an inevitable death but I could not rejoyce at the assurance of their misfortune Neverthelesse when Melintus was sent backe againe to prison and I saw him no more I re-entred into fury against him I accus'd my selfe that I had not provoked the Judges to punish them that I had not invented some crime to have made them be condemn'd at the instant I represented to my selfe all the contempts and all the indignities he had offered me and was impatient till Nero sent to murther them in the prison All day long I did noting but torment my selfe upon this occasion and at night I could not sleepe I conceited in my mind that I saw Nero's soldiers enter the prison and massacre with a thousand blowes that perfidious man I imagin'd that I arrived there at the same time and rejoyc'd to see him in the expectation of death and then to wash my hands in his bloud After I had pass'd away the night in these ravings I sent to know at the prison if they were not yet dead but they brought me word that all was in great tumult there and how they beleev'd they had precipitated them from the top of the Tower into the Tiber having found meanes to get out by the chimney of the Chamber where they lay that a great multitude of people was about the river and many men in Boats to search for the dead bodies which were thought either drowned or brained because a pinacle of the Tower was fallen downe with them My fury perswaded me to a strange curiosity I would needs goe to the very place where they search'd for the bodies for to satiate my sight with that spectacle and I beleeve that if Melintus his had beene found I should have died for joy to see it But all the care so many persons tooke and I my selfe that gave money to have the water search'd proved unprofitable the night came on and I was constrain'd to give over this search with all the rest of them that had labour'd in vaine I wanted not satisfaction though it were not entire beleeving them to be dead and that the streame had carried them away Some dayes after when I would goe upon the water I made them conduct me farre out of the City to see if peradventure these bodies were not cast by the streame upon some banke A young youth that guided us seeing an empty Boat at the banks-side told us without thinking any thing See there a Boat without a Master I ask'd him what he meant hee answered me A young man bought it but I beleeve it was not to make himselfe a Water-man and gave it me to keepe that night the prisoners sav'd themselves Then he added a little after They thought good to search in the water the other daye I beleeve they are farre enough off by this I fretted pursued Emilia to heare him speake thus and I urg'd him to tell me what he knew of the businesse I will tell you sayes he upon condition you will not discover me which having promis'd him he continues that he had seene the prisoners save themselves in that Boat after they had beene a long time descending from the Tower by a rope and how hee saw them passe by because that night he watched upon the river I made as if I rejoyc'd added Emilia that they were safe but in my soule I resolv'd not to let them scape so unpunished and he that had well regarded me would have seene that I could not choose but have my face all of a fire for excesse of choler What said I to my selfe shall this Barbarian be presently in Sicily beside his faire Ariana and have no dearer entertainments with her than to relate what contempts he made of my affection and shall he boast himselfe all his life time for having securely triumph'd over all my passions No I will not dye so without a revenge he is not so safe as he thinks himselfe to be I will pursue him into what part of the earth soever he retires and if I be not powerfull enough my selfe I will provoke the fury of all the world against him to hinder his escaping out of my hands I return'd into the City musing of a thousand wayes to his destruction but to be more assured that he were living I resolv'd to send one of my men expresly to Syracuse that might enquire if Melintus were arriv'd there This man reported to me all the rejoycings were made at their returne the sacrifices and the playes with the glory of Melintus and Ariana whom they beleev'd to see very shortly married together All these things so animated me with jealousie shame and despite that I purpos'd to prevent their happinesse by the death of that villaine I advis'd to make use of the Emperours power that I might not faile of my enterprise I saw you then more than of custome sayes she to Trebatius because I began to acknowledge that you had alwayes lov'd me with a true affection and that had resisted all my contempts and I was sorry for having made choyce of this traitor and this perjurious man in stead of you that were never wanting to me I resolv'd to be no more ingrate towards you but to content your just desires upon condition you should first see me reveng'd upon Melintus You promis'd me to satisfie my passion before you would presse me to content yours It was then continued Emilia that I gave you advice to goe and declare to Nero that Melintus and Palamede his enemies were living and to demand a Commission from him to goe put them to death I desir'd besides to have it publish'd throughout Rome and all the Cities of the Empire that they should be kill'd in what place soever they were found and I was willing my selfe to assist you in this Commission by disguising me thus that if it were possible I might kill that perfidious wretch with my owne hand for I confesse to you it is the greatest pleasure I can ever hope for in all my life Emilia ended thus pursues Arcas and Trebatius answered her Well then Madam I see that he must dye or I shall never have any contentment from you Now I know how much cause you have to seeke his death I will joyne the desire of revenging your injuries to that desire I had before onely to obey you They had other discourses afterwards together sayes Arcas besides these O gods interrupted Melintus must this woman live still for my torment See what rage she is possess'd of Arcas prayed him to let him goe on and hee replied I was in a strange wonder to have heard all Emilia's fury yet I had an opinion that the gods had suffered me to be advertised of all these things to give me the meanes of doing you service I had no other care than to keepe my selfe from being knowne to Emilia and so wee arrived at Syracuse I knew very well you were not there so as in that place I was in no
