producing a fair effect resembled the rainbow or rather those various shadowings which you see on the necks of pigeons His Buckler was bordered with Opalls in the midst was seen a Fountaine like to that marvelous one in Daulphine which from time to time casts out flames This Knight was so renowned for his valour and courtesie and so known for the many fair actions he had done that all the Spectators promis'd to themselves an extreame pleasure in the Combat Abdelmelec lov'd him with all his heart and if he could have suffer'd himself to be overcome so that the glory of Alcidiana had not receiv'd a diminution by it I doubt not but he would himselfe have contributed to his owne deafeat But Love being alwayes stronger then freindship suspended the Princes affection and oblig'd him to satisfie his owne passion And that of the whole Assembly and therefore taking his place and Algazair his they parted both at once and met in the midst of their Cariere with such an extreame force that they lifted up one another and sent the splinters of their Lances all about the fields The two next courses were not lesse faire nor unequall to the first and so ravish'd the Spectators that they clapped their hands and signified by their acclamations that they had not yet seen any like it But the fourth decided the businesse and caused the Picture of the young Elserifa to be placed immediatly under that of Alcidiana This faire Encounter was follow'd by another which gave no lesse admiration to all there present 'T was undertaken by a French Prince that was expressely come from Naples to be at this Turney He was the worthy inheritor of his Predecessors eminent virtues and from his Infancy had equally made profession of love and the warres If they were astonished at the richnesse of his Armour and the pomp of his equipage they admir'd not lesse the novelty which appeard in the picture of his Lady Shee was clad in such a fashion that they might easily know the greatnesse of her condition But two little Loves which were painted over her head held a Veyle before her face and kept her from being known Abdelmelec drew neer to complain of that sleight and thought he had the more cause because looking on the hands of that Lady and taking them for Nose-gayes of Lillies and Roses he told the Prince that hee wrong'd so excellent a beauty in not shewing her in so famous an Assembly The Prince answer'd him that he was of the same opinion and that his Lady deserv'd to be seen by the Eyes of all the World but that he fear'd the chance of Armes and dar'd not expose the fairest creature of the Vniverse to the extravagancies of fortune Abdelmelec approv'd of the brave French-mans just apprehension and would not that the veyle of his Lady should retard the contentment of the Company They ran at one another and in their first courses brake their lances without any advantage at the fourth our generous French-man strook and was not touched at the fifth he made Abdelmelec quit one of his stirrops and at the sixth they fell both men and Horses together Presently they got up againe and put their hands to their Swords to decide the difference but the Judges of the Field came instantly in to them and separating them according to the Lawes of the Turney proclaym'd them both Victorious Abdelmelee return'd to his Tent and the French Prince to his lodging with his veyld Picture This Iust so ended there entred two Knights clad as the Ianizaries which are of the Guard to the great Turke They were two Flemish Renegados who were in great esteem among the Warriors of Argier and were no lesse famous for their valour then for their fantasticalnesse Of extraordinary Enemies which they had been they were become friends and their amity had produc'd a love which hath for a longtime been the talk of all Barbary The one was calld Abdear and the other Raman Abdear had married a Moore who passed among the Ladyes of her Nation for a beauty perfectly accomplish'd and yet her extravagant humour and eight or ten dayes enjoying had made her so displeasing to him that he had much adoe with himselfe to refraine from repudiating her Her black haire her complexion that shew'd the Eye a mixture of pure incarnadine with a brown that had nothing of the Olive her stature tall and slender the quicknesse of her Eyes and of her wit were not sufficient charmes to allure him But on the contrary the yellow Locks of Ramans wife who was a Brittaine and by him made to deny her faith the whitenesse which she borrowed as well from art as Nature and her green Eyes which made some beleeve that she saw not a glimpse were to Abdear such miracles and perfections as were not found in all the Sex of Woman besides Raman was as he said himselfe in the publick place of his friends humour and yet they had different palats He noted every day some new defects in white-flaxen hair'd Woemen to the end he might find cause to contemne his owne He cal'd that red which was but halfe flaxen and never cal'd the extreame white complexions but relicks of Sicknesse and Images of Playster For the haires and black eye-browes he spake of them as of the Master-peeces of Nature and said they were made to compose of them those powerfull bowes by which Love hath got to himselfe the Empire of the world The black and sparkling Eyes in a cleare and well-colour'd face seem'd to him more faire then the brightest Stars in a calme Evening In a word Raman was in love with the Wife of Abdear and Abdear with the Wife of Raman and their passion was come to such a point that after they had made themselves confident of one another they were come together to maintaine publickly the beautie of their Mistrisses Raman came first into the Lists and first felt that Abdelmelec had more strength then needed to orethrow him and if the Grecian and African beauties had left their defence to him they had lost that fame which they had gotten among all the Nations of the world Abdear thought that the flaxen should be more beholding to him then the brown had been to his companion But he kept his Horse no better then his friend but blemishing as much as he could by his fall the great lustre that subjects us to the power of the flaxen-hayrd beauty made all the Assembly say that Causes are good or bad according as they find good or bad Defenders Assoone as the noysethat follow'd the defeat of these two Extravagants was over there were seen appeare at the Barres a Troup very proudly but very sadly accroutred The Trumpetters were clad as those of Europe paint the Phantasms and shadowes of the dead Their Trumpets were made as t were of bones and had a sound so dolefull that many imagin'd they were to see some Funerall in Iesu of Iusting But
Prince yet I freely confesse to you I am of your opinioâ—… and I love with so much fervency that I would â—…f 't were possible for me set all Europe in a conflagration rather then to make a cessioÌ„ of whom I serve to the greatest of Kings or dearest of all my friends I have well perceived said Polexander your love to Thamiris is very violent and t is by that example which I would prepare you to judge favourably of such things as love commands me to put in execution I will make knowne to you heere on what tearmes I am with Thamiris nor what the cause is which makes me so much affect her It shall suffice me that you know I love in so high a place that all the virtues and beauties of the world have conspired together to compose the object of my love Let the Reader imagine whether Polexander were sensible of these words or no whether the jealousie they imprinted were not powerâ—…ull enough to make him forget all his Rivalls courtesies He could not indure he should goe further and had not reason assisted him 't was to be feared that conversation had not ended as it began Polexander suppressed his first agitation and returning into cold blood thus went on againe Ther 's no more time left to conceale my selfe and â—…ide from you a businesse which you must necessarily know I am Polexander the servant of Alcidiana and Phelismond is the enemy I come by her command to seeke in Denmarke After this short Declaration he related to him at large the humours of that proud Queene and told him word by word the tearmes she made use of when she let him understand by one of her slâ—…ves her aversion to his suâ—…te and himselfe As soone as he had begun this discourse Phelismond loâ—…t both his colour and countenance and looked on Polexander as if he had been no more the man to whom he had vowed so much amity At last comming to himselfe he very distinctly spoake thus to the King I shall never be capapable of contradicting Alcidiana's commands Since you come from her I am ready to bring you into the field to him whom so great a Princesse holds to be so uncivill and barbarous Come Sir you that are happy in all things let us hasten her revenge and satisfie her justice by the death of this Northerne Monster This new proofe of Phelismonds generousnesse so cooled Polexanders blood that it neither left him the power nor the desire to doe what he had so often resolved Neverthelesse after he had a long time contested with himselfe it seemed to him that Alcidiana upbraided him with his thoughts of pity and accused him of private correspondence with her enemy This made him give Phelismond this answer If our Princesse could be won by merit or rather if the distance of places had not been so exâ—…reamely disadvantagious to you I doubt not but being one of the prime Princes of the world you might have prevailed as much ore the affection of that faire Queene as you have done ore the mindes of all the North. Questionlesse I should be that Barbarian which she hath a will to destroy and you had received in my place the command which I am resolved to put in execution But let us not amuse our selves if you please in condemning the disorder we finde in our adventures but since that great Princesse will is the sole Law we ought to keepe let us on where her absolute power calls us Can I take armes replied Phelismond without adding rebellion to rashnesse No there is nothing left for me to doe but to dye Too sweete a tongue hath pronounced my sentence of death that I should desire life Pâ—…lexander strove to bring him from this extasie and perceiving how insupportable Alcidiana's disestimation was to him he repented his naming the tearmes of Monster and barbarous After Phelismond had muâ—…ed a while in fixing his eyes on the earth he at last cast them on Poleâ—…ander and told him he would go to the King to dispose so well of all things that Alcidiana should have cause to hold her selfe saâ—…isfied and after he had thus spoke he imbraced him and besought him to doe nothing till he came back from the Pallace Polexander promised to obey his command and accompanied him to his chamber where they discoursed a while of indâ—…fferent things but as soone as he was adverâ—…sed of the Kings being awake he left Polexander in the company of five or six of his particular fâ—…iends Hâ—… stated above two houres with the King and when he saw him ready to goe to the place of the combate he returned to Polexander and told him he had nâ—…w nothing to feare and how he had obtained all that was fitting for his safety Polexander thaâ—…ked his for all his favâ—…s and said aloud he thought himselfe the most unfortunate man of the world in putting him to so many troubles Hereupon he tooke his leave because t was late and returned to his lodging to put things in order After he had beene there an houre there came a Gentleman from Phelismond to intreat him to come and arme himselfe in his lodgings where he should meet with five or six Lords whom the King had sent to conduct him to the field Polexander went to him and after more then an houres being with the Prince caused himselfe to be armed The King sent to tell Phelismond he was risen from table wherupon Polexander and his conductors got to horse and came to the Justing place The Windowes the Terrasâ—…s and the Scaffolds were filled with men and women of the Court and the City and the Kings guard stood about the railes he had not beene long there when Phelismond recompanied with five or six of his friends rid round about the field and then placed himselfe right against his Rivall As soone as the King was at the window of his pavillion the Judges of the field sent to search the Combatants and dividing the Sun betwixt them set them one opposite to the other Presently the trumpers â—…ounded and the word of letting goe together the good Knight was given by the Danes King at Armes Phelismond came on with his lance in his rest as if he would have 〈◊〉 Polexander through and through Yet he made his intention appeare to be cleane contrary For Polexander he had resolved to over come him wâ—…thout lance or sword When they were in the midst of their careere they lifted up their speares and so passed without touching one another All the Assembly gave a great shâ—…ute and seemed to aske the reason of this novelty In the mâ—…ne time the two Rivalls ran the secâ—…d â—…ime and dâ—… as aâ—… first Indeed their horses who were ignorant of their intentions iâ—…countred so furiâ—…usly thaâ—… Pâ—…lexanders failed but little of being overthrowne The other 's was foâ—…ced back to the earth on his crupper and so broke his harnesse that Phelismâ—… fell â—…n tge ground This disorder put
which would deprive this poore Prince of those felicities for which he had been unthankfull let him fall into the pit he had digg'd himselfe The King who had been inform'd by some of his spyes of the Earle of Littidurs practices told the Prince of it and advis'd him not to be so farre a good husband as not to take into his consideration the preserving his royall house from dishonour Imagine whether this counsell touched him to the quick or no. He went straight out of the Palace and walk'd towards the Earles lodging expresly to work him a mischiefe 'T was at twilight and by reason of the ill weather there was no body in the streets When he came within twenty paces of the gate he saw come out of it Pantaira's brother who betook him to his heales and ranne away as fast he could The Prince now doubted no more of the losse of his honour I must needs praise either the wisdome or love he shewed in so cruell a combination He went to his wife and inventing some cause of discontent against Pantaira and Lycambus pray'd her very earnestly to dismisse them Eolinda who was the best mistris of the world took in hand the cause of her servants and besought the Prince to tell her wherein they had offended him promised to reprove them soundly did what she could to obtain their pardon If they be so fitting for you repli'd the Prince I will not discontent you so much as to put them from you but you shall do me a great kindnes if you could be without them My L. repli'd innocently Eolinda if I had brought those two servants from France I would presently have consented to their sending back again for fear lest in retaining them I might be suspected of some ill correspondency but since they were prefer'd to me by the Dutchesse your mother to have an eie over all my actions I fear their putting away and that apprehension throwes me at your feet to beseech you thrice-humbly not to put from me such people as are so needfull for my quiet The Prince left her without makeing any answer and that grace which he had too long neglected abandoning him in that fatall instant he lost with her all the virtues which bare her company This unfortunate man suffering himself to be carried away by his fury and to be governed by two passions alike blinded made as many falls as he made paces and one error drawing on another he came not to himself till it was to no purpose but altogether unprofitable for him to do so In this case he went to