more of incommodity then content I shall not alter my minde replyed Philoxypes for what you say but must once more affirm that doubtlesly the Gods have in a moment inspired you with what others have much adoe to learn in their whole lives For that you should be the fairest maid in all the world and fairer in a Cottage then Queens are in their Palaces though this be very much yet is it not impossible but that living amongst Woods and Rocks you should behave your self and speak as you doe 't is this fair Philocrita that I cannot comprehend nor can I imagin that you were born here amongst these savage Rocks 'T is true Sir said she I am not of this Island by birth but was so young when I parted from Creta as I hardly remember any thing thereof T is true the conversation which I have here cannot have given me the accent of the Countrey for I speak with none but those of this family who are no more of Cyprus then I. What Policrite said Philoxypes do you spend your whole time without speaking and yet speak as you do Once more this Cottage is unworthy of you and some means must be found out to draw you hence I am so well contented here Sir said she as I should thereby receive an injury and I imagine you have no such design therefore I conjure you to leave me in that solitariness that you found me for neither will I say much more unto you not being able to speak any thing of mine own experience Philoxypes who observed that this yong maid was indeed troubled to see him tarry so long with her though it were in no dis-obliging manner was loth to anger her so as with much violence used upon himself after having saluted her with such reverence as if she had been upon a Throne he offered to be gone But Sir said she with much candour you know my name is Policrite and I cannot tell my Father what his name is that hath done him the honour to enquire after him You may tell him replyed this Prince transported with love my name is Philoxypes Alas Sir answered Philocrita I beg your pardon if I have not used you with such respect as I ought Is not then said he my name unknown unto you No Sir said she and I have heard my Father though he knows you not himself say such things of you by the report of others as I am sure will make him rejoyce exceedingly when he shall know that you will do him the favour to command him any service Philoxypes inchanted to hear Policrite speak in such sort said unto her a thousand passionate and obliging things if she would have understood them to which she still replyed with such readiness and modesty as he still became in love with her more and more He then took his leave of her and departed from this Cottage with an unconceivable sorrow being come to the same place where he first saw her he stayed and beholding on the one side his goodly and magnificent Palace of Claria and on the other side this little Countrey Cottage Ah Philoxypes cryed he who would believe that in the condition thy soul is in thou canst prefer this unlucky Cottage before that stately Palace and that thy heart so insensible of love and so ambitious of true glory can abase it self before Policrite's feet But then said he again is it possible that Philoxypes should love any thing which is not the handsomest thing in the world And if it bee so Policrite ought to be the object of his desires and love I say Policrite in whose looks is no art whose words are sincere all whose thoughts are innocent who knows not what a sin is whose heart is not prepossest with any passion who as yet loves nothing but the Woods Fields Flowers and Fountains who is hardly conscious of her own beauty and whose inclinations are doubtlesly all vertuous But when all is done said he after a little pause love is a weakness from whence I have till now defended my self onely because I did verily believe that it was handsome not to be capable thereof but to love a personage of so unequal birth is a folly which I ought by all means to withstand For in fine with what face shall I dare to appear at Court How fair soever Policrite bee I dare not shew the irons shee makes me wear they must either be broken by force or so cunningly conceald as no man may ever discern them With this resolution did Philoxypes return home and from thence to Paphos but he was so possest with melancholy as hee was forced to fain himself sick The King who saw him that very night both with himself and with the Princess Aretephile perceived his perplexity and pressed him to know the cause But Philoxypes answered him as he had done the rest The Court was very great that day and all that was gallant was there which occasioned Philoxypes in his ravings to inquire of himself an hundred and an hundred times why since he was to love it was not some of those illustrious personages Yet though he would use violence upon himself and endevor to love by reason he could never cōpass it And Policrite's image was so deeply imprinted in his heart as nothing could eface it He passed over 3 days thus with very much disquiet and on the 4th maugre himself he returned to Claria and from thence to Cleanthes whom at his first approach he found leaning upon that little Pallisado of Lawrels which incompassed his Court. As soon as this wise Old man saw him he stept unto him and received him with such Civility as had nothing of Rustick in it Sir said he I thought my Daughter had been deceived when she told me your Name which kept me from coming to Claria to receive your Commands to boot that 't is hard to imagine that a Man of my Fortune and Age may be any wayes serviceable to such a Prince as you Vertue and worth said Philoxypes makes friends unto it self of all Ages and of all Conditions But Cleanthes the only thing I desire to know of you is whether it be out of necessity or out of choice that you inhabit this little House for if it be the former you shall not tarry long here and if the latter I will come and live with you sometimes at which Cleanthes smiled and said Poor Cottages Sir are no proper abodes for great Princes 'T is very true said Philoxypes neither ought great Worth to be confin'd to little Cottages but doth much better become great Palaces I therefore proffer you my House Claria where you and your Family may live more commodiously then here Sir replyed Cleanthes 't is handsome for a personage of your condition and worth to be willing to relieve the distrested but it were not just to abuse that Goodness which may be better employ'd on some better occasion For in fine Sir I suffer no want
