bodies capable of such labour and activity as might enrich the Countrey if their mindes were answerable to their composure and making but they are so extreamly lazy and proud by nature that as they had rather beg or steale then worke or take paines so doth the soyle wholly upon the matter lie unmanured rather chasing in forraigne parts any servile office whatsoever then they will make the best of their own livings and estates at home in their own Countrey whilst their wives and families also in the interim are content to seek out new and strange fortunes with whole troops of attendants not omitting neverthelesse the least part of those ceremonies that belong to persons of the greatest quality although every night they lye in barnes and in the day feed scarce upon any thing that can afford nourishment to their appetites The women may be said to be rather chaste by nature then that they can give any reason in their own thoughts why they are honest at all for that commonly they sleepe altogether without any distaste in the general or the least shew of jealousie in the particular a laudable property incident to most barbarous Nations however perhaps meerly proceeding from want of luxurious enticements that use to enflame lusts in dispositions The men are valiant enough in the warres of other countries but whether by constraint or nature I will not say since at home it is most apparent they even want courages to defend their wives and children rather trusting to their own craft and subtilty in circumventing their enemies then any way desiring with their swords in their hands to oppose perhaps thinking it a folly where they any way can get advantage to complement about honour for no people in the world hate with a more unrelenting spight or revenge by a more hidden cruelty When they goe to the wars whole Troops and families follow to accompany their friends out of kindnesse though their intentions for the most part are thereby to pillage camps of either side according to the fortune of the day Concerning their religion though they doe exactly adhere to the ancient rules of Delphos and that with a seeming zeale outwardly yet seldome or never perform they those rights with an intention to observe any morality in so much as it may be said they rather use such cermonies because they will not change customes then that they hope to receive absolute benefit by them in this manner being content to suffer themselves to be flattered onely with an opinion they doe well when they will not take any care at all to be better satisfied In conclusion they love to talke of lands and possessions withheld injuriously from their right but never attempt any means probable to come to them againe And this Lady being as neer as I can guesse the truest character of our common people I shall againe returne to the prosecution of our story As I said before after the Kings of Lydia by many defeats given to some of the principall of the Nobility that esteemed themselves Princes in Authority and command if not in Titles and right had setled an absolute Monarchy in the Island by degrees the people were brought into a kind of slavish condition since they conceived they were fitter to be made obey then to command not onely in regard of their lack of knowledge and constancy in the generall but also for that the governours perceived that however they wanted sufficient industry to mannage the Councells as well as their lawes in their own Countrey yet they had spight enough against the jurisdiction of strangers It was sufficient they did not affect other Nations and therefore could not love the Lydians insomuch as notwithstanding the apparent benefit they found by practising and using the Lydian customes in many things concerning the sowing of Corne and the like they rather chose to undergoe the penalty for their not putting them in execution then they would in any kind subject themselves to those laudable and profitable observations as if their pride appeared sufficiently satisfied in not seeming willing to follow that which certainly was the best for no reason but that it was prescribed them however I must say the Noble men in the generall were not onely for the most part very much civillized but extreamely affected to the Crowne of Lydia as knowing from thence were brought learning riches and education though some great persons amongst them notwithstanding rather endeavoured to head many barbarous factions out of I cannot tell what manner of sordid ambition then they would either come to Court themselves or seeme to hold any friendly correspondency with any of those that did though they were of the same bloud and kindred with themselves which not onely raised many jealousies amongst the Nobility in the particular but alwayes caused a great Court suspition concerning the affections of the Nation in the generall so that those that for the most part attended upon the person of the Kings in Lydia notwithstanding their continuall industry to doe their Princes service were looked upon with no eyes of favour and grace by reason of this unpolished ambition of those Lords that still addicted themselves to the old Cretan manners as it were loving it for no other cause but that it seemed to thwart and contradict the Lydian customes This pride indiscreetly executed at the first I say created jealousies in our Princes which againe returned hatred to us wherefore as the wisedome of councellours thinking to provide against rebellions would never make choise of any of the natives for governours so the natives thinking themselves dishonoured thereby were unwilling to obey such Commanders set over them upon this followed complaints on all sides And many of our Lords not dring to dispute the right of their justifications in Lydia oftentimes forbore to appeare upon summons so that advantages being made of their feare rather then knowledge of their crimes their estates became confiscated for their omission which of necessity enflamed their hearts to thoughts of more disloyalty untill at last their spleen joyning with the humours of the people who had not much to lose because they would possesse but little made them at last fall into an open Rebellion which for some yeares filled our Country with bloud and slaughters But now Madam said be as I have but hitherunto presented you with a glasse whereby you may the better understand the story I am to tell so shall I in as briefe a way as I can repeate unto you not onely the occasions as I conceive of the late Tragedies acted in this poore and unfortunate Island but also make you acquainted with the very realities themselves to this purpose I must say in the raigne of a late Queene of Syria a woman endowed with admirable gifts of nature as also had a spirit answerable thereunto whereby shee seemed to give her undertaking countenance fell out both with the Arch Flamin of Delphos and the great King of Egypt at
would use To this purpose after some few daies she became informed that he was a young Nobleman of Lyria called Creses imployed by the Senate in the government of the Countrey about the Castle which made her also observe his actions whereby she might learn whether it were a new instructed duty that taught him better obedience to the Kings service then formerly or whether some discontent of his other Lords proceedings at Sardis in regard of his own person caused him revengefully to put off his trust But as within the compasse of some weeks she was satisfied it was neither of these reasons that gave him an appetite to leave his command and begin a new loyalty to his King so of the other side she became assured in her opinion that his secret love to the Princesse Cloria was the principall cause that made him offer so acceptable a service to the hazzard of his own life and with this knowledge fell into many considerations with her Mistresse whether it were better with security of their persons still to remaine in the Castle where they were under the jurisdiction of the Senate and to expect the vexations of Cassianus importunity upon his arrivall as Creses had informed them or hazard themselves under the protection of the new lover whose disposition and intention they were not acquainted withall neverthelesse after long debate they fell upon the latter which was rather absolutely to trust his passion then expect the Senates goodnesse And to that purpose Roxana told Creses in the Princesses name that she was resolved wholly not onely to relye upon his fidelity but to be directed in her journey to her Father by his care which gave Creses a world of content not alone that he was thought worthy of so great a considence but by this meanes he should free his apprehension from the danger of Gassianus courship so that within a weekes space he provided all things necessary for their escape whilst in the meane time Cloria pretended a sicknesse that caused her to keep her chamber whereby no suspition of her flight might remaine for some dayes after her departure as Creses did of important businesse which called him to a necessary attendance at Sardis When the designed night came that they were to begin their journey which was expected with some impatience the Princesse Roxana and their intrusted dwarfe the only attendants they would use for feare of discovery repaired to a place at the foote of the Castle hill where one Sentinell being more curious then the rest would have interrupted their passage but their ready knowledge of the word gave him a quicke discharge and so consequently set them free to take their Horses that were provided not farre off by Creses care who was there also attending himselfe to mount the Princesse and the other company But scarce had the cheerfull morning appeared in the East after a redious nights travell in rough and unbeaten wayes when they arrived at an even plaine that not onely afforded them some consolation to sweeten their past inconvenience but gave opportunity to Creses reflecting upon his owne trust and enflamed by his secret love to use this language to the Princesse Madam said he as I envy not the Gods happinesse in the conversation I have power to enjoy so the trust that is committed to my care deserves a diligence beyond expression wherein if I had a thousand lives they were all too few to be imployed in such a service yet give me leave to say without profanation of your sacred selfe that love is the onely price that ought to purchase your person by an honourable pitty which cannot be wanting where there are so many other admirable perfections for since none can merit your vertues your goodnesse will appeare in the greatest lustre when it shall be seene you chuse because you intend absolutely to oblige like the heavens that take most pleasure in forgiving highest offences It may perhaps be esteemed by ignorant apprehensions a kinde of an equality in worth when Titles are united but you know that darke foyles are used to illustrate bright Diamonds wherefore let not honours be the object of your lookes which however although they cannot outshine yours yet certainly the clearnesse of your beauty will best appeare when others are removed like the faire Moone when the Sunne is most obscured that