the same time the first shee pretended usurped an unjust Authority over her Subjects and dominion as the other shee alledged too ambitiously endeavoured an universall Monarchy over all Princes these differences likely to goe into some desperation betweene these mighty persons and the Queene gave causes sufficient of admiration to all these parts of Asia and the rather for that as they could not well comprehend how such a masculine courage could be in a woman so did they as little know in what manner shee would defend these extraordinary breaches but experience quickly made them see shee not onely intended but prosecuted her intentions with all vigour for as shee absolutely abolished within a short space all the jurisdiction of Delphos out of her Kingdoms so did she within a while after give the King of Aegypt such overthrows by sea that scarce could he in many yeers recover his losses In the interim whilst these contentionswere acting with no smal violence of all sides to the contentment if not amazement of many other Princes that esteemed the differences a king of safety to themselves The unwise Island of Creete believing they might again recover either all or some part of their lost priviledges pretending they were obstructed in their religion not long after entred into open rebellion To tell you that the maine motives of their risings proceeded from the instigations of Aegypt and Delphos is not an improbable conjecture since as the one in a ceremonious assembly of Flamins declared the Queen an accursed enemy to his rights and jurisdiction so did the other send Forces into Creet to strengthen the people in their pretentions which however these assistances seemed not to prevaile entirely against the Queens governours in the Island yet apparently they procured her officers so many disturbances from time to time that however shee neither failed them with supplies or was wanting to them in counsels yet for many yeeres together the rebels kept a considerable body in the field in despight of all the Queens forces In this manner these contentions continued many yeeres for as the Queen seemed with majestick spleene to be enflamed with her subjects disobedience so were her subjects in their rage animated by messengers sent from Delphos to put them alwaies in minde of their religious obligations whereunto being added their hate to the Lydian government and the confidence they had of Aegypts assistance they seemed oftentimes to have received a new spirit of valour contrary to their nature and custome however for the most part they rather made use of their subtilty in sending out small parties to circumvent and entrap the enemy then being willing at any time to hazard in the field a main battell to decide the controversie which was the reason the warre was so long prolonged with severall suceesses of either side for as the Creetans had the advantage of perfectly knowing the country amongst woods and bogs so had the Lydians a great deale the better in their conduct and resolution but which way soever businesses went as the rebels were conducted by a Nobleman of the Nation whose family and name was as great amongst the people as his spleen and courage was against the Queen so became the State of Lydia exceeding weary of the warre being most certaine the money disbursed in the contention would never by any conquest she could make of the Island be again repayd into her coffers wherefore after some deliberation it was resolved to send over a principall Favourite of the Queens whereby to put the sooner an end by his authority and fidelity to those chargeable and bloudy differences that not onely destroyed her people in the Island of Creete but disquieted her own government in the Kingdome of Lydia and the rather was it so determined for that she had been perswaded that the souldiers of her army in this Island lengthned the warre on purpose for their own benefit and command knowing when that should be once absolutely finished their esteeme at court would fall with their want of imployment in the field but contrary to her expectation this favourite of hers having more ambition then foresight since he was sent away onely by his enemies to separate him from the Queenes person as also being more vain-glorious in his thoughts then experienced in his yeeres and so consequently not having much knowledge either of the Countrey or the enemy after a most vast expence of money and nothing in a manner acted against the Rebels he returned again into Lydia with disgrace and dishonour which at last by reason of his subtill adversaries practices that undermined him in the Queens favour he lost his head upon a scaffold by the common Executioner in whose place notwithstanding such a brave personage was sent that in a very short space reduced the Rebels to so much necessary reason both in their persons and estates that they offered quietly to submit to mercy without either condition or contention This being entertained and the people ready in all places to lay down armes the Queen her selfe suddenly changes her own habitation here for a more lasting one in another world that made all things at a stand for a time But as Euarchus father met with no opposition in that possession that belonged unto him with so much justice so upon his first entrance into Lydia hee was presented with an absolute submission not onely of the great Noblemen of our Island that had for many yeeres contended with the Queen but also of all his party that were neither few in number or penurious in fortunes Neverthelesse although this King was mercifull enough in his disposition as well to pardon all faults as to forget former disaffections yet the hungry Missians his naturall countreymen perceiving that the forfeitures of the Island of Creete by reason of the late rebellions were not of valew to be returned back again to the owners without some profits made thereby and finding the scituation and fertility of the countrey able to make full reparation to their greedy stomacks for the defects and sterility of their own habitations not onely perswaded the King that his act of mercy would prove of dangerous consequence to rebellious dispositions hereafter but obtained at his hands so many grants of possession in this Island that gave them sufficient conveniency and authority to transport a great part of their own people hither where being established after a while with peace and security by their industry joyned together with their power they soon outed most of the inhabitants of their estates and at last took from all in generall both their liberty and religion in so much as many ancient families were either turned a begging in their own Countrey or forced to seek servile offices in other parts for subsistance This must say is the common allegation of the natives and in part true although I must confesse much of their miseries proceeded from their lazy dispositions as I have formerly said that would not
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
said before received golden liberalities in the time of the old King he being a Prince that knew no way how to be provident when they found that Euarchus numerous issue and the Queenes necessary expences did in a manner drowne all their expectation first began to mutter in words against the accustomed vanities of the times and lastly they found fault that only smooth faced boys enjoyed as they said all the credit of the Court when Souldiers and men of valour wanted both countenance and meanes to live the King being so bewitched to his own ease and his wives content that he could not be drawne to helpe his own brother in law against the oppression of the King of Armenia by which warre many might be imployed that now wanted subsistance nor was there wanting in Lydia it selfe many factious spirits that not only received encouragement by this bold language who also coveted state preferment in the government of the Common weale yet these begun discontents lay hid in the cinders of some duty untill new taxations of the Subjects gave more desperate distastes besides the accidentall arrivall of Prince Cassianus in Lydia after his Fathers death stirred up the pride of one Dimogoras to a new spleen against the King by which means he believed he should be the sooner imployed But that which seemed most to contribute to Euarchus prejudice was the sudden arrivall of an old Myssian Captaine out of the warres of Armenia called Lycius who having gained in those services good store of wealth sued to the King to have himselfe rewarded by Titles of honour which being denyed him by some neglect as also Cassianus request for a competent assistance a little protracted this insolent Commander quickly flew from the Court with execrations in his mouth and malice in his heart and comming into his own Countrey omitted no diligence that could withdraw the people from their lawfull obedience which he had the better opportunity to effect since he found not only the nobility ambitious but the Priests violent The one he perswaded with brave spirits againe to looke upon the courage of their Ancestors who had by force of Armes torne priviledges from their King the other he admonished to cast their thoughts upon the recovery of that religion now almost lost that had formerly chaced their former Queen both from her Kingdome and life and for the common people it was sufficient to plead to their imaginations liberty by whose perswasion the nobility not only raised