in this manner very unquietly sometimes he was agitated with anger and hatred not knowing whom he hated or on whom he desired to be revenged sometimes he did a little blame Philoxypes for not having at the very first acquainted him with his passion sometime he betook himself to Aretaphiles beauty but at last he blamed himself Then suddainly considering the pittifull condition into which Phyloxypes was brought and what an unhappy life he led his heart was so touched with compassion as he did almost love his pretended Rival better then his Mistress He then called to minde how that all the favours he had received from her had been husbanded and obtained by Phyloxipes his means He past the next morning in like perplexitie and strange irresolutions at last having dined somewhat early he went well accompanied to lie that night at Claria not affording me any opportunitie to give any notice thereof to Philoxypes for he into whose custodie I was given thinking it had been for some business of another nature treated me as a prisoner of the State and would not give me the least libertie The king commanded me to follow him so as I came with him to Claria he not having spoken one word all the way long but musing still on his adventure But when we were come thither Phyloxipes's people told the King that their Master was not at home and that according to his custom he was walked out all alone The King informed himself carefully of one of his servants who had a long time waited on him whether he knew not the cause of his Masters melancholly this servant who loved his Master dearly that he might make use of the honour the King did him in speaking to him said Sir I know not what my master ayles but this I know that if your Majestie out of your goodness finde not some means to cure him of the Melancholly which possesseth him he will certainly not live long For he eats little hardly sleeps at all does nothing but sigh cannot endure that one should speak to him about busines wanders whole daies in the fields and I once heard him cry out when he little thought I did so Good gods what would the King say if he saw how great my sadness is and how hardly would he guess at the cause of my death In fine Sir said this man with tears almost in his eyes I know not what to say but I am very certain your Majesty will lose the faithfullest of all your servants if you lose the Prince my Master Whilest this man spake thus I was strangely in pain for I saw all that he said tended to confirm the King in his Opinion I was much the better for beckning unto him he never looked on me so intent was he to what he said The King on his part sighed and having left the other well Leontidas you will not have it that Philoxypes is in Love nor that it is Aretaphile whom he loves Sir said I I confess I am stil of that belief and I would your Majesty could resolve to be so too O Unfortunate Philoxypes cried the King not answering me how sad is this distemper and how unfortunat am I my self that I cannot absolutely cure thee of the Malladie that possesseth thee I would then have gone to finde out Phyloxypes that I might acquaint him with the Kings sense before he saw him but the King would not suffer me but making the way be shewn unto him which Philoxypes most usually went we went directly towards the head of Claria Philoxypes was this mean while gone to Cleanthes his house where the face of affairs was a little altered for Policrita-knowing that her condition was not what she believed it to be Philoxypes his desert had made a further advancement in her heart then formerly neither could she so well hide her affection but that Cleanthes and Megisto were much to their grief aware thereof Yet was Philopyxes ne're a whit the more happie for Policrite having tane a Fancie to make tryal of his affection by an appearing indifferency did very carefully conceal from him the affection shee had for him And in truth that very day that the King came to Claria where we mist of Phyloxypes she had caused as much trouble in him as admiration For being gone to her and having found her at the root of a a tree where shee was designing out a corner of the countrey which pleased her he began to entertain her with his passion and to tell her how it grew still more violent upon him Sir said she if I may be permitted to do so I should tell you That if you desire to win my good esteem you should do better to tell me that your passion grows every day more moderate for to tell you the truth I do somewhat apprehend these extravagant passions which I have heard spoken of and which they say does disorder reason makes men lose the respect they ow to virtue though it inhabite in a Cottage and which occasion a hundred strange things the very hearing whereof causeth horror Therefore Sir if you would oblige me you will satisfie your self with telling me you have affection enough for me to wish if it were