the love of Epicharis gave desire and impatiency enough but the discretion of that wench moderated him who knowing that he should commit a great fault to marry her being aslave had forbidden him the hope of it as long as she continued in that condition Palamede notwithstanding in this occasion not enduring to see so many persons made happy and himselfe so farre off enjoying the same pleasures said to her Faire Epicharis how long doe you meane to deferre satisfying the passion I have for you desire you I should attend an infinite time and in the meane space live with you the most unfortunate of men feare not to have me doe any thing unworthy of me by marrying of you your merit abundantly recompences the default of your liberty and my uncle cannot refuse to give it you when you shall be my wife What occasion more favourable may we hope for Now all things are here in disorder if we commit a fault it will easily be considerable Can you faile by imitating the actions of Ariana and Cyllenia and must my condition which you judge more exalted than yours be the sole cause of making me unhappy Palamede answered Epicharis if you could judge how much I esteeme my selfe oblig'd to you for your affection I thinke you so reasonable as you would have cause to be satisfied with me but you shall pardon me if I cannot consent to what you desire I know well the difference of our affections 'T is a passion something blindish that makes you love me but 't is reason onely that causes me to honour you You consider not well what I am when you expresse so much love to me and without doubt turne away your thought from a defect that accompanies me while you esteeme me worthy of you Contrariwise the more I open my eyes to see what your worth is the more cause I finde to love you and thinke my selfe indebted to you But loving you with reason I love your honour as much as I doe your person and it would shew I had out small care of that if I should make my selfe happy to the prejudice of it That which is fit for the faire Ariana and Melintus to doe is not so for us and the same reason that permits them to marry against the desire of Dicearchus is that which ordaines me to continue still a Maid against yours Palamede I beseech you to temper your desires and assure your selfe that if the gods are pleased with our affections they will so bring affaires to passe that honor and fitnesse shall not be separate from our contentments Thus did this wench full of wisdome and courage stay the transports of Palamedes affection who the farther off he found himselfe from contenting his desires the more he admir'd the vertue and generosity of Epicharis and increas'd his passion by them Melintus sent to have brought out of his ship much riches whereof he was provided for to make that day as famous and magnifique as he was able in a place so distant from their acquaintance He made to be taken out thence many sumptuous moveables vessell of gold and silver and what ever hee thought necessary to make himselfe seeme worthy of Ariana if Dicearchus receiv'd him into grace at Corinth Ariana and Cyllenia that ought to have bin the fairest ornament of that happy day failed not to prepare against the morning all that might make their beauty appeare more resplendent but nothing could render their charmes more pleasing than the excesse of their contentments which not able to be contained any longer in their hearts were now discovering themselves upon their faces Every one us'd the greatest care he could not to be without pomp and grace and at last that morning arrives so much desired of all When all things were ready and they putting themselves in the way to goe to the Temple they heard Trumpets sounding in the City Ariana thought Melintus had sent for them from his ship to lead her to the Temple with more solemnity but he stood in amaze at it and having sent to know what it meant they brought him word that a publike cry was made by which was commanded to all those that were subjects of the Empire to seize upon Melintus and Palamede Sicilians where-ever they were found and to send their heads to Rome because they were the enemies of Caesar and the people of Rome and for the better knowledge of them they gave all their markes This cruell newes troubled all their joyes and filled their soules with astonishment and sadnesse They durst not now goe abroad for feare of being knowne and they could not tell what counsell to take in such an excesse of misery When they fled from Dicearchus fury see them fallen into a farre greater misery having the Romans for enemies whose Empire being of so large an extent they could not hope to get out of it without being discover'd upon the wayes They shut up their house as carefully as they could staying till they might thinke upon some remedy though they had but small hope to find any Ariana fell a crying to see a persecution so cruell against her deare Melintus and her brother Cyllenia accompanied her teares out of compassion the others sought to encourage the resolution of these faire Ladies against this unhappinesse but they that took upon them to comfort others were no lesse afflicted themselves Lepantus and Amyntas offered to go learn what they said about the Towne but because they were strangers in that place they feared lest they might give some suspition of those that dwelt in the same house All that day passed with much sadnesse and feare and the next day also without inventing of any expedient Epicharis whose wit was full of a thousand inventions told them she saw well that it appertain'd to none but her to save their lives as she had once already done at Rome that she would goe about the Towne to see what passed and for this cause she was to be disguised in a man that habit being fatall for their safety Neverthelesse that they should not be so secure in her devices but they might try to finde out other meanes besides Melintus said he could finde no better than to send away some to Corcyra to advertise Eurymedon of the danger they were running that he comming by with his forces might deliver them Amyntas would goe thither to do them this service and because he would not take their ship for feare they might have need of it themselves he went away in a Skiffe towards Corcyra Epicharis on the other side made no matter of cutting her haire once again being accommodated with a mans clothes and a sword by her side she went out of the house one morning with a designe to goe gaine the Porter of the City to let them out by night She had mistrusted the conduct of another in this occasion fearing he might cause a suspition and being apprehended discover them but she was assured
fallen sicke and sent to know how they did and that hee was in paine till hee heard from them When he had learn'd that his chiefest enemy was in the worst condition he sent him an oyntment as an excellent remedy for his wounds but Melintus having receiv'd it would not have his friend make triall of the Drug comming from a place so suspect The faire Camilla sent for a Dog that they presently strucke with a knife then she made the Oyntment be applyed to the wound and foure houres after the Dogge was found dead this composition hauing envenomed the sore and penetrated in a small time to the very heart The knowledge of this treason made Marcellin be as much hated of Camilla as he had before time beene loved and when he came to see her after his sicknesse she shewed such displeasure at him that he well perceived hee was lost with her Melintus afflicted with his friends evill though it was not then judg'd mortall and seeing himselfe constrain'd to feigne a passion for a Lady he loved not passed a very troublesome life in that house Emilia that could not beleeve these coldnesses and distasts of his proceeded from the small affection he had to her but rather imputed the cause of them one while to the misfortune had arriv'd to them another to his desire of being reveng'd on Marcellin never ceas'd rendring him her most passionate cares One day when he was in bed she said to him Melintus It grieves me to see you so sad in a place where it is desired you should be most content Madam answered he the greatest discontent I have is to put you to so much trouble and I could wish you would be pleas'd to remit the paines you take to them that serve us so I should be eas'd of the halfe of my evill No no Melintus replied she hide not your selfe from me this is not the cause of your griefe for if you love me you desire to be loved of mee and you cannot receive at this time other testimonies of this than my assistance so as my paynes must rather be agreeable than troublesome to you But in good truth dreame you not of revenging you on Marcellin for the villanies by which he pursues the life of Palamede Melintus who was glad to conceale the principall subject of his sorrow was very well pleas'd at her abuse and that he might entertaine her still in it he sayes Madam 'T is true his treasons possesse me with horrour and feare for I see that he will not leave practising against us and it will be more difficult for us to warrant our selves from a coward and traytor than an open and valiant enemy Leave that care to mee answered shee we must by little and little banish him our company and afterwards wee shall know how to preserve our selves from his designes my sister already hates him and this have I gained of her representing to her how much this fellow is to be detested There is no doubt replyed he but his company is very dangerous and that sometime or other those that are of so mischievous a disposition will make others that converse with them partakers of the miseries of their owne lives I beginne though late sayd Emilia to see the truth of this you say for I tooke him for a man capable of doing a mischiefe yet seeing hee did us so many good offices I could not beleeve hee would attempt any thing that might occasion our displeasure I will not proceeded shee reproach you with the service I did you in the person of Palamede making him accepted with my sister yet I must needs let you see what affection I beare you and what power I have with her by estranging Marcellin from her heart to whom we cannot deny but we had singular obligations Whereof if you have leisure I will make a short relation to you Melintus who was well content to let her have the talke desir'd her to take the paines and shee replyed thus Three yeares agoe my sister and I married on one day two Knights of Rome my sister Decius and I Antonine But scarce had six moneths passed but Decius quitting the affection he had to my sister fell in love with mee at least he would make me beleeve so I discreetly resisted him because I would not have his intention come to my husbands or my sisters knowledge for indangering the friendship that was amongst us and I hoped also that hee would retire himselfe from it of his owne accord This mildnesse made him beleeve that in the end I would let my selfe be gained and that nothing retained me but the affection I had to my husband On the other side judging of others by himselfe he thought Antonine was in love with my sister and was againe loved of her because they entertain'd one another familiarly enough without any great occasion whereupon hee conceiv'd so furious a jealousie that he resolv'd to make them both away this rage of his being usefull also for the love he made to me for he pretended to marry me after he had dispatch'd those two persons One day when wee dined with him I was amaz'd to be held backe by him taking me by the arme as I was going to eat of a dish of meat whereof there was but little in it and well seasoned to appearance he feigning to remember me of something he had to say to me entertain'd me till Antonine and Camilla had eaten the most of that was in the dish then he made it be taken away At that time I perceiv'd nothing at all but presently after dinner my sisters young stomacke beganne to worke and was strong enough to expell the poyson she vomited Antonine that was more in yeares and had eaten the most of it finding in like manner some gripings did what he could to cast out that hee had taken in but he could never doe it whatsoever remedies were given him and dyed the day after The crime and designes of Decius being apparant enough you may conceive how I was transported to lose a husband I honour'd and with what fury I attempted to revenge me on him and hee above all this would have had me attributed his action to the excesse of love he had to mee and that I was beholding to him for it But this mad man being not yet satisfied but desirous to have my sister dye what ever happened I could then devise of nothing but the preserving of her life by taking her home to me where I was resolv'd to live free without ever marrying againe In that time Marcellin fell in love with Camilla with so violent passions that there was nothing he would not have enterpriz'd for her sake and seeing us ever in teares my sister and I she because Decius sought by all meanes to put her to death and I for the losse I endur'd he tooke in hand to revenge us both and to free us for ever from so cruell an enemy A little
