standing vpright your wisedome hath ouer-ballanced my distemperature and in a manner recouered my despaire I will therefore fasten my anchor on the holde of your honourable promises and attend more chearefully the discourse with that he sate downe and Bertosus proceeded Cleonidas hauing ranged farre from his shippes ouer-tooke vs thus accompanied and as wee thought to rudely questioned our names estates and dwelling wee supposing the reuerence of our King would haue made our peace and the respect to the Princely Infants assured our libertie boldly made answer whatsoeuer you be or intend We are the Kings seruants and these be the Kings children and you and these quoth one amongst the rest be now prisoners to Cleonidas and so shall remaine til the tyrannous Perinthum redeeme them with the price of her honour by this time wee vnderstood enough and more then was pleasing vnlesse you may immagine an offender standing before a seuere Judge vrging his fault to as cruell a Iurie and after their verdict giuing sentence of death pleased with the same For Cleonidas we knew and his despight wee knew and the cause of Cleonidas despight we knew flowed from the current of this venemous streame ARtabazes was no sooner inuested with the roialties of Armenia but Cleonidas taking his banishment in disgrace exprobrated his simplicitie that had not more iudicially proceeded wherupon as hee supposed to recouer his credit rather then for any mallice to the King he attempted a second innouation but herein his will exceeded his fortune for the valliant Pelorus Artabazes Admirall ere he once set foot on land discomfited him at sea and enforced his reculing to the dry Iland where Cleonidas tooke a newe course of life both by Piracie whereby hee gathered infinite wealth and mercenary assisting other Princes which obtained him many friends In the time of this wantonnesse on the borders of Capadocia was resident as Prouincial Gouernor Prazus a Gent of an ancient house and great estate had not the crueltie of the warres wasted the same but now somewhat resetled by his owne endeauours and policie and in reasonable good grace with the king Opacus for his seruice hee thought vpon nothing so much as the addition of Honour to his house but apprehending a kinde of error in the kings wants who was counted to exchang fauour for money and vnwilling to giue him cause of distasting considering that aduancements depend on the pleasure of the Prince hee conferred with his friends about the king and such whom seruice at Court had especially graced so that perceiuing the vse of their fauour he compared himselfe to a man ready for entrance in to some pleasant Gallery wherof he had the right but another keepeth the Key at last reason reward or his owne worth preuailed with them they inferred to the King the necessitie of the gouernment the deseart of the Gent. not without addition how hee had lost his Goodes spent his Reuenewes and hassarded his Life thus was the King prepared Then proceeded they further by putting him in memorie how the Vertuous expect a Recompence as well as the Wicked deserue Punishment And lastly as the string which yeelded the sweete sound of the Musicke they touched this that a present summe of Mony and yearely Reuenewes would come into the Treasurie I will not say it preuayled but the King most graciously ennobled him with the title of Exarchate and constituted him Gouernour during life according to the Lawes of the Land wherevppon now the Lord Praxus was enforced to try Menedemus for a competent portion of money to defray his charges that the entrance into his new Honour in good fashion might establish the opinion of the people by applauding his worth This was a wretch liuing in the strength and delicatest place of all the Kingdome and had culled out the sweetest dwellings and peeces of Land to make his Inheritance sufficient like a skilfull Marchant who determining to iourney into a strange Country and contriuing to returne with credite and gaine searcheth euery Shoppe of a Citie and selected the best Peeces the curiostest Stuffe the choysest Dellicats and what els he needeth to serue his turne Yet for all this was the threed of his life drawne from such a minde as seemed made of filth and durt and the very dregges of Miserie For abroad his complaints were of the ill thriuing of his Cattle the vntoward groth of his Corne the ill payment of the Tenants the want of Money when yet it was well knowne hee had alwayes great summes lying by him so that the bad vse of Natures blessings made him want indeed and that vâ—…de disposition wrought him odious to Man hatefull to God and irckâ—…some to himselfe Within dores the Seruants were negligent the wife too lauish the Children too importunate the Strangers too cumbersome the Kindred and Friendes bent to vndoe him Besides hee was accompanied with these ill Conditions ridiculous Pride to make men imagine this basenesse the meanes to haue him selfe glorified heart-vexing Enuie to see any thriue by him or possesse their estats in good order Impudent delight to heare of an others Ouerthrow or Decay and inhumane crueltie if the errour or inconueniences of life draue men into his danger But to see him about his owne house accompanied with Pesants all ill apparelled as himselfe sweaty greasy dusty nasty and what-els maketh a man odious would shew a very comicall Tragedy And if necessitie wrested the disbursing of some small summes hee would excruciate him selfe but when the State compelled his accâ—…sse what cursings what execrations what torments yet goe he must and in such a manner as I cannot with patience describe it him-selfe like a Pedler with foule Linnen beastly Garments patcht seamerent and greasie and worse then a Slaue His men brought to his owne bent Carters Ploughmen Shepheards and such as were imployed in the greatest drudgerie His Horse and Furniture part old broken and foule part such as hee vsed in his businesse and part pawâ—…ed forfayted or bought at second hand Onely this I must needes say some things of his Auncestors he vsed in sparing manner which were good and made the rest more rediculous With such a fellow was Praxus to deale withall and had so many delayes such excuses such foreswearings yea teares from his eyes flowing from an hipocriticall heart that he knew nor whether to laugh or to be angry at last vpon sufficient securitie of a Morgage a Lordship on which hee had long since cast his eyes for his younger Sonne like him that ouerlooketh a flocke of Sheepe to see which be ready for the Butcher or to inrich his Purse the Money was sent and Menedemus tormented him selfe not so much for feare of the securitie as to depart from the company of his Treasure Now betweene the time of repaiment Menedemus had brought to his house the beautious Lausana a Ladyes daughter left in ward to the King and by this Monster of Nature bought out more
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
to his ayde as for Opacus from Phrigia Lidia and his owne kingdome he made an Armie of one hundred 20. Thousand and gaue the Honor of their conduct to Delano a man of experience great yeeres and well beloued yet suppressed from aduancement by reason Cuprax the sonne of the Duke of Pantalia seemed a fauorite in Courte and would haue drawne the managing of Martiall affayres to him selfe had not Trezoboro by name entreated for Delano and the Soldiers compelled out of their Country disclaimed any other BVt when Mengrelius vnderstood that Anzitemus was come himselfe a sodaine trembling disproportioned his former Courage and the Oracle like a hellish vision appearing mightely perplexed him and was indeed the author of strange courses which at last ouerturned his good successe yet he went orderly to worke and encountred with the Armenians before they were vnited to his sonns forces who had much a doe to make their passage by reason the Boates were not yet come from Trezoboro and Anzitemus had commaunded that no man should lay violent handes on the Emperor but this interception ended with the name of a skirmish For Anzitemus with Delanos assistance quickely passed their Armie by a Bridge made of the Boates and helped with great Furre-trees keeping equall distance of Twentie foote and although the water was very broad yet industry with the conueniencie of the place for woode layed Plankes vpon the Beames and so in one day both Horse and foote passed ouer in a manner within sight of the Enemie For some two mile from the Riuer they had so entrenched the passages that Mengrelius supposed they ment their to haue encamped little thinking Delano played the Lapwing who cryeth farthest from his Neast and when he seemed most busie to fortefie a place of securytie the maine Armie marched that night vnder a Woodes side to the Riuer and the next day put ouer while the Trebizondians prepared against the Campe which they supposed was so neere them But being thus disappointed they had liberty to complaine but small meanes of reuenge onely the Emperour vnited his Forces againe and assured he was better prouided determined to dally no longer but put it to a triall wherein if Fortune fayled he was certaine to weaken the Aduersarie and renew his owne Armie at pleasure and so one day might affoord what another did deny By this time is Anzitemus and Delano welcommed by the Prince who hoping by course of pacification to end the Warre sent to Mengrelius by faire intreaty not to conceiue so hardly of so worthy a sonne and they would engage their Honor he entended nothing but fayth and dutie this message wrought no otherwise