his wicked mother who throwing brimstone into a fire already too much kindled put him forward to those extremities which shall for ever be the grief and opprobry of England This fourth Fury was not contented to have made him suspect the vertue of his wife but she would withall justify her complices and said to that poor Prince how Lycambus and Pantaira were very excusable in their crimes since they had not offended but out of fear of disobeying a personage who in the very instant of their disobedience would not have failed to ruine them This reason had been of no validity if the Prince's wisdom had been as at other times but in the blindnesse he was it pass'd for a convincing argument He return'd home thence and made a mighty hurly-burly and not desiring to see Eolinda bur only to afflict her went to lye in the towne and stay'd three daies ere he came home againe During that time he was almost alwaies with his mother and secretly sent for Lycambus and Pantaira interrogating them and learnt more then he desired The businesse was how so many accusations could be verified and then his wifes cabinet of jewells was the most certaine proof of them He sent to take it thence broak open the lock and found the Earle of Littidurs letters in it After so many evidences beleeving there was no more doubt to be made of his wifes dishonesty he was so imprudent that he never so much as ask'd those wretches how long it was since Eolinda had been engaged in affection to those two Earles what favours they had obtained from her which of them was best loved where was their usuall meeting place or at what times they met together and many other the like particularities which all had serv'd for Eolinda's justification But the houre of his miseries was come For the punishment of his sins he must be imprudent blind and enraged He resolv'd with his mother to bring his wife to a castle of his by this seas side on one side Dover and to that end he went the next day to take leave of the King who liked not the suddennesse of his departing Yet hee would needs follow his owne brain and all the supplications Eolinda could make were not able to obtain any thing from that furious man When he was come to his house he shut up his innocent Lady in a chamber whose windowes on all sides were grated with iron barres and keeping her there two or three daies he came at last with his mother to see her He threw the Earle of Litridurs letters to her and Regard them well said he to her thou infamous woman Your sport is found out therefore aske me no more the cause of my anger Eolinda opened the letters read some of them and not divining from whence they should come because they were not sign'd My Lord said she to her husband with her wonted moderation have these papers any thing common or in relation with or to my disgrace From whence come they To whom are they directed Why do you shew them me See said the old Dutchesse to her son how cunning she is O how well she is vers'd in her trade Madam repli'd Eolinda discreetly I know you are my accuser doe me the favour not to be my Judge too The furious Prince causing his wife to be silent by a cruelty beyond example Thou hast no other accuser then thy crime said he nor shalt thou have any other Judges then my mother and my selfe Answer us therefore without any falsification and tell us what privancies you have afforded your Gallants There is no other way to save thy selfe but that confession My Lord repli'd Eolinda modestly is it possible you should beleeve that which you aske me But art thou thy selfe so impudent answered the Prince to make me that question seeing so many witnesses which accuse thee of that crime whereof thou feignest to be ignorant If these be the witnesses which accuse me repli'd Eolinda they are false witnesses for we never had acquaintance with one another How wretched woman said the Prince can'st thou deny that the Earle of Littidur writ thee these love-letters At the words Eolinda gave a great shriek and melting into teares But rather my Lord can you possibly beleeve it If you have but only suspected it Eolinda is then no longer innocent she hath done worse then that
them enforced the rest to lay down their arms and be subject to his lawer When he had reduced these Savages to peace and obedience he commanded a cessation of all hostility and to win them more easily deprives them not of any of their ancient liberties save of their men-eating and sacrificing them to Idols by little and little he drew them from the woods and made them build houses He gave them Legislators to govern and Priests to instruct them in the worship of the true Gods And desiring to make their servitude not irksome told them that the Prince whom he intended should command them was not a stranger but a Prince borne amongst them and might call himself their countreyman He meant the childe the Queen went withall and to keep his word with them would that the Queen should lie in at Quito The Savages rather more cunning by their misfortunes then won and made more pliable by the Inca's milde treating gave him thanks for his favours but in a little time after they made known by their horrible and bloody actions that they were the same men they had been The Queen daily expected her houre of delivery when these inhumane villains made themselves masters of Quito They streight ran to the Palace slew the guards and meeting with Guina Capa ran him thorow divers times and left him for dead in his chamber They had no more respect either for the sex or beauty of the Queen then for the Majesty of the King but pulling her out of her bed they drew her unworthily and bruitishly by the haire out of the city and exposed her to the rage of two Tigers which accustomed to such sacrifices followed those Barbarians and were adored as their tutelary gods Those beasts which better deserved the name of gods then those barbarous villains did of men stopped by a power truly divine began to crouch and fawn on the Queen and having nothing of their first nature shewed either a feare of or a respect to that body which for a prey was thrown to them Those signes of humanity it I dare say so were not alone the cause of those bruites astonishment for they kept themselves as guards about the Queen and tore in pieces whosoever durst come neer her This while the Princesse who had but life sufficient to bring her childe into the world died as soon as she was delivered the Tigers took it and licked the Infant and by their pitifull howlings seemed to say that they were much afflicted for not being able to succour it In the same instant appeared a great troop of men armed with great targets bows and arrows the Tigers were no way afraid at their sight but letting them come so neer till they had discovered the Queens body they withdrew and ran out of sight among the rocks Those which were in the front of that troop having noted the action of the Tigers began to cry out that their great Prophet was to be believed and ran to take up the body of the Queen they laid her on their targets took up the little Inca and gave him to some women that were in the midst of their troop As soon as the childe was dressed those unknown men turned their backs to Quito and witnessing by their shouts the excesse of their contentment marched alwaâ—…s in batalia to the foot of the mountains which divide the kingdome of Quito from that of the King Quasmez Before I go further be pleased that I let you know the Infant of the generous and deplorable Amazon but what need is there that I should tell you since the illustrious and unfortunate life of my Lord the Inca may make you cleerly see that no other then he could have so tragicall and fair a birth It was Zelmatida who before he was borne gave both love and terror to the most furious animalls and was the object of Prophets the desire of Kings and the hope of nations But I perceive not that I wander and leave the charitable troope which carryed away my young Prince Suffâ—…r me to follow them and according as things happened discover to you those mysteries which I see you would have me to let you understand Those who so opportunely came to save my Lord the Inca were sent thither by the great Quasmez who raigns over the one and the other sea and whose Empire extends it self from the territories of Mexico to those of the Inca's As soon as those men were on the mountaines they chose twelve of the swiftest among them and sent them to their King with the newes of their returning Goe said the Captaine of the Troupe aloud and relate to our Prince what you have seen assure him that his praiers are heard and that we have found the body of the dead Princesse and the newborne Child in the pawes of mercifull Tigers These posts departed and performed their Commission with an extraordinary diligence The others the while marching by little Journeis for feare of endangering the health of my Lord Inca got through the Mountaines and entred into the Country of one of the Ca ciques tributary to Quasmez When they had made a daies Journey or two in that Kingdome they began to publish that the Child which they conducted was he by whom as their gâ—…eat Prophet Tisnatidez made them hope they should recover the treasure they had lost This newes was no sooner knowne among the people but all strove who should doe most honour to Zelmatida In all places where he passed the Inhabitants brought him presents and bowing their faces to the ground seemed to expect their protection from a little Infant that was not able to defend it selfe nor to oppose the least injuries that any would enterprise against him Those which with so much respect carried him after many daies journey in this fashion at last arrived at the Court of Quasmez Assoone as he heard of their arrivall you might see breake from his countenance an unusuall joy but it is unpossible to tell you how much he expressed when his people delivered the Inca into his hands He looked on him he kissed him and embracing him as strictly as he had been his owne Son O cause said he of my future rest though he understood him not I hope one day to see the end of my afflictions since the holy Interpretor of my Gods hath promised me that the returne of my happinesse is to be the masterpeece of your valour The Queen his wife who was present at all these things would not suffer Zelmatida longer in the armes of her husband but tooke it and carried it away and taking all the care that a good mother ought to doe of those she brought into the world kept him neer her to his age of twelve yeares He grew so tall and so strong at that age that Quasmez began to have him taught all the exercises that the children of Kings are accustomed to learne His excellent inclination had soone drawne dry all the
concealing from him part of what I knew intreated him that for his owne quiet and the content of his Subjects he would cause the Princesse to be nursed in some safe place and to put so many guards about her that it might not be in the power of any of his Subjects much lesse of any stranger to see her The King would know particulerly what I gave him this coucell but beseeching him to cause Xaira to be brought before I passed further he commanded five or six of his principall Officers to goe fetch her from the Queen As they who were thus commanded were about to obey him they heard a great noise and at the same time saw the Queen enter into Quasmez chamber all undressed and so transported from her selfe that had she not hapned on the Kings bed she had fallen in a swound on the planching Quasmez astonied as well by the Queens swounding as by the councell I late gave him knew not whether I would conceale from him the death of his wife in shewing the feare I was in for that of his Daughter And in this doubt he bewayled his wife as if she had been dead and looking on me now and then with his eyes full of teares I feare said he my Father lest the gods be incensed against me to see that I have neglected them to bestow all my cares and affection upon a creature I had noâ—… leasure to answer him for five or six women all bloudy with dishevelled haires rushed at the same time into his chamber and casting themselves about his bed even terrified us to see them teare their faces and beate their heads against the floore This tragicall beginning was ended by yet more bloudy actions Foure men with stating eyes and foaming mouthes presented themselves to Quasmez and speaking all at once Since said they to him we have not been vigilant enough to preserve our happinesse we will not be cowardly enough to out live it And in so saying they turned the pointes of the arrowes they bore in their hands upon themselves and sticking them with violence into their throates so amazed us with their desperation that they tooke from us the meanes to succour them They fell all foure dead at my feet and confirmed me in the opinion I had of the losse of the Princesse The King transported with griefe and choler threw himselfe out of his bed and went into another Chamber to give time to his guards to take away the bodies of those desperate men and to stay the madnesse of the women that would follow their example For my part I staied by the Queen and seeing her recovered gave her by my discourse some kind of consolation I told her that she must force her selfe from this sorrow and not be the cause of the losse of the Father after that of the Daughter The love which she had still borne to Quasmâ—…z was sufficient to overcome all her other affections and to suspend for a while the thought of the rape of Xaira After I saw her so well recollected I intreated her to walke to her husband and to endeavour by her perswasions to make him constantly to endure and suffer the losse of the little Princesse She punctually observed all that I desiâ—…ed her and so winningly gave Quasmez this bitter potion that he tooke it with a great deale of patience I saw then that it was time to apply the plaister I had provided for that wound and I therefore told them that the will of the gods was that their Daughter should be nursed up by their greatest enemy That the designe the Miscreant had to wrong them should result cleane contrary to his intention That they should not engage nor trouble themselves to make any pursuite after those that had stolen her thence since nothing but ill would come of it But said I if in this disaster as well as in the rest of your life you will conforme your selfe to the will of the gods without a murmure patiently undergoe what they have thought fit to be done I promise you from them that one day you shall see your Daughter in that great fortune you reserve for her There is by a prodigious accident a childe to be borne from whose valour you must expect not alone the deliverance of Xaira but withall the enlarging and establishing of your Throne If the presence of a thing that should be so deare to you can sweeten the bitternesse of your losse I know by what meanes you may obtaine it Till then I speake so loude that all might understand me but at that word comming more neere to them I told them in their eare that they should presently cause to march to the City of Quito three or foure thousand of his most hardy and affectionate Subjects and after that I acquainted them with that which I had been taught from the mouth of the gods They were pleased to be advised by me and to follow my counsell and execute this enterprise made so good an election that those whom they sent to Quito found you as I foretold and tooke you thence so fortunately that without any perill they delivered you into the hands of Quasmez This Prince would willingly have kept his losse from the knowledge of his Subjects but being instantly spread abroad and knowne even to the furthest parâ—…s of his Kingdome he thought it was not fit to leave his people in this dispaire He published therefore through all his Provinces that which I had foretold of Xaira and to assure them discovered to them somewhat of his designe on you This newes was the cause that all those who saw you in the hands of the Souldiers that brought you doubted no more of the truth of my predictions and consequently though you were but an infant gave you all the honours they conceived they ought to their deliverer That which remaines for you now to know is not what you should doe for you understand that already by what I have told you but the place where your valour must be seen and the meanes whereby you may come off with renowne Know then that you must goe as far as to the foote of a great Mountaine called Popocampecho You may easily know it by the flames it sends forth day and night There shall you find against whom to exercise your courage Tread under foot all difficulties and when you shall have overcome your enemies march on till you come before a City that gives name to the great Kingdome of Mexico T will be in that place that you shall need to use all your strength but if you doe not betray your selfe I assure you that you shall come off victor from the combate which you must there undergoe Yet among so many good fortunes I see a disastrous accident may betide you but I dare not make it knowne to you so openly as is fitting for feaâ—… lest in striving to make you avoyde it I my selfe throw you headlong into it If you
