therefore by a certain sign they were assur'd of his approach they placed Ambuscades in convenient places by which they overcame the Enemy part of them setting upon the Persians Van and the rest form their secret places upon their Rear Mitranes was the first that fell and with him almost all his followers being surrounded ans of ours not a few In this number by the severity of fate in his Breast by a Persian Javelin This being expir'd I lament and am likely soon to do the same for my other he being gone with the rest of our Souldiers against the City of Memphis Calasiris ask'd her the cause 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 Thingking 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 in to Aethiopia as it was rumour'd they might with more ease 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 s 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 corne 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 seene 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 thatn 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 Sons whispering in his Ear she awaked him and by the force of her charms made him to stand upright Charilea 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 behled 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 word 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 Sacrifices were their business and not with impure Rites and enquires 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 of 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 speak neglecting my Seputure and keepin me from the mansion of departed Souls hear those things which at first I was afraid to acquaint you withal Neither you 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 sort 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 acquainting them with the affairs and fortune or the Dead One of them is a Priest which makes it more tolerable who knows by his Wisdom that such things are not be divulg'd A person dear to the Gods who shall with his arrival prevent the Duel of his Sons prepar'd for 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
therefore let us go to 't and let him that dies his Weapon deepest in our Enemies Blood be thought the bravest Man. Having thus said Thyamis looked about him for his Page and-often called him by his Name Thermutis and not seeing him appear cursing and threatning him he hastned to the Boat The Battel was now begun and he might see the Enemy make himself Master of the Borders of the Lake for he had set fire upon their Cabbins and their Boats and so made them transport the Flame about the Fens that devouring the great quantity of the Reed dazzled the Eyes of the Inhabitants with insufferable Light whilst the Noise and Tumult deafned their Ears all Cruelties of War were seen and heard the Lakists striving to make good the Place but the others falling upon them unawares and oppressing them with Multitudes slew easily those they found 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 should kill her yet he 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 Sallies 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 assoon 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 Woman 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 Nuptial 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 offered the fairest Sacrifice of the world and so entred into his Bark with him only one more to row for the Boats they have here can carry no more being wrought out of the Body but of one thick Tree 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 apposed 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 them 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 not withstanding 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 sear of Thyamis and his Men had fled 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
the rest of the night and till nine the next morning without any stop the Sun then growing hot they could proceed no farther being spent also for want of Sleep Chariclea especially they determin'd therefore to take up somewhere to rest themselves and refresh their Horses There was a certain Valley at the foot of a Promontory of the Nile almost surrounded with the Water which made an Eddy There was much Grass and Herbage on the place as being always well Water'd every where shaded with Sycamore Trees and such others as grow on the Banks of the Nile The Bagoas with his Company took up using the Trees for a Tent he sat down with the rest to feed compelling also Theagenes and Chariclea to do the same They thought it needless for persons 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 so matchless Beauty would probably be made his Wife since Arsace was dead Theagenes and Chariclea rejoyced at the News highly praising the Justice of the Gods nor did they think they could afterwards be much distress'd whatsoever Fortune should befal them since their most inveterante 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 Syene 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 when 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 no 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 overtaken 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 then the Persians are scatter'd Bagoas himself thrown from his Horse and taken Theagenes and Chariclea partly thinking it unworthy not to assist Bagoas who had us'd Civility to them and to whom they were likely to have been farther obliged leapt down to succour him but to no purpose not being Arm'd This is my Dream said Theagenes to Chariclea and these the Aethiops into whose Country I was to be carry'd I therefore hold it better to submit our selves to them rather than experience a doubtful fortune with Oroondates 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 up 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 as 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 set 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 SYene was now almost surrounded
