of his owne life so the feare to preuent it submitted to her directions againe she with a doubtfull manner of speech that if he had sayd the truth it were better a wicked Emperor miscaried then men of vertue and good deseruing and last of all with reasons promises and protestations to make the fact iustifiable tooke his oth to kill the Emperor Which he very opportunely performed in a walke adioyning to the Pallace as conferring togeather in secret about Kalucki and no sooner shruncke the bleeding Carkase to the ground but he wounded himselfe in many places with the Emperors Semiter quight conueying away the instrument of death and so stood crying for helpe in a pittifull manner By this time hath the strange reporte of the Emperors murder possessed both Court and Country with amase and the murtherer without any pursuite quickly submitted him selfe but brought before the Empresse the rest to whom such a cause papertained he confessed the fact yet desiered that he might take away the shame though not the fault in the misfortune by discouering the secrete as it chanced now because his bleeding woundes induced commiseration and that his present staâ—… made shew of violence against him it was thought conuenient to heare him and if it were but to bolt out the rest of the conspirators Most deuine Empresse quoth he Honorable vpholders of this mightie state I intend neither to entreat for fauour nor life for in the very misfortune of the mischeife I am worthy to dye yet giue me leaue to extenuate your displeasures against me and to disclaime either a naturall disposition to such impietie or now willingnesse to lay violent handes on such a person wherein that my true simplicitie may somewhat countenance me and that I plead for my Honour and renowne giue me leaue to Launce my Barcke into this Channell Who doth not remember the misery of our Country through the ambition of our Emperours Barka and Allau deceassed Who doth not acknowledge the blessings conferred vnto vs by the Prince Kalucki who with all vertuous industries hath proceeded for our good yet mighty Peeres I shame to tell it without respect of worth royaltie honour or the benefite it selfe some wretched Ielousie so misled our Emperour that very ingratefully if I make not too great offence in the tearme hee contriued many wayes his destruction misconstruing our Loues and his Vallour to tend to an aspiring reach and when nothing appeared to appease his misdoubts hee flatly concluded to murder him secretly To which bestiallity hee suggested Chamus Iliod Iodda and my selfe ouer-reaching our Obedience with Imperious will and insorcering out fraylty with Reward and Preferment Now what euer good or bad Angell was ouer this dismall night predominant I know not but sending for mee into the Walke hee conferred about the Murder and because my slacknesse seemed rather enclined to remorce then dispatch of the tyranous decree all impatient hee flew vpon mee wounding mee in this manner neuer repressing his furie till I lost the vse of respect and consideration then life straue with necessitie and compelled her seruant strength to the cloze hoping onely to saue it selfe wherein howsoeuer it chanced the Swod in the fall strooke him to the heart which how grieuous it is vnto mee the immortall powers that haue deliuered Kalucki and preserued all your glories can witnesse This vnlookt-for contrarietie made them all amazed yet when the examination of the rest and other circumstances agreed with the truth most strange was the confusion amongst them For the people with great acclamations cryed out Liue Kalucki liue Tarachim The Empresse tooke heauily her Husbands misfortune but seemed more troubled with his infamy The Princes of the State knew not what to say or how to proceede The people they continued with zeale towarde Kalucki and in a manner protested Mullumella could not doe better then make him satisfaction by mariage Heere Wisedome played a kind 〈◊〉 For though her Desire burned within her to the same purpose yet a still modesty kept her from making shew of any such motion and when the greatest Lords as not knowing how to suppresse it being a matter of that consequence the party a man of that high deseruing vrged it againe Shee sayd it was a time of sorrow and the loue toward them would not consent to any thing vnbefitting But when indeed another and another time was spent in yeelding reasons of the likelihood of happinesse and that her cunning had drawen them to beleeue their importunities should preuaile with her shee welcommed the fortune that had thus smiled vpon her and tooke Kalucki into the tuition of her loue which quickly inuested him Emperour and sware the Subiects to loyalty and obediene Now was hee to play the part of an Emperour and by reason of the naturall rudenesse of the Country and inciuility of the people the one to be refined the other reduced the greater was his need of those excellent ornaments of Kings but being him selfe a naturallist of Maiesty hee soone put in practise Magnanimitie for his State and Court Wisedome for the common causes and extracted from her Pollicy to keepe the great men in obedience Affability as farre as their Customes permitted to obtaine fauour where it hung in suspence and Iustice to strengthen the loue got by meere good hap Besides hee knew how Mullumalla had proceeded and therefore was shee to be regarded with extraordinary behauiour But heere was no place for Mistrust or Ielousie because shee prooued an admirable Wife and Mother of many Children and the people continued in their loue as hauing no cause to mislike BVt as he went forward in this towardly Iornie to felicitie fame that euer scorned to be pend in a Corner came to tell him the Emperour Mengrelious had infringed the couenants ratefied and a Prince liued in scorne of his composition which somewhat distempred him as forseeing the troubles impending or shame to let his Honour be abused but when Scaroxus the brother of Queridock whom Mengrelius had dispossessed of the Royalties of Sinopis by placing Scydrothemis King had in person vrged other particulars then was Mullumalla made acquainted with the story from the beginning and she though desier could haue pleaded that no satisfaction was answerable to his company yet stomached the indignity and in her Heroiick spirit concluded his renowne hung in suspence without reuenge Now rested the doubt what course to take And therein many times and much debating shewd as well the dutie of a wife as Honour of a Prince at last she willed him by sommoning the Estates of the Empire to make tryall of their affection which hee performed because it pleased and it pleased because shee wished and shee wished because he was so great a person and greatly beloued to whom after the Ceremonies of the assembly were ended he deliuered these speaches Although louing and worthy to be beloued Lords and Subiects the deuine prouidence and your
