your ill nay you should be happy if you could suffer me to be unhappy Alas doe not impose on me that cruel necessity of obeying you What Muley said I with a note of anger doe you thinke to make your selfe to be thought on by your disobedience I have err'd replyed the Prince presently faling at my feet I disavow all that I have said I obey with a blind obedience and put off so absolutely all that is proper to me that already I feele no more in me any rebellious motion nor will which is not absolutely conformable to yours Command then Madam and prescribe what you please is fit I should doe I would have thee live said I but I would not have thee live altogether ââ¦nted since I am most unfortunate Leave then this manner of life so sad and obscure and get you farre hence to doe such acts that the report of them may come even into these Deserts My honour and faith forbid me to have more private and particular communications with thee but they cannot countermand my rejoyciââ¦g at thy glorious actions O Virtue without example cryed the poore Muley in Spanish by what prodigie hath the miserable Nephizus been able to resist thy charmes But Madam said he coming nearer to me I make you too long expect the consent I owe to all that you please From this day I will quit this Cave and if Fortune deigne to second my obedience and courage you shall receive that content which you expect from my actions Go then deare Muley said I and doe so that in spight of my fetters and Tyrant I may be yet capable of some happinesse See how wee parted Muley forsooke his retirement and I returned into mine with a resolution not to come forth againe I was there neere six moneths without hearing any thing from the wicked Nephizus Yet I understood by the dexterity of Atalida and knew that that abhominable Prince having corrupted the good nature or rather the vanity of Abdelmelec had made him take armes against the milde Hely and that those 2 unnatural Children forgetting what they owed their too indulgent father were combinde together to striue who first should deprive him of his Scepter with his life I will not trouble you with the recitall of those domestique dissentions Let me rather entertaine you with the extreame fidelity and brave actions of Muley He had not been three monethes from the solicitudes of Atlas when I heard by a Courier which my too-unsensible father had sent to Nephizus that he was set on by Land and Sea and invested on all sides by the forces which the great Turke had sent into Africa That his Estate was as a prey if he were not quickly assisted and expecting from day to day to be besieged in Tunis he intreated his Allyes and all his neighboures to prepare a puissant succour and thinke seriously how to deliver all Africk who would meet her train in that of Tunis This Messenger came to Nephizus at Morocco But he tooke little care to goe to Succour his father in Law that was obstinately busied about the ruin of his owne father This courier was seconded by many others who all instantly pressed for aide but return'd all without obtaining any And when I thought to have heard of the taking of Tunis I understood that it had been miraculously reliev'd by the valour of a Man who with a potent army of Arabians was come out of Numidia I asked his name and was answered that he would never make it knowne But to enhance his actions they told me that he had cut in peices the Turkish Army burned a great many of his ships pursued the Runawayes even to Argier inhartned the inhabetants of Tunis and made knowne to the King my Father that he desired no other rewards for so generous an action then the honour to have done it I caused this Messenger very particularly to be demanded whither they could know nothing concerning that man from some one or other of the Arabians or whether he had not caused his troopes to carry some Device or marke by which he might be knowne The Messenger sent me word that the generous stranger had so exactly caused his Secret to be observed that none of them all had discovered him and that in all the Ensignes of his army there was only seene two Arabian words which signified Love and Obedience Assoone as Atalida had tould me that paticularity doubt no more of it said shee 't is Muley He hath kept promise with me and hath kept it so much the more generously in that forgetting the indignities he receiv'd from my father he would by his deliverance begin those brave actions I advised him to These great newes were not alone the cause that confirmed me in the opinion I had of my Lover Many more as good were brought me in less then four moneths the King my father being never able to know from whence was come to him so powerfull a defender nor who he was writ to me oftentimes that he beleiv'd it was an Angell which his prophet had sent him to reproove the Princes of Fez and Morocco and his other Allyes and throw an infamy on them for their perfidies and ingratiude All this while Nephizus continued his tragââ¦dies But the end of them turning to his owne misery he saw himselfe constrain'd as my old Governour made me beleeve to save himselfe in a vessel and ââ¦ly from the coasts of Morocco These were the last newes I heard of him For since Narcissus though much urg'd by my prayers and teares would never tel me any thing of the man but that they knew not what was become of him A whole yeare I continued in this incertainty But when I thought on it least I found my selfe in full liberty for my old Eunuch supposing a command which I believe was false told me that he was ingag'd to goe to the King my father in Law I was much surpriz'd at this Iourney yet imagining that he did it not without order I thought it was from Nephizus By little and little the most of my guard followed their Captaine so that in lesse then eight or ten dayes I saw my company reduced only to those servants I had brought with me from Tunis Atalida was the first that told me of so incredible a novelty but to make me beleeve it they were forced as I might say to make me touch it with finger When I was put out of all doubt I stood so astonished at it that after I had been a long while in re-collecting my selfe I cried out as if I had been in some great danger and told Atalida that the liberty they gave me after so extraordinary a fashion threatned me with some mischance far greater then that of my prison Atalida did what she could to put off this imagination But I knew too well the pernicious nature of Nephizus either to beleive him capable of doing good or to repent himsselfe of the
of being taken prisoner was more sensible to him then his honour of killing so many enemies The Emperour on the other side that would not sit downe with the affront he had receiv'd in the person of his Lieutenant put a terrible Army into the Field divided the Generalty between Achomat and Haly Basha and gave the command of the Janizaries to Solyman this second voyage was more glorious and favourable then the first The Souldan of Egypt was reduc'd shamefully to aske peace of his Enemy and constrained by Solyman's incredible valour to abandon many places he had taken But ô how fatall was the honour of your insensible brother to my poore sister and me And what powerfull baites did his palmes adde to the charmes and allurements of his person We look'd on him no more as on the faire slave but as on a victorious Prince who by his valour and fortune might aspire even to the Empire of the Othomans My sister who all her life time bore an extraordinary love to all extraordinary vertues and who had a courage no lesse high then her father and her lover was perpetually fix'd in contemplating the exploits of the latter and for his valour's sake excusing his insensibility Thou dost well said she sometimes thou dost well generous Solyman not to hearken to such requests as would stop the current of thy great actions Pursue them with the same boldnesse thou hast begun and leave us alone in our solitude to waste our miserable dayes in griefes vexations and unprofitable desires I was alone with Histeria when she thus talk'd to absent Solyman I interrupted her and beginning to be angry at our bootlesse perseverance Truely said I we justly merit the sorrowes we undergoe since we are so great Enemies to our selves as so much to applaude our tyrant What wonderfull thing hath this ingratefull man done who scornes us that we should with so much joy entertaine his disdaines and blesse the hand which cuts the thread of our life Beleeve me my deare sister Solyman laughes at our easinesse and infallibly holds that onely because we so submissively solicite him we deserve to be sleighted Why reply'd Histeria speak you so boldly since you finde in your selfe that your heart and thoughts disavow it Doe not flatter your selfe Melicerta but freely make knowne your resentment Is your reason able to make good the revolt it adviseth Are you sure it will not forsake you when you must come to the decision Consult with your selfe and examine whether you have courage enough to resolve in good earnest to scorne him that neglects you No no you cannot breake the fetters you weare all your endeavours to compasse it doe nothing but multiply your sufferings you resolve on many things but you cannot nor will not put them in execution make no doubt of it Melicerta you shall all your life time love Solyman with his indifferences his coolnesse and his insensibility For mine owne part I must cease to live when I would give over loving him Nature and inclination which have brought on my affection have made me love him without condition or reservation Neither disdaine nor ingratitude can release me from that necessity Love Solyman sayes my Inclination But if he be insensible if he be unrespective if he be even an enemy to my passion have I reply'd oftentimes For all that it hath answered love him still and know that thy amity shall be the more perfect because its existence depends on nothing but it selfe and hath lesse commerce with things without it Alas Histeria said I deare Histeria I am enforc'd to my great griefe to confesse my thoughts are conformable to yours and that I vainly strive to resâ⦠the most unjust passion wherewithall our soules could ever be persecuted I love the ingratefull Solyman and I would dare say that I love him against my will if at the same time when I thinke so my will did not disavow it I should never make an end if I pass'd not in silence the most part of those discourses begotten and produc'd by our younger errours But I leave them and let 's see the victorious Solyman enter Constantinople as much cover'd with Palmes and Laurets as wee were full of flames and impatiency The Emperour willing to gratifie his great services made him a Basha and inriching him beyond his hopes gave him one of his fairest Palaces and this way tooke him out of the power of Achomat The liberty hee had recover'd and the great meanes he had acquir'd by so honourable wayes had beene the greatest part of our joy if that Prince's good fortune had not been the ruine of our own I will not tell you to what an extreame torment wee were brought by his absence his prosperities were to us new causes of sorrow and when we came to thinke they hastened our destruction we day and night cursed them and at one same time wish'd Solyman Emperour of the Turkes and that he might still be a slave These different wishes ruining themselves by their mutuall extravagancy we knew not at last what to eschew or what to desire The very evening that ingratefull man arriv'd onely advis'd by our phrensie we resolv'd to let him see in writing what we had no hope to let him know from ou mouthes Presently we severally writ to him but neither of us being pleased with our letters we threw them into the fire and were of opinion wee should better expresse our thoughts if we did inclose them in one same paper Histeria therefore began to write for us both I did so too and after many alterations we approv'd of the letter I will now rehearse to you and sent it to our enemy It was thus if my memory faile me not The two Sisters to SOLYMAN BASHA VVEE should be guilty of that crime whereof we accuse others if we were not sensible of your honour and 't is to witnesse the pleasure we take in it that wee have hazarded these lines to you your good fortune would have taken from us the use of prayer if it had cured you of your insensibility We begge nothing from heaven but the end of that ill after our obtaining the period of others doe not make it incurable Solyman but let pity worke the remedy We would say Love but we feare lest that word should offend you yet give us leave to tell you what we doe and read without anger that time and absence which ruinate things the best established daily strengthen our affection We have made a progresse from the Love of Inclination to that of Understanding and that which at first had no reason at all hath now such strong ones as you must absolutely deprive us of judgement if you goe about to make us alter our resolutions Doe not imitate such ill examples as those with whom the Princes favour hath fill'd up the History of this Court. Doe not forget your selfe because you are fortunate and if you have not alter'd your minde change at
therefore look'd on him and knowing him what said he shall Zelmatida be so unfortunate that his deare Tumanama will not know him These words brought Tumanama back againe from the deepe meditation wherein he was in undoing his Mistesses chaines and made him turne his eyes on Zelmatida After he had earnestly looked on him he knew him though the lightsomnes of the place was not sufficient to make them well knowe their countenances and rising to embrace him O my deliverer said he hath the providence of the gods brought you into these Deserts to save my life a second time and to preserve to the faire Coriza this unworthy cause of her afflictions as well as of her love Zelmatida embrac'd him often times before he made answere and hiding from him the truth of his voyage told him that the service of the King his father oblieged him to goe to the Court of the King of Mexico unknowne he came thither by chance where five men would have murthered him whom he had kill'd But tell me said he by what strange accident the Princesse Coriza came to be in that estate I found her and why you have flayne a man who seem'd to take on him her defence That story is long reply'd Tumanama yet I will not forbeare to relate it as succinctly as I can But first bee pleased that I unloade my faire Princesse of those chaines with which the perfidious Maranita hath shewed her more his bruitishnesse then his affection When he had said thus he kneeled down and was in that posture till he had broken all the faire Coriza's bonds This done he presented Zelmatida to the Princesse and adressing his discourse to her See said he Coriza the generous Prince that for your sake forgetting my revolts and insolencies would not only give me my life and preserve my honour but withall disdain'd not to receive me into the number of his frends You see what he hath done for your deliverance give me leave to relate to him by what mishap you came to have neede of his courage and that I may justifie my selfe for the death of the traytor that fought for you Coriza here began to speake and told Zelmatida that the perplexities wherein she was gave her not the liberty to satisfie the obligations in which she was bound to him as well for her owne conservation as for her lovers but said she untill a better fortune give mee abler meanes to acknowledge your favours accept the recytall of my mishappes for a beginning of my payment Here Tumanama began and making use of the permission that Coriza gave him I was at the point said he to Zelmatida to receive not the recompance of my services for they are not considerable but the greatest proofes of the goodnesse of Coriza when as Maranita whom I had bred up as my brother and made partaker of all my secrecies as the best of my friends resolv'd himselfe on a treason so bruitish that it is not possible love should be the cause of it I had sent him to accompany the Princesse and to receive her out of my commands but he most perfidious having long before combyn'd with some others like himselfe for the taking away of Coriza surprized her one night and carried her away from the midst of her guards and chayning her as you saw brought her into this place with an intent to goe further even to the Court of Montezuma to finde there a Sanctuary for her perfidy The news of this attempt being brought me imagine if possible you can the complaints I made the blasphemies I threw out against the providence of our gods and the horrible actions my despaire made me resolve on I flew after the ravisher of my blisse without the knowledge or my advertizing of any of my subjects and fearing no danger but that which threatned Coriza I ran through the Woods and Mountaines and got into the countrey of my greatest enemy I was so happy in my search that yesterday at Sun-set I descry'd Maranita's troupe That object transporting me with ãâã I neither considered the number of my enemies nor the inequality of the combat I was about but desperately fell in among the traytors to have atleast the contentment to die in the sight of my Coriza Maranita eyther not induring to see mee or persecuted with the remorse of his Conscience made ten or twelve of his associats to turne on me and kept forth his way whilest I strove to rid me of those that would stop me I spent all the rest of the day to bring them in case that they should no more contest with me for my passage and party of the night to follow the ravisher You saw how I found him and you must now informe me who were those that fought with him and what oblieged you to fight in his defence Therewith Coriza spake Zelmatida said shee to her lover cannot satisfie your demand I alone knowe the true cause of that combat not only because it was done in my presence but that by my endeavââ¦ur it was undertaken You shall know that among those whose service Maranita made use of for my rape there were two who not being able to see mee without loving me at least they strove to perswade me so gave me their fayths that they would free mee from the hands of that Traytor But they asked me for my ransome that which I could not grant them I feyn'd yet to consent and did so dexââ¦rously keepe them in their resolution that seeing my selfe at the point to lose that person which of all in the world is most deare to mee and incomparably more precious then my life I would try this last remedy and by all meanes ââ¦ee mee from the tyranny of Maranita I call'd then for my two lovers and having conjur'd them to leave me no longer at the mercy of our common enemie I perswaded them so effectually that presently under some ill pretext they quarelled and fell on him Truly on this occasion he shewed a great deale of courage Two of his enemies he slew and though his owne had not come to helpe him I beleeve hee had beene able enough to have dispatch'd all the rest Amongst the five bodies you see lying there on my right hand are my unfortunate lovers This while those that remayned of the conspiracy desirous to revenge their deaths let drive at Maranita but being stoutly repuls'd they were constrayned to take them to their heeles Maranita transported with fury followed them with those of his owne party and was an houre before I saw him againe For my self I was not in a little trouble for I saw an occasion present it selfe to get me away and when I would have put it in execution I knew that by reason of the chaines on my heeles I was not possibly able to goe I threw my selfe then on the ground againe and calling oftentimes Tumanama to helpe me I would needes try whether my fetters were not strong enough to
generousnesse which is not lesse knowne to me then to my Subjects said he assures me that you have already forgotten those faults that my necessity brought on and that you will not impute them to neglect or ingratitude Zelmatida unmindefull of Galtazis advice thought that Montezuma spoke to him really and truely and on that opinion finding himselfe to be extreamely obliged to his courtesie My Lord said he I will beleeve since you will have it so that my services have not been altogether unprofitable to you But to have me perswade my selfe that they are equivalent to the recompence which I receive by the honour you doe me is to forget who I am and in what manner Kings are accustomed to converse with men of my ranck Montezuma would faine have found out some complements to have gone beyond those of Zelmatida but nature that had not so much ââ¦efriended him inforced him to carry that by his authority which he had never gotten by his eloquence He tooke Zelmatida by the hand and drawing him almost by strength out of his Chamber put him himselfe in the royall Chaire Well my Lord said Zelmatida in rising out of the Chaire I will receive this honour since t is your pleasure but I beseech your goodnesse not to exact any more from my complying It appertaines only to you to triumph since t was by the virtue of your Subjects and the fortune of your ââ¦mes that the Theviciens and their Allies have beene defeated Doe you triumph then and prophane not your renowne in communicating it to a miserable stranger My Master in this sort resisting the honorable violences of Montezuma brought him to that streight either to appeare himselfe alone in that triumph or to cut off the principall ceremonies The King besides desirous to make knowne that this triumph was not prepared but for Zelmatida commanded all those to march on that had beene chosen for the pompe and shew and taking my deare Master by the hand walked on foote to the Temple of their god of Battels He caused there to be celebrated the bloody Sacrifice of the immolation of Slaves and streight after were seene not only rivelets of blood glyding from all corners of the Temple but also the bodies of the poore Theviciens carried by hundreds to the places appointed for their buriall This abhominable devotion being ended Montezuma returned to the Palace as he came and made an exceeding great feast for Zelmatida where all the Caciques that were in his Court assisted the Princes of the blood and the chiefe knights When the tables were taken away the rest of the day was spent in musick playes and many other kindes of galantryes which plenty peace and voluptuousnesse had made the Mexicans Inventors The night had her particular rejoycings Hismalita gave Zelmatida a ball and brought in Isatida and her sisters in such ornaments and with such charmes as were capable to vanquish meere insensibility Zelmatida in lieu of fayning as Galtazis had advised him and to suspend his love to give place to his wisedome seemed as distracted at the sight of Isatida He left Montezuma that then stayed with him and passing through the company without heeding whom he thrust got thither where his passion transported him The Princesse perceiving it not only blushed but was so farre offended that fayning to haue some what to say to the Queene her mother she turned her back to her unfortunate slave and left him to make a long and cruell penance for the fault which he had committed against her commandement Montezuma noted both the one and the other action and Hismalita finding in it new cause of distrust and hatred had not power enough over her selfe to dissemble it Her ill humor broke out in such a fashion and principally against Isatida that my deare Master had almost lost all respect and had even a will to accomplish that part of the prediction which spoke of the ravishing of Isatida He was neverthelesse restrayned by the feare of displeasing the Princesse but he caused in himselfe so great an Effort by this constraint that with the excesse of griefe he fell as it were dead at the feete of Hismalita O how that Queene if I deceive not my selfe prayed that he might never come to himselfe againe But her malice was not heard for just heaven who sawe no offence nor crime in the passion of my deare Master sent him supernaturall strength to supply that which nature had lost in him Montezuma ran first to him and causing him to be taken by some young knights witnessed by his assistance that goodnesse is not incompatible with weakenesse Zelmatida recovered from his fainting and ashamed of what he had done beleeved he could not better justifie himselfe then in supposing some strange ill He therefore complayned and asking pardon of the King for his disturbance humbly besought his permission to retyre Montezuma consented and to shew how deare that Prince was to him broke up the assembly and gave command instantly that the high-priest should cause prayers to be said in all the Temples for the health of my deare Master Zelmatida who till then lay buried in his usuall musings awakened from so deepe a flumber and how said he to the three Princes have you beene able to endure the company of one so troublesome Garruca knowing the intention of his master arose and but for Polexander who stayed him had beene gone that he might not be constrayned to continue his discourse Thereupon Bajazet spoake and addressing himselfe to Zelmatida You have cause said he to deprive us of the content which the relation of your adventures gives us For our silence is a signe that we have not that feeling of it which we should And truly we are eyther jealous of your fame or insensible of brave actions since that so many miracles as Garruca hath made known to us seeme to have no more touched us then would the recitall of some vulgar accident Zelmatida blushing at the pratling of Bajazet tooke Garruca and making him sit downe againe goe on said he and speake of me what thou wilt I shall finde it more supportable then the explication Bajazet gives of my words Polexander unwilling to speake any thing to Zelmatida for feare of some new interruption intreated Garruca to continue his discourse He would have obeyed him but in the instant a noyse of drummes and trumpets hindred him and made Bajazet send to know the cause of this novelty The slaves which were on the Guard came and told him that there was newly arrived in the Island a man with an extraordinary attendance who desired to speake with him Bajazet sent to the Captaine of the Fortresse that he should doe his charge and having taken his pledges he permitted the stranger to enter These done were done almost in an instant and Barberossa brought the stranger to his Generall The good aspect of the young man was not the cause alone that drew the Princes eyes upon him He was
wound I have given my selfe but it can never take away the scarre I would say that you might well get mee the Letter which Polexander hath received from me but it is not in your power to make it so that he hath not had it I feare not his vanity but his memory and whilest that hath a being yet should I not be freed of my feare though I had that which you might promise me Let him enjoy then that acknowledgment of the services he hath done mee and hence forward let us have no more commerce with him then with Spanyards and other strangers which some tempest or chance hath sometimes throwne on our Coastes You were then by this command as it were buried in the memories of those that loved you But it was only in shew for in effect you lived there in spight of all Inhibitions Alcidiana first violating her Lawes entertayned her selfe with you alone and thinking to remove out of her fancy and Idea that discontented her not but in that it seemed too pleasing to her perceived not that her thoughts and the intention of her thought were directly contraââ¦y At the same as you know the winning Cephalus Prince of the bloââ¦d of Alcidiana and her publique adorer proclaimed a Turney to which your courage and judgement furnished you with that admirable meanes by which it was permitted you to fight with Cephalus without offending Alcidiana You conserv'd ââ¦o him the honour which your incomparable dexterity or to speake more conformably to your passion and my duty which the weakenesse of Cephalus might have made him lose This new victory brought new disquiets on the Queene and made her knowe that it was in vaine for her to essay to acquit her selfe towards you The very evening that the justs ended she shut her up with Amintha and beginning anew what a moneth of silence had interrupted See us now said she in worse case then before I thought Polexander had beene in my debt and I finde my selfe behinde-hand with him more then I am able to pay him Were I answerable for no more then for my kingdome and liberty I have both to give him satisfaction But since hee hath preserved to me the honour which rash Cephalus had hazarded can I acknowledge that great service but by the thinge it selfe which he hath preserved And if that must be what will become of the wretched Alcidiana Canst thou live deprived of that glory which thy predecessors left thee and which thou maist say without boasting was gotten thee by the practise of all the virtues Amintha seeing the Princesse griefe to be so excessive that it drew teares from her eyes was very much moved at it and forgetting your interests for those of her good Mistresse Your Majesty said she must not any longer suffer a sicknesse which insensibly gets on the heaââ¦t and may become deadly if in time there be not applied to it fire and sword I was the first that neglected it since I thought it not considerable but now I know its greatnesse and foresee what may ensue I am the first that runne for remedies and throwing my selfe at the feete of your Majesty humbly to beseech you to employ all and not to reject the most violent The honour I have to be intrusted with your secrecies forbids mee to have other consideration then of you and I cannot bee silent without sinning against that Soveraigne lawe which commands me to expose my life for the safety of your Majesty The innocent and faire Alcidiana hearing Amintha speake so seriously thought her self ill of some exââ¦reame dangerous sicknesse and feare which commonly accompanies ignorance bringing on her extraordinary troubles and disquiets shee fell on Aminthaes neck wet her face with her teares and conjured her by her friendshippe to give her such advice as might be most safe for her Heale said she a malady of which in some sort you have beene the cause I finde it more troublesome then grievous but you know it better then I and I had rather trust my selfe to your experience then to mine owne feelings Let us therefore be industrious Amintha in a businesse so urgent and not putting off our cure to the succour that may come with time let us try all those meanes that heaven hath put into our power Amintha judging by this discourse that the Queene knew nothing at all of her sicknesse or to speake more truly that she had no other ill but that which was begot by that high and imperious humor in which she was bred saw well that it was not necessary to urge your depart nor to make your stay suspected She therefore insensibly diverted Alcidianaes feares and resolutions and repenting what her affection had made her say against you assured the Princesse that you had not undertaken to combat with Cephalus but with the same intention that he had done the justs that was you had a resolution to make your skill and gallantrie appeare and not to engage the honour of the Princesse And that you expected no other repute then that which is gotten by the like exercises Cephalus said shee had published that you were the fairest Princesse in the World Hee tooke armes to maintaine it against all those that professe to love what is fayre Polexander would rayse the price upon him more then he He therefore maintained against him his armes in his hand that you were yet somewhat more then the other imagined and the successe of the justs hath made it seene that his proposition was true What doe you thinke Madam that you owe him for it Nothing but what the Sunne owes them that call him the Author of life the Father of light and the fayrest of all inannimate Creatures If Polexander had beene suddainly changed into some other and become so vaine to looke for a reward after this last Combat it should be then from the truth which he hath defended and not from you that he was to expect it Set your minde then at rest and driving farre from your fayre Soule those thoughts that disturbe it hold it for an infallibility that your Majesty cannot be beholding to any one since the honour to serve you is so great a recompence to those that doe it that they are payd for all their services even before they have begun them The Queene whose extreme youth could not afford her those experiments that Amintha had gathered by the benefit of more yeeres felt her selfe no lesse peacefull and at rest after the second discourse of her Confident then the first had put her out of order She then rested her minde in its first seate and retayning no other thoughts for you then she had for other Princes was glad to giue you occasion to abide in her Court and by your presence obliege her people to stifle for ever all causes of revolting After that resolution two or three moneths slid away during which time you had often the honour to see the Queene and obtayned by your
against other enemies Two or three dayes after this last resolution of the King Diceus assured him Alcippus might get on horseback and they all three departed from their Inne and the same day betimes arrived at Copenhagen They lodged neere the Pallace and understood the very next day Phelismond was by the Kings command brought into the City and being absolutely out of danger was seene and visited by every one This newes exceedingly pleased Polexander yet resolved to attend his certaine health before he would make knowne to Phelismond the cause of his voyage and thought it fit withall to restore him his boxe and disclose himselfe that so at his returne he might intimate to him that which lay on his heart One morning therefore taking Alcippus with him he went streight to the Favorites lodging as soone as he came in he noted there was nothing in that man but savoured of the greatnesse of his courage His house was open to all men No person hindred the entrance into his chamber no not of his withdrawing roome T is true he was so generally beloved and the respect the whole Court had alwaies borne him was so strong a guard to him that neither great nor lesse came to disturbe him but upon some very just cause The first to whom Polexander addrest himselfe to know whether that Prince was to be spoken with offred to conduct him into his chamber and Polexander accepting his courtesie followed him He went through great Halls very stately furnished through chambers and anti-chambers far more magnificent wherein he saw none but Phelismonds domesticall servants This sollitude so much ravished him that he could not hold from telling his Conductor the Courtiers of Denmarke were either very negligent or little ambitious since they gave so much ease and quiet to the man who only next the King might make them a fortune You see answered his Guide that our Poââ¦ters have no greate imployment and there is no great crouding in our chambers Yet t is not because our Couriers are not the most diligent and ambitious of all men but the Prince long since told them once for all that he pretended not to be the most unfortunate in all Denmarke because his Master did him the honour to love him more particulaly then others That he engaged himselfe to serve them as often as his credit could adde any thing to their merrit or their Princes will but he would not promise it but on condition they would suffer him to live at liberty Truely replied Polexander I understand dayly there are most eminent virtues in Phelismond though he be of their number with whom they have been thought even till this day to be incompatible The mindââ¦s of the multitude must needes be very bad since some of them have been to wicked as to finde fault with the actions of so great a personage It may be said the guide some one may have cause to complaine of the Prince yet I intreate you to believe they are much in the wrong who make him the cause of their publick miseries He dayly toiles to put a period to them and when he thinkes to be at the point of relieving the people some spirits borne for their ages affliction alter those good designes and inforce him whether he will or no to raise the charges and impositions to deter the intire desolation of the Kingdome But let it suffice I have not in command to justifie his actions nor condemne other mens and see we are at the chamber doore I intreate you then said Polexander to see what the Prince doth and if you thinke it fitting to tell him that the Gentleman to whom he gave a picture boxe is come to restore it to him At that word the Guide smiling left him and presently returning said that Paelismond intreated him to come in At his first step into the chamber divers Gentlemen came and saluted him and all with a great deale of civility led him to the Prince his bed side He raised himselfe halfe to embrace him and received him with so great expressions of joy and sensibility that Polexander had not been worthy to have lived had ââ¦e not been moved with his courtesie He began his compliments by the boxe he presented him and often besought his pardon for the long unacquitting himselfe of what he owed him Phelismond embracing him againe tooke him from the continuing those civilities and wringing his hand I see well said he that you have no better an opinion of me then of custome men have of such who are in the same degree of fortune with me Every one believes that no man can be a Favourite but he must instantly forget himselfe But if I might have the happinesse of seeing you often I hope you would change your opinion and finde that I left not to be rationall when I came to be a Favourite I aske your pardon for this ill discourse but I am so much afraid to be taken for another that by this declaration I begin my acquaintance and friendship To this Polexander answered with so much freedome and gentlenesse as if he had not beene Polexander or the other Phelismond he felt within him an extraordinary debaââ¦e and his virtue opperating her accustomed effect compelled him to love his Rivall and Alcidiana's enemy At last his passion and that Princesses command got the upper hand Hereupon he resolved his owne ruine or to avenge both and for that cause would be but a little with Phelismond who did all he could possibly to stay him But Polexander came off so gently that without any incivility he had the liberty he wished When he was returned to his lodging he began to muse on his fortune and passing and repassing through his memory all Pââ¦elismonds endowments I am said he to himselfe reduced to two extremities far differing from one another If I put not in execution what Alcidiana commands me I am a coward a traytour and ought to thinke no more on the meanes to finde the Inaccessible Island On the other side hath any man seene an example of brutallity equââ¦ll with mine if I yield not my selfe captivated by all those generous actions wherewithall Pââ¦elismond obligeth me to love him But what of this Alcidiana shall not then have satisfaction Instead of excuting her commands I shall become the censurer of her will and have the impudence to accuse her of injustice when it accords not with my opinion No no she must be obeyed Let those who know not how to love aright reprove my ingratitude Let them convince me of extravagancy and take me either for some inââ¦m us person that cannot indure the lustre of extraordinary virtues or for an execrable fellow who would make himselfe immortall by some signall villany Alcidiana is more to be feared then all these accusers I will act what I ought Phelismond cannot blame me for it and whosoever is truely generous shall at the same instant he deplores the misfortune of so accomplished a
scarce gave him leasure to put by or avenge himselfe Yet did he what a valiant man could and gave not ground till his Symiter was broken and weakened by the losse of almost all his bloud he could not possibly stand longer He was no sooner fallen but Almanzor offering his Symeter to his throat Thou shalt dye said he unlesse thou restore me the Princesse thou hast stolne The Rover making shew that that speech was more deadly to him then all his words Do not said he to Almanzor abuse thy victory but know that scoffing and jeering never well became the mouth of a Conquerour I confesse the desire of getting that Princesse of whom thou speakest hath brought me from Morocco to Benin but that designe hath not prosper'd and I acknowledge now that wicked projects sooner or later have but unfortunate events I feele I feele the blow wherewith I was long since threatned My crimes have exhausted all the patience of heaven and by a just retribution I meet with a violent death that so I may be exemplarily chastis'd for so many murthers which my command hath committed though my hand hath not beene able to execute them The Pirates Speech so sensibly touched Almanzor that changing in an instant from an irreconcilable enemy to a pitifull Comforter Hope better said he from the bounty of heaven and since it hath brought you to repent you of your former life doubt not but it hath in store a better for you You shall live for its glory and the example of others of your condition But let not your repentance be imperfect Be sorrowfull for offending without cause the Prince of Benin I sweare repli'd the Pirate by that just avenging Deity whose hand iâ⦠now heavy upon me that I know not where the Princesse Iphidamanta is and I die with more griefe to lose her for ever then to lose the light of day With those words hee gave up the ghost and left Almanzor so extreamely afflicted that his victory went neere to have beene very dismall to him For the Pirates seeing their Generall dead in lieu of losing courage as men of warre usually doe in like occasions shewed themselves more hardy and furious then before They rushed all at once on Almanzor and if the necessity of defending himselfe had not drawne him from his dangerous compassion he had run the hazard of accompanying the vanquish'd Rover. He then turn'd head on the Pirates he drove them back he pierc'd them he dispers'd them and by his terrible blows inforc'd them to have recourse to that goodnesse which a little before they had despised Almanzor receiv'd them to mercy and stopping his Souldiers fury My Companions said he to them 't is enough that we have brought our enemies to aske their lives Let us use them so as they may be bound to esteeme us as milde to those which yeeld as we are redoubtfull to such as resist us The Pirates ravish'd at Almanzorse xceeding generosity as much as they had bin terrified by his in comparable valour threw their weapons turbants at his feet and as if they had now a time to accord their desires with their thoughts Fill cried they all to gether the place which Nephisus hath left empty by his death The name of Nephisus strook Almanzor to the heart and won him to grant the Rovers what they desired only to cleer such doubts as they had cast into his minde Seeing therefore so great an union where a little before there was so great contrariety and so profound a peace where so much war had bin kindled First of all said he to them I desire to know whence your Generall was what is become of the Princesse he stole from the Court of Benin One of the Pirates speaking for all I know said he better then my companions the reason of your demands and I can better then they satisfie you in them both Know said he further sighing that the unfortunate Nephisus whom you see dead at your feet is the same Nephisus who for the beginning of his miseries felt in the Prince his brothers Turney that your pastimes diversions are dreadfull 'T is the same Nephisus who following the counsell of his naturall ambition and the passions of the King his father's enemies violated the most sanctified Lawes and wrong'd a goodnesse which had never parallel 'T is that Nephisus who failing in his faith to the Princesse of Tunis and of his duty to the good Hely would have ravish'd Iphidamanta from him and besieg'd him in a Fortresse whereinto he was retir'd with her In summe 't is the same Nephisus who thinking himselfe by his taking that place not onely master of his fathers life but possessor of his Crowne and of Iphidamanta saw himselfe compell'd to abandon his defeated army to fly out of his fathers territories and that he might have a refuge to implore the assistance and protection of those who now demand yours I beleeve my Lord these generall things will be sufficient to satisfie part of your curiosity for the rest this is all the manifestation we can now give you When Nephisus left the Pirates Island for the stealing or forcing away of Iphidamanta he chose for companions of his fortune two of his most resolute Captaines the one was called Thalemut and the other Achain They promis'd him to throw themselves into Abrinzias Palace in two places which they knew and to take thence Iphidamanra whilst with his troupe he amused another where that Kings gard was They executed what they had promis'd but Nephisus being constrained to retire to his ships sooner then they had agreed upon together neither met with Thalemut nor Achain A tempest presently arose and our vessels were so dispers'd that this unfortunate Prince never heard since what was become of those two Captaines If you please I may have leave to tell you my opinion I thinke that Thalemut and Achain are certainly retir'd into their Island and carried the Princesse along with them Quoth Almanzor that which you have told me fills me with astonishment and gives me a great deale of satisfaction But I should have all I desire if you would instruct me what course I should steere to get to that fatall Island The Pirates who were about him spoke all at once and offered not onely to conduct him thither but also to cause Iphidamanta to be restor'd to him if so be she were in the hands of any of their Captains Almanzor imbrac'd them all one after another to thanke them for a promise that was so pleasing to him and in recompence told them he would if they thought them worthy fill Nephisus place and give them a Generall as affectionate as he if he did not give them one as valiant The Pirates taking him at his word forgot their pass'd losses by the gaine they had in him and betooke them to the course which their former combate had put them farre from Almanzor commanding his Mariners to follow him
felt none so cruell as to be absent from you A hundred times in my hearing hath she wished her selfe able to give her whole life for one instant of your sight and sometimes when the excesse of sorrowes had reduced her to an extremity O death hath she cryed how sweet shouldst thou be unto me so that thou wouldst not take me hence before I had regain'd the favour of my honour'd Achomat Cydaria spoke those words in a tone so fit to move compassion that the Basha could not refraine from teares but whilst he gave this tribute to nature Iphidamantus rendred farre greater to love he was come up to Melicerta and standing in the posture of an offender which strives to get pardon for his faults Faire Princesse said he in kissing her hand scorne not this fugitive slave who prosecuted by the remorse of conscience offers himselfe voluntarily to all that your anger shall denounce against him 'T is not the insensible Solyman you see at your feet that monster hath long agoe been out of the number of things existing 't is the repenting and sensible Solyman he yet intreates you to be lesse good then the Basha your father and not to forget such crimes as would make Mercy it selfe worthy to be punish'd had she sealed them a pardon Melicerta in lieu of answering to this incessantly sighed she tooke Iphidamantus hand put it to her mouth and with kisses or to speake things as love hath inspired mee with characters of fire imprinted on it the pardon which Iphidamantus beleev'd he had not merited She contented her selfe with that mute eloquence not onely to assure her lover of the extremity of her affection but to have him beleeve that all the miseries she had indured were deare and pleasing to her since they had produc'd such a height of felicity Achomat interrupted the mysterious interparley of those lovers and to refresh the spirits of all in Melicerta't cabin I wonder now no more said he to Cydaria and Iphidamantus which stood one before the other at those errours which have been occasioned by your two faces The King of Morocco is not so blinde as we beleeve him and for my owne part I confesse that were I from you but one quarter of an houre I should not know which were Solyman Melicerta desirous to give to Cydaria all that she owed to her affection This dayes miraculous accidents said she command you to give thankes to the King of Morocco's mistakes you had been as well as I in your discontents had that Prince been more cleere sighted or Bajazet's spies not lesse deceiv'd then that amorous old man But fitly said she changing her voyce now I talke of Bajazer what important reason of State hinders him from coming to taste those sweets for whose fruition be indures so many ills and exposeth himselfe to so many dangers Achomat repli'd had not our care of you daughter put by all others we had either been yet in quest of that Prince or he here with us When Polexander came and intimated how extreame ill you were we sent to Bajazetstents to let him know the cause of your sudden departure but our Messenger found him not nor could any of his guard or slaves tell to what quarter of the Camp he was gone The haste we made to see you may be our excuse if not towards this faire Princesse he spoke it turning to Cydaria yet at least to others why we forsooke that Prince in his discontent As Achomat ended his speech there arose a mighty noise in the midst of the Pirates fleet The trumpets and other instruments of brasse which serve to warne the Souldiers what to doe disturb'd the silence of the night and the calmnesse of the elements They cryed Arme arme on all sides and the mariners whose toile is all in confusion blended their clamours and cryes with the Souldiers uproare Polexander not knowing what the cause of this Alarme should be sent Diceus to inform him who was no sooner out of the Kings ship but the noise was husht yet loath to returne with nothing he got to the place where the Pirates fleet was yet in battalia he staid the first he met to know what had happened some told him the arrivall of the King of Senega whom they thought friend to the King of Morocco had engag'd the whole navy to put themselves in order to fight with him Others told him but uncertainly of Bajazets losse and gave him a great desire of cleering so important a newes as he was in that trouble he met with the Rover Hamet who knowing him in the darke Hoe Diceus said he if thou lovest Bajazet bring me quickly to the King thy master Diceus told him he was in his ship and for himselfe he was come by his Masters command to know the cause of the Alarme 'T is a strange one said Hamet sighing but thou mayest know that Bajazet is dead if Polexander save not his life Diceus imagining Hamet to be too much afflicted to speake got him into his shallop and so carried him aboard the Kings ship Assoone as he was in Melicerta's cabin where Cydaria was with the Princes her brothers and Achomat he cast himselfe at the feet of our Heroë and witnessing his feare by his faultring speech Sir said he you have gone neere within these two houres to lose Bajazet and if your company get not the suppressing of his resentments I verily beleeve he will meet with that death between the armes of Zabaim and Almanzaira which he would have found in the sea Knowest thou what thou sayest asked Polexander in a tone expressing his affright Yes very well repli'd the Rover and know more that the onely griefe of meeting with Iphidamantus where he thought to have found Axiamira hath made him to confine by a quick despaire his vaine and long hopes Relate that strange resolution repli'd Polexander whilst we goe to succour that desperate man presently he call'd for Diceus and commanding him softly to cause his ship to be steer'd neere to Zabaim's bid him with-draw and he himselfe shut the dore to Melicerta's cabin whilst he was speaking to Diceus Cydaria was stolne behinde the sicke Princesses bed and set her selfe on it to heare Hamet and not be seene Our Heroë thought it so and beleeving the Pirate's relation might contribute much to his sisters satisfaction intreated him to make known very particularly what he knew of his master's misfortune Hamet being a little recollected began his discourse thus Some quarter of an houre after the newes of our General 's victory came to our Navy our Sentinels gave us notice there were a many sailes descri'd at the mouth of this River this being confirmed by the fires on the coast and by those in guard at the entrance our Admirall made ready and put the ships in battalia But this alarme lasted not long as you have heard for presently two ships brought our Admirall newes that the discovered fleet was the King of Senega's
prey of my victorious Armie if the love I bare my daughters had not made me forget what I owed to Bajazet's affection Among the sea faring men that were taken about Calaura there was a Pilot who seeing himself at the point of losing his life told them that had laid hands on him he had somewhat to say to me of more importance for my owne particular then the conquest of Italie though they beleev'd him not yet for feare of an errour they brought him to me I make no doubt said he to me presently but that the losse of Solyman Basha iâ⦠the principall cause of your voyage and to get him againe you would even give part of your life you may be satisfied at a lower rate grant but to a wretch who hath not offended but by compulsion a life which he will preserve for your service and he will guid you to Solyman I made the Pilot arise and promising him farre more then he had desired I understood how Solyman was gotten away and whither he was gone but I could heare nothing of my daughters The love of revenge made me resolve to forsake mine Army and to goe alone where Solyman resided I therefore reimbarked all my troupes as speedily as I could and leaving with the Generall at sea a letter directed to the Sultan for his approbation of my action I steer'd towards the Canaries I heard in the Isle of Teneriff that Solyman whom they call'd Iphidamantus had been there almost a moneth with Polexander but was gone thence fifteene dayes past and to heighten my affliction they told me he was put to sea againe in quest of a Turkish Princesse which he had lost hereupon I presently left Teneriff and without inquiring after Solyman in the other Islands repassed the straights and sought him under a strange name and habit in a thousand places of France Spaine and Italie After a yeare spent in those voyages I put me againe into the Ocean and about a moneth since by good hap I met on the coasts of Fez a skiffe in which there was none but Moores and Granadians I inquired newes of the Countrey and understood that Morocco was besieg'd by the Pirates of Cape Verd and was defended by Abdelmelec and a Knight which call'd himselfe the unknown Knight I got him to describe that Knight to me and assoone as I heard of his exceeding comelinesse and valour I imagined it was Solyman The next day I came into Bajazet's Campe and concealing the true cause of my coming feign'd others to him probable enough to take away all suspition he might have of me he us'd me after his manner that was with incomparable civilities and offering me the command of his Army made me repent my dissimulation With an extraordinary freenesse he declar'd to me the cause which had ingaged him to this Siege and by that Declaration wip'd off all my griefe for the dissembling mine owne businesse for I leave it to your thoughts to what hee had been obliged had he once knowne I sought his Mistresses brother of purpose to kill him I waited therefore without discovering my selfe the occasion of seeing Solyman with his sword in his hand Yesterday it happened as you have heard indeed the successe was not such as I hoped but so as I was to expect from that eternall Mercy which by an incomprehensible wisdome out of the greatest ills produceth the greatest happinesses Thus Achomat ended the recitall of his fortunes and fill'd the hearts of his Auditors with so much pity that even the most contented there were for that time incapable of feeling their owne happinesse This converse had lasted longer had it not been disturb'd by a great noise which came from the land and by an allarme given as well in the ships as in the campe Bajazet and Achomat knowing how necessary their presence was in the like occasions tooke leave of the company Polexander and Iphidamantus followed them after they had intreated Zabaim not to forsake the Princesses They got to the Camp before Bajazet had got together againe the troupes which the enemy had driven out of the trenches Polexander's arrivall inspiring the valour nay the temerity of the most cowards all the Pirates went on furiously against the besieged and after a conflict which lasted farre within night forc'd them to retire for shelter behinde their bastions The foure Princes were much troubled to know who had animated the enemy with that bold resolution when they brought them thirty or forty prisoners A Knight among them of a very brave aspect making way through his companions stopp'd before Bajazet and thus spoke to him I am of the Princes of Granada and the eldest of the Abinzeragues which have surviv'd the ruine of their Countrey The unfortunate Boabdilez not induring the slavery of his people nor the pride of his conquerours hath lately left Spaine and passed into Africa with all the remainder of his forces Ten thousand Moorish Knights and forty thousand of his Subjects have followed his fortune and found a safe retreate in the goodnesse of the King whom you so much injure without any wrong done you The miseries from whence we but newly came had so quell'd the courages of our most hardy souldiers that finding themselves to enjoy some quiet in the places appointed them by the King of Morocco they could not till now resolve to the taking on their armour But the King my Master asham'd to see that Prince running the hazard of being ruin'd who had sav'd him got to horse with a hundred of his Knights and stirring from place to place to incite the Granadians to the defence of their Protector so urg'd them that they forsooke their wives and children and under the conduct of the King himselfe fortunately cast themselves into Morocco Boabdilez and Hely thought it fit that to honour the succours I should sally with some troupes and somewhat trouble you which I instantly obeyed and my act had been very fortunate if the end had answered the beginning that which I have more to say is this If you are stimulated as much by your generousnesse as valour after your overcoming me you will doe the like on my adverse fortune and send me backe to the King my Master since you will not have much to boast on in detaining that had so little honour in taking me That mischance which cast me under my horse is to have all the glorie of my being prisoner let not that vaunt of it or dare share in your actions for which you should be beholding to none but your owne vertue Bajazet would gladly that Polexander and the two other Princes had answered the prisoner but thinking it not fit to treate them with so much ceremonie he did what was fit and resuming the principall points of the Abinzerrago's speech The King said he whom you have justly tearm'd unfortunate should not beleeve that my companions and my selfe have so little courage as to suffer the injurie he hath