that which is perfect and certaine and for this reason she her selfe is her owne end and recompence there being nothing in the world perfect and certaine but shee So hath valour no satisfaction but in it selfe and this is that wee call honour which is nothing else but the glory that is in us for not failing in what valour requires at our hands what disgrace soever may happen because fortune hath no power over vertues hee that has this quality in perfection is as valiant being overcome as when he is victorious and is conscious to himselfe of the same glory Victory and honours cannot be the principall objects of it because these are not things we can be assur'd of In like manner the perfect love cannot have pleasure for his principall end because it is not certaine but depends on the will of another and for that cause his end cannot be to be lov'd neither these being things that are without us and we cannot dispose of but his onely certaine object is this to love perfectly So the end of this perfect love is in it selfe and can never faile it If it chances one be loved or receives some contentment these are but fruits of love and not the end even as victory and honours are to valour otherwise it must be necessary that after the satisfactions love receiv'd and the honours that valour possess'd both this and that should cease and have no more operation as being arriv'd at their end You see that imperfect loves that have no other end but pleasure dye as soone as ever they have attain'd that pleasure and this might serve for an infallible reason to make you beleeve there must be an end farre more noble and more assured than pleasure to crowne a perfect and never decaying love I beleeve said Epicharis to Palamede you would be much troubled to answer these reasons 'T is very easie for him sayes he to vanquish an enemy that feeles his conscience wounded being to maintaine an evill cause for all the disasters I have met with and reason with this very dispute learne mee thus much that we are to love but one thing which is perfectly lovely and for this cause that it is you alone I am to love I pray you said Epicharis make not Melintus weapons serve your turne against mee and yet I shall not bee displeas'd that he instruct you and when you have had time enough to bee made wise I shall demand of him what I ought to thinke of you Sweare said Palamede you will alwayes report your selfe to him That will I surely said she so much confidence have I in him that hee shall herein be Judge with Ariana Melintus said there was hope of amendment in Palamede and that he would promise if Epicharis joyn'd her helpe to make of him a perfect lover one day for her sake having already a Master very affectionate and a Mistresse very lovely Assure your selves replied Palamede that I knew before how to love very well what ever I said for I love none but the faire Epicharis 't is she I love perfectly and will love her so for ever Do you take these little searches I make to others for infidelities What be they else sayes Melintus I would faine know went Palamede on if to love so perfectly as you pretend you abstaine from all sorts of pleasures as hunting pastimes exercises and what ever else may content you That were not reasonable answer'd Melintus So then said Palamede these little favours are of those pleasures we are not to avoyd The choyce a man has made once in his heart continues still there and by this meanes he attends with patience till the cruelties of her he seekes be over and the time may bring some ease to his desires I finde this said Epicharis an easie way of loving and if all were of your disposition there would not be heard such complaints and desperations of lovers because they would so soone know wherewith to comfort them 'T is not replied Palamede a particular humour in mee but reason that makes mee love after that fashion and every one finds contentment by it for having a cruell Mistresse I seeke for consolation to the usage she makes me and in the meane time leave her in repose When all comes to all replide Melintus you would perswade us that you love extremely but desire moderately and if you can make these two agree you have reason for what you say Although sayes Palamede I follow not these desires so ardently thinke you I desire the lesse for that Contrariwise I more honour her I love not to torment her seeing her resolv'd to grant me nothing and appease where I may the violence of my desires But replide Melintus they are not the desires you have for her which you goe to ease otherwhere they be some other Sometimes answers Palamede I imagine I am easing those very desires perswading my selfe I enjoy her and receive those favours at her hands Ah ye gods cried out Melintus what crimes are here together And why said Palamede am I so criminall First of all replide Melintus in seeking these favours from others you serve your selfe of the same words and the same oaths which you use to her you love see there prophan'd the fairest meanes you can have to make your selfe be loved imploying them indifferently upon a thousand subjects unworthy of the vertuous designe you ought to have What poorenesse it is to lye and which of them all can beleeve you having but the same protestations to give in all places after all this if you love but one person can you still finde another lovely and there stay your eyes for as for pastime which you alleage a man may seeke that without injuring his love but one beauty may stand in competition with another and if you can make much of any with or besides that you love 't is infidelity But what crime can be greater than that your imagination commits in the favours of another and will your fancy then needs have it her you are courting who receives your discourse with affectation who either yeelds with weaknesse or prostitutes her selfe with shamelesnesse and doe you perfectly love her you imagine to your selfe with all those defects You charge me very criminally said Palamede but I protest to you I have not so vile an intention No no pursues Melintus you must resolve with your selfe either to beleeve your affection is very imperfect or else to purge it of all those errors if you desire to make it perfect See there said Epicharis one good lesson already and if every day he tooke but such another I thinke he might be reduced into the right way To heare you both speake replied Palamede it seemes I have beene instructed in an ill Love-schoole and must endevour to forget the false principles I there learn'd but I doe still finde something in me repugnant to the austerity of your precepts Neverthelesse I honour my Master and love
spight of the crosses which Amyntas and my affection have met with and to tell you their beginning I must of necessity tell you the beginning of my life too Since the birth of my brother Melintus Hyperia my mother had beene many times great with childe but she could never be deliver'd of any alive untill at last having made some vowes to Lucina shee was brought to bed of me This was a very great joy to the house and Diocles the chiefe friend my father Telephus had came to congratulate with him and brought his sonne Amyntas too that was then but five or six yeares old they told him jestingly I should be his Mistresse whereto he agreed and ask'd to kisse me I beleeve that he could then make me no very eloquent offer of service neither did I give him any great cause to love me being but a disagreeable Mistresse and very troublesome that had nothing but cryes to entertaine him His father instructed him in the duties he was to render me and sometimes laughed with Telephus at the fashion he tooke them in hand every morning hee sent first to heare from me and after came himselfe to seeme and kist my hand one while he brought me a posie another time a coloured feather that they pinn'd on my head in hope that one day I would give him some of my favours to weare in that fashion When I began to speake hee exprest much contentment having no more a mute to entertaine and seeing how that which he loved began to be inform'd with a soule he seem'd to augment his affection at it In like manner finding him compleasant in every thing I desir'd I had a friendship to him for children are pleas'd with those that contradict them not We had a thousand sorts of playes where I was the Mistresse and he the servant I commanded him with gentlenesse hee obeyed me with joy and so the tenderest of our yeeres passed away in many innocent recreations I cannot repeat to you all our childish discourses but when he came to be seventeene or eighteene yeere old that age that is accustom'd to change all things had not this power over him for in stead of diminishing by degrees this affection that had taken no foundation use serv'd him for matter of love and made him pursue his designe of loving me For my part comming to a little more understanding I perceived how these little liberties were not very honest and would retire me from him He was not overmuch troubled at this for he is of an humour not to afflict himselfe and to be moved at nothing as you shall see by that which followes and onely said one day to me It seemes my faire Mistresse you love your servant no more I had at that time judgement enough to answer him I pray you leave these names that are no more fit for me than for you He without accusing me of change or going to complaints told me 'T is now impossible wee should lose these qualities since I have neither will nor power to doe it If it be not possible to you said I to him it is very possible to me and from this time I will quit the name of your Mistresse That answered he depends not on you On whom then replide I On me pursued he for I remaining alwayes your servant you must of necessity continue my Mistresse What though I forbid you replied I. You pretend then answered he some power over me and in that respect your selfe agrees to be my Mistresse You may interpret said I my words as you please but I will not have you use me any more in this fashion Since you permit me answered hee to give what sense I would to your words I will have them signifie that you love me but that you are not desirous at all to make it appeare Looke you replide I I lov'd you being a childe but things are chang'd I doe not complaine at this change answered he for in that first age you said before all the world that you lov'd me and it was nothing so and now you will love me indeed and say nothing Flatter your selfe as much as you please said I but for me I know well what I am resolv'd on so I left him and went to joyne me with the other Maids to avoyd his returnes for my young age furnish'd me not with reasons strong enough to vanquish him and my weaknesse emboldned him the more Some time after Diocles who had by little and little enrich'd himselfe without noyse was declar'd possessor of the great estate hee had acquired and Amyntas thinking nothing could be refus'd him with the advantages he had seemed more than ever assured of my affection I beleev'd my honour oblig'd me to expresse more coldnesse to him still for feare it might bee thought that I made much of him for his riches in such a fashion that I altogether withdrew me from him and would not suffer him to speake to me in particular I thinke he perceiv'd my cunning well enough for without being amazed at my resolution he would needs write to mee One day he came to see me when I was in company I know not what shift he made to put a Letter into my pocket and when hee was gone his way I put my hand by chance into it and was strangely taken finding this writing that was not to have beene there Neverthelesse I dissembled what had befallen me and having impatience till I were alone to see what it was went out and finding a letter I open'd it and saw that it was thus Amyntas to Erycine IF I found my selfe faulty I should not be so bold to demand of you a reason for your severities but having alwayes serv'd you with fidelity I dare be bold to say that it 's impossible you should wish me ill what-ever disguise you put on It may be you would make triall of me but if you have a designe to receive my service after a great deale of time and paines I pray you doe it for the present and deliver us both of the cares and vexations you are preparing us I aspire not to that sad glory of knowing how to suffer well and when I shall have endur'd your cruellest torments you would in the end be obliged to relent Doe that now for affection which you would then doe for justice and making me so happy you shall force mee to serve you also for justice which I did not before but for affection I blamed him a little to my selfe for taking the boldnesse to write to me and for the liberties he us'd in his letter but yet this humour of turning thus all things to his advantage was not disagreeable to me sometimes I accus'd my owne facility that was the cause he could not thinke me so ill as I seemed on the other side I was very glad that hee gave not backe for those feined rigours because I did but what I ought to doe and that made him
