and more he was confirm'd in his belief and apprehension when he understood that that same night wherein we had departed a Ship having the wind at large had from the Port of Cambaye hoysed Sail towards the Isle of Zeilan Where the War was hot against the King of Maldives that either for renown we would go serve under one of those two Kings or else land iâ— some one of the King of Narsingas havens whose neighbour and allâ—â— and friend the King of Zeiland is Having a good while thought thereon he went and told the King of his opinions who presently believ'd we had indeed that way escaped and protested that the Captaines life should answer as he thought for carrying us away without his leaves Wherefore a Post was preently dispatch'd from Campanel to Cambaye with directions that hee should set forth with speed a light Vessell to seek afer that which three or four dayes past had put to Sea and for more surety he dispach'd another Messenger by Land to Bazaim to send out another Vessell to surprize that which he thought had wafted us and that if happily the first might not light on him the other should not chuse but meet him however they were charg'd to go as farre as zeilan in their chace and that before he could have doubled the Cape of Commorin they should have some newes of him Here Madam you may see what news Neander brought us from the Court for which cause having call'd a Councill among us we resolv'd to put off our journey to Narsinga for a while and spend delightfully some time in the King of Decans Court which sometimes is at the City of Bider and otherwhiles in the great City of Visaporus and because those goodly cities are far in the Countrey we conceiv'd they would not come and seek us there and that after the time were past wherein those that were gone in quest of us had in vain enquired in Narsinga we would freely go on our jouruey under the names which we had newly taken of Taxilus and Cleontus Wherefore we departed from Pala and us'd such industry as we arived at Bider where we thought to find the King of Decan as being the chiefest City of his Kingdom But we understood that he was but a little while before retir'd to Visaporus which over and above that it is better fortified with men and walls is likewise seared in an air more temperate and pleasing And here Madam it is fit I tell you something of this poor Prince who not long ago was Master of so many Countreyes and such mighty wealth and through his own default hath caused the ruine of himself and them I doubt not but you know the whole story of his life and therefore will I say no more of his behaviours nor his doings than to the purpose of my History This miserable King who car'd for nothing more than how in ease and quietnesse to spend his time and buried in voluptuousnese being both lasie in his nature and distrustfull even to fear his own Children whose names were Demonax the one as he himself was called and Araxus the other that at greater case hee might enjoy his soft contentments cast the burden of his State from off himself and gave the charge of his twelve great Provinces to twelve of his free'd slaves upon condition that each of them should send his Eldest Son into the City of Visaporus there to remain as pledges to him where for greater safety he retir'd He had besides those Sons a Daughter of exceeding beauty who as the Kingdom and the City she was born inâ— was call'd Orixa for in former time King Demonax his father and the Queen his wife went thither great with child as then she was to wash her in the River Ganges which passeth through the Kingdom of Orixa and hath this secret vertue that it clenseth from all sorts of sins and I have understood the King your father whose it is draws a large tribute from it for the Pilgrimage is famous through the Indes But for it does not appertain to my discourse I say no more thereof to tell you only in the pursute of my History that we went from Bider unto Visaporus where we were sure to finde the King of Decans Court and just as we arrived at the great City we heard many Trumpets sounding flourishes with distinct pauses betwixt each flourish and three times renew'd and this within the great place where stands the Royal Palace and after saw a great man clad in a rich Coat of Arms accompanied by four Heralds and because after having gone three or sour times about at the sound of those Trumpets and brazen Drums they at length stayed about the middle of that place we drew us neer to understand what they would say and heard that one of them with louder and resounding voice than the rest uttered these following words Be it known unto all Princes Lords Knights * Are amoÌ„g the Indians as the Janizaries among the Turks Naires their Chiefs throughout the whole Kingdom of Decan and Malabares adjoyning and of whatever Kingdom or Country else excepting such as have been banished or are enemies unto our Sovereign Lord King Demonax that the eighth day from this being he twentieth of the Moon in this same place shall be a great defiance at arms amost noble and magnificent Combate sought with Darts and Lances in their fit caparisons with Crests Coats of Arms Foot-cloaths and Targets garnished with sine devices as braâ— Combatants according to the antient customs of this Kingdom and as Chiefs Prince Demonax defendant on the one side and Araxus as assâ—ilant on the other all for the glory of the King and celebration of the happy day of his nativity which falls to be the twentieth of this Moon And for those causes know ye moreover Princes Lords and Knights and Capains of Naires as well of this Kingdom as whatever Country else who for the love of honor shall desire to excrcise themselves and for the pleasure of the Ladies that they must think thereon and chuse them God-fathers that their names may be written down before the Judges of the Combate of whom they must be taught the rules and that they will be more encouraged to glory when they knew the Ladies purpose to bestow most fair and costly prizes as well upon the Darts and Persian Lances as the Fencing after the custom of Molabar which will be exercis'd the following daies As soon as this Proclamation by the Herald was concluded we withdew our selves out of the throng that compassed him extreamly pleas'd that an occasion should so soon be offered after our arrivall wherein our skill might be commended and knowing very well the Language for the great conformity it hath with ours having enquired of the first we met where we ruight be conveniently lodged we were conducted by one of them unto a house of his which was both great and spacious where certain other
that the poor for knew it was in earnest they mockt him and that they restrained not themselves as when he was taken for the Prince and Heir of Goâ—zarate Admire the weaknesse inconstancy of men it was not two bours before that this young man was adored of all the People and followed of the whole Court and however extravagant he were on the belief men had that he was born a Prince they honoured him as a god although they knew he was a shame and reproach to the Kingdom and behold in one hour Fortune overturning in him what soever was thought she had establih'd everlastingly every body leaves him and that supposed rank which they feared and disguis'd their faces with a feigned approbation of his follies being known for counterfeit they freely scoff'd at the poor wretch who soon became the sport of the whole Court The King however had some kinde of pitty on him and truly were it only but for that this poor unhappy creature had had the honor to carry the title of Prince and to passe some years for the Kings only son it was just this that somewhat should be assur'd him during his life which might take him out of that abject condition where it to his rudenesse had east him again The King then finding that he was half in dispence concerning his greatnesse resolv'd to put him wholly out of his errour and to tell him how that supposal grew But said he Eurimedes for you must retain that name henceforth which is you fathers because I will be known to be kinde and charitable and that I will nor forsake what I have once set in honor and credit Ask me any title or other thing which may be fit for you in my