encounter But the King and Queen in a gentle hand gallop made towards them through the same passage that Cassianus had found out in his solitary contemplation which gave Eumenes occasion accompanied with his friend Prince Cassianus to present himselfe before their persons not onely offering to the Queen the Boares head as a sacrifice to her beauty but desired humbly to be excused that he had unwillingly interrupted their sport When Cassianus had certified Euarchus fully of all the proceedings in that Combate wherein he let nothing passe that concerned his friends honour and also made the King acquainted with his breeding condition and Countrey he soone obtained absolution for his valiant fact However the envious evening comming on which denyed the undertaking of a new Chace a cessation from that sport was quickly proclaimed by the Kings command and the rather for that they returned with victory and spoile Wherefore Euarchus and Hiachinthia taking the two friends into their own Coach whilst the skilfull Coach-man made what haste he could through the rugged way they required of Eumenes not onely the relation of his own travells but the satisfaction of the manner of the government of the Island of Cyprus since their revolt from the King of Egypt Eumenes receiving this injunction from the King however he supposed he rather desired to have his curiosity satisfied in his ability then that his knowledge could any way be instructed by his relation excusing himselfe concerning his owne particular adventures as not worthy His Majesties attention he prosecuted this discourse Truely Sir said he it is no small difficulty for a person of my meane capacity to particularize the true causes or motives of the first revolts in any Kingdome though you are pleased to give me the imployment since as the complaints for the most part are confused and uncertaine more governed perhaps by the passions and fancies of the common people then grounded upon right and knowledge so of the other side it cannot be denied but that often times prerogative and power will finde out waies and shifts to cast off the aspersions either against themselves or favourites though I must confesse both may have reason enough to defend their allegations before an indifferent auditory if such a Tribunall could be instituted but that not being possible to be had upon earth most commonly such contentions are onely ended by the sword which Fate hath befell the fruitfull Island of Cyprus though now it be established in a perfect prosperity To this purpose the King of Aegypt naturall Lord of those Countries having placed a Lady of eminent vertues as supream governesse for him both in Cyprus and Pamphylia whether the people presuming upon the supposed weaknesse of her sex joyned with the inconstancy of their own humours and dispositions or rather being put on to demand something though they knew not very well what that seemed to appertain to their ancient priviledges by the ambition of some of the Nobility that belike seemed not very well satisfied of a sudden began most violently to complaine of the obstruction of their customes as also of the cruelty of the lawes made as they pretended both against their freedome and consciences And being transported with these furious fancies when the Court least thought of their disorders they run violently to all the chiefe Temples of the City where I may say they committed many outrages of neerest affinity with sacriledge and rebellion but the Governesses extraordinary mildnesse and temper not onely quickly asswaged all these begun misdemeanours but readily pardoned their offences though she very well knew many principall persons were interessed in the occasion of those Tumults notwithstanding she wisely and discreetly seemed not to take notice of them in regard such intimations might create those jealousies that probably would again kindle a new fire of discontent and apprehension However the Court and Councell of Aegypt having understood these proceedings whose greatnesse of Empire and power in command could brook neither resistance nor dispute thought it not agreeing with the honour and dignity of their King whose authority before these accidents seemed rather to be adored then contraverted to suffer these insolencies to escape without some remarkable severity as well in regard of the nobility as the people presently designed a huge army for these countries composed of the best oldest souldiers Aegypt could produce And these Troops were put under the command of a person of the same Nation that better knew how to punish facts committed by a kind of harsh cruelty then to compose differences newly begun with mildnesse and temper rather imitating those Physicians which use desperate remedies to perfect the body the sooner then by prolonging application to save part for feare the whole should perish In short whose experience in the wars was more ancient and glorious then his nature any way relenting in so much as like a storme comming a farre of demonstrated by lightning and thunder he gave the people cause of feare and terrour before the tempest arrived which caused many of them by the report onely to quit their dwellings as of the other side not a few of the Noblemen that were the least confident of their own loyalty presently engaged one another in private counsels As soon as this great Generall arrived he not onely dispossest the Governesse her selfe of her chiefe authority by producing a larger commission but seized upon the persons of many of the Nobility whose lives were publiquely sacrificed to his