exemplary revenge of my Crime and that a common death would not be sufficient to content the Ghost of Cleobulus for so was the Name of this cruel Tyrant They presently fettered me with Irons and whilst two of them carried away the dead Body the other drove me before them It availed m not to call the Gods to witness of my innocence and to swear to them by what was most holy in the Heavens that I was not culpable but what greater proof could they have than to find me by the dead Body armed with his own Sword and in a posture of giving him an hundred wounds more had there appeared any sign of Life in him The affliction they had on one side for the death of their Master and the joy they had on the other for a prize so important soon gathered them companions for I saw them come round me as from all parts like so many Wolves to devour me for my part I knew not how I was for wheresoever I turned my eyes although the present danger might have given me some apprehension the memory of Mellissa's disaster left no room in me to deplore my own misfortune If those that led me had but taken notice of my Tears it was not possible that their Rage could have continued for it seemed as though the Heavens the Woods and all things that Nature had made insensible had compassion on me the Heavens were sad and distilled themselves in tears the Air and Earth sounded with my sighs and the Valleys through which I passed with my complaints Nevertheless the further we advanced in our way the greater was the insolence of thost Villains till having perceived the Walls of Latronia the principal City of their Retreat where there is a Magazin of Arms and an innumerable quantity of all sorts of Robbers whose power is equal to that of those Kings and Princes that border upon them Presently there came out to meet us above five hundred men in Arms as if they would conduct me in triumph for they believed there was some of their Enemies according to the report that was spread abroad that an Army was coming against them Scarce was I got into the middle of their Crew but I found my self saluted with new reproaches especially when they exposed the Body of Cleobulus to the view of the publick for his Wife who was in the Town being advertized of his pretended Murder breaks thorow the Guards and tears me from the hand of him that held me fast What says she is this the man that deprived me of a Husband and the Town of Latronia of a Captain his death shall be dearly bought for I my self will be the Executioner I 'll take away his life and tear him in a thousand pieces She had scarce ended those words when she fell upon me and threw me down imprinting the fury of her nails and anger in my Face But those who had taken me seeing that this Megara continued to persecute me in that manner and for fear the little life I had remaining might not serve to sustain that vengeance and cruelty to which I was destined took me from her put me in Prison consulting in the mean time what manner of torment I was to suffer for there is no manner of Justice in this Town and when they take any stranger they consider not amongst themselves whether he ought to die or no but what sort of death must make an end of him About eleven of the Clock at night that being the time they make their Sacrifices because the Adoration they paid was to the Infernal Gods such as Pluto Proserpine with the Furies themselves about that time I say a general noise was heard all over the Town and the Streets were filled in an instant with lighted Torches for soon after our arrival the Wife of Cleobulus was making preparation for the Interment of her Husband whose Body lay in the Temple of Proserpine till they could Bury him in the Sepulchre of his Ancestors according to their Custom insomuch that the Priests of the Goddess judging that it was time to depart sent to give notice to the Chiefest of Latronia to assist at his Burial they had in the mean time concluded that I should be burned alive for the Murder I was accusd of At the same moment being weary with the hardship I endured the precedent day and night I began notwithstanding all the apprehensions that troubled my mind to take some repose when two men came in and clothing me in a black Robe commanded me to follow them This Ceremony at first seemed strange to me for I knew nothing yet concerning what they had determined against me in Councel nevertheless I put on this mourning Robe and after they had fasthed me in Irons of the same colour they conducted me to the Temple where the people were all ready assembled in Mourning Habits having every one in his hand a Torch I was no sooner come but all the Funeral Pomp marched in order I brought up the Rear being covered with Chains and guarded with the greatest part of the Army we went about half a mile from the Town and entred into a spacious Field where the Citizens of Latronia were accustomed to be Buried The Priests having opened the Tomb stood upon a piece of ground something higher than the rest and began to read the Sentence of my Death much to this effect That for the Murder committed on the person of Cleobulus I was condemned to be burned alive before the place of the Sepulcher and my Ashes to be cast into the Wind that the memory of my Name might be dissipated with the rest of my Body I was nothing startled at this pitiful Sentence neither was I concerned at the manner of my death for death was a thing could never strike terror in me I had a Soul far greater than my misfortunes Casting my eye upon the stake where I was to be consumed I considered