it seems wholly derived from the purest Fountains of Eloquence Thomas Dempsterus HEliodorus the Phoenician the most Eloquent and chast Writer of Loves most Delightful and Artificial in the management of his Story Hieronymus Commelinus HEliodorus the most Elegant Author in whose Volumn are many Sentences Grave Solid Ethick Political Oeconomick How many things therein subservient to antiquity no where else delivered This is attested by divers amongst the Ancients viz. in the Melissa of Antony and the Centuries of Maximus to instance in modern Authors would be endless I will mention Barnabas Brissonius instead of all Whosoever reads his Treatise concerning the Persian Principality will easily find how much he was obliged to this Author LICENSED RO. L'ESTRANGE THE AETHIOPIAN 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 off 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 furnished 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 if self yet such a stock of Beauty shined in his Face and the Blood that rained down so setoff 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 slowedunder 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 him 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 they 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 behind her did not dare to attempt any thing not so much as to speak to her but the noise 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 things and transports our whole care and thoughts to the object we love dearest But when the Thieves passed on and stood in front before her
they assembled and conspired against my Fathers Life and fee'd the prime Orators of Athens with great Sums of Money to accuse him who exclaimed unto the People that Damoeneta had perished injustly unconvicted and the crime of Adultery was only a pretext to cover her Murther requiring he might be brought alive or dead with whom she was pretended to have wronged my Father Finally they commanded that at least he should be named demanding Thesbe to be delivered to them to the end that putting her to the Torture they might rack out the Truth My Father promised to produce her but he could not hear his Word for Thesbe preventing the danger if she should appear whilst they were taking out the Process for 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 Damoeneta and consenting to my unjust Banishment therefore they expell'd him the City confiscating 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 considering 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 Judgment 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 of Apollo and Delphos should so much trouble them Thus were they busied Now Thermutis the page of Thyamis 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 Thermutis 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
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 shad-dow 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 suspected his consent to Thesbe's Death and therefore meant to ferve 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 asleep which was his last the Iron Sleep of Death bitten with an Aspick 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 after he had lost sight of Thermutis never staid to take his Breath till darkness arresting his eyes stopped his flight 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 but 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 visions 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 in the longest that ever was since the beginning of the World. But when with infinite joy he perceived the first 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 Rober 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 Bur first let us leave this Shoar and River of Nilus for this is not a convenient place for so long a Narration 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 was a Guest they found the Master of the House from home only his Daughter that was now Marriageable entertained them and every servant of 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 were commanded one brushed the dust off their Cloaths brought water for their Feet and washed and dryed them another made their Beds 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 Jupiter the Hospitable they do us so much observance and shew such singular alacrity This is no Gods House said the old Man but it belongs to one that is a true Adorer of the Gods that worships Jupiter 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 Men 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 since 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 robb'd by a Serpent devouring her young before her Eyes whilst she fears to come near yet hath no power to fly away for love and grief distract her crying she flies about the Besieger and pours the sorrow of a Parent into the ears to which nature hath taught no pity Oblige me said Knemon with the knowledge of the circumstance
