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 best way 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 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
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 by 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 threatned 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 〈◊〉 must needs say with as much happinesse untill these last stirres as it was possible for mortality to expect But the Myssians who as I 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 encomagement 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 Myssion 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 ro 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
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 occafions 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 he 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 his 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 Crete 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 will not be willing to allow of any interest but their own towards the placing of the King again in his Throne so the Commissioners of the Myssians as I heare are extreamly busie about the Kings person to the no small discontentment of the army that hath him now under their jurisdiction the Queen when I parted from her at Damascrs gave me expresse order that however I might complement with the Souldiers and draw from them all the advantages that possibly I could tending to her husbands service yet I must be sure as she told me in the first place to possesse the Myssians with an opinion that Euarchus chiefe trust must still rest in their fidelities and assistance though he be forced for the present to comply with the Army that delivered him out of the hands of the Senate but here I make no doubt but you will aske me why the State of Syria much lesse our Queen Hyacinthia should be so wedded to the Myssians particular when as probably they can never be brought to be hearty in the Kings affaires since not only in the beginning of these times they opposed his authority with all the craft and violence they could possibly use but at last as I may say delivered him betrayed and bound hand and foot into the hands of those that were esteemed by himselfe his greatest enemies when as he had chosen for his protection rather the Myssian Army then the Senate of Lydia And this expression of ill nature and treachery was only to obtaine the payment of a small sum of money not to be valewed in regard of a Kings ransome so that I say it may be supposed they have some other hidden mystery in their thoughts against his prosperity which perhaps the State of Syria wil never be able sufficiently to understand whilst it be too late to repaire the Kings losses onely procured by those people for it is well knowne during the time they gave Euarchus the best hopes concerning their affections and fidelity they were then by their false instruments contracting with the Senate for his speedy imprisonment a plaine demonstration of their harsh and cruell intentions towards his particular for that when they most betrayed him they profest themselves then his faithfullest servants as it were smothering him in a bed of roses and killing him with deceitfull language whereas of the other side these Souldiers that have not onely the Kings person but his authority under their jurisdiction and so by consequence may either shorten his life or preserve his dignity notwithstanding they have heretofore alwayes declared themselves mortall enemies to his interest and proceedings as never having any dependency upon the Court or his affaires yet now appeare to the outward view of the world to be his greatest friends either being converted and altered in their opinions or more compassionate and just in their dispositions which certainly cannot but extreamely augment the Kings obligations if they performe any thing remarkable according to their professions but as I will not trouble you with my thoughts what may be the issue of their intentions or actions so must I a
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 Philadelphae 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 alone appropriated to themselves with all the rents and priviledges that of old at any time belonged unto them Secondly they expected an absolute concession from his Majesty that no governours whatsoever of any forraigne Nation should be appointed over them in Creet or in any Fort or Island belonging to the same besides they refused to admit of those of the very Country it selfe unlesse they were confirmed and approved of by the gentrall councell which they had established to manage odered all their affairs both in peace and Warre And lastly they expected as the writing which they had delivered the King exprest an absolute restoration of all those lands to the true owners that had beene taken from their possession by reason of any former pretended rebellion and given to the Myssians or Lydians either by the old Queene of Lydia or Evarchus father The King as I was informed after he had read these propositions seemed to the outward view of the assembly extreamely troubled in his apprehensions as if he had been exceedingly deceived in his expectation concerning the good nature and reality of our country-men however notwithstanding he was by this meanes sufficiently inflamed in his thoughts in regard of these proceedings not onely in some sort disdaining to be thus handled by his Subjects in his necessities but being also with some reason suspicious of their intentions as fearing that they aymed to become Masters of the whole Island and so by consequence to be possessors of most of the Lands of his best friends who were actually imployed now with him in his Warres yet conceiving that he was not at the instant in a capacity to shew much discontent to any party that could either good or hurt him in his present differences with the Senate he gave their commissioners at leastwise faire words in the generall promising speedily to send particular messengers of his own into Creet not onely more knowingly to Treat with them concerning their demands but withall if it were possible to conclude with them concerning his own desires which he conceived would be for both their advantages against the common enemy that had an intention to destroy either in this manner they were dismist into their owne Country partly pleased and a great deale more unsatisfied in regard no more life remained from their imployment then the expectation of the comming of the Kings officers But in the interim whilst these messengers were look't for both the Kingdome of Syria and the Country of Aegypt put in for their severall interests as well concerning the government it selfe of the Island as to be supplyed from hence with Souldiers in their Warres one against another the State of Syria went onely upon the score of Evarchus right and Titles though Sorastros challenged their affections in his service by an ancient Tye as he said they owed the Aegyptian Nation neither as I told you formerly was the Arch Flamin of Delphos backward in maintaining to the uttermost of his power by the industry of some instruments he imployed his owne jurisdiction above either as pretending the best right to the same by reason of those agreements that had been made with the Kings of Lydia who first conquered this Island These attempts I must say extreamely divided