Kingdom and you shall gladly have it Every man expected he should have craved some high condition where profit might be joyn'd with honor but he deceiv'd the company when above all things with a smiling countenance and see ling nothing at all of his past sorrow he desired he might have that poor wench of the Town whom he had in times past so well liked The great Aleidarts could not abstain from laughing and turning him towards the Queen and Lisimantus Truly said he Nature doth what she doth very well giving ordinarily mean thoughts to low souls as noble hearts she maketh capable of glory and of high desires Yes said he Eurimedes take her but when thou are married to her upon what wilt thou live for I believe my son will not let thee enjoy his revenue nor those other things which thou usurpedst from him Hereat the poor blockhead lost his joy again and not knowing what to answer the King assur'd him of a good Pension and his father for his faithfulness a better and the better to please the whole Court which could not enough honor his dear Lisimantus he sent one of his guard to fetch the Maid and all her friends and presently gave her to Eurimedes who as easily forgot all his greatnesses as if he never had possessed them and bounded all his glory and ambition with the possession of that woman his equal Lisimantus was yet very pale as well by reason of the wounds he had received from his brothers hand as for the little rest he had had in that dark prison where the Cambaiansâ— fury had some daies detained him yet was he a subject of all the Ladies admiration of the Court who sinding him as exquisite in spirit as shape could no less praise his courtesie than countenance and blessed heaven that truth was manifest to their advantage and that they were to live under so fine and gallant a Prince But although he was as kinde to them all as civility and good manners permitted him his mind forbare not to wander other where and the sight of so many beauties served but to awake more fervently the remembrance of his dear Lisimena As soon as he knew himself a Prince that adorable beauty was the first object which came into his thoughts and presently apprehended that inequality would be no longer an obstacle to his Love If he were joyed at that quality and if his heart were touched to the quick it was only because it promis'd him a freer accesse to Lisimena for otherwise he was too generous to prize that present of Fortune and be proud of it he knew his courage was above the highest Thrones and that he had enough wherewithall to obtain those Crowns and greatnesses which his birth might have denyed him He found he had a Princes soul and illustrious blood was the least matter he accounted of in such as governed with equity and who by sweetness rather than Tyranny made themselves more absolute in their Dominionâ— The King his father could not enough admire his actions whenever he remembred his past Victories and thought upon the glory which his young son Anaxander had gotten and the courage they both had to meet so many encounters and dangerous occasions he could not chuse but thank the gods and flatter himself with that sweet vanity that he was the happiest father and most redoubted King of all Asia in such children His Physicians very provident for their new Princes health fearing lest after so ill usage and so little rest as he had had in eight or ten daies misery before his felicity he might fall sick desired his Majesty to perswade him to keep his bed a while that they might purge him of the evill humours which might have grown in him But it being by the King proposed to Lisimantus Sir said be if you will set my mind at rest and purge it of all melancholy that troubles it I conjure you in the name of the gods whom you worship to send instantly an Embassadour to the King of Zeylan When you shall have assured him that I have the honor to be acknowledged your son I know he will nor deny me his daughter which is the only content of my soul and thing in the world which can make me happy Son said the King unto him I have no other meaning than yours and I am only sorry that you have prevented me by your request foâ—â— intended to propose it to you for your good But do not you desire to have your first name of Alcidaris restored to you which you lost by so strange a fortune me thinks my Subjects will have greater cause of joy when they shall see you inherit my name as well as a good part of my Crown and will thereby the better know you for their lawful Lord. Let them Sir replyed Lisimantus know me only by the honor I have to be issued from you and the actions I intend to perform for their advantage and suffer use to wear the brave name of Lisimantus so solemnly given me by the fairest mouth of the world and being the first mark of credit which I got abroad It may suffice if you think fit that I write my self Alcidaris like you and name my self
afflicted as if her Father had been spoyl'd of all his Countries whom formne and the valour of Lisimantus had made victorious over the King of Maldives and who had 〈◊〉 his Empire over all his enemies possessions Lasimena I say forgot the pleasures of these Conqueslis and only would remember that great loss so late received in that Country which she loved equall with her own although she had not had an obligation by the Laws of nature and of blood Now as she never fail'd from alwayes being with Orazia to assist in the contrivances of new Pastimes far was it from her thoughts to leave her in the woefull case whereto this new mis-fortune had reduced her But how was their entertainment now altered from thier former conversation for whereas they were wont to breath no other thing than sweetness and content they now could nothing else but mix confusedly their tears and sighs not able to speak a word Thus in embraces they were found when Saradin Arontus faithfull squire with a countenance bearing deaths picture in it entred the Princess Chamber and kneeling said Madam behold the first time ever I unwillingly observ'd my Masters commands and surely I obey him now in this last service in duty to a sorrowfull Commission and saying this he from his pocket drew a handkerchief to wipe his tears which ran about his face abundantly and in his other hand holding a Letter sealed with Arontus Signet Madam said he see the last reliques of that generous Prince which made all India tremble at him dying he ever named you and when he saw Physicians left him having but two houres time to live he spent that space to let you see his last desires under his dying hand in this short letter which he wanted strength to finish yet had he care to have it sealed in his presence whiles he lived and among all his people who lamented him about his bed within his Tent he chose out me and thus said to me Saradin as soon as mine eyes close go to my Sister and tell her she observe what I advise her by this Letter which thou shalt trust no other hand with than her own scarce had he said these words but that his soul followed them and took its flight to heaven The fair Orazia who had not need of this addition to her sorrow had notwithstanding resolution enough to open the letter which she received from the faithfull squire But yet her tears which choak'd her eyes gave her not leave so soon to see that it contain'd these words Arontus Letter to Orazia MY deer Sister the little time I have to live I spend in teaching thee to bear my death with comfort I pray thee trouble not thy self because it could not be more glorious for it has succeeded the destruction of our enemies whom I have over-thrown in battell The only grief I have in dying is that I cannot with my person clear a truth unto you which is needfull you should know Those accomplish'd Knights who under names of Ariomant and Calistenus have so long aisguis'd themselves among us are two of the most renowned Princess of Asia and I conjure thee to observe the Gods intention and thy Brothers last will which do ordain the first of them to be thy husband he is the son of great Al The poor Prince would have said Alâ—idaris King of Cambaye and Father to the generous Anaxander whose qualities and manners he intended to describe if so his hand had power to second his desire