no great difficulty to perswade the Princess unto a parley with him but since my expectations from this enterview were very great so it might be in such a place where they might speak together with freedom I told the Princess that it would be much better if she met Spitridates upon the middle of the Bridg which stands over that river that runs under the walls of the Town After the Princess had well consulted and since all the Officers could not foresee any happy issue of this siege but by some advantageous capitulation and also since they saw no hopes of any relief they advised her to see Spitridates and she caused him whom the Prince had sent to come unto her to tell him that she consented unto the desire of his Master commanding one of her Captains to shew him the place where she desired this meeting might be the next morning and also to instruct him in such orders as should be observed and during which time there should be a cessation of all hostility After this messenger had viewed the Bridg and returned to his Master who approved of the alteration of place the rest of the day and night following was imployed in preparations for this enterview and making the place fit which indeed was a most glorious sight As the river was great the Bridg over it was also very large and stately so that it contributed much unto the magnificence of this business for just over the middle Arch were Lists made ready and covered with rich Sidonian Tapistry over the head was a rich and stately Pavilion trussed up on two sides with golden strings or to let down if the Sun did offend so that the next morning Spitridates who was all joy in hopes to see the princess did not sail of his time after he had drawn up all his forces into Batalia in sight of the Town and caused five hundred foot and two hundred horse only to advance with him to the end of the Bridg. The princess on the other side commanded that all the walls should be well lined with souldiers and with the like number of horse and foot came to the other end of the Bridg She no sooner knew that Spitridates was come but she prepared to meet him and that so fair as I was astonished at the mixture of so much melancholy and so much beauty together Since the Sun was not likely to annoy I moved her women to dress her as she was used when she went to hunt at Heraclea which was with a waving Plume over her head to cast a shadow upon her face The Princess being thus dressed went unto the end of the Bridg and waited upon by all her women and Commanders in her Army as soon as she appeared Spitridates advanced being waited upon by the like number The princess came to the Bars and went under the pavilion under which we were also but at a distance behind her Spitridates did wear the loveliest Sute of Arms upon earth and in spite of his melancholy his garb was so high and his Air so sprightly and delighting that I never saw him more glorious then that day as soon as he espied the Princess afar off he saluted her with much reverence and both of them meeting at the Bars at the same time all the men of both sides remaining under their Colours and Arms Spitridates did bow down to the very ground and she returned him her complement very civilly Afterwards beginning discourse When I sent unto you Madam said he unto her to beg the honour of treating with you I never had any intentions of coming to capitulate with you but in all humility I come to receive your commands and to render you an account of a tedious Exile of my return and of what I do at this present Indeed Divine Princess if the actions of the King my Father have not rendred me unworthy of your ear I am come to give you an account of my life past and to hear from your own mouth what it must be for the future Since I hear you say so answered the Princess I begin to think you are the very same Spitridates whom the late King my Father made choice of for his alliance who was so well beloved by the Prince Siâ—â—esis and so really esteemed by the unfortunate Araminta I begin to think I say that you are the same Spitridates who for the love of me endured two imprisonments with high generosity and who expressed an hundred signes of a most constant affection But yet when I look upon this Bar and all these Souldiers about you then I do confess me thinks you do not look like the same Spitridates I speak of but I look upon you as the Son of Arsamones that is a mortal enemy to the King my Brother Oh Madam cryed he out if it be your pleasure to know what I am I beseech you hear and look not upon that which may seduce your reason and may make me pass in your opinion for what I am not I do confess Madam that if I did not infinitely and beyond all expressions love you I should think my father had some reason to take possession of that Crown which was surreptitiously taken from off his head yet since he cannot do it but by the ruine of your house I shall look upon him in spite of all considerations of ambition or nature as an Usurper of his own Kingdom and all this because my love to you has taken the whole possession of my heart You know said the Princess unto him that Arsamones is not content with his own but the Kingdom of Pont is now in his hands as well as the Kingdom of Bythinia so that though his war were just in the getting of the one yet it was most unjust in the getting of the other I do confess it Madam said he unto her but if it may be permitted a Lover to speak something in excuse of his father I should then say that since ambition and revenge nevernse to keep within those limits which reasou and justice prescribe unto them it is no wonder if an injured and an ambitious Prince do not act altogether according to the rules of natural equity But Madam loving you as I do I will never approve of the act I confess also that the King my Father is injurious that he deserves the name of a cruel enemy and that I am the son of an Usurper But Madam you may remember if you please that when I began first to adore you you were then if I dare say it in the same condition which I am now and I then as you are now for as the King my Father has taken the Kingdom of Pontus from your house so likewise your Father held the Kingdom of Bythinia from mine yet for all that Madam I shall love and adore you and though you be the daughter of an Usurper be it spoken without any irreverence unto that honour I owe you yet I
Gates But said he to the Embassadors I do not think my self obliged to go and besiege them or to fight against those who out of their extream affection to me do cast off obedience It is sufficient that I will not aid them Besides they are now none of my subjects they are the subjects of Ciaxares and it belongs to him to order them Yet I do indeed think my self bound to intreat them but not rigorously to compell them This Prince thus dismissing the Embassadors of Ciaxares sent one of his own Heralds with them whom the King of Cappadocia caused to be conducted unto the Wals of Cerasia for to summon them to surrender the Town But they would not obey and bid him tell his Master that though he had cruelly forsaken them yet they preferred death before subjection unto the King of Galatia Ciaxares seeing their constant resolution did commend them for it in his heart yet he plotted how to assault them to that end he held a Councel of Warre the result of which was To carry this Town by force In order to which he sate down before it Quarters are chosen Lines are drawn Trenches are cast up Ladders and other Engines are prepared Mean while Philidaspes whom we did not believe to be of such an ambitious spirit was full of restless envy It did appear so visible in his eyes that all the world took notice of it He thought that if he did not come off very eminently at this siege he should come infinitely short of Artamenes who had carried it so highly and so by consequence his great design would be ruined He also thought what gallant things soever he did in this expedition where Artamenes was appointed Governour they would all redound unto his advantage Neither was the King of Pont without his share of vexation in minde for his Mandana stuck in it and this affection of the people towards him moved much tenderness in him towards them again So that questionless had not the Lydian Warre which the King of Phrygia feared diverted him he would have been willing to begin that Warre which he had but newly ended But Sir it was not long before he had what he wisht for because the King of Phrygia newly received some intelligence that the King of Lydia was not in condition for Warre a great part of his own subjects being lately revolted This news begot new resentments in the minde of the King of Pont But whilst he was deliberating what was best to be done Ciaxares caused Cerasia to be stormed Artamenes did things above admiration and Philidaspes did no less I will not Sir stand to describe exactly all the particularities of this siege having many things of greater importance to rebate Let me tell you only in few words that the inhabitants of Cerasia did desperately defend themselves and sound enough for the valour of Artamenes and Philidaspes to work 〈◊〉 en and I have since heard my Master say that he never found such stout resistance as from them nor did he ever fight more against the hair of his disposition for considering the couâ—ag 〈◊〉 minde of the men and their incomparable fidelity it could not chuse but 〈◊〉 him that his valour should be imployed against such men They maintained the Town against four Assaults with Gallantry above example They saw all their Gates broken down and a great part of their Wals demolisht with martial Engines before they would render themselves And being intrenched towards the highest part of the Town they still found us work enough Philidaspes helped not a little in this siege and both Artamenes and he did so highly esteem of one another that it may well be said valour did never beget so much admiration and so little love But in conclusion after these unfortunate inhabitants had a long time very stoutly resisted they were compelled to yield Yet before they were the last time assaulted Artamenes did beseech the King that he might send a summons unto them once more with assurance of a general pardon if they would render themselves and resist no more which Ciaxares consented unto At that very instant there arrived an Embassador from the King of Pont to intreat the King he would be pleased to pardon the inhabitants of this Town when he had vanquished them and not to die his victory too deep in blood He presently returned this answer that he would pardon any but Rebels But this last summons which was sent into the Town returned in vain and the desperate men made answer that Let things go as they would they had rather dye gloriously then abandon their King as he had them nor would they ever have any other Master and by consequence could desire nothing but death since there was no other way to get their Liberty Ciaxares finding their obstinacy did not only give orders to Assault them and so take them but do what Artamenes could he gave orders also to put them all to the Sword The loss of six thousand men at this siege was it which most incensed him As for Philidaspes never man fought better then at this last Assault For seeing it was ordered that this miserable Town should be destroyed he helped forward with it as he could for it was some satisfaction unto his ambitious jealousie to see that Town ruined whereof Artamenes was to be Governour But my Master saved it as much as possible and at the end of the Combate did force the King to grant life unto a few which remained who were constrained to receive it against their wils This sad Victory was very happily gotten both for Artamenes and Philidaspes neither of them having received but one slight hurt Mean while both love and anger disturbed the King of Pont's minde Now he only wants a hansome pretence to begin a Warre He sends to Ciaxares and much complains of his cruelty towards the Cerasians Ciaxares answers that those whom he had punished were his subjects and such subjects as rebelled against him more then once of whom he was not bound to render an account unto any The King of Pont was pretty well satisfied with this tart answer because it furnished him with a slight occasion of quarrel He sends back to Ciaxares and tels him that he would hold Alliance no longer with a Prince who used his own subjects so scurvily and therefore would from hence forward declare himself an enemy Ciaxares for all this knew that he had an infallible expedient to make peace when he pleased such an one as would make him throw his Arms down presently and therefore he never complained against his procedure You know Sir that this expedient which the King of Cappadocia did mean was the marriage of the Princess Mandana unto him But yet notwithstanding Ciaxares received this message very sowrly and answered him with as much tartness as the Embassie was full of Injustice Now see how things are more embroyled then before Ciaxares whose Army was much weakned retreated
too well perswaded of my honour to compas my designe This is not a businesse wherin any falsnesse can be suspected for where a Princesse wooes and is the first which speaks of love there cannot be any doubt of it From hence it must be concluded that Artamenes who seems not to credit what is told him would either be told of it often or else he would never have it spoke on againe which of these two soever it be Thomiris is not satisfied unless it be so that Artamenes thinks it to be a becoming modestie and will not at the first answer unto a proposition which is so advantagious for him But however Gelonida I must at the least know the heart of Artamenes though I cannot obtaine it And I must speak unto him in such a manner as he cannot disguise himself though he were as subtle as any Grecian must you speak Madam replied Gelonida Alas I beseech you be not too hastie in such an unusuall way least you should afterwards repent it Consult a little better before you resolve it and do not blindly follow a passion which will draw you into too much inconveniency if you take not heed No Gelonida replied Thomiris that passion which possesseth me shall not cause me to commit a fault but know that at this time I do prefer the sincerity of the Scythians my neighbours before that handsomnesse of Ecbatan whereof you speak so much That vertue which causeth us to disguise our thoughts and hide that which is in the soule is not the custom of the Massagets Amongst you it is no matter if a woman do love so she do not expresse it whereas amongst us we use to banish the most tender thoughts out of our hearts if we do not find them just And so I do assure you that if I could think it a crime to love such an Illustrious man as Artamenes I would contend with my passion in lieu of concealing it But on the contrary I do not at all hold it dishonorable or unworthy to affect that man whom I think worthy to command all others I cannot see that there is any such great mystery in the matter as you imagine since there is none but crimes which we ought to Cover and Conceal But Madam replied Gelonida suppose Artamenes should not give such an answer as you desire and as I believe he will not would you not repent of your speaking to him I know not what I may do answered Thomiris very angrily but I know for the present that I will be better satisfied of Artamenes his true thoughts Good heavens Madam said Gelonida are you not afraid to ruine that which you would promote I do fear every thing answered Thomiris But what would you have me do I am no more a Mistress of my own will and I do no more then what pleaseth that passion which possesseth me and because I believe it just I have submitted my self unto it Thoniris spoke many other things which discovered the disturbance and irregularity of her passionate mind she could not endure the conversation of Indathirses and Arapithes She thought upon nothing but Artamenes and because it was indeed the vertue of my Master which had such a powerfull influence upon her heart she beleeved that all the effects of so noble a cause and so pure were all innocent Mean while Artamenes was not a little perplexed with a fear to see Thomiris after this proposition which had been made unto him and the Queen for her part she knew not very well how to endure the looks of Artamenes notwithstanding her seeming resolutions This violent passion which possessed her being more predominate then her modesty caused her not to stay long without the sight of the object of her affection My Master not daring to omit any part of his duty went unto her at the usuall howr as illuck would have it found none with her bur her women who were no hinderance unto private discourse because they stood far off at the other end of the Room Artamenes then saluting her with a most humble reverence and not daring almost to look upon her lest he should put her to the blush did speak unto her concerning things far off that businesse But as Thomiris retained nothing in her minde but it so she turned all unto her own designe and were the discourse never so far off the matter yet she did handsomely draw the sence of it unto her own ends After she had rendred the like salute unto Artamenes with as much confusion as he and after the first complements he began to discourse of the beauty of the Country of Massagettes and its vastnesse It is true answered she unto him our Country is not very contemptible yet I cannot be perswaded but you prefer Cappadocia before it and perhaps said she blushing you had rather obey there then Command here Doubtlesse replied Artamenes it is but just so to do for Madam necessity does impose it upon me to obey in Cappadocia although I am not born a subject unto Ciaxares nor can I ever have any right to command among the Massagettes unlesse said he smiling the King my Master do send me to make War upon them which your Majestie knows very well how to prevent You know said she to him that Crowns are obtained more ways then one There are Kings elective as well as there are Kings by conquest and who told you that without fighting you could not Reign here or at least over the Issedonians Reason Madam told me replied Artamenes knowing very well that the Crown of the Issedonians is not elective and also knowing most certainly that your people are so well contented with your Government that they will never change you No Madam I am not so meanly versed in the several Customs of People but that I know that the Spartan Customs and the Massagettes are not alike and that it is not here as where the Kings are elective But it is you Madam said he unto her and would not give her time to answer who may get several Crowns without fighting and your vertue hath procured you so many Royal Adorers as I may well say you may chuse Scepters and Crowns when and where you please and although those which you have of your own already be very illustrious yet beleeve it Madam there are others also which are not unworthy of you For my part replied the Queen I am partly of your mind in one thing for as you had rather obey in Cappadocia then reign here so had I rather obey here then reign in Cappadocia Perhaps Madam replied my Master you would not say so of Medea if you were there and the stately pallaces of Ecbatan are if I be not deceived to be preferred before your magnificent Tents No Artamenes replied she all the magnificence of Ecbatan moves not my minde I seek for solid vertues and not splendent Thrones and I know you are too full of reason not to be of my
