of that expedition She as she was inform'd by her Son that surviv'd told them That the Kings forces being cut off and Mitranes their General slain they were assur'd what they had done would be of no small consequence That Oroondates who lay at Memphis with a great Army would immediately approach and beset their Town and revenge the injury by cutting off the Inhabitants They therefore determin'd since they had brought themselves into so great danger to follow one bold attempt with a greater that being the only means to secure themselves from the Kings fury Thinking with their sudden approach to carry Memphis and take the King Prisoner or in his Absence if he were with his Army gone on expedition into AEthiopia as it was rumour'd they might with more case compel the City being destitute of Defence to surrender And likewise to perform a considerable service for Thyamis who was by his younger Brother depriv'd of office of High Priest which they would restore to him But if they should be frustrated in their design that yet they would dye with their Swords in their Hands nor ever come into the power of the Persians to suffer Scorn or Tortures And now give me leave to ask whither you are going To the Town said Calasiris It is unsafe said she at present especially for strangers But if you will receive us for your Guests said Calasiris we shall be secure enough The season will not permit reply'd she I being this night oblig'd to perform funeral Ceremonies But if you can endure it and I suppose it is necessary that you should to pass the night in some place remote from the dead Bodies at break of day I will take you for your security into my custody All this which she spoke Calasiris interpreted to Chariclea and so took her with him to a private place When they had passed a little way from the dead they came to a little Cave where he laid him down with Chariclea's Bow under his Head Chariclea sat down in another corner of the Cell the Moon then rising and lightning all without Calasiris fell into a fast sleep being tir'd at once with Age and the long Journey Chariclea kept awake with care became Spectator of a most horrid scene though usual amongst those people For the Woman supposing her self to be alone and not likely to be interrupted nor so much as to be seen by any person fell to her work In the first place she digg'd a pit in the Earth then made a fire on each side thereof placing the body of her Son between the two plains then taking a Pitcher from off a three-legg'd Stool that stood by she pour'd Honey into the Pit Milk out of a second and so out of a third as if she had been doing Sacrifice Then taking a piece of Dough form'd in the likeness of a Man crown'd with Lawrel and Bdellium she cast it into the Pit After this snatching a Sword that lay in the Field with more than Bacchanal fury addressing herself to the Moon in many strange terms she launched her Arm and with a branch of Lawrel bedewed with her Blood she besprinkled the fire with many other prodigious Ceremonies Then bowing herself to the Body of her Son whispering in his Ear she awaked him and by the force of her charms made him to stand upright Chariclea who had hitherto look'd on with sufficient fear was now astonisht wherefore she wak'd Calasiris to be likewise Spectator of what was done They stood unseen themselves but plainly beheld by the light of the Moon and Fire where the business was perform'd and by reason of the little distance heard the discourse the Beldam now bespeaking her Son in a louder voice The question which she ask'd of him was If her Son who was yet living should return safe home To this he answer'd nothing only nodding his head gave her doubtful conjecture of his success and therewith fell flat upon his Face She turn'd the Body with the Face upward and again repeated her question but with much greater violence uttering many Incantations and leaping up and down with the Sword in her hand turning sometimes to the Fire and then to the Pit she once more awaken'd him and setting him upright urg'd him to answer her in plain words not in doubtful signs In the mean time Chariclea desired Calasiris that they might go nearer and enquire of the old Woman about Theagenes but he refus'd affirming that the spectacle was impious that it was not decent for any person of Priestly Office to be present much less delighted with such performances That Prayers and lawful Sacrificâ—s were their business and not with impure Rites and enquiries of Death as that AEgyptian did of which mischance had made us spectators While he was thus speaking the dead person made answer with a hollow and dreadful tone At first I spared you Mother said he and suffer'd your transgressing against humane Nature and the Laws oâ— Destiny and by Charms and Witchcraft disturbing those things which should rest inviolated For even the Dead retain a Reverence towards their Parents as much as is possible for them but since you exceed all bounds being not content with the wicked action you