thanks and Glory from Mankind unto which they have notwithstanding their Brags done so little good that they have left us unprovided of Supplies for our greatest Necessities They can try Gold and Silver and discover Counterfeit Jewels and make a Judgment upon such like Trifles but they are ignorant in that which should resolve our more concerning Doubts Which of them hath found out a Touchstone for Fidelity It is a poor Art which can neither make men good nor teach us to know those which are bad For want of this Skill and he spoke true though with a wrong Application we are apt to give Credit to those which endeavour to betray us and many times doubt when we have the greatest reason did we but know it to be assured I do not now begin to be acquainted with that Mutability which domineers in this lower World but it astonisheth my soul to experiment new mischief from such an unexpected Instrument Sure my Son doth think that God to be dead who made the Laws which injoyn Obedience to Children and Loyalty to Subjects and imagines vainly that some Devil Reigns in his stead who regards not such things But how can I believe Alethion to be so impious He hath acknowledg'd a Divine Authority by his long Obedience It may be for all that some violent Storm of evil Imaginations hath overcome his Vertue Who could have dream'd that any thoughts so wickedly potent could find Harbour in the Minds of the now-Apostate Angels as to make them fall at once from their Allegiance and Heaven As I am griev'd for thy 〈◊〉 so I pity thy folly Alethion Dost thou impotently long for a Crown Ah! thou dost not know how oft my Head hath been wearied with it Dost thou think it such a glorious Pleasure to govern others Alas Thou art Ignorant that the greatest Prince is but a Royal Slave and doth perpetually serve those whom be commands and is constantly rewarded with Fears and Jealousies so great that no private person is capable of them O poor Princes Happy indeed if they estimate their estate by the opinion of others but when they judge by what they feel they cannot find it so Crowns and Sceptres Purple Robes and all the other pompous Circumstances of Majesty are ever so much greater then the Substance that Kings find themselves Men still and that notwithstanding all those bright Glories which make their Outside shine to the dazeling of the Beholders Eyes it doth often lour and rain within Ignorant people would soon see that they have little cause to grudge their Obedience if they did but know what it is to endure the troublesome Care of Princes Here Anaxagathus changing his Tone delivered words with a more passionate Air and added But all this I could bear being but a common Lot incident to all Princely Fortunes but that my Son but that Alethion should endeavour to ascend the Throne by my Fall it is intolerable If wickedness grow according to this proportion it will be impossible that the world should subsist God must provide some other Earth and transport good men thither for this will be so overspread with Violence that they will not be able to find any quiet Habitation in it When Antitheus perceiv'd that the King had made a Pause knowing that it was his time to strike whilst the Iron was so hot he prayed the King to retire to his own Prudence and rather wisely to think what he ought to doe himself for the defence of his Interest then to complain so passionately of what was design'd against it by others and seasonably to stop that which was ill begun from taking any further Effect What then should I doe said Anaxagathus You may replied Antitheus immediately secure Alethion in one of your Castles remote from the City by which means you will discourage his Accomplices and gain time without danger to search to the bottom of his Design The King appoved his Advice and gave charge to Dogmapornes to carry Alethion to the Castle which was under his Command Dogmapornes not a little glad that their Plot had taken so far made haste and with a select Guard of his friends march'd presently to the Prince's Palace and having secured the Avenues of the House went in to deliver his Message with a countenance which did more become some friend who resented the Prince's Condition then him that was the principal cause of his Affliction When he had told the Prince that it was the King's pleasure that he should prepare himself to go to that Castle whereof he call'd himself at that time the unhappy Governour the Prince being of a Magnanimous Temper and taught by Prudence to receive without Amazement the most unexpected Events ask'd Dogmapornes what time was allow'd for preparation You must be gone presently answer'd Dogmapornes But may I not see my Father first said the Prince No replied Dogmapornes the King is much 〈◊〉 and charg'd me upon my Life to see his Command answer'd with present Obedience I will perform it by God's help said the Prince for how much soever he is mistaken in the Cause of his Anger I will embrace the Effects of it with Patience adding But Dogmapornes do you not guesse the occasion of this sudden Order No said Dogmapornes for being hastily sent upon this