of that expedition She as she was inform'd by her Son that surviv'd told them That the Kings forces being cut off and Mitranes their General slain they were assur'd what they had done would be of no small consequence That Oroondates who lay at Memphis with a great Army would immediately approach and beset their Town and revenge the injury by cutting off the Inhabitants They therefore determin'd since they had brought themselves into so great danger to follow one bold attempt with a greater that being the only means to secure themselves from the Kings fury Thinking with their sudden approach to carry Memphis and take the King Prisoner or in his Absence if he were with his Army gone on expedition into AEthiopia as it was rumour'd they might with more case compel the City being destitute of Defence to surrender And likewise to perform a considerable service for Thyamis who was by his younger Brother depriv'd of office of High Priest which they would restore to him But if they should be frustrated in their design that yet they would dye with their Swords in their Hands nor ever come into the power of the Persians to suffer Scorn or Tortures And now give me leave to ask whither you are going To the Town said Calasiris It is unsafe said she at present especially for strangers But if you will receive us for your Guests said Calasiris we shall be secure enough The season will not permit reply'd she I being this night oblig'd to perform funeral Ceremonies But if you can endure it and I suppose it is necessary that you should to pass the night in some place remote from the dead Bodies at break of day I will take you for your security into my custody All this which she spoke Calasiris interpreted to Chariclea and so took her with him to a private place When they had passed a little way from the dead they came to a little Cave where he laid him down with Chariclea's Bow under his Head Chariclea sat down in another corner of the Cell the Moon then rising and lightning all without Calasiris fell into a fast sleep being tir'd at once with Age and the long Journey Chariclea kept awake with care became Spectator of a most horrid scene though usual amongst those people For the Woman supposing her self to be alone and not likely to be interrupted nor so much as to be seen by any person fell to her work In the first place she digg'd a pit in the Earth then made a fire on each side thereof placing the body of her Son between the two plains then taking a Pitcher from off a three-legg'd Stool that stood by she pour'd Honey into the Pit Milk out of a second and so out of a third as if she had been doing Sacrifice Then taking a piece of Dough form'd in the likeness of a Man crown'd with Lawrel and Bdellium she cast it into the Pit After this snatching a Sword that lay in the Field with more than Bacchanal fury addressing herself to the Moon in many strange terms she launched her Arm and with a branch of Lawrel bedewed with her Blood she besprinkled the fire with many other prodigious Ceremonies Then bowing herself to the Body of her Son whispering in his Ear she awaked him and by the force of her charms made him to stand upright Chariclea who had hitherto look'd on with sufficient fear was now astonisht wherefore she wak'd Calasiris to be likewise Spectator of what was done They stood unseen themselves but plainly beheld by the light of the Moon and Fire where the business was perform'd and by reason of the little distance heard the discourse the Beldam now bespeaking her Son in a louder voice The question which she ask'd of him was If her Son who was yet living should return safe home To this he answer'd nothing only nodding his head gave her doubtful conjecture of his success and therewith fell flat upon his Face She turn'd the Body with the Face upward and again repeated her question but with much greater violence uttering many Incantations and leaping up and down with the Sword in her hand turning sometimes to the Fire and then to the Pit she once more awaken'd him and setting him upright urg'd him to answer her in plain words not in doubtful signs In the mean time Chariclea desired Calasiris that they might go nearer and enquire of the old Woman about Theagenes but he refus'd affirming that the spectacle was impious that it was not decent for any person of Priestly Office to be present much less delighted with such performances That Prayers and lawful Sacrificâ—s were their business and not with impure Rites and enquiries of Death as that AEgyptian did of which mischance had made us spectators While he was thus speaking the dead person made answer with a hollow and dreadful tone At first I spared you Mother said he and suffer'd your transgressing against humane Nature and the Laws oâ— Destiny and by Charms and Witchcraft disturbing those things which should rest inviolated For even the Dead retain a Reverence towards their Parents as much as is possible for them but since you exceed all bounds being not content with the wicked action you began nor satisfy'd with raising me up to give you signs but also force me a dead Body to speakâ— neglecting my Sepultuâ—e and keeping me from the mansion of departed Souls hear those things which at first I was afraid to acquaint you withal Neither your Son shall return alive nor shall your self escape that Death by the Sword which is due to your crimes but conclude that life in short time which you have spent in wicked practices Forasmuch as you have not only done these things alone but made other persons Spectators of these dreadful Mysteries that were so conceal'd in outmost silence acqâ—ainting them with the aâ—fairs and fortune of the Dead One of them is a Priest which maâ—es it more tolerable who knows by his wisdom that such things are not to be divulg'd A person dear to the Gods who shall with his aâ—â—â—val prevent the Duel of his Sons prepar'd foâ— Combat and compose their Difference But that which is more grievous is that a Virgin has been Spectator of all that has been done and heard what was said A Virgin and Lover that has wander'd through Countrys in search of her Betroth'd with whom after infinite Labours and Dangers she shall arrive at the outmost parts of the Earth and live in Royal State Having thus said he again fell prostrate The Hag being sensible who were the Spectators arm'd as she was with a Sword in rage sought them amongst the dead Bodies where she thought they lay conceal'd to kill them as persons that had invaded her and crost the operation of her Charms While she was thus employ'd she struck her Groin upon the Splinter of a Spear that stuck in the ground by which she dy'd immediately fulfilling the Prophecy of her Son THE
Lakists striving to make good the Place but the others falling upon them unawares and oppressing them with Multitudes slew easily those they â—ound on Land and overwhelmed those within the Lake in their Boats and Cabbins whence the Air was filled with horrible Cries both of those that defended themselves upon the Water and those that fought by Land and the Lake was stain'd all over in the Blood of dying persons that fell at one time both by Fire and Water When Thyamis saw and heard this he remembred his Dream how he had seen the Goddess Isis and her Temple all on fire and full of Sacrifices and observing his Vision was thus far brought to pass he began to make another explication of the rest Having thou shalt not have her forasmuch as she shall be ravish'd from thee by the fury of this War and that he shoâ—ld kill â—er yet â—e should not hurt her that is he should destroy her with his Sword and not by Rape To conclude rating the Goddess as fraudulent and injurious charging her that she had abus'd and mockt him and not being able to endure with patience that any other should enjoy Chariclea he commanded his men to retire a little and to hold the Enemy in play a while only with skirmishing and some few Salliesâ— which as they were intrenched might resist the forces of greater multitudes whilst he would go and find Thermutis and offer Vows and Sacrifices to their presidiary Gods and so forbidding any man to follow him he departed as towards his Tent but took his way to the Cave Oh how hard it is to turn a Barbarian from that he hath once resolved in his Soul for aâ—soon as they fall to despair of their own safety it is their custom presently to kill their dearest Friends either believing they shall live together after death or desiring to take them out of their enemies power and to free them from all injuries for these Reasons Thyamis forgetting all his own Affairs and though he was at that present encompast with Enemy-Troops that had taken him as in Nets furiously transported with Love and Jealousie he entred the Cave where calling as loud as he could and speaking some Words in the AEgyptian Tongue he heard a Womâ—n answer him in Greek and the sound of her Voyce leading him to the place where she was he put his left hand about her Neck and with his right drawing his Sword ran her through the Body under the left Breast wherewith the poor Woman fell down dead breathing but one sigh that brake her Heart-strings Presently Thyamis went out letting fall the Stone upon the Entry of the Cave and for her Epitaph seeming to write upon it with his tears adding these Words Alas poor Maid these are the Nâ—ptial Gifts I present thee And so returning to his Men he found their Battel quite disordered and ready to fly frighted with the Enemies Approach and on the other side seeing Thermutis that brought him a Beast to imolate he chid him and told him he had already ofâ—ered the fairest Sacrifice of the world and so entred into his Bark with him onlâ— one more to row for the Boats they have here can carry no more being wrought out of the Body but of one thick Tâ—ee by their rude Shipwrights Theagenes and Knemon imbarked together in another and the rest in the like manner and when they had coasted the Island a great way they ceased rowing and disposed their Boats in front of their Battalion as attending the shock of their Enemies but assoon as they approached the Herdsmen of the Island were so far from the courage to sustain the first Assault upon the Water that they presently cast about and fled not daring to endure the very sound of the Alarum Theagenes and Knemon retired themselves softly after the rest but Fear did not make them turn their backs only Thyamis held it unworthy to give ground and not desiring to survive Chariclea he prest into the midst of his Enemies and as he was fighting amongst them one cried out This is Thyamis every man now look to his Charge so immediately wheeling in a Ring about him they inclosed him with their Boats but he stoutly holding out wounded some with his Javelin and killed others The Fight was worthy of admiration in all the multitude of his Foes no man opposed or drew a Sword against him but every one did his best to take him alive he resisted a great while but at last his Javelin was beaten out of his hand and then his Foes pressed in upon him being also at that instant deprived of the succour of his Page that had stood to him bravely but at that time had newly received as was thought a mortal Wound and casting himself into the Lake swimming with much difficulty had recovered Land no one taking the pains to follow him for having Thyamis in their power they esteemed it to be an absolute Victory Yet notwithstanding the loss of many of their Fellows they more rejoyced to have him alive that slew them than they sorrowed for their Friends and Kinsmens Deaths so insatiable are the covetous hearts of Thieves preferring Gain before their Lives and having no end in the holy Name of Friendship and Consanguinity but to get by them it was the case of these Thieves for they were the same that before out of their fear of Thyamis and his Men had â—led from the Heracliotick Arm of Nilus who stomacking to be deprived of other mens Goods as if they were their own had gathered together their Companions and called in the Neighbour Villages offering them equal shares and chusing them for their Captains to conduct the Expedition But the Cause of their taking Thyamis was this he had at Memphis a Brother named Petosiris who having by his plots dispossessed his Brother of the Dignity of Chief Priest against the Laws and Institutions of the Countrey for he was his younger Brother and hearing that he was the Captain of these Thieves he feared Thyamis would take time to chase him out of his usurped Honour and discover his perfidiousness also he desired to take away the ill opinion that many had conceived of him that he had killed his Brother because it appeared not where he was therefore sending Messengers to the Villages of the Thieves he proposed a great Sum of Money and so many Castles to any one that would take him alive so as these Thieves charmed with the hope of such a Profit even in the heat of Blood and War did not forget their Promise but after he was discovered took him alive though many died for it Being thus seized of Thyamis they rowed to Land putting him in Irons and appointing half of their Troops to guard him who vexing at his Fortune upbraided them of Cowardise for not daring to take him with their Swords bearing his imprisonment with more indignation and less patience than if it had been Death it self the rest of them returned