began nor satisfy'd with raising me up to give you signs but also force me a dead Body to speakâ— neglecting my Sepultuâ—e and keeping me from the mansion of departed Souls hear those things which at first I was afraid to acquaint you withal Neither your Son shall return alive nor shall your self escape that Death by the Sword which is due to your crimes but conclude that life in short time which you have spent in wicked practices Forasmuch as you have not only done these things alone but made other persons Spectators of these dreadful Mysteries that were so conceal'd in outmost silence acqâ—ainting them with the aâ—fairs and fortune of the Dead One of them is a Priest which maâ—es it more tolerable who knows by his wisdom that such things are not to be divulg'd A person dear to the Gods who shall with his aâ—â—â—val prevent the Duel of his Sons prepar'd foâ— Combat and compose their Difference But that which is more grievous is that a Virgin has been Spectator of all that has been done and heard what was said A Virgin and Lover that has wander'd through Countrys in search of her Betroth'd with whom after infinite Labours and Dangers she shall arrive at the outmost parts of the Earth and live in Royal State Having thus said he again fell prostrate The Hag being sensible who were the Spectators arm'd as she was with a Sword in rage sought them amongst the dead Bodies where she thought they lay conceal'd to kill them as persons that had invaded her and crost the operation of her Charms While she was thus employ'd she struck her Groin upon the Splinter of a Spear that stuck in the ground by which she dy'd immediately fulfilling the Prophecy of her Son THE
Infants Eyes whilst it earnestly looked upon me and though dumb begged Pity sweetly With her was laid forth this heap oâ— Pretious Stones I lately shewed you and a Silk-Mantle wherein was sewed in Gold in her Country Characters the Relâ—tion of her sad Fortune Nature as I think having made her Mother furnish the Child wiâ—â— these Additions whereby one day she might be known When I read the Scrowl I knew oâ— whence and who she was and carried her from besides the City far into the Country and gave her to a Shepherd to be brought up threatning to kill him if he told how he came by her The things that were exposed with her I retained lest the Child should be made away for them thus at first I did conceal her But as she grew in Years she grew in Beauty and Perfection and sure a Beauty though hidden in the Center of the Earth will be discovered therefore fearing she would be known and both she and I dye for it I laboured to be sent Ambassadour to the Lieutenant of AEgypt and coming hither brought her with me desiring to settle her Estate the Governour hath sent me word I shall have Audience to day and he shall now hear the reasons of my Embassage Therefore now I recommend the Child to you and to the Gods that have so disposed of her under the conditions of your Oath being always to maintain her Liberty and to match her to a Man as free as you receive her from my Hands or to speak better from her sad Mothers that exposed her I am confident you will accomplish all your promises confirmed unto me by the Religion of your Vow and the Candor of your Manners which since your being in these parts I have curiously observed and know them to be worthy of a Grecian This is all I have to say to you for the present my Legating Affairs now calling me away but to Morrow meet me in the Temple of Isis and there I will more plainly and particularly inform you of the Secrets that concern the Maid I was punctual in observing his Commands and taking the Maid I secretly conveyed her to my lodging where I imployed the whole day to entertain her the most honourably and respectively I could studying to win her Heart with all sweet ways and rendring great thanks to the Gods for the Exchange of Children they had pleased to make me from that hour esteeming and naming her my Daughter Next Morning early I came to the Temple of Isis as I had promised the Stranger and after I had walked there a long time he not appearing I went to the Governors House and demanded if any one had seen the AEthiopian Ambassador Presently one told me that he departed or rather was expelled last Evening before Sun-set the Governour threatning he should lose his Head if immediatly he did not qâ—it his Frontiers informing me also the Cause That delivering his Embassage he commanded the AEgyptian to forbear to dig the Emerald Mines as appertaining to the King of AEthiopia I returned to my Lodging sad and pensive as one that had hard Fortune being not able to get any knowledge of the Child who or of whence or of what Parents she was born It is no marvel said Knemon interrupting him for I my self am mightily troubled that I can hear no more but yet I hope I may You shall replied Calasiris but now I will follow the Discourse Charicles then made me After said he that I was returned to my Lodging the little Maid came to meet me using Action