Sir replied Herminius and the worst is in all the design that I cannot wait upon you to Rome And therefore I conceive it my fafest course to go into Ardes and fight against him that seeks my Life and is an enemy unto all virtuous Men. As soon as Herminius had said so Celeres who helped Aronces to stold his horse did hear the voice of one who lamented and all of them being the more attentive they did plainly hear a Man making most lamentable complaint So as Aronces being got upon his Horse he told Herminius and Celeres that he would go towards the place from whence the sad sound did come for said he it is the duty of miserable people to help those who are in the like condition The heart of Herminius being no less sensible of compassion then Aronces he consented unto the motion and Celeres did not contradict them and so all three made softly towards the place from whence they heard this doleful exclamation But at last when they were so near as to understand what this Complainant said Aronces knew it to be the voice of Horatius So as stopping his horse and imparting his knowledge unto his friends they all began to hearken and plainly heard that indeed it was Horatius who lamented Alas said he unto a friend who was with him into what a miserable condition am I reduced I am wounded by Aronces and he knows not that he is revenged upon my ingratitude for I knew him by his voice when he gave me such a blow as made me stagger and my horse being wounded fell down dead in this Wood where I found you in a worse condition that I am and yet I must deny what I said for I have lost my Clelia and am in danger to fall into the power of Tarquin Thus my Rival triumphs over me my Mistress is escaped out of my hands and I am like to fall into mine enemies not being able to rid my self from all these miseries by a generous death since my sword is broken and you have lost yours 'T is true replied his friend you are in such a miserable condition as I am perswaded that if Aronces saw you in it he would have compassion upon your ill fortune Oh my dear friend replied Horatius you are much mistaken for as generous as Aronces is I am confident he would carry my head to the unjust Tarquin thereby to deliver Clelia Thou art deceived cryed out Aronces and went towards him and to make it appear that my virtue is greater then thou thinkest I will entreat thy old friend to take thee up behind him and carry thee into Ardes Horatius who was leaning against a Tree and wounded in the hip was so surprized to hear the voice of Aronces and to see him for the Moon shined and both Herminius and Celeres did so admire the virtue of Aronces as they were a long while before they could speak As for the friend of Horatius who lay upon the ground mortally wounded he was so charmed at it as striving to express himself Oh Horatius said he unto him how happy are you in your misfortune in having such an enemy No replied Horatius but on the contrary I am much more to be pitied yes Aronces added he I am so much ashamed by your generosity as I should think my self more happy if you would take your sword and run me through rather then thus to loaden me with shame by your virtue Were you in a condition to defend your self replied Aronces I should deal with you as with an enemy who hath done the most unjuct act in the World in ravishing away Clelia from me but being as you are I will not upbraid you with unprofitable reproaches but will keep you from falling into the hands of an enemy who would neither spare your life nor mine But replied Horatius still I must say again and again that you do too much for do what you will or can I must still love Clelia and shall love her until I die As long as she is not in your power replied Aronces I care not if you do love her but if ever fortune should give her you again I would pursue you all the World over though I owe you my life Ah cruel Aronces cryed out Horatius cannot you remember what I have done for you but you must also remember what you have done for me No no you cannot but upbraid me with ingratitude After this Celeres telling them that it was equally dangerous unto them both to be long in that place they took his advice and though Herminius did love Aronces infinitely above Horatius yet he undertook to conduct his Rival into Ardes and took side with the party opposite unto that which fortune had engaged Aronces to take against his inclination and which both honour revenge and virtue did engage him to take And as they were taking care for the help of him who lay upon the ground they perceived that he was expired So that after Celeres had set Horatius behind Herminius Aronces and he conducted them until they came to a little blind path by which Horatius said they might get into Ardes without danger because there was a little River between them and the enemy Thus the friendship of Aronces unto Herminlus together with his own generosity moved him to be a Convoy unto his Rival Afterwards one taking the way towards Ardes and the other towards Rome they carried with them such tumultuous thoughts in their hearts as the way seemed much longer then it was They never thought of those dangers unto which they were exposed by the way for they had interests which took up their souls and spirits more sensibly then any dangers could The End of the Second Book of the First Part. CLELIA The First Part. BOOK III. THe truth is Herminius in carrying Horatius back to Ardes went from-wards Rome with extreme repugnancy for since Aronces was to be there he could say that all the object of his friendship and love was there also for he had a most passionate affection to the place he had a Mother there whom he most dearly loved and he had a friend there in the person of Clelia whom he esteemed infinite dearly But for all that his hatred of Tarquin was so great and well grounded as it did surmount all the tenderness of his Soul As for Horatius the virtues of his Rival were his greatest torments except the love of Clelia which was above all and though he did hate Tarquin yet his jealousie was such that he had rather be a slave of that Tyrant than to be delivered by his Rival Again Aronces as he drew near Rome his thoughts were confused for he would never have gone thither but that by serving Tarquin during the Siege of Ardes he might oblige him to release Clelia So as the aversion which he had conceived against that Prince ever since he would have murthered Clelius at Capua and since Herminius
did as much as he could to restrain the fury of the people But lest they should cool in their hatred of the Tyrant out of policie he suffered their murmur As for Collatine though he had more cause to hate Sextus than any other yet in his heart he did not wish the establishment of a Common-wealth For being of a Family whence two Kings issued perhaps he had some squint hopes of being chosen Upon divers occasions he was observed to act very faintly especially in regulating matters of Religion Brutus would have a King of the sacrificers created being unwilling the Consuls should attribute this honour unto themselves lest it should too much smell of Royalty and rub up the memories of such as were well affected to that kind of Government This business being a matter of great importance and which Brutus thought fit to communicate unto the people as well as the Senate it was taken into consideration And as a thing very observable the same people who so universally had cryed up Collatine for a Consul having observed him opposite to the opinion of Brutus they were bitterly incensed against him and cryed him down as loud as they had cryed him up The multitude made a mighty murmur against him some said they were much to blame in thinking upon any for a Consul that bore the name of Tarquin since that only was cause sufficient to banish him Rome others added That he appeared more a Tarquin in heart than name since he was contrary to the opinion of Brutus who was the true deliverer of Rome some said he held intelligence with Tarquin others that his aim was to make himself King and all generally concluded that there was a necessity not only of a dismission from his authority but of his packing out of Rome At the first he behaved himself as Consul and commanded silence but thinking to appease the multitude he incensed them Afterwards seeing his power not obeyed he begun to Cajole the people but the more submiâ—s he was the more insolent were they some argued him culpable because he would keep the Authority against the intentions of those who conferred it upon him Brutus seeing so great a Tumult and being unwilling to oppose Collatin directly though the publick good required that Valerius should be in his place and though his secret hatred against him wished it yet he went another way to compass his end For after he had excused Collatin in those accusations wherein he was charged he said it was a thing impossible his heart should adhere to the interest of Tarquin who had so much wronged him But for all that said he most subtilly were I so unfortunate as ever to be suspected by the people I profess I would not keep the authority one quarter of an hour after and I do now at this instant offer it up if it be thought that the publick good requires it Brutus had no sooner said so but the people applauded him to the Skies after which he seemed more animated against Collatin so as Lucretius who had more resolution than his Son in law who also knew that he was not fit for that place who hated Tarquin more than Collatin did who had the heart of a true Roman who knew that Lucretia left no children and who dearly loved Brutus he turned towards his Son in Law and spake thus unto him Why Collatin will you not lay hold of a noble occasion of doing a great action in voluntary surrendring the Consulship since it is not pleasing unto the people Make it appear Collatin by this free dismission that you quit an authority which you have no mind to keep since you do so easily part from it if you would be rul'd by me I would advise you to put your self in a capacity of being recalled unto Rome by banishing your self freely to day For my part I protest unto you that though you married my Daughter yet I think my self more obliged to take Romes part than yours so as seeing the people incensed against you and ill perswaded of your good intentions concerning the liberty of your Country I think my self obliged both in honour and reason to advise you as I do Then added he in a low voyce It is in vain to keep that Authority which will be taken from you Collatin now found himself at a pitiful non-plus but in conclusion seeing all the people against him knowing Brutus no friend and finding Lucretius also his opposite he surrendred that power which was given him into the hands of Valerius who by the contrivance of Brutus and Herminius was chosen with one voyce Lucretius who pretended to it not being offended at it so cunningly was the business carried Mean time to shew Collatin how pleasing the generous counsel he had given Collatin was unto the people they permitted Collatin to transport all his estate out of Rome with Collatina whom he would not carry with him because he knew more than the people did to wit the league 'twixt Titus and her So as thinking that if he carryed her where he was that Prince perhaps would come and see her and this would render him suspected at Rome to which he hoped ere long to be recalled he left her with Racilia for Collatina's Mother was dead long before Thus this fair Lady who hoped that the misfortune of her Brother would be advantageous to her she found her self more miserable though being with Hermilia was a great consolation to her Mean time according to the course of all the world which will have some sigh whilest others sing whilst Collatina mourned with Hermilia all true Romans rejoyced to see the illustrious Brutus and sage Valerius masters of the soveraign Authority for both of them were able both couragious both professed enemies of the Tyrant both reverenced by all Romans and both friends So as it was the general hopes of all to see the liberty of Rome solidly established since two men of such noted virtue sat at the helm of affairs Indeed this great City reposing themselves upon the prudence of these two great Men as men in a ship upon a skilful Pilot all was calm every one was quiet and for a few days not a word of any false news flew about no politick disputes troubled the tranquillity of the Town not but that it was well known there was a Cabal of young men and of high quality who wished well to the dominion of Tarquin because they shared in the debaucheries of Prince Sextus but yet they durst not speak out their thoughts And Rome was all peace when the guards at the Gates came to tell the Consuls in open Senate that there were some Envoyes from Tarquin who demanded entrance At first the opinions of Brutus of Valerius of the illustrious father of Clelia Lucretius and of many others was not to hearken unto them or permit them entrance but their opinions altered when they heard that they whom Tarquin sent were two of those Priests
him but I have heard much good spoken of him Too much you could not answer'd Lysimena and to let you know what manner of persons these two illustrious friends of Aronces are I will describe them to you And to begin with him that was not at Rome whose name is Theomenes you may know that 't is not possible to be endu'd with more vertue than he is I need not tell you that his extraction is noble for you are not ignorant that he is Brother to the generous Melintha you know his family is very ancient and that his Father was a man of eminent worth As for his personage he is of an indifferent stature his Hair is Chesnut his eyes black his visage round and if one well observe it he has something in his Physiognomy so pretty and good together and he always smiles so pertinently that sometimes he makes it appear in a moment that he understands things which could not be related in a day if any one should attempt it Theomenes has receiv'd from Nature a great stock of wit especially of that which is judicious and discreet which examines and sounds the depth of things which will neither affect nor chuse any thing without knowledge of that wit I say which meddles with nothing without calling the judgment to its assistance And nevertheless Theomenes wants not a lively and quick fansie and he is one whose conjectures resolve the most difficult things with the greatest facility imaginable I have seen him sometimes in places where you would have said he took no heed to what pass'd and yet he not only observ'd even the very least things that were spoken or done there but he divin'd the most secret interests of all that were present in the company Theomenes has not only a very piercing and solid wit naturally but he has improv'd it with great diligence So that he judges well of all things he accurately understands handsome composures and never condemns or applauds any thing for which he cannot give a good reason In the beginning of his life he compos'd very amorous and delightful Verses and he makes such still when he pleases he speaks very exactly and his conversation is extremely pleasing For no argument of discourse comes amiss to him from Husbandry to Astrology and from the most jovial Gallantry to the sublimest Policy And for my part I have sometimes remain'd astonisht to see that Theomenes equally well understood both important and inconsiderable affairs and to find that so wise a man as he did not neglect to be perfectly inform'd of all the follies of his Age. If the profession Theomenes has chosen had not oblig'd him to a particular restraint his soul would have been capable of very much love but such a love as is real tender firm and generous together But his fortune having dispos'd of him after another manner he understands love at present only in others but has abandon'd his heart to friendship which has prov'd very happy to him for he has many illustrious friends of both sexes by whom he is greatly esteem'd and belov'd He is by natural inclination officious equitable good and generous He is exact both in small and great matters he knows when 't is fit to engage couragiously in the interests of those he loves to concern himself for their honour to resent injuries done to them to love all that they love to hate all that they hate and to disdain all such as do not esteem them He is none of those people who would prevaricate in certain occasions who would preserve both Friends and Enemies and who without distinguishing the virtuous from them that are not such sometimes fail those that never deserted them On the contrary Theomenes is faithful in all occasions sincere in all transactions and always very sensible of whatever concerns his true Friends perhaps I insist a little too long in commending Theomenes for this excellent qualification of his but I confess 't is because it is so very rare in these days and because I believe it necessary for a man of honour For I conceive when our chief Friends tell us they have enemies to fight with the first thing to be ask'd them is Where they are and not Who they are For be they who they will we ought to be absolutely against them But on the contrary when Friends of the second Order come to tell us they have enemies we must first ask them who they are that so we may be never in danger of doing any thing against our true Friends which we know well can never be in the wrong But as for Theomenes he so perfectly understands all the rules of true friendship and his heart is so naturally addicted to follow them that 't is scarce possible for him to fail in any of them Moreover Theomenes is gentle sociable complacent wise and discreet He has both moderation and equity he conforms himself to the World and diverts himself with it and he knows how to enjoy in solitude all the pleasures which it affords He knows how to make the Court a Theatre to entertain him and which is most commendable he knows so to live there that his vertue is not alter'd by all the bad Examples which he sees in it Thus you see what a person Theomenes is who besides all I have said of him has so great an inclination to honour all that are indu'd with vertue that it may be affirm'd that if he were Master of all the favours which are in Fortunes bestowing not one vertuous person should have cause to complain of her For my part said Berelisa I am already Theomenes's Friend though I never saw him Certainly said Clidamira you need no more to gain him than seeing of him for you never desir'd to get any thing but it became yours Berelisa is so charming answer'd Themistus that the power you say she has is not to be wonder'd at For my part said Herminius who have the honour to know Theomenes since the making of the Peace I dare assure that the Princess of the Leontines has not flatter'd him and that she has made his Picture exactly like I beseech you Madam said Berelisa tell me too what Lucilius is who has been so much talkt of at Rome within these few days He is such a person answer'd the Princess of the Leontines that no Lover be he never so deserving but ought to fear having him for his Rival But since you have not seen this illustrious Brother of Melintha and Theomenes neither I must tell you that he is of a tall personage well made and of a goodly presence His gesture is sufficiently careless his air very noble his access serious and civil his Physiognomy happy sage and agreeable his hair chesnut his Visage of a peculiar form and his Nose a little rising As for his eyes they are azure sweet sprightly but not great They have a certain faintness in them too which renders them very sutable for those
peril he hath carefully educated me and I owe to him all my virtue and I should be without doubt the basest of all men if I should voluntarily do any thing which might displease him but though I am assured he will take it ill that one unknown dares lift his eyes towards his admirable daughter I cannot hinder my self from doing it and I feel I can never desert her love seeing my self likewise destin'd to live without hope I must prepare my self for imaginable torments and I know nothing more cruel then to have power to love without having Ingratitude You have a soul so great and an heart so well made replied I that Clelius cannot doubt but your birth is illustrious and if it was so replied he I should not be in hopes to possess Clelia though she affected me for since Clelius refused her to Maharball who is of an high birth rich in possessions and who hath the chiefest authority in one of the first Cities in the world he would refuse an unhappy man that he alwaies lookt upon as an ungrateful and who it may be would be lookt upon by Clelia as a man who thinks to enrich himself by marrying her and not to render himself happy by the only possession of her person likewise my dear Celeres my hopes are destitute of all releif for if Clelius remains in his wonted opinion he will never give his daughter but to a Roman and if he changes it he will give her apparantly to Maharball but to tell you truth I do not much fear it and I have likewise cause to complain that I am not a Roman and if perhaps I should be of a birth proportionable to my thoughts Clelius would refuse me Clelia as he hath refused her to my Rivall but alas I am far from that Estate since I know my extraction and the according to all appearances I shall never know it nevertheles I love Clelia I love her without hope and I love with a resolution not to tell her of it and not to murmure if she is angry to be beloved of me in case she denyes my passion judge then my dear freind if I have no cause of melancholy For my self replyed I am perswaded that too great prudence is often needless in Love without considering those things you have done I would act divers wayes for I would strive against my passion as much as I could and if I could not vanquish it I would seek to perswade my self by all that which might flatter it and I would forget nothing of all that which might agreeably deceive me For the first replyed Aronces I am resolved to do it though I am perswaded I shall do it unprofitably but in fine I owe that to the generosity of Clelius and it behoves me if he hath something one day to reproach me of that I have at least nothing to reproach my self but for the last I shall never be in a capacity to follow your counsel for fear from seeking agreeably to deceive my self I seek in despight to render my self most unhappy in effect there are many instances which makes me believe that Clelius shall never know my birth more than I and there are others where I believe that I and he shall learn that I am Son of some Enemy to Rome or some friend to Tarquin I strangely deplore the misfortunes which happens to my friends replied I to him but I can never take pity of those they make themselves therefore you may not expect any compassion from me when you weave the web of your own miseries after that as 't was late we lay together but I should falsifie the truth if I say we slept for Aronces did not sleep at all and he waked me divers times to speak to me of his passion but in fine Madam as he hath a marvellous generosity he effectually fancied with himself to oppose his Love with all the power he could possible and he forgot nothing to do it for he went as little as he could to the places where Clelia was he sought Clelius in particular without seeking his admirable daughter and he so strongly attach'd himself to the Prince of Carthage and Amilcar that there was no person but believed he had more Ambition than Love Horatius though he was both his Friend and his Rival perceived not his Love for Clelia the Prince of Numidia likewise suspected it not and Clelia did not imagine it and because she would avoid to give any occasion to the Prince of Numidia to mention his Love she had given such a general order not to leave her alone that if Aronces had been bold enough to declare his affection to her he would not have found an opportunity to have done it so that as nothing more augments a breeding Love than the difficulty to tell it Horatius on this side soon became as amorous as Aronces but as he naturally loved to conceal all things he declared nothing of his passion either to Aronces or to me these two friends were likewise Rivals without having cause to complain of one another they being both ignorant of their Loves for the Prince of Numidia as he looked upon Aronces as if he had been Clelius his brother he gave to him many testimonies of friendship without discovering his passion to him to the end that being his friend he might favour him when occasion should present For Maharbal the less correspondency he found in Clelias heart the more his passion augmented and the more reasons Clelius obliged him to prove that he â—ught not to think of marrying his daughter at Carthage since he had an intention to go speedily to Rome the more obstinate he was to compass his design so that Clelius and Sulpitia were extremely afflicted to see themselves in the power of an amorous person to whom they would refuse all that which might give any satisfaction to his Love On the other side though Sulpitia testified to have much friendship for Horatius because Clelius would have it so 't was true that in the bottom of her heart she had a secret disposition not to render Justice to his merit because he was son to a person of whom Clelius had been very amorous and whom he thought heretofore to have married so that Sulpitia yet retaining some resentments of jealousie which perswaded her that her Husband did not love Horatius but because he had yet some agreeable remembrance of the love he had for his Mother had without doubt less disposition to love him than Clelius and she loved more tenderly Aronces than Horatius for Clelia she esteemed them both but as she was equitable she saw that if there was any equality between these two men as reflecting on the qualities essentially necessary for virtuous persons there was not so much for the agreement of the humour as that of their person being certain that Aronces as much excells his Rivall as his Rivall exceeds all others so Clelia leand