offends by his too much violence Flowers seeme more delighfull in innocent fields then in stately Gardens and christall streames are plentifuller replenished with variety of watry inhabitants when the green meadowes give them boundes rather then where Marble structures enrich their aboade then kissing her hand with a passionate earnestnesse he bathed her white glove with a few of his owne Teares that quickly gave Cloria Items of his intentions but she would take no notice of his discourse being unwilling to disquiet her protection since she could not condiscend to his desire so that she was constrain'd prettily to divert the occasion by calling her Governesse to the communication pretending that else her rigid gravity might chide them both for their dis-respect when Roxana was arrived at a neerer distance the Princesse perceiving her to be much troubled if not altogether tired with the past nights travell by her often removing her selfe upon her Saddle not being accustomed to many such exercises after she had bid her be of good cheere began to question with her concerning the practice and imployment of her youth and whether or no women in those dayes did use to ride a hunting according to the fashions now of Lydia faith no Madam said Roxana in those times maides were more modestly bred then to exercise such hoyting recreations for if their mothers suffered them to walke a turne or two in the garden after they had performed a good dayes worke upon their Samplers and of holy dayes to goe eate a messe of Creame in some honest neighbours house it was esteemed a large liberty besides there was a carefull provision by their parents that no men of any son should accompany them although they were such as pretended to be Suitors and the conditions of marriage already agreed upon but now by my truly there is nothing but private courtship and publicke love with continuall divertizements from one pleasure to another so that young girles endeavour nothing more then to become bold and scandalous nay I can assure you Princesse said she a Maide durst not so much as smile before her Father and Mother scarce looking upon their woers before they were married in which bashfull posture on the night of their Nuptials they entertained their husbands with teares onely This discourse or rather passion of the old woman proceeding as 't was supposed from the hard going of her horse gave Cloria occasion to tell her in a gentle smile that the reason why they did not practice such pastimes was because they wanted good horses for the sport and Coaches at she had heard were not then in use
protection But alasse said Cloria I rather marvell whither my Father can possibly be fled to purchase more hopes for that all the Kingdome is probably out of his jurisdiction therefore I should be glad to flatter my selfe with some opinions that the designe was undertaken upon good grounds As I cannot promise that answered Roxana yet certainly the King being so wise would never have ventured upon such a dangerous attempt without long consideration and assured friends to conduct him to his journeyes end but if I may rove according to my wilde imagination either he is gone into Syria since I cannot believe he would any more trust his person with the Myssians who have divers times deceived him or is invited into Creet by his Subjects there in Armes against the Senate the better to make good their cause against the new Lydian Forces preparing to bring them speedily under subjection The gods will be done said the poore Princesse but I feare the worst These discourses brought them to the rest of the company in the Garden to make them also sharers of the unexpected newes Roxana the next morning had scarce leasure given her to welcome the day when she was advertised by a messenger sent from Creses that within two houres space he would attend her if she pleased at the banquetting house amongst the Woods not only to finish out the rest of their discourse but also to let her know other passages worth her acceptance The old Matron conceiving it was some intelligence more particular concerning the Kings departure sent him thanks and promised with all diligence to wait upon the summons which she performed a pretty while before Creses arrivall that gave her opportunity to examine her own imagination but it was not long before she was interrupted by his appearance which with a few ceremonies seated them both together as the day before whilst Creses used this language Though I may suppose said he you have heard something of the Kings departure from under the protection of the Army yet perhaps you have not as yet been enformed of the reasons and particulars of his retirement or rather I may call it an escape since he was perswaded it would be for his better safty Roxana confessing she knew nothing of the manner much lesse the cause though common fame had brought the report to her eares Creses gave her this farther account of the passage according to the relation he had from an officer intrusted in the service as he said The King said he being not only suspitious of the security of his person by reason of the many divisions of opinion in the Campe some desiring a Prince others none especially considering the diversity of humours amongst the common Souldiers who generally laboured for an universall equality as also being credibly enformed that unlesse he would presently condescend to those propositions formerly sent unto him with the addition of some priviledges demanded that were more destractive to his Crowne and dignity he should infallibly be murthered he was constrained to this sudden retirement however I must tell you these rumours were given out as 't was believed only to fright him to seek another station where he might be againe imprisoned with some colour and better security as pretending his intention was to escape out of the Armies jurisdiction and power so that the poore King finding causes enough for a suspition acquainted two of his servants both with his feares and intentions who to be short perswaded him to fly to an Island upon the borders of Caria where remaines as governour a valiant commander though formerly imployed by the Senate yet at the present was conceived to be wholly at the dispose of Farezius and the Army this Captaine they assured him would be entirely faithfull to his designes though upon what grounds I can neither informe you or satisfie my selfe since the consequence proved otherwise for no sooner was the King arrived under his jurisdiction but he entertained him not only with a sad and sowre countenance but after he had secured his person in the Castle and sent away his two officers he presently gave information to the Senate of all the proceedings desiring further directions in what manner he should be treated though he carries still in his demeanour a kinde of a reverence to his dignity all these passages as I told you before I have from one of those persons newly returned that accompanied him in the journey with this advertizement also that before the Kings departure from the Campe he left in his chamber under his own hand the reason of his feares and his escape all which Madam I may say is in such a mist that no lesse a knowledge then some divine Oracle can informe us concerning the certainty of the mystery only we may be confident that Euarchus hath imployment enough for his courage and patience At these words Roxana wept againe with the very fence of the Kings dangers and miseries Nay said Creses his suffering of all sides are so extreame that notwithstanding he hath sent to Farezius and offered to accord every difference and interest in the Kingdome being heard yet neither the Generall nor Senate will entertaine the motion or allow him that priviledge fearing belike he should speak too much reason to render his Subjects satisfied whereby they might be endangered to lose that authority which now they possesse without contradiction But said Roxana why doe the common people desire violently no King since Euarchus shewes such testimonies of his goodnesse Truly said Creses as that opinion in the Generall is erronious since all be not of that faction so of the other side there be too many that wish an universall equality not considering the confusion it would bring upon the whole Kingdome being as it were bewitched with an ignorant pride for most of them by such a parity would be in more slavery then they are now since they could never be capable of any command and necessarily must obey those that would governe with more rigour though elected from amongst themselves besides they are now so weary of the Senates rule in the same posture having had some experience of their managing affaires hitherto that they believe their owne cure can proceed from nothing but desperate change which is incident to all distempered minds since they that could not be well under Euarchus peaceable government wherein they enjoyed all wealth and prosperity though no doubt but there was some abuses certainly now will not rest satisfied when they shall feele nothing but want oppression and instability besides many feare that things are not yet at the worst when so many contrary interests with violence seeme to contend These discourses brought them both at last in dispute whether active valour or passive courage were the greater vertue in that Euarchus seemed to possesse them in a high kinde But Creses who had a dainty wit defended the latter with these arguments first said he before we can well
untill Eumenes in briefe let him know that the Queen being forced out of her repose by the late troubles in Lydia since his departure Cloria was come to accompany her mother into Syria both remaining for the present in the Temple within the Forrest whereas himselfe as he said had travelled most part of the past night without successe to finde out a more convenient lodging for the wearied Ladies This gave occasion to Cassianus to informe him presently of the Forresters house a place as he told him most fit for their reception in that the Master was a Nobleman of Syria banished also by mis-fortune out of his own Countrey Eumenes's content and satisfaction for the accommodation would not permit them longer to expostulate the matter onely it was resolved Cassianus should make use of his borrowed name of Cassia still which he called himselfe by amongst the inhabitants of the Forrest for feare of further discovery supposing the change of his apparrell and the shortnesse of his haire would obscure his person with these determinations they went to finde out the sorrowfull Queen and her lovely daughter after their inconvenient rest But Cassianus although he had put on as strong a resolution as his weake power would give him leave absolutely to bury his former love in oblivion yet when his eyes again beheld the admirable Princesse though onely drest with the sad cloathing of discontent for her mothers oppressisions he stood trembling without being able to speak one single word having no power to invite them to the Forresters house Eumenes who quickly perceived his disease told the Queen that that young huntsman was come not onely to inform her but to wait upon her to a more