a power absolutely to contemne the Kings authority in their own Country of Myssia but also led a great Army into Lydia whereby to compell Euarchus to summon the great Councell of the Kingdome To be short when this eminent assembly was met as it was designed in the City of Sardis which was also assured to be made a free Towne as much as to say as not to be compelled to any obedience to Euarchus and his posterity the chiefest discourses that were made there were in disgrace of the Kings actions and almost all the Acts that past were to destroy his authority All which the milde King suffered with a world of patience hoping that time after they had wearied themselves with their violent passions would let them see their own mistakes or the gods at leastwise would defend his innocency however these unexpected proceedings not only continued but their rage grew to such a height against his person whereby as 't was thought to bring him into the greater contempt amongst the common people that by divers tumults countenanced in the multitude he was at last forced from the City of Sardis whilst the Senate in the interim instituted a strong guard of Souldiers of the Towne Forces to wait upon their Councels because they would shew to the Subjects greater markes of Soveraignty in their Assembly then in the Kings dignity But whilst many were brewing their own passionate designes with uncredible insolency being chiefly supported by the votes of the common people who were perswaded they should recover by their authority an absolute liberty the poore King with a very small traine retired to the City of Theatyra where however contrary to the expectation of the Senate who believed that their discountenance was sufficient to render him abandoned by the whole Kingdome he not onely received better welcome but was entertained with the generall commiseration of most of those parts who bitterly complained of his hard and as they thought unjust usage and the rather did this pitty prevaile for that by his eloquent and fluent Pen he seemed fully to beat back all the aspersions his enemies sought daily to cast upon him which brought as I say to his Court multitudes of gentry and nobility both from the City of Sardis and other parts who vowed perpetuall faithfulnesse to his person with other essentiall services These encouragements by the perswasion of his trusty Councellors made him imploy his best industry to raise Souldiers whilst in the inteâ—im he sent to the Queen whom he understood was in the Island of Cyprus to procure him Armes by the credit she had purchased with the Duke of that Country since the Senate had already seized upon all his Magazin and ships After which he went from one Province to another to feele the inclination of the people yet as he found most of them for him in their words when he was amongst them whether out of the inconstancy of their own natures or unwilling to be at any charge to maintaine new troubles as soone as be left them personally they were for the greatest number carried from their former professions so that he perceived the successe of his whole fortunes was chiefly to depend upon the gallantry of the better sort And truly this expectation did not deceive him for in a short space beyond all beliefe they so furnished him with moneys besides their own attendance that he became master of a brave Army commanded by his nephew Prince Thyasinus who was newly arrived in his Campe from the Armenian warres The Senate who before had raised Forces to contend against the Kings intentions according to the intelligence they had received not to be sloathfull in their affaires quickly created Dimogoras generall in the designe whom they knew was a man never to be reconciled to his Soveraigne by reason of the spightfulnesse of his own violent ambition no sooner was he establisht in his office but he was commanded to march as they pretended to separate the King from pernitions Councels and bring him safe to Sardis there to be better governed to which purpose that City had plentifully furnished money conceiving their prosperity depended upon their Princes ruine This resolution was quickly knowne to Euarchus and not long after considered by his Councell that it was high time to advance with the whole Army to try the fortune of a battell with the Senates Generall since the King wanted provision and could not expect supplies of money to furnish out the necessary expence
as his present offers assured him that as he could not but be extreamely joyfull at the opportunity he should have by that voyage againe to behold his great master in some probability of being restored to his ancient right and dignity so did he wish him unfainedly to believe that notwithstanding he could most willingly participate of his good luck in personally accompanying them to Court whereby to be an eye witnesse of their entertainments yet such were his pressing occasions especially in regard of those accidents that had lately hapned in the Island of Cyprus that he was obliged to make what hast he could possible into his own Countrey where notwithstanding he should study what requitals he should be any way able to performe in lieu of those civillities he had received by his meanes in the Kingdome of Lydia These complements with other discourses continued them in communication untill the time of the night caused them all to retire into their severall lodgings and the rather was the hast more necessary for that the Priest was to make some convenient preparation for the next dayes journey When Narcissus was come into his chamber and being there onely accompanied by his solitary thoughts instead of sleep he fell upon these melancholly considerations First it came into his minde that he had not alone loft a deare and loving father whose wisedome would have been a continuall support unto him in all his difficult affaires but by that unreparable losse he was also in danger to be deprived of the best part of his esteemed hereditary honour and command by the marriage of his sister with Eumenes since in his roome he was elected chiefe governour of the Countrey in regard of the generall opinion was amongst the people of his death yet againe notwithstanding this possession he had some hopes by the affection of the Inhabitants to be restored to his right when they should by his personall appearance be made fully acquainted with the mistake of his death without either bloud or trouble since as he doubted not of the naturall affection of his sister Eretheria so would he not suspect the noble disposition of Eumenes but when he reflected upon the lustre and sweetnesse of Crownes and Dignities being once enjoyed either by ambitious and high spirits he conceived there might be more difficulty in the attempt then ordinary and so consequently an occasion given of contention and slaughter not possible to be ended between them without destruction to one or other besides he doubted for the present which seemed most to trouble him that these sudden changes might so far alienate the thoughts and affections of the Princesse Cloria from his parsicular that she might be induced in the interim to entertaine the addresses of Cassianus that were most violently as he knew proposed to her choyce by the powerfull Senate of Lydia And as he imagined would be the sooner entertained in regard of the King her fathers present necessities who by that meanes might hope the easier to come to the possession of his rights especially when all opportunities were afforded either for courtships or solicitation and probably could not long be resisted by reason of her constrained condition that obliged her without prevention to endure all assaults and affronts to that purpose that should from time to time be attempted upon her person As these last considerations most strugled inwardly with his uncertaine thoughts not knowing well whether he should leave Lydia or not so did he begin to thinke that there being no Army in the Field that was in action and not knowing how to be admitted to Clorias presence it would be too little purpose longer to continue in the Kingdome and therefore resolved presently to goe for Cyprus where he seemed not to doubt but that the people if not Eumenes himselfe finding him alive contrary to their expectation would soon be perswaded to reason in his behalfe And to this purpose being setled in his fathers command he should be not only able to bring assistance to King Euarchus occasions but also contribute much to his dangers releasement whereas the contrary would both confirme the opinion of his being dead and in some sort accuse himselfe of too much sloath in his own nature for not appearing activer in those concernments of his own that belonged so exceedingly to his honour and welfare with these resolutions hâ—â— quickly fell asleep In the morning the old Priest came to Narcissus to take his leave with these complements that as he had hitherto been ashamed that his own disability to render him those services due to hiâ— worth had made him want he feared such entertainment as was fitting in his poore habitation and much more since he was now forced to leave him by the accidentall journey he was constrained to make to Court in the company of Creses so if he pleased to designe any longer stay in the Kingdome of Lydia he should take it for some part of satisfaction to his fortunes that he would resolve to make use of his house in his absence a place should be alwayes ready he