it as a place where I should enjoy that I desired and as my only road to the all-pleasing Elizinm when I also considered in my self that Mellissa was dead and that to live longer was to consume my life away in perpetual anguish I mattered not to dye and it seemed as though the Flames of Love which are divine would render the matrial less sensible Whilst I was about meditating what I had best to do and as my mind was imployed on other things than to search out artifices to deliver me from a danger that was so near they buried Cleobulus in the Sepulcher of his Ancestors and all the people thronged about the stake to see me burned in the same instant the Priests made me mount upon the pile of Wood. When I saw my self in that pitiful condition the Wife of Cleobulus holding a Torch in her hand to put Fire to the Wood I could not forbear to mourn out my disaster in these words Agenoris mourn the day that ever thou didst see Mellissa
shall sink beneath the weight of such a loss Madam said Evagoras These sweet expressions have revived my drooping heart and having you on my side I do not question Victory Dearest Princess were it not more for my Honour and the Love I bear you than for my Right I would not nay I could not leave you Generous Sir said Alcandra since I see you to be resolute then in your purpose go and may you return Victorious may all things answer my wishes to compleat your happiness and may the Gods prosper you but added she speaking more low however forget not her you have left behind in the midst of dangers blot not Alcandra out of your minde No said he with a deep sigh the thought of her will spur me on to Victory which I hope will be speedy that I may hasten my return too morrow then Madam I will take my farewel of you till then I shall not so taking the freedom of a salute which she did not in the least refuse him they both returned to the Castle Many tender expressions of the like nature passed between Clidamant and Clarinda whose eyes were all in tears at the thoughts of it Clidamant revealed his right name to her and told her how he was a Lord that lived in the Court of Cyprus and had followed the Prince Evagoras in his misfortunes and that she must no more esteem Agenoris as a private Gentleman but as that Prince he spoke of not long since because it is really him Clarinda was much astonished at this news though she said he had not carried himself so like a private Gentleman but that there were some marks of greatness in him that were visible Evagoras and Coriander for so we must now call them having fitted themselves with Armor and all other necessaries for their Heroick Enterprize they were preparing on the morrow to go but when Evagoras was taking his leave of the Princess she wept so bitterly that her excess of grief would scarce give her tongue the freedom of pronouncing the word Adieu and Clarinda instead of speaking to Coriander swounded away and was carried in by her Attendants They both being well mounted on two incomparable Horses Evagoras first having kissed the lips of his dearly beloved Princess gallopp'd away having each of them an Esquire to attend them with an excellent grace To have seen with what a resolution they departed it would even have moved pity and astonishment the first to have observed how ready they were to sacrifice themselves on Honours Shrine the other to remark the greatness of their courage It is to be imagined that in all the time of their absence the two Lovers Alcandra and Clarinda had but very little enjoyment of themselves Often did the Prince write to Alcandra and as often did Clarinda hear from Coriander which in the midst of this cruel affliction afforded them some comfort The last Letter they received was that the two Armies were going to engage and that as soon as the Battle should be ended they would make all possible speed to return to them again The first seemed to pierce their very hearâ—s for the apprehension they were in for those they loved yet their hope for the second was as a salve to heal the wound their fear occasioned Insomuch that the two passions of hope and fear seemed wholly to occupy them during the absence of Evagoras and Coriander Emilia who though she was touched with some regret for the absence of them both yet the presence of her Orontus over-powered all for her countenance was more chearful her behaviour more jovial and her heart more light than the rest and indeed her alacrity and chearfulness would sometimes banish those sullen thoughts which over-ballanced the minds of the other two Ladies She would endeavour to infuse into them the Cordial of Comfort and to that end would cause them sometimes to take the Air with her in the Fields Especially one day the three Ladies being in a Coach and Orontus on Horse-back which was some considerable time after the departure of Evagoras and Coriander when passing thorow a desolate Forrest they espied a Horse running very fast cross it with a man that lay on the ground all in blood as if he was dead they were presently curious to see this Spectacle and therefore all the Ladies presently descended from the Coach and Alcandra who approached it first saw that he was indeed dead Orontus who had a desire to know the original cause of this Massacre advanceth a little forward and at a distance he faw three men fighting very desperately with a young Lord who although he defended himself with much courage and valour yet did they press him with so much advantage that he was to expect nothing but Death Orontus presently hollowing immediately