understanding from himselfe a part of those adventures had befaln him and the persecutions wherewith fortune had crossed his virtue Her sisters and her selfe would willingly know the rest and that they intreated him to give them that contentment and not condemne for too much boldnesse a curiosity which grew only from the esteeme they had of him My deare Master from thence taking occasion to begin a discourse that might serve for his Love I have said he too much proofe of the Justice or rather of the hatred of the gods to beleeve that there hath ever any thing happened in my life may be worthy your esteeme or curiosity 'T is for you and those incomparable beauties about you that those powers reserve all that can be call'd glory value and admiration Men are for no other end in the world but that you might have slaves and that the Altars which you have merited may be perpetually laden with offrings and sacrifices O how happy may they esteeme themselves who have purity enough to be offered in so famous an oblation I but who dares vaunt of so much purity Izatida foreseeing what would ensue on this discourse broake it off and reviving the first You may have liberty of speech said she to Zelmatida but you cannot deprive us of that opinion which the publique voice hath given us of your valour and we know well I speake for my sisters and my selfe how to distinguish your humility from that which fame hath made us to admire in you before your arrivall What could report speake in my behalfe reply'd Zelmatida who being bâ—…t one most miserable whom fortune left to wander through the world to make her power to be feared am brought to that cruell necessity to end my dayes without a name without any rest or hope Izatida who questionlesse knew what he intended reply'd I have never heard that a man of spirit would so absolutely give himselfe into the hands of fortune but that he would reserve a meanes to be reveng'd when he found that he had her in his power You have hitherto done such things that they are so many witnesses whereby that enemy hath made you acquire more glory then shee hath been cause of the losse of your repose and by consequence hath given you more then ever she tooke from you Quit then that ill opinion which you have of your fortune and your selfe and assure your selfe thâ—…t there are not many felicities which your virtues may not with reason pretend to This discourse had longer continued if Izatida's sisters had not interrupted her and by their jealousies as it were ravished from Zelmatida the occasion to make himselfe knowne to be no lesse winning in his conversation then he was redoubtfull in his combats This while the Queene had perfected her dispatches and then returned where she left her daughters with Zelmatida and from thence going into her bed-chamber gave her new Guest the good-night As soone as he was gone forth ten or twelve Officers came and accompanied him to the lodgings provided for him He was brought into a chamber so faire and richly furnished that if he had not too well remembred the losse Izatida had made him 〈◊〉 he might there have refreshd and unwearied himselfe of all his former travells But his affections hindred him from enjoying that rest which his valour made him finde in the very midst of his Enemies Sometimes he entertaind himselfe with Izatidaes sweete eyes sometimes with the whitenesse of her complexion then with the beauty of her stature and after with the colour of her hayre But when he passed from the allurements of her body to those of her minde he was no more capeable to feare the disasters wherewithall Quasmez high-Priest had threatned him Prophet said he so lowd that he was heard by his followers give me leave to accuse you of injustice in your councells Why would you have me to defend my selfe when I see no enemie to assaile me if you give not that name to the sole Author of my lives felicity Certainely you little knew the power of Isatida's eyes when you thought me able enough to resist them But what said I No no you had a perfect konwledge of it and well foresaw my captivity when you foretold me that I should be victorious in this last combate if I were alwaies my selfe You were not ignorant that that would be impossible for me since to behold this wonder and to be master of himselfe was to trenche upon the wisdome of the very gods and to act something beyond their miracles In the like discourse he passed the rest of the night and without comforting himselfe with any of those hopes wherewithall Lovers are accustomed to flatter themselves made no other resolution then to force Xaira from her prison and himselfe to abide eternally in that of Isatida In this thought he called his servants Those that they had given to serve him dressed him whilst he entertained himselfe only with his passion He was in this melancholy till the Queen was up and when he knew that she was ready to goe to the Temple he came forth to accompany her Hismalita obliged him to spend most of the day with her and the houre being come at what time she was used to walke she brought him into those faire Meadowes where he saw her the first time and her Daughters were with them Isatida who that day had begun to borrow something of art to make her more lovely appeared to the Kings eyes as if beauty it selfe seated in her Throne imperiously commanded him neither to doe nor thinke any thing but for her As soone as those who carried the Queene and the Princesses had set them downe Zelmatida was engaged to be with Hismalita and constrained not to discourse with Isatida but with his eyes and thought The Queene intertained him a long time with the state of her affaires and the secret factions that the jealousie of divers Caciques and the arrivall of some unknowne men had hatched among her Subjects The nothing-to-thepurpose speeches wherewith Zelmatida interrupted the Queenes discourse and the councells out of all likelihood which he would have her accept as the safest made him so unlike himselfe that Hismalita had small cause to take him for that famous Heire of Quasmez who had made himselfe dreadfull to all the Potentates of our world And to say truth who would ever have thought that this great Prince who till then had never any passion but for fame who had so absolutely renounced all the pleasures of youth and sence and who by the strength and solidity of his deliberations had astonished the ancientest Councellors of the State of Quasmez had been capable of such an alteration Yet he was so and added so many extravagancies to those which had already weariedH ismalita that she diverted her speech to some others that were neere her to have no more on her hands a man that was such ill company This disgrace was to
and Alisma ravished with the beauty of their enemies could not take a resolution to offend them They therefore obayed and presenting to them their weapons obliged my selfe and my companyons to give them ours too This is not enough saide the Principall of that faire Company you must now follow us and yeeld your selves prisoners to the invincible Telesmana Queene of the warlike virgins You shall not be disobeyed answered Alisma For we are both my selfe and my companions so much obliged to Telesmana that we are ready to suffer all that she shall pronounce against us This saide Zelmatida was the first that presented himselfe and consenting to have his hands bound endured Alismaes smiling at it and that I might manacle my selfe Those redoubtable enemies put us in the midst of them and so brought us to their Campe. They understood at their entry that Telesmana expected Embassadors from Quasmez and that she was to receive them with all the magnificence that she seemed to make shew of on the like occasions These news were very pleasing to them and made them resolve to take hold of that occasion and to present us to the Queene whilest she was in the state of doing justice and presently they hastened towards the Pavillions of Telesmana I must confesse to you that in no one of all the kings Courts that I have seene eyther in the one or the other world I have not taken notice of any thing so stately so rich so admirable and in a word so royall as the Guard and the Quarter of that valiant Queene It was almost a league about and twice so long as large compassed with a diâ—…ch filled with water and with a pallisadoe of high stakes There was but one entrance where two thousand Amazons were day and night in guard We entred the second Campe and passed through foure thousand warriers that stood on each side in file even to the Queenes lodging After that she who commanded our Conductors had beene with the Queene to give an accompt of the successe of her journey she returned and brought us into a great Tent which was as the Hall for Telesmanaes guard Thence we went into another that shone exceedingly with gold and diamonds There stood three rancks of Amazons armed with halfe-pike so neate and curiously gilded that they were fitter for a day of triumph then a day of combat We past by those fayre warriers and presently saw the worthy Mistresse of so illustrious Subjects She was environed with a great number of Princesses and other Ladies and seated on a throne of massie gold covered with rubies pearle and diamonds It was ascended to by six degrees of gold and silver and over it hung great plates of gold joyned together all thick set with precious stones and disposed in such a fashion that the Sun casting his beams on it made the Queene to seeme indeede as another Sun Our guards brought us to the foote of the Throne and commanded us to kneele to be examined The countenance and grace of Zelmatida and Alisma though the inequality of their ages made them farre different caused almost a like admiration in all the Assembly The Queene could not refrayne from turning her eyes on them and though she saw them not well yet confest that it was great pitty to destroy such men whose brave aspect gave sufficient testimony of their mindes and the greatnesse of their courage Yet she would be satisfied and therefore commanded Alismaes Guard to bid him stand up The generous olde Man arose and all bound as he was after five or six steps came and kneeld at the feet of the Princesse When he had cast up his eyes and that Telesmana had looked on that warlike aspect which his gray hayres made venerable she shewed a great deale of greife that she must be constrayned to condemn that man to death against her owne naturall sweetnesse Notwithstanding it behooved her to goe against her owne inclynation and to resolve it Yet before she would give the sentence of death she tolde him that if his courage did not bely his countenance he should shewe it on this occasion and patiently undergoe the disaster whereinto he and his companions were then fallen For know said she that by an irrevocable Decree made by me above sixteen yeares since I have condemned all men that should fall into my hands to be burn'd alive The respect due to my sex which that of yours hath violated in mine owne person and my childrens compells me to avenge my selfe on men with more rigour then any doth ordinarily inflict on his enemies But let them for all accuse their owne inhumanity that was the first cause of it Yes cruell and inhumane as you are yes Monsters that make Nature to blush for producing you you have been so barbarous as neither to have mercy on a woman whom the gods caused to be borne the fairest and wisest Princesse of the world nor on her infant yet a part of her selfe doe not wonder then if after so many and so great wrongs I betake me to a just vengeance and make no difficulty of massacring the innocent for feare of letting escape any one that is guilty Now you know my resolution and your owne destiny tell me who you are and what sad fortune hath cast you into the hands of my women Alisma not â—…ffecting that insensibility which makes all things indifferent and yet free from that â—…eare which brings a change of colour in the face and a stammering in the speech answered the Queene thus If my companions and my selfe had beene lesse accustomed then we are to the outrages of fortune we would complaine now of this her new plotted treason But being dayly at warres with her we will try to get the victory by our constancy and never more finde fault with her betrayings Yet we must confesse that this last treachery is horrible for we beleeved her not false enough to corrupt our best friends and to provide Goales and tortures for us where we came to seeke for repose and protection Yes great Queene we came into this Kingdome to finde a Sanctuary against fortune and have heere some helpes against our enemies I name not these considerations to wooe your pity nor doe we love life so well to preserve it by wiles You have commanded me to say who I am I will obey you and by that obedience make you confesse that fortune is yet a more cruell enemy then I have spoake her I he City of Cusco claimes my birth I am honored by being descended from the race of the Sun and to be Grandchilde to the coelestiall Mango Capa If since the death of the great Guina Capa you have beene pleased to heare related the misfortunes that followed the losse of that Prince and your incomparable Daughter I doubt not but you have heard of the name of Alisma The Queene much moved at that name how said she are you that Alisma who called your selfe the Avenger of