then if Trezoboro would absolutely committe himselfe to his fathers tuition without hostage or other couenant it might be the Emperor would forgiue him to this Anzitemus opposed yeelding many reasons and by a second treatie vrged the burying vnder foote of all displeasures the remission and restoring his followers and the confirming him Heire apparant Heere againe Mengrelius disdained to be abridged of his will or courbed by his sonne subiects whereupon defiance was proclaimed on all sids and a day appoynted to entertaine destruction with solemnitie at which time Anzitemus tryed another way to appease these mischeefes by sommoning the Armies to audience and the Emperour to vnderstand what must be trusted vnto To this the feare of the Souldiers rather then his owne willingnesse compelled him and so Anzitemus in the front of his Armie thus deliuered his minde I am not ignorant great Emperour and mis-led people that Wisedome and good Counsaile are sometimes vnseasonable especially in a time of fury hate amongst men of Warre commaunded and countenanced by the Kings owne person yet haue you no such cause either to put in armes these men or Armed to make them butcher them selues For though the Father fight there the Sonne is not absent heere though the elder Brother vnderstanding not the truth is with Mengrelius the younger attendes on Trezoboro And though a Friend is enroulled with you one of the Family is amongst vs and were not this lamentable though necessitie compelled it But now to proceed with out order ground or reason what scandall can be more opprobrious What cause more detestable All men haue written that Violence continues not yet haue you begun in the Cradle and are not appeased after many yeares and why the Emperour is terrefied with an Oracle and suspects his owne Children Hath the Gods preserued them for this Hath his Towardlinesse deserued this Hath his Valloure in your late Broyles been shewed for this Hath his Life been so often hazarded for this Hath your Peace been wrought for this Hath your Prosperitie followed for this Yea hath Strangers been ashamed of the Composition and the mighty Kalucki receiued him to fauour for this And will now the Common-wealth teare her owne Bowels the Members seeke their owne destruction by despising the Head and the Father murder his owne Child It is execrable and abhominable But touching the Prophesie to beleeue it not what needeth this feare To beleeue it what way of preuention But you will say it is ambiguous I reply Malice must not misconsture nor Wisedome be ouerruled with Supposes For concerning the Prince by the Deuine power which ruleth all Princes you can alleadge neither cause reason nor likelihood How then haue you wronged your Renowne and insorcered their Obedience else would they neuer consent to destroy one another to ruine their Countrey make hauocke of their owne increases see suffer mischiefe to knocke at their doores and with the Giants fight against Heauen or like that vnnaturall Bird denowring them that hatcheth her seeke to destroy the Successor on whose safetie dependeth all their liues Leaue off therefore for shame leaue off either yeeld a reason of your actions or desist from your vnreasonablenesse But you will answere It is sufficient the Emperour commaundes I doe say no hee is but the Steward of the Gods subiect to account and ordained to forme not dissolue the Common-wealth But as a further vehemencle might haue agrauated the matter the Souldiers began to repine some demaunding whether the Prince raysed the Warre or desired to saue him selfe Some for what cause Mengrelius prosecuted his Sonne Some stomaked to see intestine Dissipation Some hardly beleeued the Prince began Innouation considering he was to expect the Kingdomes to florish hereafter Some said though the Emperor were offended the submission of a Sonne might appease any Father Some absolutly denied to destroy the Prince and the rest liked not a wise man to be caryed away with dreames or deuises especially when the ruine of the Empire must succeed but Mengrelius enraged with this diuision exclamed only on dutie and alleageance threatning the reuolters with death and attempting with stripes to terrefie diuers in the speed of escape but it smally preuailed For the greatest part fled a fore his face to his sonne which Anzitemus tooke the
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
action hassard of preuayling so incurring his displeasure danger of temptation ielosies mistrustes and the cunning of Women At last the king commaunding or he being willing to obey Pasquito furnished him selfe and came to Damafloris with all the graces of a Princes solicitor first beginning with her owne worth that shee did Beautie wrong to keepe it like a Flower in a close Potte making no vse either to please the scent or the sight that shee was a present for a mighty King and peraduenture a King indeed did like her This hee sayd to make her inquisitiue knowing Women were subiect to curiositie that he had heard and knew shee was Wise and therefore would not refuse the fortune was toward her and that hee came from Ormisdates who wished well vnto her and had sent a Present of kindnesse by him so that if hee were not an vnworthy Messenger and a man hatefull it could not choose but shee must apprehend the blessing ment This was vttered in so good a fashion that though shee had knowne how to haue reprooued Incontinencie yet could shee not much mislike him that did but his dutie to his Prince nor the King that offered fauour to his Subiect nor her selfe for beeing solicited by the mighty Ormisdates But with a kind of abasshed drawing backe rather studying to contriue her businesse to the best purpose then willing to entertaine any cause of mislike shee yet made him beleeue there was cause of mislike saying and almost weeping in so saying that the King wronged her much to suppose shee would make sale of her Chastity that hee wronged her more so to motion her dishonour hauing neither seene nor heard any tokens by her of immodesty All this sayd Pasquito is confessed yet quoth hee the loue of a King is of that prerogatiue that hee protested it was more for her owne sake then the Kings satisfaction hee came thither and so by degrees of insinuation fell to appeasing her from appeasing to perswading from perswading to counsayling that howsoeuer she determined which sayth he I will not vrge further against your vertuous resolutio it were not amisse to speake with the King Heere shee stopped againe falling to the examination of particulars how when and where the King should take notice of her All which he certified with excellent circumstances Then she made many doubts of the Queenes ielousie the Courts opinion and her owne iourney Nay sayth hee if you vouchsafe me the Author of this good Newes to my Prince neither Queene Court nor your selfe shall know your selfe or once haue cause to entertaine the attributes of Ielosie Thus it was concluded that shee should bee disguised like a Marchant of Arabia and so vnder colour of the sale of rich Iewels haue secret conference with Ormisdates and this she did with that gallant demeanor and attractiue that the King was rather rauished then â—…amored toward her yea she behaued herselfe so well that at a second meeting he promised to inuest her a Dutches and if he had issue by her to proclaime him heire to his kingdome which was performed accordingly For with in one yeere after she brought him a sonne named Ascrasapes and he thought himselfe a happy man to be the Father of a Child This made him dote on her the more and that made her deale with him the cunninger so that the Queene Garifeola seemed altogeather forgotten and her former deseruing was ouergrowne with the rancke weedes of a Strumpets flatterie which shee could not but repine at yet at the first shee gently behaued her selfe till finding the nature of some things as Nettles and Burres to sting the sorer by the softer handling shee remembred her great birth and plainely tould him the wrongs done to her and her house were intollerable and that shee would be reuenged both on the tother and the Bastard this incensed the king and mingled with the Counterfeate feare of Damafloris contriued a strange course which was by deuorce vnder colour of barreâ—…nesse to be seperated from her nor desisted he so But as a man tumbling downe a paire of Staires neuer lins falling till he came to the bottome did â—…e cause the same resemblance in the Queene absolutely putting her by all gouernment and proclaiming Damafloris in her stead But when Artabanus Otanes her Sonne vnderstood of these proceedings the indignitie was too hainous to tollerate and the reuenge too difficult to attempt yet something must be done to keepe his Honour intigrate and his Mother from so strange infamie wherupon without further ambagie finding himselfe vncapable of the Scepter by reason that the Lawes of Persia debarred a Stranger which yet they afterward went about to disanull and vnable to make a conquest in regard of home incumbrances hee determined to cast it on some other whose 〈◊〉 and abilitie might second the enterprise To this counsaile was Tautaxes called a Noble man of Persia of the honourable family of Odâ—…nates and next heire to the Crowne to him did Artabanus inferre the scandall of the Kingdome the wicked life of Ormisdates infaming them all the bastardy of Ascrasapes an vnlawfull stop to hinder his course the desire of the people to haue reformation who most commonly vnder that goodly shew begin inuouation and his owne power to assist