playing with the Princely Infants so that the action related his pride in vnmannerly hastinesse hurrying vs away and thanked Opportunitie as it should seeme without further questions in vnproper cruelty tying vs in bands For all wee intreated with teares threatned with anger lamented with sighes anon rayled on their presumption after offred sufficient ransome and last of all pleaded conscience manhood and the Law of all Nations The Infants in the meane while smiling at the vproare neither dismayed with the company as Strangers nor action as troublesome But neither intreaties promises prayers offers threatnings nor exclamations could preuaile Forwith tedious Iornies they brought vs to the Sea side where their Shippes lay at anchor and were ready to attend the caulling of the Winde who by this time began to chide our negligence that was not thankfull to so kind putting vs in minde of our businesse onely wee expected the comming backe of the Captaine whom Cleonidas had sent to certifie Opacus of the accident But when his returne assured an illusion and that the king disclaimed any right to the infants warranting withall the fiction but a deuice to set our selues at libertie neuer was so fit a time to pattern out wrath and fury as in Cleonidas whose â—…ies glistered like Fier and impatience scarce forbore with his owne hands to teare vs a peeces commaunding vs to be tortured for deluding him which as a villaine was forward to execute foure great Quinquiremes scowred first by vs and after winded about as if they meant with aduantage to set vpon vs which when Cleonidas had beheld with the eyes of aduice and perceiuing they were but Messengers of some mischiefe following for by this time hee had descried the whole Fleete we were a while forgotten and hee to our amase proceeded with such courage and iudgement that in applying the like to generous performaunces hee might have prooued a sufficient member of a politicall body for the Souldiers were placed each one in a congruent distance least shuffled togeather might haue bred a confusion The Fire-workes were prepared the Fights were ouerseene enclosed and well flancked the Weapons were considered on either to skirmish a farre off or to grapple if need required and the vnable and insufficient were separated into some remote corner from troubling the rest Amongst whom was our account cast yet some honorable concite vnwilling to be tyranous against Infants and men vnlikly to be preiudiciall remitted vs from bands and imbarked vs into a very good brigandine to be transported to the Dry Iland where the strength and conueniencie of the place both secured and contented him when he list to make his retreat THus were we parted from the company of death and danger for Cleonidas presently made toward the Gallies but Most mighty Princes how the wrathfull Nemesis or his fortunate Genius determined of him I know not because vntill this occasion his name was neuer once a subiect to talke of though his wretchednesse yeelded many times sufficient matter to thinke on But wee kept a steady passage to our Harbour and had cause of comfort when the trauell of foure dayes brought vs within the sight of the Iland Yet looke how a sparke of Fire euen at the very present of his taking leaue of the heate giueth the greater light so wee gaue a sodaine shoot of ioy with a Swanlike dittie at the instant of our destruction For on a sodaine a North-west winde whirled the Barke about and though the Mariners endeuored the contrary wee as quickly lost as enioyed the former delight Then followed a Storme which with continuance vnited to the Winde raised a dangerous Tempest last of all approached a second Darknesse wherein the night drew her Curtaines to hide vs from the face of Heauen had not the contention in those vpper Regions giuen vs more light then wee wished because bringing terrour with the Thunder wee neither durst behold either Earth or Heauen On the other side the Sea hearing the bigg voyce of the Windes awaked her sluggishnesse and perceiuing such variance betwixt the Fire Aire for superioritie would not imbace her selfe but thought to make her greatnesse appeare as well as they and so swelled beyond measure growing to that rage that wee thought it better to be subiect to Men then implacable Waues This continued a whole day and night and the continuance wroughteffect to put vs in minde of our frailtie and to make preperation for another dwelling because the Barcke vnable to house vs was willing to dislodge vs and we likewise grew weary of being such Tenants especially my poore Brother and I who seemed dying before death and ten times dying to behold the sweete Infants cling to vs for succour who were not able to helpe our selues Yet at last Nature preuayling against Wilfulnesse wee determined to tarry for rather then to runne to so bad a friend as Death and therefore agreed to striue with Redresse if wee could and to tie the Children to our backes concluding to change their Names what euer chaunced and withall changed our Places setling our selues neere to some strong Planckes and Chestes So by that time our Genius assured the splitting of the Shippe I was safe in this vnsafetie on a seasoned Truncke of Firre and my Brother on a spare Mast both which floted for a while neere the dismembred Barke like silly Birdes houering about their Mother entrapped in a Nette and leaue her not till the Fawkner assure hee is the messenger of death What should I say most mightie King the feare was more then the danger and yet may the greatest scorner of Perils confesse the danger exceeded any meanes which humaine pollecie had to auoyde it considering our burdens and combersome company which did rather augment then diminish our griefe For alas to be in hassard of drowning amidst the cruell Billowes desperat of succour on vnfirme seates and with infant Princes tyed to our backes who can but thinke wee had sorrow sufficient and suppose our heauinesse a wonderfull temptation At length we seemed cheared with a life cast in a new mold by perceiuing faire weather approching resembling a condemned person meditating with repentance and sadly casting his lookes on the ground as not daring to lift them vp to heauen till the sound of a Pardon infuseth strength and courage into his decayed soule whereupon wee setled vp our selues and began to appease the Children who as if they meant to finde fault with Fortunes discourtesie exclaymed on her vnkindnesse by pleading their owne innocencie which whether it were with the inforcement penetrable or that the Gods meant to shew their power in contrarieties I dare not verdict but presently to our amaze their pacification a gallant calme succeeded and the outward face of heauen suffered her blacknes to be wiped away whereby it appeared like the milde mother of the earth so that it was my good happe to driue vnder the Walles of Fortona where a Fisher stood drying his