but strength upon a suddain fayling him by reason of his mortall wounds received he was constrained to leave unperfected his Letter and in his presence have it sealed as it was to keep his promise given the Prince Anaxander and his Cousin Proxenus that he would never make them known but to his Sister Orazia nor make their birth apparent till they were fit to shew themselves in Princes equipage before the King of Narsinga This letter did redouble her affliction and among the violent touches of her sorrow waked her amourous dislurbances After she had a thousand times accused the heavens and curs'd Arontus fatall victory which cost his life comming at length to cast her eyes upon the notice he had given her in his Letter admire the force and power of love a suddain alteration surprised her and mov'd her thoughts from the sad mourning of her brother to reflect upon her Lover She alwayes had opinion that Ariomant whose actions were so Kingly must be of eminent quality and notwithstanding his so humble fashion in the King her Fathers Court she knew that in his eyes and Courage there was somewhat great and famous But at that instant she receiv'd so glorious a testimony of his birth she neither could disguise apprehension nor dissemble from Lisimenaes eyes the passion she was in to be more fully satisfied For which cause drawing Saradin apart My friend said she to him since the misfortune hapned to us by thy Masters loss hat testimony hath Ariamont given who now commands the Army Madam answered Saradin since that wofull day where in the Prince forced to leave us gave him the guidance of our Troops he hath so worthily discharg'd himself that though he be a stranger and known by nothing but his actions he hath not purchased the smallest jealousie all our Captains with delight obey him and though the Prince had not himself appointed him as chief I think he had been chosen by the Armies generall consent His wisdom and his valour are so met and so full of every vertue sit to make up a commander that if there be any thing which may administer a comfort to us in this dire mischance it is to see our Prince his power hath fallen into so noble hands The Princess receiv'd a two-fold mitigation of her sorrow when she learnt that he to whom she had already given her heart not knowing his descent was not alone a Prince by birth but that his reputation was so great and universally admired by all the King her Fathers subjects as that she saw fair likely-hoods of good success unto her loves The only curiosity she had to know his parentage and over what people he commanded did yet keep her unsatisfied and gathering by Saradins discourse that in the Army he was not held for what he was she guest there was some reason why he publish'd not himself and that she could not know the truth thereof except himself did tell it her This was the reason why among so many other questions ask'd of Saradin she enquired of him whether his return would not be shortly Madam answered the faithfull squire as soon as he shâ—ll have conquered that rest of the Kingdom of Decan which had been made a prey unto those two revolted slaves whom we have punished and overthrown in battell he will bring back the victorious army which as you know have decreed sacred honours to my Master whose pretious body embalmed will be within a
had brought that little Prince into the world with pains incredible she choaked in her Convulsions and the first hower of her childbed gave the last unto her life Now though Alcidaris were not ensirely so much tender of her at she of him nor had the just same feelings that she had yet could not chuse but by that unexpected death receive most strong impressions great was the grief he shewed and whatsoever pomp the quality of so great and vertuous a Princesse as she was requir'd did wait upon his mourning and her Funerals But as there is no wound however it may seem incurable but time may heal this which Alcidaris received was not so great as that there needed a whole age to comfort him for after one year ended he became most passionably enamored of the Queen Anaxareta who by the death of her brother Spimantus newly being arriv'd was heir unto the Kingdom of Dulcinda which does on the one side border on the King my fathers Countries and on Persia on the other The reason why so passionately he pursu'd that Love was that besides his pleasure there was profit in it and thought that by uniting Dulcinda to his other Kingdoms he should be an equal powerful neighbour to the Persian Perswaded by these reasons but more by love that forced him he sent one named Pirobus and of the ablest of his Kingdom in Embassage to the Queen Anaxareta He was receiv'd as coming from so great a Prince with much magnificence but wondred greatly that the answer he received was no more favorable She only told him thus that the King of Cambaye had done her a great deal of honour but that the King her brother being so lately dead and having scarce wip'd off her tears it could not be she should so soon forget him nor in such haste run from his Funerals to her own espousals and therefore pray'd the King his Master not to hold it strange that she desired more time to think thereof This Embassador who was a man of great discretion and knew the extream passion of Alcidaris resting but poorly satisfied with this answer and knew his Master would be likewise so bethought him that of Force some greater reason must restrain the Queen than of her brothers death who almost two years since had died and should have caus'd her greater joy than sorrow for which cause he makes adresses to the chiefest Statist there and dives into him to discover if he could his Mistriss meanings he shews him how the King of Cambaye was her neer neighbour and one of the most powerful Monarchs of the Indies That over and above his greatness and his wealth he had all qualities which might commend a man to a fair Ladies acceptation that in all Asia his Mistresse could not finde a fitter match that there needed no long time to think upon a matter which depended only on her will And that he knew not what to infer by the coldness of her answer save that she loved some other since she neglected the desires of a Prince so mighty and one who could not be but a great strength unto her This States-man who desired to pay him with more solid reasons than the Queen had done thought t was no matter of importance if he told him what he guest she thought which was that being of a mighty spirit and knowing that Alcidaris had had a son by the Queen Berenica who as himself was call'd Alcadaris and should when he were dead possesse his Kingdoms she could not abide that those that should proceed from her should ever happen to be seconds or in rank or in affection and being able to dispose of the Kingdom of Dulcinda she thought she might do better to chuse out a Gentleman her Subject who should be her creature and by whom she might have children heirs to her possessions than to match a King of whose inheritance she could not see a hope for hers And this said he in my opinion is the cause that backs the Queen for she is not so ignorant both of the qualities and vertues of the King your Master but that she holds him for the man of most advantage for her choice save only that his heir is born already Pirobus more satisfi'd herewith than by the reasons given him from the Queen though very little notwithstanding seeing how far from giving comfort to his Master returns towards him and from point to point gives him account of his Embassage Alcidaris as well as possible he could dissembled the disquiet this il news procur'd him and I know not if his love oblig'd him or that as yet some little hope remained for him But as if heaven would favour his desires about eight or ten months end report ran all about that the young Prince Alcidaris was very sick and that his tender age not able to defend it self against the strong assaults of a continued Feavor death had delivered him The sorrow which the King put on was so great that for the space of forty daies he suffred not himself to be seen by any creatures except Pirobus his faithful Counsellour The noise of his great losse immediately was spread throughout and came to the Queen