the best successe to follow the best causes forsooke tha Turkes and to have part in the victory came on the Christian side This favourable change was received as a certaine presage of that daies good fortune and encouraged the Souldiers to witnesse by their shouts the impatiency they were in till they were at hand stroakes with their enemies The great Gallions of Portugall which were in the front of the Christian Armie as so many forts whence they ruined the Turkes began by the noise and smoake of their double Canon to make the sea open even to the depths and obscure the aire with enflamed clouds The enemies grew therewith terrified lost their order and were flaine unrevenged At last all mingled Gallies set on Gallies Ships boorded Ships in briefe all vessells little and great of oares and sailes fought either in grosse or seperated It was there that the inconstancy of the chances of Warre appeared Those who were lately Conquerors are now in their turne overcome and such a one who had been made a slave recovers his liberty by the servitude of those who had put him in fetters By little and little this forest of Masts grew lightsome the noise lessened by the death of some and the wearisomnesse of others and both the fleets seemed to be but the shadowe of what it was at the beginning of the battell The Christians were the Victors and though the Turkes by their obstinacy in fighting made knowne they knew not what t was to fly yet at last they were constrained and without their obduratenesse had confessed that the power of earth is weake to resist the hands of heaven The Sun was no sooner set then the victorious Army content to see their powerfull enemies not dare to appeare before them would not drive to despaire those they had put to flight you could see no more of them then some few scattred vessells from the body of the Army yet in fight Amongst others Iphidamantus ship which had a good share in the glory of this day was grapsed with a Turke the combate equally entertained on both sides left none to doubt of the valour of those that were assaied or those that defended The Turkes were more in number then the Christians yet had they been put to the worst without the incredible valour of their Captaine who alone made all the assaults of his enemies vaine and bootlesse The valiant Iphidamantus desiring to shew by some remarkable blowe that there was no pride so high which he could not abate nor strength which he could not master threw himselfe among the armes of the valiant Turke and let drive at him so surious a blow with his sword that he sent into the sea all that the other had on his head The Turkes amazed at the fearfull blow their Captaine had received resolved not to stand wilfull in a combate which could but adde a particular shame to the generall This deliberation being as soone executed as taken the two ships sundred but Iphidamantus that would not overcome by halfes followed the Turkes and boorded them againe The combate began a fresh more bitter then before and the Turkish Captaine flying after vengeance with an heroike fury made Iphidamantus see that there is no valour like that which is seconded with choler After a hundred times trying to finish this duell by some extraordinary blow Iphidamantus threw himselfe into the Turkish vessell and made his enemy recoile but the Moore with a passe on Iphidamantus stroake him with his Cimiter on the Caske with such a force that he made him fall at his feet His companions thought him dead and the affright making them forget their honour and their faith they left him to the mercy of the Turkes and saved themselves by the favour of the night Bajazet for so was this victorious Turke called quickly caused Iphidamantus to be taken up by six of his souldiers and carried into his Cabin Whilst he tooke paines for the ease and solaging of his prisoner and seemed to have forgotten the generall routing of the Mahometan Army a tempest more carefull of his safety then himselfe tooke him from among the Christians who pursued their victory and brought him to one of the Azorez that he might there recollect those that remaine of his fleet This place had been appointed before the battle for the Rendezvous of the Pirates of which he was the chiefe The next day after his arrivall five or six ships came in the next day eight or ten and in this sort in lesse then six daies he had made a new Army Streight he resolved to goe see whether the Christians had not enterprised somewhat on the place of his usuall retreat He gave them directions for the order they should keepe in case they should be forced to fight by the way and so weigh anchor from the Azorez and came out in the head of his fleet Though his charge and the humour of those he commanded was capable to take up an entire man yet this generous Pirate reserved the better part of his time to give it to Iphidamantus He forgot nothing of whatsoever he judged fit for the healing of his wounds or for the satisfaction of his minde and told him oftentimes that so brave a man as he never appeared more glorious then when he was constrained to suffer under a misfortune That the chance of Warre being never in our power we are to take it as it falls That t is true victory was often accompanied with many advantages but they followed many times without any merit that he had heard spoken of many Captaines whose death or captivity had given more cause of envy then of glory to those who had either killed or made them attend their triumphall Chariots Iphidamantus that made profession of true generousnesse was ravished with that in Bajazet and giving himselââ¦e over to the charmes of his wit aswell as to the strength of his reason knew not sometim whether it had been advanââ¦agious for him not to have lost his liberty He admired the good aspect of this Pirate the sweetnesse of his wit and converse his manners directly opposite to others of his condition and above all his admirable complaicaââ¦cy by which he seemed to make himselfe a slave to them who where already his So many virtues met he in a person who in his opinion was destitute of all that at first they made him his admirer and soone after so passionate a friend that for it he would have wronged himselfe and called backe his affection as if he had committed an injustice in giving it to Bajazet In the meane while this famous Pirate had time so favourable that the fifth day he dââ¦ried the great Rocks which are as so many Bastions and Rampards for the defence of his Island The next day he came to the entry of his hââ¦ven and was not there admitted till he which had the command of it had been to know him I phidamantus was
concealing from him part of what I knew intreated him that for his owne quiet and the content of his Subjects he would cause the Princesse to be nursed in some safe place and to put so many guards about her that it might not be in the power of any of his Subjects much lesse of any stranger to see her The King would know particulerly what I gave him this coucell but beseeching him to cause Xaira to be brought before I passed further he commanded five or six of his principall Officers to goe fetch her from the Queen As they who were thus commanded were about to obey him they heard a great noise and at the same time saw the Queen enter into Quasmez chamber all undressed and so transported from her selfe that had she not hapned on the Kings bed she had fallen in a swound on the planching Quasmez astonied as well by the Queens swounding as by the councell I late gave him knew not whether I would conceale from him the death of his wife in shewing the feare I was in for that of his Daughter And in this doubt he bewayled his wife as if she had been dead and looking on me now and then with his eyes full of teares I feare said he my Father lest the gods be incensed against me to see that I have neglected them to bestow all my cares and affection upon a creature I had noâ⦠leasure to answer him for five or six women all bloudy with dishevelled haires rushed at the same time into his chamber and casting themselves about his bed even terrified us to see them teare their faces and beate their heads against the floore This tragicall beginning was ended by yet more bloudy actions Foure men with stating eyes and foaming mouthes presented themselves to Quasmez and speaking all at once Since said they to him we have not been vigilant enough to preserve our happinesse we will not be cowardly enough to out live it And in so saying they turned the pointes of the arrowes they bore in their hands upon themselves and sticking them with violence into their throates so amazed us with their desperation that they tooke from us the meanes to succour them They fell all foure dead at my feet and confirmed me in the opinion I had of the losse of the Princesse The King transported with griefe and choler threw himselfe out of his bed and went into another Chamber to give time to his guards to take away the bodies of those desperate men and to stay the madnesse of the women that would follow their example For my part I staied by the Queen and seeing her recovered gave her by my discourse some kind of consolation I told her that she must force her selfe from this sorrow and not be the cause of the losse of the Father after that of the Daughter The love which she had still borne to Quasmââ¦z was sufficient to overcome all her other affections and to suspend for a while the thought of the rape of Xaira After I saw her so well recollected I intreated her to walke to her husband and to endeavour by her perswasions to make him constantly to endure and suffer the losse of the little Princesse She punctually observed all that I desiââ¦ed her and so winningly gave Quasmez this bitter potion that he tooke it with a great deale of patience I saw then that it was time to apply the plaister I had provided for that wound and I therefore told them that the will of the gods was that their Daughter should be nursed up by their greatest enemy That the designe the Miscreant had to wrong them should result cleane contrary to his intention That they should not engage nor trouble themselves to make any pursuite after those that had stolen her thence since nothing but ill would come of it But said I if in this disaster as well as in the rest of your life you will conforme your selfe to the will of the gods without a murmure patiently undergoe what they have thought fit to be done I promise you from them that one day you shall see your Daughter in that great fortune you reserve for her There is by a prodigious accident a childe to be borne from whose valour you must expect not alone the deliverance of Xaira but withall the enlarging and establishing of your Throne If the presence of a thing that should be so deare to you can sweeten the bitternesse of your losse I know by what meanes you may obtaine it Till then I speake so loude that all might understand me but at that word comming more neere to them I told them in their eare that they should presently cause to march to the City of Quito three or foure thousand of his most hardy and affectionate Subjects and after that I acquainted them with that which I had been taught from the mouth of the gods They were pleased to be advised by me and to follow my counsell and execute this enterprise made so good an election that those whom they sent to Quito found you as I foretold and tooke you thence so fortunately that without any perill they delivered you into the hands of Quasmez This Prince would willingly have kept his losse from the knowledge of his Subjects but being instantly spread abroad and knowne even to the furthest parââ¦s of his Kingdome he thought it was not fit to leave his people in this dispaire He published therefore through all his Provinces that which I had foretold of Xaira and to assure them discovered to them somewhat of his designe on you This newes was the cause that all those who saw you in the hands of the Souldiers that brought you doubted no more of the truth of my predictions and consequently though you were but an infant gave you all the honours they conceived they ought to their deliverer That which remaines for you now to know is not what you should doe for you understand that already by what I have told you but the place where your valour must be seen and the meanes whereby you may come off with renowne Know then that you must goe as far as to the foote of a great Mountaine called Popocampecho You may easily know it by the flames it sends forth day and night There shall you find against whom to exercise your courage Tread under foot all difficulties and when you shall have overcome your enemies march on till you come before a City that gives name to the great Kingdome of Mexico T will be in that place that you shall need to use all your strength but if you doe not betray your selfe I assure you that you shall come off victor from the combate which you must there undergoe Yet among so many good fortunes I see a disastrous accident may betide you but I dare not make it knowne to you so openly as is fitting for feaâ⦠lest in striving to make you avoyde it I my selfe throw you headlong into it If you
not well yet had she not the patience to have her absent but sent an absolute command that she should dresse her that nothing of sadnesse might be intermingled with the publique rejoycing Isatida came where she was expected but at her entry they might perceive in her lookes such a kinde of coldnesse that she had beene generally condemned if the pretext of her sicknesse had not repressed the indiscreete zeale and reproaches of all the people She never cast an eye on her victorious servant and by that entertainment so little expected taught him a faire lesson of that humility of minde wherewith we should receive those disgraces that betide us then when we thinke we have least deserved them He was much troubled at it and detesting all the honors they did him put this day into the number of the most unfortunate in his life Presently he called to minde all that he had done nay all that he had thought on since he left the Princesse And seeing that the witnesses of his Conscience set his minde at rest he tooke this indifferency of Isatida as a remedy which she had found to allay that vanity which possibly so many happy fortunes joyned together might have caused in him As soone as Hismalita was retyred Isatida that tooke notice of her servants discontent sent him word by Galtazis that she desired his company to her chamber that she might know from him that which her indisposition had not suffered her to behold Zelmatidaes heart leapt at this welcome command and was so transported with it that his wound opened and notwithstanding all that they could apply to it bled such a great quantity of blood that the Princesse tooke notice of it and grew as pale and feeble as if her owne blood had run from the wound of my deare Master He came neer her and taking her by the arme to assist her You see said he how my heart it selfe gives you a testimony of its fidelity It hath alwaies feared that my words were by you suspected and that you doubted of the assurances which my mouth for its part gave you It knowes that it is an interpreter artificiall and cryed downe and that all ages have attainted it of treason and flashood It is long since too that it hath stroven by all meanes to make it selfe knowne to you At last Fortune is come to his ayde and facilitating things which seemed impossible hath given it that which it could not obtayne from nature 'T is faire Isatida that it speakes by my wound and the drops of blood that fall thence are so many words by which it makes knowne to you its infinite love and protests that my mouth hath said nothing to you till my heart had given it a most expresse commandement Isatida comming to her selfe whilest my deare Master spoake to her thus passionately could no longer hold that little anger which she had resolved he should undergoe I must confesse said he that you have a great power over our mââ¦des surely we sh ould not thinke it strange that you overcome Giants since you shew your selfe of suffi ci ency to vanquish that which is naturally invincible Triumph then Zelmatida since you deserve it triumph over my choler as well as of the second Popocampecho But be not like those unfortunate Conquerors that have found their grave in their triumphant Chariot Goe thinke on your woundes and when you are in case to be seene I will tell you the cause of my anger In the meane time I command you to feare it no more it is now as unable to hurt you as the Giant you have overcome My deare Master would needs perswade Isatida that his wounde was nothing not considerable But as soone as the Princesse opened her lips to repeate the commandment she had given him he obeyed according as was accustomed and that seperation was an ill farre more sensible then that he had received in his combate After his being in his Chamber they closed his wounde and though indeed it was but little yet for all that it incommodated him extreamely The next morning he came forth and had almost the whole daies liberty to see Isatida He besought her a thousand times to tell him the cause of her anger You beleeve said the Princesse to him that I have no cause to complaine But know that I have subject enough since against my command and your promise you have not feared to hazard that which is mine and to fight alone against a Monster who thought himselfe strong enough to defeate a whole Army My deare Master seeing the pleasing indignation of the Princesse shall I beleeve said he that any thought of me could at any time possesse a minde so much divine as yours Certainely though hitherto I have found goodnesses in you which are no where else seene Yet did I not imagine them so infinite that they could extend to the care of my preservation But I know whence this tendernesse comes You looke on me as the worke of your owne hands and would retard my losse since you beleeve that your power would suffer some diminution if you should suffer to perish the least thing that is if it bore any marke of yours This nimblenesse of wit answered Isatida wherewith you put off any thing that might hurt you hinders not me yet from being offended and that I beleeve not but you esteeme litle of my friendship since you make no more difficulty to put me into a perplexity I know what you can say to justifie your action and will not give so much to my fancy but I will give more to your considerations Therefore I forget what is past and looke no more on your last actions but on that side where they are to you most glorious and honorable But if ever it happen that you neglect my intreaties and doe not tie your selfe scrupulouââ¦ly to those necessities I shall enjoyne you know that I shall not be alwaies good and that I shall have power enough over my selfe to take from you those favours which by you shall be neglected This convââ¦rse had lasted longer but an extraordinary noise arising about the Pallace engaged Zelmatida to preferre the safety of strangers before his owne He ran where the clamour and confusion was greatest and saw that on all ââ¦ands the Mexicans fled and ran into the Towne with an incredible terrour and disorder He stopped these Runawaies and suffring himselfe to be transported with the just anger that so generall a cowardize had lightned in his soule Have you resolved cried ââ¦e to them to deliver your selves your Wives and Children to the fury of your enemies Must the proââ¦d and triumphant Mexico which neither feares the force nor the subtleties of so many people banded against her be this day turned into ashes by the infamous treachery of ãâã ãâã Inhabitants What a shame is it yee Mexicans You call the Rebells within yââ¦ur ãâã and abandoning to them all your entrances signifie to your
free them from it went foreight to Isatidaes chamber It was told him that Montezuma had sent for her and that she should be that night with the Queene What a friend had that fatall Messenger beene to Zelmatida if he had given him his death when he brought him this unwelcom newes My deare master had not suffered but one death when since that unfortunate day he is passible of all and passible without seeing any end of them He was not content with an answere to him so fatall but enquired after the causes of that novelty but learning nothing that could give him satisfaction he retyr'd himselfe to his lodging not to take any rest but to increase his vexation by the agitations of his Soule The day following so sad a night was far more sorrowfull My deare Master could not see the King nor the Queen and that which afflicted him more he could not possibly either know where the princesse Isatida was nor to see any of her attendants It was late night when Galtazis came to him from Hismalita and signified that her religion and certaine vowes which she and her daughters had made during the imprisonment of Montezuma oblieged them to a long retyrement and she therefore besought him that he would not thinke it strange and would not beleeve that without very great and lawfull causes they would deprive themselves of the contentment of seeing him But added Galtazis I am to informe you or some things more true and more important too then these Retyre to your owne lodgings and doe me the honour to expect me there In the meane time recall that vigour and great courage by which we have knowne Gyants to be so easily over com With those helps you must encounter such as are more redoubtable then those that you have vanquish'â⦠Galtazis in leaving him gave a paper into his hands and prayed him by way of diversion that he would take the paines to reade it Zelmatida retyred and commanding all to leave him alone and willing to see what the dwarfe had given him He unfolded the paper and read that which followeth Mirzenia unworthy Archiculti of the sacred Ziamacazques and least servant of the gods To Montezuma Image of their Benediction AFter the sacrificing the three hundred Panucien slaves which thy soveraigne valour destinated for the Gods on the day of thy tryumph after the besprinkling their holy Images bathing the feete of their Altars and washing the tyles of their Chappell 's with so much blood as was consecrated to them After the filling the Censers royall with the precious gumme of Copââ¦llii and perfumed the heavenly nosthrills with so sweete an odor I have poured out mine owne blood from all parts of my body and by my purifications have merited the sight of the great Zezcatlipuca whose providence watcheth alwaies over the Empire of Mexico His presence hath rent the vayles that hid from me what was to come hereafter I have seene the shadow of future things more cleere then the beames of the Sun and behold that which they reserve for thee both of good and evill Thy Raigne shall be lesse remarkable by thy conquests then by thy imprisonment and thy life which is to be unfortunate shall be farre lesse so then thy death Thou shalt be despoiled of thy Empire without losing the Title of King and though it be transported into a strange family thou shalt yet have successors of thine owne race I see comming from another world Monsters that fly on the sea and and throw fire every where They shall disgorge on the shoares unknowne men who by their presence alone shall destroy those people that obey thee and thy selfe consenting to their losse shalt suffer one of those men to take thee prisoner in thine owne Pallace and to lead thee in triumph through proud Mexico These great revolutions have their prefixed terme The time is neer Thy calamities approch Thy enemies leave their aboades and already some of those Monsters that are to produce them have beene seene on our coastes The only remedy which I finde for thy ills is that thou get a Virgin Princesse Daughter to a great King whose power thou redoubtest By her intercessions thou shalt avert thy misfortunes confirme thy tottering Throne and make thy Children to raigne many ages after thee But who can give thee knowledge of that royall Virgin and by what good hap without example canst thou ravish her out of the armes of her Father If ever thou possesse that treasure keepe it more carefully then thy life be more jealous of it then of thine Empire hââ¦ve a carâ⦠it be not stollen from thee and above all keepe it hidden from that redoubted Stranger who under pretext of offring thee his service and armes will come to steale her from thee This Conqueror of Nations will enter thy Territories as a man unknowne but by his valour he shall soone make himselfe Master of thy Subjects and by her also he shall pluck thee from a shamefull death prepared for thee At that time thou shalt lose the Virgin which thou hast so carefully kept and that losse shall be followed by all those wherewith the gods threaten thee Zelmatida having ended the reading of the scrole would have given it an explication that might not be displeasing to him He therefore justified himselfe in his owne thoughts from all that which might make him to be that stranger which this prediction deciphered and speaking as if some Judge had questioned him My conscience said he my passed actions and my designes absolutely bely this false prophet I neither pretend tâ⦠the Crowne of Mexico nor to the life of Montezuma T is true I love Isatida and ãâã deprive me of the happinesse of seeing her is to force me to strange extreamities As ãâã was further thus going on Galtazis came in and surprised him in his deepe meditations My Master said the little One to him he was wont to call him so I bring you the cruell explication of the Prophesie I left with you but I bring it you imperfect since I could ãâã understand but the end of the discourse which on that subject Montezuma had with Hismalita Be assured said she to him that the time is come in which we and our Empire are to fall into the hands of strangers My delivery is a great and a certaine ãâã of it and the love which all my Subjects beare to the invincible stranger agââ¦eing with the inclination of Isatida makes it so evident that unlesse I will betray my selfe I can no more doubt of it I know that the fatall Virgin is in our custody and that we may shut her up in a place where none shall see her But to whom shall we ââ¦ust that may hinder her being stolen and forced from us We will not resolve nor you nor my selfe to keepe her during both our lives and those others which we shall chuse as the most faithfull for this important deposit may be t is possible
the first that shall deliver the Maiden into the hands of our enemy Hismalita at that word interââ¦upting the King her husband I know said she an expedient far more easy then all that T is fit that the death of one single person should save the lives of a whole Nation and that we secure our owne and our Empire by cutting off those that are to deprive us of them O never have so horrible a thought replied Montezuma it is expresly forbidden us to lay violent hands on the Virgin She ought to be more pretious to us then our owne lives and I have learnt from the very mouth of the great Mirzenia that in the very same instant that this Innocent shall die I shall meet the full period of my daies Know then what we must doe answered Hismalita let us send her to my Brother and conjure him to keepe her for us as carefully as he doth the valiant Inca which those of Quito put into our hands after the death of Guina Capa We shall have cause to live at quiet when this misfortunate Protectresse shall ââ¦e so far from all mens knowledge and seeing that the captivity of Alisma who without doubt is the to-be-feared stranger with whose fury the gods doe threaten us hath made us live these twelve yeeres in a tranquââ¦y which hath not beene interrupted but by your bondage let us be confident that the imprisonment of our Daughter will make our good daies everlasting I should be of your minde replied Montezuma if Mirzenia had spoken to me but of one stranger but I take notice of two in his prediction and when I shall beleeve that Alisma may passe for one of them I must yet feare a second And that second is no other then that invincible stranger who may terme himselfe more then I the absolute Master of my Empire To put him to death besides that it is expresly forbidden me I cannot consent to it since I have no moââ¦e life nor other Crowne then what his valour hath given me I am not said Hismalita swaied by these considerations unworthy of a royall soule but I am resolved by the menaces of Mirzenia Make me see that that stranger cannot die without the losse of our selves and I will make you soone knowe that Kings ought not to have any consideration but for themselves and as they are above all the services that can be rendred them they are so too above all the conceptions that nature gives to common persons May the gods this very day accomplish all their threates said the King to her rather then I consent to those mischievous Maximes No no the stranger shall never perish by my will nor shall the life that he hath given me be the cause of his death Thââ¦t which we have to doe is to intertaine him in such sort that our people may know that we are neither so weake spirited to be jealous of him nor so ingrate to deny him the recompence of his labours T is possible that time may cleare our doubts and make us see that we interpret ill the will of our gods Galtazis after he had thus faithfully related the discourse between Montezuma and Hismalita advised him to stand on his guard and not to trust so much in the goodnesse of the husband but that he should be alwaies armed against the malice of the wife My deare Master thinking lesse on his owne conservation then that of Isatida but Galtazis said he where is the faire Mistris What doth she with Hismalita is it impossible for me to see her And should she be taken for the Virgin mentioned in this impertinent prediction To all this said the Dwarfe I can give you but little satisfaction My faire Mistris is more strictly guarded then her Sisters she lies with the Queene her Mother and goes not out of her Chamber She weepes she sighes she pities your misfortune more then her owne and knowing in what perplexity you are she sends me to entreat you either that you will goe out of Mexico or secke not the meanes to see her As for that which belongs to the prediction I cannot tell you whether Isatida be the Virgin so necessary for the conservation of Montezuma but I will tell you that I most passionately wish it for if she be the Maiden I feare not any more that terrible anger which I read in the eyes and all the actions of Hismalita For other things prepare you selfe for the honours that Montezuma resolves to conferre on you and faine so well that he may not perceive that you doe dissemble I will informe you to morrow if I can the councells which the night shall give to my faire Mistris Galtazis tooke back againe the letter after he had given this advise to Zelmââ¦ida and returned to the Pallace The Inca was left alone and knowing not what to resolve on passed in a moment from pity to indignation and from love to all hatred At last reposing all his affaires in that providence which had never forsaken him let us suffer Zelmatida said he to himselfe and prepare our selves for all the injustices that fortune is capable of provided that the hope to see Isatida again be not taken from us we may vaunt our selfe sufficiently strong to overcome all things These speeches and others the like intertaining him all night he rose without taking the least rest He was no sooner out of his bed when five or six of those old Princes who during the siedge of Mexico had beene witnesses of his noble actions came to him and said that Montezuma had sent them to accompany him to the triumph that all Mexico did owe to his incomparable vaiour Zelmatida much surprised at so great a change begun his discourse by very obliging demeanures and continued it by as humble thanks which he besought the Princes to present to Montezuma I know said he that all that which comes either from gods or Kings ought to be received by men with as much amazement as glory and t is a most proud humility to reject their presents under pretext that they doe not deserve them The king yet I hope will have so much goodnesse as not to constraine me to a thing which I refuse not because I am unwotthy of it but I would refuse it because my condition of a banished man and the calamity of those that brought me into the world permit me not to be fortunate Those Princes used aâ⦠their eloquence to get him to receive that honour and grew so earnest in it that they deputed one from among them to give notice to Montezuma of Zelmatida's refusall The weake King if ever there were any going from one extreamity to another came himselfe to the lodging of my Lord the Inca and after he had asked his pardon for his retirement told him that he had not kept himselfe alone two daies but to the end that he might passe all the rest of his life in the others company Your
with so great magnificence that Pallantus not knowing what to admire among so many ãâã ãâã ãâã was constrayned to say that Fame which seemed to flatter when she published common things was exceeding envious and sparing in relating such as were extraordinary Polexander hereupon speaking you would have said he farre more cause to finde fault with report if you knew as well the virtues of Bajazet as you doe his power and riches His fortune seemes to you wonderfull and t is in that which heaven is to him most injurious But although he affects to conceale himselfe even from his friends yet I have neyther had so little curiosity nor so small credit but that I have learnt the most important actions of his life I will one day relate them to you Let us for this time goe on to what more concerns us and seeing that the continuance of Zelmatidaes adventures cannot be deferred to another time let us give it the rest of the Evening Zelmatida did what in him lay to contradict Polexanders proposition but being pressed by Iphidamantus and Bajazet you said he shall be obeyed and Garruca who is not of the wisest when I am to be spoken of meanes not to refuse you a thing in whose relation he takes more pleasure then he can by it any way give you Iphidamantus and Bajazet told Zelmatida that he should leave to them the liberty of judgeing of those pleasures and since himselfe otherwise distraught gave so little heede during the first narration there was no appearance that he had taken notice whether of the two Garruca or his auditors had received most contentment Brother said Polexander to Iphidamantus suffer him to beleeve what he list so that he permit Garruca to relate and us to hearken to him Herewith he arose from table and taking Bajazet by one hand and Garruca by the other went into Iphidamantus chamber Zelmatida in lieu of following them got to walke on the Terrafles of the Castle and left them all the liberty they desired When every one was placed Polexander imposed silence and Garruca beginning a new thus ended the adventures of his Master The end of the third Booke The first Part of POLEXANDER The fourth Booke THE sicknesse of my Lord the Inca which I may say without lying was both fayned and true was not of long continuance His desire to revisite Isatida being more powerfull then all the vowes and sacrifices of the Mexican priests soone gave his health againe All the whiles he kept his chamber Montezuma was not a day without seeing him and by a thousand different testimonies of franknesse and affection made him see that he rather sined through weakenes then malice And as soone as he saw him well commanded that through all Mexico they should begin anew their feasts and rejoycings which had beene forbidden and willed all his Courtiers to call back by new shewes and gallantries those pleasures which the sicknesse of my Master had banished from the Court. For a whole Moneth together there was nought seene in Mexico but daunces feasts playes sacrifices and other demonstrations of joy But excuse me if you please from their particular relation and indeede the misfortunes whereinto we are now getting will not give way for me to dwell on the description of those vaine and deceitââ¦ull rejoycings Rather prepare your selves for the recitall of more sad accidents and actions the most barbarous that feare superstition and cruelty were ever able to produce Montezuma unbeguiled and redeemed from his old Errors by Zelmatidaes conversation and charmed with his incomparable qualities began not only to laugh at the predictions of his Divines but to take notice of that enraged fury where withall Hismalita solicited the death or banishment of my deare Master Yea he had already declared himselfe for the Inca and had commanded the Queene his wife to esteeme of him as of his sonne when a new accident made that poore King to relapse into his vaine terrors and the cruell machinations of Hismalita see how arrived this disaster Zelmatida perceiving that Isatida was almost continually with the Queene her Mother and that it was impossible for him to see and speake with her resolved to get through this impossibility and to finde mââ¦anes to cast himselfe at the feete of the Princesse to aske her pardon for his rashnesse and eyther to obtayne the continuance of her favour or her leave to destroy himselfe in her presence This businesse he deliberated on with Galtazis and being not able to be hindred by the inconveniences which that Little-one could lay before him told him fââ¦r aââ¦l reason that his life was the least thing that he was to hazard to get out of his miseries He concluded therefore with the Dwarfe that one evening he would get over the Queenes garden wall and hide himselfe at the end of a long ally where Isatida was wont to walke alone He was not long from putting this designe in execution but did it so misfortunately that being discovered and followed by Hismalitaeâ⦠Guard he fayled little of losing his life However he saved himselfe and ââ¦eing certaine that he was not knowne he threw off those clothes wherewith he had disguised him and as if he had beene ignorant of the tumult he had raysed came and offered himselfe to Montezuma The ââ¦ing was surprized to see him and presently his naturall simplicitie made him beleââ¦ve that my Master was innocent of that which Hismalita seemed to accuse him He tolâ⦠him that some theeves would have forced from him Isatida and exagerating those feares which this attempt brought on him I will said he give order to it and take sââ¦ch course that the treasons of my Enemies shall no more availe them then their Armes Zelmatida imagining that Montezuma suspected him not besought him to make knowne what he would have done and to repose all on him for the chastizing of the attempters The king embraced him and thanking him for his offer no no said he I will not hazard the defence and strength of mine Empyre for the punishing of a few traytors Let us rest quiet and leave to common persons these no more honorable executions With these words he dismissed Zelmatida and shutting himselfe up with the furious Hismalita and her cruell ministers tooke resolutions answerable to the worth of their mindes It was resolved as we have seene by the events that Isatida should be put into the Castle of the Lake and that without making much noyse on 't they should oblige Zelmatida to quit Mexico The night ensuing this unhappy councell was chosen to put it in execution whilest Zelmatida ignorant of the ill intended against him and nigh desperate with anger and the captivity of Isatida melted himselfe into teares in the Palace gardens and durst doe nothing but threaten men and praying the gods Hismalitaes ministers tooke Isatida from her chamber and conducted her with the Governesse and the Dwarfe to the Castle that was appointed for her
of the Rock would needes see whither it lead He descended it by the light of his flying guides and when he was come farre downe found a square roome and thought he heard one lamenting He turned his eare that way the voice came from and saw at one of the corners of that dungeon a man laid on the Earth which had his two legs put through two silver rings his body gyrt at the middle with a great chayne and his armes bound behinde him This object which could not be seene without horror moved the King to pitty He came neere and looking earnestly on him saw in his countenance somthing that was both Heroick and venerable This constancy increased the Kings compassion and wrought in him a desire to free him from so cruell a Prison He asked him whether his name were not Alisma and whether or no the Rebells of Quito had not sold him to Montezuma At these words the poore captive lifting up his eyes gazed on Zelmatida as on his Releaser who ever you be said he who by your aspect language seem not to be of the number of mine enemies who already knowmy name and fortune beleeve it 't is not without the particular providence of the gods that you have beene brought hither Thy continuall showres of teares hath moved their goodnesse and since I have alwaies beleeved that they were not in heaven but to recompence the good works that were done on Earth they make me this day see that I was not deceived and that I should not die with the griefe of being faithfull to my Master It is above fifteene yeares that I have lived if to die a hundred times in a day be to live under the weight of those chaynes wherewith you see me loaden yet all the extremity of those tortures which my hangmen hourely renew hath not vanquished my patience nor make me discover those secrets wherewith I was intrusted I cannot tell you by what miracle my Soule hath beene able to endure in a body so afflicted as mine since I have had none other foode then a little Maiz and water and some ill fruites which twice a day I am forced to eate by the souldiers of this Garrison But what misfortune would be comparable with mine were it not for the company that these little Cucuyës have afforded me who more pittifull then men come in to me as often as my keepers doe and mingle their living lights with the obscuritie of this Dungeon And you O the only man whom I have seene since I have beene in the power of Montezuma if you feare the gods and take pleasure in well doing tell me by what force or cunning you have beene able to enter this place so strongly fortified and guarded My Father answered the King I fled from the persecution and ambushes of Montezuma when a tempest threw me in the Port. I have beene so fortunate that I presently deleated the Garrison and made my selfe master of the place Most certainly t is the gods who as you told me mov'd with your teares have vouchsafed to avenge you on the inhumanity of the Mexicans and their complices This resolute old man finding I know not what remainder of joy which the length of his afflictions had not been able to consume assured my deare Master that he never despaired but that he hoped yet to make the Rebells of Quito and the ambitious Mexicans to feele what a just indignation could inflict on them Whilest he spoake thus the king handled his chaynes and tryde to undoe them but seeing he could not doe it alone he commanded me to put to my hand and to helpe breake them We did it by the meanes of some instruments we sent for and set the generous Alisma at liberty The long time which the good old mans legs had beene hampered and as it were shortned in his fetters would not permit him to make use of the liberty was given him It was impossible for him not only to walke but well to stand up Zelmatida perceiving his weakenesse held him up on the one side and my selfe on the other wee helped him up the stayres of his prison and carried him to the Mexican Captaines lodging As soone as the violence of his payne was lessened and gotten out of his fainting occasioned by the change of ayre he asked for something to eate Zelmatida gave him of the best he could finde to comfort his heart when his body weakened through fastings watchings and tortures was somewhat strengthened by those sweete and nourishing remedies he fell asleepe and continued all the rest of the night in such a repose as was a very new thing to him Zelmatida lay downe all clad on some coverlets he sent for from the shippe and awaking every foote sometimes to be informed of the old mans health and other whiles to know what was done in the Fort remained till breake of day without giving any intermission to his disquiets He then arose and went with five or fixe souldiers to take a view of all places where there were put Centinels He met the Mexican Captaine who was hasâ⦠ãâã ââ¦king on a high bastion and ruminating all alone the bitternesse of his preââ¦ed ãâã He told him that his silence and fidelity had not the successe he promised himâ⦠and that he would no more aske him the reasons which oblieged Montezuma to cause thââ¦t place to be so guarded I know answered the Mexican that your curiosity or to say better the justice of heaven hath gone beyond the care and providence of my King Alisma is no more a prisoner and this brave personage who hath beene alwaies an example of that faith which we owe to our Soveraignes knowes by his owâ⦠experience that those which continue loyall are never unfortunate At that word Zelmatida interrupting him since said he you have Alismaes virtue hope for his fortune but we will not exercise your patience so long as some have done his You may at this instant enjoy your liberty which he hath not found but after many yeares of impââ¦ment With this he left the Mexican and returned to us where he found the magnanimious old man awake and speaking to him with as much ââ¦espect as if he had spoke to his father asked him how he had passed the night So well answered Alisma that me thinks I have recovered all my former strength and that I now want nothing to renew the waââ¦e with the traytors who have involved in the same ruine the great Guina Capa and the splendor of the Empyre of the Incaes Whilest he spake thus he had his eyes fixed on Zââ¦matida and found in his face I know not what resemblance that brought on him an universall trembling Zelmatida tooke notice of that agitation and fearing some sicknesse in Alisma intreated to know if he desired any thing that might comfort him My sonne answered the old man the best remedy you can give me is to tell me who you are Father replyed
Zelmatida to my great griefe I can make you no answere to that question I know not who I am though some have assured me that I am the sonne of a king The great Quasmez Prince of all those lands which extend themselves from the deserts of Quito to the Mountaine of Popocampecho hath bred me up as his successor Yet within this little while I have understood that he is not my father Aââ¦er that Zelmatida had in few words told him as much as he knew of his owne byrth and that he perceived the old man would know more he continued his story as I have related it to you and declared to him all that which had betided him even to the very houre he delivered the other out of prison Alisma hearing these brave adventures fell on his knees as feeble as he was and lifting his eyes and hands to heaven I give thee thanks said he who ever thou be that presidest in the government of the World Humane understanding certainly hath too little extent to dive into the depths of thy wisââ¦dome or ââ¦o know the meanes thy justice useth to cause all miscreants to fall into those punishments which they worthily have deserved The good old man after he had ended this deede of Pietie arose with the helpe of Zelmatida and then stood a while silent My deare Master who had an extraordinary care of him made him then take some repast as himselfe did to resist those griefes and disquiets that continually vexed him This little meale ended Alisma would try if he could walke He therefore stood up and leaning on Zelmatida and my selfe found that he sustayned him a great deale better then he thought He made five or sixe turnes to use his feete and finding strength enough to goe wiââ¦hout any helpe he tooke Zelmatida by the hand and intreated him to walke forth My deare Master followed him and fitting his pace to the old mans brought him to take the ayre on a bastion As soone as they came there they sat downe and Alisma then looking on Zelmatida but looking on him with teares in his eyes Alas said he had not the rage of the Barbarians murthered the king my Master and ââ¦ore cruelly slaine the Queene his wife and the childe she went withall the Empyre of the Incaes doubtlesse had had a Prince of your age succeeding in Guina Capa and with him an aââ¦uted hope to be more flourishing then ever But that you may know in order my countries misfortunes and that compassion and noblenesse bind you to take share in my griefes and by consequence in mine intentions I will tell you some particulars which were never knowne to any but the great Guina Capa and my selfe I am an Inca by byrth and sonne of the valiant Sayri Tupac brother of the victorious Yupanqââ¦y I was the first that with Armes entred the Kingdome of Qââ¦ito when Yupanquy intended to conqââ¦erit I have alwaies commanded his Armies there not only as long as he lived but also when the invinciââ¦le Guina Capa succeeded in his Empire Some other time I will relate to you the different and cruell adventures of that warre let it suffice for the present that you know how Guina Capa after he had brought the Savagââ¦s of Qââ¦ito to sue for peace and had granted it to them he retired to spend some daies in a strong place which he had built to hinder the excursions of his enemies In that place I commanded and after the treaty was come thither with part of my forces The next day after my Princes arivall he intimated that he had deepe secrets to communicate and therefore bringing me to a place where he could not be heard of any he spoke to me in this manner You know Alisma with what affection I have alwaies desired that nothing should passe in all my commands either for the affaires of peace or businesse of war but that you should be privy to it and for my part I know with what affection you have alwaies been industrious for the good of my Crowne These two things that is my love and your fidelity have invited me to cast mine eyes on you as on one who are to be my successor in case the Sun our Father permit not my Children to fill the Tââ¦rone of their prdecessors I know the Queene my wife is with child and that she may be delivered of a Son for which t is possible our visible god hath heard both my vowes and yours But what cause soever I have to rejoyce I misse not some interior motions that seeme to presage the deliverance of my wife shall be deadly to her my selfe and the child If you knew me lesse then you doe I should feare least you might have some ill opinion either of my judgement or courage but I know you will take nothing from the estimation you make of them both though the fearfullnesse that shewes it selfe in my discourse may seeme to perswade you that I am no more my selfe I feare not death Alisma nor need I other witnesse then you I have long since prepared my selfe for whatsoever the gods are pleased I shall suffer Yet since providence is a virtue that makes us no lesse famous then our valour I desire to set my affaires in order and by an establishment which may prââ¦serve my estate and name expect what is to come with that tranquility which cannot be disturbed or altered by any good or sinister fortune In a word Alisma my brother and son I will ordaine you my successor and by a publique Act binde all the Incas and people that obey me to acknowledge you for their Sovereigne But I give you not this Present without the thornes which are inseparable from it I mean that you shall never pardon those people whom I lately subdued if they ever goe about to shake off the yoke they have received or attempt any thing against the oath they have made me Guina Capa made me this speech with a great quiet of minde and putting into my hands the royall Javelin which he carried in all ceremonious actions commanded me to keepe it well T is not without cause said he that I charge you to have care of it for I would have you know that on it depends the fortune of my Son if I have one that of my Wife if she survive me and your owne if you become my successor I did aâ⦠that possibly I could to put from this good Princes minde those as me thought vaine imaginations But alas they proved soone after to be too true He was but a little while to recreate himselfe in the place of my command but after he had a hundred times embraced me his eyes full of teares went thence to have the peace proclaimed and get to the City of Quito which he had made choice of for the Queen 's lying in O Peace More bloudy and sad then the war had been O abhominable brutishnesse of a Nation more wilde and inhumane
a little while that he might at ââ¦is pleasure embrace the King his Master and for some ãâã enjoy the ââ¦ght of the yong Guina Capa And that after so much contentment he wouâ⦠walke to his ãâã ãâã with all joy and glory and esteeme himselfe the happiest of all men living The King insisted to aske Alismaes life The spectators of eyther sex made resound againe their joy and wonder and her Pallace was all in rejoycings and confusion such as I thinke the History of all ages cannot give us an accident comparable with it The Queene when the tumult was over entertayning the while Zelmatida particularly sent to command every one to take his place and when all were ranged she went againe into her Throne and pronounced these words aloude The supposed death of the great Guina Capaes lawfull Heire wrought by the malice of men wonne me not only to make a lawe which condemned to death all men that fell into my hands but likewise to denounce a warre against the King Quasmez my brother and ancient Ally But this finding againe my sonne by the helpe of men I will That lawe be for ever abolished and putting a period to the war I undertooke I acknowledge my selfe answerable to Quasmez and give him most particular thanks for so charitably gathering together the remainder of my desolate house When she had thus made knowne her will she descended from her Throne and taking Zelmatida by the hand gave Alisma and my selfe the best entertainment we could wish Quasmez Embassadours ravished with so incredible and such an unexpected revolution of businesse did their complements to Zelmatida as to the rightfull successour of the Incaes and besought Telesmana that she would be pleased they might send their Master these good news I my selfe said he will be the Messenger of our common happinesse let therefore some one of you returne to Quasmez and without giving him intelligence of what hath happened tell him that I am on the way to visite him The youngest of the Embassadours had that Commission and presently departed to put it in execution A little after the Queene went out of her Campe holding Zelmatida by the one hand and Alisma by the other Quasmez Embassadours were on each side of her and the Queenes guard crowned with chaplets of flowres encompassed that illustrious company In this manner we marched to the gates of the City where Quasmez expected us and in the incertainty he was failed not of that extreme quietnes of minde which even the most miserable find in the testimony of a good conscience and firme confidence every one ought to have in the goodnesse of the gods Telesmana at her comming to him presented Zelmatida and after their salute See said she the cause of the warre and the cause of peace See what hath made me take up armes and that which hath made me lay them downe I know just and charitable Quasmez that Zelmatida is my sonne as well as yours and if your love and care have made you taken for his Father blood and nature oblige me to declare my selfe his Mother Quasmez not knowing where first to expresse his joy and the proofes of his aââ¦ction whether to the Mother or to the Sonne would have beene glad at once to have parted himselfe betwixt Telesmana and Zelmatida Your imagination better then my relation can represent to you all the particularities of this interview I will not therfore speake of the Sacrifices nor magnificencies wherewithall Quasmez caused the returne of Zelmatida and the peace to be celebrated Let it suffice I tell you the Queene of the Amazons was a moneth with Quasmez and after she had witnessed to him an extreame resentment for those obligations she was bound to him in the behalfe of Zelmatida she with a royall pompe and convoy tooke thence the body of the Queene heâ⦠daughter tooke leave of him and stayed not till she came to the City of Quito Zelmatida who followed her by Quasmez appointment after two daies stay in that town was importuned by Alisma to goe to the Caverne of the Javelyn He consented and we three parted thence with our ordinary servants beginning that journey which the generous old man had beene so long desired We travelled night and day and tooke but little rest till we came to the Cave that concealed so many marvels We found not the entry so easy as Alisma had told us but contrarily as soone as we came neere it were set on by a great Troop of Quitonians who by their howlings enraged actions signified an extreame apprehension of our arivall Zelmatida making use of the good Sword I gave him at Calcicoëca which the Amazons had restored to him slew so many of those desperate people that what he did even passeth all likelyhood Alisma old as he was made shew of his former vigour and I that was willing to defend my life tryed to make use of those advantages that I had fetcht so farre off But the wonderfull valour of Zelmatida and his consorts strength had beene vaine against so many enemies iâ⦠the wisedome of Telesmana had not seconded the boldnesse of her sonne For as soone as she knew of his private departure she caused two thousand Amazons to follow him and commanded they should not returne without him Those generous Ladies fell in on the Quitonians when we were covered with wounds and round beset on all sides and drove them to the entry of the Caverne Zelmatida much moved with his owne disgrace put himselfe in the front of the Amazons and did so wonderfull deeds of armes that since they called him the God of warre At last he forced the caves enââ¦t left not one of the Quitonians alive Alisma entred next after him and ââ¦an ââ¦o the place where he had hid the fatall Iavelin He had much a doe to draw it out Yet at last he got it but he was much astonished when he returned to Zelmatida and sawe him busied in delivering a Prisoner He gazed on the man and presently letting fall the Iavelin out of his hand cryed out am I asleepe or doe I wake Is this a truth or a illusion that I see my Lord my deare Lord is it your selfe or your shadowe doe you know your Alisma or wot you who t is that vndoes your bonds Zelmatida was about to ask Alisma the reason of his astonishment when said the Prisoner takeing the generous old man by the hand t is even I Alisma who after so long imprisonment and a hundred times escaping the death prepared for me see my selfe freed by the valour of this brave yong man Doe you live then my Lord replyed Alisma Have you escaped the rage of your enemies Have the Gods preserved you among so many Executioners shall I beleeve it Yes O yee just Gods I will said he falling on his knees and acknowledging more and more that your incomprehensible providence governes by unknowne meanes the accidents of the worlde I will employ all
to Zelmatida but the Prince unwilling to give him that time he held his peace and a while thence calling by their names five or six of the principall Rovers that were come to visit him he spake to them in this manner My Companions since in the estate I am I cannot promise to serve you any more I have entreated Polexander not to forsake you You cannot doubt of his courage nor experience The only thing you are to feare is that he loves you not enough But be assured of the contrary He hath promised me to doe in all as my selfe if he find that his government please you Make your selves worthy of a protection far more powerfull then mine and be confident that you will have no cause to lament my death But said he turning to Polexander I yet aske you one favour and t is that you will let me know in what case I am and be not so cruell under the shadow of pity to let me dye without setling my affaires I have such things in my minde that the rest I expect in the other life depends absolutely on them and I protest as being ready to give up my soule that if I dye without time to discharge my selfe of one thing I never yet told I shall dye desperate There hapned then in the persons of those Pirates a novelty that their nature might make passe for a prodigy They were moved to pity and as if from wild beasts which they were wont to be they had beene suddainely turned to men they felt themselves sensible of griefe and wept in beholding the constancy of Bajazet Fame that gets in every where and hath wings to fly over the walls when the gates are shut against her published this sad newes in the Army and knew to paint it to the Souldiers in such lively colours that the desire of booty was neither their only nor the strongest passion whereof they found themselves capable Their shouts of joy were changed into lamentations their laughter into teares and the hopes of their safety being on the suddaine utterly extinct they were strucken with the apprehension of a thousand different tortures Yet since it was the custome during the sicknesse of their Generalls that the Pirates incamped and abode day and night in a body of an Army they stirred not from the place where Bajazet had left them in going to the Magazins Notwithstanding to give them some refreshing during so long a toile it was advised to execute all that Bajazet had appointed T is true that the largesse was a great ease to their sorrow and brought them to themselves by the greatnesse of the present liberality and promise of a second that should surpasse the first On the other side Bajââ¦zet being left to rest for the space of foure and twenty houres begun in good earnest to feele how extreame great his wound was Yet as weake and pained as he was it was but little more perceived then in the Princes They were so cast downe with griefe and feare that it was hard to be judged who was the sickest of them or Bajazet When they were about to take open the greatest tent there was not a man in the chamber whose feare gave him not severall conjectures though they were all sad ones and deadly The Chyrurgions were not the last that doubted of the vertue of their remedies and power of their art since Bajazet had had withall a Fever above thirty houres They already heard him talke idely and now and then sigh and lament Sometimes he seemed to threaten and then that he tooke leave with a great deale of sorrow from some one whom he called his soule and his life By reason of this they duââ¦st not meddle with his wound but when they saw they were not to deferre it any longer Diceus and his Companions put their hands to the worke As soone as the hurt place felt the paine there gush't out a streamâ⦠of blood by whose losse Bajazet fell againe into his first swoundings Yet they gave not over to finish what they had begun and when t was done neere all the Chyrurgions confessed that they had seene signes of a dangerous wouââ¦d and said openly that if within twelve houres the accidents which began to appeare ceased not there was no more hope of him Diceus only despaired not assuring Polexander tââ¦t if bsides the Fever there happened not some other thing he promised himselfe to save Bajazet Whilst every one according to his severall passion was of the one or the others minde the wounded man came out of his swound and began to sigh so often that they well judged some great thing afflicted him As soone as they saw him well come to himselfe they gave him something to strengthen him and perceiving he had a minde to speake every one retired to take from him that desire All the night passed in this manner and the next day till evening they thought he would have dyed He knew it well enough and fearing least death might prevent him commanded paper and incke to be brought Zelmatida and Polexander intreated him and the Chyrurgions threatned to divert him from those strainings which they foresaw he must undergoe if he began to write But neither of them could doe any thing There was no remedy but to give him what he called for but he had not writ above two or three lines but the extreame paââ¦ne he had put him to was like to cast him into a swound He grew setled againe and resolute to what he had undertaken and making a little Roll of the paper in which he had writ drew from under his shirt a Picture boxe that was enamelled with green incarnation and white As soone as he had opened the boxe his strength failed the cover fell out of his hand wiââ¦h the Roll that he held and himselfe fell backward on his bolster senselesse Iphidamantus was the first hat ran to him who putting his arme under Bajazets head for ease saw the Picture in the box The sight had almost done him as much hurt as to Bajazet He made shew of a great alteration retired two or three paces changed colour and as if he was become Bajazets enemy had no more care of his recovery and was a long while in withdrawing his eyes from that portract Those that tooke of the novelty at first wondered But ignorant of the true cause took Iphidamantus transport for an effââ¦ct of friendshippe At last he became recollected and impossible to hide all his concââ¦ptions O God said he must mine eyes deceive me Reason would not have me beleeve what they see Bajazet then opening his eyes as if he had awakened with Iphidamantus words and comming to himselfe just heaven said he with a dying voice must it needs be that after you had obliged me in occasions such as I most desired not you would forsake me in the principall Permit not if it be your pleasure that I perish under the burthen that orewhelmes me
