the honour of access unto you Madam and bid him get him Pen and Ink for that hee found himself yet strong enough to leave his last Will for his dear Sister under his own hand before he had made an end of it feeling his heart to fail him he charged Saradyn his Squire who is now yours to seal it with his Seal and give it to no hand but yours death came so fast upon him as he was constrain'd to leave it imperfect but he had so much reason as to see it Sealed in his presence ere he died I believe Madam by that I have collected from your words since my return his care did only tend to give you knowledge of our births and that to mitigate your sorrow for his death he would be first should tell you of his quality whose heart was vowed to you and whose services you had not scorn'd Then Orazia drew the Letter from her Pocket whereupon they wept again and after Anaxander had wip'd off his tears he thus went on to end his Story Madam said he as soon as brave Aronthus soul had taken flight among the Gods we caus'd his body to be pretiously embalm'd which though so inanimate wee accounted worthy of a Triumph if so the King thought good to grant that honour to his memory which could not be sufficiently perform'd towards so great a Prince we therefore sent a Post unto the King your Father to advertise him of what misfortune had befaln his only Son and that with common consent all the Army meant as soon as Visaporus should bee taken to conduct the Corps to Baticalus where we had understood the King with all his Court was gone since Lisimantus by his valour had regain'd it from the enemy and that we meant if he so pleased to accompany the pomp of his Funerals with that of his Triumph which he approved of Some few dayes after Saradin departed with the dead Princes Letter and we Madam drew right to Visaporus which was not three Leagues distant from us but first we summon'd them to yeeld themselves as we did also unto those of Goa Ballagate Chaul Bider and Danaget which were the Capitall Cities of Decan and which we would reduce under obedience to Orixa there was not one that made so much as shew of holding out against us but having lost their lawfull Lords and of themselves not able to maintain themselves they voluntarily submitted to the King your Father whose Authority they hop'd was much more pleasing and more honourable than the rule of two revolved slaves which only force had made them subject to Madam I fear to hold you over long if I should punctually relate you all that hapned us in Visaporus where soon the Gates were opened to us and if I should tell you all the joy and pleasures Piroxenus felt when he saw his dear and saithfull Orixa in a private house where she unknown to any other save her Nurse had liv'd under the name of Asteria know only Madam that there never was so great equality of transports or reciprocall embracements as they two exchang'd where I forbare not too to take my part as by the duty of my friendship I was bound without impediment to theirs Piroxenus began presently to talk of re-establishing his Spouse without expecting the King your fathers approbation with whose Forces only we had compass'd our designes but seeing that the heat of his passion moved him so forward I restrain'd him and far was that advised Princess to whom we had already told all our adventures and pretensions from pressing us thereto she would not give consent to be so much as known alive till we were known unto the King I mean said she to passe still for Asteria whiles my faithful husband goes for Calistenus and that Anaxander wears the name of Ariomant the gods forbid that ever I delight to reign alone or that I reckon the Decanians my Subjects till Piroxenus do receive the Oath of their Alegiance Go then said she present your selves unto the King of Narsinga like Princes as your are and you my faithfull husband do your best that solemnly our Marriage may again be shortly witnessed when Anaxanders and Orazias Weddings are solemnized We did as she commanded Madam and leaving her in a mean quality as she desir'd when we had left as Governor an old servant of Aronthus in the Castle of Visaporus we took our leaves of her and went to fetch the body where we left it which in the pomp you saw we followed to this City There Anaxander finished his History and his dear Orazia who for Orixas satisfaction as her own died almost in her longing desire that they should shew themselves unto the King for such as really they were pray'd them to be there again next evening to resolve how to contrive a matter of so great importance Meanwhile without more stay our faithfull Lovers interchang'd their Marriage faith which they confirm'd with mutuall kisses in the presence both of Piroxenus and of Lifimena too And being late they were compell'd to part untill next night although their hearts and inds were not at all divided THE INDIAN HISTORY OF AN AXANDER AND OF ORAZIA The fourth BOOK HAd the Princess been able to foresee the mischief which by Lisimantus Page the little Aquilant his treason was ordain'd them they would not have permitted his so free accesses to the Garden with them as they did I have already said he was a spie for Lisimantus who had gained him by flattery and gifts and having seen through certain rails the two Princes enter at a secret door into the Arbor without understanding either their discourse or complements imagining they had as much to say to Lisimena as to her companion Orazia he faild not on next morning early to advertise Lisimantus of it The Cavallier was yet in bed where notwithstanding his amorous thoughts had not allowd him any rest when that unfaithful Messenger came to disturb his mind more cruelly by that unhappy news than it had ever been Immediately as t is the common custom of men in love to think that only their Mistresses are look'd upon so great a power hath jealousie over the highest spirits he made himself believe that Ariomant for he knew not Anaxander but under that borrowed name was lov'd of Lisimena and since that a great courage endureth nothing more impatiently than scorn seeing another was admitted to his prejudice in private and imagining that that was the sole obstaele that hindred him from being lov'd of Lisimena he resolves him instantly to take revenge of both and to comprize as well Orazia as an accessary unto that Treason which they us'd towards him in that common losse But his generousness not suffering his choler in such sort to blinde him or to be led unto so base a revenge after a tedious consultation with himself at length his anger wholly bent to Anaxander and although himself had but three daies before assisted to
you did expect it with And if in times past the belly of a Queen from whence a Prince was to be born us'd to be crown'd I wonder not that you before the birth thereof approv'd it 'T will without doubt rellish again your palate which those ill lines of mine you have sometimes made me send you have much distasted It will afford you wherewithall to shorten the longest daies even of this season and means to entertain your self lone and reason too to thank me for my abence For to speak truth all visits will be uneasie to you during so sweet diversion as so fine a lecture hath prepared for you and whoever shall disturb you in it must undoubtedly receive your secret cuâ—se whatever complements good manners may oblige you to make shew of For me Madam who will have me believe my judgment not extremely ill and that my opinions are sound enough I must confesse that laying aside the love I bear the Author of this work I have observed many things therein which I would praise even in my enemy He will pardon me if I tell you he is one of the most acceptable liars I yet ever saw and it is very certain that I never complained of his cheats till he had done deceiving me because they lasted no longer I will not conceal my weaknesse I knew I saw the picture of a feigned thing and yet I felt as violent motions as the thing real would have stirred in me if it had been true and that I had beheld it with mine own eyes sometimes I was sorry and sometimes glad as Monsieur de Boys-Robert was pleas'd to tell me of good or ill fortune me though I was in earnest interested in the affairs of his