before my scaffold to aske if I were not pleased with his dexterity Muly had sent me one of his gentlemen to know what hindred me from giving the Prize of the Justs to the Prince of Fez when a Knight armed with an armour sowed with Crownes entred the Lists and asked leave to tell me his thought before he put himselfe in case to fight with those of Nephizus party This favour was granted him by the King on condition that if his good fortune gave him the best of the Maintainer he should not have the Prize appointed for the Vanquisher till he had made himself known The Knight yeelded to that condition and comming out of the Lists to my scaffold made his horse goe with so much artand evennesse that wee both my sister and my selfe confessed together that Africa had never seene any thing like it As soone as he was neere enough to me to be understood he lifted up his bever and low inclining Madam said he to me whoever is not of the Prince of Fez his opinion shewes himselfe stupid so far as to have no judgement or so wicked as to dispute the most undoubtfull and best knowne of all truthes 'T is most certaine that the defeate of those Knights which have this day come into the field proceeded from nothing else but the power of your beauty and I beleeve that 't is only for the interest of your renowne that fortune hath so constantly held on Nephizus party But she will not give to your merit all that justice which it deserves if after she had condemned the blindenesse and pride of those Knights who have dared to compare to the wonders of your beauty the common one of their Mistresses she had not destined some one to correct the rashnesse of the Prince of Fez. 'T is she Madam that hath brought me hither to tell this audacious man that 't is not for him to ascribe to himselfe the title of your Knight and that he became guilty of a crime not to be forgiven when he tooke the boldnesse to hazard your renowne on the feeblenesse of his armes Allowe then if you please of so just a resentment as is mine and give way that I shew this Assembly that he only defends a just cause who maintaines that the bravest man of the world is unworthy to serve you Thus said the unknowne Knight to me and presently either the power of flattery or mine inclination were so winning that I felt my selfe in love without knowing who had kindled the flame I strove to suppresse this first and indiscreete motion but in spight of all my indeavours and all my reasonings my passion grew the stronger and suffered me not to quell those troubles and inward disorders which perplexed me I put them off yet a little to answere the unknowne Knight and to grant him leave to combate with Nephizus After he had given me many thankes he left me and went to the place where he was to make it appeare that he was a man of his word The Prince of Fez who was on horsebacke no sooner saw him at one end of the field but he went to the other Presently the trumpets invited them both to shew their valour They came on with such an extraordinary swiftnesse and a force so equall they broke each of them two lances without any advantage on one another At the third my Knight put Nephizus out of his saddle and upon a dispute that the cunning Prince set on foote to save his honour the King my Father and the Judges of the field put off the decision of the difference to the next day Nephizus who in his conscience well knew he had the worst would not hazard his reputation at Justing He therefore demanded that they might be permitted to regaine by the sword what either had lost by the lance The unknowne Knight joyned with him in that request and the Judges to content both granted them the combate I instantly retired with the King and Ennoramita and as soone as possibly I could I went and shut me into my closet I was there about two houres musing on this strange adventure and asking my selfe who this generous Knight should be that had so sensibly obliged her In this pleasing meditation was I when Nephizus came into my chamber one of my slaves came and gave me notice of his comming and I chid him for it so earnestly that tooke from him for ever the desire of bâ—…inging me the like newes Nephizus without doubt heard me for said he when he was come into my closet I would have taken the boldnesse to disturbe you if the King had not expresly commanded me Impute then if you please my importunity to my obedience and continue not to shew your neglect if you have not an intention to deliver me over altogether vanquished to the mercy of mine enemy I answered He is too valiant to have need of a second and if you would beleeve me you should imploy a part of this night to finde some invention that might utterly break off the match that you have deferred Those words made him almost desperate But the resolution he had taken to make me unfortunate even to extremity wrought him to dissemble is resentment Our converse was not long for the King sent for mee I went to him with Nephizus and all the supper time I spoke almost of nothing but the civility and addresse of the unknowne Knight I askt of every one his name and finding none that could tell me any thing of him I owe much said I aloud to the Kings providence for by the law which he hath imposed on the vanquisher I shall have the content to know this stranger Nephizus could have so much mastry o're himself to conceal his choler nor to let go without an answer a speech wherein he thought himself too much injured He therefore spoke and witnessed his anger by the tone of his voice If the King said he to me had imposed on the vanquished the necessity which he hath on the vaâ—…quisher I doubt not but your curiosity had been satisfied But the Conquerour alone being bound to make himselfe knowne I much deceive my selfe if the successe of to-morrows combate doe not much increase your longing You are mistaken said I eagerly to Nephizus yet would say my admiration and not my longing The King that saw well I had a minde to anger Nephizus did something to hinder the continuing of our discourse And I that knew what the goodnesse and indulgence of so affectionate a father required from my respect presently changed countenance and voice and said smilingly to Nephizus that I had not that opinion of his enemy as I would have him beleeve and that I had not undertaken him but to humble him a little on a day wherein the publick voice had raised his valour even to the skies As crafty as that Prince was yet he was caught by this soothing and according to the humour of those in love
on the present and the other of what was passed Yet remained he not long in this kinde of darkenesse His soule opened her eyes as soone as those of his body were unshut He remembred his boxe and his verses and put his hand where he thought to finde them But deceived in what he attempted â—…e arose all startled he searched upon and about him he turned whence he came his eyes are fixed on the sands he tosseth and turneth all the leaves and flints and scratcheth and removeth the least leafe of grasse Then he be thought him of the noise he had heard and said to himselfe that what he had taken for the flight of a Lyon or some other beast was that of the Theefe which had carried away all the remainder of his treasure He would faine have followed but knew not what way to take Yet he ran to the Mountaine and being got very hye whether goe I said he to himselfe what doe I looke after Will these deserts and forrests tell me newes of it Presently he returned to the sea side got into his shalloppe and commanded the Marriners to carry him aboard his ship As soone as he was there he entred his Cabin without speaking to any of us and casting him on his bed Thou couldest doe me no other outrage said he But cruell Fate thou ruinest â—…hine owne power in destroying those Subjects over whom thou exercisest it and in depriving me of that only thing 〈◊〉 desired to preserve thou â—…akest from me all that feare which hath so often made me have recourse to thy protection Alcippus imagining by these words that his Master had received some new displeasure came neere and besought him to make knowne the cause of his affliction O friend said Polexander some one hath stolen from me Alcidiana's picture Doe but reflect on that disaster and oblige me noâ—… to unfold it to thee Alcippus at first thought his Master talked idely but hearing him a midst his sighes to cast forth the word of Theefe of portraict of Alcidiana he thought doubtlesly the Prince had lost his boxe and that the robbery of which he newely spoke was true indeede He told it me and I relating it to Diceus it went quickly through the ship One of our Marriners at the same instant saw a ship comming out of the River of Senega and ignorant whether he spoke true or false or whether he should speake it or no cried out the theefe was running away and 't was fit they should make after him The ship was thereupon made ready for the winde began to rise and the sea men who looke after nothing but confusion and prey agreeing with their companion cried out with him that 't was not fit to suffer the theefe to escape Alcippus hearing these clamours came out of his Masters Cabin and being told the cause of the noise presently ran into Polexander to advertise him of it and by that newes false or true drew him from his deadly melancholy Hereupon he left his Cabin came on the deck and understanding from whence the other ship came Be confident said he that 's the Theefe follow him and if you love me endeavour he may not escape us Wee gave the ship chase three dayes and three nights and comming up to her the fourth engaged her to strike saile and yeeld â—…o our discretion Polexander first boorded her and offring his sword at the Commanders throat told him there was no other way to save his life but by restoring what he had stolne I am ready to obey you said the prisoner but remember if you please that I have but lent my hands and an absolute power hath commanded me to undertake the theft Well well replied Polexander restore it 't is no matter by whom it was commanded or acted so I have restitution and with that urged his prisoner to performe quickly what was required of him The poore man all pale and trembling drew out of his bosome a ring and a letter and presenting the first to Polexander see said he my Kings high prized Seale and then giving him the letter This is that he added which hath cost the death of the writer and had we not beene met withall and interrupted by you was going to be the instrument oâ—… a more execrable Massacre Polexander amazed at these things and full of choller to see himselfe so far from his hopes keepe thy letter and thy ring said he to his prisoner and give me the boxe thou stolest from me The boxe which I have stolen replied the prisoner Ah noble Sir if it be your pleasure that I shall perish doe not search for that pretext I am guilty enough already without the imputation of a crime whereof I am innocent What said Polexander exceedingly angry didst thou not steale it whilst I sleept on the banckes of Senega I perceive now said the prisoner that you take me for another and truely 't is an admirable act of the eternall Providence which continually watcheth for the preservation of Innocents Doe then my Lord doe what that commands you Punish a traytour and assassinate who to satisfie his ambition hath exiled from his breast all sence of honour and pâ—…obity and made himselfe the executioner of a Monsters cruelties who hath but the appearance of a woman Polexander thought then he was certainly mistaken and was at the point of setting the man at liberty but considering that such a freedome might be the cause of some great wickednesse he tooke the ring and letter which till then he had left in the hand of his prisoner and made him come with him into his owne shippe where not knowing what to doe further bid his Pilot steere whither he pleased for all courses were alike to him Whilst Alcippus the Pilot and my selfe were consulting of the speediest way for our quick returne to the Canaries Polexande passed the time with his prisoner and required from him an 〈◊〉 of his former speeches The African knowing he had spoken too much â—…o hide the rest and the feare of death besides having brought him to a repentance of his â—…ormer life he made no scruple of discovering such secrets as he intended no more to make gaine on I am said he a Subject to the King of Senega The gâ—…ddy humours of that Prince have many times throwne me from the top of all prosperity to the botome of all disgrace and then againe raised me to the height of all greatnesse This inconstancy made me feare some blowe that would prove mortall to me at last and to avoid it I thought it best to betray what most concerned him to advance the interests of that famous 〈◊〉 whom he hath set in the place of the virtuous Almanzaira This new Queene is called Zelopa who extreamely politicke knowing that Zabaim was not possibly long to be held in without a great many bonds hath fettered him with such strong ones that she â—…eares noâ—… his flitting from her She hath got him to proclaime
you and your friend is to consider how you will live your selves hereafter For my part I promise you both that I will follow your intentions and in all you desire there shall neither be found difficulty nor delay The two Rivalls thanked him with an equall resentment and Polexander for his particular intreated him to be pleased he might speedily returne to the Canaries The King replied he was at his owne liberty to doe what he pleased and when he had a minde to depart he would furnish him with men and shipping Sir said Polexander since your Majesty will so much favour me I beseech you humbly to doe it intirely I came into Denmarke with a Gentleman and a servant and I desire if it please you to returne so You shall doe as you list replied the King and finde in Denmarke as many friends and as much observance as in your owne Territories These complements ended Polexander resolved to be gone as soone as he could to the end he might returne againe to his wonted and unprofitable inquiry Phelismond shewed an extremity of griefe to see him so neere leaving him and did all he could possibly not only to retaine him but to perswade him that his Master bore him a great deale of affection Phelismond said Polexander I will not contradict those reasons whereby the King your Master may justifie his act nor I assure you will I ever complaine of it For your selfe believe it you never have had a servant or a friend whose love hath been more true then mine Alcidiana shall know if I can possibly your value and her aversion cannot be of that force but it may be surmounted by the infinite number of your virtues when they shall once be made knowne to her When Phelismond heard his Rivall speake thus he raised himselfe to imbrace him and when he was as it were glued to him made this answere I know what I owe you and am not so much an enemy to true honour to fancy to my selfe I can pertake with you of any in our combate It is intirely due to you Polexander Go then and gather the fruits of it and if you please assure Alcidiana that the fortune of armes having confirmed the sentence of death she hath pronounced against me I will not faile to execute it my selfe If I toke time to doe this execution t is for no other cause but to serve her in that person which of all the world should be most deare unto her and to undergoe the longer time the pennance for my offence committed in daring to adore her without being first worthy Phelismond replied Polexander if the greatnesse of your courage were not knowne to me as it is I should hardly suffer a discourse that wrongs the wonderfull actions of your life Live happily and doe not so great an injury to our great Princesse judgement as not to expect from it a recompence proportionable to your deserts Hitherto you have not beene so well treated only because you were not knowne But when Alcidiana shall understand what Phelismond is and heare it even from the mouthes of such whom she cannot suspect assure your selfe she will change her opinion Grant me then the request I am to make you before your seperation and t is that you intend you recovery and be not transported to any dispaire till you have received a new command from Alcidiana it you doe otherwise I denounce on her behalfe you shall not only offend her virtue but demonstrated by your owne disobedience you never truely loved her To how many new Tortures answered Phelismond doth your request ingage me But I refuse nothing said he raising his voice since t is for the honour of Alcidiana and the increase of her renowne Yes you most generous man on earth I will