never the farther from loving me At that time I gained also the affection of Misander if I may so call the desire he exprest to see and speake with me fot doubtlesse you will laugh at the humour of that man I have heard say interrupted Ariana that he is of Reggium and comes often to Syracuse but that he is very melancholicke It is impossible replide Erycine you should imagine to what degree he is so He came one day to see me in the company of Amyntas that was his friend at that time Hyperia my mother was very sicke and in danger to dye my affliction which he found to have some sympathy with his sad humour caused as I beleeve the good will he had to me His discourses were to make me see that I had cause rather to bee afflicted than comforted his wit affording him no reasons for to vanquish my griefes and after he had employed some words to expresse the part he tooke in my sorrow he thought he had sufficiently declar'd his affection to me since it may be I was the first he had obliged by that compleasance Thinking therfore he had got familiarity enough with me by this first encounter he came to revisit me when my mother was in better health and I rejoyced at her recovery my jollity truly made not his affection dye which my sadnesse had produc'd but standing mute to all the discourses wherein I express'd a satisfaction in him he would peradventure have had mee beleev'd that his silence proceeded from love and some dayes after seeing me to receive him with a great deale of kindnesse as I am accustomed to use all that come to see me he tooke the liberty to complaine of me and would have mee thinke that I dealt unjustly with him not to acknowledge the affection hee bare me although he had made none at all appeare to me whether by discourse or any other way For my part having no cause to satisfie him it was no difficult matter to me to keepe him in that plaintive humour and every time he saw me he seem'd to have obtain'd what he desired for when I us'd him with harshnesse or contempt he set himselfe to discourse that he was the most miserable of men that those women that had a sweetnesse for all other had nothing for him but disdaines that his encountring was so unfortunate that at the same instant he appeared he inspir'd refuses and rude usage into them he desir'd most to be esteem'd of that in his very presence they affected a favouring of others to give him the greater displeasure To end upon the subject of the misery of his life there came a torrent of words from him which was impossible to be stopped I laugh'd within my selfe that he was satisfied after that fashion in making all those complaints and reproaches to me his soule loving to feed on nothing but such ill nourishment as this You describe a man to me interrupted Ariana of a very strange nature and yet pleasant enough withall I cannot replide Erycine sufficiently represent this miserable humour for I have observ'd that it 's impossible to please him giving a sense to all things that confirmes his opinion of being miserable If I us'd him with any sort of kindnesse he tooke it for feining if I treated him with coldnesse it was a certaine contempt If I spake to him it was said he in a certaine fashion whereby he perceiv'd well enough the small account I made of him if I held my peace it was to let him see that he was troublesome and to give him leave to be gone In the end I found very true what I had heard my brother say of him that of all the passions he thought he had none but the displeasant and unfortunate ones as sadnesse feare jealousie despaire distrust and the rest And upon this subject he made an observation which I have found a very pretty one and am like to retaine it in my memory that the most things have two faces which diversly regarded make effects as divers As in a combat a man of courage considers nothing but the glory of vanquishing and makes sure of it a poltron regards nothing but death which brings horrour and trouble upon him Even so Misander being within corrupted with this same blacke humour regarded but the ill sense of all things and interpreted all my actions to his disadvantage I had two servants then very differing one that complain'd incessantly without having cause the other that alwayes satisfied himselfe what-ever rigour he receiv'd I confesse to you Amyntas displeas'd me not for the other you may judge if he were love-able yet although he were a man I had reason to banish my company the softnesse of my nature suffer'd me not to anger him enough to drive him away Amyntas knowing by the intreaty I made Misander that himselfe was not ungracious with mee ceased not seeing me and had not failed of greater attempts but that I made him know his duty and my modesty altogether stayed him Misander had so contagious a melancholy that he was a vexation to all he came neare Amyntas brought me his acquaintance but he repented him sufficiently of it for my sake and more yet for his owne because Misander never left me and hee could not entertain me as he desir'd 'T is true that if I had an enemy I should wish him to endure the love of a man of this humour for I beleeve there is nothing in the world more insupportable If you stay at home they will besiege you cruelly without speaking sometimes a word in a day and will weary out the most resolute that might thinke to attend their depart to speake with more freedome if you have businesse abroad they will still accompany you and not give you so much as one houre of respite and in the meane time they will have their sighes be taken for the sweetest entertainments of love their silence for an admirable discretion and their importunity for services that cannot be sufficiently rewarded I remember one day Amyntas came to our house feining to save himselfe from the raine he was taken in as he had ever some pleasant excuse to come often thither and finding Misander there whose presence importuned him sufficiently without adding to his trouble any thing by this sorry humour he was not able to endure that constraint and went out to be delivered of it in spight of the raine that still continued but when hee was abroad the storme so increas'd as he was forced to come backe againe to us where we passed away a day as blacke as can be imagined as well because of the weather as for the humour of Misander On the subject of that raine Amyntas the day after gave me these verses Last day faire Erycina with a storme assail'd At your house I beleev'd I should have shipwracke fail'd As at some happy Port by heaven granted me Soone by their radiant beames your eyes me dried But
what sicknesse soever was upon him he spake no more but of retiring from me to goe to her I knew then he had never lov'd me and was tormented with a cruell jealousie that gave me no repose I saw well that I had no cause to retaine him since he lov'd me not and yet I could not endure he should forsake me Never had I experience of so many troublesome passions as then distracted me but I confesse there cannot be imagin'd a more cruell torment Love hatred the resentments of contempt and jealousie put me into such a disorder that my mind was in 〈◊〉 perpetuall fury There rested for all that in me I know not what hope that beleeving him to be of a great spirit he could not but esteeme himselfe much oblig'd to me for so many duties I had rendred hi 〈…〉 neverthelesse this ingrate this perfidious man prayed me at last to give him leave to retire I expected that blow with a great deale of feare and receiving it I forc'd my selfe some time to perswade him to stay still with me but seeing him resolv'd to be gone I perceiv'd there is nothing so sensible as the contempt and the ingratitude of that one loves I could no longer containe my selfe but gave him all the reproaches an outraged lover could make in calling him traitor villaine ingratefull and all that may be said in a furious anger This artificiall man having given free liberty to my rage to make it lose its force began to pacifie me by little and little by the most flattering words deceit it selfe could have invented He perswaded me to what he would being so weakned by the agitations of my soule that in that estate it was easie for him to vanquish me Then he labour'd to make me beleeve things that were so pleasing to my desires and that in such sort flattered my hopes that I conspir'd also with him for to abuse my selfe Never had he express'd so much passion to me as he did at that time he spared neither protestations nor oaths for to assure me of his love and his fidelity and feining some dayes that he could not be farre from my presence he obtain'd insensibly leave to be gone in making me hope that he would returne to me every houre Being thus escap'd out of my hands he counterfetted himselfe sicke that he might not be oblig'd to see me againe untill hee return'd into Sicily I sent often to heare of him and was advertis'd of all that passed at their house by the meanes of a young boy call'd Damis slave of Maximus who reported to me that nothing was so agreeable to Melintus as the deare assistance of this faire Ariana It consum'd my heart with jealousie and despite that he had thus deceiv'd me to get away I attended still a good while and the more time passed away the more he made me lose hope of seeing him ever againe This outrage seized me in such wise as I became sicke and willing to prove to what degree his ingratitude would proceed or whether pitty might not doe that which love could not obtaine I gave out every where that I was at the extremity to try if he would not render me at least some office in the very last moments of my life But this cruell man this Barbarian was never touch'd for any accident that could arrive to me and had lesse care of me than if he had never knowne me Not content yet with that triall I made it be reported that I was dead to see if he would not come to visit Camilla and to heare being closely hid what he would say to her upon the regret of my death and I will tell you truly what my fury was then I was resolved if he came to come forth of my ambuscado after I had heard him a while and to teare him in peeces with my teeth and with my nailes but all that mov'd him no more than if he had had no soule and I knew beside that he had hindred Palamede from comming to see my sister upon the accident was thought to have befallen me I knew not now in the extreme dolour I was in what artifice to use nor what resolution to take when the passion of others was neare to have succour'd mine and supplied the defect