CLORIA AND NARCISSUS CONTINUED A Delightfull and New ROMANCE Imbellished with divers Politicall Notions and singular Remarks of Moderne Transactions WRITTEN By an Honourable person LONDON Printed by S. G. and are to be sold by Anth. Williamson at the Queens Armes in St. Pauls Church-yard neer the West end 1654. To the Reader Courteous Reader YOu have now the Second Part of Cloria and Narcissus sooner sent after the First then was determined in regard the Stationer was something pressing to have it with the former perhaps it may give more satisfaction then the other for that according to my apprehension it doth as much cleare difficulties as can well stand with the nature of a Romance More I shall not need to say to any other purpose then what you may read in the Epistle to the first part Onely judicious Reader craving your favourable construction of all such faults as may have escaped in both parts either by defect of printing or otherwaies by oversight of the Author THE SECOND PART OF Cloria and Narcissus AS the Princesse Clorias thoughts now were reasonably well setled concerning the safety of Narcissus in regard of the messengers relation so Roxana with more alacrity and cheerfulnesse summoned a a new Dedalus to make an end of those passages belonging to the Island of Crete whereupon one day meeting in the same walke that had entertained the Princesse upon her first arrivall in the Country they both seated themselves together under a tree artificially made into an Arbour of pleasure that had its full prospect toward the sea whilst he gave her this further accompt Madam said he as for the interests which I formerly mentioned unto you not many dayes since you may be pleased to know that as Evarchus our King in his Warres with the Senate of Lydia must be forced upon all occasions to court any assistance whatsoever for his best advantage so of the other side doe the Cretans resolve to make use of their present power to gaine benefits to themselves and party in any thing they can procure either from their Prince or any other to this purpose after the agreement that I told you of which I made with the Natives of the Country however many of the most rigid sort would not at all come within any manner of communication whereby to be subject to the Lydian power thereunto incouraged as 't is supposed by a messenger from Delphos that neither understands the Islands interest or the peoples good they designed Commissioners to be sent to Philadelphae where the King then remained to Treat upon such conditions as they conceived most necessary for their commodity and security Thus arriving at court in a short time they were not onely admitted to kisse the Kings hands but withall permitted to present their Petitions and requests for this ceremony and so I may well call it since it produced but small effects to the advantage of any party there was appointed a great Hall in the City of Philadelpha into which place the messengers were brought with some State as soone as the King was seated in his Throne because they should not complaine of the want of any circumstance that belonged to the solemne entertainement of Ambassadours of other Nations to make them the willinger to comply towards the assistance desired After they had beene in this manner received as also with good language from the Kings own mouth cherished they presented a paper that contained these peremptory demands First they desired to have not onely the free exercise of their religion through the whole Island notwithstanding the Lydian lawes to the contrary according to the rights and customes of Delphos but withall to enjoy the use of the best Temples alone appropriated to themselves with all the rents and priviledges that of old at any time belonged unto them Secondly they expected an absolute concession from his Majesty that no governours whatsoever of any forraigne Nation should be appointed over them in Creet or in any Fort or Island belonging to the same besides they refused to admit of those of the very Country it selfe unlesse they were confirmed and approved of by the gentrall councell which they had established to manage odered all their affairs both in peace and Warre And lastly they expected as the writing which they had delivered the King exprest an absolute restoration of all those lands to the true owners that had beene taken from their possession by reason of any former pretended rebellion and given to the Myssians or Lydians either by the old Queene of Lydia or Evarchus father The King as I was informed after he had read these propositions seemed to the outward view of the assembly extreamely troubled in his apprehensions as if he had been exceedingly deceived in his expectation concerning the good nature and reality of our country-men however notwithstanding he was by this meanes sufficiently inflamed in his thoughts in regard of these proceedings not onely in some sort disdaining to be thus handled by his Subjects in his necessities but being also with some reason suspicious of their intentions as fearing that they aymed to become Masters of the whole Island and so by consequence to be possessors of most of the Lands of his best friends who were actually imployed now with him in his Warres yet conceiving that he was not at the instant in a capacity to shew much discontent to any party that could either good or hurt him in his present differences with the Senate he gave their commissioners at leastwise faire words in the generall promising speedily to send particular messengers of his own into Creet not onely more knowingly to Treat with them concerning their demands but withall if it were possible to conclude with them concerning his own desires which he conceived would be for both their advantages against the common enemy that had an intention to destroy either in this manner they were dismist into their owne Country partly pleased and a great deale more unsatisfied in regard no more life remained from their imployment then the expectation of the comming of the Kings officers But in the interim whilst these messengers were look't for both the Kingdome of Syria and the Country of Aegypt put in for their severall interests as well concerning the government it selfe of the Island as to be supplyed from hence with Souldiers in their Warres one against another the State of Syria went onely upon the score of Evarchus right and Titles though Sorastros challenged their affections in his service by an ancient Tye as he said they owed the Aegyptian Nation neither as I told you formerly was the Arch Flamin of Delphos backward in maintaining to the uttermost of his power by the industry of some instruments he imployed his owne jurisdiction above either as pretending the best right to the same by reason of those agreements that had been made with the Kings of Lydia who first conquered this Island These attempts I must say extreamely divided