unacceptable Errand I only heard some of those which stood by talk of a Letter which being intercepted reveal'd something of a Design against the King in which I suppose that they imagined that you are interess'd Though the Prince could not divine what they meant by the Letter yet he saw plainly that some had abus'd the King and did endeavour to ruine himself whereupon his thoughts concerning this Affair gave themselves breath in these words Proud Errour Will no other lodging serve thee but the Breasts of Kings Is it not Victory enough to abuse all the Inferiour World with mistakes unless thou dost also shew the malicious power of Triumphant Lies in the Ruine of Innocent Princes How hard is it for Kings not to be deceived who are forc'd to see with other mens Eyes or to use such colour'd Spectacles as they are pleas'd to provide for them who never meant that they should have a true sight of things Modest Truth which is alwayes Generous and had rather be banish'd then intrude where she is sure not to be welcome doth so rarely appear in Courts that Princes are fain to disguise themselves sometimes to get into her Company Flatterers are so unhappily cunning that they can make Falshood pass currently for Truth and represent Truth so disadvantageously that it is disbeliev'd and make honest men disfavoured as the Prince's Enemies It were happy for my Father if those which attend his Person lov'd his Interest but I am afraid be is inviron'd with Sycophants and that those which wish him well dare not save him from the prejudice of Misinformation lest they lose themselves in the plausibility of Falshood I have great
it an hour before Antitheus divided his Army into two Bodies the Mercenaries of Theriagene and his Auxiliary Theomachians Being attended with his Life-Guard he led the Theriagenians himself whom he plac'd in the right Wing having assign'd the chief Commands to Dogmapornes who was his Lieutenant-General Philedones Pasenantius Autautus Antholkes Antigraphus Udemellon and the rest of his Confidents He chose all his under-Officers out of those whom he esteem'd most true to him His Confederate Theomachians being plac'd in the left Wing were led by their General Theostyges Those who were most of Note in the Army and chiefly look'd upon as Persons upon whose Conduct and Valour the Success of the Fight depended were Archicacus Misagathus Anosius Adicus Anaedes Androphonus Asemnus Aneleemon and Anecestus The Theoprepian Army was commanded by Theosebes for after a loving Contention which lasted a good while between the two Kings before they could determine who should give Orders and Command with a single Power each of them offering that Honour to the other and both refusing it with an equal Modesty Alethion conjuring Theosebes by the Love which had brought him into Theriagene to command his own Army and to give him leave to fight by his side Theosebes was forc'd to accept that Authority The Army which consisted of six thousand Foot and four thousand Horse was divided into two Bodies one commanded by Theosebes himself who was accompanied with the Prince of Theriagene Bentivolio and Misopseudes who desir'd the Honour to fight by him The other was put under the Obedience of Lysander to whom Panaretus Philalethes and Nicomachus joyn'd themselves every particular Regiment being led by such Commanders as inspir'd their Followers with Courage As soon as the Day began to appear the Warlike Trumpets sounding from all parts of the Camp rais'd the Souldiers to the Battel of which they were so impatiently desirous that many prevented the rising of the Sun and put on their Arms whilst it was yet dark and rousing that Warlike humour which had lien asleep since the Fight against Theromachia they gave a clear Evidence that they had not forgot the Art which they had not for a long time practis'd When they were drawn up into a regular Order in the place appointed for the Fight Theosebes and Alethion riding by the Head of every Regiment shew'd themselves to the Souldiers whom they found so inflam'd by the sight of their Enemies that they had more need to command them to make a stand then incite them to go forward The Princes said not much to them because they perceiv'd their Courage already heightned infinitely above the necessities of Exhortation However this Action was not in vain for their Hearts were kindled with a more vigorous 〈◊〉 by the Presence of their own King and the sight of the Wrong'd Prince whose Restauration they were now to attempt Those of Theriagene were destitute of a just Cause and so could not have that assistance which Valour never refuseth to take from a serene Conscience yet they appear'd with a desperate Boldness and felt in their Hearts all those Motions which Anger Hatred Hope and Desire could raise Nay they seem'd to encrease their Courage with Fear for knowing what they had done they assured themselves of the greatest Punishments if they should be conquer'd and therefore heightned their Resolutions of killing those who if they liv'd would in a little time become their Judges Both Armies having made themselves ready