imaginary Kings I had many fears for poor Anaxander which are beyond expression and Lisimantus misfortunes very littleless troubled my mind and in the very extremities I saw them both I offered vows for their safety at the instant when they were delivered miraculously In fine Madam although my heart be reasonably hard and my eyes not very inclinable to water some tears fell from me in spite of my teeth and I was asham'd that they were another mans dreams and visions which mov'd me to so feeling and so real sorrows and not my own evils It is a most tyranniâ—al power which a mans sense usurps over his reason and which manifestly shews us that the neighbourhood of the imagination is extrâ—mely contagious to the parts intellectual and that that proud creature which thinks 〈◊〉 made to command all others consists of a great deal more body than soul The Author of the Ethiopian History gave me many times such frights and I cannot at this day read him but with being deceiv'd As for other Romances you know I am not greedy of them and indeed the greatest part are 〈◊〉 Heliodorus's disguis'd or as the late â—ishop of Ayre said of the children that came to Theagenes and Cariâ—leas Marriage who so exactly resentbled their father and mother as not a hair difference I promise you Madam you shall here see what is new and the Courts true tongue speak of which you have so perfect a knowledge I confesse somewhat there is in some places a little like roesie and not entirely according to the strictnesse of our rules But I am told that those kinde of beauties become Romances and that all that manner of writing is without the reach of our jurisdiction Before I shut up my letter I have something pleasant to tell you of c. These Books are lately printed and are sold at the Kings Arms in Pauls Churchyard The Administration of Cardinal Richelieu containing the History of the most important Affâ—irs of Christendom more particularly of England from Anno 1624. to 1634 A Collection out of the best approved Authors containing neer six hundred several Histories of Visions Apparitions Prophecies Spirits Divinations and other wonderful Illusions of the Devil also of divers Astrological Predictions The Man in the Moon or a Discourse of a Voyage into the Moon by Domingo Gonzales Also Nuncius Inanimatus Englished A Restitution of Decayed Intelligence in Antiquities concerning the English Nation by the Study and Travel of Richard Verstegan The History and Character of the Bishopâ— in the Reigns of Q. Elizabeth and K. James written by Sir John Harrington The Magistrates Authority in matters of Religion Or the right of the state in the Church a Discourse written by the learned Hugo Groâ—ius Of Government and Obedience as they stand directed and determined by Scripture and Reason Four books by John Hall of Richmond Two Play 's of M. James Shirley The Constant Maid a Comedy and S. Patrick for Jreland That Excellent Tragedy of Bussie D' Ambois written by M. George Chapman The Philosophy commonly called the Morals written by the learned Philosopher Plutarch THE INDIAN HISTORY OF ANAXANDER AND OF ORAZIA The first BOOK As soon as the sad knowledge of Arontus death arrived at Baticalus where the King but late retired to enjoy the fruits of Lisimantus Victorie who had regained from his Enemies the Countrey of Canara As soon I say as that sad noise had run throughout the City all Sports and Passe-times ceast and their triumphant Tunes were chang'd to woefull Moanes and the unlook'd-for mourning which the Court put on spred suddainly thorowout the Kingdome of Narsinga which in that youthfull Prince had loft the flower of all their hopes This sorrow was so universall and this loss so generally felt that any man seem'd guilty without tears and none did dare although in publick to keep in his sorrow for fear of being judg'd persidious or a Traytor But the fair Orazia more than all with grief unspeakable receiv'd the knowledge of that loss and though her self obtain'd thereby three Kingdoms she could not yet endure the everlasting seperation from that only brother whom she so tenderly had loved and of whose dear regards of her she had so great assurances Her beauteous mouth which through excess of love had caused all the world to sigh sigh'd now its self through her excess of sorrow her lovely eyes which commonly were call'd the living Fountains of the Graces and of Loves were now but lasting springs of ever-flowing tears And though she strove her utmost to destroy that beauty by the clouds she daily cast upon them yet did they not forbear to send their beams abroad and shine with equall force as does the Sun sometimes betwixt two showers The Princess Lisimena whose society but lately was so sweet and acceptable to her and in whose bosome she was wont to lock in safety her displeasures and delights grew now uncapable of serving her with any consolation nay to speak truth her self much needed it This Goodly Princess whom late incensed war within the King her Fathers Country of â—eylan had drawn into those parts shar'd greatly in the common sorrow of the Kingdome which was then her sanctuary and seem'd as much
few dayes conducted hither drawn in a triumphant Chariot which shall accompany his pompous funerals It cannot be long ere they returne for the Decanians ravished with joy to be delivered from two slaves who have driven out all their blood Royall from their government came every day to yeeld themselves unto the valiant Ariomant and bring him still their City keyes and Castles likewise And that poor people incapable of defending themselves with pleasure rank them under the Kings dominion whose clemency they know as surely as his justice The fair Orazia not able at that time to learn more newes of her deer Ariomant with much impatience look'd for his return and still she sought her common comforts from Lisimena from whom she could not hide the new occasions of her joy nor yet conceal her Lovers birth which from her Brothers Letter which the Gods would not allow an end to she began to know But she conjur'd her she should keep it secret and make no mention of it till a fitter season Mean while for her diversions and to beguile the time of Ariomants absence she often talked with Saradin and made him repeat the prayses which she already had tasted with so much content in his behalf whom more than all the world she lov'd And because she would make Saradin entirely hers whose faithfulnesse she knew unparallel'd her chief squire being slain in the battell she chose Saradin to succeed him to which she got the King her Fathers consent who was much pleas'd to give him that reward as worthy of his long good services If hitherto I have not spoken of that great Monarchs sorrow and excessive grief for losse of his dear son upon whose magnanimity and valour he had built his rest and hopes 't is to speak truly that I hold his woes unspeakable Besides in telling you the little strength he had to meet that unexpected newes and the despair which more than once had tempted him to do violence on himself I fear to lay a blemish on the other actions of his life Let us forget his sorrows and his over-passion then and call to mind the constancy wherewith he shortly after arm'd himself and resolution which he took to honour as his army had desir'd his deer Arontus memory and funerals He alwayes kept the brave Lisimantus with him and so much valued the courage of that invincible Knight as that he dar'd not in his presence shew his great resentments and truly 't was from him he had more comfort than from any other being a man who had despis'd a thousand deaths and one who though his life were glorious for a thousand brave exploits yet found no sweetness in it for the bloody discoutentments he each day received in the scorn of beautious Lisimena But whiles accommodations are preparing to solemnize the funerall pomps of that Prince whom they expect and whose body glorious though without a soul craves the honour of a triumph 't is requisite that by the way I tell you somewhat of this Lisimantus who for his vertue merits in this place to have a short abridgement of his life recorded He was a Souldier under fortunes banner who from his infancy being given a Page unto the Princess