the Countrey were forced to take up armes not onely for the defence of our persons and estates but to bring the people of both sides to a better temper wherin for my own part as I used what moderation I could in executions upon my conntrey-men at what time so ever I gained any victories over them which truly was not very seldom so by this means their hatred began to be augmented towards me as against a Myssian enemy in so much as they began to form orderly councels of their part as we did entertain with regularity those supplies were sent us out of Lydia for however they had the greatest part of the Countrey at their dispose yet we held the most commodious for our parpose things resting in doubtfull though bloudy conflicts untill the differences between our King Euarchus and the Senate now remaining at Sardis began to take up new considerations in the thoughts and appetites of all sorts of people that had any relation to the Lydian government wherefore the King having drawn armies into the field for his own pretended defence as the Senate had raised forces to contend against his intentions the souldiers under my command being more desirous to serve in the Lydian wars where gaine and honour were as they thought to be obtained then to remaine here without either pay or benefit both they and my selfe in a particular way endeavoured to serve the King against his Senate and of a sudden shuffling up a truce with the Rebels in these parts upon their faithfull promises not onely to submit to their Princes pleasure upon reasonable conditions but further to assist him in his present warres both with their persons and estates I sent all the souldiers presently to the Kings armies keeping in the interim this Town with some other under my jurisdiction to be disposed of as he shall at any time appoint In fine as this is as short a relation as I can make of those accidents that have befallen our unhappy countrey from the beginning of the Lydian rule so cannot I but esteem my selfe extreamly satisfied for the present that although it hath not yet come within the compasse of my ability to doe the King any remarkable or profitable services that the Princess Cloria is not only her selfe in person come under the power of that command I hold under her father but that her distresses and necessities at sea also have been in part relieved by the naturall scituation of this Island of Creete which as a good and lucke Omen will preserve it hence forward I hope from destruction if not grant it a better blessing then lately it hath received from the favour of the heavens and with these word accompanied by such a look that was capable enough to win beliefe concerning his affectionate endeavours to the King he ended his discourse Roxana after she had returned the Governour thanks with two or three sighes to expresse in a sort her inward sorrow for the accidents as it were both pittying
last called up most part of the house to her assistance left her dead in the view of all the spectators This sad disaster as you may imagine sufficiently inraged the whole company and conceiving me either the actor or the instrument of the Tragedy with all violence haled me to a closer prison in the Castle whilst according to the custome of those parts my processe was to be made the next morning by the Justice of the Towne before the body could either be buried or imbalmed This accident gave my confused thoughts sufficient imployment however I made a great question whether I should confesse my name or conceale my condition finding by my citation I was only called the ungratefull stranger which gave me some opinion that my quality was not generally knowne in the City believing as the one would not at all help to lessen the crime pretended against me but rather give the more suspition of a hidden designe in that I durst attempt a murther of that horrid nature which an ordinary person would never have performed so the other might in some sort helpe to hide the shame to our Family in being called to a publick defence in a case of such a wickednesse wherefore I determined not to reveale my selfe untill some apparent necessity procured it At my arraignment there was alleadged against me besides the breach of the rules of hospitality how that it was impossible any other could commit the murther since Artemesia was found alone with me in my chamber and it was not to be supposed she had killed her selfe On the conteary I pretended that being a meer stranger in those parts it could not be imagined I should harbour so much malice in my breast as to become the murtherer of one that had treated me in my sicknesse with abundance of humanity besides I said the weapon which had given Artemesia her deadly wound was found by all the company in her own hand but the businesse being thus to and fro violently disputed Artemesia's nurse was sent for to give further restimony of my carriage towards her Mistresse during my aboade in the Castle which could not chuse but give in the opinion of all there present a great deale of light in the disputation however the malicious old woman imagining her declarations might afforde me some assistance refused to come pretending she was necessarily imployed in the Funerall of her dead Mistresse being locked up with the body in her private chamber though the truth was she thirsted after my life to save the honour of Artemesia and the whole family since by that meanes I should not have the opportunity to divulge her preposterous love so that at last I was not only found guilty but condemned privately to lose my head within the Castle court fearing belike in my last speech I would publish some passages that might render the people satisfied of my innocency and Artemesia's lasciviousnesse Thus finding all my honest Rhetorick could not prevaile in my just defence to secure me from condemnation I resolved to declare my person hoping that although it might not prove of sufficient force to divert my judgement yet neverthelesse it would be a motive to prot act my execution untill Philos returned from Damascus which declaration happily met with my expectation For after the Judges with much amazement had entertained the knowledge of my condition being the son of him who was esteemed so intimate a friend to the Kingdome of Syria they not only presently signed my reprive but conveyed me with