sat down with the rest to feed compelling also Theagenes and 〈◊〉 to do the same They thought it need 〈…〉 sons that were presently to die but he perswaded them there was no such thing intended That they carry'd them not to Death but to Oroondates But now the Heat of the day decreasing the Sun being no longer over their Heads but faln Westward and beating on their sides while Bagoas was going to take Horse again a certain Horse-man in a sweat and out of breath with hard Riding came up and took him aside to speak with him He fixing his Eyes upon the ground as it were full of thought concerning what had been told him Take Comfort Strangers said he your Enemy Arsace is dead by her own hand understanding that you were taken away preventing a necessary by a voluntary Fate For she would never have escaped punishment from Oroondates or the King and if she had not been put to Death at least must have led the remainder of her Life in Disgrace Euphrates sends me this Intelligence Wherefore be of good Hope for I am well assur'd that you have done no body wrong and she that injur'd you is Dead Thus spake Bagoas in imperfect Greek adding also That he himself was glad having suffer'd under the Tyranny of Arsace Wherefore he the more encourag'd his Prisoners For he hop'd that Oroondates would be pleas'd with his service if he carry'd them safe to him the Youth being likely to grace his Retinue and the Virgin of matchless Beauty would probably be made his Wife since Arsace was dead Theagenes and Charicleâ— râ—â—oyced at the News highly praising the Justice of â—he Gods nor did they think they could afterwards be much distress'd whatsoever Fortune should befal them since their most inveterate Enemy was gone When now the Evening drew on with a cool breeze inviting them to set forward they mounted again and rode all that night and part of the next morning if possible to overtake Oroondates before he went from Thebes But they met with a Souldier from the Army who told them Oroondates was gone from thence having sent him to draw out all the Garrisons and hasten with them to Syâ—ne all things being in disorder and fearing lest the City should be taken For the Deputy coming too late the AEthiopians had marched their Army thither with such speed that prevented the news of their approach Bagoas therefore turn'd off from his intended Journey and took the next Road to Syene But approaching to the Town they happen'd upon a Party of AEthiopians who were sent as Spies to secure the Passes for the Army But by reason of the night and their unacquaintance with the Country for they were order'd to plant an Ambuscade in every place which they found convenient they posted themselves amongst certain Bushes by the River-side partly for safeguard and partly for concealment from their Enemies And here they stood upon their Watch. Therefore at break of day wheâ— they perceiv'd Bagoas with his Horse-men to pass by them and were assured there were no more to follow they issued from their Covert with loud shouts Bagoas therefore and his company surprized with the noise knowing them by their colour to be AEthiopians and seeing their number too great to be encountred for there were in all a thousand sent out for Scouts he fled without once looking them in the face yet not so fast at first as he could have done but so as to preserve his Order The others pursu'd sending out two hundred of their Troglodytae The Troglodytae are a people of AEthiop addicted to Pastures and Borderers on Arabia who have wonderful swiftness both by Nature and Exercise from their Childhood They are not us'd to heavy Arms they therefore use Slings in fight to wound the Enemy at distance and trust to their heels when they find themselves over-power'd They know 't is impossible for the Enemy to overtake them till they can hide themselves in Rocks and Caves These therefore pursued on foot discharging their Slings but not being able to stand against the Horse return'd to their own Party But by fresh numbers issuing out upon them the Persians are scatter'd Bagoas himself thrown from his Horse and taken Thâ—agenâ—s and Chariclea partly thinking it unworthy not to assist Bagoas who â—ad us'd Civility to them and to whom they were likely to have been farther obliged leapt â—own to succour him but to no purpose not â—â—ing Arm'd This is my Dream said Theaâ—â—nes to Chariclea and these the AEthiops into â—hose Country I was to be carry'd I thereâ—â—re hold it better to submit our selves to them â—â—ther than experience a doubtful fortune with â—roondates Chariclea understood the rest the Accident now leading her as it were by the Hand judging them rather to be Friends than Enemies Yet she told not her sentiments to Theagenes only said that she was contented to do so When therefore the AEthiopians came â—p and knew Bagoas by his Face to be an Eunuch and the Persons that were unarm'd of most beautiful frame they asked them Who they were both by an AEgyptian and Persian â—s not doubting but that they understood the one or other Language Wherefore Theagenes who had AEgyptian enough to answer short Questions told them They were chief Servants to the Persian Deputy but themselves Grecians taken Prisoners by the Persians but now they hoped with better fortune put into the hands of AEthiopians They therefore resolv'd to spare them and carry them Captive to their King as the first Booty of the War and the most eminent Ornaments of the Persian Court. For the Eunuchs are the Eyes and Ears of the Persian Court as having neither Children nor Kindred on whom to place their Affection and are therefore wholly devoted to the Interest of their Master on whom they depend But for the young Pair they reckon'd that they would be no small Grace to their Kings Palace They therefore â—et them all upon Horses Bagoas being disabled by his Wound from walking Theagenes and Chariclea weary'd with their Chains This seem'd the beginning of an Interlude in which the persons that were now in expectation of sudden Death were no longer Captives and those that had them in Custody themselves made Prisoners THE AETHIOPIAN HISTORY The Ninth Book S Yâ—ne was now almost surrounded in Siege as it were in a Net by the AEthiopian numbers For Oroondates hearing of the Enemies approach left Cataractae and went with his Forces to Syene which he enter'd shutting up the Gates and planting Slings and Engines on the Walls conjecturing that which afterwards happen'd While therefore the AEthiopian King at some distance was inform'd by his Spies that Oroondates was making to the Town he hasten'd his March to prevent him but however came too late He then planted his Army round the City and so without any Engagement sat as it had been in a Theatre He brought with him six hundred thousand men and Cattel with which he cover'd
HISTORY The First Book THE break of day had now dispersed the darkness and the Sun with earliest beams guilded the summits of the Mountains when a Troop of Men that had no Living but by Robberies and Rapine appeared upon the Promontory that elevates it self over one of the Mouths of Nilus named the Heracliotick Being assembled they made a stand to take view of the Sea that lay like a vast Valley underneath them but when they saw nothing that presented hope of Prey all the Ships they discovered sayling off to the Main they cast their Eyes towards the neighbour Shoar and encountered this Object A Ship at Anchor no men in her yet heavy laden as might easily be judged afar oâ—f for she was of that burthen as she drew Water to the third Deck The Shoar was covered with a Massacre of men some dead others were but half dead and the parts of their Bodies that yet panted gave assurance to the beholders it was no long time since the Fight was ended nor were these the Marks of a just Quarrel they were the said Relicks of an unfortunate Feast There were Tables that stood yet full â—urnished and some that were overturned betwixt the Arms of those that sate at them others lay like Tomb-stones over the Dead that had as it is probable hid themselves under them Many Bowls and Pots were cast down and many yet held in their hands that had taken them either to drink or to cast at their Enemies heads for the suddenness of the Mutiny and the necessity had taught them a new way and instead of Darts and other offensive Weapons armed them with the Cups they drank in They lay one cloven with an Axe another his Brains beat out with Shells that lay ready on the Sands some bruised to pieces with Leavers many burnt with Coals of Fire and divers others diversly Murthered but the most were Shot to Death with Arrows In sum Fortune in a little time had produced strange variations contaminating the Wine with Blood changing the chearfulness of a Feast into the horrors of a Battle promiscuously mixing their Meat with Wounds and Drinking Healths with Death preparing such a Stage for the AEgyptian Thieves to be Spectators but from those heights they could not understand the Play for they plainly saw a defeat but no Masters of the Field an absolute Victory but no Spoils taken a Ship unmann'd but else untouched hulling in that dangerous Road as if in full peace and in the midst of the greatest security in the world But though ignorant of the Cause they were greedy of the Prey and resolved to make themselves the Conquerors So they marched forward to the pillage and when they were not far from the Ship and near to the dead Bodies there was presented to their sense a sight of greater astonishment than the former It was a young Lady sitting upon a Rock of so rare and perfect a Beauty as one would have taken her for a Goddess and though her present misery opprest her with extreamest grief yet in the greatness of her affliction they might easily perceive the greatness of her Courage A Laurel crown'd her Head and a Quiver in a Scarf hanged at her back she rested her