Anaxaretas ears who seeing that great obstacle remov'd desir'd no greater thing in all the world than that alliance and in a word to end Pirobus being sent the second time had his desire and some few daies after did Alcidaris possesse both Anaxaretas beauties and her Kingdoms peacefully Now Madam from that happy Marriage I am sprung and named Anaxander from my Mothers name Almost about the same time I was born Ametista Queen of Citor and only sister to the King my father was delivered of Piroxenus whom you see here under name of Callistenus we were bred up and taught together and besides our age and blood which knit us in a perfect friendship nature augmented it by so exact a correspondency of humours as never was observed the least disparity in our opinions and truly since our friendship hath foundation but on vertue only t is not to be admired that from a cause eternal such effects of everlastingness are seen The wise Evander from my tendrest youth had me in government and Alcidaris who much desired to frame me after the example of that honorable man drew him from the Province of Carmanie on very great expence for he was Master of some nine or ten Languages and ignorant of nothing that another man did know He had not only care of me but likewise had an eye to Piroxenus whom he found exceeding capable of his good doctrines and we both so well profited by his instructions as we soon learned all the secrets of the Persian and Arabique tongues which travel mostly throughout all the Indies this side Ganges Besides the recreations of our minds we exercis'd our bodies likewise and familiarly disguising our selves on daies of ceremony or delight we got the prizes with our Lances and at Fencing too and
of all Atollon in the Province of Padipol but the poor Arbiran was slain when he had don a thousand memorable exploits of valour This our irreparable losse was so felt by all the Army and in such sort troubled it not knowing where to go for counsel and not daring yet to trust its conduct to my youth although I were Lieutenant to the Admiral that we returned without doing any thing and without so much as leaving a Garison in the place we had taken I bare with great impatience truly the sorrow of that losse and at my return I had the honor to be comforted by the Kings own mouth who better than any other knew the cause I had to be afflicted But alas it was not from him I look'd for the healthful remedies of my sensible griefs one only word from Lisimenaes mouth had comforted me not only for the losse of my friend but also of my heart in serving her and of all the troubles I endured for her But I was very far from the hope of that favor she shun'd me more than before and her scorns which I could not endure by little and little choack'd the respect which remained for her in my soul As though nature had made me sensible of what I was I thought in my self that I deserved a milder usage and if not as a Lover yet in the quality of Lisimenaes Knight I deserv'd a freer accesse unto her than she gave me I could not conceal my displeasure but gave my passion so much considence as it came to the Kings cars as I have since known who feigned to know nothing because I was so necessary for his service however he feared lest that affection might take too deep root in my heart and besides the extravagance which I might shew to all the Court I might do him ill service and make my self unworthy to command his Armies if I should lose the Mastery of my self He therefore removed from my sight that divine object upon a pretence favorable enough to his distrust for as after Arbirans death I had very ill handled the Maldives in two or three rancounters who were put to sea to repair their losses and former outrager they resolved to make one final attempt and having shut up all their Ports lest news might be brought us of their design they prepared a great and mighty Fleet to powre on us but they could not work so privately but that a Spie came to advertise us of their enterprizâ— and assur'd us that all that great preparation was for the City of Collombo which these Barbarians had a purpose to besiege by Sea and Land The King who commonly aboad in that Capital City of his Kingdom thought not his daughter which was his most precious jewel in too great a surety there insomuch as for delivering her from my troublesome sute and to secure her from the enemies in vasion whose threatnings he thought not â—iâ— to scorn he sent her to her Unkle the King of Narsinga to accompany her fair Cousin Orazia untill the troubles of Zeylan were over Judge Sir by what I have told you of my Love if this seperation must be grievous to me however I must bear it and constrain my self in the Kings sight who observ'd me more than he was wont to see if my spirit were chang'd or whether I had rigor enough to digest that trouble without distraction I was indeed very happy in my constancy to resist my resentment in that occasion where it may be any other than my self might have suffered himself to be overcome for the King who had a very good opinion of my courage believing I had quire forgotten that passion which kindled in my heart by Listmenaes presence only did me the honor with the general consent of the whole Army to make me heir of all Arbirans command As soon as I found the whole force of the Kingdom in my hands a new desire of glory entred my heart and seeing that our enemies were slow in comming to us and that they could not be a long time ready I perswaded the King to give way that I might go and assault them in the Isle of Bandos neer the City of Male where I had intelligence What more shall I say all succeeded happily unto me as you have known from others and in spire of all the King of Maldives strength who came with a powerful Army to hinder my design I took the Câ—stle of Bandos which was of greatest importance of all for keeping of his thirteen Provinces or Atollous whereof I became master within the spaâ—r of eighteen months and having defeated himself with all his power I compelled him to sâ— into the remotest parts of the Island of Palandurus I had pursued him even there but that I pirried the misery of that poor Prince who wanted no courage and who intruth would have done things worthy of his birth if fortune had but seconded his ambition I contented my self them to have augmented the King of Zeylans possessions by the whole extent of the Kingdom of the Maldives where when I had left good Garisons I returned Victorious to Tanadarus honored by the King and reverenc'd by all his Subjects who could not but admire at my prosperities and who imputed to me only that particular favour of the heavens to accomplish all my enterprizes Scarce had I the refreshment there of one whole month for we being advertised that Rozalcan and Zabain who to make themselves Lords of the Kingdom of Decan by a cruel and tyrannous usurpation had again dared to assault the King of Narfinga from whom we had had so great aids in all our Wars and necessities The King without expecting his defire of succours from him sent back all his Troops which had assisted him in the Conquest of the Maldives and having added half so many of the best Souldiers in his Army unto them which he must else have dismissed he commanded me to lead them and present them to his brother in law and that I should receive directions from him of what we had to do for his service It would be needlesse for me to tell you what I did after I had the honor done me to have the Command of the Army divided between the Prince Arontus and my self and after what manner I regain'd the Country of Canara which had been usurped from the King of Narsinga I know Sir that you can speak of all those matters as well as they that did them and that nothing since the death of Arontus hath passed whereof you have not had very faithful relations Wherefore I will return again to my Love and tell you some particulars of that sad passion which more than ever renewed in my soul at the sight of Lisimena whom I found in the Kingdom of Narsinga But I know not how I shall yet remember that ungrateful beauty who hath alwaies been so cruel to me and to oppresse me with misfortune and disgrace hath caus'd me