of the kingome from him to these certaine old Councellers rather stomaching to see their impatience peremptorinesse abhorred then daring to set a foote Broyles and discentions added the greatnesse of the charge considring the Treasure was much wasted with their last businesse the disorders of idle attendants the pride of his followers the slendernesse of the present Court all which set his thoughts at randome some of them stumbled on the wrested interpretations of the prophesie which Mengrelius fearing most the blow that came last absolutely beleeued began to draw neerer and neerer to the full effect and so began a strange manner of Melancholy sequestring him selfe from conuersation and when necessitie compelled him abroad hee grew impatient and irrigular but the greatest cause of his disquiet accrewed from the suggestion of diuers who through the credite of Belgorundo made euery paltry appearance of a litle skill to carry the true countenance of Learning and Diuination by putting in practise the Cabalisticall Art Aegyptian Characters Astronomicall Figures Hierogliphicall representations Augurings and Pithonicall Incantations which with some slender likelihood were intermixed so that the Court swarmed with a troope of diuelish Astronomers a kind of people alwayes forbidden and alwayes retained whose strange Attire and Demeanour gaue occasion of laughter and astonishment the people counting them wise and extraordinary the better sort deriding them as buffonns and deceiuers With such illusions was Mengrelius quite caried from him selfe and on a sodaine consented to a decree that none of what estate soeuer should intermeddle with the Emperors retyering nor appoynt extraordinary meetings without the verge of the Court which was strangely taken at the first but Trezoboro discouering the secret was contented to repaire to the Pallace which his presence quickly filled with entercourse of people and the applause range by the Emperors eares who in short time misliked it farre worse then the other as almost by eye-witnesse perceiuing he meant to infinuate into the vulgar opinion to irrite a faction From hence a plaine displeasure arose by commaunding the Prince to depart the Court then wrought his absence beliefe of euery thing reported and added withall that the opportunitie made him study on the disgrace and so prepare the reuenge For indeed there wanted not those which proposed to Trezoboro his Fathers cruelty at the beginning his wretched hate now the errours of many men about him and that there was no reason he should permit the indignitie but these he suffered as Spiders in an house seruing to gather the Poyson and Venome of the Ayre that the rest may be more sweete and holsome till at last a wretched surmise displaied the ensiugnes of hate against him which was too true by reason all his fauourites and attendants were remooued or neglected Calisthenes aman of an high linage and dilicat witte which by some extraordinary pleasantnes got the name of Good conceit and yet till now made gratious with the Empresse was checked with the tearme of mimus for slender glauncing at the Emperors melancholy Another demanding but the cause of the Princes sequestration was imprisoned A third making a Satiricall Inuection against especiall persons was publickly whipt A fourth saying the Prince was more worthy submitted to the execution of a seuere Iudgement which made a great alteration and to be plaine slacked the reuerence and dutie euer borne toward him Thus remained all places full of rumours wherein confusion spred many dispositions abroad some saying the Emperor was ill directed or worse inclined some that the Prince was causelesly wronged some layed the fault on priuate persons who hauing a long time swaied the Common-wealth feared least the quicke conceite of others would detect their ill gouernment and therefore ment vnder publike pretences to preuent priuate mischeifes some blamed the Emperors credulytie of the coosening sort of Magy some affirmed he was quite distracted and some dared exclaime that fearing he knew not what he would ruine the Common-wealth and Butcher vp his Children as he had done before These speeches had diuers effects both with Mengrelius and Trezoboro the father assuring it a practise of defamation and the sonne suspecting his fathers crueltie which was the more greeuous vnto him because he had deserued so well so that now to secure himselfe he was enforced to stand on his Guard and that incited the Emperor to proclaime him Trator the seueritie of which edict deuided the kingdome and an vnnaturall Ciuell warre ensued wherein many stratagems and Turmoyles dislocated the Pillars stayes of the Empier for Mengrelius with his yeeres grew wilfull irregular and dangerous mistrusting his most trusty Seruants and when any dared to request a Pacification he would not abide it His Mother and Wife were ircksome and all things at home framed them selues to the vnframing his quiet Abroad he was sure the Cities would regard their preseruation to come The discontented persons would adhere to his Sonne as well to auoyde the Lawes penall against them as in hope of recompence and reward The Noble men and Gentrie by reason of former neglect would questionlesse make them selues acceptable to the Prince Some yet aduanced would not degenerate and others in Office or Account for their own safeties would continue alleageance with these such whom the very name of Emperor mustred vp he made an ouer-maistring party and in his owne person performing actions beyond expectation strengthned the opinion of such as stood wauering betwixt duty and pitty But when Trezoboro perceiued that hee which standeth onely on defence is farre from Victorie hee then shewed his Father the force of a mighty Arme with which he held out a long time but at last was compelled to retire to Pelagium a place designed him for his Estate and conuenient for Victualing and relieuing his Armie Hither did Mengrelius prosecute him and Trezoboros flight somwhat ouerswayed the common opinion neuer certaine but in vncertainties so that the Emperor seemed cheared with his good proceedings his Sonnes tryall whereupon somewhat cunningly thinking to presse the Enemie while they were yeelding hee proclaymed Pardon to all those which would forsake the Prince the rest he denounced guiltie of the Crime of Maiestie Then seemed he to dally with crueltie promising one hundred Tallents to any would bring him in dead or a liue and last of all encountred with his forces to great aduantage which Trezoboro perceiuing would in time worcke him out and that his retardance gaue libertie for a Russian Armie to helpe his father he dispatched a messenger to Anzitemus and an other to Opacus of Capadocia who by reason of the Emperors ielosie and stomach against them as the causes of his feare were not vsed not sent vnto in their late troubles and therefore conceiuing they were neglected or despised a displeasure arose against Mengrelius and this opportunitie made them the willinger to ioyne with the Prince especially Anzitemus who with foure legions of old soldiers came in person