Melintus the love of his friend to his sister and after all the oaths by which he had promis'd never to wish him ill for his fathers sake and that if he failed there the gods would not pardon him Dicearchus answered him that his intention thought but upon Telephus not on Hermocrates when he made that oath and though he were oblig'd to performe it yet he was not for that ingag'd to give him his Neece Palamede employed all the eloquence he was capable of to bring him to reason reproaching the life Melintus had conserv'd him and what injury he did himselfe in expressing so much ingratitude but nothing could bend this opiniated and vindicative spirit that would besides have Palamede advertise his sister of it for to take her resolutions accordingly This cruell newes in such wise surpriz'd her that she lost speech at it but Palamede seeing this faire sister to be transported with griefe and out of all heart encourag'd his owne for to assure her that he would not suffer this tyranny that their uncle ought to have over them a milde authority but not an unjust Empire that he knew well how to defend himselfe and her too from this oppression and that though he were not at all so engaged to Melintus the fashion Dicearchus us'd sufficiently oblig'd him not to give way to him Ariana somewhat restor'd by this resolution prayed her brother to try first if he could gaine her uncles spirit by sweetnesse but she was much amaz'd when Dicearchus himselfe signified to her that nothing should ever divert him from that designe and not knowing how to be free of her uncles cruelties and Pisistratus importunities she advis'd to shut up her selfe with Cyllenia in the Temple of Iuno where shee should onely have Epicharis with her while Palamede return'd to Syracuse to advertise Melintus of what passed and to resolve together how she should behave her selfe The next day shee prayed her uncle to give her leave to be some dayes with Cyllenia who thinking he could better be assured of her in that Temple consented and Palamede feining that he went to see his friends at Athens departed and embark'd him secretly to take the way of Syracuse As soone as Ariana was alone with Cyllenia she made her part of her griefe and after she had conceal'd nothing from her concerning Melintus and her selfe asked counsell of her what she had to doe You have reason said Cyllenia to make your addresse to me in this occasion it is impossible for you to finde a person more knowing than I am upon this subject to tell you what is necessary for the ordering your affaires and avoyding what is to be feared and since experience hath so well taught me I will tell the greatest part of my life which will be the best instruction you can receive Ariana having desired her to make her so profitable and delightfull a discourse Cyllenia began to speake thus History of Lepantus and Cyllenia FAire Ariana you have conceiv'd so good an opinion of me that it grieves me to diminish it by the recite I am going to make you for you shall heare such sad accidents that hapned to me by my owne fault onely that you will hardly beleeve I was ever able to fall into a blindnesse of that nature yet in respect of the care I have of your good fortune I had rather preferre your safety to my reputation with you that by my example you might receive counsels that may be of use to you I shall not feare to re-uncover my wounds for your sake and to strike terrour into you to the end you may escape the same precipices whereinto I am fallen Some comfort shall I have too in my miseries if they may but serve to hinder you from being miserable Know that Lepantus whom you have heard tell of was of Naupactum a Towne not farre from hence situate at the mouth of the Gulph of Corinth who having lost his father and mother was not content with the cares they had taken to have him instructed in all necessary studies and exercises but after he had married a sister he had to one of the chiefe of Athens hee came to this City drawne hither by the reputation of the great Philosopher Artemidorus who was a particular friend of Sebastus my father for to learne of him the most hidden and sublimest Sciences Though those studies were very serious and that requir'd an intire wit yet hee was not so taken up with them but that he diverted some times to all other sorts of arts and gentilesses where he prosper'd with so much glory as if his birth furnish'd him with a good successe for all he tooke in hand Artemidorus admir'd this excellent genius and sometimes entertain'd my father with wonder at it Hee came very often to our house where they conferred together concerning their studies and being very courteous he many times escap'd from them to come to speake to me as if hee were tir'd with the high discourses they treated of and he passed away the time in my company with so pleasing discourses that I should have thought his onely advantage had beene to entertaine Ladies but that I knew how much he was esteem'd for things of more weight so I made a farre greater account of him for