Company of Horsemen rush out of a Wood which was not very far off It seems Inganna seeing her Husband fall not knowing what was the cause but much fearing that of which she saw so bad an effect which she also judg'd worse then it was commanded a Troop of Horse to fall in which she had lay'd in Ambush in the Woods the night before intending by them basely to recover what her Husband had dishonorably lost Bentivolio suspecting some such thing having heard of Inganna heightning his desires of ending with One by the foresight of Villany and Danger which attended him from Many more though they made a stop after they perceiv'd Forzario and Bentivolio both upon their feet and imploring the Divine aid struck Forzario such a blow upon the head that made him bow it a little on one side his Helmet being rais'd withall Bentivolio with such agility as that opportunity required ran his sword into his Throat through his Neck upon which Forzario falling down made such haste out of the world that he took his leave of it without speaking one word Erotocleus plac'd with a select Troop of Horse behind a Hill not far from the place of the Fight to prevent all base attempts by the prudence of Kalobulus who imagin'd what Inganna would do made sufficiently carefull by his love to Bentivolio and now perceiving plainly what was past and coming made speed to his friend and having assisted Thrasymachus to catch his horse the other Second having refus'd to strike in a Cause which he knew to be as unjust as Forzario was unsuccessefull Bentivolio mounted and before the joyfull Erotocleus could expresse his thanks to Bentivolio Inganna's Horse were come up to them And now the single Fight was converted into a bloody Battell where many began to try on one side if they could regain what a single person had lost and the other side to keep what one had won Erotocleus desir'd Bentivolio to retire and look to his Wounds of which Kalobulus would gladly have taken care but he refus'd their entreaties making no question but this would prove a short businesse and finding his spirits hold out still though much wearied resolved to accompany his friends till the work was done Erotocleus perceiving his resolution troubled him no further and having stood idle all this while desiring to go and warm himself a little spurr'd his Horse to charge that forlorn Company so basely engaged and to show them the dreadfull face of just Revenge whose first effects he bestow'd upon the Captain of that Wicked Band who had been a servant to his Father but revolted to Forzario by the perswasions of Inganna and his own ambitious Hopes carrying death in each look he rode up close to him and with the first blow clest his Head in two equall pieces A just punishment for him who had so dishonorably divided his false Heart between two so contrary Masters Thrasymachus making way with his sword into the midst of the Troop where Inganna was having kill'd those which offer'd to guard her took her prisoner Erotocleus hewing down those which made resistance came into the Confirmation of Thrasymachus his safety who was surrounded with Enemies Bentivolio seeing the rest of the Troop follow their Leader couragiously through the Wounds and death of their adversaries thought it was no great matter if he fought a while to shorten the trouble of his friends though it was needlesse to the procurement of Victory which did voluntarily attend them The Forzarians fell so easily before him that by the effects of his Courage one would think he had but now begun to fight Here one might have taken a full notice what Feeblenesse and Fear a guilty Conscience forceth into the actions of men For though Inganna's numbers were so unequall that they judg'd themselves two to one of the other side yet their hearts so fail'd them that by their fighting one would have thought them not one to ten After the first brunt in which some few were slain they soon discovered what would become of the rest These Forzarians having approv'd their Valour in former undertakings show'd that now their Courage wanted a Cause not their Cause a Courage The thoughts which they reflected upon their unworthy engagement which were more piercing by reason of the presence of Erotocleus whom they unjustly oppos'd disanimated them for they were appall'd as people besieged in a Castle use to be when the enemy is not only got within the walls but a great party riseth up against them amongst themselves so that not knowing who is for them who against them they neglect the use of their Arms through a great uncertainty of killing their Friends or their Enemies Bentivolio took speedy notice of it and as soon as a few were punish'd to make Examples of unhappy Wickednesse he being alwaies mercifull where it was not necessary to be severe desired Erotocleus that they might have Quarter given them which was as soon granted as ask'd Inganna was brought before them by Thrasymachus and she had suffered death already in her Expectations which Bentivolio perceiving No Wicked Woman No saith he you shall live a little longer then you think you shall be reserv'd to satisfie Justice by an Exemplary suffering and in the mean time committed her prisoner to Argus one of Kalobulus his servants commanding him to look well to her and to keep her in some safe place of the Castle It were too tedious to report the affectionate Embraces which Erotocleus bestow'd upon Bentivolio the courteous gratulations of Kalobulus and the passionate love of Thrasymachus but they made their Complements the shorter considering that it was necessary to retire to the Castle and take order for the cure of Bentivolio's Wounds which was accomplish'd in a short time by the excellent skill of Kalobulus his Lady The newes of Forzario's death was soon spread over Argentora and put the Court into a great Wonder only Labargurus was observ'd above all others to be possess'd with a particular Grief which was encreas'd as also the Cause of it discovered by an Accident that happen'd One of the Witnesses which had sworn against Philapantas being tormented with the conscience of his Villany upon the newes of Forzario's death which he knew to be inflicted by Divine Vengeance felt his pains so intolerable that he was weary of his life and immediately hang'd himself The Other hearing of it was not able to conceal the Wickednesse any longer but went to the Duke and confess'd to him that by the Instigation of Labargurus he and his Partner had forsworn themselves by which Perjury Philapantas was condemn'd Labargurus being in presence and confounded with the discovery of his Villany fell down upon his knees and begg'd pardon for his Life You shall not die said the Duke till I shall receive such a discovery of your Wickednesse as that by it I may understand to appoint you such a death as you deserve For it is but