respect and submission then with any domineering pride so that we lived together in much sincerity and much obliging confidence After we had repeated many misfortunes and bestowed many a tear upon the memory of Sinnesis she assumed some thoughts upon the unfortunate Spitridates Is not that Prince unfortunate said she unto me to lose a Kingdom in losing that person for whose sake he was resolved to have lost it Certainly the King my brother though that Arsamones should permit him yet would never consent unto his good fortune as well because he loves him not as because he loves Pharnaces so that I see my self exposed unto very great persecution Yet said she did but Spitridates know the justice that I render unto his merit and how exactly I do obey the Prince Sinnesis my brother I should have some consolation in that it would be a consolation unto him But alas it is not the pleasure of my fate I should have so much happiness and I have nothing to do but to prepare my self for all imaginable misery Madam said I unto her never excessively grieve at misfortunes which are to come because perhaps they may never come and can you be obliged to follow the will of the King your brother rather then the will of the late King your father If I were only his Sister replied she I believe I should not but since I am his Subject as well as Sister I think I am obliged to obey him as I was the late King my father After much such like discourse as this observing that night drew on for it being the Spring time the dayes were not very long I perswaded her to retire yet since the Moon shâ—ned she followed not my counsel but would sit down at one end of the walk neer the Fountain within a quarter of an hour after I saw a man coming towards us whom I supposed to be some of the Princesses servants coming to tell her something but I was much surprized when this man whom I could not know in that dark place came neerer us Madam said he unto the Princess bowing unto her with much reverence will you be pleased to suffer the unfortunate Spitridates to come and mingle his tears with yours and help to lament your misfortunes by grieving for his own You may imagine Sir how much the Princess and I were surprized when we heard a voice which we could not but know it was so great that the Princess cried out so loud that some of her women came into the walk thinking she had called but I stepping readily towards them said that she did not call them and that this was a man who had a suit unto the new King and came to beg the favour of the Princess unto him After this coming neer the Princess I heard Spitridates since she answered him with nothing but tears continue speaking unto her I am even desperate Madam said he unto her that I should renue your sorrows and to find that my presence in lieu of pleasing you should grieve you I desire your pardon said the unto him for receiving you so very ill But Spitridates my weakness has so just a cause for it that you may excuse me The Prince Sinnesis my brother did so tenderly love you that I cannot look upon you without a revival of my sorrows and so many several things comes into my mind at once that it is not strange if my reason be a little disordered for truly the remembrance of what is past the fear of what 's to come and surpriz'd to see one so neer me whom I thought in prison are lawful causes of this disorder in my soul I was in hope Madam said Spitridates that this last mentioned cause would rather have rejoyced then grieved you So it does answered she but not so much as it would if the Prince my brother were yet living Yet tell me I conjure you how the choler of Arsamones is appeased It is not appeased at all Madam replied he and doubtless I have more incensed it by this my flight from him which now I have made Was it not by his consent said she unto him that you are come out of prison No replied he the Princess Aristea is she unto whom I am obliged for my liberty for after I was brought from Chalcedonia into Chrisopolis she observed that the place they put me in was not inaccessable as that was wherein I was before so that as soon as I was brought thither and before my father discovered the weakness of the place she corrupted three of my guards who out of a window which was not barred with iron they helped me to escape and carried me disguised into a house of the Town where I remained three dayes Afterwards when we heard the news of the King your fathers death which as you know preceded the death of the Prince Sinnesis my Sister advised me to come unto that Prince whom she then supposed to be King and out of her goodness to me she gave me a great part of her Jewels for the accommodation of my journey In my way hither I heard of yours and my second loss but though I did conceive it was not safe for me to come hither since the Prince Aryandes was to be King yet I could not deprive my self of so much happiness as to come and throw my self at your feet Madam and to ask you what should be the fate of my life Would to the Gods replied the Princess and sighed that it were in my power to make you happy but yet Spitridates fortune is more powerful then I am and I am afraid she will not consent unto it So that you will consent replied he I cannot think she is able to hinder my happiness I wish that all you say were true replied she but my reason does not shew me how it can be However Spitridates though I cannot deny but that I receive my consolation to lament it with you yet I cannot chuse but tremble to see you at Heraclea for the King my brother is to arrive here within these few dayes and if he come to know that you are here disguised what will he think of it Alas Madam said he do you think to drive me from you by telling me the King will come so soon and that perhaps he may know I am here Ah Madam torment me not so cruelly I have a very sâ—cure lodging and since I have nothing to do at Heraclea but to see you I shall not easily be discovered Yet however answered she I may hazard both my reputation and your life by permitting enterviews which how innocent soever they be may be interpreted criminal It is not late replied she and therefore it will not be thought strange that a sad melancholy Mourner should walk so long therefore Spitridates said she in rising up we must leave you However Madam answered this Prince I beseech you do me the honor to promise me another oportunity of speaking with you I
as I am you ought to grant me all that is not prejudicial to the King And you know Andramites that one simple Cavilier can neither win nor lose a battel But be it as it will be said she I ask him of you and I promise you the Prince Myrsiles shall recompence it since I cannot as the present condition with me is do it my self Whilst this Princess was speaking unto Andramites Mandana looked out on the other side towards the illustrious Cyrus who advancing still forward did both see and was seen by her In the mean while the Princess Palmis was so urgent with Andramites for the liberty of this Cavilier that he began to consent and asked which it was Then Mandana both by her words and pointing her hand shewing him and speaking so prudently that in the end Andramites not being able to deny the daughter of his King so small a favour was ready to resolve upon it yet remembring what prodious valour his men reported to be in this Cavilier he pawsed a while and told the Princess Palmis to excuse himself that the courage of this man was so great that even Cyrus of whom fame did trumpet so many miracles could not do more Buâ— in conclusion apprehending that this Princess if Cressus should dye might be revenged on him he resolved to satisfie her desire So that causing Cyrus to come near without telling him why he brought hâ—m to that side where Mandana was Valiant man said Andramites unto him render thanks unto this â—rincess for the liberty which she hath obtained for you Cyrus was so surprized at this language from Andramites that he never thought of an answer for being so near Mandana not daring to speak his real thoughts nor hardly to look upon her his spirits were not so free as to behave himself as at other times yet striving with himself he saluted the Princess with a most humble Conge and according to the counsel of Andramites by way of thanks Madam said he unto her I do not know what terms to use which can sufficiently speak my thanks and if you judge of my resertments by my words you have cause to think me ungradeful You have so faithful ly served the King my father replyed Mandana that I have more reason to acknowledge your benefits then you mine However added she extreamly desiring he should be gone lest he should be known and yet unwilling to lose the sight of him so soon fail not as soon as you are returned to the Camp to let the King my father know by the first post which goes to Ecbatan that I will be ever what I ough t to be and that I will never do any thing which shall be unworthy of the honour to be his daughter I shall not fail Madam replied he But since I fear I shall not be able to obey you any way but by the Post which Cyrus sends therefore unless I have some message unto him he has some reason not to believe me Tell him from me said she unto him that I am very sorry he should so often expose himself unto dangers as he does for my sake and I think said she and blushed that Andramites will permit me to entreat that illustrious Prince to do so no more I should be glad said Andramites and smiled that this Cavilier could perswade him unto it but I think he will have a hard task to do it But Madam it is time to march unless you will put yourself unto the inconveniency of night In the mean time this Cavalier may pass the River when and where he pleases for I will give him a horse and a Pasport The Princess thanking Andramites for his civility turned towards Cyrus whose mind was so troubled that he hardly knew whether or no what he saw was true But whilst Andramites was talking unto one of his men Will you be pleased to command me any other service Madam said he unto Mandana I desire you said she unto him that you make good use of that liberty which I have obtained for you Afterwards Andramites came to them and desired the Princess they would be pleased to march and so they did Mandana looking upon Cyrus as long as she could with eyes swiming in tears and Cyrus looking after the Coach as long as ever he could see it All this while the King of Assyria was in intollerable torment to see Cyrus called unto the Coach and not himself he was above twenty times ready to have told his name and if resentment of honour and love had not restrained him he had infallibly done it he would needs come up to the Coach also but his guards stopt him and Feraulas also did wittily disswade him But when Cyrus came to him with the horse and pass port which Andramites gave him and told him that he was at liberty his sorrow was so excessive that he was speechless Is it the Princess Mandana said he very low unto him after he was returned out of his amazed silence that hath obtained your liberty It was the Princess Palmis replyed Cyrus who at her request did move Andramites to give it unto me O ye Gods cryed out the King of Assyria and lifted his eyes up to heaven is it by the way of slavery you intend to keep your promises with me and make me happy Cyrus who did not understand the sense of these words because he was ignorant of the Oracle which this Prince received at Babylon turned himself towards Anaxaris and told him he was very sorry that this first adventure they were in together should prove so unfortunate but he desired him to be confident that he would endeavour all imaginable ways to procure his liberty Afterwards he addressed some civilities to Sosicles and Tegeus then drawing Feraulas aside he conjured him in his captivity to make himself known unto Mandana and to let her see him as oft as possible to the end she might the ofter think upon him Feraulas promising not to fail and they who guarded the Prisoners saying they must depart Cyrus came near the King of Assyria and most generously told him that he would endeavour his liberty with as much earnestness as if he were one of his dearest friends and that at the last he would most punctually keep his word with him But withal said he be sure you keep yours Alas what can a man in chains do replyed he You are to be near Mandana said Cyrus unto him and I know not whether it be more advantagious to be a captive upon that condition or to be at liberty and be at a distance from her After these words these two illustrious Rivals parted Cyrus taking his way towards the Castle of Hermes with his Pass-port as if he had stood in need of it and the Prisoners going towards Sardis upon such horses as were given them The King of Assyria at parting from Cyrus did apprehend such joy as for a while kept his minde in much serenity for
