many desperate inconveniences by reason of his want of conduct and providence that although Euarchus at that time fought not one stroake he was forced to compound for the lives and liberties of all his Souldiers which was an occasion that presently turned out Dimogoras out of his office whilst in the interim there was put into his place one Farezius whose melancholly valour in a very short time prevailed exceedingly for that the Myssians had caused the King to divide his Forces into so many severall commands that he could not conveniently maintaine a considerable body together under any Captaine to be able to contend with power sufficient wherefore after some Councell taken with his best friends the King resolved himselfe in person to endeavour to stop the fury of this new and prevailing Generall that seemed like an outragious Torrent to carry all before him whether he marched against Townes or Armies The King besides the inflammation of his own naturall courage was put on to fight with Farezius as 't was thought upon these reasons first to prevent a conjunction between him and the Myssians who were as yet at some distance next to continue a life in his own party that seemed something to decline his assistance in many places of the Kingdome in regard of the others extraordinary successe And last of all for that both money and other provisions failing he began to contract many necessities in his army It was not long before they both met upon a large Plaine in an open Countrey that afforded roome enough for an equall contention if the Fates had at all proved indifferent in the encounter The first charge was given with fury sufficient by both sides however the Kings horse without any known cause whatsoever of a sudden gave back and not long after most shamefully turned their backs though the foot with incredible gallantry still continued the fight with honour and safety Euarchus upon this however not being so much amazed as displeased presently rid amongst the flying Troopes as it were calling both gods and men to witnesse concerning the justnesse of his cause and the unfainednesse of his intentions withall perswading them either to shew more courage or lesse disloyalty not onely in his words but by his own unexampled courage evidently expressed before their faces he conjured them to fight or at leastwise to stand their ground at some distance whilst he and the rest exposed their lives to the fury of the enemy calling them sometimes his country men and subjects otherwhile he termed them no better then unworthy slaves that precipitately followed their own destruction and captivity when as they had a faire occasion offered them to be both glorious and happy but at last seeing nothing would prevaile he looked up to heaven with tears in his eyes beseeching that the gods would take pitty on him in his necessities at leastwise prove propitious to the Monarchy of Lydia that seemed absolutely to depend upon this dayes adventure Thus between praying fighting and perswading he continued untill he saw most of his Souldiers either taken or slaughtered so that at last being constrained with a very few number in his company to quit the Field he left his Campe to the courtesie of the enemies mercy whilst by obscure passages he got againe safe in person though much in his thoughts dejected to the strong Towne of Philadelphia where not long after by the whole power of Farezius he was besieged with the rest of his Court friends and family As this said he was the proceeding of that fatall day so may I suppose by the dispersing of the most part of the company it will be also time for us to retire so taking Narcissus by the hand he promised he should have the rest of his discourse at home His house was seated at the end of a small town only divided by a pleasant grove of wood that encompassed a round Temple built with Jonick Columns within which was the statue of Apollo when they had performed some few devotions according to the manner of the country amongst other Priests of their own order that remained in the place the old father led him to his habitation being entered into the Parlour he presently shewed him the picture of Euarchus which for some time he had kept as he said in an obscure corner of his house though now he seemed to expect more freedome whereupon he began to read a lecture concerning his life and disposition which gave him an occasion to discourse in this manner The father of Euarchus our now King being a Prince wholly given as I may say to his own pleasure only studied wayes to keep himselfe during his life in a quiet security to this purpose he not only brought up his sonne after the death of his elder brother in learning and domestick exercises under the protect of his own eye and jurisdiction but when he came to yeares of consent he endeavoured with some violence to marry him to the King of Aegypts daughter by whose greatnesse he thought to establish his owne regall power the better in Lydia perceiving his subjects were apt enough upon all occasions to kick against his authority But finding the Treaty was protracted he sent his son in person with an intimate favourite of his into Africa to court the young Lady To be short the journey produced no effects at all answerable to his desires for the two favourites of each Prince clashing together although a certaine day was appointed for the marriage yet the match broake though upon what grounds I neither know or can well dispute after this breach Euarchus made presently his addresse to Hyacinthia our now Queen being sister to Orsames King of Syria esteemed a most mortall enemy to the greatnesse of the Kingdome and Monarchy of Aegypt no sooner was this match concluded but the old King dyed leaving young Euarchus to inherit in outward appearance as much glory and prosperity as was possible to be enjoyed by mortality upon earth and so continued for many years untill these late unhappy difference obstructed his felicity which truly I must the rather bewaile in regard that he is a Prince given to no manner of vice however perhaps some will say he is more beholding to nature for his inclination then to resolution for his temperance unto which I must needs answer that as the world ought not to take any notice of the inward thoughts of man when people receive a generall commodity by the outward expressions of vertues so of the other side when good and laudable actions are accompanied with an entire justice in appearance it is unpossible but either the gods have placed such upon earth to become rare examples for imitation to others or else have ordained them to be extreamely beneficiall to themselves so that both wayes deserve singular countenance and preservation and this without any partiality may be said to be the right character of the disposition of Euarchus now for his
the inhabitants both in their actions and opinions for as the more moderate sort of people especially those that had any correspondency with the Lydians either by extraction or commerce were willing enough to continue the old government and retaine both their lawes and customes they had formerly used so the violenter part of the Natives that had time out of minde contracted a certaine kinde of barbarisme in their manners and dispositions would heare of no agreement but what was prescribed them by a few commanders that were sent from the Aegyptian Warres who seemed onely to comply with the religion of Delphos for their owne ends The people I may affirme with some confidence were so far transported infatuated with this spightfull ambition their governours in the interim supposing they should be made petty Princes in command amongst the more ignorant sort of Natives that they did not onely decline violently all manner of reasonable accords but even were perswaded to hate with an exact spleene and malice all their owne country men friends and kindred that had any manner of correspondency or almost the least communication with those of the Lydian race and interest In the Interim the Senate of Lydia finding this violence and distractions amongst us resolved to put many of the strong Forts of the Country which from the beginning of the troubles they had kept in their possession absolutely into the hands of the Myssians the better to avoid the expence and inconveniency of the Warre in their owne particulars having as they thought enough to doe with their King in in Lydia and the rather for that they knew that as Myssia was most proper to send Souldiers of their owne Nation into the Island of Creet whereby to contend with the inhabitants so was there such an inveterate spleene and hatred between the Natives of both Countreys not onely in regard of their possessions but their religion that no reconciliation was at any time to be feared besides the Myssians with others of Lydia of their faction and interests supposed the old Cretans owed them a secret revenge for having injuriously outed them of their lands and estates in the time of the late King Evarchus father These Transactions I say filled the whole country a new with bloud and slaughters and the more confused it proved and so consequently the more horrid in regard that for the most part we fought dividedly upon the generall score of three interests sometimes two against one then againe each for it selfe as often as any opposition was found which not seldome hapned in regard of the many jealousies and suspitions rising daily out of the variety of apprehensions by reason of frequent accidents so that in a short time almost in every place the Townes were fired the people destroyed and the countrey depopulated being no safety in any place or scarce the least meanes of subsistance out of Armies unlesse it were under the walls and protection of some few garrisons that secured a kind of small circuit for necessary provisions to maintain themselves and the inhabitants of their jurisdiction but the King at last receiving from me and others intelligence of these lamentable proceedings in the Island of Creet as truly in a manner it was past all examples since the intention of all sides was not alone to contend about disputable rights occasioned by some former oppression but even to extirpate not onely whole families but the very remembrance of the Nation it selfe that should have the unhappinesse