for Words having not yet learned to speak any Greek she saluted me by giving me her hand and her Eyes spake that she received contentment in my presence I was amazed she would leap for Joy look me in the Face and observing the Respect and Love I bare her she paid me with the honour and reverence of a Natural Child I therefore resolved to stay no longer in the Town of Catadupes fearing some malevolent Fortune in a strange Countrey might deprive me of this other Daughter and taking Boat we rowed down Nilus to the Sea whence I sailed home where to this instant I have kept and cherished this Child as tenderly as if Nature not Accident had bestowed her on me giving her my own Name and my Content depending only upon hers so prodigal hath Heaven been of Graces to her that she anticipated my Wishes for speedily she attained to the Greek Tongue in such an instant she came to the Spring of her Age like a fruitful and noble Plant blooming early and with wonder in Beauty she had no Equal but all mens Eyes both Grecians and Strangers were fixed on her for in what place soever she appeared either in the Temples at the Theaters or any other publick Meetings as if she had been the Statue of some Goddess newly made no man could think or look upon any thing else But though she is no less than I have pictured her unto you yet she cruelly afflicts my Heart denouncing open War to Marriage resolving to spend all her Life in the state of Virginity and as a follower of Diana loves Hunting and practiseth her Bow and Arrows whilst my Life grows bitter to me being frustrated of my Hope to match her to my Sisters Son a civil and well-bred Gentleman endowed with many excellent good Qualities but in vain we court her she hath so hard an Opinion of Marriage that neither by Service Prayers or Promises she can be perswaded but which adds to my Grief she useth my own Weapons against me employing the Rhethorick I haâ—e taught her to find Arguments to conâ—ute mine and prove that she hath chosen the best kind of Life elevating a Virgins Liâ—e with Divine Praises and placing it near to the immortal Gods calling it pure incorruptible and uncontaminate but extreamly undervaluing and detesting Love Venus and all Nuptial Pomps and Ceremonies Now this it is wherein I implore your Aâ—â—istance and taking the offer of this Occasion have made you so tedious but necessary a Discourse Do me this Favour good Calasiris to seek some mâ—ans out of the Secrets of your Wisdom be it by Incantation Words or Examples to make her know her Nature why she was born a Woman I know if you please you can easily perswade her she hath no aversion from holding conference with Men but hath been ever bred amongst them and lives now in the same House with you here within the Walls and Cloyster of the Temple Neglect not my Intreaties I beseech you and permit me not without Children Comfort or Successor to live grieved in my old Age By our Apollo and your Tutelar Gods of AEgypt I conjure you At these Words Friend Knemon I could not refrain weeping because Charicles made this Suit to me with Tears the best Assistance in my power I promised him Whilst we were deliberating upon the Matter one comes in running and tells us the General of the AEneans was
sometimes of the Soul but that is only when it suffers and feels the indisposition of the Body and that being healed the Soul again Recovers and is wellâ— It is true your Daughter is distempered but not in her Body Her Head aches not no Feaver inflames her Blood her Body suffers not by Sickness neither in any part nor in the whole I intreating him if he understood the Nature of her Disease to let me know it There is no Child said he but may know it is a Passiion of the Mind and evidently the Disease that we call Love do you not see that her Eyes are swelled her Countenance discomposed Her Colour pale yet she complained not of any Pain in her Heart add that her mind wanders what falls into her thoughts she speaks and causeless cares do trouble her repose In short Charicles you must find out the Man whom she desires having said this she left me But I made all the haste I could to meet you my Preserver and good Genius whom both she and I acknowledge to have the only power to do us good for after I had long intreated heâ— to tell me what it was that troubled herâ— she replyed no more but that she her self was Ignorant only Calasiris knew a remedy 〈◊〉 her and she Prayed me that I would send you to her whence principally I conjectured she was gained by the Secrets of your Wisdom but said I to him as you tell me she Loves can you tell me whom she Loves No by Apollo replyed he For how or whence should I know that But I would give my Estate that it were Alcamenes my Sisters Son whom long since in my mind I had designed for her Husband I wished him that he should make a Tryal Bring the Young Man and shew him to her he commended my Counsel and presently went about it Not long after he came and found me when the Exchange was full I have said he a thing to