convenient habitation which would appeare the better as he said in regard of the inconvenience of the night past the Queen without any circumstances imbraced the offer and went presently with her whole Trayne to take possession of the courtesie The Lodge was seated upon a rising hill as if it had been ordained by nature to be the commanding fortresse of those woods which most pleasantly encompassed it round about as a watchfull guard yet leaving a large plaine of all sides to shew they would not intrude too neere to be an inconvenience to the dwelling which circuit also was imployed to the best advantage since most beautifull Gardens with Fountaines afforded not onely delight but added in a manner state to the building however it seemed contrived onely of purpose to avoyd all ostentation and purchase privacy The Queen and the rest of the company had not imployed much time in beholding that pretty delight but the old Fâ—rrester himselfe having been advertised by Cassianus that went before to that purpose of some Noble guests which he was to entertaine though he was not at all informed of the persons came out to meet them as he prepared himselfe to give a complementall welcome according to the courtesie of his nature and the civility of his education he was soon made certaine of the presence of the Queen of Lydia for that her picture which he had in his house lively represented her countenance to his memory and not long after the Queen also came to understand that he was her base brother driven out of Syria by the power of Philostros As this unexpected encounter gave the Queen some consolation in her discontented voyage so could not her brother be but impatient to know her fortunes the occasion appearing extraordinary that brought her to this solitary place however he thought it not manners to presse her to the inconvenience of a relation before he had setled her in her chamber where the fair Mantuina attended to doe her service who quickly brought in a curious banquet of her own preserving to give her Aunt entertainment After Hyacinthia had sufficiently refreshed his appetite and the Princesse Cloria was retired with Eumenes and the young Forrester Cassia to take a view of those Gardens which lay under her mothers chamber window the Queen being also descended into the Parlor began the story of her own oppressions by Euarchus subjests with these circumstances It is well known brother said she that after Philostros had firmly established his own power by the absolute favour of his master Orsames he by that means also supprest the greatnesse of all the Nobility of Syria who during the Kings infancy had alwaies demanded conditions for themselves by force of Armes and having now no more opposition in his own Countrey resolved to contend with the mightinesse of the Aegyptian Monarchy This I may say hath been one of the chiefe causes that hath procured the King my husbands disturbances and so consequently my own voluntary retirement at present since the great Favourite Philostros finding he could not by any means work Euarchus from his constant resolution of keeping inviolably those ties of amity that still continue between himselfe and the State of Aegypt I being married as was supposed to that effect became enflamed with a new spleen against the quiet felicity we seemed to enjoy in Lydia and by consequence held it a necessary piece of policy to disturbe us in our peaceable government whereby Sorastros might receive no assistance either from our endeavour or power if Euarchus at any time should be perswaded to such an intention by those affected as he thought more to the Aegyptians then to the Syrians though truly for my own part I must ingeniously confesse for many yeeres together I laboured that breach Philostros desired however without effect since the King my husband esteemed it a safer point of honour to maintain both love and correspondency with all his neighbouring Princes than to have a needlesse enmity for the ends onely of others yet that which most aggravated the feare if not malice of Orsames Favourite was the comming into Lydia of Queen Anaxia my mother as was surmised with certain conditions not onely of a more strict unity between the two Crowns of Aegypt and Lydia but also with propositions of a match of our daughter Cloria with Prince Osirus by which means he thought the tye would become inviolable These reasons as we imagined caused Philostros to countenance some of the Nobility of Myssia not onely to have a more particular dependency upon the Crowns of Syria but to become lesse regardfull of their own Prince and to demand some conditions advantageable to themselves of Euarchus by force of armes since he neither lived with them as was pretended nor could be drawn to make a warre with the King of Armenia in his Nephew Cassianus quarrell Whilst businesses were agitating in this manner one Dimogoras an ancient Noble man of Lydia being not onely of a factious disposition but extreamly befriended of the common sort of people who for the most part have not patience nor constancy to remain long in one mind taking advantage of Prince Cassianus comming to the Court of Lydia as also of the discontents of Myssia of a sudden began
with all violence to cry out for an engagement with the King of Armenia whereby as 't was alledged with more honour to recover again the lost Countrey of Iberia As these inflammations I must tell prognosticated some alterations in our Kingdome of Lydia which Euarchus had endeavoured for many yeers to detaine in a quiet security both out of his naturall inclination to peace as well as by the faithfull councell of one Pollinex so of the other side of necessity it could not but afford the King sufficient matter for his thoughts and considerations to worke upon To this purpose he presently dispatched not onely an Ambassadour of quality to Artazes King of Armenia seriously to expopostulate with him about the restoring of the countrey of Iberia to his Nephew Prince Cassianus but also sent other Messengers into Myssia as well to temper as to feele the dispositions of those people since he had been advertised of disorders if not rebellions already begun in that climate which he thought would prove of some troublesome if not dangerous consequence to his affaires if not suddenly allayed and pacified in regard the scituation of their habitations were not onely barren but unaccessible in many places in this posture jealousies continued if not encreased by a certaine kind of desperation of all sides untill the King himselfe in person was constrained with a royall Army to march towards the confines of Myssia whereby in some visible way by his presence to terrifie those people if it were possible to new obedience since neither his messengers nor perswasions had been able one jot to work upon their natures or loyalties and the rather did he resolve to make this expedition for that he understood some of the Nobility had already sent a submission to Orsames my brother however Philostros his Favourite not long after conveyed the Letter to me in a complement But the Myssians not appearing any thing sensible of their ingratitude with the like seeming resolutions prepared themselves to give the King battle whilst in the interim Euarchus suspecting many of the Nobility of Lydia that were in his army though in person they appeared to attend his command were disaffected to the cause he tendred them an oath of fidelity which they refusing he appointed them either to be confined or retained in prison But that which seemed most strange in every mans apprehension was that Dimogoras remained most resolute notwithstanding to the Kings purposes against the Myssians though with what inward intention I am not able to determine since both before and after the warres he hath shewed himselfe most peevish and spightfull in all our occasions In fine not to detaine you too long with the relation of many tedious circumstances when Euarchus was ready to have given his disobedient subjects the Myssians a totall if not dismall overthrow by reason of the prerogative of his numbers and power he not onely shufled up contrary to every ones expectation certain conditions for their advantage but granted them also liberty to appoint commissioners for themselves whereby with more deliberation to dispute their pretended grievances in Lydia However the Ambassadours instead of applying themselves to Euarchus to finish the promised and begun treaty did of the contrary comply wholly with all the factious of Lydia which hath produced since the calling together of the great Councell of the Kingdom But for that one Pollinex suffered by this authority who was a man of excellent wit knowledge and courage as well as his triall and condemnation remarkable I shall particularly mention the passages As it was well known at what root the Senate of the Kingdome intended to strike being thus assembled without the good liking of the King so Pollinex could not chuse but perceive the main marke they aimed at was his destruction as being the chiefe man that would and durst give his Master any counsell of contradiction yet having belike an absolute confidence either in his own innocency or his Princes favour withall building perhaps too much upon his eloquence and parts could not by any means be perswaded to quit the Kingdome wherefore being presently apprehended a Tribunall was erected for his condemnation however the Senate intended to be both Judges and accusers though my husband my self were at the hearing being desirous out of some kind of curiosity not onely to be satisfied concerning the crimes of Pollinex but to be witnesses of the prosecution After the prisoner was brought to the bar they wanted no force of arguments to render him seemingly guilty to the admiring people who had been made already sufficiently prejudicate in their opinions by those which thought to gain by his destruction And for the Nobility that seemed by the Lawes of â—â—dia to be his formall Judges however in effect they durst but act what was dictated to them by the multitude conceived his escape might prejudice their own fortunes wherefore were partly resolved of their judgements before hand knowing as in some sort his nature was implacable so would it be almost impossible to work him out of his Masters favour these reasoâ— enlarged the disputations to some weekes revolution with equall violence But at last many of his Judges whether convinced by the eloquence and powerfulnesse of his arguments or whether perswaded to more indifferency by some hope to enter into the Kings favour of a sudden not onely forbore any more to inforce their allegations but in direct termes either professed themselves his friends or seemed openly to pretend as they had been formerly induced to thoughts of his condemnation by the cries of the people and opinions of his crimes so were both their hearts and consciences now altered towards his preservation in regard of those reasonable and just defences he had made for himselfe publikely before the face of the multitude Neverthelesse both Dimogoras and the rest of his faction continued yet violent in their intended purposes which was not onely by this means to pull Pollinex from the bosome of the King but also to take away his life least he might againe mount into places of eminency to their prejudice yet doubting that by this way of triall they should not possibly compasse their ends in that the Judges being onely of the Nobility were divided in their opinions resolved upon passing a law in the Senate-house for his condemnation After they had totally declined the first manner of prosecution it was not long before they put in execution the second whereupon poore Pollinex was condemned to the slaughter and not onely stood thus censured as a guilty person without having liberty to speake for himselfe but Euarchus was also constrained by the cries and exclamations of the enraged people to give his unwillingly consent to this unfortunate and cruell judgement though long he disputed with his Flamins about it who all perswaded him to the compliance rather then hazzard his own person and the Kingdoms ruine Notwithstanding the King had condescended to these particulars with an