that and honour'd him as a person distant from the ordinary sort of men Hee exprest too that hee tooke great pleasure in my company for that I lov'd to quit the common discourse of Maids and sought to make my spirit capable of things our custome is to be ignorant of so as accommodating him to the sufficiency of my judgment he learn'd me faire considerations by meanes that were very intelligible and when he advanc'd a little and saw that I attained him he strengthned me in that estate with thoughts of a higher nature and bred in mee a disdaine of our ordinary conceits with a desire to polish my soule and make it more perfect It seem'd he had framed himselfe what he attempted to love and on my part being much indebted to him for that paines I studied to please him and so to use the meanes as to be thought worthy of his esteeme Some jealousie I had when I understood that every body favour'd him or that he pleas'd himselfe in any company having a feare lest the kindnesses of some Ladies might not take him from me or that hee encountred not some one whose wit he might finde more equall to his owne It seem'd there was a designe in it that those that came to see me ever spake of Lepantus and thought me happy for seeing him sometimes as if all things conspir'd to make mee love him and if he came to our house at the same time they gave him these praises I well saw they were not affected because every one offer'd them him with so much honour and approved what he said with so great pleasure that I could not be wanting after so many persons to give censures
night when I had made a thousand complaints I bethought my selfe to implore the succours of her voyce which as they said was still remaining in the world for to favour me with an Oracle This sacred Sybil at last had pitty of my evils and I heard the divine voyce speake to me in these verses Lover of Constancy undaunted Thou shalt perceive thy griefes decay If thou return'st without delay Where to thee thy birth was granted Epicharis Melintus and Palamede interrupted this discourse by taking them to laugh and said all at once Was it you then Lepantus we gave that same Oracle to Looke you continued Melintus in shewing Epicharis there 's your Sybil that pronounc'd the verses and I it was that made them on the place Lepantus was so amaz'd that he knew not what to say having beleev'd untill then that he had beene divinely assisted whereupon being all confounded Cyllenia Eurymedon and the rest that knew nothing of that incounter prayed Epicharis to tell them what it was She recounted to them how being escaped they three out of the prisons of Rome and flying that City they hid them one night within this den where hearing a man that complained to himselfe and implor'd the ayd of the Sybils voyce she resolv'd to counterfet that voyce and to send backe this wofull man to his owne kindred Lepantus returning out of his astonishment said to her Faire Epicharis is it possible this you say 'T is even so answered she and beside I call you well to my remembrance because now I know 't was you that passed by us the next day morning 'T is true said Lepantus that I saw some body that would have stayed me but I was so satisfied with my Oracle and the gods assistance that nothing was capable of holding me In the meane time said Epicharis see how beyond all thought I have prov'd true for you have found here by my meanes your fortune entirely changed and to me you are beholding for all your prosperity 'T is true replied Lepantus that you are my Sybil and the sole goddesse I am bound to adore since of you alone I hold all the contentments of my life and had it not beene for you I should still be within that grot Everyone admired this rencounter and how casually they had repair'd to that same place and beene inspired to render him the Oracle that was the truest and the most wholesome the gods themselves had beene able to have given him Lepantus gave many thanks to Epicharis and to the gods which had spoken to him by her mouth The he went on Although I beleev'd the gods tooke care of me and would deliver me out of that miserable life I was in yet I could not imagine for all that they were able to heale me otherwise than by the forgetting of my love in such sort that albeit I followed the command of that Oracle it was without all hope of good fortune because I would not be cured on that fashion I tooke the way of my Country with languish and disdaine enough finding my selfe forced to goe thither by a power that seem'd fearefull to me and yet abhorring the very places I sought That caused me to make no very great haste for avancing my way and being arriv'd at Rheggium after many dayes I was well content to find no shipping there to goe to Corinth because the more I drew neare it the more feare had I to arrive At Rheggium I had an host a very ancient friend of my deceased father whom I resolv'd to goe see never thinking he could have any knowledge of my miseries to the end I might so journe some time in that place This good man that was called Menander having knowne of me who I was made as much of me as was possible and knowing that I stayed at Rheggium but whilest some vessell parted for Corinth he prayed me to dwell with him as long time as I pleased and express'd to me that he could not receive a greater contentment than to see the sonne of his good friend I was in this house a long time because they were not weary of me and I thought not of going away not yet being able to resolve of any thing Menander knew very well my minde was troubled and having many times labour'd to know the cause of it he could never learne any thing whereupon not willing to presse me any further he onely tried to divert me He had a daughter was married at his house nam'd