few dayes conducted hither drawn in a triumphant Chariot which shall accompany his pompous funerals It cannot be long ere they returne for the Decanians ravished with joy to be delivered from two slaves who have driven out all their blood Royall from their government came every day to yeeld themselves unto the valiant Ariomant and bring him still their City keyes and Castles likewise And that poor people incapable of defending themselves with pleasure rank them under the Kings dominion whose clemency they know as surely as his justice The fair Orazia not able at that time to learn more newes of her deer Ariomant with much impatience look'd for his return and still she sought her common comforts from Lisimena from whom she could not hide the new occasions of her joy nor yet conceal her Lovers birth which from her Brothers Letter which the Gods would not allow an end to she began to know But she conjur'd her she should keep it secret and make no mention of it till a fitter season Mean while for her diversions and to beguile the time of Ariomants absence she often talked with Saradin and made him repeat the prayses which she already had tasted with so much content in his behalf whom more than all the world she lov'd And because she would make Saradin entirely hers whose faithfulnesse she knew unparallel'd her chief squire being slain in the battell she chose Saradin to succeed him to which she got the King her Fathers consent who was much pleas'd to give him that reward as worthy of his long good services If hitherto I have not spoken of that great Monarchs sorrow and excessive grief for losse of his dear son upon whose magnanimity and valour he had built his rest and hopes 't is to speak truly that I hold his woes unspeakable Besides in telling you the little strength he had to meet that unexpected newes and the despair which more than once had tempted him to do violence on himself I fear to lay a blemish on the other actions of his life Let us forget his sorrows and his over-passion then and call to mind the constancy wherewith he shortly after arm'd himself and resolution which he took to honour as his army had desir'd his deer Arontus memory and funerals He alwayes kept the brave Lisimantus with him and so much valued the courage of that invincible Knight as that he dar'd not in his presence shew his great resentments and truly 't was from him he had more comfort than from any other being a man who had despis'd a thousand deaths and one who though his life were glorious for a thousand brave exploits yet found no sweetness in it for the bloody discoutentments he each day received in the scorn of beautious Lisimena But whiles accommodations are preparing to solemnize the funerall pomps of that Prince whom they expect and whose body glorious though without a soul craves the honour of a triumph 't is requisite that by the way I tell you somewhat of this Lisimantus who for his vertue merits in this place to have a short abridgement of his life recorded He was a Souldier under fortunes banner who from his infancy being given a Page unto the Princess Lisimena and after given again unto the King of Zeilan her father as you shal see in the sequell of this story from step to step advanc'd him by his courage and by his excellent conduct rose to the greatest charges in the Kingdom and so far forth as after Arbiran's death he followed him and was made generall of that great Army which hath of late triumphed over the King of Maldives All the Indian Chronicles are full of memorable actions by him done in that long war and you shall by and by learn from his own mouth the reason why to take upon him the name of Lisimantus he forsook his own a name he borrowed from the King his Masters only daughter to whom from his first rising he was bold to send sighs and amorous aspects The fair Lisimena so was the Princess cald besides a private inclination which she had to cherish that accomplisht Knight for his own merits sake did yet besides account her self oblig'd thereto for great and noted services which every day he did unto the Crown of Zeilan whose chief support and prop he was but the great courage of her heart and honour which she valued more than all things else caused her to undervalue in her thoughts the secret love of that unknown young man whom she had seen to come so poorly fitted to the King her Fathers Court who knew no more than she his birth and could not enough wonder at the boldness which he took not only to send forth his looks towards her but even to sigh in presence of her whiles the whole Court saw and knew it because it was a Law throughout the Indes that a Princess could not marry but her equall nor without much dishonour suffer the addresses of a man who were not Kingly born And in some parts the Law was more severe than others as in the Kingdome of Decan where death was added to the shame of that Princess who should unequally dispose her self Which is at present yet the Custom among the Negres as well of the Kingdome of Cambaye as Calecut and all the parts of Malabar Not one however dar'd to speak his thoughts of Lisimantus open love envy it self was silent as well for that they knew the greatness of his humour as the respect which they were bound to owe the power of his command wherein he did so worthily acquit himself The King observed him as well as others but that his wisdome did oblige him to distemble what he saw because in truth he was very necessary as the chiefest instrument of that revenge he had ordained for his greatest enemy the King of Maldives who had for wantonnesse assaulted him and sworn his ruin But for fear of causing greater passion which he daily saw to grow in Lisimantus it seem'd him best to separate his daughter for some time and send her to his brothers in Law and friend the King of Narsingus Court to keep her Cousin Orazia company He wanted not a colour for this act for they had lately understood by an intelligencer that the King of Maldives who was then lately beaten in two sea fights by Lisimantus made great preparation to besiege the City of Colombo where the King of Zeilan commonly held his Court and he conceiv'd he should have lesse cause to fear when as his daughter who was the greatest treasure that he had though in his Countries Pearl and Emeraulds Saphires are found aboundantly should remain in safety This resolution he no sooner took but put in execution and sent his only daughter who long since lost her Mother to Narsinga with an equipage which well became her greatnesse Lisimantus would most gladly have diverted that voyage had he dared and had opposed his courage to the Kings
sole consideration which you stuck on was that by the Queen Berenisa my first wife I had a Son and that my heir already born you would not suffer that your Children should be second in affection or degree to any This being return'd me by my faithfull Pirobus I seem'd to take no notice of it but after some time was past wee both agree'd together that if I meant to compass my desire in that sute where-on depended all my happiness I must needs send away my Son and spread a noyse that he was dead And judge you Madam to what extremity I loved you being compell'd to take so contrary a resolution to the lawes of nature For this cause I commanded a Coffin to be laid with Royall pomp into the earth and suffered none in forty dayes to see me that I might better act the part of a lost Father Mean while I gave my Son in charge to Pirobus whose name was like mine own Alcidaris not to be sent so far away but that I might when I desir'd hear often of him He had acquaintance with an Arabian Merchant and an honest man named Eurimedes who was most frequent in the City of Deu one of the best havens of my Kingdom and teaded to Cambaye where at that time he was To him he went and gave that pledge into his custody which for your love I had abandoned He told the Merchant how he had receiv'd that child from a woman of great quality commended him to his best cate and that he might be bred among his own and told him one day it m ight happen that a worthy recompence might grow unto him In the inferior because he might be known again and for he had no mark about him Pirobus made one upon his arm where he imprinted the Arms of Cambaye