Communicate to you that greatly troubles and afflicts me I fear my Daughter is out of her Wits she hath such Strange and Extraordinary Fancies I brought my Nephew Alcamenes as you wished me and shewed him to her in his Richest Habit But she as if she had seen Medusa's Head or something more formidable with a loud shrill Voice cryed out and turned her Face to the other side of the Chamber putting her hands like a Cord about her Neck threatning and swearing she would kill her self unless I presently would take him away out of her Sight but assoon as she could speak it we retir'd our selves For what should we do seeing such a strange Absurdity Therefore again I am become a Suiter to you that you will not suffer her to perish nor me to be frustrated of my Expectation O Charicles said I now you have hit it the Maid is Mad For she is possessed and agitated by the Spirits that I have put into her which are not of the meanest sort but a thing that was necessarily to be done to force her Inclination and make her to have a mind to that which by nature and breeding she abhorred but sure some God opposes my Design and countermines my Work And therefore of Necessity you must shew me the Manâ—le that was Exposed with her which you told me you received with the rest of her things for I much fear that some Enemy hath poisoned it with a Charm to make her out of Love with Love to the end that detesting Marriage â—he might wear out all her life time without the Blessing to be a Mother Charicles approving my conjectures presently brought me the Mantle But I said he must give me a little time to be private he did so and assoon as he was gone I began without the least delay to read what was sewed in the Mantle beâ—ng formed in AEthiopian Characters not vulgar or such as the Common People use but Royal â—uch as are proper only to their Princes bearâ—ng a resemblance to those we AEgyptians call â—he Sacred or Priestly Characters reading it I â—ound the Scrowl contained these Words I Perâ—na Queen of the AEthiopians draw this lamenâ—able Complaint for the last Present I can give to â—er whom I know not how to name and whom I can â—all Daughter only by the pains of Child-birth I was amazed Knemon when I read Perâ—na's name yet I persisted to read the rest which â—as this The Sun who is Author of our Blood be my Witness O my Child It is not for any Spot of Sin that I have exposed you in your Cradle and concealed you from your Father Hidaspes yet if you shall escape and live thus far Daughter let me excuse me to you and to him that shall find you if the Gods make any one so happy Be it also known to all sorts of People the cause that forced your Mothers Heart to leave you to the Mercy of Fortune Our Ancestors of the Gods are Sol and Bacchus of the Demi-Gods Persius and Andromeda and after them Memnon those that from time to time have builded and enlarged the Palace of the Kings of AEthiopia have enriched it with diverse Pictures excellent Pieces taken from the Actions and Battels they have performed and have put their Statua's in the Galleries and Gardens with Tabels presenting to the Life the valorous performances both of the Gods and Men and my own Chamber was hanged about with several Pieces of the Loves of Andromeda and Perseus I had been ten Years marry'd to Hydaspes without any fruit of Wedlock yet it happened that from a certain hour I found my self with Child all the time till my down-lying there were Publick Feasts and Sacrifices of Thanksgiving to the Gods the King hoping for a Successor to succeed him in his Throne But when I brought forth thee a White Child an unusual Colour to the Ethiopians I my self knew the cause the Picture of Andromeda naked was before my Eyes for then Persius had newly brought her down from the Rock Her Face being Apparelled in her sweetest looks as freed from being devoured by the Sea-Monster A Beauty like hers in that Table it was my hard Fortune to conceive thee wherefore to deliver my Dignity and Person from an Ignominious Death assuring my self thy colour would convince me of Adultery and no Man believe me when I should speak the Truth of such an Accident I resolved from the hour of your Birth to commit you to the uncertainty of Fortune which I imagined you your self would rather wish than a certain Death or the name of Illegitimate And so faining to my Husband you were born Dead I secretly exposed you laying with you in your Cradle my best Jewels for a Reward to his Piety that should preserve you and covering you with this Mantle in which I have Printed with my Blood and Tears the Miserable Relation of your Fortune and my own that have been so unhappy a Mother in my first down-lying But my sweet Child and that