Lisimena and after given again unto the King of Zeilan her father as you shal see in the sequell of this story from step to step advanc'd him by his courage and by his excellent conduct rose to the greatest charges in the Kingdom and so far forth as after Arbiran's death he followed him and was made generall of that great Army which hath of late triumphed over the King of Maldives All the Indian Chronicles are full of memorable actions by him done in that long war and you shall by and by learn from his own mouth the reason why to take upon him the name of Lisimantus he forsook his own a name he borrowed from the King his Masters only daughter to whom from his first rising he was bold to send sighs and amorous aspects The fair Lisimena so was the Princess cald besides a private inclination which she had to cherish that accomplisht Knight for his own merits sake did yet besides account her self oblig'd thereto for great and noted services which every day he did unto the Crown of Zeilan whose chief support and prop he was but the great courage of her heart and honour which she valued more than all things else caused her to undervalue in her thoughts the secret love of that unknown young man whom she had seen to come so poorly fitted to the King her Fathers Court who knew no more than she his birth and could not enough wonder at the boldness which he took not only to send forth his looks towards her but even to sigh in presence of her whiles the whole Court saw and knew it because it was a Law throughout the Indes that a Princess could not marry but her equall nor without much dishonour suffer the addresses of a man who were not Kingly born And in some parts the Law was more severe than others as in the Kingdome of Decan where death was added to the shame of that Princess who should unequally dispose her self Which is at present yet the Custom among the Negres as well of the Kingdome of Cambaye as Calecut and all the parts of Malabar Not one however dar'd to speak his thoughts of Lisimantus open love envy it self was silent as well for that they knew the greatness of his humour as the respect which they were bound to owe the power of his command wherein he did so worthily acquit himself The King observed him as well as others but that his wisdome did oblige him to distemble what he saw because in truth he was very necessary as the chiefest instrument of that revenge he had ordained for his greatest enemy the King of Maldives who had for wantonnesse assaulted him and sworn his ruin But for fear of causing greater passion which he daily saw to grow in Lisimantus it seem'd him best to separate his daughter for some time and send her to his brothers in Law and friend the King of Narsingus Court to keep her Cousin Orazia company He wanted not a colour for this act for they had lately understood by an intelligencer that the King of Maldives who was then lately beaten in two sea fights by Lisimantus made great preparation to besiege the City of Colombo where the King of Zeilan commonly held his Court and he conceiv'd he should have lesse cause to fear when as his daughter who was the greatest treasure that he had though in his Countries Pearl and Emeraulds Saphires are found aboundantly should remain in safety This resolution he no sooner took but put in execution and sent his only daughter who long since lost her Mother to Narsinga with an equipage which well became her greatnesse Lisimantus would most gladly have diverted that voyage had he dared and had opposed his courage to the Kings
fear if that he should not have too openly declared himself and with insolency abused the prosperity of his fortune and his Armes this made him hide his discontent and yeelding to necessity permitted her to go away who had fomented still his courage and was cause of all the goodly actions he had done It was indeed the King of Maldives project to besiege the City of Colombo that in some sort he might repair his severall assronts receiv'd in many Sea fights But by the impatient courage of Lisimantus he was prevented who sinding they were slow in comming and perceiving how the King his Masters Forces were augmented by the late ayd sent by the King of Narsinga his Brother in Law thought sit to prevent the enemy and go lay battery to Bandos his chiefest fortresse which was not far from the Isle of Male where then he made his war-like provisions And that which put him upon the enterprize was that he had intelligence within the place he proposed it to the councill of warre who approv'd thereof and was so happy as his plot succeeded for the King his Masters advantage he took that Castle under the King of Maldives nose who was come to succour it sunck divers of his great ships and in a word to finish all his victories he defeated absolutely the King of Maldives who fled into the farthest parts of the Isles of Palandurus he got all his Countries wherewith he enlarged his Masters and did such notable things and worthy of admiration as will never be forgotten as you shall more at large perceive in the fifth Book of this History for I mean now to tell you only what adventures brought him to the City of Baticalus No sooner was he return'd victorious into the Island of Zeilan but the King had notice that the two revolted slaves the faithlesse Rozalcan and his Brother Zabain who had usurp'd the Kingdome of Decan and driven out of all their lawfull Princes not contented with the Signiories of those twelve mighty Provinces would yet augment themselves at the charges of the King of Narsinga from whom already they had taken the Country of Canara which bordered on them and lay convenient for their purpose As soon as the King of Zeilan knew hereof having no more to fear now from the King of Maldives whose pride was well abated though nothing more than how to succour and revenge his friend his neighbour and allie the King of Narsinga to whom he sent back his Troops adding as many of his own subjects under the conduct of Lisimantus whose service by the same occasion he presented him if in the present necessity of his affairs he thought him needfull You may imagine if our Heros who did seek but new occasion to employ his courage in was very glad to find it in a place where he was sure to see the sweetest object of his thoughts he did not run he flew unto it and being arriv'd at Bisnagar where then the King of Narsinga was he had the honour to divide the Royall Army with the Prince Arontus only heir to those great Kingdoms of Narsinga Bisnagar and of Orixa But Arontus as great reason was did choose and took the greatest and the hardest task to undergo Lisimantus then with those Troops which he brought out of Zeilan were sent to re-obtain the Country of Canara from the enemies and the Prince Arontus led his Army into the Kingdome of Decan resolving to root out those two slaves which had revolted from their Prince and caus'd so many and so divers mischiefs he therein bore himself so bravely that having met them in the field and with the pride of all their Army he gave them battail he slew Zabain with his own hand and aided by the valour of Ariomont and Callistenus had so glorious a success as that he rooted out those Monsters of whom the one as I have said with his own hand he slew but from the other had his mortall wound who was then presently tane prisoner by and by shall serve to adorn the Funerall Triumph of that Prince falln in his victory and whom to sorrow for we begun already Before those passags in Decan Lisimantus had already done so well his duty as he regain'd the Province of Canara so famous for those three Cities Onor Mangalor and Baticalus and after he had put to death or banisht far enough from thence all those who had been constant to those slaves who faith-less had oppos'd themselves against his power he sent a post to give knowledge of it to the King of Narsinga which when he understood as well because he would enjoy the fruits of that valiant Cavaliers victory as for his neer being to Decan and sooner having advertisements from his Son he left the great City of Bisnagar removed his whole Court to Baticalus wich heretofore had been the antient burying place of the first Kings of Narsinga when they aboad in the Country of Canara and