not express any other thoughts Amongst all the compleat Gallants in Clasomena there was one whose name was Perinthus being older then Panthea some five or six years who devoted himself unto the Prince and who did so much obtain his liking that he would never be without him his Father spent all his daies in the Princes house and also died in the service of his Master It must needs be confessed that Perinthus stood not in need of any commendums for his person was very handsom and his wit charming so that it was impossible to deny him favour to be a very compleat man as he was he had one odd quality which was that he never contracted any intimate friendship with any one in particular he held fair with every one but he opened not his heart unto any he would sometimes say when he was chid for so doing that he gloried in hiding his most secret thoughts even from his best friends However he was very well beloved Those who were frequently with him would trust him with their business of greatest importance as well because he had great abilities to give good advice as because he was a man of exact honesty and incorruptible fidelity Thus without discovering his own heart unto any he saw into the hearts of many men Perinthus was handsome and of a good behaviour of a pleasant conversation and without being either too serious or too free did equally sort with all manner of humours and people of what quality soever and indeed as the Prince of Clasomena loved him most dearly so the Princess Basilina loved him no less Panthea also esteemed him as much as his deâ—ines could wish all my companions did most tenderly affect him All the Ladies of the Town did the same and indeed Perinthus had been the most happy man alive of his quality had he not entertained a secret enemy in his heart which troubled all his joyes and rendred him as unfortunate as he seemed happy unto all those that knew him For Madam to the better understanding the sequel of this History be pleased to know that Perinthus did fix his love upon the Princess of Clasomena above the capacity of his heart but yet his love was so respective so prudent and so violent altogether that he was never heard to utter one syllable of any such passion He has told me since when by the consequence of things which since fell out he was forced to confess the truth that as soon as he perceived this predominate passion which he could not master to be in his soul and from which he could never hope for the least satisfaction he resolutely determined to contract no intimate friendship neither with any man nor any Lady lest it should so fall out that through weakness he should discover unto all the world that which he desired to keep a secret He has also told me that he was so perfectly acquainted with the folly of loving so disproportionable to his own quality that he durst never so much as think of letting her know he loved her For since the vertue of Panthea began to appear in lustre and to dazle his eyes he has sworn a hundred times unto me that after many years of service and Love he never enjoyed one minute of any hope however he strugled with his passion yet not knowing why or to what end he should either oppose or cherish it Still he loved the Princess but in such a secret manner and with so much reverence that there was not one in all Clasomena as long as we were there no not the Princess her self which could have the least suspition of it and truly to speak the very truth although Perinthus was descended of a very Noble Family yet there was such a vast difference between him and her that it is no wonder that none should suspect any such thing all humble respects was but his duty by birth and it was an easie matter to umbrage his real thoughts under that when he every day did render her a thousand agreeable services However considering with himself that he could never pretend unto any of her affection no nor so much as acquaint her with his he limited his desires to obtain her esteem And being desirous to purchase some glory in the Warres he went thither where the illustrious Cleander now Prince Artamas was in Mysia where he performed such admirable acts that if there were not a secret Load-stone which drew his heart unto Clasomena he might well have raised himself unto a great fortune under this generous Favorite In the end he returned loadned with honors unto the Prince his Master who made him extreme welcome at his return The Princess also received him very well and questionless Perinthus had this consolation amidst his miseries that he was arrived unto such a point as he desired to be This Madam is the description of Perinthus to wit the most discreet but the most unhappy Lover in the world and this was the state of his passion when the Prince of Clasomena took his resolution to go and dwell at Sardis and to carry thither with him the Princess his daughter with intentions not to return until he had bestowed her in marriage As he was a Tributary unto Croessus and had been at a Treaty by which the Princes of Clasomena were obliged to live the half year at Sardis after a long absence from thence under several pretences and excuses he resolved to go thither and discharge the duty and the rather because he saw unto what a height the valour of Cleander had raised the Authority Royal therefore he yeelded obedience by fair means rather then to draw a War upon his Country and be compelled unto it by force Sardis being at that time in her highest lustre the whole Train of the Prince and Princess were very glad of the journey except Perinthus who fretted at it in secret by reason of some resentments proceeding from his love Hitherto he had this advantage that he saw none make any attempts of service upon Panthea because as I told you before there was not one man in all the principality of Clasomena who could pretend marriage But when he considered that now she was going to Sardis where many men suitable to her own quality did inhabit he made no question but she would be loved and adored by many so that his fear of having many Rivals rendred him most miserable I remember when I observed notwithstanding all his disguisement that he never made any expressions of such joys for going unto Sardis as all the rest did who were to go this voyage I asked him the cause but he answered with as much civility as subtilty that it was because he should no longer enjoy neither the sight nor society of all those that were most dear unto him For said he further the better to disguize the matter all the gallantry of the men which the Prince carries with him will there fall all in Love
your request But oh Heavens how far am I from any capacity of doing what I ought and therefore I beseech you pity me and do not tax me with ingratitude if I deny you any thing since it is not I but the vigor of my insulting Passion Abradates seeing he could not perswade the King of Pontus did leave him with a very cold Complement and took it very ill that since himself had lost Panthea only for the love of him he should deny him such a favour as would not take Mandana out of his Power He writ then unto Cyrus and excused himself that he could not obtain his desires but before he sent his Letter he put Cressus in mind of his word and beseeched him to propound unto Cyrus an exchange of Prince Artamas for the Queen of Susiana Cressus answered him that he would send Andramites to negotiate the matter yet he said he would not release that Prince but upon condition he should promise never to think any more upon the Princess his daughter This Qualification seemed so strange unto Abradates that he concluded Cressus would never have made that Proposition but purposely to break off the exchange for what probability was there that Prince Artamas to recover his Liberty should engage himself to quit his affection unto a Princess whom he had long loved and whom he was resolved to love as long as he lived and from whom he had received some expressions of Love Therefore beginning to speak very fiercely in the presence of the Prince Myrsiles and Andramites who were both interested in the business Sir said he unto him when you promised me to propound this exchange it was to be according to the common Laws of War and not according to politique shifts to render the Proposition ineffectual When you were to release the Prince Artamas it should be as he was your Enemy and not as a Lover of the Princess Palmis Love had no share in this Negotiation and I will never consent any such Proposition shall be made unto Cyrus What doth it concern you who is released or how released so Panthea's Liberty be procured replyed Cressus Doubtless it does not concern me replyed Abradates but that which I most insist upon is that no such Proposition shall be made as will only incense him unto whom it is made Therefore knowing what a value Cyrus sets upon Prince Artamas I thought him sooner then any other to be propounded in exchange As for the King of Assyria you may very well imagine that Cyrus as generous as he is does not wish his Liberty so soon as the Prince Artamas And as for any other of the Prisoners they are not of fit Qualities to be exchanged against Panthea Anaxaris is none knows who Sosicles and Tegeus are your Subjects and Feraulas is a servant unto Cyrus And since so Sir who should I propound in exchange for Panthea but the Prince Artamas The Truce was concluded upon to that end and yet it seems you will not release him but stand upon consultation about it I do consult upon it indeed replyed he and that with good Reason for except Cyrus himself there is not a man in all his Army who would be so advantageous to have in my power as the Prince Artamas and you would have me to release him for your interest only However said Abradates with such an aspect as made it appear he was much displeased at roessus I pray tell me directly what you resolve upon and why you consented unto the Truce if it were not to satisfie my desires I consented unto the Truce replied he to endeavour the release of Panthea by releaseing the King of Assyria or all the other Prisoners or else the Prince Artamas upon such conditions as I told you After this Abradates retired and so did the Prince Myrsiles and Andramites and they went unto their Quarters and the Prince of Clasomena went also with Abradates insomuch as Croessus fearing these three persons should make a mutiny in the Army he resolved in the end to make the Proposition in exchange for the Prince Artamas and sent in all haste to advertise Abradates of his intentions who in the interim had dispatched his Letter unto Cyrus to excuse himself in that he could not obtain his desires and his expressions were so effectual as Cyrus did really believe he had sincerely done his endeavour and complained more against his own misfortune then against any neglect in Abradates In the mean time Croessus did send unto Cyrus his desire was that Andramites should be imployed to go in that negotiation He sent unto Abradates to move Andramites to go unto Sardis but first he moved Abradates to go himself yet he would not go but stayed in the Camp where he was much more terrible unto Croessus then if he had been in Sardis as well because he had a body of four thousand men the best in all the Army as because he was more considerable and beloved of the Souldiers in general then any other Andramites then negotiated as a Lover of Doralisa and by consequence as one much concerned in the liberty of Panthea and therefore he omitted nothing that might render his transaction effectual for he did not only address himself with much eloquence and prudence unto Cyrus but he did chuse his time so discreetly as that the King of Phrygia was present when he propounded from his Master the exchange of Prince Artamas for Panthea So that though Cyrus had a good pretence to retain that Queen until Mandana were released yet he would not insist upon it lest he should disoblige so great a King as he of Phrygia and lest in striving to be very prudent he should fail in point of generosity Moreover he thought that the exchange of Panthea for Prince Artamas would be very advantageous to him in the sequel of the War since he was as wise and valiant a man as any was in the Universe yet could he not resolve upon this exchange unless he drew some satisfaction unto his Love by it so that he told Andramites in the King of Phrygia's presence that though it was very advantageous for him to keep the Queen of Susiana in his power unto the end of the War yet he so much honoured the King of Phrygia and loved the Prince Artamas so well also respected Abradates and Panthea both so very much that he would consent unto the desires of Croessus upon this condition only that during this Truce it might be permitted him to see Mandana Andramites hearing him say so beseeched him not to insist upon that because the King of Pontus had so resolutely denied that unto Abradates when he was moved in it as it is thought impossible he should ever consent unto it Since Croessus is Master in his own Dominions replied Cyrus he ought to be obeyed and therefore I cannot conceive that the consent of the King of Pontus is so absolutely necessary Doubtless it is not replyed
a mighty confusion that Croessus and Abradates were quite out and that Abradates and the King of Pontus were declared enemies that all the Princes and people also began to side that one whose name was Araspes and who had formerly quitted the party of the illustrious Cyrus and came unto the King of Lydia did most cunningly foment these divisions that according to his promise he came to tell him how the King of Susiana knowing Croessus sought for nothing but a pretence to break off the Treaty concerning the exchange of Prince Artamas for you Madam was resolved to quit his side And moreover said Andramites I am sure for my part that I shall be clapt up in prison so that I am absolutely resolved to follow your fortunes which will be and the best course to go unto the party of Cyrus Nor am I to be blamed if for the security of my person and releasement of my Mistress I go and take side with the Enemy The Prince Mazares hearing Andramites speak thus was very glad of it because he saw a convenient way for his revolt and that it would be much more easie for him to get out of the Camp of Croessus with others then if he went to Cyrus by himself for the King of Pontus did keep many vigilant eyes upon him as long as he was at Sardis After then he had lent an attentive ear unto all that Andramites told him who did aggravate the injustice of Croessus with as much zeal as possibly could be in a man who longed to be with his fair Doralisa he told him that all his interests should ever be his and that he would do whatsoever pleased him Yet said he unto him If we could devise a way to release the prisoners we should be more acceptable to Cyrus and I have a most infallible way to effect it if you will leave the whole matter unto me In conclusion Madam Andramites consented unto all my Masters desires and Belesis and my self did so negotiate with Tegeus that the business was ready for execution the next day following But we could not possibly devise which way to release the Prince Artamas because he had a particular Guard over him with whom those of Tegeus had no acquaintance and the reason why he was more strictly guarded then the rest was because he had a hundred thousand friends in Lydia So that the same which was his happiness turned at this time to his misery And thus we were contented to endeavour only the liberty of the King of Assyria of Sosicles of Tegeus of Feraulas and of the stranger Anaxaris Since he who commanded the Guard over them was an intimate friend unto Tegeus though Croessus was ignorant of it there was no great difficulty in the business therefore about two hours before day the Prince Mazares Belesis some other of their friends and my self went unto the Captain who stayed for us and as it was agreed amongst us he carried us unto the King of Assyria's Chamber who waking at the noyse which we made at our entrance was extreamly amazed to see by the help of a great Candle which hung in the middle of the Room that it was the Prince Mazares whom he thought dead which approached towards him This Prince being naturally of a violent temper knew not well whether he was awake or dream't or whether it was a man or a Ghost But he raised himself upon his Bed and drawing the Curtain which was of Tâ—rian Purple What do I see said he in a furious and loud tone Did you come from the shadows of death to pronounce the end of my life Or are you yet amongst the living that I may punish you for your Treason against me Sir replied the Prince my Master without any turbulency you shall know from whence I came when you are out of your prison from whence I came to release you that I may thereby make some satisfaction for the wrong which I have done you How Mazares replied he Must I be beholding unto you for my liberty You must Sir replied my Master But I beseech you make hast and follow us No no replied that violent Prince I will never owe my liberty to that man who took Mandana from me When I have released you replied Mazares I shall never think you beholding to me for it since in giving you liberty I have given you nothing but what I took away from you Yet if you will help the illustrious Cyrus to release Mandana you must accept of that liberty which I offer you and accept of it presently for time is precious Ah Mazares said the King of Assyria Have you found out way to release me Yet if I do accept of it I will not promise you to forget what 's past because then I should forget Mandana and my self both All that I will say is That I will use all the faculties in my power that my friends my Rivals and my Enemies shall not exceed me in generosity and therefore it may be supposed that I am not less generous then you are and that I shall be Master of my own thoughts However Sir replied the Prince Mazares I beseech you make all the hast you can Then the King of Assyria's Guards who were all of our intelligence helped to dress him Then Mazares offering him a Sword with the same respect he used to him when he was in Babylon Here Sir said he unto him take that and punish Mazares with it when you have released Mandana if you think your self not satisfied Oh I wish to the Gods replied the King of Assyria in accepting the Sword very civilly that vve could release that Divine Princess vvhom vve have made so miserable and against vvhom both you and I have been so culpable and unfortunate After this striving vvith himself be cooled his fury and anger and thinking Andramites whom he knevv to be the same vvhich guarded the Princess and brought him to Sardis he followed Mazares and him or to say better vve all follovved Tegeus and the Captain vvho guarded the prisoners vvho by a back pair of stairs did let us out so secretly that those Souldiers vvho vvere not of the Guard never perceived us After this vve met vvith no rub in the business because Andramites vvho vvas Lievtenant-General of Croessus his Army had caused a Captain vvho vvas his creature to guard a Gate of the Tovvn tovvards Abradates his Quarter vvhether vve intended to go and as vve did vvithout any obstacle at all As soon as vve came unto the Tent of Abradates vve advised upon our best course and it vvas resolved Sir said Orsanus addressing his speech to Cyrus that to prevent all danger these Princes should not yet come into your Camp because the day began to break and because the Brother of Andramites vvho kept the pass over the River Halis vvould not have been to order things so suddenly to let us pass Also since the Quarter of Abradates vvas in a