all the respect their laws would give them leave back againe to the prison where I remained untill Philos returne who brought with him the newes of Philostros death and buriall though foure dayes time was spent after his arrivall before he offered me a visit in which space I had liberty enough for consideration what would be my fate At last he came and saluted me with this discourse to my no small admiration My Lord said he I must not onely desire you to forget all your ill usage in this Castle but to interpret the reasons to have proceeded from a womans unruly passion for I cannot give it a better Title without my privity which my future actions and my present discourse shall testifie if either you will believe my words or pardon my intentions Be pleased then in short to know for my resolution is to make unto you a particular confession and after commit my selfe unto your goodnesse and mercy that when you and the faire Princesse Cloria were at Memphis with Orsames it was my fortune to be conquered by the power of love proceeding not only from the excellency of her beauty and conversation but as I may say was thrust upon me by such a forcible and precipitate fate that could not to be contradicted by the power of any reason or temper in so much as I must tell you in regard of those passions I could neither eate sleep nor rest with convenient satisfaction so that I conceived my selfe obliged for my preservation to contrive a project with the Lydian Ambassadour then remaining at Memphis which was to interrupt your passage at Sea going into Cyprus whereby the better to make a separation between your love and that which the Princesse bore you that both mine and my sister Artemesias might succeed in the places And however the gods prevented rather the manner of the execution then the effect of our designes by contrary stormes and accidents at Sea yet I must now enforme you that as your selfe by fortune were taken by our ships which hath since produced this late dismall mishap concerning my sister so the Princesse Cloria by chance falling upon the Coasts of the Island of Creet is now delivered into the possession of the Senate of Lydia and they as I am enformed from those Ambassadors of our Country that are at Sardis intend with some violence to bestow her in marriage upon her Consin Cassianus Prince of Iberia whereby the better to fortifie their pretentions and Titles against King Euarchus her father however they seemed for a long time to play with my hopes as if they only intended her for my satisfaction belike imagining that such an expectation would alwayes be sufficient to continue our family faithfull to their purposes and so consequently make my Uncle Philostros ever willing to imploy his power with Orsames for their advantages but he being now dead which newes they have already received in Lydia they publickly disclaime from having any such intention as believing now we can no more contribute profitably to their designes wherefore as my thoughts and resolutions intend a present retirement in some place of religion to seek pardon of the gods for my many violent and unjust ambitions so did I very well know their mercies in no kind were to be obtained without such a particular declaration of my own faults which I have now made unto you as I can no way doubt of your charity and compassion
give him entertainment And that I may prevent your demand which I make no doubt will seem necessary to your judgement be pleased to know that I am by birth of the Island of Cyprus and intending a pilgrimage to the Temple of Delphos am by chance fallen into your company The Priest seeing himselfe saluted by a young man though in his own habit of such an excellent beauty and so perfect a shape presently not only rose up from his seat to give him the more respectfull welcome but told him for his lodging the night to come since the time of the day perhaps might prevent him of a better conveniency he should hold it an extraordinary honour that his own poor habitation might performe the service and the rather as he said for that their professions seemed to agree by the outward resemblance of the Robes Narcissus was not much displeased with the offer as well because he found himselfe something weary by reason of those extravagant and uncertaine journeyes he had made as also that he might hope by this opportunity to get further information concerning his own resolutions that yet he had not fully determined Wherefore after he had returned the Father a civill thankes for his favour with an intimation he was willing to accept of his charitable kindnesse they both sate downe together upon the bankside to behold the finishing of those rurall delights that passionately seemed to imploy the Countrey people which gave occasion to Narcissus to demand the reason of that extraordinary mirth that possessed the thoughts of the whole company The Priest after he had a little similed to thinke of the strangers apprehension told him since he perceived his curiosity went so farre as to be satisfied in those petty affaires he would take the paines to let him know the originall that produced the effects which as he said was the more proper for his entertainment since the occasion at the present detained almost all Asia both in expectation and wonder however he feared his story might be too tedious for his patience But Narcissus seeming rather passionate at the satissaction then distasted at the offer the Priest retired something further into the woods to be more out of the noyse of the people where after he had setled the strangers expectation to a silent attentivenesse he began this discourse Sir said he you must be pleased to know that our King Euarchus grandmother called Minerva by whose right he came to weare all those Crownes he was once possessor of and might still have enjoyed in a prosperous measure if his fortunes had been equall to his goodnesse or his Subjects loyaltie answerable to his own eminent worth was a Princesse of such excellent vertues that it had been a controversie between art and nature whether had more bountifully contributed to the adorning of her royall person however she only raigned in Mysia a Country not only barren in production of the fruits of the earth but luxurious in the unfaithfulnesse of the people though her birth justly claimed the inheritance of this