shall serve shortly in the same stead unto the generous Arontus There 't was that Lisimantus saw again the dearest object of his passion there 't was that all his great desires awaked and where he thought having orecome his enemies he should obtain fair Lisimena But though that beautious Princess knew sufficiently Lisimantus merits and was not ignorant of one of all those services he did her Father the evill relish of his petty birth diverted her from loving him and from his conversation too for fear lest those perfections which she noted in his mind and body might at length gain on her and light a fire which was already kindling in her heart which then she might not know to quench The fair Orazia knew all the secrets of her soul as she had likewise opened hers to Lisimena and whiles each entertained other with their amorous resentments there came a Post from the King of Zeilan who crav'd again his daughter and pray'd the King of Narsinga to send her back because there was no stir or trouble now within his Countries But this news greatly grieved Orazia who was like to lose and may be lose for ever that deer Princess unto whom besides so neer a bloud so great and perfect friendship had united her However little was that sorrow to another which befell her shortly after by the arivall of a Post come from Decan who as I said brought her the wofull newes of her only brother Arontus death But for we have already mentioned the honours meant unto him although dead and the provisions fitted for his triumph Let us go on in our story and renew no more the plaints and griefs which but too oft already I have for a losse so generall repeated Scarce had a Month been spent since that sad news had entred Baticalus when a Post from Ariomant came to the King to give him notice of his Victorious Armies coming home which waited on the glorious body of his Son Immediately that valiant King forgetting or dissembling
communicate they lay that night together which they spent in pleasing talk till next day administred more ample cause of joy for though this pleasure seemed to have respect alone to Ariomant Callistenus who so intirely loved him participated also of it and so much as very neer to shew the same impatience and desire If now Prince Ariomant for his part languisht in that amorous expectation The fair Orazia lived in a sweet unquietness on hers little that night she rested and the dry once come she numbred every hour and minute of the same she thought a thousand times the sun had slack'd his wonted course and dream'd on nothing but the silence of a night more happy than the former that with more conveniency she might again behold him whose gracefulness and sweet behaviour form'd themselves a thousand times that day to her imagination Her wishes when the Sun had set were granted for insteed thereof she saw her deerest Ariomant appear whose sight was more pleasing unto her eyes and warmth more acceptable to her soul he with his friend thought first to have been at the place but found himself prevented by the Princess great impatience who had scarce given Lisimena time to end her Supper for her hast to draw her to that pleasing and delightfull place She was of brown but clear complexion as all the beauties commonly of Asia are But in all Europe was not found a favour more exact nor delicate than hers she had no part of all her face which was not accompanied with speciall graces and eyes which for their sweetness might be feared had yet more boldness to acquire mens hearts than others When she went to find the Princess Lisimena in her Chamber she had cast carelesly about her a kind of Indian garment of black Sattin without any other Ornament than a cutwork very delicate wherewith her smock was edged and turn'd back upon her garment about her neck she only wore a bobbin her hair was black and curl'd by nature into slaves hung in some places on her neck whose lustre was the more set off and though it was in careless manner that it hung yet seem'd it not without a kind of art 'T is true her mourning did require more modesty than at that time her habit shew'd and yet did Lisimena think her too severe Sister said she so much mourning does not become you well on this occasion where nothing but content should be exprest and therewithall rather in jest than earnest she untied her string from her neck and in its room hung on a string of costly Pearl which lay upon her Table next under colour of the heat which was not over she trust her foresleeves up unto her elbowes and delivered her a rich Bracelet of Diamonds which she wore her self pull'd off her Gloves that her fair hands might shew themselves and took away the Handkerchief that hid her neck and would not conceal from Ariomant a part of her perfections After this manner Lisimena accompanied her deer Orazia to her closet wraped with leaves without more company than little Aquilant whom they distrusted not and bore his Mistress train for that she had not time enough for haste to make her self unready A very little time had they been there when Ariomant together with his faithfull friend Callistenus slid secretly into the door which lay towards the City and whereof he had the key delivered him Many and happy were the complements that past on either side But though there be no excellency wherewith they were not accompanyed and all their words selected such as love form'd in their mouths delighting to propose and answer for our Lovers I forbear repeating of them lest the Readers take offence and because Ariomant perceiv'd by Orazia's discourse that she yet knew not his extraction and that she long'd to know it from his mouth which he would gladly have excused if manners would have let him But seeing no way how he could refuse at length being all four sat and that their silence witnessed their defires to hear he thus began to say THE HISTORY OF ANAXANDER AND OF ORAZIA The second BOOK MOst fair and vertuous Princess seeing you desire to know who I am and from my own mouth to learn the History of mine and the companion of my misfortunes my deer Friend Callistenus his Life I am most willing to obey you and although our Crosses have been great and perillous our voyage more than common yet find I more contentment than displeasure in reflecting on them when I call to mind how you are the sole object of our hazards and that for your love only we have undertaken them But ere I ship me in that long discourse 't is fit I justifie the good opinion you have of my birth that if our merits be not equall you may at leastwise find our qualities as like as our affections and that you may be able to make good the honour you have done me to accept my service ere you very well had known me It cannot be but you have often heard of Alcidaris who being descended from the great Tamberlin and only remainder of his race hath to the Empire of Cambaye joyn'd the Kingdoms of Dulcinde Candahar and Mandao and who at present with your Father shares the Soveraignty of all the Indes From him 't is Madame whence I derive my self who hath bred me in the hope of all his Kingdomes which surely I should scorn but for the hope I have to reign in them one day with you Hereat the Princess Orazia could not conceal her joy of heart to be beloved by so great a Prince but interrupting him did say that both the greatnesse and deservings of Alcidaris were as the Sun so known unto her But reply'd Ariomant because we are not so neer neighbours but that many Hills and Rivers separate us and for it may be you have never heard of all the passages of my Fathers Life which do concern my Story I must briefly tell you that this Prince at five and twenty yeares of age was Heir unto the Kingdome of Guzarat which you call otherwise Cambaye he married more for policy of state than force of love the Princess Berenica who was only daughter and heir unto the King of Candahar and of Mandao his neighbour and his tributary who shortly after died and by that match enlarged his limits to the Northern parts even to the Mountain of Nogrocot which the Greeks call Paropamisse from whence the famous River Indus springs which but for only watering our Lands gives name to all the Indes But this unhappy Queen who did Idolatrise her Husbands vertues liv'd but a short time with him after her fathers death but on whole year wherein she gave him all imaginable proofes of perfect love and so far forth as having in her self free power she gave him be it whether the child wherewith she went did live or otherwise her two fair Crowns and just as soon as she