the first was that she seemed to declare me a prisoner which untill then I never understood though I must confesse I found my liberty oftentimes restrained under the pretence of a loving care of my health And the other that appeared more terrible her seeming resolution either to enjoy or to destroy Which made me when I had heard enough to retire to my own chamber but many dayes I had not continued there before I perceived by the apparent neglect of the whole house Artemesia not sending for me according to her custome that I was held for no other then a prisoner being every night locked into my lodging by an officious Groom All which was done as I understood to bring downe my proud and Icy heart to comply with her desires her nurse in the interim giving me many items of her intention besides I might behold every day out of my chamber window the rich and glorious triumphes of my insolent Mistresse when shee mounted her Chariot to take the aire for her recreation or performed some other visits for her pleasure And that the splendor might more appeare to my thoughts as intended affronts contemning my low condition captivity she caused an ordinary way to be made by my doore where she daily past with mirth in her countenance and scorn in her language to shew she had not only forgot her old love but the very remembrance I was in the house whilst in the meane time the foresaid nurse would now and then give me a visit as it were covertly out of pitty to comfort up my thoughts against her Ladies rigour however I very well knew her intention was but the better to discover my resolutions neverthelesse with all which humours I was content to play to avoid any further incumbrance of her Mistresse offered affection not doubting but at her brothers returne I should be able to procure my releasemtnt the only happinesse I aymed at though my endeavours were not of force to prevent this following mischiefe for Artemesia finding that no artifice could make me entertaine her love or adore her person since the heavens knew I had a brighter deity to worship which kept me from all superstitious Idolatry began to be enamoured with her own revenge and so resolved to make me become a Martyr before my time wherefore one day comming into my chamber when I least looked for her company her own pride as I thought having forbid her entrance bearing in her hand a short dagger as in her countenance a rough tempest saluted me with this desperate language Villain said she dost thou think to carry the Trophies of my dishonour into thy own Country to adorne the chariot of thy Mistresses triumphes with those spoyles thy disdaine hath purchased in this Castle to the disgrace of our whole family and with that struck at my naked breast being newly unbuttoned by reason of the heat of the weather with such a womans violence that I must confesse my quick prevention had fortune enough to avoyd the danger of the stroake though not so much power as to hinder her rage for finding I had not only defended my selfe against her intended and malicious fury but endeavoured to become an absolute conquerour over her mad passion by striving to dispossesse her also of her weapon with a spleen more infernall then humane because she could not hurt me she resolved to wound her selfe whereby I might be esteemed the greater criminall to take off that blemish which hung upon her reputation by her too violent love but the stroake proved more deadly then perhaps she imagined for it not only pierced her arme where she onely intended it but by reason of the sharpnesse of the point entred a great depth into her naked side which with the effusion of a great deale of bloud that at last called up most part of the house to her assistance left her dead in the view of all the spectators This sad disaster as you may imagine sufficiently inraged the whole company and conceiving me either the actor or the instrument of the Tragedy with all violence haled me to a closer prison in the Castle whilst according to the custome of those parts my processe was to be made the next morning by the Justice of the Towne before the body could either be buried or imbalmed This accident gave my confused thoughts sufficient imployment however I made a great question whether I should confesse my name or conceale my condition finding by my citation I was only called the ungratefull stranger which gave me some opinion that my quality was not generally knowne in the City believing as the one would not at all help to lessen the crime pretended against me but rather give the more suspition of a hidden designe in that I durst attempt a murther of that horrid nature which an ordinary person would never have performed so the other might in some sort helpe to hide the shame to our Family in being called to a publick defence in a case of such a wickednesse wherefore I determined not to reveale my selfe untill some apparent necessity procured it At my arraignment there was alleadged against me besides the breach of the rules of hospitality how that it was impossible any other could commit the murther since Artemesia was found alone with me in my chamber and it was not to be supposed she had killed her selfe On the contrary I pretended that being a meer stranger in those parts it could not be imagined I should harbour so much malice in my breast as to become the murtherer of one that had treated me in my sicknesse with abundance of humanity besides I said the weapon which had given Artemesia her deadly wound was found by all the company in her own hand but the businesse being thus to and fro violently disputed Artemesia's nurse was sent for to give further testimony of my carriage towards her Mistresse during my aboade in the Castle which could not chuse but give in the opinion of all there present a great deale of light in the disputation however the malicious old woman imagining her declarations might afforde me some assistance refused to come pretending she was necessarily imployed in the Funerall of her dead Mistresse being locked up with the body in her private chamber though the truth was she thirsted after my life to save the honour of Artemesia and the whole family since by that meanes I should not have the opportunity to divulge her preposterous love so that at last I was not only found guilty but condemned privately to lose my head within the Castle court fearing belike in my last speech I would publish some passages that might render the people satisfied of my innocency and Artemesia's lasciviousnesse Thus finding all my honest Rhetorick could not prevaile in my just defence to secure me from condemnation I resolved to declare my person hoping that although it might not prove of sufficient force to divert my judgement yet neverthelesse it