what they should be order'd to perform though it were never so Necessary or Excellent Tuphlecon had taken notice of this Temper and fitted it with such conformable Lawes that it was no hard matter to procure obedience to his Government for he never commanded any thing but what he was sure they were willing to do they were unwilling to do nothing at all perfect Idlenesse did not agree with their Fancy but they would have the instances of their Obedience easie and the Materials of which they made their Oblations such as should not cost them much Tuphlecon by a sordid correspondence had utterly perverted the state of their Spirits for by appointing them mean things far below the excellency of true Perfective duties he debas'd their Souls and they took as much Joy in these worthless strawes as if they had been the services of just Spirits made perfect and they judg'd themselves worthy of no lesse acceptation then 〈◊〉 and took all those for Fools which ventur'd to reprove the vanity of their minds or endeavoured to show them that they were governed by false measures of Religion and that they had indiscreetly left out of their Obedience such Rules as were most necessary to secure the Interest of their Souls either by improving them in that Goodnesse of which this present state is capable or by ascertaining their Eternal Welfare But whatsoever was said was of no value with those who had determind'd it to be enough for them that their Instructions pleas'd them whether they would save them or no. The Kenapistians having thus repos'd their hopes of Security upon false Principles contented themselves with a Form of Religion and neglected the Indispensablenesse of a Holy life The Severities of Godliness were ridiculous among them and the practise of Charity arbitrary they reckon'd the Examples of the Primitive times inimitable and concluded the Desire of Goodness sufficient to Salvation In Theoprepia they love what these do but profess and do what these only say Flesh is allowed its Dominion over the Spirit Envy and Hatred have banish'd Love and they have devis'd a new way to go to Heaven without peace of Conscience which they endeavour to quiet by neglect of Examination Or if by chance they find they are not conformable in Disposition or Practiseto Holy Rules yet they excuse the business by alleging That Sin is inconquerable in this mortal body That Obedience is impossible That the Best things which we do are Splendid Sins and the Worst are but Sins They repent as often as they please nay they believe if they do but repent at the hour of death it serves the turn for the sins of their whole life and notwithstanding the greatest causes of Despair they may believe and be safe for ever By these Principles the Kenapistians grew extreme low in their Conversation and if they had lived among such as make a just estimation of things they would have forc'd them to think either that Religion is a pitiful business in it self or else that these were Hypocrites and did profess it only for a show However the Kenapistians enjoy'd a great deal of ease and freed themselves from scrupulous enquiries and the strict performance of indispensable duties having made such things unnecessary by false Rules They kept their Covetousness untouch'd because the publick orders made no great matter of Charity and because they took not good Works for the only way to Heaven They made sufficient amends for the Wrongs they did if they were sorry for them because Restitution was no Fundamental Article of their Creed and how bad soever they were they thought themselves excus'd if they did accuse themselves stoutly and it was abundance of Mortification with them to complain sometimes of their unruly Appetites and to revile their Passions because they would not be bridled The Example of Tuphlecon who framed his Life according to the same Rules made them love him infinitely for under his peaceable government they were obliged only to talk of their Duties and enjoy their Liberty But this fair day began to be clouded by Tuphlecon's sickness which I must confesse I expected a great while before for though he put the best side outward yet I observ'd him to be very weak and that he went constantly with a very slow pace which he us'd not so much for State as to hide his Infirmity which grew at last to that height that he could dissemble it no longer His disease was very sharp some call it Brygmodonton it is much of the same nature with that pain which is known by the name of Remorse of Conscience Those that are troubled with it seem to feel a Worm in their Heart When he had been gnaw'd thus a while his Countenance grew wan those which knew not what he ail'd would have guess'd that he was haunted every night with an Evil Spirit His Voice being grown so low that one could scarce discern what he said he was suppos'd to be very near the grave Whilst he lay in this miserable condition an old friend of his call'd Colax whom he intirely loved having heard of his Case brought him some Medicines which he compos'd according to such odde Receipts as he had transcrib'd out of two or three foolish Books which he borrowed of Tuphlecon The Effect show'd their Invalidity for he receiv'd not the least Benefit by them You may guess the Worth of the Compositions by the Nature of the Ingredients of which they consisted Ananke Peirasmus Pathos Hylotes Adunaton and Moira And as he administred his Cordials he told Tuphlecon to comfort him that he ought not to break his Heart for invincible Infirmities and such he esteemed all his Sins That God was obliged to excuse our disobedience because of the naturalnesse of Sin and that he needed not to doubt of pardon for such faults as he was forc'd to commit by the irresistible power of Tentation That God doth not exact Perfection of us because it is Impossible That he needed not trouble himself that he was so bad since God had predestinated him to be no better and in short that he might make one Answer to all Objections even of Hypocrisie it self That Christ had been obedient for him Yes said Tuphlecon with a quick and passionate reply And I fear that he will be saved for me too Away Colax this is no time for Flatteries my eyes are too open I see the uselesness of Lies and I find now that which hath been said long ago to be too true That about the time of Death the sense of God begins to awaken in men I have put too much confidence in thy false friendship I have talk'd often of that word Faith and pleas'd my self with the Name but am destitute of the Vertue which indeed I never knew in the right notion that small pretence which I can make to it is only a faint resemblance of the word misunderstood To night I have examin'd the false Jewel upon which I