the inhabitants both in their actions and opinions for as the more moderate sort of people especially those that had any correspondency with the Lydians either by extraction or commerce were willing enough to continue the old government and retaine both their lawes and customes they had formerly used so the violenter part of the Natives that had time out of minde contracted a certaine kinde of barbarisme in their manners and dispositions would heare of no agreement but what was prescribed them by a few commanders that were sent from the Aegyptian Warres who seemed onely to comply with the religion of Delphos for their owne ends The people I may affirme with some confidence were so far transported infatuated with this spightfull ambition their governours in the interim supposing they should be made petty Princes in command amongst the more ignorant sort of Natives that they did not onely decline violently all manner of reasonable accords but even were perswaded to hate with an exact spleene and malice all their owne country men friends and kindred that had any manner of correspondency or almost the least communication with those of the Lydian race and interest In the Interim the Senate of Lydia finding this violence and distractions amongst us resolved to put many of the strong Forts of the Country which from the beginning of the troubles they had kept in their possession absolutely into the hands of the Myssians the better to avoid the expence and inconveniency of the Warre in their owne particulars having as they thought enough to doe with their King in in Lydia and the rather for that they knew that as Myssia was most proper to send Souldiers of their owne Nation into the Island of Creet whereby to contend with the inhabitants so was there such an inveterate spleene and hatred between the Natives of both Countreys not onely in regard of their possessions but their religion that no reconciliation was at any time to be feared besides the Myssians with others of Lydia of their faction and interests supposed the old Cretans owed them a secret revenge for having injuriously outed them of their lands and estates in the time of the late King Evarchus father These Transactions I say filled the whole country a new with bloud and slaughters and the more confused it proved and so consequently the more horrid in regard that for the most part we fought dividedly upon the generall score of three interests sometimes two against one then againe each for it selfe as often as any opposition was found which not seldome hapned in regard of the many jealousies and suspitions rising daily out of the variety of apprehensions by reason of frequent accidents so that in a short time almost in every place the Townes were fired the people destroyed and the countrey depopulated being no safety in any place or scarce the least meanes of subsistance out of Armies unlesse it were under the walls and protection of some few garrisons that secured a kind of small circuit for necessary provisions to maintain themselves and the inhabitants of their jurisdiction but the King at last receiving from me and others intelligence of these lamentable proceedings in the Island of Creet as truly in a manner it was past all examples since the intention of all sides was not alone to contend about disputable rights occasioned by some former oppression but even to extirpate not onely whole families but the very remembrance of the Nation it selfe that should have the unhappinesse to be overcome by the other gave order to me if it were possible to reconcile these bloudy differences and horrid contentions with all the speed I could especially amongst those of his own party neither was 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 Title 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 generall 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 â—ntill 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 about 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 discourâ—â— 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 in a manner beyond any remembrance either by gift or purchase who no doubt upon such a disadvantagable change meerly out of spleene and distaste would have quickly turned their endeavours and affections to the countenancing absolutely of the Myssians proceedings against Evarchus their Prince In the next place whereas they demanded that either no strange governours should be appointed over any part of the Island but meerly Natives or at leastwise such as should be approved by the generall councell instituted by themselves I pray consider but with indifference which I know you doe what an extraordinary and I may say a most preposterous inconveniency it would have brought upon the Kings designes not onely by reason of those contemptible opinions it would have created in all mens minds concerning his actions and want of spirit but also have given so generall a distast to all his Subjects of best quality in both Kingdomes that the effects must needs have beene of a most dangerous consequence when as the principall men of honour should be absolutely outed both of their present command or future expectation to give way to the advancement of such people that neither knew well how to governe when they should be imployed or the King himselfe could be at all certaine of their fidelitie when they were in office as well in regard of the fantasticall inconstancies of their own natures and dispositions as also in respect of their severall interests depending upon other Nations And last of all whereas it is desired that all those lands be againe restored to the ancient Natives of the Island which had beene at any time forfeited for what pretended rebellion soever either in the raigne of the father of Evarchus or the old Queene of Lydia and so consequently in the possession of any Lydians or Myssians would