wisest Councils could have done to plant the person she lov'd in the same house with her Having thus enflam'd Arsace with desire of seeing Theagenes she yet with-held her being disorder'd with want of Sleep till she had rested and would appear with better Advantage Leaving her thus satisfy'd and in good expectation of the event and resolv'd on what method to take with the Strangers she return'd What is it Son said she that you so curiously enquire after What Strangers are those within said he and from whence I may not inform you said Cybele nor must you tell what you know nor converse with the Sâ—rangers He obey'd his Mother suspecting Theâ—gâ—nâ—s to be reserv'd for Arsace's service but is not this the person said he within himself as he depaâ—ted who was rescued from me by the Bâ—â—â—ians when he was deliver'd to me by Mitranes to conduct him to Orooâ—dates who was to â—end him to our great King In which attempt my Life was in danger and I only escaped of those that guarded him Do my Eyes deceive me I have heard also that Thyamis is arriv'd and has fought in single Duel with his Brother for the Priesthood It is certainly the same Person But at present I must concâ—al the discovery and observe Arsacâ—'s proceedings with the Strangers These were his private sentiments Cybele in the mean time entring in upon them perceiv'd what had past For although at the opening of the Doors they endeavour'd to compose themselves yet they could not conceal their Grief from the subtle old Lady their Cheeks being still moist with Tears She therefore cry'd out O my dear Children why do you thus take on When you ought to rejoice and congratulate your good fortune The moâ—t excellent Arsace contrives all things for your satisfaction and has consented that to morrow you shall be brought into her Presence Wherefore you must put away these Childish Lamentations it is meet for you to compose your selves and be obedient to her Pleasure The Death of Calasiris said Theagenes raised this sorrow in whom we have lost a Fathers protection You trifle said Cybele Calasiris was but your personated Father and is expir'd according to the Laws of Age and Nature All things are restored to you in one Person Riches Pleasures adore Aâ—sace as your good fortune Only be rul'd by me in what manner you are to approach her since she has so commanded and what measures you must take in what she shall command You know her Spirit is great as being elevated by Quality and Beauty and such as will not bear Contempt in any thing that she shall enjoin While Theagenes stood silent as conjecturing the flagitious meaning the Eunuchs entred â—ringing in Golden Chargers the Remains of â—he Royal Banquet that exceeded in Cost and Delicacy When they had set them on the Taâ—le saying That their Lady in honour to the â—trangers had so commanded they departed â—et to omit no part of their Office they first â—asted of every Dish The same was done in the Evening The next Morning the same Eâ—â—uchs coming to Theagenes said You are call'd â—or O happy man by our Lady and we are â—ommanded to bring you into her Presence â—o therefore to enjoy that Happiness which is â—ermitted to very few and to those very selâ—om He paus'd a while and then unwillingly rising up Am I only commanded to go or my Sister here with me Only you at present said they she being afterwards to come by her self There are now certain Persian Nobleâ— with Arsace It is her manner to speak witâ— Men apart and with Women afterwards aparâ— also Tâ—eagenes bowing said softly to Chariclea These things are neither honest nor their meaning unsuspected by me When she whispered to him again That he ought not to disobey but seem willing to perform her Pleasure in all things he follow'd them forth When they told him after what manner she was to be accosted how he ought to adore her at his entrance he answerâ—d nothing â—ut going in and finding her seated on a Tribunal â—dorn'd in a Purple Robe Embroider'd with Gold Bracelets on her Arms and a Rich Tiarâ— on her Head the Guards standing round and the Nobles seated on each sâ—de his mind was not moved in the least but as forgetting what was agreed on between himself and Chariclea his Spirit was the more exaltâ—d against the Pride 〈◊〉 this Persian Pageant Therefore neither bending his Knee noâ— adoring her with an erect countenance he said Save you Arsace of Royaâ— Blood While those that were present were enrag'd and muâ—mur'd at Theagenes's audaciouâ— Entrance without the usual Adoration You must excuse him said Arsâ—ce smiling as â— stranger to our Customs and as a Grecian prejudic'd against them Withal she put off her Tiara though much prohibited by the Attendants for this is the Persians way of returning respect to them that salute them When by her Interpreter for though she understood the Greek Tongue she could not speak it she had bid him be of good chear to demand any thing he needed beckning to her Eunuchs she dismiss'd him He was attended forth by the Guards among whom Achemenes having here seen him again knew him more exactly and suspecting the cause of the extraordinary honour done to him yet conceal'd his thoughts resolving within himself what to do Arsace continued to receive the Persian Nobles and Magistrates with such Magnificence pretending respect to them while the true cause of her holding the Banquet was to have discourse with Theagenes to whom she not only sent the choicest Dainties but richest Presents Tapestrys and Carpets of divers Colours wrought at Sydon and Lydia She likewise sent Servants to attend them a young Maiden to Chariclea and a Youth oâ— Ionia to Theagenes Very much urging Cybele to finish her Design with celerity for that she could no longer sustain the violence of her Passion Nor was she negligent in trying all ways to compass Theagenes Indeed she told him not Arsace's Desire in express words but with circumlocution gave him to understand magnifying the Bounty of Arsace towards him setting before his Eyeâ— not only those Beauties which appear'd in her but likewise those that were conceal'd Then she extoll'd her humour that was affable and obliging and the esteem that she had for Youths of noble Expectation In short she made tryal by all she said how he stood affected to the Delights of Venus Theagenes acknowledg'd her Bounty towards him her love to the Grecian customs and on all accounts return'd her Thanks and Praise But for the drift of her wilâ—s he seem'd to take no notiâ—e The Old Lady therefore was stung to think that he understood her intention but despis'd and repell'd her attempts She knew Arâ—ace would bear no longer delays but exact performance of her promise she therefore put her off with pretences sometimes saying that the Youth was timorous and sometimes that ill Accidents had happen'd When therefore the fifth and sixth days were