assured him to afford him the best conveniency it was able for his aboade which he refusing with the like complements they both presently descended into the Hall where they found Creses ready prepared to take horse After they had eate a bit or two and performed some other few ceremonies belonging to their departure they quickly mounted their Steads The Priest and Creses had not travelled many Furlongs together ere they met with a most even and direct path way and that commodity as it should seem invited them both to a new discourse since the Priest seemed extreamely unsatisfied as yet why the State of Syria and much more the Queen Hyacinthia should be so unwilling to entertaine a correspondency with the Army that had delivered the person of Euarchus out of Prison though passionately desirous to retaine an interest with the Myssians that had apparantly betrayed him thither according to the common opinion almost of all Asia Father said Creses as I have already made unto you a relation of my voyage into Cyprus with some part of my proceedings in Syria so having for the present so faire an opportunity I shall endeavour to let you know my thoughts in many other particulars that I have not yet mentioned To this purpose you must understand that however the people of the Island of Crese seem to professe the same worship of the gods with the State of Syria yet cannot they obtaine the free exercise of their religion either from King Euarchus or his Queen Hyacinthia though Euarchus by the Court of Syria hath been prest not onely to signe all the chiefe articles of the Myssians but also even to subscribe to their tenents in matter of Doctrine notwithstanding they be altogether destructive to Kingly rule or the religion of Syria As this gives me not so much encouragement in my journey as I could wish in regard the Souldiers
their watch by reason the place is not at all suspected Besides I have noted so much neglect of that part of the Fort that either it appeares Osirus wants Souldiers for the strong defence of the whole Town or he conceives the Castle is inpregnable of that side of Nilus Now all the feare is least the boy himselfe prove a traytor to the designe which however can but ruine my selfe and leave you in no worse estate then you are a sacrisice I shall be alwaies content to offer to render you the probability of so acceptable a service but if there cannot be found those courages in the Camp that will undergoe the danger of the attempt the Dwarfe may have a further Commission to passe into Cyprus to the Queen your mother to inform her of all the passages by which information she may use some means to protract her consent to the marriage or at least wise prevent Osiris messengers returne by causing him to be taken prisoner before hee can get to the sea-side No sooner had Roxana laid open this stratagem but Cloria as if it had been already finished profest her Governesse the onely instrument of her happinesse so far doth humane desire goe beyond all judgement governed by reason though the politick old woman notwithstanding she was willing to keep up her mistresses hopes at the highest pitch saw there were many difficulties and hazzards to passe before they could arrive at the period of their wishes not onely by reason of divers accidents that might happen to the childish messenger that was to be imployed in so dangerous a businesse but for that Osirus over-heated with his love might not continue constant to his promises and by that means easily destroy all that they had designed however Roxana omitted no opportunity for some daies to instruct the Dwarfe in the part he was to act untill her paines after a weeks space had in the dead of the night delivered him free from the Castle watch and in the morning came to give Cloria an account of her proceeding This enterprize so farre pleased the Princesse in the already successe that whilst she was dressing her selfe being in a manner free from all care and perturbation by reason of the confidence she had of the project that she desired her Governesse if she knew the story to make her acquainted with the first occasion of this warre between her uncle Orsame and Sorastros King of Aegypt since as she said the spleen seemed to be irreconcileable Truly Madam answered Roxana as the chiefe reason is ambition the most powerfull provoker of great Monarchs to enmity notwithstanding the force of any alliance or religion yet the pretext to satisfie the world is related after this manner There is said she a certain Dukedome not farre off the confines of Syria whose defects of quantity is abundantly supplied by the fertility of the soyle which besides the scituation of the Countrey lying commodiously to both their Dominions hath rendred it a subject of covertousnesse to each Prince however in my opinion your uncle had the better pretence for the quarrell for the Dukâ— of the Territory dying without heires males 〈◊〉 body the King of Armenia by the provocaâ—â—â— of Sorastros claimed the forfeiture of the Country â—as an escheate belonging to his kingdome and of the other side Orsames stood for the title of one of his own subjects who certainly had the just right in 〈◊〉 Principality though not condescended unto 〈◊〉 the other party which at last procured the raising of powerfull armies of both sides but before they could come conveniently to encounter one with another it was necessary they should passe Arabia a Countrey not onely mountainous but belonging to a Prince that as hee was neere of kin to Sorastros by former alliance so was he for the present married to a sister of Orsame which made him have a hard part to play desiring to keep an equall ballance between both these contentions untill the gods at one time took away both his care and life but his widdow quickly put his children under the protection of Orsames her brother by which means his pretention became much more fortified in so much as Sorastros had no other way to countervaile that interest but to cause the two uncles of the young Prince to lay claim to the Dominion as pretending the child not to be legitimate this imagined Title quickly made a division of all the Nobility of the Countrey some taking part with the brothers others with the young Duke whilst in the mean time both Orsames and Sorastros put in for their own interest the one pretending a jurisdiction in the Country in the childrens right as the other sought to strengthen the uncles titles which contention made the poore subjects become miserable since they were forced to sustaine the charge of the ambitious Armies and Arabia being made the Theater of the warre the walled Towns were the onely receptacles of provisions and protection for the inhabitants which appeared to be more lasting for that the victories seemed to goe by turns a long time till at last the Aegyptian forces prevailing the Princesse with the young Duke was constrained for want of timely assistance from her brother being basied in other affaires to seek refuge in one of the strongest and best fortified Cities of the Countrey where being not onely besieged but violently assaulied by the adverse party she had a taske hard enough to escape by an obseure flight in the night whilst in the interim the Town was yielded into the hands of her brothers in Law though the Castle still kept possession for the lawfull Prince the enemy by this successe appeared in a manner quite possessors of the whole Countrey untill Orsames Generall lying with his Army upon the confines of Syria necessarily to repaire the decay of his forces hearing of the prevailing progresse of the Nobility conceived it more then time to stop this overflowing current unlesse he would suffer not onely the Duke to be dis-inherited by the practices of his uncles but his master to be dishonoured by the power of the Aegyptians wherefore as desperate diseases are to be cured by extraordinary physick not so much as staying for the necessary recruit of his Army marched with a haste answerable to the greatnesse of the designe which was again to recover the lost Town that seemed principally to command the whole Country or bury himselfe and all his souldiers before those walls hee should not be able to enter At his arrivall he not onely set upon those Troops that were placed to stop his passage but gave them an intire defeat though their numbers farre exceeded those he conducted that also were accompanied with the disadvantage of being wearied in their journey having nothing but their own invincible courages to supply the defect But however this admirable esteemed victory both possessed the brave Generall of the Town and reduced many of the revolted Nobility to their lawfull obedience
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