the celebration of the day and night when the banks of Nilus were to be opened to let in the water over the Countrey Thus they continued casting their eyes about at severall varieties the Musick in the interim meeting with the concavity of the fabrick to the best advantage to the care whilst of a sudden there flew open a two-leaved doore that directed its prospect through a large and long Gallery into another room at the upper end of which appeared a Lady sitting on a Throne ' however at such a distance that her countenance could not be perfectly distinguished but being soon conducted by Philos towards the place she was quickly discovered by his information to be his sister the most faire Artemesia at leastwise so esteemed in her own opinion and truly was so in effect if her minde had in every kinde been answerable to her body since any way wanting the inward beauty some defect of necessity must be in the whole and so consequently not most faire Upon their approach they found her incompassed by many Negro slaves who with huge Fanns in their hands appeared to give her breath and refreshment but why onely so accompanied could not well be imagined unlesse it were by the blacknesse of her attendants the better to set forth her own beauty in the apprehension of the spectators when they came at something a neerer distance for before she would not seem to rise in a certain kind of carelesse posture she descended from her Throne whilst the lovely Princesse Cloria with another kind of quicknesse in her carriage made up between courtesie and good nature wherein pride had not the least interest addrest her selfe to give her an affable and fitting salutation proceeding not onely from the gentlenesse of her disposition but the gratitude in her thoughts in that her brothers entertainment was wholly upon the matter as was pretended intended for her welcome and reception Neverthelesse Artemesia met her with such a countenance as if she yet made some question which of both was to be esteemed the person of most dignity however at last Artemesia gave Cloria the better hand though with that demeanour that did more divulge her insolency then shew her judgement to all the assembly but self-opinion when onely governed by an imperious soule accompanied with passion and prosperity can have no other cure but either by destruction in effect or contrary fortunes in possession but all this as it should seem was to gaine a heart from poore Narcissus that was aready captivated by a stronger influence who though he had understood her meaning hee could not have been brought from sacrificing to vertue and goodnesse to have committed idolatry before a painted image wherein was contained as might be thought nothing but pride and vanity To be short these ridiculous passages in a ceremonious march conducted them to take their places The feast it selfe did not exceed more in sumptuous magnificence then in exquisite curiosity for the fruits seemed rather all growing upon naturall Trees ther conveyed to their taste by industry whilst birds of all sorts in the interim flew about the room warbling forth such variety of notes to entertain the company as if they had been taught their skill by excellent masters And the more admirable it was in regard the clarity of the place by reason of an artificiall splendour newly created proceeding from divers places in the room rendred their severall colours to the view more beautifull then they were by nature ordained It were a kind of grosse simplicity to talk of abundance when as the power of Syria joyned with the fertility of Aegypt conjoyned with a full if not as I may say an omnipotent ability to perswade love and shew greatnesse But however this entertainment seemed to be the provision of many ages and the feast intended for some yeeres continuance yet that nights ceremony though customary in it selfe yet at the present ordained for the sight of the greatest esteemed Monarch in Asia could not waite upon any other intention or conveniency wherefore the company being advertised that Orsames with his Favourite in the other Castle were already seated expecting the shew in something a confused manner rise from the Table leaving all other services behind to be recommended onely to fancy and imagination since every one hasted to those windowes upon the River that were most convenient for their purposes for that already the fire flying in the ayre and the Trumpets sounding upon the land appeared to sense as if the heavens had changed their stations for as the night seemed to be day by a contrary though a more illustrious reflection so mortalls might be thought to have assumed to themselves the property of gods in regard of the resplendent glory of the King who sat upon the top of the great Castle incompassed about with such multitudes of lights and that variety of attendants that he seemed not onely to be the conquerour of the earth by a just right but even to claime an appearing and divine interest of something miraculous during his time here below In fine nothing could be seen more splendent for the time which drew all the eyes of the people upon his glory with such an amazed joy that searce could they with hearts and cries abstaine from open Idolatry but notwithstanding all these inticements of sense Artemesia however more bewitched in her passions then any other could not be perswaded neither by her brother or the rest of the company to be at all a spectator of those sports but whether out of a vaine imagination that she seemed in her thoughts to contemne every popular spectacle as being a great deale below her aymes and designes or whether she could not brook the competition of Cloria's beauty and dignity or indeed was truly Melancholy as Philos had informed the Ambassador it is not to any great purpose to determine onely it was visible that in a kind of a disdainfull posture shee without any manner of salutation to the company retired suddainly into her chamber Notwithstanding all these passages Philos whose heart and thoughts were already too violently set upon his owne particular concernements however he found more cause of despaire every day then other of parting the young lovers affection although he might by the successe of his designes sever their persons and had made his sisters preposterous passions in part as a stale the better to compasse his owne ends though he would have been most willing also to have rendred her entirely satisfied in regard the contrary as he thought something conduced to the dishonour of the family began a little to consider what he should doe at the present wherefore because he would leave no way unattempted that might pretend to probability and finding the Princesse Cloria at a window alone earnestly beholding the fire-workes and other pastims answerable to the season which seemed something convenient for his purpose he began a discourse to her in this nature as he
permit them to equall other Nations in painfull endeavour rather chusing in their natures to be wanderers then become willing to submit their persons under the jurisdiction of better customes But be it what it will in this condition they remained without any power at all to act untill the beginning of these differences between our King Euarchus and his great Senate when the people not having altogether forgot their old hate to the Lydians and now finding some opportunity to expresse it began anew to flie out however the particular causes were these When the Myssians first proclaimed their dislike by leading Armies to oppose Kingly authority in their own Nation one Polinex once governour of this Island though since destroyed for his service prepared a company of expert souldiers to be imployed against the Myssians as esteeming them most proper to the purpose in regard of their hate to those people but not to detaine you over long by needlesse repetitions and circumstances of things which are onely conjecturall After that our King Euarchus in a manner had committed the mannagement of affaires into the hands of his great Senate of Lydia it was not held either needfull by way of opposition or convenient by reason of the expence to continue afoot those souldiers that had been leavied and provided by Polinex in this Island of Creete wherefore orders were presently sent to disband the Troops but in some sort neverthelesse to give them satisfaction lest they might prove dangerous and troublesome to the government they gave them what liberty they pleased to contract with other Princes for their future entertainment in some forraigne warres However the Myssians when they perceived the souldiers were thus by bargain to be transported either fearing their returne in a body to their prejudice or rather I may say envying all felicity of theirs made earnest suit to the Senate of Lydia with whom then they held a most intimate correspondency not to suffer them to goe out of the Kingdome As these perswasions prevailed before the consideration of the contract made for their transportation so the people of this Island being not onely inflamed with these injurious proceedings as they esteemed them but also fearing an utter extirpation of the whole Nation by reason of the malice and practices of the Myssians of a sudden having entred before into many consultations amongst themselves began as well to make use of those armes they were already provided of as to seize into their hands many strong Townes in the Countrey however in the interim they set forth many Proclamations in their own defence which in effect were to this purpose that in regard the King himselfe had in a manner lost all his owne prerogative whereby he was formerly impowred to govern they in their own behalfes now were necessitated to take up armes for their preservation both against Myssia the Kingdom of Lydia that sought not onely the abolishing of their Religion but an extirpation of their persons but however these pretentions were plausible enough and perhaps no otherwise meant by them at the first yet the outragious violence committed of both sides soon drew many Commanders of Greete from other parts who instead of contributing their endeavours in