consent of Clelius but Madam though Aronces lived with Clelia with much reservedness Horatius nevertheless noted there was a greater familiarity between them than was usual heretofore so that as Clelius more severely intreated him since he mentioned that ingenious Man it was not for that alone but that his Rival had made a great progress in her heart so that consideration much exasperating him he felt a strange disposition in his Soul to forget what he owed Aronces and to hate him his natural generosity opposed the injustice of his love but it was in the end constrained to yield to it 't is true that this particular friend he had which was named Stenius contributed to incense him for as he was a man which naturally lov'd these things which were more troublesome than agreeable he had no sooner perceived that Horatius delighted not to hear that Aronces was favour'd by Clelia but that he did nothing but tell him whatsoever his imagination fancied for sometimes he said she cast a favourable eye on him at the Temple another time that she praised him with exaggeration or that she had whispered to him and there was never a day but that he made some new observation of this nature and that he told not his thoughts to Horatius so that this Lover remembring that Aronces and he had mentioned that they should not hate one another and break their friendship till Clelia had chosen one of them I now believed it was time to desert his friendship Nevertheless to be fully satisfied therein he sought the occasion to find Aronces without going to his house for in despight of the tumultuous resentments of his soul he conceived he should act a strange part if he should go to quarrel in his own house with a man who had saved his life but knowing that Aronces every morning recreated himself in the publick prementioned Garden he went thither and there found him alone As they yet retained some civility Aronces instead of shunning him staid for him at the end of an Ally for by a resentment of goodness and generosity since he received some innocent testimonies of Clelia's affection he commiserated his Rivals condition and he would have alledged many reasons to him to cure his passion only to mitigate the grief he foresaw he would have when he should know Clelia had preferred his affection before his but whilst he had this generous thought Horatius whose heart was touched with jealousie saluted him with a constrained civility and taking the word No Aronces said he to him is it not time to cease to be your friend and is not Clelia so favourable to you as to put a difference between us You demand it of me in such a fierce love replyed Aronces that I am perswaded if Clelia should much hate me I should be obliged in honour not to tell it you but lest you should think that the fear to make you my enemy makes me thus speak I therefore tell you because I am sincere that I am not happy but after that I leave it to your choice to be my friend or my enemy As it is not there to be modest replied Horatius I know not whether I should be your friend or your enemy because I do not positively know how you stand with Clelia 't is for you precisely to tell it me for as I am a Roman I place sincerity above all other Virtues though I know not my birth replied Aronces I know how to seat all Virtues in their right place therefore as I am perswaded that after that you have told me it is more just to be fierce than sincere I say to you that I ever promised to tell you in what terms I should be with Clelia and that I have not never pretended to know the like from you you may therefore learn it from her mouth or divine it if you can and it is for me to tell you once more that I give you your choice either of my hatred or friendship If I may chuse replied Horatius I would chuse the last because I owe my life to you but it not being in my power I gladly accept the other and not to be altogether ingrateful said he with a piquing rallery putting his hand to his Sword I must put my self in estate to give you that you preserved me Aronces seeing him in this posture put himself in the like and these two fierce Rivals began a Combat which had ended but with their lives if Clelius and I had not casually arrived at this Garden as they had their Swords in their hands you may judge Madam what was Clelius's surprise when he saw two men whom he dearly loved and whom he thought loved one another to be in estate to kill one another and he was so troubled at it that he ran as swift as I to separate them for we both arrived together fury having so transported them that they knew us not but when we were two paces from them Horatius seeing his blood run down from an hurt he had received on his left side became more furious and casting himself on Aronces Oh! too happy Rival said he to him since thou hast vanquished Clelia it will not be difficult to vanquish Horatius Clelius hearing these words stayed himself one moment to look upon me so he was so much surprised but without staying my self or him I put my self in estate to separate these two valiant enemies and I did it more voluntatily because the advantage was on Aronces his side and in effect Clelius being joyned to me in despight of his astonishment we separated them without much difficulty for as soon as Aronces saw Clelius he retired some paces and put himself out of a fighting posture so that having seized them both and there being arrived other men which came to us and assisted us we took from them the power to continue their Combat In the mean time as Horatius was hurt and Aronces was not Clelius accompanied the first even to his house and I followed Aronces as my particular friend but before they departed Clelius looking upon them both thus said What fury possest you and whom ought I to quarrel with for my self I have nothing to say replyed Aronces but that Horatius put his hand first to his Sword and that I am not the assailer yes yes Aronces replied Horatius in estranging himself from him I am at once both culpable and unhappy I am it may be more unhappy than you replyed Aronces but I am doubtless more innocent After that Clelius not daring to examine the ground of their quarrel before so many Men because of those words he heard at his first arrival to them those two Enemies went with Horatius as I have told you and I went with Aronces who was as much afflicted as if his enemy had vanquished him for he imagined what the event of this combat would prove in effect though Horatius was hurt and vanquished he would tell nothing to
had seen you and heard you speak and have found in your hand the mole which ought to be there and seen the Jewels of Clelia there is no question to be made but you are the Son of the King Porsenna and the Queen Galerita and him which hath put Nicius and I to the expence of so many tears Yes Sir added Nicius you are assuredly the Son of a great Prince and Princess and would to the Gods you were more happy than they Aronces hearing Nicius and Martia speak in this manner was so surprised at it that his astonishment appeared in his eyes but it appeared there without causing any transportment of excessive joy in his heart and I may very well say that never any person gave such an illustrious mark of moderation In effect the first motion which came into his spirit was to give me a new demonstration of his friendship For 't is true as soon as Nicius and Martia had related to him his birth he beheld me with an obliging eye in which there appeared without the confirmation of any words that he was glad to see himself in estate to requite my affection by effectual courtesies In the mean time he learnt to Nicius and Martia all that I had already told them and they learnt to him all that I have recounted to you in the beginning of this History that is to say the War of the precedent King of Clusium with Mezentius Prince of Perusia the imprisonment of Porsenna his love for Galerita by what means he had been delivered his marriage the death of Nicetale the second imprisonment of Porsenna and Galerita his birth the manner how he had been conveyed from the Willow Island to put him in their hands their flight their embarquement their Shipwrack and the resolution they had taken to go to Syracusa and not to declare to Porsenna's friends that the child was trusted to them had perisht not because they did not positively know he was dead but because they durst not tell it for fear it should abate the hearts of the friends of Porsenna and Galerita but though is it possible said I then to Nicius and Martia that the child of Porsenna and Galerita hath not appeared so long and how could it be concealed so many years that they did not know where he was The thing hath been very easie replyed Nicius for you must know that having a year very carefully concealed the loss of this young Prince the friends of Porsenna making a secret League resolved that they must have this Child in their hands to endeavour to excite an insurrection among the people so that one amongst them knowing where we were came thither and as we must necessarily confess our shipwrack to him end as 't is natural to flatter our selves with hope and to diminish as much as we could the misfortunes of others we told to this friend of Porsenna that this Child would be one day it may be found and that there had so many escaped ship-wrack that it may be this child should be escaped as well as the others whether it should be so or no replied he to whom we spoke we must not publish his death if it were not for no other reason then not to give joy to the enemies of Porsenna and grief to his friends and conforming our selves to his will published it not and since that have always said that Porsenna's Son was not dead and to endeavour to excite the people to Rebellion we spread a bruit that Mezentius had taken him from us by force and that he kept him prisoner as well as his Father In the mean time as we durst not return into our Countrey because of the Perusian Prince we always remained at Syracusa but as Martia had a long and grievous sickness from which she hardly recovered we agreed to leave Sicily for some time and to choose a more healthful Air and finding no place more agreeable then Capua we came hither and we came hither without doubt conducted by the gods for to find you here since that in the state in which things are your presence is wholly necessary to save the life of the King your Father for Mezentius is more incensed then ever Bianor hath always love and ambition the Princess of Perusia his Sister doth all she can that he may obtain his ends and Mezentius despairing to have other Children then Galerita seems resolved to put to death Porsenna to the end to enforce this Princess to re-marry with Bianor for though she is your Mother she hath not compleated above thirty six years and is yet as I have heard one of the fairest persons in the World You may judge Madam with what attention Aronces hearkned to the discourse of Nicius and how many different thoughts possessed his heart for he was glad to know he was a King's Son he was afflicted to learn in what a deplorable estate the Prince was to whom he owed his Life the certainty of not being a Roman gave him some inquietude because of Clelius the thought that he could not espouse Clelia without doing something contrary to exact prudence gave him displeasure and his soul was strangely agitated but at last got the Victory In the mean time as there lackt the shewing of the two knots of Diamonds to finish the discovery of Porsenna's Son though it was not necessary Aronces after he had said a thousand obliging things to Nicius and Martia and after he had recounted to them the obligations he had to Clelius and a part of that which was happened to him except his love for Clelia he left them to return to Clelius his house but returning thither we met Herminius who came from thence and who told us that it was accounted a very strange thing we should so suddenly leave them adding that a part of the company was already gone In effect when we entred Clelia's house there was but four or five of her friends with her who walkt together in her Father's Garden for we went so timely to the lodging of Nicius that it was not so late when we came from thence but we might walk without any incommodity so that Clelia no sooner saw Aronces but she made war to him for leaving her when she celebrated her Birth-day If you knew what obliged me to do it replied he to her I am assured you will not murmure against me it may be replied she to him and shall not accuse you of it but you cannot hinder me from complaining of you that which you say is so glorious for me replied he that if I should have gained nothing by leaving you I ought to be consolated for leaving you But in fine Madam said he to her separating her five or six paces from the company I must tell you that which hath obliged me to leave you and that you know I have not done it but to cease to be that unknown Aronces without Name and Countrey who hath sometimes been so cruelly
to do it for I conjure you to keep this inclosed Letter for the most admirable Clelia but that it may not be a breach of that fidelity which you owe unto my Rival I do not desire you to deliver it unto her until she hath made my Rival most happy This being all I ask of you I dare hope that you will not deny me this office since I do not desire it may be done me until fortune hath put me into a capacity of meriting the compassion of my Rival I hint not a syllable to you of him for what can that man say of him who hath found in the person of Aronces all that can possibly move the highest friendship and the highest hatred Adien Pity me since you may safely do it without offence note my Rival and your Friend and believe that you could never pity a person who doth more merit it than my self When Celeres had received and read this Letter he was much surprised and the more because that directed unto Clelia was sealed however since he was not desired to deliver it until Aronces was first happy he did not scruple at the doing of this Office for the Rival of his Friend But as he was ruminating upon this adventure Aronces comes suddenly into the Chamber and sees Adherbals Letter unto Clelia upon the Table this sight much amazing him he asked Celeres in all hast whether he knew where she was and how it came about that the Prince of Numidia directed this Letter unto him for he knâ—w his hand Celeres perceiving the agitation of his Spirits and Adherbal not having obliged him to conceal it from Aronces he shewed him the Letter of his unfortunate Lover and acquainted him with his departure for till then he knew not of it Aronces recollecting himself by degrees as he read this Letter Alas alas Celeres said he unto him after he had read it I am afraid that you must never deliver my Rivals Letter unto Clelia since you must not deliver it until she hath made me happy No sooner had he said so but a fresh gust of apprehension rowsing his thoughts he lamented the absence of Adherbal in a thought that perhaps he might come to find out Clelia Yet notwithstanding Celeres so convinced him that he was perswaded the absence of Adherbal would be advantageous unto him For truly Sir said he unto him amongst many other reasons there is not a more intollerable torment under the Sun than to have a Rival whom virtue compels one to love and whom love compels one to hate to be perpetually in ones eye 'T is right Celeres said he unto him but this is not the first time that such a passion as mine hath hurried a man into unreasonable thoughts Whilst this Prince was thus talking he held in his hand his Rivals Letter unto his Mistress and looked upon it as if his looks would have broke open the Seal after restoring it hastily unto Celeres take it Celeres said he and keep it lest a spark of jealousie should force me to open it And that my fidelity may be the more manifest I will be faithful unto an unfortunate Lover and Rival let my desire of seeing what he hath written unto Clelia be never so great So Celeres took the Letter and told his friend that had he offered to have opened it he would have given a stop to his curiosity After which Sicanus being come and telling them that the Princess of the Leontines prepared her self to go next morning unto Perusia and transact in the service of Aronces they went both together unto her Chamber where Celeres related all passages shewing them the Prince of Numidia's Letter and applauded the power which Aronces had over himself in not opening that Letter which his Rival writ unto Clelia though he had a most strong desire unto it Were it possible to esteem Aronces more than I do replied the Princess of the Leontines doubtless I should for I do think no quality under Heaven more laudable than fidelity is especially when it is preserved in such cases wherein it is easie to be otherwise or where good excuses may be had or examples to authorize infidelity How many men are there in the World who never use to make the least scruple of opening all the Letters which come unto their hands who invent devices how to open and then shut them again unperceivedly and who have such a general curiosity to be prying into all manner of Letters that no Seal escapes them As the Princess of the Leontines was saying so Aurelia entred and no sooner entred but Sicanus addressed himself unto the Princess of the Leontines Madam said he unto her if you desire to be informed further of their curiosity who love to be opening Letters I beseech you intreat Aurelia to tell you for she is acquainted with a fair Lady whom you Madam also know that put such tricks upon her and therefore since she is better able to inform you then I am I will leave it unto her to tell you all the passages of it So Sicanus having Letters to write unto Perusia he went out and left Aurelia to supply his place who did become it excellently well for she apprehending at first the business did smilingly ask the Princess of the Leontines whether it was concerning the opening of any Letters for if it be added she none in the World can give a better account of such a matter then my self unless I have forgotten though for my part I have renounced ever making use of any such ways as heretofore have brought upon me abundance of delight and as much sorrow The Question replied the Princess of the Leontines is not concerning the opening of any Letter but whether we ought absolutely to condemn or excuse such Men as are so inquisitive as to open them such as make a mock at those who are so scrupulously faithful as not to open the Letters of their very enemies although they were perswaded they contained some concernments of themselves Madam replied Aurelia I am able to give you all those fond and false reasons which are alledged by those who are inquisitive for a friend of mine hath instructed me in the Art Aurelia had no sooner said so but the Lady of whom she spoke entred for she living within three miles of the Thrasimenian Lake towards the Isle of Saules she used often to visit Aurelia also she had seen the Princess of the Leontines two or three times Yet this Princess never before knew of her humour in opening Letters because no occasion concerning it did present it self but as soon as she was entred Aurelia knowing her humour and also knowing that she affected raillery and that she did not think she did ill in opening all the Letters which came under her hands she told her that she came in a very good time to help her out in the maintenance of a good cause For truly said she unto her as I was
be born with notwithstanding their want of wit But to put a question somewhat harder to be resolved added Valeria I ask you both whether you would have an extraordinary Wit For my part replyed Hermilia I shall soon choose and I as soon replyed Lucrecia for I am already resolved But this satisfies not me replyed Valeria you must tell me whether you have chosen Methinks replyed Hermilia you might easily ghess that Lucrecia hath taken the great Goodness with the indifferent Wit and you might as easily conceive added Lucrecia that Hermilia hath chosen the greater Wit and indifferent Goodness Yet I am confident added this wise Virgin that if there were two such persons she whose goodness were greater then her wit would be much more beloved than the other I know not whether she might be more beloved replyed Hermilia but I am certain that she whom I have chosen would be the more esteemed But what signifies that esteem replyed Lucrecia which begets not friendship for I lay this as a principle we should not desire to be esteemed but in order to be loved or at least to be thought worthy to be loved If you value not an Esteem without Friendship replyed Hermilia what will you have me to conceive of a kind of luke-warm friendship without esteem For I cannot believe that one can have an eager affection for a person of mean wit how good soever he may be If the love we have for a good person be not grounded on the esteem we have for him replyed Valeria it must needs proceed from the acquaintance we have with him which we conceive obligeth us to love him Nay then replyed Hermilia I perceive she that makes the proposition declares against me On the contrary replyed Lucrecia it may be said we are both of your side for though you speak against goodness yet we know you to be one of the best in the world It is indeed true replyed she I am not wicked and to speak truly I would not be otherwise than good but it is true that there are a sort of mischievous people that please my humour and some good who are troublesome to me and to speak generally goodness is almost every where oppressed Yet that hinders not replyed Lucrecia but that vertue ought to be the foundation and support of all the rest and that we should wish rather to suffer injustice than to do it besides that to speak rationally Goodness is a vertue so well becomes a woman that I know not any she hath greater need of I acknowledge replyed Hermilia that a wicked woman is a Monster but certainly one that is ingeniously malicious addes much to Conversation and it were a great loss if there was not some such Since you are so much taken with them replyed Lucrecia I wish you may never want some of those women who can wink at nothing who condemn all things who tell merry stories of their best friends who as soon as they are out of sight abuse them who envy the praises are given them and themselves commend them less than those who are not acquainted with them and to be short who do them more hurt than they could expect from a merciless enemy and less good than from a generous one And the more to punish your obstinacy aded Valeria to Lucrecia's wishes I add thus much I wish with all my heart that you may have one truly good friend who may acquaint you with all the treacheries the rest are guilty of towards you that so you may at last become equitable and acknowledge with us that true Goodness is preferred before greatness of Wit how shining so ever it may be As she said these words Valeria rise up whereupon it being late these three maids retired and left Brutus who had hearkned to them all the while with little ceremony yet Lucrecia took leave of him with greater civility than the other two which he took infinitely well For arguing from the civility she had for him in the condition he was in that she would esteem him if she were better acquainted with him he was so ravished with the consideration that it begat in his heart a certain pleasant commotion which one might presume to call Love or at least something he felt which he could never define In fine not to abuse your patience Brutus who was resolved to depart without acquainting any could not perform it so soon for something being yet wanting which was necessary for his journey he took occasion from that light hindrance to make the less hast not thinking himself that Lucrecia was partly the cause of his change of resolution But three or four days after he was sensible that the Beauty Wit and Goodness of that person had made a strange progress into his heart for he could not keep out of the company of these three-maids They at first thought him very troublesome which he himself observed but being such a one as was not to be treated uncivilly neither would they do it insomuch that at length making no account of him they spoke before him as freely as if he had not been in place Brutus by this means having Lucrecia always in sight and viewing her with all the charms of her Beauty and wit fell deeply in love with her But to his grief Love entred his heart without that insinuating companion which they call Hope which by her beguiling charms makes men undergo such long and violent afflictions Whence it came to pass that Brutus as soon as he was convinced that he really loved Lucrecia was extremely troubled and look'd upon it as a second motive to remove himself far from Rome To what end said he should I entertain this fruitless passion which I must never presume to discover How can it be imagined that the stupid Brutus should be capable of admiring and adoring the incomparable Lucrecia But alas continued he though she understood my passion I should be no less miserable for is it possible she can love a man in whom there is not the least appearance of wit And to come yet nearer home when I should trust my self to her discretion when she should be convinced I am not what all the world takes me to be what likelihood is there she should admit the addresses of an unfortunate man who dares not betray his reason lest he lose a life which he hath designed to sacrifice to the liberty of his Countrey Shall I go and tell her I am a Conspirator when at the same time I am to tell her that I love her Shall I entertain her with interests of State and Revenge at the same instant when I am to treat her with Love and Respect But if I should thus entertain her is it probable I might make some advantage of it or that she would ever be prevailed with to run fortunes with such a wretch as in all likelihood will never be otherwise But supposing such a miracle should be done which cannot that she