same Winds rising about the Summer Solstice violently chase and drive all the Clouds from North to South that carried upon their swift Wings to the torrid Zone are there stopped and by the incredible vehemency of the circumfused heat their motion is bâ—aten back and the humor that before was gathered and condensed then thaws and destilling in great showers making Nilus so proud that he no longer endures to be a River but passing his Limits covers AEgypt with his inundation like a Sea making fruitful the Country as be passeth this is the reason his Waters are so sweet to drink because he receiveth them from Heaven and they are fine to bath in not hot as when they fall yet Milk warm as retaining part of their original hence it comes that of all Rivers only this exhales no vapours which would necessarily follow by natural reason iâ— as certain learned Greâ—ians have conceived the â—ides had taken their increase from Snow melting and pouring off the Mountains As I discoursed thus the Priâ—st oâ— Apollo my intimate Friend named Charicles You spâ—ak said he â—xcâ—llâ—ntly well and I aâ—â—ent to your opinion for it is the same I heard of your Priests in the Catadupes of Nilus Were you ever there Chariâ—les said I I was replyed he I demandâ—d if he had any business there he answered my adverse Fortune at home made me travel thither and was the cause of my felicâ—ty I marvelling at his words as implying contradiction You will not wonder he said when you hear all the passages which I will tell you when you please We cannot have a better time I said Be it now if you think good Then Charicles taking mâ— aside Know said he I have long wished to give you the relation of my Fortunes as having need oâ— your assistance wise Calasiris After I was Marrâ—â—d I was some years without Children at length growing into years yet continuing earnest in my Prayers to the Gods they blessed me with Issue and made me Father of a Daughter in the declining of my Age but with sad predictions that her Birth should be unfortunate she being now grown Marriageable many Suitors were ambitious to be her Husband I matched her to him that in my Judgment best deserved her but even upon her Marriage-Night in her Husbands Bed and Arms the Miserable dyed suffocated by Fire either from Heaven or scattered from the hand of some too careless Person so Mourning and Tears took place of her Nuptial Bravery and of the Epithalamion that was yet sung from her Marriage-Chamber she was carryed to her Tomb and the same Torches that were lighted at her Wedding serv'd for her Funeral-Fire nor did the divine Powers let this Tragedy end here but added her Mother to the Scene of Death Heart-broken for her Child I having not constancy enough to â—upport these rigours of the Gods would not yet exile my self from Life obeying the more probable Doctrine of Divines but resolved to forsake my Country and no more to see the solitude and sorrow of my House for it is a great eaâ—e to Misery to remove the sad Object from our Eyes And having wandred many Countreys at length I came into your AEgypt and travelled to the Catadupes to see the Cataracts and falls of Nilus Here you have the reasons of my Journey but I desire you should know the Head or rather Crown of the Narration As I was there walking the Streets and buying some Rarities whereof there was scarcity in Greece for now time having digested my Sorrow I longed to return into my Country a venerable black Man with a face full of Gravity though he were but newly sâ—epped out of his Youth came to me and saluted me telling me in bâ—oken Greek that he desired to have some conference with me I obeying his desire he carried me into a Temple hard by and said I saw you buying some Indian and AEthiopian Herbs and Roots but if you will have them sincere and without all Sophistication buy of me With all my Heart said I Pray you shew them But take heed said he you be not too wary a Buyer Look you said I you be not too dear a Seller Then drawing out a little Caâ—binet that he carried under his Arm he opened it and shewed me certain Gems of an inestimable value there were Pearls of the bigness of a Hasel-Nut exactly round and fair without a Flaw Emeralds and Jacinths the one shewing like the green Corn in the Spring time shining in their Polish as if oyled the other imitating the colour of the Sea-shore under a high bending Rock dying all below it in a purple Colour In fine of all the Stones together there was a mixt and various Water infinitely pleasing and delightful to the Eye When I had well considered them Friend said I you must seek you other kind of Chapmen than I am for all my wealth will not be great enough to purchase me the least of these If you have not means to buy them said he yet I hope you have power to receive them as a gift That 's true I replyed I think my power were sufficient to receive them but I cannot imagine what should induce you thus to mock me I mock not he replyed but what I do is serious and I protest unto you by the power that is Patron of this Temple I will give you all these provided you will receive with this a richer giâ—t At this I fell a laughing and he demanding the cause I told him it seemed to me a ridiculous thing that offering me such Riches he would yet promise a Reward for receiving of them of far richer Value Believe me replyed he but let me take your Oath withal that you will nobly use this gift and as I shall instruct you A while I stood in doubt yet I did swear won with the hope of such a promise but when I had taken my Oath in the form he gave it he took me along with him and shewed me a Maid endowed with an incomparable Form and Grace as he said but seven Years old but to me she seemed almost marriageable so much doth the excellency of a Face add to the lowness of a Stature My eyes dazling at this wonder I stood amazed and speechless partly because I was ignorant of what he meant to do bat principally out of an insatiable desire of beholding the young Lady till he awaked me with these words Stranger This Maid thou seest for some causes thou shalt understand hereafter was exposed by her Mother in her swathing-Bands and left to the uncertainty of Fortune I lighting by chance upon her took her up for I had been Wicked and a Villain if I had sufâ—ered a Soul to float in so much danger that hâ—d once entred a humane Body for this is one oâ— the Precepts oâ— our Gymnosophists whose Scholar though unworthy I have been But that which most moved my Charity was a kind of Divinity that I saw shining in the
HISTORY The First Book THE break of day had now dispersed the darkness and the Sun with earliest beams guilded the summits of the Mountains when a Troop of Men that had no Living but by Robberies and Rapine appeared upon the Promontory that elevates it self over one of the Mouths of Nilus named the Heracliotick Being assembled they made a stand to take view of the Sea that lay like a vast Valley underneath them but when they saw nothing that presented hope of Prey all the Ships they discovered sayling off to the Main they cast their Eyes towards the neighbour Shoar and encountered this Object A Ship at Anchor no men in her yet heavy laden as might easily be judged afar oâ—f for she was of that burthen as she drew Water to the third Deck The Shoar was covered with a Massacre of men some dead others were but half dead and the parts of their Bodies that yet panted gave assurance to the beholders it was no long time since the Fight was ended nor were these the Marks of a just Quarrel they were the said Relicks of an unfortunate Feast There were Tables that stood yet full â—urnished and some that were overturned betwixt the Arms of those that sate at them others lay like Tomb-stones over the Dead that had as it is probable hid themselves under them Many Bowls and Pots were cast down and many yet held in their hands that had taken them either to drink or to cast at their Enemies heads for the suddenness of the Mutiny and the necessity had taught them a new way and instead of Darts and other offensive Weapons armed them