the people and doubting the event since as Dedalus himselfe seemed not over-confident of his power so had she heard of many factions in the Island she desired him that he would be yet pleased to augment so farre her obligation as in a few more words added to his further trouble to let her know how the common interest at present stood in the countrey as well in regard of the King as the Senate for that himselfe appeared not to have as she said an absolute command through the whole Island Dedalus soon replyed That as he could not much brag of the affections of the inhabitants concerning his own particular person not onely in regard he had given them as he said many desperate overthrowes in their late contentions but for that he was not of the same opinions with them in the worship of the gods upon the which they seemed to ground their chief dislikes against both King and Senate so could he easily resolve her that the countrey in the generall was divided into three factions the first being for the King intirely the second enclined to the ancient natives and the third was wholy addicted to the Senates interest but whether in the end will prevaile said he the gods onely can informe since however the first seemes to have the best right yet the two remaining exceed in power and probability the one being better furnished with money and provisions as the others are accompanied with numbers and violence As he was about to proceed in his discourse they were both advertised of the return of those messengers that had been sent to enquire after the safety of the other ship wherein Narcissus was who being presently called into their presence one of them gave this short account of their voyage by Sea having for many daies said he not oneiy coasted severall Islands belonging to Greece but much also of the continent appertaining to the lesser Asia we could have no newes ar all of any such vessell either shipwrackt or put into harbour untill at last by chance we met with a Merchant of Rhodes going for Carthage who informed us that for certain before his departure from that City a gallant ship both with Syrian and Aegyptian Colours was arrived in the chiefe haven belonging to the Island however much beaten and torn with the weather but what people or commodities were contained in her he said he could not informe us in respect he himselfe was under saile upon his departure when that ship came in The Messenger also added further that a great fleet of Lydian vessels that were newly come upon the seas lay between Rhodes and Cyprus which hindred them for the present for making any further enquiry or experiment since if they should have approached the Island as he said it had been almost impossible to have escaped by reason they could not but have easily been discovered to be of King Euarchus party it is not to be doubted but as this intelligence sufficiently satisfied them concerning the safety of the other ship so did they haste to the Princesse chamber with the Messengers to give her information of the expedition which for the present hindred the period of Dedalus relation concerning the passages of the Island according to his intention FINIS CLORIA AND NARCISSUS CONTINUED A Delightfull and New ROMANCE Imbellished with divers Politicall Notions and singular Remarks of Moderne Transactions WRITTEN By an Honourable person LONDON Printed by S. G. and are to be sold by Anth. Williamson at the Queens Armes in St. Pauls Church-yard neer the West end 1654. To the Reader Courteous Reader YOu have now the Second Part of Cloria and Narcissus sooner sent after the First then was determined in regard the Stationer was something pressing to have it with the former perhaps it may give more satisfaction then the other for that according to my apprehension it doth as much cleare difficulties as can well stand with the nature of a Romance More I shall not need to say to any other purpose then what you may read in the Epistle to the first part Onely judicious Reader craving your favourable construction of all such faults as may have escaped in both parts either by defect of printing or otherwaies by oversight of the Author THE SECOND PART OF Cloria and Narcissus AS the Princesse Clorias thoughts now were reasonably well setled concerning the safety of Narcissus in regard of the messengers relation so Roxana with more alacrity and cheerfulnesse summoned a a new Dedalus to make an end of those passages belonging to the Island of Crete whereupon one day meeting in the same walke that had entertained the Princesse upon her first arrivall in the Country they both seated themselves together under a tree artificially made into an Arbour of pleasure that had its full prospect toward the sea whilst he gave her this further accompt Madam said he as for the interests which I formerly mentioned unto you not many dayes since you may be pleased to know that as Evarchus our King in his Warres with the Senate of Lydia must be forced upon all occasions to court any assistance whatsoever for his best advantage so of the other side doe the Cretans resolve to make use of their present power to gaine benefits to themselves and party in any thing they can procure either from their Prince or any other to this purpose after the agreement that I told you of which I made with the Natives of the Country however many of the most rigid sort would not at all come within any manner of communication whereby to be subject to the Lydian power thereunto incouraged as 't is supposed by a messenger from Delphos that neither understands the Islands interest or the peoples good they designed Commissioners to be sent to Philadelpha where the King then remained to Treat upon such conditions as they conceived most necessary for their commodity and security Thus arriving at court in a short time they were not onely admitted to kisse the Kings hands but withall permitted to present their Petitions and requests for this ceremony and so I may well call it since it produced but small effects to the advantage of any party there was appointed a great Hall in the City of Philadelpha into which place the messengers were brought with some State as soone as the King was seated in his Throne because they should not complaine of the want of any circumstance that belonged to the solemne entertainement of Ambassadours of other Nations to make them the willinger to comply towards the assistance desired After they had beene in this manner received as also with good language from the Kings own mouth cherished they presented a paper that contained these peremptory demands First they desired to have not onely the free exercise of their religion through the whole Island notwithstanding the Lydian lawes to the contrary according to the rights and customes of Delphos but withall to enjoy the use of the best Temples
he determintd to exclude out of this number the old Cretans themselves however depending upon other interests onely in regard they seemed by their declarations formerly in words to stand for his Tide and authority against the proceedings of the Myssians though publickly they contended violently with his Forces in the field 'T is true I cannot deny but in some things they had reason enough for their jealousies the King very often being constrained to goe even from his own resolutions to give satisfaction to those Councels that were continually about his person who perswaded him he lost the love of his people in Lydia by seeming in any kind to favour or countenance the Cretans in their demands who as they pretended were enemies to their general established religion Of the other side the Natives were againe by much too covetous and mistrustfull not onely to desire violently other mens possessions and estates from them but so entirely to doubt the Kings performance of his promises when as they knew he did but endeavour for his better advantage to contract privately with them in most particulars in such matters as appertained to the Temple of Delphos for giving as I said too generall a distast to those of his owne party within the Kingdome of Lydia But to be short it was not very long before the King sent a most intimate councellor of his owne into the Island of Creet as well to informe me particularly of his pleasure by word of mouth as also to Joyne himselfe with me and others in commission for the better and speedier effecting of his designes presently as soone as hee arrived we sent out our summons to the whole Countrey in the generall either to meet themselves or to appoint Deputies for each division in the Island to attend the Kings orders and direction upon a certaine day at Pergame not onely to heare what should be propounded in their Princes behalfe for their future peace and advantage but also we our selves would be ready to heare what the people would demand to their further satisfaction whereby their enemies the Myssians might be opposed in their intentions who endeavoured not onely to beat downe all Kingly authority in the Island but to become absolute Lords over all the inhabitants ancient liberties I must tell you whilst we expected a joyfull issue of these purposes we understood another great Lord of Lydia was newly arrived with certaine directions as was pretended from the King independent to that power was granted us whereby as we were informed onely himselfe was impowred underhand to deale more intimately with the inhabitants concerning matters of religion as this something startled our expectation having no such notice from the King so did we resolve to send for the party upon our authority who upon his appearing neither obeying our commands nor giving us the satisfaction was desired we at that very instant restrained his person untill the Kings pleasure in that particular as we said should be publickly knowne but whether these proceedings of ours which however we esteemed for the best or that the Natives in truth were otherwise setled in their resolutions hindred the successe when the day came according to the appointment for this assembly to meet there appeared none at all of the ancient inhabitants of the Country so that upon some conclusion of a few things between us and the rest of the Cretans