their sufferings the people will not be content to trust strangers with their liberty but yet the assistance that is desired from forraigne Princes needs not to consist wholly in numerous Armies but in small and frequent supplies both of men and moneyes which joyned with the Kings party and laying hold of the many discontents already ingendred in the hearts of most cannot but conduce exceedingly to the overthrow of this new government Besides there is another benefit that may be expected from other Countreyes being at open difference with the Senate of Lydia and that is denying their Merchants the liberty of Trade within their dominions which at last must of necessity discontent and impoverish the rich City of Sardis from whence the Souldiers are if not mainteined at leastwise supplyed upon all urgent occasions But why answered Cloria may not these Princes and especially the two great Monarchs of Aegypt and Syria as well forbid the free commerce you speak of in the time of their own differences as when they shall be at peace between themselves if they have any intention to right my father as I have heard they doe pretend Because replyed Roxana they are both so full of their own ambition that neither dares offend the State of Lydia as yet untill their Warres be at an end between themselves least they might give too much advantage to each other by the assistance of so powerfull a Kingdome as this is Then said the Princesse there may be some hopes to better my fathers affaires when these Kings shall thinke it good to put up their bloudy swords and not before I conclude not so Madam answered Roxana for although these exasperated Princes against their own quiet should have neither temper in their actions nor finde wisedome in their councellours untill meere necessity should constraine their Subjects to seek peace with violence which were too dangerous a president yet it is to be hoped that the Myssians with the Cretan Forces joyned to the discontents of Lydia by reason of diversity of Religions and interests would in time restore the King to his ancient dignity Pish Roxana replyed Cloria for the Myssians I have so little confidence in their assistance that what countenance soever their actions put on I can scarce be perswaded of their intentions since they once sold my father to this misery he now undergoes when they had a gallant Army in the Field to have redeemed both his person and his Crowne And for the Cretans besides that they are of a different profession to ours concerning the worship of the gods there are also so many factions amongst them by way of private ambition that they rather goe backe daily in their own affaires then shew any probabillity of helping others And for the discontents of Lydia which you mention with their diversities of Religions I doe not finde upon all occasions but they can very well lay downe their own spleenes when there appears a necessity to oppose my fathers prosperity Lastly concerning the common peoples sufferings I am perswaded they are resolved to endure any subjection or almost bondage it selfe rather then to be willing the King should recover againe his lost rights by force and power of the sword without making first some conditions with his prorogative notwithstanding he hath divers times given them by protestations what assurances could be desired from a just and a religious Prince Madam answered Roxana your opinion I must confesse is grounded upon a great deale of probabillity considering how the Myssians not onely sold the King to the power of the Senate but at the first beginning of these troubles came into Lydia to dispute your fathers rights But yet if you please to consider that the reason of their actions then proceeded from the extreame covetousnesse of some eminent persons amongst them who finde now they can expect no more gaine the Senate having already compassed their ends upon them you will easily believe that they are resolved to change the sceane for your fathers advantage since by that meanes they may come to play a double game and winne by the bargaine Next concerning the Cretans although I must confesse their foolish divisions amongst themselves have not only much hindred the Kings affaires and in a manner indangered the whole frame of their own designes yet is there such a disparity betweene them and the people of Lydia not only in regard of the difference of Religion but in that we have outed them formerly of much of their Lands that they will dye to the last man rather then suffer the Senate to beare rule over them Thirdly I must desire you not to dwell too strictly upon your beliefe that the common people of Lydia will so easily accord their difference and pacifie their discontents upon the appearance of a strange Army in regard it will only bring with it the right of the cause with a promise of amendment especially when they shall by a little more experience finde that their present grievances have neither termination nor limitation For I say that as at the first they were perswaded to entertaine the assistance of the Myssians whom they most hated and feared of all other Nations against their King who oppressed them in nothing however their fancies did injure their judgements so will they as well accept of any forraigne assistance against the Senate when they can no longer endure the burthen of their oppressions And last of all give me leave to tell you that the divisions within the Army and Senate house cannot but produce strange effects since no spleen is so great as what is in gendred by the same faction when once they fall at odds either by reason of gaine or prerogative But as she was further proceeding in her discourse the dwarfe enformed them that there was newly arrived in the Castle hall a young Maid of an excellent beauty who desired with much earnestnesse to be brought presently into the Princesse presence as pretending she had some secret to discover not convenient to be imparted to any other eare he also said that as her eyes sparkled forth a kinde of youthfull Majesty so did her neglectfull dresse seeme to have been disordred by her late journey which made her appeare more Amazon like This strange advertisement put them both into a sollicitous consideration as well concerning the person of the party as the occasion of the adventure And many loving desires would gladly have perswaded poor Cloria that Narcissus had borrowed another disguize to have given her a new visit but having more exactly examined her little servant concerning all particulars she found the stranger neither in stature or countenance could agree with the proportion or features of her absent Lord Wherefore after some more displeasing consideration with a kinde of a sad voyce as if her thoughts were troubled at the mistake she commanded the Page to conduct the Maid to her presence As soon as the damosell entred the room with confidence enough