aduantage of and encountered with the rest in sollemne manner of hostillitie so that a terrible fight began and a little time ouerlooked a dangerous conflict in which the victory was a mournfull Triumph For it ended with the cryes and teares of Orphanes for their Fathers Fathers for their Children Brother for Brother one Kinsman for another and freend for freend yea such was the misery and mischiefe of the error amongst them that a sonne was found mourning ouer a Carkasse whom he had slaine and perceiuing it his owne father after a ruthfull complaint kild himselfe the horror of which sight daunted the stoutest courage and made them all cry out vpon the cause of their troubles which Anzitemus tooke hold of and knowing the Emperor had escaped and as he afterward lernt to Samarchanda with a quiet demeanor recalled them togeather and though the Skirmish and their owne feares had disperced them farre off yet handled he the matter so well that they were contented to returne and finding Trezoboro as sad for their greifes as his owne misfortune which by his Honorable protestations in the necessitie to saue his life and vnwillingnesse to disquiet so good subiects they saw apparant in so much that vnkind teares brake off the Princely discourse they shouted for ioy and with a new Comicall applause sware they would obey no other Emperor then Trezoboro as for Mengrelius seeing his ill disposition had taught him the way to Tyranie they sawe no reason to betray vertue or be in subiection any longer to inhumanitie Surely sayed Anzitemus the Gods haue taken compassion vpon you and you and we will now be one body but of necessitie the body must haue a head or else the Members perish therefore we will inuest Trezoboro your Emperor and he shall renew your peace and comfortes This as according to their owne desires they soone consented to and so in midst of all the Armie was he aduanced inuested and solemnly proclaymed Emperour of Trebizond and all the Kingdomes adioyning Prince of Peace Lord of the great Sea and Seruant to the high Gods Then sange they a Himne in his honour to Bellona and a Song to Diana And lastly with Panegericall Ceremonies they brought him to Mengrelius royall Tent which the Souldiers had reuerently preserued in the defeat But when vnfortunate Peristoll whom for his ill newes he commaunded to be slaine had enformed the proceedings of the Campe and that the Prince had taken vpon him the Diademne neuer was impatience apter to be described For now he raged indeed and put in practise many actions of distemperature as assuring him selfe the Oracle was compleat onely the last poynt which was his death yeelded more terrour in the suspition then a thousand mischiefes in full execution Yet he lifted vp once againe the countenance of Valloure and with his supply out of Russia many Mercenaries from Scithia and Europa and the rest worthy to be beloued for being true to their Maister hee set forward a mightier Armie then the first which in short time confronted his Aduersaries who were comming forward apace to take possession of the Citties So that nothing was to be expected but forcible and confused Prophanation both of loue and dutie wherefore they gaue Reuenge full scope to make one day of death for all And the Battaile began with a horrible and impetuous violence wherein to see the distempred Mengrelius with a well graced fury whirling amongst the troupes would haue pittied his degenerating humors and admired his strength and valoure but Trezoboros approache deuided these thoughts who finding the Emperour enclosed to his great danger contrary to expectation commaunded them to desist and so yeelded him freedome to worke his madnesse on some other subiect An other time Anzitemus chaunced where destruction indeed was comming apace and deliuered him which hee tooke in greater scorne because the Souldiers cryed See the kindnesse of Trezoboro see the pietie of Anzitemus But this I say caryed him to disdaine indeed and perceiuing him selfe spared by speciall appoyntment hee changed his Horse and Armour comming into the Battaile vnknowne For by this time neither Order nor Discipline serued and determined to single out his Sonne with such a minde as a man after a solemne Vow which he is resolued to keepe endeuoreth to bring to effect But Anzitemus hauing seene Perneades sequester him selfe from the company with purpose to draw foorth such men as he prouided in ambush supposed the Emperour had been hee and so encountred with him before the sodaine approch might strike a feare amongst the wearied and already fainting troopes and after a gallant Battaile Death rushed in with a blow which the King with both his hands stroke at his head whose steely Couert not firmely setled yeelded to the violence shewing that nothing in the world is permanent nor any man in life secure so the Emperour shruncke vnder the burden of this misfortune yeelded to an honorable vntimelines which was the more lamentable because hee sought the destruction of his Sonne and came to a ruthfull end by his Daughters husband But when Anzitemus had time to ouerlooke and know it was Mengrelius vnkinde remembrance confounded him with sorrow at the accident and cursed the hand that yet pleaded ignorance in the deed remayning confounded vntill the rumour and entercourse of people brought Trezoboro thither at last came Calisthenes Orchanes Hardubax at last came the rest all more troubled with griefe then proud of their owne quietnesse so that the Victorie represented variety of Discomfort rather then solemnity of a Triumph For what with recording those many Vertues abounding in him whereof euery one had bountifully participated and the present spectacle so full of remorse they sorrowed beyond measure and Trezoboro was compelled to make his entrance into the Empire with incongruent demeanour had celebrated if the State would haue permitted it with one solemnity his fathers Exequies and his owne Coronation By this time was the Oracle published abrod wisedome interdicted an vnmeasurable discomfort in a matter-remediles appoynted ineuitable so to make a nevv account with delight Anzitemus was importuned to send for Brizaca least she were altogeather depriued of that benefite which Children receiue from the knowledge of their Parents This asked a litle time of deliberation but the importunities of the Empresses preuailed so the charge of the Iorney was committed to Philtranus Prince of Cilicia As for the Army he deuided that into two parts sending the one by land vnder the command of Kazopletus the other by Sea with Pelorus sonne of Pelorus Artabazes Admirall both to remaine vndissolued till hee him selfe returned in the meane while his Mother Euphamia to rest Regent by a new Commission These matters had the effect of diligence and loyalty Philtranus came fortunately into Armenia informed the Queene of all occurrents with the plausible directions for her progresse to Trebizond Heere the intermixtion of contraries kept her from the full