with a needles point and the joyce of a certain herb wch never wears away which done he does again commend him to the Merchant whom that he might the better love the child and be more carefull of him he enjoyned to beslow his own name of Eurimedes upon him In so much as very often I have heard of him also known the Merchants care as well for the great pâ—yâ— cause him every year to receive as for the love he bears to Pirobus to whom he thinks he is obliged for that favour But Madam said the King moreover the Gods can bear me witness I had tane your deer Anaxander into so great affection as I forgot the love I ought his Brother and if he had well behav'd himself I think his humor which beyond all others that I know delighted me together with my wonderfull affection to your self had so much won upon me as I had made him heir to all my three Crowns but seeing he hath shewn himself so giddy-headed and so ill advised as to leave me to pursue his foolish fantasies as well as his Cousin whom so deerly I had loved having no other prop to rest on left me Think not a miss Madam that I send Pirobus to Diu to seek me out Alcidaris 't is now no longer fit he should be hid nor that on my part I should more conceal the love I bear my proper Son These my deer children said Evander are the very words the King himself delivered who without alteration at the Queens complaints and tears dispatched Pirobus immediately Being ariv'd at Diu he wonderfully amazed the Merchant when he told him that ye child whom he so long had bred was heir unto the King The noise hereof was spread incontinently through the City and all the inhabitants came in throngs to kisse their Princes hands Pirobus who had not seen him since his first delivery into the Merchants hands could know him only by the mark he graved on his arm The young man more than any other grew in admiration at the honors which were done him For he believ'd he was that Merchants son and look'd for nothing lesse than to be honor'd as a Prince He was by Pirobus conducted to the City of Campanel and carried both the Merchant and his children with him on whom he afterward caus'd goodly Offices to be conferred As soon as his arrival was but known the greatest of the Court went forth to meet him and the King with testimonies of exceeding joy received him but this did not long endure For that young Prince was so ill bred and had among those people of inferiour quality who had kept him gotten such evill habits as that his presence served but to make you more lamented but above all the Queen could not endure that in your stead a beast should have such worship who by his filthy carriage had made himself contemptible to all the world The King commanded me to take him to my Government But finding in him no appearance of common sense and seeing him too old to form his mind to any good I did despair ever to make of him a civill man and you may think my dear children whether I finding in that poor Prince spirit nothing but thornes and briers instead of goodly seeds of vertue which I found in you I had great cause to be delighted with my charge The King who in that ill made Picture could not know himself made Pirobus a thousand times to swear he was the same which he had from him As for my self seeing I lost my labour and my time in teaching him besides the finall d fire or none at all I had thereto being afflicted as I was for losse of you and dreaming nothing â—â—sse than ere again to see you I aâ—th last resolv'd to go and seek ye out in what part of the World soever ye might be And that which more old god me thereto was that knowing all the secâ—eâ—s of Astrology and having by that Art foreseen that at two severall times ye should run hazard of a violent death I would make tryall if by my diligent and carefull seeking after you I might divert the mischiefs which the Sâ—â—rs had threatened yeâ— withall Besides my own affection thereunto I was incited by the general complaints of all the better sort of people in the Kingdom who could not without sorrow yield obedience to a Prince of so ill making and so evill doings and who already did begin to apprehend his future domination Therefore as soon I had known no news was to be hâ—d of you at sea and that as many as had gone after you were come again no wiser than they went remembring I had in secret heard your meditations on the Princess Orizâ—a's Picture and that I had often heard ye though in and out to name the word Narsinga I imagined you might be gone disguised thither and have passed over land that you might crosse through that unhappy Kingdom of Decan whereof I remembred to have heard you mention so many wonders of their gallantry But unfortunate as ye are by what I see ye have met nofavored me by my arrivall here at Visaporus just
disavowed for rude or evill natures and I think truly we shall seem excusable it being considered that if we have been faulty t is but for having too much loved and when it shall be seen that we have not been so foolish nor so stupi'd but by our industry we have obtained each of us a Kingdom Gothen Pirobus and the gods favour you we will shortly follow as soon as Anaxander is recovered of his hurts in the interim do not for get to tell the King and Queen all that hath befallen us they will undoubtedly be much pleased at it and especially when they shall know that my Orixa lives and that her Kingdom which we have helped to recoven from the two slaves Usurpers will be hers without dispute when the King of Narsinga shall as you do know the strange History of her life Pirobus would fain have seen Anaxander before his return but seeing that Piroxenus thought is not best he went right to the port of God to pursue his way to Gouzarat and there to embark himself for saving much travel and with tears in his eyes departed from Piroxenus who returned to his Cousin with all speed at Saradins Cafile where we will leave him recovering his hurts to tell you what passed in the Kingdom of Cambaya About eight or ten daies after Pircbus departure from Cumpanel the ordinary aboad of Alcidaris in his Embassage to the King of Narsinga the good Evander who long since went from Visaporus and had been hardly used on the way by a great sicknesse from which he had much a do to recover being at length by the gods permission restored arrived happily at the Capitall City of Gouzarat had there been nothing considerable but his person which was dear to the whole Kingdom all the Court had received an exceeding contentment at his comming but when from him in was known that the two Princes were living and that from the time they were supposed to be dead they had performed a thousand goodly actions Bonefires were kindled through the City and there was not one from the greatest to the least who did not witness one equall impatience for their return upon which they already established all the hope and safety which the rudeness of young Alcidaris had even ravish'd from them But that publique joy however great was nothing in comparison of the Kings and Queen Anazarettes who weary of the impertenencies of that Prince ill affected by every body which they had still before their eyes and having forgotten all their anger and resentments caused by the idle absence of Anaxander and Piroxenus whom indeed they had believed dead sailed not from that instant to make vows and prayers for their preservation and return They caused their adventures to be told them a thousand times over wherein they could not enough admire the goodness of the gods which had preserved them their greatest wonder was that Orixa yet lived and had they heard it from others mouth then Evander who had been witnesse of her resurrection they might had cause to doubt it for Alcidaris had understood by report that her pretended death had been one of the principall causes that had obliged our two young Princes to make that great sally wherein it was believed they were slain but when they knew by Evander how contrary to all hope she was recovered out of that deadly swound and that she was alive and well in a private quality under the name of Asteria in the City of Visaporus which had been yield to the two slaves and in which capitulation he had assisted they wondered more than ever for