bashfulnesse hath kept her back from entertaining either of their affections although their persons and qualities may challenge an exact beauty much more the fortune of a strangers childe but I that rather looke upon the content of posterity to fortifie me in this course of life I have now taken on me since I have small hopes to returne again into my own Countrey being kept from thence by the unjust power of my mortall enemy a story too long at this time to relate although I am accustomed to make known my oppressions to most passengers that visit these parts being violently ambitious to have her bestowed lest my sudden death also might leave her to the world without a guide and by that means endanger her honour and prosperity have made choice of one of these two whose laudable comportments and constant love have rendred them worthy of my regard though neither can pretend to the highest fortune which suites well enough to my desires since my intentions are to spin out the rest of my daies in this private however contented course of life and if we doe chance to returne again to our own there will be sufficient to maintain us in thaâ—â—â—gnity we were born unto in the mean time it stirs up a compassion in all sorts of people that know us that I am forced in this manner to descend from that quality I have formerly lived in But to come to the point these two contenders the one is called Fridius the other Navarinus the first a Shepherd by extraction though his prededessors left him well enough to become a Gentleman which hath also inflamed his mind with aspiring thoughts scarce to be contained within the bounds of rurall delights the other a Nobleman born but wanting means hath subscribed his aimes onely within the limits of a Countrey life and in all probability is likely so to continue which two in person are to plead their causes before you their designed Judge wherein each is to speak what he can for his own advantage to procure your Arbitration favourable whereby he may become the desired husband of my daughter Mantuina sitting upon yonder rising bank the prepared Tribunall of this controversie to which purpose our company attend our approach Cassianus although he was most willing to have enquired further of the Forresters condition and adventures yet finding the occasion could not admit of any delay contented himselfe onely with obeying his desire which led them both to the expecting Troop where having saluted every one in particular they marched to the little hill and seated themselves after this manner First the intended bride was placed uppermost clothed in a green gown with a chaplet of flowers upon her head carrying another garland in her hand to crown the Conqueror accompanied by Cassianus the elected Judge whilst the two pleaders stood of both sides the one in the habit of a Gentleman as the other apparelled like a Shepheard and when silence was three times proclaimed by a Cryer Fridius who seemed to have the prerogative first to speak began in this sort to open his cause Most worthy Arbitrator said he as I esteem your sentence the greatest that can befall me since it must determine my chiefest happinesse so of the other side I cannot but be most confident of the successe having so absolute a right in my pretension though I will freely confesse an equality of affection and prosecution for 't is apparent to all the auditory that from a mean condition I have created in my selfe a Princes soule tending to the highest preferment by which I have endeavoured to out-doe my own fate whilst the life of my adversary promiseth so little possibility of advancement that he hath pulled down his thoughts below his birth to give way to contempt making himselfe lesse then nature intended him like fire buried in the Cinders wanting agitation and effect whereas the property of the flame should aspire or rather resembling a cow'd Lyon for want of action so proves a scorne to other beasts for 't is not a Lyons skin but his heart that ought to render him formidable If the faire Mantuina be given to me said he she shall in all likelihood possesse riches and power the two essentiall properties of greatnesse and be as it were every day in a Lottery ready when fortune will to be exalted to the highest Throne of honour by new attempts whereas being wife to my adversary she can never hope for more then she hath scarce be assured of protection in what she now enjoyeth All things endued with life looke upward as he affirmed when those that are mortified fall alwaies downward to their proper center onely fit to be trod upon 't is ambition said he that warmes the blood and renders it Noble whereas sloth and want of desire causeth obstructions which hinder glory since the great Monarchs of the world could not have purchased to themselves fame or Empire if they had not advanced their thoughts beyond their present condition And last of all he pretended 't was the nature of beasts onely to preserve what they had but of man to seek what he had not and for these reasons he desired the faire Mantuina of the Judge When Fridius had ended Navarinus with no less affection to the beauteous Mantuina but with more modestie stood forth to plead his cause and said that although he could not deny but by reason of his necessitie he had suited his minde to his abilitie yet he held himselfe as deserving as his adversarie for 't was not wealth as hee said but vertue that renders a man truely noble which consisted more in tempering of ambition then violently aiming at honours since smiling prosperitie was but the act of fortune and a forced satisfaction the true marke of fortitude nor did his moderation as he said hinder the acceptance of preferment when conveniently it may bee had but taught him the better how to use it when it was obtained for that man must needs be more happie that can content himselfe with any thing then hee that could bee satisfied with no thing Courage said he never shewes it selfe better then in over-comming ones own passions nor is personall povertie a derogation when it is not accompanied with a supine neglect or a wilfull guilt but rather a magnanimitie when it can be borne with patience A Diamond loseth not it's esteeme for being set in Horne or the Sun his influence because often obscured by accidentall Clouds A King is a King said he although he doe not alwayes weare the Crowne and for the faire Mantuina he alledged was likelier to command his affections with felicitie that sought a unitie in the lowest course of life rather then his rivalls who could be in love with none and he that is prepared to encounter with adversitie knowes best how to use prosperitie however said he it is a higher act of glorie to refuse honour then to enjoy it and for these reasons he claimed