to be overcome by the other gave order to me if it were possible to reconcile these bloudy differences and horrid contentions with all the speed I could especially amongst those of his own party neither was he determintd to exclude out of this number the old Cretans themselves however depending upon other interests onely in regard they seemed by their declarations formerly in words to stand for his Title and authority against the proceedings of the Myssians though publickly they contended violently with his Forces in the field 'T is true I cannot deny but in some things they had reason enough for their jealousies the King very often being constrained to goe even from his own resolutions to give satisfaction to those Councels that were continually about his person who perswaded him he lost the love of his people in Lydia by seeming in any kind to favour or countenance the Cretans in their demands who as they pretended were enemies to their generall established religion Of the other side the Natives were againe by much too covetous and mistrustfull not onely to desire violently other mens possessions and estates from them but so entirely to doubt the Kings performance of his promises when as they knew he did but endeavour for his better advantage to contract privately with them in most particulars in such matters as appertained to the Temple of Delphos for giving as I said too generall a distast to those of his owne party within the Kingdome of Lydia But to be short it was not very long before the King sent a most intimate councellor of his owne into the Island of Creet as well to informe me particularly of his pleasure by word of mouth as also to joyne himselfe with me and others in commission for the better and speedier effecting of his designes presently as soone as hee arrived we sent out our summons to the whole Countrey in the generall either to meet themselves or to appoint Deputies for each division in the Island to attend the Kings orders and direction upon a certaine day at Pergame not onely to heare what should be propounded in their Princes behalfe for their future peace and advantage but also we our selves would be ready to heare what the people would demand to their further satisfaction whereby their enemies the Myssians might be opposed in their intentions who endeavoured not onely to beat downe all Kingly authority in the Island but to become absolute Lords over all the inhabitants ancient liberties I must tell you whilst we expected a joyfull issue of these purposes we understood another great Lord of Lydia was newly arrived with certaine directions as was pretended from the King independent to that power was granted us whereby as we were informed onely himselfe was impowred underhand to deale more intimately with the inhabitants concerning matters of religion as this something startled our expectation having no such notice from the King so did we resolve to send for the party upon our authority who upon his appearing neither obeying our commands nor giving us the satisfaction was desired we at that very instant restrained his person untill the Kings pleasure in that particular as we said should be publickly knowne but whether these proceedings of ours which however we esteemed for the best or that the Natives in truth were otherwise setled in their resolutions hindred the successe when the day came according to the appointment for this assembly to meet there appeared none at all of
I say this admirable Princesse had a base brother also named Leonatus who wanted not ambition enough to desire the Crowne of Mysia though he were not furnished with sufficient vertues to merit such a dignity and to this purpose left nothing unattempted that might either advance his own esteem or deprave his sisters actions and to that end insinnated himself by all meanes possible not only into the good opinion of the Lords but much more into the favour of the common people in which interim the young Princesse being furnished with youth and beauty was perswaded by the chiefe nobility to thinke of a noble husband that might accompany her in her conversation and give the Kingdome a hope of posterity two essentiall parts as they pretended of her own happinesse in prosecution of this desire there was presented unto her view a handsome Lord of this our Countrey of Lydia in conclusion the nuptials were quickly solemnized to the appearing content of both parties and the rather for that the then Queene of Lydia was well satisfied with the choyce not doubting to maintaine by this meanes a continual and strong interest in the Kingdome of Mysia since she had married to the Princesse one of her own Subjects But now Leonatus began to play his part for finding this conjunction proved a bar to his pretention for succession he thought it his best way to establish himselfe notwithstanding a certain power in the government and to that purpose strived by all meanes his malicious will could instruct to gaine the good opinion of the young King whereby to set him at difference with the Queen who began to be a little distasted to see his wife take upon her so absolute authority he only bearing the name of a Prince which at last grew to such a height by the underhand provocation of wicked Leonatus that one day when the Queene being great with child was retired into her private chamber to conferre with a certain Secretary of State most imployed in the Kingdomes affaires her husband of a sudden rusht into her presence with his sword drawne and there before her amazed eyes slaughtered her poore servant However this was an act of some horrour to the great bellied Queen and so consequently might be thought sufficient motives of her lasting indignation to see her selfe and authority so affronted by one she had lately raised from being a Subject to be her husband yet religion and good nature proved so powerfull in her noble disposition that upon the Kings sorrow and submission she was content both to forgive the injury and forget the dishonour by a perfect reconciliation But Leonatus not weary yet of his own wickednesse though despairing of his further ability to retain his interest with the young King since the Queen as he thought had so absolutely circumvented him in that project of a sudden stroake into friendship with certaine factious Priests that had newly brought in a religion into Mysia that taught this dangerous Doctrine That Princes deserved no longer to governe then whilst they contented the People Which opinion you may very well imagine took feelingly with the multitude in so much as in a short time the Queen had imployment enough to defend her person from reproaches as her Kingdome from civill warre This exceedingly tormented her thoughts untill the birth of her young sonne againe revived her spirits however Leonatus still prosecuting his horrid designes to supplant the Queen in her just right whereby to bring the government of the Kingdome under his own jurisdiction one night secretly caused not only the young King to be cruelly murthered in his bed in execution of his revenge because he had quitted his party but also laid the bloudy slaughter by way of private aspersions upon the innocent and religious Queen the more to bring her in hatred with the common people who seemed already sufficiently poysoned by the late pernicious doctrine brought into the Countrey by the turbulent Priests Although these crafty practises had not as yet power to shake or rather absolutely to destroy her grounded authority which had been cast upon her by so rightfull a succession yet by little and little they so wounded her reputation that they made her desire to have a faithfull companion to assist her in her government which politick Leonatus perceiving judging it a love passion in the Queen put on some of the nobility underhand to perswade her not only presently to marry but to take for her husband a valiant Gentleman his intimate friend who a long time had pretended unto her love however he was not without some suspition that he had been an actor in the Kings death with these baites I say Leonatus so farre intangled the Queenes innocency that she was wonne by perswasion to make this election being councelled thereunto by the chiefe nobility set upon her to that purpose though she first caused a decree to be past by the unanimous consent of all that this Lord had been no way guilty of the false aspersion his enemies had cast upon him concerning the Kings murther No sooner were these nuptials solemnized which was the thing Leonatus desired but secretly he admonished the new King to flye assuring him as his friend that either he would be suddenly slaine by many that had conspired his death or publickly be apprehended and brought to his Tryall by the consent of the whole Kingdome so that he whether knowing himselfe faulty indeed or fearing the power and injustice of his enemies since emulation amongst his equalls had procured him a world of envy quickly followed his advice and privately without the Queenes privity quitted his Country and Fortunes Leonatus conceiving now he had compassed the hardest part of his projects sent secretly into Lydia to possesse the Queen there with an assurance of Minerva's guilt since she had married the murtherer of her first husband too apparently as he pretended discovered by his strange flight at the same time also by the help of his factious priests he raised tumults against her in her own kingdome whereby she became imprisoned because she would not quit her government This you may believe gave the poore Queen sufficient imployment insomuch as being wearied by continuall troubles and invited to the Court of Lydia by her kinswomans promises for her better and quiet protection she was content to resigne the Crown to her sonne and accept of those offers she esteemed reall But alas no sooner was she arrived within the bounds of this kingdome of Lydia but contrary to her expectation wherefore amazed in the execution instead of being admitted into the Queens presence with love and honour she was commanded as a prisoner to a Castle not farre off whilst in the mean time her young sonne was committed to the tuition of Leonatus her worst enemy however with this pretention that as soon as she could cleare her selfe of those aspersions and accusations that her subjects brought against her she should enjoy those respects