drew his Sword and gallopped directly towards them but he came not time enough to preserve the Lord from two wounds he received the one in his left Arm the other a little beneath the right Shoulder Emilia and the other Ladies there being nothing more timerous than this Sex fearing least some misfortune might happen to Orontus endeavoured to call him back as loud as they were able but as they came near to the dead body and saw him lie in that manner Alcandra whether she suspected something or whether she was desirous to see his face out of curiosity lifted up his Helmet for he was in Armor and finding it to be Evagoras O gods said she what dismal spectacle do I see here Is it then thou Dear Life of my Soul May the day thou departed from us be for ever accursed May the Sun on that day never shew its glorious Light and may it be for ever blotted out of the yearly Register Oh my heart why dost thou not break that I may go with my Evagoras to the Celestial Paradise Must I stay behind when he is gone No my Dear in shining rayes of light we 'll meet each other and since we could not here enjoy the fulness of Love we 'll intermingle souls in the other world and enjoy more sweets in our Etherial Beings than dull heavy Mortals can ever comprehend There will our lives be never crossed by fears nor into black despair our hopes shall never turn through the warm smiling beams of the bright Sun we 'll gently glide and therein amorously sport and play till on a sudden we find our selves wrapt in the heavenly Mansions Then addressing her self to the Corps But art thou then dead Evagoras Must thy Eyes be for ever shut It is Alcandra that calls thee it is Alcandra that bemoans thee and who if thou art now not dead will before thou diest render thee eternal testimonies of her Love At the name of Alcandra Evagoras who was in a swound by reason he had lost much blood and because of the blows he had received as well in the Battle as in this rencounter for his Armor was pierced in several
was nothing of their Fortresses remaining but a smoaky Vapour and thick Cloud that rose from the burning of the Houses part of the Army went to Mount Taurus to exterminate the remainder of these Vagabonds and the rest returned to their first Quarters under the Conduct of Dyonisius who seemed to have a particular care of my life he causEd a Chamber to be provided for me just over his and because the last nights labour had wearyed me I cast my self down upon a Bed to take some rest but just as sleep was going to steal upon me I heard a faint Voice like complaining in the next Chamber which seemed to accuse the Stars for having conspired to make them unhappy Ought thou O Love said she to deprive me in a moment of my Lovers presence where art thou dear hope of my Life if my Fate was so cruel to me as to create me too low in Birth to make me not presume to think of becoming thy Bride if I did not promise to render thee and me happy yet methinks thy presnce thy dear presence will give me that satisfaction I am now destitute off that I love thee tenderly let Heaven witness but it was a Love so pure that thy very presence did seem to give bounds to my desires if I loved thee I loved thy sight and company what unhappy influence hath thus separated us The whole Army of Dyonisius tryumphs over the defeat of Cleobulus but I amongst all these Joyes must wear mourning to deplore thy Misfortune O lamentable Trophy's and melancholy Spoils But since I have no other hope remaining I 'l bereave my self of this wretched Life to accompany the silent shadow of my Agenoris At these words an universal confusion seized upon my sences I knew it was Mellissa's Voice but yet the sound of it was so faint and weak that I could think it to be no other thing but her Ghost that called me to come where she was Pardon me said I then bright soul if I have so long delayed to follow thee I have sought all occasions to sacrifice my life for the expiation of the Crime which I have committed in unhappily conducting thee from thy innocent Flocks but however my own hands shall punish me and make thee an Offering of my Life for a certain assurance of that sincere Affection I bear thee Scarce had I ended these words but there was a great noise in the Chamber from whence the Voice came I gave attention to this Busle for amidst the consusion of words I heard a clashing of Arms which made me belive that some body was ravishing away Mellissa again At length whether she heard my Complaint or whether she knew my Voice I heard her bid me Adieu saying She would remember her Vows and likewise intreated m to retain some remmbrance of her then I felt a fresh assault upon my Heart and as if a cold Ice were melted in all my Veins it was incompassed with a general apprehension I rose from my Bed looked out at the Window and in the obscurity of the Night amongst the lighted Torches I descerned four of those Soldiers that I had seen to follow Dyonisius that were carrying away this miserable Virgin Gods what tears and sighs did I then spend to see those fair Eyes again eclipsed from my presence the remainder of the Night seemed a whole Age to me and if the Day had not restored that Light to the World which the Night had taken from it I had thought to my self to have been no other than a shadow I inquired of those that were near Dyonisius what Maid that was that they carryed away in the Night all the answer I could receive was That she had been taken away by force from five or six Soldiers that had left their Colours to do mischief in the Fields and Roads and