beare the strong assaults of powerfull love within a short time began to loose the beautie of his cheeks and not long after fell into a most dangerous sicknesse so that the Duke not knowing the secret cause of the violent distempers of his sweet Sonne with griefe and diligence assembled the best Physitians of those parts however all their knowledges were not of sufficient force either to know the nature of his disease or to cure his violent maladie which put the whole Court into an extreame perplexity as himselfe into a desperate sadnesse the rather for that melancholy sighes were the onely expressions which were used by love-sick Narcissus untill one day the Princesse Cloria coming into the Chamber with the Queen her Mother charitably to visit her almost dead though unknowne Lover and standing by his bed-side with teares also in her eyes the Assembly quickly found not onely an apparent change in his countenance but the Doctors felt a violent alteration in his pulse which gave occasion of some discourse at the present but of more enquirie afterward of the reason Wherefore when the Queen with her fair Daughter were departed and the rest of the company severed from their attendants the Duke by the advise of some of the Physitians began to fall upon a strict examination of his Sonne and so farre prest him to the discovery of his inward thoughts that at last the youth not being able to shew much disobedience to his Father though his bashfull love a long time contended against his duty revealed not only the true cause of his passion but the subject of his distempers This gave the Dukes despaires some satisfaction in that at least he conceived he had got a knowledge whereby his Sonne might dome to be recovered though the remedie required to be applyed with as much expedition as the disease seemed desperate in operation Wherefore after he had comforted the Boy with as many hopes as possibly he could the better to keepe up his courage and so consequently to procure ease in his paine that he might have the more force to resist the violence of his desire as well as the likelier to dispose him for the cure hee retired himselfe into his owne Chamber there to consider with lesse interruption what course was to be taken for the purpose he intended which was to save his Sonnes life in whom consisted all his felicity since he had only besides one daughter the faire Eretheria who was not capable by reason of her Sex to succeed to his honour and command in the Island of Cyprus First he laid before his consideration the seeming impossibility of his Sons recoverie without the assurance of Cloria's affections since the Physitians informed him that the nature of love was of too violent a qualitie to suffer any medicine to operate with effect in 〈◊〉 sick patient unlesse that passion were either qualifi'd or satisfi'd Next he knew that was not to be obtained unlesse the Princess her selfe became the artist which seemed to be a worke of no small difficultie These difficulties continued the Dukes thoughts in a perplexed labyrinth sometimes considering his owne disabilities to pretend to so high a match since he was rather esteemed a Subject and Servant to the State of Cyprus then an absolute Prince indeed in his power and command however of the other side againe he reflected upon his owne worth and upon the opinion the world had of his valour and riches but that was scarce held competent in his imagination when he considered the attempt he was to make was not onely upon the primest beauty of all Asia but he was to contend with the honour and glory of Syria and Lydia who claimed an interest both in her bloud and quality Yet seeing for the present his assistance was necessary for the Queenes affaires he resolved to make the demand especially for that without it his son was sure to perish which to his happinesse was a perpetuall night with this determination he went instantly to the Queene Hyacinthia carrying with him a Souldiers heart but a Suppliants countenance After he had performed his accustomed salutations and enterteined her with some ordinary discourses giving her a short account also of his Sons indisposition being seated together by the Queenes importunity in a chaire he began his more serious proposition after this manner Madam said he as I come not now altogether to pay those due Ceremonies which appertaine to the dignity of your Majesty so I must humbly intreat your goodnesse to excuse the necessity of my errand since it is the violence of a youthfull affection onely that occasions it to my griefe as to your trouble be pleased then to know that being earnestly inquisitive to understand my Sons disease whose desperate condition requires present assistance or brings speedy death I used not onely the Art of the best Physitians of these parts but imployed my whole Authority to examine his inward thoughts finding by some signes that much of his sicknesse proceeded from hidden discontents since the variablenesse of his passions returned and abated according to accidents which not to detaine you too long in a needlesse expectation of what I would discover and after that intreate is no other then that