deal with such a Prince as Cyrus was As this Hero was ever used to seek his enemies and never to turn his back upon them he drew up into battalia upon another hill opposite to that which Cressus possessed and seemed so exceedingly desirous to be fighting that he stood in need of all his prudence to stop the heat of that courage which desired to hazard all then not fight Yet upon better consideration finding that if he lost this Battle his glory would receive a foil and Mandana would not be released he examined the matter a little better He saw that the right wing of Cressus was sheltred with the Town of Thyberra which on that side was naturally fortified by the fall of many Torrents which time had made so deep and impetuous that the passages were not fordable Cyrus also saw that the main body of his enemies was most judiciously placed so that more advantage could not be devised for indeed it was in a little wood which nature had so intrenched that all art could not mend it As for his left wing it also had possession of another Hill the accesse unto which was through many ditches so that it were fond imprudence to fight vpon such disadvantages especially since Cressus was more numerous then himself The King of Lydia hoped that Cyrus would have done as hee did at Artaxates and in Assyria so that Cyrus hazarding all and he nothing he might chance get the victory But since prudence will alter thoughts according to occasions Cyrus who did hazard all in Armenia to deliver Mandana where he might well in reason do it would not do so in Lydia where he should hazard the losse of Mandana and the victory also yet hee used all possible stratagems to make Cressus quit the ground he was in possession of and to provoke him to fight upon reasonable termes It may truely be said all military Art was used upon this occasion to draw his enemy out of his holds so that every day both Armies had continually skirmishes though Cyrus could not engage his enemy in a main Battle In the mean while the place where he was encamped was very incommodious for him for his enemies being master of the little river which ran by Thyberra he wanted drink both for horse and man and likewise all manner of forrage Cyrus then resolving to disincamp resolved to quarter neer Pactolus where his Army might have plenty of all provisions which he wanted in the quarters he quitted and where he might observe the motion of his enemies which way soever they moved and force them to fight if they stirred the question was whether they should remove in the night or in the day time for though prudence told Cyrus it should be in the night yet his great soul would not permit him his chief reason why he desired to follow the motions of his courage was because he was in hope Cressus would follow him and so he should face about and fight him But since there was some danger in that attempt and that good successe was doubtfull he resolved upon an honourable Retreat in the face of an Army much stronger then himself and commanded by Princes expert in Command so that at break of day his first Brigade began to march the second followed afterwards the Artillery and Charriots marched in the head of the Infantry The Orders of Cyrus were so well executed that the Retreat was without disorder except the first Brigade of the right wing wherein Cyrus was because the left wing of Cressus which was opposite to it and wherein the Lydians and Mariandins were was best able to fall upon this Prince because there was fewer obstacles on that side then any other and they left them to charge that Prince whom not a Lydian durst look in the face upon even termes nor now assault him but because he retreated In the mean time Cyrus commanded that body of Horse which Hydaspes commanded to keep their ground upon the plain to the end his Brigade might retreat between the Horse as indeed they did But those forces which Artabases commanded that day who retreated with the rest of the Army as well as those which Anaxaris commanded were assaulted by the Mariandines who received them with much courage especially Anaxaris who indeed did miracles at that time But do what they could the Troops which they commanded were worsted Anaxaris was wounded and taken prisoner and A 〈…〉 s more happy then he disingaged himself from amongst them and got amongst his own party The enemy encouraged by this prosperous beginning had advanced their victory if Hydaspes had not stopped them and given them such a sharp repulse as merited the acclamations and praise of both Armies for hee charged with such furious valour as made it appear he merited the favour of Cyrus and fighting both for his own glory and the glory of his Master he beat the Mariandines and Lydians as farre as half way up the Hill from whence they descended But three squadrons comming fresh upon him and all the Cavalry of Cressus being commanded to oppose the valour of Hydaspes He and his forces were forced to submit unto such a multitude and retreated in confusion especially because they retreated down the Hill Cyrus whose prudence could not be deluded did foresee this and commanded one part of his Troops to draw up into Battalia on the top of the next Hill and ordered his Brigade to keep the plain to assist the retreat of Hydaspes and to that end he went from squadron to squadron to exhort them all to shew themselves worthy of that good opinion which he had of them and their courage and indeed he had a confidence that they would do as heretofore they were accustomed and never forsake him Yet as he charged those who forced his men to retreat in disorder these same squadrons who promised never to forsake him nor never yet had done so were blasted with that same fear which heretofore they were wont to astonish others so that whether the multitude of their enemies did amaze them or whether the tumultuous retreat of their own side did shake their courage they forsook Cyrus so that there was no other course for him but to think of saving himself that he might save all his Army yet he would not resolve upon that course untill he was driven to the danger of being either killed or taken more then once so loath was he to retreat from his enemies who never met him but were beaten Those of his men whom fear frighted out of judgement ran away to the bottom of the Hill where all the Infantry stood as a Reserve but those who had so much courage as to look danger in the face and retain their reason stayed at a passe in the plain where there was a little blinde which did in some sort hide them Cyrus who at this time had his spirits as free and his soul as seeing as if he were in no
Souldiers gave him but only to reduce them unto obedience But at the same time he sent one of his servants secretly unto the Princesse Ladice conjuring her to retire from the Court and to come and receive a Crown which the Gods by his hand did offer her In the mean time the King was advertised by some faithfull Officers of the Army how things passed and hee grew into such a choler against Amasis that in lieu of dissembling his resentments he railed against him as a Rebell and dispatched a man of good Quality named Paterbenis with orders to joyn with some few Officers who were faithfull and to seize upon the person of Amasis or else kill him if they could not take him On the other side Ladice who was truly generous and did extreamly disapprove of this manner of acting though she did extreamly love Amasis yet she sent him word that she was so farre from removing away from the Court or participating of his Crime as she would declare that if he did not quickly return unto his duty she would become his most mortall Enemy Yet did she endeavour to glosse the matter at Court as much as she could but all in vaine for Apriez being resolved already upon his course dispatched Paterbems with his Commission yet it took not successe for as secret as it was carryed Amasis did know it So that when Paterbenis came to the Camp he found him he was already acquainted with the businesse of his voyage When he came unto him he found him busie in exhorting the Souldiers to draw up into Battalia and to defend his life which Apriez would take from him by some amongst them Paterbenis comming to him as Amasis was thus busied he resolved to speak unto him as if the King did credit all which Amasis told him and as if he did not suspect his fidelity to the end he might gaine more time to plot with those Officers of the Army who advertized Apriez of the truth But Amasis knowing the cause of his coming gave him no time to talk No no Paterbenis said he unto him Dissemble not that which I know as well as your self You come with intentions to carrie my head unto Apriez but I cannot beleeve these Souldiers who Crowned it will suffer you therefore I advise you to return immediately and tell that Prince who sent you that if he defend his Crown as well as I shall my head I shall not be King a long while Paterbenis would have replyed unto this bold language but there was such an acclamation amongst the Souldiers at the answer of Amasis as the Messenger saw his best course was to return for the Souldiers began to threaten him with insolent menaces Paterbenis then returned to Sais where Apriez was in his stately Palace which he had newly built yet he found but faint entertainment from her for this unfortunate King seeing the ill successe of his voyage beleeved he did comply with Amasis so that upon the information of some Souldiers who followed him who affirmed that if he had stayed a little longer in the Army there had been a mutiny he did not onely arrest him but put him to death This hasty and violent death did ruin Apriez for Paterbenis being a man of much integrity and known honesty to all the world the people of Sais did exceedingly murmur at it All the friends of Amasis fearing the like treatment from the King since he was capable of so unjust an act did take their friends part and went unto him and amongst the rest the Father of Heracleon So that in lesse then a moneth Amasis had a formidable army which still did every day encrease from all the Provinces of Egypt In the mean time the heart of Amasis was very restlesse love of Ladice did strive with his ambition yet could not vanquish it and so much the lesse because his marriage with her being not known she was in lesse danger of Apriez his violence but alasse this unfortunate Princesse was much to be lamented for she was not onely forced to separate from her dearly loved Amasis but she perceived she was with child consequently must tel the Queen whom she tenderly loved and who tenderly loved her that she was Wife to him who would pull her from the Throne Being put to this extremity she consulted with all her thoughts and endeavours how to winne Amasis unto repentance and in order to that she sent to acquaint Amasis with her condition and after a thousand most tender and perswasive arguments and invitations she sent to tell him that if he would not condescend unto her desires she would acquaint the King how she was his wife and shared in his crime and so consequently the next news he should hear would doubtlesse be that hee had lost both a Wife and a Child since it was not probable but he who put to death the innocent would take the same course with the Wife of an Usurper who confessed her self culpable But all the perswasions and threats of Ladice were in vain For Amasis did think that the Queen loved her better then to see her perish and that Ladice was wiser then to accuse her self and therefore he sent her word that he thought himself unworthy of that honour which shee had done him unlesse he pursued his design and set her upon a Throne To that end he caused it to be proclaimed that he was descended from the Line of the first Kings of Egypt from whom the Predecessors of Apriez had usurped the Soveraign Power So that to give some colourable glosse to his rotten cause he made it passe for good and strengthned himself the more Apriez seeing himself forsaken of his own Subjects and particularly of Heracleons Father who was a man of great power made use of some Auxiliary Forces The Ionians the Carians and some other Asiatique people raised him thirty thousand men so that being in the head of this army he went out of Says with resolutions to fight One thing is here observable which never perhaps was seen before the right King of Egypt had not one Egyptian in his army which was composed all of Strangers and on the contrary all the army of the Usurper was composed of naturall Subjects who fought against their right King In the mean time the miserable Ladice having not power to execute the message shee sent unto Amasis hoping still to move his heart she remained in unconceivable sorrows for she knew that had not she been a Mediator for him he could never have arrived at that passe So that looking upon her selfe as the onely cause of his crime of her Countries desolation and of the States ruin there was not a day but she desired death Nor did she know what she should ask from the gods But ever refigning her self unto their will she waited for the successe of War with more restlessnesse of mind then did the Queen Sesostris her onely sonne was then some four or
also was divided into two the Inhabitants distinguishing themselves by the names of the old Town and the new but that which rendred it the most considerable was that it had but one Port and one Channel able to contain a huge Navy in safety This is it which rendred that Town so formidable to all her Neighbours As soon as Cyrus spied the stately Temple of Neptune which was in Cumes and which spired so high that it might be seen far off he was extreamly glad This is the place said 〈◊〉 to himself where I must either die or deliver my Princess After which he distributed quarters unto the Army and that with so much judgment that in all likelyhood the Enemy could neither relieve the Town nor force his Camp lying ln such a posture as that he might win a Battel whilst he was besieging a Town This Prince having circumspectly observed all about Cumes and found that there was some places which defended themselves and others which were very hard to be kept he gave all necessary orders to fortifie those places by art which nature had laid open He also built a Bridg over the Channel and thereby had communication between his Quarters for the more easie passage of victuals So that Thrasibulus with his Ship sailing at the same time into the Port of Cumes the Town was in an instant besieged The next morning Cyrus began his line of circumulation at which all the Souldiers wrought with incredible earnestness the presence of the Prince did so invigorate them that they wrought and never were weary But to the end that the work might be more firm he covered the sides of the line with Turf which did concatinate the looseness of the Sand He would have had a second line to fortifie the first but the Banks of Sand being of an unequal height and so many of them which might command the Camp he was forced to take in all those hills and by consequence was forced to inlarge his works very far It chanced also that there was one of these Sandy hills in the Quarters of Mazares which being much higher then the rest the Enemy might much annoy the Camp Cyrus therefore seized upon it and made a Fort upon the top of this hill and with a line did draw it within the line of circumulation But after all this the Sea banks were unfortified which was as requisite to be done as any thing else for otherwise all the rest of their works were in vain and yet the Sand being so loose in that place they knew not how to do it for though this Sea hath neither Flux or Reflux as the Ocean hath yet it did rise more or less according as the winde did waft the waves and did somtimes so impetuously dash against the Banks that something more solid then Sand must be imployed to make it abide its violence and therefore Cyrus to whom nothing was impossible did drive in abundance of piles and stakes which stopped the passage of the Enemy and so fast that the Waves could not stir them yet this was not done without much difficulty for those of Cumes did cut a great Rock which kept in the Sea at the furthest end of their Town hoping hereby to overflow the passage whereby Cyrus was to bring his Victuals and indeed the Land having a descent from that place their design had taken and the Army had been put to a great necessity of victuals if Cyrus had not prevented this inconvenience by driving abundance more piles and rowling great stones filled up with Sand and wreck which made a new Barracadoe to Waves that would have flowed from thence This work of giving limits to the Sea seemed to proceed from a supernatural power These works of grand importance only did not take up the mind of this Prince