rich Kingdome of Lydia after our Queen then raigning here I say this admirable Princesse had a base brother also named Leonatus who wanted not ambition enough to desire the Crowne of Mysia though he were not furnished with sufficient vertues to merit such a dignity and to this purpose left nothing unattempted that might either advance his own esteem or deprave his sisters actions and to that end insinnated himself by all meanes possible not only into the good opinion of the Lords but much more into the favour of the common people in which interim the young Princesse being furnished with youth and beauty was perswaded by the chiefe nobility to thinke of a noble husband that might accompany her in her conversation and give the Kingdome a hope of posterity two essentiall parts as they pretended of her own happinesse in prosecution of this desire there was presented unto her view a handsome Lord of this our Countrey of Lydia in conclusion the nuptials were quickly solemnized to the appearing content of both parties and the rather for that the then Queene of Lydia was well satisfied with the choyce not doubting to maintaine by this meanes a continual and strong interest in the Kingdome of Mysia since she had married to the Princesse one of her own Subjects But now Leonatus began to play his part for finding this conjunction proved a bar to his pretention for succession he thought it his bestway to establish himselfe notwithstanding a certain power in the government and to that purpose strived by all meanes his malicious will could instruct to gaine the good opinion of the young King whereby to set him at difference with the Queen who began to be a little distasted to see his wife take upon her so absolute authority he only bearing the name of a Prince which at last grew to such a height by the underhand provocation of wicked Leonatus that one day when the Queene being great with child was retired into her private chamber to conferre with a certain Secretary of State most imployed in the Kingdomes affaires her husband of a sudden rusht into her presence with his sword drawne and there before her amazed eyes slaughtered her poore servant However this was an act of some horrour to the great bellied Queen and so consequently might be thought sufficient motives of her lasting indignation to see her selfe and authority so affronted by one she had lately raised from being a Subject to be her husband yet religion and good nature proved so powerfull in her noble disposition that upon the Kings sorrow and submission she was content both to forgive the injury and forget the dishonour by a perfect reconciliation But Leonatus not weary yet of his own wickednesse though despairing of his further ability to retain his interest with the young King since the Queen as he thought had so absolutely circumvented him in that project of a sudden stroake into friendship with certaine factious Priests that had newly brought in a religion into Mysia that taught this dangerous Doctrine That Princes deserved no longer to governe then whilst they contented the People Which opinion you may very well imagine took feelingly with the multitude in so much as in a short time the Queen had imployment enough to defend her person from reproaches as her Kingdome from civill warre This exceedingly tormented her thoughts untill the birth of her young sonne againe revived her spirits however Leonatus still prosecuting his horrid designes to supplant the Queen in her just right whereby to bring the government of the Kingdome under his own jurisdiction one night secretly caused not only the young King to be cruelly murthered in his bed in execution of his revenge because he had quitted his party but also laid the bloudy slaughter by way of private aspersions upon the innocent and religious Queen the more to bring her in hatred with the common people who seemed
a needy and indigent family in conclusions however many seemed willing againe to restore Euarchus and his posterity to their ancient rights and dignity yet fearing in regard of their own proceedings that they might be strictly called in question for their past actians they utterly desisted from that resolution notwithstanding these severall and violent discourses for that time they setled upon no determination whatsoever only at last they ordered the government should remaine as it was at present in the Senates power though bearing still the name of Euarchus until farther consideration I must tell you as these were the manner of disputations in the Councels at Sardis both before and since the revolt of the Army so now by their favours as we suppose they must aske leave of the Souldiers before they settle either a government in themselves or take it away from others And the rather am I induced to this beliefe for that the common people appeare not yet much scandalized at the late revolt but of the contrary as t is thought would be extremely satisfied with againe turne the streame into its right course however in that I shall say the least that may be untill I be more instructed in the constitution of the world with these words he ended his discourse and presently tooke his leave pretending some other company in his house needed also another part of his entertainment This information of the Host gave Creses and the Priest occasion to fall into a more serious disputation concerning the nature and property of Monarchy and other governments according to divers opinions and judgements with the severall benefits and inconveniences belonging to them The Priest would needs take upon him the defence of the Kingly part whilst Creses was to be content with the more inferiour degree both notwithstanding grounding their discourses from the hopes they had that the Souldiers would shortly againe restore Euarchus to his Crowne and government The Priest first began in this manner As Monarchy in the generall said he hath been held by writers to be the best and most absolute way of government so ought it as well be granted that a Prince by descent and inheritance is the freest of all others from burthen and inconvenience to the people since the making up of new families upon every exchange and the many dangerous factions would arise by reason of elections would at one time or other either hazzard or ruine the Commonwealth for that all ambitions could never