possible that Fortune had been more propitious to me that I had been born of a higher condition then I am or at least this not being so I might rest content with my own condition without envying others To love you with indifferencie said Philoxypes who acquainted me afterwards with this their conversation your beautie should be indifferent your virtue and discretion should be so also in fine that inexpressable Charm which I finde in every of your words looks and actions ought not to inchant me as it doth But divine Policrite apprehend nothing from the violence of my passion for the stronger it is the fuller of respect shall I be and the more obedient to your will Sir said She if what you say be true speak no more thereof I beseech you for not comprehending that I may lawfully give you any part of my affection mee thinks I ought intreat you to entertain me no longer with yours But Divine Policrita said he for whom do you reserve that Glorious affection which you cruelly affirm I shall never enjoy At these words she blusht and modestly bowing down her eyes I reserve it said she for our woods fields rocks and fountains whereof Sir said shee smilingly I think you will not be jealous I shall not be jealous of them said hee but I shall envy them and I shall not easily endure that you should love things to my prejudice which cannot love you again But cruel maid will you say nothing to me of more obliging and forgoing the Court as J do for love of you and renouncing what ever is in the world except it be Policrite is it possible you should not deal with me a little less severely J do not desire you to love me say onely that you are
I conjure you since I have onely adored Solons virtue and worth in Policrite's person for t is her virtuous minde which I am more enamor'd of then of her personal beauty yet do I deserve to be punish'd for doubtlesly my frequent visits have caused Cleanthes to change his abode Hee knew not Philoxypes and Imagined he might have abused him in Policrite But to prove said he that I lived respectfully with her and that I never received a favourable word from her see said he Sir shewing him the letter which hee had received the innocent and cruell sign of acknowledgement that this Divine Personage hath given me since that at the same time when shee saies she will remember me shee saies also she shall never see me more yet Sir said he if my passion do displease you you shall see how ready I will be to die as soon as you shall have given me the least occasion so to do since that is the only way whereby I can pluck her from out my heart but on the contrary if you do truly love me you will rather bewail me then accuse me you will promise me not to oppose me if the Gods restore Policrite to you and you will suffer her to be Mistress of that stately town which was built by your directions I wish Sir I were able to offer her sundry Scepters but I think not that he who refuseth them will stick much to bestow his daughter on a Prince who thinks himself happie in being but near a Throne and to assist his King to sustain the weight of his Scepter When Philoxypes had made an end of speaking and Solon had read Policrite's letter my Daughter said he is yet wiser then I thought her to have been and since she hath been able to resist the charms of Philoxype's greatness and worth J finde Epimenides had reason to speak of her as of a miracle Be you then assured said he Sir That if the Gods restore my Daughter to me I shall bring no other obstacle to your designes then my humble desire that you will seriously consider whether shee be worthy or no of the honour you would do her for if you continue in your resolution and that I shall know that shee doth indeed deserve a part of the favours which you vouchsafe her I shall be ready to command her to look on you as on him whom the gods have chosen to make her happy and glorious I do not tell you Philoxypes that the famous Excestides my Father who left me poor onely out of his own Magnificencie was descended from the illustrious bloud of King Chodrus for these are not things which I think men ought much to boast of But I will assure you that all those of my House since they have left the Crown have been as good Citizens as their Forefathers were good Kings and that for my particular I had alwaies rather oppose my self to Tyrannie then be a Tyrant In fine said he as it is not to your greatness that I give Policrite I pretend also that Policrite's virtue shall supplie the place of a Crown But alas said Philoxypes how will you give me this Divine Policrite if we know not where shee is She must be begg'd of the Gods replied Solon since t is from them alone that we are to expect all the good that can befall us In fine sir Philoxypes conceived an unexpressable joy to finde Solon so favourably disposed towards him But also his grief was no less extream to think that Solons good intentions would prove of no use if Policrite were not found Yet was he somewhat comforted with the sight of so famous a man and the conversation of one so perfectly wise made his sorrow appear at least more moderate though really it was alwaies very great Nay I remember he told me that notwithstanding all his sadness he forgot not you sir but entertained Solon with the discourse of you as of a very extraordinarie Personage This mean while the King having heard of Solons arrivall and how that Policrite was his daughter was exceeding glad and would have him and Philoxypes to come to Court so as this Prince his love was no longer so great a secret Imagining that Cleanthes was not gone out of the Island command was sent again to all the Towns and Vilages to give an account of what strangers lived in them