so vile a person I ever esteem'd Justice to be founded in Goodnesse because Punishment was invented by God as a Guard to Righteousnesse and since Impunity would drive Goodnesse out of the World and make it unhabitable for Righteous and Meek persons I count that Indulgence by which Malicious persons are saved from suffering to be an injust punishment inflicted upon the Innocent Clemency indeed is an incomparable imitation of the Divine Mercifulnesse but it must be exercis'd in due instances or else it may degenerate into Cruelty If there were no occasion to strike at any time the sword of Justice was made in vain Those who have lived to destroy the publick good of mankind ought by their Death to make a Compensation for their Wrongs and as they are no lesse odious to God then men because they do notoriously rebel against his Government we are not to think that he hath taken so little care of the welfare of his Creatures as that he doth not allow and require the removal of such Monsters In this respect therefore I see nothing that doth discourage my hopes of Erotocleus his restauration and I trust the particular way which you have not yet mention'd is not of such an unhandsome nature but that a good man may make use of it Unto this Kalobulus answer'd Our forces are not so numerous as to storm the strong Tower of Forzario and if they were we might not make use of them for we have learn'd that Just men can then only warrant their actions whilst they are regulated by known Lawes and though when others break them one that is wrong'd may suffer honorably yet he cannot violate them himself whilst he seeks reparation but his endeavour will be sullied with Injustice Our Law permits not one Subject to demand satisfaction of another in that way The means which I thought of is allow'd by Law I confesse but I believe the Execution of it is as unsuitable to the Mercifulnesse and Patience of your disposition as it is contrary to our desire that you should undertake it It is this When any person is wrong'd and by the Violation of Law unjustly suffers the losse of his Life and Estate the Law permits any man that is not a-kin to the party wrong'd nor concern'd by friendship nor ever had any quarrell with the person who did the wrong out of mere love to Justice to challenge the Violator of Law to a single Combate in which if he be kill'd the former sentence of the Law is revers'd If this be all the difficulty quoth Bentivolio I doubt not but to satisfie you and my self as to the honorablenesse of the undertaking and with God's help to procure satisfaction to Erotocleus by the good successe of it I perceive your scruple is the Unlawfulnesse of Duells which as they are commonly practis'd I do as much abhor as you do and think that they are infinitely below the Temper of a Gentleman and a Christian. As they rise for the most part from dishonourable grounds so they proceed by unreasonable means Who knowes not that though Honour is talk'd of as the reason of the Challenge that the true occasion of the quarrell was but some slight affront receiv'd in a Taverne or some such place Those which had not the Wisdom and Vertue to avoid unworthy actions must needs pretend to a generous Choler which will not permit them to live unreveng'd of such wrongs as peradventure they procur'd to themselves Having never understood what true Courage signifies much lesse express'd it upon any just occasion they undervalue their lives which are not worth much that they may be Masters of other mens as uselesse as their own and think it a Bravery to rush upon Damnation but durst never expose themselves to the hazards of a publick service to save those who are more worthy to live then themselves Such Persons as have abandon'd Patience devested themselves of Humility cashier'd all inclinations to Forgivenesse and count the neglect of Revenge Cowardise must needs find the belief of their Salvation impossible if these things be other then Devilish qualities And whilst they look upon it as an ungentile thing to suffer wrong they never scruple the doing of it though that be a hundred times more base and they stand so upon a false notion of Reputation that they cannot endure to be thought patient that is they undervalue the estimation of God and the opinion of Wise men because they are unwilling that a few Fooles should take them for Cowards The Heavenly Angels might with as good reason be angry because many times in great buildings they are represented by little Boyes with wooden wings They have another humour of which I cannot but take notice and that is These Bravado's will take it in great scorn if you should not think them Christians whilst they ridiculously take their name from him whose nature did abominate such practises and whose Life and Death was the most perfect contradiction to such a lownesse of Temper that can be imagin'd They should rather derive their Pedigree from Lamech who would not stick to kill any body for the least scratch of his skin By this which I have discours'd Kalobulus you may perceive how unwilling I am by my example to patronize those murderous Duells in which hot young men engage when Wine Women and mutuall provocations have begun such quarrells as accept of no determination but by the sword No I undertake this piece of Justice only as the Magistrates servant warranted by Law which at present needs this Vindication without any desire of Revenge for I have suffer'd no Wrong but to take off the guilt of Philapantas his blood which lies upon Argentora that he which afflicted the Good in his life may 〈◊〉 the Wicked by his death and by this means which is all that is left to right Erotocleus Kalobulus perceiving the zeal of Bentivolio's Good will nothing doubting his skill in arms assured of the Justice of the Cause by his own Knowledg and convinc'd of the lawfulness of the redresse propounded by Bentivolio's discourse struck with admiration by the Contemplation of his unparallel'd Accomplishments replyed that he could not but approve of his 〈◊〉 design undertaken with so much Wisdom and Valour But do you think Forzario will accept a Challenge said Bentivolio There is no doubt of that quoth Kalobulus for he loves to fight with any body and is possess'd with such great thoughts that in Comparison of himself he despiseth all the World And withall he desir'd Bentivolio to permit a Second to attend him to which he agreed And whilst Kalobulus was consulting with himself whom to appoint Thrasymachus whispering in his eare desired him to nominate himself which his Father did and pray'd Bentivolio to accept of his Sons offer who was ambitious to serve under so great a Captain in the behalf of Erotocleus Bentivolio giving great thanks to the Young Gentleman call'd for a Pen and paper