with the Cups they drank in They lay one cloven with an Axe another his Brains beat out with Shells that lay ready on the Sands some bruised to pieces with Leavers many burnt with Coals of Fire and divers others diversly Murthered but the most were Shot to Death with Arrows In sum Fortune in a little time had produced strange variations contaminating the Wine with Blood changing the chearfulness of a Feast into the horrors of a Battle promiscuously mixing their Meat with Wounds and Drinking Healths with Death preparing such a Stage for the AEgyptian Thieves to be Spectators but from those heights they could not understand the Play for they plainly saw a defeat but no Masters of the Field an absolute Victory but no Spoils taken a Ship unmann'd but else untouched hulling in that dangerous Road as if in full peace and in the midst of the greatest security in the world But though ignorant of the Cause they were greedy of the Prey and resolved to make themselves the Conquerors So they marched forward to the pillage and when they were not far from the Ship and near to the dead Bodies there was presented to their sense a sight of greater astonishment than the former It was a young Lady sitting upon a Rock of so rare and perfect a Beauty as one would have taken her for a Goddess and though her present misery opprest her with extreamest grief yet in the greatness of her affliction they might easily perceive the greatness of her Courage A Laurel crown'd her Head and a Quiver in a Scarf hanged at her back she rested her left Arm upon her Bow and let her Hand carelesly hang down upon her right Thigh she leaned on her other Arm laying her Cheek upon her hand and fixing her eyes upon a young Gentleman that lay not far distant from her he was covered in his wounds and now began to raise himself a little as if awaking out of a deep sleep almost of Death it self yet such a stock of Beauty shined in his Face and the Blood that rained down so set off the whiteness of his Skin as made him shew most lovely the pain he felt seemed to weigh down his Eye-lids and the Beauty of the Lady to attract and open them He had no sooner recollected his Spirits and scarce breath'd but with a languishing voice he pronounced these words Sweetest Is it true that I yet behold you Living or perishing in the execution have you encreased the number of the dead can you not not even in Death be ravished from me but will your shadow be yet a loooker on and sharer in my Fortunes It is from you reply'd the Maid that I expect my Fortune Life or Death this you here see shewing him a Steeletto in her lap hath yet not done its office hindered by the happy signs of your recovery This said she leaped from the Rock and the Thieves upon the Mountains surprized with fear and astonishment ran to hide themselves behind the Bushes For she appeared more Divine when she was upon her Feet her Arrows in her Quiver clashing as she stepped her Robe that was Cloth of Gold glittering in the Sun and her Hair that flowed under her Coronet like the Priestesses of Bacchus reaching almost to the ground One said she was a Goddess and sure the Goddess Diana or Isis the Patroness of their Country others conceived her to be a Votaress to some God that inspired with divine fury had made so great a slaughter This while the Maid running to the Gentleman cast herself upon his Body wept kist himâ— wiped his wounds and imbraced him so closely as if she could hardly be assured she had him in her Arms. The AEgyptians observing this presently altered their Opinions What said thâ—y are these the actions of a Goddess do Goddesses kiss dead Men and with so much commiseration So encouraging one another they marched on and found the Lady dressing the young mans wounds and coming close â—ehind her did not dare to attempt any thing not so much as to speak to her but the noiâ—e they had made and their shadows cast before her Eyes moved her to turn her Head and when she had seen them she again declined her Face and applyed her self to bind up her friends wounds not so much as the least daunted with the unusual Aspect and colour of these armed AEgyptians So powerful is sincere affection as it despises all other pleasing or displeasing thi◠〈◊〉 and transports our whole care and thoughts 〈◊〉 the object we love dearest But when the Thieves passed on and stood in front before her and seemed as if they would attempt something she lifted up her Eyes again and seeing them so black and ugly If you be she said these dead mens Spirits you do us wrong to trouble us since most of you with your own hands slew one another if any of you fell by ours it was but in our just revenge to repell the violence you offered to my Chastity but if ye be living men I should take you to be Thieves if so you come mosâ— opportunely Free us I beseech you from these evilâ— that oppress us kill us and put and end to all our misery These passionate wodrâ— she spake with as sad an Accent But they neither understanding her words nor meaning left her with the wounded
Gentleman not putting any surer guard upon them then their own weakness and hasting to the Ship they unladed her every man carrying out as much Gold Silver Precious Stones and Silks as they were able to bear neglecting other Commodities tho' rich and various and when they had every one as much as satisfied their Avarice they lay'd it down upon the shoar making it up into packs and dividing it not by reason or after the just value of the things but equalling them by weight reserving for the last to resolve what to do with the young Gentleman and the Lady Mean while there appears upon the Mountains a second Company two riding before them as their Captains these were no sooner perceived by the former but without preparing for the fight or daring to take with them any part of of the spoâ—l lest it might give occasion to the Enemy to pursue the fear that strook their hearts made them take their heels with the greatest agility that was possible for they were but Ten and those they saw coming were twice that number Thus the Lady was twice taken and yet not Prisoner Now these others though they had an extream longing to be at the pillage and had already devoured it in their hopes yet the Apprehension that troubled their Spirits not knowing the cause of these events retained them for a while for they imagined the first Thieves had made that horrible Slaughter and observing the Lady in all the dangers that threatned her to be no more afraid than if there had been no such thing careful only of the young man's wounds that seemed to pain her more than if they had been her own they remained mightily amazed as well at the generosity of her courage and rareness oâ— her Beauty as at the delicate shape and exact stature of the wounded young man who â—egan to resume his natural Colour After they had long considered their Captain stept forth and took her by the hand commanding her to rise and go with him but she that understood not his Language and yet doubted what he meant drew the young Gentleman along nor would he part with her and setting her Steeletto to her Breast threatned to kill her self if they might not go together The Captain understanding her more by action and signs than by her words and hoping if the young Gentleman recovered he would serve him in designs of higher Nature made his Page alight and he also dismounting caused the two Captives to be mounted on his Horses and himself setting forward