be supprest totally in every person with the only consideration of the common safety but that I may more particularly make good my argument I shall endeavour from certaine principles of Divinity nature and institution to prove my affirmation and opinion In the first place according to the example of the divine providence there is but one God that made and now rules the heavens since if there were more none could be absolute much lesse omnipotent in any kinde and so consequently the governement should still be subject to variation both in part and in the whole for as divers persons must have severall wills so that of necessity would confound commands and distract obedience whereby executions could not chuse but be protracted to the rending of all actions and endeavours of no considerable force and validity to the convenient and orderly rule of the world wherefore we see subordinate offices are appointed in every degree by this great and all powerfull God every distinct orbe being so involved one within another untill they all become governed by the first motion onely to avoyd equality and confusion so that we may easily perceive by that decorum that there is an entire necessity of one governour As for example there is but one Sun that governes the day as another light shines in the night neither of which being accompanied with any of equall authority or influence as it were both pretending to a certaine manner of absolute Monarchy in their in their severall kinds of motion and lustre in the second place by the very rules of nature we have experience that some one in every species pretends above the rest to dominion and jurisdiction as for the purpose the industrious and painfull Commonwealth of the Bees have alwayes one to goe before them whose person and voyce they onely obey and follow with a seeming care and extraordinary obedience The silly Ants in like manner have their Prince amongst them who seemes by his absolute authority only to governe and direct their labours tending to unity and benefit in their small and innocent Common-wealth so that these being creatures no way given to exorbitancy of will as men are if it be necessary for them to have but one governour much more for us who are given in a manner to nothing but malice and pride whereby to be kept in order and regulated in our dispositions which certainely cannot long be without the authority of some single power that must not be equalled or contracted by any other we see if two strange Balls be but turned loose together in any pasture their contention one with another never ends whilst one of the two have gained the absolute maslery over the other with what extraordinary hatred and malice will two little Cocks of the game persecute one another in bloud wounds untill the one of them have obtained the victory by the others death and ruine Ney example me if you can any two Males of any generous kinde whatsoever that will endure the others society without an absolute subjection to his power and courage as it were never but striving till one have procured the entire jurisdiction of the place as if nature by no meanes could admit of an equality in government whereas of the contrary the Females as being not at all ordained for rule and command are seemingly contented with the society and company of their fellowes which shews in my opinion a certaine kinde of necessity in all governments of one onely Monarch not only to avoid faction and confusion but to unite desires and industry towards the welfare and benefit of any Commonwealth since without such a knowne power and command it is almost impossible to bridle and keep in order at all times the unruly fancies and exorbitant desires of mankind whose very nature or inclination doth swell as it were with nothing but appetites of contention Lastly concerning the very institution of governments upon earth the first certainly was Monarchy for as in the beginning a man in his own private family appeared to be the onely absolute Prince to be obeyed so dominions and Kingdomes became no other way established in the infancy of the world but by the uniting together of severall houshols either by accident or conquest And though sometimes people meerly out of necessity to keep themselves the better in peace and quietnesse were forced to chuse and forme commonwealths yet we scarce read of any juridiction to be enterteined at leastwise to be continued for
his expectation yet it would not grieve him so much to be under the jurisdiction of the Nobility that are by birth and extraction above his condition as to finde himselfe much subordinate and inferiour to those of his own ranke and quallity to be esteemed of all others most irkesome to humane nature so that you see it is but meere fancy that engenders these considerations and opinions besides there are other inconveniences and omissions appertaining to a popular government as for example it seldome or never preferres or rewards worthy persons according to their deserts and merrits when as for the most part smallest crimes and defects are punished by most fearefull and horrid severity proceeding either from envy or jealousie which is the occasion that oftentimes when Generalls Commanders or States men have procured a sufficient interest and esteeme amongst all sorts of people whereby to be able to contend doubting their own safeties from the Magistracy they enter presently into such rebellions that either turne the Commonwealth into a Tyrannicall Monarchy or occasion at the best so much bloud and slaughter that every Subject thereof hath reason enough to feare his own losse if not generall destruction whereas a Prince being of so eminent a condition himselfe not to be equalled by any of what quallity soever hath no cause to be envious or suspicious againe the Prince hath a more neere interest in his Countries good then all his subjects besides by way of personall honour wherefore a greater benefit or losse attends him in every thing that is acted since he creates not only the officer that commands or executes but enjoyes the profit or disprofit of the successe whereas the people in a Commonwealth receive it but in the generall no one man being able to appropriate any publike action particularly to himselfe which is a principall motive to enduce the Prince to attend earnestly the prosperity of the