Narcissus is in love with your faire daughter the Prince Cloria whom as I feare he must either enjoy as his right or perpetually loose his other joyes in this world for that as I am informed there is no meane between possessing that admirable beauty or marrying himself to the deformity of a darke Sepulcher wherefore as I cannot challenge so great an honour out of any hope of my own merit so of the other side give me leave to professe that all my fortunes power and endeavours shall be alwayes faithfully imployed in the Service of your selfe and husband against the injuries of your disobedient Subjects The Queene after shee had heard this strange and unexpected discourse of the Duke did not of the sudden well know what to answer of the one side considering the high consequence of his request as of the other the great need shee might have of his helpe besides the present entertainment shee received in his Country with the desperate condition of his onely Son fallen into the accidentall misfortune by her owne personall arrivall in the Island of Cyprus but having a pretty while pawsed upon a reply not to be too rash in uttering that which past shee could not well recall at last shee returned him this answer with a countenance that expressed feare doubt and affection My Lord said shee as the noble courtesies which you have been pleased to cast upon me in my necessities with that humane consideration that all the world ought to have of the deservings of your sweet Son must needs stirre up such a gratefull pitty in my soule that I shall endeavour all wayes possible to render you totally satisfied so of the other side I must befeech you without partiality to consider
variety of choice fruits she presented them as a token of her service and gratitude to the faire Princesse beseeching her she would be pleased to accept of such dainties as the place of her fathers habitation did afford that however as she said might be enriched by her taste to prove of a greater value then they seemed then retiring again with so becomming a modesty that the court breeding in the comely maid appeared onely to have put on a countrey attire which made them wonder at her behaviour with an extraordinary delight But the latenesse of the evening gave Roxana warning to solicite Cloria to retire least the falling of the dew might either injure her health or prejudice her complexion which for the present afforded onely conveniency of discourse in the way though the Princesse afterward was never well but when she had the maid in her company And this in time so increased her affection that she made her in a manner her onely play-fellow scarce delighting in any conversation but in young Amintas whose countenance and actions put on such a grave sadnesse and respective diligence that as of one side she seemed only desirous to please her mistresse so of the other she appeared too serious for the worlds conversation but the Princess finding by Amintas frequent sighs that something more then a naturall sadnesse or a dutifull respect possessed her thoughts she not onely oftentimes enquired of the cause of her griefe but narrowly look'd into the demeanour of her Governesse whose severity she might feare had procured some discontent in her gentle bosome Yet being not able to extort from the maid her selfe any confession and also Roxana assuring her that no hard usage of hers caused her melancholy Cloria one day resolved to try her uttermost skill whereby to be informed of the the secret mysterie of Amintas sad expressions and the rather for that her complexion seemed something to suffer in the concealment or at leastwise so interpreted by her thoughts Wherefore one day she commanding her to attend her person into a certain walke neere the house where she was accustomed often to take her recreation it being a place defended from the heat of the Sunne and the violence of the windes by the naturall scituation of a pleasant grove of trees the Princess being there arrived seated her selfe upon a little rising bank which art appeared to have raised for such a purpose whilst in the mean time Aminta stood by her in respective attendance But Cloria rather aiming at the execution of her intention then the reverence of her servant according to her usuall custome when no body was present commanded her to those familiarities she was most delighted withall which was to sit down by her since youth is better pleased with freedome in conversation then state reservednesse in actions When she had thus placed her selfe the Princess without many circumstances in words for that her passion to be resolved as it should seem was too violent to be delayed conjured her by her own duty and that love she bore her which if she proved over obstinate as she said might be lost to discover unto her the cause of her sadnesse or griefe which her frequent sighes sufficiently exprest to be engrafted in her soule proceeding from some hidden reason not yet revealed Aminta by the Princes importunity whose love and severity seemed prettily woven together after a few teares mixt with many pauses and two or three deep sighs as if her tongue were afraid to become a traytor to her heart in the discovery uttered these words Most faire Princess said she let the Gods be onely blamed if I am compelled to say it is no other then your selfe that causeth my smart Cloria finding an answer so much against her expectation and much more intention could not chuse but look her full in the face though with a kind of silent reproofe as if she rather yet excused her own ignorance then accused Aminta's suspition but the maid redoubling her words like a fierce tyrant with multitude of blows when he had his enemy at his mercy Nay said she you have cruelly as I feare conspired my life and which is worse no physick can be applied to my wounded soule but what remedies your selfe shall bring like the Scorpion that onely heales what hurt his sting procured Cloria being amazed at