on foot whilst his men trussed up the Pillage went with the Prisoners to help them if happily their weakness should not suâ—â—er them to help themselves nor did their Captivity want a Glory to see the Conqueror humbled to the Conquered and to be waited on by him that had them in his power So great is the Appearance of Nobility and Magick of a Beauty as to subdue the inhumane Nature of Thieves and to mollifie the hearts of the most Barbarous When they had now passed along the Sea Shoar about half a quarter of a Mile leaving the left hand-way they turned up-hill and climbing over doubled their paces to arrive by day-light at a Lake on the other side the Mountain This part of the Country is by the AEgyptians named the Bucolia or Pasture in which there is a Valley that receives the Innundations and disburdenings of Nilus growing into a Lake of an infinite deepness in the mâ—dst but near the sides it is but shallow and marish Here the AEgyptian Thieves live together with a kind of policy and observing a certain form of a Republick Some dwell in Cabbins or Huts builded upon little spots of Earth that rise above the water in divers places of the Lake others live in Boats that they use both for ferrying over and habitations for themselves and wives who are there brought a-Bed their Infants first suck the Mothers-milk and within a while are weaned and use to eat Fish got in the Lake and broyled in the Sun when a little one desires to go his Mother tyes a Cord to his Foot that reacheth no farther than the Boat committing him to this new guide Thus all that are born within the Lake account it for their Nurse and Country and hold it as a strong protection to their Robberies and to that end such kind of people â—lock hither from all parts for the water serves them for a wall and the great quantity of Reed and Cane that grows about the borders stands before them as their Bulwark and therein they have cut out so many ways intermazed one within another which their practice makes easie to them and cuts off all hope of incursion from the Enemy The Sun now declining to the West the Captain and the rest of his company arrived at this Lake and dismounting the two Prisoners carried the Prey aboard their little Boats presently all their Fellows that had stayed at home some from one side of the Fenns and some from the other came running to meet their Captain and received him as their King doing him all humble reverence but when they had viewed the richeâ— of the Prize and the divine form of the Maidâ— they conceived their companions had robbed some Temple and taken away the Priestess or the living Image of some Goddess so with a thousanâ— glorious Praises elevating their Captains Valouâ— to the Heavens they all conducted him to his place of residence which was a little Iâ—land cut off from theirs and reserved only for him and some few appointed to be always near his Person Bâ—ing landed here he commanded the multitude should retire home and not fail to attend him the next morning Himself with some few of his Friends made a short Supper then committed the two Prisoners to the custody of a young Grecian taken by the same Thieves not long before to the end he might serve for their interpreter and giving him order they should be lodged in a Tent joyned to his own charged him to dress the Gentlemans wounds and see that none should do injury to the Lady whilst he wearied with the labour of his Journey and the care of present business went to rest But when silence râ—igned in all the Iâ—land about the first watch of the Night the Maid being alone used her solitude and absence of her keeper as an occasion given her to ease her Spirits with complaining the calâ— of the Night exciting her sad thoughts and being able to see nothing that might divert her mind when she had deeply sighed to her self for she was separated by command of the Captain Theagenes lying with Knemon and she resting on a poor low Palate weeping as if her heart would break Oh Apollo she said how much greater is our punishment than our offence cannot all our past miseries extinguish thy revenge We are deprived of the sweet presence of our Friends and Parents we have been taken by Pyrates we have been tossed
made the gteatest number Thus was I exiled from my Country and my Fathers House But the wicked Damoeneta did not long escape unpunished by the Gods that hate Impieties how it was you shall know hereafter Now it is time you should rest for the night is far spent and you had need of a great deal of sleep Oh now you will add to our misery reply'd Theagenes if you leave this wicked Woman thus Hear then said Knemon since your will is so After my Judgment was pronounced I went down to the Port we call Pyreum and lighted on a Ship that was bound for the Island of Egina knowing I had some Friends by my Mothers side that lived there When I was landed and had found out those I enquired for I passed my time there a while with indifferent good content I had not stayed there past Twenty Days but walking as my custom was upon the Haven I perceived a Bark making in therefore staying a little to see from whence it was the Planks were scarce laid down but a Passenger came running to me and imbraced me it was Charias one of my old Acquaintance Oh Knemon said he I bring you joyful News you are revenged of your Enemy Damoeneta is dead You are welcom dear Friend Charias I reply'd but why do you pass over your good News so lightly as if it were some ill accident Relate the manner I beseech you for I fear she dyed by some unusual way and escaped the Death and Shâ—me she deserved Justice said Charias hath not altogether forsaken us as Hesiod thought but though sometimes it conniveth at the wickedness of men and seems as if it slept upon their Sins and â—or a time deferring to punish them yet at length it overtakes them as it hath done the wicked Damoeneta The Particulars whereof came to my knowledge out of the Familiarity thâ—t had past betwixt my Self and Thesbe who concealed nothing from me for when the decree of unjust Banishment had past against me your Father Penitent for his act withdrew himself from the company of men and retired to his Grange House in the Country there seating his own Heart as the Poet says he resolved to spend the remainder of his Days but suddainly all the Furies of Hell began to torment your Mother-in-Law she loved you now in your absence more than ever and did nothing but complain incessantly deploring your Fortune but indeed lamenting for her own No word passed from her mouth but Knemon her Sweetest her Soul Knemon In fine her affliction grew to that excess all the Town took notice of it and the Neighbours and Noble Ladies her Friends that came to visit her wondered exceedingly to see a Mother-in-Law witness such a Motherly affection much commending her and endeavouring to comfort her the best they could but she told them her evil was greater than to be cured by perswasions that they knew not the cause of her sorrows nor what stings were in her Heart And ever as she came to her self she complained of Thesbe that she knew not how to serve her purpose How nimble she was said Damoeneta to enterprize and execute a malice she knew not how to make me enjoy the pleasure of my Love but she knew how to deprive me of my Joy in an instant e'er I could think e'er she would give me time to change my Mind By these and other words and actions she accidently shewed the displeasure she conceived