him touching sparingly his Mothers wronges as if hee would leaue out somewhat for him to remember and so might be sure of his apprehention which consorted to his wish For Tautaxes ambitious enough of himselfe was willing to be thought worthy to be a Prince not remembring the danger of that point but now incited by such liklyhoodes he gathered his forces and friendes togeather sending Artabanus word that if he would come in person because he would haue the name of a King and credite to the action there should not any oare want to â—…owe the Boate to what streame he liked Thus began the ciuell Warres of Persiâ—… and this stone neuer left rowling till Ormisdates house was cleane extinguished and the Crowne at last vnited to Media yet many battailes were first fought and the seuerall alterations gaue only notice that this world is a stage of vncertainties For as Artabanus once brought the King to a narrow streight and Tautaxes if he had followed his Fortune might haue ended the Warre Ormisdates thus despighted in the worst manner made the wronged Garifeola beare the burden of his rage and striking off her head sent it her sonne as a present I will not say he lamented a remedilesse matter but he prosecuted his reuenge and went forward apace had not his owne misfortunes in despight of resolution recalled him and this was the first reuolt of Medormus and Gliranda in Media yet Tâ—…taxes proceeded as well now to liue as to raigne For there is no Medeum betweene an Emperor and Traytor and in a gallant encounter shew the miâ—…ed Ormisdates and returned in triumph toward Magranopolis where the incontinent Damafloris kept her Court of purpose to shew
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
Friende by soone ridding out of the paine and concluding seen we must die to die with resolution Thus were such interdicted with necessitie of sauing them selues who before striued to intercept others Thus did vncomfortable Cryes condemne the crueltie of Reuenge which would not be satisfied without so small a massacre Thus were pittifull yelles the last testimonie how many hundreds exclaymed on the ambition of men Thus did horrible Curses sound out the wicked mindes of such as neglected the true vse of a good Conscience Thus were all the causes of amazement vnited to shew the formidable effectes of Enrage Despight so that the most part perished and very few summoned vp new hopes to prolong their liues Yet had Anzitemus this fortune to light on the hinder quarter of his enemies Shippe and if before affrighted with the hideous spectacle hee stood vncapable of any resolution now reduced with the enforced conditions of life he bestirred his consideration to inhibit vnkind and vntimely mischaunce wherevpon compelled to leaue the ornaments of his vallour because he was to make vse of his armes and lightnesse he quickly stripped himselfe and as quickly tooke vp his seate on the broken peece which resembling some Boigh or Sea marke was no doubt the occasion he was the better marked For as the vncomfortable Night finished her progresse the bountie of a sunshining Morning layde open her treasurie and hee had the choyce of many seuerals faire Weather sweetâ—… Winde calme Sea cleare Ayre and sight of a Fisher-boat which seemed a Messenger of life in regard it approched so neere that he was vnderstood in crauing their helpe and they helped when they vnderstood what he craued But to strengthen your knowledge in this accident you must alow of some circumstaunce AFter the Earth like a magnificent Bride had apparrelled her selfe in her beautious attyre the Inhabitants of Nagania on the Northren Caspian Shore betweene whom the melancholy Winter had compelled a discontented seperation began their solemne Spring feastes and set forward the heards of Sheepe Goates and greater Cattell to the Downes which were in a manner purged by the gentle ebbings flowings of the Sea where both one and other seemed to make vse of a pleasing theft pleasing to the Beastes in finding so good a pray as the sweete Grasse affoorded pleasing to the Earth in being ordained an instrument of such reliefe the effect whereof produced that Riches without Enuie Good order without Flatterie Quietnesse without Imperfection Peace without Intemperance Plenty without Inordinatnesse Encrease without Repining and all other blessings of the Land as it were in one league combined them selues Besides the Sea disbursed a recompence to their industry which caused them to maintaine certaine Boates to fish with and euery one according to a well applauded custome watched his course amongst these Placandus whom yeeres grauitie had much graced liued with such loue and liking that whensoeuer his iourney importuned some one or other attended the worke in hand and at this instant bare him company in his fishingnight so that by Art vnited to industrie the onely enemies of idlenesse their nets were filled with great store and their Trunks stored with excellent Fish the dispatch whereof as vnwilling to tempt prosperitie with an vnnecessary iourney concluded a returne had not a sudden cry directed their pittie to regard what they heard and that detained them to consider how they might administer reliefe the rather because a man appeared sitting on a broken piece of a Shippe neither much dissmayed at so great an enemie as death nor now seeming ouer ielous for so sweete a friend as Life But such as hee was did their industry assist their assistance helpe their helpe recouer their recouery welcome to Comfort now when Comfort came to act her part like the Sunne who scorning to be checked with euery slender Vapour quickly lifteth vp his glorious head Feare and palenesse was made ashamed of their wrong disseisure and he seemed the very Sonne of Valoure and darling of loue This at the first raysed a kind of reuerence wherein they would more orderly haue proceeded had not a pleasing vtterance pacefied their importunities to vnderstande who hee might be with his earnest desire to take him as hee was which sayth hee I cannot but presume on because I finde such a vnitie of goodnesse Bee therefore satisfied that my simple trueth telleth you I am Montanus of Carberia vnfortunate in being that I am and ten times vnfortunate in remembring what I was meane I confesse but now the meaner by loosing all meanes of my estate and liuing as hauing with some substaunce and friends not eighteene dayes since burdoned one small Barke and after some varietie of Stormes within these eighteene howers tasted the very bitternesse of aduersitie which many with the meditation put me in minde of some misfortune But thinges remedilesse are past care and cure therefore I will teach my tongue to forget her owne language and ouermaster Misery with an ill respected Vertue called Patience But Placandus tooke an other course and from troubling him with any more questions applyed the ordynary meanes of helpe in such cases telling that they were men of Husbandrie and Cattle in the Kingdome of Nagania and not Fishers if then their supplyes could stand him in stead or estates induce him to be one of the companie hee might be sure neither to fayle of succour nor complaine for want and if my selfe seeme not lesse worthy then another I will welcome thee and vpon good deseruing adde to thy welcome a reward By this time had Montanus youth shewed a scorne of the mischiefe which the Seaes vnmercisulnesse pretended and hee remained in some extasie remembring his owne affayres but especially that in so remote a place hee must represent the fruite of a foraine Land which the Inhabitants haue no other vse of but wondring at Yet hoping to spende out the extreamitie of sullen conceites with this varietie and perceiuing the rest as it were to stomacke his slacknesse that apprehended no sooner the curtesie proposed he presently opened the treasurie of the poore thanked all in generall and gratified Placandus in particular accepting the kindnesse with many wishes that his honest endeuours might draw on successe to confirme him a dutifull seruant Thus they returned with effectuall dispatch of their iorney and extraordinary newes of this aduenture which ouer a day or two was willing to participate it selfe to the rest Yet not in so slender a manner but euery one amplified report as their opinions receiued impression some praysed his Feature some his Countenance some his vpright Comelinesse some his well knit Ioynts some his Demeanour and some his Constancie in the affliction nor wanted there others which supposed him of better fortune then his present shew portraited so that for the time Placandus house was neuer empty many comming to see him many to prayse him many to iudge of their prayses