THE HISTORIE OF TREBIZOND In foure Bookes By Tho. Gainsforde Esquier Quest. Quid dignum tanto feret hic promissor hiatu Resp. Sic iuuat indulgere fugacibus horis AT LONDON Printed for Tho. Downes and Eph. Dawson 1616. TO The Right Honorable Countesse Dowager of DERBIE RIGHT HONORABLE EXperience maketh Ignorance confesse that the best composed priuate Letters resemble the passage of a Shippe leauing no print or impression of her course and the mememorie of such an improuident and vnfortunate Man as my selfe is like spilt abroad Water neuer to be gathered vp againe But doe what Contempt and Greatnesse can this shall outlast a Tombe and be more glorious then the proudest Epitaph or Structure Not that there is any thing in the same otherwise then a Spiders Cobwebbe fitter to be swept away with a huswiuely hand But because your Fame may suruiue thereby and many ages to come demaund which Lady of DERBY excited such commemoration And then the answere shall bee Earle Ferdinandos Widow Countesse DOWAGER of DERBY who was thus farre beholding to Nature that Loue Beauty and Comlinesse exposed her as a worke of her choycest Storehouse who was so farre beholding to Vertue that shee vnited many Graces as you see a rich Diamond augmented in his lusture by the workmans skilfulnesse who was so farre beholding to Fortune that shee sheltred vnder the couert of the greatest and magnificenst Prince in the World Q. Elizabeth and shee so ouermantled her with Fauour that King Iames kept her still glorious vnder the same Who was so farre beholding to Prouidence that from a second Husbands Worthinesse and Wisedome they went arme in arme to the house of Perfection and made it thriue the better vnder the warm roofe of Aboundance Who was so farre beholding to Honour that shee affronted the strictnesse of Law and from his Maisties Warrant kept her greatnesse secure and who was so farre beholding to Fame that shee trode vpon the swelling Serpent Enuie and raysed good wishes from their hearts who had formerly pretended cause of distasting Therefore I can be no contrary amongst so many iuditious obseruers but presume that so great goodnesse will not be diuerted by any maligne circumstances and assure my selfe that your Honour may looke toward mee with a gracious aspect or at least in this triuiall abruptnesse condiscend to a charitable endurance of mens imperfections For Wisedome or a thriuing Fortune is not bought in the Market and I amongst some others may well complaine Fato prudentia minor Your Honours humble Obseruant Th. Gainsforde The principall matters and Stories contained in these Bookes Lib. 1. THe Story of the Shepheards of Nagania Page 4. Marpsias Caue 13. Marpesias Story 15. The Shepheards Daughters 18. The principall Shepheards 23. The story of Franio 47. Idlemen described 48. The story of Rugio and Deltona 62. Lib. 2. The Historie of Mengrelius and Kalucki 86. The History of Xantippus and Encelidon 104. The description of Delphos 116. The Oracle it selfe or Prophesie 124. How Gelida and Perinthum saued the Empresse Children 130. The story of Praxus and Menedemus 144. The story of Cleonidas and Perinthum 151. Lib. 3. The triumph at Deltonas discouery 172. The History of Artabazes and Olmus 180. The setling of a Gouernement in a Kingdome 183. The story of Gestarius 193. The story of Cleonidas and Artabazes 201. Anzitemus marieth Brizaca formerly called Montanus and Deltona 208. The story of Artabanus and Astiages 209. The story of Medormus and Gliranda 213. The Combat betweene Anzitemus and Medormus 221. The story of Ormisdates and Damafloris 233. The story of Anzitemus and Astiages 245. Lib. 4. Anzitemus his owne Storie Page 261. A King described 263. Artabazes Father of Anzitemus slaine by Cleonidas the Pirat 269. The storie of Cleonidas and Artaxata 275. The description of a Giants naturall Disposition 277. The storie of Sagarenus and Artaxata 280. Armenia of Armenus 287. Roxanas description 291. The commendation of Conference 295. Anzitemus King of Armenia 300. The storie of Trezoboro the Emperours sonne of Trebizond 303. Trezoboro returneth to Trebizond 308. The story of Kalucki and Mullumalla 310. Kalucki Emperour of Tartary 313. Kalucki challengeth Trebizond 326. The Battaile betweene Mengrelius Kalucki two brothers 330. The story of Mengrelius and Trezoboro father and sonne 339. Mengrelius slaine by Anzitemus and Trezoboro Emperour as in the Prophesie 345. The story of Cleonidas after the Battaile at Sea with Anzitemus 354. Cleonidas death 359. FINIS The first Booke of the Historie of TREBIZOND SO long continued the fight betwixt the valiant Anzitemus and the Arch-pirat Cleonidas that extremitie wondred to be maintained and the night as a common decider of Controuersies hasted for very pittie to determine the furie not remembring what terrour her haste would adde vnto the furie whereupon Anzitemus enraged to be disappoynted commaunded to grapple and the taske imposed chained their Barkes togeather the effect whereof produced the lamentable Stratagems wherewith Confusion Slaughter and Death terrifieth the beholders For the fighters with Swords seemde to play in the choyse either to deuide the Body from the Head or seperate the Members from the Body Such as vsed Pikes might either wound or kill such as throw Stones either braine or endanger such as trusting to their strength durst cloose either strangle or tosse ouerboard Thus were some throwne into the Sea some stifled in the Shippes some slaine outright some irrecouerably wounded some thronged to death some sprauling halfe dead some fainting ouerweatied none escaping one mischiefe or other and all confounded because they saw all things confused the faythlesse hearted trembling before death as dismayed at their fellowes outcryes the valiant hoping to liue to reuenge their companions wrongs At last Destruction lifted vp her horrible countenaunce as if shee meant to distract them with this assurance that neither Pollicie nor Endeuours could direct to any way of securitie which when Anzitemus euen betwixt the contraries of Pittie and Rage apprehended hee then cryed out Let all cease and Cleonidas and I determine the controuersie But whether Cleonidas despayring in the successe stomaked the misfortune or remembring his fault conceited the reuenge or impatient at the difficultie forgate the meanes of redresse or enraging to be ouer-mastered became absolutely desperate Hee put in practise more feare and more terrour with his owne hands like a hired Seruant of mischiefe setting the Ships on fire and commaunding the rest of his partie to heaw them a peeces or otherwise to shift for themselues This was so well liked of the Mariners and so soone performed that you would haue imagined Confusion meant to decipher with what varietie shee would entertaine Death For what with Axes Hat-chets Sawes Dragges Winches Croes Engines and other Instruments the Shippes were splitted spoyled broken disioynted and all to peeces shiuered besides the Fire playing the Tirant quickly disseuered what before fastned the maine Beames togeather herein onely acting the part of a