who were not altogether so spightfull against the Lydian customes as the others we for the present dissolved any further Treaty which in a manner is as much as I can say of our present state and affaires untill I shall be better instructed either by the Natives inclinations or concerning the Kings fortunes and successe it not being yet a month since the intended Treaty was broake up Roxana as she had beene very attentive to all Dedalus discourse for that shee was extreamely desirous to informe her selfe in what particulars she could concerning the passages of the Island so when he had absolutely made an end of what he would say she used these words unto him truly my Lord said she I must needs confesse this seemes to my imagination to be a most unfortunate Country in the generall if not to be threatned by some desperate fate from the heavens to its destruction however of the other side it seems something doubtfull as yet to my apprehension in what things the Natives are so much to blame according to many mens thoughts since it is but reasonable as the King is to expect from them their fidelity and assistance so they should in some sort be assured in their religion and possessions especially in a conjuncture of times when there are so many enemies of all parts that conspire their ruine not onely in respect of the Myssians that are in open hostility against them but in regard also of those that attend abour Evarchus person at the Court who are no way inclinable as you have already intimated to favour their proceedings or interest Truly Madam answered Dedalus if there were no more in it then those generals you mention there might be much said in their behalfes but being pleased to admit so farre of a tedious discourse that I may a little take apart the particulars of their demands I make no question but you will easily perceive that as they were unreasonable to exact from the Kings necessities such conditions so was it unpossible for him to grant them their desires without endangering in a manner the whole frame of his affairs both in Lydia and Creet it selfe Dedalus finding that Roxana was most willing to heare all his arguments for her better satisfaction he began thus to dispute First said he for their propositions mentioned not onely to have a free liberty to exercise their owne Countrey rights in the worship of the gods according to the use of Delphos but to have most of the chiefe Temples belonging to the Island delivered into their hands with all the rents and revenues belonging unto them it cannot but evidently appeare to all knowing judgements what a distraction it would soone have made in Creet when as in many places most of the inhabitants themselves are contrary in their opinions to those principles whereupon would follow a most desperate confusion amongst all sorts of people when such should be of a suddaine debarred of the usuall place of their sacrificing to the gods by those that formerly were subject to their lawes and customes and much more strange and distastfull it would be to have the maintenance of all their Priests and Flamins being for the most part Lydians by birth taken from them and they turned with their whole families into the world without any substance at all after so long a time of possession and settlement besides it is very well knowne many of the Noblemen and Gentry of the Country it selfe upon whose fidelity and power the Kings present affaires depended were actually vested in a great part of those Titles and rents
already sufficiently poysoned by the late pernicious doctrine brought into the Countrey by the turbulent Priests Although these crafty practises had not as yet power to shake or rather absolutely to destroy her grounded authority which had been cast upon her by so rightfull a succession yet by little and little they so wounded her reputation that they made her desire to have a faithfull companion to assist her in her government which politick Leonatus perceiving judging it a love passion in the Queen put on some of the nobility underhand to perswade her not only presently to marry but to take for her husband a valiant Gentleman his intimate friend who a long time had pretended unto her love however he was not without some suspition that he had been an actor in the Kings death with these baites I say Leonatus so farre intangled the Queenes innocency that she was wonne by perswasion to make this election being councelled thereunto by the chiefe nobility set upon her to that purpose though she first caused a decree to be past by the unanimous consent of all that this Lord had been no way guilty of the false aspersion his enemies had cast upon him concerning the Kings murther No sooner were these nuptials solemnized which was the thing Leonatus desired but secretly he admonished the new King to flye assuring him as his friend that either he would be suddenly slaine by many that had conspired his death or publickly be apprehended and brought to his Tryall by the consent of the whole Kingdome so that he whether knowing himselfe faulty indeed or fearing the power and injustice of his enemies since emulation amongst his equalls had procured him a world of envy quickly followed his advice and privately without the Queenes privity quitted his Country and Fortunes Leonatus conceiving now he had compassed the hardest part of his projects sent secretly into Lydia to possesse the Queen there with an assurance of Minerva's guilt since she had married the murtherer of her first husband too apparently as he pretended discovered by his strange flight at the same time also by the help of his factious priests he raised tumults against her in her own kingdome whereby she became imprisoned because she would not quit her government This you may believe gave the poore Queen sufficient imployment insomuch as being wearied by continuall troubles and invited to the Court of Lydia by her kinswomans promises for her better and quiet protection she was content to resigne the Crown to her sonne and accept of those offers she esteemed reall But alas no sooner was she arrived within the bounds of this kingdome of Lydia but contrary to her expectation wherefore amazed in the execution instead of being admitted into the Queens presence with love and honour she was commanded as a prisoner to a Castle not farre off whilst in the mean time her young sonne was committed to the tuition of Leonatus her worst enemy however with this pretention that as soon as she could cleare her selfe of those aspersions and accusations that her subjects brought against her she should enjoy those respects at Court which had been largely promised her though in the interim she must be content with her fortune since the State of Lydia thought it not fit for one in her condition bespotted with the opinion of so black a crime should have any correspondence with their Queen as 't was pretended of so bright a vertue when the gods know it was either the too much cleernesse of her own good parts or the rightfulnesse of her title being of a contrary Religion that was the onely obstacle of her happinesse But whilst Minerva under-went for many yeeres a hard imprisonment in Lydia since the Queen her selfe was so farre from easing her of her bonds as she would never give eare to her complaints the King her young sonne began to approach to mans estate and that maturenesse in age gave him a feeling of his mothers oppressions but her enemies in Mysia being also backt from the States in these parts who had an intention all they could to suppresse his greatnesse that he might have no power to claim his right in the kingdome of Lydia gave his thoughts and actions not onely continuall interruptions but at last imprisoned his very person in his own kingdome Notwithstanding all this the wise King bore these insolencies with unexampled patience knowing that as it was not in his power to free himselfe from their tyranny by any Kingly pretention so of the other side he hoped that factions amongst themselves would at last purchase his liberty In this state he continued untill his Guard found that it might be prejudiciall to his Titles in Lydia after the old Queens death to keep him thus as a prisoner whereby they might also be debarred from a plentifull share of the gain when Lydia by succession should fall to him upon these considerations they of a sudden not onely released him from his confinement but every one of these men themselves strived who might be most in his favour when as he not onely as a good natured Prince forgot all his injuries but became sufficiently pleased to be at liberty upon any termes But the old Queen of Lydia drawing now to her last period both of life and Kingdome conceiving it was reason sufficient for a just jealousie to have the heire apparant so neere her jurisdiction whom she imagined looked upon her continuance like a young blossome that strived to thrust out the ancient and withered flower from its stalke began suddenly to question the poore Princesse her selfe also being almost worn out by her hard usage about her correspondence with those forraine powers who were of her kindred And not content with any answer the truth of her proceedings could make called her to her triall before ordinary Commissioners As these might be evident marks of Minerva's ruine so were they not undiscovered by the sharp apprehension of the wise Lady though her spightfull fate would not afford her preservation notwithstanding her excellent endowments yet as she had good cause she excepted against those partiall Judges designed for her destruction by all the pretentions that a free Princesse or an opprest woman could alledge though the Queen seemed as deafe 〈◊〉 her just and reasonable request as her enemies were violently bent to satisfie their cruelties untill in the end she was forced to desist from her importunities and stick wholy to the confidence her goodnesse had merited in God mercies This not onely brought her to a judgement-seat prepared with some outward circumstances fit to entertaine her dignity but to a condemnation prepared with ceremony to bewitch the understanding of the common people who rather desired to behold strange spectacles then to be delighted in just actions and in this May-game as I may call it of the worst cruelty when the form of Law was onely made use of to hide bad intentions was this brave and religious Queen as a