Thus she continued her imployment untill the early morning and watchfull cruelty brought to her chamber doore the instruments of her destruction This warning was sufficient to make her prepare with Majesty to act the last scene that should render her famous to posterity Wherefore with a pleasant look as if she intended to laugh at deathes worst shape when she came out she bid the company good morrow and then proceeded to the Scaffold with all the circumstances belonging to her dignity that was covered over with blacke Velvet where being set in her dismall Chaire of State she told the spectators that as they must not expect many words from her in regard her sister the Queen of Lydia was not present to whom she would only have directed a discourse so of the other side she wisht them all to beare witnesse that she constantly expired in that religion she ever profest to the world for which she both did and was joyfull to shed her best bloud which being said by one and one she took leave of her servants who being over prest with griefe and teares were scarce able to performe their last though constrained duties to fit their glorious Mistresse for her execution And with another sweet smile holding up her white hands to the omnipotent gods for mercy not long after without the least unquiet motion she received that fatall stroake that sent her soule to an eternall habitation When this unexampled Tragedy became spread over Asia which gave sufficient occasion of large discourses it could not but with speedier wings flye to her Sons Court with all the particular circumstances of her death where it rested untill an Ambassador from the Queen of Lydia was sent in some sort to lessen the fact as being absolutely done without her privity as he pretended to which purpose some of her principall Councellors had been punished but this Balsame a long time had not power to heale the deep wound this apprehended cruelty had made in his dutifull bosome untill his people finding that Myssia was not able to contend with Lydia in any revenge and that the smallest attempt offered by way of force to vindicate his honour might interrupt his quiet and peaceable succession to a Crowne so rich and flourishing which ere long he could not by course of nature but expect since the Queene was both old and decayed not only disswaded him from any hostile evasion but also counselled him to entertaine a firme correspondency with the State he was to possesse and the rather for that the Lydian messenger threatned him with a legall deprivation from his royall right by the consent of the whole Kingdome by whose judgment as he said his mother had been condemned if any way he stirred violently to disturbe the peace establisht in both Countries These reasons I say render'd him as well satisfied in shew as in effect who was esteemed extreamly peaceable if not slothfull in his nature which was the occasion that as he could never be brought willingly to enter upon any actions of glory so did it make him for the most part as it were a captive to the pressing importunities of his covetous and insolent Country men the Myssians who scarce would be satisfied with any gaine or preferment whatsoever he could bestow upon them But to be short at last the old Queen of Lydia dying he without any contradiction quickly took possession of her Kingdoms in which government he continued with all the prosperity in the world during his life but that finished the Crownes of Lydia Myssia and Creet descended by a just right upon his hopefull Son and Successor Euarchus then newly married to Hyacinthia Orsames sister our now Queen who enjoyed also those possessions 〈◊〉 must needs say with as much happinesse untill these last stirres as it was possible for mortality to expect But the Myssians who as I said before received golden liberalities in the time of the old King he being a Prince that knew no way how to be provident when they found that Euarchus numerous issue and the Queenes necessary expences did in a manner drowne all their expectation first began to mutter in words against the accustomed vanities of the times and lastly they found fault that only smooth faced boys enjoyed as they said all the credit of the Court when Souldiers and men of valour wanted both countenance and meanes to live the King being so bewitched to his own ease and his wives content that he could not be drawne to helpe his own brother in law against the oppression of the King of Armenia by which warre many might be imployed that now wanted subsistance nor was there wanting in Lydia it selfe many factious spirits that not only received encomagement by this bold language who also coveted state preferment in the government of the Common weale yet these begun discontents lay hid in the cinders of some duty untill new taxations of the Subjects gave more desperate distastes besides the accidentall arrivall of Prince Cassianus in Lydia after his Fathers death stirred up the pride of one Dimogoras to a new spleen against the King by which means he believed he should be the sooner imployed But that which seemed most to contribute to Euarchus prejudice was the sudden arrivall of an old Myssion Captaine out of the warres of Armenia called Lycius who having gained in those services good store of wealth sued to the King to have himselfe rewarded by Titles of honour which being denyed him by some neglect as also Cassianus request for a competent assistance a little protracted this insolent Commander quickly flew from the Court with execrations in his mouth and malice in his heart and comming into his own Countrey omitted no diligence that could withdraw the people from their lawfull obedience which he had the better opportunity to effect since he found not only the nobility ambitious but the Priests violent The one he perswaded with brave spirits againe to looke upon the courage of their Ancestors who had by force of Armes torne priviledges from their King the other he admonished to cast their thoughts upon the recovery of that religion now almost lost that had formerly chaced their former Queen both from her Kingdome and life and for the common people it was sufficient ro plead to their imaginations liberty by whose perswasion the nobility not only raised a power absolutely to contemne the Kings authority in their own Country of Myssia but also led a great Army into Lydia whereby to compell Euarchus to summon the great Councell of the Kingdome To be short when this eminent assembly was met as it was designed in the City of Sardis which was also assured to be made a free Towne as much as to say as not to be compelled to any obedience to Euarchus and his posterity the chiefest discourses that were made there were in disgrace of the Kings actions and almost all the Acts that past were to destroy his authority All which the milde
had hitherto paid for the purchase But what the sweet Cloria would have answered to this discourse could not be known since Farezius occasions call'd him suddenly away from her presence into the City not so much to receive those Triumphs prepared for his further entertainment as to procure money for his Army Though the Generall continued some violence against the rich Town of Sardis in imprisoning their chief Officers as also in causing those Senators which he had formerly accused to be sent into banishment yet the affaires of Euarchus became no whit more amended since he was not onely still detained as a Prisoner though with something a greater liberty and freedom but the Senate was permitted to press his patience with those former propositions they had sent by Aâ—gyllius prejuditiall to his Crown and in truth to the absolute taking away of all his royall authority which gave occasion of many discourses amongst all sorts of people some said that Farezius was in love with the Princess Cloria and by that means endeavoured to force the Kings consent to the mariage whom he thought else could not be brought to yield to such unequall Nuptialls much less would his Daughter be won to give up her person to those disadvantages who had been courted by all the great Princes of Asia with multitudes of glorious offers Others again believed the contrary faction began to prevail and had by some means either bribed Farezius to their party or out-witted his designs Neither wanted there a third Company that imagined the people grew weary of their own sufferings by reason of the Armies free quarter suspecting the Generalls power intentions only to make himself his Souldiers mighty without looking upon their liberties and prosperity For a testimony of which as they supposed the Nobility carried the chief sway in the Senate House contrary to their desires however certain Trybunes were chosen in the Army to preferr the rights of the ordinary Souldiers and common people Whilst these thoughts or rather fancies were tost to and fro almost in every mans bosom for that the whole affairs of the Kingdom were at a stand and Euarchus seemingly no nearer his enlargement then the first day he was imprisoned nay farther off in most opinions Roxand one morning according to her custom being troubled with more feares than ordinary for that the Princess her Mistriss appeared to her imagination not a little concerned in the business since it was not improbable some sparkles of love joyned with Farezius ambition might be obstacles against the Kings prosperity came to entertain her self within certain groves belonging to the Castle which were ordered into many delightfull walks that here and there crossed one another for the more conveniency of the Company that should frequent them for recreation where long she had not remained disputing with her doubts and hopes but she met accidentally with Creses who seemed to be there with the same intention they both appeared pleased at the incounter whereupon Creses quickly asked her after some short salutation what she thought of the strangeness of these times so much changed contrary to both their expectations when as they looked rather for the King to have been royally received in Sardis then to have been still continued a prisoner much less to be pressed with new propositions dishonourable to his person and destructive to his authority Truly my