but do what they could they could learn no acceptable news This mean while the Court grew very melancholy for Princess Aretaphile not able to put on a resolution of pardoning the King the King by an odd phansie of Love resolved also to winne this Princess her heart before he would assure her to make her his Queen Philoxypes on his part was mad to think he could not finde out Policrite and that he had been the cause why Solon had lost her and Solon was also very sad that hee could hear no newes of his daughter especially at a time when he vvas of necessitie to return to Athens where he had learned that there was great disorders and that all things tended towards Sedition He knevv that there vvere three severall Factions there that one Licurgus vvas chief of those that inhabited the plains that Megacles sonne to Alcmeon commanded over those of the sea coast and that Pisistrates whom certainly you knew when you went to Athens was chief of the mountaineers So as though all that numerous people had punctually observed his Laws since his departure yet the face of affairs was likely soon to alter Solon being then necessitated to be gone within a few daies told Philoxypes That the interest of a mans country was to be preferd before all things else and that he who chose rather to conceal his daughter then to expose her to the love of a Tyrant would not abandon his Countrey to expect in vain to hear of one whom certainly the Gods would preserve if she were worthy of their care so as he had no more to do then give him full leave to marry her if he should finde her Philoxypes being at that same time both much afflicted and much joyed thankt Solon for the honour he did him but the winde not serving for his departure and his ship not being ready he must have patience for a while During this interval of time Solon understood that there was a famous Temple about some forty miles from Paphos dedicated as were almost all the rest in the Island to Venus Urania where 't was said this Goddess delighted more to be honour'd then in any other Temple because the custom there was that all the Ceremonies were performed by maids of good discent who dedicated themselves to the service of that Goddess and who were to serve her three years in her Temple before they were to marry Solon who believed he could not imploy the time better which much against his will he was to stay in Cyprus then in praying to the Gods moved Philoxypes to go thither who
will you never love me and shall all I can do to win your affection prove useless no 't is impossible were you as incensible as those pictures which I have of you My pictures replyed Policrite Yes added Philoxypes I am not so unfortunate as you think for in despight of you and without your consent I have the contentment of seeing you daily Ah! said Policrite I perceive Mandrocles hath betrayed me and hath falsified his word Philoxypes askt her then how she came to know Mandrocles She told him how that famous Painter walking daily when his leisure would permit him amongst those rocks to draw some lanskips had one day by chance light upon their house where having seen her he had begg'd leave of Cleanthes to draw her pictâ—re which Cleanthes would have refused him but that seeing his importunity he was afraid lest he might speak of her to him at Claria and that therefore he gave way unto his desire upon condition that he should not make use of this picture in any of his pieces but as of a head made by fancy and imagination and making him take a solemn oath never to speak with any body whosoever of any acquaintance he had with them That since that time as long as Mandrocles tarryed at Claria he came to teach her to design and had drawn her picture in twenty several postures She then enquired of Philoxypes whether Mandrocles had spoken to him of her or no And he told her the whole truth but you may perceive said Philoxypes that the Goddess whom you represent intends not that you should always be inhumane since she would her self appear in your vizage Sir said she not being of your Isle my devotion leads me rather to be a Votress to Diana then to worship Venus Urania therefore it is not this your reason that will prevail with me to boot that his Goddess approving only of such passions as are innocent will certainly never councel me to admit of yours Vertues self replyed Philoxypes would advise you to it and did you know my heart you would need no other Councellor then your self It would take up so much time replied she to make me know it as I shall advise you not to undertake the work But said he if I do undertake it and if I make it evident to you that never man loved any thing as I love you what will you then think I would think said she that you were very unfortunate in having so passionately loved one who is unworthy of so much honor But said he would you think your self any waies obliged unto me I should be sorrie for you said she and would wish your cure either by absence or by forgetfulnesse Ah! cruel maid said he wish it rather by your compassion and charity and promise me only that you will afford me leisure to perswade you that I am the most in love of all men To do as you say said she would be to be somewhat perswaded thereunto already therefore and with this she walked towards her Cottage I will listen no longer to you After this manner did Philoxypes pass away his time having but very few moments of delight amongst many howres of anguish This mean while he could not endure to tarry at Paphos and when he went thither all he could do was only to visit the Princesse Aretephile which the King compelled him to do but he appeared so melancholly and so changed as he was hardly to be known The