AETHIOPIAN HISTORY The Seventh Book CAlasiris and Chariclea having so narrowly escaped not only to avoid farther danger but on account of what was foreâ—old them by the dead man hasten'd their jourâ—ey towards Memphis When they arriv'd at â—he Town they found the Preparations which â—hey â—xpected For the People of Memphis a â—â—ttle before Thyamis was come up with his â—â—ssians had shut up their Gates being foreâ—arn'd of his coming by a Prisoner that had â—scaped from him Thyamis therefore encampâ—ng before the Walls gave three days respite to â—efresh his Army weary'd with their march and late Service The Townsmen who before were terrify'd with expectation of great numbers when they found their Enemies were few drew up the Archers and Horse that were left to defend the Town with the rest of the Citizens arm'd as the sudden chance could furnish them prepar'd forthwith to set upon the Enemy A Person of Age and Eminency dissuaded them from their attemyt saying That though Oroondates the Deputy were absent yet it was meet first to consult with Arsace his Wife by which means the Souldiers who were left would more willingly engage They approved his Council and accordingly went to the Palace where Deputies reside in the Kings absence Arsace beside the Charms of her person and stature had great management in affairs such as became her Royal Blood and the Sister of a King Yet for Luxury and dissolute Life deserv'd no little blame Amongst other things she was partly the cause of Thyamis's Banishment from Memphis For when Calasiris for those mischiefs which were fore-told about his Sons was withdrawn from the City so long that he was suppos'd to be dead Thyamis as his eldest Son was immediately invested in his place of High Priest Arsace immediately fixt her Eyes on him in the Temple where beside his youth and comely personage he appear'd more charming with the splendid habit of his Office She forbore not from immodest glances and signs which Thyamis took little notice of being of a chaste temper But his Brother Petisoris who had already envy'd his Dignity and observ'd the allurements of Arsace took occasion from thence to form a snare for his Brother Therefore privately addressing himself to Oroondates did not only tell him the Inclination of Arsace but falsly added That Thyamis was contracted to her He easily believ'd being already jealous of Arsace but as yet gave her no disturbance having no clear proof of his surmize as also out of respect to the Blood Royal his suspicion was to be supprest and conceal'd Yet he forbore not to threaten Thyamis with Death till he was expell'd the City and Petisoris made Priest in his stead These things were formerly transacted When now the people were throng'd about the Palace and told her the approach of the Enemy which she already knew and desired her Commands on the Souldiers she answered That whereas they knew not as yet the numbers of the Enemy nor who they were nor for what cause they arrived That it were expedient first to go up to the Wall to take a view of the Enemy and resolve as they saw oâ—casion They approv'd her counsel and went immediatâ—ly upon the Battlements There when a Rich Pavillion was placed for Arsace and she her self richly adorn'd was seated thereon with her Guards in Golden Armour about her holding out her Mace for an Emblem of Peaceable Treaty she commanded the chiefs of the Enemy to approach the Walls Thyamis and Theâ—genes who were elected by the Army to go forth plac'd themselves under the Walls cover'd in Armour all but their Heads The Herald utter'd these words Arsace Wife of Oroondates the Governour and Sister to the King demands of you Who you are With what intention or for what cause you are come hither with your Army They rely'd That their Troops were Bessians Of himsâ—lf Thyamis gave this account That he had sustain'd injury from his Brother as also from Oroondates That he was by Treachery depriv'd of the Priesthood and that the Bessians were come to restore him That if he were re-setled in his right the Bessians should return peaceably without doing them any damage otherwise his Cause should be decided by the Sword That Arsace for her own sake should comply and take this opportunity of revenging herself on Petisoris who had practis'd against and falsly accus'd her to Oroondates and on the same pretence compass'd his Banishmenâ— from that City The Memphians were much concern'd when they knew Thyamis and weâ—â— hitherto ignorant in the cause of his Banishment and believ'd what he affirm'd Arsacâ— above all was seiz'd with a Tempest or Thoughts Her Rage being renew'd with this Remembrance of her former injuries from Petisoris she consider'd which way to revenge herself upon him One while surveying Thyamis and then Theagenes she was divided in her desire and successively had a passion for each For the one a former flame and for the other a more violent though kindled that moment insomuch that her concern was perceiv'd by her Servants But when she came to her self like one from a swoon Excellent persons said she what madness has possest you who have not only expos'd all the Bessians but your own beautiful selves in behalf of Robbers for you are not able if we should engage to sustain our first Onset The Kings affairs are not yet reduc'd to that distress