period to all her fortunes sentenced to lose her head Notwithstanding this condemnation the Queen of Lydia for some time deferred the execution conceiving her own honour could not but suffer abroad in the opinion of all other Princes her equals as her kinswoman in person did at home under her jurisdiction But ambition jealousie and revenge at last got the victory over all her other vertues by the malicious and crafty perswasions of Minerva's enemies who believed they could not be safe as long as she lived since it was probable if ever she came to weare the Crown of Lydia she would alwaies be mindfull of their disaffections these reasons procured the Queen underhand to signe a warrant for Minerva's death which by the Lawes of the Countrey could not else be taken away by any power and with this authority a messenger presently was sent to the chief officer of the Province to give Minerva warning of her approaching doom When the sad Princesse beheld this bloudy character written with the royall hand of her neerest kinswoman it was a question whether amazement or courage governed most in her noble thoughts for as of one side she could scarce believe that the Queen had been drawne to an act so prejudiciall to the honour of her Sex so of the other side she entertained the newes with a gentle smile as a wished period of all her miseries onely with three or foure deep sighes she desired these requests of those commissioners that had authority to see the sentence put in execation First that she might have all her servants about her at the time of her death to beare true testimony to the world that she neither staggered in her religion nor derogated from her sonnes honour next that the Queen would be so charitable as not onely quietly to suffer those that attended about her person in safety to quit the Kingdome but to pay them their due wages if not reward them according to the just service she had received and lastly that she might have a Priest of her own profession to comfort and instruct her in her last suffering To the first they onely answered that as they could not give her leave to have all her attendants about her for feare of tumults by reason of their multitudes so were they willing to allow her some few to satisfie her desire For the second they promised to be intercessors to the Queen in her behalfe But for the last they absolutely refused her request pretending it would be a dishonour to the religion professed in Lydia With these answers Minerva retired into her chamber the better to prepare her religious thoughts against the next daies combate where she remained all that night with so constant a zeale to the worship of the gods and so cheerfull a demeanor in the perswading of her servants to patience by contemning of all worldly prosperity that it was easily to be perceived she rather entertained death as a kind friend that intended to put her in possession of a better life then as a fierce enemy that set before her imagination frights of a horrid destruction Thus she continued her imployment untill the early morning and watchfull cruelty brought to her chamber doore the instruments of her destruction This warning was sufficient to make her prepare with Majesty to act the last scene that should render her famous to posterity Wherefore with a pleasant look as if she intended to laugh at deathes worst shape when she came out she bid the company good morrow and then proceeded to the Scaffold with all the circumstances belonging to her dignity that was covered over with blacke Velvet where being set in her dismall Chaire of State she told the spectators that as they must not expect many words from her in regard her sister the Queen of Lydia was not present to whom she would only have directed a discourse so of the other side she wisht them all to beare witnesse that she constantly expired in that religion she ever profest to the world for which she both did and was joyfull to shed her best bloud which being said by one and one she took leave of her servants who being over prest with griefe and teares were scarce able to performe their last though constrained duties to fit their glorious Mistresse for her execution And with another sweet smile holding up her white hands to the omnipotent gods for mercy not long after without the least unquiet motion she received that fatall stroake that sent her soule to an eternall habitation When this unexampled Tragedy became spread over Asia which gave sufficient occasion of large discourses it could not but with speedier wings flye to her Sons Court with all the particular circumstances of her death where it rested untill an Ambassador from the Queen of Lydia was sent in some sort to lessen the fact as being absolutely done without her privity as he pretended to which purpose some of her principall Councellors had been punished but this Balsame a long time had not power to heale the deep wound this apprehended cruelty had made in his dutifull bosome untill his people finding that Myssia was not able to contend with Lydia in any revenge and that the smallest attempt offered by way of force to vindicate his honour might interrupt his quiet and peaceable succession to a Crowne so rich and flourishing which ere long he could not be course of nature but expect since the Queene was both old and decayed not only disswaded him from any hostile evasion but also counselled him to entertaine a firme correspondency with the State he was to possesse and the rather for that the Lydian messenger threamed him with a legall deprivation from his royall right by the consent of the whole Kingdome by whose judgment as he said his mother had been condemned if any way he stirred violently to disturbe the peace establisht in both Countries These reasons I say render'd him as well satisfied in shew as in effect who was esteemed extreamly peaceable if not slothfull in his nature which was the occasion that as he could never be brought willingly to enter upon any actions of glory so did it make him for the most part as it were a captive to the pressing importunities of his covetous and insolent Country men the Myssians who scarce would be satisfied with any gaine or preferment whatsoever he could bestow upon them But to be short at last the old Queen of Lydia dying he without any contradiction quickly took possession of her Kingdoms in which government he continued with all the prosperity in the world during his life but that finished the Crownes of Lydia Myssia and Creet descended by a just right upon his hopefull Son and Successor Euarchus then newly married to Hyacinthia Orsames sister our now Queen who enjoyed also those possessions I must needs say with as much happinesse until these last stirres as it was possible for mortality to expect But the Myssians who as I
under the jurisdiction of the Flamins In this manner the King remained for divers weeks delighting his thoughts with such recreations as had been almost made customary to his nature by continuall practice from his infancy which made not a few wonder how he could seem pleased with such triviall things in the height of his vexations and discontents Again it was spightfully laid to his charge by his adversaries that he had no great prejudice in being tumbled from his throne when as he appeared not to have apprehention enough to be sufficiently sensible of what consequence the losse of a kingdome was but probably either he had so much wisdome as to reflect upon the uncertainty of all worldly things with a right consideration or was endued with such a supream goodnesse in his disposition as perswaded him to beare his afflictions with no ordinary temper and pacification In the interim the Myssians were not idle to play their game to the best advantage both with the Senate and the King for as of one side they made the Senate believe they had a mind to dispute the Kings injuries and sufferings both out of honour and Religion so did they alwaies tell the King that he must give satisfaction to the demands of either Kingdome before they could become instrumentall in his establishment which drew on their consultations to the length of many weeks expectation the Senate urging the delivering of the Kings person into their possession out of right and justice in regard they had been onely hired in the warns and service of Lydia by their money so that consequently they were obliged with a punctuall decorum to observe their commands in every thing of the other side Euarchus party affirmed that he being King of Myssia as well as Lydia the