making onely a defensive war they violently perswaded the people to stand upon their own pretended priviledges before the conquest as having either Kings of their proper Nation or at leastwise no strangers to command over them whilst they themselves also began to challenge old Dignities Titles with the possession of most of the Lands in the Countrey that for many yeeres had belonged to other persons and families that perhaps had bought them to them and their heires at most valuable and considerable rates This in a very short space set the whole Island in such a burning and outragious flame that slaughters of such execrable natures were committed to the very horrour as I may say of mankind both my selfe and some other Noblemen of the Countrey were forced to take up armes not onely for the defence of our persons and estates but to bring the people of both sides to a better temper wherin for my own part as I used what moderation I could in executions upon my conntrey-men at what time so ever I gained any victories over them which truly was not very seldom so by this means their hatred began to be augmented towards me as against a Myssian enemy in so much as they began to form orderly councels of their part as we did entertain with regularity those supplies were sent us out of Lydia for however they had the greatest part of the Countrey at their dispose yet we held the most commodious for our parpose things resting in doubtfull though bloudy conflicts untill the differences between our King Euarchus and the Senate now remaining at Sardis began to take up new considerations in the thoughts and appetites of all sorts of people that had any relation to the Lydian government wherefore the King having drawn armies into the field for his own pretended defence as the Senate had raised forces to contend against his intentions the souldiers under my command being more desirous to serve in the Lydian wars where gaine and honour were as they thought to be obtained then to remaine here without either pay or benefit both they and my selfe in a particular way endeavoured to serve the King against his Senate and of a sudden shuffling up a truce with the Rebels in these parts upon their faithfull promises not onely to submit to their Princes pleasure upon reasonable conditions but further to assist him in his present warres both with their persons and estates I sent all the souldiers presently to the Kings armies keeping in the interim this Town with some other under my jurisdiction to be disposed of as he shall at any time appoint In fine as this is as short a relation as I can make of those accidents that have befallen our unhappy countrey from the beginning of the Lydian rule so cannot I but esteem my selfe extreamly satisfied for the present that although it hath not yet come within the compasse of my ability to doe the King any remarkable or profitable services that the Princess Cloria is not only her selfe in person come under the power of that command I hold under her father but that her distresses and necessities at sea also have been in part relieved by the naturall scituation of this Island of Creete which as a good and lucke Omen will preserve it hence forward I hope from destruction if not grant it a better blessing then lately it hath received from the favour of the heavens and with these word accompanied by such a look that was capable enough to win beliefe concerning his affectionate endeavours to the King he ended his discourse Roxana after she had returned the Governour thanks with two or three sighes to expresse in a sort her inward sorrow for the accidents as it were both pittying
with this determination termination after two or three dayes march they met the Senates forces upon an ample Plaine spacious enough to have desided the controversie for the worlds Empire the conflict of a sudden grew so desperate that it was a question whether they sought more to satisfie their own spleenes or to gaine a beneficiall Victory which however was prosecuted for some houres with doubtfull fortune for although the Kings horse commanded by Thyasmus in person at the first charge defeated their enemies in so much as for many Furlongs they had the chace of their Troops yet the Foot Forces in their absence that for the most part wanted armes had sufficient imployment to sustaine the fury of the Senates Souldiers being better provided which however was bravely supplyed by the noble valour of the King himselfe in so much as he sustained the violence of the tempest untill his own horse again came into his rescue though with such a slaughter of his poor Subjects that it created a passionate compassion in his royall breast although the determinable fate of his Crowne might very well have given a full imployment to his thoughts Upon Thyasmus appearing with his victorious Troopes Dimogoras retired with his worsted Forces and the night hindred farther prosecution for the present which as I may say enviously shaddowed the Kings glory who else could not have been defrauded as 't was thought of a most absolute Conquest to his immortall honour if not to his Kingdoms prosperity However he resolved the next morning early againe to set upon his enemies who were retired for their better safety within the protection of their secure Trenches but contrary to his expectation Dimogoras belike fearing Euarchus intention and unwilling to hazzard the Senates fortunes in one doubtfull adventure had made use of the darke coverture of the night to convey himselfe and his whole Forces to a strong Towne not farre off remaining under his jurisdiction Neverthelesse so much opinion this halfe Conquest got amongst the common people that many Cities presently returned under the obedience of their lawfull Prince whilst in the meane time the King made Philadelphia the chiefe residence of his Royall Court where againe he began to rule like a Monarch and suffered his other Generals in many parts of the Kingdome to prosecute his commands with such prosperous successe that in a short space he became in a manner master of all Lydia though the great Towne of Sardis seemed still with most obstinate pride to contemne his power being more in love with that passion that made them hope to be a free City and the covetousnesse to obtaine that money they had disbursed then mindfull of their own safety and obedience The King who began to thinke now the difficulty of his affaires were past all danger began a little to play with the weaknesse of his enemies in so much as his Souldiers became neglected in their discipline as the commanders licentious in their course of life which certainly contributed extreamely to all his misfortunes for being provoked either by unwise if not Traiterous Councell or put on by his own just spleen to see himselfe in the height of all his Victories disobeyed by weake Forces suddenly besieged a small City that lay in the very heart of his new Conquests conceiving his enemies wanted power of resistance or at least ability to bring him any incommodation which made his Troopes lesse carefull to prevent correspondency But the Towne finding it could not hold out long against so strong a siege gave private intelligence to the Citizens of Sardis who apprehending the losse would absolutely turne to their ruine since the King would be sure as they believed after to imploy the rest of his endeavour in their subversion when he should have finished the desgine in hand that only opposed him of a sudden sent out under the command of Dimogoras the Souldiers of Sardis it selfe that untill then were never known to remove many Furlonges from the smoake of their own chimneyes to try if it were possible to raise the Kings siege and with as quick an expedition as they were able marched towards the Campe imagining that the successe of this voyage was to determine their fates whether to remaine free Citizens or become conquered flaves Euarchus when he heard of this new and unexpected supply so much contrary to his imagination however rumours thereof had formerly come to his eares thought it his best course rather to fight with them in the open Fields then in continuing in his Trenches to hazard the danger of being starved for want of provision with these purposes after he had quitted the Walls of the Towne he advanced towards their quarters with a hope to set upon them in the plain Champaine since he conceived he had much the advantage of horse though his foot was of a farre lesse number But though the King omitted no industry to compasse his designe yet being betrayed by the common people in his intelligence who ever favoured the Senate more then their Soveraigne Dimogoras got some dayes journey towards the City of Sardis before Euarchus knew of his remove the designe of the Generall being no other now he had freed the City from danger but to get againe safe with his whole Army to the place from whence he came The King as he was enraged with this secret escape so was he resolved if it were possible to fight with him upon any termes since the contrary as he imagined would prove in the opinion of the multitude of no lesse a consequence then a Victory obtained by his adversaries To that effect as soone as he had overtaken his enemies by tedious marches he set upon them with desperate inconveniences not only for that they had locked themselves in inclosed Countries but never came out of their Trenches to sâ—irmish by which meanes the Kings Cavalry proved of no service so that as I may say by reason of these unfortunate disadvantages Euarchus after twelve houres fight could pretend but to a very small Victory which successe returned Dimogoras to the City of Sardis with some honour in regard that however he had not beat the Kings Forces it might be said upon the matter he had worsted his designes Neverthelesse although this gave the Generalls party not only encouragement for the present but hopes in abundance in the future especially for that the Kings Souldiers every where began both to be negligent and treacherous more seeming to rely upon the supposed justnesse of the cause then resolving constantly to defend it by any hazzard yet the Senate at Sardis doubting something their own fortune or successe notwithstanding what policy soever they could use in the Kings Campe resolved againe to bring in the Myssians into Lydia with a powerfull Army To this purpose they made a contract with them not only to pay them a very great sum of money both to defray their charges and reward their endeavours but also promised to