of my inventions Marcelin as I knew of Damis to be reveng'd of these Sicilians to whom he was enemy attempted to burne them all one night in their house or if they got out to kill Melintus and Palamede and to carry away Ariana in that disorder for to give her to the Emperour This enterprise as I came to know since succeeded not well for Marcelin who was slaine without the City by Melintus and Ariana sav'd her selfe by I know 〈◊〉 what meanes but the day after Palamede and Melintus were taken and brought prisoners to Rome Never pursued Emilia had I so much joy as to learne that they were destin'd to death being accused for having set fire on the City and when I was advertis'd that they were to be brought before the Senate to have judgement I disguis'd me in the same estate as I am now for the present in to see what countenance they had and to what punishment they should be condemned and slipping into the Senate-house among the crowd I so wrought that I got a place whence I could see them at my ease I saw this traitor present himselfe without any amazement and in seeing him I became pale and a shaking horror surpriz'd me that tooke from me all strength The trembling that had seiz'd me quitted me not as long as I beheld him but when he began to speake I felt my selfe even gone so was I taken with the different passions that perplexed me In the end I recollected a little force and courage and seeing in what sort he defended himselfe Ha! said I to my selfe see how this deceiver spake to me when hee would abuse me How well he knowes to disguise the causes of their misery and his love for Ariana He dares not pronounce that name for feare of being troubled And yet I confesse to you that I felt my selfe affected with the things he said and my hatred was not powerfull enough to resist the force of his discourse I would have had them adjudged him to death and yet I well saw that it was impossible to condemne him I attended his judgement with as much trouble as if it had beene my owne and for all I desir'd he should dye I surpris'd my selfe sometimes in the estate of having a feare for his life But yet for all that I saw they were about to absolve him and I was angry and content at the same time but when they came from Nero to command the judgement to be surceased for that he would declare his will upon the matter I cannot expresse in what state I was in I well perceiv'd how the Emperour feared lest they should have beene dismissed and quitted and that this signified
so vertuous a friend but constraind his prudence to obey the transports of my youthfull fancies If the gods are resolv'd rather to take my life from me than make me wise by these accidents I submit to their justice praying them to give you another friend as affectionate but more moderate than I Yet if your friendship cannot easily change the subject of it I have another my selfe whom I may well call more deserving than I I leave behind me a sister whom I desire you to love if already as I beleeve you have not esteem'd her worthy your affection I know your merits be above hers but yet I am assur'd she will never give her selfe to any man of lesse worth than you This consolation I shall have at least after my death when I shall know that with the goods I am to leave her she is to possesse the greatest I was able to procure The first words of Palamede had possest with sadnesse the soule of Melintus and his eyes with teares but the last surpriz'd him with astonishment not thinking that Palamede had ever had knowledge of the secret love hee had to the faire Ariana his sister and not willing to avow it seeing shee her selfe would not have it discover'd at all to any he contented himselfe to give him this answer It were not possible for me to have more joy receiving so deare witnesses of your friendship if the occasion thereof were not so unfortunate But I cannot choose but give you thankes for the first and regret the other and I will yet hope that the gods will not so soone separate us but that the occasion of my discontent shall cease and I long time enjoy the affection of so perfect a friend If the estate wherein you are suffer'd me to accuse you I might complaine of you for beleeving that I could ever blame your actions If at any time I have dislik'd them it was rather because my humour was contrary to them than my reason Cure your selfe onely and imagine not of giving me any person that may hold your place I would not conceive the like thought of you that after me you could love any thing Melintus conceal'd so violent and respectfull a passion for Ariana that he durst not pronounce her name nor speake one word of her and so left off his discourse Palamede when he had stayd a while said to him And what say you to my sister This replyed Melintus is a matter that I find so farre above my merits that I cannot thinâ—e upon it without presumption and besides that Aristides your father hath his designes more high in all reason wherefore I content my selfe to honour her with all the respect I may Palamede would have answer'd this but Melintus told him that hee could no longer endure to heare him speake with so much paine and desir'd hee would remit that discourse to another time and rest himselfe for feare of some greater danger I will make but one request to you said Palamede to send into Sicily as speedily as you can to my father it may be I shall be alive yet some dayes in which time hee may be here with my sister or at least render me the last duties of a friend if my death prevent their arrive I have no greater wish than this that I may see them before I dye Melintus tooke that occasion to leave him after telling him that he went instantly to dispatch one of his men and that hee hoped for all that when they should be come to Rome they would have more cause to rejoyce for his cure than to mourne his losse Then studying how hee should write for putting Aristides and Ariana into too much feare he determin'd to dissemble his griefe as much as might be and wrote these Letters Melintus to Aristides I Was not able to refuse Palamede this service he desir'd of mee to advertise you of some wounds he receiv'd in a combat and to beseech you by the affection you beare him to come to Rome to him with his sister The feare he hath to dye without seeing you was stronger than all the prayers I could make that hee would not give you so much apprehension and paine But in satisfying of his desire diminish your owne feares and beleeve that your sonne defying all remedies will not be beholding for his cure but to your sight He put this other apart to be deliver'd in secret to Ariana Melintus to Ariana IT is with sorrow that I make you understand newes that will a little trouble your mind Neverthelesse when you shall know that the brother that is so deare to you feares to dye for any wounds and desires to see you thinke not this misfortune so neere but rather that your happy destiny hath brought forth this accident to have the fairest person of the earth appeare in the chiefe City of the world You are not to thinke it strange that he will have you gaine this glory with the prejudice of a little feare you shall there find men to whom love cannot be favourable farre off from Syracusa and that wait but for your presence to cure them In the meane time I mistrust no ill fortune nor can I judge the cause ill that shall produce so faire an effect as the happinesse to see you Melintus that had not yet dared to make a full discovery of his passion to the faire Ariana had taken this liberty to write to her since his depart from Syracuse and for this reason was he permitted to doe it because Palamede was over negligent and that she might heare often from them so as hee spake but insensibly of his affection to her intermingling covertly that which nearest touch'd him in the things that passed without giving her any cause to accuse him of unadvisednesse And shee her selfe was very well pleas'd to receive testimonies of his passion without the ingaging of her honour by feigning ignorance of his designe and so they did both deceive one another willingly if we may call deceit the secret knowledge they mutually gave of a vertuous and inviolable affection After Melintus had clos'd these Letters hee gave them into the hand of Arcas his faithfull Freeman and instructing him what was to be done gave him charge to make all haste to report Palamedes disaster in such a sort that they might not be too much affrighted and to say that he would have written himselfe but for a hurt in his hand then hee went backe againe to his friend and dispatch'd this bearer in his presence to let him see how he obeyed his request and to give him this content at least Marcellin that had alwayes before made esteeme of Palamede and Melintus because of their merits and had not declar'd himselfe against them his jealousie having not yet burst forth full of despight that they had twice escap'd the death he had prepared them and not thinking that hee was knowne the Author of those treacheries counterfeited himselfe to be
of revenge resolv'd our death and would serve himselfe with the presence of the Emperour to cover his assassinate In the evening being at supper with Nero seeing that Prince somewhat inflam'd with wine and singing some verses he had made he said all alowd that some dayes agoe he was not able to endure the insolence and ingratitude of that Sycilian who mock'd at the Emperours verses and every where vanted his owne for all acknowledgement of so many favours he had receiv'd of him Nero incens'd at these words for there was nothing that so sensible prick't him as to be slighted in a thing where he affected the greatest glory In what places sayes he does this companion thus use me I heard him also answered Marcelin but two dayes since when he spake of this matter with a strange impudence at a Ladies house that every night entertain's him Can we not said Nero entrappe this same gallant This very night replies he it will be very easie to be done we need but goe to waite for him and hide us some where there abouts you may punish him your fill for the crime he commits every day against the honour of your Majesty This was instantly resolv'd on and Nero with those of his ordinary troup went to put himselfe in ambush at a place whither he was conducted by Marcelin and staied for us with a purpose to sacrifice us to his vengeance We failed not to come at the houre and presently as we had order'd the matter together we beganne to draw our swords in making a noyse and to cry kill kill the murderers Nero and the rest thinking they had beene discover'd and fearing to be all massacred in their Ambuscado if they issued not out shewed themselves and came to us but so much astonish'd as we were surpriz'd not looking that our play should be turn'd into so true a combat We omitted not to receive them with much assurance and hurt many of them Neverthelesse because their number was the greater we receiv'd many wounds which made us resolve to sell our lives dearely but they considering we were desperate were in the end forc'd to cry out to us It was the Emperour Then we drew our selves further off to let them passe yet after they had retired themselves I fell downe all along being no longer sustaind by the heat of the fight and having foure great wounds out of which I lost all my bloud Melintus came to helpe me but for all he was not so much hurt he could not but fall in a swoone also upon my body In this state were wee found by these Ladies who came out to see that which had passed before their house and who were greatly astonish'd to see us handled on that fashion Then they caus'd us to be brought hither to succour us with the affection they have made demonstration to us where being in despaire of my life I was willing to see my father and you before I dyed But the gods have shewed me more favours than my indiscreet youth deserv'd and have spar'd my life it may be to serve you and that deare Melintus to whom I have so many obligations whose sicknesse that now keeps him in his bed was not caus'd but by the daily cares he tooke for me during mine Ariana fully pleas'd to have learn'd the extreme fidelity of Melintus dissembled that joy to answer her brother It is true