these expressions Aminta after some pause again uttered this language know dear Cloria that Narcissus cannot live without the conversation of his admired and beloved Mistresse which onely hath caused this strange metamorphosis before your eyes to be turned to a more deadly forme if you cruelly deny the grace that I humbly require By this Rhetorick the Princesse was sufficiently informed of her patient however for some time she rested silent untill at last she desired to know how he could excuse his absence to his father Narcissus quickly answered that pretending a journey into Syria to be better instructed in the fashions and customes of that Court he had procured leave to travell for some while though he intended to make no farther a voyage then to her beautious selfe in which schoole all excellency and content as he said was to be perfectly learned then held his peace with such a begging look that Cloria had scarce power to contradict untill with teares in her faire eyes she after some small silence used these words Deare Narcissus said she for so I must call you in that you have endeavoured to merit that name at my hands though I cannot but reprove the over holdnesse of your atempt since thereby it should seem you have mis-interpreted all my favours having so little respect to my honour as that you have borrowed this false disguise to satisfie your pretended passion which the world will neither excuse in you nor allow in me if it be once known how you were secretly entertained by my allowance in the habit of a Countrey-maid yet to let you see how charitable I am notwithstanding your transgression I freely forgive the fault past so you will now repent and make satisfaction in your returning speedily againe from whence you came not giving me further occasion to be jealous of my never yet suspected modesty this being said she ended with such a looke as shewed plainly she spake against the desires of her own heart But Narcissus who could put no lesse a difference between his admittance and deniall then a most unkind and cruell banishment told her that if she had a will to destroy him she might enjoyn that penance since he was resolved to abstaine from all naturall food unlesse hee should be fed in her presence by the sight of her perfections and with that cast down his eyes with so sorrowfull a look upon the ground as if he sought nothing but a grave since he could not enjoy the life of her conversation Cloria after she had attentively beheld him and then look'd up at the heavens as if from thence
a pleasant grove of wood that encompassed a round Temple built with Jonick Columns within which was the statue of Apolloâ— when they had performed some few devotions according to the manner of the country amongst other Priests of their own order that remained in the place the old father led him to his habitation being entered into the Parlour he presently shewed him the picture of Euarchus which for some time he had kept as he said in an obscure corner of his house though now he seemed to expect more freedome whereupon he began to read a lecture concerning his life and disposition which gave him an occasion to discourse in this manner The father of Euarchus our now King being a Prince wholly given as I may say to his own pleasure only studied wayes to keep himselfe during his life in a quiet security to this purpose he not only brought up his sonne after the death of his elder brother in learning and domestick exercises under the protect of his own eye and jurisdiction but when he came to yeares of consent he endeavoured with some violence to marry him to the King of Aegypts daughter by whose greatnesse he thought to establish his owne regall power the better in Lydia preceiving his subjects were apt enough upon all occasions to kick against his authority But finding the Treaty was protracted he sent his son in person with an intimate favourite of his into Africa to court the young Lady To be short the journey produced no effects at all answerable to his desires for the two favourites of each Prince clashing together although a certaine day was appointed for the marriage yet the match broake though upon what grounds I neither know or can well dispute after this breach Euarchus made presently his addresse to Hyacinthia our now Queen being sister to Orsames King of Syria esteemed a most mortall enemy to the greatnesse of the Kingdome and Monarchy of Aegypt no sooner was this match concluded but the old King dyed leaving young Euarchus to inherit in outward appearance as much glory and prosperity as was possible to be enjoyed by mortality upon earth and so continued for many years untill these late unhappy difference obstructed his felicity which truly I must the rather bewaile in regard that he is a Prince given to no manner of vice however perhaps some will say he is more beholding to nature for his inclination then to resolution for his temperance unto which I must needs answer that as the world ought not to take any notice of the inward thoughts of man when people receive a generall commodity by the outward expressions of vertues so of the other side when good and laudable actions are accompanied with an entire justice in appearance it is unpossible but either the gods have placed such upon earth to become rare examples for imitation to others or else have ordained them to be extreamely beneficiall to themselves so that both wayes deserve singular countenance and preservation and this without any partiality may be said to be the right character of the disposition of Euarchus now for his active parts that are and have been obvious to all the world no man can accuse him of cruelty or pride his deare affections to his wife and children are beyond the patterne of all his predecessors his activity and solicitation almost not to be imitated his moderation in Dyet and Apparell scarce equals any of his subjects if his parcimony can be imputed to him for a fault let his numerous issue