marvellously take the Ears of Greece Finally some of the graver sort put Questions to me about Nilus which were his Springs and the peculiar Nature wherein that River differed from others and why only those Waters increase in Summer time I told them what I knew and had found written in our Sacred Books which are not to be read nor understood by any but our Prophets recounting to them that the Head and Source of Nilus riseth from the Mountains of Aethiopia in the farthest parts of Lybia there where the Eastern Climate ends and the Meridian takes beginning It increases in the Summer not as some imagine because the Winds named the Etesiae blowing contrary to their Stream make them regurgit and overflow but in regard the 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 beaten 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 he 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 if as certain learned Grecians have conceived the Tides had taken their increase from Snow melting and pouring off the Mountains As I discoursed thus the Priest of Apollo my intimare Friend named Charicles You speak said he excellently well and I assent to your opinion for it is the same I heard of your Priests in the Catadupes of Nilus Were you ever there Charicles said I I was replyed he I demanded if he had any business there he answered my adverse Fortune at home made me travel thither and was the cause of my selicity 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 me aside Know said he I have long wished to give you the relation of my Fortunes as having need of your assistance wise Calasiris After I was Married 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 support 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 ease 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 stepped out of his Youth came to me and saluted me telling me in broken 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 Cabbinet 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 gist 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
us Chariclea blushing and bowing her Face to the Earth as asham'd of her new Act But Theagenes to his other Supplications added Save O Calasiris two Poor Strangers thy Suppliants exiled from their Country depriv'd of their Friends Only to purchase thee for all preserve two Poor Creatures now expos'd to the power of Fortune the Captives of chast Love banished but voluntarily banished and with joy reposing in you all their hope of safety These words Knemon so touched me at the heart with pity as I wept upon them with my Soul more than with my Eyes so as they perceived not my sorrow yet I eased my Spirits I did raise and comfort them the best I could 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 seave 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 inflicts 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 miseries but this is not my meaning for though I have often sustained calamities equal with Death it self and that my House is now deserted laid waste from Heaven and must remain desolate ever hereafter having lost one after another all that were dear to me and in whose beloved acquaintance I took the only joy of my life yet vain hope an error common to all the World makes me resolute to be patient and not die yet perswading my self my Child may be recovered but that which moves me most is this City which I desire and expect to see victorious 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 abuse to our Country and our Gods protect us for it would be a grievous heart-break 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 Chariclea O implacable and obstinate wrath of the destinies to wards 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 Hegesias cut him off and wished him to go home speaking to the People in this sort My Lords Assistans 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 be carried away with his Tears as with the current 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
you shall know to morrow how all goes I cannot sleep said Knemon I pray you do you take your rest I do not think I shall be able to live unless I get up and make some means to be more curiously informed whether Nausicles be in an error or whether the dead do only revive among the Aegyptians At this Calasiris smiled and fell asleep again But Knemon went out of the Room very gingerly and softly as was fit being in the dark in a strange house but he was content to venture longing to free himself of the fear and suspicion he conceived of Thisbe till at length though it was long first groping and turning about passing and repassing the same places as if they were different he heard a Woman like a Nightingale in a Cage with soft 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 though 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 full of molestation that his sweet presence will not make supportable but the yet pityless Destiny that hath persecuted me from my Birth having once more flattered 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 be 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 and 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 stum 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 such sort as he had been in danger of his Life unless Calasiris had instantly been aware of him and cherished and comforted him making him come to himself again 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 endeavour'd to recover him it was evidently some God that took a delight to play with Knemon as all things 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 thhe height of his content forasmuch as happily they intended to show what was their custom and it may be the reason of it is that humane nature is not capable to receive a simple joy without some allay as may be judged 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 Enemies that he was taken Prisoner and that the Fire had reduc'd all the Island to Ashes and unpeopl'd it of the Herdsmen Knemon and Thermutis the Page of Thyamis ferry'd over the Lake in the morning to venture as Spies among their Enemies to get knowledge of the estate of their Captain The events of their journey you have heard before but Theagenes and Chariclea remain'd alone in the Cave reputing the delay of misery as a great good Fortune for 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 affairs return'd into their memory and necessity constrained them to give over their Caresses Theagenes beginning in this sort to speak Our chiefest 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 happinesswe prefer before all others in hope whereof we have sustained so many evils 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 heare befal us Heaven knows and from thence questionless it will be a mighty journey ere 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 tokens by means whereof when we are together we may secretly interchange the expression of our minds and find out one another if by Fortune we should be separated for the best guide after one hath strayed is the memory of some marks he hath