thanks and Glory from Mankind unto which they have notwithstanding their Brags done so little good that they have left us unprovided of Supplies for our greatest Necessities They can try Gold and Silver and discover Counterfeit Jewels and make a Judgment upon such like Trifles but they are ignorant in that which should resolve our more concerning Doubts Which of them hath found out a Touchstone for Fidelity It is a poor Art which can neither make men good nor teach us to know those which are bad For want of this Skill and he spoke true though with a wrong Application we are apt to give Credit to those which endeavour to betray us and many times doubt when we have the greatest reason did we but know it to be assured I do not now begin to be acquainted with that Mutability which domineers in this lower World but it astonisheth my soul to experiment new mischief from such an unexpected Instrument Sure my Son doth think that God to be dead who made the Laws which injoyn Obedience to Children and Loyalty to Subjects and imagines vainly that some Devil Reigns in his stead who regards not such things But how can I believe Alethion to be so impious He hath acknowledg'd a Divine Authority by his long Obedience It may be for all that some violent Storm of evil Imaginations hath overcome his Vertue Who could have dream'd that any thoughts so wickedly potent could find Harbour in the Minds of the now-Apostate Angels as to make them fall at once from their Allegiance and Heaven As I am griev'd for thy 〈◊〉 so I pity thy folly Alethion Dost thou impotently long for a Crown Ah! thou dost not know how oft my Head hath been wearied with it Dost thou think it such a glorious Pleasure to govern others Alas Thou art Ignorant that the greatest Prince is but a Royal Slave and doth perpetually serve those whom be commands and is constantly rewarded with Fears and Jealousies so great that no private person is capable of them O poor Princes Happy indeed if they estimate their estate by the opinion of others but when they judge by what they feel they cannot find it so Crowns and Sceptres Purple Robes and all the other pompous Circumstances of Majesty are ever so much greater then the Substance that Kings find themselves Men still and that notwithstanding all those bright Glories which make their Outside shine to the dazeling of the Beholders Eyes it doth often lour and rain within Ignorant people would soon see that they have little cause to grudge their Obedience if they did but know what it is to endure the troublesome Care of Princes Here Anaxagathus changing his Tone delivered words with a more passionate Air and added But all this I could bear being but a common Lot incident to all Princely Fortunes but that my Son but that Alethion should endeavour to ascend the Throne by my Fall it is intolerable If wickedness grow according to this proportion it will be impossible that the world should subsist God must provide some other Earth and transport good men thither for this will be so overspread with Violence that they will not be able to find any quiet Habitation in it When Antitheus perceiv'd that the King had made a Pause knowing that it was his time to strike whilst the Iron was so hot he prayed the King to retire to his own Prudence and rather wisely to think what he ought to doe himself for the defence of his Interest then to complain so passionately of what was design'd against it by others and seasonably to stop that which was ill begun from taking any further Effect What then should I doe said Anaxagathus You may replied Antitheus immediately secure Alethion in one of your Castles remote from the City by which means you will discourage his Accomplices and gain time without danger to search to the bottom of his Design The King appoved his Advice and gave charge to Dogmapornes to carry Alethion to the Castle which was under his Command Dogmapornes not a little glad that their Plot had taken so far made haste and with a select Guard of his friends march'd presently to the Prince's Palace and having secured the Avenues of the House went in to deliver his Message with a countenance which did more become some friend who resented the Prince's Condition then him that was the principal cause of his Affliction When he had told the Prince that it was the King's pleasure that he should prepare himself to go to that Castle whereof he call'd himself at that time the unhappy Governour the Prince being of a Magnanimous Temper and taught by Prudence to receive without Amazement the most unexpected Events ask'd Dogmapornes what time was allow'd for preparation You must be gone presently answer'd Dogmapornes But may I not see my Father first said the Prince No replied Dogmapornes the King is much 〈◊〉 and charg'd me upon my Life to see his Command answer'd with present Obedience I will perform it by God's help said the Prince for how much soever he is mistaken in the Cause of his Anger I will embrace the Effects of it with Patience adding But Dogmapornes do you not guesse the occasion of this sudden Order No said Dogmapornes for being hastily sent upon this unacceptable Errand I only heard some of those which stood by talk of a Letter which being intercepted reveal'd something of a Design against the King in which I suppose that they imagined that you are interess'd Though the Prince could not divine what they meant by the Letter yet he saw plainly that some had abus'd the King and did endeavour to ruine himself whereupon his thoughts concerning this Affair gave themselves breath in these words Proud Errour Will no other lodging serve thee but the Breasts of Kings Is it not Victory enough to abuse all the Inferiour World with mistakes unless thou dost also shew the malicious power of Triumphant Lies in the Ruine of Innocent Princes How hard is it for Kings not to be deceived who are forc'd to see with other mens Eyes or to use such colour'd Spectacles as they are pleas'd to provide for them who never meant that they should have a true sight of things Modest Truth which is alwayes Generous and had rather be banish'd then intrude where she is sure not to be welcome doth so rarely appear in Courts that Princes are fain to disguise themselves sometimes to get into her Company Flatterers are so unhappily cunning that they can make Falshood pass currently for Truth and represent Truth so disadvantageously that it is disbeliev'd and make honest men disfavoured as the Prince's Enemies It were happy for my Father if those which attend his Person lov'd his Interest but I am afraid be is inviron'd with Sycophants and that those which wish him well dare not save him from the prejudice of Misinformation lest they lose themselves in the plausibility of Falshood I have great