that speake to you of Polexanders Combat and that by a just regulating having put all things in the order they ought to observe and keepe you consider the service of this Prince as ââ¦o many homages which he hath done to your state and merit and not as ayde which the necessity of your affaires hath compelled you to implore from his courage In a word you ought to looke on Polexââ¦nder as a man who allured by the charmes of your virtue and the sound of your fame is come to offer you his sword and his life and not as a Tyrant who hath secretly contrived the rebellion of your people to thrust you into slavery Alcidiana having not power to be so soone capable of Amintha's councell though she thought it extreamly reasonable told her that she needed a great deale of time to be disposed to follow her advice And indeede she was five or six dayes without being able to suffer your presence or resolve for your departure Time at last plucking from her minde all her feares and scruples she came againe to her former mirthsomnesse and causing to shine againe in her eyes that celestiall fire which had been hidden for a time witnessed that her disquietts were at an end and that her Soule had found againe that former peace it injoyed before Syziphus revolt had made it to you so considerable Amintha noted this change but her respect not permitting her to make it appeare she wayted when some word or action of Alcidiana would give her the liberty of speach And she got it in the great Garden of the Pallace For one day the Queene walking there tolde her that after she had well examined her councell she was resolv'd to follow it But sayd she this secret must rest betwixt us two and let us consult together in what manner we shall acquit us of a Debt that ought already have been payde Your Majesty answered Amintha smiling have not to doe with a Creditor that presseth you The glory to have serv'd you is the only payment which he expects for his paines and if your Majesty will beleeve him he will perswade himself as he hath done already that his services merit no acknowledgment Alcidiana turning her to Amintha I know not said she why ãâã stick ââ¦o strongly on this thought I finde that there are faââ¦re more ââ¦her things which in all likelyhood should take up my minde as much as this doth and yet as iâ⦠on this alone depended the preservation of my authority and the felicity of my life I forgot all the rest and think my selfe much troubled when the care of my Estate and the remembrance of other services that have been done me divert me from this pleasing meditation I confesse Amintha that in this I am cleane contrary to my selfe and that this change threatens me with some strange mishap But I will prevent it if it may be prevented by any humane pollicy and give end to my unrests in exiling from me the person that is the cause of it aeââ¦l If your Majesty answered Amintha will permit me to leave soothing and give me leave to lay before you how your deliberations undoe one another you may easily free your selfe from that perplexitie which your too nââ¦e opinions bring on you and without forcing your minde to any thing that may ââ¦exe it may reduce your cogitation only to that of reigning with that tranquility and justice which have made you the admiration of all your Subjects and the desire of all the Princes of the World The difficulty Madam is to worke the greatnesse of your mind to give way that a stranger after he had with successe enough most beneficially done you service should receive some little part of that honour which you would have to be wholly restored to your selfe And to give his valour the recompence which your Majesty beleeves he hath deserved Indeede said Alcidiana there are but those two points in question Now that your discourse hath diverted my thoughts I see nothing more facil nor more reasonable but when I thinke a little on the execution of these things I see so many obstacles and frame to my selfe so many difficulties that my minde cannot so settle on it but that in stead of disintangling them it becomes worse incombred in it selfe Scarce have I well framed an intention to submit me to your judgement but I meete a second thought that opposeth the first My Will strives with my Will my feare curbs my desire and to speake freelie to you I would willingly without ingratitude bee unthankfull to Polexander Amintha who may be would engage the Queene to make a more ample declaration of her intentions Will not your Majesty said she thinke mee too fancy if I take the boldnesse to aske you whence proceeded these strange contrarieties Doe you not feele in your selfe a certaine desire and feare that causeth this ebb and flood in your Will That 's it answered the Queene that I could never yet come to acknowledge These disorders are not begotten by any cause at all at least not by any whereof I am sensible The wise Radiotez who hath so often spoken to mee of the trouââ¦les and passions of the Soule hath taught me nothing that hath any resemblance with my afflictions I have forgot nothing of his Lectures and know very well if I deceive not my selfe in what manner hatred and amitie are bred in us But when I apply that which I know to the affaire with Polexander I finde that as I have no reason to hate him so have I no inclination to love him Polexander not daring to complaine for feare of violating the Law that was so necessarilie enjoyned him sighed alowd when he heard these last resolutions of Alcidiana But the faire slave seemed to take no heede to it and thus continued his discourse After the Queene had ended this declaration she stayed a while gazing on Amintha Amintha on her part looked on the Queene and said nothing and so eyed her that Alcidiana saw well she required a more ample manifestation of her minde But she shewing I know not what pleasing anger Expect no more of me said she I have laid open my heart to you if you be not satisfied you must finde fault with the want of my wit and not of my affection I perceive well that I unfold not my selfe cleere enough But how or by what meanes can my discourse be lesse perturbed then my thoughts Or how can I expresse that in order which I conceive but confusedly See all that I can recollect most neate and intire is That ââ¦nce my ill fortune hath brought me to be oblieged to Polexander ãâã passionately desire to be freed of it but that which I wish more earnestly is if it could be brought to passe that I were not at all engaged to him Amintha judging that to urge Alcidiana any more was to cast her againe into her perplexities from whence she was scarce well gotten It will be only
you begot in me the desire to make use of his service and at last to become indebted to him I therefore absolutely command you to worke so that I may owe him nothing or that I may never thinke of it more Amintha perceiving well tââ¦at at the Queen was angry in good earnest It those two things said she which your Majesty proposeth were equally in my power you should presently bee obeyed This Insââ¦lent who hath had the Front to refuse that which by a liberalitie without example you have deigned to offer him should be for ever blotted out of your memory But Madam give me leave to tell you that if youâ⦠Majesty will take the paines to labour on your part as I will doe on mine I dare assure you that before night you shall not only be free but even never more remember that there was ever any such man as Polexander in the world Be pleased then to give that into my hands which you gave in charge to Pallantus I shall not be so complaisant as he hath beene I will make Polexander know 't is not in his choyce to refuse that which your Majesty gives him and that you have not called him to your succour as she would have done some Prince her Ally who should have serv'd her for honour only but that you employed him as a mercenary to whom we use to give at the end of his labour the Sallary that Wee thinke he hath deserved This done Madam your Majesty must act the rest Amintha hath often told me that whilest she spoake so much against you the Queene ââ¦lush'd twice or thrice and was opening her lips as if she would have taken your part But yet she did nothing but sending away Amintha with an eaââ¦ernesse that shewed enough what she would have hidden Performe said she punctually that which you have promised me for you know I use to chââ¦stize those that fayle in what they owe me Amintha made a very lowe obeysance and departed with a firme beleefe that Alcidiana had not that perfect indifferency wherewith she had spoken to her some few daies before You know better then I the reasons she used to get you to accept the Principalitie of Syziphus But I know better then you what Alcidianaes thoughts were when she heard you had received it What said she thinking no body heard her it is not then the consideration of my Present that hath made him take it 'T were Aminthaes intreaties that made him like of it but I am overjoyed that my debt is so well acquitted and that I have no more cause of obligation for this stranger Amintha was in the right to make him goe for a Mââ¦rcenary certainly he is so though he counterfeit the Generous and I now know well that hee refused at first the Salary for his paines but only in hope to get more When she had said thus she was silent and after a great sigh but how said shee shall I know that Amintha hath faithfully related to me those words she said to him Is it not to be beleeved that to make him receive my Present she hath told him that t was my will he should give me that tryall of his obedience and that 't was by it alone that he could avoide my indignation Your humilities doubtlessely shee hath said to him are artificiall vanities you would be taken for one unworthy of a Gift whicââ¦ââ¦n your owne Conscience you thinke unworthy of you You play the modest when indeede you are the most ambitious and t is possible you will not receive aâ⦠art ââ¦cause you thinke you deserve the whole Be a little lesse jealous of your selfe and ââ¦leeve that how great soever your merit be and of what importance soever the service you have done the Queene the recompence she offers you is infinitely above both the one and the other But I hold you too generous to stick at the estimation of what is offered you If there be any thing great in this gift if there bee any thing that ought to come neere your ambition t is the dignity of the person that sends it you Deliberate no more then on what you have to doe for as t is impiety to refuse what the Gods give us so is it insolency not to receive what is reached to us by the hand of a King Alcidiana would be out of your debt Bee not so overweening to wish that she should bee still beholding in a word be assured that your offence shall not be lesse prodigious then that of Syziphus if you persevere in your refusall Pride hath beene the losse of his Principallity let the same thing make you refuse it howsoever Alcidiana will bee obeyed Dare you have the impudence to gainsay it See the reasons continued the Queene raysing her voice that Amintha hath made use of to winne Polexander to receive my Present and if it be so as I doubt not of it why should I give that to Aminthaes intreaties which is only due but to the merit of my Gift But whence come these disquiets on me What matters it whether my Present or Amintha hath acquitted me One way or other I am so and Polexander is to me too indifferent to desire from him that which I never asked from any one of those whom my benevolences have enriched See what the discourse was which the Queene thought she had by her selfe T is your part now to give it the interpretation it may receive without wresting But what comfort soever it brings you keepe it to your selfe for this time for at the least diversion you throw athwart my memory many things will escape it which might serve you for excellent remedies against those ills that afflict you Two dayes passed after this during which time the Queene lived as if you had beene wholly blotted out of her memory Amintha came to her with her wonted assiduitie and tryed divers waies to get her to speake of you but all in vaine for Alcidiana avoyding those occasions with her incomparable dexterity made this wise confident beleeve that she was resolved to treate you with the same scorne as till then shee had used all other men Whilest these two rare wits did what they could to deceive one another the news of the famous combat betwixt your selfe and the brother of Syziphus came to the Pallace It was told the Queene with such circumstances and to you so honourable that all the hearts of the Court declar'd themselves for you and t was who could finde best words to expresse most the admiration he had of your valour and worthinesse The Queene her selfe was constrayned to breake the vow she had made and to speake once more of you 'T is to be confessed said she alowde that this stranger hath a great deale of good fortune Amintha that would not lose so faire an occasion to know the cause of Alcidianaes long silence Your Majesty said she hath good reason to esteeme Polexander happy since all things happen to
submission and respects the liberty to talke with her This happinesse had lasted longer with you if you had had the power to conceale yet your designe and passion But this pleasant commerce broke off by the Petition you made her to be received into the number of her slaves I shall remember as long as I live the speech that the knowing Radiotez made to the Princesse to dispose her to bee gracious unto you He seemed to love you well since his cleere judgement that made him penetrate into things the most hidden being as it were veyled by the excesse of his love made him not perceive your intention but did the utmost of his wit and esoquence to force Alcidiana to put you amongst her flaves There is no condition said hee in Polexander that should obliege your Majesty to deny him the chaynes he requesteth He is young fayre valiant and wise and those were the foure qualities that the late King your father desired in those that should be chosen to enter into your Majesties particular service You will say he is a Prince and a stranger but after the examples of Orantus and Pallantus who are French-men of Don Ferdinand a Spanyard and of the Infant Cleonida Prince of Portugall your Majesty cannot with justice refuse the humble supplication of Polexander under pretext that he is a Prince and a stranger On the contrary these two titles joyned with the considerations that you have to esteeme him ought to be powerfull enough to make you dispence with the force of Lawes if there were any that should forbid you to receive for your slaves Princes and Strangers Thinke with your selfe that all Rebells and Ambitious are not dead with Syzipââ¦s That there may occasions arise wherein your Majesty may have neede of personages extreamly faithfull and as farre generous and in whom will you finde more loyaltie and valour then in him that offers himselfe to enter into your service and by consequence not to be able ever to be absent from your person nor bee separated from that which concernes you Alcidiana interrupting Radiotez Father said shee I pretend not to overcome you eyther by virtue of my Eloquence or reasons I know too well your abilities to contest with you but I may gaine by my obstinacy what I cannot by my perswasions I beleeve with you that all things concurre to give Polexander a place amongst my Slaves but at the same time I know not what interiour motion forbids me to receive him Let it suffice that I keepe him in my service by his owne worthinesse It is needlesse that hee should bee engaged eyther by his particular vowes or his publique fetters The good Radiotez had nothing to reply to this answere and was enforced to carry you the news of this misterious refusall I know with what griefe you heard it and the resolutions you tooke thereupon but if you had beene lesse blinded by your passion you might have seene through that apparant disgrace how reall and great the favours were that she gave you cause to hope for This is but to tell you of things without art or dissembling Alcidiana had some particular good will towards you I have already told you that men should not pretend to the glory of her love I repeate it not to anger you but for an advertisement not to promise your selfe any other recompence for your service then the happinesse to have done it for the most deserving Princesse in the world It may be you will aske me how I know that Alcidiana hath no inclination to you and why I conjecture that her troubles melancholy and disquiets which are infallible signes of Love in all other women are not so in that Princesse you may learne it from the writing tables where of I late spoke to you Many moneths passed after you had lost the hope to be one of the Queenes slââ¦ves and the splendour and joy of your justs your Masques and other matches had been passed over by the sadnesse of your thoughts more black then the mourning you have taken When Amintha discovered that Alcidiana had not altogether blotted you out of her memory You remember the strange accident that betided her in the Forrest of White-Hindes Her hunting Chariot was violently drawne a way by the wildnesse of her horses and happily overturned some twenty paces from a precipice whither they were running to cast a way all You found the Queene as dead so violent was her fall and so made her to be carried to the Pallace Amintha had not so ill fortune she was hurt but it had not taken her sences from her By chance as she arose she found a payre of writing tables covered with Diamonds and having never seene them with the Queene did not imagine that they were hers She put them up and carââ¦ied them to the Pallace with her Mistresse After the Princesse was come to her selfe and had assured all about her that she had no hurt Amintha withdrew to her lodging and meditating long time on your complaints on your swounding and the desperatenesse you shewed for the death of Alcidiana she remembred the table-booke which she had found and desirous to see if there were nothing within that might tell her the name of the person that had lost it Shee was informed by the first leafe finding ther a peece of limming representing a Phoenix which is as you know Alcidianaes device But I shall doe better to shew you the very tables then to tell you the secrets contayned in it And in saying so Pallantus drew them out of his pocket and delivering them into the hands of our Heroë tooke a picture of Alcidiana which hee alwaies carried with him and kept his eyes fixed on it whilest Polexander abode consulting with leaves more misterious then those of the antient Sybills The first thing this Lover did after he had received that fatall booke was to kisse the rich covering and to intimate by the respect he bore to the outside of the Temple how great the veneration was wherewithall he came neere to the divinity that was therein worshipped Hee opened the Tables and presently met with the lymming which Pallantus spoke of Hee saw that unparrallelld Bird that owes not his byrth to any but it selfe to dispute beauty with the Sun himselfe and oppose to the beames of that starre the golden fethers where with it was crowned The Word that was added to so fayre a body had an exceeding grace in his owne language See how ours hath wrongd it in the explication My life shall exceede my byrth After that Polexander had well considered this Device and searched over all whither there were not some Cypher or Character from whence he might draw any cause of consolation he turned the leafe and in the three following read the words that follow The Disquiet VVHat could cause the strange alteration I finde in my selfe Can I bee sick or mad without knowing it Within this little while I am ill wheresoever
religiously with you then with the gods Give him more respectfull regards and forbid him that he You ought divine Alcidiana cried Polexander you ought to forbid mee to live rather then to impose on me impossible conditions and command that my understanding knowing its happinesse should become a Tyrant to it selfe even to enjoyne my will not to desire it But you have beene more just and suppressing the bloody Lawes which your rigour had invented you have dispenced with us for the necessity of observing them He continued his reading after hee had made this reflection and met certaine words by which Alcidiana had expressed her thoughts in looking in her glasse They were these Doest thou know thy self well Alcidiana These eyes afflicted and languishing this complexion so unlike what it hath alwaies beene these pale lips this leaden breast in briefe this dying person which thou seest in this glasse hath it any thing of that thou lookst for Confesse that Alcidiana is no more but that she lost her selfe when shee lost the peace of heâ⦠minde The cruell Demon that changed her heart not only altered her countenance but disfigured it in such sort that 't is no wonder if thou knowest it not Doe not accuse the glasse to be lesse true then t was wont It is still the same it was but thou art not what thou hast beene Call againe dead Alcidiana make the two last yeeres of thy life to returne againe in a word rayse thy selfe if it be possible out of the grave wherein thy errors have buried thee and by what is passed thou maist judge of the present But witlesse as thou art it seemes thou art pleased in thine ill fortune Thou inwardly comfortest thy selfe with thy losses Thou findest allurements in thy alteration and since thy glasse doth not flatter thee thou endeavorest to flatter thy selfe Breake this charme unfortunate Princesse and know thy sicknesse is at the height since thou art insensible of it Polexander after he had read this knowing not whether he should complaine on himself or some other yet neglected not to declare him for Alcidiana and to sweare inwardly the death of the Author of so many disquiets Hee turned then another leafe and found this The Reflection TO whom should I attribute the cause of my malady Shall I accuse the starres or men or mine owne temper What ill influence could insensibly ruine the vigour of my fayrest yeeres Shall I beleeve that some Sorcerer by the power of his Characters or venome of his lookes his fascination hath impoysoned my heart and by little and little drawes my life from me My temper seemes not to mee any way altred though my disposition be changed and by consequence it is not the Author of my Sufferings Shall I say t is my Melancholly But that being the very ill I endure I should then make the effect guilty of the malignity of the cause But may it not bee Love If Radiotez have not deceived me t is impossible that my disease should come from that passion How often hath he assured me that Love came from desire and if it be so I am not in Love or else in Love with all persons in the World For all fayre objects give me the same desires I looke on the heavens with admiration I number the Starres with a ravishment I delight in the diversitie of floures of fruites and all living creatures But of all these there is not any one which I wish to enjoy more particularly then I now possesse it What is then the cause of my griefe Alas how can I know it since I have not this ill but because I am ignorant of it Dye Polââ¦xander and give over at last to suffer thy selfe to be deceiv'd by false hopes said our Heroë Not only Alcidiana hath my love but the heavens and the earth men and beasts are all to thee as one same object Griefe here hindred his farther speech Yet stopped him not from pursuing his farther inquiry Hee was almost at the end of the tables when he found this The Anger HOw I hate thee perfidious Amintha to print againe in my thought the name of thy Polexander Since these eight dayes there hath not a moment passed but this troublesome name hath mixed it selfe with my meditations It persecutes mee by day and in the night it permits me not to take my rest If I call any one of my slaves would I name any other eyther Citizen or Stranger my tongue following the error of my imagination will pronounce that Polexander Some times it speakes it halfe and every foote I am forced to stay it for feare of continuing in this mistake O Name of Polexander said our Heroë more fortunate then Polexander himselfe I hast thou not so much charitie to impart some of thy happinesse to him without whom thou canst not bee I conceive thy answere deare Name But my little merit suffers me not to beleeve it nor my respect to entertayne my selfe with it And with these words turned to the last leafe of the Tables and there met with this The last Resolution IT must be so I am resolved of it audacious Stranger Thou shalt out of my memory as well as of my Territories The more thou hast sought for occasions to appeare amiable the more cause hast thou given me to make thee hated I hate thee because I have run the hazard to love thee I wish that an eternall punishment avenge me of the crime thou wouldst have committed The Sentence for it is pronounced Traytor as he is Hee shall not vaunt unpunished to have essayed by virtue of his submissions and services to establish his dangerous Tyrrany Thou mightst well doubt unhappy Polexander cryd our Heroë that the last calme should be followed by a great tempest Thou hast not long time sayled but to be ship wrack'd and the end of thy Navigation must be that of thy hopes Deliberate no longer after thy condemnation leave to live in leaving to hope Yet not so Preserve thy life since thy divine Alcidiana wills that thou indure as much as thou art capable to suffer When Polexander had shut up the table booke and made a new reflection on his fortune he knew but too well that Alcidiana's last Sentments had ruined the little hope which the former had given him He turned his eyes pittifully on Pallantus redilivering his booke and would signifie unto him the excesse of his despaire But Pallantus prevented him and sayd he wonder'd infinitely that he would persevere to afflict himselfe amidst so many causes of joy Ah Pallantus answered the Prince I know t is too much honour for me to be remembred in any way whatsoever by Alcidiana My Judgement avowes it but my passion will not I have such desires as perpetually struggle with my reason and when I would force them not to go beyond the limitts she prescribes them they boldly take armes against us both and their insolencyes go so farre that they even think to doe
us a great favour when they use us but as slaves Teach me dear Pallantus what my reason and I should do to get us the Mastery since thou wilt not have us give way to their tyranny Persever in that feare and adoration which till now you have witnessed for Alcidiana answered Pallantus Be not weary of suffering and leave to your desires that absolute Empyre they have usurp'd over your reason They will be of a different nature from ordinary desires if time opposition and despaire do not weaken their impetuosity Ah! Remedyes more cruell and insupportable then the ill it selfe saide Polexander Am I brought to that extremity to make use of you yes insensible friends I receive and imbrace you since you are so happy to have the resentments of Alcidiana for the Authors of your being Pallantus heere imposing him silence Be pleas'd sayd he that I end the history of your disfavours and that finally I banish you from the place wherein is inclos'd all your hopes and happinesses Polexander replying nothing gave occasion to the faire slave to continue thus his discourse Your sorrow solitude and your complaints having too long lasted for your quiet Amintha resolv'd to have pitty on you and to redeeme you from you despaire by false hopes You followed her advice and suffring your selfe to be easily perswaded to what you so extreamly desired you began againe your illustrious and magnificent way of living whereby you had acquir'd the affections of the most part of Alcidiana's subjects She understood of your returne and wanting sufficient knowledge of worldly affaires to judge of the ââ¦rue cause of your change she called for Amintha to discourse with her about it I thought said she that having hitherto made a particular profession of friendshipp with Polexander you are not ignorant of those causes which he hath had heretofore to afflict himselfe and those he hath now to rejoyce in I honour Polexander replied Amintha but I have no part in his trust Yet not so that I am ignorant of that which your Majesty desires to know His griefe and joy are too publick to make a secret of them Every one speakes of it and if it be not known to your Majesty you are without doubt the onely person in your Kingdome that is ignorant of it But to give it you it behooves if you please to think it fit that I pronounce to you a word which to you is very odious Alcidiana confident of Amintha's discretion told her that she might speake since your Majesty commanded me replyed Amintha I will tell you that Polexander is in love The Queen was surprised with that word and so surprised that she could not refrayne from blushing But loath to rest mute on that occasion is it possible sayd she to Amintha that a spirit so strong as Polexander should be capable of so extreame a weaknesse 'T is possible Madam answerd Amintha and your Majesty would have the pleasure to know the cause aswell as the effects of this passion you will be confirmd in that true opinion that love is nothing but blindnesse and folly Stenelica who hath nothing left eiââ¦her of youth or beauty is the cause of Polexanders vexations He adores her loves hââ¦r burnes for her and is desperate when he cannot see her and as his dispaire comes from the rigours of Stenelica his contentments likewise proceed from the favours he receives thence But that which is most strange is there passeth not a day but he wââ¦ites to her and in such humble and passionate termes as if he writ to the fairest Princesse in the world Aââ¦cidiana tooke no pleasure in this jesting and you went neere to lose the good opinion she had of you even by that which you had plotted with Amintha to get you into it Polexander bindes me to returne to my first opinion sayd she to her Confident Truely Nature and Radiotez have not deceiv'd me when they assured me that men were full of imperfections and how those which had been estem'd freest from deserts and neerest approaching to a divine condition had by diverse actions of their lives made it appeare they were truely men subject as the meanest to the most low and ridiculous extravagancies Amintha saw well that t was nothing to the purpose to prosecute what she had begun she therefore put it off to another time and applying her selfe to the Queenes humour did so well by her colloguing and wit that in lesse then eight dayes wrought in Alcidiana an extreame desire to see the letters you had written to Stenelica Presently she shew'd her aboue fifty and wouââ¦d have given her a great many more but that she was wearyed with your supposed extravagancyes Stenelica punctually receyved two or three a daye and assoone as she had them had order to bring them to the Queene Five or six moneths slid away yet the Queene discovered not the mystery of your Letters nor of your maskes and turnaments But by little and little her understanding comming on with her age and her seventeenth yeere instructing her in that which the former sixteene were ignorant of she made long and deepe reflections on all that you had done since you came into her Territories and by those things conjectured that infallibly Stenelica was but the pretext and coverture of a more high affection This thought engaged her to reade all your Letters over againe But scarce had she read the first when she saw her selfe so lively pictured that she called her blinde for being so long from discovering it Streight an indignation for being deceived by Amintha made her cast by all the effââ¦ction she bore her and made her resolve to punish you both for one crime whereof she judg'd you were equally guilty And not to defer her vengeance she called for Stenelica and shutting themselves in her owne Closet and accommodating her selfe to the weakenesse of that poore Soule hardly reasonable told her that she understanding how Polexander writ to her only to passe away his time she would not have her to be any longer the object of his sport and jeasting I command you therefore said she to receive no more of his Letters nor any more to endure hiscompany 'T is a shame for one of your age and condition to lose your time in the fopperies of youth Breake absolutely the commerce you have with this stranger burne all his letters send him back his Jewells and suffer him not to talke to you any more hearken to none that comes from him and above all converse with Amintha as with your greatest enemy The Queene was not thus contented to cut from that meanes of expressing your affection But she would take from you all others and punish you and your complicâ⦠for your temerity She therefore remoââ¦ved from her ordinary place of abiding and went to that stately Castle which the King her Father built on a point of Land that lookes toward your fortunate Islands All the Court followed her in that Journey
before my scaffold to aske if I were not pleased with his dexterity Muly had sent me one of his gentlemen to know what hindred me from giving the Prize of the Justs to the Prince of Fez when a Knight armed with an armour sowed with Crownes entred the Lists and asked leave to tell me his thought before he put himselfe in case to fight with those of Nephizus party This favour was granted him by the King on condition that if his good fortune gave him the best of the Maintainer he should not have the Prize appointed for the Vanquisher till he had made himself known The Knight yeelded to that condition and comming out of the Lists to my scaffold made his horse goe with so much artand evennesse that wee both my sister and my selfe confessed together that Africa had never seene any thing like it As soone as he was neere enough to me to be understood he lifted up his bever and low inclining Madam said he to me whoever is not of the Prince of Fez his opinion shewes himselfe stupid so far as to have no judgement or so wicked as to dispute the most undoubtfull and best knowne of all truthes 'T is most certaine that the defeate of those Knights which have this day come into the field proceeded from nothing else but the power of your beauty and I beleeve that 't is only for the interest of your renowne that fortune hath so constantly held on Nephizus party But she will not give to your merit all that justice which it deserves if after she had condemned the blindenesse and pride of those Knights who have dared to compare to the wonders of your beauty the common one of their Mistresses she had not destined some one to correct the rashnesse of the Prince of Fez. 'T is she Madam that hath brought me hither to tell this audacious man that 't is not for him to ascribe to himselfe the title of your Knight and that he became guilty of a crime not to be forgiven when he tooke the boldnesse to hazard your renowne on the feeblenesse of his armes Allowe then if you please of so just a resentment as is mine and give way that I shew this Assembly that he only defends a just cause who maintaines that the bravest man of the world is unworthy to serve you Thus said the unknowne Knight to me and presently either the power of flattery or mine inclination were so winning that I felt my selfe in love without knowing who had kindled the flame I strove to suppresse this first and indiscreete motion but in spight of all my indeavours and all my reasonings my passion grew the stronger and suffered me not to quell those troubles and inward disorders which perplexed me I put them off yet a little to answere the unknowne Knight and to grant him leave to combate with Nephizus After he had given me many thankes he left me and went to the place where he was to make it appeare that he was a man of his word The Prince of Fez who was on horsebacke no sooner saw him at one end of the field but he went to the other Presently the trumpets invited them both to shew their valour They came on with such an extraordinary swiftnesse and a force so equall they broke each of them two lances without any advantage on one another At the third my Knight put Nephizus out of his saddle and upon a dispute that the cunning Prince set on foote to save his honour the King my Father and the Judges of the field put off the decision of the difference to the next day Nephizus who in his conscience well knew he had the worst would not hazard his reputation at Justing He therefore demanded that they might be permitted to regaine by the sword what either had lost by the lance The unknowne Knight joyned with him in that request and the Judges to content both granted them the combate I instantly retired with the King and Ennoramita and as soone as possibly I could I went and shut me into my closet I was there about two houres musing on this strange adventure and asking my selfe who this generous Knight should be that had so sensibly obliged her In this pleasing meditation was I when Nephizus came into my chamber one of my slaves came and gave me notice of his comming and I chid him for it so earnestly that tooke from him for ever the desire of bââ¦inging me the like newes Nephizus without doubt heard me for said he when he was come into my closet I would have taken the boldnesse to disturbe you if the King had not expresly commanded me Impute then if you please my importunity to my obedience and continue not to shew your neglect if you have not an intention to deliver me over altogether vanquished to the mercy of mine enemy I answered He is too valiant to have need of a second and if you would beleeve me you should imploy a part of this night to finde some invention that might utterly break off the match that you have deferred Those words made him almost desperate But the resolution he had taken to make me unfortunate even to extremity wrought him to dissemble is resentment Our converse was not long for the King sent for mee I went to him with Nephizus and all the supper time I spoke almost of nothing but the civility and addresse of the unknowne Knight I askt of every one his name and finding none that could tell me any thing of him I owe much said I aloud to the Kings providence for by the law which he hath imposed on the vanquisher I shall have the content to know this stranger Nephizus could have so much mastry o're himself to conceal his choler nor to let go without an answer a speech wherein he thought himself too much injured He therefore spoke and witnessed his anger by the tone of his voice If the King said he to me had imposed on the vanquished the necessity which he hath on the vaââ¦quisher I doubt not but your curiosity had been satisfied But the Conquerour alone being bound to make himselfe knowne I much deceive my selfe if the successe of to-morrows combate doe not much increase your longing You are mistaken said I eagerly to Nephizus yet would say my admiration and not my longing The King that saw well I had a minde to anger Nephizus did something to hinder the continuing of our discourse And I that knew what the goodnesse and indulgence of so affectionate a father required from my respect presently changed countenance and voice and said smilingly to Nephizus that I had not that opinion of his enemy as I would have him beleeve and that I had not undertaken him but to humble him a little on a day wherein the publick voice had raised his valour even to the skies As crafty as that Prince was yet he was caught by this soothing and according to the humour of those in love
brutishnesse of the Mahometans that hold those for the beloved of God from whom the ill disposition of their Organs or the vapours arising from their spleene have taken away the use of reason Wee came thence late home to the Pallace and because I found my selfe much disquieted I presently retyred into my chamber There began I deepely to muse on the Dervis his discourse and finding nothing in it extravagant nor ought that seemed to me very mysterious I resolved to see him often and to goe thither so fewly accompanied that he might have the freedome to discover to me those mysteries which he had yet concealed Nephizus gave me the occasion two dayes after for he receiving letters from Abdelmelec by a Mute who served him in those great imployments he was of necessity to goe to Fez and from Fez to Morocco He left me in the custody of an old Ethiopian Eunuque who was the most favoured of all his Confidents and the depositary of all his secrets commanding him at parting not to let me be out of his sight nor to suffer me to go abroade but very seldome Narcissus so was the name of the Ethiopian witnessed a great faithfulnesse to his Master but he did it with so much judgement and respect that he never gave me cause to complaine of him and still concealed all newes that might increase my afflictions Now one day thinking on my Hermit and presently urged with a desire to see him and to understand the secret of his adventures I intreated Narcissus to bring me to his Grot. He was so confident that I would never undertake any thing against that which I ought to Nephizus that he would not deny me a thing which was not precisely forbidden him I went therefore to the Hermit with five or six of my women and the Eunuques which garded me As soone as the poore solitary man could speake to me a part I expected said he to me nothing but death and seeing my selfe deprived of that light which should dissipate the obscurity of this place I wished even with passion to see my selfe inveloped with that darkenesse which shall never have end But I know now that the visible Angell that hath so often given me his assistance is resolved to continue it to me Surely Madam I promise my selfe new favours of his goodnesse and confesse I have offended in suspecting that divine Essence to be as mortall creatures subject to change and forgetfulnesse With this the Hermit held his peace and I that had an extreame desire to know what was hidden under his mysterious speech told him that if I understood well the meaning of his discourse that his fortune was not altered since he complained then as he had done other times before How replied he should the effects of my misfortune cease since the cause of it still endures I complaine and lament far lesse then I suffer But since that beyond all hope my tutelar Angell restores to me that light that he hath so long hid from me I make a vow never to be weary of expecting it and how long soever his absence be to hope still for the end If my curiosity said I may be satisfied without your discontent I intreat you by that which is most deare to us to let me know what Angell that is which you mention so often and what that passion is which obligeth you to draw out so miserably your life among these Rocks and places of fearefull solitude At this intreaty the Hermit sighed oftentimes and being a while silent whereto am I brought said he in Spanish if my Angell knowes not what I suffer and doth not know it selfe He had scarce ended these words when I gave so fearefull a shreeke that all my servants came running to me and asked what I ailed O heaven said I how have I beene affrighted Me thought I saw at the foote of the Hermit a Lyon who awaking at our discourse was ready to leape at me The old Narcissus began to laugh at my vision and advised me to take the aire to divert me I presently arose to put in action that which he proposed but the Hermit holding me bâ⦠the skirt of my gowne what said he in Spanish faire Princesse doe you beleeve that by inhabiting these solitary Cavernes I am become one of the furious beasts of the Wildernesse Those words were so powerfull a charme to stay me that I stood as unmooveable But the Hermit not perceiving it can it be said he in the same language that you who have been moved with my afflictions when you knew me not should leave to be pitiââ¦ull in the same instant when you knew me Consider Ennoramita ô be pleased to take notice that I am not permitted before so many suspected persons to beseech and solicit you further to have commiseration on my miseries Our common enemies have their eyes over us and I lose you if I continue to petition you Stay yet but a moment and say what shall become of me I can but answere thee to be lamented Muley said I in Spanish for indeed 't was he I am too much interdicted to take or to give thee any good councell yet expect in this place to heare from me Farewell With that word the teares came into mine eyes and I came out of the Caverne with so extraordinary a sadnesse that Narcissus besought me to seeke no more so unpleasing a diversion I confesse said I to him there is nothing but discontent in so sad a conversation I have my minde filled with horrour and find that my communication with the afflicted increaseth my afflictions in lieu of lest'ning them This said I returned thence speedily to my Prison and being shut into my chamber with my faithfull Atalida Ah my friend said I what have I heard What have I seen this day Why Madam she replyde are you yet in feare of your imaginary Lyon Why do'st not thou know said I what I doe My astonishment proceeds from a more just cause If you should have found said she the unfortunate Muley under the habit of the Hermit you had not beene more desolate then you are Thou hast divined cryde I 't is he Atalida t is Muley himselfe I knew him when hee spake Spanish to me But who hath brought him into these Deserts What will he doe here What will become of him If you would calme your perturbation answered Atalida I will reply to your questions and without the preventing your wit with any passionate counsell will leave you the liberty to deliberate your selfe in a businesse so important For al that Atalida could say to me yet my transporting must have its course Above an houre was I in admirations and turning in my disordered minde a thousand thoughts farre more confused At last I setled my selfe and then said Atalida speaking very low for feare of being heard T is fit that I discover that which great considerations have forc'd me to conceale from you I confesse I knew
to your knowledg and besides having oftentimes examin'd it I found in it so much I know not what of incredible and so prodigious that I call it doubt so often as I thinke on it though have had the confirmation from a thousand witnesses worthy of faith See what t was and Judge whether I have cause to speake as I doe Nephizus inflam'd with love with Despite Anger and Shame arm'd more powerfully and openly then he dar'd doe till then and having gotten the principall Townes to give colour to his detestable rebellion publish'd a Manifest against Hely which I Cannot remember but my hayr riseth an end with the horror thereof Among the great number of crimes whereof he accused that poore Prince he reproach'd him with the stealing of you away to satisfy his execrable lust and maintayned that she whom they cunningly call'd the stranger Iphidamanta was the true Perselida Amatonta Ennoramita Princess of Tunis The people were not the sole who suffering themselves to be corrupted by that malignity which is but too naturall to them gave credit to so prodigious a calumny but many of the principal in the state either beleev'd it or to have cause to take up armes made shew to beleeve it Abdelmelec said in good Company that for the manner of all his Fathers living there was nothing in matter of love but might be credited of him And the too-Amorous Hely hearing this accusation was in doubt of the truthes which the stranger Iphidamanta had assured to him But being againe confirm'd by her selfe in his former beliefe he caused an answer to be made to his Sons Manifest to justify him from so black a supposition and thinking to avenge himselfe commanded all his followers not call the faire stranger by any other name then Ennoramita and he observ'd the same he commanded others and by this trick of youth made that name so famous that the people of Morocco will not in a long time forget it So if it be lawfull for mee to speake with that boldnesse by the folly of Hely and the malice of Nephizus your Name Madam and imagination became as the fatall firebrand which the Enemy Demon of our peace put into the hands of the Father and Children to make desolate the most flourishing Provinces of all Africa In a word after their writings they came to blowes The Sonnes gave the Father Battle overcame him thrice made him fly shamefully from Morocco and compell'd him to seeke for refuge in Guargetssem to escape from their fury Yet could he not be secure for a little time after he was beââ¦eig'd and in spight of all his mens valour and resistance reduc'd to the lamentable necessity of seeing himselfe and what he loved more then himselfe at the discretion since in the power of Nephizus The ill advised Prince entred Victoriously into Guargetssem Yet gather'd he not by so deplorable a Victory the fruit he promis'd himselfe Assoone as he was Master of the fortress he would needes visit it all He found his father in a Bed dangerously wounded but seeing not Iphidamanta with him he went to search for her even to the bottom of the Casamatts He was not like to meet her for shee fled by sea with one Osmin who within these few yeares by meanes of his excessive favour had been the pertext of all the revolts and all the Warres of the two Brothers The flight of that stranger had neere been the death of Hely for Nephizus enraged at her losse came with his Cymiterre in his hand even to the Bed of that miserable King and vomiting against him all that his sury fild him with he threatned to passe his Weapon through his Body if he would not restore to him his wife Abdelmelec staid that blow and pulling his Brother thence by force forsooke him not til he saw him in a great repentance for the parricide he would have Committed But the passion he was in for the faire stranger and on the other side the remorse of Conscience not suffering him to stay longer at Morocco he got some one to intreate his Father to give him one of his great ships of warre and assoone as he had gotten it he imbarqued himselfe with forty of fifty of his Complices To tell you whether he intended or what became of him is not in my Power for what enquiry soever I have made I have not been able to know any thing of him for a certaine Some have told me that he was shipwrack'd neare the Canaries and that there were found in the Isle of Fer certaine Arabick Characters engraven on the barke of a tree which said that the miserable Nephizus after he had lost all was come to seeke his death in that place Others averred that he had been taken by Pyrats in the same Isle of Fer and that after he had in diverse occasions made shew of his valour among them they had thought him worthy to command them However t is but too true that Nephizus is dead I thought to have been one of the first that had heard of it and assoone as 't was brought me I deem'd it fitting to advertize secretly Abdelmelec of all and not to give you any suspition of it I made you beleive that Hely commanded me to come to him Vnder this pretext I left you at Liberty and by great Journeys came to Arsile where Abdelmelec kept his Court. He knew nothing of the death of his brother when I told it him He gave me great thankes for it and for many reasons conjur'd me to keepe this newes secret He in the meane while that would make his benefit of it came to the King his father and made shew to him of so great a greife for his passed offences and such a desire to repaire them by his fidelity and obedience that the mild Hely not only restored him to his favour but almost resign'd to him all his authority Those two Princes might now have named themselves perfectly happy if the one could have cured himselfe of that passion whereof he still languished and kept for the pretended Ennoramita and if the other had heen wise enough to free his mind from a fantasie the most unreasonable that love is able to produce And now since that love is the cause of my voyage 't is not from the purpose if I tell you what is permitted me to publish Know then that above four yeares since Abdelmelec is falne in love with a Princesse which he never saw but in Picture and which he shall never see otherwise This Princesse is called Alcidiana and is Queene of an Island farre separated from these heere and incomparably more fair then these are This little peice of land is called by some the celestiall Island by others the Inchanted Isle but the most proper name is that of the Innaccessible Island because all the Arte of Navigation nor the best steerage of the most experienced Pilots of the world can bring a vessell to any Port
resolution is worthy of your vertue answered Polexander and when I heare you speake so generously methinks I heare the magnanimous Benzaida to accuse the ingratefull Nephizus and mildly to reproach him for his inconstancy and violated oathes What a pleasure have you done me said Ennoramita to bring into my Remembrance that poore abused creature Relate to me I beseech you the story of her Lover and why Nephizus made her come to Fez Since he had forsaken her It may be said Polexander that Nephizus never thought on her when he met her at Fez. That meeting was the last Exigent and misery which that incomparable Lady was brought to by her constancy She could not live out of the sight of that disloyall Prince and for many yeares of late hath search'd him every where But t was much to her mishap that she found him for then hearing from his owne mouth how much he contemn'd her she stabd her selfe to be aveng'd on her own person for his disloyalty ingratitude That history Madam is no lesse strange then Tragicall and you cannot better employ the remainder of this day then to heare with compassion the miseries whereof you are the cause though most innocently Ennoramita was astonish'd at those last words of Polexander Yet beleeving he had not spoken them without a cause she besought him to tel her whereof she was guilty You have made one most miserable answered our Heroe and yet are guiltlesse of it After he had made this reply he came neer to a little bed on which the Princess was seated and seating himselfe right against her in this manner began the to-be-lamented adventures of Benzaida When you did me the Honour to intrust me with the secrecies of your life I noted from the beginning of your narration that you were ignorant of the principall part of Nephizus adventures I was divers times tempted to interrupt you and to discover that which oblig'd him to keepe himselfe conceal'd so long time to change so often places and not to appeare in publick but under the name of a stranger But not certainely knowing whether he were dead I thought it was fit to leave you in your error and not give you new causes to think worse of him But now that I can put you out of trouble and make you perfectly know him without any wrong done I will tell you his first legerities and make known those secrets which with a great deale of reason he hath alwaies hid from you Even before your Infancy had triumphed over the heart of that Prince he had subjected it to two personages farre different in humor and condition yet both equally faire and alike abused The first was called Izilia the daughtur of an Arabian Knight very rich and famous for the preserving alone the Province of Temesna in the obedience of the King of Morocco The other was the discreet and generous Benzaida Princess of Granada How said Ennoramita all amaz'd Benzaida Daughter of the unfortunate King of Granada The same said Polexander yet I have oftentimes heard say replied Amatonta that shee was stolne away by a Spanish Captaine before the taking of Granada and since that time none knew what was become of her The King her father answered our Heroe without doubt was the cause of that brute to hide from his Subjects the shame of his family but t is most certaine that she dyed at Fez and that the ingratitude of Nephizus was the cause of it If you love me said Ennoramita interrupting him relate to me that strange adventure and without refraining for feare of renewing my anger let me know I beseech you all things as they have hapned Nephizus is sufficiently punish'd by his death though he had not been to me as he was yet were I obliged to pardon the wrong he hath done me forget all my sufferings out of that holy respect which the living should beare to the dead If it be so as I doubt not Madam said Polexander you shall be absolutely satisfied Some few yeares past Abdelmelec who is esteemed one of the Expertest Knights of all Africa and the stoutest Juster amongst the Moores published a Turney to Maintaine against all Knights both Christian and Mahometan that Alcidiana is the fairest Princess of the world I was at that Turnament without any other designe then to be a spectator of that galentry for being without passion I was likewise unprovided of a cause to quarrell with Abdelmelec I wish'd he had not given me more by his last challenge then he did by his first I would then leave him a free possessor of his imaginary prosperities and not goe trouble those fine dreames which his vanity brings on him waking I came to Morocco the second day of the Turney and knew well by divers courses that t is not without reason that the Moors vaunt to have taught the Christians the art of giving a blow with a lance with a good grace and mannage and sit a horse for justs and running with canes In seeing those excellent Knights there kindled a desire in me of trying them and to put in practise those lessons they had given me in France This resolution was not so well taken but that it might have bin very easie to have made me change it But being by chance lodged with some Arabian Knights I heard them speake such extraordinary things of the beauty and vertue of Alcidiana that I had a great minde to see the Picture which I did on the Buckler of Abdelmelec and in many other tables which that Prince had caus'd to be made notwithstanding the Remonstrances of his Marabous and the forbiddings of the Alcoran Assoone as I had seen it I fell straight into that Error which accompanies young men and thought Abdelmelec was not so worthy as my selfe to serve so faire a Princess The very next day I took armes against him and maintain'd that t was to me only for whom the Destinies had reserv'd the honour to serve Alcidiana He accepted of me in the Combat in the Quality of a Rival and I who demean'd my selfe in it with all the violence of a man of Sixteen perpl exed him in such sort that after divers courses he was reduc'd to the necessity of giving me place He was not only oblig'd to it by the lawes he had imposed on himselfe but more that he might renounce the title of Alcidiana's knight he was compel'd to have recourse to the Ax to the Cymiter but had no better fate then with the first and his misfortune was such that I inforc'd him to demand his life of me and yeeld to me that brave title of Alcidiana's Knight And so by a meere Caprichio of Fortune I became master of the feild of the arms of the pictures the Prize appointed for the victor I retir'd with al these advantages ravish'd with the tables which I had so gloriously won return'd to my ships with an intent to get me speedily to the Canaries
the resentment of my favours have not been able to quell thy ill Nature nor stay thy inconstancy Abominable follower of false Prophets who are risen against the Great Prophet Musulman unworthy of thy Circumcision speak and tell me who oblig'd thee to come under the vayle of allyance and friendship to seduce me even in the Palace of the King my Father Thou knowest in thy conscience thou knowest that I have contributed nothing at all to my misfortune The subtleties that my Sex imploy to make themselves Masters of thine have been hitherto unknown to me or at least hatefull I would never yet do that affront to Nature as to change the colour of my Haire nor hide the blacknesse of my complexion under a strange white My words and actions have not been lesse genuine nor lesse naturall then my disastrous beauty and I dare say that I oftentimes complain'd to Heaven that mine Eyes express'd so ill the feelings of my Soule In short the more I reflect on my selfe the more my conscience assures me that I am guilty of nothing but of loving thee And if that crime deserv'd to be punished surely thou oughtest not for it either be the Judge or the Hang-man If my Love seem'd to thee injurious if my little stock of beauty distasted thee if the rudenesse of my wit were insupportable to thee yet my simplicity should at least have wrought some pitty from thee and my goodnesse was great enough to oblige thee not to do me any wrong VVhy hadst thou not rather said this Maidens face hath somehing dismall in it My eyes cannot indure to look on her colour yellow and black She hath not wit and the best things she speaks are but very bad expressions Yet shee is good she loves me and if I cannot affect her yet must I pitty ãâã ââ¦cence and not deprive her of that quiet which her stupidity affoords her T is noâ⦠ãâã ãâã that ill which a man may do without feare of punishment and if we exercise ââ¦ity in comforting any one that is miserable we practise it a great deal more in not permitting him to becom so These good thoughts were not likely to possesse a Soul so wicked as thine And if by chance some good angel would with them have inspir'd thee thy pernicious inclination would not have suffer'd to receiv them Those that brought thee into the world underwent the curse of Heaven thy parents should call thee rather the punishment of their offences then the blessing of their marriage Nor art thou come out of thy Country but to free it of a Monster which was become the cause of terror and hatred to all Truly the successors of the great Mansor have good cause to rejoyce since the usurper of their Estates hath left so abominable a Race Comfort thy selfe Comfort thy self in thy disgraces The Tyrants who drove thy Ancestors out of Africa have left such heires that they wil soon have reason to envy thee But what said I No No Nephizus who shall be ever dear to me I do not beleeve all this The Love I bear my self hinders me from mine own knowledge and makes me throw on thy inconstancy that change whereof I onely am guilty The audacious Mescenarez having dared to pretend to that which Love reserv'd for thee alone made thee jealous and the little care I took to cure thee of it compell'd thee without doubt to leave mee It may be thou yet wandrest through the Deserts of thy Numidia and askest from Love that he should give thee Iustice for the faith which I have violated If it be so O too credulous Prince return where thou hast left me Thou shalt know how I have suffer'd the wooings and rashnes of Mescenarez and since thy departure whether he or his adherents have been able to get any advantage of the scorn and neglect thou hast made of me Why sawest thou not me as I am now discheveld furious an enemy to my self or rather repentant desolate Thou shouldst have seen me with my knees on the earth tears in my Eyes imploring thy mercy and confessing my self guilty though I am nothing but a most miserable creature But thou most to be abhorred neither carest what I do not what I suffer Thy lightnesse is satisfied in deceiving me may be it now glories in my being abused Go go whether thou wilt the Horror of thy Sex mine I wil folow thee as a Fury making thee suffer a part of those torments which I have endured I wil not permit thee to rejoyce unpunish'd of that death which thou hast given me Benzaida stopping at that word held her eyes some-while fix'd on the planching at thelast she cast them on Nephizus who with Izilia and my selfe hearkned to her without a word speaking and changing her voice t is enough ingratefull man said she t is enough to have reproved thee of thy misdeeds I am in such an humor that I am weary of complaining I wil only tel how long I have sought thee by what chance I heard news of thee Know therefore that some few dayes after thy departure I found my self so extreamly desirous of re-seeing thee that I could not possibly stay longer in Granada I then forsook my Fathers Palace without the knowledge of any but Zamaella and my Nurse and commanding them to take with them all that was necessary for me stole away one night without fearing the cruelty of the Spaniards who ransack'd our country or the dangers of a long Journey and swore never to sojourne in any place of the world till I had met with thee With this resolution I took my way to the Sea-side and as I was ready to imbarque my selfe in a vessell that was bound for Africa the generous Prince which thou shouldst never forget as ingratefull as thou art Tindarache I say being not to be put off neither by my cruelties nor by our common extravagances presented himselfe to me and casting him at my feet besought me I would be pleas'd that he might accompany me Benzaida said he I come not here to make you alter your resolution nor to intreat you to acknowledge my perseverance I come to you because my fidelity commands it and because I cannot resolve to dye till I see you happy These offers much troubled me yet knowing of a long time Tindaraches respect and doubting that I might have need of his assistance I tooke him into my company But for feare he should not observe all that he promis'd me I receive you said I on condition that you take no heed neither to my actions nor my words and look not on me but as on a person that knowes no more what she doth That young Prince full of love and pitty was so much mov'd at my speech that the teares came into his eyes He looked upon me he gaz'd on heaven and being able to endure his fortune without murmuring What ever thou be cried he O Providence