and the small extent of his own revenues make for him at leastwise a probable if not a sufficient excuse besides and over and above these specified vertues I must commend his discreet valour and entire patience since as in the one he never declined any engagement when the necessity of his fortune did any way stand in need of the demonstration of his courage so did he never yet appeare overcome by passion when he tasted the greatest bitternesse of what affliction soever with these words the Priest as if he had been transported with the very apprehension of his suffering seemed to end his discourse both in tears and sighes and certainly had so continued for a long space in a certaine kinde of extasie if an old woman and a little youth the whole family with himselfe of his private habitation had not interrupted his sorrowfull contemplation by bringing into the Parlour Wine and other junkets to entertain Narcissus who notwithstanding after he had tasted sufficiently of that civility put him in mind againe of his promised relation in the field which was to make an end so farre of his information concerning King Euarchus fortunes that he might be instructed in the reasons of the joyfull assembly of the people dancing about the Altar and Statue of god Pan. The Priest after he had acknowledged in some sort his own digressions from the matter intended he let him know that as it was no part of his meaning to deprive him of his due according to his own obligation so he desired him to excuse his passion in the Kings behalfe occasioned only by the sight of the picture that suddenly brought into his mind a certaine kind of representation of his heroicall vertues proceeding from his nature and education whereupon presently leading Narcissus into his Garden furnished him with many dainty flowers of all sorts in which curiosity he seemed to take an extraordinary delight at last they both seated themselves in one of the Arbours neatly contrived to defend the inward part of the habitation from Phoebus oppression which afforded a sufficient conveniency for discourse and that joyned with the opportunity quickly entered him into his new relation after this manner Euarchus said he being as I told you retired to Philadelphia after the Battle as soon as he came into the Towne he went presently to his Garden without speaking one word to any person although many Troopes followed him with passion to know some particulars concerning his fortunes the rather for that they conceived themselves also to be sufficiently interested in his fate There he walked with a quick pace according to his custome sometimes casting his arme abroad and otherwhiles againe beating his breast with no small violence then would he look up to the heavens as if a little he accused the gods determinations to suffer him that intended nothing but justice and goodnesse to be so cruelly persecuted by his owne Subjects without any known cause whatsoever so that in truth the whole company with teares in their eyes began more to consider his inward sufferings then their own outward state and condition thus I say he continued untill Prince Thyasmus his unfortunate Nephew who not long before had retired thither with his beaten and scattered Troopes came also with a few Attendants into the Garden when he had saluted the King with a sad look walking with him in that manner two or three turnes he at last humbly desired
Whether shall conquer at the end The Gods themselves have cause to feare A revolution of the Spheare And then like we May Martyrs be In the vast Chaos of the fall But the Princesse after she had made an end of her Musicke began with many complaints and more sighes to blame absent Narcissus for his too much negligence in his love since in all this time of her last restraint he had not found as she said some disguise to visit her person though he might want the power to procure her liberty which she continued with a certaine passion untill Roxana not only chid her for those sad expressions that as she told her had destroyed in part the ravishing delight of her song but seemed unjust in accusing her servant that had in so many dangerous adventures shewed alwayes the entire constancy of his affection who was no doubt at the present retired into some region where he might best advantage her service However Cloria was willing upon any hopes to be satisfied with the proceedings of Narcissus and much more with his intentions yet could she not but tell Roxana that although she was pleased to be his advocate that seemed to have a powerfull perswasion in her beliefe yet were the loves she feared from Farezius and the importunities she expected of Cassianus in her apprehension arguments sufficient to make her think Narcissus wanted much diligence at leastwise violence that he did not endeavour to scale the very Walles where she remained a prisoner rather then to endure her to be so injured Truly Madam answered Roxana as I cannot tell why you should expect miracles instead of services so have you no cause to doubt the importunities you mention since I am not certaine Farezius love was ever presented to your liking either from himselfe or any of his instruments And for the Addresses of Cassianus you have been already so accustomed to refusals that I conceive you have not any other hard part to play then to continue the same course still Besides you may well remember by Cassianus own Letter that his affections are not so hot as to presse you upon over great inconveniences and therefore in my opinion you may very well quiet your thoughts concerning his courtships O Roxana said the Princesse you are much deceived in both these particulars for as to my knowledge which I have understood since I saw you last Farezius hath already intimated his desire to my father whom you may be sure will comply almost in any thing that concernes the Generall So doth Cassianus labour the Senate underhand to be propitious to his love since as he sayes