such as had our names in question us'd to say that if we were not above seventeen years of age we might procure the envy of the most expert and accomplisht Knights of Gouzarat I ask you humble pardon Madam if in this or any other part of my discourse I chance to speak in commendation of my own exploits since I have said already that the gods dispos'd my humour like to Piroxenus and therefore cannot without prejudice to him speak meanly of my self and seeing we have both pursu'd the same adventures there is no glory which I may have stollen but he shareth with me in the theft We were of eighteen years compleat before we felt the smallest sense of Love and did enjoy all harmless pleasures that our age aloud If sometimes wearied with our exercise or tired with Hunting we frequented Dancing Matches and bestowed our time in visiting of Ladies t was only for civility or manners sake or rather through perswasions of Evander who finding us to have obtain'd enough of what he shew'd us said often to the King we wanted nothing but a little Love and that the least time we should take delight to spend with Ladies would accompish us for people of breeding because said he Love hath this proper to it self to waken and refine the mind and raise it to high meditations making it likewise able for most glorious undertakings With such discourses likewise did he often entertain us wherein we much delighted and sure we were like those who from a far discover beauteous prospects but know not what waies lead unto them we every day saw store of beauties within the City of Campanel where commonly Alcidaris does hold his Court but in their faces found not the effects of good Evanders words But on a day being in the Queen Anaxareta's Closet where least of any thing I thought of Love that god upon a suddain made me know his power and let me see that if till then he had omitted me t was only by a favour extraordinary to reserve me pure and whole to serve the most incomparable Orazia Being I say within the Queen my mothers Closet where certain Merchants of Arabia which traded into China were allowed to enter and had about them all the rarities of those parts they had past through They unfolded among others that they had a Picture which surpriz'd the eyes of all the Curt and made them instantly confest that if it were a piece drawn by the life the Lady that it represented was the greatest beauty of the world you are not much deceiv'd said one of the Merchants for t is an original after the Princesse Orazia drawn by a Chinois Painter now abiding in the Kingdom of Narsingus at a great allowance of the Kings as being the renowned Painter of the Indies And this fair Orazia is sole daughter to that mighty King worthy indeed more for her rare perfections to nommand all men than for her great descent No sooner had I cast my eyes upon that beauteous Picture but suddenly I found an alteration in my heart and was a certain augure of my new Loves birth Piroxonus who could read my sccret thoughts know by my change of face and my reiterated commendations of that piece that it had touch'd me more than pictures use to do The Queen on t' other side perceiv'd I had a liking to it and though she had a purpose to have kept it for her Closet she bestowed it on me and as deer a present I esteem'd it as the life she gave me I therefore took it with me and it soon became the most invaluable part of all my goods I could not hide from my deer Piroxenus the delight I took therein he was the witness of my transports and my exstacies which often in his presence with such meditations I accompanied O worthy inasterpiece of Art as the great beauty you present must be of Nature can it be possible that you should have at first more power upon me than so many living wonders who so long in vain have sought to snare my liberty and that your sweetness without motion which but in shadows and in lines is repreented here can kindle in my soul so pure and living flames Indeed I thought that the divinity of whom you aâ—â— the image did communicate its power but unto Love alone and that he only was allow'd to take from her fair eyes the fiery shafts where with he burneth all the World and yet I by this table see a mortal hath by force of his imagination shared reputation with a god and burns me with the shafts which he hath drawn from the incomparable Orazias charms Piroxenus seeing that in carnest I was taken did what he could to please my passion which by so great a beauty was so justly caused and was the first that to deliver me from my continuall thoughtfulness advis'd that we might secretly make a journey to Narsinga and that it was high time to manifest our selves in some brave action and that besides an universal peace being throughout the Countries of Alcidaris we should go some where else to seek adventures both of Love and Armes Judge you fair Princess if this were acceptable counsel yea or no and whether a greater testimony of my deer Cozins friendship could be given me I must confess if he prevented me t was only by his speech for all my purposes were that way bent and if I had been so unhappy as that he had been of other mind I must confess before him here I should have hazarded to leave him and that a meer necessity would force my separation from him to go joyn me to the fairest and most excellent part of my soul After that time we often used to retire in private that more freely we might talk of my new passion and to consider how to steal away unknown but we could not so conceal our entertainments but the wise Evander who at all hours came into my Closet did surprize us and had learned something of my Love but not of our design for though in earnestness of talk we might sometimes be loud yet held we at the least noise made for fear of being discovered But one day looking I know not how before he entred through a crany of the door and finding â—â—our talk some kinde of action he had a mind to hearken to us but the thickness of the door and length of the whole room betwixt us took away the sound except of some few words and he could collect no more but that we spake of Love and of a Picture and of Orazia How ever he was very glad to see we did begin to rouze our selves a little and to finde by our discourse our stony hearts began to mollifie But coming suddainly upon us and at an instant husht he could not chuse but make a little war upon us and especially on me Indeed said he Anaxander having but two daies been in love you are a good practitioner
scandal for we sometimes spend a good part of the night as scarless of the air as our domesticks who are acquinted with the pleasing freedom of our secret entertainment No creature hears us nor is there entred in the garden but a little Page who holds a Torch ready to light us at the door when we return unto our chambers Wherefore the Prince seeing there was no danger in so long communication shewing all due obedience to the Princesses proceeded thus in his discourse THE INDIAN HISTORY OF ANAXANDER AND OF ORAZIA The third BOOK THe customary prayers for our souls before they cast us into the fire were begun when as that Bramin which had serv'd the Princess and who since her comming to herself had leasure to cast about his sight look'd earnestly into my face which formerly he had not done and being he had spent all the last year in the King my fathers Court where he had opportunity enough to note me Unfortunate Prince said he to me for doubtless if my eyes deceive me not you must be Anaxander son and only heir unto the great Alcidaris King of Guzarat what desparation may have made you hide your name and birth and so prefer a shamefull death before a happy Marriage Born as you are a Prince and above all I know accomplished this Kingdome Laws have no pretension to your life since you are he who have enjoy'd the Princess favours Boldly then shew your self for t is yet time and with one word believe me you may save her life