Lord answered Roxana as my thoughts are in a Wood about the actions of the times so no doubt but som mystery waits upoÌ„ the issue however I must confess my fears outgoe my faith in any good they mean the Kings power since both the delayes used and much more these Articles presented are no good Omens to Euarchus prosperity but take off rather that glory which Farezius should have obtained to himself if he had made the Kings restoration to his rights his first and chiefest work since by his power and authority the rest of the necessary affairs of the Kingdom would in all probability have been better and surer setled when they should have carried with them both Law and Justice You are in the right Madam said Creses wherefore if I may not be thought over tedious to your patience I will discourse to you some things which I have not only heard from the Kings own mouth when I last waited upon him but other observations I took when I was in Syria by which you may make what conjectures you please So taking the old woman by the hand he led her to a little banquetting house not far off for the more privacy where after they were both seated he made unto her this Relation Madam said he first you must understand that Euarchus the King is opposed in his just government or rather legall authority by four factions that for the present seek to undermine one another all having absolutely in their hearts cast off their obedience to the Kings Person and Prerogative The Senate strives with violence to maintain that jurisdiction it hath extorted from him as the Mysians endeavour out of a high covetousness to be sharers in the Government and Riches of this flourishing Kingdom Neither wants the Army pretentions by reason of the service they have done in the late Warres to claim reward and subsistance And last of all the wealthy City of Sardis in regard it hath for the most part furnished the Souldiers and Councell with money requires to be made a free Town that is to say to depend upon no subjection but what Magistrates created by themselves shall prescribe This contention of all sides is the chief occasion as 't is thought that makes every thing at a stand whilst in the mean time the people seem to cry out being overburthened with oppressions and payments which in the end certainly cannot but turn to an absolute confusion since there is scarce possibility left to satisfie all parties And thus much shall suffice for the common state of things Now concerning the proceedings of Syria which I have most from the Kings own mouth be pleased to understand that when he was forced to assemble this great Councel that hath proved so unfortunate to his happiness there was sent into Lydia from Philostros an Ambassador as Euarchus imagined for his consolation and assistance against the violent proceedings of his Senate but presently after his arrivall he was so far from complying with the Kings occasions that he kept a frequent correspondence with those persons that seemed most to oppose his authority in so much as the King was constrained at last with some violence not only to forbid him any longer attendance upon his person but earnestly to desire the State of Syria to recall him home from all further imployment in Lydia which setled the thoughts of Euarchus in some quietness whilst his own victories over his disobedient subjects and the death both of Philostros and Orssames gave the King more then probable hopes of a finall and happy successe in his enterprize
some that not only gave it out but believed that he had been poysoned to prevent a farther trouble and danger to the Kingdome This also gave occasion to Prince Cassianus within a very short time after to quit personally the Country of Lydia as perhaps supposing now his chiefe friend and Favourite Dimogoras was gone and the rest of the Lords not being in a capacity to support his honour and designes against the Souldiers in the Princesse Clorias behalfe it was to little purpose any longer to prosecute his pretended love Neverthelesse the Nobillity with many other of the Senators of the same faction prepared themselves to give the body of Dimogoras most stately and glorious Funerals To this intent when the day came all attired in black they met the corps with a world of ceremony and so conducted it through a multitude of people to the place ordained for that purpose where being placed according to the custome of other Generalls the flames quickly consumed the pyles whilst that which was immortall had a farther account to give concerning his actions and thoughts during his life When the Princesse Cloria understood of this strange and unexpected law not only pronounced in the Senate but published all over the Kingdome she began now to repent her of her too much beliefe given to the Kings enemies notwithstanding any perswasion whatsoever she had entertained in her thoughts and consequently had more cause a great deale to doubt her owne security having no other defence left her but what she could gather from the faithfull and wise Councells of her intrusted governesse Roxana which was the occasion that one day having for the most part spent her whole store of passion she used this kinde of despairing discourse unto her Truly Roxana said she as there might be noted at first a strong jealousie amongst the Souldiers by the strict gard set upon the Kings person so this last action makes me feare that there is some prevailing designe as well against our liberties as his dominion which we shall be scarce able to prevent by any industry or assistance for as I cannot rely much upon the Lords power by reason they have altogether lost their authority by severing their interests at the first from their Princes prerogative nothing but to comply with their own ambition and spleen so is there as little to be hoped for from the endeavours of this great and rich City of Sardis considering their late carriages when Farezius with his triumphant Army not only entered their Walls without resistance but were content to receive his absolute commands without the least dispute belonging to their long enjoyed priviledges never as yet questioned by any former Prince or power these representations being knowne and granted to be the effects of the late transactions what probabilities remaine for the recovery of my fathers rights though it should be opinionated that we our selves were out of all danger personally since the Kings party appears not to have either abillity or will to doe him good And Lydia being strongly united under the present jurisdiction what forraigne industry and endeavour soever can worke any considerable effects to his advantage considering the many brave Vessels and shipping that are alwayes ready for defence and resistance upon the Carian and Ionian shoares to oppose either sudden invasion or continued hostility When Roxana had for some time rested silent with teares in her eyes she returned her this answer Lady said she you must then give me leave to blame your superstitious modesty as I may call it in not suffering your Uncle Orsames to have performed those ceremonies belonging to your Nuptials at Memphis which perhaps in part if not totally would have prevented these inconveniences Indeed Governesse replyed the Princesse although perhaps you esteeme those decorums of fitting duty which I shall be ever ready to render my Father and Mother but bashfull superstitions yet I can assure you I shall never be so much wanting to my own honour as rather not a thousand times to venture my deerest life then to give away my selfe to any love whatsoever without their inward consent and publike approbation but let us for the present leave that subject and only fall upon the consideration or the meanes whereby the King may be redeemed from his miseries which Rhetorick would not only farre better please my eares but be a much more profitable discourse in my opinion since in the other point I am resolved still to remaine obstinate notwithstanding any perswasion to the contrary Truly said Roxana as I must needs confesse the thing it selfe is difficult to bring about and the wayes more uncertaine to know how so of the other side I am so farre from believing the impossibility of the Kings restoration to his ancient dignity that according to my owne thoughts I shall give you very probable reasons whereby to perswade you to it if my fancy doth not much out goe my judgement For although I cannot deny but that the Countrey of Lydia being throughly united under a well setled government with the addition of Ionia and Caria that afford so many considerable havens furnished with multitude of shipping is a condition scarce to be attempted by any power yet considering the impatience of the peoples natures with the daily oppressions of them by the heavy weight of Taxations a quick division will be wrought in the hearts of those that must of necessity be wonne to the change of lawes and government before the ancient constitutions by which the Subjects have formerly lived happily for so many ages can be totally taken away However for the present perhaps either feare or hope exercises so farre mens thoughts that hardly as yet have they leasure for consideration but when as I say they shall finde this is like to be perpetuall they will with much violence desire againe their old subjection though at first they were foolishly perswaded to seeke a new government And more especially if those two great Monarchs of Syria and Aegypt once make that accord that all Asia attends with a greedy expectation which may soon be effected since the King of Armenia hath already agreed with his discontented Princes and also hath condiscended to give satisfaction to the Scythian Crowne whereby to deliver his Countrey absolutely from that power that hath so many yeares molested it with its armes But Roxana said the Princesse what will those agreements conduce to my fathers benefit when every Prince regards only his own concernments besides their extreame jealousie of one anothers glory will not suffer them to undertake any conquest joyntly And put case they should accord constantly in their purposes yet when the people of Lydia shall see themselves ready to be invaded by a forraigne power they will certainly more strongly conforme their obediences to this jurisdiction they now live under whereby the better to prevent a new threatning danger It is true said Roxana untill the Subjects be made more desperate in