playing with the Princely Infants so that the action related his pride in vnmannerly hastinesse hurrying vs away and thanked Opportunitie as it should seeme without further questions in vnproper cruelty tying vs in bands For all wee intreated with teares threatned with anger lamented with sighes anon rayled on their presumption after offred sufficient ransome and last of all pleaded conscience manhood and the Law of all Nations The Infants in the meane while smiling at the vproare neither dismayed with the company as Strangers nor action as troublesome But neither intreaties promises prayers offers threatnings nor exclamations could preuaile Forwith tedious Iornies they brought vs to the Sea side where their Shippes lay at anchor and were ready to attend the caulling of the Winde who by this time began to chide our negligence that was not thankfull to so kind putting vs in minde of our businesse onely wee expected the comming backe of the Captaine whom Cleonidas had sent to certifie Opacus of the accident But when his returne assured an illusion and that the king disclaimed any right to the infants warranting withall the fiction but a deuice to set our selues at libertie neuer was so fit a time to pattern out wrath and fury as in Cleonidas whose â—…ies glistered like Fier and impatience scarce forbore with his owne hands to teare vs a peeces commaunding vs to be tortured for deluding him which as a villaine was forward to execute foure great Quinquiremes scowred first by vs and after winded about as if they meant with aduantage to set vpon vs which when Cleonidas had beheld with the eyes of aduice and perceiuing they were but Messengers of some mischiefe following for by this time hee had descried the whole Fleete we were a while forgotten and hee to our amase proceeded with such courage and iudgement that in applying the like to generous performaunces hee might have prooued a sufficient member of a politicall body for the Souldiers were placed each one in a congruent distance least shuffled togeather might haue bred a confusion The Fire-workes were prepared the Fights were ouerseene enclosed and well flancked the Weapons were considered on either to skirmish a farre off or to grapple if need required and the vnable and insufficient were separated into some remote corner from troubling the rest Amongst whom was our account cast yet some honorable concite vnwilling to be tyranous against Infants and men vnlikly to be preiudiciall remitted vs from bands and imbarked vs into a very good brigandine to be transported to the Dry Iland where the strength and conueniencie of the place both secured and contented him when he list to make his retreat THus were we parted from the company of death and danger for Cleonidas presently made toward the Gallies but Most mighty Princes how the wrathfull Nemesis or his fortunate Genius determined of him I know not because vntill this occasion his name was neuer once a subiect to talke of though his wretchednesse yeelded many times sufficient matter to thinke on But wee kept a steady passage to our Harbour and had cause of comfort when the trauell of foure dayes brought vs within the sight of the Iland Yet looke how a sparke of Fire euen at the very present of his taking leaue of the heate giueth the greater light so wee gaue a sodaine shoot of ioy with a Swanlike dittie at the instant of our destruction For on a sodaine a North-west winde whirled the Barke about and though the Mariners endeuored the contrary wee as quickly lost as enioyed the former delight Then followed a Storme which with continuance vnited to the Winde raised a dangerous Tempest last of all approached a second Darknesse wherein the night drew her Curtaines to hide vs from the face of Heauen had not the contention in those vpper Regions giuen vs more light then wee wished because bringing terrour with the Thunder wee neither durst behold either Earth or Heauen On the other side the Sea hearing the bigg voyce of the Windes awaked her sluggishnesse and perceiuing such variance betwixt the Fire Aire for superioritie would not imbace her selfe but thought to make her greatnesse appeare as well as they and so swelled beyond measure growing to that rage that wee thought it better to be subiect to Men then implacable Waues This continued a whole day and night and the continuance wroughteffect to put vs in minde of our frailtie and to make preperation for another dwelling because the Barcke vnable to house vs was willing to dislodge vs and we likewise grew weary of being such Tenants especially my poore Brother and I who seemed dying before death and ten times dying to behold the sweete Infants cling to vs for succour who were not able to helpe our selues Yet at last Nature preuayling against Wilfulnesse wee determined to tarry for rather then to runne to so bad a friend as Death and therefore agreed to striue with Redresse if wee could and to tie the Children to our backes concluding to change their Names what euer chaunced and withall changed our Places setling our selues neere to some strong Planckes and Chestes So by that time our Genius assured the splitting of the Shippe I was safe in this vnsafetie on a seasoned Truncke of Firre and my Brother on a spare Mast both which floted for a while neere the dismembred Barke like silly Birdes houering about their Mother entrapped in a Nette and leaue her not till the Fawkner assure hee is the messenger of death What should I say most mightie King the feare was more then the danger and yet may the greatest scorner of Perils confesse the danger exceeded any meanes which humaine pollecie had to auoyde it considering our burdens and combersome company which did rather augment then diminish our griefe For alas to be in hassard of drowning amidst the cruell Billowes desperat of succour on vnfirme seates and with infant Princes tyed to our backes who can but thinke wee had sorrow sufficient and suppose our heauinesse a wonderfull temptation At length we seemed cheared with a life cast in a new mold by perceiuing faire weather approching resembling a condemned person meditating with repentance and sadly casting his lookes on the ground as not daring to lift them vp to heauen till the sound of a Pardon infuseth strength and courage into his decayed soule whereupon wee setled vp our selues and began to appease the Children who as if they meant to finde fault with Fortunes discourtesie exclaymed on her vnkindnesse by pleading their owne innocencie which whether it were with the inforcement penetrable or that the Gods meant to shew their power in contrarieties I dare not verdict but presently to our amaze their pacification a gallant calme succeeded and the outward face of heauen suffered her blacknes to be wiped away whereby it appeared like the milde mother of the earth so that it was my good happe to driue vnder the Walles of Fortona where a Fisher stood drying his