to march the Trumpets were commanded to give the last Signal and they resounding from the Banks of the River and multiplying their noises with the Echo's of the Wood made a delightful Terrour The two Forlorns of Horse sent from each Party gave the first Charge and laid many Men upon the ground and their Horses by them But Aristander who commanded the Theoprepians with an irresistible Force pressing upon those of Theriagene made them retreat to their Army with the loss of half their men Then the main Bodies of both Armies advanc'd towards each other and seconded what was begun with the Engagement of their whole Forces The Commanders of both sides were the first in this Charge and made a dreadful Salutation with the mutual exchange of Blows and Wounds but being encompast by their Souldiers they were forc'd to leave off their single Combats and oppose the joynt Fury of their numerous Enemies Now it was that Death began to appear with a dismal Face and to shew the awful Greatness of her Mortal Power in the Horrours of Slaughter and Confusion Alethion having espied Dogmapornes thundred upon him with a loud cry saying Now I will requite you for writing Letters for me and riding up to him with an astonishing Presence ran him through the Body and perceiving that Antholkes came up with an eager desire to revenge his Death or else to die with him Yes said the Prince he can have no fitter Companion in his Torments then you who have assisted his Sin and as he spake these words gave Antholkes leave to take his death from the point of his Sword upon which he ran himself precipitantly aiming an ineffectual Blow at Alethion's Head Philedones at the same time was thrown upon the ground by Theosebes Antitheus fought disguis'd the Fears which were created by his guilty Conscience making him flie to that mean sort of Refuge But Bentivolio having discover'd him by some token broke through those who stood in his way and leaving bloudy marks of his Passage rode up to him and gave him a blow upon the Head which would have cleft his Skull if it had not been guarded with an Helmet which was made for a more worthy Person however it made him bow down low upon his Horse's neck and his Body beginning to leave the Saddle Bentivolio prevented his Fall for he pull'd him from his Horse and carrying him before him upon the Bow of his Saddle gave him in Custody to Axiarchus one of Theosebes his Captains who knowing the Importance of his Charge plac'd him disarm'd in the middle of his Troop and watch'd him so diligently that he made his escape impossible Autautus and Proselenus did in vain endeavour his Rescue for they were both kill'd one by Theosebes and the other by Misopseudes who receiv'd a Wound in his Breast by a thrust of Proselenus his Sword Those in the left Wing did things equal to the right Lysander charg'd Theostyges the General of the Theomachians and after a few blows given with an unexpressible Courage Theostyges receiv'd one in his Neck which made it unable to support his Head and as he listed up his Hand to strike again tumbled under his Horse's Feet He was accompanied in his Death by Androphonus and Aneleemon who fell by the same hand Anosius being fiercely charg'd by Kalodoxus lost his Life with his Head which Kalodoxus cut off Sympathus Charistion and Pasiphilus signalized themselves by the Death of Misagathus Adicus Asemnus and some others who seem'd to be
receive any but that which he did clearly perceive to aim directly at his and the Common Interest If after publick Debates he did yet doubt concerning that Opinion to which he inclin'd he would privately conjure some of those who differ'd from him to tell him freely the Reasons of their Advice which they would most willingly doe knowing that Anaxagathus never esteem'd those his Friends who out of fear of contradicting his Inclination would conceal what they knew concerning his Good By this means he secured himself against Flatterers and made the utmost Improvement of his Friends Abilities To his Wariness in Deliberation he added Stedfastness in his Resolves and Diligence in the Execution of his Purposes In his Carriage he express'd a Majestick Gravity never condescending to such Actions as import lowness of Soul diminish the Veneration of Royalty or expose his Person to any Contempt yet he alwayes manifested so much Serenity and Sweetness that he incurr'd no Hatred by the most severe Exercise of his Regal Power Knowing that it is easier to prevent Hatred then to regain Love and that Malice cannot be slighted without some Hazard he declin'd avoidable Offences He ever match'd Clemency with Greatness of mind knowing that Mercy shewn by one that hath great Power doth unspeakably oblige and that it was never any Advantage to a Prince to be hated which is alwayes the Effect of Cruelty When any Favour was bestow'd he ever let the People see that it proceeded freely from his own Goodness and when Rigour was exercis'd which was but seldom they saw it was a necessary Punishment of Sins which ought not to be pardon'd There is no Reason of just Infamy for which Princes do sometimes receive a