to relent besought the King to give her over for the price of his liberty My body said she is yours give it then to that Monster and make use of that power which Nature hath given you and with that she againe imbrac'd her Father and besmear'd her face all over with his blood When she thought that she was frightfull enough by that soyling shee turn'd her to the Tyrant and extending her Armes and hands to him Thou most infamous and lustfull Goate cried she why dost thou not exact presently from this Prince whilst he suffers under thy afflicting torments that which thy lust hath so long wished for Abdulac made his Daughter to be silent by the most pitifull remonstrances that so tragicall an occasion could put into the mouth of a Father But why should I stand so much on the misfortunes of that incomparable payr The good King would never consent to the dishonour of his Daughter and seeing so great constancy in so weak a personage indur'd with a great deale of patience his ignominious and cruell usage The inhumane Elmely grown desperate by the virtue of those two truly-royall minds caus'd Arzila to be put into a Dungeon apart from her Father and so went away after he had assur'd them that there should not passe a day wherein they should not feel how far his choler would extend It is brave Knights five moneths now since these honor'd personages have suffer'd an infinite sort of indignities in these Dungeons wherein they are buried alive Ever since I have been able to carry Armes I have try'd divers wayes to free the Father and Daughter but none hath succeeded and if by your assistance I see me not quickly in case to pluck the Tyrant from that Throne who is no way redoubtable but in words I here make a vow never to review my desolate Country Abdelmelec who was present at this relation perceiving that Sidy-Bu-Median had no more to say fixing his Eyes a while on the portraict of Arzila began to speak thus I see well said he to the unfortunate Knight that you are come hither to make friends and not to engage your selfe in new enmities As for my selfe who alone should have some cause to refuse the succour you come for since you are come with an intent to fight with me yet I make known to you that I give my full resentment to the consideration of Arzila and will imploy for her deliverance and the King her Father all the power that I have in the Kingdomes of Fez and Morocco Above five hundred Knights Christians and Mahometans presently after offered themselves to Sidy and their offers were prosecuted with so many actions of valour that the very yeare of the Turney the false Prophet was burn'd alive in Telensin Abdulac Vmen reestablished in his Throne and the vertuous Arzila married to the constant Sidy-Bu-Median Assoone as he had given Abdelmelec thanks for the assistance he promised he besought him to dispence with his Iusting against him for said he I cannot without an extravagancy contest for valour with that man whose succour I am come to implore After he had made this just excuse to the Prince of Morocco he retyr'd and left the field free to a Portugall Knight the Son of the Governour of Larache who on the faith of Abdelmelec's Chartells fear'd not to forsake the Banks of Zila and to put himselfe into the hands of his Enemies He came to the place appointed for Speech and said boldly that he was a Christian in Religion a Portingall by birth a sworne Enemy to the Moores by duty and inclination and Son of him that had taken from them the towne of Larache But if all these things said he give you cause to look on me with an Eye of of hatred that which I have yet to tell you will oblige you to behold me with that of commiseration and pity Amongst the Slaves which the Law of Armes gave us we met with a Moorish Lady so faire and so accomplish'd that assoon as I saw her I became her Vassal Neither the Antipathy of our Nations nor the contrariety of our Beleifes no not the very contempt which that deare Enemy made of my service have been able to cure me of my passion I daily besought her to be favourable unto me and as daily she rejected my prayers She will not almost either see me or heare me and threatens that if I restore her not quickly to her father she will free her selfe by death from the servitude wherein she is I feare to lose her either one way or other so that I know not how to demean my selfe towards her I would willingly give her her liberty but I feare that she will forsake me assoone as she is free On the other side I doubt least in keeping her she carry her selfe to some desperate action and that apprehension presseth me to send her to her Parents At the same of this Turney I have taken Armes to oblige her and having promis'd to maintaine that she is fairer then all the Ladyes in Africa I am now come to perform my word to her After the Portugall had made this recitall he was led about the Lists and being left with a very good Lance expected when the Trumpets should give him a Signall of the time and order of the Combat Presently after came Abdelmelec out of his Pavilion and being warned to put on came fiercely on the Portingall who made it appeare that he was an excellent Horseman and broke his Lance on the Princes Caske At the second Course he made the Challenger forsake his Saddle but by his owne strength as much as by that of his Enemy he was carried over his Horses Crupper The Officers of the field came and presently took him up and giving him his horse againe took his Buckler and hung it up among many others under the Portraict of Alcidiana The valiant Moore Elgazair tooke the Portugals place That Knight was the belov'd of Ladies and Warriours and though he was very inconstant in his Love and Freindship yet he had the good luck to acquire many Mistresses and many Freinds At the first Turney of Abdelmelec he did Wonders for the proud Moore Abra at that of Nephizus at Fez he maintained that Arais Princesse of the Arabians of the Mountain Farobe was the most charming beauty of either the one or the other Mauritania and now he would make Abdelmelec confesse that Alcidiana was not so faire as the young Elserifa He came to make his Declaration at the accustomed place and made all his Auditors laugh at the grace wherewithall he publish'd the perfections of his new and easie Mistris He desired not though to be esteem'd more constant then he was and for that cause he carried both armes a Device that intimated sufficiently the ficklenesse of his mind His Arms were wavy and wrought with such art that when the Sun darted his beames on them the Colours losing themselves one in another
value At last with much adoe he had leave to enter and comming to the place where the Prince of Morocco used to receive and hear his Rivals Abdelmelec said he t is needlesse that I should tell thee who I am This Picture shall speake for me and in thus speaking he discovered that Buckler he had taken from the Prince Abdelmelec presently knew it and had not power enough at his first perturbations to see without trouble the man which he expected with so much impatiency He trembled and favourably to interpret that trembling I will say 't was out of Joy and feare at least he made it seeme so For being recollected from his first agitation I never hoped to see thee more said he audaciously to Polexander ' and beleeved that the Cowardize wherewith all ill actions are accompanied would not suffer thee to shew thy selfe in this place of Honour But since thou hast no lesse impudence to maintaine thy Thefts then thou hadst boldnesse to do them I find that Fortune is not all together unjust in making thy rashnesse happy Yet see here a place wherein she hath but little Authority And therefore thou shouldst feare least she forsake thee at thy need and leave thee to suffer that punishment which thou hast deserved Thou art replied Polexander either poorely in Love or very senceles to suffer for so long a time the Portraict of Alcidiana in the hands of another and of such another as hath so shamefully made thee quit it On Abdelmelec Run on to thy revenge do not Evaporate thy Choler in idle Narrations When our Heroe had ended his speech he turned his back to Abdelmelec and rid to attend him at the end of the Liââ¦t The Prince of Morocco re-collecting all his force and all the opinion of his Courage came thundring on Polexander and broke his Lance with a great deale of strength Our Hero struck his on the Princes Casque and turning him over on the Crupper of his Horse astonished him so that he was carried to the end of the Cariere sencelesse yet he recovered and tooke a second Lance Polexander met him with his first and so impetuously lifted him above his Horse that almost in the very instant of the shock they saw him extended on the Gravell Presently he got up and on all sides hearing the noyse of the people and the hand-clappings of all the principall Spectators he thought himselfe lost in his reputation if he did not hazard his Life to regaine what he had so lately lost He call'd for and 't was brought him a fresh Horse and sent two Pole-axes and two Cimyters to Polexander that he might take his choyce of two Polexander tooke the first he met withall under his hand and sending the two other to his Rivall bad them tell him that he was not his Enemy though his Challenges had extreamely offended him even to the taking away of his life that he should look to himselfe and undertake nothing beyond his power Those words made Abdelmelec lose all the little reason was left him He ran on Polexander with the sury but not with the courage of a Lion Polexander presently stopp'd him and unwilling to make use of his armes because they were dangerous made it appeare to all the Assembly that he came to the Turney rather to reprove Abdelmelec for his daring then to punish him for it The inequality noted between them took away all the pleasure the Spectators promised themselves in seeing the Combat Even Polexander being ashamed of so much advantage retired often and besought Abdelmelec to have a care of his life But that weak and wilfull Prince neither being able to vanquish nor to yeeld gave Polexander a great deale more trouble then if he had farre better defended himselfe Whilst our Heroe sought a meanes to be rid of him without killing him He heard a great noyse of Trumpets at the principall Gate of the field and took that occasion to oblige Abdelmelec at that time not to be killed Let us at least see said he before we end our Combate who comes so boldly to violate the Lawes of the Turney Abdelmelec gave a deafe Ear to these words but seeing a great many Trumpetters enter the field he tooke off his Casque and went from Polexander to chastise those that had contemn'd his countermands A man clad in a long robe after the Persian maner covered with Plates of silver cut and imbroydered in scales streight appear'd mounted on a brave horse He was attended by twelve black Slaves who had all Collars of silver and long chaines of the same mettle The Knight himselfe seemed a Slave for he had chaines on his legs which though of Gold were yet the tokens of his servitude Polexander at first knew not what to thinke of that novelty but casting his eyes on the Banners which were tyed to the trumpets of that Slave-Knight and noting on them a Phoenix which arose out of its Cradle or if you will it's Tombe he imagined that 't was one of Alcidiana's Slaves His astonishment was no lesse then his joy He grew pale he trembled and passing in an instant from one extremity to another became all on fire His first perturbances were followed by other more temperate and re-collecting his Spirits and making use as he ought of his reason perswaded himself that Alcidiana had not without some important cause sent that illustrious Slave to the Court of Morocco Being more nerely approached to see him distinctly he knew 't was the same Pallantus who had pronounc'd the sentence of his condemnation in Bajazets Island He was oftentimes tempted to go and embrace him but the considerations of the Iust not permitting his discovery he expected with a great deale of impatiency what Pallantus had to say The trumpets imposing silence and the famous Slave being conducted to the place for the Orations spake thus Alcidiana Queen of the most happy Island hath understood that divers bold men have taken to themselves such Licence as hath been disadvantagious to her honor and have dar'd not only to take her for the object of their diversions but to stile themselves the Knights and defenders of her beauty These Insolencies have troubled the peace of her mind and have made her capable of choler After she had long complain'd of the pride of men she hath pleas'd to divulge her just indignation and given me command to be at this Assembly to the end that by a publick disavowing I should make known to all the world that she holds all those for her enemies who have the impudence to name themselves her Lovers She therefore forbids the continuation of these Iusts and her will is that the Prince himselfe of Morocco be compriz'd within the rigour of her Law And for asmuch as she heares how a certaine Barbarian call'd Phelismond dares in the Deserts of Denmark to vaunt himselfe only worthy of her service She invites to the ruine of that Monster all those who think them
his own wonderful acts is bound to beleeve those of His life I feare not to relate to you a Life as miraculous as any of those Heroes of whom your Forefathers and ours have made them their first Gods Some have bin of opinion that Kings receiv'd from Heaven some advantages which were not granted to other men I have known divers Kings who have made me doubt of the verity of that beliefe But having the honor to know you withal Polexander as I do I am forc'd to confesse that as there are Kings who are alwayes children there are others too who are men in their Infancy Without giving then ought to my affection without soothing I dare say that my King is of those last and that he came into the world with those excellent qualities which age Study and experience sell to ordinary men at so deare rates His Soule in her descent from Heaven preserv'd retayn'd al it had receiv'd in the ãâã of her originall Her descent or fall made her not lose or forget any thing She was cââ¦eated full of knowledge and so entred compleat into the habitation appointed for her and in spight of all the fetters and vayles of the body kept still her prime agility and fiââ¦t illuminations But it was very fit and I dare say absolutely necessary that Polexander should be borne with those qualities which are seen but in very few Princes for it would have bin a peice of prodigie if there had come ought that was any way vulgar from Periander the wonder of his age and Axiamira the Admiration and glory of her times The Prince which for good cause I alwayes call incomparable was borne in this Island and with his life receiv'd the Crown of almost all the Canaryes Not that he had his extraction from those barbarous Kings which heretofore raign'd here His derivation is more glorious being descended from two of the greatest houses that ever flourished in Europ The one is that of the Kings of France and the other of the Emperors of Constantinople It is but little lesse then three hundred yeares since the French had for their King a Prince who for the sanctity of his life hath been thought worthy to be ranââ¦d in the number of the Semy-Gods This King had a Brother call'd Charles of Anjou The greatnesse of whose courage and renown of his virtues acquird him the Crowns of the two Sicylyes and Ierusalem From that Prince in a direct line from Father to Son is Polexander descended and if Fortune had not too cruelly exercis'd on that house that horrible fury wherewithall she useth to break Septers and over-tumble Thrones he should be now as his Predecessors have been King of the best part of Italy Greece and Thrace But those of Arragon on the one side and the Paleologues on the other and lastly the Turks have deprivââ¦d him of the inheritanee of his Ancestors and left him nothing but most just causes to be sensible of their common usurpations But alas I know not whether I should wish that Polexander might change the affection he hath to Alcidiana for an inclination to ââ¦evenge For when I think on the disasters which are fatally linck'd to such an enterprize and reflect on the unfortunate life and Tragicall death of the great Periander I feare that which I have most passionatly desired and requested of Heaven even that the King my Master might never think on those Territories which his Predecessors had lost The famous Amaââ¦ontus Father of Periander seeing that by the remissenesse of the last Paleologue Constantinople fell into the hands of the Turke and besides many times but vainely attempting to make the Easterlings arise in Aââ¦es against their Tyrants had such a detestation to a people so infamous that to lose their memory with the sight of them he forsook Greece desirous to seek out in some other end of the world a place of retirement where he might live unknown But Fortune who soon repented her of the injustice done to so great a Prince brought him into these Seas and in lieu of the most rich Crown of the World which she had taken from him gave him the fairest and most delightfull I meane that after she had long time made him wander on the Ocean she brought him to cast Anchor and land on this Isle the very day whereon the Inhabitants were assembled to chuse them a King He was called to this Little Monarchy by the consent of all and in lesse then three or four yeares made himselfe so much valued amongst those of the neighbor Islands that in emulation of one another they would needs have him for their Commander After the death of that Prince his Son Periander not only succeeded him but to extend the bounds of this little Empire drove the Portugalls out of the Isles they had guarded and without doubt might have gotten the Crown of Spaine it selfe if the desire of recovering his ancient inheritance had not engag'd him in a War with the Turk In his first voyage into the Levant he marryed with a Grecian Princesse call'd Axiamira who by her spirit and virtue made it well appeare that she came from that Heroick blood which had so often triumph'd over the Monarches of Asia He returned hither with that Princesse and within the four or five first yeares of his marriage had on her Polexander Iphidamantus and Cydaria Assoone as he saw himselfe made happy by so fair a posterity he thought on the meanes to make their condition equall to that of his Predecessors and to that end renewing the Treaties wherein the Knights of Rhodes and many other Princes of Christendome would have before time engaged him he undertook a busines which as impossible as it seem'd he had infallibly effected had it not been for the treason or cowardize of his Allyes He got him secretly to Rhodes and not finding matters there as he had been by some made to hope would therefore be himselfe his owne Agent He travell'd alone through all Greece visited all the Princes of the Imperiall house who were banished into the Islands of the Mediterranean passed thence into Syria to cause the Heyres of the house of Antioch to take armes and lastly disguiz'd like a Turke came to Constantinople where he abode neer six moneths and dealt with so many Christians during that time by the mediation of the Patriark that he thought himselfe powerfull inough to drive thence the Turke Thence he returned to Rhodes with that good hope and having wrought his enterprize to it's perfection at least he thought so he departed from that Island with an army which should have been invincible Assoon as he arriv'd he made himselfe Master of those Castles which shut up the mouth of the Hellespont and by that surprise threw so great a terror into Constantinople that Bajazet was on the point to forsake it Periander entred into the Propontis and sââ¦iz'd on the Isles of Marmora and Calomina in spight of
and to heare him speake it seem'd those painted tables where treasures incomparably more pretious then all the Diamonds pearls and other riches which he had lately gotten from the Portingall He had yet one of those portraicts in his hands and made me take notice of al the strokes of the Pensil and beauties of it when a young African Lady very faire and desolate cast her selfe at his feet and besought him by thâ⦠honour he had wonne at Morocco rather by that compassion to which his extream Noblenesse obliged him in the behalfe of afflicted persons to take her into his protection and aveng her of the most ââ¦sereant and wicked man that Africa ever brought forth The young Prince look'd not to be twice intreated neither suffring my Remonstrances nor intreaties return'd with that Lady called Izilia if I be not deceived and to accompany him would have none but Alcippus and Diceus I will neither tel you whither he went or what he did noâ⦠how he came back for notwithstanding aâ⦠the intreaties I could make to one and the other of those his two faithââ¦l servants I have not been able to get from them any thing but that Polexander most expresly forbad them to speak of that Iourney But whither his adventures were good or bad so it was that he returned so weake and pale after more then five moneths absence that I might easily judg he had been extreamely wounded or extreamely sick I acknowledg now that I abused his goodnesse much in the speech I had with him about that Journey But his Heroick Soule incapable to receive any alteration endur'd my liberty without shew of being mov'd and never oppos'd but his own naturall sweetnesse to the sharpnesse of al my reprehensions I must confesse my deare Master said he I have done amisse and have not taken enough into my consideration the Queen my Mother nor you But you have so often taught me that there is no voice which ought so sweetly to touch the eares of a virtuous Man as that of a miserable creature which reclaimes his assistnce and I made so certaine an experience of that truth when the unfortunat Izilia related to me her afflictions that I could not resist the violence wherewithal her complaints drew me to the place where she had need of my courage But I wrong your instructions to go about to justifie my action I have done that which humanity commanded me 'T is fit now I should do what Nature obligation Regality expect from me Let us go then to my deare Master wipe off if it be possible the ââ¦eares of the best Mother in the world Let 's goe and acknowledg the cares and ââ¦ravells she hath taken for us and essay to give ââ¦o so many people which love us some proofes of our sensibility Assoon as this was sayd he commanded to hoyse sayles and after a long and furious tempest cast Anchor in one of the Ports of this Island But O Heaven what strange alterations found he in his Court How much did he repent the deferrââ¦g his returne 'T was told him at his arrivall the Queen his Mother was more afflicted then ever since some ten or twelve dayes before the Princesse Cydaria had been by a great number of strangers carried away Polexander afflicted as much as possibly the best natur'd man in the world could be came to his Mother witness'd by his unfained griefe an extream sorrow for her affliction besought her to preserve her selfe for his and the Subjects good and promis'd he would never be at rest till he had restor'd to her the Princesse her Daughter You may well beleeve that Good Queen had receiv'd an extreame content in reviewing so worthy an Heyre of the great Periander if the death of that Prince and the rape of her Daughter had not made her incapable of all kind of pleasure On the contrary it was to her a redoubling of her vexation in the estate wherein she was For the presence of so accomplish'd a Son renew'd the losse of a Father that was no lesse so renew'd likewise her ancient sorrowes and reduced her to the incapacity of giving any thing to the returne of the Prince but teares Yet dar'd she not discover to him the true cause of them but by a wisdome worthy her selfe had rather Polexander should suspect it to be for her too much affection to her Daughter then that he should know her extraordinary affliction was from the want of power to avenge the murder of the great Periander The King my Master made the same construction of her teares as She desired and thinking that the losse of Cydaria was the sole cause He by consequence beleev'd he might give her an ample testimony of his love in forgetting his own interests for the safety of his Sister He understood the Prince of Scotland was gone after the Ravishers and that news made him the more impatient till he was shipped The very same day he set sayle and steering again his course towards Africa met with many of his ships which after a long vaine chase were returning to the Canaryes Some of them He sent back to the Queeâ⦠his Mother commanding the rest to stand off at Sea yet some twelve or fifteen daies made along to the West with an intent to saile to the Pyrates Island But the next day after that resolution his Vice-Admirall came to him and said that the Prince of Scotland after he had given chase to those that stole away Cydaria at last fetcht them up in sight of the fortresse of Guargetssem and after a furious combat the Ravishers finding themselves the weakest had put fire to their powder and involved in one same flame the vanquish'd and the vanquishers Vnfortunate that I am cri'd Polexander must my return be remembred by the losse of the Daughter and desolation of the Mother Deplorable Polexander hast thou the heart to carry these sad newes to a person whose griefs should be more sensible to thee then thine own No no be not the sad bringer of so Tragicall an accident Present not thy selfe before Axiamira since thou canst not do it without increasing her afflictions Whilst he was thus lamenting I came into his Cabin and seeing Alcippus durst not speak a word to qualifie his passion I made use of the authority which my age and condition gave me Hearkning therefore to him a little while If said I at last I should condemn your complaints I should find fault with the most just sensiblenesse that is in nature When we lose those whom blood or affection makes deare unto us we lose a part of our selves and by cosequence should seeme to be our owne Enemies if we for their losse should make of shew of lamentation But Sir this sorrow must have its rules bounds and must not imitate the griefe of Children who fal'n into the durt content themselves with crying and never strive to get out Besides these reasons and others which concern your
he had a mind to lose himselfe he could not doe it in a more high enterprize But how I pitty him for not having seen but through a very obscure veyle this so shining and lively a light which makes him contemn all others Certainly those pictures of Alcidiana which he hath are the works of ignorance or envie and I may say after what I have seen that Prince adores a Divinity to him unknown Alcippus desirous to qualifie the disquiet of this new Lover Me thinks said he that instead of lamenting Abdelmelecs fortune you ought to extoll your own and give thanks to Love that since he hath inspir'd you with a desire to serve ALCIDIANA He hath not only made you worthy of her but by a singular priviledge hath conducted you as by the hand where your service may receive their reward Ah flatââ¦erer replyd Polexander dar'st thou who hast seen that Princesse make me beleeve I am worthy to serve her The love thou bear'st me suffers the not well to consider me Thou representeââ¦t to thy selfe all things to my advantage and I doubt not but thou beleev'st thou doest it justly But I who am freed from the love of my selfe and can be a good Iudge in mine own cause I look on my fortune on that side it ought to be regarded and am not dazled as thou art with I know not what luster which a false light casts on it Know my friend that I am absolutely unworthy of Alcidiana's chaines that the least of her slaves hath those qualities to which I can never pretend and that fortune hath thrown me on these inaccessible coasts for no other end but to engage me in a dispaire which surpasseth the dispaire of all that have been unfortunate from the beginning of the world Wouldst thou have morâ⦠palpable or more visible proofes oâ⦠this truth then the contempt wherewith Alcidiana cast her eyes on me Think on the circumstances of her meeting Examine alâ⦠that passed in that little time she permitted me to see her Weigh seriously her precipitated departure and thou wilt confesse with me that her eyes and silence have declar'd me unworthy of the honour to be reckned amongst her slaves I intend to contest with your Majesty replyd Alcippus For having not your light and knowledge I stop at things which sence makes me see and cannot as you penetrate into soules and discover the secrets of thoughts And not to lye to you if your discourse had not taken off somewhat which hood-winkd mine eyes without perceiving it I should yet have drawn very advantagious consequences from the meeting with Alcidiana and maintaine stifly my beliefe of your giving her more cause of admiration then contempt All her Nymphes forgetting the chase and even not seeing the Hynde which fell at their feet press'd to come neer you and pointing with their fingers seemd to say to one another that they had never seen your equall As you love me Alcippus said Polexander interrupting him make an end of this discourse Thou makest me madde in thinking to comfort me I know what my destiny is but as sadde as t is t is to me deare t is to me glorious since t is perfected by the hands of Alcidiana By this answer he impos'd silence on Alcippus and beginning to walke in his Chamber was about an houre in that exercise At last he remembred himselâ⦠and calling Diceus askd him whether he had brought Abdelmelec's bucklers They are in your Majesties trunââ¦kes replyd Diceus I would faine have them said the Prince We must goe for them then replyd Diceus The place where I have left them is not so farre hence but that I can be quickly backe againe But Sir said he if the Viceroy presse me upon your staying what shall I say to him Thou shalt tell him replyd the Prince all that thou thinkest fittest to keep him where he is Diceus presently took one of his hosts Horses and in full speed came to the Towne where I was retyred I was wonderfully astonish'd at so quick a returne and askd him the cause T is nothing said he nor no other then the curiosity of a great Lord of this Isle He desires to see Abdelmelecs bucklers and I have ridden all last night that he might not long expect his desir'd contentment After he had told me this tale he took the two bucklers and returnd with as much speed as he came Polexander seeing him come back commended his love and diligence and with an excesse of joy forgetting what he was embrac'd him a long time in his armes Then he set Alcidiana's Pictures in their best light and considering them well I am confirm'd said he to Alcippus in my first opinion These Pictures are nothing like Alcidiana I saw the Princesse so little replyd Alcippus that my memory represents her not to me but very confusedly Yet if that Idea of her which I retain hathany conformity with the Original I find not these Coppies any way do resemble her Assuredly said Polexander with a litle passion they are nothing at all like her Where find you that sweet and majesticall livelinesse which sparkles in her eyes or that fresh and cleere whitnesse of her complexion and brest No no there is nought here of Alcidiana Only a man may see by some strokes that t is the portraict of some excellently faire creature In this discussion was the Prince when the Shepheard who two dayes before had left him entred his Chamber and presenting to him another Shepherd of a very good aspect for an old man made him understand by signes that that was it which he had promised him The old Shepheard presently beginning to speake saluted Polexender in Arabian and by that language made him sufficiently conceive the good office done him by the young Shepheard The Prince went and imbrac'd him to signifie how sensible he was of that obligation After that satisfaction he streight did the like to the old man and told him in Arabicke that he was too happy in meeting with one to whom he might make himselfe understood This venerable old man answered him his joy was not lesse and should he reap no other fruit of his travells then the tafting the sweetnesse of his conversation he would all the rest of his life blesse that curiosity which at first made him to undertake them T is for me Father replyd Polexander to give thanks to fortune for shipwracking me on this Iland Scarce had I set foot on this Land but that I was ãâã of the happinesse it enjoyes as one of its naturall proprieties In three dayes I met with a thousand causes of contenââ¦ment but there are few of them on which I set so high a price as on the happinesse of your acquaintance The old Shepheard thinking in his opinion he had not words good enough to answer these replyd by the teares which joy drew from his eyes and to make an end of all Compliments besought Polexander to beleeve that if he could
on the present and the other of what was passed Yet remained he not long in this kinde of darkenesse His soule opened her eyes as soone as those of his body were unshut He remembred his boxe and his verses and put his hand where he thought to finde them But deceived in what he attempted ââ¦e arose all startled he searched upon and about him he turned whence he came his eyes are fixed on the sands he tosseth and turneth all the leaves and flints and scratcheth and removeth the least leafe of grasse Then he be thought him of the noise he had heard and said to himselfe that what he had taken for the flight of a Lyon or some other beast was that of the Theefe which had carried away all the remainder of his treasure He would faine have followed but knew not what way to take Yet he ran to the Mountaine and being got very hye whether goe I said he to himselfe what doe I looke after Will these deserts and forrests tell me newes of it Presently he returned to the sea side got into his shalloppe and commanded the Marriners to carry him aboard his ship As soone as he was there he entred his Cabin without speaking to any of us and casting him on his bed Thou couldest doe me no other outrage said he But cruell Fate thou ruinest ââ¦hine owne power in destroying those Subjects over whom thou exercisest it and in depriving me of that only thing ãâã desired to preserve thou ââ¦akest from me all that feare which hath so often made me have recourse to thy protection Alcippus imagining by these words that his Master had received some new displeasure came neere and besought him to make knowne the cause of his affliction O friend said Polexander some one hath stolen from me Alcidiana's picture Doe but reflect on that disaster and oblige me noâ⦠to unfold it to thee Alcippus at first thought his Master talked idely but hearing him a midst his sighes to cast forth the word of Theefe of portraict of Alcidiana he thought doubtlesly the Prince had lost his boxe and that the robbery of which he newely spoke was true indeede He told it me and I relating it to Diceus it went quickly through the ship One of our Marriners at the same instant saw a ship comming out of the River of Senega and ignorant whether he spoke true or false or whether he should speake it or no cried out the theefe was running away and 't was fit they should make after him The ship was thereupon made ready for the winde began to rise and the sea men who looke after nothing but confusion and prey agreeing with their companion cried out with him that 't was not fit to suffer the theefe to escape Alcippus hearing these clamours came out of his Masters Cabin and being told the cause of the noise presently ran into Polexander to advertise him of it and by that newes false or true drew him from his deadly melancholy Hereupon he left his Cabin came on the deck and understanding from whence the other ship came Be confident said he that 's the Theefe follow him and if you love me endeavour he may not escape us Wee gave the ship chase three dayes and three nights and comming up to her the fourth engaged her to strike saile and yeeld ââ¦o our discretion Polexander first boorded her and offring his sword at the Commanders throat told him there was no other way to save his life but by restoring what he had stolne I am ready to obey you said the prisoner but remember if you please that I have but lent my hands and an absolute power hath commanded me to undertake the theft Well well replied Polexander restore it 't is no matter by whom it was commanded or acted so I have restitution and with that urged his prisoner to performe quickly what was required of him The poore man all pale and trembling drew out of his bosome a ring and a letter and presenting the first to Polexander see said he my Kings high prized Seale and then giving him the letter This is that he added which hath cost the death of the writer and had we not beene met withall and interrupted by you was going to be the instrument oâ⦠a more execrable Massacre Polexander amazed at these things and full of choller to see himselfe so far from his hopes keepe thy letter and thy ring said he to his prisoner and give me the boxe thou stolest from me The boxe which I have stolen replied the prisoner Ah noble Sir if it be your pleasure that I shall perish doe not search for that pretext I am guilty enough already without the imputation of a crime whereof I am innocent What said Polexander exceedingly angry didst thou not steale it whilst I sleept on the banckes of Senega I perceive now said the prisoner that you take me for another and truely 't is an admirable act of the eternall Providence which continually watcheth for the preservation of Innocents Doe then my Lord doe what that commands you Punish a traytour and assassinate who to satisfie his ambition hath exiled from his breast all sence of honour and pââ¦obity and made himselfe the executioner of a Monsters cruelties who hath but the appearance of a woman Polexander thought then he was certainly mistaken and was at the point of setting the man at liberty but considering that such a freedome might be the cause of some great wickednesse he tooke the ring and letter which till then he had left in the hand of his prisoner and made him come with him into his owne shippe where not knowing what to doe further bid his Pilot steere whither he pleased for all courses were alike to him Whilst Alcippus the Pilot and my selfe were consulting of the speediest way for our quick returne to the Canaries Polexande passed the time with his prisoner and required from him an ãâã of his former speeches The African knowing he had spoken too much ââ¦o hide the rest and the feare of death besides having brought him to a repentance of his ââ¦ormer life he made no scruple of discovering such secrets as he intended no more to make gaine on I am said he a Subject to the King of Senega The gââ¦ddy humours of that Prince have many times throwne me from the top of all prosperity to the botome of all disgrace and then againe raised me to the height of all greatnesse This inconstancy made me feare some blowe that would prove mortall to me at last and to avoid it I thought it best to betray what most concerned him to advance the interests of that famous ãâã whom he hath set in the place of the virtuous Almanzaira This new Queene is called Zelopa who extreamely politicke knowing that Zabaim was not possibly long to be held in without a great many bonds hath fettered him with such strong ones that she ââ¦eares noâ⦠his flitting from her She hath got him to proclaime
his Queene guilty of high treason and to condemn her to a prison unlimitable but by the ends of her life Nay she had woâ⦠him to have strangled with his owne hands the Sonne ãâã had by that unfortunate Princesse but that Almaid a Lord of Senega hindered the murther and plucked the ãâã from the blinde fury of the Father and the sharpe sighted rage of his step-mother who for a long time knew not what was become of the Childe but her spies were so industrious that at last they discovered he was bred up in King Benin's Court. As soone as she heard it she resolved his death and chusing me for the executioner or at least the prosecutor she put in practice all that she knew might conduce to the perfecting of her damnable designe She forced Zabaim to write to Benin for the delivering his Sonne into my hands and in case he should refuse it forced to denounce war against him You may easily see all this wickednesse proved when you please to read the letter I gave you But in as much as the African Kings never make denuntiation of wars but they send the Ring which is the principall note of their dignity I found a way to steale it from Zabaim Now to tell you after so many villanies that which hath beene the cause of my being now your prisoner know I parted from Senega expressely on a message to King Benin and if that Prince had delivered into my hands the lawfull heire of Senega for certaine blinded as I was with ambition I had executed Zelopa's command and sheathed the sword I weare in the breast of that Innocent Polexander affrighted at so horrible a relation told his prisoner he gave thankes to heaven for his being mistaken and that in his misfortunes he found a great deale of consolation since the divine goodnesse had vouchsafed to make use of his errour for the hindring the death of the Prince of Senega It belongs to me answered the prisoner throwing himself at our Princes feete to give thankes to the fountaine of all mercy for the enlightning my soule with the raies of his love in spight of my obduratnesse I therefore make a vow not to abuse it any more nor ever to returne into my Countrey till it be freed from Zelopa's tyranny You shall doe very well replied Polexander and to quit you from the sorrowing for the losse of your fortunes by this resolution I engage my selfe to restore them to you The Prince infallibly had beene better then his word to him but heaven seeing the holy and rigorous penitence of that sinner was willing to recompence him more liberally then Polexander For it tooke him out of this world the very same day that wee arrived at the Canaries I will not relate to you the sundry fights Polexander had with the Pirates whilst wee strove to bring him back into his Kingdome I will only tell you he was there no more happy then he was at sea At his arrivall he heard of the death of the incomparable Axiamira He bewailed her losse as much as it deserved and after some moneths of mourning from one part of piety ââ¦ell to another He bestowed all his time in hearing the complaints of his Subjects to reconcile their differences and to free them from all feare of the Spanish forces After all this he deigned to cast his eyes on me declared me his Vice-roy in all his Isles and establishing me in that authority before his departure commanded that in his absence I should be obeyed as himselfe Scarce tooke he any time of repose after so many travells and disquiets Amintha's Confident whom he had brought from the Islands of mad men seeing him still to grieve for the losse of the picture strive said she one day to get the thing it selfe rather then the shadow That thought answered the Prince comes on me a hundred times in a day but I give no eare to it because it proposeth to me a thing impossible T is so indeed replied Elida by ordinary meanes but you must have recourse to such as are not so Alas and what are those asked the Prince I imagine to my selfe one added Elida that seemes to me infallible I prithee tell that me said the King It behooves you then added Elida either under pretext of religion or otherwise to get entrance into the Isle of the Sun and when you are permitted to abide there stay for the comming of Lynceus or some other of Alcidiana's Pilots I intend so much sadly answered Polexander but when I have attempted it what will be the issue for my consolation I make it no difficulty to get into the Isle of the Sun since it is never denied to such as come thither to sacrifice And I may too stay there nay and meete with those that come from Alcidiana's Island but all this is nothing for I am certaine the Queenes Pilots will never receive me into their vessell What ground have you for that feare said Elida to him From some what you have spoaken to me unawarres replied Polexander I thinke I know what you would say answered Elida Yet faile not to doe all that lies in your power and leave the rest to fortune If you gatââ¦er thence no other satisfaction yet you shall at least have thus much that you have not neglected any meanes of making your selfe happy Well I 'le believe you deare Elida said the Prince and indeed followed her advice so absolutely that the very next day he put to Sea and tooke with him that Maiden Alcippus and Diceus and though his Pilot knew not the scituation of the Island of the Sun yet he promised to finde it provided it were not inchanted as that of Alcidiana But the season being extreamely ill and the difficulty which the Pilot thought to orecome greater then he imagined he was above two moneths contesting with his ignorance and the frequent stormes At last he drew neere to that Island and Polexander being where he might discover a far off perceived a vessell which came away from the Isle He made up to her he carefully marked her and finding by assured tokens that she belonged to Alcidiana followed her but in such a manner as he believed he made them not jealous of him Yet Lynceus for t was he perceived the Kings designe and winding up and downe all the rest of the day thrust himselfe into the Haven of the Sun as soone as the obscurity of the night had made him lose sight of the Princes vessell The next morning he sought for her he pursued her he got with all the sailes he could make away from the place where he might have found her in short by often turning and traversing that sea Polexander returned to the place from whence he set saile Heere he spent a part of the winter for all his impatiences At last his strength being by little and little ore come by the weakenesse of his minde he fell sick of a languishing disease
Prince set downe among his first examples of Loyalty the excesse of my blinde obedience After this discourse with himselfe he began to thinke on the meanes of bringing his resolution to a good issue and after a long meditating on it came forth with Alcippus to revisit Phelismond and met with his first Conductor who assured him his Master was impatient till he saw him againe and that all the afternoone he had entertained his visitants with nought but his ingenuity and couââ¦age Polexander answered as he ought and so ascended to Phelismonds Chamber He found him up and was received with a great deale of joy and gentlenesse behaviors raââ¦e in men of that condition Long time the Prince embraced him speaking as he had knowne the secrets of his soule When said he shall I have the happinesse to see you as really my friend as I wish it Polexander who could not betray his conscience nor indiscreetly offend so generous a Prince studied an answere that might satisfie him and yet be no prevarication in what concerned Alcidiana The sole cause replied he which deters me from receiving the honour you doe me is a feare that when I shall be more particularly knowne to you then I am you will be inforced to cut off a great deale from those favours you doe me Phelismond at that word stopping him assure your selfe said he that neither you nor all men breathing can by any action whatsoever take from me my intention and will to be entirely yours But fearing least you may imagine that rather some other consideration then that of your virtue hath obliged me to woe your friendship I asked it you without the knowledge of what you are not what you can doe These courtesies of Phelismond so distracted Polexander that but with a great deale of trouble could he frame an answere to so many noble speeches In the meane time Phelismond who had a designe to gaine him absolutely smiled to see him at a nonplus and thus came on againe Beââ¦ide what may yet must I have what I intreate for Doe you not know that Love hath the priviledge to be resisted by nothing See then what you intend to doe If you be so good a husband of your friendship as you will sell it either it is inestimable or I have that which will buy it Or if you ââ¦e so liberall as to give it I am ready to be wholly obligeâ⦠to you for it Polexander confounded with these new chargââ¦s was even desperate of ever contenting Pââ¦elismond and admiring his generosity sââ¦id to himselfe Alcidiana was unjust in desiring the death of so perfect a Prince At last he overcame the agitations of his minde and resolved not to discover himselfe but to declare to Pââ¦elismond the cause of his journey and by consequence what 't was which hindred him from accepting his friendship See how he came off from so difficult a straite and under what tearmes he hid the truth of his life Since said he to Phelismond you will have me absolutely accept the honour you doe me or give you reason for my refusall I will make use of the liberty you give me and freely tell you I cannot receive your offers how advantagious soever they may be to me nor yet promise you my service till I am disingaged from an affaire wherein your selfe is in some sort interrested Of what nature soever that businesse be replied Phelismond I sweare to you if you please to doe me the favour to trust me I will ever conforme my selfe to what shall be most agreeable to you This protestation full of candor and affection obliged Polexander to trifle the time no longer but thus to goe on with his Declaration I am a French man said he and my birth good enough for satisfaction I have been bred up among the troubles wherein my Countrey hath laboured within these few yeeres and fortune hath been so favourable to me that I have had thence more then I expected But when I adapted me to tast the fruites of my labours she hath raised me a fearefull enemy and would have put him in possession of all that good I promised my selfe Yet when she was in hand to put him the enjoying she found her selfe too weake to performe it That Favourite hath met with more obstacles in that he would deprive me of then the greatnesse of his quallity could imagine He hath seen his hopes as well as mine take their end when they should have had their beginning and when I should have complained of his violence he obliged himselfe to give me satisfaction by waies that were not honourable Pardon me if you please continued Polexander if I name not my Usurper for he is so well knowne in this Court and you have so much cause to affect him as I have been told that I feare for his sake you will forget all your promises to me Believe it not replied Phelismond I heere againe engage my selfe to make good what I have promised Since you are so generous said Polexander I will lay open the summe of all my businesse My enemy unwilling to have our quarrell decided otherwhere then before the King your Master sent that he would meet me heere to give me full satisfaction and that at farthest I should heare of him within a Moneth See Phelismond my fortune the cause of my voyage and wherefore I dare not believe you can love me You may perceive by this that I am come into Denmarke to fight by the Kings permission and to petition him that in his presence I may force satisfaction for an injury which will not suffer me to live without its resentment After this last overture if you have yet remaining disposition to oblige me suffer me not to have made an idle journey My Adversary is not now in case to make a joynt petition with me to the King but he is a person so noble that he would not for any thing faile of his word If I therefore dare to hope ought from your goodnesse or rather if my fantasticall designe hath made no change in your opinion I conjure you once more by that virtue which is so habituall to you to free me from my continuall molestation and to imploy a part of that power you have with the King in getting me his permission for a combate Phelismond observing in all Polexanders discourse the mildnesse and well temperature of his speech answered him thus I will make you see how much I value this your greatnesse of courage which no lesse apeares in your resentment then in all the rest of your actions I therefore promise to serve you at what hazard soever and either to lose all my reputation or give you that content which you hope for by your combate But if you please it shall be on condition that you finding nothing in this which may hinder your being my friend you will grant me that which I have often sued for When Polexander saw his businesse goe on
Prince yet I freely confesse to you I am of your opinioâ⦠and I love with so much fervency that I would ââ¦f 't were possible for me set all Europe in a conflagration rather then to make a cessioÌ of whom I serve to the greatest of Kings or dearest of all my friends I have well perceived said Polexander your love to Thamiris is very violent and t is by that example which I would prepare you to judge favourably of such things as love commands me to put in execution I will make knowne to you heere on what tearmes I am with Thamiris nor what the cause is which makes me so much affect her It shall suffice me that you know I love in so high a place that all the virtues and beauties of the world have conspired together to compose the object of my love Let the Reader imagine whether Polexander were sensible of these words or no whether the jealousie they imprinted were not powerââ¦ull enough to make him forget all his Rivalls courtesies He could not indure he should goe further and had not reason assisted him 't was to be feared that conversation had not ended as it began Polexander suppressed his first agitation and returning into cold blood thus went on againe Ther 's no more time left to conceale my selfe and ââ¦ide from you a businesse which you must necessarily know I am Polexander the servant of Alcidiana and Phelismond is the enemy I come by her command to seeke in Denmarke After this short Declaration he related to him at large the humours of that proud Queene and told him word by word the tearmes she made use of when she let him understand by one of her slââ¦ves her aversion to his suââ¦te and himselfe As soone as he had begun this discourse Phelismond loââ¦t both his colour and countenance and looked on Polexander as if he had been no more the man to whom he had vowed so much amity At last comming to himselfe he very distinctly spoake thus to the King I shall never be capapable of contradicting Alcidiana's commands Since you come from her I am ready to bring you into the field to him whom so great a Princesse holds to be so uncivill and barbarous Come Sir you that are happy in all things let us hasten her revenge and satisfie her justice by the death of this Northerne Monster This new proofe of Phelismonds generousnesse so cooled Polexanders blood that it neither left him the power nor the desire to doe what he had so often resolved Neverthelesse after he had a long time contested with himselfe it seemed to him that Alcidiana upbraided him with his thoughts of pity and accused him of private correspondence with her enemy This made him give Phelismond this answer If our Princesse could be won by merit or rather if the distance of places had not been so exââ¦reamely disadvantagious to you I doubt not but being one of the prime Princes of the world you might have prevailed as much ore the affection of that faire Queene as you have done ore the mindes of all the North. Questionlesse I should be that Barbarian which she hath a will to destroy and you had received in my place the command which I am resolved to put in execution But let us not amuse our selves if you please in condemning the disorder we finde in our adventures but since that great Princesse will is the sole Law we ought to keepe let us on where her absolute power calls us Can I take armes replied Phelismond without adding rebellion to rashnesse No there is nothing left for me to doe but to dye Too sweete a tongue hath pronounced my sentence of death that I should desire life Pââ¦lexander strove to bring him from this extasie and perceiving how insupportable Alcidiana's disestimation was to him he repented his naming the tearmes of Monster and barbarous After Phelismond had muââ¦ed a while in fixing his eyes on the earth he at last cast them on Poleââ¦ander and told him he would go to the King to dispose so well of all things that Alcidiana should have cause to hold her selfe saââ¦isfied and after he had thus spoke he imbraced him and besought him to doe nothing till he came back from the Pallace Polexander promised to obey his command and accompanied him to his chamber where they discoursed a while of indââ¦fferent things but as soone as he was adverââ¦sed of the Kings being awake he left Polexander in the company of five or six of his particular fââ¦iends Hâ⦠stated above two houres with the King and when he saw him ready to goe to the place of the combate he returned to Polexander and told him he had nââ¦w nothing to feare and how he had obtained all that was fitting for his safety Polexander thaââ¦ked his for all his favââ¦s and said aloud he thought himselfe the most unfortunate man of the world in putting him to so many troubles Hereupon he tooke his leave because t was late and returned to his lodging to put things in order After he had beene there an houre there came a Gentleman from Phelismond to intreat him to come and arme himselfe in his lodgings where he should meet with five or six Lords whom the King had sent to conduct him to the field Polexander went to him and after more then an houres being with the Prince caused himselfe to be armed The King sent to tell Phelismond he was risen from table wherupon Polexander and his conductors got to horse and came to the Justing place The Windowes the Terrasââ¦s and the Scaffolds were filled with men and women of the Court and the City and the Kings guard stood about the railes he had not beene long there when Phelismond recompanied with five or six of his friends rid round about the field and then placed himselfe right against his Rivall As soone as the King was at the window of his pavillion the Judges of the field sent to search the Combatants and dividing the Sun betwixt them set them one opposite to the other Presently the trumpers ââ¦ounded and the word of letting goe together the good Knight was given by the Danes King at Armes Phelismond came on with his lance in his rest as if he would have ãâã Polexander through and through Yet he made his intention appeare to be cleane contrary For Polexander he had resolved to over come him wââ¦thout lance or sword When they were in the midst of their careere they lifted up their speares and so passed without touching one another All the Assembly gave a great shââ¦ute and seemed to aske the reason of this novelty In the mââ¦ne time the two Rivalls ran the secââ¦d ââ¦ime and dâ⦠as aâ⦠first Indeed their horses who were ignorant of their intentions iââ¦countred so furiââ¦usly thaâ⦠Pââ¦lexanders failed but little of being overthrowne The other 's was foââ¦ced back to the earth on his crupper and so broke his harnesse that Phelismâ⦠fell ââ¦n tge ground This disorder put