fury whilst terrour and amazement seized the hearts of the common people Notwithstanding this rough demeanour he proclaimed every where should be maintained by the sword untill his own thoughts could become satisfied of the subjects entire obedience to his commands These rigorous and new proceedings quickly involved the whole Island of Cyprus in a trembling confusion as well as in a future rebellion insomuch as almost all people entertained these strange beginnings as sad omens if not prevented by some tmely resistance that threatned a generall destruction as well to their lives as estates when as formerly they held themselves the freest subjects of the world by reason of those priviledges they had gained by the indulgent natures of their many good and mercifull Princes And thus Sir I must say was the first fatall fire kindled in Cyprus which since hath been augmented by the powerfull interest of most of the Potentates in Asia For as upon these pretences the people presently flew out into open hostility so did they call in as many forraigne Princes as they could to their assistance who glad of any occasion to give bounds to the Aegyptian Monarchy that then began to swell to a vast largenesse in command readily contributed their best endeavours especially the father of Orsames King of Syria in so much as the effects since have produced so much blood and slaughter with other varieties of successe and fortune that many bookes might be amplified with the story untill the succession
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
the celebration of the day and night when the banks of Nilus were to be opened to let in the water over the Countrey Thus they continued casting their eyes about at severall varieties the Musick in the interim meeting with the concavity of the fabrick to the best advantage to the care whilst of a sudden there flew open a two-leaved doore that directed its prospect through a large and long Gallery into another room at the upper end of which appeared a Lady sitting on a Throne ' however at such a distance that her countenance could not be perfectly distinguished but being soon conducted by Philos towards the place she was quickly discovered by his information to be his sister the most faire Artemesia at leastwise so esteemed in her own opinion and truly was so in effect if her minde had in every kinde been answerable to her body since any way wanting the inward beauty some defect of necessity must be in the whole and so consequently not most faire Upon their approach they found her incompassed by many Negro slaves who with huge Fanns in their hands appeared to give her breath and refreshment but why onely so accompanied could not well be imagined unlesse it were by the blacknesse of her attendants the better to set forth her own beauty in the apprehension of the spectators when they came at something a neerer distance for before she would not seem to rise in a certain kind of carelesse posture she descended from her Throne whilst the lovely Princesse Cloria with another kind of quicknesse in her carriage made up between courtesie and good nature wherein pride had not the least interest addrest her selfe to give her an affable and fitting salutation proceeding not onely from the gentlenesse of her disposition but the gratitude in her thoughts in that her brothers entertainment was wholly upon the matter as was pretended intended for her welcome and reception Neverthelesse Artemesia met her with such a countenance as if she yet made some question which of both was to be esteemed the person of most dignity however at last Artemesia gave Cloria the better hand though with that demeanour that did more divulge her insolency then shew her judgement to all the assembly but self-opinion when onely governed by an imperious soule accompanied with passion and prosperity can have no other cure but either by destruction in effect or contrary fortunes in possession but all this as it should seem was to gaine a heart from poore Narcissus that was aready captivated by a stronger influence who though he had understood her meaning hee could not have been brought from sacrificing to vertue and goodnesse to have committed idolatry before a painted image wherein was contained as might be thought nothing but pride and vanity To be short these ridiculous passages in a ceremonious march conducted them to take their places The feast it selfe did not exceed more in sumptuous magnificence then in exquisite curiosity for the fruits seemed rather all growing upon naturall Trees ther conveyed to their taste by industry whilst birds of all sorts in the interim flew about the room warbling forth such variety of notes to entertain the company as if they had been taught their skill by excellent masters And the more admirable it was in regard the clarity of the place by reason of an artificiall splendour newly created proceeding from divers places in the room rendred their severall colours to the view more beautifull then they were by nature ordained It were a kind of grosse simplicity to talk of abundance when as the power of Syria joyned with the fertility of Aegypt conjoyned with a full if not as I may say an omnipotent ability to perswade love and shew greatnesse But however this entertainment seemed to be the provision of many ages and the feast intended for some yeeres continuance yet that nights ceremony though customary in it selfe yet at the present ordained for the sight of the greatest esteemed Monarch in Asia could not waite upon any other intention or conveniency wherefore the