King suffered with a world of patience hoping that time after they had wearied themselves with their violent passions would let them see their own mistakes or the gods at leastwise would defend his innocency however these unexpected proceedings not only continued but their rage grew to such a height against his person whereby as 't was thought to bring him into the greater contempt amongst the common people that by divers tumults countenanced in the multitude he was at last forced from the City of Sardis whilst the Senate in the interim iustituted a strong guard of Souldiers of the Towne Forces to wait upon their Councels because they would shew to the Subjects greater markes of Soveraignty in their Assembly then in the Kings dignity But whilst many were brewing their own passionate designes with uncredible insolency being chiefly supported by the votes of the common people who were perswaded they should recover by their authority an absolute liberty the poore King with a very small traine retired to the City of Theatyra where however contrary to the expectation of the Senate who believed that their discountenance was sufficient to render him abandoned by the whole Kingdome he not onely received better welcome but was entertained with the generall commiseration of most of those parts who bitterly complained of his hard and as they thought unjust usage and the rather did this pitty prevaile for that by his eloquent and fluent Pen he seemed fully to beat back all the aspersions his enemies sought daily to cast upon him which brought as I say to his Court multitudes of gentry and nobility both from the City of Sardis and other parts who vowed perpetuall faithfulnesse to his person with other essentiall services These encouragements by the perswasion of his trusty Councellors made him imploy his best industry to raise Souldiers whilst in the interim he sent to the Queen whom he understood was in the Island of Cyprus to procure him Armes by the credit she had purchased with the Duke of that Country since the Senate had already seized upon all his Magazin and ships After which he went from one Province to another to feele the inclination of the people yet as he found most of them for him in their words when he was amongst them whether out of the inconstancy of their own natures or unwilling to be at any charge to maintaine new troubles as soone as he left them personally they were for the greatest number carried from their former professions so that he perceived the successe of his whole fortunes was chiefly to depend upon the gallantry of the better sort And truly this expectation did not deceive him for in a short space beyond all beliefe they so furnished him with moneys besides their own attendance that he became master of a brave Army commanded by his nephew Prince Thyasmus who was newly arrived in his Campe from the Armenian warres The Senate who before had raised Forces to contend against the Kings intentions according to the intelligence they had received not to be sloathfull in their affaires quickly created Dimogoras generall in the designe whom they knew was a man never to be reconciled to his Soveraigne by reason of the spightfulnesse of his own violent ambition no sooner was he establisht in his office but he was commanded to march as they pretended to separate the King from pernitious Councels and bring him safe to Sardis there to be better governed to which purpose that City had plentifully furnished money conceiving their prosperity depended upon their Princes ruine This resolution was quickly knowne to Euarchus and not long after considered by his Councell that it was high time to advance with the whole Army to try the fortune of a battell with the Senates Generall since the King wanted provision and could not expect supplies of money to furnish out the necessary expence with this determination after two or three dayes march they met the Senates forces upon an ample Plaine spacious enough to have desided the controversie for the worlds Empire the conflict of a sudden grew so desperate that it was a question whether they sought more to satisfie their own spleenes or to gaine a beneficiall Victory which however was prosecuted for some houres with doubtfull fortune for although the Kings horse commanded by Thyasnius in person at the first charge defeated their enemies in so much as for many Furlongs they had the chace of their Troops yet the Foot Forces in their absence that for the most part wanted armes had sufficient imployment to sustaine the fury of the Senates Souldiers being better provided which however was bravely supplyed by the noble valour of the King himselfe in so much as he sustained the violence of the tempest untill his own horse again came into his rescue though with such a slaughter of his poor Subjects that it created a passionate compassion in his royall breast although the determinable fate of his Crowne might very well have given a full imployment to his thoughts Upon Thyasmus appearing with his victorious Troopes Dimogoras retired with his worsted Forces and the night hindred further prosecution for the present which as I may say enviously shaddowed the Kings glory who else could not have been defrauded as 't was thought of a most absolute Conquest to his immortall honour if not to his Kingdoms prosperity However he resolved the next morning early againe to set upon his enemies who were retired for their better safety within the protection of their secure Trenches but contrary to his expectation Dimogoras belike fearing Euarchus intention and unwilling to hazzard the Senates fortunes in one doubtfull adventure had made use of the darke coverture of the night to convey himselfe and his whole Forces to a strong Towne not farre off remaining under his jurisdiction Neverthelesse so much opinion this halfe Conquest got amongst the common people that many Cities presently returned under the obedieuce of their lawfull Prince whilst in the meane time the King made Philadelphia the chiefe residence of his Royall Court where againe he began to rule like a Monarch and suffered his other Generals in many parts of the Kingdome to prosecute his commands with such prosperous successe that in a short space he became in a manner master of all Lydia though the great Towne of Sardis seemed still with most obstinate pride to contemne his power being more in love with that passion that made them hope to be a free City and the covetousnesse to obtaine that money they had disbursed then mindfull of their own safety and obedience The King who began to thinke now the difficulty of his affaires were past all danger began a little to play with the weaknesse of his enemies in so much as his Souldiers became neglected in their discipline as the commanders licentious in their course of life which certainly contributed extreamely to all his misfortunes for being provoked either by unwise if not Traiterous Councell or put on by
probably could not long be resisted by reason of her constrained condition that obliged her without prevention to endure all assaults and affronts to that purpose that should from time to time be attempted upon her person As these last considerations most strugled inwardly with his uncertaine thoughts not knowing well whether he should leave Lydia or not so did he begin to thinke that there being no Army in the Field that was in action and not knowing how to be admitted to Clorias presence it would be too little purpose longer to continue in the Kingdome and therefore resolved presently to goe for Cyprus where he seemed not to doubt but that the people if not Eumenes himselfe finding him alive contrary to their expectation would soon be perswaded to reason in his behalfe And to this purpose being setled in his fathers command he should be not only able to bring assistance to King Euarchus occafions but also contribute much to his dangers releasement whereas the contrary would both confirme the opinion of his being dead and in some sort accuse himselfe of too much sloath in his own nature for not appearing activer in those concernments of his own that belonged so exceedingly to his honour and welfare with these resolutions he quickly fell asleep In the morning the old Priest came to Narcissus to take his leave with these complements that as he had hitherto been ashamed that his own disability to render him those services due to his worth had made him want he feared such entertainment as was fitting in his poore habitation and much more since he was now forced to leave him by the accidentall journey he was constrained to make to Court in the company of Creses so if he pleased to designe any longer stay in the Kingdome of Lydia he should take it for some part of satisfaction to his fortunes that he would resolve to make use of his house in his absence a place should be alwayes ready he assured him to afford him the best conveniency it was able for his aboade which he refusing with the like complements they both presently descended into the Hall where they found Creses ready prepared to take horse After they had eate a bit or two and performed some other few ceremonies belonging to their departure they quickly mounted their Steads The Priest and Creses had not travelled many Furlongs together ere they met with a most even and direct path way and that commodity as it should seem invited them both to a new discourse since the Priest seemed extreamely unsatisfied as yet why the State of Syria and much more the Queen Hyacinthia should be so unwilling to entertaine a correspondency with the Army that had delivered the person of Euarchus out of Prison though passionately desirous to retaine an interest with the Myssians that had apparantly betrayed him thither according to the common opinion almost of all Asia Father said Creses as I have already made unto you a relation of my voyage into Cyprus with some part of my proceedings in Syria so having for the present so faire an opportunity I shall endeavour to let you know my thoughts in many other particulars that I have not yet mentioned To this purpose you must understand that however the people of the Island of Crete seem to professe