against Thesbe and that she meant her no good But Thesbe finding her indignation and seeing she was lost in passion disposed by her ill Nature to lay some train for her and mad both with Love and Anger resolved to anticipate heâ— and by laying a Plot for her to preserve her self and coming to her Mistress said she What Destiny Enemy to your Contentment and my Fidelity makes you accuse your Servant I have always and even in this last Act obeyed your will if any thing succeeds not to your wish you must blame Fortune not me yet if you please to command me I shall testifie a great deal of affection and no little industry to find out a way to your content Alas she reply'd How is that possible since he that only can content me is so far distant and so much Sea and Land is interposed betwixt us the unexpected Lenity of his Judg was my death for had they covered him in a Monument of Stones they had with him buried and extinguished my Flame â—or when there is no more hope there is no more care or sence of pain Now methinks I still see him methinks I still hear him object against me my unjust deceits and upâ—raid me with them and I blush to think my self in his presence sometimes I think I may yet â—njoy him and resolve to go my â—elâ— and â—ind him in what part of the World soever he remains this sets me all on Fire this makes me Mad and justly Oh you Gods I sufâ—er For why did I plot against him and rather not use him kindly Why was I an Enemy and not rather a Supplâ—ant at his Feet had he not reason to give me one refusal I was a Stranger to him he was aâ—raid to stain his Fathers Bed it might be time acquaintance and my expressions to him might have won him But I crueller than a wild Beast not as if I had been a Suiter but a Mistress that had the absolute Empire of his Will thought strange he should not obey me and in my unhappy rigour persecuted him for despising Damoeneta that had not Beauty equal to his merit But my Thesbe what content was that you spake of Madam she reply'd the World believes that Knemon hath obeyed his Sentence and hath left the Town and Territory of Athens but I know that ever since that time I have been thoughtful to procure your quiet he lyeth concealed at a Friends House here in Town You have heard of Arsinoe the Flutenist and her Familiarity with him she after his disaster received him into her Honse promising to go along with him and till she can furnish her self with Necessaries for the Voyage she keeps him in secret at her House But Demoeneta could not now reâ—rain to interrupt her saying Oh blessed Arsinoe both in the former Felicity thou hast tasted and that occasion offers thee the present happiness to exile thy self with him But what doth this concern me Oh greatly Mistress reply'd Thesbe for I will fain to be desperately in Love with him and pray Arsinoe that is my old Acquaintance and my fellâ—w Musician to give me one nights lodging with him in her place this being obtained I will make over my right to you you shall personate Arsinoe and he shall take you for her for I will look he shall have a Cup more than ordinary in his Head and the Chamber shall be dark and then I hope when your Desires are obtained your Torments will cease for the end of Love is enjoying
her fled away according to agreement with the Merchant Nausicles this displeased the People yet they did not judge him to be the Murtherer but an Accessory to the Plot against Damaeneta and consenting to my unjust Banishment therefore they expell'd him the City conâ—iscating all his goods these were the fruits he reaped of his Second Marriage and this was the reason made the wicked Thesbe sail from Athens who now before my Eyes receives the punishment she had deserv'd Thus much one Anticles told me in the Island of AEgina with him I put to Sea again bound for AEgypt that if happily I should light of Thesbe here in the City of Naucratia I might carry her back to Athens to discharge my Father of the crime whereof he was falsly indicted and withal to see her treacheries and malice duly punished by the Laws but now I am here detained a Prisoner as you are at another time you shall know the cause and manner of my taing the fortune I have since endured but how Thesbe came into this Cave and who hath slain her we need some God for an interpreter Yet if you please I will read the Letter that I took out of her Bosome which may perhaps give us further intelligence They intreated him to do so and opening it he read these words To her Master Knemon Thesbe his Enemy and Revenger FOr my first News know Damoeneta is Dead by my means for your sake The way I did it if you please to receive me I will relate unto your self it is now ten days that I have been in this Island taken by one of these Thieves that boasts himself to be the Captains Page and keeps me locked up not giving me the Liberty to walk or look abroad punishing me thus as he tells me for the love he bears me but as I conjecture it is for fear lest some body should take me from him yet for all this some Angel directing me as you passed by yesterday I saw and knew you and have now secretly sent you this Letter by an Old Woman my Keeper charging her to present it to the fair Grecian that is near the Captains Person I beseech you Sir free me from this Thief and receive your Handmaid and if it be your pleasure save my Life conâ—idering wherein I offended you Necessity constrain'd me but that I have revenged you of your Enemy was the free motion of my Soul notwithstanding that you be so incensed against me as that you are resolved not to pardon me use me as you please let me dye so I may dye yours For I esteem it much more noble at your hands to receive Death and funeral Rites according to the Custom of Greece than to endure a Life more terrible then Death and the love of a Barbarian more bitter then the hatred of an Athenian Thus Thesbe and the Letter spake Oh Thesbe Thesbe said Knemon thou hast received a just Iudgment and thy self the Messenger that tells it to us delivering us a Letter contains part of thy Misfortunes after thou art Dead by this we know the Fury that revenged thy wickedness upon thee whipt thee about the World and never held her hand till she had brought thee before me thy wronged Master though I lived in AEgypt and made me a Spectator of thy Tradegy But what new Stratagem hadst thou against me By these Letters that Fortune took out of thy hands I cannot but suspect thee yet and I much fear that Damoeneta 's Death is but a thing devised and put into their Mouths that told me it and that thou art come thus far by Sea to make me as Tragick a Spectacle now in AEgypt as before at Athens Why Knemon said Theagenes still so valiant will you not yet leave fearing Spirits and Shadows my error was but a Deceptio visus but I am no actor in this Scene She is dead I warrant never doubt it but who is Author of this favour to thee and has killed her to thy Hand I cannot imagine nor how or when she came down hither I am not able further to resolve you said Knemon but assuredly Thyamis is he that killed her That which makes me believe it is his sword we found dropt out of her Wound for I know it to be his by the Ivory Pommel cut in the figure of an Eagle which is his Crest Cannot you tell us said Theagenes when or how or for what cause he did this Murther How should I know replyed Knemon for this Cave hath not made me Prophetical like that of Apollo at Delphos or Triphonius his Den from