government because he may be said truly to esteeme it his own which no other prison can doe in what constitution some ever if there be others in equall authority with him for to joyne interests will never take so much the fancy and opinion of the owners as those which are singly appertaining but to one onely Well said Creses although I see upon any termes you will needs have a Monarchy to be the best government yet neverthelesse I must not have a Prince altogether unlimited as it were threatning a kinde of a fearefull apprehension of Tyranny to his people by which meanes they would be hindred from endeavouring industriously either the common good or their private welfare but rather I should wish a king in some sort bound by lawes fundamentall establtshed by a lawdable constitution at the first however not to be so strictly chayned up that he were left no any power or prerogative at all without his Subjects leave or be so let loose to his owne will and pleasure that he might injure and oppresse his people as he list that is to say to have the government to enjoy such a mixture in the whole that the Subjects might not be over-bold to approach his presence without an awfull reverence or he to be puffed up with a vaine opinion by reason of his dignity that the Kingdome or commonwealth was bestowed upon his condition more for his own use then the good of his people nor I neither said the Priest whereupon being called away to supper they suddenly broake off the rest of their discourse The next day about noone they arrived at Court or rather was it to be called a campe since the Souldiers seemed to beare all the sway notwithstanding others had a civil liberty allowed them to be admitted upon every occasion needfull into the Kings presence When Euarchus was enformed not onely of their arrivall but that Creses had brought him letters out of Syria from the Queen he with a great deale of passion sent presently for them into his presence upon their enterance they found him seated in a kind of a confined Majesty Farezius being on his right hand not farre from his person and a little below him stood one Hercrombrotus his Lieutenant Generall a man that seemed to carry not only designe but policy in his countenance about them were placed many common souldiers in the nature of a gard however expressing more then ordinary freedome both in their lookes and demeanor Creses after he had performed his wonted reverencies approached the King with a humility answerable to his Titles though not his condition presenting him with the Queens letters which Euarchus hastily taking out of his hands read them with teares in his eyes and then asked him sundry questions both of his wife and son Prince Arethusius wishing withall he might once more have the happinesse to enjoy their company in Lydia whereunto Creses soon replyed that he did not doubt but that the gods ere long would to that purpose be favourable to his pious intentions Truly said the King turning at the same time to Farezius this brave commander doth give me more then probable hopes to this effect but Farezius made him no other answer then by a kinde of humble bending of his body seemed to intimate a willingnesse in any thing to comply with his desires Having for some time thus discoursed together in publick the King also taking notice of the old Priest with more then ordinary affection he led Creses into an out window in the same roome that was sheltred from the view of the common people by large Curtaines that reached to the ground where after they had continued for the space of an houre in private conference the King calling unto him Farezius used this language with such a look as might procure compassion from the cruellest Tyrant in the world Farezius said he as I have sufficient experience of your civilities since it was my good fortune to be absolutely under your jurisdiction so cannot I but presume upon the continuance of these curtesies finding your nature to be both noble and constant wherefore to this purpose I would have you know that it is not alone my own desire at this present to have some comfort and consolation by the sight and conversation of my children kept so long from my possession by the power of the Senate sitting at Sardis but laso have received conjurations by these Letters from my wise remaining in Syria if it be possible so farre to procure my own information concerning their particulars that I may give her a true account both of their comportment and education whereby the better to satisfie her motherly affection and naturall inclination when the King had ended this supplication so farre as I may say beneath his dignity though consonant in some sort to his condition Farezius after a short pause returned him this answer Although I must confesse your Majesties desires are grounded upon all the principles both of nature and morallity yet you must be pleased likewise to know that at
his own capacity and courage since it is impossible but humane nature at the length will be tired with over much suffering and by consequence faile for want of true information there is no contradiction of your opinion said Creses but such is the crafty spight of some that they will permit none to be about the Kings person that dares loyally afford him any profitable consolation because they may the sooner bring him to consent to their desires Yet replyed Roxana it is not well known what those desires are since they never durst for all I could ever learne publickly declare their intentions but doe as it were in a dark mist endeavour to possesse the people that the King refuseth something he is obliged to grant for the good of his Subjects by which meanes they strive still to maintaine their credits and opinions amongst the common sort It is so Madam said Creses however since you are fallen upon that point I shall let you know how farre the King hath yet condiscended to their demands whereby the better to dispossesse the People of that beliefe they are perswaded to have in the Senates integrity though I verily thinke they now more feare their power then trust their intentions for whereas not many dayes agoe they proposed to Euarchus to have the power of the force of the Kingdome for twenty yeares both by Sea and Land the King hath yielded to grant them that jurisdiction during his life though not for that terme which