be accepted when a woman is once another mans wife and hath the least tenderness for her reputation Resolve therefore not to love me any longer and that if I may so say for my sake as I have resolved to be unhappy for your sake and that you may be assured I do all I can and haply more then I ought I permit you to believe that I shall grieve for you while I live On the other side fear not I shall ever discover your secret for though you cannot in any likelihood destroy Tarquin but you must withal give check to the fortune of that Family into which I am entred I shall lay nothing to your charge while you meddle not with Collatine's person Not but that if you conceive I speak for my own interest I should advise you forsake Rome to set your reason at liberty to go and live at Metapont where you have friends of both sexes and where you may be cured of what passion your soul is sick of For in all likelihood Vice will ever triumph over Vertue Brutus will be alwayes miserable and Tarquin alwayes happy How Madam replyed the unfortunate Lover you would have me forsake Rome quit the design of revenging my self and delivering my Countrey but for no other end than that I might be the farther from you Ah Madam I neither can do it nor ought and if Death do not deliver you from my presence you shall never be delivered from it I shall be delivered from it replyed she if I reside constantly at Collatia whither you will have no pretence to come and though Collatine himself should command me to see you I would intreat him to pardon my disobedience and this pretended stupidity which heretofore furnished me with a pretence to see you shall henceforward be my excuse not to see you again but I shall think my self the more obliged if without any further dispute you obey the command I lay on you not to endeavour it But is it possible replyed Brutus that my sight is become so insupportable to you and that having expressed so much goodness as to let me believe that I might be the object of all your happiness I am now thought the onely cause of your misfortune For I tell you once more Madam that if you will be pleased to be my Friend I shall not think my self absolutely miserable and if I ever forget my self so far as to speak any thing to you whence you might gather I would be treated in the quality of a Lover I give you leave to acquaint Tarquin that I am a dangerous Conspirator and deserve death But do you think replyed she that when I lost you I withal lost all reason and that I can be perswded that Love may be turned into Friendship or Friendship into Love when one pleases If it be so in your heart added she you never knew any true passion and I should punish you for your dissimulation past with eternal baoishment One might indeed in a short time pass from Love to Hatred one may sometimes pass from Love to Indifference and it is not impossible to ascend from Friendship to Love but to descend from Love to Friendship is that I cannot comprehend how it may be done I could believe added she there may be some Husbands who having been infinitely indulgent of their Wives are after a long time cooled so as to have onely an indifferent affection for them which may be called Friendship but for a Lover to become a Friend is a thing I conceive impossible and shall never believe Persist not therefore in the proffers of your friendship or the desire of mine for since Fortune hath been pleased to cross the innocence of our affection I will see you no more and I profess to you I shall hate you if you continue to perswade me to a thing which I believe inconsistent with my duty For in fine Brutus you but too well know that I have loved you and you haply imagine that I shall love you as long as I live therefore our conversation can be no longer innocent one look of yours raises a controversie in my soul I must not any longer trust either you or my self in such a case as this and I have already spent too much time with you in debating a thing already resolved Go your wayes therefore Brutus go the unfortunate Lucrecia commands you be careful of the life she hath preserved you and remember sometimes that it hath cost her all the happiness she could expect But hold added she rising from her seat think on nothing that concerns me for if I thought you remembred it I could not haply forget you How Madam cryes out Brutus you cannot but remember me and can you imagine I should obey you when you command me to forget Lucrecia No no Madam abuse not your self it is not onely death can raze you out of my heart and if the despair that hovers about my soul were not kept off by the love I bear you my hand should soon rid Tarquin of an Enemy and Lucrecia of a Lover But Madam since that if I lost my life I should cease to love you if excess of grief take it not away I shall not which I do not but out of a pure consideration of love since as you may easily imagine Madam I must expect to live the most miserable of any man in the world which can afford nothing more insupportable than for a man to see his Enemy in the Throne and his Mistress in the embraces of his Rival For all considered Madam I concur with you that Love can never be remitted into Friendship and when I begged the quality of your Friend I onely meant to tell you that I should never ask any thing of you but what a vertuous friend might desire of a vertuous woman Assure your self therefore Madam that I shall love you to the last gasp and that I shall love you so intirely as never any man did the like But in requital Madam added he promise me that you will not make it your business to hate me for I had rather be deprived of your sight than that you should not promise to love me alwayes Ah Brutus I neither can nor must promise you any thing replyed she in the mean time I must leave you and be gon for I see one of my women coming to tell me that it is time to retire and indeed Brutus turning his head saw a woman-slave who was come half wayes the Garden and made directly towards the place where he was This put him into a strange disturbance for he thought he had a thousand things more to say nay he imagined that if he had said them they would have moved Lucrecia but if he should have offered to detain her by force she would have taken it in much displeasure He therefore submissively took her by the garment and would out of an amorous transport have kissed her hand and intreated her to favour
hath induced me to interest my self in this valiant Unknown Telesis is certainly worthy of your expressive tenderness replied Philonice but I know not added she if this Prisoner was deficient in those noble qualities which had raised him to the height of an accomplished man he would as much remember you There 's no doubt of that replied Berelisa but I principally interest my self in this Unknown because there 's some resemblance between him and my Brother for Telesis is nigh of his age he is as you know well proportioned he hath given some evident testimonies of his courage he hath spirit and in fine if I dare say it as gallant as the Prisoner seems to be As Berelisa thus spoke she was interrupted by the Agrigentine Prince who told her the Chase would not permit a long discourse and that they should not transpose the pleasures of it so that Berelisa gallantly answering the Agrigentine Prince the rest of the Chase passed in an agreeable manner and at night the Prince made a magnificent Feast to all the Ladies which had enjoyed the benefit of this Princely sport Artemidorus who was lodged in a Chamber which looked upon the garden of the Agrigentine Castle had seen them return from the Chase for though his Chamber was but a foot higher than the Garden it was built on such a rising ground that it discovered all the Country which environed the City the sight of a company where joy seemed to be so universal gave some addition to his melancholy for he imagined what would be Clidimiras grief if she knew he was Prisoner to an enemy of the Leontine Prince he even thought that his absence alone would cause her an incredible affliction and when he remembred all those demonstrations of affection which had past between them he doubted not but she should employ all the moments of her life to think of him and regret his absence and he felt not only his own grief but he suffered that which he presupposed Clidimira would endure for his consideration In the mean time his Guards reported divers things to Afranor which perswaded him that this Prisoner was of a greater condition than he said he was kept very exactly though treated with much civility he had the liberty in the day time to be alone is his Chamber and those which had taken had not risled him because his Valour claimed their respect he had divers Letters of Clidimira which he often perused to consolate himself for when he departed from Messina he thought that desiring to pass for a simple Cavalier 't was not convenient for him to carry that precious Casket which was depositary of all the secrets of his heart but contented himself to take the Letters of Clidimira to give him some consolation during his voyage Artemidorus living in this manner spent whole days in ruminating on Clidimira and Berelisa a resentment of inclination pity generosity and tenderness for her absent Brother was very solicirous to render this Prisoner all those things she conceived might sweeten the rigour of his imprisonment But if in the beginning she believed her self obliged by the prementioned reasons she found her self afterwards engaged by a more puissant motive You may remember as I have already told you that the Chamber of Artemidorus was a foot higher than the Garden from whence the prospect is very delicate for it had two Windows the one facing the Campagn the other the end of a Walk which looked upon a Garden-knot so enamelled with the choisest of Floras treasures and beautified by Art in such ingenious manner that Art and Nature did contend therein for mastery This Walk being very agreeable when the Sun doth not guild it with its radiant Beams Berelisa towards the Evening often repaired thither and there being two seats at the ends and in the middle of this Walk to repose on commodiously to enjoy the fair prospect there was a seat against the Window of Artemidorus so contrived that though the Window was grated it admitted the conveniency of discourse with those which were seated on this side the Walk It often hapned that Artemidorus which was obliged to Berelisa for the good opinion she had testified of him saluted her with much respect when his Window was found open and Berelisa who was civil and courteous and who had a secret unknown reason which rendred her more affable than ordinary did often entertain discourse with Artemidorus but as 't was not possible for her to harbour an ill opinion of him the more she saw the more she esteemed him and seeing melancholy enthroned in his face compassion so invaded her heart that seeing every day the charming Princess of Agrigentine more usually than before the Prince her Father being gone to the War she often spoke to her of her Prisoner for she sometimes used that term she having such a special care of him and she did it principally to give Berelisa the curiosity to converse with him to the end that acknowledging his merit she might at the Prince her Fathers return endeavour to obtain his liberty and Philonice who is compassionate and generous and who seeks occasions to render any one any curteous office told Berelisa that the first fair day she would go to the Castle of Agrigentine to see if she had reason to give such encomiums of her Prisoners spirit as 't was then the fairest season in the year the next being serene and calm correspondent to the desires of this Princess and she being willing to perform her promise made to Berelisa went to the Castle with this amiable Virgin accompanyed with many Ladies carrying likewise with her one that had relation to her whom the Prince of Agrigentine had sent to certifie her of a considerable advantage he had gained over his enemies for he was one of Berelisas Friends and was of a pleasant disposition she believed he would render their recreation more delightful and it succeeded as she imagined Berelisas humour being at this time tun'd to the highest pitch of mirth but in fine without trespassing on your patience by relating those things which have no reference to the life of Artemidorus I shall tell you that the hour being come when they might take a commodious walk in the place I have already mentioned Philonice and all the company went thither but as Berelisae told her she would not expose her Prisoner to speak before so many persons the Princess only followed by Berelisa went towards the Window of Artemidorus who seeing the Princess approach saluted her with a profound reverence after which through respect he would have withdrawn himself from the Window but Philonice recall'd him Return valiant Unknown said she to him return and do not flye those who seek you I am Madam so unworthy of this honour replied he that you ought not to think it strange if I would have deprived my self of a pleasure that I am incapable to merit All honest unhappy persons replied the generous Philonice
is seen between these two jealousies are sometimes found in jealousies caused by the same passion For Lovers are not equally jealous the diversity of their Temperament and Fortune altering their resentments and though they all have jealousie yet perhaps in theirs is as much difference as between that of Love and Friendship There 's jealous persons who evaporate their sighs complaints and tears in amorous verses there 's some whom Jealousie makes to compose a Song and there 's others whom it deprives of reason and vertue who have recourse to Steel and Poyson to carve out their revenge on the person they love but this diversity doth not hinder that the jealous Lover who only makes a Song to testifie his Jealousie should not be effectively jealous since 't is true one cannot otherwise name a certain resentment which is produced in our heart with the desire to acquire something of what nature soever But to speak of Friendship I affirm that though 't is prudent it cannot be tender unless it be infected with a little Jealousie I know that the jealousie of Friendship doth not take from us the light of our reason and that it doth not make us act such fantastical things as the jealousie of Love but Friendship is not tender if we do not desire to be preferred before others if we do not do all things we can imagine to effect it if we have not some despite when we believe we have not attained our desires if we are not displeased at those who we see preferred before us and if we take neither care nor inquietude to preserve what we have gained you will it may be tell me we may see a thousand and a thousand which have no sensibility of what you have alledged To that I will answer there are many persons who believe they love when they have no affection and who call Friendship a kind of Society or necessary commerce of life but when I speak of Friendship I mean an effective Friendship both tender and solid of a Friendship where there is a commutation of hearts and secrets Every one is not jealous according to the proportion of his Friendship neither doth every one seat it in its right place but to speak sincerely these luke-warm friendships do not produce violent Jealousies no more than that love which tunes our Spirits to a musical harmony But that doth not shew that Friendship doth not produce jealousie at least I know I have sustained it for Lysicoris for I remember when she once went into the Country without bidding me adieu I was extremely grieved at it 't is not but that I am an enemy of all constraint and ceremony but because she gave her farewel to another of her friends that she ought not to respect so much as me I was extremely displeased and I complained a thousand times of her and even hated her whom she had visited But it may be replied Terillus looking on her you have sometimes Love not thinking you have any No replied she blushing for I assure you I know so well how to distinguish Friendship Hatred and Jealousie that if I had love it were difficult to deceive me But is it possible said Terillus you can call Jealousie all those light despites that a resentment of glory produces in friendship when that one renders you not the Justice you think to merit But is it possible replied Berelisa that you doubt Friendship hath not its Jealousies as well as Love That which makes me doubt of it replied Terillus is that I am perswaded Jealousie is not but an effect of the irregularity of Love and that Friendship cannot have the same irregularity neither can it have Jealousie But Friendship replied Berelisa hath it not all that which is found in love It hath little cares and great services it contains the desire to please complacency is always thereto annexed there is likewise of the favours of Friendship effective confidences and of trifling secrets one esteems the letters of his friends absence is not rude Presence is sweet and in fine there is found in a tender Friendship all that one can attribute to a tender Love But replied Terillus Do not you comprehend that one cannot be jealous but of that one possesses or may possess And that being so one cannot have Jealousie in Friendship sure 't is true that our friends cannot be absolutely ours for take the perfectest friend in the world if he hath a Mistress he will be oftner with his Mistress than Friend so that Friendship giving nothing which might solely depend on us it is impossible to be as jealous as if one had a Mistress But as solid Friendship is too little divertising Love is robb'd of divers things which have dependance only on it so that those little cares and all those things of which you have spoken are become its mode by Usurpation But for Jealousie believe me Berelisa it hath ever appertained to Love neither can it be admitted to any passion but this But how call you that I felt for Lysicoris replied Berelisa for I would be more loved by her than another I should be angry if I was less I would know her thoughts I would have her if she is in love with any one to declare it to me and I should never suffer her without much distemper to write to any of her friends without shewing me the Letter And I very well know the commotion of my Spirit proceeds from Jealousie I even hold added she that the Jealousie of Friendship is more Jealousie if I may so say than the Jealousie of Love for as it retains Reason still entire the least effects it produceth in a friends heart ought to be more considered than those it produceth in a Lovers But in what place may we see jealous Friends replied Terillus who have their eyes wandring their tincture pale their humour melancholy and their spirits disquieted through excess of their Jealousie But in what place replied Berelisa have you seen Friends which receive contempts without grief which patiently suffer tepedity oblivion indifferency and irregularity when they believe they are neglected by a new Friendship I consess it would be difficult for me replied Terillus to shew you a friend so patient to suffer all those things you have named without resentment but I call it despite and not jealousie And for my part replied Berelisa I will call revenge all the resentments of a jealous person after your mode but to speak rationally as Love and Friendship derive their Original from the heart and that we know not how to love nothing but by a certain universal cause which forms all Loves and Friendships in the world there is likewise in the heart of all men as well a jealous as an amorous disposition and this disposition acts doubtless more or less violently as I have told you according to the form of the affection which causes it according to the subjects one hath to entertain Jealousie and according to
made a stalking-horse to the Interests of his Ambition You should therefore be so far from acknowledging him to be your King that you should think your selves obliged by the fidelity you owe your last lawful King to revenge his death Revenge it then Romans by revenging that of Lucrecia and to give you another motive to induce you thereto know that the Daughter of the vertuous Clelius your fellow-Citizen whose life the Tyrant after he had banished him hath so often endeavoured to take away is one of his Captives and that haply she will be exposed to all the misfortunes of Lucretia if we do not suddenly deliver her But what do I say Your business is not only to revenge your late King your Fellow-Citizens dead or hanished nor to deliver the Daughter of vertuous Clelius and Neece of the Grand Vestal but it lies upon you to revenge your selves and to keep your Wives your Daughters and Sisters from falling into the same inconveniences Consider O ye Romans what kind of Successor Tarquin will leave you if you take not a generous resolution to root out the whole Family consider what presumption Sextus will arise to if this crime escape unpunished how great the insolence will be of a new Tyrant born and brought up in Tyranny and whom we shall encourage to be more cruel through our own shameful cowardize Let us then take this generous resolution which the whole World shall one day celebrate with infinite praises all we have to do to be free is to will it we need no more than shut our Gates against a Tyrant to become Masters of Rome and to drive away a mischievous Woman to banish hence all Vices When we have once put in execution so noble a design I am confident Tarquin's own Soldiers will prove his most implacable Enemies They are all your Brethren your Children or your Friends they are subject to the same tyranny as you are you are all ingaged in the same interests they acknowledge the same Laws they adore the same Gods and certainly we shall no sooner have shown them so great an Example of Vertue but they will chearfully imitate us The most difficult part of the attempt is past in that we have taken the boldness to speak so freely and break that infamous silence which made us the Complices of Tarquin by conniving at so many outrages so many villanies so many crimes But since we have this day begun to bemoan our selves I doubt not but our lamentations will stir up the vertue of all Romans and that what was privately resolved will be publickly put in execution Tell me I beseech you Generous Romans is there any one among you who hath not secretly repined at the injustice of Tarquin and hath not made vows and imprecations against him And have I not reason to believe that all Romans will be of our side Nay I dare presume to tell you that you are no longer in a condition to deliberate what you have to do for since you have heard my Remonstrances it concerns your well-fare that you carry the business on to the utmost extremity Tarquin as you well know being so little accustomed to make any difference between the innocent and the guilty that he would rather sacrifice all the Romans to his vengeance than suffer one particular Roman to escape his revenge Be therefore no longer in suspence since you are already Traytors to him and that you may defie his injustice resign your selves to the conduct of the Gods I therefore conjure you in the name of Romulus our illustrious Founder not to suffer Sextus to come into the number of his Successors I conjure you further in the name of Numa the most religious of all our Kings and I conjure you once more in the name of Servius Tullus the wisest and most vertuous Prince that ever was But I particularly demand your revenge for the admirable Lucretia and the liberty of Clelia in the name of the vertuous Tanaquil whose memory will never be lost among us Consider therefore once more that since we have no lawful King you have the disposal of the Supreme Power Consider I say that you will be guilty of all the crimes your Tyrants shall hereafter commit if you lay not hold of this opportunity that Fortune sorces upon you The day I now speak to you on is a fortunate day it is neither that of the Calends nor that of the Nones nor yet that of the Ides all which are fatal to great Enterprises all Presages favour us and in a word as I have told you already we have no more to do to be free than to desire it Let us therefore couragiously take up arms for the Liberty of our Country but let it be with that Heroick Confidence which is always precedent to all great and fortunate emergencies I have already told you that this attempt is easie and I tell it you once more but supposing it were not and that we must struggle with a Civil War within our Walls such as might arm Citizens against Citizens that we must see the same Forces that now besiege Ardea before Rome and that the Temple of Janus were to be eternally open should this oblige us to quit the design of destroying so unjust a Tyrant Were it not more noble to see our Country ingaged in a perpetual War than forced to a perpetual Slavery Romulus who is now in the number of the Immortal waged a War against the Sabines as soon as he had laid the Foundations of Rome but upon much slighter grounds than we have to war against Tarquin since that he continued it to justifie the carrying away the Sabine Virgins and we have to deal with the Ravisher of Lucretia Numa the Second of our Kings but the first for Piety allowed by his Laws that there might be just Wars though he met not with any occasion to raise any during all his Reign Tullus Hostilius did not only carry on that so famous War of Alba but was also engaged against the Fidenates and the Veientes Ancus Martius had to do with the Inhabitants of Latium with the Sabines the Veientes and the Volsci The former of the Tarquins of whose vertues the latter have not any had he not War with divers Nations especially the Thuscans And Servius Tullus a person of much Vertue and Moderation did he make any difficulty to War against the Thuscans though out of no other considerations than those of Glory Judge then Romans from hence what these great Princes would have done if the publick Liberty had been in any danger â—â— that it had been to revenge so horrida crime as that of Sextus ' s. Have not we been engaged in a War for Tarquin And are we not still engaged in one against our Neighbours to make him the more powerful Why then may we not as well be engaged against him It cannot be said we want any thing to raise it for if we are for our selves there