and honour and your own I was exceedingly indeed surpriz'd for being known for thought it would have troubled me enough to die it would much more have grieved me to live with such an infamy as to have matried a wife who had been bedded by another and who had nere been thought upon by me the last consideration therefore ruled me and thus I answered him Good father you are not the first that have mistaken me for the Prince Anaxander a whole City have been deceiv'd as well as you for comming out of Persia whence originally I am about some twelve or fifteen months since with a purpose to â—ee all the Indes and especially these parts where I imagin'd not to finde such barbarism I passed through the great City of Campanol where King Alcidaris holds his Court and was amaz'd tâ— see that every body saluted and made me great obeysance as I pust the streets To be short I found they took me for the Prince and even the King himself who saw me was transported at the great resemblance and detained me there some while with him and sent me afterwards away with costly presents No No said he to me no halting before Criples I am no whole City I have but two eyes but you cannot deceive me for you are even the same I mean nor hath the apprehension you may have of death so changed you but that I know you Anaxander and desery the fraud of your disguisement For howsoever should you not be glad to be esteemed such a one as if it did not wholly save it might at least prolong your life and see I not that you deny your self for nothing else but through a brute aversion in you to contractia Princess whom you have abus'd but I profess unto you Anaxander that her life and honor and contentment are more dear to me than your chimeraes And therefore Gentlemen said he to the Guard while went by the Chariot go tell the King that for the honor of hi-daughter and his house t is sit to stop the execution and that I have found out a truths which doubtlesly will ravish him with joy Then instantly one of the Troop went to adveruse the King hereof and in the interimâ— some went to a Fountain which was in the great place for water to cast into the Princess face who was scarce come out of her swounding when a Captain of the Kings Guard accompanied with an unknown old man divided the throng with an incredible diligence crying withall their might to have the execution stay'd hold the King commands it Immediately a very great noise was moved through the whole assembly and followed with great acclamations of joy for there was not one of all the company who was not touched at our fortune and shed not tears for our distress And surely all were much amazed at the comming of the Captain of the Guard for our deliverance for that the officer who went to advertise the King was but then gone and all men thought he must have had some notice from elswhere which notwithstanding had not secur'd our lives had not the Bramin so much observed me as to know who I was and sure this last means had arriv'd too late for that there was not any ceremony more which might retar'd the execution As soon as the Captain whom they made room for was advanced as far as where we were the old man who accompanied him did all he could to cast his arms about my neck but not able to reach me for that the Chariot was somwhat high Anaxander said he my dear Anaxander my Prince and Sovereign Lord what evill fortune hath guided you to this sad place and you dear Piroxenus what have you done to have deserv'd this cruell usage My dear children for so may I call you since from your infancy you have had under me your education is it a dream or reall act of your ill destiny which makes me finde you in this lamentable taking and after such a tract of infinite misfortunes which have crost me since your absence is it possible the gods would give me this much happiness to see you ere I die and guide me to this Country at the instant when you must have otherwise been put to death You may imagine Madam whether I were surpriz'd finding it was the wise Evander who spake to us whom the King my father had ordain'd our Governor and unto whom I bare as great repect as if he had been my father Wherefore howsoever much I was afflicted and notwithstanding any resolution I had taken to conceal my self I could not chuse but shew him tokens of my friendship and answer with my tears that tenderness of his so that none doubted but I was the man for whom indeed the Bramin took me Piroxenus who till then had neither wept nor said one word because the greatness of his grief had drown'd his senses and shut up the powres of his soul waking as from a most deep sleep by the found of Evanders words and seeing they were like to be delivered from that danger hich he thought inevitable or that at least their deathâ—should be deferr'd he somewhat recollected his spirits and exchanging tears and kinde embraces with the old man he did for him what for Orixa he could not The Princess only remain'd silent as of all most surprized and amazed and through wonderfull displeasure she conceiv'd at my denying her had her whole mind
Immediately the guard that was with Evander bound the poor Lisimantus as he lay in bed so weak but half recovered of his hurts and seaz'd on Zenobus as well whom with his friend they put into a Chariot to carry them without delay to the City of Catupanel where the King of Cambaya was The people of Bazain when they knew that those two prisoners which passed in the Chariot had slain their Prince Anaxander for the acceptable news of whose safety they had lately made Bonefires were so provoked as had it not been for Evanders authority which restrained them I verily believe they had stoned to death those two unhappy ones or else dismembred them alive On the other part the generous Lisimantus having from the first known for what cause he had been used so rigorously by a man from whom be had received so much countesse â—epented him but too late for having named him whom he abought he had seperated from the world and whom till that time he had taken but for an ordinary Knight but seeing that after the Laws of hospitality so sweetly observed in favor of him so great inhumanity was used towards him his great courage could no longer commin and addressing himself to Evander who accompanied him on horseback compassed about with Halberts What means all this my father said he must I be like those ancient sacrifices which were wont to be crowned with flowers before their being slain do you believe that all those praises you have given me and flowers of Rhetorick which you have prodigally wasted in my behalf do make your cruelty the sweeter what cursed custom is it you practise to make such fair appearance to those you do design for punishment like those Sea-monsters who seeming amiable charm the passengers with their pleasing voice for no other end but to destroy them Is' t after that sort you are hospitable to strangers Is' t so you use the afflicted who seek their shelter in your arms when they are under persecution of their evill fortune Evander withdrew himself behinds the Chariot for fear he might be forry his heart was in such manner wounded as he considered but his own grief and in that sense of his Lords death was nothing moved by Lisimantus reproaches or complaints But in the mean time that the false news of Anaxanders death shall with him be carried to the King of Cambaya at Campanel le ts make a turn into Narsinga to see how he does of his wounds and the Kings departure from Baticalus to return for Bisnagar As soon as that magnanimous Prince had answered Pirobus his demand and that he had sent him back laden with presents and honors and having no more to do in the Province of Canara and finding that notwithstanding the strict search of the Combatants no news was to be had after having placed a new Governor over Baticalus in Zenobus his stead he departed with his whole Court but carried with him his resentment and wrath against those who with so much impudence had violated his Edict and resolv'd where ever they were found to punish them with rigor The fair Orazia who saw him willfull in that bloody resolution was much disquieted and her heart troubled with divers and sundry motions when she perceiv'd the Court