that in all that you have told me he hath witness'd a most perfect friendship to you which oblig'd us to eternall acknowledgements And I would have the occasion one day presented to acquit us of them then she spake on But to leave this businesse of Melintus you have not told me how you came to know it was Cyane that discover'd all to Marcelin This is the thing replied Palamede I forgat to speake of We knew it was he assisted by Nero that made the Ambuscado for us and chiefly we gather'd his ill will by an oyntment he sent me which was poyson and then when we were in paine to discover from whence hee could have notice of our appointment by night I went to averre before Melintus and Camilla that I had communicated it to Cyane Camilla crying out then told me we need not any more inquire for the originall of this disaster that this mayd was wholly Marcelin's and causing her to be corrected because she was now too much inrag'd for all Marcelin's treasons shee made her in the end confesse her villany I make no report to you of the resolution of our faithfull slaves in pursuing the designe Nero had taken to put us to death because you have heard that of Arcas It remaines onely that I tell you how Marcelin two or three dayes since hee was wholly cur'd came to visitus and shew us much affection to remove the opinion we might have of him But Camilla could not forbeare to give him so strange a reception that he began to suspect the cause of that usage I perceive replide Ariana that by the speciall favour of the gods you have beene able to escape out of that adventure for in that sort your destruction was plotted I tremble still to imagine how it was possible for you to avoyd it Neverthelesse you are not yet out of danger having alwayes for enemies the Emperour and Marcelin whose revenge is unsatisfied and whose fury shall be increas'd by the cares Camilla has express'd to have of you The gods said Palamede that have hitherto preserv'd us will not abandon us yet we are not to sleepe but employ the wisdome of yours and Melintus counsels to advise of the meanes that may for ever secure us from those miseries that threaten us I beleeve said Ariana that a speedy retrait to Syracuse will be the most expedient this is that makes mee wish the perfect cure of both of you that we may enjoy together the repose and sweetnesse of our Country and flye from a City where vice and insolence reigne with such authority ARIANA. The third Booke WHile they were entertaining themselves thus Melintus satisfied what he could the desire Aristides had to heare of all had passed and employed the greatest cunning of his discretion to find out causes of their misfortune and conceale the true and principall occasions of every thing that had happened many times when he was not well prepar'd to answer all the good old mans questions he feined a difficulty of speech by reason of his sicknesse to have leisure to consider But when he had scap'd that passage and came to report Palamede's extreme sicknesse that his wounds caused and all the accidents that had put him into such feare he forgat not so much as one point thereof that he might spend the time in that discourse and deliver himselfe from demands he was in trouble to satisfie Emilia and Camilla sometimes laugh'd seeing in what fashion hee disguis'd the truth and did oft divert the matter of the discourse to ayd him Aristides was
the vexations of my soule and doe but consider a little to what I was reduced when by your hands I was deliver'd and what thoughts I could have being in the hands of those robbers After losing of a brother as I beleev'd whose death was followed with my fathers I saw they were gone to cut my uncle's throat the onely support I had left me and my selfe forsaken of all and condemn'd to suffer the rage of those hangmen without your rescue whom I am beholding to for what I have most deare in the world Madam answered Melintus we were first indebted to you for our life and honour and you secured both to us by meanes of Epicharis whom you sent us if since we have assisted you you are wholly to thanke your selfe for your deliverance but I know not how you should ever pardon mee for the feares I put you in going to force you away from among those Souldiers But rather replide she how will you pardon mee the blowes I gave you for so I payed you for all the paines you had taken to save me Ah Madam answer'd he how pleasing were those blowes to me but may I dare to remember you of one you call'd upon to helpe you Ariana blush'd and told him a little after I remember it well enough and give you leave to take those words I spake as much for your advantage as you please Melintus taking her hand in excesse of joy pursues Upon this assurance Madam may I from henceforth without offence tell you my thoughts Hee spake these words in a voyce so trembling and with a face so pale that Ariana well perceiv'd the extreme respect he bare her and the feare he had to tell her of any thing might displease her but to encourage him she answered Melintus I have sufficiently made triall of your friendship by your discretion I will not have you spend so much as one word to assure me any more of it He was so ravish'd that bowing him and putting his mouth to the faire hand he held hee was some time in this posture without any speaking so transported was he with contentment Ariana was very glad to see him so seized but at last he lift up himselfe and said to her What will you thinke of me Madam to see me silent after such a favour and indeed so great it is that there are not words to expresse to you neither the excesse of my joy nor how much I am to rest your servant Ariana answers him If we measure the obligations without doubt those I have to you are farre the greater but you are to be satisfied with mee seeing that to acquit myselfe I give you my soule which is all I am Your soule Madam replies Melintus may I be so bold to beleeve these advantageous words but why should I not beleeve them since they come from your mouth that cannot be but true Will this faire soule then give it selfe to me for to animate a body so unworthy of it and will you indeed receive mine in place of it Melintus said Ariana I doe not meane so this exchange would be too prejudicious for you but at the least I give you a part of my soule which is my will and I must have you dispose of it from henceforth in exchange of yours which I am sure is in my possession Melintus was so rapt for these deare engagements that the commotions of his heart disturb'd his minde and stopp'd the freedome of his thoughts and the knowledge of that disorder gave Ariana a greater assurance of his joy and passion than a thousand words could have done In the end he replies It is impossible Madam I should expresse to you how deare these favours are to my soule for the more I resent them the lesse am I able to tell you but it suffices you to know the greatnesse of my affection by being assured how they replenish me with joy and you shall see with what submission I receive them by the inviolable respect that shall alwayes accompany me in your presence and when I have declar'd what I am I will incessantly call to my remembrance the estate wherein I was when you were so favourable to me Melintus sayes Ariana interrupting him this declaration is the businesse you are to thinke upon at this time and I would advise you to make your selfe knowne to my brother you are not to deferre it any longer if you thinke it fit to be done and then we may consult together concerning the wayes we are to take for since the death of my father there is come from Corinth Pisistratus sonne of Calistenes who was uncle to Acidalia by whose onely meanes my uncle married her after a sute of many yeeres lasting This Pisistratus drawne hither rather by the reputation of some estate than of any beauty he sayes is in me hath brought letters from his father to Dicearchus wherein he desires him to doe the like in his sonnes behalfe with me that he had heretofore done for him with his Neece Acidalia Pisistratus relying upon that favor thinks not he hath made an unprofitable voyage but that with the duties he renders my uncle and the affection he expresses to me he shall presently marry me and carry me away to Corinth in the same ship that brought him hither which still attends him for this purpose On the other side Diocles seekes my uncle more than ever and he entertaines them both with hope not knowing what to resolve on for although he hath great obligations to Calisthenes he is not willing for all that to have me so farre from him by giving me to Pisistratus and againe seeing him to have such faire possessions and comming of a farre more illustrious house than Amyntas he cannot finde in his heart to refuse him Upon these uncertainties it were good you first declar'd your birth and after that your suit Madam replied Melintus you doe me a very great favour to instruct me of all these things and I am very glad your counsell is correspondent to the designe I had but yet I would have wished that it had not prevented the permission I had desired of you to make this declaration I hope it will be well receiv'd for the Syracusians have cause to love me and Dicearchus is oblig'd to me by oath never to wish me ill for my fathers sake The life sayes Ariana you saved him ought much more to oblige him to that and I have reason to take this ill because all that wee shall resolve on from henceforth to your benefit will rather be thought duty and acknowledgement than affection I shall ever take it for pure grace replies Melintus for scarcely could all my services together pretend to hope for so much as one of those words you favour me with This agreeable conversation ended at the arrive of Dicearchus that came to take Melintus and to shew him with his Nephew the beauties of his house before the night obscur'd them and it
of him to his advantage I would have wâ—â—hed he had seene me oftner and since that seeing there passed few dayes â—hat he came not to us and finding him in a sadnesse that was not ordinaâ—â— with him I imagin'd that hee loved some Lady that used him ill or that â—e could not easily see and came to divert his griefes with me One â—â—ile I wished ill to that faire Lady for the sorrow he suffer'd for her anothâ—r while I was not angry for the small satisfaction he receiv'd for the interâ—â—t I had in him and what-ever were the cause of it I was very glad to see â—im oftner He had the reputation to be lov'd of some Ladies but they weâ—e such as never troubled my minde for he told mee all the defects he founâ— in them some were too facile others had no other pride but to get quantity of Lovers and to keepe them all by different meanes and because I knew thâ—t vanities and affectations were insupportable to him I was sure he would never have a passion for those subjects I enquir'd after the places he most hunted but I found none that deserv'd his stay and in my soule I doubteâ— not but that he approv'd me as much as he did any else At length one day when we were alone I shewed him some verses were given me and in reâ—ompence he let me see others he had made himselfe and they were these SHall I then suffer an eternall silence Of my sad griefes to hide the violence Extinguishing my dayes most happy season And can this beauty that my thoughts adore The use of voyce deprive me evermore After she had depriv'd me that of reason And shall the ardor of my secret fires Still kindle in my soule so vaine desires And no excesse of rigour mollifie Still shall her eye upon me fulminate And pittilesse my hopes to dust translate As into ashes my heart multiply Where art thou Courage have I lost that strife That carries all to their owne good and life My just resentments where have you remain'd What magicke poyson what deceit might keepe Your power in most necessity asleepe When I these unknowne traitors entertain'd Ah! Whither will my senslesse fury take me The discreet bridle of cold feare will make me Soone disavow these transports of my tongue The torments of my rain'd soule I nourish The enemy that kils me I must cherish If I no reason have my plaints are wrong They 're wrong t is true my fetters are too faire Causelesse complaints my want of worth