Take here if you please this sword the cause of your displeasure and assure your selfe that your just griefe shall advise you to nothing which I will not undergoe without a murmure These words surprised the King and cooled his choler Yet his love not permitting him to make use of his judgement you imagine said he that your courage can finde nothing which it cannot overcome but since you have contemned my friendship I will make you see what my power is Polexander could not answere him for he had lost so much blood since he got up that all his strength failing him againe he fell so as the King was faine to prop him or he had run the hazard to have fallen with him He therefore commanded five or six of his guard to take and carry him into the great Tower of the City which was instantly performed whilst he was in his swound The King of Denmarke freed from the object of his choler cast his eyes on his deare Phelismond While he thought of nothing but to have him carried away Alcippus and Diceus rushing out of the croude where they concealed themselves came and fell at his feet and besought his eare What are you said the King We are replied Alcippus servants to that Prince whom you treate not conformably to the Covenant whereby you permitted him the combate But in the name of Heaven Sir hearken to reason how just soever your resentment be and call to minde what you have sworne The keeping of your word ought to be no lesse deare to you then the preserving your Authority But if you thinke you have no cause on this occasion to stick to it reflect on the greatnesse of your prisoner and decree nothing against him till you have well pondered who Polexander is I know what I have to doe answered the King In the meane time I command you to get out of my Court within these foure and twenty houres if you will not run the fortune of a man who within these two dayes was but a meane Gentleman and now forsooth must be taken for one of the prime Pââ¦inces of the world But I sweare to make of him an example and at once give condigne punishment for the imposture and the murder Alas Sir replied Alcippus I beseech you humbly not to suffer your selfe to be transported by your indignation Your Majesty shall pardon me if you please should I say you would lose the respect I owe you The King justly offended at Alcippus indiscreet zeale grew more in rage then ever and commanded him with Diceus to be carryed to prison Both of them thanked him for that favour and uncompelled went whither they would lead them They were shut up in the same Tower where their Master was and presently after they sent him Physitians and Chyrurgions to see his woundes which they found to be great and dangerous But Diceus was not of their opinion and desired he might dresse his Master Those good people that were no more cunning then they should be thought this request was not to be denied and therefore gave way he should looke to him which he did and neglected nothing that might prevent those accidents which cause woundes to become mortall In the meane time the King of Denmarke was much troubled for Phelismond He had commanded six of his Gentlemen to take and carry him and not only went with him to the Pallace but had him laid in his owne bed where he was visited by all the Court Physitions and looked too for all things necessary as Heire to the Crowne Neverthelesse for all they could doe to his hurts they were so dangerous that till day breake all thought them incurable His Master went not to bed that night and swore if Phelismond died he would instantly command Polexanders head to be stroake from his shoulders After 't was day Phelismond grew sensible and as soone as he could open his mouth ââ¦asked where his King was and what was become of his enemy The King kissed him often and shedding teares for joy to heate him speake my Phelismond said he take heart and aske after nothing but thy cure He for whom thou inquirest is where he wants nothing since I saw by the letter thou writtest to Thamiris thy desire he should be treated as thy selfe Ten or twelve dayes slid away during which time the two Rivalls woundes threw forth part of their fire and cast them into such violent Fevers that their youth was the best preserver of their lives Phelismond now grew to be out of danger as well as Polexander when he called to minde he was not to faile of his word given him That consideration moved him to supplicate the King his Master he would be pleased he might be carried to the place where Polexander was Phelismond replied the King whilst the greatnesse of your woundes made me feare what would become of you I dissembled my resentment and would not thinke of your offending me but now you are out of danger I will tell you my minde and command you as I am your Master and Father to invent no pretext for having any cause to contradict me I have so much affected you Phelismond that in my life time I would have setled the Crowne of Denmarke on your head This extraordinary token of my love should intimate how deare your safety is to me and indeed it is so much that there is nothing which I would not doe to give you all the satisfaction you can desire Yet there is one thing I receive to my selfe and for which I will neither lend lend eare to my affection nor your intreaties 'T is the life of that stranger who without doubt hath bewitched you since you love him even after he hath declared himselfe your enemy and without regarding so many generosities which should perswade him hath done what in him lay to deprive you of your life Phelismond the most noble of men answered so advantagiously for his Rivall that his Master imposed him silence I will hold my peace Sir replied he since your Majesty commands me but I must submiââ¦ly beseech you to believe that my life is inseparably knit with that of the King of the Canaries and had rather dye then be the cause so great a King as you should not fullfill what he hath promised Verily Phelismââ¦nd replied the King t is too much anger me no more and call to minde that my crowne and amity deserve your care of pleasing me Phelismond would no longer exasperate his Master but put off further discourse of that businesse till another time Polexander was this while in prison very well treated and served with as much care as if he had beene even in the Island of Alcidiana Besides Phelismond who was not able to be wearied with shewing his generousnesse towards him sollicited his deliverance but his Master grew obstinate in refusall One day when the Favourite had but two or three woundes yet open he would needs try his last indeavour
you and your friend is to consider how you will live your selves hereafter For my part I promise you both that I will follow your intentions and in all you desire there shall neither be found difficulty nor delay The two Rivalls thanked him with an equall resentment and Polexander for his particular intreated him to be pleased he might speedily returne to the Canaries The King replied he was at his owne liberty to doe what he pleased and when he had a minde to depart he would furnish him with men and shipping Sir said Polexander since your Majesty will so much favour me I beseech you humbly to doe it intirely I came into Denmarke with a Gentleman and a servant and I desire if it please you to returne so You shall doe as you list replied the King and finde in Denmarke as many friends and as much observance as in your owne Territories These complements ended Polexander resolved to be gone as soone as he could to the end he might returne againe to his wonted and unprofitable inquiry Phelismond shewed an extremity of griefe to see him so neere leaving him and did all he could possibly not only to retaine him but to perswade him that his Master bore him a great deale of affection Phelismond said Polexander I will not contradict those reasons whereby the King your Master may justifie his act nor I assure you will I ever complaine of it For your selfe believe it you never have had a servant or a friend whose love hath been more true then mine Alcidiana shall know if I can possibly your value and her aversion cannot be of that force but it may be surmounted by the infinite number of your virtues when they shall once be made knowne to her When Phelismond heard his Rivall speake thus he raised himselfe to imbrace him and when he was as it were glued to him made this answere I know what I owe you and am not so much an enemy to true honour to fancy to my selfe I can pertake with you of any in our combate It is intirely due to you Polexander Go then and gather the fruits of it and if you please assure Alcidiana that the fortune of armes having confirmed the sentence of death she hath pronounced against me I will not faile to execute it my selfe If I toke time to doe this execution t is for no other cause but to serve her in that person which of all the world should be most deare unto her and to undergoe the longer time the pennance for my offence committed in daring to adore her without being first worthy Phelismond replied Polexander if the greatnesse of your courage were not knowne to me as it is I should hardly suffer a discourse that wrongs the wonderfull actions of your life Live happily and doe not so great an injury to our great Princesse judgement as not to expect from it a recompence proportionable to your deserts Hitherto you have not beene so well treated only because you were not knowne But when Alcidiana shall understand what Phelismond is and heare it even from the mouthes of such whom she cannot suspect assure your selfe she will change her opinion Grant me then the request I am to make you before your seperation and t is that you intend you recovery and be not transported to any dispaire till you have received a new command from Alcidiana it you doe otherwise I denounce on her behalfe you shall not only offend her virtue but demonstrated by your owne disobedience you never truely loved her To how many new Tortures answered Phelismond doth your request ingage me But I refuse nothing said he raising his voice since t is for the honour of Alcidiana and the increase of her renowne Yes you most generous man on earth I will punctually observe what you pââ¦escribe me Yet if you please it shall be on condition that I may enjoy your company yet for three dayes Polexander granted it and unable to be wearied in the admiration of his valour continued with him the time he desired During which they almost spoke of nothââ¦ng but the virtue and beauty of Alcidiana of the impossibillity of getting to her Island and the number of Lovers her pictures had acquired her in all parts of the world This intertaining had not ceased but that by the King of Denmarkes presence it was often interrupted At last the three dayes being expired the businesse was of taking of leave Phelismond though exââ¦reamely weake went out of his chamber to doe his Rivall the more honour and wished a happy succeââ¦e as well to his love as in his voyage The King came betwixt this Farwell and shewing a great deale of griefe for the departure of his second Pââ¦elismond for so he called Polexander promised to preserve preciously in his memory the voyage he had made into Denmarke but principally because of his happy successe This said the three Pââ¦inces made mutuall promises and reciprocall presents and the two Danes accompanied the Canarian to his ship The Pilot unwilling to lose a North winde that was so good for him left the Coast of Zeland and in a little time got into the Germane Sea The End of the fourth Booke of the Second Part. THE SECOND PART OF POLEXANDER The fifth Booke OUR Heroe over-joyed at his happy fullfilling of Alcidiana's command sayl'd through the vast extention of the Germane sea and driven by a winde which Love seemed to fanne with his owne wings forsook the unhappy climates of the North to returne to the delicious countries of the South and seeing himselfe so much smil'd on by Fortune he conceived no thing lesse then the infallible hope of quickly finding the inaccessible Island and in his complacency with himselfe durst even promise to him the possession of Alcidiana This contentment though imaginary too pleasingly deceiv'd him for not incensing the Demon which had resolved to crosse all his happiness Hee was therefore troubled from the first daies of his navigation for as he entred the Sleeve which separates France from England hee was like to have been lost by meeting with an adventure extreamly tragicall A contrary winde stopping him right against Calice he was forced to aleere up and down a whole night to avoid his returning back againe As hee was in this troublesome exercise a ship driven by the fury of the winde strook against his yet so fortunatly as hee received no other hurt then the bruising the side of his ship This shock awaking the most sleepy made all think on more then was betided Polexander would needs know who 't was that so secretly assayl'd him and therefore commanded his Pilot to make after At day-break they descryed the adverse ship and presently came up and laid her aboard Our Heroë was the first that leapt into her but hee was amazed when he saw nought there but an horrible solitude Never was there presented on the sea though it be the theater of prodigies and novelties any thing so
staine you have thrown on the house of your King We dare die said those unfortunate illustrious Gentlemen but we protest to you for the discharge of our consciences that if the intention be not a crime worthy of death we shall die innocents The most condemnable Prince having lost all humanity with his reason and being truly possest with the Devill of blood and fury which serv'd for a soule to his mother hastily resolv'd the death of those young Lords and brutishly had them ponyarded by foure Irish men After this execution done he would have gone to the innocent Eolinda's chamber either to have cut her throat or done her some other bloody indignity but as he was in a place of the staires whence you might see Eolinda's chamber doore he heard somebody call him by his name and forbad him to goe further He cast up his eyes and saw in the doore of that chamber a young English Gentleman of his houshold who with his sword and pistoll in hand threatned him to throw by all respect if he came any neerer The Prince ask'd him the cause of his extravagancy Aske me rather repli'd the generous Englishman the cause of my just resentment and I will tell thee blind and enraged Prince that I am here to protect as farre as my life can the innocent Eolinda against the persecutions of thy wicked mother The Prince threatned to have him punished according to his desert and commanded two of his murderers to seize on him A great Irish villain stept forth with a partisan in his hand but when he came within a few paces of Eolinda's generous defender two pistoll bullets stopt his journey and roul'd him to the bottome of the staires His fellow beleeving that the brave Englishman had no more fiery weapons furiously came up towards him with an intent to strike him through with his halberd but he had not time to perform that brave thrust for he received a like chastisement with his companion for the like offence committed They perceiv'd then the valiant English man had forgotten nothing of what was necessary for his long defence Indeed he had yet three pistolls charged and was so advantageously placed by reason of the thicknesse of the wall that he could not be set on but before The Prince would have obliged the two other Irish men to revenge the death of their companions but they would doe nothing unlesse they had peeces They therefore brought them two long fowling peeces and the villaines discharg'd them both on Eolinda's courageous martyr O heaven quoth hee feeling himselfe shot in so many places receive my soul and my life which I have freely expos'd for the defence of vertue and with those words fell downe dead yet for all that remained vanquisher For the unhappy Prince having had leisure to bethink him of the execrable murder he would have committed or else with-held by the last words of the heroicall English man return'd from whence hee came and told his cruell mother he would never kill one whom he had so much affected The damnable hagge after she had some time grumbled told him he worthily deserv'd his dishonour since he took pleasure in preserving the cause of it The Prince offended with this reply entred the great hall of his Palace and the first that came before him was the execrable Lycambus who very likely came to demand the reward for his treason And art thou there then thou infamous and perfidious slave by whose assistance I have lost mine honour and comfort The miserable Scot cast himself at his feet and the Prince taking him by his long haire dragg'd him about a great while and then with a broÌad sword that he had stroke his head from his shoulders The traytor to save his life would have accused the old Dutchesse but before he could speak a word there was neither speech nor life in him The Prince then called for Pantaira but she was so close hidden that it was impossible to meet with her His mother seeing him in such a fury ask'd him if he could not distinguish between the guilty and the innocent You should discharge your choler said she on that lascivious French woman and not on those wretches who durst not disobey her Never doubt it said he Eolinda shall have her punishment with the rest but it shall be so that no one whosoever of mine shall besmeare their hands in the blood of that miserable woman Presently his wit furnishing him with a new kind of punishment he commanded that barque to be made ready wherein you saw the innocent Eolinda die and cutting off the two Earles heads and that of the charitable English man made them to be nayl'd with the other of Lycambus in that manner as you saw them Then went he into Eolinda's chamber and though she fell into a swound at his entrance yet he caus'd her to be carried into the vessell and set her in the same posture you found her That done he commanded all his followers out of the barque the sayles being all hoys'd and tow'd her into the open sea by two shalops and then abandon'd her to the mercy of the winds See a great many tragicall events yet am I not at the end of all for scarce was the Prince got up againe into his chamber when Pantaira it may be repenting she had been the cause of so many murders came to him and beseeching him to heare her confess'd that neither Lycambus nor her self had done any thing but by the command of his mother Protested boldly that Eolinda never knew ought of their practices nor done any thing misbeseeming the vertue and honour of a most chast Lady That shee had never seen but in publick any of the two Earles and that the letters which were found in her cabinet had been conveigh'd thither without her knowledge and that she had never seen them She had told more but that the old Dutchesse flew on her and in the fury she was would have strangled her if she had not been taken out of her hands The Prince in the meane while filled with horrour at what he had heard reflecting presently into himself What hast thou done cri'd he unnaturall mother I now doubt no more Eolinda is innocent and with those words fell into a swound and had not I borne a part of his fall he had infallibly broken his head against the floore of his chamber We laid him on his bed and whilst his faithfull servants bewail'd his misfortunes and strove to recover him from his fainting his wicked mother caus'd Pantaira to be strangled and sent to make ready a ship of warre which lay in the rode with a secret order to her most Confidents to make after Eolinda and to throw her into the sea All this could not be done presently In the meane time the Prince recover'd his spirits and spying me at the head of his bed Altoph said he if my faults have not taken from thee that amity thou hast
must quit the ship or resolve to dye She said she was prepared for whatsoever might happen and that having lost the love of her parents and the hope of revisiting them she could not be more pleased then to see her selfe at the point of getting out of all her miseries Neverthelesse said she I will not disobey the gods and am content to live if they have not decreed I shall yet dye The Pilot took her in his armes and letting her downe into the boate call'd thither too Mexiqua and my selfe We had no sooner placed our selves but a gust of winde broke the rope which held the Shallop to the Ship and carried us furiously through the waves We were as it were dead till our boate meeting with a bank of sand which made part of a little Island slid on so happily for us that it stuck fast without breaking The couragious Mexiqua lost not her judgement in that extremity She knew the water must be low in that place and on that knowledge judged that at the ebbe we might very easily get them on shore Comming then to the constant Izatida she told her what she conjectured and besought her not to be quell'd by this last dysaster Is it possible replied the Princesse that Death will not yet give us that rest which is so necessary for us Mexiqua's words taking off from me halfe my feare and those of Izatida making me reflect on the strange adversities we underwent through the barbarousnesse of Montezuma and Hismalita O yee too rigorous gods said I aloud cruell father unnaturall mother what hath this innocent Lady committed that makes her the object of your indignation Izatida would not suffer me to say more Hold thy peace wretch said she Is this the respect thou bearest to those without whom I had not beene in the world Know t is an addition to my griefes to offend those who are the causers of them After those few words she held her peace and kept more then ever a profound silence which she broke not but when she was compelled For my selfe I could not looke on her without almost running desperate I told Mexiqua I would walke into the Island to see whether it were inhabited or desert Mexiqua was of my opinion and assoone as the sea was fully out she took Izatida on her shoulders and carried her a shore I got thither assoone as she and without any delay began my resolved journey I had not gone two or three hundred paces but I perceived some little hils at whose feet there was a wood I thought I might finde some house thereabouts but there was none The place yet was very fit to be inhabited for there were cleere fountaines of fresh water treesloaden with fruit and an incredible number of birds I pursued my way and went round about the Island yet found no habitation nor any signe there had beene any I returned to the place where I had left my faire Mistris and describing to her the place which I thought most fitting for her retreate got her resolution to go thither She laid one hand on my shoulder gave Mexiqua the other and in that manner let us leade her to the place of her future abiding Mexiqua was overjoyed with the delightfull diversities of our solitude and to divert Izatida told her that Fortune was infallibly surprised and that she knew not the beauty of the place where she had throwne her If possible replied the Princesse let us obtaine by our prayers that she never get out of that Ignorance to the end she may let us dye in peace and not envy us any more the comfort of a grave Assoone as we were come into the wood Mexiqua and I sought out a tuft of trees that might be sufficiently thick to shelter Izatida from the extreme cold of the nights those diverse discommodities which in so little a time we had undergone under that inconstant Climat We found a better then we looked for For at one corner of the wood there were eight or ten big trees of one same kinde which were hollow and within each of which two persons might lye at their ease We chose three of the greatest one for Izatida another for her Governesse and a third for me In lesse then eight dayes we were so well accommodated in that place that if the remembrance of you and the Princesses blindnesse had not troubled our tranquillity we had confessed our selves beholding to Fortunes cruelty and the fury of Hismalita There passed not a day but I went a birding or fishing and to do the latter with more ease I went into our sliden Shallop I tooke no heed how by little and little the Sea had gotten it off from the sands and drawne it farre more distant from the shore then it was when we were shipwracked One day being gotten into it before the tide came in I fell so fast asleep that I awaked not but at the tossing of the boate and then I found my selfe out in open Sea Imagine if you please what my feare and griefe was Truly they were so excessive that I cannot expresse them to you A thousand times did I bid farewell to my faire Mistris and making no doubt of my death prepar'd my selfe for it with all the constancy so little a soule as mine is can containe But death asham'd to have ought to doe with so weake an Enemy turned her weapons against such as were more hard to be overcome For when the Sun was almost ready to set I descried courteous Alcippus his ship I made signes to them and they came and relieved me but imperfectly for they could neither understand my language nor my signes and that was the cause why in stead of recarrying me to Izatida's Island they have brought me hither into this That which remaines for me to say to you Zelmatida is that you will obtaine from Alcippus some one of his servants to bring you to the place they found me I know well enough from thence to guide you to my faire Princesse But hap what hap may hazard that voyage and since you are so much oblieged to her affection either lose your selfe absolutely or endeavour to restore her to her former content Doubt not of it Galtazis said Zelmatida sighing I will follow thy advice and desire to be held for a trayt our and coward if in spight of all the obstacles and forces of Mexico I see not restored to the throne that divine Princesse who is unfortunate and miserable onely because she would hinder my being so After he had taken this generous resolution he turned to Polexander and imbracing him Let me owe my life said he to him to whom I owe my liberty and after so many different obligations let me have one which I will esteeme beyond all the other and t is Polexander that you will give me leave to be gone and bestow on me Alcippus ship and Pilot. Do what you please replied Polexander and dispose absolutely of
of his labours went on shore and commanded Alcippus and Diceus to follow him Assoone as he was landed he lay downe on the grasse to refresh himself but persecuted by his secret disquiets he arose sighing and began to walke in a way much beaten After he had gone some five or six hundred paces he saw a great wood and at the entrance into it many little houses He shewed them to Alcippus and Diceus and contrary to his custome seeming very curious Let 's go see said he on what place the storme hath thrown us And with that went towards the Cottages and as he came neerer to them descried such things as are not seene in the habitations of Fishermen nor other the like Islanders Though they were but of wood earth and thatch yet were they all of one Symmetry and disposed in such order that they were joyn'd together by very thick and high inclosures He came to the Gate and finding it open entred into a court not much unlike a cloyster of the Carthusians After he had a while consider'd the place and saw no body comming or going he was afraid to disturbe by his presence the quiet of those that dwelt there This made him resolve to retire but on the instant he was staid by the plaints and sighs of a personage he saw not He therefore drew neere as softly as he could to the place whence they came and beckning to Alcippus and Diceus to be attentive plac'd himselfe on the side of the third cottage doore The party that lamented was within it and made knowne the height of her affliction by the vehemency of her sighes At last she betooke her again to her speech which her sobbings had interrupted and with a voice powerfull enough to vanquish inhumanity it self spake thus I see well that in changing of place I have not chang'd my fortune and in carrying alwayes with me the unhappy affection which is the sole cause of all my miseries it happens to me as to those unpatient sick who think to recover their healths in forsaking the places where they lost it Ah incomprehensible wisdome which dost all things for the best I do not complaine either of the weakenesse or other infirmities of our Sex I admire the order of thy Justice in my owne calamity and beleeve it is not without some mystery that after thy causing us to be borne without defence thou exposest us to those irreconcileable enemies called men But why permittest thou that our eyes our hearts and our own reason should arme themselves against us and give us over will we nill we to the mercy of those monsters Why finde we allurements in our tormentors Why sweetnesse in our tyrants and in lieu of neglecting them even when they love us why doe we love them when they most despise us And thou too amiable Po ha what was I like to say I had almost named the cruell one that kils me and thou I say insensible Prince why seest thou not me in the extremity whereto thou hast brought me But for what new punishment return'st thou into my thoughts O get thee get thee from that place which is filled with nought but the markes of thy ingratitude and be not so barbarous to stay and gaze on those tortures which by thy meanes are inflicted on an innocent Lady Her teares and sighes gave a period to her complaints and encreasing Polexanders curiosity forc'd him to open the cottage doore He there saw a Lady laid on the earth upholding her head with one hand and wiping her teares off with the other She appeared to him so faire in the midst of her sorrowes that he confessed her beauty was farre more then her sadnesse The desolate faire one no sooner saw him but she gave an extraordinary shrieke and shut againe her doore without speaking a word Polexander amaz'd at the Ladies astonishment excus'd himselfe to her but saw her not and fearing to displease her went to another Cell He found the doore of it open he knock'd he call'd and for feare of committing another error expected when some one would answer him But 't was all in vaine no body came and had he not taken on a resolution to enter without leave he might have stood there till night He made signe to his Squire and Diceus to follow him and entered into a hall which had nothing of the austerity of an Hermitage The seeling was painted black and on the black there were fires quenched with teares Love-knots cut by Sythes wings broken mirrors shatter'd and among so many signes of despaire there were seene little Anchors which seem'd to say that the misfortunes describ'd in those Devises would one day have an end Polexander dwelt not long on them beeing woo'd thence by other paintings which fill'd all the one side of the hall He stood so much surpris'd nay truly so much astonish'd when he had well considered them that being not able to speake he took Alcippus by the arme and shewed him with his finger the causes of his wonder The Tables were all hung of one height yet some were longer then others The first in ranke was the portract of a Prince who by his smoaky colour by his curled haire by the littlenesse of his eyes and the disproportioned features of his face made them censure how sensuall he was and how inconstant aswell in his love as hatred Polexander knew him by his Inscription ZABAIM KING OF SENEGA OF GUINEA AND OF ALL THE LANDS WASH'D BY THE RIVER NIGER The second Table which was one of the longest represented an Amphitheater on whose degrees there were a great number of Spectators At one of the ends was pictured a Knight who held his sword to the throat of a man who seemed to be drowned in his bloud and at the other end the same Knight was represented betweene two Lions strucken through with many wounds and laid dead on the sand Above this Table were these words THE COMBAT OF ZABAIM FOR THE INFORTUNATE ALMANZAIRA The third Table was as the first and shew'd the picture of a Lady very sad and beautifull Polexander could not know her because there was no Inscription Underneath these three Tables were foure more of which the first was the second of the longest On that was seene a great assembly of all kinde of people and in the midst of them a Prince and Princesse holding hands The two next Tables were square and the principall causes of Polexanders astonishment The first shew'd a young Turk above him was writ BAJAZET and underneath these letters C. L. U. A. P. D. S. Our Heroe look'd earnestly on that Bajazet knew him for the same that was Captaine of the Pirates of the Ocean and did all he could to compose words from the seven letters which he thought to have some mystery in them But that which amaz'd him more was to see the picture of his brother next to the Turkes and the more he would doubt of it the more was he
he was borne for the ruine and extirpation of Monsters I in that adventure followed him but was so unfortunate as to be taken by the Portugals and carried prisoner into Gama's ship I offred him gold and pearles for my ransome and even told him I was Abrinzia's brother and omitted nothing of what might make him capable of a resolution to set me at liberty But the losse of his best Souldiers and the dishonor to be beaten back againe to shipping by Almanzor working him to a revenge made him inexorable The night after his defeate he weigh'd Anchor and unmov'd by my teares and supplications carried me into Spaine and presented me to the King his Master for Abrinzia's brother Those three yeares I passed in that servitude hindred me from being a spectator of Almanzor's great adventures But heaven infallibly permitted it for some good and if I deceive not my selfe to the end my Prince living unknowne to himselfe as well as to his Enemies might retard their ruine without taking paines for his owne Know then after he had repuls'd the Portugals and seene their ships farre from the coasts of Benin he muster'd his men but finding me wanting he was so afflicted and witnessed such resentments as I shall never recompence by any service or the losse of my life A hundred times exclaim'd he on his fortune cast his armes away and running where the slaughter had beene greatest searched all the dead to see whether I were of their number But not finding me he ran to the Sea and his griefe transporting him Theeves and villaines cried he to the Portugals give me back Almaid and if your avarice cannot be satisfied by an ordinary ransome I engage my selfe to conquer for you all the golden countrey for the liberty of my second father But in uneffectuall petitions I lose that time which I should imploy for Almaids redemption Therewithall he sent a servant of his to Abrinzias to advertise him of my losse and to beseech him humbly he would be pleased to command the Royall vessell to be made ready and arm'd to pursue those who had carried me away prisoner That ship was carefully kept in the River of Benin and as a thing consecrated to their Deity was not us'd but to saile some dayes in the yeare to carry those offerings which the Crowne of Benin owed to the great Temple of Congo Almanzor went to the Captaine of that ship and perswading him that the succouring of the miserable and giving liberty to those which had lost it was a pleasing Offering to heaven obliged him to arme his vessell and keepe it ready to weigh Anchor assoone as the Kings permission came to him The very same day leave came and though Abrinzias writ to Almanzor not to hazard himselfe in that voyage yet he imbark'd himselfe and followed the Portugals His ship being not so good a sayler nor so well governed as those he chased could never fetch them up But on the contrary in the first tempest being forsaken by the Pilot he was eight or ten dayes at the mercy of the Sea and at last ran on a bank on a coast farre distant from that of Benin Almanzor saved himselfe in a little boate that was in the ship and armed with his usuall armour landed on that unknowne shore No sooner was he on land but he saw himselfe environed with many armed men who infallibly taking him for another cast themselves at his feet and shew'd by their clapping of hands and their shouts they were exceedingly delighted The most apparent of the Troupe standing a while as ravish'd with admiration or joy Welcome said he O most happily return'd is this worthy Prince which was borne for the safety of Nations for the destruction of Tyrants and the protection of the afflicted O my deare Country dry thy teares revive thy hopes acknowledge thy happinesse behold thy tutesar Angel and come meet this powerfull defender who is going to pluck thy Princes out of Captivity and breake the chaines of their servitude Almanzor was much surpris'd with this mans acclamations and to know the cause of it would not take him out of that error On the contrary he entreated him to relate what had hapned who were the enemies he was to fight with and what was become of those should defend them Great Prince replied the man I should be too tedious if I recounted to you all the miseries that have betided us since your absence Know that the untameable King of Tombut the furious tyrant of Temian and the hardy Prince of Agadez renewing the wars they had other times begun out of meere ambition and yet under pretext of avenging our first Queene came thundring on this Kingdome with a powerfull Army and to make the people revolt publish'd all about that the King by the advice of the Queen now reigning had caus'd his first wife to be poysoned and poniarded his Son My King who without flattery hath all the qualities of a great Prince did what he could to repell force by force but seeing himselfe forsaken by most of his Subjects he was constrain'd to shut himselfe up in a strong place he hath on the River of Senega and to expect there the aide was coming to him from Melley and Guinea That succour was vainely look'd for for the Kings fault which grew not out of mens memories and his second marriage which was contracted by a murther and a sacriledge were the reasons why no body would take Armes for our defence The King seeing himselfe out of hope to be relieved resolved to dye like a man of valour He made a salley on his enemies but after he had lost many of his people and received divers great wounds he was taken and ignominiously led before the King of Tombut Zelopa so is our Queen called advertis'd of that mischance did not what another wife would have done She had no recourse to teares and cryes but got out of her Palace with a manlike heart and taking the place of the King her husband made a speech to the people and souldiers and wonne them to a defence even till death The Enemy in the meane time sent her a Herauld and word that if within eight dayes she resolv'd not to render her selfe to their discretion they would cut off the Kings head Those eight dayes expire to morrow Judge my Lord if hitherto we have not had great cause of affliction and seeing you return'd whether we have not more reason to rejoyce The man thus ending his discourse besought Almanzor to take some course instantly for the safty of his father and mother Almanzor somewhat troubled with the novelty of this adventure knew not what to resolve but his innate generosity dissipating all those cloudy made him see how honourable this occasion might be to him and the interest he had not to disbeguile those who tooke him for what he was not He resolv'd therefore to assist the imprisoned King and the afflicted Lady and intimating so
they arriv'd where Zabaim was on the very point he was about to give battle They did that day incredible things and Almanzor according to his happy fare came to assist the King when hee was like to be slaine Zabaim got the victory but he was so wounded as hee was faine to be carried out of the Field In all likelihood the joy for the victory and the good successe of businesse should have beene excellent balme to have cured that Prince's wounds but it happen'd that his suffering himselfe to be transported with paine melancholy and impatiency they contested with the Physicians and Chirurgions art and the vertue of their remedies his wounds were invenomed by the troubles of his mind and grew so worse and worse that it behoov'd them to carry him farre from the noise of the Army to avoyde a greater mischance he was brought to the Palace of the ancient Kings of Guinea which is built at the bottome of the Straights of Camboës and for feare lest in his absence the Rebells might make head againe he appointed Almanzor in his place and gave him all the Command he had over his Troopes Almanzor made so good use of his authority and by the miracles of his valour so much terrified the enemy that in lesse then six moneths all Guinea was reconquered and the name of Zabaim more beloved or at least more feared then it had been after his first Conquest Almanzor loaden with palmes and honour left his Army with the King of Tombut and came to Zabaim he was almost cured but his melancholy and griefe were not yet suppressed Long time he embraced Almanzor and a hundred times call'd him his Son and Protector but though in outward shew he witnessed an extreame joy yet he could not bridle his affliction nor dissemble the griefe that overcame him Almanzor tooke notice of it and being once in private with him besought to make knowne whence proceeded that anxiety and discontent which he strove to conceale from him I wish answered Zabaim you had never beene at Morocco I foresee such misfortunes as I shall be extreame sensible of and are already so much the more insupportable to mee since all my foresight can afford no remedy with that he sighed and the feare of what might betide so vively touched him that he could not goe on with his discourse Almanzor who lov'd that Prince no lesse then him of Benin fell at his feet and intreated him to discover the cause of his sorrow But Sir said hee doe not beleeve I make this Petition to satisfie my curiosity No 't is to offer you all you can expect from a Sonne leave not then your making use of my service dispose of my armes and life if either the one or the other can any wayes redresse your afflictions and give mee not cause by your refusall to beleeve that absence and time have lessened your affection Zabaim after long consultation with himselfe resolv'd to satisfie Almanzor Know said he sighing 't is your consideration afflicts me and not mine owne I feare the danger whereto I my selfe must expose you not that I doubt your valour or have lost the remembrance of those brave acts you have lately performed 't is my love that cannot suffer you to hazard your life againe hitherto I have given you over freely to your valour and the darts of my enemies but doe you know why 'T was because my fortune was more deare to me then your preservation but now since all my Crownes nay not my life is nothing so deare to me compar'd with you I wish you without courage I hate warre I detest all quarrells and in a word I feare all occasions wherein honour might ingage you Almanzor containing himselfe in the modesty of a man who hath no great opinion of himselfe Sir said he to the King if the love you beare mee disquiet you I beseech you let the same affection free you of that trouble I desire to be belov'd of you but 't is fit if you please that your love be peacefull that it be just and that it leave all timidities frailties and vexations to the passions of that Sex which is compos'd of nothing but feare weaknesse and perturbation it selfe Tell mee therefore what I have to doe and what terrible enemy it is that awakeneth your feare for me Zabaim beleeving he should wrong Almanzors courage to persevere in his doubt Know said he that Alcidiana's beauty hath gotten you the hatred of the Prince of Fez he beleeves you pretend to her favour and since you parted from Morocco his jealousie hath hurried him through all Africa to finde you he hath beene at the Canaries he hath run through all the Countries of Tombut of Meda and Senega at last and within these two dayes he is come hither with a resolution rather to expect you here yet six moneths then to lose the occasion of meeting with you he is very valiant but he is no lesse proud The greatnesse of his birth and the combates hee hath sought have given him so insolent an opinion of himselfe as he imagines he is the terrour of all other Princes I vow to you that my greatest griefe is not for seeing you engag'd in a combate which questionlesse will be very furious but I sorrow for your being here since your friends would have taken your place and made knowne to your Rival that there needs not a valour so great as yours to humble his pride Almanzor concealing from Zabaim the advantage he had had over the Prince of Fez I am sorry said hee that amorous Prince is become so jealous of a man that intends not to crosse his affection not that I am ignorant of the incomparable merit of a Princesse whose Fame flies through all Lands I admire her vertues I finde her worthy the vowes of all hearts which are capable of love but I am not a man of sufficient merit to pretend to the honour of serving her This verity Sir is but for our particular satisfaction if you love me conceale it for you know well it toucheth my reputation to publish it let the jealous Abdelmelec therefore doe what he pleaseth I have neither excuse nor justification for him but repli'd Zabaim that which most troubles me in this businesse is that you must necessarily see him for I cannot in civility chuse but lodge him in the palace and entertaine him as a Prince my Ally Almanzor would have rectifi'd some of these sleight difficulties when Abdelmelec who may be had heard of his arrivall came to Zabaim the fire sparkled from his eyes and witnessing by his gate as well as countenance how farre hee was distracted from himselfe I understand said he to the King that he who boasts he gave me my life is with you the impatiency I am in to maintaine with my sword that hely'd would not suffer mee to stay any longer from knowing the truth of it Zabaim told him Almanzor was arriv'd and strove by his speeches
to bridle the mad man But Abdelmelec letting himselfe loose to his naturall impetuosity and presently knowing his vanquisher came up to him with an insupportable insolency and told him without deigning to looke on him that hee could not hide himselfe so close but he had at last found him out Zabaim would have answered willingly to those audacious words but Almanzor approaching Abdelmelec with a temper that witnessed the power of his soule I am sorry said he for putting you to so much pains had I knowne your minde you should sooner have had satisfaction This answer infallibly asswaging the Barbarians fury he changed both his action and voice and as if hee would have capitulated the businesse by an explanation instead of coming to handy-stroaks No man said he to Almanzor shall ever undertake to wrong me but hee shall repent his undervaluing my courage or my friendship I have alwayes esteem'd them both repli'd Almanzor but you have not made so long a journey to be contented with words I will not therefore goe about to excuse my former actions Abdelmelec seeing himselfe not where he thought put on againe his haughty lookes and the former tone of his voice and eying Almanzor with an insupportable contempt It seemes said he you would prevent the Challenge I come to make you certainely in that you give me more cause to pity you then to be offended Yes Sir you shall give me other satisfaction then by words and ere foure and twenty houres be past I will make you feele that I know how to confound the ridiculous dexterity of breaking a Lance. We shall see what you say repli'd Almanzor and I shall be glad to take forth lessons under so excellent a Master in the meane time if you please let 's leave this discourse which cannot but be irksome to Zabaim and forget our difference till we be in case to decide it Zabaim who thought it fit not to interrupt them began to speake when he perceiv'd Almanzor would change discourse and addressing him to the Prince of Fez You are very generous said he to beare so much love to a personage who glory 's to be insensible and by a title as proud as redoubtfull calls her selfe the irreconcilable enemy of mankinde The faire Alcidiana repli'd Abdelmelec is just in her mislike with all men of whom hath she ever heard spoken that hath not deserv'd her contempt or hatred Certainly though the publike report which is alwayes the report of fooles hath plac'd some even among the gods yet it is most true there is none that is worthy of Alcidiana Such a one hath the repute of valiant who may be daily accuseth himselfe for the contrary and that 't is but artificiall Another seemes magnificent whose conscience upbraides him with many secret basenesses A third is profuse and makes shew of extraordinary liberalities yet a hidden avarice gnaws out his heart in a word Men are publike cheaters and this age in particular brings forth almost no others and this being true I leave it to your consideration to thinke whether Alcidiana be not exceedingly judicious in publishing her hatred to them and for remaining in a place not to be infected by the arrivall of such monsters But said Almanzor to him if wee are all so imperfect if wee are all such monsters as Alcidiana cannot abide can there bee found any man so idle as to thinke himselfe exempted from that generall imperfection and that he alone enjoyes such parts as are not to be found againe in the whole race of men besides Abdelmelec who looked not on Almanzor but asmew with one corner of his eye 'T is for your selfe said he to resolve the question you make us I have long since answered to it for as much as concernes me repli'd Almanzor but I would very faine know your opinion and learne where that Phoenix is which deserves to be burnt by so faire a Sun Almanzor could not so well containe himselfe but that by his action he made knowne that he jeer'd at Abdelmelec's vanity That Prince as quicke of apprehension as full of pride perceiv'd his pretended Rivall's gybing and the fire flying into his face The resolution we have taken said he stayes my just anger and retards the chastisement your indiscretion merits Goe young man added he shaking his head goe make ready your armes and renounce in time the insolence which dazles you if with the enjoying of Alcidiana's favour you will not likewise lose so many yeares you have yet to live Almanzor was no way mov'd with all those indiscreet words but keeping him still in his merry humour You wish me too much ill said he to the Prince of Fez to follow your counsell therefore be you not displeased if I give no heed to it and deferre your imposing such shamefull necessities upon me till you have overcome me Zabaim not being able any longer to endure Abdelmelec's violent passion broke off their conversation and excusing himself on his troubles gave civilly a Congey to the Moorish Prince Night straight came on and Almanzor retyr'd betimes not to be the last in bed At day-breake he arose and consecrating his first actions to that Bounty from whence he had his being strength and courage prepar'd himselfe to satisfie the jealous Abdelmelec The time of Combate being come Zabaim who was ingaged to renounce all his inclinations to take on him the indifferency of an Arbitrator came into a place appointed for all Shewes and Exercises Assoone as he was set Almanzor appear'd on the one side and Abdelmelec on the other They divided the Winde and the Sunne equally betwixt them and presently the Trumpets signifi'd to them they were at liberty to doe what they would I will not lose time in relating to you how these Combatants were arm'd what their Devises were what their Horses and how the rest of their equipage I will onely let you know Abdelmelec carried on his Buckler the picture of Alcidiana and was so unfortunate that with the first blow Almanzor cut it in two pieces That stroake was not to be spoken on but for the extreame griefe Abdelmelec conceiv'd at it hee accus'd heaven for his ill fortune and in lieu of complaining for his want of addresse he accus'd the Sunne of choler and jealousie Almanzor who accompted for extravagances all the transports which proceeded of Love laugh'd at his enemy and to mad him indeed told him if he could keep the Originall no betterahen he had done the Copy he thought him one of the miserablest Lovers in the world The Prince of Fez stung with his losse and the others words repli'd not but thrusting his Horse on Almanzor's made knowne by his valour that his pride and ambition were not absolutely unjust The Combate lasted above two houres without any perceivance to whom the Victory would incline but a little after Fortune declar'd her selfe for Almanzor He pursued his Enemy so hard with blowes that he fell'd him under his horses feet and
that I never aspir'd to your Crowne whence is it then you make to me pardon me if I say so unjust propositions For it seemes you offer me your Crowne but to bridle and chaine in my fury and so take away the cause of my attempting against your life That which I owe you the care you have taken for my breeding and the love you have alway shown me are such strong bonds that they are capable to regulate a nature more ingratefull and ambitious then mine If you please Sir to honour me with your love cast that designe from your fancy or permit me to punish my selfe for being the cause of it and avenge you of a monster that could not glut his appetite bââ¦t by devouring his owne benefactors Abrinzias and Andromeda hearing how Almanzor interpreted their thoughts or rather admiring his incomparable vertue imbrac'd him one after another and told him that the knowledge they had of his good nature and not the feare either of losing or ill treatment from him had made ââ¦hem resolve to quit the Throne to place him in it with his brother Perseus Perseus repli'd Almanzor hath right to it alone when heaven for his punishment shall deprive him of you At those words Andromeda could not refraine from teares and casting her self on Almanzors neck Why Cry'd she hath not that just heaven permitted Perseus to cal himselfe rightly Almanzors brother These words were follow'd by many others but I omit them as ââ¦oo tedious and unnecessary for your satisfaction and will onely let you know that this interparlance or some other cause which Almanzor would never discover cast him into so deep a melancholy as he hated himselfe for it and yet could not for his heart suppresse it He forsooke the Court and all company and spent whole dayes either iâ⦠the Desarts or on the Sea shore This strange kind of life made the King and Queene of Benin feare some new disaster and their affection perswaded them that his pensivenesse presaged some dangerous sicknesse Hydaspes who almost never forsooke the Prince was the first that tooke notice of his alteration he did what he could to divert him but perceiving ordinary remedies were not powerfull enough to extirpate so extraordinary a distemper he had recourse to more violent Finding therefore one day Almanzor weeping With what Justice said he to him dares a Prince so wise in counsââ¦ll so valiant in execution and so happy in the successe complaine either of heaven of fortune or himselfe What will not your enemies say Almanzor if your discontent comek to their eares Will they not have cause to make the world beleeve that you see with griefe the age of the King your Father that you meditate some plot against Perseus and in briefe that you are tortur'd either by some crimes you have committed or by those you have a desire to perpetrate Almanzor was very sensible of those last words and imagining that some other might have Hydaspes thoughts intended to overcome his melancholy and to seeke in the toyles of war that quiet which he could not meet withall among the delights of peace Almaid here staying as to take breath Polexââ¦nder who had a desire to speake turn'd towards the vertuous Almanzaira and shewing to her into what admiration the adventures and vertues of her Son had drawne him collected in briefe all the points of Almaids relation That done he discours'd much with the Princesse and remonstrated that all the misfortunes of her life had nothing in them so mortall but that she might finde their remedy in the birth of Almanzor That good Mother fail'd not to confirme Polexander's words and confess'd to him that if Zabaim and Almanzor could be preserv'd to her she would account her selfe infinitely obliged to that Goodnesse which had made her the wife and mother of two so great Princes The end of the Second Booke of the third Part. THE THIRD PART OF POLEXANDER The Third Booke ALmaid seeing Almanzaira and Polexander whom he knew not seem'd by their silence to intreat from him the continuance of Almanzors adventures was willing to satisfie their curiosity and thus proceeded Hitherto we have been Spectators if I may say so of Almanzors glorious troubles and triumphs we must now be the same of his Weaknesses Discredit and Servitude He continued in that irksome Melancholy of which I have spoken and as if his ill Genius had in spight of himselfe thrust him on the precipice where he was to be ruin'd he went every morning out of the Palace to passe the most part of the day on the point of a rocke where he had for his prospect but an open desert of waters as vaste as his thoughts Hydaspes almost daily waited on him thither and knowing his Masters malady was a disease which came further then from the in temperance of bloud or of other humours strove to sweeten the bitternesses of that Prince and to prepare him for those accidents wherewith he was threatned by that supernaturall sicknesse One day as they were together on the top of their rocke and had their eyes fix'd on the Coasts of Guinea they saw a far off a ship which with a favourable wind came with full sailes sailing from the West Eastward They thought her at first to be a Portugall Almanzor whom I may call the best Master of the world at that instant thought on me and that remembrance drawing him from his melancholy It may possibly be Almaid said he to Hydaspes who after his long captivity hath found a meanes to returne to us Let us goe downe and see whether my conjecture be true or no with that he arose and shewing a joy beyond appearance Surely said he to Hydaspes this Vessell comes to us and brings great cause of comfort Alas how was that poore Prince deceiv'd if not in all at least in the principall part of his hopes For my selfe his expectation was not frustrated for I was in the ship which he looked on with so much joy but traytor and unfortunate that I am I brought with me bolts and chains under whose weight the courage of that Prince was to lie fainting I will no longer hold from you the successe of that adventure I came and cast anchor where Almanzor was and making my excesse of joy and actions of thankes to which the happy successe of my voyage obliged me to resound againe by many Cannon shot I lanch'd a Shalop and first went downe into her that none before me might kisse that Land which was as deare to me as my native soyle No sooner had I set foot on shore but Almanzor came to me presently knew me cast himselfe on my necke and weeping for joy My Father said he and have I then recovered you againe after so long time of your losse and hath that misericordious Goodnesse from whom I have so often petition'd you granted me even that for which I durst not supplicate You may well beleeve without my telling you that my
he had not wandered by Sea and land but to live in a dominion where a man might applaud vertue and condemne vice without feare of being persecuted That double felicity said he doe I finde in all places where you command You are no lesse good then powerfull and the good you doe is never the recompense of a servile flattery nor a criminall obsequiousnesse Almanzor interrupting Osmin Beware father said he lest in condemning flattery you become a flatterer The onely thing I can assure you is that I will doe my best endeavour to hinder all good men from becoming miserable With that he dismissed Osmin and promis'd him that very day he would go and confirme these veriââ¦ies to his wife and daughter Osmin being gone Almanzor tooke Hydaspes by the one hand and my selfe by the other and walking up and downe the chamber now cast his eyes upon the one and then on the other At last standing still What said he You doe not doubt now but that Axiamira is somewhat else then what she goes for Poore Osmin ââ¦ath unwittingly discover'd all and possest me with a desire of knowing by what cruelty of fortune that Princesse hath beene pluck'd from the armes of her parents Hydaspes spake first and made a long enumeration of many Princes who by divers accidents were falne into the like misfortune as Axiamira If I durst have spoken what I knew I could have confirm'd Hydaspes proofes by the very example of Almanzor but thinking it not fit to let him know who he was before I had confer'd with Abrinzias about it I advis'd him neither to believe nor disbelieve what he thought of Axiamira I have a businesse more important to make knowne to you said he 't is that I marke I know not what in this adventure which troubles me and makes me feare lest you fall not into the crimes but the weakenesses of Zabaim I see your spirit stir'd with certaine agitations with which it was not lately acquainted You have disquiets in your most pleasing recreations You sigh and laugh together You make them hold their peace which speake to you and you are silent when you are bound to answer In that little time I have had the honour to be neere you I have seene you put on all those different formes and even during Osmins relation you sometimes seem'd inflamed as if you had beene in the heate of a combat and then pale as ready to swound Scarce could you containe your selfe in one place and I saw you every moment ready to interrupt Osmin though you witnessed a great pleasure in hearing him May be my Lord you know not what malady t is which discovers it selfe by these strange symptomes T is love replied Almanzor sighing but a love so pure and perfect that I should be an enemy to vertue if I were asham'd to confesse it After that declaration he held his peace and I presently began to lay open to him how unworthy of him the subject of his love was Father said he after he had intreated me to be silent if Axiamira's excellent qualities receiv'd no wrong by your remonstrances I would indure you as farre as I have done Hydaspes and would not thinke it strange that you should treat me as one blinded unreasonable like another Zabaim in briefe as an effeminate man who for a sensuall pleasure contemnes all honour treads vertue under foote and renounceth his part in all that is excellent in the world But when I shall have given you freedome to throw all those injuries on me what thinke you will come of it Even nothing but that you will have confirm'd me in my resolution and gain'd to your selves a continuall repentance for opposing the innocence of my intentions Be better advis'd my friends and crosse me not since you have not done it hitherto in seeing me in the most dangerous occurrents but be witnesses how I demeane my selfe pry into my least actions and faile not to reprove me if you see me swerve into any thing unworthy By this speech Almanzor silencing us both made us to fall from one extreame into another and of his Censurers which we would have beene to become his Confidents This conversation once ended he went to the King and understood from a Courier sent to him from Zabaim that very shortly by a solemne Embassy he would not onely give him thanks for so many countries he owed to his valour but offer him a great part of it Almanzor almost insensible of those promises us'd Zabaims Posts very civilly in the presence of Abrinzias but in private he made knowne that his Master had offended him and so he was sent back with a letter which we were bound to approve after we had long debated and it was thus Perseus to Zabaim King of Senega JUstice commands me to write to you as to the most unworthy of all men But I know not what Law which I cannot read under forbids me the upbraiding your crimes and the violating that amity I have promis'd you Not because of your undeserving and that I am not oblig'd to hate my selfe for my capacity of loving you Some other then I would repeate and reproach you my deservings but since in all my actions I never propos'd any other end but honour I also never expected any other recompence Enjoy happily if the remorce of conscience will permit you to be happy Senega which I have preserv'd to you against the power of your enemies and Guinea which I have finally reconquered for you I repent not for all that you have done me the yeelding you so many proofes of my affection But hence forward I shall know how to make a better election and not hazard my life for such men who loving nothing but their pleasures and brutish desires glory in their breach of promise and legitimate affections Go not about by your excuses and artificiall reasons to justifie your violences Though Axiamira's beauty were powerfull enough to captivate your love the consideration of Perseus should have beene as prevalent to have hindred you from shewing it But honoured knight I have too much troubled you with affaires of State I returne to those of Love and let you know that Almanzor had no sooner dispatch'd Zabaims Messenger but he came to Axiamira's chamber He found her in her ordinary neglect and melancholy He came to her with a feare that is not to be believed and utterly losing the remembrance of all that he had premeditated to speake to her he was brought against his will to call for Osmin to him to recollect his wits by that diversion and finde some cause of talke When the old man was come he tooke him by the hand and addressing his Speech to him Have you said he intimated to this faire Lady my resentment of Zabaim's insolencies Axiamira staid not till her father had satisfied Almanzor's demand but turning to the Prince her eyes still cast downewards My Lord said she if you commiserate our afflictions doe