performed in this manner After said he I parted from this Castle according to your command I went to the very doore of the Senate-house the best place as I thought for intelligence where finding all those that stood without in a most confused distraction both in their words and looks it was not long before many of the chiefe Senators of a sudden came out of the room when presently they went with a great deale of haste towards another chamber where I understood by the discourses of the multitude they were designed to meet some of the Lords about a conference concerning the settlements of the disorders of the Kingdome I being both bold and little and so consequently as I thought not much to be suspected in the confused crowd thrust in along with them where placing my selfe in a nook of the chamber under a hanging it was my chance to heare these severall discourses from them The first sort of Senators that spake thought it convenient if not altogether necessary again to settle the King in his ancient dignity not onely in regard of the extraordinary cries of the common people to that purpose but also for that there were so many severall factions within themselves in the Senate not probable to be reconciled with any advantage to the Nation Others notwithstanding were of a contrary opinion alleadging that it were better to hazard the ruine of the whole Countrey in a generall confusion then to come any more under the jurisdiction of that Tyrannicall government as they said they had with so much bloud already endeavoured to destroy A third number of that assembly seemed in some sort to be willing to restore againe Euarchus to his Crowne in full lustre but they doubted least his unrelenting spleen might put him on to call the Senate to a strict account for their past actions and severity used both against his authority and person wherefore wisht rather to have some of his posterity Crowned in his place whom for such a benefit as they believed would easily be perswaded to forgive and forget his fathers injuries This proposition a long time entertained their fancies untill they considered that not only Prince Arethusius was in the Kingdome of Syria prosecuting the Queen his Mothers designes and my Lord Ascanius his brother had lately by flight procured his owne liberty without their consents that absolutely beate back any more discourse upon that subject however they thought it convenient if not extreamely necessary for the present to give what satisfaction they could to the discontented people who belike attended in great numbers about the City of Sardis to that purpose yet it was considered with all that if they should endeavour altogether to please the multitude without having their Swords ready drawne in their hands whereby to be able to chastize them if they should prove too unreasonable in their demands they must expect dangerous and insolent affronts instead of quietnesse and obedience to their commands In so much as they thought it convenient in the interim that they entertained the peoples expectations with good words and faire promises to send privately to Farezius wishing him to be ready to march with his Souldiers to keep the multitude in due obedience to the Senates authority if they should continue these extravagant prosecutions of their designes which in effect being fully resolved upon by them all they quickly broake up the Assembly So that when they were in this manner dispersed and I had freed my selfe undiscovered from their companies I thought it my duty to gaine what other intelligence I could amongst the common people since I conceived much consisted in their constant and brave resolutions to which purpose they seemed in some sort to have assembled themselves with an intention to contend against the present government by some violent manner of prosecution though for the better colour of their actions and intentions they appeared only with petitions in their hands instead of other weapons of danger With these thoughts I held it my best course to retire into the very heart or body of the City of Sardis as well to feele the pulse and constitution of the Inhabitants as the likelier to be informed by their intelligence concerning all other proceedings of the Kingdome neither in this designe was I much deceived in my expectation for sorting my conversation with watermen and other inferiour people I understood that as the rich Citizens of the Towne although they desire againe to have their King to governe over them though with some restriction in his power because they feare his revenge since otherwise as they believe they could probably expect nothing but a generall confusion so of the other side it is apparant the multitude for the most part desire a change not only in regard of the envy they beare to the Senate who more absolutely command over their persons and estates then the King ever did in his greatest glory but also in regard they doubt the Souldiers at the last will come to be Masters of every mans fortune which jurisidction of all others they most detest in their natures and dispofitions As I was sufficiently satisfied in these inclinations of the people I repaired to the publike place of commerce for the whole City where in short amongst the Merchants I understood that not onely a great part of the Navy was revolted to the King the Marriners being encouraged thereunto by some Senators which Farezius the Generall had formerly sent into banishment but that the Myssians were also preparing a great Army by the directions of the Kingdom of Syria suddenly to invade Lydia on the Kings behalfe These newes giving my endeavours sufficient encouragement still to prosecute my designe for other intelligences within three or foure daies afterward I became certainly informed that the Senate being not able or at leastwise not willing to give the multitude satisfaction according to the desire of their petitions they had in great numbers not onely taken up armes for their own defence in regard they understood that Farezius had directions notwithstanding the opposition of the Lords to march towards their assemblies with all his power but they had also seized upon many Castles and Towns towards their enterprize and assistance in the Kings name with whom in like manner many of the Nobility joyn with considerable Forces Last of all you may be pleased to know That Hercrombrotus Lieutenant Generall to Farezius is of a sudden called away with a great part of the Army towards the confines of Lydia neere the City of Smyrna occasioned by reason of the revolt of some of his own Commanders who are joyned with the power and force of the Countrey to oppose the Senates proceeding which in effect is the full information I can give concerning my imployment When the Dwarfe had made an end of this relation the Princesse Cloria smiled upon her brother not onely to see how well the boy had performed his office according to the confidence