company being advertised that Orsames with his Favourite in the other Castle were already seated expecting the shew in something a confused manner rise from the Table leaving all other services behind to be recommended onely to fancy and imagination since every one hasted to those windowes upon the River that were most convenient for their purposes for that already the fire flying in the ayre and the Trumpets sounding upon the land appeared to sense as if the heavens had changed their stations for as the night seemed to be day by a contrary though a more illustrious reflection so mortalls might be thought to have assumed to themselves the property of gods in regard of the resplendent glory of the King who sat upon the top of the great Castle incompassed about with such multitudes of lights and that variety of attendants that he seemed not onely to be the conquerour of the earth by a just right but even to claime an appearing and divine interest of something miraculous during his time here below In fine nothing could be seen more splendent for the time which drew all the eyes of the people upon his glory with such an amazed joy that searce could they with hearts and cries abstaine from open Idolatry but notwithstanding all these inticements of sense Artemesia however more bewitched in her passions then any other could not be perswaded neither by her brother or the rest of the company to be at all a spectator of those sports but whether out of a vaine imagination that she seemed in her thoughts to contemne every popular spectacle as being a great deale below her aymes and designes or whether she could not brook the competition of Cloria's beauty and dignity or indeed was truly Melancholy as Philos had informed the Ambassador it is not to any great purpose to determine onely it was visible that in a kind of a disdainfull posture shee without any manner of salutation to the company retired suddainly into her chamber Notwithstanding all these passages Philos whose heart and thoughts were already too violently set upon his owne particular concernements however he found more cause of despaire every day then other of parting the young lovers affection although he might by the successe of his designes sever their persons and had made his sisters preposterous passions in part as a stale the better to compasse his owne ends though he would have been most willing also to have rendred her entirely satisfied in regard the contrary as he thought something conduced to the dishonour of the family began a little to consider what he should doe at the present wherefore because he would leave no way unattempted that might pretend to probability and finding the Princesse Cloria at a window alone earnestly beholding the fire-workes and other pastims answerable to the season which seemed something convenient for his purpose he began a discourse to her in this nature as he
haven town of Pergame whose governour at present was a great Noble man of the Countrey named Dedalus that notwithstanding the Island was divided into many factions by reason of the differences between Euarchus King of Lydia and his Senate had kept that City wholy for the Kings interest this newes you may be sure had put the Princesse Cloria in such an extasie of joy as would have created an entire felicity in her thoughts if she had not in the interim called again to her remembrance her separation from Narcissus but the company rather flattering her opinion then assuring their own thoughts that undoubtedly he was past all hazzard being in so good a ship she was quickly perswaded to goe to Pergame resolving there to remaine not onely whilst she heard some newes of Narcissus but during a necessary conveniency might also be had for the repairing of her own ship being as they told her absolutely uncapable before she was mended to make any other voyage whatsoever she condescending to this counsell and advice some of the fishermen were quickly hired with store of money to be their guides and conducters to Pergame so that presently tying a strong Cable to the great vessell and setting many Rowers in one of the biggest shallops belonging to the Fishermen they haled her along the seas towards the Haven as it were in a kind of pleasant Triumph which they might the more commodiously doe for that now the wind being in a manner wholly allayed they seemed to enjoy upon the water a sufficient calm for their purpose But notwithstanding this commodity it was almost the whole day before they could draw their ship neere a point of land that bordered upon the haven so that Cloria was forced for one night to take up her lodging in a poore cottage however this gave her thoughts more satisfaction then the stately vessell belonging to the kingdome of Syria had her body in the storme When the day came as it was determined to continue their resolutions for the City of Pergame so was it held convenient before the Princesse approach to give notice to the Governour of her accidentall arrivall within the dominion of his jurisdiction This was quickly put in execution by sending a messenger before whilst they themselves within two houres space were set a shore upon a promontory not many furlongs from the Town The sweet Princesse walked upon a green walke pleasantly set with Trees when Dedalus the governour of Pergame accompanied by many Gentlemen of the Countrey and attended by one Troop of horse presented himselfe before her not onely to give her reception into his territories but to undertake in the King her fathers behalfe he being as he said his Deputy all the entertainment