Resolution hee neither seemed much dismayed or abated For to complaine of Godes or Men of Fortune or the World he thought it a property of such as desired to liue Againe to crane pardone sue to Friends and make base Submission hee imputed to such as feared to die so that Death appeared now like a welcome Friend if the reproch might be taken away which made such an impression that he protested Anzitemus should not triumph in his disgrace not vse his liuing body contumeliously yet when there seemed want of meanes to effect this glorious Acte as hee supposed beeing left destitute of all prouision hee then boyled for very rage and was enforced to coole him selfe with a Cup of cold Water which working a better temperature somewhat reduced him and then he reprehended his dulnesse that conceiued not the infinite wayes whereat Death might make her entrance wherevpon with circumspection as if Desperatnesse meant to intreat her contrary aduise hee searched about the Chamber at last finding a rysing in the Wall where a Flint shoued out his Corner with a maine careere he dashed out his brairies leauing rather example of Manhod then Conscience With the death of Cleonidas remayned Armenia fully quieted and Brizaca without further suspition might prepare for her progresse to which the industry of Philiranus and the dutie of her Subiectes added outward Ritches and Pompe nor was shee behinde them for State and Maiestie So that shee set forward to their Ioy and Amazement from whence shee came to their Delight Contentment to whom shee went But when Anzitemus vnderstood of Cleonidas death hee tooke the newes as it were in ill part because hee thought him selfe disappoynted of a great deale of Honour in the courses meant toward him yet ballansing the assurance of his owne Peace and quietnes withall hee gaue way to more seasonable desires and seemed satisfied with the wantonnesse of the time and the pleasure of the place which delighted with varietie so that if his owne importunities had not compelled his returne into Armenia hee might very easily haue vsurped the felicitie of another Kingdome FINIS Scribimus indocti doctique Poeniata passim The Battaile betwixt Anzitemus and Cleonidas at Sea A dèsperate action of Cleonidas The Shipwracke of Anzitemus The storie of the Shepheards of Nagania Placandus fishing night Anzitemus saued by Placandus changeth hisname to Montanus Montanus as Placandus seruant saluted by Coranus Coranus not onely relateth the story of Montanus but describeth him to his daughter Deltona Coranus describeth Montanus to Deltona The Story of Marpesia The Shepheards feast wherein Mountanus and Deltona meet The description of the shepherds daughters The discription of the shepheards The continuance of the Feast with the Exercises of the shepheards The secodn meeting of Montanus and Deltonae The third meeting of Montanus and Deltona Montanus in loue with Deltona Deltona in loue with Montanus and how they came togeather Montanus commeth to Coranus and Deltona Corauus is pleased with Deltonas recouery and Montanus company Montanus meeteth with Franio comming from Corauus The Story of Franio an enuious opposite and riuall of Montanus Wicked idle men described Deltona is resolued to know what Montanus is and what shal be the issue of their loue so goeth to Marpesius Cane where she entertaineth Montanus Montanus commeth to Marpesias Caue and findeth Deltona Franio betrayeth Deltona to the Duke with his story aâ—…loue to Deltona The story of Rugio Duke of Fortona Deltona Deltona refuseth to be Dutches of Fortona The Duke stealeth away Deltona The Duke stealeth away Deltona through Franios mischieuous deuice who is slaine in the businesse The death of Franio Montanus followeth the Duke into the Cittie to see what will become of Deltona who is discouered to be an Emperours daughter Coranus meeteth his brother Bertosus in Fortona Egerius and Deltona discouered to be brother and sister the Emperour of Trebizonds 〈◊〉 The History of Mengrelius and Kalucki Kalucki dispossessed of the Empire by his younger brother Mengrelius seateth himselfe in the further Tartary Kalucki setled in Tartaria Menarelius marieth his sister Arcabella Mengrelius killeth his first Sonne The hystorie of Xantippus and Encelidon King Zalby commeth to Duke Rugio to Fortona Engerius prosceutcth the Historie of Mengrelius The description of Delphos Mengrelius troubled with a Dreame The Empresse is deliuered of two children the one named Trezoboro the woman Brizaca How Gellida and Perinthum saued the Princes The Empres Children deliuered to Coranus and Bertosus too Brothers in Capadocia Montanus hearing the Historie of Mengrelius is much troubled when the Duke confesseth that he loueth Delte na Bertofus proceedeth in the story of Mengrelius The Empres children with Coranus and Bertosus taken prisoners by Cleonidas The story of â—…xus and Menedemus The story of Cleonidas and Perinthum The Shipwracke of Coranus and Bertosus with the Emperors children who are here discouered to be Egerius Deltona But by their proper names Trezoborâ—… Brizaca Bertosussuffering shipwracke is taken vp by Piscarro nameth Trezoboro Egerus Coranus suffering shipwracke is taken vp by Selenus and nameth Brizaca Deltona Deltona thus reuealed doth not yet forget Montanus but confesseth her loue Mâ—…ntanus departeth from Fortonâ—… Montanus commeth to Placandus his father prepareth himselfe against the Triumph Montanus commeth to the Triumph unknowne The History of Artabazes and Olmus Olmus the Kinges Brother beginneth aninne uation Artabazes stomaching his Brothers presumption will not induer it but Kills him in the Hurliburly Artabazes Killeth his brother Olmus The story of Gestarius Artabazes leaueth Armenia Gestarius death The story of Cleonidas Artabazes Cleonidas carieth Artabazes away prisoner Montanus discouereth himselfe to be the Sonne of Artabazes Montanus hauing discouered himselfe to be King Artabazes Sonne by the name of Anzitemus maryeth Brizaca Anzitemus and Brizaca maryed Ligornio porceedeth in the History of Artabazes beginneth with the story of Artabanus and Astiages The story of Medormus and Gliranda Artabanus offereth priuat Combate to Medormus which Anzitemus performeth for the king Gliranda killeth her selfe Anzitemus meditateth on his owne affayres and his fathers imprisonment The story of Ormisdates and Damafloris Sacromirus sonne of Hircania proceedeth with Artabanus historie The story of Anzitemus and Astiages Astiages murdreth Mulcasses Astiages desperate of recouery considering Anzitemus possessed his Kingdome flyeth to Cleonidas Astiages flyeth to his Ships Anzitemus proceedeth in his owne story The Persiâ—…us would choose Anzitemus king but he refuseth Astiages returneth with Cleonidas who brought Artabazes into Persia. The cruell vnfortunate death of Artabazes Anzitemus father in reueng whereof he followeth Cleouidas to Sea and there encountreth him as in the first Chap. of the first Booke The death of Astiages Cleonidas killeth Artabaâ—…es Cleonidas and Anzitemns fight at Sea as in the beginnig The story of Cleonidas and Antanata with Armenus takeing her part possessing the Kingdome and denominating the Country Cleonidas conderateh with Colphurnus a Gyant Armenus Sonne of Sagarenus assisteth the Queene Artaxata Armenus Artaxata contract Armenus offereth priuate Combate Colphurnus death Cleonidas prisoner and restored Armenus is king and nameth the Country Armenia Cleonidas rebelleth againe and dyeth Cleonidas the Sonne is banished Armenia and becommeth a Piratte Anzitemus declareth his fortune with Roxana the heyre of Persia and how he was preuented from Marrying her by reason of his pursuing Cleonidas at Sea The discription of Roxana A circumstantial commendation of pleasing conference Presents prayers praises winne women Anzitemus preparcth to goe into his owne Kingdome of