that they were now conducting her to Pisidia there to be sacrificed to the Gods because of the Victory that King Arcon had newly obtained over his Enemies This News loaded me with a new grief for now I doubted not but it was Mellissa for having heard the complaints she made and having seen so many particulars but dare not to discover my self for fear of engendring some kind of suspition in the mind of Dyonifius I often did endeavour to escape from the Army to follow her I loved but I was guarded so closely that all my Enterprizes were unprofitable and in find I had intelligence from a Slave they had a design upon my Life and that all the kindness I dayly received from Dyonisius tended to no other end but to render me the more agreeable to the Gods I began then to be sad and to change my form of Life I was not sorry to dye but I was troubled that the Army tarryed so long before it returned lest Mellissa were sacrificed in Pisidia before I might enjoy the happiness of seeing her In fine we were carryed to the City of Antioch where the King after he had recompenced his Captains and divided the Spoil that he had taken in Latronia disbanded his Army and returned in Triumph to his Pallace where the Queen expected him The Father of Dyonisius the great Priest came to him to let him know That after so glorious a Victory he ought to make Sacrifice to the Gods that the ordinary Victims not being sufficient for what the Gods had done for him the lives of Men were only capable of an acknowledgment of their favours and since what they required should be pure and unpolluted that it was reasonable to offer them a Sacrifice of the first Spoils that the Army met with in entring Latronia Dyonisius who was present at the Speech caused me to be called and told King Arcon That he had reserved me on purpose to serve for the Victim because I was the first he had met in entering the Town he also asked his Father whether he had not received a Maid that he had sent him who answered Yes By the Kings command they began to prepare for the Sacrifice against the next Morning and then I began to hope if there be any content in hoping for death that I should see Mellissa once again before I dyed But the expectation of such a happiness was soon followed with other News much more sad for as the King was asking for the Virgin that should be sacrificed News was brought That Philander the younger Brother of Dyonisius and Son to the great Priest was extremely in love with her and had carryed her away no body knowing to what part It is impossible to express the grief which I received from these words for I was in the King presence when this News was brought to him who took it as an ill Omen that the Son of his Priest should hinder him from rendring the Gods thanks and presently caused 200 Horse to be sent throughout Pisidia to find out where Philander was retired and the Sacrifice was put off to another day I
seeing that no News could be heard of Mellissa and that they intended to put me to Death did underhand deal with my Keepers by a sum of Money for to get away for besides the Box I had found of Mellissa's which was very full of rich Jewels I had much more about me which I had at the time of my departure from hence my design succeeding then as heart could wish I took my way where my design guided me and perswading my self that Philander was gone towards Caria because that those the King sent after him had taken that way in a disguise that they might not know me again I followed them at a distance but I was not got fifty Miles from Antioch before a Courier from the King came to give notice that the Sacrifice was done and that it was not necessary for them to go any further Then was I in new apprehensions I knew not whether I had best return back again to Dionisius and present my self a Victim or go into Caria where I had some acquaintance The death of Mellissa bereft me of any desire I might have to survive her and when I saw that they were not permitted to go any further I easily believed that she was found and that King Arcon had sacrificed her to the Gods Can any one concevie themselves to be more miserable than I When I reflected upon all these cross accidents truly I then believed that Fortune had done all she could to me I went into Caria and came into the Town Heracleus near Latmos where Reigneth the King Polidor I continued in that Court for sometime where my friends were troubled to see so much grief in my countenance The Price was very civil to me and would make me use all manner of Diversions to endeavor to drive away my Melancholy sometimes would be carry me to hunt upon Mount Latmos but nothing could dissipate that Melancholly that consumed me In fine after I had took my leave of this Prince and returned him thanks answerable to the favors I had received of him I had a desire to return and end my days here in Cyprus I embarked at the Haven Mileta and sailed by the Isle of Rhodes but it was but to render me more miserable for I was taken by Pyrates who robbed me of my money and of the Box I had that belonged to Mellissa nevertheless as I was fastened in the Cabben all alone as they were consulting upon my life there came two great Vessels sailing upon us and stuck so closely to us that we were constrained to change our Master as if the Gods would punish the injustice of the first by the wickedness of the other This new change filled me with new fears for wishing for nothing more than death and not being capable of receiving it it was to dye as often as they gave me hope of life the