taken of his Friends Chariclea approv'd his invention and they agreed in case 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 receiv'd fighting with a Wild Boar and so they resolved there should be secret words betwixt them hers was the Torch his the Palm In confirmation of this agreement they imbraced and wept again pouring as I conceiv'd their tears instead of o ferings and sealing to it with Kisses in the place of vows This done they went forth of the Cave not touching any of the Treasure there inclosed for they esteem'd Riches gather'd by Robberies as a polluted thing but they took again their own which they had brought from Delphos and been depriv'd of by the Thieves Chariclea changing her habit and putting her Jewels Crown and Sacred Robe in a little Knapsack to disguise her self the more she went in a poor Gown and gave Theagenes her Bow and Quiver to carry a carriage that was sweet and suitable to him being Cupids Arms the God that had made him a vassal to his Empire Being now come to the side of the Lake and about to take Water they perceiv'd a Troop of Armed Men passing over to the Island a sight that so troubled them as they remain'd a great while lost in astonishment as if the Injuries of Fortune raged incessantly upon them At length the Souldiers being almost arriv'd Chariclea said it was best to fly and return to the Cave and there to conceal themselves and as she spake she fled but the stay of Theagenes detained her How long said he shall we fly our Fate that every where pursues us No no let us yield to Fortune and not oppose our selves to her violence that breaks in upon us what shall we gain by it but vain errour and a wandring Life and to be insulted over by new misery from time to time Alas do you not see how to our banishment Fortune hath added the Robberies of Pirates ingag'd us in all the dangers of the Sea and contended with great industry to make us more miserable by Land hath she not expos'd us to the danger of War submitted us to the mercy of Thieves A while since we were prisoners subject to the pleasure of another then we were left alone depriv'd of all company then she made a show to give us our Liberty and now she sends these Murderers to make an end of all in such a War she plays against us making us her Scene of Mirth her Comedy or rather Tragedy But why do I not then abbreviate this Lamentable History of our Loves and deliver our selves into the Hands of our Murderers least if she study to make the end of her play insufferable we be forced with our own hands to kill our selves Chariclea consented to one part of what Theagenes said but not to all telling him he had great reason to complain of the cruelty of fortune but for all that it were not well advised to yield themselves voluntarily to their Enemies being they were not sure those Men would kill them when they had them in their power Neither was it likely they had so gentle a destiny as would grant them a speedy death and free them from their calamities but it might be they should be reserved for Slaves and what Death said she can be so cruel as the condition of such a Life to be exposed to the fatal indignities of barbarous and wicked Villains which let us decline by all means and to our uttermost power measuring hope and success by the experiment of our passed accidents since we have often and now lately escaped alive more incredibly as from greater dangers Let us do as it pleases you replied Theagenes and so followed as if she had drawn him after her but they could not reach the Cave in time but while they only regarded those that came to them in front they perceived not themselves to be inclosed by another company of Souldiers that had landed in another part of the Island at last falling upon these they stayed in a maze especially Chariclea who fled into the Arms of Theagenes if she were to die desiring to die there Some of these that invaded them lifted up their hands to strike them down but after the young Lovers had looked upon their Enemies their spirits fail'd them and their hands were benummed for even the barbarous as it seems do bear respect to Beauty and those Nature hath indued with perfections do mollifie the Eyes and Hearts that are by Nature fierce and bloody Having taken them they presently conveyed them to their Captain ambitious to be the first that should bring him the fairest spoils And indeed this was all they were likely to present him for when they had run all over as if they would have put a Net about the Island no one else could find any thing for all the Island was burnt in the former War only the Cave remained and that they knew not Then the Souldiers led them to their General whose Name was Mitranes Captain of the Garrisons to Oroondates who administred the Government of Aegypt as the Great Kings Lieutenant and for a great summ of Money given him by Nausicles had enter'd the Island with him to recover Thisbe Now after Theagenes and Chariclea often invoking the aid of their good Genius were brought so near that Mitranes might discern them Nausicles that stood by him advising himself of the right trick of a Merchant active in matter of profit stepped forth and running to Chariclea cryed with a loud voice Behold my Thisbe the very same those wicked Rogues the Herdsmen took from me But now Mitranes by your favour and the Gods I shall recover her then the seiz'd upon Chariclea feigning to receive great contentment and whispering in her Ear in Greek that the rest should not understand wished her to confess her name was Thisbe if she desired to be safe His Sophism had the success he hoped for for Chariclea hearing him speak Greek and conjecturing the Man intended her some good accommodated herself to his intention and being demanded her Name by Mitranes she said she was called Thisbe Then Nausicles with open Arms ran to embrace the Neck of Mitranes many times kissing his Head and admiring his good fortune puffed up with vanity the heart of the Barbarian telling him it appeared that his other Exploits in War were great since he had so happily conducted the present enterprise