whether you thinke well on what you say and whether you be not more unjust then I to jeast so either with the gods or with a miserable maiden Almanzor blush'd as fire at Axiamira's reply and was about committing new impieties to justifie the former when Andromeda interrupted his designe and made him change his discourse for others lesse serious but withall more pleasant A few dayes after were seen some ships on the coast of Benin and upon the newes to Abrinzias Almanzor who would faiÌne doe somewhat of worth in the sight of Axiamira ask'd the Kings leave to goe and see what they were He had his request granted and was so happy in his voyage that he burnt two of the ships which he knew were Pirates and in spight of all the resistance of many determinate Souldiers brought two more away with him into the River of Benin But what a jealousie did this bold attempt throw on Fortune and how unhappy was that Prince for doing more then men should doe The very night after this audacious Enterprise the Pirates landed and not content with robbing the Countrey dar'd even set on the royall Palace Almanzor who well expected this revenge sallied on the Rovers and followed with all the bravest men about him drove them backe into their ships At his departure he left the Court much troubled and at his returne he found it in a generall desolation Osmin and his Lady tearing their haire and scratching their faces cast themselves at his feet when he entred the Palace and told him the Pirates had stolne away Axiamira At those words Almanzor strucken as with a thunder-bolt was like to have fallen downe dead so quick was his resentment of that lamentable accident O that I were but able to represent to you the excesse of his sorrow and relate his pitifull words by which he expressed a part of it I should inforce you to bewaile him and your generousnesse winning you to beare a part in his sufferings would make you as much afflicted as he was at that fatall instant After he had grieved even beyond what passion permits he took Osmin by the arme and commanding Hydaspes and my selfe to come neere I will said he have you two to be witnesses of the promise I make this good old man to the end that if I happen to faile in it he may use you against me and call you to avenge the wrong he shall receive by my faithlesnesse after hee had spoke thus to us hee turn'd him towards Osmin and lifting his eyes to the Moone which was then at full I sweare said he by this Starre which is no lesse venerable to me then the Sunne not to see againe the King or Queen not to set foot in my native Countrey and never to give rest to my minde not truce to my afflictions nor intermission to my journeying till I have restor'd to you that treasure I have made you lose I hope sooner or later to discover the forcible takers away of Iphidamanta and then woe shall betide him who hath had any hand in this attempt The power of the whole earth shall not protect them against my indignation What e're they be they shall fail under my vengefull arme and if Polexander himselfe had enterpris'd it he should have felt that a just sorrow can give to the most weake a strength sufficient to conquer the most invincible After this speech he tooke me by the hand and intreating me to yeeld him that proofe of my affection Almaid said he stay you here and intimate to the King the resolution I have taken I recommend not to him either Osmin or his Lady because he is none of those Princes whose languishing vertues require to be often solicited to keep them in agitation He had no sooner ended but he hastned with Hydaspes and his other servants to the place where the night before he had left his ships In the best of them he imbark'd and as if his eyes had been blindfolded as well as the god that led him to those high resolutions he cast him selfe into danger without taking notice of it and with one sole ship would have gone and assail'd the Pirates fleet Hydaspes as valiant or to say truer as rash as he is could not but be afraid of his Master's desperatenesse and loath to consent to his losse There is said he neither courage nor honour in aâ⦠enterprise so out of all appearance The best successe you can expect in it is to die infamously by the hand of some one of those theeves or to end your life in their slaves fetters Almanzor laugh'd at Hydaspes remonstrance and letting him know the greatnesse of his courage for bad him to lend an eare to it Take notice said he that the greatest part of our adventures are so many miracles and most commonly those have best successe which are most against humane reason and providence I confesse to measure things by the rules of common wisdome it were not onely rashnesse but likewise rage with a handfull of men to offer to fight with an army But you see not that which the eternall Providence keeps hidden under that temerity and if I be not deceiv'd it will betide that of all the hazards we have run this will be the lesse dangerous This speech shut Hydaspes mouth and made him expect some favourable prodigy from that Divinity in whom Almanzor seem'd to put all his confidence surely he was not deceiv'd A few dayes after he put to sea a tempest which in all likelihood should have been his destruction was the cause of his safety For the Pirates fleet being separated by the storme he met with the Generall 's ship farre distant from all the rest and knowing her set on her with such a fury that he forc'd her to lay him aboard to avoid the sinking by his artillery It was then there began a fight as bloudy and obstinate as ever was seen on the Ocean Both parts gave over all fiery offences and those which are not dangerous but when they are cast from afarre off Every one took his Simeter or Battleaxe and the desire of vanquishing being equall on both sides made them alike forget the care of their preservation That day Almanzor surmounted himselfe and did such wonderfull acts of valour as I intend not to perswade you to credit since I can very hardly beleeve them my selfe After he had made him a bloudy way in the Pirates vessell he forc'd upright to the Generall and plucking from him Hydaspes whom he had laid at his feet 'T is said he against me thou ought'st turne thy armes since 't was I onely who made my companions resolve to assaile thee The Generall sparkling fire from his eyes repli'd And thou but not thou alone shalt from my hand receive the just chastisement for thy rashnesse These bold words were seconded by effects no lesse haughty Almanzor first strooke his enemy and charg'd him with so much vigour and quicknesse that he
usurped from you 'T was he who appear'd in your Court under the name of Perseus and who by a youthfull folly renounc'd but in appearance only the amity he promis'd us Is it possible cry'd Zabaim that Perseus is my sonne and that even he whom I would have smothered in his cradle hath had so generous a spirit as to re-establish me thrice in my throne and twenty times to save my life Truly Almanzaira I beleeve it when I consider the excesse of your affection and since the effects take much after their causes Almanzaira is such as there can come nought from her but what is extraordinary But where is he our deare Almanzor when shall I imbrace him and settle on his head all those Crowns which through a just indignation he refuseth The Queen to increase his astonishment answered thus Know Sir that love hath made a Pirate of your sonne and hath made you know him for such under the name of Baiazet which he now carries O! my son cry'd Zabaim againe how heroicall is thy vertue how great thy courage and how many extraordinary things are to be reserv'd for thy wonderfull fate Yes Almanzaira I have knowne him under the name of Baiazet and but for the assistance he gave me to quench a Rebellion worse then the former you had seene Zabaim amongst the number of those unfortunate Kings with whom there is left no remainder of royalty but the griefe of being despoyled of it But let us not suffer my deare Almanzaira that the heire or to say better the conquerour of so many Kingdomes continue any longer the Captaine to a company of theeves Almaid presented himself to carry the Prince news what he was and what had lately hap'ned Zabaim besought him to undertake the voyage and to restore againe the person he had so happily stolne from him Polexander offered to accompany him if need were and I dare believe without vaine-glory said he that Almanzor loves me so well as he will not deny me such things as I shall intreat from him In this manner ended the first converse now betwixt Zabaim and Almanzaira and so presently withdrew giving congey to Polexander and the faithfull Almaid The publique rejoycings the while being sufficiently made shew of by all manner of liberties left all the City of Senega in so sound a tranquillity that two or three dayes following were not onely festivall dayes but wholly consecrated to rest Zabaim having satisfied his conscience and made an eternall peace with Axiamira began to purge his Kingdomes of all those pernicious spirits which Zelopa had made use on for the establishment of her unjust authority All the Peeres of the Kingdome came to the Palace to congratulate the returne of their good Queene and renew'd even to Zabaim the assurances of their inviolable fidelity Almanzaira now free went through all the Temples to give thanks to heaven and to be seene of the people which earnestly desired it was carried after the manner of that country through all the streets of Senega When she had satisfied the Subject she would give content to her selfe and thinking there was an infinite obligation due to Polexander besought Zabaim to make him proffers great enough in acknowledgement of what he had done for her sake and to keepe him in his service The King who had no other will then that of his admirable wife presented such things to Polexander as were capable to tempt the most moderate of the world But Polexander astonish'd and amaz'd to see himselfe so well treated I said he have never serv'd you Zabaim and you know the Queene is so good that she makes no distinction betweene the wishes and the effects and by consequence is perswaded I have serv'd her because I had a will to it Yet believe not because I doe not accept your Present that I will avoid all occasions of ingaging my selfe No Sir I owe you all I refuse and the possessing so great a fortune as you present me would nothing adde to my affection of doing you service Whensoever you shall have occasion I will expose my life and those of my friends and be ready to go whither you will call me on so emergent a consideration But now when the love of your subjects and the feare of your neighbours gives you time to taste in peace the fruits of your conquests and that the Queenes returne invites you to sit downe without any new undertaking be pleas'd I may retire home and after that voyage carry the Prince Almanzor newes of his good fortune Almanzaira was present when Polexander spake thus to Zabaim She did what in her lay to stay him but being just as she was she gave consent to his depart and would not to please her selfe that Polexander should receive any the least discontent He had sent his trusty Alcippus to the Port to looke for Diceus and advertise him of his coming Assoone as he heard from them he tooke his leave of the King and Queene and bidding farewell to all his friends and particularly to Almaid departed from Senega to the Sea side He had not been two howres aboard his ship when an unknowne man entred her and intreated he might speake with him in private Polexander led him into his Cabin and shutting the doore Speake freely said he you are in a place where none but I can heare you The stranger forgetting nothing of what civility instructs a Gentleman to practise Knight said he Almaid having made profession of a generosity which cannot passe by the least wrongs would thinke he had absolutely renounc'd it if he tooke no resentment of the injury you have done him He therefore hath sent me to intreat you before you go hence that he may see you with your sword in your hand and to the end you may not doubt of what I have spoken see here a paper which he commanded I should deliver you Polexander beleeving the Messenger tooke him for some other Sir said he you are mistaken I have nothing to decide with Almaid I am his humblest servant and ready to give him all kinde of satisfaction if I have chanc'd through any imprudency to offend him Almaid verily thought replied the Gentleman you would make me that answer and confessed to me he should not be extravagant or thought giddy braind enough to demand ought of you if it concern'd none but himselfe but since it toucheth the honour of a Prince whose adorer he is he resolves to avenge it on his enemies Be pleased therefore to read this paper and satisfie Almaid by the way of armes since I assure you that your excuses will not content him Polexander smiled at the counsell he gave and taking the paper found this Almaid a Prince to the Christian Knight WIth an extreame griefe I am obliged to be your Enemy I have knowne so much valour and vertue both in your words and actions and your person hath so many charmes that it is almost impossible to be an honest
If it be possible said he to him keepe these men from killing one another I am the sad cause of their quarrell Some of them would have my life the others are resolv'd to dye rather then consent to the fury of their companions Polexander not desirous to informe himselfe any further of the cause of that combate thrust among them with Alcippus Diceus and his other domestîcks yet could not doe it so well but eight or ten fell before he could part them of which number two were of those that stood in defence of the venerable old man and the rest were of his enemies The five or six which remain'd of the worser side laid downe their armes cast themselves at his feet whom they would lately have murdred and expressing to him an extraordinary griefe for their attempt Command said they to him O thou our visible Deity that we be aswell chastis'd as our companions since we are as guilty Have no pity on us and though your goodnesse hath alwayes gloried in pardoning the most enormous offences at last let such miscreants as we feele that you can punish them The aged man in stead of following those wretches counsell cast himselfe on their necks weeping and assuring them he already thought no more of their fault To pronounce you guilty said he is to accuse my selfe I commanded you to obey the ingratefull Perseus and not to witnesse your loyalty towards me but in being faithfull to him Polexander at that name of Perseus remembred what Almaid had related and conjecturing the old man might be Abrinzias Shall I beleeve said he that the unnaturall Perseus would attempt against the life of his father as he did against that of Almanzor Ah! replied the old man whoever you be that know too well the misfortunes of our family do not oblige me to tell you I am the unfortunate father of a child so ill borne But if you desire I should confesse it be pleased likewise that I make an end of accusing my selfe and relate to you all the miseries have betided me since Almanzor left me to follow a person which he cannot meet with whilst he is out of Benin Polexander surpris'd at this discourse would have demanded many things at once from the venerable Abrinzias but some just considerations sotting his inquisitivenesse he intreated that Prince to leave the desolate Island and refresh himselfe in his ship Abrinzias consented but before he went aboard he reconcil'd the vanquish'd with the vanquishers and intreated both parts to abolish for ever the memory of an act black enough to make their nation execrable to all others Every one promising to observe his prohibition Abrinzias and Polexander left the desert Island and our Heroe giving him the honours of his ship welcom'd the good King with all the Ceremonies a Subject could yeeld his Soveraigne Abrinzias being well refresh'd and desirous to pay his Host for so kinde an entertainement I cannot chuse said he but make to you a generall confession of my faults and though I doubt you know a part of them I will neverthelesse tell you all since I am sure that those who spoake to you of me have stroven to conceale such things as might blemish my reputation I will therefore begin by the greatest of my crimes which were indulgency fond love and voluntary blindnesse They have hindered me from knowing the defects of miserable Perseus or at least from correcting them I alwayes looked on him with dazeld eyes and tooke him for such as my irregular affection made me imagine him His insolency seem'd to me greatnesse of courage and contempt of meane things his impiety strength of wit his pride majesty in briefe his vices appeared to me vertues and I was so witlesse that in stead of reproving I flattered him in his most wicked customes The eternall Justice let me alone a long time in my errors suffered me not to know the malice of that serpent I fostered in my bosome but by the mortall stings it gave me I hop'd the example and conversation of great Almanzor would have quell'd the pernicious inclinations of Perseus but he grew to hate what he could not imitate and confirming himselfe in all vice in despite of vertue had an intent alas must I speake it to murther Almanzor Polexander interrupting to oblige him Leave said he that action out of the number of such things as have betided and do not imbrue your memory with the recitall of that assassinate I know all that passed and how Almanzor would not you should ever know of it 'T is true pitifull stranger replied Abrinzias and I had beene all my life time without the hearing of such a prodigy if a second reviving the former had not brought it to my knowledge Two months after Almanzors departure the miserable Perseus by the search and dexterity of his accursed spyes discovered Iphidamanta in the most retired part of the Temple where with the consent of Andromeda and my selfe she had withdrawne and shut her selfe up How my Lord said Polexander did not the Pirates take her away the same night when they forc'd your palace Abrinzias beginning againe with a tone farre different from his former speaking I have said he unawares told too much but hââ¦ven hath suffered it for some cause I know not and therefore I will not feare to disclose to you a secret which is hid from all save Andromeda Iphidamanta and my selfe Some few dayes before the Pirates came to disturbe the profound tranquillity of my Country Iphidamanta whom we may call the accomplish'd and perfect image of vertue made my wife perceive that she had receiv'd some sensible displeasure Andromeda tooke her apart and conjuring her by the extraordinary affection she bore not to conceale the cause of her griefe Madam said she were not your goodnesse infinite and did it not seeme to invite me to the boldnesse I take of troubling you with the accidents of my sad fortune I should me thinks have had power enough o're my selfe to undergoe them without making them knowne But since you have alwayes permitted me to complaine and that even on persons which are most deare to you I will not feare to intreat your protection against the pursuites of Almanzor Osmin and his Lady who till now have given me so great proofes of their amity and who many a time have hazarded their lives for the safeguard of mine honour have beene won by Almanzors allurements and they give him such freedome as begins to be insupportable to me You will may be wonder Madam that being reduc'd to the unfortunate estate I am in and who may rather be taken for some bold deceiver then for a Princesse I should finde fault with the actions of the Prince your Son But I erre in having so ill an opinion of so eminent a vertue as yours No Madam you will not mislike my disapproving of your Sons inticing discourses nor that I tell you his respects and civilities make me suspect him
Lady replied Andromeda I have already long since discover'd Almanzors affection but his discretion and your vertue being equally knowne to me I thought there was no need of advising the taking heed either to him or your selfe I humbly kisse your Majesties hands replied Iphidamanta and am too much oblig'd for your noble beliefe of me I will strive Madam to give you cause to continue it and not to deferre so good an intent I beseech you humbly by these knees I embrace with that she fell downe at her feet to free me hence to take me from the sight of men and to shut me up in some place where their humorous affection how extravagant soever dare not trouble my repose But how happy Madam should I thinke my selfe if by some invention which would carry probability I might be feign'd to be lost and by that meanes absolute get me from the knowledge of Almanzor Andromeda ravish'd at Iphidamanta's resolution promis'd to second her and getting her leave to communicate the businesse to me dismissed her with a promise to travell without intermission for the accomplishment of her just desires My wife and my selfe were eight or ten dayes deliberating what way we should take to bring it to passe without giving Almanzor cause to complaine of us and indeed we were not smally troubled when the eternall providence which never loseth an occasion of favouring them which serve it as they ought would make use even of the villany of a company of theeves to place the innocency of Iphidamanta in surety Whilst therefore Almanzor was in fight with the Pirates Andromeda dispos'd all things for the faigning Iphidamanta's carrying away and the businesse succeeded so wel that in the same instant when the theeves assaulted the Palace Iphidamanta was taken from the eyes of Osmin and his wife and secretly conveyed by Andromeda alone into the Temple of their god of Purity Almanzor in the meane time return'd after he had knock'd back our enemies into their vessels and met with Osmin and his wife who unadvisedly enough told him of Iphidamanta's losse The Prince who lov'd her beyond thought return'd to the Sea cast himselfe into a ship and inconsiderately made after the supposed ravishers of that Princesse Since that time I have not heard of him but feare lest his love and valour have cost him his life Never trouble your self quoth Polexander for Almanzor lives and now enjoyeth all the Crownes which Zelopa's ambition hath so often striven to deprive him of But Sir said he goe on if you please in what you have begun and I will relate afterwards if you thinke fit the strange revolutions have betided in Senega Abrinzias began againe and hastening to know Zabaims alteration Perseus said he being no more restrain'd by his feare of Almanzor overflow'd with so prodigious an excesse that he drew me out of the errour I had long liv'd in and made me see when I would have bridled his fury it was not then able to be suppressed Admonitions profited as little as threatnings and severity mov'd him no more then mildnesse Andromeda who never till then thought him guilty was strooke halfe dead when she heard of it and being generous suspended her motherly love to let that authority worke which heaven hath given to parents over their children I likewise became of the same just opinion though with a great deale of griefe But we must confesse to both our shames we were not able to persever but after a few slight corrections abandon'd Perseus to his former brutishnesse Nay we did farre worse for imagining by imploying his minde in the communication of businesse he might be drawne from his debauches we proclaim'd him King of Zanphara the patrimony of Andromeda Wee quickly repented us for giving him that authority He made no other use of it then to sinne more licenciously and to make his faults more great and eminent He return'd to Benin with the most desperate and abominable spirits that ever Africa produc'd and imploying his dayes and nights in dishonouring the best families grew to such a height of abomination that he broke the sacred grates and violated the sanctity of our Temples He forc'd at midday all the gards and defenders of the Virgins consecrated to Purity upon the assurance some had promis'd him of his finding Iphidamanta and he was already gotten into their Cloyster with his Complices when I came in with a greater power and hindred the violences of that detestable route I caus'd some fifty of the principall to be taken and to avenge our violated Religion and give the more terrour to such miscreants commanded them to be cast the next day into the den of Lions Perseus fled with an intent as the event shew'd to revenge his Confederates deaths by those of his father and mother He got an Army of vagabonds of theeves and in a word of the most imbrued and greatest murtherers amongst the Arabians The inundation of these Monsters was in all likelihood to have ruined my Estate but heavens Justice and my Subjects resolution in part exterminated that publique infliction Yet was it not without the effusion of much bloud All the chiefe of my Kingdome dyed in the field and had it not beene for my guard who rescued me out of the midst of mine enemies I had beene involv'd in the same ruine Perseus though much weak'ned gave not over pursuing me but knowing I was gotten into the City of Benin resolv'd to besiege me there Andromeda thinking to allay his fury went out of the towne with her principall Ladies and meeting her Son in the head of his troupes Whither goest thou said she What Perseus art thou become such an enemy to thine owne greatnesse that thou wilt exterminate by fire and sword those who glory in being borne to serve thee What wilt thou get by the destruction of Benin Certainely a misery so great and so visible as I wonder at that blindnesse which makes thee not see it In stead of reigning over free borne men thou shalt be no more then a companion of rascals which follow thee and when thou hast no more for them to prey upon thou thy selfe shalt be the quarry of their insatiable avarice Come home to thy selfe Perseus let the horrour of thy offence disswade thee from continuing in it Hearken to Nature hearken to bloud Respect thy fathers age and intend not to proceed unlesse thou wilt trample under thy horses feet this weake and languishing body to whom thou owest both thy birth and thy Crowne Perseus as furious as he was yet was detained by those words but the Arabians passing the bounds of their wonted brutality and ordinary barbarisme hurried him away farre from Andromeda and enforc'd him to keepe on his journey His Mother seeing her selfe so ill respected with much difficulty returned to the City and relating to me in what ill case our affaires stood found no kinde of comfort but in bewailing the absence of Almanzor In the meane time a
incouragement they were to fight but with poore Arabians and other vagabonds which had neither skill to defend themselves nor courage to assaile any resolute Souldiers After he had fitted all he return'd to Abrinzias and unperceivably getting him into his Cabin there left him when they were ready to fall on The Enemy no sooner descryed his great vessell but they thought themselves lost Their confusion was great but nothing in comparison with that the Cannon made when it began to thunder amongst them The more valiant made a little resistance but the one halfe part of them being slaine and the rest mightily terrified they abandoned their boates and the Siege and retir'd towards Benin Perseus hastning along with the run-awayes strove to get to the City yet could not make so much haste but the rumour of it was quicker which had publisht in Benin how Almanzor was return'd with a mighty Army to reestablish Abrinzias in his throne to free the Queene his mother and to punish Perseus his rebellion These newes being easily beleev'd because they were exceedingly long'd for put generous resolutions into the inhabitants of Benin They all instantly tooke armes and making the word Liberty to resound againe hack'd in pieces those whom Perseus had left them in Garrison and shut their gates against him when he would have entred Benin Polexander in the meane time with winde and tide at will came up the River even to the towne and being taken for Almanzor was invited to enter by the shouts and acclamations of all the people Abrinzias presently coming out of his Cabin was acknowledg'd receiv'd by his Subjects with all the demonstrations of love joy which the returne of so good a King could cause in his people In the most convenient place he landed and followed by Polexander and all his ascended without effusion of bloud the throne which Perseus had besmear'd with so many massacres Polexander leaving him there got together some thousand or twelve hundred men of the towne and joyning them to his owne Company few but invincible went and charg'd Perseus before he was recover'd from his astonishment He defeated the remainder of his Arabians and as he pursued those that fled Perseus was brought to him all bloudy and distracted Those by whom he was taken had disarm'd him and minding more his rebellion then his birth dragg'd him along as an offender ready to be sacrific'd to the publique vengeance Polexander made them give over their violences and desir'd to consider and looke on the Prince to see whether he might so come to know whence proceeded the irregularity of his minde Soone he perceiv'd that Perseus had nought in him of those famous ambitious ones which have introduc'd into the world amongst others this pernicious Maxime that all lawes whatsoever are to be violated for a Kingdome On the contrary he found in him a great deale of weakenesse and stupidity His looke or countenance was rather that of a thiefe which feares the hangman then of one valiantly ambitious who can indure no Superiour Polexander who would have setled him and had an intent to subdue his barbarous disposition bid him be of good courage and expect from the King his fathers goodnesse that pardon which he had obtain'd from him as often as he had desir'd it When by this speech he had a little recollected his spirits he brought him to the Palace and thinking it not fit to present him to Abrinzias left him in his lodging in the keeping of Alcippus and Diceus That done he went to the King and coming up to him with the mirthsomenesse of a man that brings good newes You have no more enemies said he nor will the Arabians any more vaunt the devastation of your Countrey Abrinzias at those words waxing pale But what is become said he of the unfortunate Perseus He is out of danger replied Polexander and could you but worke so much on your selfe as not to see him yet these fifteene dayes I am perswaded you would finde a great alteration in him I can do more then that replied the King for a farre lesse happinesse then what you propose to me Leave then said Polexander the managing of a businesse so nice as this is to me Send you if you please to the Queene the while and advertise her of your returne and let me goe my selfe to conduct her from a place where she cannot have beene so long without a great deale of inconveniency Abrinzias after many thanks and excuses gave way to Polexanders request and went along himselfe with the Prince to the place where he was to imbarke for the Fort of Safety Our Heroe tooke none with him save his owne servants but Gartias the Castilian and arriv'd the same day at the Fortresse When they within had notice that he came from Abrinzias he had freedome of entrance and being brought before Andromeda he accosted her with that grace and sweetnesse which instantly made him ever to command o're those minds that were the most untractable Madam said he I bring your Majesty such newes as questionlesse will be most welcome to you The King is in the City of Benin and in that little time since he returned hath not onely inforc'd his enemies to raise their siege from before this place but defeated them in the open field and may now say there is no King of Benin but himselfe Andromeda receiv'd this newes as she ought but the remembrance of her Son repelling that joy which had seis'd her What said she poore Perseus is then falne with those traitors that ruin'd him Heaven loves you too well replied Polexander to afflict your Majesty with so dismall an accident Perseus is safe and if it be true that maladies are ordinarily cured by their contraries your Majesty may hope that your Son will finde his recovery in his adverse fortune since his prosperity hath beene the cause of his ruine Whilst Polexander was talking thus Iphidamanta in spight of her selfe kept her eyes fix'd on him and thinking she knew him blushed and grew pale almost altogether For himselfe he knew her at first and had much adoe to containe himselfe and make his affection give place to his respect Iphidamanta who passionately lov'd her brother came neerer Andromeda and scarce being able to speake Madam said she you would never pardon me the fault I should commit if I conceal'd my joy any longer and did not tell you that Abrinzias Embassadour is my brother At which newes Andromeda's overjoyednesse was no lesse then Iphidamanta's She saluted Polexander as a King and retir'd with her Ladies to give the brother and sister leave to witnesse to one another the contentment they receiv'd in that happy meeting Assoone as their first transports and mutuall imbracings were ended Andromeda came againe to Polexander and presenting Iphidamanta to him I restore to you said she this amiable one halfe of my selfe but give me to tell you 't is with a great deale of griefe This Princesse vertues
and her attractive wit are the happinesse of all that know them and I confesse to you though my afflictions have beene extraordinary yet through her company I have not almost beene sensible of them Both my sister and my selfe replied Polexander are infinitely obliged to that extreame goodnesse wherewithall you hindred the sequell of our misfortunes I say ours Madam because those of my sister being farre more mine then mine owne you have made me happy in not permitting her to be disastrous Andromeda replied to these complements Iphidamanta thereto added with a great deale of wit and Polexander who was as well the example of courtesie as valour made the Queene confesse she had never knowne two so perfect and so like Her content yet was cross'd by her longing to see Abrinzias and the tide no sooner began to make the River navigable but she went aboord Polexanders ship with Iphidamanta and all her Ladies and by the favour of a fresh gale came the next day to the King her husband That good King after he had long held her in his embraces My deare wife said he for your seeing me againe after so cruell an exile for your Enemies defeate for your owne Liberty for being unpersecuted againe by Perseus and if it so happen for the finishing the rest of our dayes in peace you must attribute it and give thanks for it to this invincible Knight You should say King said Andromeda I see well you are ignorant of the Author of your happinesse and therefore you seeme to be yet in doubt of the truth of such things as he hath done But your doubts and astonishments will end when you know this is Polexander the Conquerour of so many Nations whom heaven good and mercifull hath as it were miraculously sent to save at once the father the mother the son and their kingdome Abrinzias ravish'd at so rare an adventure in stead of congratulating with Polexander addressed himselfe to the Princesse his Sister and spoake to her all that a wise and gratefull Prince could expresse on so extraordinary an occasion The time for rest separating these Princes and Princesses Polexander withdrew to his lodging and went to Perseus who during his absence had beene kept rather like a sick Prince then a captive Enemy He related to him all that had pass'd and laying before him the excessive goodnesse of Abrinzias and Andromeda assured him of a generall pardon from them and to restore him to their loves assoone as he should make knowne he desired it That black and brutish soule was no way mov'd with these hopes On the contrary he became the more proud and savage and shewing his stupidity by his reply answer'd Polexander that he was not so guilty but that he should be better used then hee was and that the King and Queene did so little affect him as they would bee glad of his death to establish Almanzor in the throne You little know said Polexander either of their inclinations and that 's your misery for your pernicious Counsellours had never wonne you to those facts you have committed if you had not beene absolutely ignorant who they were against whom they perswaded you to turne you Armes Now since you finde to your displeasure how detestable their counsels were I intreat you to hearken to better and to fit you for it I will cure you of that jealousie which your selfe confessed to me hath beene the cause of all your unrulinesse Know that Almanzor is not your brother and the King your father never intended for his sake to deprive you of what is yours by birthright Almanzor is borne King of many kingdomes Guinea Melly Senega and many other Territories watered by the River Niger already acknowledge him for their Lord. Leave then your envy and choler and acknowledging the offences your flatterers have made you perpetrate goe and cast your selfe at the King and Queenes feet and beseech them now you ought no more to wrong them to continue the testimonies of their love and clemency Perseus by this was not wholly converted but at last he made shew he was likely to be so Polexander who was not wont to conquer by halves redoubled his perswasions added consideration to consideration and so lively imprinted in Perseus thought the feare of losing both Crowne and life if he did not reconcile himselfe to his father that he promis'd him to submit to all he would command him Our Heroe to continue and confirme him in that minde lay with him and handled him with that dexterity as I might say he tamed him and by the vertue of his eloquence made a man of a furious beast The next day he would needs see whether Perseus were constant in his good resolution and finding him absolutely setled went to carry Abrinzias and Andromeda the best newes they could ever receive There needed no choise words to perswade them Those who love well are easily wonne to believe such things as are advantageous to what is beloved Polexander seeing in them an intire disposition to resettle him in their favours went to fetch him and instructing him by the way of what he had to do brought him to Abrinzias and Andromeda Presently he fell at their feet and speaking onely by his teares made appeare by their excesse that they were not counterfeit The King and Queene being as unable to speake as he fell on his neck and wept so long that Polexander was compelled to stop that overflowing of naturall love Abrinzias recollected himselfe and addressing him to our Heroe There remain'd said he onely this miracle for you to doe to take you wholly from the condition of men Yes Polexander you are something more and I shall not thinke I blaspheme should I say that heaven seem'd to have given you a nature more approaching its owne then is that of mankinde And to remarke and consider things well who would beleeve without beleeving you a Semi-god that in so little time you have beene able to cure a spirit infected with so many distemperances as they were judg'd incurable so inveterate were they With that he fell againe on his Son and bedewing him againe with his teares Arise my Son said he and let us together give this Prince the thanks he meriteth from our acknowledgement 'T is he truly that should be called thy father I have given thee so ill a birth as I confesse thou hast cause to hate me and Polexander having alter'd thee as he hath done hath given thee one so transcendent that he binds thee to serve him more then thine owne father Andromeda interrupting the King her husband made appeare by her discourse that a mother speakes from the intrails and that their affections are more quick and tender then those of the father This private reconciliation being ended Abrinzias desired the joy for it might be publique He commanded therefore all his Subjects to give thanks to heaven for so many happinesses befalne him in so small time and for the better
example he himself went on foote from his Palace to the great Temple of Benin Perseus was betwixt him and Polexander and drew on him the benedictions even of those who not long before with just cause had ardently besought heaven for the punishment of his offences Andromeda and Cydaria came after the three Princes and were followed by all the Court and people These actions of piety being ended they proceeded to their rejoycings The City and Court of Benin were two Theaters where many dayes together was presented all that a hearty joy was able to be made invented by men endowed with the greatest happinesse Their joyes were increased by the newes Abrinzias receiv'd from Zabaim and but for Polexander and Cydaria's departure they had farre longer continued Osmin and his Lady imbark'd with their deere daughter and though they promis'd to themselves farre lesse then they should have expected from Polexanders noblenesse yet they were confident that after so many troubles and agitations their old age would at last finde a safe harbour Our Heroe in that voyage found that fortune is not lesse inconstant in her hatred then in her love He sail'd along all the coast of Guinea with as favourable a gale as he could wish and assoone as he needed it the winde which was Easterly changed and became South Whilst he went off from the Continent to get to the Isles of Cape Verd he entertain'd himselfe sometimes with Cydaria sometimes with Osmin and then with the Castilian Gartias But these diversions were not prevalent enough to master his longings Alcippus who knew his melancholy besought him to remember the promises which so many eminent and extraordinary men had made him and to beleeve that at last Alcidiana's Isle would be no longer Inaccessible to him I will no more flatter my selfe with these vaine hopes replied Polexander All thy false Prophets my friend have in their predictions consulted with no other heavens or Stars then our two desires In this only they have beene good Divines they have foreseene that to please me they must necessarily deceive me They have done 't and simple as I am I have contributed as much as they to that delusion Thou seest too Alcippus what is come of it I am brought to that passe as not to dare even to attempt such things as seeme not to me absolutely impossible Sir said Osmin whilst you give way to such a timerous and distrustfull passion as love is you shall be perpetually assaulted with new troubles and new feares I have seene Almanzor in his fits I have mark'd how he tormented himselfe even then when he had cause to thinke him very happy and by that great example I have knowne that Lovers are a particular kinde of men which are condemn'd to deceive themselves eternally Adde to it said Polexander and to passe their whole lives in effective paines and imaginary pleasures This discourse had continued longer but Osmins Lady came to them much troubled and said in an affrighted manner that Cydaria was extreamely sick Polexander ran to the Princesse Cabin and found her not much better then Osmins wife related She had neither pulse nor heate and her eyes halfe turn'd in her head witness'd how much nature was oppressed She was almost five or sixe howres in these imperfect convulsions and but for Dicens remedies she had not may be gotten out of them He imployd all his skill for her comfort but all he did could not take away the disease When she had recover'd her senses and overcome the malignity of such vapours as infected the heart she fell into a violent fever After three dayes Diceus judged by the redoublings it would be very dangerous and long and besought the King his Master to avoid the danger wherein the Princesse his Sister was to land on the first Isle he should discover Polexander oppos'd not so good an advise He was too good a brother not to lay by all his own occasions for the preservation of his Sister He made his will knowne to the Pilot and the next day he cast anchor in a roade of an Isle which some Geographers put amongst the Hesperides Presently he sent some of his Officers ashoare with all was needfull to lodge and himselfe landing set up his pavilions in a very commodious place That done he went for Cydaria and causing her to be very gently brought on shore carried her into the Tent he had provided for her For seven or eight dayes he stirr'd not farre from the sick Lady But seeing her fever begin to yeeld to Diceus experience he walk'd into the Island with Alcippus Osmin and Gartias One part of it he discover'd and finding no other Inhabitants there but wilde beasts to passe away the time he began to make warre with them Almost every day he came to a wood which was not above three short miles from his tents and under pretext of hunting got away apart to meditate more at liberty Now one day straying too farre in the wood he was faine to passe there all the night After he had long ruminated on his misfortunes he lay downe and slept at the foot of a tree but startlingly awaking he thought that he heard some one bewailing to which lending an eare he heard these words Weary thy selfe at last with so much unprofitable sorrow and leave all sighes and teares to those which are unhappy but not desperate like thy selfe If thou couldest one day finde some remedy for the malady whereof thou so much languishest I would advise thee to endure longer and enterprise nothing against thy life But since the gods and men are incapable of comforting thee breake through this hard straite and at last give over the being an uselesse Spectator of thy Princesse miseries What sayest thou cowardly and disloyall Enemy to thy duty Wouldst thou to free thy selfe from the paines thou indurest abandon a personage which should be more deare to thee then thy selfe Live then since thou canst not dye without being perfidious but live as an offender should who onely knowing his offence is also alone both his owne Judge and hangman and boldly executes on himselfe the punishment to which he is by his owne conscience condemned The man had no sooner ended his lamenting but he arose and made thence so fast that Polexander could not stay him He therefore ran after and often call'd to get him tarry But all his hallowing and calling was as bootelesse as his footing At last wearied with so long and vaine a walke he lay downe againe under a tree till 't was day O how to his content did he imploy that time He thought continually on faire Alcidiana He blest his labours since they proceeded from so noble a cause He wish'd he might yet endure more and pondering every foote the sentence of death she had pronounc'd against him By what action illustrious enough said he faire Alcidiana can I merit the punishment wherewithall your goodnesse rather then your Justice will recompence my
most humble servitude Why am I not permitted to finde a way to attaine to that supreame happinesse But miserable vagabond that I am I may well wish and make knowne my longings but I shall never obtaine the favour of dying before her faire eyes By this time 't was day yet was it not able to bring Polexander out of his meditations Alcippus after his searching for him all night by chance found him and disturbed his cogitations Presently he arose and returned to his tents where he found a great amendment in his Sister and to divert her recounted the adventure he had met withall Cydaria tooke pleasure in it and wish'd him to send five or sixe men into that wood to discover the aboade of that unfortunate man which had such brave thoughts Polexander having spent almost all the day with her withdrew and accompanied with Alcippus and Gartias return'd to the wood with an intent to lye there once more rather then not satisfie his curiosity He came to the same place at least he thought so where he had heard him he sought after and passing through many pathes at last met with an alley so covered that in the greatest heate of day there was coolenesse enough not to be incommodated under so burning a climate When he came to the end of it he saw the Sea and perceived two women which with a slow pace were walking on the sands He would have gone to them but assoone as he was discover'd one of them began to cry out as loud as she could and drawing her Companion after her made her run whether she would or no. Polexander seeing it stopp'd short Presently there appear'd at the end of the alley a man who going right to the women and understanding from them the cause of their flight straight left them and came towards our Heroe with his sword drawne who put himselfe in a posture to receive him But assoone as he was neere enough to be knowne he gave a great shout and running to him with open armes shew'd an extraordinary contentment in meeting him The other instantly cast downe his sword and imbracing our Heroe with a gentilenesse and meekenesse shewing his admirable temper Doe you said he yet know an unfortunate man who had beene more so then he is but for your exceeding pity Polexander imbracing him againe By what chance said he doe I meet you in a place so farre distant from that where I thought you When I left you replied the other my intent was to get to this Island where I found the party I sought but to the end you may know my complaints have beene alwayes just come and see how extraordinary their cause is With that he tooke up his sword and led Polexander to the place where the two women were retired When he came neere them he addressed his speech to the youngest and before Polexander saluted her Madam said he here is that Prince without whose help I had never had the happinesse of seeing you againe This is he of whom I have so often spoken to you and whose misfortunes are able in their repetition to put off a while the feeling of your owne At those words the Lady lifted up her eyes and Polexander noted that though they were very faire yet she was blinde He made no shew of remarking it but admir'd her wit and judgement by the Speech she made him At least he who was her Interpreter spake in her name so excellently to our Heroe that he was ravish'd at it and witness'd it aloud by the answer he made her and intreated his friend to interpret This intertainement having lasted above a quarter of an howre the faire blinde Lady stood a while silent and thinking it time to retire tooke leave of the two friends and left them in an equall admiration of her vertue and almost a like sorrow for her misfortune Polexanders griefe was on the point of breaking out but seeing the plenty of teares which fell from his friends eyes he suppressed his owne compassion that he might not increase the others sorrow and be inhumane by being desirous to appeare sensible You should said he accustome your selfe to your misery and thinke for your consolation that it is farre lesse then you imagine it since you have recovered the best part of what you thought was all lost I should be ingratefull replied Zelmatida both towards the gods and Izatida too if I did not confesse I am infinitely bounden to them and that they have extended their excessive bounty in that which concernes my owne person Nor is it mine owne mishap I bewaile 'T is Izatida's misery that drawes these teares from mine eyes and forbids me the sensibility of that contentment which is given me by the happinesse of seeing her againe No no Izatida I shall never be happy whilst thou art not so and the pleasure of being neere thee will never have power enough over me to divert those sorrowes which thy blindnesse hath cast upon me How doe I abhorre thee thou accursed aboade which hast for ever clouded with darknesse the onely light of my soule Those last words touching Polexander in a particular manner O heaven cried he where is my minde and what is become of my memory With that he left Zelmatida and running to Gartias was a while talking with him which done he return'd to Zelmatida and shewing by his countenance he brought him good newes I have call'd to minde one thing said he which may if the heavens will so favour you make a great alteration in your fortune But not to give you any hopes which proving false may make you more afflicted then you are goe to Izatida and intreate her she will make triall of a remedy which comes from that very place where she lost her sight How Polexander replied Zelmatida that cannot bee a remedy coming from so venimous a place 't is rather some new poyson which doubtlesse will cause me to lose the remainder of Izatida I do not condemne your feare said Polexander but I will accuse you for not contributing all that you can for your owne comfort if you doe not hazard on my word a remedy which can do Izatida no other wrong then to leave her as she is Zelmatida loath to contradict Polexander for feare of fayling Izatida and huââ¦ing himselfe went to the Princesse and besought her by the greatnesse of her courage and excesse of her patience to try a remedy which Polexander had propos'd to him for infallible You both deserve said she that I should give you that vaine contentment Yes Zelmatida you shall have your request Give your remedy to my Governesse and I promise you this night we will make experiment of it Zelmatida hereupon return'd to Polexander and he had scarce told him that Izatida had yeelded to his petition but Gartias came to them with a violl of very cleare water He had beene at Polexanders ship to make the receipt and omitted nothing of what he had
towards her He beckned to her to stay but her minde preoccupated by a false beliefe would not let her know the truth Polexander willing to divert the Princesse whom hee led Here said he you see the sister of the insensible Solyman but one of my servants perswading her that you were a Ghost she is so affrighted with it that she even dares not be so hardy as to come neere you At the words of Solyman's sister the desolate faire one ran to imbrace Cydaria and to see in her face some resemblance of him she so desperately loved But Cydaria imagining the Phantasme came to catch hold of her began to run away and if Polexander by his calling had not staid her and the afflicted Princesse not stood still there had bin cause enough of laughter among so much of joy The Prince went first to his sister and in few words bringing her out of her errour won her to meet the Princesse whom she had taken for a Ghost and to let her know that she was Solymans Sister by something else then neglect Cydaria although she were not absolutely recollected obey'd her brother and when she was come within a few paces of the sad Lady turn'd up the vaile which cover'd her face No sooner did the afflicted Lady looke on her but she gave a great shrieke O heaven cried she this is not Solymans Sister I see but Solyman himselfe This imagination was so powerfull over her as comming up neerer to Cydaria and speaking to her as she had beene Solyman Amiable but insensible Solyman said she com'st thou under this strange habit to see whether my affection be true or fained But O how well this question shews that I know thee not yet Thou wouldst have some sense if not of love at least of humanity if thou wert curious enough to know whether thou wert beloved No thou com'st not hither with that innocent intention Thou wouldst feed thine eyes with the tragicall end of the youngest as well as with that of the eldest Thou art afraid that she either wants strength or courage and charitable enemy as thou art thou comest to offer thy sword and thine arme to take away from her all pretext of longer preserving that lifewhich is so odious unto thee Cydaria who knew nothing of the disconsolate Ladies love was not in a little perplexity how to answer her But Polexander replied and assur'd the Princesse that Cydaria was indeed Solymans Sister and were so like that they had already beene often taken the one for the other Cydaria to confirme what her brother had spoken came and kissed the sad Princesse and out of pity letting fall some teares Forget said she that Solyman who through his ingratitude hath shew'd himselfe so unworthy of your memory and who doubtlesly hath taken on him the nature of a Turke as well as his habit I make no more question of it said the desolate-loving Lady but thinke you are not Solyman That cruell man hath never had pity enough to be so sensible as you seeme nor to mitigate by his suffering with me even by one sole word those fearefull afflictions whereto his love and rigour have so often expos'd me With that she tooke Cydaria by the hand and brought her with Polexander into a house about a hundred paces from the tombe there she led them into a chamber hung with black and after a little silence I must of necessity said she relate to you all those accidents wherewith Love and Fortune have traversed the live of the father and his daughters to the end I may have this miserable consolation in my misfortunes to hinder the memory of them from perishing with me You shall heare so wonderfull occurrences that if you have not in your self felt the strange and marvellous events to which the ââ¦ves of Princes are particularly subject I am most certain such that those which I sââ¦l relate will be incredible to you Love but that love arm'd with darts as in piercing the heart troubles the spirits drives them to their utmost extravagancies begun the miseries of our family the valiant and generous Antenor our father seem'd to be ââ¦rn for the sword buckler of all Christendom and to free his dear Sclavonia from that weighty yoak under which the victorious Ottomans had made it groan late yeares He was in the flowre of his age fear'd of the Turks ador'd of the Sclavonians and recommendable by diverse victories when he went into Servia to sweare a strict League betweene the inhabitants of that Province and the Sclavonians But whilst he imployed his best wits to deliver his Subjects from the Ottoman slavery hee took not heed that a greater Tyrant more cunning and cruell then all the Turkes together was proviââ¦ng a servitude farre more dismall for him The Despote of Servia had a daughter perfectly faire The admirable lustre of her complexion even made that of the Grecian's pale againe She had a fire on her cheeks whence it seem'd her eyes borrowed their light wherewithall they dazled all others In a word 't was a beauty worthy to be extreamely belov'd And so she was by my deare Antenor He serv'd solicited and at laââ¦eclar'd to her the greatnesse of his affection and added so much respect and modesty to the violence of his Suit that he got her willing to permit it At the same time the Beglerbeg of Buda gave command to the Sangiac of Senderovia to besiege Novograde He came before it with thirty thousand men but my generous father desir'd to defend the Siege that he might shew his faire Astalia he did not unjustly aspire to the honour of possessing her The Sangiac was defeated before he was well intrench'd and forc'd to returne to Senderovia for new forces The Despote delivered as by miracle from so great a danger prevented the demand his Defender would have made him and to binde himselfe in a stricter Alliance then that of the interests of States offered him the incomparable Astalia He fell at his feet to thanke him for that offer and besought him not to deferre the accomplishment The Despote referr'd it to himselfe and the amorous Antenor presently sent a dispatch to Chersach Prince of Montevera his father to consent to so faire and advantagious an Alliance Chersach agreed and desired the solemnity of the mariage might be at Montevera Astalia with a stately traine was brought into Sclavonia and as a Queene receiv'd in the Palace of Chersach The day being come wherein my deare Lord hop'd to reape the fruits of his travels and perseverance the irrationall and brutish Chersach fondly taken with the beauty of his daughter in Law tooke her away from amidst all the great Ladies of Sclavonia which aââ¦mpanied her and notwithstanding all their prayers and teares and resistance of his Son forc'd her from him and tooke her for his wife Antenor was like to lose all the resect which Nature had impos'd on him to observe towards his father and giving