me that you were in a place which he could not name for being very dangerously wounded in endeavouring to deliver me he grew so much distracted that Amilcar whose name doubtless you know and to whom I am infinitely obliged could not understand where you were though he imagin'd you could not be far from Rome Truth is reply'd Clelius I being at the end of my exile and not being able to endure that you should be the slave of him that was the Tyrant of my Country and my mortal enemy I resolved for Rome where I understood by some intimate friends there was a disposition to revolt But do what I could it was impossible to hinder Sulpitia from following me so as we came from Capua together mean while fortune brought us to meet with the Prince of Numidia by coming to Ameriola who knowing us treated us most generously but that not being the place of finding you let it suffice you to know that he is worthy of your esteem and of my friendship that it was I who sent him to Rome with Letters for a friend of mine who was to facilitate the enterprise which failed for not knowing then where Aronces was and knowing that Horatius was in Ardes I thought they took care for your liberty Mean â—â—â—e I understanding from Ameriola that the Prince of Numidia's enterprise had failed that the report was Aronces was at Rome and that there was great Tumult I disguised my self as now you see me to get into Rome not then knowing the truth of things So as having sent back my horses I began to foot it when I espied this fair one said he unto Clelia and pointed at Cesonia who not knowing which way she went came unto me and asked where she was and desired me to direct her either unto Rome or Ardes The memory of your misfortunes making me compassionate of hers I asked her by what adventure she came to be alone and so out of her way unto which she answering very handsomely she acquainted me in few words with the flight of Tarquin and all passages in Rome since his departure I not yet telling her that I was your Father because that could not advantage her but might prejudice me she is still ignorant of it All my care was of conducting her speedily unto Rome when we espied the Cavalry which is your guard For my part said Cesonia unto Clelia I have no great matters to relate unto you for all I have to tell you is That he who conducted me understanding from a friend of his how angry Tullia was at your flight and having no mind to see her again though he was no cause of it he resolved to quit the incensed Queen and carrying me under a Tree he left me there I not knowing what to do and utterly disliking to be under the power of the most wicked woman in the whole world I took a way opposite to that from whence I came and walking I knew not whither I came at last unto this little wood where I was most glad to find the generous Clelius whose age and Physiognomy invited me to ask his protection and that he would conduct me either unto Rome or Ardes for in that dismay I knew not well where I would be After this Clelius enquired of Clelia concerning Aronces who told him in short all she knew but though he spoke very low unto her yet Horatius heard and knew by Clelia's countenance that she spoke with a feeling tenderness of his Rival so as it damped him with unexpressable sadness Yet hope did a little underprop his heart and the state of things made him think that happily some adventure might fall which might be advantageous unto him for when he remembred the lamentable condition wherein he was when his Rival found him wounded in a Wood and how he was beholding unto him for his life he thought himself much less miserable than at that time so as his mind was very free to entertain Clelius all the way with discourse of all that was memorable at the siege of Ardes not omitting how Persander had there signalized himself upon several occasions But in conclusion Clelius being the first of the Company that discovered Rome he was possessed with a most extream joy at the sight of it after so long an exile from it he never thought how he was in a habit unfit to appear therein Clelia indeed did put him in mind of it but he made answer That as long as he had a heart becoming a true Senator of Rome he cared not for the habit yet they met with an expedient for this for as they came into Rome stood a house which belonged unto one that was an ancient acquaintance or friend unto Clelius where they stayed and where he was furnished with a habit sutable to his quality after which they went unto the Gates of the Town but a very strict Guard being kept they were stopped until such time as Brutus who then was sole Master of Rome was informed who they were that asked entrance he no sooner heard of them but he sent Herminius to receive Clelius Horatius and Persander not knowing that Clelia was with them giving order afterwards to quarter the Cavalry which Horatius brought So as when Herminius went to receive them and conduct them unto Brutus he was most pleasingly surprised to see Clelia Cesonia and Plotina for he thought that Clelia was with the cruel Tullia and could not imagine what was become of the other Captives for he knew very well That when Tullia for sook her Palace Clelia was only mentioned unto Aronces and where the rest were was not known Thus Herminius now wanting nothing but to see the return of Aronces he received all these illustrious persons with abundance of joy and did all manner of imaginable honours unto Clelius in particular he beseeched him to take a lodging in the house of the virtuous Sivelia his Mother who would take all possible care of Clelia until Sulpitia came and until his own house was made ready The way in going to Brutus being to pass by this house Clelius presently espied the virtuous Sivelia who was his ancient friend and leaving Clelia Cesonia and Plotina with her who received them with that generous civility whereof she ever made profession Clelius Horatius Persander and some principal men of Ardes were conducted unto Brutus by Herminius This enterview passed tumultuously enough for Lucretius Valerius Colatin Mutius and many others were then with Brutus advising upon several necessary affairs concerning the establishment of Romes liberty Brutus yet did highly appland the valor of Horace at the siege of Ardes and the sight of Clelius gave much satisfaction unto so many illustrious Romans for he was known to be always a most irreconcileable enemy of Tyranny and the Tyrant Brutus also did him all imaginable honours Clelius again returned a million of applauses But as he styled him the Liberator of his Countrey
of Love and Gallantry Songs Heroick Verses and Verses of Love and all with such ease that when the Fancy takes him he does them extempore he will write them in the tumult of a great company He does them as if he never thought upon them And if I may commend my self in commending him I will tell you without a lie how one day he and I answered one another so long in Verse amongst a company of Ladies aâ— Capua as all that heard us were amazed and thought it impossible to be done without inchantment One shall meet with men sometimes of a high elevation of wit Learning and Fancy but they cannot hold it out For after some facetious piece they will fall off unto pitiful low and common conceits their style is rough and disgusts such palates as are any thing critical or delicate But Herminius is a man singular in Learning Wit Judgment and Politeness He is none of those who have knowledge and wit at will yet want a smooth and pleasing humour For as wise knowing and serious as he seems when occasion serves he will be all mirth and diversion Yet he is not much affected with all sorts of pleasures for he delights not in hunting Musick Painting Feasts and such like but in Complacency he will be one at them all and will do all he can to make men think he loves them as well as any He will sometimes be so much taken up with a trifle as if he were ignorant in any high things sometimes he will apply himself to men of mean capacities as if he were able to reach no higher he could comply with all sorts and never left any merry company yet this man who is able to inspire mirth into any company when he pleaseth can live in solitude with as much content as any man living upon Earth 'T is true indeed he loves his study so well as if he affected the company of dead men better than living And if the generous Sivelia did not sometimes divert him he would bury himself is his study I am confident that should he lose Valeria and Sivelia he would absolutely renounce all commerce with the World And yet this earnest inclination he has to his studie cannot make him neglect any matter of business As insensible as he seems he has a heart most sensible of Glory of Amity and of Love but he has these two last qualities in a very particular manner For where he is only a Friend he will seem as if he were a Lover and where he is a Lover one would think he were only a friend Yet this proceeds not from the weakness of his affection but from the generosity of his Soul which makes him too little interested in his passion As for example had he a Mistress whom a King would marry he would sacrifice his love his joy and his life to see her upon the Throne For loving the vertue more than the Mistress and thinking an interest of pleasure in Love no better than a mercenary interest in Friendship he thinks only of doing what generosity requires But whether he act the part of a Lover or a Friend he is always equally Liberal and Generous and certainly there is nothing but impossibilities which he would not do for such as he loves he takes a part in all their misfortunes he is an enemy to their enemies he will maintain their glories before his own more sensible of any affronts to them than to himself And generosity is so natural unto him that it shines in all his actions he will help his poor friends when he can and when they would he is in general the most officious man living he will often neglect his own business to do anothers and does shew his liberality in a thousand trifles which many Gallants more able than he would never think upon I have known some of his friends that are extremely afraid and careful to commend any thing he has lest he should give it unto them He knows how to give a thing handsomely as well as any man living and if Fortune had done for him as she has for many others there should not be any well qualified man of his acquaintance miserable Moreover Herminius is a general Scholar and a most Rare Poet Hesiod Homer and Sappho are all his own all the sages of Greece are his familiars 'T is true he never affected those nice speculations which Thales the Milesian had upon the Stars so much as he did that part of Philosophy which regulated Manners Herminius is a man that is able to do any thing that he takes in hand and he never did any thing ill favouredly He would sometimes undertake to speak upon a matter in publick without any preparation for it He has a most strange and vast memory after once reading of a large Copy of verses he would repeat them and not miss a syllable also he would do the like in Prose Those who think that memory wit and judgment cannot lodge together are mistaken for he had both Though he was owner of all the vertues yet he cared not for shewing them and will often strive to conceal them from such men with whom he is not familiar And yet he affects glory but he finds so few in the world that are able to judge aright that he cares not for the applauds of the multitude Moreover Herminius is so thankful and acknowledging even for the least good offices that he repays them all with usury and which is most rare this man who is able for all things who can make a History of the World as easily as a song and who knows no limits unto his parts yet is he modest beyond all thought This excellent quality also he has that he can keep a secret the best of any man alive and which I highly esteem him for he is absolutely incapable of any envy and slander and is not severe unto any but himself He sutes with my humor principally in this that he can use good fortune better than he can endure bad because he is much more sensible of forrows than of joys As to the Ladies he holds them in a high degree of respect I could say much more of this illustrious Roman but I had better make him known unto you by his story than by a description which will come short of his worth As for Valeria though Cesonia and Plotina do not know her so well as Herminius yet I will not make any long description of her As for you Madam I observe you love her so well already that I doubt not but you do perfectly know her But for my part I must confess ingeniously unto you that I never in all my life saw a more amiable person than Valeria She is indeed but of a middle stature yet so well made as she need not envie any that are taller than her self Her eys are not such as seem for bigness as if they would look three or four ways at once
to desire but what I have For Emilius is handsom he has high bloud he has courage and wit and a violent passion to me He prefers me before the richest match in Rome he is of a sweet disposition and I know not what I can wish more in him to make my self happy After this falling into talk of Herminius Valeria with Tears in her eyes took a little Cabiner where she kept all his letters and offered to tear in pieces all the Letters of her former Lover But Flavia was so earnest with her that at last she consented that she should have them upon condition never to shew them unto her So as Flavia taking the Cabinet and all in it she carried it unto the Chamber which was allotted her After which these two Ladies went to walk by the side of a Rivulet which was very pleasant and from whence one might see all the way from Rome thither And Emilius was to come that way As for Valerius and Domitia they thought upon nothing but taking all necessary orders for the next day For though the company was not to be great yet would they have all things in handsom order and decency at this private Feast Emilius for his part his heart was so full of joy that all the care he took was to go be times unto the place where he was to be made happy So as referring unto his servants the care of all things necessary for the marriage day he departed with only one servant to go unto his dear Valeria In his going thither he entertained himself with every thing that might flatter his passion and his spirit thinking upon nothing but delights he fancied the satisfaction Herminius would have to see him so happy if he were alive and also the pleasure he himself should have in seeing his friend When this thought came upon him he was not above two hundred paces from the house of Valerius So as Valeria and Flavia who were walking by the River side might easily see him entertaining himself in this manner at a place where two ways crossed he heard the noise of a horse on his right hand which made him look that way But as soon as ever he had turned his head he espied Herminius yet he never thought him whom he saw to be his friend For his imagination being prepossessed with an opinion of his death and being also at a good distance he thought him only some man that resembled him But Herminius who had nothing in his mind which made him not credit his eyes no sooner espied Emilius but he went immediately unto him Oh my dear Emilius said he unto him how happy am I to meet with you Emilius was much surprised at these words for believing two of his senses he began to think that Herminius was risen from the dead since both his eyes and his ears told him so they meet therefore each other and lighting from their horses which they left with their men they embraced each other with abundance of joy and tenderness for they loved one another most dearly Is it possible said Emilius unto his friend I should have the happiness to embrace you after all hopes of you were lost and at the very same instant when I was thinking of you and desiring your company you should come to partake of my joys For truly my dear Herminius if you still retain the same thoughts of your friend doubtless you will be very glad to see me happy Never doubt on 't replied Herminius And to defer the pleasure of it no longer from me pray tell me what happiness it is You shall know it replied Emilius when you have told me by what miracle you are raised from the dead Herminius who knew not that all Rome thought him dead did think Emilius meant the length of his exile so as making no great matter of what he said he only told him that the relation of his fortune would be too long for that place and that all he would tell him was that being come to the Court of Italy with an African called Amilcar and two of his friends the one called Artemidorus and the other Zenocrates he left them upon a promise to meet again at the house of Valerius where he was to go to hear how squares went at Rome and where he had much other business of great importance But after this added he pray tell me whither are you going at present and of what nature is the happiness which you are to enjoy and in which I must share with you The place whither I go answered Emilius is the very same to which you go and not to conceal my good fortune any longer from you know my dear Herminius that to morrow I am to marry the fair Valeria with whom I fell desperately in love as soon as I came to Rome after I left you at Capua How Emilius replied Herminius very sternly are you to marry Valeria to morrow Valeria the daughter of Valerius whom Spurius once loved and afterwards Mutius when I went from Rome The very same replied Emilius much surprised to see the astonishment and sorrow of his friend But what 's the reason this news in lieu of rejoycing does trouble you Oh Emilius said Herminius and recoyled apace what News have you told me I have told you the truth replied he and a truth which I thought would have been joy unto you and yet I am so unhappy as to see it trouble you but cannot imagine the cause For I am sure you loved Clelia when we were at Capua and I never saw any appearance of your loving Valeria or of her loving you What then is the cause of this great alteration I find in your face and this trouble which I see in your heart For if my good fortune does any ways afflict you I do declare unto you that I cannot be happy Ah Emilius said Herminius Is it possible you should never hear in Rome that I loved Valeria and that you cannot love her unless you become my Rival my enemy and unless you betray that Amity which you promised I knew not that you loved Valeria replied Emilius And though I had known it yet believing you to be dead as all the rest of your friends did nay Sivelia her self I think I did you no wrong in loving her whom you loved I never knew of your love to Valeria for since I had no thoughts of it at Capua I could not have at Rome so as finding in this sweet and fair Lady all the sweetness and complaisance that vertue would permit her to shew I had no reason to think she intended the happiness of any more than my self Oh Emilius replied Herminius and sighed Valeria is a perfidious woman and may withdraw her affection from you as well as from me But since it is thus added he and that I am so unfortunate as to find a happy Rival in the person of a friend whom honour will not permit me to use as
tell me by what miraculous adventure you came by this Ring for who ever gave you this must needs have found at least the body of my unfortunate Child which I lost near Lilybaeum when Clelius and I were like to be cast away and at the same time we found Aronces At these words Adherbal changed colour and not able to say that which was false to a person he knew to be his Mother he made her so punctual an answer that it added to the curiosity of Sulpicia She looked on him very earnestly and was so importunate with him to tell the truth that nature working on his heart and his reason assuming at that time part of her lawful authority he resolv'd to discover himself and so changing his design of a sudden he said himself what but a quarter of an hour before he had made a resolution to conceal For Sulpicia being earnest with him to satisfie her Alas Madam said he you know not what you desire when you speak after this rate for were it not much more satisfaction to you to believe you had lost a Son in the Cradle than to know you have one living that is unfortunate and such as you will haply think so far unworthy to be yours that you will disclaim him Ah Adherbal replied Sulpicia looking on him are you my Son or may I be so happy as to have one like you Do me but the favour to let me look on your left arm for if you are mine you should have a little above your wrist a fire-mark which a careless slave gave you some few days after you were born Whereupon Adherbal being fully satisfied that he was Sulpicia's Son was not able to conceal himself any longer so that having shewn her what might perswade her he was her Son he briefly related all that Donilcar had said to him insomuch that Sulpicia being infinitely overjoyed that she had so gallant and so virtuous a person to her Son embraced him with much affection Clelia was also not a little glad to lose a Lover to purchase a Brother But Adherbal could not take well the loss of a Mistriss though he got thereby a most generous Father a most virtuous Mother and the most amiable Sister in the World Yet he still put on much gravity and though he very civilly entertained the caresses of Sulpicia and the kindnesses of Clelia yet was it easie to see he was extreamly troubled Upon this Clelius comes in to whom Sulpicia had no sooner shewn the Ring but he knew it She also shew'd him the mark upon Adherbals arm who having sent for Donilcar absolutely satisfied Clelius that he was his Son for he had been acquainted with Donilcar at Carthage Besides that the Ring the mark on Adherbals arm the particular day the wrack happened and the place where were such circumstances as put the business out of all controversie So that being infinitely satisfied in the recovery of a Son and to find him withal one of the most accomplish'd men in the World he spoke to him with the greatest civility in the world Take comfort Adherbal said he to him and be not troubled at the change of your condition for to speak truly it is better to be a Citizen of Rome than Son to a King of Numidia and it is better to be Clelia's Brother than her Servant since you cannot now be loved by her in the manner you desire I grant what you say is true replied Adherbal but since it is impssible there should happen a change of sentiments to a man in an instant without some violence done to himself I beg your pardon if I express not all the joy I should that I am Son to one of the most virtuous men upon earth However I hope my Lord the earnestness I feel in me to deserve that honor will help me to overcome those remainders of weakness that hang about me and that within a few days there shall not be any thing to be objected against me Whereupon Clelius embracing his Son with extraordinary affection spoke to him with all the generosity and obligation that could be which stirring up in his heart those sentiments of Nature which lay there buried by the ignorance of his true condition made him receive the caresses of his Father with much more kindness than he thought he could have done This accident being strange and extraordinary was in the space of two hours generally known insomuch that the whole City came to Clelius to congratulate him and Adherbal whose condition was much beyond what it was the day before when it was known whose Son he was after he had thought himself a King 's The Ladies came upon the same account to visit Sulpicia and Clelia Horatius for this part was glad to see that he had one Rival the less so that he came in all haste to Clelius's whom he complemented as also Sulpicia which done coming to Adherbal give me leave said he to him to express the satisfaction it is to me that I am no longer your enemy and to beg the favour to be numbred among your friends Certain it is I can be no longer your Rival answered he but that Horatius implies no obligation I should be your friend for looking on the concernments of my friends as my own if I cease being a servant to Clelia I must be the Protector of Aronces who is my antient friend and therefore expect no more from me than you would from a man who can do nothing against his honour and consequently not against him whom of all the world he is most obliged to This put a little fire into Horatius for had he obeyed his own inclination he would have made Adherbal some bitter reply but looking on him now as Clelius's Son and Clelia's Brother he mastered his violence and onely made him this answer I am not to learn generous Adherbal that you and Aronces are antient friends but I also know you to be Son to Clelius by whom I am not hated though he be more inclin'd to Aronces and therefore I shall not dispair of your friendship Adherbal would have answered Horatius but Amilcar being come in interrupted them for he made very pleasant reflexions on this adventure detecting them to Clelius Sulpicia Clelia and Adherbal not forgetting Horatius Plotina being also in the room added to the mirth of the company for she told Adherbal that to make him absolutely happy she would undertake to raise love in him though it were only says she to raise a jealousie in Amilcar Jealousie replies he is a thing that is not given when one pleases and it is taken sometimes whether one will or no but for my part continued he smiling I assure you I give a great deal more than I take You are much more happier than I have been replyes Adherbal for I have ever taken and never given any Kings Sons replyes Amilcar cannot ordinarily cause either love or jealousie for their condition is much more