the weaker side she once againe allowed him Montanus and praied accordingly for the same successe as if it had beene to Montanus but the Trumpets sound gaue warning to put her other sences in practise and so the first course began which passed both with liking to the beholders and astonishment to Rugio because they perceiued a sweeter cleannesse in the diuision and hee felt a quicker strength in his deliuery yet knowing conceit was a weakning of courage and the least aduantage descried a step to Conquest hee made ready againe and so fiue times togeather with sufficient equality concluded and might surely haue triumphed without impeachment considering the deeds of Armes with whose applause he had filled all mens cares the day before but that the Saddle at the sixt encounter scorned the weakenesse of his Strappes and vnworthily disburdened it selfe of so worthy a Master who seemed somewhat perplexed to be so disappoynted yet was pacefied in the displeasure when the rest receiued the same payment In this manner was Glory satisfied to see the Vertue of this new Knight accompanied with good successe and so the Iudges with semblant suffrages yeelded the honour of the triumph vnto him But hee vtterly disclaymed to assume it considering the Duke had continued longest in the Field and hee came like an Enemie in ambuscado espying the best aduantage for his sallying foorth To this Rugio opposed as much pleased with his respect as opinion of the rest especially considering his hopes toward Brizaca were frustrate and therefore led him vp in great royalty to receiue the Prize where the admirable Princesse accompanied with many worthy Lapyes expected to whose portion Fortune would allot it But when a full interuiew had taken away the vaile of doubtfulnesse it was no kind entertainement but a sence rauishing ioy published him Montanus wherein shee might haue passed the limits of moderation if Trezoboro had not sommoned her to put her other graces in practise Now when Montanus found him selfe the cause of this confused silence and turmoyle hee thought it high time to pollish the rough way and lead them to a plaine Field of his knowledge whereupon hee vsed this preamble Let not great Princes too suddaine a censure passe vpon my presumption or negligence but rather be incensed against Ignorance and my owne Misfortunes if respect haue not passed with her properties But because you haue already participated with the discouery of this peerelesse Princesse and yet still continue as a longing and louing Mother for the returne of an other Sonne affoord mee a litle patience and I will fill vp the measure of your hopes Yet in regard the Iourney I vndertake is tedious and this dayes trauell importuneth repose I will dispence awhile with the time and procrastinate your desires till to morrowes conueniencie But very quickly is the Sunne infeoffed with the nights inheritance and Trezoboro in his sisters hehalfe stomaching the delay hee thought Montanus made challenged his honourable Promise and accompanied him to King Zalby the Duke and rest of the Princes who by this furnished a roome of State wherein the chiefest things worthy regard was strange expectation So that after Brizaca with her princely assistants had enriched the place Montanus with a solemne Maiestie rose vp and with the ceremony of a reuerent obeysance to them a mannerly chearefulnesse to her and sweet affabilitie to the rest thus began WHom so euer remembrance fauoreth with the occrurences of an age forepassed must needes either read or heare of the famous victories of Armenus surnamed the great whose vallure subiected diuers resisting powers and gaue name to the Country to his obedience reduced In which hee had not long aduanced the Standard of imperiousnesse but amongst others erected two especiall Cittis Sagarena and Artaxata The first corresponding to his Fathers the second to her Name for whose sake the Country submitted to a Strangers wroth In these hee constituted Lawes for the Common-wealth and Orders for the Court which although seemed repugnant to the peoples disposition by reason they sauored of new inuention and combined them to a strictnesse rather wresting their obedience then animating their loyalties Yet the good vse by his ouerlooking setled their grudgings and established him in a florishing prosperitie which though misfortune began to impugne by some slender reuolts and the losse of the royall Artaxata yet was fully reintigrated in a second Mariage with the magnanimous Talmiranda Queene of Assiria with whom hee spent the dayes of his yeares and the yeares of his glory glorying so much the more because Nature imparted her Bountie in many particulers and Time made the vpshot with expectable issue For his Sonnes Artabazes and Olmus shewed in their bringing vp great hope and in their Fathers life Honourable gouernment But the aged Armenus must satisfie his debt to the whole worlds creditor leaue them in the world like Waxe wrought with a warme hand ready for any impression At last sorrow ouerpassed the time of her ceremonious sadnesse and the noble Artabazes without difficultie or repining inuested him selfe with the royalties of both Armenias Assiria and many Prouinces annexed to his Empire and so two especiall occasions lifted vp their heades to make them selues knowne to the King The one a Celebration of his Mariage with Euphamia heyre of Arach and the three Arabias The other a forme of Gouernment as well to maintaine his Fathers good proceedings as to auoyde the suspition of his owne weakenesse In this after extreamitie compelled a strong Arme to ouerturne Cleonidas House and confederates euery one applawded his method and manner and the people were carried with admiration toward him the rather because he assured that the like iustice should be distributed as well to the poore as rich made his owne example a magnes to draw forward the steeliest disposition But when by many particulars tending to a perfect establishment they found their peace and plentie to florish then were they violently carryed with zeale duty and reuerence and truly most mighty Princes how euer some enuious hand did afterward cast poyson into his vertuous Spring hee questionlesse layed a sure foundation as your selues if you will affoord mee a little patience may witnesse For the first thing he vndertooke was the peopling a mighty Citty in the hart of his Realme and erecting a sumptuous Pallace in the middest of the Towne that a reseptacle of all sorts whom controuersies compelled to tryall of Lawes this ordained to especiall persons whom honour incited to follow the Court. The Buildings not yet so much beautified with externall curiousnesse as firme statelinesse and the Pallace an inuention of glory and eternity as hauing sure walles well proportioned largnesse stately lightes easy Staires great Entries Princely Galleryes conuenient Lodginges wide and magnificent gates aparted Offices holsome walkes sweete Gardens and dellicate Nurseries But what was this to the scituation polliticke aduancement the ground worke it selfe mounted two Furlonges higher then the