establish in the Kingdome of Lydia it selfe the same manner of worship of the gods as was practised in Myssia As this seemed in effect to be the whole agreement between them so the Myssians wanted not in their meaning underhand designes which was to beare at leastwise an equall share in the government of both Kingdomes whereby the better to satisfie their pride and avarice for the latter which as 't was said they would have sold the gods themselves if they had been upon the earth vendible By this meanes againe Euarchus became involved in new troubles for presently after the Myssians having made this unhandsome accord to the Kings disadvantage notwithstanding their so many vowes and promises to the contrary there was imployed at the same time an Ambassadour from the Kingdome of Syria to Euarchus not only to perswade him to entertaine a new Treaty and friendship with his Senate sitting at Sardis but also absolutely to break all correspondency and friendship between himselfe and the State of Egypt which being condescended unto by the King he undertooke as well to keep back the Myssians from entring Lydia as to settle an absolute peace in all the rest of his dominions whether these were only brags or no is altogether uncertaine rather may it be thought either the Kings Fate or unhappy Councell thrust him on upon those wayes that were most prejudiciall to his affaires in conclusion he did not only deny the Ambassador the least entertainment of these propositions but at the same time also was perswaded to publish a declaration against the City of Sardos though at present it seemed to contend with the Senate about the payment of that money promised to the Myssians in recompence for their expedition into Lydia This I must needs say so much exasperated the Towne that presently they went on with their accord by the generall consent of all when these summes were received presently the Myssians marched into the Country with a huge Army whilst another was sent with Dimogoras against the Kings own person As by this meanes Euarchus was constrained to divide his Forces so he sent the greatest part of his Army along under the command of Thyasmus his Nephew for the necessary raising of the siege before the City of Theatyra where the Myssians were already incamped however their power was encreased with such Troopes as the Senate had commanded to joyne with them in that service Prince Thyasmus upon his approach whether being as I may say too precipitate in his conduct or that he was betrayed absolutely in his intelligence when he came neere the Towne thinking either to surprize or defeat the enemy in an instant of the contrary suddenly he became involved in a most desperate Ambuscado which in a manner destroyed the persons or the courages of his whole Army though in truth the Myssians performed the least part of the service But the King being followed and furiously attempted in his march as I said by Dimogoras he kept himself and Troopes though fewer by many in number upon such sure and couragious grounds that the Generall at last was brought into so many desperate inconveniences by reason of his want of conduct and providence that although Euarchus at that time fought not one stroake he was forced to compound for the lives and liberties of all his Souldiers which was an occasion that presently turned out Dimogoras out of his office whilst in the interim there was put into his place one Farezius whose melancholly valour in a very short time prevailed exceedingly for that the Myssians had caused the King to divide his Forces into so many severall commands that he could not conveniently maintaine a considerable body together under any Captaine to be able to contend with power sufficient wherefore after some Councell taken with his best friends the King resolved himselfe in person to endeavour to stop the fury of this new and prevailing Generall that seemed like an outragious Torrent to carry all before him whether he marched against Townes or Armies The King besides the inflammation of his own naturall courage was put on to fight with Farezius as 't was thought upon these reasons first to prevent a conjunction between him and the Myssians who were as yet at some distance next to continue a life in his own party that seemed something to decline his assistance in many places of the Kingdome in regard of the others extraordinary successe And last of all for that both money and other provisions failing he began to contract many necessities in his army It was not long before they both met upon a large Plaine in an open Countrey that afforded roome enough for an equall contention if the Fates had at all proved indifferent in the encounter The first charge was given with fury sufficient by both sides however the Kings horse without any known cause whatsoever of a sudden gave back and not long after most shamefully turned their backs though the foot with incredible gallantry still continued the fight with honour and safety Euarchus upon this however not being so much amazed as displeased presently rid amongst the flying Troopes as it were calling both gods and men to witnesse concerning the justnesse of his cause and the unfainednesse of his intentions withall perswading them either to shew more courage or lesse disloyalty not onely in his words but by his own unexampled courage evidently expressed before their faces he conjured them to fight or at leastwise to stand their ground at some distance whilst he and the rest exposed their lives to the fury of the enemy calling them sometimes his country men and subjects other while he termed them no better then unworthy slaves that precipitately followed their own destruction and captivity when as they had a faire occasion offered them to be both glorious and happy but at last seeing nothing would prevaile he looked up to heaven with tears in his eyes beseeching that the gods would take pitty on him in his necessities at leastwise prove propitious to the Monarchy of Lydia that seemed absolutely to depend upon this dayes adventure Thus between praying fighting and perswading he continued untill he saw most of his Souldiers either taken or slaughtered so that at last being constrained with a very few number in his company to quit the Field he left his Campe to the courtesie of the enemies mercy whilst by obscure passages he got againe safe in person though much in his thoughts dejected to the strong Towne of Philadelphia where not long after by the whole power of Farezius he was besieged with the rest of his Court friends and family As this said he was the proceeding of that fatall day so may I suppose by the dispersing of the most part of the company it will be also time for us to retire so taking Narcissus by the hand he promised he should have the rest of his discourse at home His house was seated at the end of a small town only divided by
and chiefest work since by his power and authority the rest of the necessary affairs of the Kingdom would in all probability have been better and surer setled when they should have carried with them both Law and Justice You are in the right Madam said Creses wherefore if I may not be thought over tedious to your patience I will discourse to you some things which I have not only heard from the Kings own mouth when I last waited upon him but other observations I took when I was in Syria by which you may make what conjectures you please So taking the old woman by the hand he led her to a little banquetting house not far off for the more privacy where after they were both seated he made unto her this Relation Madam said he first you must understand that Euarchus the King is opposed in his just government or rather legall authority by four factions that for the present seek to undermine one another all having absolutely in their hearts cast off their obedience to the Kings Person and Prerogative The Senate strives with violence to maintain that jurisdiction it hath extorted from him as the Mysians endeavour out of a high covetousness to be shares in the Government and Riches of this flourishing Kingdom Neither wants the Army pretentions by reason of the service they have done in the late Warres to claim reward and subsistance And last of all the wealthy City of Sardis in regard it hath for the most part furnished the Soudiers and Councell with money requires to be made a free Town that is to say to depend upon no subjection but what Magistrates created by themselves shall prescribe This contention of all sides is the chief occasion as 't is thought that makes every thing at a stand whilst in the mean time the people seem to cry out being overburthened with oppressions and payments which in the end certainly cannot but turn to an absolute confusion since there is scarce possibility left to satisfie all parties And thus much shall suffice for the common state of things Now concerning the proceedings of Syria which I have most from the Kings own mouth be pleased to understand that when he was forced to assemble this great Councel that hath proved so unfortunate to his happiness there was sent into Lydia from Philostros an Ambassador as Euarchus imagined for his consolation and assistance against the violent proceedings of his Senate but presently after his arrivall he was so far from complying with the Kings occasions that he kept a frequent correspondence with those persons that seemed most to oppose his authority in so much as the King was constrained at last with some violence not only to forbid him any longer attendance upon his person but earnestly to desire the State of Syria to recall him home from all further imployment in Lydia which setled the thoughts of Euarchus in some quietness whilst his own victories over his disobiendient subjects and the death both of Philostros and Orssames gave the King more then probable hopes of a small and happy successe in his enterprize which was againe in a very short time to reduce all Lydia under his lawful jurisdiction but belike the State of Syria following the same maximes of government under the young son Orsames had left behind him contrary to all humane expectation sent presently after the death of Orsames another Ambassador to Euarchus not only a new to invite him to breake the League which he still continued with the King of Aegypt but to allow his contesting Senate to be a lawfull and continued Councell by his absolute approbation thinking belike that it would better conduce to the affaires of Syria to have Euarchus power limitted then to suffer him to remaine in his high prerogative but these demands the King most violently and disdainfully refusing the Ambassador not only with some seeming discontent took his leave but as it was thought invited the Myssians againe into Lydia which hath been as you know the reason of Euarchus overthrow since the Senates single power had never probably prevailed against his fortune and successe however the businesse did not yet rest for after the King had notwithstanding strugled with infinite difficulties to make good still his declining cause his son Arethusius Forces also being destroyed in many set Battells who after fled into Syria to the Queen his Mother Euarchus was forced to put himselfe under the protection of the Myssians Army yet with so little benefit to his affaires that in a short time after he was delivered in person into his enemies hands who treated him with all manner of hardnesse untill the Army took him violently from that jurisdiction As this Madam is the sad particulars I can relate unto you of the Kings misfortunes and captivity so may you very well make conjecture of the consequences Roxana after she had thanked him for his discourse wherein as she said he had made her acquainted with some passages she never understood before yet he should oblige her much more if he would be pleased to deliver his opinion what