I know of her is that when we left Sicily it was told us for certain that her beauty was extreamly decayed that she was grown so froward that she could endure no company and that Perianthus's love towards her began already to remit In the mean time Themistus through the excess of his love is as unquiet and as sad when he is alone as if he had not reason to think himself happy though I am perswaded Lindamira will be faithful to him and that he will one day meet with the recompence he deserves This Madam is the History of Themistus who hath chosen Rome rather than any other place for his refuge for that if Demarata persecute him too violently after he hath married Lindamira if he be so happy as to have her Rome is the only place of all the world which he would fasten on for a long retirement Meleagenes having finished his relation the principal accidents of this History were their entertainment for the rest of the day Well then saies Amilcar speaking to Herminius will you still commend obstinacy to the prejudice of inconstancy for if Demarata had been one of those fantastick Women that jump out of one act of Gallantry into another without fastning upon any Gallant all those people had not been put to so much trouble If Perianthus had not loved his Wife so long and that his love according to the custom had died eight daies after his marriage he had been capable of more diversion if Themistus and Lindamira had loved less they had been more happy You are very much too blame to charge Constancy with so many mischiefs replied Herminius they are chargeable only upon Fortune who is ever an enemy to Virtue But you consider not that you commend inconstancy before the amiable Plotina Assure your self replies that excellent Lady I should be very much troubled if Amilcar were not unconstant for in the first place if he had not been such I should not have been his Mistriss And Secondly if he were not so still we should be weary one of another in one daies conversation Seriously replied Amilcar I love you infinitely beyond what I did before for speaking as you do and the first time I shall commend you to any one when I have told that-any-one that she is handsome excellent good company hugely witty divertive and gallant and that she hath a thousand other admirable qualities I shall seriously add and what I am infinitely more taken with she is almost as unconstant as my self The whole company having laughed at the pleasant humour of Amilcar they separated Clelia went home Plotina went to Caesonia's whither she was conducted by Amilcar Meleagenes went to find out Themistus and Herminius to find out Brutus whose thoughts were still wholly taken up with the revenge of Lucretia and the liberty of Rome The end of the second Book of the third Part. CLELIA A Romane History The Third Part. BOOK III. HErminius being come to Brutus do you not admire says he at the strange humorsomeness of Fortune Tarquin that had been King of Rome for so many years meets not with any Romans that will be of his party and yet though he is unfortunate wicked an exile without wealth he elsewhere meets with refuge and assistance and hath got together an Army much more numerous than ours this considered what would you have me expect for the future All great enterprises replyed Herminius are ever difficult and if they were not they were less glorious It is indeed something strange replyes Brutus to see wicked designs sometimes so easily prosper and good ones to meet with so many hindrances However it be replyes Herminius it is better be unfortunate with good intentions than happy with ill ones Besides methinks I have often observed it happiness is divided as I may so say between the enterprise and him that undertakes it when it is just and heroick for though the Heroe be unfortunate as to his person yet his enterprise may nevertheless be happy On the contrary it is often seen that though such as are unjust are fortunate yet all the pains they have taken is lost as soon as they cease to be so that I conclude that though you should ever be unfortunate your design would be carried on after your death if Rome sâ—ould be so unhappy as to lose you It were too â—â—st and too great to hope for any other success â—f it we must hope that notwithstanding the â—â—â—ces of Tarquin we shall overcome him since â—hat upon such an occasion as this we must account one Roman as good as two Veientines or â—wo Tarquinians For there is a remarkable difference between those that fight for the preservation of their liberty and the defence of their City â—ives and Children and those who only assist a 〈◊〉 that is hated even by those who have the greatest esteem for whatever in him that is good and therefore I am incouraged into a confidence that Rome will never be reduced to slavery again Did I not hope it replyes Brutus all I should have to do were to dye but since to overcome there is a necessity of fighting and that to fight with good success a man must be assured of the Army he commands we must within three days have a Rendezvous in the field of Mars Valerius and I are already agreed upon it and I tell you so much to the end you may prepare your self for it But I beseech you my dear Herminius added he give me leave to beg this favor at your hands that you will promise me to fight as violently to revenge Lucretia as for the liberty of Rome when we shall come to the work for I am not confident of my own valor when I am to revenge that unfortunate fair one whose virtue was yet beyond her beauty though this were infinitely beyond that of all others I shall be glad to do what you would have me replyed Herminius since I had as much friendship for Lucretia as you had love for her As they were thus discoursing comes in Valerius who told them that news was brought him that the enemy would soon be upon their march so that making what hast they could the Muster was ordered to be the next day Orders were issued out that all the Centurions should have notice thereof and that both Officers and Souldiers should be ready And in effect the love of the Country uniting all both friends and enemies you might see Herminius Mutius and Spurius act with equal zeal as being embarked in the same interest as also Horatius and Octavius equally promoting the publick good I put Octavius in a manner into the same rank with the rest for though he was no more to be considered as Rival to Horatius yet had he still an aversion for him and not reflecting on his virtue he could not avoid hating him whenever he thought it was not impossible but he might Marry Clelia for Aronces he being one for whom he sometime
unfortunate On the contrary replies one of the Strangers we are Rivals we have been a long time enemies and nothing unites us but the equality of our misfortune and the desire of death If love said he to them furnished a man with no more pleasant desires then that I should never either desire or obtain any thing It is not love replyes another of the Strangers that makes us desire death but despair You may add some hatred to it says the third who had not yet spoken for I abhor my self so much because I cannot hate that which hath not loved me that I cannot endure my self For my part says Amilcar I am much more happy then you are for when one loves me I am extreamly pleased and when I am not loved I give over loving and laugh at the Woman that would not love me These Strangers perceiving the good humor Amilcar was in were troubled the more and envyed his disposition as a wretched minded man would the treasures of a rich man But Aemilius taking them to his house they left Amilcar who went to Themistus with whom he spent the rest of the day at Sulpicia's where they found Clelia Valerius Caesonia and Plotina In the mean time Valeria preferring the publick interest before the private what disturbance soever he conceived at Aemilius's return left not Brutus till he had done all those things which according to his place he ought to have done Besides knowing the prudence of Herminius that of Aemilius and their ancient Friendship he was in hope there would not any thing amiss happen till he had spoken to them On the other side Aemilius was in a strange distraction for having not spoken with any one since his coming to Rome because of the Review of the Army nor since his departure heard any news thence he knew not whether Herminius were Married to Valeria or not So that not able to continue in that cruel uncertainty he went abroad as soon as he had brought his three Friends to his House For having found there but one old slave that looked to it whom he could not ask any thing for that as soon as he had perceived him and opened him the Gate he went without saying ought to him to acquaint his friends with his return he was forced to go to one of his ancient friends to satisfie his curiosity But he had scarce gone twenty paces but he met Herminius he had no sooner eyed him but he felt an extraordinary emotion within him Herminius for his part was not very quiet within love it seems and friendship raising in their hearts an equal agitation They saluted one the other civilly enough besides that having not any thing to reproach one another withall they were persons of a greater command of themselves than to be carried away by the impetuosity of their sentiments in a procedure wherein love had not caused them to do any thing that might rationally injure their friendship But at last after salutations Aemilius looking attentively on Herminius I was going said he to him to inform my self of the condition of your fortune and my own but since I have met you it were better I asked your self whether you are happy and I miserable If you are still in love with Valeria replyes Herminius you are still unhappy for I do not doubt but she will be so constant as to preserve her first affection But if absence and reason have recovered you you are happy since it is certain she hath abundance of friendship for you and that I am still your friend Ah Herminius cries out Aemilius were you Married to Valeria I might haply still act as your friend but since you are not I must needs tell you that I am still your Rival and that neither time absence nor reason have cured me And yet when I came to Rome it was with intention if you were married to Valeria not to say any thing to her of my passion nor yet to your self but only to find out death in the defence of my Countrey but since it is not so and that Valerius hath kept his word with me you must needs do me that favor to promise me that you will entertain no thoughts of Marrying Valeria till the end of the War I know you have a greater interest in her than I have but when all 's done I may be able to love her without any injury to you it is impossible I should forbear loving her and I cannot forget that I had some place in her affections when you returned which if you had not I had been happy The War will haply take me out of your way added Aemilius deny me not what I desire and if you would convince me that you be my friend you will oblige Valeria to give me leave to wait on her To deal sincerely with you replyes Herminius I will tell you that Valerius hath no intention to marry his Daughter while the War lasts and since I am no Tyrant over my Mistriss she shall see you if she thinks fit But if you would take my advice you would not desire it for Valeria is still handsome still amiable still constant How ere she may be replyes Aemilius I once more desire what I did before And I make you the same answer I did before replyes Herminius so that it is of Valeria that you are to desire the liberty to see her and not of me Satisfie your self that I do not oppose it and assure your self that all a Lover can do I shall ever do for you as long as Valeria shall not love you but if she come to affect you to my prejudice no doubt but I shall do what ever an unfortunate Rival can do to Revenge himself It seems then replyed Aemilius according to your Maxims I am to look on you as mine enemy By no means replyed Herminius for I have done nothing against you Ah cruel friend replyes Aemilius why should honor and friendship oblige me to forbear hating you As they were at this pass Valerius passing by embraced Aemilius and carried these two Rivals to his house and there spoke to them with such prudence that he obliged them to continue friends while the War lasted And yet he advised Aemilius to give over all thoughts of Valeria and pressed it so much upon him that that unfortunate Lover desired no other comfort than a promise from Valerius that he might see Valeria whilst the War lasted assuring him that if he could not be happy when that were ended nothing should hinder him from dying an exile But for a final favor he would needs have Herminius tell him that in case he dyed he would give his consent that Valeria should marry him So that not able to deny an unfortunate friend a comfort that could do him no prejudice he promised him his intreaties to Valeria to that purpose Accordingly when she was returned from Sulpicia's and that Valerius had commanded her to entertain Aemilius as a person
Clarinta and Teramus sport enough when they came to Artelisa's for they were ever casting into her dish that she never durst say either yea or nay to any of her Lovers For if you answer any one affirmatively said they the rest will kill him and if negatively he to whom you shall say so will kill himself But not to insist on things of no consequence that you may the better apprehend what I have yet to tell you you are to know that there was a man at Eryx an antient enemy of the house of Melicrates and of Melicrates in particular with whom he could never be brought to any reconciliation for besides that he hated him he valued him not and would not admit any composure of the differences between them Melicrates in the mean time was so taken up with love that he in a manner minded not the aversion he had for his enemy though his friends often advised him to look to himself and not to be abroad in the night without company This hindred not but that it came into his mind to fasten on some opportunity to speak to Artelisa in the night since he could not do it in the day He knew her chamber lay even with the Garden that her Mother because of her indisposition lodg'd in another part of the house far enough off that the windows of that Chamber were low and that Artelisa went to bed very late He knew further that she loved to walk in the Moon-shine so that it being then a season that the Moon shone all night he corrupted a slave who promised to open him a door to the Garden that went out into a lone-street which he accordingly did But as it ordinarily happens that when a man hath some secret design he meets with an hundred rubs he never foresaw Melicrates was courted that day to spend the evening in divers places two of his friends came to desire his company at supper in so much that he had much ado to be rid of all those that came to see him He indeed dismissed them in such a way as gave those he denied occasion to imagine he had some secret design for though he denied them yet gave he not any handsome account why he did so Not but that he did all that lay in his power to conceal it but it seems a Lover is less master of himself than any one At last having sent all away even to his own slaves it was late e'r he came to that door of Artelisa's Garden which the slave he had corrupted opened to him which done getting behind a hedge-row he expected till the same slave should with a torch make him the sign they were agreed upon to let him know that all were retired but Artelisa and a maid that waited on her Accordingly Melicrates perceiving there was no light any where but in Artelisa's chamber prepared to go thither when he perceives that beauty coming out with a little white vail over her head and half undress'd who according to her custom desirous of the coolness of the night and to walk in the Moon-shine came towards the place where he was having with her a pretty little dog that she made extreamly much of So that this pretty creature skipping up and down among the flowers and borders and coming at last to the hedge behind which Melicrates lay hid stopped of a sudden as being frightned at the scent of some body there Nay he bark'd a little angrily looking back on his Mistriss then presently after knowing Melicrates who was wont to make much of him as one that loved any that Artelisa was taken with he violently jerâ—ed into the hedge-row with all that insinuation and fawning whereby a creature of that nature is wont to express his services to those he loves So that Artelisa who thought her self alone in the Garden was at first much surpriz'd yet imagined it might be a young slave of her Mother 's that was there She therefore went about the hedge-row on one side while Melicrates did the like on the other to come and meet her so that she was very much amazed to see him One while she would have turned away from him hastily another time she would cry out but Melicrates having stayed her and her own reason telling her that if she cryed out it might cause a great disturbance which might be ill-interpreted she thought it the best course to lay a strict command on Melicrates to go his ways for she had ever found him so obedient that she doubted not but that he would obey her She therefore stood still and the rather that knowing she might be heard from her chamber she thought she might call people at any time if need were It argues a strange confidence in you Melicrates said she to him to come at this hour into the Garden and your love cannot be great when you expose my reputation as you do For if you were seen either coming in or shall be seen going out will it not give people occasion to imagine it was by my appointment to some base end The street I came in at replyes Melicrates is so little frequented that I neither have been nor fear I shall be seen and the slave who hath opened me the door is the only person that knows any thing of my design not that I thence conceive my self absolutely innocent but Madam that my unhappiness is such that it is not strange I should do something against reason For because I have a Rival that would needs kill himself rather out of indignation than love I must never speak to you alone again and consequently must be eternally ignorant how I stand in your inclinations To be free with you Madam continued he I am not able to live at this rate and to prevent me from seeking out extraordinary ways to speak to you tell me something that is kind that may allay the tempest my soul is in I have only two words to say to you replyed she while you stay in the Garden and those two words are be gone Ah Madam replyed he those two words speak too much disdain not but that as I sometime told you in Merigenes's Arbor obedience is the greatest and truest mark of a real love and consequently that I will obey you but Madam before I do it give me leave to tell you that I love you far beyond any of my Rivals and intreat you to acknowledge though but by some sign that you believe it For since you have declared that the greatest affection should prevail with you I shall think my self happy enough if you do but believe mine to be greater than any other mans whatsoever Whereupon though Artelisa had told Melicrates that she had but two words to say to him yet did she speak a many to him yet such as he could not interpret much to his advantage for she was in so great a disturbance to see him there and so incens'd against him for his boldness that
she spoke very harshly to him though she had an infinite esteem for him Insomuch that it was to no purpose for him to fall to flatteries and intreaties but he must needs think of leaving the place You must needs acknowledge said she to him that you have done very indiscreetly not only in respect of me but your self for take it from me that if ever your boldness comes to be known I shall never look on you again and I shall treat you so that it shall take off all suspicion of your kind entertainment What troubles me yet farther added she is that the slave who hath let you in thinks haply that your coming hither is with my consent Melicrates gave her all the assurance he could that there was no such matter and would have said divers other things to her but she laid such an absolute command upon him to be gone that he left the place immediately Artelisa made fast the door after him and returned to her Chamber in a strange disturbance For Melicrates he was not seen by any and to prevent his own servants from seeing whence he came least they might imagine where he had been he went a great way about and came to a place where he saw a man very richly cloathed aid along on the ground as if he had been either dead or asleep He comes up to him and knowing him to be that enemy of his I told you of he sound him assassinated He was much surprised at the sight so that not desirous to be seen about the dead person he made what hast he could away but he had hardly gone twenty paces ere he meets with one of the principal Magistrates attended by a guard accompanyed by the friends of the dead party and conducted by one of his slaves who seeing Melicrates told the Magistrate that he being at enmity with his Master had undoubtedly caused him to be Murthered and was come to see whether he had been quite dead This the slave said as confidently as if he knew it to be true so that the friends of the murthered pressing him that was to do them justice to lay hold of Melicrates whose hatred towards the other was sufficiently known he did it though he could not imagine him guilty He asked him from whence he came but he not willing to tell him made answer somewhat angrely that a single person could not well be charged with an assassinate Ah my Lord says the dead persons slave speaking to the judge my Master was murthered by six men and had I had but any thing of arms about me I would have dyed in his defence But while I was gone for help they killed him and fled several ways Melicrates being a person of exemplary virtue people could not easily suspect him guilty but he still refusing to tell them whence he came there was no reason but that according as it was desired Melicrates should be secured To take therefore a moderate course in so unhappy an emergency he desired he might be put into the hands of a friend of his whom he named who should see him forth coming which was accordingly done In the mean time when the charge was drawn up against Melicrates the circumstances were very pregnant against him for it was known that he had refused to go to several places that night that he would neither entertain nor be entertained by some friends of his that he went out alone and that he had taken a sword with him that none of his people knew whether he was gone and that a woman out of a window had seen him looking on the dead party So that adding to this the inveterate hatred he had had for him and his obstinacy in refusing to tell where he had been from the time he had left his own house till that he had been met in it could not be expected that either his virtue or his reputation how great soever should exempt him from a suspicion of that murther They desired him only to name any one man that could say he had seen him any where but that he could not do for he had seen only Artelisa and the slave that had opened the Garden door to him So that choosing rather to be unjustly thought guilty of a crime than to expose the reputation of his Mistress he answered ambiguously and did himself more prejudice than all the other conjectures and circumstances could do Insomuch that the next day it was news in all companies that Melicrates had caused his enemy to be assassinated At first all the world were troubled to imagine it could be so but the circumstances being so pregnant and the conjectures so strong the best friends that Melicrates had were drawn into belief that hatred had had the upper hand of his virtue You may easily imagine how strangely Artelisa was surprised to hear that Melicrates was charged with having assassinated his enemy and that it was told her that the strongest conjecture they had of it was that he would not acknowledge where he had spent that evening This put her into an extraordinary disturbance for having an infinite esteem for Melicrates and knowing how great an affection he had for her she was extreamly afflicted to see him accused with so much injustice yet could she not on the other side avoid some fear that to clear himself he might discover the truth for it run into her imagination that if he should say he was alone with her in the Garden at the time the murther happened her reputation were lost it being unlikely the world should believe the thing precisely as it was especially the three Rivals of Melicrates who would give that adventure the most disadvantageous interpretation they could But while she was in this uncertainty Melicrates who stood committed to the custody of one of his friends till something more of the business might be discovered was not without disturbance For being so great a Lover of Glory as he was it was an extraordinary affliction to him to be charged with the doing of a criminal action What shall I do said he to himself as he hath acknowledged since shall I eternally lye under the suspition of having committed a crime that argues the greatest baseness that may be rather than discover a thing that is absolutely innocent for by acknowledging my self to be an inconsiderate person that had had the boldness to corrupt a slave of Artelisa's to open me her Garden door that so I might speak with her privately I shall say nothing against her But Alass added he can I imagine people will believe it to be as I say No no I must not flatter my self continued he and there is no mean between these two things I must expose either my Mistresses reputation or my own I must either be unjustly accused my self or prove a means that she may be Ah! the choice is soon decided I am resolved I had much rather be accused than be the occasion of her being so