that poor kingâ—â—â—â—â— being lately much beaten with warre could afford You may be sure Cloria was not backward to give him thanks assuring him of her kind acknowledgement of his endeavours This conducted her to her company quickly for the time was not proper for much complements to take possession of a brave though ancient Castle seated upon a little rising at the further end of the Town whilst the inhabitants in the interim being placed in order of each side the streets gave the Princesse a joyfull welcome into that City which her father as they said had never visited so being at last brought into her chamber with other ceremonies it was not long before she went to bed as well to rest her mind as her body however she first desired the Governour to send out some small ship of his own then lying ready furnished in the Haven to hearken out some tydings concerning the other vessell of Syria But however thus by the goodnesse of the gods the sweet Princess had in a manner miraculously escaped the danger of the seas that seemed in some sort even ambitious of her ruine coveting perhaps to have entombed so dainty a body within their uncouth intrals yet could she not so soon shake off the malevolent effects of those distempers that had discomposed her during the tempest which however they put her not in any danger of life yet they did not onely keep her from being visited by any whatsoever but for the most part continued her in her privatest chamber for a long time where onely Roxana and some few servants more attended upon her person This gave the opportunity one day to Roxana her Lady being asleepe to enquire of Dedalus concerning the affaires of the Island since as shee said there could not chuse but be many things worth the knowing in regard of Euarchus contention with the Senate belonging to the jurisdiction thereof Truely Madam said he as the passages have been lately many and strange in this most unhappy Island of Creete so to give you the better scantling of the businesses that from time to time have hapned I must in some sort begin with the originall when the Countrey first became under the Lydian power and jurisdiction And to this purpose therefore you must know that after the generation of the gods had totally left Creete to a certain kind of wild barbarisme not onely in the manners of the people but in the rudenesse of the soyle for want of being industriously manured some of the ancient Kings of Lydia conceiving that the Island lay convenient for the jurisdiction of their own Crown both by reason of the naturall fertility of the ground as in regard of the safety of the Harbours began to create some ambition in their thoughts to be Lords of it yet knowing they could have no Title to the Countrey in their own right but what the lawes of the sword might violently if not injuriously afford them made earnest solicitation to the great Arch-Flammin of Delphos that in respect of the degenerating of the people from all religious maxims with the practice of other inhumane customes pretended to fall upon it for want of order and government he would be pleased under the sacred banner of his holy protection and power to grant them the principality and jurisdiction of the Island upon the condition neverthelesse that they should still be obliged to observe those rights in their sacrifices to the gods as were onely used in the Temple of Delphos with these Titles and pretences many of those Princes taking alwaies advantage of the inhabitants factions and disagreement amongst themselves sent severall Armies either by force or policy or both to conquer the Countrey which to be short within some few yeeres was totally effected notwithstanding now and then many contradictions and disturbances hapned proceeding rather from the inconstant natures of the people then that they had any great cause to complaine of their subjection to the Lydian Lawes and government This gives me occasion a little to digresse from the matter of the story with some explanation of the disposition of the ancient Natives which in part perhaps hath caused so many changes and revolutions in our Island T is true they have
the same time the first shee pretended usurped an unjust Authority over her Subjects and dominion as the other shee alledged too ambitiously endeavoured an universall Monarchy over all Princes these differences likely to goe into some desperation betweene these mighty persons and the Queene gave causes sufficient of admiration to all these parts of Asia and the rather for that as they could not well comprehend how such a masculine courage could be in a woman so did they as little know in what manner shee would defend these extraordinary breaches but experience quickly made them see shee not onely intended but prosecuted her intentions with all vigour for as shee absolutely abolished within a short space all the jurisdiction of Delphos out of her Kingdoms so did she within a while after give the King of Aegypt such overthrows by sea that scarce could he in many yeers recover his losses In the interim whilst these contentionswere acting with no smal violence of all sides to the contentment if not amazement of many other Princes that esteemed the differences a king of safety to themselves The unwise Island of Creete believing they might again recover either all or some part of their lost priviledges pretending they were obstructed in their religion not long after entred into open rebellion To tell you that the maine motives of their risings proceeded from the instigations of Aegypt and Delphos is not an improbable