might be the intentions of the Syrian State in thus desiring to lessen or rather to outward apparence to overthrow the Monarchy of Lydia since the example seemed of a dangerous consequence for its own government for that those Subjects might also fall upon the like pretences Truly answered Creses what I can say of that Theame is that either they thinke it more convenient for the glory of Syria to reduce all Kingdomes but their owne into Commonwealths whereby theirs may appeare to Asia the onely Empire or they have an intention to make a conquest of ours by reason of those multitudes of divisions they see arising amongst our selves or perhaps they ayme to set up Prince Arethusius in his fathers Kingdome because he is of the Syrian bloud whereby they believe they shall purchase both honour and friendship But if I thought I should not prove over harsh in my unpollisht language whereby too much to injure your patience by my tedious relation I would discover yet a story though acted long time since that in my opinion hath been the originall of the sad effects of this last Warre it will prove the longer in regard it toucheth the proceedings not only of the Kingdome of Lydia but the Countries of Syria and Myssia that formerly have been all three interwoven in dangers slaughters and civill broyles by the spightfull proceedings and factions maximes of a certaine Priest called Herenzius Roxana glad to entertaine any conveniency that might instruct her farther in the Mysteries of these unlucky times although many things she had read of Herenzius violent spirit told Creses that as no language proceeding from his lips could prove tedious to any eare how ignorant soever so did she not doubt but the consequence of the present affaires required rather ample stories then short descriptions which gave him a sufficient warrant to use his own pleasure both for
his own capacity and courage since it is impossible but humane nature at the length will be tired with over much suffering and by consequence faile for want of true information there is no contradiction of your opinion said Creses but such is the crafty spight of some that they will permit none to be about the Kings person that dares loyally afford him any profitable consolation because they may the sooner bring him to consent to their desires Yet replyed Roxana it is not well known what those desires are since they never durst for all I could ever learne publickly declare their intentions but doe as it were in a dark mist endeavour to possesse the people that the King refuseth something he is obliged to grant for the good of his Subjects by which meanes they strive still to maintaine their credits and opinions amongst the common sort It is so Madam said Creses however since you are fallen upon that point I shall let you know how farre the King hath yet condiscended to their demands whereby the better to dispossesse the People of that beliefe they are perswaded to have in the Senates integrity though I verily thinke they now more feare their power then trust their intentions for whereas not many dayes agoe they proposed to Euarchus to have the power of the force of the Kingdome for twenty yeares both by Sea and Land the King hath yielded to grant them that jurisdiction during his life though not for that terme which appears now to be the greatest difference between them since the Senate seemes not content with this offer whereupon the Myssians have lately put our a furious declaration against the Senate pressing the King to such unreasonable conditions In good earnest answered Roxana I cannot tell whether I have more cause to smile at the seeming ridiculousnesse of these proceedings or be amazed to see men growne so foolishly unreasonable since Euarchus appeares to my understanding to be willing to part with more from his own hopes then what the Senate requires for that if he grant the power of the Kingdome out of his hands during his life it gives more assurance to the Senate that he intends no more to raigne if he had quitted his power for so many yeares only since he might have some thought to over live that prescribed terme againe for the Myssians I wonder most of all at their new loyalty to their Prince when they have been as I may say the only cause that hath made him no King though now anew they seeme to desire to re-establish him in his ancient authority which certainly cannot be but upon other designes of advantage to themselves more then for Euarchus prosperity Truly Madam said Creses in the generall it is as you say but yet there are so many mysteries hid under these proceedings that they are capable to deceive the sharpest judgement if some light be not given by information Wherefore you must know that both Euarchus and the Senate know very well that the consequence of all the Affaires chiefly depend upon the assurance of the safety of the Kings person since he cannever hope to be againe re-established in his rightfull authority but either by the humours and inconstancy of the common people who when they finde the Kings absolute oppression brings no prosperity to them will probably become exasperated against the Senates proceedings and power or by an unreconcilable difference betweene the Senators themselves who may most command when they shall sinde no other jurisdiction to oppose them both which in all likelihood will conduce to the Kings benefit if he sit quiet sometime under his injuries which I conceive to be the reason that he hath in outward appearance yielded so much to their demands And for the Myssians perhaps by this opposition they would perswade the world to a beliefe of their integrities as if at the first they cousented not to the Kings hard usage whereby to obtaine a greater party not only in the Kingdome of Lydia if they have an intention to dispute their own profit but in other Countries if they meane to make Warre upon our people because they cannot be sharers in the government as they hoped the only cause certainly of the now seeming quarrell so that in my opinion Euarchus hath done like a wise and politick Prince in seeming not to contend where he was sure not to prevaile especially since by the dispute he might have endangered those hearts that will now be of his side if the occasion be offered either out of pitty to his sufferings or out of hate to the Senates government And besides it is to be considered that no act he shall passe in this condition of constraint can binde either himselfe or posterity by all humane and divine lawes if his Sword ever become more powerfull in the meane time the Senate will seek to preserve the Kings life and person with their best care since their own authority falls entirely by his death which as I say is the reason they desire more a terme of yeares in the continuation of their required government then the determinable fate of the Princes life because they may have alwayes the liberty to presse him to new conditions if they finde by experience they have notyet obtained sufficient since they shall not need to feare the vexations of his person may bring any hazard upon him I cannot deny said Roxana but these reasons are sufficient to render me wholly satisfied in my doubtfull opinions but the gods are only capable to foresee the event of things And with that looking upon the Sun she perceived the time of the day called her to the attendance of the Princesse which made her for the present take her leave Upon her arrivall she found Cloria only accompanied by her Late in a small withdrawing room belonging to her own chamber where none but her selfe had permission to be admitted not long after she had saluted the Princesse she discovered she had been weeping by the red circles about her eyes that gave the old woman occasion further to be inquisitive after her imployment untill she spyed this complaining ditty lying written before her upon the Table that quickly gave her satisfaction of the occasion though her excellent voyce and rare skill rendred the Musick heavenly If Justice could some savour finde Or were not rather truly blind Ambition sure durst never we are The spoyles of such a vertue heare When every houre Doth need her power To set both Crownes and Kingdomes free For love I see is but a flame That onely beares a constant name And is by interest as a wave Tost here and there as others crave If objects seeme Of more esteeme To summon sense unto the call But whatsoever dwells more high Shoote but your Commets from the skie Against the hate that mortalls beare To such as lawfull Scepters weare And wee 'l adore For evermore That action as a Diety Yet whilst that fate and pride contend
it necessary to defend my reputation against your complements but yet upon better consideration I am of opinion it is much safer to confesse my selfe overcome by your courtesie then venture more blowes in so unequall a combate where your wit will be sure to have the victory And with these words taking him by the hand she led him into a faire Balcony that had a large prospect over the goodly Riveâ— of Pactâ—le where long they had not remained the Princesse in the meane time casting her eyes downe the River upon whose bankes was seated that pleasant house of her Fathers that first gave Cassianus entertainment when he came into Lydia before she used this language though a sweet shower of teares opened the passage for her words I cannot said she but with some griefe remember the innocent times that gave both you and me meeting in yonder place when my Father seemed to triumph in glory that is now unfortunately metamorphosed into a Garrison of Souldiers who perchance neither honour dignity nor know goodnesse much lesse practise vertue Indeed said Cassianus as I must confesse those respects I then received from your most noble Father and my affectionate Uncle were farre beyond my poore deserts which gives me more occasion at present to lament his condition in being Subject to such a cruelty that no power of mine is able to redeem yet I cannot also but remember my own losses at that time since even then I quitted the liberty of my soule that untill this present I could never recover againe though I have sought all wayes of redemption and unlesse you prove more mercifull then the Kings oppressors I shall not only remaine in as great a captivity but have cause to accuse you of the like Tyranny though I dare not be so bold in my complaints But yet Cousin said Cloria I must make a great deal of difference in the nature of your sufferings though I should grant the quality for as the King hath by all meanes possible strived to give his oppressors satisfaction provided it may not be against the right of his Successors and good of his people so you of the other side violently ayme at your own content to the injuring perhaps of anothers Title Alas Madam answered Cassianus was I not your first and last lover the silent rocks can give sufficient testimonies of the one when at that famous hunting I retired under their protections only to make my complaints and the whole Senate can witnesse the other by my importunities wherefore no interest is to be esteemed equall to my pretentions either in affection or right Alasse alasse answered the