Armenia after to present Trezoboro to the Emperor Mengrelius Anzitemus returneth into Armenia is inuested King Bertosus is sent Embassador to the Emperor Mengrelius and discouereth the story of Trezoboro Placandus made Duke by Anzitomus Trezoboro returneth to Trebizonda and is entertained for Prince The story of Kalccki and Mullumalla The Empres Mullumalla in loue which Kalucki Barka determineth to murder Kalucki Mullumalla contriueth to saue Kaucki The murder of Barka Kalucki Emperour of Tartary Kalucki enformed how his brother had broken promise and couenant with him determineth to be reuenged Calucki certefied his brother had a sonne Malucki returneth to challenge the Empire of Trezibonda Mengrilius is resouâ—…ed to put it to the Tryall of a battaile but is preuented by miracle The battaile preuented by Miracle The story of Mengrelius and Trezoboro with the fathers ielosy against the sonne by reason of the prophesie Trezoboro in Armes proclaimed Traytor Auzitemus ioyneth with Trezoboro killeth Mengrelius fulfilleth the Prophesie inuesteth Trezoboro Emperor Mengrelius deposed and Trezoboro chosen Emperor Mengrelius slaine and the Prophesie fulfilled The story of Cleonidas after the Battaile with Anzitemus The death of Cleonidas
spirites weried with meditation desired rest or the very braine dryed with sorrow shruncke vp the stringes of his eyeliddes or him selfe was willing to this course to ouerpasse his feare he quietly fell a sleepe had not his sleepe the more disquieted him like a man reparing a ruinous house and pulling downe aparte haleth also the whole to his greater charge For a formidable dreame thus surprised his repose An Eagle mounting to her nest had onely too young ones to feed but whether she conceiued vnkindnesse against them or in the misfortune of her rauin brought not wherewithall to succour them or displeased at some other accident shee threwe them to the ground leauing her selfe childlesse and them liuelesse yet they recouered and miraculously gathering new life and extraordinary stature returned ere their mother had made a second flight seeming by their demeanour as though they come to comfort her but shee stomacking the curtesie conuerted her loue to rage and began a manner of contention against them they seeing the daunger desisted awhile till very necessitie of life draue them to offence and offence increasing with anger anger forgat it selfe and so betweene them the olde one was torne in pieces which when a better consideration deliberated on with a monstrous howling they departed the noyse whereof awaked Mengrelius so his Dreame ended and the tempest ended but a worse dismay began then before At last remembring himselfe he hasted to a priuate Posterne of the pallace where finding the appointed Comptrollor of his house hee with him imparted such secrets that as the charge was of importance his dispatch was with speedinesse For he presently returned with sadnesse from the Empresse and trouble from the Court shee submitting to his appointment and they appointing that nights libertie if it pleased him to visite her where upon he hasted vp and dismissing all from his presence conferred onely with his mother about strange things and tolde his sister Pisana his cruell resolution wherein the suspition was so terrible that forgetting the weakenesse of his Empresse hee left them and thus astonished the helpwanting Princesse with a soule-vexing preamble Vnfortunate Arcabella not in that thou art the daughter of Samarchanus but wife of Mengrelius vnderstand by me that I am accursed for my owne sake and thou art cast with the same verdict for my sake as being the instrumentall cause of vnhappinesse the Oracle confirming thee a mother of strange Issue pronouncing my deiection by my sonne death by my daughters husband and confusion if I infringe the oth to Kalucki nor imagine I am caried away with supposes For what I haue rufully reported thou mayest pittifully ouer-looke with that he shewed them Misocrapus Tablet and they read the Prophesie thus insculped Apollos doome will not the King delude Yet breatheth terrour vengeance and despight A male and female shall one birth coneâ—…ude By Princely meanes obscured from thy sight The sonne shall liue howeuer rage conspire To cut the threed our Destinies haue spun And in thy life against his owne desire Possesse the Throne which Samarchanus wonne The daughters Loue a Shepheard shall obtaine By strange aduenture vndisparaged And he must end thy peace life Kingdoms raigne When Trebizonda shall be foraged Beleeue or not all 's one I yet conclude Apolles doom will not the King delude This they read and to this was some reply in redinesse but Mengrelius interposed this breuitie that my former Oath may therefore bee kept inuiolate and my vexed spirits from sorer out-rage restained I command what euer vnreasonablenesse seeme in the command that as soone as Nature hath brought thy children into the light thy own hands depriue them of the light this see thou regard to performe and performe as thou regardest thy life but Arcabella permitted not the freedom of this bitternesse for she thus aduentured to repell it What inhumane crueltie is heere threatned and vnmanly prosecutions deuised nothing but inordinate passions distempered behauiour broken sleeps fearefull out-cries inconsiderate vows and vnnaturall tyranies Neere tell mee of vnprincely protestations better resolue to transgresse enforced contracts which satisfaction may counteruaile then continue in settled wickednesse which repentance cannot mitigate better submit to inscrutable mercie whose goodnesse euer exceedeth formidable appearance then execute malicious wilfulnesse whose out-rages are seldome preuented What Law Iudgement or Reason wil allow condemne disappoint The massacre of innocent Babes the Preuiledge of sacred Princes the right of Legitimate Heires But to the purpose hath heauenly reuolution threatned an ouerthrow What earthly meanes can prohibite the pleasure of the Gods hath our feare taken roote from the Oracle of Apollo What humane cunning shall hinder the course of their springing Yet peraduenture you haue mistaken what was prophesied or prophesied what your selfe haue mistaken besides each fond Dreame must not be beleeued or lying Priest allowed as for deuine resolutions neither can the reaching wit of man impeach the credite nor Furie of deuils controule the enforcement By the paines therefore of Ballutasa in our birth I desire by the teares sadnes of Pisana by my owne chastitie by thy aduancement to this Empire by the secrets of our marriage I coniure either your patience to tollerate the burden of heauenly Imposition or resuscitate your allacritie to recouer your renowne by the one you shall be sure to proceed in a good course by the other confirme the faith of your subiects toward you who setled so long in a happy peace confirmed in the Loue of a Royall Prince wil neither hazerd the one nor leaue the other though Kalucky should immagine there were cause of innouation ut what was this otherwise then to spit against the winde whose violence returneth the filth into thy face or to impart the sweetnesse of musick to a deafe auditorie For hee either not hearing because he minded it not or not minding because it