appears now to be the greatest difference between them since the Senate seemes not content with this offer whereupon the Myssians have lately put our a furious declaration against the Senate pressing the King to such unreasonable conditions In good earnest answered Roxana I cannot tell whether I have more cause to smile at the seeming ridiculousnesse of these proceedings or be amazed to see men growne so foolishly unreasonable since Euarchus appeares to my understanding to be willing to part with more from his own hopes then what the Senate requires for that if he grant the power of the Kingdome out of his hands during his life it gives more assurance to the Senate that he intends no more to raigne if he had quitted his power for so many yeares only since he might have some thought to over live that prescribed terme againe for the Myssians I wonder most of all at their new loyalty to their Prince when they have been as I may say the only cause that hath made him no King though now anew they seeme to desire to re-establish him in his ancient authority which certainly cannot be but upon other designes of advantage to themselves more then for Euarchus prosperity Truly Madam said Creses in the generall it is as you say but yet there are so many mysteries hid under these proceedings that they are capable to deceive the sharpest judgement if some light be not given by information Wherefore you must know that both Euarchus and the Senate know very well that the consequence of all the Affaires chiefly depend upon the assurance of the safety of the Kings person since he cannever hope to be againe re-established in his rightfull authority but either by the humours and inconstancy of the common people who when they finde the Kings absolute oppression brings no prosperity to them will probably become exasperated against the Senates proceedings and power or by an unreconcilable difference betweene the Senators themselves who may most command when they shall sinde no other jurisdiction to oppose them both which in all likelihood will conduce to the Kings benefit if he sit quiet sometime under his injuries which I conceive to be the reason that he hath in outward appearance yielded so much to their demands And for the Myssians perhaps by this opposition they would perswade the world to a beliefe of their integrities as if at the first they cousented not to the Kings hard usage whereby to obtaine a greater party not only in the Kingdome of Lydia if they have an intention to dispute their own profit but in other Countries if they meane to make Warre upon our people because they cannot be sharers in the government as they hoped the only cause certainly of the now seeming quarrell so that in my opinion Euarchus hath done like a wise and politick Prince in seeming not to contend where he was sure not to prevaile especially since by the dispute he might have endangered those hearts that will now be of his side if the occasion be offered either out of pitty to his sufferings or out of hate to the Senates government And besides it is to be considered that no act he shall passe in this condition of constraint can binde either himselfe or posterity by all humane and divine lawes if his Sword ever become more powerfull in the meane time the Senate will seek to preserve the Kings life and person with their best care since their own authority falls entirely by his death which as I say is the reason they desire more a terme of yeares in the continuation of their required government then the determinable fate of the Princes life because they may have alwayes the liberty to presse him to new conditions if they finde by experience they have notyet obtained sufficient since they shall not need to feare the vexations of his person may bring any hazard upon him I cannot deny said Roxana but these reasons are sufficient to render me wholly satisfied in my doubtfull opinions but the gods are only capable to foresee the event of things And with that looking upon the Sun she perceived the time of the day called her to the attendance of the Princesse which made her for the present take her leave Upon her arrivall she found Cloria only accompanied by her Late in a small withdrawing room belonging to her own chamber where none but her selfe had permission to be admitted not long after she had saluted the Princesse she discovered she had been weeping by the red circles about her eyes that gave the old woman occasion further to be inquisitive after her imployment untill she spyed this complaining ditty lying written before her upon the Table that quickly gave her satisfaction of the occasion though her excellent voyce and rare skill rendred the Musick heavenly If Justice could some savour finde Or were not rather truly blind Ambition sure durst never we are The spoyles of such a vertue heare When every houre Doth need her power To set both Crownes and Kingdomes free For love I see is but a flame That onely beares a constant name And is by interest as a wave Tost here and there as others crave If objects seeme Of more esteeme To summon sense unto the call But whatsoever dwells more high Shoote but your Commets from the skie Against the hate that mortalls beare To such as lawfull Scepters weare And wee 'l adore For evermore That action as a Diety Yet whilst that fate and pride contend
he felt the smart of a concealed wound he had received in his thigh which he perceived not whilst he was hot with the fight so that presently he desired leave to retire into his chamber to have the assistance of the Chirurgions which was granted him by Cloria with a prettie feare however of some danger discovered by the often changing of colour in her face yet when he was there and disarmed the Physicians quickly found that it was but a flesh-wound and therefore subject to no hazzard though some inconvenience before he took his rest because it began to be day he commanded a Flag to be set upon the top of the Castle to give warning to Orsames of the prosperous successe of his enterprize which gave occasion to the King presently to march with his whole Army before the walls of the Town which struck the minds of the people with such a sudden amazement that upon a message that was sent them to yield they presently called a Councell to resolve what answer to returne to so peremptorie a demand having also notice that