though the Deputy be absent but that you must needs be encompass'd by the remainder of his Souldiers in the City But I see no reason why the Publick should be concerned in this difference since therefore the quarrel is private let the decision be so too so that the Gods and Right must determine the event It therefore seems just to me that the Memphians and your Forces should lie still and not engage in a needless War This Judgment of Arsace was applauded with the shouts of her people They not only suspected Petisoris of Injustice which they desired to see punished but also every one rejoyc'd to have his own Danger laid on another persons head But the Beâ—sian Army were not so well contented with the proposal nor were willing to expose their General to danger till Thyamis with tears obtain'd their consent alledging that Petisoris was weaker and not experienc'd in Arms so that he having been versed therein should encounter him on advantage Nor is it unlikely that Arsace propos'd the single Combat to obtain without suspicion what she desired it being most probable that Thyamis would overcome This Resolve was no sooner mention'd than put in Action Thyamis chearfully sâ—tting on the rest of his Armour which was wanting Theagenes assisting and bracing his Helmet on adorn'd with a most graceful Crest and Plume Petisoris in the mean time was thrust out of the Town much entreating them that he might decline the Fight As sooâ— as Thyamis beheld him Do you not see said he to Tâ—eagâ—nes how the guilty Petisoris trembles I perceive it replyed he But how
be so found said Persina rather than Die nor can she be much blamed after such Exile and Travels especially having Beauty that could scarce escape Force and Rape Hydaspes then commanded Fire to be brought by the Priests from the Temple on which the Captives were to tred Bars of Gold were heated over this Fire and had this Virtue That every unchaste or perjured person were burned with treading on them but such as were otherwise receiv'd no harm The Corrupted Persons they appointed to Bacchus and other Gods After Theagenes had trod thereon and was found Chaste which was with wonder beheld he being of such Youth and Vigour wherefore he was set apart to be offer'd to the Sun Then said he to Chariclea aside is Death the Reward of Chastity in AEthiopia But wherefore do you not now discover your self What other time do you expect or will you stay till the Knife has pierc'd our Throats Therefore declare your self When you are known 't is possible I may be saved for your sake at least you will be safe your self which will be my satisfaction in Death She told him her Time was now at hand and so without command put on her holy Vestment which she brought with her from Delphi wrought with Gold and set with Jewels then with her hair dishevell'd and as it were inspired with Divine fury she leap'd upon the Coals where she stood a long time without hurt the Fire only giving addition to her Beauty so that in that Holy Attire she seems to the Beholders rather a Goddess than Mortal Woman So that the most Superstitious amongst them heartily wished her Deliverance Persina above all others was troubled and said to Hydaspes How unhappy is this wretch that boasts of a Chastity that is so fatal to her What is there to be done for her Relief You trouble me in vain said Hydaspes your pity is foolish on one that cannot be saved and seems from the Beginning for her Excellence to be reserv'd for the Gods Then turning to the Gymnosophists he asked them Why they did not begin The Gods forbid answer'd Sysimathres in Greek that the people might not understand him for we have too much profan'd our Eyes and Ears with what is already done As for our parts we will retire into the Temple being of opinion that these humane Sacrifices are abomination to the Gods we could also wish no Blood of any other Creature to be shed on such account as knowing that Prayers and bloodless Offerings are most grateful to the Divine Powers However your presence Sir is necessary since the customes of the Country exact it and your people will not otherwise be satisfy'd Yet you may be sensible that there can be no good event because the Gods as you sâ—â— protect the Strangers by keeping the Fire from harming them Having thus said he with the rest of his Brotherhood went away Then Chariâ—lea leaping from the Fire ran to Sysimathres as he was going and falling at his feet in spight of the Officers that would have hindred her as supposing she begg'd of him to â—pare her Life saying Stay a while most wise of Men for I have a Cause to plead before the King and Queen and know that the Sentence on persons of my Birth can only be given by you They gladly heard her thus Speak and Inform'd the King thereof Hydaspes smiled and askt what Judgment that could be Or how he could come in any Danger from her What she shall deliver may inform you said Sysimathres But take heed said he you do not wrong our Majesty in making a King to Plead with a Prisoner Equity