whence men come out inspired with a divine fury Presently Theagenes and Chariclea fell a weeping and cryed with one voice Oh Apollo O Delphos this amazed Knemon not being able to conceive why the names oâ— Apollo and Delphos should so much trouble them Thus were they busied Now Thermutis the page of Thâ—amis that was hurt in the Battel when he had recovered Land by Swimming the night now growing Dark he found a Boat Shipwrackt by the Fen-side and entring it plyed his Oares towards his Captains Island to see Thesbe whom a few dayes before he had taken from the Merchant Nausicles as he was leading her in a narrow way that lyes along the Mountain side where Thermutis lay in Ambush to Rob Passengers and as Thyamis at the first noise and arrival of the Enemies had sent him to seek a Beast to Sacrifice to the Gods for Victory Thâ—rmutis desperately in love with this Woman desirous to keep her out of danger of the War and to preserve her for himself secretly conveyed her into the Cave and for fear and haste left her at the Mouth thereof where she remained not daring to stir both frighted with the Alarm and the present Dangers and not knowing the windings of the way that conducted to the Bottom and thus Thyamis finding her at his entry slew her believing that he killed Chariclea Thermutis therefore having escap'd the Battel fled to find her in the Island where arriving he ran with all haste towards the Tent of Thyamis which was now but ashes and with much difficulty finding the Cave by a Stone that covered the entry he lighted a few Reeds that were yet unconsumed and ran down calling Thesbe which name was all the Greek he had but when he saw her stretch'd Dead upon the Earth he was so astonisht as a while he had no Motion at length hearing certains Sounds and Murmurs out of the hollows of the Cave for Theagenes and Knemon were yet discoursing he suspected those to be the Murtherers of Thesbe this confused his thoughts not knowing what to resolve or do for the natural cruelty and barbarous humour of the Thief his rage exasperated by this accident frustrating him of the enjoying of his Love incited him to run to the bottom and fall upon them he esteemed the Authors of her Death but wanting Arms he was reclaimed to Moderation against his will
Infants Eyes whilst it earnestly looked upon me and though dumb begged Pity sweetly With her was laid forth this heap oâ— Pretious Stones I lately shewed you and a Silk-Mantle wherein was sewed in Gold in her Country Characters the Relâ—tion of her sad Fortune Nature as I think having made her Mother furnish the Child wiâ—â— these Additions whereby one day she might be known When I read the Scrowl I knew oâ— whence and who she was and carried her from besides the City far into the Country and gave her to a Shepherd to be brought up threatning to kill him if he told how he came by her The things that were exposed with her I retained lest the Child should be made away for them thus at first I did conceal her But as she grew in Years she grew in Beauty and Perfection and sure a Beauty though hidden in the Center of the Earth will be discovered therefore fearing she would be known and both she and I dye for it I laboured to be sent Ambassadour to the Lieutenant of AEgypt and coming hither brought her with me desiring to settle her Estate the Governour hath sent me word I shall have Audience to day and he shall now hear the reasons of my Embassage Therefore now I recommend the Child to you and to the Gods that have so disposed of her under the conditions of your Oath being always to maintain her Liberty and to match her to a Man as free as you receive her from my Hands or to speak better from her sad Mothers that exposed her I am confident you will accomplish all your promises confirmed unto me by the Religion of your Vow and the Candor of your Manners which since your being in these parts I have curiously observed and know them to be worthy of a Grecian This is all I have to say to you for the present my Legating Affairs now calling me away but to Morrow meet me in the Temple of Isis and there I will more plainly and particularly inform you of the Secrets that concern the Maid I was punctual in observing his Commands and taking the Maid I secretly conveyed her to my lodging where I imployed the whole day to entertain her the most honourably and respectively I could studying to win her Heart with all sweet ways and rendring great thanks to the Gods for the Exchange of Children they had pleased to make me from that hour esteeming and naming her my Daughter Next Morning early I came to the Temple of Isis as I had promised the Stranger and after I had walked there a long time he not appearing I went to the Governors House and demanded if any one had seen the AEthiopian Ambassador Presently one told me that he departed or rather was expelled last Evening before Sun-set the Governour threatning he should lose his Head if immediatly he did not qâ—it his Frontiers informing me also the Cause That delivering his Embassage he commanded the AEgyptian to forbear to dig the Emerald Mines as appertaining to the King of AEthiopia I returned to my Lodging sad and pensive as one that had hard Fortune being not able to get any knowledge of the Child who or of whence or of what Parents she was born It is no marvel said Knemon interrupting him for I my self am mightily troubled that I can hear no more but yet I hope I may You shall replied Calasiris but now I will follow the Discourse Charicles then made me After said he that I was returned to my Lodging the little Maid came to meet me using Action for Words having not yet learned to speak any Greek she saluted me by giving me her hand and her Eyes spake that she received contentment in my presence I was amazed she would leap for Joy look me in the Face and observing the Respect and Love I bare her she paid me with the honour and reverence of a Natural Child I therefore resolved to stay no longer in the Town of Catadupes fearing some malevolent Fortune in a strange Countrey might deprive me of this other Daughter and taking Boat we rowed down Nilus to the Sea whence I sailed home where to this instant I have kept and cherished this Child as tenderly as if Nature not Accident had bestowed her on me giving her my own Name and my Content depending only upon hers so prodigal hath Heaven been of Graces to her that she anticipated my Wishes for speedily she attained to the Greek Tongue in such an instant she came to the Spring of her Age like a fruitful and noble Plant blooming early and with wonder in Beauty she had no Equal but all mens Eyes both Grecians and Strangers were fixed on her for in what place soever she appeared either in the Temples at the Theaters or any other publick Meetings as if she had been the Statue of some Goddess newly made no man could think or look upon any thing else But though she is no less than I have pictured her unto you yet she cruelly afflicts my Heart denouncing open War to Marriage resolving to spend all her Life in the state of Virginity and as a follower of Diana loves Hunting and practiseth her Bow and Arrows whilst my Life grows bitter to me being frustrated of my Hope to match her to my Sisters Son a civil and well-bred Gentleman endowed with many excellent good Qualities but in vain we court her she hath so hard an Opinion of Marriage that neither by Service Prayers or Promises she can be perswaded but which adds to my Grief she useth