Merchandize of our Vessel and all the Prisoners being put into the Ships of the Conquerors I saw the most cruel and bloody spectacle that fortune could make me see I perceived Melllissa upon the shore of the Island of Rhodes on that side of it where it advanceth it point into the Ocean for we were not very far off from it who was fastened and bound with chains followed by an infinite number of Corsaryes and a Priest that held in his hand a knife to cut her throat I could not well see her face for a long vail covered her head but I knew her cloathes her port her Actions and what I had formerly took notice of in her that was most remarkable the Vessel wherein I was threw out her Anchor to stay and see the ceremony for there was an Altar erected on the shore upon which the Incense did already smoak and all preparations were made for the sacrifice I took notice of this prodigy a great while Is it possible said I to my self that Mellissa is not yet dead Is that her Ghost or is that which I see true I know her apparel and if my eyes deceive me not I see the very features of her face O Gods said I if it be so plunge me in the bottom of the Sea to the end I may not see so horrible a massacre the Pilot who saw me in those transports not knowing the cause of such a sudden motion laid hold on me for I was just going to cast my self into the water for my eyes alas must that word be pronounced saw the knife stuck in the throat of that Divine Beauty I was grieved I could not give her the last adieu nor know the cause of this barbarous action the Captain of our Vessel straight hoysted his sayls and we were carryed into the main Sea having no other objects to behold but Air and Water I enquired of those that were prisoners with me what ceremony it was we had seen uon the shore they answered me that all that Country was peopled with nought but vagabonds and Pyrats who before they sailed upon any enter-prize had a custome to cast lots amongst their slaves for which of them should be sacrificed to the Divinities of the Sea Scarce were we lanched into the Ocean when the rising of a mighty tempest made large foulds upon the waters and the fury of the wind was so great that our Vessel was split all to pieces nevertheless as if I could not meet death in the middle of so many dangers I saved my self upon a broken table and meeting as fortune would have it a ship that was sailing for Pamphilia I got into it and arrived safe at the Haven where the Gods darted on me a ray of their favor in giving me the knowledg of a Merchant I had once seen in Syria when I travelled thither who after he had favourably received me into his house made me take of him as much money as I would to relieve my train but I who desired to have no body with me took up as much mony as I thought would bear my charges to Cyprus when imbarking in the first ship that was bound thither I happily arrived at Paphos where after I was landed I was about to sacrifice my life in the Grove of Venus to follow my Dear Mellissa when you Theocles and Clidamant did too soon prevent me Pardon me dear soul continued he If I have not rendred thee tat duty I ought to have done my life I know is a present thou must expect and I ask nothing more of the Gods than a glorious death that I may bear thee company in the Elizian shades In saying these words the tears trickled down his cheeks like Orient pearls and his grief would let him say no more Clidamant acknowledged love to be very powerful when he is master of all the other passions of which opinion they were all and said whatsoever they were able to comfort him and give him hopes of a better fortune for the time to come it now begininng to grow late they all but Clidamant departed the
pretences of Honour to marry me although by my cold entertaining him he might have discerned the aversion of my mind towards him being one as deformed in Body as low spirited in Soul and one the baseness of whose extraction did seem to dwell in his Physiognomy his Birth being so far from Noble that the meanest slave in Creet had more reason to brag of his extraction than he because he was raised meerly by the Kings favour all his actions which were seldom good were winked at by the rest of the Nobility although it did not a little trouble them to have a person so far beneath them take place of them with so much haughtiness as he did This Villain I say when he saw that I was deaf to his Courtship when he seemed to caress me under the mask of Honour provoked by an infamous desire came at length to solicite me unlawfully as if because I would not submit to him on virtuous terms as he pretended he should think that I would abandon my Honour and after a passion painted and coloured with sighs he called his presents to his asistance but he saw it did but make me more soornful and he had no sooner on a certain day made some offers to me that were indeed extremely rich but I in a fury left him by himself and from that time it was he began to conspire my ruine and to seek to get by force what he could not obtain by merit Lust not Love provoking him to attempt what honour and his own spirit had it any thing of generosity in it would never let him rest till he had extinguishes a desire so abhominable but alas such noble thoughts could never invade the mind of one whose Heart was like his Birth filthy for he was not only descended from the dregs of the People but he was likewise unlawfully begotten my Father had notice of his design sometime before he endeavoured to put it in execution and almost too late to have