left Arm upon her Bow and let her Hand carelesly hang down upon her right Thigh she leaned on her other Arm laying her Cheek upon her hand and fixing her eyes upon a young Gentleman that lay not far distant from her he was covered in his wounds and now began to raise himself a little as if awaking out of a deep sleep almost of Death it self yet such a stock of Beauty shined in his Face and the Blood that rained down so set off the whiteness of his Skin as made him shew most lovely the pain he felt seemed to weigh down his Eye-lids and the Beauty of the Lady to attract and open them He had no sooner recollected his Spirits and scarce breath'd but with a languishing voice he pronounced these words Sweetest Is it true that I yet behold you Living or perishing in the execution have you encreased the number of the dead can you not not even in Death be ravished from me but will your shadow be yet a loooker on and sharer in my Fortunes It is from you reply'd the Maid that I expect my Fortune Life or Death this you here see shewing him a Steeletto in her lap hath yet not done its office hindered by the happy signs of your recovery This said she leaped from the Rock and the Thieves upon the Mountains surprized with fear and astonishment ran to hide themselves behind the Bushes For she appeared more Divine when she was upon her Feet her Arrows in her Quiver clashing as she stepped her Robe that was Cloth of Gold glittering in the Sun and her Hair that flowed under her Coronet like the Priestesses of Bacchus reaching almost to the ground One said she was a Goddess and sure the Goddess Diana or Isis the Patroness of their Country others conceived her to be a Votaress to some God that inspired with divine fury had made so great a slaughter This while the Maid running to the Gentleman cast herself upon his Body wept kist himâ— wiped his wounds and imbraced him so closely as if she could hardly be assured she had him in her Arms. The AEgyptians observing this presently altered their Opinions What said thâ—y are these the actions of a Goddess do Goddesses kiss dead Men and with so much commiseration So encouraging one another they marched on and found the Lady dressing the young mans wounds and coming close â—ehind her did not dare to attempt any thing not so much as to speak to her but the noiâ—e they had made and their shadows cast before her Eyes moved her to turn her Head and when she had seen them she again declined her Face and applyed her self to bind up her friends wounds not so much as the least daunted with the unusual Aspect and colour of these armed AEgyptians So powerful is sincere affection as it despises all other pleasing or displeasing thi◠〈◊〉 and transports our whole care and thoughts 〈◊〉 the object we love dearest But when the Thieves passed on and stood in front before her and seemed as if they would attempt something she lifted up her Eyes again and seeing them so black and ugly If you be she said these dead mens Spirits you do us wrong to trouble us since most of you with your own hands slew one another if any of you fell by ours it was but in our just revenge to repell the violence you offered to my Chastity but if ye be living men I should take you to be Thieves if so you come mosâ— opportunely Free us I beseech you from these evilâ— that oppress us kill us and put and end to all our misery These passionate wodrâ— she spake with as sad an Accent But they neither understanding her words nor meaning left her with the wounded
her fled away according to agreement with the Merchant Nausicles this displeased the People yet they did not judge him to be the Murtherer but an Accessory to the Plot against Damaeneta and consenting to my unjust Banishment therefore they expell'd him the City conâ—iscating all his goods these were the fruits he reaped of his Second Marriage and this was the reason made the wicked Thesbe sail from Athens who now before my Eyes receives the punishment she had deserv'd Thus much one Anticles told me in the Island of AEgina with him I put to Sea again bound for AEgypt that if happily I should light of Thesbe here in the City of Naucratia I might carry her back to Athens to discharge my Father of the crime whereof he was falsly indicted and withal to see her treacheries and malice duly punished by the Laws but now I am here detained a Prisoner as you are at another time you shall know the cause and manner of my taing the fortune I have since endured but how Thesbe came into this Cave and who hath slain her we need some God for an interpreter Yet if you please I will read the Letter that I took out of her Bosome which may perhaps give us further intelligence They intreated him to do so and opening it he read these words To her Master Knemon Thesbe his Enemy and Revenger FOr my first News know Damoeneta is Dead by my means for your sake The way I did it if you please to receive me I will relate unto your self it is now ten days that I have been in this Island taken by one of these Thieves that boasts himself to be the Captains Page and keeps me locked up not giving me the Liberty to walk or look abroad punishing me thus as he tells me for the love he bears me but as I conjecture it is for fear lest some body should take me from him yet for all this some Angel directing me as you passed by yesterday I saw and knew you and have now secretly sent you this Letter by an Old Woman my Keeper charging her to present it to the fair Grecian that is near the Captains Person I beseech you Sir free me from this Thief and receive your Handmaid and if it be your pleasure save my Life conâ—idering wherein I offended you Necessity constrain'd me but that I have revenged you of your Enemy was the free motion of my Soul notwithstanding that you be so incensed against me as that you are resolved not to pardon me use me as you please let me dye so I may dye yours For I esteem it much more noble at your hands to receive Death and funeral Rites according to the Custom of Greece than to endure a Life more terrible then Death and the love of a Barbarian more bitter then the hatred of an Athenian Thus Thesbe and the Letter spake Oh Thesbe Thesbe said Knemon thou hast received a just Iudgment and thy self the Messenger that tells it to us delivering us a Letter contains part of thy Misfortunes after thou art Dead by this we know the Fury that revenged thy wickedness upon thee whipt thee about the World and never held her hand till she had brought thee before me thy wronged Master though I lived in AEgypt and made me a Spectator of thy Tradegy But what new Stratagem hadst thou against me By these Letters that Fortune took out of thy hands I cannot but suspect thee yet and I much fear that Damoeneta 's Death is but a thing devised and put into their Mouths that told me it and that thou art come thus far by Sea to make me as Tragick a Spectacle now in AEgypt as before at Athens Why Knemon said Theagenes still so valiant will you not yet leave fearing Spirits and Shadows my error was but a Deceptio visus but I am no actor in this Scene She is dead I warrant never doubt it but who is Author of this favour to thee and has killed her to thy Hand I cannot imagine nor how or when she came down hither I am not able further to resolve you said Knemon but assuredly Thyamis is he that killed her That which makes me believe it is his sword we found dropt out of her Wound for I know it to be his by the Ivory Pommel cut in the figure of an Eagle which is his Crest Cannot you tell us said Theagenes when or how or for what cause he did this Murther How should I know replyed Knemon for this Cave hath not made me Prophetical like that of Apollo at Delphos or Triphonius his Den from whence men come out inspired with a divine fury Presently Theagenes and Chariclea fell a weeping and cryed with one voice Oh Apollo O Delphos this amazed Knemon not being able to conceive why the names oâ— Apollo and Delphos should so much trouble them Thus were they busied Now Thermutis the page of Thâ—amis that was hurt in the Battel when he had recovered Land by Swimming the night now growing Dark he found a Boat Shipwrackt by the Fen-side and entring it plyed his Oares towards his Captains Island to see Thesbe whom a few dayes before he had taken from the Merchant Nausicles as he was leading her in a narrow way that lyes along the Mountain side where Thermutis lay in Ambush to Rob Passengers and as Thyamis at the first noise and arrival of the Enemies had sent him to seek a Beast to Sacrifice to the Gods for Victory Thâ—rmutis desperately in love with this Woman desirous to keep her out of danger of the War and to preserve her for himself secretly conveyed her into the Cave and for fear and haste left her at the Mouth thereof where she remained not daring to stir both frighted with the Alarm and the present Dangers and not knowing the windings of the way that conducted to the Bottom and thus Thyamis finding her at his entry slew her believing that he killed Chariclea Thermutis therefore having escap'd the Battel fled to find her in the Island where arriving he ran with all haste towards the Tent of Thyamis which was now but ashes and with much difficulty finding the Cave by a Stone that covered the entry he lighted a few Reeds that were yet unconsumed and ran down calling Thesbe which name was all the Greek he had but when he saw her stretch'd Dead upon the Earth he was so astonisht as a while he had no Motion at length hearing certains Sounds and Murmurs out of the hollows of the Cave for Theagenes and Knemon were yet discoursing he suspected those to be the Murtherers of Thesbe this confused his thoughts not knowing what to resolve or do for the natural cruelty and barbarous humour of the Thief his rage exasperated by this accident frustrating him of the enjoying of his Love incited him to run to the bottom and fall upon them he esteemed the Authors of her Death but wanting Arms he was reclaimed to Moderation against his will