Myssians ought to have as particular an interest in his person and preservation as the Senate of Lydia in prosecution of which they were to see him again restored to his Crown and dignity notwithstanding any desire to the contrary but whilst these disputations lasted as I may say with some seeming bitternesse of either side which as 't was thought would instantly have caused a cruell and bloudy warre between both Nations one Argilius a Nobleman of Myssia came suddenly from his own Countrey into the Campe who from the very beginning of the stirs had been a main opposer by reason of his own covetousnesse and ambition of the Kings interest in that Nation intending thereby more absolutely to govern all the affaires of that kingdome himselfe when he arrived he presently went to the counsell of the Army where he made this oration unto them Gentlemen said he I understand you are now assembled about these consultations that may belong to the Kings particular concernments partly proceeding from the earnest solicitation of the Syrian Ambassador and partly in regard Euarchus is now present amongst you in the Camp In my opinion it is more just and convenient in the first place to look upon the gods worship in the next to mind our own preservations to this purpose in my judgement it ought to be considered why we took up Armes at all in the beginning to oppose our Prince if now without any other condition whatsoever we should lay them downe and againe restore him to his ancient dignity without conditions I pray remember we have made a solemne protestation to the gods as of the other side a confederation with our friends and if we breake with both no doubt but heaven and earth will accuse us as well of perjury as indiscretion since we should seem neither to reverence sacred things as we are bound nor preserve humane obligations as we ought may you not remember we took from our King his power for no other reason but because we thought him not fit to raigne over us accompanied with his stubborne and wilfull crimes and shall we presently restore him to that State againe without amendment are we not tyed by promises to the Senate of Lydia faithfully to performe their businesses in these Warres whilst we are under their pay and jurisdiction and shall we detaine the very object of their intentions against their minds as a protected person by our Army who was the onely booty they aymed at to purchase by our endeavours O horrid injustice and more pernitious indiscretion since in the one undoubtedly we exasperate the gods anger as in the other we apparantly endanger our own safeties for as they cannot but revenge their own dishonour in the highest fury of their wrath in regard of our perjury so justly may the people of Lydia over-run our Kingdom for not performing those conditions we contracted for before we entered their Countrey which however may be a Warre of some long contention and dispute yet the effects must needs be bloudy and expencefull whereas if we go hand in hand with our friends I meane the great Senate at Sardis we shall not only preserve such an amity as probably will make both Nations happy but for the present fill our coffers with sufficient gold to render us in Myssia equally rich with other Countries of Asia By releasing the King I say without their consents we give him only power and conveniency instead of being gratefull for the benefit to punish us for having been at the first the chief occasion that made him at all stand in need of such a kindnesse This disposition of his hath bin sufficiently experimented in his necessities when as he wil not so farre gratifie us as to put the Flamins out of the Temples These reasons being considered I say let us presently dispatch messengers to the Senate of Lydia with full power and commission from this Army not only to Treat of conditions but to conclude with that Councell concerning those conditions and Articles which shall be thought fit to be offered to the King to confirme either before he be restored to his Crowne or released from his imprisonment so shall we be pious to the gods just to our friends and beneficiall to our selves Although there was much contradiction and strong disputes concerning this oration of Argilius yet in regard Lycius the generall with many others of his faction in the Councell were against the Kings desires An absolute determination was presently there taken to send Argilius with some other Commissioners to the City of Sardis whereby to conclude such propositions as should be held most advantagable as they said for both Nations Though it was well knowne the Myssians had only an intention to good themselves not only in the payment of that money which they expected from the Senate but in regard of their secret intentions by Euarchus suppression to have an equall share in the government of the Kingdom of Lydia but however they concluded to put in execution their resolutions with all expedition yet they still kept the King in hopes by faire promises of his restoration as well to couzen and deceive his expectation that he might not entertaine
gaine the Senate having already compassed their ends upon them you will easily believe that they are resolved to change the sceane for your fathers advantage since by that meanes they may come to play a double game and winne by the bargaine Next concerning the Cretans although I must confesse their foolish divisions amongst themselves have not only much hindred the Kings affaires and in a manner indangered the whole frame of their own designes yet is there such a disparity betweene them and the people of Lydia not only in regard of the difference of Religion but in that we have outed them formerly of much of their Lands that they will dye to the last man rather then suffer the Senate to beare rule over them Thirdly I must desire you not to dwell too strictly upon your beliefe that the common people of Lydia will so easily accord their difference and pacifie their discontents upon the appearance of a strange Army in regard it will only bring with it the right of the cause with a promise of amendment especially when they shall by a little more experience finde that their present grievances have neither termination nor limitation For I say that as at the first they were perswaded to entertaine the assistance of the Myssians whom they most hated and feared of all other Nations against their King who oppressed them in nothing however their fancies did injure their judgements so will they as well accept of any forraigne assistance against the Senate when they can no longer endure the burthen of their oppressions And last of all give me leave to tell you that the divisions within the Army and Senate house cannot but produce strange effects since no spleen is so great as what is in gendred by the same faction when once they fall at odds either by reason of gaine or prerogative But as she was further proceeding in her discourse the dwarfe enformed them that there was newly arrived in the Castle hall a young Maid of an excellent beauty who desired with much earnestnesse to be brought presently into the Princesse presence as pretending she had some secret to discover not convenient to be imparted to any other eare he also said that as her eyes sparkled forth a kinde of youthfull Majesty so did her neglectfull dresse seeme to have been disordred by her late journey which made her appeare more Amazon like This strange advertisement put them both into a sollicitous consideration as well concerning the person of the party as the occasion of the adventure And many loving desires would gladly have perswaded poor Cloria that Narcissus had borrowed another disguize to have given her a new visit but having more exactly examined her little servant concerning all particulars she found the stranger neither in stature or countenance could agree with the proportion or features of her absent Lord Wherefore after some more displeasing consideration with a kinde of a sad voyce as if her thoughts were troubled at the mistake she commanded the Page to conduct the Maid to her presence As soon as the damosell entred the room with confidence enough approaching neerer to the Princesse in an abrupt manner told her though softly in her eare that her new guest was no other but her brother Ascanius broake from his imprisonment under the Senates jurisdiction wherefore wisht her for some time to discharge her dwarfe that he might more freely discourse to her his advantures Cloria was so much confounded with a sudden joy to have her sweet brother in her possession whom she could not be permitted to see during their imprisonment that her distractions could scarce finde a way to put in execution what her owne judgement should have thought convenient at another season But at last breaking through her pleasant amazement she discharged her little officer for however she was accustomed to trust him in her own secrets yet she would not notwithstanding use any priviledge to hazard her brothers confidence least it might render him lesse assured of his safety When she had passionately demonstrated his welcome by many affectionate kisses taking his white hand in hers which seemed also to have a neere aliance in beauty she desired him to make her acquainted with the passages of his escape since as she said they could not but be admirable considering the strict guard the Senate was ever accustomed to set over the Kings children in the interim Roxana curiously