their own honours are ingaged in the issue for that the world takes notice of their protestations which are to see him established in a prosperous condition both in power and affection And the rather as he pretends for that they formerly sent for him according to their professions to see them put in execution Roxana replyed as there be many reasons of sufficient force to make me give way to your opinions since your own beauty honour and vertues are loadstones attractive enough to intangle all the world in an intricate labyrinth of love and desire notwithstanding what difficulties soever yet it cannot but seeme most strange to my thoughts that Farezius low condition though his fortune hath been eminent should aspire to such a supreame excellency with any hope to enjoy Hold your selfe content woman said the Princesse there is no limitation of selfe-love and ambition when they have once taken possession of a proud heart though covered with never so meane an extraction And you know that Farezius is a gentleman which joyned with his former successe in the Warres and his present command now in the Army cannot want perswafions to make him attempt any enterprize for his own glory especially since the King seemes meerly to depend upon his assistance or allowance for his future prosperity and being so what counsell can you give me either to prevent his violence or insiruct his passion since I dare not be too bold in hazarding my fathers fortunes by provoking the Generalls spleen by a harsh and disdainefull deniall In good sooth said Roxana I am very glad to see you have learned some temper since you were in the possession of Osiris where as you may remember I had much adoe to perswade you to entertaine reason or continue you in patience wishing then you had hazarded a thousand deaths rather then have dissembled your love in any kinde but perhaps Narcissus is now farther from your remembrance though neerer your person No by all the immortall gods answered the sweet Princesse my affection is as pure and constant as it was in Osiris Court if not encreased by the effects of more tryalls to render it absolutely juditious only the consideration of my fathers present captivity and future danger makes me so farre willing to dispence with my own deare love as to maske it over with some hypocrisie for his sake which formerly I was unwilling to purchase with the assurance of my own life when I remained in the City of Memphis only the consideration of a necessarily jealousie in Narcissus breast when rumours shall bring such reports to his absent eares I must confesse something deterres my resolution from any dissimulation at all in love though no way prejudicially to his right or my own honour Indeed Madam said Roxana I doe not now only begin to love you for your wisdome but will endeavour to put a project into your head that may both keep your father safe and perhaps destroy your enemies at leastwise it will protract if not divert your violent prosecution certainly governesse answered the Princesse if you prove as good as your word I shall esteeme it the greatest piece of service that ever your wits produced since in my opinion it not only equalls all others in benefit for that the King as well as my selfe is concerned in the businesse but out goes the rest in difficulty considering how many powerfull adversaries you have to deale withall Well then said Roxana sit still and heare my propositions and afterwards prepare your selfe without resistance to put them in execution though never so much against your appetite if not returne me such arguments as may convert my judgement as well as satisfie your own fancy Cloria told Roxana that her injunction was so reasonable that it was not to be contradicted by any that had common sense or was not desperate against their own good promising withall to be punctuall in her obedience as a principall duty she esteemed her selfe bound unto in regard of that charge she had had ever since her infancy over her and then the old woman began this discourse For these two Suitors said she that seem likely to trouble your patience and the Kingdomes quiet since the one commands the Army as the other is possest of the hearts of the Senate I make no doubt but you may oppose their
gaine the Senate having already compassed their ends upon them you will easily believe that they are resolved to change the sceane for your fathers advantage since by that meanes they may come to play a double game and winne by the bargaine Next concerning the Cretans although I must confesse their foolish divisions amongst themselves have not only much hindred the Kings affaires and in a manner indangered the whole frame of their own designes yet is there such a disparity betweene them and the people of Lydia not only in regard of the difference of Religion but in that we have outed them formerly of much of their Lands that they will dye to the last man rather then suffer the Senate to beare rule over them Thirdly I must desire you not to dwell too strictly upon your beliefe that the common people of Lydia will so easily accord their difference and pacifie their discontents upon the appearance of a strange Army in regard it will only bring with it the right of the cause with a promise of amendment especially when they shall by a little more experience finde that their present grievances have neither termination nor limitation For I say that as at the first they were perswaded to entertaine the assistance of the Myssians whom they most hated and feared of all other Nations against their King who oppressed them in nothing however their fancies did injure their judgements so will they as well accept of any forraigne assistance against the Senate when they can no longer endure the burthen of their oppressions And last of all give me leave to tell you that the divisions within the Army and Senate house cannot but produce strange effects since no spleen is so great as what is in gendred by the