same Winds rising about the Summer Solstice violently chase and drive all the Clouds from North to South that carried upon their swift Wings to the torrid Zone are there stopped and by the incredible vehemency of the circumfused heat their motion is bâ—aten back and the humor that before was gathered and condensed then thaws and destilling in great showers making Nilus so proud that he no longer endures to be a River but passing his Limits covers AEgypt with his inundation like a Sea making fruitful the Country as be passeth this is the reason his Waters are so sweet to drink because he receiveth them from Heaven and they are fine to bath in not hot as when they fall yet Milk warm as retaining part of their original hence it comes that of all Rivers only this exhales no vapours which would necessarily follow by natural reason iâ— as certain learned Greâ—ians have conceived the â—ides had taken their increase from Snow melting and pouring off the Mountains As I discoursed thus the Priâ—st oâ— Apollo my intimate Friend named Charicles You spâ—ak said he â—xcâ—llâ—ntly well and I aâ—â—ent to your opinion for it is the same I heard of your Priests in the Catadupes of Nilus Were you ever there Chariâ—les said I I was replyed he I demandâ—d if he had any business there he answered my adverse Fortune at home made me travel thither and was the cause of my felicâ—ty I marvelling at his words as implying contradiction You will not wonder he said when you hear all the passages which I will tell you when you please We cannot have a better time I said Be it now if you think good Then Charicles taking mâ— aside Know said he I have long wished to give you the relation of my Fortunes as having need oâ— your assistance wise Calasiris After I was Marrâ—â—d I was some years without Children at length growing into years yet continuing earnest in my Prayers to the Gods they blessed me with Issue and made me Father of a Daughter in the declining of my Age but with sad predictions that her Birth should be unfortunate she being now grown Marriageable many Suitors were ambitious to be her Husband I matched her to him that in my Judgment best deserved her but even upon her Marriage-Night in her Husbands Bed and Arms the Miserable dyed suffocated by Fire either from Heaven or scattered from the hand of some too careless Person so Mourning and Tears took place of her Nuptial Bravery and of the Epithalamion that was yet sung from her Marriage-Chamber she was carryed to her Tomb and the same Torches that were lighted at her Wedding serv'd for her Funeral-Fire nor did the divine Powers let this Tragedy end here but added her Mother to the Scene of Death Heart-broken for her Child I having not constancy enough to â—upport these rigours of the Gods would not yet exile my self from Life obeying the more probable Doctrine of Divines but resolved to forsake my Country and no more to see the solitude and sorrow of my House for it is a great eaâ—e to Misery to remove the sad Object from our Eyes And having wandred many Countreys at length I came into your AEgypt and travelled to the Catadupes to see the Cataracts and falls of Nilus Here you have the reasons of my Journey but I desire you should know the Head or rather Crown of the Narration As I was there walking the Streets and buying some Rarities whereof there was scarcity in Greece for now time having digested my Sorrow I longed to return into my Country a venerable black Man with a face full of Gravity though he were but newly sâ—epped out of his Youth came to me and saluted me telling me in bâ—oken Greek that he desired to have some conference with me I obeying his desire he carried me into a Temple hard by and said I saw you buying some Indian and AEthiopian Herbs and Roots but if you will have them sincere and without all Sophistication buy of me With all my Heart said I Pray you shew them But take heed said he you be not too wary a Buyer Look you said I you be not too dear a Seller Then drawing out a little Caâ—binet that he carried under his Arm he opened it and shewed me certain Gems of an inestimable value there were Pearls of the bigness of a Hasel-Nut exactly round and fair without a Flaw Emeralds and Jacinths the one shewing like the green Corn in the Spring time shining in their Polish as if oyled the other imitating the colour of the Sea-shore under a high bending Rock dying all below it in a purple Colour In fine of all the Stones together there was a mixt and various Water infinitely pleasing and delightful to the Eye When I had well considered them Friend said I you must seek you other kind of Chapmen than I am for all my wealth will not be great enough to purchase me the least of these If you have not means to buy them said he yet I hope you have power to receive them as a gift That 's true I replyed I think my power were sufficient to receive them but I cannot imagine what should induce you thus to mock me I mock not he replyed but what I do is serious and I protest unto you by the power that is Patron of this Temple I will give you all these provided you will receive with this a richer giâ—t At this I fell a laughing and he demanding the cause I told him it seemed to me a ridiculous thing that offering me such Riches he would yet promise a Reward for receiving of them of far richer Value Believe me replyed he but let me take your Oath withal that you will nobly use this gift and as I shall instruct you A while I stood in doubt yet I did swear won with the hope of such a promise but when I had taken my Oath in the form he gave it he took me along with him and shewed me a Maid endowed with an incomparable Form and Grace as he said but seven Years old but to me she seemed almost marriageable so much doth the excellency of a Face add to the lowness of a Stature My eyes dazling at this wonder I stood amazed and speechless partly because I was ignorant of what he meant to do bat principally out of an insatiable desire of beholding the young Lady till he awaked me with these words Stranger This Maid thou seest for some causes thou shalt understand hereafter was exposed by her Mother in her swathing-Bands and left to the uncertainty of Fortune I lighting by chance upon her took her up for I had been Wicked and a Villain if I had sufâ—ered a Soul to float in so much danger that hâ—d once entred a humane Body for this is one oâ— the Precepts oâ— our Gymnosophists whose Scholar though unworthy I have been But that which most moved my Charity was a kind of Divinity that I saw shining in the
To conclude assuring them of a happy Issue and that I had auspicated this business by the Commandment of the Gods I will now go said I and dispatch the rest Do you expect me in his place taking a special regard you be not observ'd by any Then I was going away But Chariclea caught me by a part of my Robe and stayed me O Father said she this beginning were injustice rather a betraying if you should go and leave me alone with Theagenes not considering how unfaithful a Guard a Lover is having the causer of his flames in his own power Therefore I will not leave you till for this present and the time to come you shall oblige Theagenes by vow not to importune me for any favour in that kind before I do recover my Country and Parents Or if Heaven be not so pleased yet till such time as with my consent he shall receive me for his Wife Admiring the vertues of the Maid I resolved it should be done accordingly And making an Altar of a Table taking Fire from the Chimny Theagenes made his vow professing we had done him wrong to cut off by the prevention of an Oath the voluntary intregrity of his Soul and that he could not commend an Act done for fear though of the Gods Yet he did swear by Apollo of Delphos by Diana by Venus her self and Love to do nothing that should displease Chariclea Thus calling the Gods to Witness they accorded these and other Articles betwixt them I holding on my course to Charicles found his House full of Tears and Tumult Forasmuch as the Servants of Chariclea had already brought him news of the carrying away of his Daughter and Citizens came in from all parts of the Town and flocked about despairing Charicles In summ the ignorance of what was done and the want of Counsel in what was to be done confused them all I therefore thundering amongst them with a loud voice O miserable Men said I how long will you stand like stupid things mute and dull as if you were deprived of your Judgment with your Fortune What will you not Arm and pursue your Enemies Will you not take and punish them who have done you such an injury But Charicles replied it were perhaps superfluous and vain to struggle longer with these disasters for I am assured the Divine wrath inâ—licts this punishment upon me when coming once at a forbidden hour into the Sanctuary of our Temple I saw what was not lawful for Man to behold Then the God foretold me for my presumption I should be deprived of that was dearest to my Eyes yet let not this hinder you to fight as they say with the Gods themselves if we knew whither we should go and who hath been so cruel to us It was said I even the Thessalian whom you so much admired and would needs make me acquainted with him it was Theagenes and his youthful company perhaps you may find some of them yet in Town for sure they cannot be all departed therefore rise and call a Council of the people It was done so as I appointed and the Captains sent their Men to proclaim by sound of Trumpet that the Townsmen should assemble immediately the people came in and they held a Council by night upon the Theatre Charicles stood forth into the middle and presently set them all on weeping beholding him in his Mourning his Head and Face covered with ashes but much more when his affliction unfolded it self in his words Perhaps dear Country-men said he seeing me thus stand forth you may esteem me come hither to ease my heart and to have convoked so great an assembly to be spectators of the enormous greatness of my miseriâ—â—â—â—ut this is not my meaning for though I have often sustained calamitiâ—s equal with Death it self and that my House is now deserted laid waste from Heaven and muâ—t remain dâ—solate ever hereafter having 〈◊〉 one after another all that were dear to me and in whose bâ—loved acquaintance I took the only joy of my life yet vain hope an error common to all the World makes me resolute to â—e pâ—tient and not die yet perswading my self my Câ—ild mâ—y be recovered but that which moves me most is this City which I desire and expect to see victoâ—ious before my death and revenged of those have offered her this violence unless these Thessalian Youths have also ravished from us our generous Spirits and our indignation for the abuâ—e to our Country and our Gods protect us for it would be a grievous heartâ—reak to us all if a few dancing Boys the Ministers of the sacred Legation should go away with the spoils of the principal City of Greece having robbed in my sight ah me the Temple of Apollo of its most precious treasure my Chariclâ—a O implacable and obstinate wrath of the destinies towards me first as you know they extinguished my own Daughters life even with her Nuptial Torches then took away her Mother from me seized with such a sorrow at her Death as it cost her presently her life soon after they chased me from my Country but all this methought was supportable after I had found Chariclea Chariclea was all my Life my Hope the hope of my Succession Chariclea was all my Comfort and as I may say my Anchor but woe is me this Tempest whencesoever it arose hath cruelly broke all my Cables Neither was this done simply and accidentally but expressly to insult over us at such an unexpected season taking her away from her Bed almost her Nuptial Bed as you all know for I had published to you my intention of her Marriage He speaking thus and falling from his matter into Complaints the Provost Hâ—gâ—sias cut him off and wished him to go home speaking to the People in this sort My Lords Assistants and the rest Charicles shall have free liberty to make his Complaints hereafter when he pleaseth but let us not be drowned in his sorrow nor inconsiderately â—e carried away with his Tears as with the currâ—nt of a River neglecting the occasion which in all things and principally in affairs of War is of greatest importance for if now from this assembly we would set forward there might be some hope we should overtake them whilst they march carelessly thinking us unprovided to pursue them but if we stay longer to condole with Charicles with feminine Faces pitying his disasters it will only remain that by our delay we shall give them means to escape and our selves be laught at and by Boys which we should have presently taken and nailed upon Gallowses making some of them suâ—â—â—â— with such ignominâ— and transferring the disparagement down upon their Families which would be an easie â—â—ing if we exasperate the Thessalians against these Men if any of them shall escape us by interdicting them by our Decree to send â—ny more of their Nation to perform this Sacrifice and ordaining by Common Council that â—â—reafter the solemn Anniverâ—ary of the Deâ—i-gâ—d