they had known all that had past since that Siege during Evanders sickness in Decan they had learnt how Rozalcan and Zahain having in pursuit of their tyrannical victory usurped the Province of Canara from the King of Narsinga had been castised by the Prince Arontus in short they were not ignorant that that Prince aided by two valliant Persian Cavalliers whom they had heard named Ariomant and Calistenus had regained whatsoever was unjustly usurped by the slaves which were in Battel defeated the gain whereof had cost the generous Prince Arontus life Sir said Evander interrupting him he who hath done so many wonders under the name of Ariomant is no other than your son Anaxander and that Calistenus is his Cousin who hath given no lesse testimony of himself by his arms That word so much redoubled the joy of the Kings heart as it shewed plainly in his countenance and the good Evander ravish'd to see their Majesties so attentive to his discourse continued it as followeth When they purposed to disguise themselves under those two names because they had been too well known by those of Taxilus and Cleontus which besides had been so satal to them they acquainted but their Gentlemen Almerin and Neander and my self with that secret and caused Neander who was carried sorely hurt into the besieged City to entreat me that I would hasten to you obtain your favor for them which they believed lost but my misfortune stay'd me on the way in a remote place from all commerce where 't was impossible to let you know what was become of me or of the Princes Undoubtedly they are yet with the King of Narsinga unknown to any save the fair Orazia to whom your dear Anaxander before he went from hence did vow himself He afterwards told them whatsoever he knew of the History of the Loves of those two generous Princes which was likely to have made Alcidaris to send another Embassadour instantly to the King of Narsinga but Evander diverted it for seeing the War was ended he assured the King that they would return at soon as Arontus Funerals were solemnized for which they had under stood so many sad preparation were making in the City of Baticalus The King and Queen then ezpect Pirobus his return who could not be long ere he came intending to send him instantly back again in case they learnt that some new obstacle stayed those two Hero's in Narsinga And to expresse the great contentment which they had received from Evanders news and the other great services he had done them they gave him the Government of Bazain which had of late been vacant and as soon as the good old man had a little reposed himself at Campanel he departed by the King and Queens leave to take possession of it promising to be with them again by that time Pirobus should be returned to resolve with their Majesties of what were best to be done for Anaxanders contentment for they were already resolved fully to give Orazia to him in case that Pirobus had obtained the promise of her and thought the change would not be unacceptable to the King of Narsingas who had been witness of the fair deeds of their young Prince Not above three daies after the good Evanders arrival at Bazain about the evening out of the Port guard came to tell him that there was arrived a forein
the King my Father to whom you will not yet discover your self thunders extremely against you and my self as well for diversion of his wrath as that you might surprize him wholly at your return have sowen the newes of your death through all the Court. Were it true indeed replyed Anaxander your only presence and words comming from so fair a mouth in my favour were sufficient to restore me again to life But Madam do not think that I can conceal my self however carefull I may be to do it nor do you think that my wounds are secret no more than those which your fair eyes have caused in the bottom of my heart since you are privy to my evils I believe all the world is full of them wherin you only are to me considerable But said he smiling and flriving to take the Princess hand to kiss it I believe Madam you are come hither of purpose to tell me of the good fortune which the marriage of my Brother Alcidaris promises you to whose merit you are dedicated and that you do me the honour to visit me as your Brother in Law rather than as your servant the Princess who could not endure jesting upon that subject I do not think said she with a cone more serious that you have misunderstood the answer I gave Pirobus and which I by and by communicated to you by Saradin to wit that I accounted my self too happy in that heaven had ordained the most perfect and accomplish'd Prince of Gouzarat to be my husband for you know better than I that that praise can belong to man save your self and that having made me know the wants of Alcidaris I should seperate my self as far from his sute as you are from his ill behaviour Anaxander could not forbear laughing to see her justifie her self so seriously in thing which she had said to his advantage and finding that she was a little moved How Madam said he would you have so ill an opinion of me as to be perswaded that I should think you guilty of loving a sot I pray believe I have too good a one of my self and that I have too many testimonies of your love to imagine you were pleased with Alcidaris sute but I thought that in talking of so ridiculous a man a little sport had not been out of season and to say the truth although he be my Brother I cannot think on the description made me of him without bursting with laughter During their entertainment with such like discourse the Princess of Zeylan entertained Piroxenus and without seeming to have any interest in Lisimantus safety making him tell her every particular of the combat she understood that he had been carried very much hurt aboord his bark but that he thought him not in worse plight than Anaxander and that where ever he was he thought him still living This assurance gave great cause of comfort to Lisimena who in truth feared nothing more in the world than the death of that accomplish'd Knight who had performed as many brave actions for the love of her as of himself besides that she knew that last encounter grew but from the extreme affection he bare her which was grown to such a pass as in his very despair he could endure norivals They were all four more than two houres together having no other witness of their contentment but Saradin but when there was a word of parting sorrow trod short upon the heels of joy And what ever means Orazia used to dissemble her displeasure it was so plain to see in her fair eyes bedew'd with tears as Anaxander could not restrain himself from seconding them with his in that tender motion which did seaze him and a thousand times kissing that adorable Princesse hands he made her as many protestations of eternall constancy then in presence of three witnesses they renewed with extreme and reciprocall affection their promises of mariage which they had formerly made in Baticalus desiring the Gods to exterminate the first of them that should break faith They being thus fortified by that mutuall assurance finished their adieus wherein Anaxander promised his Princesse that believing himself to be able in a short space to depart from thence for Gouzarat he would return sooner than she thought for the accomplishment of both their wishes The night being well spent the two fair Princesses returned to their Chamber where they entertain'd themselves untill day which no sooner appeared but the King who was already cloathed caused them to be advertis'd that they should make themselves ready to depart if they desired to avoid the heat of the day which the beginning threatned they shut not their eyes all that night and yet Orazia desiring nothing more in the world than that the King her father were departed from that Castle where she had never been in quiet she suddainly made her self ready and having again sent a new complement by Saradin to Prince Anaxander she ascended with Lisimena her Chariot and so following the Kings she little and little lost sight of the Castle which as long as she was able she kept within her eye The amorous Prince whom she had left behinde her paid full dearly for the pleasure of her visit for he was