punctually observe what you pâ—…escribe me Yet if you please it shall be on condition that I may enjoy your company yet for three dayes Polexander granted it and unable to be wearied in the admiration of his valour continued with him the time he desired During which they almost spoke of nothâ—…ng but the virtue and beauty of Alcidiana of the impossibillity of getting to her Island and the number of Lovers her pictures had acquired her in all parts of the world This intertaining had not ceased but that by the King of Denmarkes presence it was often interrupted At last the three dayes being expired the businesse was of taking of leave Phelismond though exâ—…reamely weake went out of his chamber to doe his Rivall the more honour and wished a happy succeâ—…e as well to his love as in his voyage The King came betwixt this Farwell and shewing a great deale of griefe for the departure of his second Pâ—…elismond for so he called Polexander promised to preserve preciously in his memory the voyage he had made into Denmarke but principally because of his happy successe This said the three Pâ—…inces made mutuall promises and reciprocall presents and the two Danes accompanied the Canarian to his ship The Pilot unwilling to lose a North winde that was so good for him left the Coast of Zeland and in a little time got into the Germane Sea The End of the fourth Booke of the Second Part. THE SECOND PART OF POLEXANDER The fifth Booke OUR Heroe over-joyed at his happy fullfilling of Alcidiana's command sayl'd through the vast extention of the Germane sea and driven by a winde which Love seemed to fanne with his owne wings forsook the unhappy climates of the North to returne to the delicious countries of the South and seeing himselfe so much smil'd on by Fortune he conceived no thing lesse then the infallible hope of quickly finding the inaccessible Island and in his complacency with himselfe durst even promise to him the possession of Alcidiana This contentment though imaginary too pleasingly deceiv'd him for not incensing the Demon which had resolved to crosse all his happiness Hee was therefore troubled from the first daies of his navigation for as he entred the Sleeve which separates France from England hee was like to have been lost by meeting with an adventure extreamly tragicall A contrary winde stopping him right against Calice he was forced to aleere up and down a whole night to avoid his returning back againe As hee was in this troublesome exercise a ship driven by the fury of the winde strook against his yet so fortunatly as hee received no other hurt then the bruising the side of his ship This shock awaking the most sleepy made all think on more then was betided Polexander would needs know who 't was that so secretly assayl'd him and therefore commanded his Pilot to make after At day-break they descryed the adverse ship and presently came up and laid her aboard Our Heroë was the first that leapt into her but hee was amazed when he saw nought there but an horrible solitude Never was there presented on the sea though it be the theater of prodigies and novelties any thing so
and whose childe it was which I presented to him I satisfied his demands and gave him such an affright and terrour at the repetition oâ—… Zabaim's extravagancies that falling on his knees and lifting his eyes and hands towards the Sun Thou still-waking eye cryed he of that Divinity whose shadow I am and nomore irreproachable witnesse of all the actions of men call me to judgement before the throne of eternall Justice and deny me thy pure light if ever the tyranny of sense or the weakenesse of spirit force me to the like brutishnesse After he had made this holy protestation he tooke the young Almanzor and holding him in his armes Yes mercifull heaven said he I receive as from thy hands the prefeâ—… thou sendest me by this stranger and subscribing with joy to the decrees of thy will I will be this Innocents father and betwixt him and my Son divide all my love and care With these words he delivered me againe the young Prince and intimating to me how happy he thought him selfe in finding so faire an occasion to exercise his charity entreated me to follow him He commanded one of his Camels for baggage to be given to the Princes Nurse and would have her still before him We rode till Sun-set and then came to a royall house which is Abrinzia's usuall aboade when the necessities of his State and the love of his people permit him to leave the City and in retirednesse to taste the delights of a Private man I will not relate to you with what care that good King caused the young Almanzor to be bred but will onely say he respected and considered him as his owne Son and the vertuous Andromeda his wife finding in him those causes of satisfaction which she met not in the person she had brought into the world would even have given him the first place in her love if the feare of heaven had not obliged her to observe the order of Nature and not to bestow that on a stranger which was onely due to the childe of the family Almanzor's youth was as noble and faire as the Prince of Benin's was insupportable Perseus so was he called had a melancholy accompanied with a brutish fury which made him not onely incapable of submitting himselfe to his Governours or to the King his father but so awkeward and indisposed to all exercises both of minde and body that it seem'd heaven having so much exhausted its treasure at the birth of Almanzor had reserved nothing for that of Persâ—… This which I have spoken if you please shall suffice for the first foureteene yeares of Aâ—…life Come we to the fifteenth and by the apprentiship of his valâ—… judge what this Master-peeces should be In the season wherein the Sun swerves from the Equiâ—…tiall line to get up to the Tropique of Cancer there rush'd out of the Deserts of Zanâ—…ra a prodigious Serpent which having laid waste the Territory of Guangara by the death of more then a thousand men made himselfe an entry into the kingdome of Benin He came on even to the gates of the City Budis and marching as a hardy and judicious Conquerour came the soonest he could to the City of Benin as if he would have presented battle to the King himselfe He utterly left desolate all those Provinces through which he had pass'd by the justice of heaven The people assembled and armed themselves against this Monster as against a common enemy but their resistance was vaine for that puissant adversary overthrew whosoever presented himselfe before him No arrowes so great or weighty or sharpe soever could pierce him and there was no better way found by any for their security then to shut themselves up in townes After he had made a generall havock through the Kingdome he set him downe in the territory of Benin The wood and fountaine of the Sun he chose for his usuall abode and as if he had beene satisfied with his Conquests and would now stop their progresse he stirr'd not more away farre from a place the most holy most religiously kept in all the Estate of Benin From time to time he came even to the Towne Gates and kept the King in a manner besieged within his walls and wholly interdicted the peoples commerce and exercise In the meane time the devoute Abrinzias contemplating that Monster as a scourge which heaven would make use of for the chastisement of his offences thought this persecution would not cease but by a publique penitence He had therefore recourse to those remedies which were taught him by that eternall Law which the most barbarous have graven in their hearts He wept he fasted he punish'd himselfe for his people he added publique processions and solemne sacrifices to his private devotions and reclaiming the people from their Luxury and debauches went himselfe every where preaching teares repentance and amendment Whilst all the Court was in prayers and mortification a valiant and generous Knight had an intent to fight with that Monster He was called Bellerophon and had gotten so great a reputation through all Africa 〈◊〉 't was held for impossible that which he could not execute At all points arm'd he rode out of Benin mounted on an excellent horse and resolv'd to dye or to deliver his Countrey from that terrible slavery The people drawne by the hope of their safety followed that generous warrier but at sight of the Monster feare freezing their bloud made them abandon their deliverer and shut them up againe within their walls Bellerophon was left alone and his courage encreasing by the generall affright he went to search for his enemie even among the Palme trees wherewith it seem'd he would crowne himselfe The Serpent not being now so eager at his prey as he was at first would scarce lift up his head when he saw Bellerophon but by some hissings contented himselfe to make appeare how much he contemn'd his adversary Bellerophon came on for all the turbulency and furious frightments of his horse and making use of his agility in shooting answer'd the hissings of the Monster with those of his arrowes But none of his shafts could wound him He was every where invulnerable Yet Bellerophon gave not over shooting but hitting him above the eye made him reare up his red and blew crest which made on his head a kinde of a crowne and to unfold all those great circles in which he seem'd to have insconc'd himselfe He suddenly darted himselfe on Bellerophon and had infallibly inwrap'd him but for the extraordinary leape which out of feare the warrior's horse made The Knight seeing his Steed unserviceable alighted cast his horse off approach'd the enraged Serpent and by a good hap worthy his courage with an arrow which strooke out his right eye we learnt the Serpent was not invulnerable But alas that knowledge was dearely sold for Bellerophon could not avoid the coming to gripes with the Monster 'T was related to Abrinzias that the bold Knight defended himselfe to the
that I never aspir'd to your Crowne whence is it then you make to me pardon me if I say so unjust propositions For it seemes you offer me your Crowne but to bridle and chaine in my fury and so take away the cause of my attempting against your life That which I owe you the care you have taken for my breeding and the love you have alway shown me are such strong bonds that they are capable to regulate a nature more ingratefull and ambitious then mine If you please Sir to honour me with your love cast that designe from your fancy or permit me to punish my selfe for being the cause of it and avenge you of a monster that could not glut his appetite bâ—…t by devouring his owne benefactors Abrinzias and Andromeda hearing how Almanzor interpreted their thoughts or rather admiring his incomparable vertue imbrac'd him one after another and told him that the knowledge they had of his good nature and not the feare either of losing or ill treatment from him had made â—…hem resolve to quit the Throne to place him in it with his brother Perseus Perseus repli'd Almanzor hath right to it alone when heaven for his punishment shall deprive him of you At those words Andromeda could not refraine from teares and casting her self on Almanzors neck Why Cry'd she hath not that just heaven permitted Perseus to cal himselfe rightly Almanzors brother These words were follow'd by many others but I omit them as â—…oo tedious and unnecessary for your satisfaction and will onely let you know that this interparlance or some other cause which Almanzor would never discover cast him into so deep a melancholy as he hated himselfe for it and yet could not for his heart suppresse it He forsooke the Court and all company and spent whole dayes either iâ—… the Desarts or on the Sea shore This strange kind of life made the King and Queene of Benin feare some new disaster and their affection perswaded them that his pensivenesse presaged some dangerous sicknesse Hydaspes who almost never forsooke the Prince was the first that tooke notice of his alteration he did what he could to divert him but perceiving ordinary remedies were not powerfull enough to extirpate so extraordinary a distemper he had recourse to more violent Finding therefore one day Almanzor weeping With what Justice said he to him dares a Prince so wise in counsâ—…ll so valiant in execution and so happy in the successe complaine either of heaven of fortune or himselfe What will not your enemies say Almanzor if your discontent comek to their eares Will they not have cause to make the world beleeve that you see with griefe the age of the King your Father that you meditate some plot against Perseus and in briefe that you are tortur'd either by some crimes you have committed or by those you have a desire to perpetrate Almanzor was very sensible of those last words and imagining that some other might have Hydaspes thoughts intended to overcome his melancholy and to seeke in the toyles of war that quiet which he could not meet withall among the delights of peace Almaid here staying as to take breath Polexâ—…nder who had a desire to speake turn'd towards the vertuous Almanzaira and shewing to her into what admiration the adventures and vertues of her Son had drawne him collected in briefe all the points of Almaids relation That done he discours'd much with the Princesse and remonstrated that all the misfortunes of her life had nothing in them so mortall but that she might finde their remedy in the birth of Almanzor That good Mother fail'd not to confirme Polexander's words and confess'd to him that if Zabaim and Almanzor could be preserv'd to her she would account her selfe infinitely obliged to that Goodnesse which had made her the wife and mother of two so great Princes The end of the Second Booke of the third Part. THE THIRD PART OF POLEXANDER The Third Booke ALmaid seeing Almanzaira and Polexander whom he knew not seem'd by their silence to intreat from him the continuance of Almanzors adventures was willing to satisfie their curiosity and thus proceeded Hitherto we have been Spectators if I may say so of Almanzors glorious troubles and triumphs we must now be the same of his Weaknesses Discredit and Servitude He continued in that irksome Melancholy of which I have spoken and as if his ill Genius had in spight of himselfe thrust him on the precipice where he was to be ruin'd he went every morning out of the Palace to passe the most part of the day on the point of a rocke where he had for his prospect but an open desert of waters as vaste as his thoughts Hydaspes almost daily waited on him thither and knowing his Masters malady was a disease which came further then from the in temperance of bloud or of other humours strove to sweeten the bitternesses of that Prince and to prepare him for those accidents wherewith he was threatned by that supernaturall sicknesse One day as they were together on the top of their rocke and had their eyes fix'd on the Coasts of Guinea they saw a far off a ship which with a favourable wind came with full sailes sailing from the West Eastward They thought her at first to be a Portugall Almanzor whom I may call the best Master of the world at that instant thought on me and that remembrance drawing him from his melancholy It may possibly be Almaid said he to Hydaspes who after his long captivity hath found a meanes to returne to us Let us goe downe and see whether my conjecture be true or no with that he arose and shewing a joy beyond appearance Surely said he to Hydaspes this Vessell comes to us and brings great cause of comfort Alas how was that poore Prince deceiv'd if not in all at least in the principall part of his hopes For my selfe his expectation was not frustrated for I was in the ship which he looked on with so much joy but traytor and unfortunate that I am I brought with me bolts and chains under whose weight the courage of that Prince was to lie fainting I will no longer hold from you the successe of that adventure I came and cast anchor where Almanzor was and making my excesse of joy and actions of thankes to which the happy successe of my voyage obliged me to resound againe by many Cannon shot I lanch'd a Shalop and first went downe into her that none before me might kisse that Land which was as deare to me as my native soyle No sooner had I set foot on shore but Almanzor came to me presently knew me cast himselfe on my necke and weeping for joy My Father said he and have I then recovered you againe after so long time of your losse and hath that misericordious Goodnesse from whom I have so often petition'd you granted me even that for which I durst not supplicate You may well beleeve without my telling you that my