Osiris was made a prisoner in his own Castle This procured a great mutinie amongst the inhabitants for the Towns-men having got the possession of the walls by reason of the souldiers late sallie being willing to save their goods by any composition resolved to deliver Memphis to the enemies forces whilst the others by way of honour contended against the determination not without some slaughter on both sides however Orsames in the confusion assaulting the City with the assistance of those souldiers in the Castle who set upon their backs quickly reduced them to so much reason that the Town was willing to render upon composition that Osirus promising to pay such a ransome agreed upon should have the freedome of his person but Orsames would not yield to have the glory of his Conquest spotted with any other condition then what his owne mercy was willing to grant And with these thoughts prepared his Army againe to enter by force vowing the destruction of all the Inhabitants The Princesse Cloria being informed of her Uncles resolution sent a messenger to desire him that since shee had beene a Captive so long a time to Osiris power that he would be pleased now to make him personally a prisoner to her will by which meanes shee should in some sort revenge the indignity that was done to her birth and condition This being granted shee presently sent a discharge to Osiris to dispose of himselfe and souldiers in what way he should like for his most honour The Prince although he accepted of Cloria's noble courtesie with all the expressions of thankfull acknowledgment could be devised wherein he profest shee had more overcome his thoughts with her admirable humanity then Orsames fortunes had his person with his prevailing power yet he assured her he would pay that ransome that was offered for his liberty and withall sent her a rich chaine of pearle of an inestimable valew which he besought her shee would weare on the day of her marriage for his sake as a remembrance of his desire to crowne her Queene not onely of his kingdomes but of his heart When the agreement was sealed by Commissioners of both sides Orsames prepared to make his triumphant entry into the City wherein Osiris was intreated to be a party but he not being able to brooke the sight of a new Prince to be installed in his right not onely excused the acceptance of such a courtesie but after he had given a ceremonious visit to the Princesse Cloria though carried in a chaire because his wounds would afford him no other commodity he commanded himselfe to be placed in his Litter and so carried to the next Garrison Towne under his jurisdiction whilst Orsames as a most glorious Conquerour tooke possession of Memphis in this manner First the Foote marched with Olive branches in their hands that foretold peace and prosperity to the inhabitants having all their armes adorned with Flower de Luces guilded besides the brightnesse of their weapons that by the reflection of the Sunne gave a terrifying though pleasing beauty to the Spectators After these came the guard of Orsames person being ten thousand in number who were so expert by reason of their continuall practice that it was a question whether they more honoured their master in time of peace or defended him in occasions of Warre When these were past which shut up the first dayes Triumph the next morning the Nobility richly apparrelled both in their owne persons and their horses trappings were ranked according to their degrees who by the brave managing of their couragious beasts gave admirable delight to the beholders since the Sun and the winde seemed both to conspire in the shew for as the one gave a glittering grace to the splendor of their habits so the other gently playing with their feathers rendred them more becomming Then the great Officers of Syria proceeded in Chariots by reason of their ages and dignities with all their Ensignes of honour borne before them to marke out to the people the severall qualities of their places attended by multitudes of pages and footmen distinguished by their severall liveries After all these appeared Philostros himselfe the very soule of the Court carried in an open Litter since he was not to be ecclipsed from the eyes of the multitude whose wisedome and power was to give them Lawes however he was surrounded by a particular guard of his owne to prevent all dangers to his person and although his clothing was simply red fatten yet his attendants sufficiently shewed forth his glory But Orsames was seated in a Throne drawn with foure Elephantes wherein Iupiter might have triumphed after his Victory against the rebellious Giants the Statue of Mars the God of War was placed at his back crowning him with a Victorious lawrell whilst many Cupids seemed to support the curtaines of his Chariot where his guard hem'd him in from the crowd of the vulgar though not from the sight of the people since he was so high mounted in his seate After followed the master of his horse leading a spare one of the Arabian breed covered with a Caparison of watchet Velvet imbroidered with Flower de Luces of gold bearing in his top a Phenix plum which shew being past the Cavalry of Syria brought up the reare who exceedeth no more for beauty and number then for skill and valour And in this order followed their great master to the chiefe gate of Memphis where entring he was for some time enterteined with these verses written in Capitoll Letters of Gold Great Monarch of the earth now as the Sunne You doe appeare in Egypt's herizon By which reflection let Memphis towers Shine ever with propitious howers Vntill an influence fall from those beames To enrich the vertue of old Nylus sireames That strange productions in his pregnant slynâ—e May multiply as by a heat divine So shall the fertile fields in every thing Paint