imprison'd and either to revenge their Brother's death for he died upon the Rack to gratifie Antitheus or out of hatred to my person as a Lover of Alethion they came hither in hope to have murther'd me They laid their design thus One of my Brother's Servants for what cause I cannot tell remain'd in the City and those Assasinates taking notice of it corrupted him I suppose with Money to come to my house yesternight to tell me that two of my Brother's friends would be in this place to day about the time when I first saw you to impart some Secrets to me which did highly concern us both and therefore did earnestly desire me to give them a meeting I knowing that the Messenger was my Brother's servant and that those whom he nam'd were his most true friends supposing that he brought no Letters because it was not safe to write believed him and came but not without Arms of which I soon found the Necessity As I alighted from my Horse they made towards me with Swords which they had hid under their Coats and gave me a wound for a Salutation Turning upon them for my defence I had the good fortune to kill one of them and wound the other which when I perceiv'd I desir'd him to desist and let me know for what Injury which they had receiv'd from me they sought reparation by this highest sort of Revenge But his Malice had made him so greedy of my Death that by silence and continuing to fight I saw that if he could not kill me he would live no longer Nay then said I you shall be pleas'd and as you came so you shall go together With a very few blows I sent him after his fellow-Murtherer But as these Villains have suffered more punishment for their wicked attempt then I desired to have inflicted upon them if it had pleas'd God otherwise to have delivered me from their Malice so I think my self well appay'd for the hazard I have run and nothing disappointed of my Expectation since the Message is verified in a sense which they never intended by this fortunate Encounter Now let me entreat you to go along with me and when we come to my House I will tell you the story of the Prince and desire your advice concerning the course which we are to take for it is a perplexed season Bentivolio whose Prudence was alwayes awake stopping Philalethes said Sir we are strangers and do not know what Constructions may be made upon any Accident happening at our Arrival in such a Juncture of time therefore if you please our servants shall throw those wretched Carkases into that old Cole-pit lest some Foresters finding the dead Bodies give notice to the Country which will make a general Alarm and it may be trouble us all with an impertinent Hue-and-Cry Philalethes approv'd the Counsel and as soon as they had put it in Execution they betook themselves to their Horses When they came to his house Bentivolio told Philalethes that the first expression of his Regard to them should be to search his own wounds Upon the first inspection he found them not dangerous and having quickly dress'd them his Lady entertain'd her unexpected Guests with a short Collation yet they thought it long because it was some hinderance to the accomplishment of Philalethes his promise to tell them what was become of the Prince which when the cloth was taken away he fulfilled after this manner I understand by the discourse which we had in the Wood that you have heard of the death of Anaxagathus who broke his heart with the Grief which seiz'd upon him when he heard the news of his Son's Death of which he would never be convinc'd but that himself was the principal Author The day after Anaxagathus was dead Antitheus the Venemous Root upon which our Calamity grows sent Dogmapornes one of his Confederates to the Castle where the Prince was imprison'd with order to kill him privately and throw him over the Rock that so his Body being afterward taken out of the River might make good the Report which they had spread abroad before concerning the manner of his Death which by that means they foretold much after the Custom of Evil Spirits which give Intelligence before-hand to Witches and other their Correspondents of such mischiefs as they resolve to doe When Dogmapornes was gone Antitheus and the rest of his Accomplices began to deliberate what was next to be done for the setling of the Kingdom They determin'd presently to proclaim Antitheus King as being apparently the next Heir to the Crown and commanded upon pain of Death that none but the Souldiers of his own Guard should appear in Arms nor that the Citizens should meet in any Assembly upon pain of Treason and secured such as they knew to be Alethion's friends This I learn'd from one of my servants who escap'd out of the City by night Dogmapornes made all possible haste to his Castle to Execute the wicked Commandment of Antitheus and kill'd some horses by the way but when he came there he found himself utterly disappointed for the Prince was gone the day before How it came to pass I will acquaint you for my Brother not being able to conceal from me such happy news longer then the time which the Messenger requir'd for his Journey to bring it sent one of his friends to me who was able to inform me perfectly for he waited upon the Prince during all the time of his Imprisonment heard his Discourses and knew the manner of his Escape You must understand that the Prince was chiefly intrusted to the Custody of two Persons Apronaeus who was Lieutenant of the Castle and Diaporon who commanded a Troop of Horse under Dogmapornes Diaporon attended continually upon the Prince Apronaeus came only sometimes to see that he was in safety Diaporon was of a nature very averse to Malice and though he had not the greatest parts nor could make a perfect judgment of things by his own Ability yet his temper was not impregnably fortified against good Reason As he had at the first no disaffected resentments of the Prince's Person for he had never disobliged him so in a short time he fell into a great Admiration of his Vertues and perceiving him not to be afflicted with what he suffered he concluded in himself that the Prince had no Demerits upon which Punishment could take hold He saw a smooth Serenity in his Looks a great Contentedness in his Speeches an undisturb'd Equality in all his Conversation He heard him often assert his own Innocence but without any other Expressions except of pity for his abus'd Father The affection which this Deportment produc'd in Diaporon's breast possibly augmented with some surmises of unworthy Contrivances against the Prince in a short time grew so strong that it made him heartily with that he might be so happy as to work his Deliverance As he was musing one day how he might accomplish such a hard Attempt