but also the least things were as well considered by him he himself was twice every day at the place where the victuals was that he might see the division just and that none should have any cause to complain it was his usual expression that great enterprizes could never be happily executed unless a care was had unto trivial as well as important things but the wonder was to see that though this Prince had a thousand several cares upon him yet he had such a admirable freedome of Spirit and so much blithness in his eyes as infused much joy into all the Army and did so envigorate the Spirits of those that wrought as in four daies maugre the rain the winde or any inconveniency the lines were finished the Sea-banks fortified the inundation of the Waves stopped and all the Sandy hills put into a posture of defence Never was seen such great works in so short a time nor did ever Prince merit more glory then Cyrus did at this time In the mean time Love was so predominate in his soul that in giving all these orders he still thought how he gave them for Mandana and that by making these works he hindred his Rival for carrying away his Princess and considering that if his design prospered he should see Mandana at liberty and his Rival in his fetters he was full of unexpressible joyes But as high as his hopes and his joyes were Mazares on the contrary was all sorrows to see how he laboured for another and that he was delivering Mandana to lose her but could never hope for the least fruit of his Victory However since he had fixed his resolutions that his virtue should surmount his Love he endeavoured to compose his minde and to think of nothing but how to relieve Mandana to lose her but could never hope for the least fruit of his victory However since he had fixed his resolutions that his virtue should surmount his Love he endeavoured to compose his minde and to think of nothing but how to relieve Mandana Thus forcing his heart and Spirit by his extream generosity Cyrus and he agreed very well together and talked of the Siege and what was best to be done as if they had an equal interest in the taking of Cumes The greatest admiration of these two Princes was that the King of Assiria did not appear amongst them nor so much as sent unto them As long as we were at Sardis said Cyrus and knew nothing where the Princess Mandana was I did not wonder to hear nothing of him But now since the Army is marched hath been at Thybarra and turned towards Cumes he must needs know where our Princess is and should joyn with us to have his share in the glory of releasing her For my part answered Mazares I must needs confess I cannot imagine his reason for he was not used to give his Rivals any advantage and therefore since he appears not I neither know what to say or think of his absence Doubtless it is very hard to conceive replied Cyrus But may he not be in Cumes added he in a rapture of a sad apprehension If he were there answered Mazares he
restore Mandana and that he would give liberty to the King of Pontus because he would not move him to betray a Prince unto whom he had given retreat Cyrus hoping that if this Prince would not accept of this offer yet it would stir up the people against him and would hinder the King of Pontus from carrying away Mandana So that having sent a Herald unto the Prince of Cumes to tell him that having some advantageous Propositions to make unto him he desired a man of some credence might be sent to receive his intentions This Prince after a consult with the King of Pontus answered that their two interests being inseparable he could not receive his message without his participation but that they would send joyntly the next morning to know what the will of Cyrus was that in the interin there might be a cessation of Arms Though this answer of the Prince of Cumes was not according to the wish of Cyrus yet he took him at his word and to obtain his ends he resolved to transact with equal generosity unto his Rival So that the next morning after the Truce was published and after he who the King of Pontus and the Prince of Cumes sent unto him were come into the Camp Cyrus would needs shew him all his works to the end the negotiation might better proceed So that he carried him from Line to Line from Fort to Fort and let him see there was no hopes of ever relieving Cumes by Land Also what Cyrus said unto him was so full of generosity that he could see no reason why any of his offers should be refused for he demanded of the Prince of Cumes Mandana only and yet offered unto the King of Pontus all the conditions which the Princess Araminta heretofore offered from him which was an Army to reconquer his Dominions I do not offer this said he unto the man out of the least doubt of taking Cumes presently but it is because I am obliged unto the King of Pontus ever since I wore the name of Artamenes and having a high esteem of the Prince of Cumes courage I should be sorry any occasion should force me to ruine them and to tell you truly I desire to shorten the captivity of Mandana by a happy negotiation After this Cyrus did much oblige the man to whom he spoke and without any unworthy Proposition he made him extreamly satisfied with his generosity but the more reasonable the Propositions were the more sharp were they unto the King of Pontus and he laboured to put things unto the utmost extremity and the Prince of Cumes protested never to shrink from his interest and though he was most desperately in Love yet he could not chuse but consider that since he was not able to keep Mandana it were injustice wilfully to ruine a Prince who had given him retreat But for all this though he did know it to be both unjust and imprudent yet his passion had no ear to hear of any Proposition which had any clause of Mandana's restitution in it yet notwithstanding not dare to tell the Prince of Cumos in plain terms that rather then restore Mandana into the hands of Cyrus he was resolved to see both him and himself to perish he gave him such language as might gain a little time and if possible recover some hopes and therefore he thought it expedient to tell Cyrus that they could not return him any positive answer without imparting these Propositions unto the Xantheans and Caunians and also until they knew from Pactias and Licambes in what condition their forces were and therefore desired until they were satisfied in these things that the Truce might continue so that they sent back this answer unto Cyrus who accepted of it provided there were a time limited unto this negotiation and that the term were not long and thus the Truce was continued The King of Pontus and the Prince of Cumes sent out an Envoy unto the General of their Army and another unto the Xantheans and the Cauneans Cyrus sending Heralds with them to carry them thither and to bring them back In the mean time the King of Pontus who had never consented unto this negotiation but that he might thereby have longer time to consider which way he might save himself or at least defer his ruine a little longer he now pumped all his invention for an expedjent how to get Mandana out of Cumes But whilst he was vainly seeking for that which was so difficult to be found Cyrus and Mazares admired what was become of the Assirian King they could not imagine where he should be nor how it was possible he should be living and not before Cumes Somtimes Cyrus thought him dead and otherwhiles had a jealous phancy that he was in Cumes and some way or other transacting his ruine though yet he could not imagine which way he was able to do it In the mean while the Truce being published as well in the Sea as Land-Army there was a genearl idleness amongst the Souldiers on both sides and a kinde of a dim image of Peace amongst them all Things standing upon these terms and Cyrus being one morning upon the top of a Fort which he had made upon a hill in the Quarters of Mazares he discovered a Fleet which with full Sail made towards his He no sooner saw this but his passion moving him to suspect some foul play he changed colour and would send unto Cumes to clear his suspitions but as he was upon the point of sending an Envoy came unto him from the King of Pontus and the Prince of Cumes who came to ask him whether this Fleet did come to strengthen his Army and whether he would keep within the limits of the Truce So that knowing by this the Fleet were not his Enemies he concluded they were for him knowing how he had negotiated for Ships in several places and indeed he was not mistaken After this he dismissed the Envoy with orders to assure the King of Pontus and the Prince of Cumes that he would make no attempts until the Truce were ended or broken And as for the Fleet which appeared they had no orders from him to approach nor knew he from whence they came yet he would ingage his word to make no use of them until those Princes had refused the Propositions which he made them After this Envoy was gone Cyrus and Mazares saw that Thrasibulus sent out two little Vessels to meet those which were making towards him and that those two Ships returned with the Fleet as friends towards Thrasibulus so that rejoycing to see fresh aid he thought it would conduce much to make the people of Cumes revolt if those Princes should not accept of those offers which he made them Also he conceived fresh hopes of seeing his dear Princess very shortly yet he was very impatient to know from whence this Fleet should come but he was not long without full satisfaction for the two Fleets were no sooner
she as you do mine I should quickly satisfie my curiosity of knowing what it is that troubles you The truth is Madam the condition wherein I see you makes me most sadly inquisitive for knowing you to be wise and prudent I am most confident you are not melancholy without a cause and not knowing what it is which disquiets you I thought it the duty of my love to you to be sorry in your behalf Cleobuline hearing Stesilea speak so feelingly and knowing that she did love her with mâ—câ— tenderness she resolved to unburthen her heart since it was not possible that any one soul should contain all those resentments which she had of her own glory of her love to Myrinthus and of her jealousie of Philimena But since she was strangely ashamed of her own weakness she drew the Tissue Curtain of that bed whereon she sate to the end that darkness might hely her in discovering unto Stesilea those torments of her soul After that she had prepared Stesilea with a long preamble and Stesilea had promised inviolable fidelity she began to speak as if she had committed some horrid crime You have good reason Stesilea said she unto her to say I am changed from what I was for the truth is I am not that woman whom all the world takes me to be I know very well that I have the happiness of a reputation high enough and that all Princes do either esteem me or look upon me with an eye of envy yet I must tell you thaâ— if they knew my heart they would look upon me either with an eoe of pity or else with an eye of scorn Oh Madam replied Stesilea the last of these can never be Yes replied the Queen sooner then the first if my condition were but known But Stesilea the greatest comfort of my misfortune is that I hope none will ever know it and that though I tell it unto you yet it will sleep in eternal oblivion Certainly Madam you may be confident answered Stesilea that I will never reveal any secret which you shall honour me with the participation therefore I beseech your Majesty to tell me what it is which disquiets you that I may endeavour a remedy As soon as I offer to open my mouth replied Cleobuline to tell you the cause of my misery anger and shame shuts it again I cannot finde words to express my thoughts and I do finde such a confusion in all my thoughts that I can give no order unto my words one while I would desire you to excuse my folly before I acquaint you what it is somtimes I have a desire to tell what the matter is and presently after I alter my mind and resolve to tell you nothing at all therefore my dear Stesilâ—a if you can guess what the cause of my grief is But hold said she and reprehended her self I would not have you guess and though you have some such suspition I conjure you not to tell it for if you should guess it I should believe all the world might do the like and so I should be the most miserable Princess upon earth Since Stesilea naturally had a passionate soul she knew by the manner of the Queens discourse that love was that cause of her sorrows but yet she could not imagine with whom it should be that she was in Love but very sweetly replied that since she desiree to know no farther then she was pleased to allow her she would not dive deeper into the business then her Majesty pleased Though I am perswaded said she that one may impart all things unto one that is faithful But Madam said she purposely to serue out the secret what can it be that is so diâ—â—â—cult to be discovered All the world knows all your actions to be innocent and most illustrious and if you be culpable in any thing certainly there is none that can testifie against you but your self and that perhaps for entertaining some thoughts which were too high Oh Stesilea replied the Queen ambition is no part of my crime were I as fâ—ee from all other passions as from that my soul would be at more tranquility but since I must tell you that which I cannot conceal know Stesilea that there is one in the world who whether I will yr no hath such a share in my heart as that I cannot hate him though I would and though I have a strange desire unto it I thought replied Stesilea that your Majesty had some horrid design to subvert all the Lawes of your Dominions to begin some unjust war and to establish some tyrannical Government since you did so highly accuse your self but for ought I see you are culpable of nothing unless in that you will not permit one to adore you or in that you have not hated some illustrious Slave who doubtless doth love and adore you with a most reverent passion Ah Stesilea said Cleobuline my fate is worse then you imagine it and since I must discover the very root of my heart unto you know that I love one who knows it not and one who loves another yet such is the violence of my Love that I cannot chuse but love him nor can I endure he should love another though I would not have him know I love him nor that he should ever tell me that he loves me though he did I pray therefore judg Stesilea whether my condition be not deplorable and whether I have not good reason to be much ashamed of my weakness Since I cannot condemn your Majesty replied Stesilea unless I should condemn my self I beseech you give me leave to tell you that I cannot accuse you at all for since I know you are not ignorant of my cruel disaster at Jalissa where I fell in love with a man who made me the confident of his affection unto another I thought good then to accuse and condemn my self as your Majesty doth But I most humbly beseech you Madam who is this happy man that hath made this illustrious Conquest This Conquerour replied Cleobuline is the Slave of Philimena Judg therefore Stesilea if I have not good reason to be ashamed for though I know you are culpable of the same crime that I am yet I cannot excuse my self and to say the truth there is some difference betwixt you and me for he whom you loved was your equal and you were not obliged to render an accompt of your actions unto any but your self But Stesilea I must render an accompt of mine unto all the world I have a transcendent glory to preserve and I prefer that glory above my life yet I love one of my Subjects above my self and which is worse I love him and am not loved but sees him desperately in love with another had I so much happiness as to be so blinded by my passion that I could think my self in no fault I should be less miserable and more excuseable but to my torment the Gods have left me so much reason as