and Justice answer'd Sysimathres are without distinction of persons The Law permits you reply'd Hydaspes to determine Controversies between the King and his Subjects but not with Strangers Wise and Just Men return'd Sysimathres are impartial in destribution of Equity Well quoth Hydaspes Let her Speak since Sysimathres desires it though it be certain She will say nothing to purpose only some devised matter as people in her Extremity are apt to do Chariclea was the more encouraged when She heard Sysimathrâ—s Name he being the Person that had first taken her and Ten years before had given her to Charicles when he went Embassador to Oroondates and even then the Chief of the Gymnosophists Chariclea knew him not by sight as being separated from him so young yet She remembred his Name Wherefore She hoped that he would now be her Advocate Therefore lifting up her Hands to Heaven She said aloud that all might hear O Sun thou Founder of my Pedigree and all ye other Deities and Glorious Spirits Bear Witness that I shall deliver nothing but Truth Then turning towards the King Do you command Sir Strangers or People of this Country to be offered Strangâ—rs said he Then is it time for you to to provide other Viâ—tims for I am of this Country and Born your Subâ—ect He admired hereat and sâ—id She spoâ—e â—alsly You wonder at small things answer'd Chariclea I have yet greater to dâ—liver â—eing not only of this Country 〈…〉 thâ— Blood Royal. Hydaspâ—s at this turn'd aside with Scorn She thâ—n proceeded saying O Fatâ—eâ— do not thus despise and deny your own Dâ—ughâ—er The King thâ—n fell into Indignation and said Sysimathres how long will you abuse our Patience Is She not distracted or of insuâ—â—â—rable Bâ—lâ—ness thus to Claim Kindred with us to save her Life You your selves know that I was never so Fortunate as to have a Child Whâ—râ—fore take her away No Man answer'd she must carry me away without Command of my Judges You your self are now judged Perhaps O King the Law of this Country suffers you to Kill Strangers but neither that nor the Law of Nature to Kill your own Children for that you are my Father the Gods shall prove this Day All Controversies in Law consist in Two Points that is Writings and Confirmation by Witnesses I have both these to prove my self your Daughter For a Witness I will produce no meaner a person than the Judge himself I will likewise lay Writings before you that shall fully express my State Having thus said She unfolded her Fascia and gave it to Persina She no sooner fixt her Eyes thereon but She was struck with terrour and disabled from Speaking at once trembling and glad for what She saw especially with the suddenness of the Chance Yet was She afraid to expose it least Hydaspes should give no credit thereunto and consequently would inâ—â—ict Punishment on her He perceiving her so much concern'd ask'd the meaning Doth ought in that Writing trouble you My Lord King and Husband said She I have nothing to say take and peruse it your self which will sufficiently inform you Having given it to him She sat down again pensive When Hydaspes had ran it over with the Gymnosophists he marvelled extreamly and the more to find Sysimathres much concern'd and abaâ—hed Wherefore a Thousand thoughts roâ—e in his mind he looking
the manner in which he surpriz'd her Therefore after a long silence Calasiris desiring her to speak You have good reason Father said she to chide me yet I hope I dâ—serve pardon It is no new passion or concern that put me into this disorder the absence of Theagenes causes this disturbance and my grief is still the greater because I cannot know certainly whether he be alive or dead Be of good cheer as to that said Calasiris you have the Gods word for his being alive and living with you hereafter if you believe not their Oracles at least give credit to the person who told us yesterday that Thyamis had carry'd him Prisoner to Memphis But if he is taken by him he is most certainly preserv'd alive by reason of the former acquaintance between them Wherefore let us go without delay to Bessa you to find your Theagenes and I both him and my Son for you have heard that Thyamis is my Son Thyamis replyed Chariclea is your Son and only yours and now our Affairâ— are running into extremest danger Calasiris wondring at what she said and demanding the reason You know proceeded she that I was taken by the Herdsmen Thyamis their Captain was charm'd with this unfortunate Beauty with which I am endow'd so that there is danger in our enquiry with him lest he should know me to be the same person that beguil'd him of his intended Nuptials and compel me to performance The Gods forbid reply'd Calasiris that the presence of a Father should not controul so unlawful a desire Yet what hinders us from thinking of some contrivance to secure you from that which you fear for I know you to be of great art and subtilty in evading unwelcome addresses Chariclea was a little exhilarated And whether said she you speak this â—ocosely or