commanded them never to think of being crown'd hereafter except they overcome now and to encourage them to endeavour heartily he hath assur'd them of his never-failing Assistances This is enough continu'd Bentivolio to demonstrate the fulness of his Prudent care and if you remember what I told you before concerning the vast Extent of his great Conquest you will have no reason to think his Attempt ineffectual neither can you frame any Excuse to salve the Ingratitude of those who remain'd disobedient to the mighty Reasons of such incomparable Love but their own extreme Carelesness and base neglect of Consideration For no blame can be laid upon him who had done such wonders that they were sufficient to make the most stupid to mind their most Important Interest After so much endeavour I cannot imagine what Exception you can frame against Anaxanacton's Method but this that he did not offer violence to the Liberty of mens Wills and make them Vertuous whether they would or no which are words incapable of any reasonable Sense If Anaxanacton had put a Necessity upon men to embrace his Discipline he had cross'd his own Design which was by a clear Proposal of a Glorious Immortality to excite free Agents to engage their Choice in a constant use of holy Means to obtain so noble an End Also the Divine Temper of Soul in which all his Disciples find themselves unspeakably happy is such a rais'd Disposition that it is impossible to be reach'd by those who debase themselves by voluntary Sin And the Peace of Conscience and Hopes of a blessed Immortality which Anaxanacton grants as an Antepast of their future Happiness to his Faithful Servants are only the Results of a good Life which is grounded upon a firm Choice and constant Resolution of being Obedient to his Rules I know well that the World hath long since degenerated from the noble Example of the first Converts and that the rare Vertues of the Primitive times are scarce any where to be found in our dayes but we must take heed of accusing Anaxanacton for our own faults When he commanded men to acknowledge his Gospel and told them that it was the only Security of their best Interest yet he let them know that it would doe them no good except they entertain'd it with a very sincere Observance of those Directions which are contain'd in it But as he is altogether to be excus'd we are so much the more worthy of blame both because we neglect the Encouragement which is offer'd by such gallant Examples and because we may make an Imitation of their illustrious Vertues at a far cheaper rate then they could set us Copies This which I have said concerning the Continuance of Sin doth also demonstrate the Justice of those Punishments which you think ought not to afflict the World since Anaxanacton undertook its Restauration He deliver'd his true Disciples from the danger of Eternal Death which is the chief Punishment of Sin and made those less Inconveniences which they meet and patiently entertain upon their way to encrease their more welcome Reception into their Everlasting Home and as those others Antigraphus who will not be redeem'd must needs continue Slaves so being Slaves it is but fit that they should carry their chains But who are they in whose Punishments you do particularly concern your self The Jewish Nation to whom Anaxanacton made the first offers of Redemption There is no reason but they should be punish'd both because notwithstanding the strong Motives by which they were long perswaded to an Emendation of their Lives they grew so extremely wicked that one of their chief Historians thought that if God had not destroy'd them by the Romans the Earth would have swallow'd them and because they did barbarously reject the Terms of Pardon which in a most obliging way were propounded by Anaxanacton As they shew'd themselves incorrigible by continuing wicked after he had for many years in vain attempted their Reformation so it is not only a just but a very proper Affliction with which they are punish'd being not utterly destroy'd but dispers'd into most Kingdoms of the World where they live 〈◊〉 that they might every where remain as an evident Testimony of God's Displeasure against ingrateful Apostates and be a lasting witness of Anaxanacton's veracity who told them before that this Misery would befall them if they persever'd as they did in Disobedience As your Objection includes the rest of the World I must tell you that there is no reason but they should be punish'd too Anaxanacton came not to disoblige men from the Law of Nature but to superadde endearments to its Observance and since other Nations follow'd the bad Example of the obstinate Jews it is most just that they should be their Parallels in suffering You must needs justifie Anaxanacton as altogether unaccessory to their Calamities except you would have him become a Patron of Sin and indeed desire him to nourish with his Bloud that curs'd Root which grew too fast of its self Well well said Antigraphus let the Reasons of mens Degeneracy be what they will you confess the World remains Wicked so that the Proofs of Anaxanacton's success must be fetch'd from that Age in which he liv'd Yes replied Bentivolio but much more from those which follow'd his Death in which they were so considerable in themselves but especially if you take notice of the unparallel'd Method by which his Affairs prosper'd that there is no more cause to put him into a mean Comparison with the most successeful Impostor then there is reason to equal the Follies of Mahomet's contemptible Alcoran with the wisdom of his most excellent Gospel It is a peculiar Glory by which the Discipline of Anaxanacton is recommended to the World that it was neither introduc'd at first nor establish'd afterwards by those ordinary means of Policy or Force His Person was of such little consideration in regard of Worldly extract that he was a Demonstration of the highest Worth invelop'd with the lowest Humility His holy Doctrine was opposite to receiv'd Customs his grave Converse was not set off with a plausible Fashion but express'd such Manners as were scorn'd by the Modish World He neither flatter'd great Princes nor humour'd the mean Appetites of the fleshly Vulgar he perswaded not Obedience to his Rules with the arts of Humane Rhetorick His Followers were discourag'd by Secular Powers their Number lessen'd by cruel Deaths for which Sufferings they could hope for no Compensation in this World And though the Pagan Superstition was encourag'd by the Favour of many Princes supported by strong Armies defended by learned Philosophers asserted by Eloquent Oratours further'd by the Devices of cunning Magicians and cried up by the universal Suffrage of all Nations yet by a Divine Power which fell upon it from the Life and Gospel of Anaxanacton and the mighty Spirit which assisted his Servants the Idolatrous Worship with all its pompous Ceremonies melted away as the Snow doth before