in the world and much richer then Philoxene yet his passion resisted against all even absence it self for he was three whole moneths in Milete where the greatest Beauties in the world reside yet he continued faithful and returned to Cumes as much in love with her as when he went away Moreover it cannot be said that the favours of Philoxene did restrain him for none could live more reservedlie and use more severitie then She did to him though without any rudeness or incivility Thus Madam it must consequentlie and necessarilie be concluded that Thrasiles may very well pass for a verie constant man though he have loved many Mistresses Yet Madam since friendship may be partial I will suspend my judgment until you have pronounced your sentence After Lyriana had finished her relation Mandana did extreamlie commend her and thanked her for her pleasing recital of Thrasiles his adventures applauding her especiallie for epitomizing five several Loves into so short a method as any one else would have made so many several stories After which asking Cyrus the Prince Arta 〈…〉 and Aglatidas in what rank she should repute Thrasiles they would not give her any counsâ—â— but would leave it unto her judgment So that appointing to let Cleocrite Lysidice A 〈…〉 ia and Thrasiles to enter it was found that Lysidice having altered her humour since She went out of the Chamber of Mandana was gone away and had carried At 〈…〉 〈◊〉 her and so there remained none but Thrasiles and Cleocrite whose indifferent humour made her not care much whether Thrasiles should pass for a constant or an inconstant man and accordinglie She came into Mandana's Chamber with Thrasiles as pleasant as if She valued not the indifferencie whereof She imagined Lyriana had accused her You see Madam said she to the Princess Mandana that as indifferent as they say I am yet I am more full of revenge then either Lysidice or Atalia since I my self do bring him in who is to be condemned 'T is more then you know replied Thrasiles whether I shall be condemned or justified We shall know it presentlie replied she since it is the Princess who must teach me what I ought to think of you I assure you replied Mandana that if you regulate your thoughts by mine you will think nothing that is advantagious to him For indeed added the Princess after a serious consideration of the several changes which hath been in Thrasiles I do not find him so clear as I did imagine therefore without either favour or injustice I do doom him to be named The unconstant man without inconstancie The Judgment is so just replied Cyrus that I cannot think the fair Cleocrite will murmure at it nor that Thrasiles will complain Since the name of Inconstant is his doom replied Cleocrite I should be injurious to murmure And for my part said Thrasiles since the most wise Princess in the world declares me to be without inconstancy I have good reason to be satisfied and to commend her Justice Since I have pleased you both replied Mandana I have done more then I thought I should but certainlie done that which I desired As she said so Philoxene entred and Cleocrite went out But as Mandana observed that Anaxaris thought himself obliged by the favours she did unto Thrasiles she took occasion to speak unto Philoxene in his behalf and the occasion did the more fitlie present it self because Philoxene knowing that the Army was to march verie shortlie she come unto the Princess beseeching her to obtain from Cyrus a Protection for a fair house which she had which stood just in the way they were to march Cyrus for his particular did so love to do all good offices for unfortunate Lovers that he spoke very much unto Philoxene in behalf of Thrasyles insomuch as though she had till then very resolutely defended her liberty both against Thrasyles and against her own inclination began now to 〈…〉 unto the Conquerour of Asia And indeed Thrasiles did thrive so well under the 〈…〉 tion of Cyrus and Mandana that within three daies after the match was made up and their Marriage was honored with the presence of Mandana and Cyrus But though all the Ladies in Cumes were invited there came none but Cleocrite and Lysidice of all the Mistresses of Thrasiles The first of these because all things being indifferent unto her except pleasures she would not lose such a feast of joy and Lysidice because coming thither accidentally and being in a merry humor she thought it would be most glorious for her not to express any sorrows for the loss of Thrasiles In the mean time those who were sent to the Xanthians and the Caunians being returned and reporting that they received all the conditions with joy there was now no obstacle to the departure of Mandana for such hast was made in the preparations of all things requisite to her journey as that all things would be in readiness within a day or two To loose no time Cyrus gave out all necessary orders either for the march of the Army or for the departure of the two Fleets which were in the Port or to dismiss the messengers from the Prince Philoxippes and the Prince of Cicilie with thanks to their Masters But whilst hope did so nourish the joyes of Cyrus as the engagement with the King of Assiria never troubled him Mazares and Anaxaris seeing the dismal day of Mandana's departure drew neer they were extreamlie sad for when they considered that the end of their voyage would be the beginning of felicity unto Cyrus and the end of his miseries their sorrows were beyond all expressions yet there was abundance of difference between the thoughts of these two Rivals and one and the same beautie and one and the same Passion produced in them effects very unresemblant Anaxaris without any hopes was so bewitched with his passion as he could not for his life resist it But as for Mazares he did so continually strive with himself and his passion that it was impossible for man to do more Anaxaris to be more in Love if it were possible did see the Princess as much as ever he could Mazares on the contrary was so afraid of a beauty which was above his virtue as he did most carefully avoid all occasions of seeing her Indeed he had never any particular discourse with this Princess since she was delivered but the night before their departure Cyrus being busie in writing to the Queen of Corinth to the Prince Philoxippes to the Prince of Cicilie and in giving orders for securing Cumes and dispatching the Deputies from Susiana so it happened that Mazares being then with Mandana he was insensibly ingaged to be alone with her At first there was a great a silence observed between them for the Princess remembring how this Prince in whom she trusted had betrayed her and how she never was alone with him since he carried her away she began to blush and Mazares for his part
more force then he imagines provided the Prince my Father does not take his part Oh Madam said Atergatis what cruell words do you pronounce after so many favourable ones Atergatis spoke this so loud that the Princess of Bythinia heard him asked what Injustice Istrina did him so that the Conference became generall againe and they consulted together what was best to be done yet they could not all agree upon the best Expedient for when Intaphernes for the interest of his love said that he ought not positively to oppose Arsamones because he knew that Gadates would oppose it also Atergatis did not think that advice good but on the contrary he said to draw the Princess of Bythinia unto his opinion that it did extreamly concern the Prince Spitridates for Intaphernes to let Arsamones see that his design was impossible to the end he might let that Prince be at quiet in his Prison though he would not release him He had no sooner spoke this but Intaphernes did very civilly oppose the opinion of his friend and told him that if he should do so Arsamones who had a deep wit would believe that he opposed him only in favour unto the passion which he bore unto the Princess his Sister and so he might perhaps moove him to banish them both the Court and keep Istrina there I doe conceive it most fit said the Princesse of Bythinia that the Princess Istrina do undertake to oppose the King my Father and that she do endeavour to moove Spitridates not to oppose him so much purposely to appease him and therefore I conceive it best for the Princess Istrina and the Prince Spitridates both to resist Arsamones with equall resolutions For my part sayd Istrina then I am very ready my selfe alone to oppose the Kings design Yet I am perswaded that if all of us did equally oppose him our side would be the stronger I am affraid Sister replyed Intaphernes that it would be the weaker for if Arsamones should be incensed against the Princess against Spitridates against Atergatis against you and against me who shall be the Mediator to appease so great a difference The reason of Intaphernes making the rest to concurr with his opinion it was first resolved to spinne out the time as long as they could and if so it hapned that Arsamones did not alter his mind Intaphernes should then tell him that the Princess his Sister protested she would rather dye then marry a Prince who could never be her Husband unlesse he were perfidious unto the most victorious Princess in the world This resolution being agreed upon Intaphernes bethought himself how to temper the mind of Arsamones how to spin out the time and how to give leisure unto the fatherly tenderness and reason of that Prince to overcome that politique obstinacy and desire of revenge which made him so oppose the love of Spitridates unto Araminta and indeed for a while his design did take for since Arsamones had more hopes in the beauty of Istrina then any thing else to work a change in Spitridates he would not be over-urgent with his son to the end the fair eyes of that Princess might have some time to turn him Infidell In the mean while the Princess of Bythinia thinking to adde some comfort unto the Prince her brother as well as to satisfie her selfe she went every day to see him But Madam the most observable passage was that the Princess Istrina went thither also because Arsamones did not give the Princess his daughter leave to see Spitridates unless the Princess Istrina went with her so that Intaphernes and Atergatis were not at all the happier and this order of Arsamones did breed such a confusion in a few dayes that these five persons as wise and reasonable as they were there was a kind of division amongst them The truth is Madam Spitridates complayned in secret against the Princess of Bythinia for seeming as if she intended to drive Araminta out of his heart by bringing the Princesse Istrina alwayes with her for since these two Princesses could not speak unto him without witnesse they could not undeceive him so that with murmure of heart he accused Intaphernes for not being generous enough Istrina for not standing enough upon her honour Atergatis for a very bad Lover And the Princess his Sister for not being constant to her first thoughts for not loving Araminta enough As for Atergatis he was in a lamentable plight for he feared that Spitridates would turn Infidell to Araminta by seeing Istrina and he feared that Istrina at the Queens desire would turn Infidell to him Nor was he well satisfied with Intaphernes thinking he might move Istrina not to accompany the Princess of Bythinia when she went to Spitridates murmuring also against the Prince Spitridates for receiving visits from one they would have him marry and complayning against the Princess of Bythinia who without consideration either of his case or the Princess Araminta's unto whom she had promised so much friendship did still see Spitridates once every day But all these complaints were nothing in comparison of those which he himself made against Istrina for going every day unto a Prince whom she knew Arsamones would have her marry On the other side the Princess of Bythinia complained that Intaphernes in behalf of Atergatis had pressed her more then once to spare some of her frequent visits unto Spitridates and that Istrina would hardly be drawn to accompany her Also she murmured that Atergatis should grumble against her But she did more sharply resent a kind of hollow coldnesse which she observed in the mind of Spitridates As for Istrina she was off the hooks as much as any of the rest for valuing the satisfaction of Atergatis very much she heartily wished that the Prince her Brother by vertue of his absolute authority over her would hinder her from accompanying the Princess of Bythinia in her visits to Spitridates But since he did not so shee murmured against him and complained no lesse that the Princesse of Bythinia should want that piece of Complacency to her However she was very angry that Atergatis should find fault with her too often visits of Spitridates and she was also something angry to observe that the illustrious Prisoner was something civill towards her Furthermore Intaphernes thought much at Atergatis knowing his Passion to the Princess of Bythinia that he should offer so obstinately to resist him Nor did he take it wel that Istrina should accompany that Princess with so many signs of unwillingnes though he would not have her break off with Atergatis But he took it much worse that the Princess whom he loved should not give him any hopes of his happinesse in a Conjuncture wherein he thought she might well permit him to make tryall of it by discovering his design unto Arsamones Thus these five illustrious persons murmuring in secret without any open Complaints they knew not what to say when met together In the mean time
such an enterprize But Madam that which most advanced his plot was that whilst he was tampering to suborn the Guards of Spitridates which stood at the gates of the Tower to the end they might suborn those who were neerer his person this generous Prisoner was tampering with those who were in his Chamber to the end they should corrupt those which were placed at the gate of the Tower So that Madam though Atergatis and Spitridates held not any correspondency together yet they transacted as if they had so that by chance working together upon those whom they attempted to perswade it hapned that when the Guards which were within the Tower did propose the releasement of Spitridates unto those who were without they found them upon the same design and ready to make the same Propositions unto them within So that there being a facility to enter perswade each other the businesse was quickly concluded and as soon executed For since the Tower stood upon the Sea-side Atergatis having provided a Barque ready the same night which he made choise of for the releasement of this illustrious Prisoner It was an easie matter for the suborned guards who were much the greater number to quell the rest to release this Prince to carry him to the Barque and to embarque with him But Madam the wonder was Spitridates was released and knew not who released him untill he came unto the Sea side For then the Prince Atergatis who would see the execntion of the business did make himself known unto him And to compleat his generosity he gave him a Page and told him that he should find in the Barque all things requisite or necessary for so long a voyage After which Spitridates giving thanks unto his Deliverer with all the hast of a man that feared to lose a happiness which he was ready to enjoy he parted from him and making all saile and oare they could he went I know not whither for after his departure from Heraclea we never heard where he landed We understood he was at Atarmes where you Madam took him for Cyrus and that he saw you Embarque with the King of Pontus but we could never learn whether he went straight from Heraclea unto Atarmes In the mean while though he loved Democlides very well who was in the same prison with him yet he was not released for the businesse was done so hastily that the Guards of Spitridates never thought of going to the Chamber of Democlides And Spitridates himself doubtlesse all his thoughts were so taken up with Araminta that he thought of nothing else But Madam the most observable passage was that the Prince Atergatis was not at all suspected and if he had not himself confessed it unto the Princess Istrina and Intaphernes we had not known it To tell you Madam how much Arsamones was both astonished and angered when he knew of Spitridates his escape were to attempt a thing impossible As for Arbiana she was very glad for she began to feare the violence of the King As for the Princess of Bythinia shee both joyed and grieved foreseeing that this Exile would be worse to him then the other As for Intaphernes though he was glad for Spitridates yet he grieved for himself because he thought that the liberty of this Prince would be an obstacle unto his design And as for Atergatis his joyes were as plump as he could either wish or hope and to make them more sensible to him he understood that Istrina was glad of Spitridates his escape In the mean time since the pride of Arsamones would never let him complain long he affected to seem as if he were easily comforted for the absence of the Prince his son whom he openly said should never be his Successor Thus in a few dayes there was as great a calm in the Court as if this storm had never risen For since every one stood in fear of Arsamones they durst neither rejoyce nor grieve openly at the liberty or absence of Spitridates And all that the Queen could do was to obtain the liberty of Democlides upon condition to depart from Heraclea After that things had thus rested some dayes it was known that the Governour of the Castle which stood upon the Frontiers of Bythinia towards Galatia had sent a Post unto Arsamones about some important intelligence and that Arsamones had sent twice to him But that which did a little surprize all the Court was that Arsamones would have the two Princes Intaphernes and Atergatis goe with him unto the Frontiers of Bythinia So that going neither to Chalcedonia nor Chrysipolis which are the two chief Towns we went unto a little Village not above fifty furlongs from this Castle whose Governour had given this intelligence which we were all ignorant of but presently after knew what it was Be pleased to know Madam that the King of Assyria after he went from Sardis whilst the illustrious Cyrus was gone with Spitridates to the Princess Araminta and with intention to enquire into what part of the world the King of Pontus had hurried you this King of Assyria received false intelligence which caused his imprisonment For you must know Madam he was told that the King of Pontus whose Father Reigned with soveraignty sufficient to have many Creatures there had yet so many friends left as had plotted a great conspiracy against Arsamones which would presently break out into a flame so that the King of Assyria being informed of the businesse and that the King of Pontus after he had carryed you Madam from Sardis had carryed you into Bythinia to the house of the head-man in the Conspiracy which was very strong and that he carryed you thither with intentions to hide you there untill all things were in readinesse to set you upon the Throne he wended his course that way Though this intelligence was not probable yet there was in it some appearance of possibility which that Prince thought he ought not to neglect so that he resolved for Bythinia to satisfie himself of the truth But since Arsamones as I already told you did keep a very strict Guard in all his Dominions as if the King whom he had vanquished and driven out were still in the head of an Army the King of Assyria being to passe a Bridg over the River Sangar was stopped by the Guards there to know from whence he came and whither he went But he being of an imperious temper in lieu of answering to those Questions begun to be angry and his Examiners being something insolent with him he drew his sword and wounded two or three of them Since he had only one Page with him since there was above twenty Souldiers there and since many people of the Town at the end of this Bridg compassing him about he was arrested after he had wounded many of them and afterwards was carryed to the Castle I speak of As soon as he who commanded it did look upon him he knew that he had seen him in