attended to understand the discourse that was to proceed from such dainty lips Wherefore after Ascanius had saluted his sisters looks with three or foure gentle smiles in which he seemed lovely to congratulate his own fortune and deride his Goalers carelesnesse he began this repetition though first he excused himselfe for many circumstances belonging to the story My father said he as he had commanded my brother Prince Arethusius for his better safty into the Kingdome of Syria there to attend the directions of our noble mother so was he perswaded by the Myssians in whose power he then remained in the Army to get me into his own possession whereby the better to secure as they pretended as many as might be of the bloud royall To this purpose he commanded me to make an escape and presently to repaire to his presence however with this caution that if I should be prevented in the execution I must not by any meanes reveale his desire least the Myssians should be brought into suspition who were then treating with the Senate about their payment But be their pretences what they would I strengthened my duty and obedience by all the thoughts my young yeares and lesse discretion could suggest advantageable to the designe and the Kings command which I must tell you scarce gave sleep to my eyes in the night or rest to my body in the day since truly I must needs say my youthfull ambition became more violent then ordinary to doe something exactly that might pretend to care and wisedome Yet not to trouble you with long repetitions where the successe proved unfortunate I was to my intollerable griefe taken in my escape though more perplexed I must confesse to be foyled in my first interprize then sorrowfull at the consequence of the losse being apprehended I was by order of the Senate exactly examined before such Commissioners as their gravities ordained to be judges of my actions However the gods so farre favoured my weake constancy that neither tyranny nor flattery was able to shake my dutifull resolution which so inraged their froward spleens that they not only caused me to be shut up in a darke roome but commanded some slight punishment to be inflicted upon my person as a small conibatant in my fathers quarrell at which I rather laughed then seemed to feele But not finding these petty sufferings could prevaile against my spirit they ordered a great part of my dyet to be taken from me as supposing belike my belly was easiest to be conquered when truly I never esteemed meat the
might enjoy the felicity of one anothers conversation at last Cloria asked her brother how he liked the wisedome of her Governesse which gave him occasion to tell her that he did not now wonder how she had passed through the intricacie of so many dangerous adventures having had so faithfull and discreet a Pilot to guide her in the vast sea of such desperate accidents In the meane time this delighted company past away their howers in such conversation as most tended to Euarchus wished prosperity sometimes complaining of the unrelenting cruelty of the Senate that could so long detaine their just and mercifull King in a darke prison instead of casting themselves at his feet humbly to desire pardon for their offences otherwhiles againe they would entertaine their thoughts with new hopes of his releasement by powerfull Armies sent into Lydia by all the Princes of Asia in which number Narcissus had no low ranke in the opinion of lovepartiall Cloria neither seldome did they agree in beliefe that the generall distractions of the Kingdome would soon put an end to the differences without any other assistance untill these diversities of fancies carried them one day into the garden where Clorias diligent servant in the view of other attendants observed so carefully the directions of her charge that she made alwayes election of those fruit that the Princesse intention did but only covet and presented them to be made more beautifull by the touch of her white hand In these entertainments I say they continued untill an ancient Lord of the Senate who had not altogether put off his duty and affection to the Kings posterity with a seeming joy that made him forget his accustomed ceremonies to the Princesse Cloria not onely suddenly entred the Garden but made a kind of rude passage through the crowd of such as waited neere her person and with a breathlesse voyce informed her that that very morning as the Nobility were sitting in their own Councell chamber divided by a partition from the common assembly of the lower Senate they were saluted in a tumultuous manner by may thousands of people having their leaders of much greater quality with a petition that not onely complained of the proceedings of the Army but desired they might again speedily enjoy the liberty of their King the freedome of the Lawes and an establishment of their Religion as they said absolutely obstructed from their possession by the licentious power of the Souldiers under Farezius command whom as they intimated they had formerly chosen to be their Captaine for some season but not to be a tyrant against their priviledges for ever vowing withall that as they would not depart the great City of Sardis without a direct answer so were they resolved to procure an accomplishment of their just requests to the hazzard of their lives and fortunes O Madam said he how these brave beginnings inflamed our soules with new courages notwithstanding we could not chuse in some sort but reflect upon our own poornesse of spirit or at leastwise dulnesse in understanding that never went about to put in execution what these people propound at present for their and our advantages Truely replied the Princesse Cloria although I cannot but commend these peoples understandings that appeare to have some sense and feeling of their reputations yet must I a great deale more extoll their courages that dare expose themselves to maintaine those small priviledges which by a certaine kind of birth-right they have received from their honest and wise ancestors when as you of the Nobility of the contrary seem altogether stupid in the apprehension of such honourable rights that appertain to your qualities left you by the brave endeavour of your most Noble predecessors who were at the first so spleenative indiscreet in your passions against your Prince though without any known cause whatsoever that you were content to sacrifice your known own advantages above the common all people onely that you might but destroy him and his prerogative not leaving your selves so much power as to be able again to recover your own dignities These words and reproofe of the Princesse almost put the Nobleman out of his tale but she finding him something out of countenance encouraged him to the prosecution of his relation Madam said he when we had thanked them for their prudent admonition as we termed it what our own duties should have remembred we presently dismissed them with other speeches and promises that sufficiently contented them for the instant After they were gone I must tell you we were sent to the other part of the Senate sitting in another room distinct from ours intimating we desired some conference with them whereby the people might be rendred satisfied in their seeming just demands upon our meeting many things were propounded to that purpose as well concerning our selves as the souldiers but what will be the issue of these proccedings for my part I am not able to divine onely we are informed that the multitude will not depart from the City of Sardis untill they have received such answer as may in some sort give content to their thoughts which either must settle the Kingdom in a probable posture for peace and quietnesse or so inflame the Armies resolutions that they will endeavour to become masters of the whole With these words he abruptly took his leave as if his apprehensions had been transported only by imaginary conceipts As soone as the Lord had quitted the garden and the rest of the attendance being also removed some distance from them the Princesse Ascanius and Roxana began to fall upon considerations and discourses of the Kings affaires sometimes their hopes were carried to assure themselves that it was unpossible but those confusions must needs produce effects to that purpose since as they believed the souldiers of the Senate could not long agree and then the common peoples desires of necessity would again bring him into his Throne for they imagined that however there might be obstacles contentions for the present in regard of the extraordinary power of the army yet the souldiers at the last could not but admit of a King more willingly then any other Generall of their own ranke to command over them besides they doubted not but the Nobility and the City of Sardis would joyne together to establish Euarchus in the same honour and dignity as he was in before these late troubles since the consequences had already not a little impoverished the whole Kingdom and what it would doe further if it should continue might very well be feared though as yet not certainly known In that the dignity of a Court probably would as well confirme the one in their hereditary priviledges as inrich the others by traffique and commerce seeing it was chiefly the better sort of persons that took off the commodities of the Merchants These pleasant apprehensions invited them all three to take some delight in a certaine beautifull and refreshing Grote encompassed round about by an