dishonourable Character in the Book of Fame which he did not well observe and carefully avoid He was very curious of his Conversation lest it wanted the just Ornaments of every Moral Vertue because he knew that Princes cannot hide their Actions and that it was no assurance that he had done well because none durst reprove him He was unwilling also to make an Example against the Law and let his Subjects see that it was possible for sin to be unpunishable He would make no use of an Arbitrary Power though his People knew it was their duty not to resist him neither did he think he lost any thing of his Power by not doing every thing which he might Whilst the King strictly observ'd the establish'd Laws the People learn'd Obedience from his Government His great Care of his Subjects safety made them perform their Duties with an unspeakable willingness they esteem'd the King's Riches their Publick Treasury and when they pay'd their Taxes acknowledg'd that they gave but a Little to secure All. Anaxagathus lived alwayes according to the Degree of a Prince yet manag'd his Expences so frugally that they did never exhaust his Revenue For this there was great Reason for though Money was not the Sinews of his Wars but rather the Love and Courage of his native Souldiers yet he knew they must be pay'd when they are imploy'd and that with Silver a King may hire men as well as buy Iron with Gold The truth is he had little cause to think of entertaining any forein Auxiliaries for he was so entirely beloved at home that he could not but be much fear'd abroad His Subjects endear'd his Happiness to themselves and made their Loyal Affections so manifest upon all Occasions that Conspiratours had as much reason to expect Punishment though they should accomplish mischief against his Person as they are alwayes fearful when they design it against other Princes It was a singular testimony of the Prudence of Anaxagathus that he had obtain'd whatever could belong to a Prince's Security when to the Majesty of his Person the Defence of the Laws the Assistance of his Friends and the Strength of his Guards he had added the Universal Good-will of his People Being assured of this he slighted the vain Strength of chargeable Forts maintaining only One in a weak place of his Frontiers and that rather for Pomp then any Defence that he expected from it Thus did the Good King Anaxagathus live in Glory contemning that poor Honour which some weakly endeavour to perpetuate by Statues of frail Stone for the Everlasting Image of his Vertues was fram'd in the Souls of those which could not think upon him without Admiration His whole Kingdom was his Theatre and all his People Spectatours applauding his wise and just Actions There was no City in his Dominions which did not preserve his Trophies made of Conquer'd Hearts This was Anaxagathus his Happiness and indeed what greater Felicity is there then to be able to impart Prosperity to many others His discreet Subjects thought themselves happy too for they saw that they enjoy'd what Freedom Mortal men are capable of and they desired not that extravagant Liberty which the Ignorant Multitude often talk of sometimes rebel for but never enjoy exchanging Obedience and Peace for Sin War and then just Slavery under such as for their own ambitious Ends made them in love with Treason Thus the Kingdom flourish'd under Anaxagathus and they had no small grounds of Hope that it would never wither for as they could not enjoy a better King so neither did the King or the People desire a more Hopeful Successour then the most Excellent Prince Alethion who was the only Son of Anaxagathus I pray you Cosin said Theonoe with the leave of this good Company since you are so good at Descriptions will you give us a short Character of his Perfections by this means we shall not only enjoy the pleasure of your Wit but you will also detain us by a beneficial Delay from the hearing of that at which we are assured before-hand that we shall be griev'd Though I have reason to blush replied Amyntor at one half of the reason which you give for your Command yet I will be obedient in the best manner that my poor ability will allow Alethion was a Prince of a lively Complexion sprightly Eyes black Hair curling naturally in handsome Rings of a serene Aspect of a tall Stature goodly Shape and Princely Carriage of an obliging Conversation mix'd with Majesty He had a quick Wit equall'd with a solid Judgment He spake with facility and delivered extraordinary Conceptions in most clear Expressions Those Connate Notions of Truth which God hath bestow'd as a Natural Glory upon Rational Souls did shine in his bright Intellect like fixt Stars unclouded with those ill-sented fumes of Lust which darken wicked Minds To this Light he added whatsoever may be gain'd from Experience enlarg'd with much Conference and great Reading He had a constant Propension of strong Desires to all Excellent Attainments a most piercing Wit for the finding out of such means as would help to accomplish his End and was unweariedly diligent in the use of them That he omitted nothing which might make him Master of his Noble Designes