â—clare To free me of them 't is not my designe The honour of her sight is recompence And I too happy am without offence Alwayes so neere my heart to beare her shriâ— Said I her shrine ah 't is her selfe 't is she I feele her there within too cruelly Kindling the coale that nourishes my torment 'T is she her power makes her well appeare Who in that heat is pleas'd she caused there And lives in fire as in her element Thou that liv'st in me beauty inhumane What need I speake thou well behold'st my paine Wilt thou establish peace within thy dwelling What! my ills horror makes thee insensible But if thou art but ice alas is 't possible Thou shouldst not quench the ardor of my loving Is 't possible said I giving him the verses againe Lepantus should stand mute before her he loves Not onely mute answered he but so full of respect and feare that not so much as a looke hath ever given her an expression of my love You must needs said I to him feare her extremely for I know but very few that would not gladly receive the offer of your service I wonder replies he you should thinke that so strange when you are one of those that cannot endure to be loved Speake not of me return'd I to him for I have reason not to beleeve that any can love me but she you are in love with being without question very lovely may well beleeve what you might tell her concerning your affection Contrariwise goes he on I love her not but because she resembles you and this is that makes me feare that I be not sensible of the same severity in her which many others have made trial of in you I answered him but it was not Lepantus that made me those offers and being unsatisfied with my owne beauty I could not beleeve any great effects could proceed from so meane a cause besides I must tell you that though I be not worth the paine to be lov'd I have not hitherto found a man worthy of my spirit and though some one might present himselfe I should use him as if I thought him the least of men and my selfe one of the perfectest women This answer surpriz'd him and for a time he stood as if he had beene without all sense then recovering speech he said to me I have then some cause to feare that this beauty resembling you banish me not her sight if I prefum'd to declare my love to her or at least that she thought not her selfe offended at me and her provoked eyes were not to be endur'd All said I to him are not so ill-natur'd and I would willingly know her to perswade her to thinke well of you May it please the gods said he you had as much will to helpe me as you have knowledge of her I sware to him I would employ my selfe heartily therein if he would let me know her That would be answered he to speake of love to you which you will never endure That concernes me not said I will never offend me If she resembles you replide he both in beauty and humour she must have a like thought to yours and to make triall by your selfe of the usage I should have of her I will tell you Cyllenia I love you What would you answer But said I that is not so and therefore I cannot make you the answer I would There is nothing more certaine continues he and all the discourse I made you was but to make way for this declaration I blush'd and asham'd that I had thus forc'd him to discover himselfe told him Lepantus if the freedome I use with you cause this boldnesse you shall not long time abuse it for you must either lose this liberty or my sight He nothing amaz'd answered me You will confesse then I had cause to conceale my affection from her that resembles you for I apprehend as cruell an answer from her as that I have drawne from your mouth I was now more asham'd than before for having beene so deceived and but for the comming in of some company I had gone to complaine of him for thus playing with me yet for all that I flatter'd my selfe with a beleefe that his discourse might well be true and all night long I did nothing but fortifie me in that opinion that he would but sound me on all sides and that if my answer had beene more gentle he would have left
off feinings to speake more open and plainly to me It was a strange resolution of mine I wished he would love mee and thought I lov'd without being loved but when I saw him submit to me without knowing my designe I tooke upon me so absolute an authority over him that I would make him suffer as rigorous a government as if I had hated him and would put him to the cruellest trials of it Since that time he liv'd with me as before thinking I had receiv'd his excuse neverthelesse I would not stay there and my desire was admirable I had a minde that he declar'd himselfe to me and was for all that resolv'd to take away all hope from him So I sought the occasion as well as he did and one day as I spake to him of a dreame I had had he told me hee had put one of his into verse which he shewed mee that very time they were these FOnd man what have I done ah wretched bold device Have I then dar'd to breake theice Of a respect so long preserv'd And hath my fury then at last usurp'd this licence Me speake of love she heard And for this I am banish'd evermore her presence Those faire eyes without mercy more to justice bent Have added for my punishment Fierce anger unto Majesty I feele their venging fire she flyes away unkinde To a woods privacy And I in following her lose both force and wind Stay cruell one to satisfie you I entend For if my mouth could you offend My hands to right you shall not spare But all is darke as night and reaching but my arme I take but a light aire Gods I 'm in bed and but a dreame is all my harme O fortunate awake that favours innocence What her anger and my offence Are they into ayre vanished My respect triumphantly laughs at these Chymears And my senses ioyed Are safe from such fantasticke miseries or feares Goe dreame the terror of soules amorous Bearer of visions hideous Brother of shady ghosts and spirits Cruell impostor goe and plunge thee in the deepe Of hell devoyd of lights Where nought but crimes and monsters sadly keepe Are you still then said I to him upon this restraint not to dare declare your selfe Ah Madam answered he you have given me a lesson not to put me to that hazard All women said I are not made of this mould I told you before replide he that she without giving you offence is made just as you are I pray you doe not desire me to runne that fortune lest aspiring to blessings I dare not hope for I deprive not my selfe by imprudency of those I now enjoy I see her I speake to her and content my selfe with the esteeme she makes of me since I cannot pretend to be lov'd of her But replide I what can you hope will become of your affection if she have no knowledge of it He answered me Since she will not heare speake of it before shee knowes it she must know it before she heare speake of it What know you said I to him but that she knowes of it already and that there remaines not something more to be done besides assuring one another Promise me said he that she shall not be angry and I will take that liberty I promise it you said I for the power I have over her He answered me you have all the power over your selfe and for this cause I presume once againe to tell you that it 's you I love and that you are to be fully perswaded of it since you know well there is not a person in the world besides you that I can love You imagine said I coldly to him to make me answer againe in the name of her you love and to try me the second time No return'd he there is no feining at all in this I tell you now and what ever severity I may prove I am forced to say it by the excesse of my affection and by the assurance you have given me not to be offended I will not be angry with you said I since I have beene so oblig'd in the businesse but I forbid you ever speaking of this affection if you love me you will feare to disobey mee and if you love me not I will never heare your dissimulations Then growing pale as if hee had receiv'd an arrest of death hee durst no longer endure my sight and casting downe his eyes he said to me Madam at this time I am not faulty but for having obeyed you and since to obey your commands is to faile my disobedience to that you ordaine me shall not be any more a crime You are for all that answered I him to resolve you on this or never to see mee This last blow confounded him altogether and tooke his speech away some that came in upon us found us in a great silence which hee never brake but in his going out when he said to me I had rather be depriv'd of speaking to you than of seeing you and since you are so cruell I promise I will obey you all my life Neverthelesse he could not refraine from taking up this discourse againe another time whereupon I alleag'd the promise hee had made mee and would heare him no more The day after hee let mee see these Verses YEs I have promis'd and will keepe my word Hard-hearted woman whose record Holds onely what exasperates my paine To suffer alwayes and to hold my peace Inhumane inhumaine Keepe then as I doe all your promises Those eyes that hid a soule without all pitty Vnder a vaile of amity Assur'd me to your grace to dare pretend But now they are my cruell'st enemies Where me they should defend Why doe not they observe their promises When I resolv'd to send unto your prison My heart together with my reason Your beauty promis'd them so sweet a bondage Vpon those hopes to irons they were led But to endure your out-rage Is this to keepe what you have promised I grant a spirit without love as you May live as well and ne're be true But I alone will make my promise certaine And heaven that laughs at lovers perjuries Shall never be in paine To mocke or pardon my disloyalties Againe I vow to hold my peace for ever And if I chance to faile hereafter I will endure the worst of your disdaines All things will speake for me my paine will speake That on my face remaines And tell the griefes I suffer for your sake My silence more disert than my discours Will be ready at my succours To let you know the evils that compasse me And this amaze which your perfections In your presence give me Will tell you the excesse of my affections When you consult your glasse early or late The two bright Planets of my fate So worthy to be lov'd my love will tell And without crossing that you me enjoyne Your owne faire mouth as well Shall tell it to you in default of mine I confesse to you
great City What interrupted Melintus are you brother to the vertuous Eriphile wife of Ephialtes Yes replied Lepantus Give me leave continued Melintus to embrace you then since you are brother to one of the wisest women I ever knew at whose house I was a long time brought up and to whom I have a thousand sensible obligations Then they express'd a great deale of kindnesse one to another and Palamede that had shared in the friendship of the sage Eriphile would also mingle himselfe with their embracements Afterwards Melintus referring to some other time to tell him all the causes he had to love and serve him for his sisters sake prayed him to continue his story Lepantus went on In the end I resolv'd with my selfe to depart from Greece and to passe into Asia I arriv'd in Eolida from thence I went into Lydia and Phrygia but there befell me no remarkable thing but in Galatia where I ran a great hazard of perishing by an infamous death As I was comming neere to arrive at the principall City I passed by a wood where some murther had beene committed I saw my selfe incompassed with a number of horsemen who tooke me for one of the murtherers and carried me away to the City what innocency soever I was able to alleage They that did the murther were presently after apprehended and put in prison with me and when they knew that I was accused of their crime they mocked at me among themselves and swore they would not discharge me though they knew me not that I might die with them for company I was much perplexed having no meanes to justifie me but by them and in great displeasure that I was to dye so shamefully as a way-robber and a murtherer One day when I thought they came for us to be led to punishment I saw comming in an Officer of Justice who having assembled all the Criminals declar'd to them that each was to choose his advocate for to plead his cause before