very glad of it said Theosebes and since the wind is fair we will lose no opportunity it may possibly hold good till we arrive at Theriagene Orders being given to the Court to remove with all possible speed to Naupactus Theosebes and Alethion with the rest of their noble Companions devoted the next day to solemn Prayers which they made publickly to Almighty God with an humble Earnestness and declar'd that the Victory which they desir'd did not depend upon the Courage of Men but the Mercy of God and the day after they began their Journey towards the Sea-side The Queen the Princess Agape and the other Ladies entertain'd no small Apprehensions for their Friends who were going to try the hazards of War whose Events are alwayes doubtful but placing their Hopes in God's Assistance of a most just Cause they took their Departure with a submissive Quietness As soon as they arriv'd at Naupactus a Council of War being held at which were present both the Kings Bentivolio and his Brother Lysander Misopseudes Philalethes Amyntor Sympathus Aristander Pasiphilus and some others it was resolv'd that they should endeavour to surprize Hipponyx the principal Haven of Theriagene which was so call'd because the Form in which it was built resembled the Figure of a Horse's hoof The Prince of Theoprepia sail'd in the Admiral being accompanied with Alethion Bentivolio and Misopseudes Lysander commanded the Vice-Admiral Pasiphilus the Rere-Admiral other 〈◊〉 men possessing the rest of the Ships according to the King's appointment They weighed Anchor the next day and the wind continuing fair they came within five Leagues of Hipponyx about four of the clock in the Afternoon But then the wind turn'd and blowing with a stiff gale the Fleet according to the example of their Admiral came to an Anchor by which means they were discover'd by the Hipponyctians and he that commanded the Town for Antitheus immediately prepar'd to put it into a posture of defence A Signal being given the Commanders of the several Ships went aboard the Admiral where it was resolv'd that a Shallop should be sent off with a Herauld to summon Hipponyx to yield up the Port to Alethion and to offer a Pardon to such as were willing to return to their Obedience to their lawful Sovereign The sight of the white Flag upon the Prow of the Shallop was a great Joy to the Hipponyctians for the whole City was put into a great Consternation by the Arrival of such a great Fleet at so near a distance and all the Inhabitants except some few would willingly have accepted of Alethion's gracious Proposition but that Atheophilus the Governour in whom Antitheus had plac'd no small confidence as in his most faithful friend prevented the declaration of their Intentions by swearing that he would immediately kill him that should dare to speak of a Surrender The Herauld returning and having declar'd the Governour 's Answer the Princes resolving to pursue their Intentions with speed order'd that the same night a convenient number of Shallops attended with four Frigots should storm the two Forts which were built upon each side of the River to secure the entrance of the Haven The Ships design'd for this service being committed to the conduct of Aristander Charistion Amyntor and Sympathus Bentivolio Misopseudes Panaretus and Philalethes resolv'd to accompany them in this service They fill'd some of the Shallops with Fagots to throw into the Trenches and Ladders to scale the Works and having understood that the passage into the Haven was secur'd by the Hulls of old Barks fastned together with Chains they appointed some Vessels with Souldiers furnish'd with Axes to loosen the Chains and break the Bridge and provided two Fire-boats to burn the Barks After the Signal given by a great Gun they weigh'd Anchor and making several boards they arriv'd at the Mouth of the Haven about an hour before day Aristander who was accompanied with Bentivolio landed his men who were design'd to attaque the North Fort as Charistion and Panaretus did on the other side and in the mean while Misopseudes Amyntor and Philalethes in several Vessels fill'd with Mariners and Souldiers set upon the chain'd-bridge Atheophilus had plac'd his best men in the Forts knowing that if they were lost he should not only grant his enemies a free entrance into the Haven but also receive great annoiance from the Guns which were planted upon them His Souldiers welcom'd the Theoprepians with their Canon and when by the noise which they made as they march'd they perceiv'd that they were at a convenient distance they saluted them with Musquet-shot giving them notice with flashes of dreadful light where they might find their enemies This did nothing amaze the Theoprepians for they went boldly on and though the Bullets whizz'd over their heads and sometimes lodg'd themselves in their bodies they came up close to their Works and having cast in their Bavins and yet finding the Trenches not fill'd up they threw themselves into the water and swam over being encourag'd to it by the generous example of Bentivolio and Aristander and having plac'd their Ladders began to scale the Fort. As they went up they from above knock'd them down with Stones which made some of them unable to get up again Bentivolio to prevent that discouragement which might possibly have happen'd to the Souldiers from this manner of opposition commanded them to cover their heads with long Fagots carried by two men one at each end which made them some defence Having set his foot upon a ladder he receiv'd the same salutation with his Companions by the blow of an heavy stone upon his shoulder which would possibly have lessened a weak courage but it increas'd his for going up readily and calling to those who were next him to follow him notwithstanding all the Resistance which the Enemy could make he got to the top and having slain those who made a vain attempt to hinder his entrance he gave his followers a more easie Access Aristander succeeded as happily in his attempt upon the other side of the Fort. And now the dreadful Image of Death grew visible with the first Appearances of Light for the Souldiers inclos'd in the Fort hoping for no safety but by the Expulsion of their Enemies and they resolving to take it or die both parties produc'd mortal effects of a great Courage whilst they gave testimonies of their strong desires Bentivolio hewing out his way to a place where he perceiv'd the Captain of the Fort to make some of his Companions fall by his Sword being enrag'd with love and grief gave him such a blow upon the head that he cut through his Helmet and cleav'd his skull Aristander with the same sort of valiant Actions forc'd himself a passage from the other side into the midst of the Fort where meeting with his friend they destroy'd so many with an invincible Courage that those few which were yet unkill'd being utterly discourag'd by the loss of their Captain and