Mazares Myrsiles Intaphernes Atergatis and Artamas were no more sluggards then that valiant Prince whom they followed But though the night had been husht and quiet yee Aurora was tumultuous The fires of both Camps extinguished as the starres did And there was then in both Campes a noise composed of so many severall noises and such an Ecchoing Murmure as all the field was fill'd with it The Birds themselves except such as live upon what death allowes them and alwaies follow Armes did forsake the Woods all about and as the night spake the soft language of Peace the break of day spoke in the thunder of War with as grim as it looked yet had something of delight in it In the mean time as quick as the Suns Course is yet Cyrus had given his last orders before it apeared in our Horison and gave them with so much judgement and made those who received them to understand them so well as if he had inspired both spirits and hearts fit to execute them his whole Army moved together in an instant all at once and kept such evennesse as they came close to the Enemy without the least disorder though they went with such an impetuosity as the presence of Cyrus used to inspire into all his Troopes and which without any rashnesse onely made their vigour and impatience of fighting to appear In the mean time on that side towards the right wing there was a tall and thick Wood which the valiant and experienced Terez had lined with a thousand Archers who began to fight yet found he not that advantage which he expected for Cyrus foreseeing that the Massagettans would not leave that place unlined he caused a party of Horse to fall upon that thousand Archers and placed some foot also amongst his horse between every squadron So that these Archers being vigorously charged they were forced to yield yet saved not themselves by flying for they were every man of them killed upon the place where they lay in ambuscado But the prudence of Cyrus moving him to think that his Troops might be squandered in the Wood he commanded Mazares to wheel about the Wood to the right hand with his first brigade to prevent that disorder So as this Generous Rivall obeying him Cyrus in the head of the second brigade and towards the left side of the Wood he advanced to the Enemy with all the Gallants of his Army and advanced with the same valour wherewith he had vanquished others In the mean time Mazares who was as valiant as amorous and who was well knowing in the art of War wheeled about the Wood without any disorder and to lose no time he caused the body which he commanded to draw towards the right hand to the end he might assault the Massagettans on the flank whilst Cyrus assaulted them in the Front The ambitious Octomasades who commanded the left wing of the Massagettans was extreamly surprised when contrary to his expectation he saw himself assaulted on two sides for he was confident in the thousand Archers which Terez had placed in the Wood through which he knew any must passe before they could come and assault him on that side yet for all his surprise hee behaved himself like a man of courage and though he might be taxed with want of a little foresight yet could not be accused for want of valour And indeed he did very gallantly resist some squadrons which assaulted him but without successe For as there is nothing so dangerous as to alter the orders of Troops in the face of a terrible Enemy So upon the very first shock Mazares broke many squdrons of Thomiris So that the Troops of Octomasades tumbled one over another as soon as Cyrus charged them in Person and fled with so much precipitation as never was the like disorder seen But since th is valiant Prince knew that flying Enemies are already overcome he never followed them but desiring to find a more noble subject unto his valour he appoined Mazares to vanquish the Cavalry which he had already squandered lest they should rally again and went himselfe streight unto the Enemies Infantry against whom he did even miracles as afterwards you shall hear But that you may better see how victory followes Cyrus and none else It chanced that whilst he had put to flight all that stood in head against him and thought it not fit to follow them and whilst he wheeled about his squadrons against the Massagettan Infantry not one of his men being out of Ranke he conceived himself able to go behind the Army of Thomiris and advantagiously fall upon that victorious wing which had routed Cressus whose Brigade indeed was the deciding point of the Battle Thus it may wel be said that his Prudence and his Valour were almost equal gainers and forced Fortune to render Justice unto the equity of his cause he routed them However the eternally renowned Cyrus did not quietly enjoy this greet glory which he had gotten and vvell deserved for since his Rivall vvas yet living and Mandana not released heâ— thought himself not at al happy Yet he was joyed to hear that his intelligence concerning Ciaxares was not true yet those reports did not rise without some ground for doubtlesse the King of Medes was so extreamly grieved at this last carrying away of Mandana that he fell so extreamly sick as all in Ecbatan feared his death and all the Kingdome thought him dead Cyrus was not joyed at this newes only because he loved Ciaxares though he had held him Prisoner but also because the Princesse should not be grieved at her Fathers death at a time when she was deprived of all consolation and loaded with all miseries And that she might hear nothing of it he made continuall skirmishes upon all favourable occasions But after Cyrus had entirely defeated the left wing of his Enemies as I told you had assaulted the Infantry of the Massagettans and assaulted them in such order and vigour without the least disorder in his owne hee also routed the Infantry of Callipides those of the Issedons and quite defeated those of the two Scythian Kings But when he was in this glorious condition wherein hee might well hope to be quickly Conqueror he saw upon a sudden the pittifull-state unto which his left wing was brought and plainly saw that all did absolutely depend upon those Forces which were with him So that to lose no time in following those whom he had already Routed he thought onely of Conquering those who had Routed his men So that after he had by his looks put fresh hearts into his men he forsook his new got Victory and went to fall upon that part of the Army of Thomiris which had routed his and finding them all carelesse and in such a negligence as Victory useth to put them into who know not how to use it after it is gotten he entirely defeated them without much pain And so it happed that those who escaped the Victory of Cyrus
Master wounded and disarmed for his Sword broke in the fall so that getting up again with much â—do he saw himself at the mercy of this Conquerour and at the mercy of the fire But Cyrus being infinitely admired for his valour and clemency when this Sauromate had yeilded himself and Cyrus saw him without Armes or Horse or power to walk he let him get up behind him purposely to shew him the way through this enflamed Wood and Laborinth of fire as I may call it in which he was engaged So this valiant Prisoner accepting the offer of his illustrious Conqueror he got up behind him and turning somtimes to the right hand and somtimes to the left to avoid the flames and fall of Trees they came at last to the place where Mazares and Myrsiles had drawn up their Troops not taking any care for him because they imagined that he was returned unto the entrance of the Wood as soon as he was assured of the passage But he was no sooner with them then they understood from the mouth of his Prisoner what Miracles he had done and how generous he was in saving his life However the better to merit the Commendations which his Prisoner had given him he caused him to be set on hors-back behind Ortalgues who had orders to carry him unto the Fort of Sauromates to see him dressed and to have a great care of him Afterwards this great Prince left Mazares and Myrsiles to bring all the Troops through the passage whilst he himself went beyond the Wood and drew them up into Battaglia as they passed least Aripithis or Ariantes should come charge them in disorder And to act with as much Prudence as Courage he did not disfurnish that Quarter which was neer the other passage but guarded that which he had already passed that he might make use of it upon all occasions In the mean time he had no reason to fear his being assaulted for the fiering of the Wood and the noise of Cyrus his passage had put the Enemy into such a terrible dismay as they were not in any condition to make any attempts so that within two hours after the Sun was up Cyrus was gotten on the other side of the Wood in the head of his Army drawn all up into regular Battaglia with the loss of a very inconsiderable number of men The end of the first Book ARTAMENES OR THE GRAND CYRUS THE TENTH AND LAST PART AND SECOND BOOK AS Fortune is pleased to entail happy Events upon some and Miseries after misery upon others after her own Capritious humour So Cyrus had not only the advantage to pass his Army but he had also the joyes to know that Ciaxares had sent him a very considerable body both of Horse and Foot and he understood also that Tigranes and Spitridates would arive within three daies at the Town where the Princess Onesile and the Princess Aramenta Quartered and by consequence to have two of the most valiant men in the world in his Army But whilst he had these Consolations Thomyris who was come unto her troops which were not far off from the Vanguard of Cyrus was in a most incredible despair when she saw the Army of an Enemy whom she could not choose but love and when she saw it had passed those straights which she hoped to have kept untill all the rest of her Forces were come up which she expected so as never thinking of defending or guarding the Passes she called back the Troops of Aripithes and was extreamly offended at him though he was in no fault yet she chid him as if he could have kept the Wood from being burnt or as if he could have marched through the flames to releive them whom Cyrus assaulted In the mean time the wood continued still burning and Thomyris beheld the flames from off a little Hill thinking all the Horizon that way had been circled with a girdle of fire The truth is the Conflagration was so great that if the wind had not ceased upon a sudden it had not been so soon exstinguished But at last the Air being serene and calm the fire did not communicate it self but as soon as those trees which were on fire were consumed the fire extinguished of it self so that after this that wood which was so pleasant and delightfull was become one of the most affrighting objects in the world for besides the great heap of cindars and extinguished coales which might be seen one might behold some trees standing but without leaves or branches only stumps blasted though not burnt down so as it was become a terrour to the pritty birds which harboured in it and could not faford them the branch of one tree for an umbrage Cyrus also could see the Fort of Sauromates from his camp and indeed the place was so altered that it seemed not the same it was In the mean time Though Cyrus had a great desire to march towards Thomyris yet he durst not advance any further untill he had ammunition for his army and though he was not far off from Thomyris yet he knew he could not force her to fight because of a little river which favored her retreat And indeed Ariantes thinking it not expedient to fight until all the â—orces which Thomyris expected were joyned he set some troops to defend the Ford over that river and retired himself neer the Tents Royall intrenching himself so advantageously that it was very dangerous to assault him After which they held a counsell of war wherein it was resolved to hazard a battel as soon as those forces which they expected were arrived On the other side Thomyris and Ariantes were like to fall out again for that Queen seeing that Mandana's guards were more affectionate unto Ariantes then unto her she intended to change them to the end that if she lost the battel yet she might have that Princess in her power and to make use of her either for her revenge or for her safety But since Ariantes was no lesse afraid that Mandana should fall under the power of Thomyris then under the power of Cyrus he did so earnestly oppose her design of changing him who commanded Mandana's guard that she durst not persist in her resolution in a time when the least division in her army might make them easily overcome However since she â—ent severall orders to hasten up the troops they made such hast that they came unto the generall Rendezvouz before Cyrus was in a condition to advance and arrived without any danger for being beyond the â—ents Royall Cyrus could not hinder them from joyning But this great Prince was so extreamly impatient of fighting that as soon as all things necessary for the suâ—â—istance of his army were ready he marched toward the Enemy who for a time disputed the passage over the river but at last they left it and Cyrus causing immediatly many bridges to be made with faggots and planks for the passage of his Infantry he got over all