the same places aâ— if they were diâ—ferent he heard a Woman like a Nightingale in a Cage with soâ—t and lamentable accents complain of her hard fortune and laying his Ear to the crevice of the door he distinguished these words Poor miserable I thought my self safe out of the hands of Thieves and that I had escaped the horror of a Bloody death which I expected hoping to pass the rest of my life with my Beloved which though it had been the life of a stranger and a wanderer yet living with him it had contented me for there can be nothing so rigorous or fall of molestation that his sweet presence will not make supportable but the yet pityless Destiny that hath persecuted me from my Biâ—th having once more â—lattered me with hope hath again deceived me I esteemed my self free from servitude and behold I am a Slave again I imagined I should bâ— no more a Prisoner and I am as straitly kept as ever before I was environed in an Island envellopped in darkness the estate of my present Fortune resembles my late Misery or rather is more wretched since he is forced from me that by his consolation would and could sweeten any bitterness The last day the Cave of the Thieves was my Retreat and what was it but an Abyss a Hell or properly a Grave and yet the presence of my Love made it a sweet place there he mourned for me living believing me to be dead and weeping for me as murdered by the hand of a cruel Enemy but now alas I am deprived of such comforts the companion of my miseries is perished that did bear grief with me as a common burden and I am left alone forsaken a Captive wretched every way exposed to the cruel mercy of Fortune only contented not to die because I hope my dearest Friend yet lives but O my Soul where are you now or what new accident befals you are you ah me a Slave as I am is that free and generous Courage patient of any Servitude but that of Love now made a Captive yet Love whatsoever you indure live still and hope at length to see your Thisbe for so you must call me though I know it is against your will Knemon was no longer able to contain himself when he heard this and had not patience to stay the rest at first suspecting her for another but in the end of her Speech concluding her to be Thisbe he had much ado to keep himself from falling down almost at the door But he held out the best he could and for fear some of the House should take him there for now the Cocks had crowed the second time he ran away sometimes breaking his Shins against the Stools that stood in his way sometimes running his Face against the Wall and now stumâ—ling at a Threshold or Door Posts In the end he got to his Chamber where he presently cast himself upon the Bed where he began to tremble and his Teeth to chatter in sucâ— sort as he had been in danger of his Life unless Caâ—â—siâ—is had instantly been aware of him and cherished and comforted him making him come to himself agâ—in And after Knemon began to breathe again Calasiris ask'd what had frighted him I am lost he reply'd for it is true the wicked Thisbe is reviv'd And when he said this he fell into a swound again and the Old Man took a great deal of pains again while he â—ndeavour'd to recover him it was evidentlâ— some God that took a delight to play with Knemon as all thinâ—s in the World is only their game and mockery and would not permit him to enjoy without grief the sweets of his desire but mixed with bitterness that which presently after was to give him the height of his content forasmuch as happily they intended to show what was their custom and it may be the reason of it is thâ—t humane nature is not capable to receive a simple joy without some allay as may be â—udged by this Example of Knemon who at that time fled away from the object he most wished and was frighted with the sweetest accent could befal him for the Woman that he had heard lamenting was Chariclea and not Thisbe and thus it came about After Thyamis was faln alive into the power of his Enâ—mies that he was taken Prisoner and that the Fiâ—e had reduc'd all the Island to Ashes and unpeopl'd it of the Herdsmen Knemon and Tâ—ermutis the Paâ—e oâ— Thyamis ferry'd over the Laâ—e in the moâ—ning to vâ—nture as Spiâ—s â—monâ— their 〈◊〉 to â—et knowlâ—dge of the estate â—f their Capâ—â—â—â— The events of their journey you have â—eard bâ—fore but Theâ—gâ—nâ—s and Chaâ—iâ—lea remain'd â—lone in the Cave repuâ—ing the delay of miseâ—y as a great good Fortune â—or then finding themselves free without any person to trouble them they imbraced gave and received so many mutual Kisses as falling into a languishing oblivion they remain'd along time as if they would have grown into one body yet feasting themselves with chast and pure delights But at length the care of their aâ—fairs return'd into their memory and necessity constrained them to give over their Caresses Theagâ—nâ—s beginning in this sort to speak Our chiefeâ—t wish and our continual Prayer to the Gods of Greece my fair Chariclea is That they will permit us to pass the course of all our years together and to enjoy the happiness we prefer before all others in hope whereof we have sustained so many â—vils But forasmuch as the condition of all Worldly things is variable and so unstable as that we see inclineing one way in a moment we perceive changed to the contrary we have already suffer'd much and are yet to expect more misery being to go to the Town of Chemis as we have promis'd Knemon And what will here befal us Heaven knows and from thence questionless it will be a mighty â—ourney eâ—e we shall arrive in the Country we are bound for therefore I think it would be good we should agree upon some Cyphers or Privy toâ—ens by means whereof when we are together we mâ—y sâ—crâ—tly interchange the expâ—ession of our minds and find out one another if by Fortune wâ— should be sâ—parated for the â—est guide after one hath strayed is the memory of some marks he hath taken of his Friends Chariclâ—a approv'd his invâ—ntion and they agreed in â—ase they should be parted That upon all the famous Temples and Statua's Images and Stones in cross ways he should write Pythias and Chariclea Pythia expressing whether they were gone to the Right or the Left into what Town Village or Country adding the day and hour but if by chance they did meet it would suffice that one should but see the other forasmuch as time would never deface those amorous marks that were imprinted in their Souls Yet Chariclea shewed him her Fathers Ring that was exposed with her and Theagenes let her see a White Scar upon his Knee given him by a Wound he
what we meant to do I told him what was done for the present was by his advice we do endeavour to avoid the practices that are contrived against us and I pray the Gods for the good and charitable Offices we have received in your House to have you always in their protection This last favour let me intreat you to do for us that you will pass over into the Island of Ithaca and make a Sacrifice for us to Vlysses to pray him that he will mitigate his wrath towards us for our disdain and contempt of him as he imagines for so he taxed me in my Sleep this Night Tyrrhâ—nus promised to perform it and so brought us down to the Water side weeping abundantly and praying the Gods to send us a good Voyage and favourable Winds to wast us to the place where we did wish to be Why should I trouble you with many words By the time the Morning Star appear'd we were lanched into the Main the Saylors being at first exceedingly against it but in the end they were perswaded by the Tyrian Merchant telling them he fled from a Pirate that lay in wait for them and he spake truly and knew not for his meaning was to make a lye But the Wind was so full against us the Tempest waxed so great and the Waves swelled in that horrid sort as that it was a thousand to one our Ship had perished but in the end we came by the Lee of a certain Promontory in the Isle of Candy having firsâ— lost the half of our Rudder and a great part of our Sail-yards being broke and blown over-board therefore we thought it best to stay some days in that Island to new rigg our Ship and recreate our selves this done we were all commanded to reimbarque upon the First Day of the New Moon after her Conjunction with the Sun Being Lanched forth upon the Main again the West Winds of the Spring now sweetly breathing the Patron Night and Day directed his Course to the Coast of Africa for he said We might cross the Sea directly by a Line if the Wind changed not But that which most moved him to speed his Voyage was to gain some Road or Port because afar off he descryed a Pirate's Galley that came full in his Poop for said he From the time we loosed from the Promontory of Candy he hath always followed our Track and constantly sailed as if he were bound for the same place and I have often observed he made the same turns with us having many times the better to discover him expresly declined my Vessel from her course Some were moved at these words encouraging their fellows to prepare for their defence and somâ— there were neglected them saying It was ordinary for the lesser Bottoms to follow the course of a great Ship as believing it to be guided by a more Experimented Pilot the Day passed on in this dispute and it was about the hour the Labourer returns weary with his Travel having newly loosed his Oxen and now the overtoiled Wind began to languish and diminishing by little and little in the end it had no force at all so as the breath it spent upon our Sails served only to shufle them together not at all to blow us on briefly it setled into a Calm as if it had set with the Sun or to speak more properly as if it would accommodate it self to their design that chased us because our Sails being more large than theirs and by consequence requiring the more Wind. But as soon as this tranquillity of the Heavens had smoothed the Seas the Galley was come up to us sooner than I can speak it for as I believe all that were within her put their Hands to the Oars their Vessel also being light and nimble of it self when they were very near us a Zacynthian Passenger in our Ship cryed to us Friends we are all undone this is a Pirate I know the Galley of Trachinus At the report of this News a sudden fear seized our whole Ship and in a Calm we had a Tempest riâ—ing in tumult Crys Tears and running up and down some running under the Hatches some standing upon the Decks animating the rest to endure the Fight and there were some would have got into the Long-boat and fled till by their two long delay the Fight surprized them within the Ship forceing them to remain and to take in their Hands what they could find to defend themselves Theagenes full of Courage burned with desire of the Battel â—ut Chariclea and I with our Imbraces hindred him from attempting any thing she vowing Death should not separate him from her but the same Sword should give her the like wounds and make her an equal sharer in his Misfortune But I after I understood our Enemy was Trachinus prepared some Sleights might afterwards do us good service which fell out as I expected For the Pirates approaching circled about our Ship to make tryal if it were possible to take her without Blood therefore they did attacque us but still rowing about us they would neither suffer us to go forward nor backward Briefly it seemed as if they had Besieged us and would compel us to render our selves upon composition O poor unfortunate Men said they what Blindness hath seized your Spirits and why are you so deprived of Judgment as thus to precipitate your selves into the danger of an evitable Death by attempting to resist invincible Forces to which yours are nothing it is yet in your choice to be dealt humanly withal we permit you all that will to take your Long-boat and save your selves These were their Propositions but those of our Ship so long as they fought only in words and saw no Blood were daring and resolute and said they would stand to it to the last Man But after one of the bolder Pirates had boarded us putting all he met to the Sword and teaching us that the Ceremonies of War were Death and Slaughter the rest of his Company immediately leaping after him then the Phoenicians began to repent their Courage and falling at his Feet beseeched him to shew mercy to them and they were ready to obey all his Commandments and although the Pirates were now flesht and began to please themselves in Murder for the sight of Blood doth irritate and excite the Spirit nevertheless by the Command of Trachinus beyond all Expectation he pardoned the Supplicants and made a Peace under â—uch conditions as were more cruel than the War it self for he ordained they should depart the Ship with no more but the Cloths they had on making it Death to him that should do otherwise But it seems there is nothing more precious to a Man than Life which was the cause these Phoenician Merchants having now lost the hope of all the Riches in the Ship as if they had lost nothing but rather gain'd and made an excellent Voyage did strive who should first get into the Boat and every one was