Melicerta that was a very pleasing woman and of a most gentile wit he commanded her not to leave me without entertainment and she perform'd the charge with a great care and more grace withall Every day I knew the City newes which shee was well inform'd of and when the time furnish'd none of it selfe shee related to mee things that had passed before and so agreeably made her recites that she rendred my mind attentive to her discourse and gave it no time to consider of its melancholy But since we have leisure enough I must needs impart a story of hers to you that so possessed me when I heard it from her and in such sort diverted me for seeming to concerne my affaires that I beleeve I shall bring some pleasure to you too by the repetition of it One day I saw come to her house a Lady call'd Ardania to visit her and by the kinde entertainments they gave one another I knew that they were intire friends This Lady had much sparkling but her beauty seem'd to have encountred some great sicknesse because her complexion though very delicate was pale and decayed and her eyes that were very full and of an agreeable bignesse had no quicknesse in them and were so languishing that they seemed to regret the losse of their lustre and charming vivacity I perceiv'd how my presence made their discourses indifferent and hindred them from speaking freely together so as I tooke Chares apart that was Melicerta's husband and entertain'd him for to give them all the liberty I could I saw well I had done them a pleasure for they were more than an houre in secret together and at length Ardania resolv'd to be gone Chares would wait on her home because it was at the latest and left me alone with Melicerta that said to me a little after Here was a Lady that has beene a great deale handsomer than she now appeares for but her griefes have caus'd that change I attributed said I to her that palenesse to some sicknesse for there is no doubt but she still retaines the marks of an extraordinary beauty I will not conceale from you continues Melicerta that for an inconstant woman she is as well punish'd as could have beene desired and when I consider the accidents that hapned to three or foure of my acquaintance I finde that love is very just when he pretends to be revenged he advises sometimes to punish infidelities after a pleasant manner and though Ardania be my
the love of Epicharis gave desire and impatiency enough but the discretion of that wench moderated him who knowing that he should commit a great fault to marry her being aslave had forbidden him the hope of it as long as she continued in that condition Palamede notwithstanding in this occasion not enduring to see so many persons made happy and himselfe so farre off enjoying the same pleasures said to her Faire Epicharis how long doe you meane to deferre satisfying the passion I have for you desire you I should attend an infinite time and in the meane space live with you the most unfortunate of men feare not to have me doe any thing unworthy of me by marrying of you your merit abundantly recompences the default of your liberty and my uncle cannot refuse to give it you when you shall be my wife What occasion more favourable may we hope for Now all things are here in disorder if we commit a fault it will easily be considerable Can you faile by imitating the actions of Ariana and Cyllenia and must my condition which you judge more exalted than yours be the sole cause of making me unhappy Palamede answered Epicharis if you could judge how much I esteeme my selfe oblig'd to you for your affection I thinke you so reasonable as you would have cause to be satisfied with me but you shall pardon me if I cannot consent to what you desire I know well the difference of our affections 'T is a passion something blindish that makes you love me but 't is reason onely that causes me to honour you You consider not well what I am when you expresse so much love to me and without doubt turne away your thought from a defect that accompanies me while you esteeme me worthy of you Contrariwise the more I open my eyes to see what your worth is the more cause I finde to love you and thinke my selfe indebted to you But loving you with reason I love your honour as much as I doe your person and it would shew I had out small care of that if I should make my selfe happy to the prejudice of it That which is fit for the faire Ariana and Melintus to doe is not so for us and the same reason that permits them to marry against the desire of Dicearchus is that which ordaines me to continue still a Maid against yours Palamede I beseech you to temper your desires and assure your selfe that if the gods are pleased with our affections they will so bring affaires to passe that honor and fitnesse shall not be separate from our contentments Thus did this wench full of wisdome and courage stay the transports of Palamedes affection who the farther off he found himselfe from contenting his desires the more he admir'd the vertue and generosity of Epicharis and increas'd his passion by them Melintus sent to have brought out of his ship much riches whereof he was provided for to make that day as famous and magnifique as he was able in a place so distant from their acquaintance He made to be taken out thence many sumptuous moveables vessell of gold and silver and what ever hee thought necessary to make himselfe seeme worthy of Ariana if Dicearchus receiv'd him into grace at Corinth Ariana and Cyllenia that ought to have bin the fairest ornament of that happy day failed not to prepare against the morning all that might make their beauty appeare more resplendent but nothing could render their charmes more pleasing than the excesse of their contentments which not able to be contained any longer in their