more then wish wel to such all pleasing goodnes say you so answered Coranus then would my dâ—…lling my selfe or my daughter had any meanes to inuite you to contenment promise for your selfe good Father replyed Deltona For company worketh temptation and Yongmens flatteries are the baites of out modestie which they suppose with a few idle praises to supplant Nay quoth Montanus for my part I will not abuse what is of worth with flatterie but thinke that prayses proceede from necessitie Then belike sayde Deltona you make praysing a necessary helpe to flatterie that was cunningly concluded But I hope answered hee you will not so hemme in my speeches with vnkind exception No no replied Coranus be sure my daughter meanes well whatsoeuer shee saitâ—… and quoth Deltona Montanus speakes well whatsoeuer he meaneth and Deltona lookes well answered Montanus to be spoken vnto But words said she be like the passage of a shippe leauing no shew behinde of her course and promises resemble fading shadowes Then try performance replied Montanus vertue appeareth in her liueliest colours in action Nay yet obiected Deltona better liue with want os something may be wished for then in certaintie of euery thing breedeth trouble Why quoth Montanus is there such trouble in Marriage I assure you not said Coranus for if the parties loue vpon a sure ground they resemble a building strongly founded and one part depending on another equally deuideth the comfort againe when inconueniencies arise least the burden proue too grieuous a yoke-fellow helpeth between them it is made lightsome besides the tirannie of want is surprised with content and mutuall agreement ouer commeth necessitie But letting this passe beleeue me Montanus we are very glad of your companie and since your aduenture me thinkes there appeareth I know not what alteration But I know said Deltona to look smooth to dispute cunningly to seeme ceremonious to bring presents to vse protestations and commit errors and if all this tende to good purpose I see no cause of mislike nor I of liking answered Deltona but to despise all these and make account of simple trueth Well quoth Coranus let vs set our teeth on worke as we haue done our tongues and for conclusion Deltona and I will visite Placandus to morrow Thus passed away the time and this meeting with the time yet could not Montanus after thankes for his entertainement but take a kinde leaue of Deltona leauing her indeed musing at the departing with these tearmes My life and Loue once for all liue to be happy and suppose there is more in Montanus loue then thou canst imagine so farewell and let them feare ill that wish not Deltona to farewell But least he should ouerprise this iollitie misfortune presented him to an ominous chance the meeting with Franio the same Franio whose willingnesse to mischiefe exceeded his power yet had his power compassed some hatefull stratagems The same Franio whose arme was broken in wrestling with Montanus and whose heart receiued infection from the sirruppe of malice The same Franio who therefore pryed into Montanus actions not with a desire of imitation nor with a slender wickednesse only to find fault at imperfection but with an implacable hatred to supplant him as the least occasion hapned euery way playing the Monster of Nature neither daring to execute his owne reuenge nor willing that he should perceiue him reuengefull For still his countenance was as full of flatterie as the heart of Deceit This appeared in his ceremonious saluting of Montanus which continued with tearmes of good will and by way of insinuation gaue him notice his Iorny was discouered insomuch that he knowing excuses would increase suspition in good fashion told him how Placandus had intreated Coranus and his Daughter to visit him to morrow That is very strange quoth Franio for euer since the Duke threatned to steale her away wee neuer saw her but at the Feast Heere might Montanus haue easily stepped into a litle curiosity as not yet acquainted with any certainty of this story but loth to be beholding to such a man for a discourse he somewhat cunningly shifted him off by excuse of businesse as contraries departed the one full of diuolish mischief the other of honest desires When Montanus came home he told his Father the substance and circumstance of his Iorney the sicknesse of Deltona the entertainement of Coranus 〈◊〉 â—…lke at their dinner the manner of his departing and the meeting with Franio withall he asked Placandus if Deltona were borne in that Countrie and the reason because he thought her behauiour ouerstately and that she managed a different cariage from the rest To be plaine answered he it is full twelue yeares since her Father and she were cast on shore by shipwracke where euer since they haue continued with such applause regard that of him we haue esteemed as a man industrious and peaceable and of her as a very sparke of delight Well sayd Montanus she will be here to morrow and then I per wade mee wee 〈◊〉 heare of newes But returning to Deltona she finding it but densome to keepe her meditations so inclosed conceiued of reliefe in reuealing them Truly quoth she to her Father my minde giues mee this man is but the subiect of some 〈◊〉 for a time else from whence comes this grace this gallantnesse this maiestie withall His last speach there is more in Montanus discouerre then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…agme Then belike quoth Coranus he spake to you of Loue I cannot dissemble answered she he did it his own speeches had not condâ—…ed me into the fields or expectation he might questionlesse haue marched in the tryumpd or his vertuous conquest Now was Coranus 〈◊〉 for remembring his troubles past the greatnesse of Deltonas birth the wonderfull matters depending on her discouerie hee trembled to giue his 〈◊〉 to any â—…paragement and yet 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thoughts with her owne Storie againe in a prescience of Montanus hee suspected a worse displeasure it it should afterward appeare that he had been an obstacle to his desires Therefore with a kinde of indifferencie like a skilfull Rider that neither checketh too hard for feare of disordering the mouth nor yet giueth that liberty to countenance any head-strong defect hee thus replyed Well Deltona hitherto all is well and since you are thus amended thinke the Gods keepe their mercy in store and powers inscrutible Let not vs then subuert the frame of their workmanship by beeing wilfull or preiudicate but rather consent to direction and aduice which resemble the props of a ruinous Building Bee therefore affable yet vse it as a vertue not imperfection Loue with relation to deseruing worth yet consent not too soone least thy good meaning be misinterpreted Consent at leasure yet keepe chastity secured so shalt thou be sure of more desire and more reuerence For though men say they can be contented with a vertuous familiarity yet is the conquest of that the India
spirites weried with meditation desired rest or the very braine dryed with sorrow shruncke vp the stringes of his eyeliddes or him selfe was willing to this course to ouerpasse his feare he quietly fell a sleepe had not his sleepe the more disquieted him like a man reparing a ruinous house and pulling downe aparte haleth also the whole to his greater charge For a formidable dreame thus surprised his repose An Eagle mounting to her nest had onely too young ones to feed but whether she conceiued vnkindnesse against them or in the misfortune of her rauin brought not wherewithall to succour them or displeased at some other accident shee threwe them to the ground leauing her selfe childlesse and them liuelesse yet they recouered and miraculously gathering new life and extraordinary stature returned ere their mother had made a second flight seeming by their demeanour as though they come to comfort her but shee stomacking the curtesie conuerted her loue to rage and began a manner of contention against them they seeing the daunger desisted awhile till very necessitie of life draue them to offence and offence increasing with anger anger forgat it selfe and so betweene them the olde one was torne in pieces which when a better consideration deliberated on with a monstrous howling they departed the noyse whereof awaked Mengrelius so his Dreame ended and the tempest ended but a worse dismay began then before At last remembring himselfe he hasted to a priuate Posterne of the pallace where finding the appointed Comptrollor of his house hee with him imparted such secrets that as the charge was of importance his dispatch was with speedinesse For he presently returned with sadnesse from the Empresse and trouble from the Court shee submitting to his appointment and they appointing that nights libertie if it pleased him to visite her where upon he hasted vp and dismissing all from his presence conferred onely with his mother about strange things and tolde his sister Pisana his cruell resolution wherein the suspition was so terrible that forgetting the weakenesse of his Empresse hee left them and thus astonished the helpwanting Princesse with a soule-vexing preamble Vnfortunate Arcabella not in that thou art the daughter of Samarchanus but wife of Mengrelius vnderstand by me that I am accursed for my owne sake and thou art cast with the same verdict for my sake as being the instrumentall cause of vnhappinesse the Oracle confirming thee a mother of strange Issue pronouncing my deiection by my sonne death by my daughters husband and confusion if I infringe the oth to Kalucki nor imagine I am caried away with supposes For what I haue rufully reported thou mayest pittifully ouer-looke with that he shewed them Misocrapus Tablet and they read the Prophesie thus insculped Apollos doome will not the King delude Yet breatheth terrour vengeance and despight A male and female shall one birth coneâ—…ude By Princely meanes obscured from thy sight The sonne shall liue howeuer rage conspire To cut the threed our Destinies haue spun And in thy life against his owne desire Possesse the Throne which Samarchanus wonne The daughters Loue a Shepheard shall obtaine By strange aduenture vndisparaged And he must end thy peace life Kingdoms raigne When Trebizonda shall be foraged Beleeue or not all 's one I yet conclude Apolles doom will not the King delude This they read and to this was some reply in redinesse but Mengrelius interposed this breuitie that my former Oath may