prevented it for I being one day in a small Wilderness scituated in the midst of my Fathers Garden Polianor who had continually his spies ready being informed where I was being as he thought a very fit place for him to execute his black design in was preparing to come in to me having procured a Key to the Door which he had caused to be made on purpose to execute with the more ease his detestable Enterprize but my Father being just before informed by some special Friend of what he intended came presently to me and caused me to come into the House where being come he gave me a Drink to frustrate the intent of Polianor who had been in the Garden to search for me but not finding me went out again very unsatisfied and being come into the Town was there informed by the Rumour my Politique Father spread that I was dead for the Vertue of what I drank procured me so great a sleep that it seemed to all Spectators as no other than the Sleep of Death Polianor being somewhat rerrified at this sad News came to behold it painted on my Face and then a strange remorse quarreled with his lust and his despair or rather rage arm'd him to kill himself but whilst his Soul was troubled here withal I was being by Friends first dressed up in Mans Apparel as you saw for my better concealment conveyed secretly into a Barck and scarce had I finished my sleep but at my first awaking I found my self upon the Sea which I did not so much wonder at as at my strange Metamorphosis from a Woman to a Man but a Friend of my Fathers whom he intrusted to take care of me and who was on board soon helped me out of that trouble and after he had told me that we were sailing towards Lydia he related to me the whole Adventure with the secret Imposture of my fained Death when suddenly a storm broke the Discourse and Horror and Death marched upon the Waters and as I before told you drove us upon a Rock and split our Vessel all to pieces not far from these Coasts I doubt the Friend that was in the Bark with me is drowned I my self as you see having miraculously escaped I know not which of the Gods took care of me but I cannot forbear to acknowledge how much I am indebted to Agenoris and Clidamont for preserving my Life My Father who hath had no News of me since my Arrival here I fear doth imagine as justly he may that I am drown'd and I was fearful to send least some unlucky accident or other might have brought my Letters into the Hands of Nearchus who doubtless if he knew where I was would make a general search for me that likewise was one reason that made me continue in this disguise but now since other Misteries far stranger than these are revealed and since Clidamont hath sworn himself mine it were a vain thing for me to have concealed my self longer Having ended her Relation they all after they had returned her those thanks and given her those praises her Wit deserved departed one from another to take their Rests because Night already began to spread her Sable Curtains over them The next morning when the singing of the Birds had rowsed them up with their pretty Notes they all agreed both the Ladies and the Gentlemen to walk to the Grove of Venus there to entertain one another in the Lodge that was on the top of the Labarinth where they had not long enjoyed themselves by taking notice of the pleasure of the Prospect that was discerned from that place but Agenoris told the Princess Alcandra that he knew his mind did not disagree with the rest of the Company for being desirous to know how she came to escape all those dangers in which she was and that since the place was pleasant wherein they were he seconded by the rest of the Company beseeched her to relate her Adventures which without much intrearies she did to this effect The Adventures of Alcandra HAd I all the Languages of the Gods and had Eloquence to chuse out my Voice to manifest her self to Men it is unpossible to express the hundredth part of my sufferings when I was taken by Cleobalus Captain of the Vagabonds of Latronia and when I saw Agenoris lie dead in the Cave wherein we were locked then was it that I began to think the Oracle was near fulfilled for being in the power of the greatest Savages in the Universt in the midst of Rocks and Desarts and having seen him slain whom I may now say I loved dearer than my own Life it is not to be doubted that my grief could admit of any comparison with common miseries I filled the Air and Forrests with my Cries and although death was the most assured remedy I could chuse I was loath to die by the hand of so cruel a Monster he many times would importune me with his unlawful Suit but seeing he could gain nothing
from my constancy and that I was resolved rather to lose my Life than my Honour he dragged me through retired and lonely places into solitary Desarts imagining by therein to take by force what he could not obtain by intreaty but the Gods did not forsake me in distress for the King of Pysidia coming then with a powerful Army upon the Town of Latronia Captain Decius Kinsman to Dyonisius came with Twenty or Thirty Horsemen that way just at the time when he was going to put in practice his pernicious enterprize when I saw this Troop coming directly towards us I began to hope for Death to put a period to my miseries or to change my Master Cleobalus who took them to be some of his own gang advanceth towards them and very boldly asked them whither they went But Decius imagining him to be one of those that King Arcon had set upon not knowing him to be the Governor of Latronia approached him and