conjecture since as the one in a ceremonious assembly of Flamins declared the Queen an accursed enemy to his rights and jurisdiction so did the other send Forces into Creet to strengthen the people in their pretentions which however these assistances seemed not to prevaile entirely against the Queens governours in the Island yet apparently they procured her officers so many disturbances from time to time that however shee neither failed them with supplies or was wanting to them in counsels yet for many yeeres together the rebels kept a considerable body in the field in despight of all the Queens forces In this manner these contentions continued many yeeres for as the Queen seemed with majestick spleene to be enflamed with her subjects disobedience so were her subjects in their rage animated by messengers sent from Delphos to put them alwaies in minde of their religious obligations whereunto being added their hate to the Lydian government and the confidence they had of Aegypts assistance they seemed oftentimes to have received a new spirit of valour contrary to their nature and custome however for the most part they rather made use of their subtilty in sending out small parties to circumvent and entrap the enemy then being willing at any time to hazard in the field a main battell to decide the controversie which was the reason the warre was so long prolonged with severall suceesses of either side for as the Creetans had the advantage of perfectly knowing the country amongst woods and bogs so had the Lydians a great deale the better in their conduct and resolution but which way soever businesses went as the rebels were conducted by a Nobleman of the Nation whose family and name was as great amongst the people as his spleen and courage was against the Queen so became the State of Lydia exceeding weary of the warre being most certaine the money disbursed in the contention would never by any conquest she could make of the Island be again repayd into her coffers wherefore after some deliberation it was resolved to send over a principall Favourite of the Queens whereby to put the sooner an end by his authority and fidelity to those chargeable and bloudy differences that not onely destroyed her people in the Island of Creete but disquieted her own government in the Kingdome of Lydia and the rather was it so determined for that she had been perswaded that the souldiers of her army in this Island lengthned the warre on purpose for their own benefit and command knowing when that should be once absolutely finished their esteeme at court would fall with their want of imployment in the field but contrary to her expectation this favourite of hers having more ambition then foresight since he was sent away onely by his enemies to separate him from the Queenes person as also being more vain-glorious in his thoughts then experienced in his yeeres and so consequently not having much knowledge either of the Countrey or the enemy after a most vast expence of money and nothing in a manner acted against the Rebels he returned again into Lydia with disgrace and dishonour which at last by reason of his subtill adversaries practices that undermined him in the Queens favour he lost his head upon a scaffold by the common Executioner in whose place notwithstanding such a brave personage was sent that in a very short space reduced the Rebels to so much necessary reason both in their persons and estates that they offered quietly to submit to mercy without either condition or contention This being entertained and the people ready in all places to lay down armes the Queen her selfe suddenly changes her own habitation here for a more lasting one in another world that made all things at a stand for a time But as Euarchus father met with no opposition in that possession that belonged unto him with so much justice so upon his first entrance into Lydia hee was presented with an absolute submission not onely of the great Noblemen of our Island that had for many yeeres contended with the Queen but also of all his party that were neither few in number or penurious in fortunes Neverthelesse although this King was mercifull enough in his disposition as well to pardon all faults as to forget former disaffections yet the hungry Missians his naturall countreymen perceiving that the forfeitures of the Island of Creete by reason of the late rebellions were not of valew to be returned back again to the owners without some profits made thereby and finding the scituation and fertility of the countrey able to make full reparation to their greedy stomacks for the defects and sterility of their own habitations not onely perswaded the King that his act of mercy would prove of dangerous consequence to rebellious dispositions hereafter but obtained at his hands so many grants of possession in this Island that gave them sufficient conveniency and authority to transport a great part of their own people hither where being established after a while with peace and security by their industry joyned together with their power they soon outed most of the inhabitants of their estates and at last took from all in generall both their liberty and religion in so much as many ancient families were either turned a begging in their own Countrey or forced to seek servile offices in other parts for subsistance This must say is the common allegation of the natives and in part true although I must confesse much of their miseries proceeded from their lazy dispositions as I have formerly said that would not
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