therefore bee kept inuiolate and my vexed spirits from sorer out-rage restained I command what euer vnreasonablenesse seeme in the command that as soone as Nature hath brought thy children into the light thy own hands depriue them of the light this see thou regard to performe and performe as thou regardest thy life but Arcabella permitted not the freedom of this bitternesse for she thus aduentured to repell it What inhumane crueltie is heere threatned and vnmanly prosecutions deuised nothing but inordinate passions distempered behauiour broken sleeps fearefull out-cries inconsiderate vows and vnnaturall tyranies Neere tell mee of vnprincely protestations better resolue to transgresse enforced contracts which satisfaction may counteruaile then continue in settled wickednesse which repentance cannot mitigate better submit to inscrutable mercie whose goodnesse euer exceedeth formidable appearance then execute malicious wilfulnesse whose out-rages are seldome preuented What Law Iudgement or Reason wil allow condemne disappoint The massacre of innocent Babes the Preuiledge of sacred Princes the right of Legitimate Heires But to the purpose hath heauenly reuolution threatned an ouerthrow What earthly meanes can prohibite the pleasure of the Gods hath our feare taken roote from the Oracle of Apollo What humane cunning shall hinder the course of their springing Yet peraduenture you haue mistaken what was prophesied or prophesied what your selfe haue mistaken besides each fond Dreame must not be beleeued or lying Priest allowed as for deuine resolutions neither can the reaching wit of man impeach the credite nor Furie of deuils controule the enforcement By the paines therefore of Ballutasa in our birth I desire by the teares sadnes of Pisana by my owne chastitie by thy aduancement to this Empire by the secrets of our marriage I coniure either your patience to tollerate the burden of heauenly Imposition or resuscitate your allacritie to recouer your renowne by the one you shall be sure to proceed in a good course by the other confirme the faith of your subiects toward you who setled so long in a happy peace confirmed in the Loue of a Royall Prince wil neither hazerd the one nor leaue the other though Kalucky should immagine there were cause of innouation ut what was this otherwise then to spit against the winde whose violence returneth the filth into thy face or to impart the sweetnesse of musick to a deafe auditorie For hee either not hearing because he minded it not or not minding because it liked not or not liking because it pleased not or not pleasing because it disagreed to his humorous suspition answered My will shall now stand for a Lawe and pronounceth death to thy children or losse of thy owne life with which conclusion of death departing as the beginning was death the proceeding death and the ende death so no doubt had it finished with a double death if prouident carefulnesse had not preuented desperate quicknesse For the Empresse all inraged put in practise diuers motions of a broken spirit as rashing of her ornaments of Maiestie scratching her louely face with a manifest rebellion against beautie disseuering her daintie plighted tresses in scorn of comelinesse and bethumping her panting sides swelling with the life striuing within so that the Ladyes had a taxe of difficultie imposed to withhold her from a desperate crueltie til a new worke proposed it selfe for her spirites weakened with the threanes of her pangs and her pangs increasing with child-bearing trauell subiected her to necessitie of life and induced them to further her deliuerance which was done in such
to make benefite of then for loue to his sonne or any other whom her owne worth without addition might well satisfie With her did L. Praxus fall in loue and feeing the forwardnes of so many Graces in so gracious a person assured him selfe they could not chose but grow vp to the becomming of the place wherein they were sette and bring all wealth happinesse and coutentment to him whose fortune had alotted the Haruest but perceiuing the diff◅culty of obtaining her by reason of Menedemus bad disposition ielosie and that he was aleady engaged and within his danger as you haue heard he knew not well how to proceed at last he contriued not to pay his Mony and by a little stretching his Authoritie sent a band of Souldiers to keepe possession of the Place all which he said was for the wretches good because if he would consent to the Contract of Lausana he might at one payment receiue the Mony borrowed and what he had disbursed for her Wardship otherwise he would inferre to the King and Counsell the complaints against him the mischiefes he had procured and some other enforcements which would ouerthrow him for euer Heere was Menedemus in an extasie hauing so many Crosses as hee tearmed them to be cleared of as to be vtterly vndone for want of his Money to be vexed in soule with the feare of this accusation and to be put to greater charge in contesting with the gouerner but the secret of this terror depended on a priuate commaund from the king not to cellebrate Lausan as mariage without his consent nor to yeeld to any contract to another vnlicensed from the state This he tould Praxus with a strange kinde of trembling that he hoped he would not seeke his ouer-throw nor put him to trouble in recouering his owne but Praxus by faire intreatie not to suspect displeasure considering she should rather be aduanced then disparaged wonne him to thinke well of the Maryage and by engaging his Honour to see him secured or otherwise not damnefied made some return of comfort but indeed the absolute deniall of his Money vnlesse he consented to this course enforced him at last to forget dutie and honestie and so with a chearfulnesse in the receipt thereof hee deliuered Lausana to Praxus for which hee gratified the wretch beyonde expectation Thus either returned Menedemus to his miserable life and Praxus to solemnise the Triumph of his delight wherein without doubt if hee had proceeded with the Kings fauour a happie contentment had been the reward of counterchangeable worth and liking By this time is Opacus acquainted with each circumstance wherupon he sommoned both Praxus and Menedemus to appeare at Archelais which Praxus would haue done had not the other for feare of expences absolutely denied it and putting him in minde of his promises and how for his sake these dangers were threatned detracted the time so long that Opacus stomaching the contempt proclaimed them both Traitors their goods and Landes to be confiscate their persons infamous and subiect to the Law this newes had almost made cowardise the seruant of Valure For Menedemus would haue kild himselfe or rather hanged himselfe least he should haue seene his one blood had not Praxus awaked his drowsinesse with warrantice and comforte that rather then for so slight offence extremity should open the gates of crueltie Curatsax king of ◅beria to whom Praxus was of alliance would not suffer him without cause to perish this made them stand on their guard and exasperated the kinges displeasure who came forward in persone to represse the insolency wherby Praxus was enforced indeed to expostulate the matter and after true intimation of the cause and the kings extremitie drue Curatsax with a sufficient Armie as auxiliary so a ciuell warre which more and more like a new kindled fier suffered to wast the woode by degrees burst foorth at last with flames of dispight and desolation especially to Capodocia wherin it continued and began and Opacus was constrained to higher Cleonidas who at this time kept about the Riuer Cirus and when he list to come vp into the Country carried his Boates on Camelles backes ouer the Mountaines leauing his shippes sufficiently conducted and secured with his ayde and the death of Menedemus who in a time of ◅uce would needes goe see his Land and in what estate his inheritance stood but was intercepted by certaine of Cleonidus new Soldiers to whom his owne Tenants had betrayed him and so submitted to their fury was the Warres ended Praxus restored ◅o the kings fauour and the King of Iberia dismissed THis businesse thus ouerpassed Opacus inuited Cleonidas to the Pallace as well to gratefie his vertue as to pay his Soldiers heere had he sight and conference with Perinthum the Kinges second daughter and whether the opinion of his owne worth or the vnfained affection vnto her induced in very good manner he demaunded her loue had not loue commaunded the contrary which at the first was taken as a coustome amongst womē till a continuall repugnancy both in speech action shewed rather a scorne then neglect of his suite this agrauated his greife but not extenuated his passiō because questionlesse subiected to her perfection and now debarred from the thinge he desired he resembled a man in a continuall feuer still longing for what he is forbidden and loathing what is prescribed At last rather enflamed then e◅amored he vrged Opacus consent who to be plaine neither durst deny nor would accord resembling a man holding the Woolfe by the care which if he hold fast he is sure to be bitten if he let loose he is in danger of life So he feared on the one side Cleonidas reuenge in the deniall and his daughters defamation in the accord yet seing the necessitie of the businesse and the others importunitie for an answer kindnesse had reciprocall passage betweene them and the king tooke time to confe◅re with his daughter But Perinthum assuered her father that her faulcon pitched a higher flight which he not much misliked and therefore to auoyd all inconueniences sent her with Gellida her other sister to attend the Empres of Trebizond and enformed Cleonidas as though their owne wilfulnesse or desier to be acquainted with a place of such renowne had vndertaken the progresse To this excuse he knew not how to oppose For finding Opacus rather wishing a pacification of the displeasure then countenancing the Vnkindnesse he moderated his Indignation and so departed neither warranting his loue nor expressing his hate to the Country Till vnderstanding of the Ladies returne hee practised many meanes to circomuent her and fayling in them as many forages to disquiet the Land which some times with successe had outragious effectes some times with stronge hand as forcible repulses till at last Fortune willing to doe him a pleasure as the Champion of her quarrels brought this prey to his choyse and him to this place at such time as wee were