King who loved him dearly was much afflicted to see it he together with the whole court sought what might be the occasion of this alteration but they could not finde it The King askt it of Philoxypes self but could learn nothing Philoxypes answering alwaies that it was some melancholy which proceeded certainly from his temper and from some little indisposition of health But said the King solitariness is no usual cure for such incommodities wherefore you ought not to go any more to Claria Yet affairs went still on thus yea even when Winter was come which did the more astonish the whole Court they knew he built no more at Claria that the Painters and Engravers who had been so long there were all gone that the season was foul that when he went thither 't was but with a small train and that he walked alwaies alone they saw a strange sadnesse in his face and a wonderful alteration and all this without any appearing cause The King heaped favours and honours upon him he askt him an hundred times what he vvould desire of him he had not any one enemie the whole Court loved him hee was exceeding rich he appeared not to have any sicknesse as the Physitians could perceive In fine his melancholie and retirednesse were things which could not be guest at The whole Court talkt of nothing else and the King was strangely troubled at it who not knowing how to inform himself of what Philoxypes ailed he bethought himself of me whom he knew this Prince did love particularly and in whom he did more confide then in any other Thus upon a day when Philoxypes was gone to Claria the King sent for me and after having assured his Majestie as it was true that I knew nothing of particular concerning this Prince his melancholy he did me the honour to command me to go to him and to use all my cunning to discover what it was that was in his minde For said he Leontidas I doe so love Philoxypes as I cannot live content unlesse I see he do so likewise and were it to give him half my Kingdom I would doubtlesly do it rather then not to give him satisfaction I then departed reallie intending to endeavour to satisfie the Kings curiositie who certainlie stood in need of Philoxypes presence to counsel and comfort him concerning Aretephiles behaviour for I think there was never known a stiffer combat between ambition and love I went then to Claria where I found Philoxypes in his usual melancholie the which I made the greater because I hindred him from going that daie to Cleanthes At first sight of me he endeavored notwithstanding to inforce himself to honor me so much as to seem glad to see me but it was after a fashion which made me easilie see that his heart gainsaid his words and that notwithstanding any friendship he had for me he wisht I had tarried still at Paphos Leontidas said he I am much beholding to you for coming to visit me in a season when the Countrie hath lost all its ornaments and when the Court is fullest of diversions Sir said I you commend me with less reason then the Court complains of you for to forgo Paphos for Claria when you are there 't is to forgo the Court for the Court nay for the most pleasing part of the Court but to forgo Paphos only to seek out solitarines at Claria as you do Oh Sir said I not suspecting him notwithstanding of any passion 't is all that a Prince in
Kings discourse felt two contrary agitations at the same time he was grieved to finde his odd opinion and joyed that he knew not the true cause of his love as he thought he had done And believing that he might easily disabuse him in a thing so false as the former was he resolved to continue the concealment of his true passion The King then had no sooner said what I have told you but Philoxypes stepping back a little said what Sir does your Majesty suspect me of so much boldness as to be your Rivall Confess said the King for I know your misfortune hath been such as not to be able to resist Aretaphiles charms But Phyloxipes I blame you not for it t was I that first made tryall thereof I know how inevitable they are you have done more then I my self should have done it may be had I your part to play I should have betrayed my master instead of resolving to die of grief and sorrow as you have done for my sake Thus Phyloxypes I am not displeased with you for loving Aretaphile Sir said Phyloxypes to witness unto you that I am not in love with her I promise you never to see her more nor yet ever to come within Paphos or at least never to speak to that Princess I very well know said the King your Generosity rather leads you to resolve on death rather then to be failing in your duty But Philoxypes to the end you may not object unto me That I have done nothing to vanquish my self I am come to stay at Claria as well as you that I may endeavor to cure my self of this passion and to yeild up Aretaphile to you You on your side shall do the like and he that is first cured shall surrender his part in her to the other But my dear Phyloxypes said he you are yet more unhappy then you think for for when I should cease to love Aretaphile you would not have wonn her heart you know how ambitious she is that her soul is onely sensible of greatness and when I should have yeilded up my mistress to you unless I should also yeild my Crown unto you you would not winne much upon her inclination But in fine said he not affording Philoxypes leasure to answer him if I yeild up Aretaphile to you it will not be hard for me to yeild you up my Crown And in a word I will not be upbraided with your death I will do what I can to cure my self to the end that you may cure your self and if we can neither of us cure our selves we will at least die together Sir said Philoxypes I vow by whatsoever I