love Artelisa best to know of Artelisa which she loves best for being all four very excellent persons and pretending an equal claim to her love I conceive that her inclination ought to be judge of this grand controversie You speak very well saies the Princess Clarinta and since Artelisa hath heard all that may fortifie or weaken her inclinations 't is only she that can decide this great business At this was that excellent Virgin extreamly troubled she reflected a little while on what she was to do she blush'd and discover'd in her countenance all the expressions of a violent disturbance then at last resolving of a sudden since I must clearly express my self said she and that I find more people of the side my heart is secretly inclin'd to than of any other I declare That I shall think my self eternally oblig'd to Caliantes that it is with abundance of regret I see Alcimedes unfortunate that I am troubled for poor Lisydas and that I make choice of Melicrates This sentence being pronounced the contestation vanished and all that was to be done was to engage the three unfortunate Lovers to observe their words that so no quarrel might happen between the happy and miserable The Princess Clarinta with her ordinary prudence went to acquaint the unfortunate with their misfortune and Melicrates with his happiness and this she did so ingeniously that the respect they bore her hindred them from breaking forth into violence before her Caliantes seemed to be extreamly afflicted yet was it a grief that discovered divers expressions of constancy Alcimedes betrayed more violence in his despair and Lisydas was so o'rewhelm'd by his that he had not the power to speak one word however they desired the favour to take their leave of Artelisa and to hear their sentence from her mouth but the Prince and Princess made them let fall that suit and obliging to leave Eryx Clarinta recommended them to Merigenes who the same day took them along with him to his Wilderness Now to shew that an equality of misfortune does sometimes unite the most implacable enemies These three Rivals hated one the other no longer and Caliantes who had been an antient friend of Melicrates's would not see him after he had been chosen by Artelisa I shall not make it my business to aggravate the affliction of these three Lovers to you and shall only tell you that had it not been for the advice of Merigenes and his illustrious friend whom I told you of before they had taken some more violent resolution than what they now have Nor shall I give you any account of the magnificences of Artelisa's Nuptials or the satisfaction of Melicrates for according to the humor I then was and still am of I sought out the miserable rather than the happy as such whose fortunes were more sutable to my own I therefore thought it fitter to embrace affliction with the unfortunate than to enjoy my self with the fortunate whence it came that these three Lovers were purposely recommended to me and Merigenes to have a more careful eye over them Now as things stood thus the greatest news that was in Sicily being of the great action Brutus had done Tarquin's being forc'd away Rome's liberty and the War then breaking forth I took a resolution to come and die for my Countrey and have prevail'd with these three illustrious but unfortunate persons to come and seek their recovery in serving Rome They made me answer that they would never seek after that which they knew they should never find but were content to come and meet with death in Brutus's Army and accordingly some few days after we left the solitary Merigenes in his pleasant Wilderness and took our way towards Rome whither we came in the manner you saw Aemilius concluding his relation left in the hearts of those that heard it a violent desire to comfort those three unfortunate Lovers whose valour had given them so much admiration and whose misfortune so much pitty Amilcar said that he would endeavour their recovery and that till then he had never met with any melancholly that was incurable The reason is replies Octavius that you have ever had friends of your own humour but for my part I am perswaded there are those afflictions that cannot be cured Horatius was of the same opinion as also Herminius and Aemilius yet all agreed that there was not any which might not admit some alleviation Hereupon it proving fair weather they went all together to Brutus's Tent to see if there were any Orders for them They found Valerius there and that it was to be debated how they should set upon the enemy according to the account Brutus gave of them who had taken a view of them for this generous Consul had put it out of all debate whether they should be assaulted or not But as his judgement commonly concluded all consultations whatever he propos'd was approved and he gave out all necessary Orders for the carrying on of the assault that had been agreed upon and that the Soldiery might be the better prepared three hours were assigned to rest and Brutus himself though with no hope to sleep yet cast himself on his Bed his imaginations being then wholly taken up with the liberty of Rome the revenge of Lucretia and an extraordinory desire to overcome At first these reflections permitted him not to close his eyes but at last a weak slumber laying all his senses asleep and chaining up his reason lest only his imagination at liberty He had hardly closed his eyes but represented it to him the admirable Lucretia but so beautiful and so amiable that he had never seen her so prepar'd to conquer hearts He thought he was going towards Lucretia who reaching forth her hand said these words to him You shall overcome Brutus you shall overcome Rome shall be free I shall be revenged and we shall be eternally together At which Brutus conceiv'd such an excessive joy that it awak'd him and cruelly dispers'd that pleasant Idaea which a favourable dream had made him see Then was he troubled his slumber had been so short yet was not sorry he had enjoy'd though but for one minute an object so delightful to him But though there were hardly a man in Rome that gave less credit than Brutus to good or ill presages yet could he not but entertain some hopes of some over-coming from what had happened to him Nay he gave no fatal interpretation to the last words of Lucretia so that not hoping to sleep any more he called up his people put on his Armor and issuing out all necessary Orders the Army went out of the Camp at the hour appointed for the assault But that you may the better comprehend how great an attempt this of Brutus was you are precisely to know what kind of post the enemy was in The Castle of Arsia was situated at the foot of those mountains of the Forrest whence it hath its name but extending themselves
and the love of Glory would needs have a part in all that related to that dangerous attempt comes up to see what had been the success of that first assault But he was much surprised to see that his people had not forced the Trench that Octavius and Mutius do what they could were not able to make them advance and that the meer respect they had for their leaders hindred them from running away Brutus much troubled at so unhappy a beginning took a sudden and gallant resolution yet was it a thing hard to comprehend how greater matters could be done by an equal number than the former forces had been able to do whereof there was not then any likelihood of making any advantage So that looking on them as a sort of people absolutely unserviceable it could not well be hop'd that they should force such as were stronger than themselves in number out of so advantageous a Post But on the other side Brutus saw that if he retreated he forsook the forces that had passed the fell'd Trees that he lost the glory of the day that he must expect the shame of haveing suffered half his forces to be destroyed without relief and that this first ill success might hinder the revenge of Lucretia and the liberty of Rome as such as should dishearten his own Legions and fill the Forces of Tarquin with hope and courage So that love hatred revenge and glory quickning his resolutions in so pressing an emergency after he had in an instant seen all I have told you and well considered the difficulty of the attempt and the shame of a retreat he resolved on a sudden to take the more glorious way imagining in that extremity that he could not overcome such great obstacles but meerly by the greatness of his own courage and that it concerned his valor rather than his prudence to rescue him out of so great danger This resolution fixed upon he alights and puts himself in the head of the foot he had left All the general Officers all the Soldiers of fortune I have named to you did the like whereupon the generous Lover of Lucretia marched with an heroick violence strait to the enemies Trench But he came up to it with such a noble confidence that it made an impression in the hearts of all those that followed him and the example of so prodigious a valor raised so much joy in the forces that observed it that the fear of death was to be found only among the enemies All the Soldiery put the Victory out of all dispute and they looked on those they were to fight with as people already overcome For as soon as they saw Brutus attended by his illustrious friends courageously passing through the fell'd Trees with his sword drawn the only strife was who should get through first All made such hast that it might be said that some great prize waited for them beyond the Trees and so running tumultuously upon the enemies Trench their disorder and confusion got them the Victory sooner than if they had fought discreetly The enemy made good their ground very gallantly but how could they long oppose the valor of a Brutus attended by so many gallant persons whom love jealousie and despair endued with new valor that made them invincible So that Tarquin's forces not able to withstand so sharp an encounter gave back and fought as people frightned and such as thought their safety consisted in their flight The night now coming on being favorable to them they endeavored to gain the Wood and secure themselves there but Brutus understanding that Sextus commanded on that side pursued them with all the violence he could and having killed a horseman of the enemies he took his horse and drove strait to the place where he thought to find Sextus who was endeavoring to rally his Infantry for things were in such a tumult that no order could be observed Brutus therefore coming up with his sword drawn towards him he thought Tarquin's eldest Son he at last perceived he was not mistaken So that fury seizing his thoughts and the Idaea of dying Lucretia filling his imagination he set upon him with incredible earnestness Ah Traytor cryed he to him thou must at last be punished for thy crimes and thy blood shall be the first spilt for the revenge of Lucretia Sextus discovering by these words that it was Brutus that spoke to him put himself in a posture of defence so that the engagement that happened between them proved the most obstinate that can be imagined Nay at the first neither of the parties were sensible of it for Brutus's friends in the heat of the fight knew not what was become of him and Sextus's party being defeated was run away and had left him to shift for himself So that he had no other assistance than that of his own valor to oppose that of Brutus animated by the most just and most violent hatred that ever was Whereupon Sextus notwithstanding his gallantry was wounded in three places without so much as touching his enemy Being in that condition and fearing nothing so much as to come alive into the hands of that generous Roman he did all that lay in his power to avoid it for passing by to get behind Brutus's Horse and Brutus endeavoring the same to him their swords crossed and that of Sextus broke Being so disarmed he put on his horse with all violence so to make his escape Brutus perceiving his design would needs follow him but being not so well horsed as Sexius he could not execute his resolution besides that the night being come and Sextus gotten into the Woods where he found a party of his own that stood having rallyed together to make the retreat with the less confusion Brutus was forced to be content with the sight of his enemies blood and to have forced him to fly whereupon he returned to that little Fort which he had so courageously taken in and into which he got with the first But being come thither he found himself in no less danger after he had overcome than he had been in before to do it for the enemy was still master of the Fort which was at the foot of the mountain all his infantry was broken what by the first assault which had proved ineffectual what by that wherein he had the advantage as having been undertaken upon the pursuit of the enemy so that if Tarquin had then fallen upon him with all his Forces the conquered might have beaten the conquerours This generous Roman having all his friends about him did all a great Captain could do for though the obscurity of the night and the horror that attends darkness made both parties equally afraid of surprises yet did he not neglect any thing that could be done To that end he commands he acts and with a diligence equal to his prudence and valor he gets his foot together makes his Horse repass the fell'd Trees fortifies the Fort he had taken and
lov'd but things being dispos'd otherwise by reason of Sextus's wound he was forced to come against that man who of all the world was the dearest to Hermilia excepting himself For Brutus his thoughts were so taken up with revenge of Lucretia and the liberty of Rome that he looked on whatever was in Tarquin's Army as what he was obliged to destroy Nor did he appear otherwise in the head of his men than one whose extraordinary forwardness seemed to presage a victory to those that looked on him The two Armies being thus in a posture of fighting and so near one the other that it was impossible but they must come to blows Brutus though the weather were very fair heard a thunder-clap on his left hand which was a happy presage to his Forces for according to the observations of the antient Thuscans Thunder coming on the left hand of an Army ready to fight was a sign of victory Brutus therefore making his advantage of so favourable a disposition as that he then perceived in his Forces gave order for the charge and marched on and all followed so that that great body consisting of so many different parties being animated by the same spirit came up without the least disorder within a Darts cast of the enemy Tarquin on the other side being in the head of his main battel advanced towards Brutus as Brutus did towards him The first cast of Darts happened at the same time so that meeting together and crossing they did less execution than if they had been cast successively But when that shower of Darts was over the fight began with the Cavalry the right wing which was Valerius's engag'd with that of Prince Titus and had at first very much the advantage and that of Brutus with the Prince of Pometia's But Brutus desirous to shew by his own example how he should slight death that would carry a victory advanced twenty paces before with his sword drawn seeming by a threatning action to challenge him that was in the head of the wing that was opposite to him though some have interpreted it otherwise The Prince of Pometia perceiving the eyes of two great Armies to be upon him turns to a friend of his that knew the affection he bore Hermilia and listing up his eyes to heaven May it please the gods said he to him that if I cannot overcome without killing Hermilia's Brother that I may not survive the victory Whereupon that generous Prince being obliged to do what in point of honour he could not avoid advanced before his forces as Brutus did before his So that they had the glory of exchanging the first blows of that bloody battel But alas those blows proved fatal to both since that by a strange destiny the wounds they gave one the other prov'd both mortal for at the same time that Brutus violently made towards the Prince of Pometia he came as eagerly towards him and meeting together with equal impetuosity Brutus as he run his sword through his enemy run himself upon his so that they were both seen to fall together whereupon follow'd a most cruel fight between the Tarquinians and the Romans But to shew how predominant the love of Lucretia and that of his Countrey was in Brutus's heart O ye just gods cry'd he falling as one that was near him hath related since I die satisfied so Rome be free and Lucretia revenged Herminius extreamly troubled at this accident caused the body of his illustrious friend to be brought off to see whether he were quite dead which perceiving he was the indignation he conceived thereat added very much to his ordinary valour and made him to do things worthy immortal glory Aemilius and Mutius did also all that persons of Worth and courage could do but the soldiery disheartened at the death of Brutus fought at first but very weakly insomuch that soon after being unwilling to be commanded by Octavius Mutius Herminius or any of the other Chiefs they began to give ground and to run away and that with such confusion one upon another that the stoutest were forced to go along with the disordered multitude who despairing of victory now that Brutus was dead would by no means fight it out It was therefore to no purpose that Caliantes and Alcimedes endeavoured by their example to rally them again for having no leader they would confide in they did only what their fear advised them to In the mean time though the enemy had lost a valiant Prince but not so considerable among the Tarquinians as Brutus was among the Romans yet not despairing of Victory they sought courageously besides that Tarquin heaving of the death of his Son came in person to the place so that the Roman Forces being frightned never was there a more horrid spectacle for the Tarquinians dispatched all before them notwithstanding the opposition of Brutus's illustrious friends So that though Valerius had had the advantage over the left wing of the enemy yet was the battel in a fair way to be lost as to the Romans when that Horseman that Brutus had seen on the Mountain on the left hand and who was come into the Plain came with his sword drawn among the Roman forces At first was it not known whether he were a friend or an enemy but it was soon discovered for having observed the terror the Romans were in and heard a confused report of Brutus's death whither run you friends says he to the frightned Souldiers whither run you you must be slaves if you turn not upon the enemy and you shall be free if you revenge Brutus's death follow me then and do but what I shall do before you Some that heard these words knowing that he that spoke them was Aronces whom they had seen do such great actions in the Court of Tarquin s Palace when he endeavoured the deliverance of Glelia made a halt and cried out Aronces Aronces Herminius who strived to rally the Soldiers that run away turning about at those out-cries perceived that it was indeed the valiant Aronces who was putting himself into a posture of fighting So that crving out with the rest Aronces Aronces the name passed from mouth to mouth among those scattered forces who thereupon looking on that Prince as an envoy from heaven rallied put themselves in order and began to fight with a strange earnestness Aronces in the first place killed Helius with whom he had fought before near Ardaea and who was one of the chief Commanders of the enemies Army What added to his ordinary valour was that he saw Octavius do things worthy eternal fame so that looking on him still as his Rival he endeavoured to exceed him as much in valour as he thought he did in love He therefore did things beyond description because they would seem incredible for he carried terror with him wherever he made them feel the weight of his Arm. What was yet further remarkable was that his presence might be said to have dissolv'd that enchantment
had not he inform'd me of the death of the generous Meriander the intelligence brought me of the voyage of the Prince of Messena would not have much troubled me But by what I understand said Plotina you and Merigenes have interchanged sighs for sighs for if he acquainted you with the death of Meriander you have informed him of that of Lisydas and Alcimedes In truth answered Themistus he much deplored their fates But I must tell you interpos'd Amilcar that sorrow of this nature is a thing very unprofitable at least to the persons lamented for to those that express it it is honorable making them esteemed compassionate and constant and gains them the reputation of bearing their friendship beyond the Urne But to speak unfeignedly there is nothing more rare than true grief I must confess added Plotina I am of Amilcar's opinion and believe that there are feigned tears tears of custom and tears of decorum For my part said Amilcar I remember I saw a very excellent person dye at Carthage who was not griev'd for by half those that lamented him But can one lament without grief said Valeria I could not do it for my part said Collatina I have seen it done more than once replied Amilcar and if you would observe the general practise of the world you would be of the same belief with me For when people behold the death of some one whom they conceive themselves oblig'd to sorrow for they bewail him and extoll him and make shew of going to condole with and comfort his Relations but in the mean while if during the visit some one in the company relate some pleasant story it is listned to paraphras'd on and laught at after which the mourners walk abroad make visits and are altogether after their ordinary manner till beholding the particular friends or kindred of the deceased their tears are renewed and their sighs and melancholly acted over again And because when this is past he is never spoken nor thought of more I cannot but believe that they which do things that have so little affinity with grief can have no true grief at all For to return to that person of great worth whom I beheld die at Carthage and who was so much regretted I assure you I saw Women who were scarce known to him in his life out of vanity and to make it believ'd he was their great friend that habited themselves carelesly for two or three daies and went from house to house asking if they did lament him speaking of him with a certain familiarity full of tenderness sufficient to deceive such as had not the spirit of discernment which is so necessary to live well in the world And which was rare these fair Mourners the same day they spoke thus pitiously went at evening to hear Musick and to make Collations and Revels They pretended indeed that they went thither only to divert their mind from their sorrow for truly said they with a languishing voice should not we see some body and constrain our selves we should die of grief And will not you now consent with me that griefs are sometimes very suspitious and seldom true and that to speak things as they are there is as little true Grief as there is true friendship The measure of the one answer'd Herminius is without doubt the measure of the other for only their loss is much resented who were much belov'd but above all there is nothing more excellent than to preseve the memory of ones friends I intend not to speak of those mournings which do nothing but pour forth streams of tears which are rather an effect of the weakness of their reason that shed them than of the excess of their regret But I mean them that retain a long and prudent sorrow who during their whole life do all they are able to do for their dead friends in the condition they are in that is by speaking alwaies of them with esteem defending their past actions with zeal serving them whom they would have serv'd had they liv'd loving those whom they lov'd and never forgetting them That which you say replied Plotina is without doubt very excellent but if there are few people that can deplore their friends in this manner there are few friends that deserve to be lamented so All the company assenting to the opinion of Plotina she took leave of them because it was now very late The next day Valerius in order to executing the design he had to intimate to the people that he did not misdoubt the success of the War after he came out of the Senate went to see his workmen which he employ'd in finishing his house on the Mount Velia where he dwelt already for there was more than half of it compleated And to execute his purpose he added half as many more to the workmen that had hitherto laboured in his structure So that there was seen nothing but burthened slaves along the way leading to it going and coming continually to carry things necessary to the builders Valerius also judg'd it not fit in the conjuncture of affairs to motion so soon the election of a new Consul in the place of the illustrious Brutus for fear lest giving an occasion of a contest in the Senate there might be some commotion which might be attended with dangerous consequences when it should come to be known that Porsenna protected Tarquin He advised with the most prudent of those that understood affairs and did nothing but what they counselled him to But as the rules of prudence can never be infallible when the deliberation is concerning what the people will or will not do the wisdom and virtue of Valerius were not powerful enough to hinder but that what he did with the best and most innocent intention in the world was interpreted to his disadvantage Within five or six daies after the arrival of Zenocrates the news of the return of Aronces to Clusium and the alliance of Tarquin with the King of Etruria was known by all the people who instead of taking heart from the tranquillity that appear'd in the mind of Valerius and the several Orders he had given that the forces should be in an expedite condition began to repine very loudly 'T is true some of Tarquin's creatures served secretly to irritate the minds of the multitude Some said 't was easie to observe that Valerius minded himself more than the publick good in that he built so magnificent a House in a time wherein the new-born Republick stood in need that all the Romans should contribute a part of their Estates towards sustaining the charge of the War Others That it appear'd enough that he hated the King more than Royalty since it appear'd he had a design of reigning like a Sovereign in that he spoke nothing of making an election of another Consul and that he caused more than ordinary diligence and haste to be used about a house which might become an impregnable Citadel when he would fortifie it