they apprehended it as the voyce of some good Angell for their happinesse and without more adoe elected the Honourable Mulcasses to the Embasie by whose Commission Adelphus Artabanus Lieuetenant generall in Persia was against his will discharged because in deed the Souldiers were disappoynted in their expectation as euer louing better Booty and Spoyle then Pay or strict Obedience to home Commanders But certified of Medormus treasons and how honourably Anzitemus had behaued himselfe they quickly returned to the sweet walkes of loue and dutie and allowed Mulcasses authority So Adelphus leasurely gathered vp his Army and yet departed not quite out of Persia till hee vnderstood Astiages answere who keeping his Court at Susiana whither hee had withdrawne his Forces to garison entertained Mulcasses as a Messenger of peace and after audience limitted a time to receiue his satisfaction But after he was fully dismissed the monstrous enemies of Prosperitie Enuie and Wrath made an onset against the Kings honour and so battered the citadell of good thoughts that hee could not depresse his malice without discouering it thus to his Councell My Lords I am sure you will not be so sparing in your regard toward the renowne of Persia and my Honour but you remember the disgraces offred my fathers house by the first Artabanus who many yeeres turmoyled with a Ciuell-warre our Country and denied our right to this Kingdome and now you see Artabanus his Sonne as his Father against the Law of nature would haue disappointed vs against the Law of nations hath intruded himselfe my auncestors cast cleane out of doores by a mutinous rebellion and I not permitted the saftie of my hard gotten peace yet you see Iustice hath taken my part a little and Fortune openeth now the doores of a further recom pence I meane the Croune of Media it selfe but how not by base relaxation and accordance to their wills but by our owne vallutes and preuailing excursions pressing now forward as if a Tree cutt to the heart and hanging by a small hold were with a strong push to ridd the workman of mâ—…e labour Let vs therfore sooth this opportunitie and catch the Goddes by her goodly foretop least she take in scorne the disdaine and we preposterously repent the negligence But the most of his Councell interposed their negatiues and forecasting the benefits of a florishing Common-wealth through sweete peace deciphered the mischiefes yea the miseries of the best warre Then Astiages replyed the Honor of a King was more then a Million of liues and the Gods had appointed them their vicegerents sometime like good stewards to husband their plenty encrease their inheritance sometimes like seuere Maisters to correct offenders and to be the scourges of Iuorath howsoeuer he would not remaine ouerinsulted by the wrong of an other but be famous in after ages for some exployte of his owne They againe inferred that contentions arose from prestigious spirits which delighted in the blood of men that their late scares of desolation and aduersitie were not yet worne out that plentie like an Orphan went mourning in the streetes and that his election to the Diadem challenged no such bondage at their hands because they well hoped in his conformity to good purpose and had â—…eofaild with Artabanus in the promise of the Kingdome but this put him beyond all patience as euer stomaking the house of Media and watching an opportunitie to be reuenged though in deed the first errour proceeded from the incontinencie and tyranny of Persia vpon this occasion ORmisdates not long since King of Persia hauing matched with Garifeola Artabanus Otanes Mother of Media matched her likewise with Noblenesse of birth and minde and by reason of their loues the Kingdome like a well manured Ground brought foorth encrease of much happinesse to the inestimable enriching of the possessor For although the Queene was barren of her body yet her inward excellencies so flourished that they added life to good conceite toward her and indeed moderated to the admiration of diuers and the honor of the King that wanton libertie which such a Prince in enioying many concubines presumeth on But the oldest Wood doth soonest burne and Ormisdates in his declining age was soonest allured to lust-breaking faith and did degenerate from himselfe I meane stood not so strongly on his Guard of vertue when there was expectation of setled humours as in the heate of youth when the errors of life might haue passed with excuse For as he passed through the streetes of Magranopolis to cellebrate the feast of the Sunne he cast his eyes vpon a window wherein a Lady at left her outward shew bare the same record sate with a countenance compounded of cheerefull affabillity and louely modesty little thinking that cunning had taught her eyes both to allure and draw compassion that experience had brought her countenance to the vse of many changes that necessitie had made her tongue deny where she wished and demaund where she knew there was nodeniall that time had wrought her heart sometime like waxe to melt with the warmth of desier sometime like stone to be hardned with disdaine that coustome had custructed her demeanor Matronlike if there were occasions of sobrietie Courtlike if great estates importuned and fantastique if there were inducements of wantonnesse This was Damastoris a woman of reasonable good Parentage of reasonable good yeares of reasonable good estate a Widdow childles and wealthy two helpes in all conditions and Common-wealths and a wanton taking the benefite of her time and belike finding inconuenience in the obedience of one man would not so subiect her youth and liberty any more whereupon shee made vse of her experience and indeed ouerliberally satisfied her pleasure Yet with that delicate conueyance that the fault seldome appeared and if it did could not be vrged against her With her Ormisdates fell in loue or at least in such liking that hee perswaded him selfe it was loue and so determined to perswade her this yet was the doubt the meanes of accesse hee not able to come to her without speciall notice taken and for speciall purpose shee not likely to come to him neither willing to attende in Court nor hauing cause of Petition or complaint At last Desire bred Imagination Imagination Conceit Conceit some Disquiet and Disquiet must needes haue Redresse Now when Princes come to seeke Redresse I hope no man will imagine that any worldly meanes can be wanting and when the King of Persia importuned dispatch who would not nay who did not endeuour to please and to pleasure him yet heerein hee onely imployed Pasquito a man of reasonable comelinesse exceeding good behauiour dellicate ellocution setled experience as hauing all his time like a cunning Marchant seene many Countries and neuer daring to venture his Wealth in one Shippe and honourable secrecie such a quallytie that somtimes all other good partes fayling it simplie preuayleth who at the first pleaded many excuses to the King of disgrace in the
the greatnesse of her state in that place where once shee had liued in meane degree But as hee was marching a Brother of the Queenes vnder colour of Embasie from Artabanus and crauing priuat conference stabd him to the heart with a poysoned Knife Now was Damafloris sole Queene and with her cunning and authoritie handled her businesse so well that by aduancing of some bestowing of Offices on others placing reconsiled Friends least farre off they might prooue dangerous Enemies neerest her seate and forbearing a time the vsuall impositions of the Kingdome her former errour was forgotten and they were contented to admit of her Sonne Ascrasapes for King who by this time was able to conceiue of matters of gouernment and seeing the miseries which the Warres had in a manner deuasted all the Kingdome with pollitickly matched with Mitrea the Daughter of Tautaxes slaine by his Vnckle hoping by vniting both the Families togeather to leaue no scruple nor doubt for his succession In his time many troubles were appeased but what he purposed the strength of his state was his owne ouerthrow like a man determining to spit poyson out of his mouth but doing it against the winde it flyeth backe againe in his face and inuenomeâ—… as ill Which came to passe by hauing a Sonne this Astiages now reigning whom his Mother Mitrea brought vp very carefully as looking on him with reuengefull and ambitious eyes to maintaine her owne greatnesse and by his meanes to bring to good end what shee had long since deuised First then the remembrance of her Father helped forward her hate against Damafloris and that ended not without effects and they procured Ascrasapes to depose her from