you home into Cyprus if they conducted you into Lydia they cannot certainly be so inhumane as to debarre you from the sweet society of your most honoured and noble Father in whose conversation you will not only be delighted as it may be imagined with a most supreame felicity but also you will have the commodity to impart unto him your secret resolution concerning the intended marriage between my Lord Narcissus and your selfe which perhaps is a conveniency you would be most unwilling to misse and in some sort requisite before you absolutely finish those other ceremonies which in effect as you know must have beene performed either in person or by Deputy to render you fully satisfied in your thoughts since as you may remember you made an open profession to that purpose besides how doe you know but that you may finde your Father in such a prosperous condition that by the absolutely subjection of his enemies your mother the Queen may againe be called home to her old honours and felicities in Lydia which would be the convenietest and best Theatre whereon to act the happy parts of your most glorious Nuptialls of the contrary if they should send you into Cyprus certainly you should be in the place according to your own wishes since all this while you have endeavoured the expedition and successe of that journey as the last seeming period of your desires after all your strange and severall adventures esteeming it as a full satisfaction from the gods in recompence of your so many troubles and hazards neither let it ever enter into your thoughts that the Senate of Lydia will in any kinde either endanger your person or restraine your liberty for that as such intentions would afford them no manner of benefit whatsoever in their contentions with the King your Father since there are already many of the royall Issue out of their power and possession so would it not onely cause a more generall hate upon their actions throughout all Asia but highly exasperate your Uncle Orsames against their proceedings to the endangering certainely of a new Warre betweene Syria and Lydia which no doubt but the Senate will endeavour to prevent by all meanes possible they can invent Yet however Roxana might be of these opinions or that shee onely used such discourses the better to encourage the Princesse neverthelesse it was not many dayes before the Senates Sea Forces declared their intentions which was absolutely to conduct Cloria into Lydia restrained in her person untill as they said the farther pleasure of the Senate should be known concerning her particular withall pretending they had a peremptory commission to execute according to this purpose proceeding belike from the untoward endeavour of that Ambassadour at Memphis that had beene imployed by Philos to distroy the Loves between Cloria and Narcissus As for Dedalus all the conditions he could procure for himselfe was upon their undertaking to pay him thirty Talents for the discharge of his Souldiers and the defraying of his necessary expences presently to lay downe Armes and quit the Island of Creet though if he pleased being so agreed between them he might visit the Kingdome of Lydia untill such time he should more commodiously prepare his occasions for his absolute transportation into forraigne parts 'T is true Roxana cast about many wayes in her working thoughts how yet to alter or prevent these determinations of carrying the Princesse Cloria into Lydia a prisoner first shee fancies to steale out of the Towne to those Forces which Dedalus had in a body entire without the Walls and notwithstanding the agreement to animate their spirits to stand for the Kings right and the Princesse safety but finding they both needed necessary provisions and were in danger in their persons hourely to be cut off by the old Cretans that lay every where dispersed over the whole Countrey who hated them as they knew equall with the Myssians shee thought that would be a project of no great consequence to their benefit then againe shee imagined that perchance they might use some stratagem to be conveyed privately out of the Haven by some hired ship to that purpose and by that meanes concealedly get into the Island of Cyprus according to their former intentions however when shee remembred she was told that the officers of the Senates forces had lately not onely taken a strict account of all the Vessels that remained in the Harbour but had also put in new Commanders of their owne in every ship she supposed with no probability what soever could they attempt such a designe without being revealed and then they might come to be worse used in their confinement Whereas now the Princesse was promised all honour favour and respect according to her Dignity in the journey And lastly she conceited that perchance they might find not onely reception but protection in the Armies of the ancient Natives but when she considered the inconstancy of their dispositions the rudenesse of their customes with their several particular interests she thought it a vanity if not a madnesse to put in execution any such designe and the rather for that the Princesse Cloria her selfe was not yet so perfectly recovered of her health that she could possibly expose her person to those uncertainties both in travel dyet with other inconveniences that she would necessarily be obliged to suffer amongst those unpollisht Troopes wherefore the old woman being in her opinion convinced in all these particulars shee perswaded her Mistresse with a kinde of a majesty mixt with affability and kindnesse to entertaine both her fortunes and those Commanders that should be designed to conduct her under the jurisdiction of the Senate since as yet they could not by any meanes learne what probably might be resolved of concerning the farther disposure of their persons upon their arrivall in the Kingdome of Lydia It was not many dayes when the Princesse Cloria had declared her selfe both fit and willing to undertake a journey that the Admirall at Sea who had been sent out by the direction of the Ambassadour that remained as was formerly related at Memphis conducted the sweet Princesse with her governesse into his own ship where he had prepared a magnificent Cabin for her reception but whether so adorned out of any intention thereby the better to win her beliefe or out of the humanity of his own nature I cannot tell yet so it was in that unwelcome Triumph that both the Fleet and the Seas themselves received them with a prosperous Wind which in two dayes and a night or thereabouts landed them in the faire and ancient Haven of Smyrna where they reposed not much longer before they were conveyed by many gallant Troopes of horse by the Senates directions to a brave Castle of the Kings seated upon a hill not very far off the great City of Sardis where they had not onely time enough to rest but to exercise abundantly their own thoughts since as they knew they were confined so were they in