same faction when once they fall at odds either by reason of gaine or prerogative But as she was further proceeding in her discourse the dwarfe enformed them that there was newly arrived in the Castle hall a young Maid of an excellent beauty who desired with much earnestnesse to be brought presently into the Princesse presence as pretending she had some secret to discover not convenient to be imparted to any other eare he also said that as her eyes sparkled forth a kinde of youthfull Majesty so did her neglectfull dresse seeme to have been disordred by her late journey which made her appeare more Amazon like This strange advertisement put them both into a sollicitous consideration as well concerning the person of the party as the occasion of the adventure And many loving desires would gladly have perswaded poor Cloria that Narcissus had borrowed another disguize to have given her a new visit but having more exactly examined her little servant concerning all particulars she found the stranger neither in stature or countenance could agree with the proportion or features of her absent Lord Wherefore after some more displeasing consideration with a kinde of a sad voyce as if her thoughts were troubled at the mistake she commanded the Page to conduct the Maid to her presence As soon as the damosell entred the room with confidence enough approaching neerer to the Princesse in an abrupt manner told her though softly in her eare that her new guest was no other but her brother Ascanius broake from his imprisonment under the Senates jurisdiction wherefore wisht her for some time to discharge her dwarfe that he might more freely discourse to her his advantures Cloria was so much confounded with a sudden joy to have her sweet brother in her possession whom she could not be permitted to see during their imprisonment that her distractions could scarce finde a way to put in execution what her owne judgement should have thought convenient at another season But at last breaking through her pleasant amazement she discharged her little officer for however she was accustomed to trust him in her own secrets yet she would not notwithstanding use any priviledge to hazard her brothers confidence least it might render him lesse assured of his safety When she had passionately demonstrated his welcome by many affectionate kisses taking his white hand in hers which seemed also to have a neere aliance in beauty she desired him to make her acquainted with the passages of his escape since as she said they could not but be admirable considering the strict guard the Senate was ever accustomed to set over the Kings children in the interim Roxana curiously attended to understand the discourse that was to proceed from such dainty lips Wherefore after Ascanius had saluted his sisters looks with three or foure gentle smiles in which he seemed lovely to congratulate his own fortune and deride his Goalers carelesnesse he began this repetition though first he excused himselfe for many circumstances belonging to the story My father said he as he had commanded my brother Prince Arethusius for his better safty into the Kingdome of Syria there to attend the directions of our noble mother so was he perswaded by the Myssians in whose power he then remained in the Army to get me into his own possession whereby the better to secure as they pretended as many as might be of the bloud royall To this purpose he commanded me to make an escape and presently to repaire to his presence however with this caution that if I should be prevented in the execution I must not by any meanes reveale his desire least the Myssians should be brought into suspition who were then treating with the Senate about their payment But be their pretences what they would I strengthened my duty and obedience by all the thoughts my young yeares and lesse discretion could suggest advantageable to the designe and the Kings command which I must tell you scarce gave sleep to my eyes in the night or rest to my body in the day since truly I must needs say my youthfull ambition became more violent then ordinary to doe something exactly that might pretend to care and wisedome Yet not to trouble you with long repetitions where the successe proved unfortunate I was to my intollerable griefe taken in my escape though more perplexed I must confesse to be foyled in my first interprize then sorrowfull at the consequence of the losse being apprehended I was by order of the Senate exactly examined before such Commissioners as their gravities ordained to be judges of my actions However the gods so farre favoured my weake constancy that neither tyranny nor flattery was able to shake my dutifull resolution which so inraged their froward spleens that they not only caused me to be shut up in a darke roome but commanded some slight punishment to be inflicted upon my person as a small conibatant in my fathers quarrell at which I rather laughed then seemed to feele But not finding these petty sufferings could prevaile against my spirit they ordered a great part of my dyet to be taken from me as supposing belike my belly was easiest to be conquered when truly I never esteemed meat the