endure to see him chastiz'd You are too tender replyed Cybele as though he would not by light chastisement be made to embrace Pleasure and for your part of the suffering you will be rewarded with your outmost Wishes but if you cannot bear the spectacle deliver him to Euphrates to be scourg'd as for some fault which you may hear though not see and if you find him change his mind you may at pleasure put an end to his Chastisement Arsace suffer'd her self to be perswaded for Love when despis'd spares not the Object but turns Kindness into Revenge Calling therefore the Chief Eunuch to her she gave him Orders accordingly He being by Nature envious and possest with inveteracy against Theagenes for what he had seen and suspected immediately threw him into Bonds and afflicted him with Stripes and Hunger The place was dark where he kept him and though he knew the cause he dissembled often asking Theagenes the reason who gave him no answer wherefore he daily renew'd his Punishment and more severely than Arsace intended Tormenting and suffering none to come to him beside Cybele who perpetually visited him pretending to commiserate his condition on account of their former acquaintance but indeed to find if he were to be wrought upon by the Tortures He shew'd himself more a Man more resolute than ever yielding his Body to punishment triumphing in his Misfortune that gave proof of his Love to Chariclea and saying That all was well with him if she did but know his Constancy continually calling her his Light his Life and Soul When Cybele perceiv'd this contrary to the will of Arsace she gave command to have his torments encreased Neither thus did she hope for success but last means were to be try'd when affairs were desperate she expected that Oroondates when he should hear of it would take Revenge on Achemenes She fear'd lest Arsace when her passion was discovered would lay violent hands on her self and that consequently it were impossible for her to escape wherefore if things came to the worst she resolv'd to involve all together in the same fate Returning therefore to Arsace We lose our labour Madam said she he is still more resolute and obstinate having always Chariclea in his Mouth and solacing his sufferings with her Name Let us therefore cast forth our last Anchor and remove this Obstacle to our Endeavours If he shall once know that she is dead he will of course admit your kindness despairing of his former Love Arsace catcht at what she said being before enrag'd with Jealousie you advise well said she I will take care to have her dispatch'd But whom shall we get to perform this For though the power be in your own hands yet the Persian Laws forbid to put any to Death without the Judgment of the Magistrates You must therefore contrive to lay some Crime to her Charge Yet if you think fitting for I would run any hazzard for your sake I will attempt her Life by Poyson Arsace approv'd hereof and commanded her to do it She therefore immediately went about it and finding Chariclea in Tears and Lamentations noâ— only so but contriving some means to dispatch her self for she now understood what Theagenes suffer'd though Cybâ—le had long kept her in Ignorance framing divers excuses for his so long Absence Fond Maid said she will you never give over afflicting your self without Reason Theagenes is well and shall come to you this Evâ—ning My Lady was angry for some mistake that he committed in his Office and caus'd him to be shut up but this day he will be releas'd which I also entreated of her for to day she is to celebrate a certain Festival after the manner of her Country Rise therefore compose your self and now take some Repast with me What reason have I to believe you said Chariclea For it has been your continual practice to deceive me I swear by the Gods answer'd Cybele that this day all things shall be well with you and you shall be freed from all your Cares only do not before destroy your self having now fasted for so many days Taste therefore of what is now set before you Chariclea obeyâ—d her though not without suspicion but partly assenting to her Oath and partly for Joy of what was told her For the mind easily believes what it earnestly desires She therefore sat down to eat While the Attendant fill'd the Wine Cybele beckon'd to her first to give the Cup to Chariclea and after to her self But the Old Lady before she had drank to the bottom spilling the rest began to storm and looking sternly upon the Waiter was immediately enflam'd and seiz'd with Convulsions Chariclea was fill'd with horrour and endeavour'd to lift her up she likewise call'd the assistance of them that were present for the mischief seem'd swifter than an Arrow the Poyson being of so strong a Tincture as to destroy the youngest and strongest Constitution but in a feeble and old Body it dispers'd it self in a minute through all the Vitals The Convulsions now remitting she lay motionless a blackness overspreading her Skin Though I suppose her Rage for being deceiv'd gave no small help to the ferment For even now breathing her last she did not intermit her frauds but partly with signs partly with broken words perswaded them that Chariclea had Poyson'd her At the same minute that she gave up the Ghost Chariclea was brought bound to Arsace She therefore demanding whether she had procur'd the Poyson and affirming that if she deny'd Tortures should force her into Confession Chariclea became an unwonted spectacle to the Beholders For without any meanness of Spirit or concern in her Face she enter'd smiling into her Presence partly out of Conâ—cience of her Innocence and partly for Joy that she should not survive Theagenes if he were dead and also because the Death which she design'd to perpetrate on her self was now to be perform'd by other hands O Princess said she if my Theagenes live I am guiltless of this Action but if he be dead there is no need of calling Council or inflicting Tortures you may spare your self that trouble You have me here who destroy'd the person that bred you up kill me therefore without delay You can do nothing more grateful to Theagenes who has resisted your impious sollicitations Arsace was enrag'd hereat and commanded her to be struck Carry said she this Victim bound as she is to let her Lover see how gloriously she returns his Constancy command Euphrates to load her all over with Chains and leave them together till the Persian Magistracy shall be assembled to morrow for her Condemnation By this time the Maid that serv'd the Wine was brought in She was an Ionian Slave and the same that by Arsace was appointed to wait on Chariclea Whether therefore she was mov'd with kindness to her or by Divine Impulsion she sigh'd and wept most bitterly O wretched Creature said she and void of all Crime The
standers-by being in wonder hereat and urging her to speak plainly she confessed that she her self gave the Poyson to Cybele having receiv'd it first from her to administer it to Chariclea That whether it was through concern at so unwonted a Practice or whether mistaking the Signs of Cybele ordering to minister first to Chariclea she changed the Cups and gave the Poyson to the Old Lady She was therefore led to Arsace as thinking she should please her in clearing Chariclea But when she had given her this account Arsace commanded her also to be taken into Custody as an Accomplice in the fact and to be kept for the next days Session She also summon'd the Persian Magistrates by Messengers to be ready When therefore they were sat early in the morning Arsace gave in her Accusation telling all that had past condoling also with Tears the loss of the person that bred her who was dearer to her than her life appealing to the Judges with how much courtesie â—he had treated the stranger who in return had done her such Injury Chariclea answer'd nothing to the Charge but confest the Crime affirming that she gave the Poyson adding also that she would likewise have taken off Arsace had she not been prevented For having told her resolutions over-night to Theagenes and conferr'd with him she resolv'd to undergo any manner of Death to depart from a life so full of trouble of implacable Fortune and endless Wanderings she there bid him her last farewel The Bracelet and Jewels with the rest that were expos'd with her which she always secretly preserv'd she now placed next to her Body carrying as it were with her the Rites of her Funeralâ— She therefore own'd every Crime that was alledg'd and more than were charg'd For which reason the Judges hardly forbore from inâ—licting the outmost Tortures after the Persian manner yet moved with her Youth and Beauty they only sentenc'd her to die by Fire She was therefore seiz'd by the Guards and hurrâ—'d forth beyond the Walls the Beadle contiâ—uâ—lly crying out That it was for Poyson that she suâ—fer'd a vast multitude from the City following them Some of them had seen her led to Tryal others by reason of the rumour spread all over the City came to have a view of her Arsace was also present and sat a Spectator on the Wall For it would have troubled her not to have beheld Chariclea suffer When therefore the Officers had raised a great Pile and set Fire thereunto Chariclea begg'd â—espite from those that led her saying That she would of her own accord ascend the Pile O Sun and Earth she cryed out O powers above and you that below take Vengeance on wicked Souls you are witnesses that I am Innocent of all that is laid to my Charge But that I my self willingly submit to Death for the intolerable troubles which I sustain Receive me therefore with favour However take vengeâ—nce of this Arsace for whose crimes I suffer she â—s an Adultress and does this to deprive me of my Husband When she had thus spoken the people shouted some saying That she should be reserv'd for another Tryal others endeavouring to rescue her in the mean time she ascended the File where for a long while she stood unhurt the Fire rather circling about than approaching her serving only to make her Beauty more conspicuous and adorning the Pile as it were a Nuptial Bed She passed from one part to another admiring at what happen'd and tempting Death but in vain â—or the flame