composition Moreover Elismonda is merry when she is in company that pleases her yet 't is always a modest mirth and never ascends to those excessive wantonnesses which are discordant to seemliness On the other side when she thinks fit she puts on a more serious deportment though without disgust to any Nor is she like those fair ones who ever resort to all great feasts for she loves not a croud and very selfom goes to a Ball notwithstanding she dances with an excellent grace As little is she of the humor of those who would think their beauty undervalued if it do not every year procure them great number of Collations Treatments and Seâ—enades For Elismonda is contented to conquer hearts without desiring such testimonies of affection and excepting some praises in Verse which she sometimes suffers to be given her she can never resolve to receive any thing either from her Lovers or Friends of either sex But Elismonda's heart being great and noble she loves naturally to give and to make handsome Treatments at home not to seek them from others She has moreover a quality very rare in a person fair and young not to speak ill of any person living in the least picquant and dangerous railleries are displeasing to her and 't is against her desire if any person whatsoever be injur'd 'T is not to be doubted but that Elismonda loves praises and though she declare she will never love any besides the Prince of Elis who alone has been able to make impressions on her heart yet she takes it not ill that she is esteemed admired and adored and if any thing of cruelty harbors in her soul t is in having a general design to please without caring to make some persons miserable whom she never intends to render happy Not but that she has reason to persist faithful to the Prince of Elis for certainly never man was owner of more generosity and goodness than he nor in whom all the qualities of a true person of honor may be more essentially found He is well made of his person has a losty aspect a noble heart a just mind a gentle nature a tender soul he is an ardent friend and a more ardent lover he is liberal real wise and moderate loves reasonable delights and justice above all things So that to speak according to justice Elismonda has reason to make all her Lovers unhappy though they may be pardoned for repining a little against her charms and beauty when they suffer the tyranny of it It 's always just for one that suffers to complain answered Amilcar True said Plotina for I should complain of my self had I occasioned my own mischief and we also see Men complain more or less according to the different degrees of affection they have for those who cause them to suffer But to return to Elismonda if I were assured her vows were heard I would forth with prepare my self for a journey to Eryx Then you are afraid of being in love said Herminius smiling Indeed replyed she I am unwilling to entertain that passion and for the present I find it trouble enough to be continually repressing the esteem which we have of honorable persons it being hourly necessary for our minds to be sentinels to our hearts to observe carefully that Love enter not thereinto under the disguise of tender friendship One thing said Cesonia I am very confident of that some persons known to me are in Love and never think they are so A mistake of this kind may sometimes fall out answered Amilcar but 't is not possible to be always deceived so For my part interpos'd Themistus I know other people very opposite to those you speak of for they believe themselves in love when they are only possessed with a kind of wanton folly which scarce resembles love at all Whilst Themistus was speaking thus Zenocrates arrived who being first made to understand the person of Merigenes informed this noble company that there was brought to Valerius a man of Veii who had been taken and was found encharged with several important Letters Was he coming to Rome said Cesonia Zenocrates made some difficulty to answer but Themistus judging it was because of the presence of Merigenes engaged for his fidelity so that resuming his discourse he was coming to Rome said he without question his business being to speak with Clelius from a Veientine called Mamilius his antient friend they say to whom Horatius is slave though they of Veii know not his quality You will find said Herminius that 't was to that very Veientine Clelius sent secretly to endeavor the delivery of Horatius 'T is the very same replyed Zenocrates and Clelius does his utmost to hinder the Consuls from using him that is taken severely But what was his message to Clelius demanded Herminius He came to tell him answered Zenocrates that Mamilius assured him that though he were of a side enemy to his he should persevere his friend and ever express testimonies of amity to him as far as the interest of his party would permit If this man be only charged with such Commissions replyed Herminius there is no cause to treat him hardly Were there no more but this answered Zenocrates he would be out of danger but Letters have been found about him from the Prince Titus to Collatina and Hermilia which 't is true speak nothing concerning affairs of State but there is one from Tarquin to the chief Pontiff in which that Prince exaggerating the excessive expence he made to testify his zeal towards the gods when he caused the Temple of Jupiter to be built seems desirous to engage him to recompence him for it by embracing his interests and cunningly insinuating into the minds of his people that 't is fit he were recalled But amongst all those several Letters the man had some others which intimate that having ended his negotiating at Rome he had order to go into Greece to the Princess of Elis for there is one from the Veientine we spoke of to the Prince of that Country And that which is sufficiently strange this Veientine speaks to him with very much authority and almost commands him to go in person to Delphos to consult the oracle concerning the success of the War which the Veientines have determined to make against Rome For whereas Tarquin heretofore sent the Princess his sons thither when Brutus accompanyed them the Veientines observing lately how true the Oracle they received has been found by Brutus's becomeing master of Rome they would know what the event of their design would prove And accordingly Mamilius writes as I told you to the Prince of Elis to oblige him to consult that Oracle engaging himself to make a considerable offering to the Temple of Delphos in the name of his Republick There are also in the same Letter many other things which cannot be understood But is this Prince of Elis said Plotina turning towards Merigenes nothing to the Princess Elismonda whose Picture you
of her since he had seen her For after that first visit he return'd thither very frequently and sent every day the Princess was permitted to walk in the Park of the Castle all her Women were suffer'd to attend on her and she was serv'd with the same magnificence as if she had been absolute Mistriss of her own Principality But withal at the same time her guards were redoubled which being known to the Prince of Cyparissa put him into a strange despair in seeing those Pictures of Elismonda which he believ'd might occasion a commotion in Elis and in the Army produce no other effect than raising a curiosity in Melanthus of seeing the Princess and giving him occasion to become enamour'd on her But that which compleated his despair was that the proposition made by Melanthus was wonderfully well received both at Pisa and at Olympia that she understood it was very well lik'd of at Elis and himself perceiv'd the Officers of his Army did not disapprove it and his Soldiers who serv'd in a war that could not enrich them since it was only to defend their own Countrey declar'd openly that if he were generous he would not oppose the peace A further affliction to the Prince of Cyparissa was a belief that Elismonda consented to the proposition made by Melanthus and being weary of her prison would have no great repugnancy to marry an enemy that would give her liberty Alas said he to one of his friends who was also one of mine and named Artimedes How unhappy am I in having been so discreet for Elismonda was never inform'd by my own mouth of the violent Love I have for her and though I am confident she cannot be ignorant of it yet she may make semblance that I am her Servant only because I would preserve the same Sanctuary for my self which the Prince her Father afforded me Perhaps she thinks I fight rather by reason of the hatred I bear against Melanthus than for the Love I have for her But it is too true I have no consideration but Elismonda and without her I have no interest in any thing Yet it shall never be said that I will not do my utmost not to become miserable to hinder mine enemy from becoming happy and to effect also that that fair Princess commit not an action unworthy of her self Hereupon the Prince of Cyparissa having consulted with Artimedes what was requisite to be done assembled all the Officers of his Army and spake to them with so much eloquence and courage that he brought over a great part of them to be of his own sentiments He laid before them the importance of the matter the tender years of Elismonda and the shame there would be in gratifying him that made an unjust War For what more could be done said he in favour of a Prince that had hazarded his life a thousand times in opposing the enemies of this State and gain'd many victories than to give him the State that he had defended and the Princess to whom it of right belongs Think not but the gods will punish you severely if you abandon the defence of a Countrey consecrated unto them in so particular a manner Withstand therefore such a dangerous design courageously and know that if the Prince of Messena believ'd he could take Pisa and Olympia very easily he would never propound peace to you 'T is true added he he offers it on such shameful conditions that he seems desirous to be refus'd and this proposition is only an Artifice to deceive the less intelligent people who perhaps will presently murmure because the peace is refus'd But in brief important deliberations are not to be grounded on the murmurings of the people for most usually a little constancy appeases them and a little insinuation makes them change their opinions In fine added he The honor of the gods that of your Princess and your own glory is concerned in the matter Therefore consider well upon it and believe not that I wil ever forsake you as long as I see in you a purpose of making a generous resistance But withal think not that I will ever sign a Peace which cannot be accepted but with shame For indeed I will rather choose to become a vagabond and fugitive from City to City to the end of the world than to commit any thing unworthy of my self This Oration made a great part of the Prince of Cyparissa's Officers who were present at it become of his judgement but the rest opposed it and declar'd that peace was a Good which could not be bought at too high a rate that the Prince of Messena was generous and fortunate and they should be at last constrain'd to do that by force which they might now by Treaty before the Countrey were totally destroy'd Thus every one continuing in his sentiments the Prince of Cyparissa thought he had done very much in having brought over part of them to his side After which he went to Pisa and Olympia to endeavour the same thing But as 't is more difficult to induce the inhabitants of a great City to refuse peace then Soldiers it was not possible for him to effect his desires The people were ready to make an insurrection in Pisa and as he was going out of the City news was brought him that half the Officers which he had won to his mind were fallen off from him since his departure It remained therefore only to seek how handsomely to gain time in order to which being very prudent he told them which had the greatest power both in Pisa and Olympia that to testifie to them how much he attributed to their judgements he consented that the proposition of Melanthus should not absolutely be rejected but rather to act with prudence it were fit to demand a Truce for six months during which time liberty might be had to speak with the Princess Elismonda to the end her pleasure might be known That which oblig'd the Prince of Cyparissa to demand his Truce was that in the compass of these six months the time of the Olympyck Games would be come when the Prince hop'd that in that great Assembly which was to be at Olympus from all parts of Greece he might engage the neighboring States in a League offensive and desensive against the Usurper of Elis. But at last there being much reason in what he requir'd and the Truce seeming a good step to the Peace he brought Pisa and Olympia and his Army to approve that which he propounded But that which was rare was that Melanthus perceiving he could not obtain what he demanded was not sorry that a Truce was insisted on because he very much fear'd lest if the War should continue till the time in which the Olympick Games were to be celebrated and they could not by reason of it be celebrated this great change might awaken the adjoyning States and oblige them to ingage in a War whose success might be not fortunate unto him if others should
not much care if he did But truly if I knew who he were it would be another case and I should keep my self to the four Verses which I retorted but now almost without thinking what I was saying Hortensius fearing to speak more of the matter than she was willing handsomly chang'd the discourse and demanded of the Princess why she hated a Prince so resolvedly who had ceas'd being her enemy and was become her Lover who treated her so respectfully and with whom also she liv'd in terms of great civility As for the civility I have for him answer'd she he owes it to my prudence to the counsel of Cleontine and to yours but for my hatred it proceeds from his injustice For if he repent of what he has done why does he not return into Messena why does he not restore me to my liberty and put Elis into my power and leave me in peace But Madam reply'd Hortensius who in the bottom of his heart gave her thanks for this her rigor if you speak at this rate while you are in the power of the Prince of Messena how would you speak if you were free And you seem not to consider that the interest of his Love is a more powerful inducement to make War upon you retain his conquests and keep you under guard than his ambition it self Ah Hortensius said Elismonda without answering to what he had spoken as often as I think how insensibly you have engag'd me to bear a friendship towards you and consider that at the end of the truce you will become my enemy and draw your sword against those that defend my interest I am even ready to die under the necessary desire of hating you as well as Melanthus But Madam answer'd Hortensius I shall never be your enemy 'T is Fortune apparently that hath cast me into the interests contrary to yours but nevertheless I shall not forbear to assure you that I make a vow to honor you all my life and to respect you in a manner so full of zeal that even when I shall be in the Army of your enemies I shall have more thoughts of veneration for you than all your Subjects and Friends too can ever be capable of Hortensius spoke these words with so passionate an air without designing to do so that Elismonda blusht at them and Cleontine who had all this while been silent seeing the Princess a little perplex'd what to answer interpos'd and without dissembling Madam said he you may be said to be happy in your enemies for Melanthus treats you as if you were not such and Hortensius expresses as much dearness to you as if he had been born your Subject and always your Friend Horten was going to answer Cleontine when Andronice accompanied with the fair Chrysilia the lovely Claricia Eumenes and my self enter'd into the Princess of Elis's chamber and interrupted that conversation to begin another more general yet very agreeable for you must know there had been born a contest between the Princess Andronice Chrysilia Claricia and me which could not be determin'd So that it was agreed to refer the same to the judgement of the Princess of Elis Cleontine and Hortensius who we knew were with her Andronice was no sooner in the chamber of the fair Elismonda but she told her there was a great dispute between Claricia and me I conceive answer'd the Princess those two persons minds are sufficiently concordant but because I cannot doubt of what you say be pleas'd to tell me the subject of their contestation Though the Princess of Messena said Claricia be an impartial person and speaks very equitably without prejudice against me yet I should be desirous to tell you the cause of their dispute my self For indeed proceeded she saying she may perhaps make some small distinction between a very accomplisht man and one of the contrary Sex not wholly uningenious which would not be to my advantage It would be requisite to have more merit than I dare own answer'd I to induce the Princess of Messena to do you an injustice However it be said Andronice I am wlling that Claricia tell the Princess Elismonda the subject of her dispute Be pleas'd then to know Madam said Claricia pleasantly that the Olympick Games being now as universal a matter of discourse as great cold in winter or great heat in summer I began to speak concerning them as others do for since 't is the custom it ought to be follow'd But for that I conceiv'd a little pleasantness alwaies enlivens conversation I said upon occasion of the Olympick Games that not doubting but there were very many Lovers amongst those who aspire to win the prize I pitty them for the inquietude they would be possess'd with by their anxious incertainty of victory This leading me to speak concerning hope and fear it was contented that of these two passions hope afforded more joy than fear does sadness Upon which the difference was examin'd between a hope proceeding from Ambition and a hope proceeding from Love to know which was the most sweet and pleasing But after some debate it was concluded that these two sorts of hope were more or less sweet according to the inclination of the persons possess'd by them and that an ambitious man was more delighted with the hope of making a great Fortune than with that of being lov'd by his Mistriss but that one without ambition and very amorous was more pleas'd with hoping to be lov'd than with hoping to be rich It was also agreed that a Lover without ambition who hopes to be lov'd again resents a sweeter delectation and an ambitious person without Love a pleasure more unquiet and less charming But passing easily from one thing to another we came at length to enquire which gives the greatest pleasure either the remembrance of favours past or the hope of favours to come and this was the point upon which Merigenes and I could not agree For I confess the remembrance of any thing that has been offensive is troublesome to me and that of a past delight gives me nothing but regret because I no longer taste the pleasure of it As for hope it flatters and charms me and to such as know how to use it aright it gives a satisfaction in hoping pleasures which never come to effect judge therefore what a lover must do in comparison with me who have no other object of my hope but some delightful entertainment of walking a conversation that pleases me Musick a Collation or some other like divertisement For my part said the Princess Elismonda I declare my self for Hope You give your judgement too soon for an equitable person answer'd I for you have not yet heard my reasons If after I have heard them reply'd Elismonda you make me change my opinion you will have the greater glory therefore I desire you to declare all you have to say in defence of your sentiment and I also request the whole company to pronounce their judgements upon