liked not or not liking because it pleased not or not pleasing because it disagreed to his humorous suspition answered My will shall now stand for a Lawe and pronounceth death to thy children or losse of thy owne life with which conclusion of death departing as the beginning was death the proceeding death and the ende death so no doubt had it finished with a double death if prouident carefulnesse had not preuented desperate quicknesse For the Empresse all inraged put in practise diuers motions of a broken spirit as rashing of her ornaments of Maiestie scratching her louely face with a manifest rebellion against beautie disseuering her daintie plighted tresses in scorn of comelinesse and bethumping her panting sides swelling with the life striuing within so that the Ladyes had a taxe of difficultie imposed to withhold her from a desperate crueltie til a new worke proposed it selfe for her spirites weakened with the threanes of her pangs and her pangs increasing with child-bearing trauell subiected her to necessitie of life and induced them to further her deliuerance which was done in such
suspecting what a mutinous Multitude might vnaduisedly yeeld vnto especially hauing already entertained mislike and now confounded with new action of distrustes which accordingly came to passe For the Cittie dismayed with the report of Olmus death and terrefied with the speeches of diuers who gaue out that the King ment presently to sacke it misdoubted their owne saftie and were vâ—…d to Master their forces to saue their liues which Gestarius incited them vnto a Minnion of the slaughtered Prince and with a slender inuectiue quickely exasperated their displeasure But heere Fortune laughed first to see a man of iudgement deceiued in an idle choyce and then the world bewitched to be caried out of the smooth path of Obedience by a blind guide into the stony and craggy streights of Innouation For concerning the man hee was in great credite about Olmus yet neither bitth allowing the fauour of a Court nor education meriting any extraordinate liking onely readinesse of Lip-labour adioyning some outward pleasantnesse to many abrupt speaches of them-selues neither in another gracious nor from another allowable made the ouercredulous Prince continue his loue because hee had begun his liking and admit the person for pleasing his fancie loth to reiect so great hope as his cunning perswaded and vnwilling to bring his first Iudgement in question which had so much ouerruled him Touching his Action as soone as silence was pittifully entreated hee seemed to excruciate him selfe with sorrow and began to vtter his minde yet could not for deepe sighs nor sigh long for many teares which proceeding from affection detained him awhile in some abruptnesse till at last the strength of his desire to Reuenge gaue libertie to the tongue thus to dispute O infortunate people sayd â—…e euen after so long goodnesse with the surfet of the same vnfortunate now are you inuited to a sower Banquet in which neither courtious entertainement alloweth a welcome nor holsome Diet satisfaction vnlesse odious Presumption arrogant Contempt wilfull Negligence vnexpected Oppression tyranous Slaughters and vnnaturall Murders be the fare you attend and the Dellicates you hope after For naught else affoordeth the Disshes of this course or the courses of this Feast considering your glory O yee that were proude in the fruition of such glory is quite extinguished but in whom in Olmus ô princely Olmus is slaine But where in the Pallace temple sacred to the people and sanctified to the Gods But how by force of Armes and furie of Tyrants But by whom by blood thirsty Artabazes who with his owne hands chased vs from the place and slew his Fathers Sonne in the Temple which as I cannot declare without griefe so I wish not let passe without redresse considering you importune to haue the gouernment worthy your obedience and not to remaine in a continuall feare of your ruine For what shall wee expect when the Common-wealth hath been made the Tennisball of Fortune and tossed as his violence inforced When the Complaints of the people haue been derided and irregular wilfulnesse set on foote manie diuelish stratagems as for the Warres which hath made vs all smart they haue been but counted pastimes and the meanes to disburthen him of ill willers But concerning our selues How shall we that be Strangers liue without dismay when hee which was his Mothers Sonne died without remorce Let my very Enemies whom yet I would not haue enemies to their Country looke about with the eyes of zeale and discretion and then tell mee if the Kingdome thus distracted stand not in need of better direction when they see in all strong compacted Estates either Wise men be aduanced to authoritie or men in authoritie endeauour to be Wise Nor are-we so slauishly bound to the succession of a Monarchy not yet confirmed with eighty yeares memorie to submit to priuat insatiatnesse rather then prouide for publicke good What shall I say I protest neither old rooted Malice nor any priuate Displeasure of my owne giueth this euidence Or as the ill willer may inferre perpretrateth a crime but the dangers you remaine in most honourable Armenianus to see your Priuiledges taken from you your Goods dispearsed your selues made slaues your Wiues rauished your Daughters deflowred and your Citties set on fire as if your names were to be forgotten on earth compelleth this aggrauation For the Head corrupted suffreth the Body to perish and the Minde to be contagious a Spring poysoned dissolueth the venom into the running Streame and the Prince lifted vp like the head of a polliticall body either of him selfe wicked or of as wicked as him selfe mis-ledde quickly ruineth the flourishing'st Kingdome Then may the Subiects wish amisse because they hate and hate in that they can receiue no good which seeing wee haue such pregnant proofe of let vs in time either alter this vntoward beginning or depose our new beginning Tyrant for in our case wee forâ—…y not that good men doe die but tremble that the vicious doe liue No sooner had his rebellious eloquence soothed the conceites of the multitude but with a mutinous hurliburly not vnlike a raging Sea swelling ouer some small defence which caryeth before it what so euer stoppeth his course or a boysterous Winde whose violence hurleth downe the greatest and highest Buildings did they thronge on heapes against the place whither safety had withdrawne Artabazes and seeing the Ports guarded were the more enraged because resisted yea altogeather out of patience as finding a likelihood of Gestarius inuectiue the most of them not knowing whither they went nor aduised what to doe yet because they would bee dooing did indeed what was not to be done Some crying it surpasseth Homicide and no way to be excused others wished their silence and inferred there might be a causing circomstaunce Some whispered the danger of delay and that there was opportunitie to reuenge all their wronges others gaue an assault vainely presuming on the glory of the exployte Some thought it too much outrage and therfore seemed halfe angry others of a more dangerous courage fearing a slacknesse in the deuision were the angrier at their anger Some gaue a caueat to be aduised least the King should preuaile others made vse of that doubt that no Pardon would euer be graunted and therefore as good purchase their Peace by force or make it a generall trespasse Thus vnstayed hastinesse the very principall part of trayterous insurrection deuided their wits and debarred all motions of alleageance causing them which intended to doe well to practise what was amisse and such as ment amisse to continue in tenn times worse so that Artabazes was amased at the wretched vprore and in a manner confounded to see such a concurrencie of mischiefe but when he perceiued their outrage bent to entrap his life and that they had begun a worke of great trouble he summoned the best aduise he could of preuention which concluded to winne time the father of contraries and by secret flight to preuent the present fury reasonning thus