still turn'd off from her The Officâ—rs in the mean time omiâ—ted nothing on their part Arsâ—ce also bâ—â—kning to them from the Wall to do tâ—eir duty whâ—â—â—fore they heap'd on moâ—e comâ—â—â—tible mâ—tter Neither could they thus prevâ—il The Citizenâ— weâ—â— troubled thinking there was some Divine Assistance and cry'd out That she was innocent Several approaching to the Pile took off the Torturers Thyamis beginning and â—ncouraging the people thâ—reunto for the clamour had now brought him abroad Being therefore desirous to deliver Chariclâ—a they durst not themselves approach the Fire but call'd to her to come out for that there could be no danger for her to leave the Firâ— who had continu'd therein without hurt She hâ—aring this and judging herself to â—e preserâ—'d by Divine Providence would not be â—ngâ—â—teful and refuse â—â—â—ir favour She therâ—â—oâ—e leâ—pâ— down from 〈◊〉 Pile As the Multitude for Joy and Amazeâ—â—nt shouted out Arsace not able to bear it◠〈◊〉 â—own from the Walls through a little Gateâ— and with a strong Guard of Persians laid hands on Chariclea Then looking sternly upon the People Are you not asham'd said she to rescue from punishment a Woman that is a Witch and Poysoner by her own Confession While you give her aid you do violence to the Persian Laws to the Judges Deputy and King himself You are mistaken in imputing her delivery to the Gods Will you not come to your sences and find that this is the effect of her Witchcraft in which she has such command as even to restrain the power of Fire Assemble therefore to morrow in Common Council and you shall not only hear her Confession but also those of her Accomplices whom I have in Custody Herewithal she led her away herself going next to her and commanding the Guards to keep off the Crowd But the People were enrag'd part of them had thoughts of resistance part of them having still some suspicion of her Witchcraft and the rest fearing the Power of Arsace Chariclea therefore is once more deliver'd to Euphrates and loaded with more Irons reserved for a second Sentence and Execution But still blessing her fortune in seeing Theagenes and conferring with him about what had passed For Arsace had so order'd it out of Malice that the young pair might behold each others misery and be mutually afflicted with each others sufferings For she knew that the torment of the person belov'd more affected the Lover than the party that suffer'd But it was by them esteem'd as an Advantage to see each others Constancy It was some relief to converse together and comfort one another with the consideration that what they endur'd was upon the account of Truth and Vertue After they had till midnight discours'd in such a manner as was proper for Lovers that were never more to talk together they at last talk'd of the Miracle that happen'd about the Fire Theagenes imputed it to the kindness of the Gods who shewed their Indignation against the unjust Decree of Arsace but Chariclea was doubtful That Accident said she seems to have come by Divine Providence but to be reserv'd only for greater Misfortunes cannot proceed from the Gods unless they have secretly decreed to give relief at the greatest Extremity Theagenes advis'd her to think more honourably of the Divine Powers Be propitious to us O ye Deities said he Was it a Dream or Reality which now comes into my mind it happen'd the last night but one I
the other They ran with their Heads so even together that the people at distance took the Horse and Bull for one Creature and applauded Theagâ—nes as the Author of a Miracle Thus were all the Multitude employ'd Chariclea in the mean time look'd on with horrour not knowing what he intended and fear'd more for his danger than for her own Life when lately at Stake Persina perceiv'd her concern and said to her You are troubled Daughter for this Stranger I confess I cannot my self help pitying his Youth but yet I hope he will escape this hazard and be preserv'd safe for the Sacrifice How absurd is it answer'd Chariclea to wish him to escape Death that he may Dye But Oh Mother if you can save his Life you will do a thing most grateful to me Persina partly suspecting her passion said Though it be impossible for me to preserve him yet take Courage to acquaint me with your concern with this Stranger if it has not been altogether veâ—tuous yet a Mothers kindness knows how to indulge the frailty of a Child Chariclea then wept bitterly and cry'd out 'T is the extremity of my Misfortune to speak to understanding persons yet not be understood but must be forced to an open and gross Confession As she was now going to reveal the whole matter she was once more hindred by a new shout amongst the people Theagenes having now fronted the Bull quitted his Horse leaped on the Bulls Neck and clasping his Arms round the roots of his Horns his Hands fasten'd in his Fore-head Tassock his Face lying between the Horns the rest of his Body hanging with all its weight down over the Beasts right Shoulder insomuch that he was often trod upon yet he so incumbred his passage by this means and tired him that directly over against the place where Hydaspes sate he tumbled down on his Head but so that his Hoofs were turn'd uppermost and his Horns struck into the Sand so that his Head seem'd fast rooted to the Earth his Legs all the while sprawling in the Air. Thâ—agenes also still held him down with his Left Hand his Right lifted up towards Heaven and thus with generous Countenance survey'd Hydaspes and the Company provoking them to Laughter with the spectacle the Bull all the while with Bellowing like a Martial Trumpeâ— sounding his Conquest The people answer'd with shouts and promiscuously gabbling extoll'd him to the Skies The Kings Servants therefore as they were order'd some led Theagenâ—s to the King others fastning Ropes to the Bulls Head led him with the Horses once more to the Alar Hydaspes beginning some discourse with Theagenes the people who were pleas'd with his Person from the first minute they saw him but now stupisy'd at his Strength and Courage in the last place envying the Honour given to Meraebus his AEthiopian Wrestler with one Cry demanded that he who had received the Elephant should engage in single Combat with him that conquer'd the Bull. When they had long pressed for it Hydaspes at last consented The AEthiop was immediately put into the middle of the Circle sternly and proudly surveying all around him stretching himself and taking lofty vast steps compassing an Ell at every stride When he was come up before the Council Hydaspes spoke to Theagenes in Greek It is the pâ—oples desire that you undertake this Combat Let it be so said Thâ—agenes But after what manner Wrestling said Hydaspes Why not rather with Swords said Theagenes by which some Honour might be gain'd at least with my Deâ—th content Chariclea who I find conceals our affairs and forsakes me at the last What you mean by mentioning Chariclea said Hydâ—spâ—s I know not but you must Wrestle and not fight with Swords for we may not suffer any Blood to be shed before that of Sacrifice He understanding Hydaspes's meaning that he fear'd lest he shoulâ— be kill'd before he dy'd in Sacrifice You do well said he to reserve me for the Gods With these words he put himself in posture fixing his Feet firmly to the ground his whole Body put in the best order Thus he impatiently waited the assault of his Adversary The AEthiop seeing this with a look of Derision and Indignation mixt together ran furiously upon him hitting Theagenes on the Neck with his Elbow as heavily as if he had struck him with a Leaver then drawing back laughed out aloud at his own performance Theagenes who was vers'd from his Childhood in Exercises knew that such robustuous Strength was not directly to be engag'd but deluded by Art expos'd the other side of his Neck for a second blow which the Barbarian repeated and then withdrew as before He therefore now despising him and coming on the third time more carelessly Theagenâ—s slipping under his Elbow and clasping his Arms round his wast which he was scarce able to embrace cast him quite over his Shoulders and pitcht him all on a Heap with his Head first to the ground to the hazard of his Neck The people now Shouted louder than before nor could Hydaspes longer contain himself but leaping down from his Throne cry'd O hard necessity of Law what a Noble Youth are we compell'd to destroy Then calling him to him said it only now remains that thou be Crown'd for the Sacrifice This Famous though unserviceable Victory deserves a Crown That I should set you free is not in my Power but as much as I can do in favour of you I will so that if you have any request to make to me before you Die propose it With these words he put a Golden wreath on his Head beset with Diamonds Grant me therefore said Theagenes what I shall request since you have promis'd it If I may not escape being sacrific'd at leâ—st let me be Kill'd by the Hand of your new found Daughter Hydaspes was stung at this motion reflecting on Chariclea's request which was like this yet thought it not worth his whilâ— nicely to search the matter Those things O Stranger said he which were in my Power I commanded you to ask and promis'd that I would grant The Law exacts That the Slayer of the Sacrifice be a Wife and no Virgin But she has a Husband answer'd Theagenes You rave said Hydaspes and these are words of a person under Consternation of Death The Fire has prov'd her free from Man Unless you call Meraebus here her Husband nor can I guess how you could come to surmize so much neither is he yet her Husband but in Intention only Neither shall he ever â—e said Theagenes if I know any thing of Chariclea's mind or as Divine Sacrifice can fore-shew any future event But Sacrifices said Meraebus can give no Divination till they are Slain and their Intrals laid open Wherefore O Father you have rightly Spoken that the Stranger raves with apprehension of Death Therefore if you please let some body take him to the Altar Theagenes was accordingly led away But Chariclea who was a little relieved at his