hold most sacred and most holy that I have not the least pretence to the Princess Aretaphile What then said the King who did not believe him is the cause of your retreat and Melancholly I confess Sir I was a hundred and a hundred times ready to break my word which I had past to Philoxypes but seeing the trouble he was in end that in fine he could not resolve to all the King the truth I with held whilst Phyloxypes answered That what his Majestie did command did not deserve his curiositie and that he could not tell it him Being by this time late we returned to Claria where the King spoke still after the same manner to Philoxypes as Philoxypes did also to him Having found a moment of time to entertain Philoxypes alone I would have perswaded him to have acquainted the King with the truth but he could never resolve to do so saying it would be sufficient to let him see he was not in love with Aretaphile if he should never see her more This mean while the more obstinacie and grief the King found in Philoxypes the more did he compassionate him and the more he laboured to overcome his own passion And to this purpose he stayed eight daies at Claria all which time Philoxypes readie to go mad as well in consideration of the Kings opinion and more for that he could not get to see Polycryte I do not think the King would so soon have left this retiredness had he not been advertised that an Ambassador from Amasis King of Egypt was come to Paphos which forc't him to return But Philoxypes do he what he could must needs go along with him No said the King I will not see Aretaphile without seeing you at the same time The Melancholy which I shall see in your eyes must be to me an antidote against the Charms which I shall see in hers We went then to Paphos but good gods how little delightfull was the Court then and how much troubled did the Ambassador finde the King who was three daies without seeing Aretaphile and Philoxypes being in unimaginable pain for the abovesaid reasons seemed to grow still more melancholy whereat the King was still more and more afflicted Ambitious Aretaphile was this mean while not without her perplexity as well by reason of the Kings journey to Claria as that he came not to visite her and for that shee heard he was returned wonderfully sad But at last the King desirous stil to confirm himself in his belief brought Philoxypes with him to Princess Aretaphile hoping to discover his passion better there then in any other place Philoxypes who thought there was no better means to undeceive the King then in leting him see that he took no pleasure in looking upon this Princess was stil careful to look another way but that which he did to dis-deceive the King did the more deceive him for said he to himself unfortunate Philoxypes cannot indure the sight of her whom he loves and whom he will not love He accused himself then of too much inhumanity in exposing him to so great a punishment and seeing how strangely perplext he was his visit was not long This mean while he having during this visit eyed his pretended Rivall as much as his mistress and having been much disquiet the Princess was not much satisfied with his conversation and knew not whereunto to attribute the cause of the change which she saw in him At his coming forth he said a thousand obliging things to Philoxypes and Philoxypes made as many protestations to him of his being unconcerned in Aretaphile But at last that I may shorten my discourse as much as I may Philoxypes being persecuted by the Kings conceit anger'd at Cleanthes discourse much afflicted at what Policryte had said and much more that he could see her no more and that he durst not return to Claria fell dangerously sick all the Physitions gave up their opinions that unless some cure were found for his Melancholy he would infaliblie die The feaver continued seven daies upon him very violently during which time the King was greatly disconsolate and during which time I had tane a little journey to Amathuse about some business that I had there for I think if I had been at Paphos I should have had much adoe to have kept
young slave who served Cleanthes came and opened the door who very well knowing Philoxypes told him after that Philoxypes had ask'd him where his master was that he could not tell him what he desired to know and that all that he knew was that Cleanthes Megisto Polycrite and Dorida were gone from thence and were not to return thither any more that they had carried along with them the women which they had brought from their own Countrey and that his Master had commanded him to wait his further directions there not knowing wherefore he was gone nor why he left him there Philoxypes surpriz'd and afflicted at this Discourse was a good while without speaking The King thought at first that there was some trick in it and that Philoxypes had made me say what I had said only to abuse him but at last this young Slave being stept into the House and returning presently Sir said he to Philoxypes when Policrite was ready to depart from hence she drew me aside unseen by any one and gave me this which I give to you ordaining me so to doe if you should come hither Philoxypes taking immediately what the Slave presented him with opened the Letter whilst the King did me the honour to speak with me and read these ensuing words Policrite to Philoxypes I Know not Sir whither it is that Policrite is convey'd but I very well know that Philoxypes is the cause of her exile not being peradventure likely ever to have the Honour to see him I thought I might without blame let him know my minde by this Letter which I refused to acquaint him withall the last time which I spoke with him He may then be pleased to