doth irritate and excite the Spirit nevertheless by the Command of Trachinus beyond all Expectation he pardoned the Supplicants and made a Peace under such 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 more desirous than other to survive the loss of his Goods But as we also obeying the decree were about to pass into the Boat Trachinus took Chariclea by the Hand and said Fair one this War concerns not you but Was undertaken for your sake and since the Day you left the Promontory of Zacynthus I have still followed you adventuring thus far upon the Sea and facing danger for your Love therefore let not any fearful apprehension seize you but confirm your Spirits and know with the Empire you already are possessed of in my Soul you shall be the Lady of all the Wealth you see thus he said but Chariclea full of discretion and knowing by the instructions I had given her how to apply her self to the time most excellently well presently cleared her look from all the marks of Sorrow that now incompassed her and Painting upon her Face an appearance of joy made this reply I render thanks to the Gods that have put it into your mind to use us favourably but if you will have me be confident please to make me this first demonstration of your Love save this my Brother and my Father and command them not from the Ship for if I be once separated from them the World hath nothing can perswade to retain Life And speaking this she prostrated at his Feet and imbraced them a long while Trachinus pleasing himself therein and therefore deferring the grant of her demand at length her Tears making an impression in his pity having no power to refuse when such a Beauty was a Suitor he raised her and thus said For your Brother I am very well contented to bestow him upon you for I see he is a Young Man of a great Spirit and consequently fit for the Life we follow and for this Old Man though he will be but an unserviceable charge to us yet for your only respect I am pleased he shall stay Now while these things were said and done the Sun being in his Circuit come full West that space which is betwixt the Day and Night grew very Dark and Foul and on a suddain the Sea began to be troubled it may be the Season caused the present change or perhaps it was by the Pleasure of some Destiny afar off the murmur of the descending Wind and presently a violent and horrid Tempest breaking in upon us the Hearts of the Pirates were frozen in their fear who having forsaken their own Galley and put themselves into the Merchants Ship to Pillage her were there surpized with a Tempest not knowing how to govern so great a Vessel every one doing some Office of a Mariner in that which came next to his Hands without any knowledge at all some vainly upon their own genious undertaking one Art of Navigation others another some confusedly struck the Sails some unskilfully distributed the Cordages One Ass took upon him to order the Prow another as wise as he to guide the Poop and govern the Helm But that which principally cast us into Extreamest danger was not the violence of the Tempest for the Waves were not yet at the height of their fury but it was the ignorance of him that took upon him to be Pylot who resisted the Storm so long as there was any Day light but when it grew black Night gave over his Charge and when they were now ready to sink at first some of the Pyrates did endeavour to have recovered their own Galley but were beat off from their design by the Tempest Trachinus also staying them and making a Remonstrance that if they could save the Ship and Riches in her they should have Wealth enough to purchase a Thousand such Galleys and speaking those words he cut the Cables that held them together telling them that whilst they kept their own Vessel they drew another Tempest after them and that in doing so he provided for their security since wheresoever they should arrive it would draw suspition upon them and inquiry would be made after the Persons that Sailed in the Empty bottom This he said appeared to them to be reason and they approved his Council out of two respects being already sensible of the one for they were no sooner severed from the Brigantine but they felt the Sea did not toss them so much as before yet were they not quite out of the danger but one Billow tumbling upon another tossed them so violently as it constrained them to cast much of their Lading over-board breifly there was no kind of danger that did not present it self till having will much difficulty escaped that Night the next Day about the setting of the Sun the Tempest cast us into a Road near the Mouth of one of the Arms of Nilus named the Heracleotique accidently and now against our wills arriving in Aegypt the Pirates were joyful but we were exceedingly afflicted reproaching the Sea as cruel in the favour it had done us to save our Lives envying us a Death free from all injury and delivering us to the Land in a more fearful Expectation than at Sea being exposed to the disordered pleasure of barbarous and wicked Pirates which presently appeared As they Landed they carryed from the Ship great Vessels of Tyrian