seriously I will not â—xamine however I shall pursue that contrivance which I had begun with Theagenes which fortune directed us unto and I hope will now prosper It being necessary for our fliâ—ht from the Island of Thieves we resolved to change our Habit and to pass through the Towns in poor and beggarly attire wherefore if you think â—it we will resume that disguise and personate Beggars By which means we shall be less liable to injuries for Poverty is more likely to meet with Pity than Envy and we shall with more ease obtain our daily provision all things being sold to strangers at dear râ—tes whereas they are given to Beggars Calasiris commended her design and hasten'd for the journey Therefore calling Nausicles and Knemon to them they acquainted them therewith and the next day set forth not permitting Servant nor Horse to attend them only Nausicles and Knemon with the Servants saw them on their way Nausiclea also accompany'd them so far her love to Chariclea being equal to that â—or her Husband Having thereâ—ore gone almoâ—t 〈◊〉 mile where they took leave of each other witâ— many tâ—ars praying for mutual success on theâ—â— affairs Knemon particularly begâ—'d Parâ—on that his new obligations peâ—mitted him not to accompany them but tâ—at he would wait an occasion to follow them Thus paâ—ted they from each other But Chariclea and Calâ—siris put themselves into Beggars habit which tâ—â—y had prepar'd for that purpose Nor did Chariclea spare her Face which she discolour'd and hung a Scrip upon her Arm as it were to carry fragments of meat but the real use was to conceal the holy Vestment and Chaplets which she brought from Delphi together with the Râ—membrances with which her Mother had expos'd her Calasiris carry'd her Quiver wrapt up in Leather the wrong end hanging down over his shoulder as some useless Fardle her Bow was no sooner unstrung but it came streight again and serv'd him instead of a staff on which he lean'd his whole weight But whensoever he spy'd any body coming towards them hâ— took care to make his burden seem more heavy halting upon one Leg and sometimes led by Châ—â—â—clea Having thus put on a counterfeit personage with some pleasant discourse between them and repartees about their habit they passed on begging of their guardian Deity that he would be satisfy'd with what they had endur'd and here put an end to their sufferings Thus they went forward towards the Village of Bessa where they hoped to have found Thyamis and Theagenes but were frustrated of their expâ—cted happiness For coming near to the Town about Sun-set they perceiv'd a great number of dead men newly slain some of them were Persians which they knew by their habits others were Inhabitants of the place It appeared plainly that there had been a Battel but with whom they did not know till they had gone about the dead Bodies to see if any of their acquaintance lay amongst them for minds that are extremely sollicitous for the welfare of what is most dear to them are always fearing the worst they perceiv'd an old Woman fixt over one of the dead a native of the place and breaking out into many Lamentations They therefore resolv'd if they could to get some information from the Beldame Therefore going up to her they endeavoured at first to comfort her and asswage her vehement grief When she had admitted their consolation they began to demand of her What person it was whom she bewail'd What War had been fought Calasiris speaking to her in the Egyptian Tongue She gave them a brief account of all That she lamented for her Son who lay speechless That she came with resolution into the Field that some of the armed men might kill her in the mean time that she performed just Rites of Grief towards her Son As for the Fight she gave this account That a certain young stranger of excellent form and stature was led Captive to Oroondates the Prince of Memphis That he was sent as she supposed by Mitranâ—s Captain of the Guards for an extraordinary Present This person the people of our Town which you see yonder affirm'd to be one of them whether truly or out of design I cannot tell Mitranes being inform'd hereof waâ— enrag'd and accordingly drew up his Army before the Town two days ago It is a most warlike sort of people that live by Rapine with the greatest Contempt of Death and have leâ—t many women childless as they have done me When therefore by a certain sign they were assur'd of his approach they placed Ambuscades in convenient places by which they overcame the Enemy part of them setting upon the Persians Van and the rest from their secret places upon their Rear Mitranes was the first that fell and with him almost all his followers being surrounded and of ours not a few In this number by the severity of fate was my Son who receiv'd a wound as you see in his Breast by a Persian Javelin This being expir'd I lament and am likely soon to do the same for my other he being gone with the rest of our Souldiers against the City of Memphis Calasiris ask'd her the cause