my own Weapons against me employing the Rhethorick I haâ—e taught her to find Arguments to conâ—ute mine and prove that she hath chosen the best kind of Life elevating a Virgins Liâ—e with Divine Praises and placing it near to the immortal Gods calling it pure incorruptible and uncontaminate but extreamly undervaluing and detesting Love Venus and all Nuptial Pomps and Ceremonies Now this it is wherein I implore your Aâ—â—istance and taking the offer of this Occasion have made you so tedious but necessary a Discourse Do me this Favour good Calasiris to seek some mâ—ans out of the Secrets of your Wisdom be it by Incantation Words or Examples to make her know her Nature why she was born a Woman I know if you please you can easily perswade her she hath no aversion from holding conference with Men but hath been ever bred amongst them and lives now in the same House with you here within the Walls and Cloyster of the Temple Neglect not my Intreaties I beseech you and permit me not without Children Comfort or Successor to live grieved in my old Age By our Apollo and your Tutelar Gods of AEgypt I conjure you At these Words Friend Knemon I could not refrain weeping because Charicles made this Suit to me with Tears the best Assistance in my power I promised him Whilst we were deliberating upon the Matter one comes in running and tells us the General of the AEneans was
the manner in which he surpriz'd her Therefore after a long silence Calasiris desiring her to speak You have good reason Father said she to chide me yet I hope I dâ—serve pardon It is no new passion or concern that put me into this disorder the absence of Theagenes causes this disturbance and my grief is still the greater because I cannot know certainly whether he be alive or dead Be of good cheer as to that said Calasiris you have the Gods word for his being alive and living with you hereafter if you believe not their Oracles at least give credit to the person who told us yesterday that Thyamis had carry'd him Prisoner to Memphis But if he is taken by him he is most certainly preserv'd alive by reason of the former acquaintance between them Wherefore let us go without delay to Bessa you to find your Theagenes and I both him and my Son for you have heard that Thyamis is my Son Thyamis replyed Chariclea is your Son and only yours and now our Affairâ— are running into extremest danger Calasiris wondring at what she said and demanding the reason You know proceeded she that I was taken by the Herdsmen Thyamis their Captain was charm'd with this unfortunate Beauty with which I am endow'd so that there is danger in our enquiry with him lest he should know me to be the same person that beguil'd him of his intended Nuptials and compel me to performance The Gods forbid reply'd Calasiris that the presence of a Father should not controul so unlawful a desire Yet what hinders us from thinking of some contrivance to secure you from that which you fear for I know you to be of great art and subtilty in evading unwelcome addresses Chariclea was a little exhilarated And whether said she you speak this â—ocosely or seriously I will not â—xamine however I shall pursue that contrivance which I had begun with Theagenes which fortune directed us unto and I hope will now prosper It being necessary for our fliâ—ht from the Island of Thieves we resolved to change our Habit and to pass through the Towns in poor and beggarly attire wherefore if you think â—it we will resume that disguise and personate Beggars By which means we shall be less liable to injuries for Poverty is more likely to meet with Pity than Envy and we shall with more ease obtain our daily provision all things being sold to strangers at dear râ—tes whereas they are given to Beggars Calasiris commended her design and hasten'd for the journey Therefore calling Nausicles and Knemon to them they acquainted them therewith and the next day set forth not permitting Servant nor Horse to attend them only Nausicles and Knemon with the Servants saw them on their way Nausiclea also accompany'd them so far her love to Chariclea being equal to that â—or her Husband Having thereâ—ore gone almoâ—t 〈◊〉 mile where they took leave of each other witâ— many tâ—ars praying for mutual success on theâ—â— affairs Knemon particularly begâ—'d Parâ—on that his new obligations peâ—mitted him not to accompany them but tâ—at he would wait an occasion to follow them Thus paâ—ted they from each other But Chariclea and Calâ—siris put themselves into Beggars habit which tâ—â—y had prepar'd for that purpose Nor did Chariclea spare her Face which she discolour'd and hung a Scrip upon her Arm as it were to carry fragments of meat but the real use was to conceal the holy Vestment and Chaplets which she brought from Delphi together with the Râ—membrances with which her Mother had expos'd her Calasiris carry'd her Quiver wrapt up in Leather the wrong end hanging down over his shoulder as some useless Fardle her Bow was no sooner unstrung but it came streight again and serv'd him instead of a staff on which he lean'd his whole weight But whensoever he spy'd any body coming towards them hâ— took care to make his burden seem more heavy halting upon one Leg and sometimes led by Châ—â—â—clea Having thus put on a counterfeit personage with some pleasant discourse between them and repartees about their habit they passed on begging of their guardian Deity that he would be satisfy'd with what they had endur'd and here put an end to their sufferings Thus they went forward towards the Village of Bessa where they hoped to have found Thyamis and Theagenes but were frustrated of their expâ—cted happiness For coming near to the Town about Sun-set they perceiv'd a great number of dead men newly slain some of them were Persians which they knew by their habits others were Inhabitants of the place It appeared plainly that there had been a Battel but with whom they did not know till they had gone about the dead Bodies to see if any of their acquaintance lay amongst them for minds that are extremely sollicitous for the welfare of what is most dear to them are always fearing the worst they perceiv'd an old Woman fixt over one of the dead a native of the place and breaking out into many Lamentations They therefore resolv'd if they could to get some information from the Beldame Therefore going up to her they endeavoured at first to comfort her and asswage her vehement grief When she had admitted their consolation they began to demand of her What person it was whom she bewail'd What War had been fought Calasiris speaking to her in the Egyptian Tongue She gave them a brief account of all That she lamented for her Son who lay speechless That she came with resolution into the Field that some of the armed men might kill her in the mean time that she performed just Rites of Grief towards her Son As for the Fight she gave this account That a certain young stranger of excellent form and stature was led Captive to Oroondates the Prince of Memphis That he was sent as she supposed by Mitranâ—s Captain of the Guards for an extraordinary Present This person the people of our Town which you see yonder affirm'd to be one of them whether truly or out of design I cannot tell Mitranes being inform'd hereof waâ— enrag'd and accordingly drew up his Army before the Town two days ago It is a most warlike sort of people that live by Rapine with the greatest Contempt of Death and have leâ—t many women childless as they have done me When therefore by a certain sign they were assur'd of his approach they placed Ambuscades in convenient places by which they overcame the Enemy part of them setting upon the Persians Van and the rest from their secret places upon their Rear Mitranes was the first that fell and with him almost all his followers being surrounded and of ours not a few In this number by the severity of fate was my Son who receiv'd a wound as you see in his Breast by a Persian Javelin This being expir'd I lament and am likely soon to do the same for my other he being gone with the rest of our Souldiers against the City of Memphis Calasiris ask'd her the cause