so much moved by excesse of joy which his Mistresse presence caus'd him as he fell into a violent Feavor which accident very much retarded his recovery but let us leave him to amendment by a long rest untill a perfect health grow on him Lots likewise leave the King of Narsinga arrived at Bisnagar where he did a thousand honors to the Princesse Lisimena who would not permit him to accompany her any farther and let us suffer that fair Princess to depart who although she returned to the King her father and to an Island which the Arabians In their tongue call the land of delights and the Indians the Paradise of the earth and that over and above those considerations she hoped to see her Love again there could not chuse but be extremely afflicted â—â—en departing from Orazia she lost the sweetest conversation she had in the world Let us I say leave all these matters as they are and return to Cambaya and see that unfortunate Knight whom Evander conducted to the great ALcidaris arrive as Campanel and who had unawares accus'd himself of Anaxanders death As soon as the King was told of that sad news it was as much as he could do to live for torrow Unfortunate Anaxander said he must I lose thee again the second time and be deceived so soon of the hope was given me that I should see thee yet alive Ah Evander how unacceptably hast thou vifited me my rage was over and I had dryed my tears caused by the imaginary losse of my son and thou hast let me know his being alive and his brave actions but to increase my sorrow for his death indeed Great was his grief but the Queens extream That fair Princesse who was but newly come from
hands ill fortune would that his horse astonish'd at the flame which hurt his eyes in passing fell with him in a ditch very neer his enemies they instantly fell upon him and being under his horse we saw without being able to help him how they took away his Lance and sword and bound him with cords as soon as they had disarm'd him Piroxenus would have returned but when I had put into his consideration that at liberty he might be much better able to serve him than if he exposed himself to bonds with him he was for that time perswaded by me and as I advised he resolved to go in dispuise to Bisnagar and try with the Princesse to save him whom he loved a thousand times more than himself As for me he commanded that I should go advertise you of that misfortune with all speed and in case they condemn'd not the Prince suddainly without any form of processe you might dispatch an Embassador to the King of Narsinga time enough to save his life And this Sir hath drawn me so hastily unto your Majesty I protest unto you I have scarce eaten or drank since this fell out for fear the least stay night cause my Masters losâ—s They cannot have carryed him as he was bound very fast and am consident it is as much as they have been able to do to bring him yesterday to Bisnagar for I gave whatever was ask'd me for fresh horses where ever I could sinde them and I believe never man made more dispatch Here Almerin ended his discourse which did not so much trouble the King but that there remained some hope for him for knowing Orazias love he believed that fair Princesse would not fail to use all her credit and power for him whom she was to marry Besider Paroxeaus his escape was another sign of comfort persuming that he would finde friends in the Court to perswade the King not to precipitate his condemnatioÌ„ that should declare himself so great a Prince untill the truth were known In the meanwhile not to lose time he sent Falantus his Gentleman of the horse in all speed with such a direction as he instantly conceiv'd Alcidaris King of Cambaya of Dulcinda of Candahar and Mandao and absolute Lord of whatsoever that great renowned River waters which giveth name unto the Indes To thee Salamas mighty King of Narsinga of Bisnagar and of Orixus and absolute Lord of the Seas which furnish all the East with Pearl his dear and well-beloved brother health I Am informed that my young son Anaxander for whose death I have twice lamented is the man who hath so worthily served thee in thy Wars under the name Ariomant and who of late hath through his youthful heat first violated thy just Edicts whereof I give thee speedy advertisement by Falantus Gentleman of my horse and by this letter signed with my Hand and Sealed with my Seal that thou mayst turn thy anger from him and use him as thy brothers son in power and equal in authority I conjure thee moreover to favor his sute and give credit to my Embassador who will tell thee that the man whom I designed for thy son in law is worthy of thy kindred and the fortune I had procur'd him as my son The King would added threats to the end of his letter in case that some misfortune might have befallen poor Anaxander ere the comming of these but he was disswaded by his counsel who were of opinion that in case nothing had yet hapned to the Princes disadvantage threats might incense the King of Narsinga and set him upon extremities which his own inclinations might not move him to wherefore they thought it sufficient to have a great Army in readynesse which Lisimantus should command and should march great journeys and be ready to powre on Narfinga and revenge an affront which they yet but feared The Queen upon this bare fear encourag'd every man to revenge it was a pitty to see her in such trouble as that new discontent had cast hâ—r into more deep than ever Like those who have run great hazards at sea and endure nothing with so great impatience as shipwrack threatned at the Haven That poor Princesse unfortunate who had so much already lamented her sons death and been battered by so many storms and crosses past was never so sensible as of this last torment which assaulted her just when she thought her self under the shelter of all manner of afflictions and misfortunes she had already flattered her self with sweet hope of embracing her son she had invited the whole Court to honor his wellcome she imagined that the tenderness of a mothers love would not afford embraces enough to cherish so vertuous a child when that sad messenger came and spoil'd her at an instant of those sweet meditations to set her spirit on the rack scarce pacifi'd with some small intervals of false joy The King would willingly have seconded her in her just sorrow and found matter of comfore for her as he was wont but the poor Prince had other things to think on for though in some sort he expected that the King of Narsinga would not proceed so fast that point was too ticklish to leave him without great cause of doubt and he was wise enough to foresee that to ground any hope upon the uncertain judgement of men was but to build upon a moving sand He therefore caused Lisimantus at the head of a hundred thousand men to depart a few daies after Falantus had his dispatch That young Knight was full of spirit and exceedingly affectionate to his Masters service and seeing that his Princes safety and the States quiet depended upon his diligence he got upon the best and swiftest horse in the Indes and resolv'd to take him at far as his heart and legs would carry him before he would take Post But whiles he does his best to come in good time to Bisnagar let us make more haste there than he and see what is done against Anaxander After that unfortunate Prince had been very hardly used on the way by those men without pitty w hose number he had so couragiously and in vain diminished he was conducted into that sad place where once he expected to receive a more gentle entertainment Piroxonus who was arriv'd but one day before him had reaped no other fruit of his diligence than lading the Princesse Orazia's spirit with affliction and sorrow by recounting to her how Anaxander was taken and pressing her to use all the means she could or his safety but the poor Lady knew not to whom to adresse her self and however violent passion she had to save her dear husband her shame too much withheld her from declaring it to the King whom she her self dared not to speak to nor knew she whom else to trust or chuse to do it in her stead That which caus'd the misfortune and the ruin of our Princes was their having lived with too much splendor and authority during