Alethion bestow'd upon him the greatest Praises and significations of highest Admiration as he pass'd along the Streets and as they came near to the Palace the King took notice of all that was done from a Balcony Then was Anaxagathus indispos'd with too much Prosperity He thought himself miserable when he was only too Happy like those who are blinded with over-much Light whilst Alethion was in danger of an Eclipse because he shin'd too bright So the Athenians bestow'd Ostracisms upon those which were too Vertuous The King had but a few Holidayes after this sight for the entertained a tormenting passion which continually gnaw'd his Heart and turn'd every the most innocent Accident into a most corrosive nourishment for it self In a short time the Venemous Affection shew'd its power in very malignant Effects for the King without any Cause known to the Prince would express himself in such rough Language and accompany it with such unpleasing Looks that Alethion could not but perceive that his Father was abus'd with untrue surmises This did afflict the Prince yet he having a great Soul and that fortified with a spotless Vertue dissembled his Grief and entertain'd Patience till God and Time should cure his Father's mistakes Anaxagathus to discharge the trouble of his Doubts unhappily reveal'd his mind to Antitheus who being too well vers'd in the Art of Dissimulation pretended a great belief of the Prince's Loyalty and though he confess'd that he had heard things which were most extremely dishonourable if they were true yet he advis'd the King to repute them as he himself did false adding that a short time would probably give a clear Resolution of that which was at present doubtful The King left it so at that time and Antitheus went no further in his Discourse because though he saw a strong Jealousie kindled in the King's Breast yet he was unwilling to blow it up into an open Flame fearing that for want of sufficient Fewel it would be extinguish'd without doing that mischief which he intended to the Prince Whereupon having enter'd into consultation with Dogmapornes his Friend and one that loved not the Prince they resolved upon a new Device and that was to write a Letter in Alethion's Name and direct it to Theosebes the Prince of Theoprepia whose matter should be form'd to advance the suspicion of Anaxagathus and put him upon some such Action which they might use for a fair Introduction to their main Design Alethion had not only made a common Amity with Theosebes but contracted such an intimate Friendship with him that they were no lesse dear to each other then to themselves and both to testifie and preserve their Affection kept a constant Correspondence It happen'd also that Alethion during his stay at Phronesium had entertain'd a great Affection for the Princesse Agape the Sister of Theosebes The knowledge of these Accidents was but too subservient to Dogmapornes for he had a faculty of forming any Characters which he had seen before In confidence of this Art he undertook to imitate the Prince's hand so exactly that he should not be able to know it from his own He had an Acquaintance with one call'd Panurgus who was well known to Siopelus Alethion's Secretary Him they order'd to visit Siopelus and to watch an opportunity when he found the Secretary engag'd in earnest business to fix the Prince's Seal to the Letter and then pretend that he found the Letter by chance and give it to Dogmapornes when he should see him with the King unto whom Dogmapornes was to present it The words carried this sense Most Illustrious Prince Theosebes The Love which unites our hearts hath made it impossible that I should not be alwayes Yours The Truth upon which our Friendship is founded will not permit any Condition to make a diminution of our Affections If it were not a Reservedness unbecoming our Relation I would not give you the trouble of knowing my present State I am afflicted by my Father to gratifie his Enemies who have wickedly brought him into an unjust suspicion of my Loyalty It doth something astonish me to find my self a Grief to him whose Joyes I would redeem with the loss of whatsoever is dear unto me Although I am more apprehensive for his disturbance then for any mischief which it may possibly work to me yet I am not so out of Charity with my Innocence as to abandon it carelesly to undeserved Ruine I hope I have discovered the Ground upon which my danger is built and when I shall have sprung a Mine which I have lay'd under it I doubt not but that which now threatens me will be torn up by the Roots At present I need nothing but your Prayers as occasion serves you shall hear further from Your most affectionate and faithful Lover ALETHION The next day the King took Antitheus into the Garden to talk with him concerning the former business which was never out of his thoughts and ask'd him if he had yet receiv'd any further notice of Alethion's Designs No replied Antitheus only they say the Prince was much out of Humour yesternight refus'd to eat and entertain'd some of his Associates in private discourse