his own capacity and courage since it is impossible but humane nature at the length will be tired with over much suffering and by consequence faile for want of true information there is no contradiction of your opinion said Creses but such is the crafty spight of some that they will permit none to be about the Kings person that dares loyally afford him any profitable consolation because they may the sooner bring him to consent to their desires Yet replyed Roxana it is not well known what those desires are since they never durst for all I could ever learne publickly declare their intentions but doe as it were in a dark mist endeavour to possesse the people that the King refuseth something he is obliged to grant for the good of his Subjects by which meanes they strive still to maintaine their credits and opinions amongst the common sort It is so Madam said Creses however since you are fallen upon that point I shall let you know how farre the King hath yet condiscended to their demands whereby the better to dispossesse the People of that beliefe they are perswaded to have in the Senates integrity though I verily thinke they now more feare their power then trust their intentions for whereas not many dayes agoe they proposed to Euarchus to have the power of the force of the Kingdome for twenty yeares both by Sea and Land the King hath yielded to grant them that jurisdiction during his life though not for that terme which appears now to be the greatest difference between them since the Senate seemes not content with this offer whereupon the Myssians have lately put our a furious declaration against the Senate pressing the King to such unreasonable conditions In good earnest answered Roxana I cannot tell whether I have more cause to smile at the seeming ridiculousnesse of these proceedings or be amazed to see men growne so foolishly unreasonable since Euarchus appeares to my understanding to be willing to part with more from his own hopes then what the Senate requires for that if he grant the power of the Kingdome out of his hands during his life it gives more assurance to the Senate that he intends no more to raigne if he had quitted his power for so many yeares only since he might have some thought to over live that prescribed terme againe for the Myssians I wonder most of all at their new loyalty to their Prince when they have been as I may say the only cause that hath made him no King though now anew they seeme to desire to re-establish him in his ancient authority which certainly cannot be but upon other designes of advantage to themselves more then for Euarchus prosperity Truly Madam said Creses in the generall it is as you say but yet there are so many mysteries hid under these proceedings that they are capable to deceive the sharpest judgement if some light be not given by information Wherefore you must know that both Euarchus and the Senate know very well that the consequence of all the Affaires chiefly depend upon the assurance of the safety of the Kings person since he cannever hope to be againe re-established in his rightfull authority but either by the humours and inconstancy of the common people who when they finde the Kings absolute oppression brings no prosperity to them will probably become exasperated against the Senates proceedings and power or by an unreconcilable difference betweene the Senators themselves who may most command when they shall sinde no other jurisdiction to oppose them both which in all likelihood will conduce to the Kings benefit if he sit quiet sometime under his injuries which I conceive to be the reason that he hath in outward appearance yielded so much to their demands And for the Myssians perhaps by this opposition they would perswade the world to a beliefe of their integrities as if at the first they cousented not to the Kings hard usage whereby to obtaine a greater party not only in the Kingdome of Lydia if they have an intention to dispute their own profit but in other Countries if they meane to make Warre upon our people because they cannot be sharers in the government as they hoped the only cause certainly of the now seeming quarrell so that in my opinion Euarchus hath done like a wise and politick Prince in seeming not to contend where he was sure not to prevaile especially since by the dispute he might have endangered those hearts that will now be of his side if the occasion be offered either out of pitty to his sufferings or out of hate to the Senates government And besides it is to be considered that no act he shall passe in this condition of constraint can binde either himselfe or posterity by all humane and divine lawes if his Sword ever become more powerfull in the meane time the Senate will seek to preserve the Kings life and person with their best care since their own authority falls entirely by his death which as I say is the reason they desire more a terme of yeares in the continuation of their required government then the determinable fate of the Princes life because they may have alwayes the liberty to presse him to new conditions if they finde by experience they have notyet obtained sufficient since they shall not need to feare the vexations of his person may bring any hazard upon him I cannot deny said Roxana but these reasons are sufficient to render me wholly satisfied in my doubtfull opinions but the gods are only capable to foresee the event of things And with that looking upon the Sun she perceived the time of the day called her to the attendance of the Princesse which made her for the present take her leave Upon her arrivall she found Cloria only accompanied by her Late in a small withdrawing room belonging to her own chamber where none but her selfe had permission to be admitted not long after she had saluted the Princesse she discovered she had been weeping by the red circles about her eyes that gave the old woman occasion further to be inquisitive after her imployment untill she spyed this complaining ditty lying written before her upon the Table that quickly gave her satisfaction of the occasion though her excellent voyce and rare skill rendred the Musick heavenly If Justice could some savour finde Or were not rather truly blind Ambition sure durst never we are The spoyles of such a vertue heare When every houre Doth need her power To set both Crownes and Kingdomes free For love I see is but a flame That onely beares a constant name And is by interest as a wave Tost here and there as others crave If objects seeme Of more esteeme To summon sense unto the call But whatsoever dwells more high Shoote but your Commets from the skie Against the hate that mortalls beare To such as lawfull Scepters weare And wee 'l adore For evermore That action as a Diety Yet whilst that fate and pride contend