Princesse you never let me know those powerfull affections before other respects had taken full possession of that heart which became also in some sort a prisoner not to be released who perhaps might as well have been your Captive if your omissions had not proved most unfortunate to your purposes And whereas you say you are my last lover I beseech you doe but consider Farezius intentions and looke upon his actions and you will finde both violence and power hath discovered a later sceane then what you moved in when you saved the old Flamins life so that I must tell you that unlesse punctually you observe the condition according to your former agreement which was never to presse my love to any conclusion if Narcissus were living to whose living to whose memory I must still observe that decorum I vow by the gods never to entertaine any motions from your addresses much lesse give any consent to a future marriage besides you must performe those actions that may render you capable of satisfaction as my selfe freedome in granting which can never be as long as the Generall hath opportunity to prevent and power to constraine Wherefore in briefe you are to study some opposition answerable to his greatnesse for both our advantages whereby the better to merit my love as to shew your selfe worthy the name of a Prince of so great an extraction These discourses of Cloria could not chuse but nettle the ears of Cassianus towards the resolution of sufficient ambitions since hitherto he conceived himselfe to have been over sloathfull as well in her love as his own honour so that standing some time in a deep muse as if he intended to setch his determinations from his very soule at last he broake out into this language Most faire and wise Princesse said he as already I have promised my best endeavours with the expence of my deare bloud in which you have the dearest interest in your service against the proud Generall so I must be prescribed by your directions to such limitations and performances as I am to observe for feare that else my actions may either endanger your safety to be more valued then the worlds Empire or ruine your Fathers hopes whose sufferings cannot be exampled Therefore I beseech you let me know how farre your pleasure may travell in that journey I intend to make against the pride of ambitious Farezius Cousin said Cloria as I shall leave my Governesses experience to treat with you about the particulars so of the other side I am content to give you these assurances of my affections that after Narcissus you shall have the next place in my consideration provided you think of my Fathers sufferings and be mindfull of your own honour since without him I cannot give away my selfe and without your reputation you are but halfe a Prince Upon these conditions you shall find my Lodgings ever ready to entertaine your visits so they may be seasonable and not scandalous which I believe are favours sufficient to nourish your hopes according to those expressions you received under my hand in that Letter your seeming neglect of my condition forced from me which is all for the present I have to say upon this theame unlesse it be to adde to your consideration how is it possible you can either reape fruits from my affection if Farezius continue great or what probability have you again to recover your lost Country of Iberia if all regality be supprest since in the one his greatnesse may perhaps constraine me to an unwilling consent for my owne preservation as the other by this meanes may so fill Lydia with popular desires that your birth and bloud much lesse dignity shall finde no entertainment in their considerations Wherefore I say joyn your thoughts only to such designes as shall be contrived by the Nobility with the State of Syria wherein the Myssians seem also to have a share in regard the Lords governe all in their Country and by that meanes you will best please my desires Although Cassianus could not disprove the Princesse Rhetorick for that it taught him a duty belonging to his quality which he had not hitherto altogether followed since he more looked upon his own private concernments in complying with his Uncles enemies then those rights that belonged to the dignity and honour of Princes of
the same time the first shee pretended usurped an unjust Authority over her Subjects and dominion as the other shee alledged too ambitiously endeavoured an universall Monarchy over all Princes these differences likely to goe into some desperation betweene these mighty persons and the Queene gave causes sufficient of admiration to all these parts of Asia and the rather for that as they could not well comprehend how such a masculine courage could be in a woman so did they as little know in what manner shee would defend these extraordinary breaches but experience quickly made them see shee not onely intended but prosecuted her intentions with all vigour for as shee absolutely abolished within a short space all the jurisdiction of Delphos out of her Kingdoms so did she within a while after give the King of Aegypt such overthrows by sea that scarce could he in many yeers recover his losses In the interim whilst these contentionswere acting with no smal violence of all sides to the contentment if not amazement of many other Princes that esteemed the differences a king of safety to themselves The unwise Island of Creete believing they might again recover either all or some part of their lost priviledges pretending they were obstructed in their religion not long after entred into open rebellion To tell you that the maine motives of their risings proceeded from the instigations of Aegypt and Delphos is not an improbable conjecture since as the one in a ceremonious assembly of Flamins declared the Queen an accursed enemy to his rights and jurisdiction so did the other send Forces into Creet to strengthen the people in their pretentions which however these assistances seemed not to prevaile entirely against the Queens governours in the Island yet apparently they procured her officers so many disturbances from time to time that however shee neither failed them with supplies or was wanting to them in counsels yet for many yeeres together the rebels kept a considerable body in the field in despight of all the Queens forces In this manner these contentions continued many yeeres for as the Queen seemed with majestick spleene to be enflamed with her subjects disobedience so were her subjects in their rage animated by messengers sent from Delphos to put them alwaies in minde of their religious obligations whereunto being added their hate to the Lydian government and the confidence they had of Aegypts assistance they seemed oftentimes to have received a new spirit of valour contrary to their nature and custome however for the most part they rather made use of their subtilty in sending out small parties to circumvent and entrap the enemy then being willing at any time to hazard in the field a main battell to decide the controversie which was the reason the warre was so long prolonged with severall suceesses of either side for as the Creetans had the advantage of perfectly knowing the country amongst woods and bogs so had the Lydians a great deale the better in their conduct and resolution but which way soever businesses went as the rebels were conducted by a Nobleman of the Nation whose family and name was as great amongst the people as his spleen and courage was against the Queen so became the State of Lydia exceeding weary of the warre being most certaine the money disbursed in the contention would never by any conquest she could make of the Island be again repayd into her coffers wherefore after some deliberation it was resolved to send over a principall Favourite of the Queens whereby to put the sooner an end by his authority and fidelity to those chargeable and bloudy differences that not onely destroyed her people in the Island of Creete but disquieted her own government in the Kingdome of Lydia and the rather was it so determined for that she had been perswaded that the souldiers of her army in this Island lengthned the warre on purpose for their own benefit and command knowing when that should be once absolutely finished their esteeme at court would fall with their want of imployment in the field but contrary to her expectation this favourite of hers having more ambition then foresight since he was sent away onely by his enemies to separate him from the Queenes person as also being more vain-glorious in his thoughts then experienced in his yeeres and so consequently not having much knowledge either of the Countrey or the enemy after a most vast expence of money and nothing in a manner acted against the Rebels he returned again into Lydia with disgrace and dishonour which at last by reason of his subtill adversaries practices that undermined him in the Queens favour he lost his head upon a scaffold by the common Executioner in whose place notwithstanding such a brave personage was sent that in a very short space reduced the Rebels to so much necessary reason both in their persons and estates that they offered quietly to submit to mercy without either condition or contention This being entertained and the people ready in all places to lay down armes the Queen her selfe suddenly changes her own habitation here for a more lasting one in another world that made all things at a stand for a time But as Euarchus father met with no opposition in that possession that belonged unto him with so much justice so upon his first entrance into Lydia hee was presented with an absolute submission not onely of the great Noblemen of our Island that had for many yeeres contended with the Queen but also of all his party that were neither few in number or penurious in fortunes Neverthelesse although this King was mercifull enough in his disposition as well to pardon all faults as to forget former disaffections yet the hungry Missians his naturall countreymen perceiving that the forfeitures of the Island of Creete by reason of the late rebellions were not of valew to be returned back again to the owners without some profits made thereby and finding the scituation and fertility of the countrey able to make full reparation to their greedy stomacks for the defects and sterility of their own habitations not onely perswaded the King that his act of mercy would prove of dangerous consequence to rebellious dispositions hereafter but obtained at his hands so many grants of possession in this Island that gave them sufficient conveniency and authority to transport a great part of their own people hither where being established after a while with peace and security by their industry joyned together with their power they soon outed most of the inhabitants of their estates and at last took from all in generall both their liberty and religion in so much as many ancient families were either turned a begging in their own Countrey or forced to seek servile offices in other parts for subsistance This must say is the common allegation of the natives and in part true although I must confesse much of their miseries proceeded from their lazy dispositions as I have formerly said that would not