and as he dismiss'd them which was very late one over-heard him say I will I will for it is intolerable for a Prince to be so us'd I will rather die then be despis'd The King turning hastily about advanc'd but a few steps in the walk which led towards the House before he saw Dogmapornes with two more of his Confederates coming towards him Dogmapornes perceiving by the King's Countenance that he was exceedingly incens'd craved his Majestie 's pardon alleging that he should not have presumed to have invaded his Privacy but that his servant having found a Letter in the Street directed to Theosebes the Prince of Theoprepia he thought it was his duty to bring it to the King Anaxagathus observing it was seal'd with the Prince's Arms was much troubled especially when having open'd it he found it written with his hand as he thought and saw his Name subscribed to it When he had read it supposing he understood what it meant by the Comments which he had receiv'd before-hand he seem'd to be rapt into an astonishment and after a while broke through his silence with Expressions which signified an infinite Anguish His words were such as these O Lord how feeble a thing is Humane Felicity That flattering Glasse in which we pleasingly view the beautiful Image of Happiness may be made bright but there is no Power which can secure it from breaking Our Heights are but Precipices we cannot stand upon their Tops without Fear and the higher they are rais'd the more irrecoverable is our Fall How vain is the Trust which is repos'd in Mortal men when the best Assurances of Humane Faith are only fairer Masks of Perfidiousness O the foolish Boasts of proud Artists How mean and useless are those Inventions for which they pretend to have merited Immortal
reason to be sorry for my Father's Misfortunes Though my own Affliction be great I should easily slight it if I did not foresee that my Ruine is made a Prelude to his Destruction O subtile Malice Dost thou take away the Son as a Traitor who is the only Bulwark which my Father hath left against treasonable Attempts Is it possible my Father should think me so foolishly wicked as to endeavour to steal that which would be my own after a short time and which I had rather want for ever then blast the Glory of a lawful Possession by using the least indirect means to attain it Is Anaxagathus grown so strangely credulous that a Counterfeit Letter is a better Testimony then so many years Experience Did not Phaedra write an Epistle against Hippolytus and then hang her self but did that make him guilty of any sin against his Father Theseus But it is to no purpose to make Apologies when the Judge will give no Audience I could heartily wish that my Father may in some reasonable time be so far disabus'd as not to love Vertue less for my sake nor me for false Reports But I am afraid lest this black cloud which appears now over my Head will ere long discharge a storm upon our Family It is too plain a symptom that a Kingdom is not far from Destruction when the Methods of its safety are confounded with perverse Counsels This fatal Imprudence doth too commonly attend those who are destin'd to Ruine when adverse Fortune hath begun to afflict them they use contrary Medicines or delay to apply fit Remedies to their Distempers till they be grown incurable The Prince having finish'd this short Reflexion told Dogmapornes that he was ready to go along with him Dogmapornes conducted him a private way through the Grove which adjoyn'd to the Prince's Palace for fear of tumults However he could not carry the matter so privately but that the City and Army had notice of it Most of them retaining their former Goodwill to the Prince were ready to make an Insurrection for his Deliverance saying as they went up and down that the Prince was betray'd Those which were of Antitheus his party oppos'd them and ask'd them if they would rebel adding that nothing was done to Alethion but by the King's order Hereupon Misopseudes a prudent Senatour and one of the Prince's friends fearing that the Mutiny of the Army would turn to Alethion's prejudice told them that as there was no doubt of the Prince's Innocence so he made no question but that he would be speedily freed from his Imprisonment and to quiet this Humour he added that nothing could more confirm the suspicion which was already entertain'd concerning the Prince's guilt then in a Rebellious way to attempt his Vindication Having thus appeased the violence of the storm he returned to the King to intercede for the Prince When he was come to the Court he found them all surpriz'd with an uncouth Accident for an old Servant of the King 's who had ever a most passionate affection for the Prince having for a long time kept his bed by reason of a dead Palsey being told by the boy that attended him that Alethion was sent to Prison the old man amaz'd into a kind of recovery started up and by the help of his boy having got out of his bed and put on a Night-gown and supporting his feeble Body with a pair of Crutches went out of his Chamber crying Oh my dear Master my dear Master When he came to the