drew neer to Saradins Castle wherein was hid the richest treasure of her soul if on the one side her fear of his discovery did trouble her the pleasure of her hope to see him was so acceptable as both compar'd her joy was greater than her sorrow and her hope prevail'd above her fear At worst she thought the danger of his being found in that place would not be great because it would be easie for her to prove his birth as well by Arintus declaration whose letter she kept as by Lisimena's testimony who had heard all the adventures of his life However though she found much safety in all these proofs shew was not with out fear when the King whom she saw so severe entred the Castle she at first imagined that some of Saradins people who had seen the two Princes comming might for hope of recompence betray them but she was soon assured by the Master of the house who answered for the truth of those that guarded them and who promis'd she should see them if she might trust one off her women for they were lodged over her Chamber He had forbidden the way to that retired part of the house making the harbengers believe that they were Store-houses where he had set certain Houshold-stuff and reserv'd it for himself alone and those who had care of the princes and the way to go unto them when he pleased In so much as when night came the Princesses who would lye together they often did feigning to be weary of their journey retired betimes and would not suffer any of their women to lie that night in their Chamber they only call'd for a watch light for Orazia seemed as if she would read in her bed When they were laid they sent away their women not daring to trust any one of them and when every body was asleep they rose softly cloathed one the other to go to Saradin who expected them at the door and was to conduct them where the two Princes were Orazia would never endure that any other should have knowledge of that important secret which she would have conccaled even from her dear Lisimena however well she was assured of her faith fulness had not her company been then so necessary to her This fair stranger Princess had never been at ease since Lisimantus combat for as I have already said she Iov'd him secretly in her heart although her glorious courage never suffered her to shew it and for she had understood nothing of him she feared somewhat worse had besaln him than had to Anaxander and what was grievous to her was that she dar'd not openly enquire after him besides that very few were able to say what had become of him But Orazia promis'd her to enquire of Piroxenus who better than any other could tell whiter hee were alive or not being he who had advanced himself to purt them and who had found them in the lamentable case which I have told you Each then cast a robe about her and fitted their hair as well as they could and their naturall graces surpassing all that art could adde unto them they thus went to the sick Princes Lodgings where Saradin conducted them As soon as Anaxander saw appear before his eyes the onely beauty of the world which hee adored accompanyed with her dear and faithfull Lisimena My Ladies cryed he out is it possible that you have done me this honor take so much pains for a subject of so mean importance Recover your self once brave Anaxander answered Orazia and you shall see of what importance your health is to my contentment But I conjure you to conceal your self as much as you can whiles you are in our Countreys for
of all Atollon in the Province of Padipol but the poor Arbiran was slain when he had don a thousand memorable exploits of valour This our irreparable losse was so felt by all the Army and in such sort troubled it not knowing where to go for counsel and not daring yet to trust its conduct to my youth although I were Lieutenant to the Admiral that we returned without doing any thing and without so much as leaving a Garison in the place we had taken I bare with great impatience truly the sorrow of that losse and at my return I had the honor to be comforted by the Kings own mouth who better than any other knew the cause I had to be afflicted But alas it was not from him I look'd for the healthful remedies of my sensible griefs one only word from Lisimenaes mouth had comforted me not only for the losse of my friend but also of my heart in serving her and of all the troubles I endured for her But I was very far from the hope of that favor she shun'd me more than before and her scorns which I could not endure by little and little choack'd the respect which remained for her in my soul As though nature had made me sensible of what I was I thought in my self that I deserved a milder usage and if not as a Lover yet in the quality of Lisimenaes Knight I deserv'd a freer accesse unto her than she gave me I could not conceal my displeasure but gave my passion so much considence as it came to the Kings cars as I have since known who feigned to know nothing because I was so necessary for his service however he feared lest that affection might take too deep root in my heart and besides the extravagance which I might shew to all the Court I might do him ill service and make my self unworthy to command his Armies if I should lose the Mastery of my self He therefore removed from my sight that divine object upon a pretence favorable enough to his distrust for as after Arbirans death I had very ill handled the Maldives in two or three rancounters who were put to sea to repair their losses and former outrager they resolved to make one final attempt and having shut up all their Ports lest news might be brought us of their design they prepared a great and mighty Fleet to powre on us but they could not work so privately but that a Spie came to advertise us of their enterprizâ— and assur'd us that all that great preparation was for the City of Collombo which these Barbarians had a purpose to besiege by Sea and Land The King who commonly aboad in that Capital City of his Kingdom thought not his daughter which was his most precious jewel in too great a surety there insomuch as for delivering her from my troublesome sute and to secure her from the enemies in vasion whose threatnings he thought not â—iâ— to scorn he sent her to her Unkle the King of Narsinga to accompany her fair Cousin Orazia untill the troubles of Zeylan were over Judge Sir by what I have told you of my Love if this seperation must be grievous to me however I must bear it and constrain my self in the Kings sight who observ'd me more than he was wont to see if my spirit were chang'd or whether I had rigor enough to digest that trouble without distraction I was indeed very happy in my constancy to resist my resentment in that occasion where it may be any other than my self might have suffered himself to be overcome for the King who had a very good opinion of my courage believing I had quire forgotten that passion which kindled in my heart by Listmenaes presence only did me the honor with the general consent of the whole Army to make me heir of all Arbirans command As soon as I found the whole force of the Kingdom in my hands a new desire of glory entred my heart and seeing that our enemies were slow in comming to us and that they could not be a long time ready I perswaded the King to give way that I might go and assault them in the Isle of Bandos neer the City of Male where I had intelligence What more shall I say all succeeded happily unto me as you have known from others and in spire of all the King of Maldives strength who came with a powerful Army to hinder my design I took the Câ—stle of Bandos which was of greatest importance of all for keeping of his thirteen Provinces or Atollous whereof I became master within the spaâ—r of eighteen months and having defeated himself with all his power I compelled him to sâ— into the remotest parts of the Island of Palandurus I had pursued him even there but that I pirried the misery of that poor Prince who wanted no courage and who intruth would have done things worthy of his birth if fortune had but seconded his ambition I contented my self them to have augmented the King of Zeylans possessions by the whole extent of the Kingdom of the Maldives where when I had left good Garisons I returned Victorious to