her regencie by suggesting a conference happening betweene the Mother and Sonne wherein shee dared to tell him hee must respect her as principall cause of his Honour and that hee was tyed in a kind of duty toward her for aduancing him in this sort Little needed the Spurre to a forward Horse little needed Mitrea to vrge this against her because hee tooke it in ill part and the Sonne of such a woman had malice enough in store which according to the Queenes owne desire made his Will stand for a Law against both his Mother and her partakers The second attempt was against the King himselfe for finding her heart to stomacke shee was matched with a Bastard for whose sake her Father was slaine and her selfe more in pollecie then honour and loue thus confirmed shee cared not what troubles were procured or mischiefe might settle her minde so that after many circumstances Ascrasapes died not without suspition of poyson and shee in her Phaâ—…tons flourish was sole Queene of the East But the Noble men of Persia casting vp the account of these strange distractions of the Common-wealth thought by taking away the cause to remooue the effects and by quite abolishing the race of Ormisdates especially the ofspring of Damafloris and some what fearing the violent humour of the Queene Mitrea determine for another King and looking toward Artabanus of Medea as well for his owne worth as his Grandmothers sake and Fathers losse who though he perished not in the Fieldes of Persia yet by his beeing heere his troubles in Media were occasioned nominated him to the place and sent accordingly to bid him prouide for all their goods Yet by the good behauiour of Mitrea was this iudgement reuersed and Astiages her Sonne appearing with some towardlinesse made them repeale the former Edict as it were pittying his youth and that hee deserued no such punishment but indeed the desire of satisfaction toward the noble house of Tautaxes bound in their duty and obedience with stricter obseruation So they all submitted to Astiages and misfortune weary of tartying long in Persia passed into Media as you haue heard in which time the Kingdome of Astiages recouered some part of her former glory vntill Artabanus tooke vpon him the burden of being wronged and so lay in waite for reuenge which hee went about but was frustrated by his forces defeature vnder the leading of Adelphus and so shot another shaft of all peace working goodnesse bythe sending of Mulâ—…asses but how he sped the Prince Sacromirus beere can-best tell For as I suppoose the beautie of Roxana daughter to Astiages had then drawne him into Persia Indeed said Sacromirus indeed sayd the Duke by your Princely leaues we will be sparing of this delight For pleasure vsed with extremytie looseth her sweetnesse and best propertie therfore let vs first diue and remember the Ladyes as well loue exercise as discourses and yet the hearing of other mens matters doth little touch their owne prayses so that day passed with the varietie of Courtly pastimes and the next with the flying of Hawkes the third with hunting and the fourth made the time seeme very long had not the company entreated Sacromirus to finish Anzitemus story who thus began AFter Aistages was in in a manner restarined by the wisdome of his Councell he yet most ingenerously scorned to be so courbed of his will and enraged put in execution a terrible reuenge imprisoning Mulcasses against the Law of Armes and surprising Adelphus against the Law of honestie within the time of truce gathering his Armie togeather and one night came vpon him vnprouided he yet vsed the aduantage of his Trenches and some streight passages he had fortunately Barrocaded But alasse this rather sharpned then rebated their courage So by reason of ouernumber and home assisted they quickly made a breach into the Campe and Triumphed with a notable slaughter Adelpbus dangerously wounded and hardly escaping to be the messenger of more harder tidinges When Artabanus saw him selfe thus subiect to the mallice of fortune and that he resembled a man who once stumbling neuer left reeling till he came to the ground or one whom shrewd Turnes as it were in sequence followed after one another his modest anger could not refraine from inuection and pashionat complainning against his Fortune But when Anzitemus stomached the dishonor because his Councell consorted not with successe and that he saw a further procrastination of his businesse little needed Arttabanus to trouble conceite how to winde vp the Wheeles of this engine For he importuned the iorney in person and opposed against the difficulties obiected Wherupon the Magi and Haruspices were commaunded to attend who by their sacrifices deuined the greatest and happyest euent and Anzitemus with a well prouided and sufficient Armie passed through all the borders of Persia possessing the strongest holds and after in three encounters preuayled against Astiages enforcing his retreate to the strong Towne of Susiania where the place almost impregnable made him lye a while houering like a skilfull Faulken that with aduantage he might sease on his prey By this time had report added much to his glory and that made the comparison betweene his true vertue and Astiages ill disposition stand him in great stead For when vntoward remembrance had layed
auouch is first wrought by the instrument the Tongue For though some haue made a principle that a womans Eye doth guide her witte yet vnlesse occasion be offred to discouer the liking what good can follow But to speake more generally Are not Presents faire Entreaties and the causes moouing your deserts which must be praysed the ordinarie meanes of winning all women And are not all these like dead Ashes without liuing conference besides the necessitie of conuersation and the true regard of Natures excellencies in you alloweth vertuous courses to obtaine your fauours which howsoeuer is determined is yet begun with protestation and when it extendeth to great persons compelleth a surther search then in common Courses For neuer was Misanthropos nor Tyrant so implacable but beauty hath reduced neuer was Beast so furious but man hath tamed Neuer was any thing so strong but truth hath ouercome and how by reason and sweete enforcement Belike then answered Brizaca you suppose vs so simple that we delight in vaine speeches and because in Curtesie we entertaine communication and would not altogeather outcountenance you with disdaine we are therfore to be carryed away with slightnesse Farre be it from my frailest immagination replyed Anzitemus but to proportionate withall reuerence your vertues yet vnlesse it be amongst Pesants or wretched Parentes that frame contracts by endenture where loue melteth with the Waxe and weareth with the Parchmeâ—…t I see no reason but to sue for good-will and practise the best meanes to establish the happiest life contentment As for Princes though they make no Prentishippes of their loues yet in the violence are they more passhionate then another like a strong body put to more paine in sicknesse then a weake But say there is inequallitie of persons as many times it chanceth for Poets make loue blind I hope then the inferiour person applaudeth his Fortune and studieth with the helpes of art nature and industry to demeane himselfe For it were ridiculous nay inhumane to see a sottish-man vse presumption toward you without insinuation and consent which I neuer will esteeme happy if there be not a preparing by discreete parle besides loue looseth his sweetest pleasure without appearance of difficultie Indeed answered the halfe yeelding Brizaca I thinke of an vnfained tongue as an excellent instrument to worke with yet must no man goe about a Building without other prouision For the greatest deceite is shaddowed by smooth Oratory as we sound the deepest places in the calmest Channels Not vnlikely said Anzitemus but because a villaine doth a mischeife with a Candell shall we therfore vse no light doe not so conclude For I am resolued that both contract of Maryage and discouery of fancy are Dull enforcements without lybertie of speech and ceremonious complement therfore blame me not for praysing Roxana and ratefying she was a deseruer of all iustifiable desires yet I protest the sorrow for her father and her duety in the same made me to study to pacefie her Corasiues rather then display the Coulours of delight and when I was vrged to solicite a new Course which a messenger from Artabanus to please my selfe emboldned thereturne of Astiages with Cleonidas quight diuerted me and so I reassure you she was vnacquainted with my thoughts and left to be a Lady of wonderfull expectation IN this manner did some dayes post after their forefathers the spare time bestowed in acceptable communication to the better strengthning their loues and the rest in serious matters for the dispatch of their busines wherein Anzitemus after a little debating went effectually to worke desiering a loane of Fiftie thousand pound and a generall League for the entercourse of Merchants as for the kind proffers of the Princes to accompany him into Armenia hee woul not oppose against it yet gaue hee reasons that hee meant in no sort to detaine them ftom their home occasions These poynts were mooued in the Senate of Fortona by Trachinus the Cittie Orator whom Philano for that purpose had sent for and had receiued his instructions to this end to certifie the people that though Anzitemus desert compelled the greatest regard yet would not the Duke without their consent so slightly part with so great a Summe out of the kingdome as for