King's Presence he cried out O my Lord do not believe any Reports against the Prince If there were never so many Letters and Hands and Seals Alethion is Innocent and the Tears running down his cheeks he added Sir you are abus'd you are abus'd The King vex'd with this unexpected Accident commanded his servants to take away the Impertinent Fellow There is no need of that said the Paralytick I will be gone of my own accord grant me your pardon for this offence for I will never trouble you more but let me tell you that you will repent of the Prince's Imprisonment When he had said this he returned to his bed and died immediately The King said nothing but those which stood by perceived that he was extremely troubled and as they guess'd look'd upon this Interposition as an ill Omen for it was known that the old man for many moneths was not able to stir in his bed but as he was moved by others Misopseudes Philalethes and some other of the Prince's Friends took an occasion from this Accident to speak in Alethion's behalf and desired him not to make any peremptory conclusion in his mind concerning the Prince's Disloyalty adding that though Letters were found yet possibly the Prince might not write them mentioning also the great Grief which the King's Subjects had conceived for the Prince's Restraint and ended with intreaties which they made to the King to give his Son leave to come to him that so he might have an opportunity to clear himself from his Accusations What replied the King do not I know my Son's Hand and Seal Shall I not believe my own Eyes Shall I not trust my own Judgment when I see so much cause to doubt the fidelity of such as have the least reason in the world to be unfaithful Do you tell me of the peoples Affections then it seems my Son hath engaged them against me but I will take care that he shall not head their Rebellion Anaxagathus was so far from accepting their Mediation that suspecting they were 〈◊〉 of some Design he commanded them to be arrested and committed prisoners to their lodgings in the City but by the advice of Antitheus who feared they might cause some disturbance he sent them into the Country and confin'd them to their Houses charging them not to return to Court without leave upon pain of Death Within four dayes Dogmapornes came back having secured the Prince under the Custody of Apronoeus his Lieutenant The next morning after his Return one of his Souldiers brought news that the Prince impatient of his Prison had dismiss'd himself from that and his Life both at once by throwing himself from the top of a high Tower into the River which ran by the Castle This Report was brought according to an agreement made between Antitheus and Dogmapornes for they durst not immediately murder the Prince fearing the King's mind might change Though the news was false they looked upon it as serviceable to their Purpose which was as soon as they could to destroy the King and having done that to use this report as a fair colour for that which they meant to doe next For they resolved then privately to doe that themselves which they now affirmed the Prince to have done and so make one Sin a Disguise for another When this news came to the King's Ears it is easie to imagine what grief it convey'd to his already-distressed Heart but the 〈◊〉 was infinitely
very glad of it said Theosebes and since the wind is fair we will lose no opportunity it may possibly hold good till we arrive at Theriagene Orders being given to the Court to remove with all possible speed to Naupactus Theosebes and Alethion with the rest of their noble Companions devoted the next day to solemn Prayers which they made publickly to Almighty God with an humble Earnestness and declar'd that the Victory which they desir'd did not depend upon the Courage of Men but the Mercy of God and the day after they began their Journey towards the Sea-side The Queen the Princess Agape and the other Ladies entertain'd no small Apprehensions for their Friends who were going to try the hazards of War whose Events are alwayes doubtful but placing their Hopes in God's Assistance of a most just Cause they took their Departure with a submissive Quietness As soon as they arriv'd at Naupactus a Council of War being held at which were present both the Kings Bentivolio and his Brother Lysander Misopseudes Philalethes Amyntor Sympathus Aristander Pasiphilus and some others it was resolv'd that they should endeavour to surprize Hipponyx the principal Haven of Theriagene which was so call'd because the Form in which it was built resembled the Figure of a Horse's hoof The Prince of Theoprepia sail'd in the Admiral being accompanied with Alethion Bentivolio and Misopseudes Lysander commanded the Vice-Admiral Pasiphilus the Rere-Admiral other 〈◊〉 men possessing the rest of the Ships according to the King's appointment They weighed Anchor the next day and the wind continuing fair they came within five Leagues of Hipponyx about four of the clock in the Afternoon But then the wind turn'd and blowing with a stiff gale the Fleet according to the example of their Admiral came to an Anchor by