such a one is merry as many men do for certainly there are a thousand petty observations to be made which make a great difference in tempers which seem not opposite yet that it is which makes the resemblance true For as all women who have great gray and sweet eyes do not resemble one another so there are a million of persons of whom the same things may also be said which yet do not resemble one another neither in their minds nor faces and therefore as I sayd before it is requisite to have the art of putting a difference between the melanchollick and the serious and between the diverting and the merry when one will draw such a picture as requires neither pensills nor colours I perceive by what you say replyed Onesile that when you have shewed us the picture of Sapho I shall know her better than I do my self Though I have the advantage to know that admirable Lady replyed Cyrus yet I am confident that you will know her better by Democides than I do To spend no time in commending the painter who must draw this fine peice said Spitridates I beseech you oblige him to begin his work Araminta seconding Spitridates Democedes began his relation addressing his speech unto the Queen of Pontus THE HISTORY OF SAPHO SINCE it is very naturall for every one to commend such things in which themselves have interests I think Madam it will plead my excuse if in commending the admirable Sapho I also commend her country because it is my own and if in observing unto you all the advantages of her birth I tell you that she was born in one of the most delectable places in the world The very truth is Madam The Isle of Lesbos is both so pleasant and so fertile as the Egean sea hath none comparable unto it This Isle is bigg enough in some places to make one think it is joyned to the Continent but it is none of those which are so mountanous as they seem to be only a huge masse of rocks in the midst of the sea Nor is it like some of those which having no rising ground in them seem alwayes exposed unto fury of the waves which inviron them But on the contrary the Isle of Lesbos can boast of all the varieties which any great kingdome joyned to the continent can produce For towards the East it hath mountains and great woods and towards the West meadows and pleasant plaines The aire there is pure and healthy the goodness of the ground produceth plenty commerce is great and free and the Continent so neer towards Phrygia that in two houres one may when they please see a forraigne Court Moreover Mytilene the Metropolis is so excellently well built and hath two such goodly ports that strangers admire them and find much delight in staying there This Madam is the place of Sapho's birth The wise Pittacus is the Prince of it and attracts an infinite number of accomplished men He had a son called Tysander a man the most rarely qualified in the world and who did contribute much to the pleasure of the place yet since it is long since he dyed I shall speak no more of him though he was one of Saphoes Adorers Now Madam after I have acquainted you with the place of her birth I will say somthing of her quality she was the daughter of a man of note called Scamandogenes of so noble a race that no family in Mytilene could shew a longer or more unquestionable pedegree Sapho again had the advantage to be the daughter unto a Father and Mother who were persons of great spirits and virtue but she was so unfortunate as to loose them so soon as she received from them only her first inclinations unto goodness for she was but six years of age when they dyed t is true they left her under the tuition of a Cousin who had all requisite qualities for the education of a young person and they left her an estate much below her ment yet enough not to stand in need unto any nay more to appear very decent and handsomely in the woâ—ld Yet she had a brother called Charaxes who was left very rich For Scamandrogines when he dyed divided his Estate very inequally and left much more unto his sonne then his daughter though to say truth he did not deserve it and though she deserved a Crown Indeed Madam I do not thinke all Greece ever had a person so comparable unto Sapho yet I shall not now relate unto you any passages of her infancy for she was so very little while a Child that at twelve years of age she was spoken of as a person whose beauty spirit and judgment were already â—pe and made all the world to wonder only thus much let mee tell you that never was in any found inclinations more noble nor a greater aptnesse to learn any thing she desired to know However though Sapho was charming even from her very Cradle yet I will draw you the picture of her person and mind only as she is at this present to the end you may the better know her Give me leave to tell you then Madam that though you here speak of Sapho as the most charming person of all Greece yet you must not imagine her to be one of those in whom Envâ—e cannot finde a fault But yet you must know that though she be none of those which I speak of yet she is able to inspire greater passions then the greatest beauty of the Earth And thouâ—h she sayes she is very low when she would detract from her selfe yet she is of a reasonable stature but so noble and so well made as possibly can be desired As for her Complexion it is none of the highest Lustre yet so well as none can say but that she is very faire But her eyes are so unexpressably lovely so fine so sweet so quâ—ck so amorous and so sprightly as the lustre of them strikes to the very heart of those she looks upon The truth is they sparkle like fire and yet have such a passionate sweetnesse as shews that Vivacity and Languer are not things incompatible in the eyes of Sapho That which made their greatest lustre was that there never was a greater opposition then was between the black and white of her eyes and yet this great opposition did not cause any harshnesse to appeare in them but there was such an amorous kind of spirit which did sweeten them in such a charming manner as I do not believe there was ever any person whose looks were more dreadfull Moreover she had many things which are seldome found together For her physiognomic was both subtle and modest and yet she had a kind of gâ—andure and haughtinesse in her Garbe and Aire Her face was ovall her mouth little and redd an â—her hands so admirable as if they were made to take hearts oâ— if you knew how dearly she loved the Muses you would say they were worthy to gather
not expedient to incense those who were apt to murmur at an universall change So that she was in some sort forced to tolerate the Feast of the Adonians for the satisfaction of the people in Amathonte So that since that time this Feast is still kept and become so famous that they resort from all parts of the Isle unto it Parthenia knowing the day when it was to be observed resolved to go thither and more for the satisfaction of Amaxita's desires then to content her own curiosity And so she designed for Amathonte but to goe unknown lest it should be laid in her dish she should quit her solitude to see such a Feast as that Since she was acquainted with one in Amathonte whom she could absolutely command because she was brought up with the Princesse her mother she lodged at her house And since she was wel in years had neither husband nor children nor any great Family she did so well conceal her self there that none ever suspected she was at Amathonte For coming in the night in no magnificent Coach having none with her but my Sister two women to wait upon her it was no difficulty to be unperceived in that Town especially at a time when so many strangers were there But Sir give me leave to tel you that this Feast of the Adonians is a Feast of Tears at the beginning of Joy at the end as you shall ere long know In the first place it was the very essential part of the Ceremony in mourning for the death of Adonis to forbid all Ladies that day to enter into the Temple with their masks off or hoods up it being not permitted those that come to lament over the Tomb of Adonis to have their faces uncovered as long as the Ceremony lasted For since all the Ladies could not cry they said it was better they should come vailed then that Joy should be seen in their eyes at a Feast of Tears The first thing that is to be seen in the Temple that day which is full of Lamps and no other Light is a great Coffin of Gold covered with Roses Mirtle and Cypresse lifted upon four steps covered with black Tapestry full of enflamed hearts and drops of tears in silver These foure steps stand upon four great Pillars of black and white Marble twenty paces in diameter about which stand all those that are spectators of the Ceremony These Pillars being half covered with the richest Sydonian Tapestry Close about the Coffin kneel fifty of the fairest Virgins in the Town dressed like Nymphs but Nymphs in mourning and all in despair that is with loose Robes of black Tiffeny with a mixture of silver their hair dishevelled upon their shoulders yet not in a negligent manner testifying by dissembled tears or at least deep-fetched sighs their extream sorrow of soul About this Square on which the Coffin lies is hanged all the Equipage of a Hunter but a Hunter most magnificent that is with a Bow of Ebony garnished with Gold with a Quiver of the same a Horn of Ivory adorned with Jewels a Hunters staffe headed with Rubies and Emeralds Then two of those mourning Beauties which were about the Coffin began to recite in verse the Praises of Adonis in form of a Dialogue and when their Panegeric was ended twelve others began to sing other Verses condoling his death and to say truly the Song was sad and so full of grieving expressions enough to melt any heart But before I end the relation of this Ceremony I must needs tell you Sir how the gods having determined that Timantes should love Parthenia prompted him to come unto this Feast and so he did and was not only there but had placed himself between Parthenia and Amaxita who according to the custoâ— of this place had their hoods pulled down and therefore the beauty of Parthenia could not attract his lookes more then any other of the Ladies who were all hooded except those who were about the Coffin But since Parthenia and Amaxita spied him they made a sign unto each other as soon as he came in signifying thereby their meanings Parthenia confessed afterwards unto me that she no sooner saw Timantes but her heart did beat and she thought of changing places but thinking afterwards that perhaps it might more attract observance shee stayed where she was As for Timantes since hee saw no Ladyes unvailed but those about the Coffin and knew not that shee hee so sought after was so near him he regarded the Ceremony with close attention untill after the twelve had sung their Song of sorrow One amongst them turned towards all the Ladies of the Assembly and conjured them in the name of Venus to conjoyn their complaints with theirs and sing with her six verses which she would immediately recite unto them to the end that which they made for the death of Adonis might bee a publique mourning and she no sooner began to sing these six verses which all the Cyprian Ladies knew but all within the Temple began to sing after her so that Parthenia singing as the rest not thinking that in such a crowd of voices Timantes could distinguish hers But however Sir shee no sooner began to sing but amongst this great abundance of severall voices which made the Temple eccho he distinguisht hers from them all and knew it and the voice no sooner struck his ears but his heart and let him know he had found her he long had lookt for So that without any further regard unto the ceremony he turned towards her to see whether he could find the same conformity in her stature as in her voice and as she feared lest her hood should not be enough down she cunningly puld it down with her fair hand So that Timantes seeing the same stature the same hand and hearing the same voice which he heard before did not question but she was the same he met with before Yet he would not speak unto her untill she had done singing Meane while hee endeavoured to discover through her Vaile whether her face was as fair as all he knew but his endeavours were in vain For the Temple having no light but that of Lampes he was uncertain whether Parthenia's Vaile was thicker then others for since her intention was to conceal her self she wore one of those which our Ladies use to wear when they travell to keep them from the Sun Timantes could therefore see no more then what he said before Yet it did not much trouble him for his hope was that after the Ceremony was ended he should satisfie his curiosity So that Parthenia had no sooner done singing with the rest but Timantes bowing and speaking unto her in a low voice I need not ask Madam said he unto her what is become of my curiosity to see this ceremonie for certain it is your selfe who drew me hither without my knowledge Sir answered Parthenia if I did draw you hither without your knowledge pray adde this
that it was without my knowledge For since I have neither the honour to be known unto you nor to know you certainly we met without design But since Sir the end of the ceremony will quickly separate us and since you came to see it not talke with me I beseech you observe the end with as much attention as you did the beginning Ah Madam said he unto her I cannot do as you bid me And to shew you that I ought not be pleased to know that I am the same Timantes who had the honour to meet you in the Labyrinth and who since that have sought you in all places You need not tell me who you are replyed she subtlely and purposely to amuse him for I have seen you in other places then here or there Timantes was so surprised at this answer of Parthenia's that he knew not what to say for he knew not that she saw him through the hedge but imagining that she had seen him at Paphos However he knew none that did sing like her nor who spoke as she did so that hearing her say so he knew not what to think or say Also she imposed silence during all the rest of the ceremony not said she I have any such great devotion unto this Feast as I should if it were unto Venus Urania but because it is not just since you came from Paphos hither and since I am here not to observe it and be able to tell you what we have seen For your part Madam said he unto her you may do what you please but for my part I am resolved to look upon nothing but your self For I am so afraid to lose you again that I am resolved not to be put to the cruell necessity of being separated from you the second time before I see you Parthenia hearing Timantes say so and having no mind to expresse her self that he should not see her or know who she was lest she should augment his curiosity gave him no answer but imposed silence and observed the rest of the ceremony Her example was nothing to Timantes who could see nothing they did since he had Parthenia to look upon In the meane while the ceremony continued still a consort of hunting instruments was heard another of Shepheards Musick and another of Lutes after which they put most rare Odors in the perfuming pannes which made a little cloud and by an engine which invisibly moved the Coffin of gold vanquished in the blood as well as the Tapestry of sable full of enflamed hearts and teares of Silver and in Lieu of so sad an object was seen a little Garden set with Rose treâ—s and Mirtles in huge magnificent basins standing upon the square where the Coffin did lie in the midst of which did grow above all the rest of the flowers that sweet flower into which 't is said the Gods at the request of Venus did metamorphose Adonis So that those sweet Odors dissipating by degrees the ceremony began to look with another face and the same women which before sung songes of sorrow throwing away all their Mantles of mourning appeared in rich and magnificent dresses and sung some verses which declared the immortality of Adonis unto all the Assembly So that the ceremony ended in joy and a sacrifice of thankes But Sir since the custome is that as soon as this little Garden appeares all the Ladies must unmask themselves Parthenia who was not ignorant of it though she had never seen the Feast made a signe unto Amaxita to retire and indeed when the perfuming Pannes sent forth such clouds of sweet smokie Odors as did both darken the Temple almost stifle the Ladies Parthenia seeming not able to endure it changed places with Amaxita and her two women and retired with varietie of thoughts for she feared Timantes would know and follow her yet she was very glad that he did not perceive her when she changed places yet quickly he found her and changed place as well as she and followed her under one of the Arches of the Temple where she was set with Amaxita intending to goe out amongst the croude when the ceremony was ended not daring to go out sooner least Timantes should follow unto the place where shee lodged In the meane time as she was sitting and causing my Sister to sit with her without any ceremony the better to disguise the matter Timantes came and kneeled down before her asking pardon for that liberty which he tooke and beseeching her not to be as rigorous unto him as she was in the Labyrinth for Madam said he unto her though I doe infinitely honour your sex in generall and you above all in particular I am resolved this day to faile in that duty which I owe you by importuning you to doe me the honour to lift up that envious vaile which covers your faire face and hinders the beames of your beauty from shining upon me or else to tell me in what place and time my eyes may have a sight of her whom my heart already honours Since Nature hath not bestowed upon me replyed Parthenia any such beauty as your imagination gives me I will not my selfe put you out of that pleasing Idea which you have formed of me in your Fancie but which does not at all resemble me for truely when you see me and see me so infinitely below what you thinke I am I shall then perhaps in lieu of chasing curiosity out of your minde put aversion into your heart Ah Madam said he though your eyes should not be suitable to your stature and proportion nor to your voice nor to your hands nor your witt yet I should infinitely honour you Yet Beauty does not consist in any thing you know of me replyed she for the most exact and handsome stature in the world the fairest hands the sweetest voice and the finest witt may notwithstanding all these be the ugliest woman in a land if her complexion be thick and muddy the symmetry of her face disproportionable and her physiognomy savage or dull Ah Madam answered Timantes all these you name makes me beleeve you are such an one as my imagination Fancies for truely if you were not so faire as I thinke you are you could never make such a handsome description of uglinesse and I am confident that to make up your owne picture there needs no more but the just contraries to what you have said Therefore Madam I beseech you in the name of that Goddesse which is here adored let me at least know who you are for I am resolutely determined to follow you untill I know Parthenia perceiving Timantes to speak as a man fully resolved to see her and to know who she was was exceedingly perplexed she knew well enough that if she should lift up her hood he could not know her but she thought also that the sight would more augment his curiosity then diminish it and that he would then follow her as earnestly as before she durst