have voluntarily depriv'd themselves of such whom they passionately lov'd to satisfie the desires of their Sons Is it a wonder at this day to see a Son put off his strongest passion to content that of his Father But I come to thy selfe Antenor and enquire whether thou have not often run in hazard of thy life to save thy father and whether thou hast not often prayed to heaven that thou mightest by the shortning of thine owne dayes prolong those of Chersach I know even though thou wilt not now acknowledge it that thy piety hath often put those words in thy mouth Why then at this time belying that same goodnesse wouldst thou not wish thy father happy since thou onely couldst make him so I would willingly thou wilt say have given my life for my father What is wife more deare to thee then thy life Thou will answer she was and far more Thou art deceiv'd inconsiderate Lover Thou couldst have lived without the fruition of Astalia but without life thou couldst not enjoy Astalia Why giv'st thou not then willingly to thy father a thing which was of lesse value then that life which thou wouldst have given him Know at once to shut up thy lips for ever that neither interest pleasure life nor honour it selfe have ever beene put in the number of such cases for which the divine Lawes dispense with childrens obedience to their fathers Cruell reasons cried Antenor Injustices well colour'd I yeeld to you whether I will or no and leave Chersach's crime unpunish'd to the end that it may never by another be blotted out of the memory of man Live monster live to thy perpetuall misery and by a long and cruell decrepit age do penance for thy abominable impudicity After these imprecations my unfortunate Lord went out of Montevera and within a few dayes after not onely forsooke his owne Countrey but chang'd Religion and Sides and attain'd to the greatest honours of the Ottoman Empire under the name of Achomat Bajazet growing weary of Isaac Bassa's government and taking from him with his life that mighty authority which made him terrible to his owne Master cast his eyes on Achomats vertues and withall call'd to minde his many Services His valour which had won him so many victories and his fidelity which had held him so constantly link'd to that Monarchs interests call'd him to that Office Of Beglerbeg he became a Basha and from a Basha to that height of honour as to marry the fairest and best belovedst daughter of the Emperour That Princesse was the daughter of the Sultane Queene and aswell for her beauty as for her wit deserv'd to be call'd from her birth the Easterne Sun Bajazet who lov'd her far more then his Sons gave her an Arabian name which signifieth in your language Immortall Rose This faire Princesse was conducted to the house of the Basha her husband with that pompe and great traine by which the Ottoman Princes who without contradiction are the prime Monarchs of the world are wont to make their slaves admire their power and richnesse If some occurrences more worthy to be knowne then my mothers nuptiall ceremonies did not binde me to conceale them I should make you wonder at the infinite number of Jewels and houshold furniture where withall Bajazet the great would all at once witnesse the love he bore his daughter and the pleasure he tooke in enriching his deare Achomat That Rose which indeed deserv'd to be immortall found an Adorer in lieu of a husband and indeed by the charmes of her beauty and sweetnesse of her disposition she made her affectionate Achomat forget the mishap in his first love and his being forbidden to Idolatrize He imagin'd to himselfe that there was something beside heaven to be worshipped lawfully and looking on the Sultan his wife as on one of those faire draughts of that first and eternall beauty held Mahomet's commands but for vaine dreames and impious institutions he sent for a Greeke which was an excellent Painter and as if his eyes were not fully enough satisfied in having for their object but the living beauty of the Princesse my mother caus'd divers Copies to be taken of it and could not even in the Divan nor in the most important deliberation refraine from looking on it This love being so ardent could produce nothing but flames andincendments My sister and I were the only fruits and if I dare say so the twin daughters of that reciprocall and violent affection We were borne with such an inclination to love that though it be a shame to confesse it yet I must acknowledge that love was as naturall and essentiall to us as our lives and senses Wee were but eight yeares old when the vertuous and incomparable Axiamira came to Constantinople to obtaine on the day of Achmets Circumcision the liberty of her invincible Periander she had what she requested as you know better then I but what said I No she had nothing lesse then what she desired she was us'd after the same manner as the Sultans are wont to treate their slaves and Bajazet kept his word with her in that cruell interpretation wherewithall he knowes how to free himselfe from his scruples of conscience The very day wherein Axiamira for ever lost the Prince her husband shee was rob'd of Iphidamantus who was but two yeares elder then I Baiazet caus'd him to be taken out of her ship and even against his custome in lieu of shutting him up in his Seraglio amongst the other Azamoglans gave him to my father with expresse command to breed him like a slave and so make him lose with his memory of Christianisme that of his birth Achomat in part obeyed Baiazet but being himselfe a Christian and professing it amongst his confidents he bred up his faire slave by a Greeke Renegado in shew but indeed a Christian and a Priest Iphidamantus lost his first name for that of Solyman and was so tutor'd as he went for what he was not that young Prince his beauty comeliness which cannot be worthily enough expressed if it be not compar'd with yours said Melicerta addressing her to Cydaria wonne the Sultanesse my mother to breed him among that great number of faire maidens which her father had given her and to cloathe him usually as they were we saw him every day and that seeing drew us insensibly into a snare we saw not Histeria so was my deare sister call'd was the first that felt what shee knew not and unable to divine the cause of certaine unknowne desires which began to trouble her was compell'd to discover her passion to me I know not said she innocently to me what 't is the faire slave hath in his eyes but as often as hee lookes on mee hee wounds mee I feele I know not what sting at my heart which tickles me in hurting me I turne mine eyes from him when I feele the smart but in spight of me I am forced to looke on him againe and I
perceive that my griefe which is very sore when I looke on him is farre worse when I see him not Sister said I though I am the last that speake I am not the last that suffered I have long since examined my selfe of the reason of that change I noted in me and how I should feele my selfe sicke and yet not discover the cause nor the quality of my malady but your discourse hath freed me of my ignorance I know now that my sicknesse comes from the eyes of the faire slave the delight I take in seeing him is followed with so sensible a griefe that whether I see him or see him not I finde my selfe divided betwixt a delicious torment and a disquieted contentment See the first discourse that a growing and almost unknowne passion made two Maidens of thirteene hold together Age which is a great master in love chiefly when it is seconded by those which of old have beene instructed in it quickly taught us both by the example of our parents and the conversation of those faire slaves which waited on us not onely what we should call our sicknesse but how strange the effects of it were Solyman in the meane time not onely seem'd ignorant of it but shew'd himselfe so extreamely insensible that he was neither mov'd with our lookes our blandishments no nor with our speeches amongst many other proofes of his insensibility I remember one which as young as we both were made us see that our affection prepar'd strange afflictions for us The Sultanesse our mother being retir'd from Constantinople during a voyage of Achomat's into Egypt to a Seraglio which the Emperour had given her on the Channell which runs into the blacke sea we in that pleasant solitude passed our time in all the sports and merriments our Governesses thought fit for our exercise The Sultanesse our mother was usually a Spectatresse of our pastimes and noting that my sister and I passed them over with a negligence and pensivenesse not befitting our age was afraid left it might presage some great fit of sicknesse Had she been a little more informed she would have knowne our disquiets were not the presages but the effects of that ill which she feared Notwithstanding we conceal'd it not onely from her but even from those that were our greatest confidents and did our utmost endeavours to communicare or at least to discover it to the impassible Solyman His respect to the Sultanesse having one day whether he would or no forc'd him to stay betwixt my sister and my selfe that Princesse who tooke much pleasure in hearing the first proofes of our wit commanded us to speake to him and he had the like to answer us Our discourse at first was of meer franknesse of humour and principally of the neglect of men to which Solyman answered with so much discretion and vivacity that the Princesse confess'd aloud she could not heare any thing more witty but being diverted by a Poste from her deare Achomat she left my sister and my selfe in that liberty we had so oftentimes wish'd for As Solyman was about to follow her we staid him against his will and my deare Hysteria spoke thus You have good cause to quit us if you beleeve we spoke as we thought our misprising of men might make you doe the same to us but doe not beleeve Solyman that we are so wicked as to offend that All whereof you are a wonderfull part our injuries were but a sport and we cunningly made use of that artifice to conceale from our mother the too true affection we bear to the fairest of men With that poor Histeria blush'd and her languishing eyes stood fix'd on Solyman to let him comprehend that hee alone merited that glorious title Solyman blush'd too either for his owne shamefac'dnesse or Histeria's and unwilling to answer a speech that troubled him did what he could to get from us yet his discretion not suffering him to goethence by violence he saw himselfe obliged to stay yet a little longer with us I then began and casting down mine own eyes as to not see my selfe Why flyest thou us Solyman said I Are wee so unworthy thy company or is thy mislike of us so great as thou canst not indure our sight nor heare us speake to thee Thou may be valuest thy selfe by the miseries of thy fortune and quite forgetting the greatnesse of thy birth wilt observe that low submission which thy Tutors have prescribed thee and slaves should owe to their masters Is it not out of feare of making thy condition worse then it is in trying to make it better If such a timidity seale up thy lips and casts thine eyes downewards thou art as weake a valuer of our thoughts as thou art of thy selfe we could looke on thee as on a Prince which should one day sit on a Throne and not as a slave who hath lost for ever all hope of his liberty But our affections are too purely sublim'd to fixe themselves on such grosse and base considerations we love thee because heaven would have it so because thy gracefulnesse forceth and thy vertue obligeth us Wee intreate thee now to divide that love betwixt us and to be pleased that by kinde and mutuall exchanges thou wilt give us a part of thy servitude and accept as much of our liberty Histeria hearing I expressed her thoughts so well Deare Solyman said she interrupting me accept I beseech thee my sisters proposition command with us and we will be slaves with thee Solyman would have been overjoyed to have heard us speake on though it pleas'd him not because at least our continuall talke had freed him from the trouble of answering us but wee impos'd our selves silence of purpose to heare what he would say sometime he was consulting with himselfe at last seeing he was forc'd to an answer Faire Princesses said he you have shut my mouth even by that which you have made use of your selves for the liberty of breaking the silence is commanded me you say I am thought on and regarded by you as a Prince which should once governe and that consideration tels me I am but a wretch who with the title of Prince have lost all the priviledges of Principality though your proffers came from a true feeling you have of my miseries and that you should be so good as to contribute somewhat to the consideration of my birth yet beleeve not I beseech you that I can by such a charme beguile the knowledge I have of my misfortunes You may faigne being as you are to be slaves without making triall of any of the rigours of servitude but if the strength of imagination deprive me not of that of judgement 't is impossible for me in conceiting my selfe to be among the sweets of liberty that I should forget the bitternesse of slavery Give over then faire Princesses give over the presenting me with imaginary good since it doth but put me in minde of those true ones I want
from me and I would finish before you what Achomat hath begun if my desire of restoring Melicerta to him did not imperiously command me to live Achomet interrupting the two brothers discourse If said he to Polexander I could be happy the sight of you which I have so long wish'd for would be the end of my misfortunes The name of Polexander which hath stirr'd in me so much emulation and that high vertue which I have propos'd for the Idea of my actions would fill my soule with such delights as would not be found neither in the favour of Princes nor the reputation and fame of a great Command nor the possession of riches But I am too miserable to taste of any felicity and therefore 't was necessary my daughters losse should betide that the pleasingnesse of meeting with you might be as it were poysoned by so great a sorrow I accept your civilities repli'd Polexander since they are so many witnesses proclaiming your generous soule hath preserv'd her purity in the corruption of a Court where the greatest fortunes are not usually rais'd but by villanies farre greater But what doe Iâ⦠in lieu of contemplating you by what you are I consider you by what you seeme Achomat is but the maske under which is hidden Antenor the Prince of Montevera The favour nor alliance of the Turkish Emperour have not been able to pervert that incomparable heart which nothing hath been able to conquer but love and I know well these alterations which some indiscreet man would construe to be ambition or lightnesse are signes of his moderation and constancy But since love hath sway'd the father to things so incredible could he without injustice condemne that which the same passion had made his daughters undertake You are just Achomat doe not then punish that in another which you approve in your selfe and thinke two young Ladies being but weaknesse ignorance and infirmity were not able to resist the most sweet and contagious of all maladies since he could not doe it who by his valour as well as by his wisdome had infallibly ruin'd the Ottoman's if the misfortune of Christendome had not arm'd them for their preservation Attribute therefore to Fortune or if you will to Nature the disasters of your house and bury in eternall oblivion the errours of two young Ladies who could not almost avoid them since they had the amorous Antenor for their father Would to heaven repli'd Achomat that Histeria and Melicerta were in case to receive that pardon you intreate for them you should get it though nature and bloud would not force me to that indulgence but death makes your intreaties and my love effectlesse and may be you would have me beleeve Melicerta alive to accustome me to a misery before I know the greatnesse of it I have said Polexander related to you matters as they are Melicerta lives and since my brother is become rationall I doubt not his redeeming her from the hands of that Tyrant who to tire her constancy puts her daily to new tortures At those words the fire flew into Iphidamantus face and his action full of impatiency witness'd sufficiently hee was no more an enemy to love I shall beleeve said he to Polexander you are of intelligence with that insensibility wherewith you upbraid me if you doe not without delay let me know where Melicerta is For the Tyrant that keeps her his captive either he is invisible or I am most certaine that Princesse shall be reveng'd for his wronging her That Tyrant repli'd Poleaander is to be seen but he is almost invincible He goes alwayes arm'd and lives in a place so strong and so well furnished with resolute Souldiers that of those which have hitherto assaultââ¦d him some have lost their honour others their lives or liberties and generally all have repented their undertaking to vanquish him The successe said Iphidamantus will make it appeare whether I am happier then the rest but hap what hap may be confident I will not repent me of my enterprise The onely griefe that ââ¦ickes by me is that I have but one life to lose and out of my poverty I cannot acquit my selfe to Melicerta but I must remaine in debt to Histeria But that faire soule which amongst the eternââ¦ll lights that inviron her may be penetrates into the obscurity of our hearts and discovers their secret'st thoughts knowes Solyman's intention and repentance and no more accuseth him of his forepast ingratitude she already receives for a full satisfaction my will which hath no bounds nor sees no impossibilities and considers not my power which is limited by obstacles too powerfull to be surmounted Why deferre you Sir said he addressing him to his brother Why conceale you Melicerta from me Are you become jealous assoone as you saw me sensible And have you not presented me with my happinesse but then when you thought me incapable of knowing it No brother repli'd our Heroë I am neither jealous nor cunning but will give you even more then you could hope Yet shall I but vainly intimate how you may be happy if Achomat consent not to your felicity My Lord said Iphidamantus let not the thought of that hinder you I thinke not of inriching my selfe my intent is onely to pay my debt Let Achomat doe what he pleaseth with me I owe him all that I owe not to Periander when he shall use me as his slave he shall doe nothing unjustly leave therefore in his hands my good and ill fortune and let him dispose of either as he pleaseth whatsoever hee shall deliberate I can never be unhappy if I but once suppresse Melicerta's miseries Achomat was about to speake and may be to testifie to Iphidamantus that he held him not in the quality of a slave when Bajazet who had left Abdelmelec in as ill a case as Polexander had the Moorish Knight came to know the cause of so long an interparley and who the stranger Knight was but he no sooner look'd on him then he alighted and with open arms astonished and overjoyed went to imbrace him with all the kindnesse his accustomed noblenesse could cause any to expect from him A hundred times he kiss'd him and had not given him over but that the faire Prince said Polexander was jealous of his imbraces Straight he left him to salute Polexander and because he had heard from Hydaspes and Almaid what that Prince had done for Zabaim and Almanzaira he cââ¦t himself at his feet call'd him his protector and said aloud he had sav'd his Parents lives preserv'd his State and ruin'd the fatall cause of all the disasters befalne his house Polexander not induring him in that posture nor to heare him speake so tooke him in his armes and willing to make knowne he had heard all his life Is it possible said he that you reserve yet some cause of hatred against Zabaim and that the love of incomparable Almanzaira hath not been more powerfull over your resentments then the ill
nature of the King your father Had you seen him as I did ready to expiate by the effusion of his bloud those faults which Zelopa had made him perpetrate you would be more sensible then you are of his repentance and not deny him the comfort he expecteth in your returne But what doe you here Are you not satisfi'd with the death of Nephisus and may be with that of Abdelmelec Would you have their unfortunate father to be ranged in the number of those sacrifices which Axiamira demands from your amorous anger and that it shall be deadly for all Princes to have had any affection for that happy infortunate one Bajazet deeming by this discourse that Polexander knew all his designes would againe have falne at his feet to have ask'd pardon for the love he bore the Princesse his sister but Polexander who look'd on him as on something more then a King retain'd him in his armes and after often calling him brother If said he your discretion had not so long time contested with your quiet and not given to Iphidamantus and my selfe thoughts unworthy to be related to you we had both contributed all we could and may be more reclaim'd the untractable humour of that Princesse which sometimes under the name of Axiamira then under that of Iphidamantus or againe of Ennoramita set on fire all the Kingdomes of Africa Is not she the cause of this warre too have you not mistaken her brother for her Bajazet waxing pale at that question There is no doubt of it said he my misfortune is as great as ever and I know too well for my peace that Almaid being deceiv'd next the King of Morocco tooke Iphidamantus for Axiamira This discourse had infallibly continued but the Sentinels seeing a great Troupe of horse sallying out of Morocco gates advertis'd the Princes they were to be set on Achomat instantly commanded foure Squadrons of foot to advance which had stood to their armes since the beginning of the combate and placing himselfe in the front of a Troup of Cavalry rid to force the enemy backe againe into the Towne The three Princes got on horsebacke to assist him though he had no need of them and were Spectators of that incomparable valour which had rais'd him to the supreame greatnesse of all the Ottoman Court Assoou as feare and night had shut up the last Enemy within the walls of Morocco Polexander and the three other Princes return'd to the place of their Combate and scorning to intermingle ought of base or cruell with their victory commanded fires and torches to be lighted to see in what case Abdelmelec and the Moorish Knight were Our Heroë found the last sighing for his misfortune and cursing the stars which seem'd to affect the dishonour and ruine of the Princes of Grenada by the same charming humanity he comforted him wherewithall he was wont to suffer himself to be overcome by such as he had vanquish'd and without any importunate soliciting either to tell him his condition or name commanded some Arabians to take him up and carry him into Morocco In the meane while Bajazet who found Abdelmelec dead lamented that the chance of Warre was not able to make him a vanquisher without depriving so valiant a Prince of his life Iphidamantus came just as he was bewailing and seeing his friend all over wounded and drown'd in his blood was almost at the losse of his judgement and life at last reason recollected him and then his sorrow breaking forth Unfortunate Prince said he how fatall have thy fathers errours been to thee And what a dangerous Enemy hast thou had of thy great courage Thou art dead Abdelmelec and I live and avenge not thy death But the same law which seemes to engage imperiously forbids me to undertake it My duty is oppos'd by my duty my friendship by my friendship and my faith by my faith I am Polexanders I am Achomats I owe my selfe to Bajazet I cannot be thine Thou knowest it now deare Abdelmelec and thy soule which reads my heart sees well whether I be so perfidious as to faile of my word I have sworn to thee an amitie not to be terminated but by the one of us thy misfortune hath disingaged my word and ââ¦y interests ceasing by thy death give me the libertie on thinking on mine owne Farewell then Abdelmelec and since 't is the will of heaven enjoy for ever the glory thy vertues have deserved Achomat and the two other Princes were extreamly sorrowfull for the losse of their Enemie and would not have been so indisconsolate but onely for taking off Iphidamantus discontent Bajazet by the advise of the rest sent the body of Abdelmelec to the King his father and intimated by Hydaspes they had been both deceiv'd and their errours being equally lamentable the griefe of the one should not be lesse then that of the other Hydaspes performed his Commission but whilst the too amorous and inraged Hely bewailed the losse of his pretended Ennoramita more then the death of his son and ruminated in his long watchings all the tragicall events wherewithall the beautie of one same person had laid waste his Estate the foure Printes retir'd into the Campe and without giving themselves any rest after so much travell meditated on the execution of some new designes Polexander that thought on nothing but how to see Alcidiana againe would not cause Bajazet and Iphidamantus to languish any longer nor put off till any other time the contentments he was able to give them But how extreame soever his owne longing was that of the two other Princes was no lesse Iphidamantus came and cast himselfe at his feet and embracing his knees My Lord said hee if without impudence I may dare take the boldnesse of calling you brother and if any one action of my life hath made mee worthy that honour I intreate you even by that or rather by Alcidiana not to leave mee any longer in my offence and infamy Let mee not be guilty even after my repentance nor let Melicerta continue her reproaching my ingratitude when I have given over my being ingratefull Get leave of Achomat repli'd Polexander to goe and free that Princesse and assure your selfe you shall no sooner have that granted but you shall obtaine all the rest too Achomat over-heard what our Heroe spake to his brother and desirous to witnesse to them both that hee remitted all his resentments to their merits and his affection Goe said he to Iphidamantus goe my deare Solyman gather up if it be possible the remainder of my shipwrack and assure your selfe that what you can save of it you preserve that for your selfe After this declaration which not onely included the leave Iphidamantus requested but withall a cleere assurance of enjoying her whom he was to deliver he tooke Achomat's hands and moystning them with his teares My Lord said hee is it possible that you will forget those offences which my mishap hath made me commit
who as Bajazet's friend had for his aid arm'd all the vessels he could make ready Our Admirall who was absolute in his command sent not to Bajazet for his direction but presently dispatch'd Telisman and my selfe to Zabaim We made to him and coming aboard perform'd those complements whereto his assistance and quality obliged us he seem'd very sad and perceiving we tooke notice of it Pardon me said he if I entertaine you not with all the joy I ought to shew you As you came my wife and my selfe were busied about the cleering to our selves somewhat which even now makes me not able to speake to you but with some disturbance the adventure is such as you must beare a share in it but that you may the more freely understand it let us retire to some roome in the place where we are both more commodious and quieter then here among so many Souldiers and Mariners equally affrighted Zabaim having received us with these civilities and excuses brought us into his cabin and spending not long time in speaking of his forces and the cause of his getting them together My ship said he with some few others staid at the foot of that dangerous rocke which over-hangs the entrance into this River and I attended the Moone rising for my setting saile againe when I heard a voyce over my head which in words the most lamenting I ever heard besought heaven and earth things sensible and insensible to be witnesses after his death of his faith and constancy Whilst I was attentive to those complaints there grew a great bustling among the sailes and ropes of my ship and running to see what it was I found a man hung in the tackling I commanded to have him straight taken downe and seeing that the height from whence he fell had depriv'd him of his senses have caus'd him to be brought into a cabin neere to this no sooner cast I mine eyes on him but I know not what remembrance fill'd me with feare and horrour my wife coming in to practise that charity which hath gotten her the name of Mother to the afflicted earnestly look'd on him and was no lesse troubled then I. We have for these two houres done all we can to get out of our astonishment and o'recome the long trance of that unfortunate man but as effectlesse in the one as in the other this is the cause you have not been entertain'd as you might expect When Zabaim had ended Sir said I may 't is fit our Generall were advertis'd of the accident therefore we both beseech your Majesty to let us see that desperate person My thoughts said the King which are not yet well setled made me forget that which particularly I had a desire to tell you 't is that I am much deceiv'd if the man we have succour'd be not one of the principall of your Army By something he weares he seemes to be a man of command and if my wife mistake not it must necessarily be your Generall himselfe Here Zabaim stopp'd and we who found no likelihood in this conjecture besought him to let us see the man and to put him out of the opinion he was in we related to him what Bajazet had done that very day but assoone as he shewed him to us lying yet stretched out as dead I knew him and cried out 't was my Generall My companion as much afflicted as my selfe thinking Bajazet had beene dead cast himselfe on him and kissing his hands began to call to him in his eares as all the Sectaries of Mahomet use to hollow in the eares of their dead In the meane while whether Nature after it had beene so long time dull'd awaked suddainely or the Princes strength recall'd by their applying of remedies had disengaged his spirits which his fall had as ' were suffocated so it was that Bajazet came to himselfe The first signes of life he gave us were his sighes which being not well perfected perished in the place of their conception and were not perceiv'd but by their heavings about the seate of his heart These halfe-sighes were followed by others which seem'd to flye headlong to get forth At last after he had a while mutter'd what none could understand yet came he out distinctly with this I will no more depend on the injustice of fortune and my soule unloaden of the weight of my body may freely goe in quest and finde thee faire Axiamira in what corner of the earth soever my cruell destiny hath hidden thee Almanzaira recovering from her deadly sorrow by degrees as her Son came out of his swoon ceas'd not to invoake that eternall Pity which had so often and so miraculously redeem'd her out of her afflictions and to beseech thence with her teares an end to those miseries which continually travers'd her life Her prayer ended she oftentimes kissed Bajazet whose head she kept on her breast and calling him sometimes Almanzor and othertimes Bajazet intreated him to know her and to come out of his reaveries To strike his imagination with some name well knowne to him she intreated him to looke on Almaid and Hydaspes who infinitely grieved for him At those names he strove to open his eyes but the brightnesse of the lights forcing him to shut them againe Almaid said he and Hidaspes are with me for their fidelity would not permit them to survive my death You are welcome deare Companions of my many miseries and since in your life-time you have lov'd nothing more deare then my company and contentment continue that affection and joyning for ever your shadowes with mine let us goe together in quest of faire Axiamira Whilst Bajazet mov'd all that heard him to compassion and Zabaim with Almanzaira melted into teares I came to that incomparable lover and so talk'd with him as he came out of his musing Yet no sooner was he come to himselfe but he began to cry out as he had felt some great torture and afflicting himselfe for being alive How Bajazet said he thou liv'st then and yet hast for ever lost the hope of finding Axiamira Ah Polexander Ah Iphidamantus what will you say of me To get him from this new affliction I said you were in great care and search'd for him every where With that I came away and had so good fortune as to meet with Diceus when I was out of hope of finding you If therefore you regard the friendship of Bajazet save his life while it is in your power Here Hamet ended and Polexander replied to comfort him that his Generall should soone have satisfaction But what doe you the while faire Cydaria You sigh in secret you beare a part in the griefes you conferre on the loyall Almanzor and repent for suspecting so wonderfull a constancy I see well your scrupulous vertue growes angry with your disposition and it is not lesse griev'd then your lover to be compell'd to receive so sensible a blow and not have sufficient armes to defend it selfe from it But let her
not believe that in giving way to so powerfull an Enemy she lessens her reputation 'T is true your severities are overcome and abandoning a place they had so couragiously maintain'd they would exhibit to your thought your being accus'd of weakenesse or cunning But let not your faire soule feare these calumnies You yeeld way when it is both just and glorious not to defend your selfe I could not refraine from this exclamation seeing what transports and anxieties the newes of Bajazets despaire wrought in the faire and discreet Cydaria Certainely her vertue strove incredibly to hide her resentments and not let her selfe be overcome by this unlooked for accident but the weaker part of her soule suppressed the stronger and wisdome was enforc'd to give place to love Polexander who seem'd to be ordain'd by heaven to be the comforter of all afflicted and the Lovers Mediator betwixt Love and Fortune understanding his Ship was come up to Zabaim's left Cydaria with Melicerta Achomat and Iphidamantus and went alone to prepare Bajazet for the receiving that happinesse he came to present him When Zabaim and Almanzaira knew him they were so much overjoyed that they seem'd to have no more thought of the danger wherein their owne sonne yet lay O my deare deliverer cry'd Almanzaira turne your eyes on a miserable mother which hath no life but in the life of her sonne and now perfect that which you began in the Isle whereinto Fortune had exiled me Heaven promised me at that very instant you arriv'd there that the period of my miseries should be the work of your courage and extreame charity Perfect a promise which should be infallible and since you have preserv'd the mother in her selfe save her againe in her sonne Madam reply'd Polexander the spectacle here is such a wonder to me that I can scarce beleeve what mine eyes and eares informe me surely the ill Angell Enemy to the greatnesse of your race hath driven Bajazet to a resolution which in all likelihood was not to be expected either from the vigour of his spirit or from the power of fortune her selfe 'T is not past five or six houres since he came off victorious from a Combate whereto he had beene challeng'd by the Prince of Morocco and Achomat Iphidamantus and my selfe were preparing our selves to see him triumph over his enemies and the Town he hath besieg'd when Hamet brought us newes of his despaire If Madam I divine right I know the cause and can by consequence promise your Majesty to give an end to it I do not doubt it repli'd Almanzaira and how great soever our afflictions are I hold them not past remedy if you undertake the cure A fairer hand then mine said Polexander must be imployed in so great a restauration let it suffice that I know where 't is to be had and you have nought to doe but to render the patient capable of receiving what shall be prescribed for the assuring of his recovery 'T was thought Bajazet heard these last words because he presently opened his eyes and made plainly appeare he had absolutely forgotten all he had done since his parting from Polexander He arose and knowing the Prince among so many strange faces You see said he how fortune continues the signs of her hatred Abdelmelec is dead Morocco is brought to the extremity I have forced out of her Kings hands that which made me proclaime warre against him and yet am I more miserable then I was before my victories the happinesses I desire not come head-long tumbling in at my pleasure and that which I wish for runs from me in what part of sea or land soever I follow it Put out of your minde repli'd Polexander a beliefe which may be was true in times past but is not now you shall finde at Morocco what you seek there Hely who deserves not the fruition of Axiamira could have only her picture but Almanzor whose vertue can never be worthily enough recompenc'd shall when he please possesse Axiamira her selfe Bajazet scarce giving Polexander leave to end what he had begunne and besides not taking notice of one of them that were about him imbrac'd our Heroë and calling him often his Lord and Deliverer Doe not said he deferre the execution of your promise the happinesse you propose to me is so great that you must give me leave to doubt of it till mine owne eyes assure me I refuse not the condition answered Polexadder but what will the King your Father say or the Queen your Mother thinke if you goe hence without rendring them that to which nature and their goodnesse bindes you Bajazet started at those words and looking about him he not onely knew Zabaim for he had often seen him but beleeving who Almanzaira was both by Almaids relation and instinct of bloud he cast himselfe at their feet and besought them to pardon his present and forepass'd extravagances 'T is I my sonne said Zabaim that should aske to be forgiven for mine and intreate you by my repentance which is the onely thing can winne you to a forgetfulnesse of my faults to blot out of your memory all that I have made you suffer since the day of your birth And I my sonne said Almanzaira casting her selfe on Bajazets necke beseech you to lay all the accidents of your life on the secrets of that Providence which cannot possibly faile and to beleeve that no finister thing hath betided you but for your better availe Bajazet had many good things to say but the imperious object of that beauty he wished for not permitting him to have a thought for any other then her selfe made him contract them into submissions and excuses Almanzaira who was incomparable in all her endowments desirous to conferre a part of her contentment on her sons passion intreated Polexander to acquit him of his promise and not deferre a pleasure which might be the ruine of many others Bajazet shall be satisfi'd reply'd our Heroë and his satisfaction shall be the more perfect in that for the receiving it he shall not lose the pleasure he takes in the sight of the King his father and your selfe What must I doe to be so happy cried Bajazet with the impatiency of a man truly passionate nothing said Polexander but to goe from this ship into mine Zabaim who had at least gotten this advantage over his extreame amorous inclination to be the most civill of all men said That though Almanzor should once againe be jealous of him he would be the first to see his ancient Mistresse Presently there were plankes laid between the two ships and not onely Zabaim but Almanzaira whom Polexander led and the timorous Bajazet went aboard our Heroe's ship Achomat and Iphidamantus came to welcome them and their complements ended brought them into the cabin where Melicerta and Cydaria were Almanzaira who went in first first saluted the two Princesses and Polexander presenting his sister to her See here madam said he the cause of all your sons
discontent I deliver her into your hands to be punished in a way proportionable to her offences Almanzaira in stead of answering Polexander addressed her selfe to Cydaria I doe not said she beleeve you so guilty as your brother would perswade me nor doe not thinke you are a stranger to me 't is long agone since I knew you and if Polexander call to minde what he saw in my hermitage he can tell you how you kept me company there and your picture was one of my principall ornaments Cydaria shewing her vertue by her modesty and her wisdome by her answer I was said she to the Queen most happy in a time when I esteem'd my self the most unfortunate Maiden alive and by that which it hath pleas'd your Majesty to let me know I acknowledge fortune did justly handle me so cruelly since in lieu of being thankfull for her favours I accus'd her for want of pity and justice I aske her pardon heartily or rather to shew my thankfulnesse for the good I have received to the person to whom I owe it I persever in my continuall contempt of fortune and cast my selfe at your feet to render you my humble acknowledgements for your exceeding favours Madam repli'd Almanzaira having staid her from kneeling I meane not that you shall so easily be acquitted of the debt you owe me I desire you would give me the Originall for the care I tooke in so well preserving the Copy and that you will contribute somewhat to the safety of him that would have hazarded his life so often for you Cydaria could not answer the Queene because Zabaim Achomat Bajazet and Iphidamantus entring the cabin they were ingag'd to begin new civilities The King of Senega blush'd in seeing againe that face which had power to overcome all Zelopa's enchantments Cydaria grew red too at the remembrance of some former passages but she presently grew pale and had much adoe to stand upright when she saw Bajazet between Achomat and Iphidamantus Zabaim as reform'd as he was left not to be very pleasant and gamesome and told Cydaria after he had saluted her he repented him not of his former perceptions I found you faire in Guinea said he I finde you faire in Morocco and if I may speake it with awaking the jealousie of any that shall hear me I love you no lesse now then I did then yet there is this oddes he added smiling then I lov'd you with an intent to enjoy you my selfe and now I love you that another may be happy in your fruition I am certaine the person will not displease you for if my memory faile me not I call to minde that you had no great mislike to him I would bestow on you Cydaria that had a flexible and pleasant wit and who gracefully altered her discourse and humour according to the diversity of such personages whom she would oblige smil'd before she would answer Zabaim and casting her eyes downe a little I do not remember said she ought of what your Majesty talkes to me The accidents which are befalne me since I came out of Guinea have so wrong'd my memory that I have scarce enough left to keep me from not knowing my selfe Zabaim in lieu of answering went to take Bajazet and presenting him to Cydaria Here 's one said he will put you in minde of those things you have forgotten I am sure he hath not and there is nothing that betided you whereof he cannot give you an exact account Bajazet would faine have borne a part in this franknesse of humour but he was not master of his fancy Love which is a severe God would not have him jeast with his mysteries he appear'd there before Cydaria overjoy'd but abashed and confused If he had hope he had feare too no sooner did any heate appeare in his face but it was called backe to its center and forc'd to give place to a chilnesse which ftoze his bloud and made him as pale as death Almanzaira did the part of a good mother in her sonnes extremity she spoke to his Mistresse for him and said so much that she must have been farre lesse inclin'd then she was to beleeve it if she had not been perswaded after the father the mother the brothers and friends had laid the foundation of this easie recomplement they thought it best to leave the remainder to love Bajazet had never a Second left to serve him against Cydaria and Iphidamantus was alone with Melicerta whilst these foure lovers swumme in such delights which cannot be knowne nor expressed by those that love not Zabaim Almanzaira and Achomat equally satisfi'd consulted together about the accomplishment of their childrens desires Polexander's Officers who well knew their charges had in the meane time prepar'd a feast worthy the company in their masters ship the neatnesse and magnificence of it strove for priority and though the sea have not those commodities which are found on land the place yet where those Princes were entertain'd made them see that Polexander was able to master all kinde of difficulties During the repast divers discourses were on foot at last Iphidamantus was intreated by the company to tell them by what meanes he fell againe under the habit of a maiden into the hands of the King of Morocco Melicerta who had a farre greater desire then the rest to heare her lover impos'd silence assoone as any one would speake and shewing an attention even before Iphidamantus began his relation anticipated the pleasure she was to receive by it Iphidamantus loath his Mistresse should stay any longer in expectation of what he desired began thus the sequele of his adventures The Continuation of Iphidamantus History THis is the second time the King of Morocco's eyes as ill judges of beauty as his old yeares are unfit for love have taken me for Cydaria The first was when I left the service of the Grand-Signior as I was in quest of Polexander I was ship-wrack'd on the coast of Morocco but never was shipwrack accompanied with so strange an adventure for no sooner was I got on shore but a many Souldiers of Guargetsem Fortresse tooke me up with extraordinary shoutes and making the places about to resound with the name of Ennoramita brought me right to their Kings chamber That Prince over-joyed to see me a hundred times repeated the same name cast himselfe at my feet kissed my hands us'd me like a Goddesse or an Angell brought me into a chamber royally adorn'd and left me among many women and blacke eunuches To this Iphidamantus added that which he before related to Polexander and coming to his departure from the Pirates Island till this time said he no man ever knew no not Polexander the true cause that made me forsake Bajazet I must now declare it to you and not feare to confesse my faults since I have so exceeding milde judges I was enjoying the delights of Bajazet's Isle and I confesse it to my shame never thought on Histeria's
the same wherein I was to meet my greatest felicitie and in hope of it changed my habit for those I now weare the better to satisfie passion and not wrong my duty Infallibly said that incomparable phantasme turning to her Ladies see here one of those mad men against whom those lawes are established which I cause so rigorously to be observ'd Is it not true said she to our Heroe that thou art in love and callest all such who are not so monsters whom nature hath produc'd in the same manner as she hath done nights winters and diseases confesse thy fault boldly but I much feare that cowardise which is inseparably with these esseminate youths who lay all their glory in the conquest of I know not what young minion will keep thee from making it knowne speake speake poore witlesse man and deserre not till torture draw the truth from thee With that Polexander making appeare gloriously that imperioâ⦠and charming countenance wherewithall he was wont to reigne over the freedome of men and even give a feeling to insensibilitie it selfe Your Majestie said hee to the Queene may give me leave if you please to leave off my observance for the defence of an innocent whom calumnie hath made despicable If you beleeve Madam that love is a monster you beleeve withall that youth is the greatest defect of life and the Sunne should be accounted a prodigy The Queene suddenly turning her eyes into two comets as red as her haire threatned Polexander with a terrible death and without any more hearing him commanded he should be delivered into the hands of the hangmen Before Polexander would be inforc'd to be withdrawn from that Megera Madam said he 't is not the custome of those who govern discreetly to condemn any that is accused till the cause be known Your Majestie beleeves me guilty in taking on me the defence of love and I on the contrary should thinke my self so if I wayv'd it Command some Knight of your Court to take armes that by a just combate hee may either force my life or make me dishonourably unsay what I have maintained in your Majesties presence such a command will be as equitable as glorious for him The Spaniard of whom we have spoken fell presently at the Queenes feet and transcending all the vanities which make his nation ridiculous Great Queene said he be pleas'd to permit me to be the exterminator of a monster as feeble as he whose defence hee undertakes but if your Majestie will please to command hee be strictly guarded till the day of combate for I reade already in his eyes that the propositions he made are but cunning pretexts to save himselfe by a shamefull flight Polexander at some other time would have laugh'd at that Gallant 's extravagancy but for divers reasons growing cholericke he retain'd himselfe onely in his first temper and told the Spaniard that if it pleas'd the Queene there was day enough to decide their difference The Castilian who was very valiant tooke Polexander at his word and would not rise from before the Queen till he had got leave to fight At the request of the Ladies it was granted him for they having no other malice to love then from the tongue were very glad to see him triumph over his greatest enemies Hereupon Polexander was unbound and delivered into the hands of the Spaniard The Gallant very insolently made use of his authority and carried to an excesse of pride which made him forget his owne alloy he spoke of his combate as if our Heroe had been already reduc'd to beg his life of him he often told the Prince that 't was not his humour to shew them any favour who were so rash as to interchange blowes with him to which Polexander repli'd he would intreate any courtesie from him but that he was resolv'd to make triall of whatsoever the chance of armes had reserv'd for him When hee came to the Bragadochio's lodgings hee intreated him the leave of sending to his ship for armour No no repli'd the other in scorne I have servants here that will furnish you with armes and horse the Prince thanked him for his profer and patiently indur'd all his insolencies Whilst hee was in this decadence a young man very well clad came into his chamber and after divers extraordinary civilities done him in the name of a Lady of the Court My Mistresse said he understanding that you had not here either horse or arms hath taken care to provide you of both and commanded me to intimate that for Polexander's sake she sends them to Love's defender she beseecheth you to make use of them and imagine that going to maintaine the power of Love you goe to fight for Alcidiana's beautie Polexander was no lesse surpris'd then ravish'd at these words and did his utmost to get from the young man his Mistresses name but the Squire humbly besought him to be exââ¦s'd since hee was expresly forbidden Go then said Polexander putting a faire diamond on his finger and assure thy Mistresse I will strive to make my selfe worthy of her Present and counsell The Spaniard grew mad at his enemies faire fortune and insolently told the Squire he would advertise the Queen of his Mistresses flippery You owe her too much respect repli'd the young man to doe her that wrong yet you may doe as you please and with that tooke his leave of Polexander not giving any the least reverence to the Spaniard Our Heroe presently opened the armour was sent him and found it very faire the shield was of an extreame well polish'd steele in the midst whereof was painted a Torrent which being repuls'd and stopp'd by a Damme foam'd with rage and shocking on it impetously seem'd to shake the very foundations The word was I will overcome Then he went to see his horse and finding him such as was promised commanded Dicens to put on his armour In the meane time the Spaniard calling for the armes he intended to use made shew of a great deale of impatiencie till he were all ready and descending with Polexander into the court of the castle went to his stables where among a great many horse he chose one that had no other fault but his being as proud as his Master Polexander all arm'd as he was would have no help to get on his Diceus had the honour that day to be his Squire and carried his Helmet and Lance into the field and gave him both assoone as the Spaniard was ready for fight The place could not be better for 't was the same rail'd in with lists where Polexander was first seiz'd on nor the season more favourable since the aire was so extraordinary calme but the company though it were compos'd of a Queene of many Princesses and a great number of Ladies was not yet such as our Heroe could have desired Assoone as all that Court were at the windowes which looked into the lists and the Queene had given the signal the trumpets advertis'd the
give credit to alterations which seem'd to her beyond all hope but Polexander after he had done his complements and made himselfe knowne Madam said he having been alwayes as you know so much at oddes with Phelismond I beleeve you will not accuse me of flattering or giving him such praises as he deserves not and this being granted I hope you will doe me the honour to give credit to what I shall say and beleeve since 't is truth that the generous Phelismond hath preferr'd his serving you before the gift of a Crowne and having turn'd the love hee bore to Alcidiana into the friendship of a brother he now hath not onely any more passion but for your beautie but he cannot give way to be happie unlesse he be so with you Helismena witnessing to Polexander her joy in seeing him and to heare his words Though said she what hath already passed cannot promise me but an unfortunate successe yet I will suspend my feares and put off my mistrusts for feare of offending that veritie which speakes by your mouth I beleeve since you say it that Phelismond hates me not so much as he hath done but withall I thinke that being compell'd by your valour to leave to you Alcidiana he hath at last resolv'd to take such a wife as may establish him in that authoritie which otherwise he might perhaps not be very well assured of Polexander desirous to free Helismena of that imagination related to her all Phelismond's adventures and letting her know that Alcidiana was his sister not onely cur'd her of her jealousie but dispell'd all other clouds of sorrow In an instant she pass'd from one extreame to another and according to the nature of the Northern women which are full of violent agitations but of short lasting she thought on nothing but her returne into Denmarke and with all content to behold him againe whose sight had been alwayes so deare though so sad unto her The Dane then began and having given the Princesse an account of the cause of his voiage If your Majestie said he will make no longer abide in this Island I shall be glad to have the honour of conducting you into your kingdom and will not beleeve I have fail'd my master in ought I owe him though I put off to another time what I have now in charge to hasten the contentment he will receive by your returne Polexander againe addressing him to the Princesse If said he I were not restrain'd by my adverse fortune I would propose to you a meanes by which your desires and those of Phelismond should be alike satisfied I would humbly intreate you to charge me with Phelismonds instructions and make me you Embassadour to Alcidiana Helismena approv'd of this advice and commanding the Dane to deliver all to Polexander I desire you withall said she to reconcile me to Alcidiana and after you have made knowne to her the just cause of my wishing her ill represent the reason I have to love her during my life Madam repli'd Polexander I will acquit my selfe as I ought alas what can I promise of the charge wherewithall you intrust me But that I may not faile for want of instruction be pleas'd ere I goe fully to informe me of such things whereof I am ignorant I conceive well said Helismena what you would say without any further intimation You would know my follies and I like them so well that I take pleasure to relate them you shall heare all Sir but before I begin I must needs see what is become of my nurse that while I intertaine you she may take leave of these palmes and waters which have preserved our lives Whilst she spoke she perceived her nurse among the trees much afrighted she call'd her and being setled told her in few words the change of her fortune and commanded she would make ready for their departure Whilst the nurse put that injunction in execution Helismena sate downe with Polexander at the foot of the palme-tree which had served her long time for a palace and began thus I need not tell you that Phelismond is a most courteous and gentile man and by consequence very amiable you have too long convers'd with him to be ignorant of his qualities judge then whether it were not very hard for me to be almost continually in the company of so winning a personage and not be mov'd by him I was indeed assoone as I became capable of knowing his merit For besides his sweet aspect his brave courage and his pleasant wit which were as so many enemies who resolv'd the ruine of my libertie the King my father's example made me resolute to receive the law of so sweet a conquerour I knew I loved Phelismond by the contentment I tooke in his intertaining me nowithstanding I know not what modestie restraining me from declaring my love to him and besides his owne puritie hindering him from noting it I liv'd above a yeare much in love and yet silent my languishing lookes my intermitted sighes and ââ¦e eyes wearied with my watchings and tears spoke to him of it sufficiently But he who apprehended nought but what spoke of Alcidiana as often as those true interpreters of my heart made knowne my love seem'd to understand nothing of all that they intended At last I resolv'd to speake my selfe and finding an occasion in the time of a violent sicknesse caus'd by the excesse of my affection Phelismond said I to him one day when he came to visit me you grieve for my losse and yet would you have understood mine eyes and sighes you might long since have knowne that you are not onely the cause of my sicknesse but the sicknesse it selfe whereof I die I have not been lesse sensible then the King my father and though my feare hath not permitted me to make it known as he hath done yet assure your selfe that I have farre more then he resented the imperious charmes by which vertue reignes absolutely over all hearts I confesse Phelismond I love you and so much that for feare of being troublesome to you I am resolv'd to die I would have gone on but my father coming in I was forc'd to deferre it to any time and indure the perfecutions of a troupe of ignorant Physitians Many new diseases they invented because they would not be silent before the King and blinde as they were discern'd not that I was sicke of a disease as old as the world Phelismond that was retir'd from me with a wonderfull astonished countenance had a great desire at least if my conjecture be right to free the King his master from the trouble wherein he saw him But conceiving he could not draw the King out without plunging himselfe into the same vexation hee was pleas'd to say that my malady was a pure effect of a melancholy humour and that if he would preserve me he should try by all kinde of diversions to bring me to my former mirthsomnesse My father who was not able to
question whatsoever Phelismond spoke to him dismissed all the Physitians and thought that dances maskes playes and other sportive pastimes were the best remedies which my new physitian prescribed for my recoverie But that new Leech soone repented him of his counsell for the King imagining that Phelismond would be as able to suppresse my malady as he had judgement to discover it commanded him to be with me as often as he could and intreating I would cast off that melancholy which might be my ruine assured me that if I did but contribute somewhat to part of my health Phelismond's conversation would be able to perfect all the rest thus he parted after he had unwittingly given me so true counsell Phelismond who hath ever kept that respect to his Master as not to abuse his favour staid at my beds-head to shew his obedience and being excellent at the relation of stories was willing to begin one that might divert me and withall relate his fortune but presently I perceiv'd how violently he forc'd himselfe to it and therefore touched with his constraint I stopp'd him at the very first to let him know the excesse of my love by that of my compassion Doe not said I Phelismond force your selfe any more your concent is too deare to me to sacrifice it to my peace I had rather die then to redeeme my self from the grave with the losse of your happinesse leave then when you please the miserable Helismena and seare not that either to be revenged or to be cured she will ever complaine of your crueltie death is most deare to her since she is permitted to tell you that for you she dies Phelismond unable to resist his sweet nature nor the pity I wrought in him shed a torrent of teares before me call'd himselfe a hundred times ufortunate lastly cast himselfe on his knees and speaking to me with a freedome which gave me some satisfaction Madam said he if I may expect from your Highnesse a favour which I deserve not be pleas'd I may discover my thoughts to you and that without coloring either with feare or respect or any other specious falsities the refusall I am bound to make of your love I may say to you that being absolutely anothers I cannot be yours that Queene whose picture hath ravished all the Court possesseth what you desire of me and I should be a traitor if I promised you an affection which is not in my power to give you I confesse my ingagements to the King your father and your incomparable vertues should plucke out of my soule this stranger passion and forcing my inclination make me finde my pleasure in my dutie and what concernes me but Madam what opinion would you have of a man that should be capable of so great an infidelity and what can your Highnesse expect from a heart so remisse and weake as to accommodate his love with his fortune or faithlesse enough to conceive as many desires as there are objects worthie to be coveted Give me leave then Madam to repeate what I lately said and make a protestation which shall be just though it may seeme insolent and 't is that Alcidiana shall be the sole object of my love and that I will sooner die as many times if it be possible as your lawfull indignation can make you wish it rather then I will infranchise my selfe from the glorious servitude wherein my inclination and Alcidiana's vertues have so sweetly inthrall'd me When Phelismond had done I was so ravished at his constancie and generousnesse that it was not in my power either to condemne his resolution or to complaine of the contempt he made of my affection on the contrary I approv'd of them both and seeing that Prince at my feet which seem'd to confesse himselfe guiltie and ask'd me pardon for his offence Love Alcidiana said I since heaven will have it so and because 't is there decree'd too permit Helismena to love you Phelismond arose from before my bed-side so pusled and divided betweene his love and mine that I doubt not but in himselfe he thought him very unhappie that he could not absolutely become at my disposall and solely mine This inabilitie was the cause of my recoverie for I tooke comfort in my misfortune by knowing that the author of it was no lesse afflicted for it then my selfe and I thought that in his intimation of his impossibilitie of loving me he made knowne to me a new kinde of love whereof till then I was altogether ignorant Assoone as I had recovered my strength and was permitted to leave my chamber I appear'd in Court with that same cheerfulnesse which had before time got me the name of the delight of Denmarke for all that I was secretly fed on by my passion but I conceal'd it very warily for feare lest Phelismond should be thereby anew discontented and though there scarse passed a day wherein I spent not at least two houres in bewailing with teares apart the misfortunes of my life yet in publike I appeared so pleasant that Phelismond himselfe was deceiv'd aâ⦠it and beleev'd time had absolutely cured me To that extremitie was I brought when you came to fight with Phelismond his defeature mightily afflicted me and but for his consideration which retained me I had wrought my father's choler to higher violence then it ran then It may be you are yet ignorant of the person who wonne him to violate the faith he had given you and made him so wilfully bent to your ruine I would have you know Polexander that my desire to revenge the affront you had done my love mademe imploy all my credit and power for your destruction The King who hath alwayes beene a great observer of his word was a very long time before he would hearken to the reasons I alledged against you but I so pli'd him on all sides and gave him so many severall assaults that he was forc'd to yeeld hereupon your death was resolv'd on but when I understood that Phelismond grew inraged at your ill treatment and had therefore pluck'd off all that which had been appli'd to his wounds of purpose to undoe himselfe my desire to preserve him kept me from perfecting your ruine I dexterously therefore put a new face on all businesse and had lesse trouble to obtaine your pardon from the King my father then I had in getting him to signe a warrant for your death When I was inform'd that Phelismond affected you I slack'd my hatred and turned all my choler on Alcidiana No said I to my self I will never indure that any poore pettie Princesse who for all her Territories hath but a little shelfe or rocke knowne only by the shipwracke of some unfortunate mariners should be so overweening as to esteeme of the most excellent of men no otherwise then as of one incivilis'd and unworthy either to breathe or to serve her Presumptuous Alcidiana said I as if she had beene present thy insolence will ruine thee and if Phelismond