either their owne affayres would deuide them to their houses or the charge in maintaining the Army would proue to comberfome or the Queene hauing strongly fortefied her selfe in Belcania would raise and encrease her power or the neighbour amity of Media would sufficiently reenforce his Army this his eldest sonne Anzitemus much vrged because Artabanus the Median King was many wayes tyed in honour vnto him and to this did they all condiscend making that night a sudden alarum and with a gallant sally quickely winning the Hauen with the Ships within the Riuer wherein no man resisting for the King commaunding and was now able to be obeied they as quickely embarked themselues But heere you might haue deciphered the operation of base cowardise and gallant vallure this of such vertue that each daunger was as soone ouerpassed as attempted that of such changes that the hurlyburly amongst themselues slue more with disorder then the Enemie with aduantage For as Anzitemus gaue the on set and that the king followed to second him whole Lanes were made through some few companies new risen and the suddennesse suffered none to rise who were otherwise ouertaken besides the night encreased the feare the feare a confusion a confusion a most lamentable slaughter which the King not regarded as supposing Iustice had taken his cause in hand but thanking Fortune for the opportunitie left them amazed at the accident and setled him selfe to the dispatch of his iourney By this time some better aduised then the rest gathered togeather the dispearsed Forces but when the light of their Vnderstanding had vnited it selfe to the light of the Morning and that they saw so pittious aspectacle and knew the King was escaped then followed another alteration For the vnsetled multitudenere disputing on the first cause condemned the present mischiefe and began to enueigh against the inchantment of that exercist Gestarius which had so seduced them but when they ouerlooked their damages and conceiued the matter as if Iustice had sent them to the house of Correction then grew the terror amongst themselues more then their courages against their enemies none now being enemies but such as enterprised the defence of Gestarius who base in very basenesse it selfe allowed each reproch without Coulour or excuse and suffered the wrecke of their rage with the losse of his owne life which done Pleios a chiefe man amongst them aduised to submit to the Queene Euphamia whom in all actions they had found a worthy patterne of Ptincelynesse and vertue and would not now degenerate considering Gestarius had already receiued the guerdon of a Traytor and no man remayned but trembled to immagin what the end would haue been if the King had miscaried This euery one applauded and a present submission made intercession for a pardon but by reason of her feare of Artabazes it receiued not full life yet shee accorded what euer chanced to make their peace and they encouraged with her Princely promise disperced themselues wherupon she sent forth a Pinace as a messenger of these glad tidinges to finde out Artabazes which made such hast that within three dayes it ouertooke them ouertaken with such ill successe as if mischiefe and destruction indeed had called a dismall counsell to crosse a man FOr most Excellent Princes euen when they thought misfortune weary of her tyrany they descried a Fleet at Sea the arch Pirat Cleonidas whom the Ministers of report had certefied of Artabazes troubles and mingling many lyes with some truth perswaded that most men desired his returne and aduancement to which his former discontentments and present meanes of Reuenge seemed to flatter him that if the worst fell out he might ioyne with Olmus and so make the same Water that draue the Mill to drowne the Mill by his comming causing the Brothers so to weaken one another that at last he might be warranted to depresse the strongest party This aduised him to furnish his Nauy and hearing the voyce of the Windes sound comfort vnto him made vse of the time set forward with speed vntill he encountred Artabazes Sailing into Media and thought Fortune very liberall in bestowing such a benefit vpon him For now the choise of reconciliation or Reuenge was exposed but Reuenge sounded like Musicke in his cruell eares as maintained with the life of a more cruell heart wherupon without parlee or other amplifieing manner of defiance more then that he exclamed how the fauour of the Gods had sent Cleonidas to cry quittance with the sonne of Armenus he presently assaulted them But when the name of Cleonidas wicked Clenidas yea in his wickednesse dishonorable Cleonidas was vnderstood of Artabazes neuer came vallure to be so miserably checked as if the sound of Cleonidas had proceeded from the Trumpet of death for a sudden stilnesse far be it from any man to call it a feare made such a Metamorphosis that when there seemed greatest need of an embolding courage then began a misdoubt of death warranting sorrow which departed not till a strong party of sighes and teares disproportioned his magnanimitie at last he remembred himselfe and seing his sonne Anzitemus as it were ouerlooking him caught hold of his Arme and thus spake O the strength of my life O my Anzitemus Be not dismayde at this extasie nor impute the titell of Cowardise to the father of such a sonne but the only opinion the now examination of the same which I conceiued of the wise Dermastro who long since in a greefe-working sadnesse assured that Cleonidas would be omninous vnto me hath ouerswaied that allacrytie which I once supposed no mischance should distemper yet I protest this is not troublesome in regard of my selfe but for thee whom I haue doublie and irrecouerably betrayed and abused But necessitie made a breach of his speeches For Anzitemus answering no otherwise then liue Artabazes in despight of Cleonidas was enforced to the fight and so disposed his Ships that Cleonidas determining to Grapple thought to discouer some aduantage by Wheeling about and turning his Sailes And as when two mightie Rammes enraged with the smart of well inforced stroakes quickly part themselues and to the vnexperienced make a Cowardly retreat butindeed to meete againe with sorer fury so acted Cleonidas his part for what with animating of some terrefieing of others and his owne example he set forward againe and becircled the ship wherein Artabazes was with foure greater Now who had seene the peerelesse King for his worthynesse could not but haue thought valure rightly bestowed such was the slaughter he made such was the confusion which followed The shipe full of dead Carkases full of dying men full of wounded fighters himselfe bestowing no blow but like a Messenger of Reuenge and ouerpressed with number like a Minister of rage as for the rest the valiant in their deaths outfaced death the coward saw his shame rewarded either with miserable slaughter or slauish Captiuitie the Ships were suncke and dismembred and