considerations the overflowing of that passion but Almanzor cutting me short Do not said he imitate Hydaspes and speake against your owne thoughts through a desire to hinder a matter already resolv'd on Your Son Almaid must love he must heaven will absolutely have it so and that love Axiamira But said he how unfortunate am I in that I must give an account of my life to others then my selfe I am overtyr'd with visits and businesse and for a little vanity which the power of Commanding gives me I must deprive my selfe of my contentment yeeld my selfe a slave to other mens passions and for the accomplishment of all misery have all my labours and industry rewarded with perfidy and ingratitude They are not suspitions and doubts which make me speake thus No they are truths Almaid and such truths as you have unwittingly told me Ah! ingratefull Zabaim King incident to all crimes must thou needs after so many services which I will not remember be the author of my just complaints and the object of a yet more just indignation But he went on addressing him to me to the end we may proportion the punishment with the fault bring me hither Osmin I will from his mouth understand the wrongs Zabaim hath done him I very attentively gave eare to all these words and knowing they proceeded from an extreame affection and hatred I fear'd lest the power of love might be able to violate that of nature and winne Almanzor to breake with Zabaim These feares made me oppose against the complaints of my deare Master all that I thought availeable to get him from that opinion he had of Zabaim I therefore besought him to do nothing hastily nor upon the relation of parties interessed dissolve an amity which seem'd to be immortall I know said he what I owe to Zabaims favour He knows too how I have serv'd him Notwithstanding he hath sayl'd of his word and endeavour'd to rob me of the treasure wherewith I intrusted him Judge to what a resentment so great a contempt and so base a treason obligeth me Yet I will not doe what love adviseth me It shall never be reproach'd me that I neither know how to make or preserve friendship If Zabaim have injur'd me his fault shall not make me commit another but it shall teach me how to demeane my selfe with him that so hereafter I may cut off all causes of sayling in our amity Go then Almaid fetch me Osmin and let us see how farre Zabaim is guilty Presently I went and brought Osmin to Almanzors chamber The presence of that old man extreamely comforted the Prince and made him seeme farre lesse unquiet then he was before He spake to him with a very temperate spirit and intreated him to relate all his fortunes but before you begin said he you must satisfie me in one thing which troubles me and make knowne how Zabaim hath treated you since my absence I know you had rather lose your life then preserve it by an untruth Therefore I intreat you not to forget the injuries Zabaim hath done you no nor so much as to suspend the resentment of them to the end that without preoccupation you may make me a plaine and true recit all of what hath befalne you in Guinea Begin then and without considering that Zabaim is my friend tell me the truth purely Osmin whom I have alwayes knowne most sincere taking heaven to witnesse what he was to speake Two dayes said he to Almanzor after your departure Zabaim took the paines to come to my lodging where he staid a while with Axiamira but seeing her in a silence and sadnesse not to be surmounted he left her and taking me by the hand Father said he let us leave this faire maiden to her selfe I follow'd him and when he was come to the Sea side he made me a long Speech of the obligations in which he was ingag'd to you and repeated all the requests you had made him in behalfe of my daughter and my selfe Hee added that for your sake and particularly for mine hee would alwayes respect mee as his owne Father and that hence forward hee would put no difference betwixt his wife and my daughter I rendred thankes for his proffers and telling him they were too advantagious for a stranger like my selfe and a poore maiden as mine was I humbly besought him to contract all his liberalities into one which was to give me the meanes by which I might returne into mine owne Countrey Father repli'd the King I am ready to grant what you have desired but I must not for the infinite love I beare you become mine owne enemie and in preferring your content before mine owne leave an ill opinion of my selfe in those who looke not on the actions of Kings but to finde fault with them yet let us passe by the conceptions of the multitude which commonly are most unreasonable and fasten on that of Almanzor Will not he have cause to beleeve that I have abus'd you when he shall understand that contrary to what we had agreed together you have staid so short time with me Stay therefore here yet a few dayes and have patience till I can send him your resolution You are too generous and too good I repli'd and if the love you beare were not founded on the worthiest cause in the world I could not but still thinke on the excesse of your courtesies But Sir as I imagine your Majestie needs not use so much circumspection in so inconsiderable a businesse We are three poor Wanderers that have no name but by our miseries and who cannot receive the least favour but we must acknowledge it to be beyond our expectations Suffer us then to accomplish the course of our calamities and let not your goodnesse be so sensible as it is of those outrages which Fortune is not yet wearie of making us undergoe I made this long speech to Zabaim to the end that mov'd with compassion or overcome by my reasons he might give way to our departure I cannot tell you whence those impatiencies of parting which I discovered proceeded but I confesse to you they were very extreame and yet my wife's and Axiamira's were greater For all that my prayers my solicitations and intreating Zabaim in your name could not obtaine the leave I demanded He oppos'd so many shewes of amitie and so many reasons to my request that at last to comply with him I went against mine owne thoughts and yeelded to stay yet with him That conformitie of mine was so pleasing unto him as imbracing me with the transport of a man very passionate Father said he I will make you confesse that Almanzor is not the sole man deserves to be beloved and raise you to that happinesse that with the one part of your affection you beare to him you shall lose all that other which you beare to your native soile After all these artificiall promises he return'd to the Palace and leading me by the hand made his
agitations but imputing them to that impatient and inconsiderate curiosity which extraordinary adventures and events raise in the most solid and retir'd mindes I will said he presently satisfie your demand and relate to you very wonderfull verities at least if Osmin made not my dear Master beleeve so Know that Spimantus had no sooner done speaking but suddenly plucking away his arme which Osmin held he strook his ponyard deep into his brest but so happily for him that he was assoon dead as wounded Osmin very much griev'd for not being the stronger mingled his tears with that unfortunate Prince his bloud and after a long bewailing his sad disaster commanded his slaves to cleanse the body and carry it to his lodging In the meane time he went up to the fortresse to give an account to Hely of what he had seen and acquit himself of that the Prince of Scotland at his death incharg'd him yet he could not performe it for at his entring the King's chamber he saw tovvard tvventy of those men half Shepheards half Fishers vvhich inhabite on the bankes of the River of Sus and he heard the eldest of the company in presenting a young maiden clad like a Shepheardesse to Hely speake thus The feare which I and my companions had least some of your Souldiers or others might by force take from us this excellent beauty is the cause that made us intreat her to quit the rich habillements she wore and to conceale her selfe under the simplicity of those she hath now on At breake of day we being imbark'd for fishing saw very farre in the River somewhat which cast up a thick smoake We made to it with our boates and perceiv'd it had beene a great ship which by fire was burnt downe to the water That cruell enemy seem'd not content with the mischiefe it had done but search'd into the bottome of the ship for new subjects whereon to execute its fury It flew every where and consuming the bodies of those it had smothered cast up such a stinking fume as it was almost impossible for us to approach it We were returning very sorrowfull for not being able to succour any body when most pitifull shrikes and cries which seem'd to implore our ayde made us alter our resolution We entred the smoake and some twenty paces from the ship we perceiv'd some women who imbracing one another floated on five or six great bundles of corke which had beene lincked together Pity made us cast away all feare Through fire and sword we came to the women and taking them into our boates left the fire to make an end of that ravage it had so farre advanced Assoone as those poore creatures saw themselves out of that danger which they had as it were miraculously escaped they testified by their teares and actions how much they were obliged to us Wee asked them by what accident they had beene reduced to that extremity but they could not answer because they did not understand us Their language was no lesse unknowne to us then ours to them Yet that hindred not but we continued our assistance Wee conducted them to our Cotes where commending them to the care of our wives we returned to the River to try if we could save any thing out of the burning vessell Our paines was not unfruitfull for fastning a cable to a piece of timber on which the staffe or handle of the ships rudder rested we drew the rest of the vessell on the sands and opening it by the keele found therein much rich furniture which the fire had not yet touched At our returne home we more heedfully considered then we had done at first the women you see and were strooke as with lightning at the fight of this new Shepheardesse Her robes which shone againe with gold and silver and the Diamonds she wore on her head made us imagine her to be some personage of an elevated condition and so we entertain'd her and instantly resolv'd to come and present her to you We could not make her understand our intention nor she us her will First of all I thought fit to disguise her for my former reason and assoone as my wife had shewne her the garments she weares she shew'd a great deale of contentment and retyring with her to put them on gave her in exchange her rich robe and Diamonds But we thought it not fit that we should make our benefit of them Therefore Sir I have brought them with me not onely for that consideration but to the end you may not doubt of my words See here they are both With that he delivered to the King as 't were a halfe Crowne of Diamonds and unfoulded a robe which for the richnesse as wel as the fashion would merit a particular description but that other matters of more importance oblige me to put it off till another time Hely tooke no heed neither to the Jewels or robes of the stranger because his eyes were so fixed on her face that he was incapable of all things else In the meane time the Prince of Scotlands adventure winning Osmin to believe this Shepheardesse was Iphidamanta he came to her and when he had long time regarded I know not said he whether I be deceiv'd but I have ill understood what the Prince of Scotland told me or you are Iphidamanta The Shepheardesse blushing at Osmins speech looked on him with a modesty full of majesty and presently fell a weeping Hely losing the object which had held him so long inchanted came out of his extasie and seeing Osmin before him Doth not said he this adventure much amaze you Sir replied Osmin you would your selfe be farre more if you knew it all Thereupon Osmin related to him the death of the Scottish Prince and the requests he made him dying and never believe me said he if this Shepheardesse be not the Princesse Iphidamanta Hely touched with some inward motions not proper to his age made knowne to that faire Shepheardesse how pleasing her coming was to him and spoke to her with such respects and submissions as seem'd to undervalue regall Majesty Osmin thought at first his civilities so full of affection proceeded onely from the Prince's goodnesse which was extended to all his Subjects and many times made him forget what he was But that very day Hely made him lose that opinion and let him know though he had a great deale of goodnesse he had far more love He bought Iphidamanta's robes and jewels at six times more then they were worth and by so excessive a liberality changed the fortune of a great many poore people The Fisher-men inriched beyond their hopes returned to their Cottages and the faire Shepheardesse abode in the fortresse with those women but so sad and desolate that shee moved them to pity who were the most insensible Hely not induring so great sorrow in a person so deare to him did all he could to comfort her and besought her to make knowne to him the cause of