the same worship of the gods with the State of Syria yet cannot they obtaine the free exercise of their religion either from King Euarchus or his Queen Hyacinthia though Euarchus by the Court of Syria hath been prest not onely to signe all the chiefe articles of the Myssians but also even to subscribe to their tenents in matter of Doctrine notwithstanding they be altogether destructive to Kingly rule or the religion of Syria As this gives me not so much encouragement in my journey as I could wish in regard the Souldiers will not be willing to allow of any interest but their own towards the placing of the King again in his Throne so the Commissioners of the Myssians as I heare are extreamly busie about the Kings person to the no small discontentment of the army that hath him now under their jurisdiction the Queen when I parted from her at Damascrs gave me expresse order that however I might complement with the Souldiers and draw from them all the advantages that possibly I could tending to her husbands service yet I must be sure as she told me in the first place to possesse the Myssians with an opinion that Euarchus chiefe trust must still rest in their fidelities and assistance though he be forced for the present to comply with the Army that delivered him out of the hands of the Senate but here I make no doubt but you will aske me why the State of Syria much lesse our Queen Hyacinthia should be so wedded to the Myssians particular when as probably they can never be brought to be hearty in the Kings affaires since not only in the beginning of these times they opposed his authority with all the craft and violence they could possibly use but at last as I may say delivered him betrayed and bound hand and foot into the hands of those that were esteemed by himselfe his greatest enemies when as he had chosen for his protection rather the Myssian Army then the Senate of Lydia And this expression of ill nature and treachery was only to obtaine the payment of a small sum of money not to be valewed in regard of a Kings ransome so that I say it may be supposed they have some other hidden mystery in their thoughts against his prosperity which perhaps the State of Syria wil never be able sufficiently to understand whilst it be too late to repaire the Kings losses onely procured by those people for it is well knowne during the time they gave Euarchus the best hopes concerning their affections and fidelity they were then by their false instruments contracting with the Senate for his speedy imprisonment a plaine demonstration of their harsh and cruell intentions towards his particular for that when they most betrayed him they profest themselves then his faithfullest servants as it were smothering him in a bed of roses and killing him with deceitfull language whereas of the other side these Souldiers that have not onely the Kings person but his authority under their jurisdiction and so by consequence may either shorten his life or preserve his dignity notwithstanding they have heretofore alwayes declared themselves mortall enemies to his interest and proceedings as never having any dependency upon the Court or his affaires yet now appeare to the outward view of the world to be his greatest friends either being converted and altered in their opinions or more compassionate and just in their dispositions which certainly cannot but extreamely augment the Kings obligations if they performe any thing remarkable according to their professions but as I will not trouble you with my thoughts what may be the issue of their intentions or actions so must I a
as they said they could not chuse but be of a nature something more remarkable then ordinary in regard of the late transactions of both parties which seemed at present to put most of the Kingdome to a kind of a vast consideration concerning the issue the rather were they curious of this information the better thereby to tast the inclinations of the people Truly gentlemen said the Host as I must not take upon me the understanding of either of their proceedings and determinations when as perhaps they are not very well acquainted with their own intentions themselves so shall I to supply that defect enforme you if you please of those discourses that have lately passed in the Senate concerning the Kings government notwithstanding the Souldiers have him personally at the present under their jurisdiction who to say the plaine truth use him with that civility and respect that it gives his friends more then ordinary hopes of his speedy restoration againe to the honour of his Crowns and Dignity however the gods onely know what the issue of their determinations may be some of the Senate would have no King at all pretending that it would be too miserable a condition for all sorts of people to be Subject both in their persons and estates to an entire Monarch not suffering them so much as to aske a reason concerning any thing that should be done amisse although their purses and paines were forced upon all occasions to pay for the honour and the pride belonging to the dignity whereas a common government as they say gives a certaine kinde of encouragement pleasing in some kinde or other to all sorts of people as having an appropriated share in every action that concerned the good or ill of the Commonwealth others againe of a contrary spirit pretended they are afraid that if the government should be absolutely changed to a popular State though it might seem in outward appearance to have more freedome it could not neverthelesse but be of lesse security in that it would be alwayes Subject to faction and confusion in regard of the inconstancy of dispositions and therefore are rather of opinion that the government remaine in the same nature as it doth with some necessary restrictions to their King A third sort made some doubt how to finde out wayes to limite a Monarch in any kinde by what lawes soever could be established to that purpose it being almost impossible to take from a Prince altogether the sword of Justice power and yet suffer him still to remain in the condition of a governour which in effect would be no other then a common government varnished over with a glorious Title to no effect leaving the whole as subject to faction and confusion as if there were no King at all in that he should want the authority although he were honoured with the name necessary to that purpose there were others that suddenly started up in the Senate-house who imagined they had thought upon a way to remedy all inconveniences which was to have onely a King by election either of Euarchus family or some other but the proposition was quickly answered with these doubts that if the Prince intended should be elected out of the same bloud if not according to the direct line of succession it would endanger a new slaughter and faction through the whole Kingdome by reason of severall ambitious interests of the other side if he were absolutely chosen out of another family as no doubt but there would be many opposers in the very election it selfe so not possible to have any of an extraction illustrious enough to warrant his kindred from being a burthen to the Commonwealth in their maintenance and support which probably would prove a sufficient inconvenience to the people for that oftentimes justice would be sold other oppressions committed only to supply a needy and indigent family in conclusion however many seemed willing againe to restore Euarchus and his posterity to their ancient rights and dignity yet fearing in regard of their own proceedings that they might be strictly called in question for their past actians they utterly desisted from that resolution notwithstanding these severall and violent discourses for that time they setled upon no determination whatsoever only at last they ordered the government should remaine as it was at present in the Senates power though bearing still the name of Euarchus until farther confideration I must tell you as these were the manner of disputations in the Councels at Sardis both before and since the revolt of the Army so now by their favours as we suppose they must aske leave of the Souldiers before they settle either a government in themselves or take it away from others And the rather am I induced to this beliefe for that the common people appeare not yet much scandalized at the late revolt but of the contrary as t is thought would be extreamely satisfied with the Souldiers proceedings if they should speedily againe turne the streame into its right course however in that I shall say the least that may be untill I be more instructed in the constitution of the world with these words he ended his discourse and presently tooke his leave pretending some other company in his house needed also another part of his entertainment This information of the Host gave Creses and the Priest occasion to fall into a more serious disputation concerning the nature and property of Monarchy and other governments according to divers opinions and judgements with the severall benefits and inconveniences belonging to them The Priest would needs take upon him the defence of the Kingly part whilst Creses was to be content with the more inferiour degree both notwithstanding grounding their discourses from the hopes they had that the Souldiers would shortly againe restore Euarchus to his Crowne and government The Priest first began in this manner As Monarchy in the generall said he hath been held by writers to be the best and most absolute way of government so ought it as well be granted that a Prince by descent and inheritance is the freest of all others from burthen and inconvenience to the people since the making up of new families upon every exchange and the many dangerous factions would arise by reason of elections would at one time or other either hazzard or ruine the Commonwealth for that all ambitions could never be supprest totally in every person with the only consideration of the common safety but that I may more particularly make good my argument I shall endeavour from certaine principles of Divinity nature and institution to prove my affirmation and opinion In the first place according to the example of the divine providence there is but one God that made and now rules the heavens since if there were more none could be absolute much lesse omnipotent in any kinde and so consequently the government should still be subject to variation both in part and in the whole for as divers persons must