doe them a pleasure and least Anzitemus should be too sparing speaking of him selfe but especially to allow him opportunitie with the much desired Brizaca to whom he might at leasure yeeld accompâ—… of his heretofore well imployed time condiscended the next day to finish his Story which Anzitemus gratified as a kindnesse and so left the Prince to pensell on the Table of his renowne AFter the ciuill Warres of Persia quoth the Prince had made the Seruants of Bellona wearie in executing her bloody Commandements a pacification was effected in the election of a man fitte for the gouernment which at last though Artabanus King of Media a Prince of sufficient power and more suffitient direction was nominated yet fell to the share of Astiages by reason of his blood education and commorance amongst them This Artabanus tooke in ill part and was amongst the Medians a reputed contempt nor wanted there such which inferred that the scorne was greater in the resusall after they had by their Embassadors vrged it then if the matter had neuer been proposed Of this sort the especial ofâ—… man was Medormus who well hoped for the Crowne of Media if Artabanus obtayned the other whereupon an ambitious Counsell of Warre concluded reuenge and confirmed the manner by inuasion the rather because Adelphus Duke of Alstratia offered the disbursing of great summes of his owne and tooke vpon him the conduct of the Army which consisting of foure-score thousand foote ten thousand Horse and foure thousand Camels for burden made him presume that Astiages in the inchoation of his Peace was not able to raise sufficient forces to withstand him considering his Souldiers hauing the prey and spoyle of a Country worthy any title exposed vnto them seemed impatient at restraint and indeed performed their duties in the best manner as when you see a costly Prize erected at the end of a Goale and the runners striuing to make it the Trophe of their victorie For at their first entrance they began with subuerting of Houses felling of Wood fiering and cutting of Corne dryuing of Cattle ensconsing of Wayes and making of Forts But Astiages vnwilling that the Earth should bee vnfurnisht of her golden Apparell which already the vngentile multitude had presumed to disrobe and forecasting least the best part of his Country should be the Seate of the Warre came forward in person with a full and well furnisht Armie compounded of all those Souldiers which in the ciuill Warres were vnnaturally caryed against one another but now finding the sweetnesse of a little Peace determine absolutely for the honour of Persia and within seuen dayes made the tryall of Swordes warrant their affection to their King and Country Thus both the Armies are driuen to a mighty encounter not vnlike to a dusty Path dauncing to and fro as obedient to the Winde till an extraordinary violence whirleth the vppermost â—…olde that a man would wonder how one blast should so soone deuide so great an Heape by which vnfriendly greeting the one party hath great cause to lament the other small reason to triumph The Earth bled for woe considering the effusion which was made made her change colour and receiue vnnaturall moysture The Beastes whose seruice consisted in the skilfull managing of the Rider lay dismembred the men whose cunning was countermaunded by vnfortunate aduantage fell dismounted The Captiue supposing the law of Armes would haue serued his turne is suddainely stab'd the Triumpher is ouertaken with an others weapon in his owne bowels ere the Blade is out of the others body One-while the Persians troope with applause of preuayling anone the Medians shoute with ioy of victorie as when you see a mightie presse of people sometime shoouing forward with a murmuring noyse into that corner sometime backward into this place and many times confused with the cry of the company To conclude what Stratagem disorder of enrage euer performed was now for the manner dangerous and the number lamentable For had not the night hasted to decide the quarrell some other Company must haue ended it considering it would soone haue ended them Thus are the Persians retyred with great damage and the Medians entrenched with small gaines who slenderly mooued with this defeature are not at all remooued from their first wilfulnes but determine that new supplyes shall make another tryall to pay their double losses So haue I seene an vnskilfull Archer loosing one Arrow to shoote another after to find it till taking great paines in the search he like a foole returneth with the losse of both Whereupon Adelphus sent Poligambus into Media who certified Artabanus of the vnfortunate disaster extolling indeed aboue truth the force of the Enemie to deminish their owne shame in their ouerthrow but this newes was not so ill of it selfe as in the efect it procured For Medormus taking aduantag of these particulars that the losse in Persia would busie them heere with forren occasiones that the supplying them would much troubted the kingdome that the absence of the kings best friends gaue him oportunitie to strike the Iron while it was hott and that his owne abillytie seemed euery way strong enough for the attempt made a strange cruell and Trayterous reuolt wherein without doubt a prosperous beginning had been sustained with vnpropper successe if by the ariuall of Anzitemus the maske of despaire had not been taken off and a new Countenance of hope smiled on the discomforted King discomforted not so much in displeasure of his owne affaires as in the despight of Medormus vnkindnesse who had so kindly been beholding vnto him as your selues may thus witnesse ARtabanus now raigning was sonne of Artabanus Otanes who had the title of a father doubled in enioying also a Daughter called Gliranda his ioy redoubled in those giftes of nature beautie and Maiestie which excelled in her and the rather excelled as yeelding to the gouernment of vertue and obedience vntill some violent humour willingly lifting ope the Gate of ambytion made a strange loue the vnnaturall cause of a strange hate For somewhat pleased in the gallant youthfulnesse and well deseruing towardlynesse of this Medormus sonne of Cestus brother to Artabanus the father after many circumstances and endeuors to purchase her liking she admitted rather with a gennerall curtesie then any particuler affection his discourses and desiers but when his loue was pleaded with resolution that neither father nor brother should be any obstacle for her head to be impaled with the Crowne of Media vrging his right indeed by being the elder brothers sonne a matter long since as shee partly heard in question and determined otherwise neuer was vertue so out of countenance For admitting his reasons and inducements she rann Arme in Arme with him in the race of a violent Treason yea such an impression had the expectation of her glory made that in the infant time of her abortiue proceedings she stomached lesse reuerence then what is accoustomed to Queenes and was not ashamed to