know that at first not esteeming my self worthy of his affection by reason of my birth I with-held mine from him as much as I was able but that having learnt since that I am not of the condition I appeared to be and that there have been Kings of my Race I confess I was gladded that I could not reproach Philoxipes for having an inclination too disproportionable for his degree and that I thought it became me to let him know what I am to the end he may not think he doth any thing unworthy of himself if he sometimes think upon Policrite who wil alwais with much contentment think upon his worth whether his fortune be to lead his life in a Cottage or in a Palace POLYCRITE PHILOXYPES as soon as he had read this Letter came to the King and presenting it unto him Sir said he your Majesty may read in this Letter my innocency and my misfortune The King began then to read aloud what Policrite had written but good God in what pain was the unfortunate Philoxypes that he could not interrupt him but as soon as he had read it out looking upon him with a fixt and grieved eye how say you now Sir said he am I yet in love with Princess Aretaphile or am I not the most unfortunate man in the world the King imbracing him asked him pardon for his suspitions and of the trouble he had given him but my dear Philoxypes said he I shall be sufficiently punished for it as well in respect of your sorrow which shal alwaies be mine as for Aretaphile who will not easily forgive me yet said he you have wherein to rejoyce since you learn two things at once of great importance and of great consolation For now you know that Policrite loves you and that she is of Princely descent Could you have asked more of the Gods if you had been to have had your wishes granted you Ah! Sir said Philoxypes that which you alleadge to comfort me is the greatest part of my misfortune For t is true I finde that Policryte does not hate me and that shee is of birth equall with my self but at the same time this lovely and cruel personage tells me shee shall never see me more and that shee knows not whither shee is carried Oh! Sir I should be more to blame were I in love with Princess Aretaphile but I should be less miserable I should have reasons to gainsay my passion but here I see nothing which doth not fortifie and augment it In fine after Phyloxypes had sufficiently bemoned himself he left the King and went to ask a hundred things of the young slave without being able to learn any thing either of Policrites birth nor whither Cleanthes Megisto were gone all he could learn was only that t was above a fortnight since they were gon nothing els could be gotten out of this young Slave neither by prayers promises nor threats whose fidelitie Philoxypes for all his rage could not chuse but approve of but not being able to learn any more he waited back upon the King to Claria For my part I was never more at my wits end for the king was so sad as well for his own occasion as for those of PHILOXIPES as he could not resolve to say any thing neither by way of bemoning himself nor yet of comforting PHILOXIPES whom he so dearly loved PHILOXYPES on his part was more perplex'd he was sorry to forgo that Cottage though his beloved was no longer there he sometimes looked back upon it sometimes he looked upon Policrites Letter which the king had given him back He would somtimes lift up his eies to heaven then again fix them on the earth and walking sometimes without speaking sometimes fetching deep sighs he seemed not to know whether the king were there or no or whether he were alone so deep was his melancholy At last we came to Glaria but good Gods how sad was the conversation the rest of that day At last said the king to Philoxypes you have this advantage to know that Policryte is much obliged to you that she hath nothing to reproach you withall that you have not offended her and that wheresoever she is if she think of you t is onely to bewail your absence where on the contrary I have incen'st Aretaohile whose aspiring soul does doubtlesly accuse me of want of affection and who will take it very ill that I preferd your life before my love to her But Sir said the afflicted Philoxypes you know where the Princess Aratephile is you may make your reasons known to her you may ask her pardon for that fault which an excess of Generosity made you commit you may sit and sigh by her and may appease her anger But for my part Sir should I complain should I sigh should I pour forth torrents of tears amidst these Rocks would all this restore to me my Policryte should I thereby learn where shee lives It may be Cleanthes is put to sea and it may be I shall never know neither who Policryte is nor where shee is Ah! Sir said this disconsolate Prince if you knew the cruelty of my adventure you would easily know that I am the most unfortunate man in the world for if I loved one that did hate me despight