hearts were now discovering themselves upon their faces Every one us'd the greatest care he could not to be without pomp and grace and at last that morning arrives so much desired of all When all things were ready and they putting themselves in the way to goe to the Temple they heard Trumpets sounding in the City Ariana thought Melintus had sent for them from his ship to lead her to the Temple with more solemnity but he stood in amaze at it and having sent to know what it meant they brought him word that a publike cry was made by which was commanded to all those that were subjects of the Empire to seize upon Melintus and Palamede Sicilians where-ever they were found and to send their heads to Rome because they were the enemies of Caesar and the people of Rome and for the better knowledge of them they gave all their markes This cruell newes troubled all their joyes and filled their soules with astonishment and sadnesse They durst not now goe abroad for feare of being knowne and they could not tell what counsell to take in such an excesse of misery When they fled from Dicearchus fury see them fallen into a farre greater misery having the Romans for enemies whose Empire being of so large an extent they could not hope to get out of it without being discover'd upon the wayes They shut up their house as carefully as they could staying till they might thinke upon some remedy though they had but small hope to find any Ariana fell a crying to see a persecution so cruell against her deare Melintus and her brother Cyllenia accompanied her teares out of compassion the others sought to encourage the resolution of these faire Ladies against this unhappinesse but they that took upon them to comfort others were no lesse afflicted themselves Lepantus and Amyntas offered to go learn what they said about the Towne but because they were strangers in that place they feared lest they might give some suspition of those that dwelt in the same house All that day passed with much sadnesse and feare and the next day also without inventing of any expedient Epicharis whose wit was full of a thousand inventions told them she saw well that it appertain'd to none but her to save their lives as she had once already done at Rome that she would goe about the Towne to see what passed and for this cause she was to be disguised in a man that habit being fatall for their safety Neverthelesse that they should not be so secure in her devices but they might try to finde out other meanes besides Melintus said he could finde no better than to send away some to Corcyra to advertise Eurymedon of the danger they were running that he comming by with his forces might deliver them Amyntas would goe thither to do them this service and because he would not take their ship for feare they might have need of it themselves he went away in a Skiffe towards Corcyra Epicharis on the other side made no matter of cutting her haire once again being accommodated with a mans clothes and a sword by her side she went out of the house one morning with a designe to goe gaine the Porter of the City to let them out by night She had mistrusted the conduct of another in this occasion fearing he might cause a suspition and being apprehended discover them but she was assured
they carried him away to a place where now I beleeve he has ended his daies All my entertainment and consolation in the cruell vexations I endur'd was in the nurcing I had of the little Prince which was called Eurymedon who also bare me a great affection and as he grew gave testimonies not onely of the greatnesse of his extraction but of a minde very generous also When he saw me afflicted he labour'd to appease me and comforted me by the hope he gave that as soone as he had any power he would restore my liberty and endevour to discover where Hermocrates was that he might be mine againe Neverthelesse when he had the command over all the Pyrats he could not so soone effect what he had promis'd me being retain'd from doing it for not offending their lawes About a yeare since desirous to goe to Sea he promis'd me that I should goe with him but I fell so sicke that it was impossible for me Some dayes since he return'd for to assemble all the Pyraticke forces with a designe to goe upon some great enterprize whence fearing never to returne and willing to deliver me the Pyrats never knowing of it he intreated one called Amyntas that was come to finde him in a Squiffe from some of his friends to save me secretly with himselfe when hee return'd hither to finde out those persons he sought for This Amyntas had a care of me as if I had beene his mother and brought mee into this City where not encountring those he thought to have found he left me with the people you see for to serve and accompany me unto Syracuse Amyntas knowing that Eurymedon was here hard by for to assist those he was in paine for is gone to finde him and I beleeve they are gone away together having heard no newes at all of them As for me attending the recovery of the sicknesse is fallen upon me and the labour I endur'd in my flight I made a stay in this lodging where I was in a great wonder to see this same Dicearchus the author of all our displeasures all whose wicked practices I learned of Eurymedon and to whom for all this I cannot wish ill since he hath restor'd me my deare Melintus and makes me conceive some hope being become our friend that hee will helpe us to finde Hermocrates your father Euphrosyne thus ended and Melintus told her how they knew who Eurymedon and Amyntas were and that he hoped very soone by meanes of Eurymedon to learne what was become of his father wherein he would employ all the diligence he could possibly use He entreated afterwards this vertuous mother of his to pardon Dicearchus