have proved as dangerous an inconveniency to the Kings affaires as any other thing we have yet mentioned and in truth would have beene a worke besides the generall distaste of a most stupendious labour to have effected not onely in regard of the severall intricate Titles that must of necessity depend upon the long continuation of them from one family to another by reason of alienations and bargaines of diverse natures and manners made betweene man and man but also would be a most difficult matter for the Natives themselves justly to distribute with an indifferent equality and content to each party who should make their demands since as many would pretend to what was none of their owne so others againe being but very young if at all then borne when their ancestors lost the possessions of their estates the property of them being also since that time changed either by cutting down of woods erecting of building or peopling of Townes and Villages would be defrauded of their dues for want of certaine knowledge what belonged to their Parents besides how many hundred of families would be turned to a most miserable begging posture who as Tennants to their Lords had laid out their money of a confiderable valew upon purchases either for lives or yeares and knew not where to seeke other habitations with their wives and children for their subsistance neither truly could the Natives make any considerable profit of the said lands
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 Minerua 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 Prin cesse or an opprest woman could alledge though the Queen seemed as deafe to 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
so often deceived him with their faire promises and false actions it was my part in complements to tell him as much after I had made him acquainted with the Kings arrivall As the Ambassadour appeared somewhat amazed at the newes so did he not stick to assure me that he knew his Majesty would be received by the Army with all honour and safety and presently went along with me to finde him out The King after some few civilities used this language to the Ambassador Sir said he as you now see me in a posture far below my birth and dignity so the gods to let us know we are but men have for the present suited my person according to my misfortunes whereby to comply the better with my necessities this I hope is sufficient to shew what a desire I have to put my selfe into the hands of my native Countreymen if either the consideration of my past benefits bestowed upon them in the generall or any compassionate reflection upon my unfortunate state at the instant are motives sufficient to work upon humanity I shall be safe here and may be prosperous hereafter wherefore as I would not have them to worke upon my miseries for poor and contemptible gaine so shall not I remember them any more of their former ingratitude and disobedience but rather let us both unite in such a constant conjunction that as by their means I may come againe to be King so will they ever by such an act of kindnesse oblige me to govern for their benefit they cannot but consider with what little probability they can hope for any establishment in Lydia but by my means when as already the Senate doth not onely disvalue their actions and proceedings by most disgracefull and contemptible speeches but now that they have brought as they believe their affaires to a prosperous issue whereby they have no more need of their assistance and so consequently would be rid of the trouble they not onely dispute with them the Titles and reasons of their own interest but even deny them the payment of their just due for all those services they have performed for their advantages in Lydia As the Ambassadour did not make any great reply to the Kings discourse but in a few complements concerning his own services so did he presently conduct him to his house for his better accommodation where he gave present order to have him furnished with apparell and other necessaries whilst in the interim as it was supposed he acquainted Lycius the Generall and the rest of the Officers of the Army with his arrivall in the camp After two or three daies time the Ambassadour not onely exposed the King to the view of the people but delivered him into the protection of the souldiers where however Lycius and some of the principall of the Nobility entertained his presence with an extraordinary outward humility yet neverthelesse with certain kind of sad and distrustfull looks and countenances they performed their duties and respects in kissing his hands and using other ceremonies as if they were not any way privy much lesse consenting to his journey the King notwithstanding he seemed not to take any notice of their actions in publique but of the contrary gave testimonies of joy and gladnesse at the apprehension of his happy fortune yet in private by many words and sighes he expressed his own doubts and opinion concerning his future entertainment the rather in regard they presently set a strict gard upon his person though pretending it to be done for no other end but for his greater honour and safety however his hopes became something better satisfied for that they admitted freely to his conversations not onely many of his houshold servants that were come from Philadelphia after the Town was surrendered to Farezius but some of those Priests also of his owne faction that were 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 warres 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
their sufferings the people will not be content to trust strangers with their liberty but yet the assistance that is desired from forraigne Princes needs not to consist wholly in numerous Armies but in small and frequent supplies both of men and moneyes which joyned with the Kings party and laying hold of the many discontents already ingendred in the hearts of most cannot but conduce exceedingly to the overthrow of this new government Besides there is another benefit that may be expected from other Countreyes being at open difference with the Senate of Lydia and that is denying their Merchants the liberty of Trade within their dominions which at last must of necessity discontent and impoverish the rich City of Sardis from whence the Souldiers are if not mainteined at leastwise supplyed upon all urgent occasions But why answered Cloria may not these Princes and especially the two great Monarchs of Aegypt and Syria as well forbid the free commerce you speak of in the time of their own differences as when they shall be at peace between themselves if they have any intention to right my father as I have