and prosperitie to flourish But for all this golden field of Promises the third part of his Armie the next night shrunke from him and were doubly welcome to Artabanus both in the succour by the vniting his owne Forces and the benefite in making knowen Medormus secrets whereupon Anzitemus perswaded to sally reasoning on the dishonour for a Subiect to encage so great a King in one silly Towne This was so forcible with Artabanus who looking on Anzitemus with the eyes of Iudgement wondred with what setled grauitie his Counsailes were deliuered as if maturenesse had brought him from the wanton aboad of Youth to the house of Wisedome that the men of Armes were that night deuided into two parts the one left with the King as a sufficient guard for the Citie the other committed to Anzitemus as an able Armie for the Field with which by breake of day hee sallyed foorth and resembled a beautifull Plant newly come to some shew in a Garden which euery looker on praised as an Ornament to the place and feared least some misfortuue might ruine before his time But Medormus made vse of his Souldiers reuolting fortifying him selfe the stronger doubling his Watches and in person ouer-looking his Campe and Trenches whereby hee was prepared at all times and so when the Alarum was giuen quickly made it an equall tryall and although the valiant Anzitemus whirled in the thickest presse weakning the troopes abating the strength of the Enemie reuersing the dispaire of the fainthearted and prosecuting actions beyonde expectation whereby his glory was both published and stomaked his friendes amased to behold magnanimity so well bestowed and his enemies confounded to finde the vallure of one man so sufficient yet were the Medormians so resolute and encouraged that Anzitemus would not be further engaged then his owne forces might purchase a freedome therfore made an honorable retreate as when you see the afterdrops of a storme continue in the greatest force at the parting This he accoustomed many times besides as if destruction ment to play the wanton with the company rather lessning their number then their hate which so discouraged Artabanus perceiuing no other hope then the calamity of his Realme and confusion of the people that he determined by single combate to preuent these reuenge-crying massacres resembling the Pellican who by hassard of her owne life feedeth and preserueth her young ones NOw when Anzitemus perceiued so gallant resolution hee could not mislike the same yet checked his owne slacknesse for not being author of the matter and therefore to make as it were satisfaction to his opinion hee vrged Artabanus to elect him Champion of his cause not so much in deed to confirme the King toward him as to try Medormus ouer whom hee was in a manner emulous Againe supposing in the preuayling an euerlasting league would be combined or in the default his troubles should end with his owne end Heere grew a vertuous Contention betweene Artabanus and Anzitemus the one inferring the vnreasonablenesse of the cause to bring a man of his deseruing into so great danger for an others businesse the other insisting on his desire to match the Aduersary vpon equall tearmes at last Anzitemus preuayled and a Hearrold for the King proclaymed the Defiaunce which Medormus durst not but accept because the Company ouerboldly vrged him that a Prince in possession was willing to aduenture both life and dignitie and they them selues were almost tyred with butchering one another But when Gliranda euer doting on his strength and cunning in matters of Armes alleadged the likelihood of successe hee neuer disputed but appoynted time place and manner which was by prime of day at a fourtnights end a full mile from the Cittie and like a Knight on Horse-backe with Launce Sword and Shield And although in the meane space some quiet spirits laboured betweene the parties wishing Artabanus pacefied toward his Sister and Medormus and vrged Medormus to submit to the King whom Vertue would questionlesse bring to the house of Pardon yet hee misconstruing the Moderation of Peace-makers was wilfully bent to put all to this tryall Thus is the day come and the dignity of the King compelled some magnificent Shew for the furnishing of Anzitemus First diuers Purseuants at Armes gane notice of Artabanus approch and a L. Marshall with a hundred Seruants all well appoynted so deuided the disordered multitude that the way seemed a liuing Wall as if the men had admitted direction by line and leuell then followed two hundred Courtyers on horsebacke richly apparrelled for their owne credits and the Kings Honour Next matched owne hundred Gent. on foote all in a Liuerie sutable which was a Roabe Morisco fashion almost to the small of the Legge of flame coulor Veluet yet so darkned with black-silke and gold-lace that you might easily imagine there was sorrow mingled with his glory they had Sea caps embrodred sorting to his Imprese semiters according and halfe buskins of white Spanish Leather enclosed on the outside with flame coulor Ribbin Then followed twenty spare Horse on whom rode so many Pages bearing seuerall sheilds with his deuice which was a ship in full Saile betwixt Scilla and Caribdis the Mott As ill is to come giuing notice his troubles were not ended though he should atcheeue this aduenture after them rod fiue Knights with his caske Launce Sword Shield and Horse which was trapped in a sumptuous and curiouse caparison of Cloth of gold wrought like flames of fier couered ouer with rowles made like waues of Sea water greene Cipers in such an artificiall loosnesse mingled with the stuffe that you would haue supposed the water to haue quenched the fier and the fier to haue burned the water besides they were hooked togeather with great Claspes of Goldsmiths worke ritchly Enameled but more ritchly beautified with Diamonds and Rubies Presently followed a new fashion Chariot made like a Rocke irremoueably standing for all the waues seemed impetuous against it which by reason of the motion of the Wheeles tossing water against it indeed like the violence of a Mill resembled a tempestuous Sea Vnder it or rather within it satte Anzitemus and Artabanus who in a pleased grauitie and yet displeased Countenance gaue the people to vnderstand his care was not so much for his owne glory as their safty The Rocke was tyed to certaine Cables made of blacke Silke and Gold which had their seuerall fastning to sixe Pinnases so well deuised that the Horses enclosed within them gaue action full libertie and they Sailed with the Rocke away as if they determined to drawe it out of the Sea but the faster they went the sorer did the Billowes threaten by beating on the sides yet stood the Rocke strongly founded assuering that vertue and magnanimitie remaineth integrate what aduerce crosses so euer chaunce Round about went fiftie Gent. on foote the younger sonnes of Noble men with Pollaxes in their hands whose neerenesse to the king gaue notice of their Honorable place