forth the wonders of your conquering Whilst we worship your rise with much more zeale Then doth the Abassme cloath'd in his vail When at the Altar burning sacrifice He doth invoke a God unknowne for Spice And superstitiously will not believe Natures increase but as such actions give But we in Hieroglyphicks are bid to seare No force but yours that turne our hennspheare For if there come gentle lookes from your eye All here is blâ—st our fruites can never dye Longer we shall not adoration sing Vnto Osiris but Orsames king Which finished he went to the great Temple to offer Sacrifice to the Gods for his prosperous victories and afterward to the Castle where Gloria stood ready at the gate to receive her Uncle accompanied by the chiefe Ladies of the City But however every one seemed amazed at that admirable beauty drest with so sweet a modesty seeing her with bashfull blashes present her first salutations to Orsames yet Philos whose youth and greatnesse might as he thought pretend to any love without the contradiction of what interest soever began to be kindled with violent flames at the brightnesse of the object though for the present he tempered his passion from being perceived This continued the longer hid as well for want of opportunity to operate as because the brave Prince of Arabia who owed the protection of his Person and Country to Orsames could not chuse as he believed but honour his triumphes with some endeavours of his owne to that purpose he proclaimed in his Campe a Turnament against all commers in the behalfe of the beauty of his faire Mistresle Agusta which tooke up the imployment not onely of all the youthfull Nobility but also invited many forraigne Princes against the day appointed to try their fortunes in that generous exercise The place designed by Orsames command was in a large greene without the walles of Memphis when the time came the Prince of Arabia appeared in a white Armour painted with craggy rockes whose toppes seemed covered with snow at the bottome of those hills lay a fruitfull Countrey besprinkled over with buildings of all sorts his bases resembled the scales of Serpents artificially represented by rich stones of severall prices which here and there placed by the cunning workman set forth to the life their naturall spots The reines of the bridle were made into the forme of two Dragons necks that seemed to bite at bunshes of grapes hanging at the horse mouth which were onely the bosses of the bridle contrived into that resemblance whilst the foame they cast about appeared to be the poyson of the serpents so that the bases representing their bodies and their tailes enterwoven one within another which made the crupper behind the Prince seemed to the spectators to have beene intangled by those venemous creatures And the more were their fancies deceived by reason that his Caparison was wrought into the likenesse of a turfe of grasse all set forth with divers coloured silkes in some parts russet and other where green as if preserved from the Sunnes violence by the neighbouring shrubs contrived artificially in the workmanship In his shield was pictured a King with a drawne sword in one hand and a whip in the other whilst a multitude of common people appeared to beg his mercy his intention was onely expressed by this Motto However I will prevaile by love When the Prince had presented his service to Orsumeâ— by the gallant managing of his horse before his Throne after his obeysance he retired to a rich pavillion at one end of the Tilt prepared for his repose where he expected an Adversary The first that came to encounter him was one Cosme a neighbouring Prince though he seemed to fetch his extraction from Italy his armour was painted over with a stately Towne whose pinacles of the building being imbost in the workmanship and richly guilded the beames of the Sunne gave not a more glorious then pleasant reflection to the beholders whose eyes were a little dazled with the sight his Caparisons were cut out into the forme of halfe rockes that seemed to have lost their aspiring tops to give the City a fairer prospect which covering a white horse he appeared not only to be graced by those curious ornaments but his couragious deportment gave a wonderfull delight to the spectators In his shield was pictured a calme Sea with a brave gally upon the quiet face of the water loaden with Merchandize of all sorts hanging over the sides of the deckes accompanied with this Motto This is my greatnesse After the Champions had performed all circumstances required by the Laws prescribed them smished their six courses with so equall a fortune that it grew a hard question betweene the Judges to which the victory did justly belong but because Orsames was loath so suddenly to breake off the sport he was content without any more dispute that his Nephew the Prince of Arabia should still keep the field which priviledge notwithstanding Cosme underwent with some grudging however no defendant that entred that day into the List was able to revenge his quarrell which finished the exercise untill the next morning when the peoples early assembly brought forth againe as great an expectation notwithstanding it was late before any appeared untill at last a Knight called Ferneze shot suddenly like lightning into the crowde whose Armes were also of the same colour but alasse he wanted force to pierce the Princes honour for at the third course he was carried a Speares length from his horse which he conceived was a sufficient priviledge to warrant him to depart without taking leave though he left many companions behind him that all runne the same fortune this saccesse not onely concluded the actions of the second day but began to spread abroad the same of the Prince in so much as every one prepared for the night revells with the Ladies untill the Princes necessary retirement from those sports to give himselfe some convenient rest against the next tryall envited the whole company to their severall lodgings Neverthelesse the challenger heated with his own glory the next day came into the field upon the first summons of Phoebus who had newly guilded the the tops of the Mountaines in his own Country before his Chamber window as an early call to his adversaries not to be sloathfull But long he had not kept possession of the place where he had extreamely won the hearts of the people by his dexterious valour before there appeared a Knight in a blâ—w armour enlightned by the rayes of a bright shining Sunne that seemed to the spectators the representation of a cleere heaven his caparison and bases were wrought into a delightfull piesage where many flockes of sheep seemingly pastured by a goodly river side in his shield he bore onely a sheep-hooke with this Motto I have changed the Instrument As he was quickly knowne to be Navarinus that had married the faire Mantisina so before he had made many courses he was