preservation Goe and make ready for your departure Get you quickly out of a place which will soone be filled with your greatest enemies Intreat Osmin as I doe with my heart that he forsake you not in the meane while I will beseech Heaven with all the zeale I can that you may be as faithfully beloved and if I dare say so as religiously ador'd by him that must enjoy you as you have alwayes beene by the most unfortunate Hely Iphidamanta had not fail'd answering him but that she was hindred by fearefull cries noise of armour and the affright given her by a great many Souldiers who with their Symeters in their hands confusedly entred the Court of the fortresse Hely seeing her so much amazed and hearing withall the shouts of the victorious Souldiers Flie cried he dying as he was flie faire Princesse and stay not till you are in the pawes of the Lion that will devoure you And thou Osmin said he if thou hast ever lov'd me and if the affection I have borne thee deserves any acknowledgement save the best part of my self and suffer not base feare to make me dye more cruelly then can all the barbarousnesse of my two Sons Osmin hearing himselfe so exceedingly conjur'd not to abandon the Princesse in that extremitie withdrew her from the Kings chamber and running to his lodgings for some of his slaves and what he had of most value descended by a private staire to the foote of the rock and with his little company entred into a Barke which the Governours of Guargetsem alwaies used to keepe there for any urgent necessitie All things favoured their flight The tumult and confusion which alwaies accompanieth the taking of places the calme which could not be fairer the night approaching conspir'd together for those innocents safetie and drew them from the sight and furie of Nephisus Osmin put his hand to the oare and in the night time got to certaine high rocks farre enough from Guarguetsem which might have serv'd them for a safe retreate He was not long there for a Merchant of Madera being driven on the same place tooke him into his ship with his companie and promis'd to waft him into the Isle of Teneriffe or any other of the Canaries Osmin having thus recounted to the Prince Almanzor Iphidamanta's adventures You have understood my Lord said he that the Madera Merchant could not performe what he promis'd us for when we had beene a while under saile a tempest arose and cast us on the coast of Guinea I must confesse said Almanzor then to Osmin you have related to me strange adventures yet is not my curiosity absolutely satisfied You have not told me how Iphidamanta was stolne from the place of her abode who that Tyrant was out of whose hands Spimantus vaunted he had redeem'd her nor by whà t accident the two vessels were fired My Lord replid Osmin I have had the same desire as you and cannot yet get any further satisfaction Onely I will tell you that the Princesse seeing her selfe voyd of all protection but mine threw her at both our feets and besought me and my wife to take her for our daughter to conceale the truth of her birth and in stead of the name of Iphidamant a which was not hers to call her Axiamira There now remaines nothing for me but to petition you for that Princesse sake to let her perceive nothing of what you know and to actuate all that honour and love shall advise you to give a glorious issue to her long wandrings Father said Almanzor imbracing Osmin I will strive to performe what you injoyne me and if it be not that you should have a good opinion of me be assur'd you shall never repent your confidence of my discretion After these promises he dismissed him and remaining alone to give himselfe wholly over to his owne contentment and to be overcome by those transports which the excesse of his good fortune brought on him he tasted the remainder of that day more sweets and resented more ravishing joyes by the strength of his imagination then he will ever meet withall againe either by the knowledge of his parents the conquest of all the Empires of the world or the very possession of Axiamira He himselfe hath confessed to me that which I tell you and having laid before me all the faire chymeraes which in that happy time had passed through his fancy Almaid said he to me what felicity can there be compar'd to mine if by the number of my exploits and by the immutability of my faith I be able to oblige Iphidamanta to the not disdaining my humblest servitude O how capable doe I finde my selfe of the most honourable and difficult enterprises How doth the elevated birth of that Princesse raise my thoughts beyond ordinary conceptions How am I asham'd that I have done no more since I knew the world How powerfull a spurre to honour is the desire of making me worthy Iphidamanta's esteeme And what emulation and disquiet do Polexanders famous acts which are still before mine eyes bring upon me I will follow his steps Almaid I will undertake something great enough to the end I may without impudency make knowne mine affection to Iphidamanta and at least give an honourable pretext to my boldnesse I should trouble you brave Knight did I repeate all the brave words so faire a passion put into the mouth of Almanzor Assoone as Andromeda was come from the place of her retirement that Prince went to visit Axiamira and inventing new humilities to come worthily neere her I wonder much said he that the Deity with whom you have so privately communed these foure dayes could be wonne or resolve to let you goe out of his temple 'T is true replied Axiamira my returne is a just cause of wonder The sanctity of the place whence I come the authority of the Deity which inhabits it and the example of so many religious soules which burne with love should for ever have made me renounce the company of the world But alas my weakenesse hath been stronger then all those powers and I have found my selfe so incapable of so high a perfection that I should thinke I had more ambition then zeale if I durst onely pretend to it You are a very unjust Interpreter said Almanzor pardon me Madam if I speake to you with so little respect You give my words a cleane contrary sense to my intention You accuse your selfe for not being devout enough and I accus'd the god with whom you were so long for not being sensible enough Truely I cannot conceive how that Deity who hath perceptions and penetrations farre beyond those of men and by consequence sees in you those beauties which are conceal'd from us such perfections as we cannot discover and such brightnesse as our too weak and dull eyes cannot perceive hath not reserv'd to himselfe a wonder which of all those that are visible comes neerest to it selfe Give me leave replied the Princesse to aske
most humble servitude Why am I not permitted to finde a way to attaine to that supreame happinesse But miserable vagabond that I am I may well wish and make knowne my longings but I shall never obtaine the favour of dying before her faire eyes By this time 't was day yet was it not able to bring Polexander out of his meditations Alcippus after his searching for him all night by chance found him and disturbed his cogitations Presently he arose and returned to his tents where he found a great amendment in his Sister and to divert her recounted the adventure he had met withall Cydaria tooke pleasure in it and wish'd him to send five or sixe men into that wood to discover the aboade of that unfortunate man which had such brave thoughts Polexander having spent almost all the day with her withdrew and accompanied with Alcippus and Gartias return'd to the wood with an intent to lye there once more rather then not satisfie his curiosity He came to the same place at least he thought so where he had heard him he sought after and passing through many pathes at last met with an alley so covered that in the greatest heate of day there was coolenesse enough not to be incommodated under so burning a climate When he came to the end of it he saw the Sea and perceived two women which with a slow pace were walking on the sands He would have gone to them but assoone as he was discover'd one of them began to cry out as loud as she could and drawing her Companion after her made her run whether she would or no. Polexander seeing it stopp'd short Presently there appear'd at the end of the alley a man who going right to the women and understanding from them the cause of their flight straight left them and came towards our Heroe with his sword drawne who put himselfe in a posture to receive him But assoone as he was neere enough to be knowne he gave a great shout and running to him with open armes shew'd an extraordinary contentment in meeting him The other instantly cast downe his sword and imbracing our Heroe with a gentilenesse and meekenesse shewing his admirable temper Doe you said he yet know an unfortunate man who had beene more so then he is but for your exceeding pity Polexander imbracing him againe By what chance said he doe I meet you in a place so farre distant from that where I thought you When I left you replied the other my intent was to get to this Island where I found the party I sought but to the end you may know my complaints have beene alwayes just come and see how extraordinary their cause is With that he tooke up his sword and led Polexander to the place where the two women were retired When he came neere them he addressed his speech to the youngest and before Polexander saluted her Madam said he here is that Prince without whose help I had never had the happinesse of seeing you againe This is he of whom I have so often spoken to you and whose misfortunes are able in their repetition to put off a while the feeling of your owne At those words the Lady lifted up her eyes and Polexander noted that though they were very faire yet she was blinde He made no shew of remarking it but admir'd her wit and judgement by the Speech she made him At least he who was her Interpreter spake in her name so excellently to our Heroe that he was ravish'd at it and witness'd it aloud by the answer he made her and intreated his friend to interpret This intertainement having lasted above a quarter of an howre the faire blinde Lady stood a while silent and thinking it time to retire tooke leave of the two friends and left them in an equall admiration of her vertue and almost a like sorrow for her misfortune Polexanders griefe was on the point of breaking out but seeing the plenty of teares which fell from his friends eyes he suppressed his owne compassion that he might not increase the others sorrow and be inhumane by being desirous to appeare sensible You should said he accustome your selfe to your misery and thinke for your consolation that it is farre lesse then you imagine it since you have recovered the best part of what you thought was all lost I should be ingratefull replied Zelmatida both towards the gods and Izatida too if I did not confesse I am infinitely bounden to them and that they have extended their excessive bounty in that which concernes my owne person Nor is it mine owne mishap I bewaile 'T is Izatida's misery that drawes these teares from mine eyes and forbids me the sensibility of that contentment which is given me by the happinesse of seeing her againe No no Izatida I shall never be happy whilst thou art not so and the pleasure of being neere thee will never have power enough over me to divert those sorrowes which thy blindnesse hath cast upon me How doe I abhorre thee thou accursed aboade which hast for ever clouded with darknesse the onely light of my soule Those last words touching Polexander in a particular manner O heaven cried he where is my minde and what is become of my memory With that he left Zelmatida and running to Gartias was a while talking with him which done he return'd to Zelmatida and shewing by his countenance he brought him good newes I have call'd to minde one thing said he which may if the heavens will so favour you make a great alteration in your fortune But not to give you any hopes which proving false may make you more afflicted then you are goe to Izatida and intreate her she will make triall of a remedy which comes from that very place where she lost her sight How Polexander replied Zelmatida that cannot bee a remedy coming from so venimous a place 't is rather some new poyson which doubtlesse will cause me to lose the remainder of Izatida I do not condemne your feare said Polexander but I will accuse you for not contributing all that you can for your owne comfort if you doe not hazard on my word a remedy which can do Izatida no other wrong then to leave her as she is Zelmatida loath to contradict Polexander for feare of fayling Izatida and huâ—…ing himselfe went to the Princesse and besought her by the greatnesse of her courage and excesse of her patience to try a remedy which Polexander had propos'd to him for infallible You both deserve said she that I should give you that vaine contentment Yes Zelmatida you shall have your request Give your remedy to my Governesse and I promise you this night we will make experiment of it Zelmatida hereupon return'd to Polexander and he had scarce told him that Izatida had yeelded to his petition but Gartias came to them with a violl of very cleare water He had beene at Polexanders ship to make the receipt and omitted nothing of what he had
from the Kings his allies hath even cast anchor in the very River of Tensif and after many skirmishes wherein Bajazet's valour hath disheartned the most daring Africans Abdelmelec and Hely have beene compell'd to shut themselves up in Morocco The Rovers have there besieged them and but for that miraculous arrivall of a Knight which will not at all be knowne what he is the Siege had been ended above a moneth since by the sacke of the City On the other side there is arriv'd to Bajazet a great aide from Constantinople This may seeme very strange to you but 't will be farre more when you know the cause of it The Basha Herzecogli son-in-law to the Grand Signior hath gotten leave of him to come with a great navall Army to avenge himselfe of another Basha called Solyman who hath stolne from him two twinne daughters and who to keep them to himselfe hath left the grand Signior's service put him into the protection of the King of Morocco This Basha Herzecogli which is esteem'd the valiant'st man in the Ottoman Empire animated with the griefe of the losse of his daughters and with a desire of revenge so presseth on Morocco that if it be not already taken 't is infallibly on the point of being so This Priest very likely would have added more newes to this but he noted so great a trouble in the countenances of Melicerta and Cydaria that he thought it not fit to proceed Polexander who well knew the cause of the Princesses agitation arose to leave them at their liberty and tooke with him all such as might hinder their freedome He was no sooner gone out but said Melicerta to Cydaria all pale and trembling My deare Sister is there in the world a more unfortunate creature then I I have forsaken the tombe wherein I had buried my selfe alive as the most dolefull place could be chosen and I see that by the incomprehensible cruelty of my destiny this Palace wherein I began to taste some comfort is in an instant turn'd into a hell where all my paines and torments are renewed and augmented What have I heard What must become of me Soliman is shut up in Morocco and my father alas most ignorant of the truth besiegeth him and seeks to be avenged of a crime whereof to my infinite griefe Iphidamantus is too innocent Cydaria was not lesse perplex'd then Melicerta but her discretion being farre more scrupulous she held her peace or if she spoake 't was to her selfe What said she doth Almanzor then with so much fervency prosecute the liberty of a Slave Be perswaded who list that he doth it out of meere noblenesse Cydaria will never be so simple nor so much overreacht as to beleeve it Finish Almanzor finish boldly what thou hast begun Burne and consume thy selfe for an unfortunate Slave since all kinds of objects are able to please thy ficklenesse That Axiamira whom thou sometime lovedst will never disturbe thy designes no more then she will ever heare spoaken againe of thine affection Polexander as Cydaria thus ended her upbraidings came in aloâ—…e He went right to Melicerta and knowing what need she had of comfort Madam said he if I should condemne your being thus perplex'd I should be ignorant of that which is most just and most powerfull in nature Your affrights and feares are extreame that is they are effects proportionable to their causes Yet despaire not This is without doubt the Crisis the alteration of your disease And if so be Morocco can yet hold out a few dayes I hope to put a happy end to such adventures as seeme to promise themselves but a tragicall period We must lose no time Resolve your selfe therefore to go to Morocco with Cydaria and be pleas'd to let me be both your Guide and Counsellor Melicerta thought it no hard proposition but Cydaria directly oppos'd it and in her conceal'd anger gave the fairest reasons that could be to disswade the voyage Polexander knew well his Sisters sicknesse but would not let her perceive it for feare of adding to her affliction he contented himselfe with answering to her reasons and so plainely to remove all the difficulties she had framed that at last overcome by her selfe as well as by the perswasions of others she yeelded to the Journey on condition yet that she should not be seene of any Melicerta entreated Polexander the same and obtaining it went to