Tanadarus honored by the King and reverenc'd by all his Subjects who could not but admire at my prosperities and who imputed to me only that particular favour of the heavens to accomplish all my enterprizes Scarce had I the refreshment there of one whole month for we being advertised that Rozalcan and Zabain who to make themselves Lords of the Kingdom of Decan by a cruel and tyrannous usurpation had again dared to assault the King of Narfinga from whom we had had so great aids in all our Wars and necessities The King without expecting his defire of succours from him sent back all his Troops which had assisted him in the Conquest of the Maldives and having added half so many of the best Souldiers in his Army unto them which he must else have dismissed he commanded me to lead them and present them to his brother in law and that I should receive directions from him of what we had to do for his service It would be needlesse for me to tell you what I did after I had the honor done me to have the Command of the Army divided between the Prince Arontus and my self and after what manner I regain'd the Country of Canara which had been usurped from the King of Narsinga I know Sir that you can speak of all those matters as well as they that did them and that nothing since the death of Arontus hath passed whereof you have not had very faithful relations Wherefore I will return again to my Love and tell you some particulars of that sad passion which more than ever renewed in my soul at the sight of Lisimena whom I found in the Kingdom of Narsinga But I know not how I shall yet remember that ungrateful beauty who hath alwaies been so cruel to me and to oppresse me with misfortune and disgrace hath caus'd me
that the poor for knew it was in earnest they mockt him and that they restrained not themselves as when he was taken for the Prince and Heir of Goâ—zarate Admire the weaknesse inconstancy of men it was not two bours before that this young man was adored of all the People and followed of the whole Court and however extravagant he were on the belief men had that he was born a Prince they honoured him as a god although they knew he was a shame and reproach to the Kingdom and behold in one hour Fortune overturning in him what soever was thought she had establih'd everlastingly every body leaves him and that supposed rank which they feared and disguis'd their faces with a feigned approbation of his follies being known for counterfeit they freely scoff'd at the poor wretch who soon became the sport of the whole Court The King however had some kinde of pitty on him and truly were it only but for that this poor unhappy creature had had the honor to carry the title of Prince and to passe some years for the Kings only son it was just this that somewhat should be assur'd him during his life which might take him out of that abject condition where it to his rudenesse had east him again The King then finding that he was half in dispence concerning his greatnesse resolv'd to put him wholly out of his errour and to tell him how that supposal grew But said he Eurimedes for you must retain that name henceforth which is you fathers because I will be known to be kinde and charitable and that I will nor forsake what I have once set in honor and credit Ask me any title or other thing which may be fit for you in my Kingdom and you shall gladly have it Every man expected he should have craved some high condition where profit might be joyn'd with honor but he deceiv'd the company when above all things with a smiling countenance and see ling nothing at all of his past sorrow he desired he might have that poor wench of the Town whom he had in times past so well liked The great Aleidarts could not abstain from laughing and turning him towards the Queen and Lisimantus Truly said he Nature doth what she doth very well giving ordinarily mean thoughts to low souls as noble hearts she maketh capable of glory and of high desires Yes said he Eurimedes take her but when thou are married to her upon what wilt thou live for I believe my son will not let thee enjoy his revenue nor those other things which thou usurpedst from him Hereat the poor blockhead lost his joy again and not knowing what to answer the King assur'd him of a good Pension and his father for his faithfulness a better and the better to please the whole Court which could not enough honor his dear Lisimantus he sent one of his guard to fetch the Maid and all her friends and presently gave her to Eurimedes who as easily forgot all his greatnesses as if he never had possessed them and bounded all his glory and ambition with the possession of that woman his equal Lisimantus was yet very pale as well by reason of the wounds he had received from his brothers hand as for the little rest he had had in that dark prison where the Cambaiansâ— fury had some daies detained him yet was he a subject of all the Ladies admiration of the Court who sinding him as exquisite in spirit as shape could no less praise his courtesie than countenance and blessed heaven that truth was manifest to their advantage and that they were to live under so fine and gallant a Prince But although he was as kinde to them all as civility and good manners permitted him his mind forbare not to wander other where and the sight of so many beauties served but to awake more fervently the remembrance of his dear Lisimena As soon as he knew himself a Prince that adorable beauty was the first object which came into his thoughts and presently apprehended that inequality would be no longer an obstacle to his Love If he were joyed at that quality and if his heart were touched to the quick it was only because it promis'd him a freer accesse to Lisimena for otherwise he was too generous to prize that present of Fortune and be proud of it he knew his courage was above the highest Thrones and that he had enough wherewithall to obtain those Crowns and greatnesses which his birth might have denyed him He found he had a Princes soul and illustrious blood was the least matter he accounted of in such as governed with equity and who by sweetness rather than Tyranny made themselves more absolute in their Dominionâ— The King his father could not enough admire his actions whenever he remembred his past Victories and thought upon the glory which his young son Anaxander had gotten and the courage they both had to meet so many encounters and dangerous occasions he could not chuse but thank the gods and flatter himself with that sweet vanity that he was the happiest father and most redoubted King of all Asia in such children His Physicians very provident for their new Princes health fearing lest after so ill usage and so little rest as he had had in eight or ten daies misery before his felicity he might fall sick desired his Majesty to perswade him to keep his bed a while that they might purge him of the evill humours which might have grown in him But it being by the King proposed to Lisimantus Sir said be if you will set my mind at rest and purge it of all melancholy that troubles it I conjure you in the name of the gods whom you worship to send instantly an Embassadour to the King of Zeylan When you shall have assured him that I have the honor to be acknowledged your son I know he will nor deny me his daughter which is the only content of my soul and thing in the world which can make me happy Son said the King unto him I have no other meaning than yours and I am only sorry that you have prevented me by your request foâ—â— intended to propose it to you for your good But do not you desire to have your first name of Alcidaris restored to you which you lost by so strange a fortune me thinks my Subjects will have greater cause of joy when they shall see you inherit my name as well as a good part of my Crown and will thereby the better know you for their lawful Lord. Let them Sir replyed Lisimantus know me only by the honor I have to be issued from you and the actions I intend to perform for their advantage and suffer use to wear the brave name of Lisimantus so solemnly given me by the fairest mouth of the world and being the first mark of credit which I got abroad It may suffice if you think fit that I write my self Alcidaris like you and name my self