King suffered with a world of patience hoping that time after they had wearied themselves with their violent passions would let them see their own mistakes or the gods at leastwise would defend his innocency however these unexpected proceedings not only continued but their rage grew to such a height against his person whereby as 't was thought to bring him into the greater contempt amongst the common people that by divers tumults countenanced in the multitude he was at last forced from the City of Sardis whilst the Senate in the interim iustituted a strong guard of Souldiers of the Towne Forces to wait upon their Councels because they would shew to the Subjects greater markes of Soveraignty in their Assembly then in the Kings dignity But whilst many were brewing their own passionate designes with uncredible insolency being chiefly supported by the votes of the common people who were perswaded they should recover by their authority an absolute liberty the poore King with a very small traine retired to the City of Theatyra where however contrary to the expectation of the Senate who believed that their discountenance was sufficient to render him abandoned by the whole Kingdome he not onely received better welcome but was entertained with the generall commiseration of most of those parts who bitterly complained of his hard and as they thought unjust usage and the rather did this pitty prevaile for that by his eloquent and fluent Pen he seemed fully to beat back all the aspersions his enemies sought daily to cast upon him which brought as I say to his Court multitudes of gentry and nobility both from the City of Sardis and other parts who vowed perpetuall faithfulnesse to his person with other essentiall services These encouragements by the perswasion of his trusty Councellors made him imploy his best industry to raise Souldiers whilst in the interim he sent to the Queen whom he understood was in the Island of Cyprus to procure him Armes by the credit she had purchased with the Duke of that Country since the Senate had already seized upon all his Magazin and ships After which he went from one Province to another to feele the inclination of the people yet as he found most of them for him in their words when he was amongst them whether out of the inconstancy of their own natures or unwilling to be at any charge to maintaine new troubles as soone as he left them personally they were for the greatest number carried from their former professions so that he perceived the successe of his whole fortunes was chiefly to depend upon the gallantry of the better sort And truly this expectation did not deceive him for in a short space beyond all beliefe they so furnished him with moneys besides their own attendance that he became master of a brave Army commanded by his nephew Prince Thyasmus who was newly arrived in his Campe from the Armenian warres The Senate who before had raised Forces to contend against the Kings intentions according to the intelligence they had received not to be sloathfull in their affaires quickly created Dimogoras generall in the designe whom they knew was a man never to be reconciled to his Soveraigne by reason of the spightfulnesse of his own violent ambition no sooner was he establisht in his office but he was commanded to march as they pretended to separate the King from pernitious Councels and bring him safe to Sardis there to be better governed to which purpose that City had plentifully furnished money conceiving their prosperity depended upon their Princes ruine This resolution was quickly knowne to Euarchus and not long after considered by his Councell that it was high time to advance with the whole Army to try the fortune of a battell with the Senates Generall since the King wanted provision and could not expect supplies of money to furnish out the necessary expence with this determination after two or three dayes march they met the Senates forces upon an ample Plaine spacious enough to have desided the controversie for the worlds Empire the conflict of a sudden grew so desperate that it was a question whether they sought more to satisfie their own spleenes or to gaine a beneficiall Victory which however was prosecuted for some houres with doubtfull fortune for although the Kings horse commanded by Thyasnius in person at the first charge defeated their enemies in so much as for many Furlongs they had the chace of their Troops yet the Foot Forces in their absence that for the most part wanted armes had sufficient imployment to sustaine the fury of the Senates Souldiers being better provided which however was bravely supplyed by the noble valour of the King himselfe in so much as he sustained the violence of the tempest untill his own horse again came into his rescue though with such a slaughter of his poor Subjects that it created a passionate compassion in his royall breast although the determinable fate of his Crowne might very well have given a full imployment to his thoughts Upon Thyasmus appearing with his victorious Troopes Dimogoras retired with his worsted Forces and the night hindred further prosecution for the present which as I may say enviously shaddowed the Kings glory who else could not have been defrauded as 't was thought of a most absolute Conquest to his immortall honour if not to his Kingdoms prosperity However he resolved the next morning early againe to set upon his enemies who were retired for their better safety within the protection of their secure Trenches but contrary to his expectation Dimogoras belike fearing Euarchus intention and unwilling to hazzard the Senates fortunes in one doubtfull adventure had made use of the darke coverture of the night to convey himselfe and his whole Forces to a strong Towne not farre off remaining under his jurisdiction Neverthelesse so much opinion this halfe Conquest got amongst the common people that many Cities presently returned under the obedieuce of their lawfull Prince whilst in the meane time the King made Philadelphia the chiefe residence of his Royall Court where againe he began to rule like a Monarch and suffered his other Generals in many parts of the Kingdome to prosecute his commands with such prosperous successe that in a short space he became in a manner master of all Lydia though the great Towne of Sardis seemed still with most obstinate pride to contemne his power being more in love with that passion that made them hope to be a free City and the covetousnesse to obtaine that money they had disbursed then mindfull of their own safety and obedience The King who began to thinke now the difficulty of his affaires were past all danger began a little to play with the weaknesse of his enemies in so much as his Souldiers became neglected in their discipline as the commanders licentious in their course of life which certainly contributed extreamely to all his misfortunes for being provoked either by unwise if not Traiterous Councell or put on by