prepare for their departing Our Heroe who extreamely long'd to be free from others businesse that he might follow his owne imbark'd the next day and taking with him the Embassadours of Zahara gave charge to his Pilot to make to the mouth of the River Abernia At Sunset he came thither and making his arrivall knowne the next morning by breake of day all the two sides of the River were covered with horse and foote Never did a captivated Nation welcome their Deliverer with so many demonstrations of love and joy as the Inhabitants of Zahara did Polexander Men women and children made the ayre resound againe with their shouts and ran into the water as farre as they could to come the soonest neerer the King When he was ready to shew himselfe he went into a Shallop and taking none with him but Osmin and the Embassadors landed amongst all the people The infinite multitude following him from the River cast themselves flat on the earth and renewing their shoutes and applauses seem'd they were at the height of their happinesse In the meane time Polexander causing a little Theater to be raised of turfes whereon he and Osmin onely mounting he commanded the people to stand up Assoone as they had inviron'd the place where he stood and had impos'd them silence Polexander advanc'd and spoke thus I come my friends to give you thankes for the benefit you have done me and to offer you for it mine arme my counsell and my life I accept of you on such conditions as shall please you best and sweare to you by that Power which we adore that nothing shall unlinke me from you But in as much as fortune compells me whether I will or no to wander from one Countrey to another and will not permit me neither to stay long with you I have chosen a Lieutenant to governe you in my absence His vertue is so well knowne to you and his bloud which hath beene alwayes held holy and venerable amongst you should make him so deare to you that infallibly you will approve of my choice and I doubt not but you would have chosen him for your King had you not thought him in his grave 'T is Osmin my friends 't is that legitimate heire of the great Abuchar Ischias the Founder of your Monarchy 't is that Prince I say who preferring your safety before his owne and your ease and solace before the favours of the Tyrant that would have ruin'd you voluntarily banish'd himselfe from his home that he might not be a confederate in those mischiefs which he could
discontent I deliver her into your hands to be punished in a way proportionable to her offences Almanzaira in stead of answering Polexander addressed her selfe to Cydaria I doe not said she beleeve you so guilty as your brother would perswade me nor doe not thinke you are a stranger to me 't is long agone since I knew you and if Polexander call to minde what he saw in my hermitage he can tell you how you kept me company there and your picture was one of my principall ornaments Cydaria shewing her vertue by her modesty and her wisdome by her answer I was said she to the Queen most happy in a time when I esteem'd my self the most unfortunate Maiden alive and by that which it hath pleas'd your Majesty to let me know I acknowledge fortune did justly handle me so cruelly since in lieu of being thankfull for her favours I accus'd her for want of pity and justice I aske her pardon heartily or rather to shew my thankfulnesse for the good I have received to the person to whom I owe it I persever in my continuall contempt of fortune and cast my selfe at your feet to render you my humble acknowledgements for your exceeding favours Madam repli'd Almanzaira having staid her from kneeling I meane not that you shall so easily be acquitted of the debt you owe me I desire you would give me the Originall for the care I tooke in so well preserving the Copy and that you will contribute somewhat to the safety of him that would have hazarded his life so often for you Cydaria could not answer the Queene because Zabaim Achomat Bajazet and Iphidamantus entring the cabin they were ingag'd to begin new civilities The King of Senega blush'd in seeing againe that face which had power to overcome all Zelopa's enchantments Cydaria grew red too at the remembrance of some former passages but she presently grew pale and had much adoe to stand upright when she saw Bajazet between Achomat and Iphidamantus Zabaim as reform'd as he was left not to be very pleasant and gamesome and told Cydaria after he had saluted her he repented him not of his former perceptions I found you faire in Guinea said he I finde you faire in Morocco and if I may speake it with awaking the jealousie of any that shall hear me I love you no lesse now then I did then yet there is this oddes he added smiling then I lov'd you with an intent to enjoy you my selfe and now I love you that another may be happy in your fruition I am certaine the person will not displease you for if my memory faile me not I call to minde that you had no great mislike to him I would bestow on you Cydaria that had a flexible and pleasant wit and who gracefully altered her discourse and humour according to the diversity of such personages whom she would oblige smil'd before she would answer Zabaim and casting her eyes downe a little I do not remember said she ought of what your Majesty talkes to me The accidents which are befalne me since I came out of Guinea have so wrong'd my memory that I have scarce enough left to keep me from not knowing my selfe Zabaim in lieu of answering went to take Bajazet and presenting him to Cydaria Here 's one said he will put you in minde of those things you have forgotten I am sure he hath not and there is nothing that betided you whereof he cannot give you an exact account Bajazet would faine have borne a part in this franknesse of humour but he was not master of his fancy Love which is a severe God would not have him jeast with his mysteries he appear'd there before Cydaria overjoy'd but abashed and confused If he had hope he had feare too no sooner did any heate appeare in his face but it was called backe to its center and forc'd to give place to a chilnesse which ftoze his bloud and made him as pale as death Almanzaira did the part of a good mother in her sonnes extremity she spoke to his Mistresse for him and said so much that she must have been farre lesse inclin'd then she was to beleeve it if she had not been perswaded after the father the mother the brothers and friends had laid the foundation of this easie recomplement they thought it best to leave the remainder to love Bajazet had never a Second left to serve him against Cydaria and Iphidamantus was alone with Melicerta whilst these foure lovers swumme in such delights which cannot be knowne nor expressed by those that love not Zabaim Almanzaira and Achomat equally satisfi'd consulted together about the accomplishment of their childrens desires Polexander's Officers who well knew their charges had in the meane time prepar'd a feast worthy the company in their masters ship the neatnesse and magnificence of it strove for priority and though the sea have not those commodities which are found on land the place yet where those Princes were entertain'd made them see that Polexander was able to master all kinde of difficulties During the repast divers discourses were on foot at last Iphidamantus was intreated by the company to tell them by what meanes he fell againe under the habit of a maiden into the hands of the King of Morocco Melicerta who had a farre greater desire then the rest to heare her lover impos'd silence assoone as any one would speake and shewing an attention even before Iphidamantus began his relation anticipated the pleasure she was to receive by it Iphidamantus loath his Mistresse should stay any longer in expectation of what he desired began thus the sequele of his adventures The Continuation of Iphidamantus History THis is the second time the King of Morocco's eyes as ill judges of beauty as his old yeares are unfit for love have taken me for Cydaria The first was when I left the service of the Grand-Signior as I was in quest of Polexander I was ship-wrack'd on the coast of Morocco but never was shipwrack accompanied with so strange an adventure for no sooner was I got on shore but a many Souldiers of Guargetsem Fortresse tooke me up with extraordinary shoutes and making the places about to resound with the name of Ennoramita brought me right to their Kings chamber That Prince over-joyed to see me a hundred times repeated the same name cast himselfe at my feet kissed my hands us'd me like a Goddesse or an Angell brought me into a chamber royally adorn'd and left me among many women and blacke eunuches To this Iphidamantus added that which he before related to Polexander and coming to his departure from the Pirates Island till this time said he no man ever knew no not Polexander the true cause that made me forsake Bajazet I must now declare it to you and not feare to confesse my faults since I have so exceeding milde judges I was enjoying the delights of Bajazet's Isle and I confesse it to my shame never thought on Histeria's
came to Copenhagen Assoone as Phelismond heard of it he came not as a King but as the Guardian of the royaltie to receive Helismena and render her all the honour a subject owes to his Soveraigne He declared that he sate not in the Throne but to preserve for her the place which her birth and the peoples votes had given her and in case she were assail'd to defend her against all aspirers and usurpers Helismena answered these civilities not with words but with teares sighes swoundings she was without perceiving it carried to the castle and the Prince your brother despoiling himselfe absolutely of all tokens of royaltie made divers declarations to let the Danes understand that he pretended to no other part in their State then what an affectionate compatriot might lay claime to But his generousnesse won nothing on the minde of Helismena nor the opinion of the people the more Phelismond strove to make himselfe a private man the more was he settled in the regall authoritie The Queene who liv'd not but by the sight of that amiable Prince even besought him on her knees to comply somewhat with the excesse of her love and accept with her Crowne the utmost proofes she could give him of her affection At last Phelismond yeelded to Helismena's intreaties and assuring her he accepted not the title of King but to gaine to himselfe the meanes of serving her married her with the consent and joy of all Denmarke A few dayes after the wedding I arriv'd at Copenhagen and making my selfe knowne for one of your Majesties Slaves I receiv'd such entertainment both from the King and Queen that the greatest Kings of the world would have had cause to rest satisfied with it So indeed Madam was it to prime Princesse of the universe that these honors were done and I was considered as a person your Majesty design'd to make use of to make you ador'd by all the world The King and Queen of Denmark keeping me there neere two moneths I besought them for my convey They granted it me but very loathly and loading me with Presents and Letters intreated me to indeare them in the honour of your favour Those were the terms they both used to intimate to me the desire they had to be beloved of you I left your picture with the Queen sore against my will for I intended never to leave it but her intreaties earnest sâ—…ing and if I dare speake all pleasing violence carried it at last in spight of my obstinacie Assoone as I was under saile I commanded my pilot to touch at no place whatsoever till we came to the Island of the Sunne because I hop'd to find Linceus there and by his meanes returne to your Majestie but being gotten on this side the Canaries we met with a storme which put us by our course and when it was over we were set on by two great men of warre Long was our fight and furious my cannon suncke one of the enemies ships the other came up close to mine and fir'd her but some of my souldiers did the like to theirs Upon this reciprocall firing we separated the winde then and the combustible matter in our ships increasing the flame spight of all our labour to quench it we saw one another perishing by a new and fearfull kind of combat I had given my selfe for dead Madam when the vincible Araxes came to my succour and knowing I belong'd to your Majestie had such care of me as it put among the number of the greatest testimonials he will ever shew you of his zeale How now Pallantus said Alcidiana you are then bewitch'd aswell as the rest and by the attribute of Invincible which you have cunningly given the African Slave you would have me beleeve that there is no way to save my selfe but by his valour Your Majestie may give me leave if you please reply'd Pallantus to explaine my words and to say that my intention was not to tie your safetie to Araxes valour But considering what he hath already done and what he is resolv'd to doe assoone as his wound will permit him to leave his chamber let me take the boldnesse to tell your Majesty that without doubt you will owe to the great courage of that African the ruine of your enemies and the re-establishment of your authority I am not of your opinion reply'd the Queene angerly goe and if you be yet Pallantus have better thoughts Pallantus much astonish'd retir'd and the Queene taking Amintha by the hand continued her walke they were in the garden till 't was farre within night and Polexander was the onely subject of their discourse Alcidiana at last having her minde farre more wearied then her body withdrew and kept her bed foure dayeâ—… to frame absolutely an intention of dying in case shee saw her selfe constrain'd to take Araxes for her husband On the evening of the fourth day Rhadiotez came to the palace and making knowne he had businesse of importance to communicate to the Queene was brought to her bed-side he told her that Araxes being resolv'd to execute some great enterprise it was thought fit to have publike Oraizons and to get to the Temple to celebrate such sacrifices as were appointed on the like occasions That he came to beseech her Majestie to approve of the Clergy's deliberation and since she was obliged to be at that Ceremonie as having with the royall Character that of the Soveraigne sacrificature it would please her to make ready betime and give that testimonie of love to the necessitie of her State Alcidiana gave consent to his request and calling for her dressing Ladies told them what she would weare the next day At breake of day she arose and tooke on a robe of black silke open before and on the sleeves and to be clos'd with diamond buttons her head dressing was not extraordinary she put on a vaile of blacke tiffiny border'd with pearles and fast'ned with a little Crown of diamonds which ended in a point on the top of her head Assoone as she was attir'd she went to the Temple of Wisdome and parting thence with a most royall pomp went to another which her predecessors had caus'd to be built and call'd it the Temple of divine assistance The Ceremonie was long and faire and all the people meeting there shewed by their earnestnesse and offerings that the time of calamity is truly the time of Heaven Though the Priest-hood had for a while been separated from the royaltie yet was it not so absolutely but there remain'd some functions to the Kings Therefore assoon as the Chief-Prelate had ended the accustomed praiers he presented a golden Censor to the Queen and marching before her went to the High Altar Alcidiana kneeled down on the steps and having a composition of perfumes on the burning coales made a long praier for the diverting of heavens menaces for the continuance of its favour to her Subjects and subverting and driving thence their publique and bloody enemies And