The tokens you have received of my affection are as unworthie it selfe as of that which I owe to the greatnesse of your courage and the beautie of your mind yet beleeve not that I can be ingratefull or so ill an esteemer of occurrences as not to understand how to give them their just value my griefes are in part the cause that I have not hitherto performed what I ought and partly the little need I saw of precipitaââ¦ing a businesse which would receive no impairement by a short deferring But now when I know by divers presages that the true Sunne my father calls me to the fruition of that place which he hath design'd for me above the starres I will acknowledge by two presents alike valuable the love you have shewed me The first is my crowne and the second a servitude and chaines which in truth are of more estimation then my Crowne I will not speake to you of the first since you might well know since your being here whether my estate be of worth sufficient to satisfie the hopes of a man of your extraordinary vertue and deserving it shall be of the other that I will discourse to you Know therefore that farre off from the mouth of this river which runs through this towne there is an Island no lesse wonderfull for its perpetuall spring then for the proprietie it hath by inchantment or nature to make it selfe invisible to all such as seeke after it There raignes a Princesse the miracle of our age the shame of times past and the envie of those to come Her portraicts make it well appeare that she is the lively image of the Sunne her father or to say better she is truely a Sunne her selfe I have endeavoured as you may see to represent by the fairest of all metalls the lustre of that Sunne but the unskilfull hands which have wrought it in stead of making the image of it have onely made knowne how unworthie the hand of man is to imploy their paines on so faire a subject In a word 't is the Queene Alcidiana whom to satisfie the most religious passion that shall ever inflame an innocent soule I have beene willing to adore in private under the figure of that starre to whom we owe our being and preservation I may say that my love was borne with that Princesse and that she knew not the power of her charmes many yeares after I felt them Heare how that wonder betided it was not above a yeare after the suffrages and generall votes of all this kingdome had seated mee on the same throne whence they had expelled my cruell predecessor when I resolv'd to make a voiage to the chiefe of the Temples dedicated to the Sunne to give thankes to the Deitie he represents for the blessings his liberall hand had so largely showred on me This Temple is in an Island which stretching towards the Meridionat part of the sea is seated some fiftie leagues from the mouth of the river Niger The voiage I made visited the holy Island admired the riches and magnificence of the Temple and by my offerings and sacrifices strove to make appeare to the Power I worshipped some little acknowledgement of those benefits for which I was redevable On the very point of my departure and imbarking thence for my returne the Embassadours of Alcidus King of the inchanted Isle landed in that holy Island To the Temple hee came loaden with so great and so rich presents that the Priests who were accustomed to receive divers of great value confessed that Alcidus had outgone the magnificence of all other Kings Among these offerings one was a statue of gold representing a maiden of some nine or ten yeares O fatall sight to my libertie I had the curiositie to inquire who that young Ladie was and Alcidus Embassadours told me she was the divine Alcidiana their Prince's daughter The relation they made me of the wonderfull beautie and incomparable wit of that visible Angell so inly touched me that I returned hither with a wound which is not yet closed up My love grew to such a height that it made me forsake my kingdome under a pretext of returning to the Island of the Sunne but indeed it was to saile to that of Alcidiana A whole yeare was I at sea and yet could not discover it then I came backe to that of the Sunne and saw in the Temple a portraict of that Princesse drawne to the life which her States had sent thither since the death of her father Many dayes abode I fixed on that picture but when I understood that that Princesse was so strictly guarded that she did not so much as communicate her presence to her most affectionate and considerable subjects and that her guard consisted of a great number of strangers whom Chance had throwne on the coasts of her Island I made a vow to be one of their band and all my life time to weare the chains of so glorious a servitude Yet for all my industrie have I not been able to accomplish my protestation but imagining by the invincible difficulties I found that Heaven esteemed me not worthie the service of so admired a Princesse I betooke me to a course for this kingdome with an intent to perfect by some other that which I could not performe in mine owne person I had a sonne of Alcidiana's age with that hee listed his hands to his eyes and the same whom you saw so cruelly murthered him I consecrated to Alcidiana and with mine owne hand having put a chaine of gold about his necke in token of his servitude sent to Morocco and Fez to finde out able masters to instruct him in all that which might equalize him with the great King of the Canaries the Princes Abdelmelec and Nephizus or the invincible Bajazet I dare say his actions answered what I expected from him and but for that not to be exceeded misfortune which hath robbed me of him in the flower of his youth I had been now in case to have acquitted in mine owne thoughts that which I had promised to Alcidiana yet doe I not despaire of performing it if so be my ill Fate hinder you not from beleeving your owne generositie But why doe I indeavour by my sollicitation to force you to a businesse which can gaine no repute unlesse the undertaking be extreamely voluntary Polexander who had more desire to accept the condition propos'd to him then Apheristidez had a will he should accept of it would have interrupted that Prince to let him understand his intentions but Apheristidez intreating his leave to finish his discourse I will never give way said he that you suddenly put on any resolution for an affaire of so great importance I give you eight dayes libertie to consider on it and that tearme expired you shall make knowne to me without complaysancy whether you had rather be King of Gheneoa then Alcidiana's slave Polexander repli'd there needed not so long a time to answer to it there
laid waste my deare Countrey But what remembrest thou perfidious and abominable Menocenarez Impose thy sorrowes an eternall silence and involve if it be possible in that darknesse which shall never have end those horrible treasons by which thy unbridled passion deliver'd thy King and Countrey into the hands of the Usurpers With that the Slave was silent and not able to suppresse his teares cover'd his face with his hand that he might weep at more liberty Polexander desirous to take him out of that agony I said he have knowne your name in the city of Fez. I have heard Benzaida utter against you all that the anger of a wronged Lady could make her invent yet rather pity then hate her For if her love have brought you into this servitude that which shee bare to the ingratefull Prince of Morocco made her turne on her selfe the point of that ponyard which shee had provided to avenge her selfe on that Infidell 'T was that traytor said the Slave who after he had strook the steele into the heart of Benzaida for he was the cause continually whetted that knife which is prepared to cut my throat But since you know the generall misfortunes of my Countrey I will relate the principall causes and tell you that Ferdinand and Isabella are beholding to my treason more then to their owne power for the conquest of the kingdome of Granado The unfortunate King under whose government that brave Province was lost was one of those timerous Princes who are so far from any intention of extending the limits of their kingdomes by forcible incroaching on their neighbours Territories that they scarce have courage to oppose the enterprises of their owne enemies Two yeares before the truce was broken betwixt the Spanyards and the Moores my ill fate made me cast mine eyes upon Benzaida I saw her faire for she was then in the prime of her age and may well say that in the very instant I began to die of a death which is not yet ended When I lost my liberty I lost my reason and not considering that I was but onely on ordinary knight my ambitious thoughts made me beleeve that my Nation owéd not the Empire and States it possessed to men of a royall extraction but to great invincible and persevering courages such as were Masters of the fortunes of Monarches themselves I therefore sought out the most fit meanes to get me the favour of Benzaida and knowing her to be of an exceeding high spirit and particularly esteemed men of valour I betook me to the Warres I dare say and so will my greatest enemies too that for eighteen moneths together I was plac'd as an inexpugnable Fort on the Frontiers of Granado against the invasions of Ferdinand My name was spread throughout all Spayne The Court of Granado was fill'd with it and the King my Master seeing himselfe secure under mine arme omitted nothing that might oblige me to the continuance of a service that was so advantageous unto him The affaires of Castile recalling Ferdinand and Isabella into their owne Territories our frontiers were left in peace I then returned to Granado and the honours I received there rather beseem'd a King that triumphes then a Subject whose services had made him usefull I was not only admitted to the Princes particular pleasures but to his Counsels and I dare say that if my my love to Benzaida had not troubled my senses and taken away courage I had put the Granadians in an estate of regaining on the Spanyards all those Kingdomes which they have lost within six hundred yeares But that furious passion possessing all the functions of my soule I was not able to reflect on any thing My thoughrs my designes and my wishes had onely the enjoying of Benzaida for their object I betray'd the publique affaires to adjust and fit them to my private contentment and subverted the Counsells of the Sages by the authority which my pass'd-actions had gain'd me In the meane while I burnt in secret and durst not make known to Benzaida that she had kindled the fire But at last the violence of my disease forcing me to forget all consideration I imagined that I should not be more unhappy then so many others who had ventur'd on the like boldnesse One day therefore as Benzaida walk'd in the Palace Garden only accompanied with her maides of honour I met her as it were by chance and feigning to be much surpris'd at the encounter made a low reverence and retired She smil'd at my astonishment and calling me What said she if I were a Castillian you cannot witnesse a greater mislike of me I repli'd even trembling Madam you may please to pardon me if I say your Highnesse doth your self a great deale of wrong by so unjust a comparison I have indeed an extreame aversion to the enemies of your state but their presence shall never amaze me For you Madam whom I am not to look upon but with respect I confesse that as often as I have the honour to see you my soule is full of dread and astonishment but of such a religious astonishment and devoute feare as our Alphaquies command us to feele when we approach things divine and holy Your words repli'd Benzaida more surprise me then my encounter did you I never thought that a man train'd up in warre and who all his life time breath'd nought but blood and battles was capable of so much and so high a jeering I answered that brutishnesse whereof your Highnesse accuseth me under such words as may seeme obliging is not that which hath hitherto made me delight in the acts of warre A fairer cause compell'd me to so noble effects and did I not feare to violate the lawes prescrib'd me by my subjection I would bring your Highnesse to confesse that till now I have not been happy enough to be well known of her I will never said Benzaida take you for my Interpreter since you come no clearer off in your explications I would have onely said that I thought it very strange how a man accustom'd to the serious discourse of warre could be so skill'd in those effeminate termes wherewithall both delicacy and idlenesse have compass'd the Courtiers language Your Highnesse then said I must hate that which is most to be beloved amongst us if you condemne a language which Love himself hath invented to render all things faire and eminent the testimony they deserve from all mens acknowledgements This language repli'd Benzaida is as ridiculous as its Author and though Spaine had nothing strong enough to make you give up your armes yet I will undertake to have the better when you dare defend so bad a cause You have already carried away one part of the victory I repli'd but since I am sure of the other be pleas'd Madam that I leave your Highnesse lest I may be engaged either to ore'come you or to waive all verity and my self With that I made her a low Reverence and went away that
back againe all besmear'd with my bloud with this message that I had made use of it according to her intention But I withheld because a little remainder of hope advis'd mee to live and not to abandon the pursuit of a thing which was rather strai'd then lost This idle motion I gave eare to that I might languish as you see mee in a slaverie that can have no end but by the hand of the Hangman Now the charge of the Generall is such that it gives not time to him that enjoyes it to have a day of rest and therefore engaged me to leave the Court and travell from towne to towne from province to province to doe justice heare complaints pacifie quarrells hinder all partialities and free the feeble from the oppression of the mighty After I had spent a whole yeare in affaires which were beneficiall to all but my selfe I return'd to the Court and at my day assign'd render'd in the presence of the Queen an exact accompt of my government and the state of the Kingdome The Queen made shew of a very good satisfaction from mee and her Chancellour did mee the honour to say That of all those who had preceded me in the charge there was no one who had more worthily acquitted himselfe After I had receiv'd these approbations and applauses I fell on my knees before the Queen and besought her that in recompence of my services which so much pleas'd her shee would dispense with my continuing in them That favour she deni'd mee with such strong reasons and termes so obliging that the knowledge I had of her secret indignation could not hinder me from beleeving that one day I might recover the favour she had taken from me But time disbeguil'd me and the band which was over mine eyes being taken away by a hand that was an enemy to all errour I knew the vainnesse of my hopes and the just cause Alcidiana had to punish my boldnesse I thereupon recollected mee from the extremitie whither ambition and youth had carried mee and by little and little retir'd to that which I had forsaken But the fault I had committed was irreparable The letters I writ the powerfull meanes I used nor the validitie of my services could never open again that gate which I my selfe had shut upon me Alcidiana even forbad her deare Amintha to speake to her of my returne and to take from her subjects the knowledge of my disfavour she put all her Slaves out of her Palace lodged them in the towne and by a publick Proclamation forbad the entrance of her private retirement to all save her women and under-officers Yet did not these prohibitions serve for any thing against my passion The difficulties increas'd my desire and when I perceiv'd I had no more to hope for my love took new vigour and my former malady falling on mee suddenly begot such accidents as those I have related Lonelinesse reaving melancholy and despaire were as so many furies who breaking out of hell for my punishment and the generall miserie of all Alcidiana's subjects with my reason depriv'd mee of all humanitie In lieu of rendring justice to the oppressed I used them as I was handled and punish'd them for those violences which other had done them In vaine had the poore recourse to my power I added to their miseries to have the more companions and when any one complain'd of mine injustice See said I to my selfe if I suffer it not more ere I make thee undergoe it When I was told that the Townes had sent their Deputies to the Queen to complaine of my outrages Shee shall then said I be at last compell'd to be sensible of mine affliction by the recitall of that of her subjects But now the Princesse unable any longer to dissemble her resentment or shut her eares against the complaints of her people and besides knowing I serv'd her ill onely out of an intent to lose my command she let me see that she knew very well how to governe in writing to mee a letter which must eternally remaine graven in my memorie and 't was thus ALCIDIANA by the favour of Heaven queen of the happy Island to Pisander her Lievtenant-Generall and her subject I Understand to my griefe that the second yeare of thy government is far differing from the first Not long since I receiv'd the benedictions of great and small and all the Townes in emulation of one another sent to render me their thankfulnesse for giving them so just and so favourable a Protectour But now their Deputies come all together to demand justice for thy oppressions What e're the cause be of thy alteration know Pisander I will have thee continue in that charge whereof I thought thee worthy and on the next complaint is made of thee I will abandon thee to such lawes as are made against those that are guiltie of high treason After the reading of this Letter I saw that my plot would not take yet I perswaded my selfe I might get by one way what I could not by the other and to make tryall of it I resolved to let the Queen know that I no other way disobey'd her commands but in my not being able to execute them Under this pretext I took the boldnesse to answer her letter thus Pisander to the queen his soveraigne Lady IF Kings as the Gods could in conferring charges bestow withall such faculties as are necessarie for their due execution I doubt not Madam but your Majestie in honouring mee with the prime command in your estate would have provided mee with the utmost of sufficiencie But since such a gift is not to be expected but from Heaven I humbly beseech your Majestie not to exact from me that which is neither in your power nor mine I confesse that the complaints have not been heretofore so many and great as they are now But impute it not Madam to mine integritie to my care or my capacitie You know well that the vulgar naturally love novelties that changes to them are in lieu of remedies and that they beleeve they goe from good to bad when they passe from an ill which they know to another which they know not Let your Majestie be pleas'd to joyne this consideration with that of the to be bewail'd estate wherein I am That you would vouchsafe to look on me as on a man who in lieu of being able to governe others hath need to be govern'd himselfe That you would know if I offend 't is out of the disorder of my mind not of my manners In a word that Pisander is not wicked but hee is sick and his maladie being a stroke from Heaven he must necessarily finish his miserable dayes by that anger which the complaints and accusations of your subjects have rais'd against him This Letter was sent but it was not receiv'd Alcidiana fearing lest after the losse of my respect in mine actions and discourse I might as well neglect it in my Letters threw it into
two houres hence I will conduct you by passages not much frequented to a chamber the key whereof he hath given me and where hee will be as soon as the last prayers are ended In the meane time sleep For my part I will watch for feare you faile in your assignation Ah! friend repli'd Polexander I should have but little curiositie or to say better but a small portion of reason if being on the point of making my happinesse certaine I were able to close mine eyes No no Diceus I will not sleep Tell me therefore once againe all that Alcippus said to thee and omitting the death of the extravagant Tysiphone recount particularly what thou hast heard concerning Amintha Diceus obey'd the command but 't was not so well done but that he left the King his Master doubtfull what was become of that Lady When hee had ended this relation I have said hee to Polexander some advice to give you on which depends all the successe of your labours and inquiries 'T is that you expresly command Alcippus to compresse his affection and keep more then ever that gravitie which he put on with the Priesthood By this meanes he shall secure your life for he may secretly take out the ball whereon your name is written since he keeps the vessell whereinto all the fatall balls are throwne and besides when Alcidiana's Embassadors arrive under the qualitie of Arch-Prelate and Interpreter of the Deitie's will he may invent some specious pretext that may oblige the Embassadors to waft you to the Inaccessible Island But when will that fatall moment betide cri'd Polexander transported with the power of his imagination wherein I may see againe that blessed abode which hath conceal'd and kept it selfe so long away from mine inquisition O fairest Alcidiana be pleas'd to let me taste the happinesse which my hope gives mee of re-visiting you and that losing with my despaire the memorie of my afflictions I may inure my selfe by little and little to those raptures and almost incomprehensible blessednesse which are inseparably annex'd to the condition of such as serve you Polexander would have stuck as ravish'd with these sweet meditations if Diceus had not interrupted them and told him 't was time to goe meet Alcippus Polexander thereupon in all haste clad himselfe follow'd his guide went through the Cloister and unseen of any bodie came to the chamber where he was to meet Alcippus He fail'd not and presently that worthy Favourite casting himselfe at the feet of the King his Master Let Heaven said hee doe now what it will with mee I aske it no more since I have the happinesse of seeing my good Master againe O errour which hast made me shed so many teares I thank thee for so happily deceiving me Polexander taking up Alcippus Remember said he who you are and in what place goe not on in these superfluous testimonies both for your selfe and to me but without losing in needlesse demonstrations of love this time which may be better spent give mee an accompt of all you have done since your departure from the Island of Astramadan and chiefly let me know what is become of Amintha But I feare much that you can relate to mee nothing of her that can be welcome newes for if I call to mind well what you writ in a Cave which is at the point of a rock which they call the Hermits rock you were separated from her by the wrack of your ship What sayes your Majestie repli'd Alcippus and what Demon could bring you to that rock I was brought thither said the King by an adventure the most strange and happy in the world for my ship being sunk I had perish'd but for that rock which to mee was a very favourable haven There I spent two dayes and two nights and read my Epitaph which you had ingraven But put mee out of trouble and tell mee how you were forc'd to forsake Amintha Alcippus beginning his relation at Tysiphone's taking a resolution to follow Polexander to the Isle of Astramadan and having continued it with all that which had passed in that Isle As soon said he as we saw that desperate woman dead Amintha and my selfe return'd to your Vessell and being not able to speak so much had your losse quell'd us that we spent the rest of the day not knowing what to resolve on At last Amintha starting up and speaking suddenly No said shee I will not leave the bodie of Polexander to the mercie of his murderers With that shee went forth and never telling mee what shee intended to doe commanded some of your Mariners to carry her back on shore I went into the Shallop with her but we had not row'd scarce halfe a mile when we saw all the beach cover'd with armed men Our Mariners thereat fell hard to their oares and having told us that there was no reason for us to put our selves into the hands of those barbarous people got back againe to your ship Presently there came out of the haven two Vessels of the enemy and had had we not with all speed gotten into open sea infallibly wee had run the hazzard of losing life or libertie The wind which favour'd us much meeting a ship so good of saile as was yours had quickly made our pursuers lose sight of us Two dayes and two nights we sail'd we knew not whither The third day we discover'd an Island and there our Mariners cast anchor to take some refreshment and from thence to steere right for the Canaries Amintha in all the voyage had no other thought then of your death and from time to time speaking loud enough to be heard Ah! too superstitious Queen said she how lately wilt thou repent thy selfe for preferring false beseemlinesse before loyall affection Well thou art now rid of this cause of thy disquiet but I feare for thy peace lest those disturbances be redoubled when thou comest to understand in what manner thou art delivered from them Thus was she talking when I advertis'd her that we were arriv'd at an unknowne Island You may doe what you please said she For mine owne part I am resolv'd to think on nothing but how I may grieve enough for the losse we have sustain'd Seeing her so constant to her affliction I imagined that if there remain'd in you any knowledge or feeling after death you would accuse mee for the most ingratefull amongst men if I had not a particular care of a person to whom your memorie was so infinitely deare I resolv'd therefore to bring her to the Canaries and put her in possession of all the treasure you had left there that so shee might end her life in the same splendour shee was borne and have no cause to repent her of the affection shee had borne you As soon as our Mariners had provided themselves of all that was necessary they set saile againe and leaving the South behind them bore up full North. From the very first day were we beaten by a
wonder of this age had not been long in our Court but by his admirable indowments he grew so extreamly recommendable that he became the love and admiration of all Alcidiana confesseth to you that that Heroës virtue join'd to the service he had done her against her rebellious subjects insensibly wonne her to wish him well She did that at the beginning by way of acknowledgment which she did afterwards for her owne satisfaction In a word she lov'd him but perceiving her love began to goe beyond the limits she had prescrib'd it and what she indevour'd to conceale would in spight of her divulge it selfe sometimes by her disturbances otherwhiles by her deep musing then again by complaysancies which she deem'd unworthy her virtue and in briefe by the alteration of her complection she resolv'd to indure it no longer To make it sure she thought the best way was to get Polexander away While she was contriving it an occasion was offered in the stealing away of Amintha by a Spanish Pirate So soon as the newes came to Polexander he got to sea made after Amintha's ravisher Many dayes he pursued him and as many nights but in vain for a tempest drove him one way the pirate another In the mean while the love that Prince bore to the Queen my Mistris scarce permitting him to live out of her fight he left poor Amintha to the mercy of the ravisher and preferring slavery before all the Empire which his vertue had given he thought on nothing but of entring into Alcidiana's chaines A thousand times he strove to get to the Inaccessible Island as often the quality of that Isle beguild his hopes made him run almost through all the Ocean and yet found it not again After he had spent neare two years in such bootless voyages and undergone all the incommodities which accompany long navigations he arriv'd at the Isle of two Tyrants There he slew Amintha's ravisher and set that Lady again at liberty but his generousnesse ingaging him to avenge the Queen Tysiphone for the outrages she had receiv'd from the gyant Astramadan he was murdered by that tyrants subjects and Amintha after she had long time bewail'd the death of that famous Prince was forc'd to get to sea to avoid the violence of those of that Isle Almost assoon as she was under saile a tempest arose and by a strange accident being separated from the faithfull and generous Alcippus Polexanders favorite she was at last fortunatly cast on the coasts of the Inaccessible Island where being known of all she was brought to the Court and welcom'd by Alcidiana with so much joy as if after the lamenting her for dead she had been newly rais'd to life againe But the Queenes contentment was disturb'd by that which Amintha related touching the death of Polexander And since that time our Princesse hath not given over the afflicting her selfe with continuall plaints and lamentations Her conscience or rather her affection continually upbraides her for the death of the Canaryes King and makes her believe that she is truly guilty of it Every night his Ghost all goary either appeares or seems to appeare to her and displaying his wounds See saith he to her to what a case the desire of seeing and serving you hath brought mee But how deare is my misfortune to me since you pity it with what pleasure doe I spend my bloud since it drawes teares from you and how beneficiall is my death to me since it hath acquir'd me a place in your memory I should never have done if I would relate what Polexanders ghost spoke mightily to Alcidiana However my Lord these visions wrought an alteration in her health troubled her repose and brought her to such extremities that if they leave her not I shall soon see my Country full of afflictio such calamities as must follow the death of Alcidiana Loe here my Lord all that which my Mistris commanded me to communicate unto you and since she can expect from nââ¦e other then heaven the tranquillity she hath lost she beseecheth you to offer sacrifice for the expiation of her offence if shee be guilty of Polexanders death Yet what e're betide she beseecheth you to remember him in your devotions and to beg from heaven for a cessation of these visions which persecute her and since she shew'd not her selfe insensible of Polexanders love but that shee might not be so in the respect of her honour that it would not permit her innocency to be look'd on as a crime After Lynceus had spoke Alcippus reply'd thus The Deity whom we adore is too cleer-sighted to find any blots in so pure a life as that of Alcidiana Assure her from him that shee is not guilty of Polexanders death and that her disquiets proceed from some other sourse then that pricking remorse wherwithall the Eternall Justice begins to inflict vengeance in this life on offenders 'T is her love Lynceus that brings on these dreames and is the cause of all the agitations which molest her I advise her to quiet her minde Yet I forbid her not to love the memory of Polexander since 't is all she can love of him now But I would have her love to be peacefull and quiet and if it be true that my minde is somtime inlightned by the beames which come from above I assure her that heaven in retribution of her virtues preserves for her such contentments as it communicates not to many Princes Lynceus fully satisfi'd with this answer took leave of the Arch-priest and so well imprinted in his memory all that was said to him that he truely related it to the Queen his Mistris Alcippus on the other side perceiving it lay in his power to render our Heroe perfectly happy was almost ready to disclose to him what he had newly discovered but being retain'd by the sanctity of his oath and the Majesty he had call'd to witnesse He thought in becoming perjur'd he should in lieu of advancing Polexanders happinesse infallibly ruine it by his execrable untruth He therefore protested again to discover to him nothing of Alcidiana's secret and went to bed so well pleas'd with his vow that from that very night he tasted such contentments as ever since made him tread under foot all those that are earthly The next morning he went to the Temple and consecrating himselfe wholly to heaven promis'd solemnly to have it ador'd with all the purity had ever been taught to man That very day the bloudy sacrifice was to be offered and Polexander as Prince of the Clergie was bound to supply the place of the Arch-prelate at that dismall Ceremony He then be thought him it was time to put in execution what he had resolv'd with Alcippus and to imploy all his eloquence and credit for the abolishing of that horrible custome of humane sacrifices Assoon therefore as they advertis'd him that the Priests of the Sun and Alcidiana's Embassadors were assembled in the Temple he went
it the first evening he perceiv'd the cunning for he mark'd how the birds obeying to Linceus voice suddenly stopp'd their flight and incontinently after soaring very high they made an impetuous stoop on the ship He imagin'd by their returne that the art of man and not the power of a God had made them capable of a subjection which went for a miracle and had some of the generousnesse of those famous birds which forget their nature and libertie for the pleasure of men or from the docilitie of those which are the ordinarie postes from Alexandria or Cairo and from Aleppo to Tripoly in Syria Being confirm'd in this opinion by the going off and returning of those birds he admir'd the cunning and wit of the Inhabitants of the Inaccessible Island and no more doubted of what he had so often heard spoken that Common-wealth's being compos'd of a small number of able and an infinite multitude of impertinent men the wiser sort as lesse powerfull had been constrain'd to have recourse to miracles and to imploy strengths more redoubtable then their owne to keep in obedience such as being naturally the stronger were in all likelihood to become their masters These meditations tooke up for foure dayes Dicens thoughts the fifth at sun-set he came to the King his master and told him that he heard from Linceus they were the next day to discover the Inaccessible Island and if the wind did not faile then at even they should land about two or three houres within night Our Heroe receiving this newes with as much feare as hope Courage said he to his servant we are now on the point of deciding the great difference that is betwixt us and Fortune we can no more recoile but must either now have the victorie yeelded us or she absolutely take it to her selfe He began not this speech to make an end of it straight but as he was about to continue it he that stood as sentinell in the top of the mast put all the ship in confusion by his fearfull out-cryes he call'd to the Mariners to take care of the ship and to eschew two great fires which being in their course seem'd to beare up right upon them At this newes every one awoke and Polexander amongst the rest coming out of his cabin went up on the poup and was one of the first which descry'd that wonderfull blazing presently he thought it could not proceed from any other cause then the setting some ships on fire and beleev'd it so much the more certainly because a little while after he saw the fire divide it selfe in two and assoone joyne againe His generous soule fââ¦ll of compassion made him thinke on the safetie of those wretches which were like to be burnt in the midst of the waters and to effectuate that charitable thought he besought Alcidiana's Embassadors not to be pitilesse and cruell spectators in an occasion where they might make knowne their goodnesse and courage Linceus was call'd to give his opinion he would gladly have afforded that which he ought to those of his own condition but knowing whereto his charge oblig'd him Humane consideration said he demands one thing and Alcidiana's service requires another If I were Master of this ship I would hazard her rather then see poore miserable wretches perish before me whose cryes even coming to our eares seeme to implore our assistance but I have command to bring backe againe this ship into the Port of Eliza and have none to goe succour these which are in this disaster 'T is true said Polexander approving what Linceus had said 't is not fit to hazard so many persons of qualitie as are in this vessell to satisfie a zeale which as just as it is yet may possibly not be reasonable let 's doe better some eight or ten of us may get into the shallop and rowing neere the burning ships may at least testifie that we are not insensible of other mens calamities This proposition was presently approv'd of and almost assoon put in execution Polexander was not satisfi'd with the good counsell he gave but he would have his share in the danger which accompanied it and though Alcidiana's Embassadors did their utmost to divert him they could get nothing but the satisfaction of following him they therefore put themselves all into one barque and commanding their sailers to get the wind they drew neer the burning vessels and saw two which like furnaces halfe quench'd threw out no fire but what was wrapt up in a thick smoake On all sides they might heare fearfull groanes and clamours and when Polexander had commanded the Mariners to betake them to their oares he thought he heard others which strucke the sea very neere him he made them row towards the noise and presently descry'd a little shallops in which there were onely two women the one laid all along seem'd rather dead then alive and the other strove with oares to get off from the burning vessels but through too much feare and too little experience she did cleane contrary to her intention and when Polexander staid her shallop she was falling againe into those flames from which she had escap'd When she saw her boat stopp'd she cry'd out taking our Heroe for another at first he spoke not to her to the end he might know by what she would say to whom he was to addresse himselfe instantly hee heard the woman make use of a language particular to the Kingdome of Thombut and Galatia and the understanding it gave some I know not what emotion which amaz'd him But he was farre more when she who lay as dead opened her mouth and after many long and frequent sighes in these termes made knowne her lamentable fortune Thou hast O too amiable and cruell stranger pluck'd me out of the executioners hands Thou hast led me from slaverie to a throne and when I had lost all hope of Government plac'd more then one Crowne on my head but to what end were all these obligations and benefits except to make me more miserable in denying the chiefest which was thy companie and affection that height of greatnesse whereto thou hadst rais'd me onely made me more capable of a greater down-fall if thy intention was so thou shouldst rest satisfi'd since my obedience hath been made apparent to thee by mine own ruine and precipitating my selfe into such downe-falls as thou hadst digg'd for me have witnessed to the world that when there was question of giving thee contentment there was nothing too hard for me for this the unfortunate Philesia is pleas'd to die and the more contented since she consecrates to thee with her life that first puritie which neither the Prince of Galatia's solicitations nor the violence of pirates have beene of force to deprive her of Those last words struck Polexander almost to the heart for he felt in himselfe that he was the cause of those just lamentations He call'd to mind the love which the Princesse of Thombut had made knowne
Nephizus hath unworthily repudiated me The Old Narcissus hearing these last words of Ennoramita lifted his hands to his eies to cope thence his teares and having often sighed My Lord said he to Polexander casting himself at his feet I should be unworthy that Name of a faithfull Servant which this Princesse vouchsaf'd to give me if even in that trouble and astonishment which her presence causeth in me I did not preserve enough of Judgement to give to her Innocence that testimony she expects from my mouth True Sir this Princesse deserves to be protected since she is unjustly prosecuted But J am deceiv'd in saying so She hath no more need of protection for shee hath not any persecuter Narcissus in saying so renew'd his teares and was a long time ere he could dry them Ennoramita moved with the sorrow of that Man who had alwayes mildly treated her besought Polexander to retire into his Closset that Narcissus might tell him in private those things that were not fit to be published The Eunuch joyn'd his intreaties to those of the Princesse and Polexander arising led her into his chamber Narcissus follow'd them and every one retââ¦ring to leave them at liberty The good old man moistning againe his leââ¦n cheekes with a long current of tears on this manner began the History of Nephizus Secrets That eternall Justice which is not allwaies fear'd because it is not allwayes busied in the punishing of wicked men hath at last made the poor Prince of Fez to feele that it chastiseth with a great severity when it long time defers his punishments That power made him fall into the pit which himselfe had digged and to make it selfe re-doubtableto those Princes that live hath suffered one of the greatest Princes of Affrica to dye so miserably that even to this houre we can know no other thing of him but that he is dead What doe you tell me cride Perselida What Narcissus is the Prince of Fez dead He is dead Madam reply'd the Eunuch weeping and all that I can say of his unhappy end is that he hath served for food to the Monsters of the Ocean Ennoramita made it well appeare on this occasion that a generous Soule is out of her Element when she is constraind either to resent her of the injuries or to deny her compassion to those which are fallen though justly into any mis-fortune No sooner was the Princesse assured of the death of her greatest enemy but she lost the memory both of all the wrong she had received and the protestations she had made to be avenged for them She remain'd a while recollected in her selfe and casting downe her eyes would have hid the teares that a true greife drew from her At last she declared her selfe and after divers sighes I confesse said she with a marvelous moderation that I cannot chuse but bewayle the unfortunate death of that young Prince J forgive him with all my heart the wrong he hath done me and beseech the dreadfull Majesty before whom he is to give an account of the actions of his life not to deale with him according to the rigor of his Justice Polexander admir'd this excesse of goodnesse and praysing so fair a change intreated Perselida to be pleas'd that he might be cleard of a thing he had heard in Bajazets Jsland The Princesse replyde that he might doe all that he thought fit Thereupon Polexander tooke the old Eunuch by the hand and intreated him to tell why Nephizus had forsaken his country and his wife and whither it were on the Mediterranean Sea or the maine Ocean that they thought he had suffered shipwrack I can satisfy your curiosity replyde Narcissus and in doing so shall acquit my selfe of that whereto my Soveraigne Lady lately engaged me Ennoramita having bestow'd farre more then she owed to the memory of her marriage set her neer to Polexander and Narcissus related to them what they desired to know in these termes About a yeere before I left you in the Pallace of the Desert sayde he addressing him to the Princesse of Tunis my Lord the King waâ⦠solicited by Abdelmelec to renew their ancient intelligence and by a necessary warre to free their country and even their Father from the slavery wherein five or six Tyrants made them to languish Nephizus who was but too facile to be carried to any mischiefe met with his brother and by a parricidiall resolution engag'd himselfe to put the kinde and meeke Hely from his Throne and make him renounce by force that authority which he kept too long This Attempter had the successe he deserved for Nephizus forces were discomfited and himselfe taken prisoner But the too indulgent Hely unwilling to consent either to the death or imprisonment of his rebellious Sonne satisfied himselfe with keeping him under guard some few dayes after which never remembring what had passed he shewed him more love and more confidence then before and utterly to undoe him the too facile and weak Hely shewed him I dare not say indiscreetly a young wonder of whom as old as he was he was become passionately amorons I would tell you the story of that fatall beauty because t is most strange but it serving nothing to my purpose I will content my selfe with the relating to you that she arrived on the coasts of Morrocco in the midst of the flames of a burning ship as presaging the fires and flames that she was to kindle in that country Nephizus had noe sooner seen that stranger but he not only trod under foot the respect he was bound to carry to the passion of his father but he forgot that which he lawfully ought to love and what he had other times affected The desire to enjoy this stranger wholy possessing him and making him to lose all reason he thought that by cunning and glosing it might be easie for him to come to the End of his pretentions and being young and faire should without much difficulty get this marvell out of the hands of the good old man his Father But after he had imployed in it all his wits and all his confidents he found himselfe farre short of his reckoning For having to doe with an old Man jealous suspectfull and sensuall and by consequence that was igno rant in nothing that was to be practisd to win a woman his wyles were soone discovered and he to save his life constrained to fly At that time he writ to mee by one of his Mutes that I should shut you up more strictly then before and in saying thus he bow'd his head to Ennoramita's foot that I should not suffer you to be seene by any body and on the penalty of my life I should not suffer any person whatsoever to come neere the Advenues of your prison He writ me not the cause of that rigorous command but I discovered it since Abdelmelec took me into his service I will tel it you because it serves for the cleering of many things which may have come
his Soveraigne to go testifie himselfe to that visible Angell with what flames of love shee environed him without the seeing her But those who had power over his inclination and principally his mother restrained his first agitations and strove even to smother this growing passion He grew angry at their remonstrances and without neglecting the respect which nature obliged him to preserve he discreetly made knowne to his mother that love was a thing more imperious and of greater power then maternity In briefe he wrote to his Agents they should make all necessary overtures but not engage themselves till they had sent and he received her picture He was obeyed in it and so conformably to his intention that he accus'd his Confidents of stupidity or envy for describing the faire French Lady far lesse attractive then hee found her He presently sent them commission to treat with the Parents of that beauty and the conditions he propos'd being infinitely beyond their hopes he was received with a great many thankes and the faire and innocent Eolinda being delivered into the hands of the English was soone after presented to her lover I will not speak of his overjoyednesse his transports and extasies at the sight of that beauty I cannot better expresse the greatnesse of it to you then in telling you it cannot be done Once the admirable Eolinda was brought to London and receiv'd not onely by private persons but by the King and Queen with so many tokens of estimation that she could conceive her happinesse to be but a dreame or an enchantment Oh how happy had she been had shee dy'd in those fortunate times Truely for her quiet sake 't is to be wished it had hapned then but it had not been so much for her glory For the proofes of constancy and generousnesse she hath since made evident to the world if we consider well of things is the most faire and noble part of her life Within a little while of her arrivall her marriage was celebrated and that with such justs turnies maskes and other gallantries as the Kings owne was not more magnificent You may well imagine what the Prince's joy was for that day 't was incomparable and followed by a satisfaction which had lasted till this day if it had been possible a man extreamly in love and exceeding knowing in the worlds corruption had been capable of possessing without jealously a Lady so wonderfully desired Yet this poore Prince at least I will beleeve so had been free from that cruell fate in marriage if even those who were obliged to divert his suspicions had not fomented them He had not been married a yeer I speak according to mine owne accompt for according to his 't was not a day when his mother who was a Scottish woman and who with her milk had suck'd in all that could be of hair-braind savage and cruell in Scotland became jealous of the power of her daughter in Law and enraged with the diminution of her authority She kept it secret or made it known but to her most particular Confidents For to undertake any thing against Eolinda was to put her self to the hazzard of her owne ruining and in that this stepmother placed the height of her misfortune But after she had a long time undergone it she resolv'd to quit her self of it at what price soever and falling into all those extremities whereto a wicked woman is incident intended either to perish her self or to ruinate the authority of her rivall In the meane time this young Princesse was admir'd of all desired of many and serv'd but without her consent by two young Lords who flattered themselves with the hope of winning her either by the profusion of their riches or by the greatnes of their services constancy They are now dead and I may therefore speak of them without being accused of flattery I will say then take from their lives the fault of attempting against the honour of a married woman there could be nought found in them but exceeding rare qualities and most eminent vertues This unhappy love which disturbes the most perfect harmony and makes desolate the most flourishing families with one selfe-same arrow pierced the hearts of these two young Lords They sighed one griefe they burnt in one desire they attempted one designe and yet concealed that from one another and never spoke of the disease which they equally suffer'd The youngest was an Earle of an high heart daring spirit and so free an humour that hee thought he committed an offence not in affecting any faire subject but to affect it and not make it knowne The other who was two yeeres elder then he was no lesse free and generous but he affected fame lesse then vertue and so that he performed worthy actions it imported him not whether it came to the knowledge of any man or no. Being of this humour 't was no hard matter for him to hide his passion observe silence and keep that respect whereto Eolinda's vertue and the quality of her husband ought to oblige him The one then by a prudent boldnesse and the other by a generous timorousnesse advanced unperceiveably his designe and let no day passe without trying to make knowne to Eolinda there was in their civilities something more then that which is spoken onely by way of discourse and cometh from franknesse of humour She no sooner doubted of their intention but she dextrously avoided their converse and behav'd her selfe more coldly towards them then the agreeablenesse of the Court permits But when she saw these remedies were not strong enough to cure so great an ill she feign'd she was sick her selfe and was neere two moneths from visiting the Queen that her long absence might heale those whom her presence had wounded But 't is bootlesse to pretend by resisting to have the upper hand of generous spirits Those two young Lords perceiving that Eolinda's sicknesse was a disease that might prove mortall to their affection had recourse alike to preservatives and speciall remedies They prepar'd themselves to suffer for a long time to dissemble much and to grow obstinate against all difficulties They even gave thanks to love that in Eolinda they met with a vertue able for a long time to exercise their great courage On the other side Eolinda beleeving they thought no more on her left her chamber return'd to the Queen who could not almost live without her and came againe with a lustre which she had not before her feigned malady If the ordinary gallants did redouble their sighes at the sight of this new Sun imagine what the two true Adorers did Their quality gave them accesse every where where the King was and their gentlenesse had acquired them so much familiarity amongst the Ladies that the Queen her selfe missed them as often as they were not in her matches and associations These priviledges were the cause why Eolinda could not avoid the occasions of seeing them She must in spight of her selfe endure it
or make it knowne and by consequence make a noise and she found no lesse perill in the one then in the other For on the one side she considered that should she endure this research without disclosing it to the Prince and he should come to the knowledge of it by some other who might discover it he would have just cause to beleeve she was very well contented with it On the other side she represented to her selfe that in making shew of her discontent she should be the subject of all the Court talke give a faire pretext to all detraction to invent what it lift for her destruction and what more troubled her she should engage the Prince her husband in those broyles as could have none other then a dismall successe On these considerations she took a way worthy a soule high and faire as her owne Shee resolv'd to endure all the extravagances all the talke and prattle and all plaints of those two lovers as long as they could be interpreted to her advantage and thought on but as the ordinary freedome of entertainment or gallantry of young men But if ever they hapned to make known their love to her or to search for occasions to see her in private she resolv'd with her selfe to discover it to her husband After this resolution for six moneths was she forced to suffer the follies of those two lovers She heard them every day sighing by her she saw them blush waxe pale and muse in beholding her and many times she was compell'd to shift place that she might not heare the excessive praises which they gave her beauty But heaven having denoted the fatall point where the mis-fortunes of so many illustrious personages should have their beginning the Earle broke his long observed silence and by mischance seeing Eolinda as she was going in to the Queen stay'd for her at the going forth of that chamber where she was to leave her squire and women He intercepted her in the passage and humbly besought her to accept of his attending to the Queens privy chamber She trembled from head to foot seeing her selfe in a straight which shee had so often and so carefully avoided and standing steadfast was so some small time without walking and answering The young Lover interpreting this disquiet to his owne advantage thought he was no indifferent man with the Princesse and to oblige her by his discretion not to be frighted another time I see well Madam said he I have committed an incivility in thinking to tender you a small proofe of my most humble servitude I will doe penance for it and to make it answerable to what the greatnesse of my fault requires from me I condemne my selfe to passe the rest of this day without the being enlightned by those faire eies which onely give me sight and life In saying so he made her a great reverence and so left the interdicted Eolinda The mother in law to the Princesse at the same instant coming out of the Queens chamber entred into that where our Lover took leave of his Mistresse The dangerous Scottish woman saw the last complement perceiv'd her daughters confusednesse noted she blusht at her seeing her and when she came neere she found her so troubled shamefac'd and confounded that had she bin lesse wicked then she was she would not have forborne to beleeve there were very particular intelligences between that Princesse and the young Earle Presently she resolv'd to draw a great advantage out of that meeting and in her malice causing in her some thoughts of the Divinity which could not be other wise then as of a man as wicked as her self she gave thanks to it for what she had seen with a prayer to be assisted in what she went about to enterprise for the ruine of her daughter in law The unfortunate Princesse being a little come to her selfe would have made her some excuses but the abominable hagge spoke thus Doe not trouble your selfe to seeke for excuses that 's for me to doe for coming so unseasonably to trouble you and with that went her wayes directly to her son to give him under pretext of affection the mortall blow which hath so tragically made him expire before you He was not at home and though the old woman sent on all sides to find him and to effect his coming her as speedily as hee could yet for that time her devilishnesse had no successe and got not the Prince to swallow her poyson till after Eolinda had strengthned him with an excellent Antidote The Princesse seeing her selfe falne into that misfortune she so long feared did nothing all the while she was with the Queen but consult with her self in what manner shee might make that ill potion pleasing which she was to give to the Prince her husband Presently shee turn'd her thoughts on heaven implor'd assistance from thence and its testimony in so tender a businesse and petitioned to be from thence furnished with words which should be proper for the confirming the Prince in that opinion he had continually held of her chastity Shee had no sooner made this prayer but her agitations and feares left her her mind retook its former serenity and as her face was sensible of the troubles of her soul so did it also resent the recovery of her quiet Shee was with the Queen all the evening and was so pleasing in her conversation that her husband who came thither with the King could not sufficiently admire her sweet humour The King and the Queen being retir'd the Prince and Eolinda did so too and being come home severed themselves for different businesses The husband entred his withdrawing chamber to dispatch his most urgent affaires and the wife into her Oratory to implore againe assistance from above and petition for that powerfull and necessary art whereby truth may be beleeved by her greatest enemies Whilst she was in this exercise her husband came into the Oratory I know not said he what my mother would have with mee shee hath sent five or six times man after man and intreates mee to goe to her before I goe to bed about something that concernes me more then my life What doe you think it should be Eolinda who was risen as soone as shee heard her husband My Lord said shee I will tell you if you please but since 't is a thing which should not be knowne to any but your selfe be pleased I may shut the doore that I may the more freely speake to you The Prince did it himselfe and holding her between his armes with as much joy as a covetous man fixeth his eyes on his treasure Tell mee said hee this strange businesse and falsifie it not for feare you anger me what bitternesse soever there be in it I shall there finde sweetnesse since I have it from thy faire lips Eolinda considering the kind speeches of her husband as so many witnesses of that miraculous assistance shee was to receive from the goodnesse shee had implor'd