which was againe in a very short time to reduce all Lydia under his lawfull jurisdiction but belike the State of Syria following the same maximes of government under the young son Orsames had left behind him contrary to all humane expectation sent presently after the death of Orsames another Ambassador to Euarchus not only anew to invite him to breake the League which he still continued with the King of Aegypt but to allow his contesting Senate to be a lawfull and continued Councell by his absolute approbation thinking belike that it would better conduce to the affaires of Syria to have Euarchus power limitted then to suffer him to remaine in his high prerogative but these demands the King most violently and disdainfully refusing the Ambassador not only with some seeming discontent took his leave but as it was thought invited the Myssians againe into Lydia which hath been as you know the reason of Euarchus overthrow since the Senates single power had never probably prevailed against his fortune and successe however the businesse did not yet rest for after the King had notwithstanding strugled with infinite difficulties to make good still his declining cause his son Arethusius Forces also being destroyed in many set Battells who after fled into Syria to the Queen his Mother Euarchus was forced to put himselfe under the protection of the Myssians Army yet with so little benefit to his affaires that in a short time after he was delivered in person into his enemies hands who treated him with all manner of hardnesse untill the Army took him violently from that jurisdiction As this Madam is the sad particulars I can relate unto you of the Kings misfortunes and captivity so may you very well make conjecture of the consequences Roxana after she had thanked him for his discourse wherein as she said he had made her acquainted with some passages she never understood before yet he should oblige her much more if he would be pleased to deliver his opinion what might be the intentions of the Syrian State in thus desiring to lessen or rather to outward apparence to overthrow the Monarchy of Lydia since the example seemed of a dangerous consequence for its own government for that those Subjects might also fall upon the like pretences Truly answered Creses what I can say of that Theame is that either they thinke it more convenient for the glory of Syria to reduce all Kingdomes but their owne into Commonwealths whereby theirs may appeare to Asia the onely Empire or they have an intention to make a conquest of ours by reason of those multitudes of divisions they see arising amongst our selves or perhaps they ayme to set up Prince Arethusius in his fathers Kingdome because he is of the Syrian bloud whereby they believe they shall purchase both honour and friendship But if I thought I should not prove over harsh in my unpollisht language whereby too much to injure your patience by my tedious relation I would discover yet a story though acted long time since that in my opinion hath been the originall of the sad effects of this last Warre it will prove the longer in regard it toucheth the proceedings not only of the Kingdome of Lydia but the Countries of Syria and Myssia that formerly have been all three interwoven in dangers slaughters and civill broyles by the spightfull proceedings and factious maximes of a certaine Priest called Herenzius Roxana glad to entertaine any conveniency that might instruct her farther in the Mysteries of these unlucky times although many things she had read of Herenzius violent spirit told Creses that as no language proceeding from his lips could prove tedious to any eare how ignorant soever so did she not doubt but the consequence of the present affaires required rather ample stories then short descriptions which gave him a sufficient warrant to use his own pleasure both for the manner and matter of his discourse untill his endeavours produced this following relation You must know said he that this Priest Herenzius some yeares since when all the world seemed to yeild obedience to the great Flamine of Delphos as the only Oracle upon earth to prescribe the manner of the worship of the gods suddenly starred up in the Kingdome of Syria who by reason of an ignominious punishment he had undergone as t was reported for a hainous offence committed against humane and divine Lawes began violently to fall out with heaven and earth in so much as in the first place he quarrelled with the forme of the service to the Gods then used and in the latter he denyed Kings and Princes obedience or rather loyalty from their naturall subjects To this purpose to execute his malice against all authority because he had suffered by it and withall thinking againe in some sort to recover his lost reputation in doing notable actions how wicked soever of a sudden flew to a certaine Towne upon the confines of Arabia whose people had newly not only disobeyed their Flamine but cast off their government to his authority which quickly gave him admittance with his Doctrine since they knew his opinions suited with their designes yet being rather friendly entertained then perfectly established by their welcome his insolency and pride in a short time banished him againe from the City seeing he could not shew temper in his first entrance and so remained untill the feare of the inhabitants of comming once more under their old government for that they understood their Prince prepared for a siege constrained them not onely a new to desire his company whereby to be assisted by his Councell but were forced to binde themselves by a solemne oath to submit absolutely their wills to his institutions with these conditions he became fully possessed of that power that gave him opportunity both to governe as he pleased and instruct as he listed untill he had fitted all their thoughts for the impressions of his designes by the eloquent language and cunning practices he used which in a short time so prospered that many disciples were found of such towardly dispositions instructed by his principles that he sent many of them also into other Countries to poyson the peoples loyalties since obedience is the most assured tye that probably warrants the safety and prosperity of Kingdomes But these men having as I said taken their journeyes with these intentions the first prevailing progresse they made was in the Countrey of Myssia where finding some discontents already ingendring between the young Queen then raigning grandmother to Euarchus and some factious and ambitious Nobility soon introduced their new and dangerous opinions into the hearts of the common people by which meanes the Lords became also so powerfull by their assistance that the poore Princesse in a short space was forced to quit both her Kingdome and Life a Tragedy too pittifull now to be related whilst the Rebells took possession of her authority from which usurpation proceedes Lydia's miseries since by a continuance of the same
thinks that season longer and his torment greater by much then in the day time for where the minde is kept high by ambition to compasse something it coveteth it hath power enough in that interim to hold up the body from falling to its proper center the earth where naturally it inclines but being without comfort if a man doe not make strong use of his noble part his soul to maintaine his courage and resolution the suffering or captivating of flesh and bloud will render a man quickly totally overcome and that is the reason that long and tedious persecutions have destroyed more competent spirits then sharp and violent tortures since they were prepared for the one with expectation and only weared by the other with continuance We know that old men strive more greedily to preserve their lives that short time they are to live then young men in their most flourishing yeares because diversity of prospects operates so much in youthfull bosomes by reason of continuall activity tending that way that they have not leasure to settle their imaginations upon horrid apprehension when old people have so much time to think wanting power of action that the object which is naturall appeares often before their eyes to fright them and so fares it with a person that only suffers in comparison of him that doth both suffer and act together wherefore that person hath need of a double courage because there is nothing to accompany his thoughts of variety or diversion for certainly it pleaseth a man rather to contend for his life though he know he shall be deprived of it then to lose it without any strife at all which seemes to be the case of Euarchus since they will not so much as permit him with reason to dispute his rights but force him unheard to deliver up his Crowne and more grievous a great deale is his condition in that he appeares to be left of all those friends that have been most obliged to his goodnesse What is the reason that a delinquent upon the Scaffold is accustomed to have his eyes banded before the stroake of death to take away from him the apprehension of the blow which he knowes he shall receive When a valiant Souldier in the Field without shaddow will charge against a thousand weapons with as much certainty of destruction but because the ones action frees him from the others terrour All which shew that a sad expectation of an ill augments the suffering when a diversion by imployment of the body or busying the senses by diversity of objects take away that apprehension that makes any danger or misery excessively horrid as for example men for the most part are put to torture in uncouth places where there is nothing but silence or low whispers to render the sufferer more sensible of the paine by the quieting of the imagination and so it fares with such as passe through darke places being afraid of every small rustle when in the day time the same way perhaps is pleasant so that as I say without doubt all smart griefe and discontent is encreased by want of action and too much leasure for consideration for I must conclude that it is a great deale easier for a person to dye fighting in the Field though he should be cut in sunder in a thousand pieces