for his deare Ariana's sake which she promised him and they embrac'd one another with much affection He told her then the greatest part of what had happened to them and among other things the faithfull friendship of Telephus and the infidelity of Diocles and how hee had beene knowne for the sonne of Hermocrates Then these discourses being ended every one retir'd to goe to bed and to attend with repose the ceremonies and joyes of the next day ARIANA. The fifth Booke WHile the sage Euphrosyne thus entertain'd Melintus Palamede whom Epicharis losse gave no repose to would not lose the time he might employ in search of her hee tooke a horse and rode out of Nicopolis and went into all places thereabouts to see if she might not be retir'd somewhere out of the Towne In vaine he spent all the evening in this search and a great part of the night that was very darke and as he return'd towards the City he heard two men on horsbacke comming to him who spake of Melintus and Ariana expressing a great deale of angry malice against them He could not know who they were because the obscurity was so great as he did not so much as see them But when they were past he had a minde to know more of their secrets and after he had tyed his horse to a tree he overtooke them on foot as speedily as might be then going a light pace by them without making himselfe be heard he listned their discourse some while not able yet to understand any thing but in the end one of the two replied thus What have I brought from Syracuse with such respect and care this traiterous and perjurious old man have I so long courted him at Corinth and since followed him through all the ports of Greece for to revenge his injuries and now he is satisfied himselfe shall he take no care whether I be so too or no Palamede knew then by this discourse and by the voyce that it was Pisistratus who went on And shall I suffer Melintus to marry her that is promis'd me whose love brings so many desires and unquietnesses upon me Shall they goe away together contented and leave me here full of despite of shame of rage In the meane time must I appeare without heart and not make them feele what a man of my condition is able to doe betrayed on this fashion and wanting no resentment No no though they have escaped the hands of Trebatius they are not yet safe from mine and if they stay here but one day more for to marry together I am certaine to make a funerall-wedding of it But answered the other that accompanied him are you very sure they are still living I saw this evening replied Pisistratus Arcas the free-man of Melintus leading Dicearchus bound and bringing him into a house I sent one of my servants to follow them and commanded him to enquire what they did in that lodging making as if he had some businesse there He brought me word that hee saw Trebatius Melintus Palamede Ariana and Dicearchus at good accord together and that there was nothing but rejoycing amongst them and I make no doubt of what he told me because he knowes them all as well as I doe But returned he whom he spake to when you have spoken to the Governour of Epire to put to death Melintus and Palamede because they are the Emperours enemies and told him how Trebatius had beene sent from Nero for the same purpose doe you thinke he will beleeve you Pisistratus answered you doe not know then how they have beene proclaimed throughout all the Provinces enemies of Caesar and of the decree that is gone out to kill them in what place soever they be found No no Maxentius cannot deferre their putting to death because he is advertis'd of the Imperiall order and if he makes any difficulty of doing it I will threaten to accuse him too before Nero. Palamede knowing in what sort Pisistratus would be revenged resolved to prevent him by killing him first presently he drew his sword and staying him by the reines of his horse for feare he should escape strucke him a great blow into the body Pisistratus cryed out that they murder'd him he that was with him tooke his flight and Pisistratus had never escap'd that danger had it
up his rest for his designes and because his horse began to faile being all over pierc'd with arrowes he mounted upon one of those were held ready for him and having emboldned his company to follow him he thrust towards that body which he soone opened by force of blowes and pierced with two or three of his companions onely to the very place where the King was accompanied with the strength of his Army Then his sword did exploits to be admir'd for these great bodies oppos'd themselves before their King and he was to kill many of them before he could come neare him But at last he strucke downe so many at his feet as he came to encounter with the King who refus'd not the Combat he a long time defended himselfe with a great deale of courage and gave Alcydamas many a blow to make him feele the weight of his arme neverthelesse the valiant Alcydamas after he had weakned him by divers wounds strucke so many blowes upon his casque as it fell in peeces then he divided in two the head of this barbarous Prince that fell downe at his feet The rest of Alcydamas company came up at the same time and admired the great slaughter he had made Then the Barbarians could no longer sustaine them and tooke their flight Alcydamas pursued them incessantly killing those he could overtake He chas'd them as farre as to the Sea where a party of the Scythians sav'd themselves in their shipping and this element was the sole bound of his victory The fortune of Polydore had bin very neare equall to this for having also brake through those of the point that was opposite to him he had made a strange carnage of them and still pursued the remainder that ran away towards the Sea where they were receiv'd by