the Leauge wherby freendship and Traficke might encrease he referred that to themselues much time was not spent herein For the Cittisenns enterpreting the motion to to proceed from the Dukes wisdome and loue were doubly drawne to consent as well to remaine gratious to Rugio as to seeme men of respect and abillytie to Anzitemus besides they offered a beneuolence toward the charges of this great entertainment with such extremytie are they caryed that neuer so little crossed in matters of wealth and superstition they are hardly drawne without murmuringes to trifeles againe quietly soothed with a meane allowance of libertie they profusely offer their Mony and applaud that which otherwise they haue dared to contradict Thus was Anzitemus supplied and which prooued aduantagious vnto him hee bargayned with certaine Merchants by great for his conduct neuer troubling the Dukes Nauie nor his Prerogagatiue to muster vp new forces whereupon with all conueniencie they prouided him fourty well appointed Shippes and became creditors themselues for foure Months pay and victuals In the meane while the magnificent Company departed and King Zalby to augment his Nephewes honour gaue Philano in present possession the Prouince of the nether Comagena which hee in great courtesie acknowledged yet modestly respyted the ceremonies of his enstawlement till his returne For hee would questionlesse accompany Trezoboro and Anzitemus into Armenia wherein hee wrought a double contentment First the Souldiers and Cittizens were ouerliberally pleased as imputing loue and care toward them the motiue of this iourney next Anzitemus apprehended it to his comfort not doubting but Philanos presence would keepe obedience in forme besides the Treasure returned by so conuenient a Messenger would disburthen him of care and chardge to make a particular vioage Now are all thinges ready for the departure and the Duke accompanied them to their Shipps committing their iorny to auspicious influence so the farwell suffering a ceremonious diuision gaue the one occation to returne and the other to steppe into the tract of worldly felicitie but as Anzitemus studied to contriue his businesse he stopped at this doubt whether he should make directly for Armenia or take Media in his way where he was sure of Artabanus ayde and the Persians loues then againe remembring the Message of Euphamia he supposed the seedes of dissention were buried past growing and so he might be warranted of their true fayth yet for all this to giue way vnto their opinions of his wisdome gouernment he called a conference to which were especially desiered Trezoboro Philano Coranus Bertosus as for Ardemio Mitranes and Obecam they thought themselues Honored in the matter besides Placandus whom he determined to fashion to the world and bring his aged
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
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
Nettes whom as I learnt afterwad was the old Piscaro and as I had cause to acknowledge was the honest Piscaro For seeing some strange thing floting a farre off hee watched to helpe if hee could and graciously helped when hee could So my safetie increased with his comfort in which loth to appeare defectiue hee had me presenty to his House confirming his Charitie by his good Workes NOw when hee presumed on my strength hee questioned with mee about my Shipwracke and to be plaine I made a round excuse as though Cleonidas had set fire on my poore dwelling in Persia and caried mee Prisoner to his Iland till a tempest deuided vs and sent mee floting as hee found I but quoth Piscarro would a Pirate permit you so much leasure to tie your Child to your backe and giue you libertie to make such shift Questionlesse replyed I you haue made a pretty doubt yet must the truth thus resolue you and fauour him that out of furie hee is most pittifull and worthy of a good report This was the excuse I made and with this excuse was my peace made so that I remayned with him a while rather willing to please then to complaine of my owne discontentment but when he found my endeuours consorting to his disposition as though I ment to checke ingratitude he professed a further liking and very suddenly imparted his wealth vnto me to be breife with him I continued some fiue yeeres not forgetting the bringing vp of my sonne who seemed of that forwardnesse as quickly learning and gracing whatsoeuer he learnt that my contentment sprang from his expectation but this manner of life did not long last because Piscarro lasted not himselfe as summoned to a stricter tryall by the irreuocable sentence of death and preparing for another world made an oueraffection adept me his heyre in this world left a stranger to be subiect vnto their mallice that saw me possessed of his wealth which though it amounted to no great matter yet I compassed the dwelling I now enioy and was able to bring vp Egerius as you all can partly witnesse But seeing the winges of time haue thus spread out themselues and the booke of heauenly reuolutions turneth to this leafe let not vs degenerat with dulnesse or wilfulnesse but take out a new lesson and with reuerence acknowledge him the Emperor Mengrelius Sonne and remember his true name to be Ptincely Trezoboro For this is he whom Gellida and Perinthum gaue me such charge of But say Coranus quoth King Zalby after Bertosus was thus vnkindly seperated from you what fauour found you amongst the tossing surges Not much vnlike my brother replied Coranus only in being thus deuided my sorrow the rather encreased and I seemed to lament his losse as much as suspect my owne danger Now belike mischiefe wery of her owne handyworke gaue liberty to an other sceane to alter the act For within two houres after the calme presented it selfe I kenned a farre oft a Fisher boate who conceiuing of our extremitie made as much hast as my tongue did require their hast thus was I saued and by their industry recouered the old Silenus one of the Shepheards of the Downes commaunding it should be so and I was glad to finde it so but more glad when he brought vs home to his House where with louing care and sufficient meanes wee had the comfortable effectes of good diligence and â—…onest looking vnto But when I told him I was a man of Husbandry in Armenia and was taken in a Passage-Boate by the Pirate Cleonidas as I was traueling into Media to an elder Daughter there bestowed with this Child hee much pittied my distresse But when I tolde him seeing Fortune was so crosse vnto me pouertie must needes prooue combersome and the discouerer of imperfections I would take any paines in an other Country to helpe my wants rather then be a scandall to my selfe a laughing stocke to my Enemies a scorne to my Friends or at least such as in former time professed so hee liked mee as a man of sence and added somewhat of his owne opinion But when I told him that the bond of his Kindnesse had tyed mee to the strict obseruation of Satisfaction and that I offered him the fruit of my endeuors in his seruice he tooke it in good part made tryall of my industry and welcommed me accordingly There I remained vntill Deltona for so I named Brizaca was able to apprehend my instructions and loth to let her loose the benefit of this towardlynesse I obtained of Selenus a Cottage by my selfe wherin we liued till she in her life florished and I in her florishing prospered For as if the graces had doated on her each action she attempted was gratious and I as if fortune menâ—… to turne her Wheele indeed in euery thing had good successe in so much that with the admiration of her beautie gallant behauiour Deltona obtained the chiefe place at the feast with regard of the companie and my owne good vsage the poore Coranus held the reputation you found him in therefore most Noble Duke looke on her now with other eyes for no longer Deltona but the Emperor-Mengrelius daughter Brizaca By that time Coranus concluded his discourse a generall muttering was heard and raised a manner of confusion amongst them wherein we will leaue them till the extasie haue end and as they begin to conferre of the strangnesse shall the time acquaint you with the story Finis Libri Secundi THE THIRD BOOKE of the Historie OF TREBIZOND Imprinted at London by W. White for T. Downes and E. Dawson 1616. To the honorable Lady FRANCIS EGERTON HONORABLE LADY I Could flourish the colours of your Prayses from Vertue Beautie Gracefulnesse Magnanimitie and such like enriching giftes of Nature But at this time I will extend your worth no further then that you are a faire promising Fruite of a glorious Tree and so haue chosen you with the rest to ouer-shade mee from the tempestes of Detraction considering I am now like a ceeled Doue to flye abroad with strange disguises and haue as it were matriculated my selfe in the Schoole of Folly by writing of Bookes Yet if you will relieue it as a poore cast-out Orphan then are you charitable If you entertaine it for any cause in it selfe then doe you Iustice If you pardon the faults then are you Vertuous If you protect it then are you Heroyicall Nay if you make it contemptible I shall impute it to my owne ill deseruing not any deficiencie in you But casting these doubts aside I am confident that you will either giue me leaue to make vse of your Honorable supportation or lift me vp your selfe with so strong an arme that neither Enuie nor Derision of others shall shoulder me aside from your acceptation or come neere you that are willing to be so gentle and gracefull vnto mee Your Honors to commannd Th. Gainsforde The Third Booke of the Historie