then to endure a long and tedious captivity which is Euarchus present condition in so much as at last if he should in some sort yield to this cruelty I must not finde fault with his courage but if he gaine the victory I shall esteeme him a miracle of nature As I must not said Roxana goe about to disprove your arguments grounded upon such reasons and more delivered by the knowne authority of your excellent judgement so of the other fide I could wish the King had some Counsell to assist him in these difficulties besides his own capacity and courage since it is impossible but humane nature at the length will be tired with over much suffering and by consequence faile for want of true information there is no contradiction of your opinion said Creses but such is the crafty spight of some that they will permit none to be about the Kings person that dares loyally afford him any profitable consolation because they may the sooner bring him to consent to their desires Yet replyed Roxana it is not well known what those desires are since they never durst for all I could ever learne publickly declare their intentions but doe as it were in a dark mist endeavour to possesse the people that the King refuseth something he is obliged to grant for the good of his Subjects by which meanes they strive still to maintaine their credits and opinions amongst the common sort It is so Madam said Creses however since you are fallen upon that point I shall let you know how farre the King hath yet condiscended to their demands whereby the better to dispossesse the People of that beliefe they are perswaded to have in the Senates integrity though I verily thinke they now more feare their power then trust their intentions for whereas not many dayes agoe they proposed to Euarchus to have the power of the force of the Kingdome for twenty yeares both by Sea and Land the King hath yielded to grant them that jurisdiction during his life though not for that terme which appears now to be the greatest difference between them since the Senate seemes not content with this offer whereupon the Myssians have lately put out a furious declaration against the Senate pressing the King to such unreasonable conditions In good earnest answered Roxana I cannot tell whether I have more cause to smile at the seeming ridiculousnesse of these proceedings or be amazed to see men growne so foolishly unreasonable since Euarchus appeares to my understanding to be willing to part with more from his own hopes then what the Senate requires for that if he grant the power of the Kingdome out of his hands during his life it gives more assurance to the Senate that he intends no more to raigne if he had quitted his power for so many yeares only since he might have some thought to over live that prescribed terme againe for the Myssians I wonder most of all at their new loyalty to their Prince when they have been as I may say the only cause that hath made him no King though now anew they seeme to desire to re-establish him in his ancient authority which certainly cannot be but upon other designes of advantage to themselves more then for Euarchus prosperity Truly Madam said Creses in the generall it is as you say but yet there are so many mysteries hid under these proceedings that they are capable to deceive the sharpest judgement if some light be not given by information Wherefore you must know that both Euarchus and the Senate know very well that the consequence of all the Affaires chiefly depend upon the assurance of the safety of the Kings person
since he can never hope to be againe re-established in his rightfull authority but either by the humours and inconstancy of the common people who when they finde the Kings absolute oppression brings no prosperity to them will probably become exasperated against the Senates proceedings and power or by an unreconcilable difference betweene the Senators themselves who may most command when they shall finde no other jurisdiction to oppose them both which in all likelihood will conduce to the Kings benefit if he sit quiet sometime under his injuries which I conceive to be the reason that he hath in outward appearance yielded so much to their demands And for the Myssians perhaps by this opposition they would perswade the world to a beliefe of their integrities as if at the first they consented not to the Kings hard usage whereby to obtaine a greater party not only in the Kingdome of Lydia if they have an intention to dispute their own profit but in other Countries if they meane to make Warre upon our people because they cannot be sharers in the government as they hoped the only cause certainly of the now seeming quarrell so that in my opinion Euarchus hath done like a wise and politick Prince in seeming not to contend where he was sure not to prevaile especially since by the dispute he might have endangered those hearts that will now be of his side if the occasion be offered either out of pitty to his sufferings or our of hate to the Senates government And besides it is to be considered that no act he shall passe in this condition of constraint can binde either himselfe or posterity by all humane and divine lawes if his Sword ever become more powerfull in the meane time the Senate will seek to preserve the Kings life and person with their best care since their own authority falls entirely by his death which as I say is the reason they desire more a terme of yeares in the continuation of thier required government then the determinable fate of the Princes life because they may have alwayes the liberty to presse him to new conditions if they finde by experience they have not yet obtained sufficient since they shall not need to feare the vexations of his person may bring any hazard upon him I cannot deny said Roxana but these reasons are sufficient to render me wholly satisfied in my doubtfull opinions but the gods are only capable to foresee the event of things And with that looking upon the Sun she perceived the time of the day called her to the attendance of the Princesse which made her for the present take her leave Upon her arrivall she found Cloria only accompanied by her Lute in a small withdrawing room belonging to her own chamber where none but her selfe had permission to be admitted not long after she had saluted the Princesse she discovered she had been weeping by the red circles about her eyes that gave the old woman occasion further to be inquisitive after her imployment untill she spyed this complaining ditty lying written before her upon the Table that quickly gave her satisfaction of the occasion though her excellent voyce and rare skill rendred the Musick heavenly Is Justice could some favour finde Or were not rather truly blind Ambition sure durst never weare The spoyles of such a vertue heare When every houre Doth need her power To set both Crownes and Kingdomes free For love I see is but a flame That onely beares a constant name And is by interest as a wave Tost here and there as others crave If objects seeme Of more esteeme To summon sense unto the call But whatsoever dwells more high Shoote but your Commets from the skie Against the hate that mortalls beare To such as lawfull Scepters weare And wee 'l adore For evermore That action as a Diâ—â—â— Yet whilst that fate and pride contend Whether shall conquer at the end The Gods themselves have cause to feare A revolution of the Spheare And then like we May Martyrs be In the vast Chaos of the fall But the Princesse after she had made an end of her Musicke began with many complaints and more sighes to blame absent Narcissus for his too much negligence in his love since in all this time of her last restraint he had not found as she said some disguise to visit her person though he might want the power to procure her liberty which she continued with a certaine passion untill Roxana not only chid her for those sad expressions that as she told her had destroyed in part the ravishing delight of her song but seemed unjust in accusing her servant that had in so many dangerous adventures shewed alwayes the entire constancy of his affection who was no doubt at the present retired into some region where he might best advantage her service However Cloria was willing upon any hopes to be satisfied with the proceedings of Narcissus and much more with his intentions yet could she not but tell Roxana that although she was pleased to be his advocate that seemed to have a powerfull perswasion in her beliefe yet were the loves she feared from Farezius and the importunities she expected of Cassianus in her apprehension arguments sufficient to make her think Narcissus wanted much diligence at leastwise violence that he did not endeavour to scale the very Walles where she remained a prisoner rather then to endure her to be so injured Truly Madam answered Roxana as I cannot tell why you should expect miracles instead of services so have you no cause to doubt the importunities you mention since I am not certaine Farezius love was ever presented to your liking either from himselfe or any of his instruments And for the Addresses of Cassianus you have been already so accustomed to refusals that I conceive you have not any other hard part to play then to continue the same course still Besides you may well remember by Cassianus own Letter that his affections are not so hot as to presse you upon over great inconveniences and therefore in my opinion you may very well quiet your thoughts concerning his courtships O Roxana said the Princesse you are much deceived in both these particulars for as to my knowledge which I have understood since I saw you last Farezius hath already intimated his desire to my father whom you may be sure will comply almost in any thing that concernes the Generall So doth Cassianus labour the Senate underhand to be propitious to his love since as he sayes their own honours are ingaged in the issue for that the world takes notice of their protestations which are to see him established in a prosperous condition both in power and affection And the rather as â—retends for that they formerly sent for him according to their professions to see them put in execution Roxana replyed as there be many reasons of sufficient force to make me give way to your opinions since your own beauty honour and vertues are loadstones