Alcydamas and cut in peeces These two friends thus encountring bound themselves together with their victorious armes and held a long time one another embraced rejoycing that they met againe and thanking the gods for so great a victory Polydore onely had a wound of an arrow that strucke him into the thigh they stayed the bloud of it and presently after they rallied all that had followed them and found how they had not lost so many as fifty men of the horse they led but they saw themselves accompanied but with about three thousand of the foot that had followed them and wondred to see none of the Romans among them They resolv'd to returne into the field of the battell where they found indeed a great number of Scythians slaine but againe the greater part of the Romans killed whose fortune had bin very differing from theirs for they learn'd of some souldiers that were left for dead that when they vanquish'd on their sides the Scythians battalion that was in the middest had broken through the battell of the Romans and after having slaine the greatest part of it pursued the rest into the Towne Then Alcydamas complain'd at his misfortune that his heat should so carry him away with the desire of killing with his owne hand the King of the Scythians for had it not beene for this encounter he would never have quitted his care for the grosse of the Army and had not fail'd to have succour'd the Romans having alwayes before taken heed to what passed Instantly be intreated them that remain'd to follow him and in a short time he came with his little troop into the City where the Barbarians were pesle-mesle entred in with the flyers and began to pillage on all sides after having slaine all that had resisted their fury There was but the Castle that held out still whereinto Arimin had shut himselfe Alcydamas began to put to the sword all the Scythians he encountred and made a fearefull butchery of them because they dream'd of nought but pillaging He bestrewed the streets with bodies of these Barbarians who feeling an enemy so little expected betooke them to their heeles every where And those very men that kept Arimin besieg'd thought them to be gods descended from heaven to the Romans ayd not able to judge from whence these enemies should come upon them and ran away also The night approaching favour'd the Scythians retreat and hindred Alcydamas from carrying away with Polydore the honour of two great victories in one day and of entirely defeating the great number of the Barbarians They were not willing to pursue them out of the Towne for feare of forsaking it but taking care for the preservation of what remain'd they made the gates be shut up then they set guards every where thinking onely to defend themselves and all the Scythians that were then found within the City were taken prisoners Alcydamas having given order on all sides went with Polydore to the Castle to finde the Commanders and advise of what was to be done There he learn'd how Maxentius Flavian and Milo had beene slaine in the fight and Arimin told him that he had receiv'd certaine Romans into the Castle with whom he had a long time defended himselfe That Governour obliged to Alcydamas for his owne safety and the preservation of the Towne received with a thousand embraces this glorious Conquerour and gave him as many commendations for having done so great exploits after their kindnesses were ended they assembled in counsell to deliberate of what they had to doe after so great a defeat on either party Every one concurr'd in opinion with the sage Alcydamas who considering that there remain'd no more of them but about five thousand men and that they had not slaine above the halfe part of their enemies said they were by all meanes to avoyd fighting for feare of hazarding the entire losse of the Towne but that it was necessary to attend the troops that were comming to them out of Achaia wherewith they might chace away what remain'd of these barbarous people When they were upon this resolution there was brought them a Greeke that had bin taken amongst the Scythians who said he had something of importance to communicate with those that commanded the Towne This man being before Arimin seem'd to be an old man of a good aspect that had saved himselfe from the Scythians to be deliver'd out of their hands and having knowne that there were so few men left in Larissa was come to advertise Arimin to keepe his men from going out of the City to fight because there was nothing so dangerous as these Barbarians in desperation and he was certaine that they would depart after so great an overthrow being not able to vanquish all the forces of Greece This good old man seem'd to have a great care over the Romans and Greeks and prayed them with earnest affection that none would endanger themselves whether out of an hope of defeating the remainder of the Barbarians or out of vaine-glory to shew their courage in attempting some hardy action to get themselves a name before their enemies retreat But he had no trouble to perswade those that were already