full recompence indeed if he could haue preuented a double mischance The one in suffering Cleonidas the sonne to enioy his fathers bad conditions with his estate the other in being deuided from his Royall Queene whose life was now brought to an vntimely period by a heart vexing sicknesse but heerein some supernaturall power wrought for the best because now Childlesse he after matched with Tolmiranda the Assirian Sophy by whom he enioyed the fruites of his body in great towardlinesse and continued the rest of his time in a gratious peace had not time ripened the wicked disposition of Cleonidas the sonne and hate as it were innated within him enforced many exorbitant actions setting againe the kingdome in combustion which at last was better ordred and preuented For his places of refuge were leueled with the ground his Lands and wealth confiscate his Allies and associates vnder arest and himselfe exiled the Kingdome who otherwise might haue liued a glory too the kingdome These warres and Armenus life had end togeather wherupon my father Artabazes began his Royall rase at such time as this Cleonidas entertained a conceite of reuenge by this course of Piracie wherein thirty yeares continuance made him an archmaster and custome in wickednesse so blinded him that great faults were reputed slender and small ones not so much as imperfections but the chiefest proppes too this wicked life were the confederacie of many Princes and his owne wealth vniustly amassed with which in this latter time he maintained thirty well appointed Ships and amongst other Stratagems as you haue heard was beholding to the warth full Nemesis for Artabazes losse but whether deuine Iustice tooke my cause in hand I know not For the best part of my Fortune extended to see him cursing and raging amidst the ouerraging Billowes AT this Period Anzitemus made a stoppe and king Zalby with the Princes acknowledged the delight of the story but the great affayres in 〈◊〉 â—…portuned a further matter then 〈◊〉 wherupon it was concluded that the most of them should accompany him into Armenia as well to secure his estate there as to contriue how Trezoboro might purchase his reconsiliation with Mengrelius because if it were effected it must be done by Anzitemus and Brisacas meanes but she finding how this businesse would detaine them awhile togeather ment belike to make some vse of the spare time and therfore like a true Louer stepped into the first path of Ielousie could not forget the short and passhionate description of Roxana which caused her to vse a little cunning in the matter and by making pittie a branch of vertue she questioned with him of matters of Gouernment of Geneolagies of Petigrees what became of Mitrea Astiages Mother and lastly as if it fell in by chance of discourse of Roxanas yeeres how he satisfied the Princes and how he could neglect such a proffer as the mightie Persia contented My only content replyed Anzitemus mistrust no idle disposition For deuine appoyntment hath reserued vs one for another yet will I assure you such was and I hope I may hope such is the preeminence of her beautie and louelynesse that I protest excepting the incomparable Brizaca she liueth peerelesse and well deserued a better regard then my businesse permitted and because you haue sturred conceite and by a Rauishing presence encreased that sweete delight which your company euer affoordeth I will once be humorous in a slender description of her so the louely Brizaca finde not too many faults apply that to her selse now which I am sure might be allowed Roxana then What Cunning can depaint her prayses foorth In whom appeared such exceeding worth The outward substance all at once behold And thinke the Gods a secret to vnfold Each part apart commend then Nature will Affoord thee choyse of her approoued skill The Head resembled some rich golden Spheare Which all the chiefest Lines aloft did beare Yet round about the Paralels did meet So fâ—…ll her beauteous Lockes euen to her feet The Face it selfe scarse durst a curious eye Watch at the full yet there we might espye Fauour and Loue ioyne hand in hand togeather To welcome a rare Guest Perfection thither This made her smile blush and blushing smile The lookers on deceiued all the while As though two colours had for mastry strouen And White and Crimson been togeather wouen The Necke did any counterfeite surpasse In outward shew for Princely life this was Shewing a way where Cupid vsâ—… to stand Telling the lookers on Venus owne right hand Cast vp those pretty Mounts whose sides betweene A pleasant Vally keepes delight vnseene Till it conduct thee to a bending Hill Made like an Iuâ—…ry Arch by curious skill Faire hanging ouer a well fashionâ—… Dore Wherein are hid ten thousand â—…oyes and more Yet Chastitie holdes sure both Key and Lock Vnwilling that the Gods them selues should knock For though Gods vse to Paradise to goe Yet did they heere a Priuiledge bestow That none might enter against Vertues minde Least forc'd admittance prooue the cause vnkinde Her Body bolt vpright in comely grace Outmatched Pallas for a stately pace thought Mounted on Horsebacke you would sure haue Bellona had some gallant Battaile fought Marching on foote Diana could not bee Amongst her Nimphs more gallanter to see With these her yeares were like a timely Spring Which in an ouer-ioying Hope did bring Her Blossoms foorth all happinesse assuring To him more happy in the soyles manuring With these her Vertues did proportionate The qualities belonging to the state Of high Magnificense that we might know Shee was ordained a Princes pace to goe With these a Kingdome was a mighty Dower A Kingdome full of Riches Pompe and Power Then thinke I had good cause to wish her well Who did with such great Priuiledge excell I protest quoth Brizaca you haue praysed her well but I rather allow it for a custome of Idlenesse then Necessitie and finde it vnbefitting to Iudgement to admit of ouerpalpable Flattery What call you Flattery replyed Anzitemus Assure your selfe that the Gods framing Man to commaund all the Creatures vnder the Sunne neither shuffled vp their workmanship nor were so carelesse afterward but with a great regarde sent him foorth to pubish their glory and for that purpose gaue him prerogatiue of excellencie both in body and minde This especially appeareth in your selues to whom they haue vouchsafed deuotion as finding time and your owne vertues to perfect the worke which they but began And from hence proceedeth our resemblance of this outward substaunce to a rich Treasure house made to secure more richer Wealth Now as Wealth is dispersed ouer the world to vse and good order and without that lyeth hid like Earth within the ground So your-selues are left in the world to comfort and benefit according to the fortune of him that possesseth you to happy purpose Heere then resteth the cunning and grace in the meanes of the seisure which I