had hitherto paid for the purchase But what the sweet Cloria would have answered to this discourse could not be known since Farezius occasions call'd him suddenly away from her presence into the City not so much to receive those Triumphs prepared for his further entertainment as to procure money for his Army Though the Generall continued some violence against the rich Town of Sardis in imprisoning their chief Officers as also in causing those Senators which he had formerly accused to be sent into banishment yet the affaires of Euarchus became no whit more amended since he was not onely still detained as a Prisoner though with something a greater liberty and freedom but the Senate was permitted to press his patience with those former propositions they had sent by Aâ—gyllius prejuditiall to his Crown and in truth to the absolute taking away of all his royall authority which gave occasion of many discourses amongst all sorts of people some said that Farezius was in love with the Princess Cloria and by that means endeavoured to force the Kings consent to the mariage whom he thought else could not be brought to yield to such unequall Nuptialls much less would his Daughter be won to give up her person to those disadvantages who had been courted by all the great Princes of Asia with multitudes of glorious offers Others again believed the contrary faction began to prevail and had by some means either bribed Farezius to their party or out-witted his designs Neither wanted there a third Company that imagined the people grew weary of their own sufferings by reason of the Armies free quarter suspecting the Generalls power intentions only to make himself his Souldiers mighty without looking upon their liberties and prosperity For a testimony of which as they supposed the Nobility carried the chief sway in the Senate House contrary to their desires however certain Trybunes were chosen in the Army to preferr the rights of the ordinary Souldiers and common people Whilst these thoughts or rather fancies were tost to and fro almost in every mans bosom for that the whole affairs of the Kingdom were at a stand and Euarchus seemingly no nearer his enlargement then the first day he was imprisoned nay farther off in most opinions Roxand one morning according to her custom being troubled with more feares than ordinary for that the Princess her Mistriss appeared to her imagination not a little concerned in the business since it was not improbable some sparkles of love joyned with Farezius ambition might be obstacles against the Kings prosperity came to entertain her self within certain groves belonging to the Castle which were ordered into many delightfull walks that here and there crossed one another for the more conveniency of the Company that should frequent them for recreation where long she had not remained disputing with her doubts and hopes but she met accidentally with Creses who seemed to be there with the same intention they both appeared pleased at the incounter whereupon Creses quickly asked her after some short salutation what she thought of the strangeness of these times so much changed contrary to both their expectations when as they looked rather for the King to have been royally received in Sardis then to have been still continued a prisoner much less to be pressed with new propositions dishonourable to his person and destructive to his authority Truly my Lord answered Roxana as my thoughts are in a Wood about the actions of the times so no doubt but som mystery waits upoÌ„ the issue however I must confess my fears outgoe my faith in any good they mean the Kings power since both the delayes used and much more these Articles presented are no good Omens to Euarchus prosperity but take off rather that glory which Farezius should have obtained to himself if he had made the Kings restoration to his rights his first and chiefest work since by his power and authority the rest of the necessary affairs of the Kingdom would in all probability have been better and surer setled when they should have carried with them both Law and Justice You are in the right Madam said Creses wherefore if I may not be thought over tedious to your patience I will discourse to you some things which I have not only heard from the Kings own mouth when I last waited upon him but other observations I took when I was in Syria by which you may make what conjectures you please So taking the old woman by the hand he led her to a little banquetting house not far off for the more privacy where after they were both seated he made unto her this Relation Madam said he first you must understand that Euarchus the King is opposed in his just government or rather legall authority by four factions that for the present seek to undermine one another all having absolutely in their hearts cast off their obedience to the Kings Person and Prerogative The Senate strives with violence to maintain that jurisdiction it hath extorted from him as the Mysians endeavour out of a high covetousness to be sharers in the Government and Riches of this flourishing Kingdom Neither wants the Army pretentions by reason of the service they have done in the late Warres to claim reward and subsistance And last of all the wealthy City of Sardis in regard it hath for the most part furnished the Souldiers and Councell with money requires to be made a free Town that is to say to depend upon no subjection but what Magistrates created by themselves shall prescribe This contention of all sides is the chief occasion as 't is thought that makes every thing at a stand whilst in the mean time the people seem to cry out being overburthened with oppressions and payments which in the end certainly cannot but turn to an absolute confusion since there is scarce possibility left to satisfie all parties And thus much shall suffice for the common state of things Now concerning the proceedings of Syria which I have most from the Kings own mouth be pleased to understand that when he was forced to assemble this great Councel that hath proved so unfortunate to his happiness there was sent into Lydia from Philostros an Ambassador as Euarchus imagined for his consolation and assistance against the violent proceedings of his Senate but presently after his arrivall he was so far from complying with the Kings occasions that he kept a frequent correspondence with those persons that seemed most to oppose his authority in so much as the King was constrained at last with some violence not only to forbid him any longer attendance upon his person but earnestly to desire the State of Syria to recall him home from all further imployment in Lydia which setled the thoughts of Euarchus in some quietness whilst his own victories over his disobedient subjects and the death both of Philostros and Orssames gave the King more then probable hopes of a finall and happy successe in his enterprize