the King to the end that the most eloquent of all should beare away for his Client the grace that was yeerely accorded I enquir'd what that grace was and learn'd that in Iulius Caesar's time Dejotarus was King of Galatia who after he had followed the party of Pompeius and beene received into favour by Caesar was accused for having dressed Ambuscado's for him when he was at his house in Galatia For that cause he was cited to Rome where making his appearance he was ready to be condemn'd to dye by Caesar and the Senate but for the succours of Cicero's marvellous eloquence which had so much force as to make Caesar change his determination and pardon Dejotarus The King being return'd to Galatia that he might remember this benefit receiv'd by eloquence ordained that every yeare on a certaine day the Criminall persons should make choyce of Advocates amongst whom he that should be judg'd the most eloquent should carry away for his Client the grace of his life besides the advocates prize to whom was given a Crowne of great value After I had learn'd this I knew that the most famous advocates were retained of a long time by great summes of money and I saw it would be very difficult for me to hope for that grace having no meanes nor any acquaintance in the Country Neverthelesse I tooke heart and said all aloud to this Officer that I demanded leave to defend my selfe Every one tooke him to laughter to heare my proposition for they saw me in an estate too miserable to beleeve I could have any science but for all that I gave in my name to the end I might be heard before the King as well as the rest In eight dayes space that were given to prepare the Orations that should be made I had leisure enough to thinke of mine and when the time was come they brought us all to the Palace We were put into a great Hall round about certaine barres that hindred any approaching to the King who was within upon a seat raised with foure or five steps and had on each side of him his chiefe Officers that were the Judges When they would begin to heare the pleadings the barres were open'd to let in the first Advocate that was to speake who standing before the King began a very studied speech wherein hee labour'd to defend a criminall that was present with us When he had ended there rose a little noyse of the different judgements were made of him then they opened to another who discours'd with a great deale of vehemence and so many were heard one after another I was in a wonder to see so many Advocates but they told me there were come of them from all parts of Asia and out of Greece too some sought to by the Criminals and others invited by the ambition of making their knowledge appeare and carrying the prize This number troubled me much yet order was taken that the speeches should be short for else one day had not beene sufficient to heare all that presented themselves At last they said there were no more Advocates to plead The King was now demanding the Judges advice and I thought to have step'd forward to intreat audience but an Herald prevented me that told the King there remain'd no more but a poore Criminall called Lepantus who desir'd to defend himselfe Well then answered the King wee will not deny him that justice Then I entred within the barre and being before the King I said in a few words what I had premeditated with all the assurance and modesty I could Brave Lepantus interrupted Melintus doe not deprive us I pray you the repetition of that Oration we have time enough to heare it and since it is but short it cannot be grievous to you Grant this at least to the desire of Cyllenia who so attentively hearkens to the accidents of your life during her owne vexations 'T is to command me answer'd Lepantus so to intreat and since you will have it so I will recite what I spake then I began thus GReat King and you equitable Iudges I cannot complaine of fortune for the strange accident I am fallen into since she gives me the happinesse to be heard of you And wherefore should I be aggriev'd at her since both before and after my calamity she provided me meanes to releeve my selfe As soone as I entred this Countrey she hath rendred me criminall before I was culpable but at such a time when a grace is offer'd which she puts me in hope to obtaine having made me to be instructed from my infancy in all sorts of Sciences and Arts foreseeing the need I should have of their assistance The gods beside had beene unjust and cruell to permit the adventure is arri'vd to me if they had not knowne in what sort I could secure my selfe Accuse me not of presumption for being assured to carry away this day the prize is given to the most eloquent it 's impossible you should refuse me it seeing
his house and could not sufficiently wonder at the great courage of Melintus and his resolution for the safety of Palamede Emilia was well pleased to have Melintus in her power and was casting in her minde what kinde of death she should give him being resolv'd to kill him with her owne hand Then word was brought them how Palamede had beene saved and there was a souldier that accus'd Dicearchus for having beene towards the prison thereupon those that guarded him being not to be found they conjectur'd that Dicearchus had gained them whereat Trebatius being offended made him be put into the same dungeon where his Nephew had beene before neare unto that wherein Melintus was and was resolv'd to put him to death for having dar'd to corrupt his men and save the enemies of Caesar and at the same time he made Pisistratus be banish'd from his presence On the other side Palamede being got out knew not what to thinke to see all the City in a rumour and yet considering of nothing at that time but his owne safety he regained the lodging of Arcas never enquiring what the matter was But he was greatly amaz'd when he understood that Melintus was gone out with eight souldiers and he could not imagine for what designe he had stollen away from his troop in that equipage Instantly he would depart for to goe seeke and succour him but he was hindred by the arrive of Arcas who learn'd them all that had passed The faire Ariana who began to dry her teares for her brothers return felt then a new affliction that open'd afresh the source of them Every one was in such a despaire at this calamity for the affection they bare Melintus that in stead of comforting her they express'd by their extreme griefe what cause she had to afflict her selfe Palamede seeing in what sort he was oblig'd to Melintus for having conceiv'd so generous an enterprise for his safety was fully resolv'd to render him the like but he could not yet invent the meanes to effect it and he onely mingled his despite with the extreme displeasures of his sister Lepantus and Cyllenia In the meane time Emilia that meditated of nothing but the meanes of intirely satisfying her vengeance having in her hands the subject of all her furious passions consider'd that if she could get Ariana into her power she might have wherewith to punish her for being cause of her torments and an occasion besides to aggravate the punishments of Melintus by the resentments he should have at that she would make Ariana suffer before she put him to death and doubting that she might be in the same place since Melintus was met there with Palamede and Epicharis she made a further search in all parts to have her in her hands But Arcas knew so well to divert the scrutiny that might be made in his house that she could never learne any newes of her Many dayes were thus consum'd in this search about the City and some places adjoyning in the end not able any longer to deferre her revenge and Trebatius urging her to put an end to the life of Melintus for to give a beginning to his happinesse she resolv'd one morning to goe her selfe and kill him with her owne hand She tooke a ponyard and Guides to conduct her to the dungeon then being sure that Melintus could not defend himselfe from her because he had his hands tyed behind him and irons at his feet she sent away those that were with her to enter alone into that obscurity with a torch in her hand having yet some shame left to commit that action in the presence of another What said she to her selfe in entring it seemes I tremble and that my body feares to execute what my minde has so resolutely undertaken Can I yet doubt whether I be to revenge my selfe having run over so many Seas to finde the occasion No no let this cruell man feele the fury of a woman justly provoked and repay all the torments he has made me endure She encourag'd thus her selfe for to fortifie her heart that seem'd not over much assured and went her way towards Melintus conducted by the torches light in designe to make him have a sense of the death shee would give him Melintus knew her presently and seeing that she sought him among the shadowes he would prevent her and said Come Emilia that you bring me is very agreeable to me Those words troubled her because this voyce heretofore so loved surpriz'd her and she thought not that Melintus could know her beleeving her dead and seeing her in the habit she was in Ha! traiterous Sorcerer said she at length what spirit hath learn'd thee that I am Emilia Yes I am that Emilia the object of thy contempts and thy ingratitudes that am come from hell to ravish from thee thy perfidious soule and abandon it to the furies Well then replied he gently dispatch Emilia doe that you have enterpriz'd behold my brest uncover'd strike the ponyard in and assure your selfe that the death you are going to give me I shall receive it not as a punition for having offended you but as a recompence for the good service I have done you Done me good service replied she instantly Ha! Villaine call'st thou that good service to have mocked at my love and to have rewarded my cares with disdaine and ingratitude call'st thou that good service cruell man when after thou hadst escap'd from me by subtilty thou wouldst no more thinke there remain'd an Emilia in the world to whom thou wast so much oblig'd call'st thou that good service thou ingratefull wretch when neither the sicknesse that hapned to me for the regret of seeing thee no more nor my death so neare nor my very death it selfe could oblige thee to give one visit to our house Emilia replied Melintus to what purpose serve these reproaches since you are resolv'd to make me dye Dispatch Emilia see my brest ready for you give the blow and beleeve that you never yet oblig'd me so much as you shall doe at this houre by taking away my life No answered she I will know first wherein traytor thou hast serv'd me Ha! Emilia said Melintus will you have me to your shame present before your eyes so trouble some remembrances Did I not serve you well when seeing that this same Emilia whose wit and vertue I had before admir'd let her selfe loose to desires that were not very honest I endeuoured to asswage that heat by my coldnesses for feare she should bewaile all her life time the fault of a few dayes Did I not serve you well when deploring with my selfe the wandring of your soule and comparing your abasement with the honour of your preceding life I was not willing to take advantage at your blindnesse but maintain'd you pure at least from ill effects since I could not hinder the impurity of your desires and thoughts And did I not well serve you when seeing that my presence rather