Wine and divers other things saying they would Sacrifice to Neptune and render Thanks for their deliverance some were also sent to the Neighbour Towns and a great deal of Money given them to buy Beasts with command they should give what Price soever was demanded and it was not long before we saw them return driving before them a Flock of Sheep and a Herd of Swine and having brought them in they kindled the Pile and prepared us a Feast of the Roafted Victims Then Trachinus taking me aside where none could over-hear him Father said he I intend to take your Daughter to Wife and this Night as you see Imean to celebrate our Nuptials joyning that sweetest Solemnity of Men with the Sacrifice to the Gods therefore least you should take it ill if I made you not acquainted therewith and be sad at my Wedding Feast and to the end your Daughter being disposed of with your consent may receive the Blessing of our Marriage with more joy I thought it best to let you know my pleasure not that it is needful it should be confirmed by
Madam or my fidelity to you you shall find that you censure falsly Wherefore since you so negligently pursue your Love you must not lay the blame on others For you execrise not the Authority of a Mistress with him but the submission of a Slave Which method perhaps was discreet at first but since he is obstinate you should make him feel your power and constrain him by Torments to obey your pleasure It is the manner of Youths to despise when they are Courted but to submit on Compulsion Wherefore he will do that by Punishment which he refus'd on Entreaties You seem to speak rightly said Arsace but how can I 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 beat 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 Nei ther 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 will 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 nor only so but contriving some means to dispatch her self for she now understood what Theagenes suffer'd though Cybele 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 Evening 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 obey'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 mimute 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 Conscience 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 sollicitaitons
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 she 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 Funeral She therefore own'd every Crime that was alledg'd and more than were charg'd For which reason the Judges hardly forbore from inflicting 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 hurry'd forth beyond the Walls the Beadle continually crying out That it was for Poyson that she suffer'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 respite 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 vengeance of this Arsace for whose crimes I suffer she is an Adultress and does this to deprive me of my Husband When she had thus spoken the people thouted some saying That she should be reserv'd for another Tryal others endeavouring to rescue her in the mean time she ascended the Pile 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 for the flame still turn'd off from her The Officers in the mean time omitted nothing on their part Arsace also beckning to them from the Wall to do their duty wherefore they heap'd on more combustible matter Neither could they thus prevail The Citizens were 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 encouraging the people thereunto for the clamour had now brought him abroad Being therefore desirous to deliver Chariclea 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 Fire who had continu'd therein without hurt She hearing this and judging herself to be preserv'd by Divine Providence would not be Ingrateful and refuse their favour She therefore leapt down from the Pile As the Multitude for Joy and Amazement shouted out Arsace not able to bear it ran down from the Walls through a little Gate 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
from thence a cleft stick leap'd on the Back of one of the Horses that were left and using his Main for a Bridge forc'd him on and turn'd the Bull that had broke loose The Spectators at first though that he intended to make his escape and set up a cry that they should not suffer him to pass But they soon perceived he had no such intention For pursuing the Bull and catching hold of his Tail he drove him before him dextrously avoiding his short Turns With this management he so brake his Mettle that he now suffer'd him to ride side by side to him insomuch that the Sweat of each Beast mingled with 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 Theagenes 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 vertuous 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. The 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 Trumpet 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 Theagenes 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 not stupify'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 peoples desires that you undertake this Combat Let is be so said Theagenes 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 Death content Chariclea who I find conceals our affairs and forsakes me at the last What you mean by mentioning Chariclea said Hydaspes 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 should 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 pusture 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 wanot 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 Theagenes slipping under his Elbow and clasping his Arms round his wast which he was scarce able to embrance 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 least 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 while 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