proclaime her now title and defiance against her Father nay more after the discouery and that they were preuented she dared to exasperat the kings displeasure with a kinde of impudencie who enraging to see such offenders past shame commaunded the prerogatiue of Maiestie to proceed against them wherby without question they had both lost their liues as before they had done their loyalties if her brother Artabanus now raigning had not importuned a hard returning mercy yet could not the father so passe ouer the vnkindnesse For he presently entertained all the Ministers of rage and discontentment by whom'he was quickly miscaried to the house of sicknesse wherin only able to assure his sonne that Kings permitte neither concurrent nor Competitor with a life fainting farewell he bad him remember his father and looke to himselfe Now encreased new troubles because Medormus and Gliranda set on worke new Treasons as perceiuing one only obstacle to debarte their progresse to the dignitie which made them contriue to remoue it wherein they went somewhat cunningly to worke causing a good mother to bring foorth a bad Childe and vnder Coulour of an Honorable exployte to incite Artabanus to the inuading of Persia not doubting but he might miscary in the danger or they by his absence haue conuenyency to reuolt but when the kings sending Adelphus had thus disappointed them the very despight discouered that there is no confidence to be attributed to a reconsiled enemie who like the Serpent of Nilus came fawning creeping yea and shed teares till he was able to reach his prey and then Murdred him without remorse 〈◊〉 so wrought with them from acknowledging a life sauing benefit that they once againe attempted a death working Catastrophe a Catastrophe I may well terme it as hauing a double reference both to the king and themselues For soothed or rather betraied to this opportunitie of Artabanus forces ouerthrowne in Persia they begann an intestine broyle and innouation in Media which shewed the countenance of such miserable towardlynesse that the king was enforced to fortefie himselfe in the Cittie of Abadod where commonly his Court was kept and the people were euer carryed with a Zeale toward him heither did Medormus prosecute him and within seauen clayes after Anzitemus ariuall to whom for the strangnesse and crosse variety the King imparted both the one and the other Warre miserably deseiged him When Anzetemus perceiued to what tryall his patience was enforced he repined at the troubles rather then was troubled with any repining because his owne determination for Artabazes deliuery was procrastinated and he himselfe must needes be engaged for Antabanus releife yet making vertue of necessitie and willing to affright Conceit with some imployment hee offred the king two especiall iewels of his treasurie Direction and Encouragement that in regard of his louing Cittisens whom hee meant to protect this in respect of his disloyall Subiectes against whom hee determined to proceed whereupon a summons brought them to hearken after a Parlee and Artebanus out of the Window of a Port thus deliuered his minde I am gladd louing and yet disordred louing Friends that I speake to such who by their quiet attention make shew at the first of wisedome obedience I will therefore without euasion or challenging this vnkinde and vnnaturall bearing of Armes against your King come to the purpose in deed If then my defects and extremities haue been so narrowly searcht into that I seeme vnworthy to enioy my Inheritaunce I was neuer so vntractable to reiect good counsaile and aduise or if they haue been so vnnaturally vrged against mee that you cannot beare the burden without a reuolt yet you might orderly haue discouered your griefes and desired reformation for I protest before the Reuenget of all Treasons that I ioyne with you in well wishing to haue Goodnesse flourish Prudence direct Fortitude protect Iustice controule and Temperance moderate Or if any better course might like a quiet working Potion be administred for the health of this Polliticall body the patient is not so distempred to cast away himselfe But if priuate grudges haue led you out of the smooth paths of reason to the ragged and stony streightes of passion returne for shame least your foolish choise scandalise you to the world or for feare least you be driuen to an vnpreuentable destruction But if the ambition of others hath detained you in the bondage of impossible hopes and flatteries shake off the deceite and with the eyes of discretion behold your owne weaknesse considering Iustice correcteth the offender as well as rewardeth the well deseruer But if Mâ—…dermus Treasons hatefull to God and man especially to me that am his kinsman life giuer and soueraigne haue bewitched your simplicities that you can be â—…ontent to despise your king disturbe the commonwealth slaughter your friendes Butcher vp your kindred ruine thâ—…s established Cittie and make a confusion of all Whether may I iustly 〈◊〉 on your vnreuerent â—…artiallity â—…or the world condemne you for witlesse outraged but me thinks I heare some good Angell wisper amongst you it is reason and truth I haue discouered and therfore there must be error nay monstrous rebellion in these proceedings deferre therfore your threatninges and keepe your vallures in store against your enemies for heeâ—…e aâ—…ne but allies Countrymen friends and kiâ—…d vnlesse like Parricides you are determined to vnrippe the Bowels of so carefull a Mother I meane your Countrie for whose Honour if not for my sake Be not stained with the lothsome spottes of infamy And behold mercy peace and life offer themselues to your free election take and choose the King speakes the king promiseth the King will performe if not let these be the times of terror and the day of my aduancement neuer reckned in the yeere for this your stifneckednesse This was vttred so passhionately that the extermity burst forth into teares breeding remorse yea the manner of his demeanor was such that the impression had wrought their defiance against disobedience had not Medormus stubborne Medormus counterpleaded they were entrapped with subtilty and ensuared with a cunning baite tush sayth he though Artabanus may make you beleeue he will forgiue yet can he neuer forget this fault and in the greatest plentie of your dayes will once for all make a seisure of your selues and inheritances besides your names and families shall be odious vnto him alwayes subiect to ielousies and neuer put in trust with matters of import as for aduancements they shall be so farre from being conferred vpon you that like strangers you shall stand for euer remote But why bread I this scruple amongst you You haue Iustice on your side and conscience bidds you assist me that am wronged as for Artabanus he vsurpeth my right and as the best of you can tell so did his father deale with vnfortunate Cestus his elder brother goe on therfore goe on I say againe goe on deuide the Kingdome at pleasure and make your owne peace