feined not to understand what he would say to me but for all that I was not sorry when he came neare me and I tooke the paines to entertaine him with the best discourse I was able Dicearchus was not in that esteeme with me because I knew him to be a violent and an artificiall man and I judged that his humor would never agree well with mine My mother soone perceiv'd the purpose of Hermocrates and was well content therewithall so as she was never displeased that he should speake to me and the first time he found the occasion to come to our house she assur'd him that the entrance to it should ever be open for him He receiv'd this permission with a great deale of respect and made very discreet use thereof but Dicearchus could not suffer to see a rivall so well intreated and to finde himselfe so distant from our good graces beleeving that he was not so removed but by the advancement of Hermocrates He had recourse to a thousand devices and at last counterfetted a letter which he sent to my mother as if Eryx who was Hermocrates father had written it to her wherein he advertis'd her not to receive any more his sonne at her house and that he had other designes for him that if shee of her owne accord hindred not those frequent visits of Hermocrates hee should himselfe be forc'd to doe it by a meanes that would be heard with no very agreeable noyse to her See what a crafty plot here was see my mother then in a great wonder and more offended withall As soone as Hermocrates came to see her she prayed him to come no more at her house neverthelesse with so much temper as she express'd no discontentment at all to him beleeving that he had no part in what his father had written to her Hermocrates although my mother us'd him with no discourtesie was yet in a great surprize and besought her an hundred times to tell him what fault he could commit against the respect he ought us She would reveale nothing of the matter to him but in the end she told him that Eryx was not well pleas'd with their friendship He confess'd that his father indeed had propos'd a marriage for him but that it was a thing so unlikely that he beleev'd verily he thought no more of it No no Hermocrates replied she he has forbidden me by writing to receive you here any more but I thinke he might have express'd his aversion to us by something a civiller way Ha Madam sayes he is it possible this you tell me 'T is so true answer'd she that without opposing his desire or my owne honour I can no longer suffer you in this house Then he went his way overcome with displeasure and not knowing how hee should make shift to live any more because that as hee had a great respect and love towards his father so he had also as great a resentment of the injury he thought he had receiv'd from him in such sort that piety and choler began a combat in his soule which gave him no repose at all When he was at home he durst not lift up his eyes upon Eryx for feare of offending him with an ill looke for it had beene impossible for him to see him without paine He would not wish his father any evill and yet he could not desire any good to him so as having liv'd some time in this trouble of spirit he could not rid himselfe of at last he fell sicke and the more care Eryx express'd to have of him the more did his sicknesse increase This good father full of griefe to see in that danger his sonne whom he had reason to cherish as well for the lovelinesse of his person as because he was the onely one he bad who for all this gave no comfort to his sorrow not enduring the sight of him and refusing from his hand the remedies he offered him knew not whence this aversion should proceed of his sonne towards him and shed teares abundantly Hermocrates on the other side seeing his father in that perplexity accused himselfe for an ungracious sonne so to torment his owne father and could not tell whether he should wish himselfe dead or alive well knowing that if he dyed he should but heape sorrowes and anguishes upon the old age of those that brought him into the world and by living he could expect no contentment from them nor give them any But at length Eryx prayed his wife to aske him what cause he had not to love him and if ever he had given him any occasion to be displeased with him that having receiv'd of the gods a sonne so vertuous and obedient hee should thinke himselfe very ingrate towards them and himselfe too if ever it should happen that he gave him any displeasure His mother labour'd to get this secret out of him but he could never be perswaded to accuse his father and hee was resolv'd rather to dye than a word should escape him that shewed any want of respect She forced her selfe many times to make him declare his griefe which she doubted he concealed though she knew no cause he had for it but it was impossible to draw any thing from him In the end this good father outraged with affliction could no longer containe himselfe but approaching his sonnes bed he put himselfe on his knees before him and full of teares prayed him to tell him if ever he had displeas'd him in any thing Hermocrates ashamed at this submission and beleeving he received an injury rather than an honour by it kneeled him downe upon his bed and bowing towards his father desired him as he embrac'd him to rise up and not make his pitty guilty of shame by an abasement unworthy of him No sayes Eryx to him I will never rise untill you have told me wherein I have given you displeasure Ha my father sayes he must I have beene so unfortunate as not to have inviolably followed all your desires and that my affections should be repugnant unto yours What would you say replied Eryx speake more clearely my sonne for I doe not think you have ever oppos'd the thing I desi'rd of you and besides I promise you never to be contrary to any thing you shall desire of mee No no father answer'd Hermocrates be well assured I will never be disobedient to you and I shall take order with my selfe for your sake for ever thinking upon Euphrosyne but. Then he made a stop and his father said to him Goe on sonne and feare not to tell me what you desire you shall learne me what I know not yet and peradventure what I shall as much desire as your selfe Ha! father sayes Hermocrates if it be lawfull for mee to put a reproach upon you your letter made no such expression that you would desire it What letter answered he But not to seeme troublesome to you continued Euphrosyne the good father knew at last there had beene sent to my
hoping that if I satisfied my passion thus to revenge me on all sides I should not at least be depriv'd of all pleasure I practised all sorts of meanes to ruine him and having made a league against him I possessed my minde with all the designes I could thinke of upon this subject to the end it might be entirely busied with those considerations and I the lesse thoughtfull of my domesticke miseries This league made me powerfull and I found my selfe in estate to resist whatsoever hee propos'd in the publike assemblies and to overthrow all his designes but finding againe that he sometimes over-ruled it by the authority he had acquired and the love was shewne him I let my selfe be carried away more than ever with a desire to ruine him intirely To this purpose I made use of craft to make the Syracusians beleeve he affected tyranny and by the Armes I made be found at his house gave a colour to my accusation which notwithstanding had easily beene discovered false but for the artifices I employed to make the Roman Pretor judge of this cause but the Syracusians that loved him prevented me and yet not daring to absolve him altogether they banish'd him onely for five yeares according to their ancient law I was not content with this judgement but contrariwise I esteem'd it advantageous for Hermocrates whom the Syracusians had exprest so much affection to I feared lest they recalled him not very soone from his exile to place him in greater authority than ever By fortune a little before certaine Pyrats had beene taken upon the coasts and Hermocrates pursuing their punishment I attemted to save them onely in contradiction to him I was visited secretly by some Sea courses of their company that labour'd to corrupt the Judges and who having had intelligence of the designe I had to oblige them offered me all I could desire of them for the safety of those were taken I refused all their presents but at the same time Hermocrates being condemned to banishment and knowing how he was resolved to goe to Carthage I sent for them and bound them by oath faithfully to execute what I desir'd of them and I would returne into their hands their companions They promised to serve me against all the world and presently I made be delivered by my sole authority those that had beene taken because I governed all at that time and having them all at my house together I intreated them to joyne their quarrels to mine and so to order the matter as they might take Hermocrates their enemy and mine as he went to Carthage and carry him away with his wife so farre off that no more should be heard of him within Sicily that for this cause they were to sell them to some Barbarians and I desired too of them it might be done separately to the end I might thus dis-unite those whose union had given me so much jealousie and torment They all receiv'd this intreaty with much joy as well for having occasion to expresse in what sort they desired to serve me as to be reueng'd upon Hermocrates for having prosecuted their death and all of them sware to mee they would inviolably execute my desire I prayed them beside that if Euphrosyne who was very big should be brought to bed in the time she were with them they would throw into the Sea what should be borne of her to extinguish for ever this race After they had promised to performe exactly all I recommended to them I made them yet some presents I received also some of them for not shewing a contempt of them and after many mutuall protestations they went their way to attend Hermocrates in the passage neare the Port of Lylibeum They fail'd not to accomplish faithfully what they had promised me for they tooke away Hermocrates and Euphrosyne but they were wanting onely in this that they sold not Hermocrates so soone as they had assured me but kept him some time with his wife amongst them I had no newes what they were all become of but about foure yeares after during which time being rid of Hermocrates that before wholly possesed my spirit I relapsed into the lively resentment of the evils of my house and to ease them in some sort I enterpris'd to build a stately house in the Countrey and at the same time made a Tower be erected with an intention there to inclose Acidalia the remainder of her dayes But at the end of those foure yeares I heard that certaine men demanded to speake with me I sent for them and knew them to be the very same Pyrats that came to give me an account of what they had done They told me they had taken Hermocrates and Euphrosyne whom they had not yet beene able to sell in place whence they might not returne againe that when they had Euphrosyne she was already deliver'd of the childe she had beene big with but that since being with them she was brought to bed of a daughter that seem'd so faire to them as they could not resolve to put it to death neverthelesse for not failing in that they promised me they had brought it me to dispose of as I should thinke good Then they presented me this young girle of about two yeares of age whose beauty surpriz'd me but when she open'd her little armes to embrace me in saluting I was touch'd with love and pitty for her sake and resolv'd with my selfe rather to nourish it than be so cruell as I had resolv'd I am very sorry pursued Dicearchus addressing him to Euphrosyne and Melintus that I cannot at this time present you with this nurse childe of my bringing up 't is the gentile and courageous Epicharis who is the daughter of Euphrosyne and your sister said he to Melintus Euphrosyne knew not who this Epicharis was yet she rejoyc'd that her child had beene preserved but Melintus and Ariana cried out at the same time Melintus said What is Epicharis my sister And Ariana Alas Melintus my deare Epicharis is she then your sister Ah! what joy will this newes bring my brother that loves her so passionately and what griefe too will he receive by it for not knowing where she is Dicearchus caus'd a little ceasing to all these admirations and joyes in continuing thus 'T is true this young childe made her selfe alwayes so agreeable as I was constrain'd to love her maugre the hatred I had against those that brought her into the world She had a wit so gentile and quicke that she forc'd me many times to laugh when I had but small cause in Acidalla's presence and when she was more advanc'd in age I was pressed by some of my friends to marry her thinking she had bin a slave to one call'd Asylas a servant borne in my house but I had in horror that proposition comparing the noblenesse of her bloud with the basenesse of Asylas and could not hinder my selfe from saying how the gods would never pardon me for mingling