feare for you About the evening we landed and were lodged in the City Presently I went to see Telephus and told him of the search was making after you which troubled him exceedingly We advis'd that we were that very night to send tickets all about the Towne for to intreat those of Syracuse if they loved Melintus to take heed of telling the Romans whither he was gone because they sought to put him to death We brought this to passe and the peoples love was so great towards you sayes he to Melintus that Trebatius and Emilia were more than eight dayes enquiring after you in all places without being able to learne any newes at all As for me I had resolv'd to goe to Sea in the meane time and finde you out at Corinth to advertise you to save your selfe but they had stayed all the shipping at the Port so as this was impossible for me to doe At last I cannot tell by what meanes but they came to know whither you were gone presently they made us goe on ship-board againe and I departed with them after I had taken my leave of Telephus Hyperia and Erycine whom I left all in teares I curs'd the winds for being so favourable to us for we arriv'd at Corinth in lesse time than could be hoped and at the Port found all in great trouble Trebatius demanded what the matter was and they told him they had carried away certaine Maids in ships that set saile not above an houre before We went on shore and I was greatly amaz'd to meet Dicearchus and Pisistratus who were busie in preparing a Vessell to goe out after the ravishers Trebatius ask'd him what his trouble was Roman Lord said he I had a Neece the government of whom was committed to me by my brother when he lay a dying I had promis'd her to Pisistratus you see there sayes he in shewing him and a traitor call'd Melintus is come from Syracuse and hath taken her away from me Ha! the villaine cryed out Emilia 't is the same man wee are seeking for the Emperour to have him dye Comfort your selfe good man continued she we shall revenge you well enough I beleeve replied Trebatius they are in one of the two ships we encountred sayling towards the coasts of Greece we are to lose no more time to depart and follow them if your Vessell be ready said hee to Dicearchus and Pisistratus accompanie us and wee will joyne our quarrels together Never saw I any thing so encourag'd as Dicearchus who hastned his imbarquement with Pisistratus as fast as he could and when Trebatius and Emilia set saile he followed them After having passed the promontory of Naupactum wee tooke the right hand along the Grecian Coasts and came into all the ports one after the other where we did but enquire if two Vessels had not arriv'd very lately Thus went we into divers places never hearing any newes of you At last we arrived here where being descended Epicharis that was at the Port disguis'd in a man was so unhappy as to be knowne by the Goalers sonne that kept you prisoners at Rome He had accompanied us having knowne the designe of Trebatius for his father being kept in irons because hee had beene too negligent over you hee was in hope to deliver him by lending his helpe to make you be put to death and for this reason he embark'd with us You may see by this how many persons have encountred together for to worke your ruine and this is that we are for the present to endevour to defend you from But even now when I left you I learn'd that they had set straight guard at all the ports and along the walls of the Towne from thence I went to marke out the lodgings for those of my company and I have kept for my selfe a very commodious one that it may serve you if you should have occasion to use it then I came to find you againe and we must for the present advise how we ought to order our selves and in what sort I may succour you Arcas ended thus and he was heard of all with much astonishment and feare learning by his discourse so many occurrences that were prepar'd to make their deaths inevitable Melintus brake off his silence then and said Well then I see 't is but my life they require they seeke neither Palamede nor any one of you by my dying I will make them all satisfied and deliver all of you from the danger wherein you are for me alone Yes I will goe and present my selfe before them I will open my bosome with a ponyard in their presence for to content with one blow the vengeance of the Emperour of Emilia and of Dicearchus Were it not farre better to let it appeare that none was able to make me dye but my selfe rather than fall unworthily into their hands and receive a shamefull death It is no fury this that transports me If I saw any appearance to secure my selfe and you too by valour or by any other meanes I should be much troubled to desire to lose my life before I lost all hope but seeing us environ'd with men of warre on all sides 't were better I dyed alone courageously than to attempt meanes that could never succeed but bury you all under my ruine The sage Lepantus stopped this discourse of Melintus in putting his hand upon his arme and said to him Pardon me if I esteeme you not exempt from transport in the resolution you take Those that have a great courage as you have when they offer themselves to dye are carried many times away to this desire rather out of a pleasure they finde in despising death than for any necessity that obliges them to desire it But we are never excusable for having prevented our destiny as long as wit or force are yet capable of surmounting the rigour of fortune We are to make a triall of all things before that extremity and not to neglect the meanest hope that may be left us One moment of time may change the state of the whole world and this same fortune that assembles so many enemies to destroy you can with a reverse bring themselves to ruine and overthrow so many accidents by one alone They know not yet where we are Arcas is in good estate to give us advice every houre and if you must dye stay at least till you can no longer live For my part I am of opinion that we change our lodging and goe presently into that that Arcas has taken for himselfe in the Towne as if we were Romans too because that lodging being marked for them they will never come to seeke us out there Then must Arcas goe and advertise those of our ship that they retire to a bay I saw hard by for feare they should discover us if they enquir'd of them we will finde out afterwards some meanes to deliver Epicharis Those reasons and that counsell appeas'd Melintus and gave a little