againe like a louing mother which is still taking her leaue of her departing sonne and haueing one spetiall matter to counsell him in doth often and very often remember it so like the Father of the Common-wealth doe I put you in minde while it is time to thinke vpon the horrible end of this tryall For to affright vs the more we are to contend with Beastes and men worse then Beastes Anthropophagi Misocoli Monsters in nature and all Barbarisme so that nothing but bloud and death or vtter ruin of vs all which the Gods interdicte must follow in the preuailing Preuent therefore Preuent in time your troubles heere is Mengrelius began the inconuenience heere is Trezobro the cause of your feare heere is both father and sonne the Ransome of your disquiet But as a further vehemencie might haue vnshadowed the heate of other humors the people vnwilling to see their Prince so distempred and vnable to dissolue their firme rooted zeale cryed aloud the Gods confound the disturbers of our peace the Gods dispose of all thinges to their pleasure liue therefore Mengrelius sacred and irremoueable spare not to defend your kingdomes for we will neither hassard our Princely Trezoboro nor permit any dissipation of our gouernment THus is Kalukies Embassage contradicted and Queridock dismissed backe which caused defiance to rumour terrible thinges and the best dispositions were shuffled betwixt feare hope At last Kalucki vnwilling to trifell least prouision for so great an Armie might be wanting sent forward the greatest part of his Forces deuided into three Battailes vnder the conduct of Sicambus Mallau Petroslol Zami and Xantippus all in times past of hereditary possessions in Pontus Iberia and Colchidos and followed himselfe with the rest quartered in fiue partes vnder the commaund of Misogambus and Olippo two of the Empresse Mullumallas bretheren and Barsangol and Iubar sonnes of Mithra and Delium two Queenes of late the Concubines of Barka In the midest was Kalucki himselfe sequestred in an Emperiall Tent according to the ceremonious respect of his estate neither to bee seene nor spoken withall but at spetiall times The ordring of this businesse was not committed to such a secretary but the Emperour of Trebizond knew the manner of his proceedings and by that time he had passed Cularopa furnished himselfe reasonable well For from Taurica the heither Scithia Russia and Hiperborei he had one hundred Thousand Auxiliaries out of Colchidos Pontus Iberia and Paphlagonia he mustered eightie Thousand and from the Citties of Samarchanda Trebizond Merlanes and Xantippi he receiued twentie Thousand well appointed and of better spetiallitie by reason they were the sonnes of Noble men and Cittizens glorying in their ancient freedomes these he kept next his person and appoynted Curatsax Pharcanos Scydrothemis Mithridates ouerseers of his Guard as for Trezoboro he suffered his forwardnesse to direct the whole businesse as if his hope receiued life that some action or other might worke his miscarying Thus is the Trumpet of defiance ready to sound on both sides yet meane not the Trebizondians in such suddennesse to put it to the Tryall of a field because by being possessed of the streites and passages the enemie was sure to lessen his numbers and they winn time the Father of many contrarieties but the Circumstances of this great Warre are referred to my booke of Battailes I therefore ouerpasse them now and only certefie you that when Mengrelius perceiued he was not able to detaine them longer from a day of terror he tooke a Truce for seauen dayes laying open the Trenches and making the way plaine as if he determined to entertaine slaughter with handsomnesse or let death haue a larger freedome by easie passage So that the stoutest Courage was appauled at the preperation and had no other hope but dismay and confusion yet feares are enemies to the Progres of victory and therefore all abatements of Courage were absented when it came to the tryall indeed and Kalucki contrary to the coustomes of his greatnesse thought good to ouerlooke the partes of his Warrelike body that if neede required the helping a disease or fault in time might preuent a greater mischeife nor desisted hee so but Mounted on a throne of purpose to bee seene and herd he thus tooke his farrewell I intend not to vse many wordes vnto you as suspitious of your loues and vallures For if there were such a slackenesse it is now too late to murmure or Trifell but because my regard toward you may bee the better expressed I am the bolder to speake yet doe but determine to put you in minde of your owne mindes and knowledge Remember then what humour soeuer the enemie entertaine we are succorlesse and farre from home therefore must vallure make your way into new possessions or if you suppose the ostentation of the enemie is a glorious spectacle you haue Armes and Hands to vnplume them and bedeck your selues with their spoyles but what is this to your owne liues and glories which in a manner enforce you to shake off all incombrances of feare as for my selfe though I am loth to degeneratte from the ancient prerogatiues of your Emperors yet will I be the first to giue the onset For the cause being mine mine shall be the Honour or the shame and yours the spoyles wherein besides the renowne of the exployte the poorest vassaile shall thinke himselfe well rewarded The Country you see is pleasing and the blessinges you haue already tasted of goe one therefore goe on Fortune bidds you goe on and Victory lookes already with a pleasing Conntenance Heere a wonderfull clamour seemed to threaten heauen with the noise by which the Trebyzondians had warning of their enemies ill meaning toward them For till this they had beene awtentiue vnto Mengrelius who very well knew that a seasonable encouragement with addition of the worth of the partie speaking was a veary whet-stone of Courage and had wrought great effect indeed with whole Armies almost ready to faint Littleneed I sayed he debate any particulars concerning the former occasions of your now imminent troubles For your owne Loyalties and resolutions haue put a way all feare and continued the steadfastnesse which I now finde yea hurried you to the Gates of danger to make demonstration of your constancie I am therefore sure you will not now relent what euer mischeife is threatned nor would I haue you discouraged in that neither spoyles of Citties nor ritches of a plentifull Land shall be the recompence of your charge and endeauors but rather annimated in regard you are to support a florishing Common-wealth and a Country thankes to the eternall Powers beautified with a blessed plentie If this seeme a slender enforcement then looke on your Byrths and the places challenging naturall regard your Mothers that bare you your Wiues endeered vnto you your Children that exclaime your friends and Allies depending vpon you and your selues knowing the necessitie of life as for the Enemie I assure you