which means they were discover'd by the Hipponyctians and he that commanded the Town for Antitheus immediately prepar'd to put it into a posture of defence A Signal being given the Commanders of the several Ships went aboard the Admiral where it was resolv'd that a Shallop should be sent off with a Herauld to summon Hipponyx to yield up the Port to Alethion and to offer a Pardon to such as were willing to return to their Obedience to their lawful Sovereign The sight of the white Flag upon the Prow of the Shallop was a great Joy to the Hipponyctians for the whole City was put into a great Consternation by the Arrival of such a great Fleet at so near a distance and all the Inhabitants except some few would willingly have accepted of Alethion's gracious Proposition but that Atheophilus the Governour in whom Antitheus had plac'd no small confidence as in his most faithful friend prevented the declaration of their Intentions by swearing that he would immediately kill him that should dare to speak of a Surrender The Herauld returning and having declar'd the Governour 's Answer the Princes resolving to pursue their Intentions with speed order'd that the same night a convenient number of Shallops attended with four Frigots should storm the two Forts which were built upon each side of the River to secure the entrance of the Haven The Ships design'd for this service being committed to the conduct of Aristander Charistion Amyntor and Sympathus Bentivolio Misopseudes Panaretus and Philalethes resolv'd to accompany them in this service They fill'd some of the Shallops with Fagots to throw into the Trenches and Ladders to scale the Works and having understood that the passage into the Haven was secur'd by the Hulls of old Barks fastned together with Chains they appointed some Vessels with Souldiers furnish'd with Axes to loosen the Chains and break the Bridge and provided two Fire-boats to burn the Barks After the Signal given by a great Gun they weigh'd Anchor and making several boards they arriv'd at the Mouth of the Haven about an hour before day Aristander who was accompanied with Bentivolio landed his men who were design'd to attaque the North Fort as Charistion and Panaretus did on the other side and in the mean while Misopseudes Amyntor and Philalethes in several Vessels fill'd with Mariners and Souldiers set upon the chain'd-bridge Atheophilus had plac'd his best men in the Forts knowing that if they were lost he should not only grant his enemies a free entrance into the Haven but also receive great annoiance from the Guns which were planted upon them His Souldiers welcom'd the Theoprepians with their Canon and when by the noise which they made as they march'd they perceiv'd that they were at a convenient distance they saluted them with Musquet-shot giving them notice with flashes of dreadful light where they might find their enemies This did nothing amaze the Theoprepians for they went boldly on and though the Bullets whizz'd over their heads and sometimes lodg'd themselves in their bodies they came up close to their Works and having cast in their Bavins and yet finding the Trenches not fill'd up they threw themselves into the water and swam over being encourag'd to it by the generous example of Bentivolio and Aristander and having plac'd their Ladders began to scale the Fort. As they went up they from above knock'd them down with Stones which made some of them unable to get up again Bentivolio to prevent that discouragement which might possibly have happen'd to the Souldiers from this manner of opposition commanded them to cover their heads with long Fagots carried by two men one at each end which made them some defence Having set his foot upon a ladder he receiv'd the same salutation with his Companions by the blow of an heavy stone upon his shoulder which would possibly have lessened a weak courage but it increas'd his for going up readily and calling to those who were next him to follow him notwithstanding all the Resistance which the Enemy could make he got to the top and having slain those who made a vain attempt to hinder his entrance he gave his followers a more easie Access Aristander succeeded as happily in his attempt upon the other side of the Fort. And now the dreadful Image of Death grew visible with the first Appearances of Light for the Souldiers inclos'd in the Fort hoping for no safety but by the Expulsion of their Enemies and they resolving to take it or die both parties produc'd mortal effects of a great Courage whilst they gave testimonies of their strong desires Bentivolio hewing out his way to a place where he perceiv'd the Captain of the Fort to make some of his Companions fall by his Sword being enrag'd with love and grief gave him such a blow upon the head that he cut through his Helmet and cleav'd his skull Aristander with the same sort of valiant Actions forc'd himself a passage from the other side into the midst of the Fort where meeting with his friend they destroy'd so many with an invincible Courage that those few which were yet unkill'd being utterly discourag'd by the loss of their Captain and