the surrender that was offer'd and to take possession of the Town speedily lest Antitheus should prevent them by fresh supplies Accordingly they sent three thousand of the most unwearied Souldiers ashoar under the command of Lysander to secure the Gates and to strengthen that part of the Town which lay towards Theriagene The next day they landed all the wounded men and took such an effectual care for their Recovery that in a little time they were restor'd to their former health The Hipponyctians joyning with the Theoprepians bestow'd burial upon those dead bodies which they found floating in the Haven or which were cast ashoar by the force of the Tide After two dayes they receiv'd the good News of the Arrival of their Ships which were order'd by Theosebes to transport their Horse who were commanded not to set sail till three dayes after the departure of the other Ships from Naupactus Lysander appointed them to those Quarters which he had prepar'd in and near to Hipponyx the King intending with all convenient speed to march towards Polistherium where the Intelligence of Alethion's Arrival which was sent by a Courrier put Antitheus and his new Court into a great distraction for being conscious to themselves of the Wrongs which they had done they fear'd that the time was coming in which they should be forc'd to suffer for them especially after they heard that the Theoprepians had subdued their Fleet and made themselves Masters of Hipponyx This Alarm made less Impression upon the Courage of Antitheus then was expected by many both Friends and Enemies for notwithstanding he heard that many other Towns besides Hipponyx had revolted and that some Cities had sent to submit themselves to Alethion yet his Mind seem'd to grow great proportionably to his danger and he fear'd not to look his bad fortune in the face though she frown'd severely But knowing that his tottering condition needed all possible support he made use of all the thoughts with which his restless Mind was fill'd to direct him what to doe He summon'd his chief Confidents to meet in his Privy-Chamber where having fram'd his Countenance to express an undaunted Resolution he spake to them after this manner The mischiefs which the Theoprepians have already done us do force us to secure our fortune by the use of Arms and the dangers which they still threaten require that we should speedily enter upon this way of defence We need not dispute whether it is Wisdom to venture boldly for we must either doe so or lose all It were a dishonourable Cowardise to abandon our selves to ruine because we may possibly prevent it neither is there any condition so low but it may be rais'd if those who undertake it have Valour I have taken care to provide what is requisite for our Preservation both as to Men and Money You know that the Mercenary Army under my command is not inconsiderable for Number and I make no doubt but they will engage boldly in this Service because being Souldiers of Fortune they fight only for their pay And since it may be thought that they are too few to oppose the strength of Theoprepia I have sent to the Theomachians who are in League with us to desire their Assistance and I make no question of obtaining it They are the inveterate Enemies of Alethion and will more readily help us because by this means they may have an opportunity to revenge themselves upon the Theoprepians After the overthrow of this Army which doth now infest us I have promis'd to enter with them into the Enemie's Country and to divide with them what we shall conquer there by equal shares I have some Treasure which I laid up for all urgent occasions and though it is scarce enough for this present service I know how to raise more before we shall have need of it When Antitheus had finish'd this short Speech Dogmapornes Asynetus and the rest of his Associates having been engag'd in his Treason oblig'd by his Favours hoping to augment their present Fortune with his Victory and despairing of Pardon from Alethion in regard of the greatness of those Crimes which they had committed declar'd a Resolution to live and die in the obedience of his Commands and protested that they neither had nor hop'd for any Interest but that which consisted with his Felicity Antitheus having given them thanks for this obliging Answer told them the way by which he intended to provide Money to pay his Army which was by seizing upon the Stock of the Orphans laid up in the common Chamber of the City as also that which was trusted in the hands of particular Guardians by forcing the rich Citizens to lend him as much as he should desire and by borrowing the Treasure which was in the Temples and because the people should not look upon these proceedings as Rapine and Sacrilege he promised repayment as soon as he should overcome the Enemy which threatned present ruine to Theriagene and forced him to take these extraordinary courses He added also that he would not put this resolution in practice till he should hear from the Theomachians Within two dayes Antholkes the Ambassador whom he had sent thither return'd with acceptable News For desire of Revenge and hope of Conquest had so inflam'd the Theomachians that they not considering the dangers to which they were courted and the inability of the Tempter to make a probable Defence neither taking any notice of the Injustice of that Cause in which they were solicited to engage readily promis'd their utmost Assistance and knowing that Delay would make it ineffectual to Antitheus his Relief and their own hopes assur'd Antholkes that they would make all possible speed for the Expedition In the mean while Theosebes having led his Army into Theriagene only with an intention to restore Alethion and being desirous that his honest purposes might not be misinterpreted by the Censorious World told the Prince as they were walking one day together that though the Affection which he ought ever to have for so great a Friend had brought him and his Subjects out of their own Country to serve him and that he could not but think that the Justice of his Cause was abundantly sufficient for his private satisfaction yet he thought it requisite to let the World know upon what occasion he had taken up Arms and to assure the Theriagenians of his Intentions by a Declaration published for that end The King highly approving his Advice Lysander drew it up in these words Though we make no question but such as know the Reasons of our present undertaking will need no other satisfaction as to the Justice of it yet because we would not have our Actions construed into that Malicious sense which our Enemies will be apt to put upon them We declare before God and all the World that it is not a Desire to increase our Empire by any Accession which may be gain'd from Theriagene that hath made us invade the Country