endure to see him chastiz'd You are too tender replyed Cybele as though he would not by light chastisement be made to embrace Pleasure and for your part of the suffering you will be rewarded with your outmost Wishes but if you cannot bear the spectacle deliver him to Euphrates to be scourg'd as for some fault which you may hear though not see and if you find him change his mind you may at pleasure put an end to his Chastisement Arsace suffer'd her self to be perswaded for Love when despis'd spares not the Object but turns Kindness into Revenge Calling therefore the Chief Eunuch to her she gave him Orders accordingly He being by Nature envious and possest with inveteracy against Theagenes for what he had seen and suspected immediately threw him into Bonds and afflicted him with Stripes and Hunger The place was dark where he kept him and though he knew the cause he dissembled often asking Theagenes the reason who gave him no answer wherefore he daily renew'd his Punishment and more severely than Arsace intended Tormenting and suffering none to come to him beside Cybele who perpetually visited him pretending to commiserate his condition on account of their former acquaintance but indeed to find if he were to be wrought upon by the Tortures He shew'd himself more a Man more resolute than ever yielding his Body to punishment triumphing in his Misfortune that gave proof of his Love to Chariclea and saying That all was well with him if she did but know his Constancy continually calling her his Light his Life and Soul When Cybele perceiv'd this contrary to the will of Arsace she gave command to have his torments encreased Neither thus did she hope for success but last means were to be try'd when affairs were desperate she expected that Oroondates when he should hear of it would take Revenge on Achemenes She fear'd lest Arsace when her passion was discovered would lay violent hands on her self and that consequently it were impossible for her to escape wherefore if things came to the worst she resolv'd to involve all together in the same fate Returning therefore to Arsace We lose our labour Madam said she he is still more resolute and obstinate having always Chariclea in his Mouth and solacing his sufferings with her Name Let us therefore cast forth our last Anchor and remove this Obstacle to our Endeavours If he shall once know that she is dead he will of course admit your kindness despairing of his former Love Arsace catcht at what she said being before enrag'd with Jealousie you advise well said she I will take care to have her dispatch'd But whom shall we get to perform this For though the power be in your own hands yet the Persian Laws forbid to put any to Death without the Judgment of the Magistrates You must therefore contrive to lay some Crime to her Charge Yet if you think fitting for I would run any hazzard for your sake I will attempt her Life by Poyson Arsace approv'd hereof and commanded her to do it She therefore immediately went about it and finding Chariclea in Tears and Lamentations noâ— only so but contriving some means to dispatch her self for she now understood what Theagenes suffer'd though Cybâ—le had long kept her in Ignorance framing divers excuses for his so long Absence Fond Maid said she will you never give over afflicting your self without Reason Theagenes is well and shall come to you this Evâ—ning My Lady was angry for some mistake that he committed in his Office and caus'd him to be shut up but this day he will be releas'd which I also entreated of her for to day she is to celebrate a certain Festival after the manner of her Country Rise therefore compose your self and now take some Repast with me What reason have I to believe you said Chariclea For it has been your continual practice to deceive me I swear by the Gods answer'd Cybele that this day all things shall be well with you and you shall be freed from all your Cares only do not before destroy your self having now fasted for so many days Taste therefore of what is now set before you Chariclea obeyâ—d her though not without suspicion but partly assenting to her Oath and partly for Joy of what was told her For the mind easily believes what it earnestly desires She therefore sat down to eat While the Attendant fill'd the Wine Cybele beckon'd to her first to give the Cup to Chariclea and after to her self But the Old Lady before she had drank to the bottom spilling the rest began to storm and looking sternly upon the Waiter was immediately enflam'd and seiz'd with Convulsions Chariclea was fill'd with horrour and endeavour'd to lift her up she likewise call'd the assistance of them that were present for the mischief seem'd swifter than an Arrow the Poyson being of so strong a Tincture as to destroy the youngest and strongest Constitution but in a feeble and old Body it dispers'd it self in a minute through all the Vitals The Convulsions now remitting she lay motionless a blackness overspreading her Skin Though I suppose her Rage for being deceiv'd gave no small help to the ferment For even now breathing her last she did not intermit her frauds but partly with signs partly with broken words perswaded them that Chariclea had Poyson'd her At the same minute that she gave up the Ghost Chariclea was brought bound to Arsace She therefore demanding whether she had procur'd the Poyson and affirming that if she deny'd Tortures should force her into Confession Chariclea became an unwonted spectacle to the Beholders For without any meanness of Spirit or concern in her Face she enter'd smiling into her Presence partly out of Conâ—cience of her Innocence and partly for Joy that she should not survive Theagenes if he were dead and also because the Death which she design'd to perpetrate on her self was now to be perform'd by other hands O Princess said she if my Theagenes live I am guiltless of this Action but if he be dead there is no need of calling Council or inflicting Tortures you may spare your self that trouble You have me here who destroy'd the person that bred you up kill me therefore without delay You can do nothing more grateful to Theagenes who has resisted your impious sollicitations Arsace was enrag'd hereat and commanded her to be struck Carry said she this Victim bound as she is to let her Lover see how gloriously she returns his Constancy command Euphrates to load her all over with Chains and leave them together till the Persian Magistracy shall be assembled to morrow for her Condemnation By this time the Maid that serv'd the Wine was brought in She was an Ionian Slave and the same that by Arsace was appointed to wait on Chariclea Whether therefore she was mov'd with kindness to her or by Divine Impulsion she sigh'd and wept most bitterly O wretched Creature said she and void of all Crime The