heard they doe pretend Because replyed Roxana they are both so full of their own ambition that neither dares offend the State of Lydia as yet untill their Warres be at an end between themselves least they might give too much advantage to each other by the assistance of so powerfull a Kingdome as this is Then said the Princesse there may be some hopes to better my fathers affaires when these Kings shall thinke it good to put up their bloudy swords and not before I conclude not so Madam answered Roxana for although these exasperated Princes against their own quiet should have neither temper in their actions nor finde wisedome in their councellours untill meere necessity should constraine their Subjects to seek peace with violence which were too dangerous a president yet it is to be hoped that the Myssians with the Cretan Forces joyned to the discontents of Lydia by reason of diversity of Religions and interests would in time restore the King to his ancient dignity Pish Roxana replyed Cloria for the Myssians I have so little confidence in their assistance that what countenance soever their actions put on I can scarce be perswaded of their intentions since they once sold my father to this misery he now undergoes when they had a gallant Army in the Field to have redeemed both his person and his Crowne And for the Cretans besides that they are of a different profession to ours concerning the worship of the gods there are also so many factions amongst them by way of private ambition that they rather goe backe daily in their own affaires then shew any probabillity of helping others And for the discontents of Lydia which you mention with their diversities of Religions I doe not finde upon all occasions but they can very well lay downe their own spleenes when there appears a necessity to oppose my fathers prosperity Lastly concerning the common peoples sufferings I am perswaded they are resolved to endure any subjection or almost bondage it selfe rather then to be willing the King should recover againe his lost rights by force and power of the sword without making first some conditions with his prorogative notwithstanding he hath divers times given them by protestations what assurances could be desired from a just and a religious Prince Madam answered Roxana your opinion I must confesse is grounded upon a great deale of probabillity considering how the Myssians not onely sold the King to the power of the Senate but at the first beginning of these troubles came into Lydia to dispute your fathers rights But yet if you please to consider that the reason of their actions then proceeded from the extreame covetousnesse of some eminent persons amongst them who finde now they can expect no more 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
affording me so freely her company the first night I not permitting the second I tooke my leave lovingly of the old people who truly had entertained me with an honest Countrey affection so that presently according to our direction we repaired to the Bankes of the River Pactolus where we quickly hired a Barke that without any suspition at all brought us to Sardis which Towne sheltred us without discovery untill we found another conveniency to convey us to your Castle where being arrived we are confident you will not betray your guests but rather advise us by your Counsell how to prosecute further my affaires since it is to be thought they will make a sudden and diligent inquiry after my escape At which words with a pretty smile the Princesse Cloria cast her eyes upon her Governesse as if she expected from her experience the best direction for them both Roxana when she had drawne the lookes of Ascanius upon her in a curious manner since he had not been formerly acquainted with her conversation and also mused according to her custome for some short space she gave this advice Truly said she as it is most necessary in the prime place that my Lord Ascanius provide for his own security since it is impossible but some speedy search will be after his escape the Senate not being willing to part with so many of the Royall family out of their own jurisdiction So Madam be pleased to thinke it convenient that the Queen now remaining in Syria may presently be made acquainted with this fortunate delivery of my Lord your brother from his imprisonment by some trusty messenger to be dispatched from our Counsels which party may be as I conceive this faithfull servant the companion of his Travels whom he hath now brought along with him into this Castle who cannot well remaine here in that he will rather prove a Subject of suspition then an officer of use since the daily visits of this place by the Nobility and other people of quality must of necessity bring his name in question And for this beautifull runaway your brother since he so well becomes a Maids attire and hath so bravely given testimony of his own modesty I see no reason why he may not still live amongst us without danger to his own person or prejudice to our honours being entertained as your attendant in your chamber untill either commands out of Syria call him away or you your selfe be removed from the jurisdiction of this Kingdome by your happy marriage with my Lord Narcissus at which words the Princesse became as red as Scarlet not dreaming her young brother should so abruptly have been made acquainted with her secret ingagement But the fault was already committed and Roxana had no time to aske forgivenesse wherefore something confounded by her errour as well as she could she went on with her continued discourse However said she that we may not remaine altogether ignorant of the proceedings of the Senate I shall industriously endeavour to instruct our little dwarfe who wants no wit to make such inquiry abroad as may be most convenient for our affaires for whose truth and honesty I will undertake with the engagement of my reputation This may give you a full liberty to enjoy with freedome each others company a benefit that neither of you will repine at I am sure since the fates have been hitherto penurious to both your conversations with these words she rested silent in a kinde of a grave smile expecting the young couple should signe their consents by some demonstration After that Roxana had fully ended her discourse the lovely paire looked upon each other with such a sweet chearefulnesse as if their own passions had no desire to enquire further after the depth of her reasons since their hearts abundantly approved of the consequence of her designe which was that they 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 defired 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