now no living creatures but our selves within this Cave is great store of Gold Silver and Silks for it is hardly to be imagined what quantity of rich Spoyls Thyamis hath taken both from us and others and deposited here but for Corn and other Ammunition necessary to maintain Life there is lest no more but the bare Names if therefore we stay here long it is to be feared we shall perish either by Famine or the Enemy that may return or by our own Fellows if they make Head again for they are not ignorant where the Treasure lieth and are likely to come hither for supplies of Money and then we cannot escape their Fury or if they should deal mildlier with us yet we should be obnoxious to their Petulancies and suffer the Indignities of their barbarous humors for Thieves are men that naturally keep no Faith and less now than ever having lost their Captain that could by his Authority bridle their Insolencies therefore we must leave the Island and get away from it as out of a Net or Prison but first let us free our selves of â—hermutis under pretence of sending him to try if he can hear any News of Thyamis and when we are none but our selves we shall more easily consider and resolve what we have to do and it much concerns us to dispatch away this inconstant quarrelâ—om and ill natur'd man and that hath us in suspition for the Death of Thesbe and will not be at quiet in himself till he be revenged upon us if occasion be presented They approved his Counsel and thought best to follow it Then going forward to the Entry of the Cave they perceived it was Day and awaking Thermutis whom they found in a dead Sleep and he being a light and credulous man they easily perswaded him as they pleased acquainting him as he believed with their Purposes the Body of Thesbe they laid in a little Pit and covered it instead of Earth with Ashes the Ruines of their late House and performing the Ceremonies that Piety owes to the dead as fully as the time would suffer and for all Funeral Offerings make a Parentation of their Teaâ—s they sent Thermutis to seek Thyamis He had gone but a little way when suddenly he turned back and told them he would not go alone nor object himself to the danger of being a Spy unless Knemon would be a Partner with him Theagenes perceiving Knemon to hang back for fear of the Egyptian as might easily be judged by the Character he had made of Thermutis wherein he had pictured his own Fear What said Theagenes so strong in Counsel and so weak in Execution Take heed you do not make my suspition of your Valour prove a Truth revive rouze your Spirits Man and at least make a shew as if you were content to go along with him lest your refusal make him suspect our flight Away go with him there 's no danger you have your Cloaths on and a Sword by your side why should you fear to walk with a naked man that hath no Weapon to offend you And then taking your time you may secretly forsake him and come to us at an appointed place which shall be some Neighbour-Town if you know any such where the Inhabitants are civil men 'T is very well advis'd said Knemon let us meet at Chemmis a rich Town well Peopled and near hand situate upon the skirts of Nilus below the Banks that defend it from the Surprizes and Incursions of the Heardsmen when you have past the Lake it is but a hundred Furlongs thither and you must go directly Southâ— We shall hardly reach it said Theagenes Chariclea hath not been used to so long Journeys yet we will go and disguise our selves like Beggars or poor Fortune-tellers that travel about the Countrey to charm an Alms from these hard People Oh! you will make excellent Gypsies said Knemon Out upon you what black deformed Faces you have especially Chariclea that hath lately lost an Eye and yet by your Habit you will be such fine Mendicants that sure the Countrey People will think you wander about to beg Jewels Gold Plate and not a poor Alms or a Morsel of Bread At this they could have been content to laugh but their Mirth only extended to a Smile Then taking a solemn oath never to abandon one another confirming what they had determined they disposed themselves accordingly Knemon and Tâ—ermutis passing the Lake whilst it was yet early day took their way through an intricate thick Wood Thermutis went before Knemon having entreated him because he was skilful in the ways that were difficult but indeed it was to secure his own Life and to prepare occasion to give him the sâ—ip when they were now come into the thickest of the Wood they met a Flock of Sheep and killing the Bell-weather laid the Flesh to roast upon the Fire which the Shepherds that fled at sight of them had kindled for themselves neither would their Bellies let them be in quiet till the Meat was enough but Hunger made them so fierce as like Wolves or Tigers they devoured it in great Gobbets only a little black'd with the Fire the Blood running about their Mouths When thus they had satisfied their Hunger and quenched their Thirst with Milk provided for the Shepherds they held on their Journey Now it was time â—or Knemon to shew all his Cunning for they were come to the top of a Hill whence Thermutis shewed him a Town in the Bottom where he imagined Thyamis to be a Prisoner either in the Gaol or in his Grave for thither he heard that he was carried Whilst he spake this Knemon made as if his Belly aked and told him he began to feel the crudities of the Meat and that he feared the Milk he drank had curdled upon his Stomach for he was in extream torment therefore he intreated Thermutis that he would go on and he would follow him this he did once and again and the third time as if it had been real and that he had overtaken him with much difficulty insomuch as the Egyptian gave Credit to his counterfeit Disease and being now used to attend his coming Knemon lengthned his Expectation and stayed for altogether running counter through the obscurest Passage of the Wood and casting about by the Hill side fled with all possible speed Thermutis passing the Hill-top expected Knemen and the Night under whose favourable shaddow they might pass into the Town and learn the state of Thyamis often looking behind him to see if he did come and Plotting in what manner he should kill him for he yet â—uspected his consent to Thesbe's Death and therefore meant to serve him in the same kind and then at his return promising himself to Sacrifice Theagenes to his revenge But Knemon not appearing and Night now growing Black he fell asleepâ— which was his last the Iron Sleep of Death bitten with an Aâ—pick perhaps by the fatal pleasure of the Gods a death
answerable to his life stealing upon him as he had done upon others But Knemon aâ—ter he had lost sight of Thermutis never sâ—aid to take his Breath till darkness arresting his eyes stopped his â—light and in the same place were the Night surpriz'd him he hid and covered himself all over with leaves a great part of the Night never shutting his eyes â—ut Sweating and Fearing every noise and every breath of Wind and every motion of the leaves to be Thermutis If at any time sleep prest upon him he dreamed that he was Flying and awaking looked behind his back for him that was not now in case to follow many fearful viâ—ions started him and hindered his desire and putting him in greater terror than if Thermutis had come indeed Finally he grew angry with the Night and thought it the longest that ever was since the beginning of the World But when with infinite joy he perceived the â—irst spring of Day presently he cut off his long Hair which he had let grow after the fashion of the Thieves for fear those he should meet would either shun him or suspect him for the Islanders among other courses they take to appear terrible let their Locks at full length hang dangling upon their Shoulders not ignorant that long hair is an ornament in a Lover but a horror in a Thief having therefore left himself as much hair as the neater sort of People used to wear and less then the Heards-men he hasted the nearest way to Chemmis the Town Theagenes had appointed him for meeting Being now near unto the river Nilus ready to take Water for Chemmis he saw an Old Man walking up and down upon the Shoar as if he had been discoursing with the Stream his white hair he wore long in fashion of a Prophet a great long Picked Beard his Cassock and his other Robes resembling a Greek Habit. Knemon stood still a while and looked upon him but the Old Man passing by many times and not perceiving him being wholly fixt upon his Meditation Knemon stept in before him and saluted him bidding the Gods bless him No said the old Man Fortune hath otherwise disposed Knemon wondring at his Answer asked him Are you a Grecian Stranger or of whence Neither a Grecian nor a Stranger he replyed but this Countryman an AEgyptian How come you then to wear these Grecian Robes said Knemon Calamity answered the Old Man hath put me in this glorious Habit and changed my ordinary Dress Knemon admiring how Misery should make any Man go in richer Cloaths and desiring him to unfold the Riddle Oh! said the Old Man To relate my Fortunes would bring my self and you into a Labyrinth whence we should not get out and but load you with my burden But young Man whither lies your journey Or whence do you come Or how is it you speak Greek in AEgypt This is ridiculous said Knemon to enquire of my Affairs and tell me nothing of your own and I asked the first question Well I am content to bear your Jest said the Old Man for it appears you are a Grecian and I believe that in this play of Fortune you have changed shapes as well as I but since you seem taken with a curiosity to understand my Estate I will satisfie you for know I am big with grief and if I had not light of you perhaps I had expressed my self to these Reeds But first let us leave this Shoar and River of Nilus for this is not a convenient place for so long a Narâ—ation the heights of this Bank lying open and exposed to the Noon-Day-Sun let us Ferry over to the Town we see upon the other Side if happily some greater business doth not call you away there I will bid you welcome not in my own House but in the House of a good Man that receives me as a Suppliant There I will inform you if you please of my affairs and you shall recompence me with a relation of yours Along then said Knemon for I have business to the Town I must there expect the coming of some Friends Then taking Boat many Oars lying upon the River to transport Passengers for their Money they passed over to the Town and the Old Man brought Knemon to the House where himself waâ— a Guest they found the Master of the House from home only his Daughter that was now Marriageable entertained them and every servant oâ— the House was officious to them both their Mistress and they observing the Old Man as if he had been her Father for so it is likely they werâ— commanded one brushed the dust off their Cloaths brought water for their Feet and washed and dryed them another made their Bedâ— Easie and Soft another kindled the Fire some cover'd the Table others brought Water and a Towel for their Hands others set Manchets upon the Board and served in the Fruits of the Season whereof their was Variety Knemon wondring at their entertainment Sure Father said he we are come into the House of Iupiter the Hospitable they do us so much observance and shew such singular alacrity This is no Gods House saiâ— the old Man but it belongs to one that is a truâ— Adorer of the Gods that worships Iupiter the Hospitable and Patron of the Suppliants For Child he is a Merchant and hath spent his life in Travel seen many Cities and Nations and studied Meâ— and Manners and having himself been a Pilgrim in the World I take it to be his reason why he entertaineth others and among the rest Me that a few days sinâ—e was a wanderer in these parts How came it to pass Father said Knemon that you should be compelled to wander abroad Being deprived replyed he of my Children by Thieves and though I know the Villains well enough yet not having power to revenge my self I remain here hovering about them and complaining like the poor Bird that hath her Nest robbâ—d by a Serpent devouring her young before her Eyes whilst she fears to come near yet hath no power to fly away foâ— love and grief distract her crying she â—lies about the Besieger and pours the sorrow of a Parent into the ears to which nature hath taught no pity Oblige me â—said Knemon with the knowledge of the circumstance and time wherein you suffered this great confliâ—t in your Spirits Anon I will inform you he replyed now it is time to appease our appetite and content our belly which drawing us away how great soever the business be we have in agitation is properly called pernitious by the admirable Homer But first following the precepts of the AEgyptian Wisdom let us offer the first fruits of our repast to the Gods a custom I shall never violate and my grief how strong soever it is shall never prevail with me so far as to blot out of my memory the divine powers and the honour I am bound to render them Then pouring on the Earth clear water out of a Vial I offer he said