encompassed him so close that he had only the leisure to quit me and draw his Sword During this Combat I stole away from the Crowd because the little Casket I brought with me from Cyprus wherein were a great many Rich Jewels that were presented to me by Agenoris kept me from running I hid it in a little thick Bush and covered it with some White Linnen to the end I might know it again if I escaped In the same instant I took my flight but I had scarce got thirty paces from thence when five or six Souldiers of King Arcons Army that were there in the Field laid hold on me and were going to evil use me but Decius took me out of their Hands and said aloud Since I was the first spoil that was taken that they must reserve me to be made a Victim to the Gods They carried me then to the Lodgings of Dyonisius who commanded the Vant-guard of the Army and shut me in a Chamber till the taking of Latronia here it was I heard of the Death and Name of Cleobalus from this place I was carried to Pisidia to be sacrificed at the Temple of Jupiter to mention my Complaints and Lamentations the whole length of my Journey having left Agenoris without a Sepulcher in a Cave I should never find an end to my Discourse for I thought him dead and although the same night that I was carried away by Dyonisius I heard in the next Chamber to mine a Voice that resembled his I rather believed it to be his Ghost than him to be alive let it suffice to tell you that I did but change my misfortune in changing of place and it seemed as though Fate would preserve me from one disaster to make me fall into a greater for scarce had I been a day at the House of Dyonisius the Priest of Pysidia but Philander who was his youngest Son broke open the Gates where I was enclosed and carried me away from his Fathers House accompanied with three more Youths besides himself promising that if I would consent to marry him to render me the happiest Person in the World and to preserve my Life all his promises were unavailable to me the Visage of Agenoris had so deep an impression on my Soul that to extinguish the least Character of him was to take away my Life and whosoever could make me love any other Object must cause me to be born again and enrich me with a new Heart Philander thought nevertheless that time might sweeten this Natural Obstinacy that seemed to be in me and that at length Love might softly steal upon me with this hope he carried me away to Pamphilia where he had some acquaintance but as we were passing along through a large Forrest to go to the Town of Pezga which is near the Sea we saw our selves encompassed by Ten of the Kings Guard who were then pursuing a Syrian Gentleman as I know since who had secret Intelligence in Forreign parts and would endeavour to stir up the People to rebel against their Legitimate Soveraign and because Philander as they told us since did much resemble him they seized upon us and carried us to the King but when they had examined him more nearly they sent him again into his own Country without any farther trouble and the Queen of Pamphilia stayed me in spight of him having secretly understood that I was stolen away by him I remained sometime in this Kingdom and can without vanity say that there was neither Cavallier nor Lady at the Court but thought the sight of me a favour I must confess I was ashamed of receiving what I believed I so little deserved in a Prince's Pallace not onely because I knew nothing in me that could make me worthy of the least Favour they shewed me in a Place of that Splendor but because I knew how mean my Birth was and though I had Apparel and every thing else allowed me that was truly Magnificent yet I thought my self still in my Shepherdess Weed and though I also sometimes sate on Cloth of Gold I thought my self as it were seated on a Swelling Bank of chearful Green still keeping my homely Flocks But when I likewise thought on the Death of Agenoris for I could not be perswaded that he was alive I was no more capable of any Contentment I passed my dayes in perpetual Languishings and every Object I saw offended my sight I entreated the Queen then to permit me to go and end my days in Cyprus there was then a Pilot in the Port of Necopolis that was going towards Famagusta he put me under his protection but it was to engage me in new misfortunes for we were scarce got Forty Leagues from the Port but a Pirate took our Vessel and sunk her after he had taken all the Merchandize and all those that were in her out of her I was carried Captive to the Island of Rhodes and I escaped narrowly losing my Life there for these Pirates have a Custom to Sacrifice a Virgin to the God Neptune every time they go to make some Voyage and as bad luck would have it the lot fell upon me but as if Fate would seem to contadict it self the Priest became deeply in Love with me he hid me in the most retired place of his Lodgings and changed my Habit taking away every thing that he thought might render me remarkable and when the day of the Sacrifice came he took out of the Prison a young Grecian Virgin who had been taken about Ephesus and for whom they were in hopes of a great Ransome he Apparelled her in my Cloathes and brought her to the Sea side where she was Sacrificed in my place During the Ceremony and knowing that every Body was gone to see the Spectacle and that no Body could hinder me from going forth I took a Resolution to run away to deliver me from the slavery of so many Corsares the effect did happily answer my expectations I got clear of the Isle of Rhodes by favour of the