he had said all this by his directions which he had caused to be given him when he rose from me to speak in the ear with one of his servants At my return to Athens I found my son alive indeed but I found the whole Town in confusion by reason of some disorder that had happened between those that were descended from Megacles and those that were come of them that had been of the Citonien conspiracie The Megarians surprised the port of Nisa and re took the Isle of Salamina w … had caused me so much trouble And to add to the misfortune all the people were seised on with a superstitious snare vvhich perswaded them that spirits returned that fantosmes and apparitions appeared and this imagination prevailed so much with most of them as there was an universal humiliation Those who had the charge of the sacred things said that they found infallible signes by the Victims that the town needed purification and that the gods were incensed by reason of some secret offence committed To this effect by the advice of the wisest sort they sent an Expresse to Creta to Epimenides the Phaestien who was and doubtleslie is still an incomparable man a man whose life is altogether pure innocent and holy who eats no more then what is sufficient to maintain life and whose soul leans as little to the senses as in this life it can who is very learned in the knowledge of heavenly things and who passes in his Countrey not onely for one who hath sometimes Divine Revelations but is by the people of Crete believed to be the sonne of a Nymph called Balta However it be sir he is a man of extraordinary knowledge and virtue Epimenides not refusing the intreaties that were made unto him came to Athens and of so many famous men as were in that noted Citie did me the favour to chuse me for his most intimate friend having through his wisdome and through the peoples belief in him dissipated all their false imaginations and that by prayers Sacrifices and Ceremonies he had rid them of all their fears he would yet stay a while at Athens for my sake where certainly he told Prodigious predictions to a hundred severall people As we were speaking one day of humane weaknesses and how little a man ought to rely upon his own strength nor yet upon Philosophie I acquainted him with what had befallen me with Thales the Milesian and how much ashamed I was not to be master of my first opinions Solon said he to me is easie to be overcome on that side and as oft as fortune will make use of the affections of nature against him she will certainly overcome him For he hath a soul as tender upon such eneounters as strong against ambition But Solon said he you are to be bewailed if you do not resolve to believe me and believe that what you underwent whilest you were with your friend Thales is little in comparison of what you shall one day suffer in the person of a Daughter of whom your wife is at this present with Child I have said he observed your birth and your life and I finde that this childe which will be soon born will be a prodigie for beauty and virtue and will also be one of the happiest women in the world if you will believe my councel but also if you will not believe and follow it shee will be most unfortunate In fine saidhe If you do not what I shal say unto you you shall have the discontent to see that your Daughters beauty will make your Countrie desolate and that after having refused the sovereign power as you will one day refuse it she will make one of your Citizens fall in Love with her who will become the Tyrant of the Common wealth which will make her resolve to die rather then to marry him I confese I was much troubled to hear Epimenides speak after this manner for I had heard him foretel divers things which I had seen punctually fall out according to his predictions I then desired him to tell me what he would have me do to preserve a man who did sacrifice his whole life to the glory of Athens from having a daughter who should cause love in him that would be the Tyrant thereof He told me then That since it was not yet known in Athens that my wife was with Childe I should conceal her great belly send her into the countrey when shee should be brought to bed that I should cause this daughter to be secretly brought up not suffering her to know whose childe shee was nor yet any other body whosoever except those who were to have the care of her education that if it should so fall out as I should be forced to forsake my Countrey I must during my exile leave her in some Island upon the Egean Sea and that things being thus carried she should be infallibly happie and I should not need to fear that shee should be beloved by the Tyrant of Athens In fine Sir to shorten my discourse I obeyed Epimenides his his advise I sent my wife into the Countrey where when her time was come shee was brought to bed of a Daughter wondering at the accomplishment of the beginning of this prediction I continued to follow Epeminedes his directions who at his departure after having refused all the presents that were made him and taking for his reward onely a branch of the Sacred Olive told me that my daughter would one day cause as much joy in me by her virtue and good fortune as shee would cause sorrow in me by reason of her loss These obscure words continued fix'd in my memory so as I put my daughter into the hands of a Sister of mine whom I loved very well who was married in Corinth and was come to see me trusting onely her and her husband with the secret which Epeminedes had acquainted me withall I will not stay to tell you that soon after I lost my wife for which I was very much grieved neither will I entertain you with the disorders of Athens which are too well known to all men nor yet with the relation how I was solicited to accept of the sovereign power being put in mind that there had been Kings of my Race and that one that was descended from the illustrious Chodrus need make no scruple to accept the Scepter nor vvith vvhat stedfastness I rejected those vvho made so unjust a proposition to me follovving Epeminedes his predictions Neither vvill I tell you vvhat Lavvs I there established you knovv them and knovv hovv they vvere observed nor yet the resolution vvhich I took to quit my Countrey for the space of ten years to the end that I might make no further alterations and leave the people leasure to accustom themselves to their new Lawes But I will tell you that being readie to take my voluntarie banishment from Greece and not forgetting what Epeminedes had told me I came to