rights who were esteemed oppressed by Artaxes power a story most sufficiently known to all my selfe came into Lydia to demand assistance of Euarchus my Uncle to recover againe my conquered Country of Iberia detained from me by Tigranes Duke of Colchis Orsames also at the same time began his Warres against our oppressor with the same pretentions since Philostros his powerfull Favourite judged it a worke full of piety and justice however he knew there would be much bloud spilt in the quarrell fince as his master was mighty Artaxes was obstinate and both ambitious And to this purpose not onely prosecuted his designe with much violence against the King of Armenia but in a short time Orsames gained many Countries so that at last he brought Artaxes to be willing to accept if not to demand a publike Treaty whereby as t was pretended Asia againe might be reduced to its former happy condition by the effects of a generall peace since the discomposure of such mighty interests seemed to threten the whole world with a fatall destruction and to this effect all the injured Princes were called to shew forth their accustomed priviledges in a City upon the Confines of Syria and Armenia which was a place chosen as most indifferent for that effect where their Commissioners then meeting and yet remaining with more disputes then hopes of agreements gave occasion to the Senate of Lydia to invite me to flye to their protection as well for present subsistance as future hopes since it appeared these two powerfull Kings only beheld their own ambitions as the chiefe object of their considerations though they pretend a more charitable intention in their actions But my Lord said Roxana as I doe not desire to trouble my thoughts with the rights of other Princes that have little relation to our affaires but as they may concerne your particular so in regard they may prove over tedious for our intended discourse since the Princesse her selfe will be likely to surprize us before we have finished I must intreat the honour only to be made acquainted with those things that shall belong to your owne Titles and the rather for that I have heard some disputes formerly to that purpose which I was not very well able to answer and should be very glad to be better provided against other arguments of the same nature Truly Madam answered Cassianus as it is impossible for me to sever in all respects the interests of other Princes from my own so I will endeavour to avoid what unnecessary discourse may prove either tedious or impertinent after that Roxana had acknowledged the favour by a few complements he related these particulars Although I am confident said he that you are competently informed that my dead father was dispossessed of his fruitfull Countrey of Iberia for taking up of Armes against the power of Artaxes King of Armenia yet may not be perhaps sufficiently instructed how Tygranes became possessor of our Countries Titles and Honours wherefore be pleased to know that after my said father was driven forcibly from the possession of the Crowne of Mesopotamia which he had received by the free election of that people who found themselves oppressed by the Lawes Artaxes had imposed upon their consciences as well as many of the Nobility deprived of such Lands belonging to the Temples in their possessions which their predecessors had left them though formerly taken away I must confesse by violence from the Flamines and my mother forced to flye to her friends charity for succour and safety the King of Armenia with the assistance of Tygranes riches prosecuted so farre his begun good fortune that in a short space he not only quieted the stirres in his dominions but advanced his power into Iberia which being without any support but what few Forces Euarchus his father then King of Lydia had send to defend his daughters right quickly became master of what strong places he pleased untill at last he was Lord of the whole and being in possession he not only paid that debt he owed to Tygranes with part of my Lands but bestowed upon him in requitall of his other good services all our Titles and honours which for many lasting ages had remained in our family as being the next of kinne As this cruell injustice killed my father with griefe so after some yeares it brought to our assistance the forenamed Scythian Prince as one sent from the Gods in our apprehension to teach Artaxes a new law of obedience to the fortunes of so great a courage however this date of life became determined by the envious destinies and we left only to demand ayde of Orsames power to finish that work that we thought so happily begun to the advantage of the injured Princes in which number I was to be reckoned the chiefe since most eminent both in wrongs and honours As I may say my particular cause bearing the very name of all the rest In this signe the Syrians continued a large progresse within Artaxes Countries untill the King himselfe was forced in a manner by the consent also of Sorastros King of Aegypt to that generall treaty I formerly mentioned which notwithstanding all the while hath only produced disputations instead of conclusions for that the War continues still with violence to the ruine of the whole Kingdome without the benefit of any in particular began at first by the obstinate pride of Tygranes that would not restore those rights belonging to my selfe which probably might have given satisfaction to the other Princes of our faction however lately Tygranes being also oppressed by the burthen of warre in his owne dominions begins to be more plyant to our desires and to this purpose many arguments are alleadged of either side to give colour to the unfortunate actions of Souldiers who are maintained more to fatisfie the ambition of the two mighty Kings then to put us in possession of our rights Tygranes affirmeth that as the King of Armenias gratitude bestowed upon him in recompence of his services done the Crowne those honours and Lands that belonged to our Family so the money he hath laid out in the Warres makes him a lawfull purchaser of that benefit and therefore in all equity cannot be deprived of them without a full satisfaction according to the damage he hath sustained by those actions The State of Syria againe pretends that unlesse my selfe be restored to my former dignities the combination which is made with the injured Princes must of necessity be broken and so consequently their Kingdome of Syria dishonoured in their agreement and we further adde that although Artaxes might have some colour of displeasure against my father for taking upon him the Crowne of Mesopotamia and defending the possession in his life time by force of Arms which however is a Title disputable yet my self ought not to be esteemed any way guilty of the fault being an infant and therefore too much injured by such a losse when instead of enjoying the greatest