Aronces and believe you can do nothing more disobliging to me than to speak as you did but now I desire your pardon for it said she to him but since you will have me tell you what I think first tell me how you came hither for I believ'd you full a prisoner Aronces then obeying Clelia told her in few words all that had befallen him since he last saw her tho she knew a good part of it before He told her likewise of the visit he had receiv'd from the Queen his Mother and the Princess of the Leontines and of the proposition the Queen had made him to feign himself amorous of that Princess that he might know whether Clelia who had a scrupulous mind would not take it ill that he consented to it tho it was onely to hinder the King of Ceres's Daughter from being propounded to him in marriage He added that seeing himself in so unhappy a condition without being able to resolve what he should do he excited so much pity in him that guarded him in the Castle whereinto he was put that tho he hazarded very much to satisfie him he let him go forth one night upon his word with an oath to return the third day at the same hour But how will your guards said Clelia not perceive that you are not in the Castle By pretending that I am sick answer'd he and that I am not willing to admit any person to see me And the better to colour the pretence there is a Slave lies in my bed and another who is privy to the business makes shew of waiting upon me according to his ordinary custome and besides he that commands those that guard me is so much at the devotion of the Queen my Mother who he knows embraces all my interests that he hazards himself less in obliging me But in brief generous Clelia the main importance is to consider what I may and what I ought to do If I side with Rome I am an unnatural Son I ruin my self in the opinions of all persons of honour and consequently in that of Clelius I serve my Rival I defend his life and fight for his party but yet I am near you I see you daily and dispute the possession of your heart against the merits of my enemies On the other side if I serve the King my Father I do that which vertue and honour obliges me to and I see my self with my sword in hand against Horatius but withal I serve Tarquin and Sextus whom I hate in perfection I am an enemy to Clelius and Octavius my dearest Friends Vertue Rome and to all that is dearest to me and which is most cruel I am absent from you I abandon you in a manner to my Rival and I have onely your constancy to put an obstacle to his happiness Thus on which side soever I consider my condition I am alwayes the most miserable of men There might be a third course propounded to me but as for that Madam I confess to you I cannot embrace it and that it is not possible for me to resolve to continue in prison without taking one side and poorly to expect the end of the War inclos'd within four walls without doing any thing but against my self and you whilst Horatius is covering himself with glory and forcing Clelia to recompence his services This being so there are but two things to be examin'd speak therefore Madam and pronounce absolutely what my destiny must be If I were happy enough to see the King my Father as equitable in his sentiments for you as the Queen my Mother I should have other matters to propound to you but altho a King's Son I have no assured retreat to offer you any where tho I where able to perswade you to follow my Fortune And moreover you have so often told me you can never render me happy if Clelius consent not to it that your vertue supports mine in this occasion But after all added he transported with the excess of his Love Why do not we couragiously abandon our selves and the interests of Rome and go to another end of the World to seek a Sanctuary where we may live together Our vertue would find us Protectors every where and if your sentiments were like mine we would be unhappy in no place provided our Fortune were inseparable I beseech you answer'd Clelia discreetly let us not amuse our selves to speak of a matter whereof we ought not to think and which we shall never do Consider then the two proposals I have made you reply'd he and then tell the unhappy Aronces what you please shall become of him You know so well answer'd Clelia that I will never counsel you to do any thing you may be reproacht for and which may be prejudicial to you that you might spare me the grief of telling you my self that you ought to follow that which reason directs you to what that is would be something difficult for me to tell you and all that I can do is to conjure you that when you are in the War you will remember my Father and my Brother may possibly be amongst the enemies you fight against that you may avoid meeting them with your sword in your hand for if by ill Fate you should wound either of them two you know I eannot without a crime retain any kindness longer for you Think upon this my dear Aronces and be generous enough to serve the cruel Tarquin and unjust Sextus with regret but above all things added she blushing when you feign love to the Princess of Leontines who I am told is very aimable defend your heart against her charms and remember whilst you are with her there is an unfortunate person at Rome who will treat Horatius ill for your sake and who is like to be ill treated her self because she will persist faithful to you Ah! Madam cry'd Aronces can you think me capable of such a weakness as this No answer'd Clelia but I can fear it tho I cannot believe it That distinction is very nice reply'd he for people use not to fear except that which they can believe and no person ever much apprehended impossible things Do not fear therefore Madam that I can ever cease to love you for you shall be alwayes my first and last Mistress and there is onely glory alone that has any share of my heart with you tho I am perswaded I should love it much less than I do If I lov'd not you Live then with satisfaction in this respect and suffer me to fear with more reason that whilst I shall act by constraint as an enemy of Rome the love of your Countrey may destroy a love so just and innocent as mine in your heart and that whilst I am fighting against Horatius as a redoubtable Rival he do not get the advantage of me in your affection He will see you every day you will hear nothing but vowes made against me all will be dissembled that
makes for my advantage and you will hear no good spoken of the unhappy Aronces but what you shall speak to your self in seeret On the contrary all the actions of the Romans shall be imbellish'd and extoll'd and especially those of my Rival so that by degrees it may come to pass that you may change your sentiments and I shall be left to die with despair No no my dear Aronces answered Clelia do not fear I will be ever guilty of any inconstancy towards you or at least do not fear I can ever be capable of loving after I have lov'd you But that which afflicts me is that I cannot make vows for your party but shall be enforc'd to make such as are contrary to it and I doubt also whether strict vertue will permit me to make any for you in particular However I am resolv'd I will added she without giving him leasure to interrupt her and at the same time that I pray to the Gods Rome may gain the victory I will beseech them to preserve you and hinder you from hurting all the persons which ought to be dear to me and thus accommodating my innocence and my affection the best I can I shall no doubt lead the unhappiest life in the World But there is remedy for as I should not forsake the interest of my Father for your sake so I will not oblige you to abandon those of yours for mine Besides as I told you it would be no advantage to you with Clelius Go then my dear Aronces let us at least have nothing to reproach our selves for perhaps our Patience will weary our bad Fortune and oblige the Gods to render us happy For when I reflect that it is possible for you to be discover'd and that if the Consul Horatius knew you were here you would be arrested the next moment my mind is extreamly inquieted The King of Hetruria would think that you caus'd your self to be arrested my Father perhaps would accuse me of having consented to to it and indeed you would not be very happy to be a prisoner in a place where I should no more see you than if you were in the enemies Camp where you would be prejudiced in all respects where you would perhaps at last depend on your enemies and whence you would not be releas'd till the end of the War Therefore 't is better for you to be in a place where you may serve my Father my Brother and your Friends if they happen to become Prisoners to your side and from whence perhaps I may also somtimes receive tidings from you You have then absolutely dotermin'd what my destiny must be reply'd Aronces I have not answered Clelia but being I can never desire any thing that is unjust I submit my will to reason and content my self to beseech you to love me for ever and to believe that I shall be so faithful to you that in case you should prove inconstant I should never love any person after Be confident Madam reply'd Aronces you shall never have occasion to testifie that kind of fidelity but if you do not promise me added he to be as fully assur'd of my constancy as I will be of yours I think I shall not be able to return but without considering the particulars of my destiny I will go find out Clelius And withal added he I will undeceive him of the opinion he has of my wounding Octavius It shall suffice answer'd Clelia that the Prince Artemidorus will take care to justifie you without your intermedling in it your self In the mean time added she I think it fit to confide in Herminius whose probity can never be suspected by those to whom he is known 'T is my intention reply'd Aronces but before I see him permit me Madam to bid you adieu here apart since my hard Fate will not suffer me to continue with you for the sentiments of an amorous heart ought not to be divided Tell me then Madam that you will love me that you will pity me and that as soon as you can I shall be happy and to assure you yet more of my fidelity and take away all cause of doubting of it know that as often as you please I will come and give you an account of my actions though I be put to enter Rome without a disguise that as often as you please you shall make my arms fall out of my hands and in a word that you shall be always absolute Mistress of my destiny But permit me also to hope that I shall have a share in all your thoughts and that you can never be happy till you have render'd me so I promise you answer'd this fair person but alas added she sighing I fear we shall be alwayes miserable at least I know I am not able to foresee by what means we shall ever become otherwise Tarquin may die reply'd Aronces the interests of the King my Father may change I may perhaps bend his mind peace may be concluded Clelius may cease to be unjust and Horatius may be constrain'd to relinquish that which does not belong to him therefore it is to he hop'd that at length by wayes which are unknown to us Heaven will render us happy 'T is requisite indeed said Clelia to take up a hope to our selves tho upon ill grounds to avoid despair but to speak sincerely Fear is the Mistress in my heart Yet I will hide part of it continu'd she and content my self to conjure you to preserve your self for my sake And now suffer me to call Valeria Artimedorus and Herminius that you may depart for tho the sight of you causes all the sweetness of my life yet I shall have no quiet till I know you are return'd into your prison where at least your life is in safety Alas I beseech you Madam answer'd Aronces that I may speak onely three or four words more to you Speak them reply'd she but speedily for when once one has but three or four words to speak 't is almost as good to be silent Alas Madam cry'd he you know not what Love is if you account three or four words nothing since 't is true one favourable word affords a thousand and a thousand pleasures to remember it Therefore give me some to keep in my memory and to comfort me during an absence whose continuance is uncertain Tell me then too discreet person as you are whether you love me Alas answer'd Clelia can you doubt of what I think and can it be necessary to tell you that which has been prov'd to you by a thousand testimonies of dearness If it be not absolutely necessary reply'd he looking upon her with much love yet it is perfectly delightful tell me then positively that you love me and that you will love me eternally to the end I may have something to supply me with comfort in my greatest misfortunes I tell you all that can comfort you answered Clelia but after this ask no more of me for
I have nothing but tears to give you Clelia had no sooner ended these words but she made a sign to Valeria that she should oblige Artemidorus and Herminius to approach towards them and accordingly having fastned the door of this little Garden they drew altogether Then Aronces made a thousand caresses to Herminius for as for Artemidorus he had seen him the evening before having first discover'd and intrusted himself to him Yet the discourse of these persons was not long because Clelia was in such fear least Aronces should be discover'd that she was not satisfi'd till he was withdrawn into the Gardener's house where he had passed the preceding night Nevertheless Aronces first told Artemidorus and Herminius the reasons which oblig'd him to serve the King his Father against Rome he intreated them to disabuse Clelius of that opinion that it was he that had wounded Octavius he conjur'd them to serve him with their mediation to him to speak alwayes in his favour to Clelia and to pity him for being of a side on which his heart was not and not to love him less for it It is so ordinary answer'd Herminius to see brave persons ingag'd to make war for unjust causes that there is no intelligent person but instead of blaming will admire that which you do and I am confident Clelius will esteem you more for continuing fixt to the interest of the King your Father than it the love you bear to Clelia oblig'd you to come and side with Rome For after you alone have caus'd us to gain the Battle which put us in power to defend our selves it is easie to know that if honour permitted you you would do that again for Rome which you have done against its enemies Be therefore assur'd that for my part I shall promote your interests vigorously and that it shall be no fault of mine if justice be not rendred to your Vertue After this these two illustrious Friends parted but Artemidorus continu'd with Aronces till the beginning of night when he was to go away Yet this generous Lover took his leave a second time of Clelia with more dearness and tenderness than before Herminius would willingly have staid with Aronces as well as Artemidorus but it was fear'd that might cause it to be suspected that there was some person hidden in the Garden wherefore he went away with Clelia and Valeria to rejoyn with Cesonia and Plotinae whom they beheld going out at the end of a walk with an old man whom they did not know who likewise took leave of them in that place and went into the little Garden where Aronces and Artemidorus were Well said Herminius to Cesonia and Plotina may I know your secret as well as I do that of Clelia and Valeria's No question but you shall know it answer'd Plotina for I have so great need of the generous Sevelia that without her I should scarce know what to do with the secret which has been reveal'd to me In the mean time added she since there is no person here in whom I may confide I shall not scruple to say that this secret is so important to me that it has inform'd me I am not what I alwayes took my self to be for I believ'd I was born at Ardea and I was not I thought I was the Daughter of a man who was only Friend to my late Mother and I am quite another Person than what I imagin'd Clelia hearing Plotina speak thus could not contain notwithstanding the other imployment of of her thoughts from asking her who she was Alas my dear Clelia answer'd she perhaps you will know but too soon however I would tell you at this instant but having been made to promise not to speak of it yet I must be contented to tell you that I am that which I should never have believ'd I could be and I conjure you to promise me that when you know who I am you will not love me for it less I assure you reply'd Clelia that the friendship I have for you being founded upon your merit tho your birth should be less noble than I have believ'd it I would not change the sentiment I have for you That which you say is very generous said Cesonia but 't is not for that consideration Plotina fears you would love her less for her birth is nobler than she believ'd but however I am confident she will not tell it you presently for he that can unfold this riddle is oblig'd to return this night to a prison whence he came forth to expect till a great Princess deliver him from it and after that he will come back to Rome to inform you really who Plotina is Nevertheless added Cesonia speaking to Clelia continue to love her dearly for tho she sayes she fears you should love her less yet I must assure you that on the contrary you will think your self oblig'd to love her more After this these Ladies went into their Chariot and Herminius return'd on horseback On the other side night was no sooner come but Aronces and that old man who so long entertain'd Cesonia and Plotina return'd to the prison from whence they came for this man came along with Aronces to Rome As for Clelia being she look'd upon all secrecy as criminal she told Sulspicia she had seen Aronces and she told Octavius likewise to the end to satisfie him that Aronces could not have been the Person that wounded him and this prudent Lady so faithfully related to them all the generous sentiments of that iliustrious Prince that they admir'd his vertue and became confirm'd in the resolution to serve him still with greater ardour To which purpose they oblig'd Artemidorus to tell Clelius he had understood at Clusium that when Aronces was arrested by Tarquin his sword was taken way from him so to evince him that Octavius receiv'd not his wound from his hand adding that he wondred the truth was not conjectur'd it being a general order to disarm all such as are put into prison Whereby continued Artemidorus it is easie for you to judge that that sword you sometimes gave to Aronces and which was drawn out of Octavius's body after the battle was not in Aronces's hands when he was wounded by it for when a prisoner escapes out of prison it is not possible for him to regain the sword which was taken from him Besides that I have been assur'd Tarquin gave that which was yours to one of his Officers Tho Aronces were innocent of the wounding Octavius interrupted Clelius it should not much advantage him in my favour for since he is the Son of Porsenna who is Tarquin's Protector and consequently Rome's enemy there needs no more to make me hate him Yet you do not hate Telanus and Mamilius answer'd Artemidorus tho they be Veientines and the State of Veii a declared enemy to that of Rome Mamilius and Telanus reply'd Clelius are two particular persons who in their hearts do not approve the actions of those
was of a very Noble race as well as she he had wit and courage he was good and generous he loved glory more than all things and Melintha as much as glory This generous Lady hapned to be shut up in a besieged City which her illustrious Husband defended with excellent valour and resolution he endeavour'd to oblige her to go away out of it with her children but she would never desert him and as long as the Siege lasted afforded very great succour unto him For during the few hours he took to rest in she made it her care that the orders of her dear Belisantus might be exactly observ'd and gave some her self with as much judgement as a great Captain could have done Being very well ascertain'd of her illustrious Husband's conduct she never offer'd to oppose his courage So that after Belisantus had defended the place beyond all appearance of possibility he could not resolve to capitulate but prefer'd a glorious Death above a Treaty which notwithstanding could not have been otherwise than very honourable Nevertheless a sentiment of dearness for Melintha obliging him to desire her consent he propounded to her not to yield at all and since the City was to be abandoned to the enemies to make a Sally forth with all the people he had left and attempt by his valour to make his way with sword in hand and beat the Enemies at the same time he yielded up the place The wise Melintha well understood all the danger of this resolution but perceiving the aversion of Bellisantus to surrender she couragiously consented to what he desir'd and accordingly he dispos'd all things for that design The Chariots of Melintha and her Children were made ready and to shew the tranquillity of his mind in the sight of greatest dangers he took care to cause several things to be put into them which serv'd only for his pleasure After which being oblig'd to call a Council of War the Officers so urgently represented to him the reasons which should oblige him to render himself without scruple that at length he made a very glorious Capitulation and thus the generous Belisantus marcht out of the place the gaining of which was less glorious to them that took it than to him that deliver'd it up after he had destroy'd a great Army before it and defended it two months tho it was thought unable to hold out two dayes and had no other strength but the courage of him that defended it But to let you further see that the heart of Melintha was as tender as resolute amongst so many generous actions as she did during that Siege I must at last relate one to you Her children being in a House which was not far distant from the Walls of the City it happened one day that the Enemies suddenly bethought themselves to place Engines upon a Tower which they had erected on that side So that a great storm of stones was seen to be discharg'd in that place which by the violence wherewith they were cast overthrew all they fell upon and slew such as were struck by them Melintha was at that time at the house of one of her friends on the other side of a large place where that house stood and seeing the fatal storm and horrible havock made by the Engines both upon the house in which her Children were and in the place which it behov'd her to cross to go to it did not deliberate a moment but being impell'd by the true tenderness of a generous mother ran couragiously through the hail of Stones to fetch her children out of so dangerous a place and that with so much ardour and haste that she scarce made any reflection upon so great a danger till she had escap'd it having at that instant nothing else in her mind but to save the life of her Children and preserve them for her dear Belisantus whose love she will be eternally sensible of Which indeed she has in some manner repair'd by choosing for a very lovely Daughter of hers an illustrious Husband whose rare valour and activity resembles that of the greatest Heroes and who by an hundred gallant actions has made it apparent how great a Lover he is of Glory Besides Melintha having two Sons very goodly personages and whose inclinations have appear'd extreamly noble from their infancy it is to be hop'd they will prove worthy to be Sons of their illustrious Father Melintha moreover has four Brothers each of which in their way deserve a thousand praises she has also Friends whose vertue is so great that tho Fortune has been very liberal to them yet they injoy much less than they deserve and perhaps some other occasion will be offer'd wherein I may present you with a fuller description of all the persons I have mention'd I beseech you said Plotina agreeably since you have the colours and pencils in your hand be pleas'd to draw the pourtraits at least of Melintha's virtuous Brothers For my part said Clelia I desire onely to know one of her Friends You ask too much for one day answer'd Amiclea for Melintha has a Friend whom I cannot tell you of without recounting the History of all Hetruria because the rare vertues of him I speak of are at this day one of the strongest props of his Country therefore I will expect some other occasion to let you know that incomparable Man whose vertue is above envy and whose moderation makes his vertue more eminent and I will only tell you that Melintha is a Lady who serves her Friends without interest without vanity and with all imaginable zeal She conceals her self sometimes to do good offices and I know a person whom she oblig'd after the noblest manner in the World who durst not speak of the obligation he has to her for fear of displeasing her tho he is extreamly desirous to testifie his acknowledgement of her generosity by publishing it In brief Melintha is one of those Women who are so rarely found that no Age or Country reckons above two or three whose accomplishments equal hers After this that you have spoken said Herminius I am her friend for all my life For my part said Valeria I shall not repine if Aronces has more friendship for her than for me And I said Plotina should account my self extream happy if I could have an interest in her Love You have reason said Clelia since nothing is more desirable than to have a friend of such worth for 't is not only an advantage to be lov'd by such but the friendship of a person of great vertue reflects to the honour of those who possess it you are a friend to almost all her friends and after a manner enjoy her glory as your own tho you merit not so much as she and be far inferiour to Melintha Clelia would have proceeded further if the Princess of the Leontines had not return'd to her but for that as she enter'd into the Closet she heard the name of Melintha
all and perform nothing which they promise But for my part answer'd Berelisa I am not of that number and none can be more exact than I am For my particular said Clidamira when only Verses Sonnets or such like things are desir'd I sometimes suffer my self to be perswaded to shew them tho I have promis'd the contrary because for the most part I beleive they who make so great secrets of such kind of trifles do it not but only to make them be thought the better All such little infidelities answered Berelisa maliciously produce a strong disposition to greater I am of Berelisa's opinion reply'd Herminius and for that reason I judge it requisite to accustom ones self to be exact even in the concernment of small things In good earnest said Amilcar 't is more trouble than 't is imagin'd to keep a secrecie of trifles for as for those greater serious secrets added he all people keep them that have but a little sense of Honor or only a little prudence But as for the secrets of Verses Sonnets Dialogues or pleasant Novels 't is very difficult not to reveal them to some or other Nevertheless I confess 't is dangerous enough to give Copies of Letters or Verses when 't is not desir'd they should be common For the more loth you are to have them seen the more they are shown and which is worst such Copies pass through ignorant hands who change and pervert the sense of the Copies which they transcribe I remember I one day made a Sonnet which I was unwilling should goe abroad at that time yet I gave it to a Lady who promis'd me not to shew it to any person living the first Stanza was this which I shall repeat to you if my memory doe not deceive me Reason and Love are at perpetual strife Who so with that partaker is Becomes an Enemy to this But without Love there 's no content in life Nevertheless this faithful friend who should not have shewn it to any one gave it privately to a friend of hers that Friend to a Lover that Lover to another Mistress for I am not the only man in the world that has more than one Mistress at a time that Mistress to a Kinswoman that sung well and that Kinswoman to a Master that taught her Musick who immediately made an Air to it But this miserable Stanza having pass'd through several hands was so transform'd that I could scarce own it see how that simple fair one sung it Destiny and Love are at perpetual strife Whoso with that partaker is Becomes an Enemy to this But without cause to laugh's a pleasant life Seriously said Plotina smiling I think I like this non-sense Stanza as well as the other for the last Verse seems to me perfectly pleasant Since it is so said Amilcar I consent that the Dialogue be given for perhaps it will be as pertinently chang'd to divert you as the Stanza of my Sonnets which nevertheless astonish'd me when I heard that fair ignorant sing it and account it the pleasantest thing in the world 'T is true said Anacreon this is a hard fortune For my part I remember I one day made an Ode in the beginning of which I mention'd a Swallow and as this composition had the good fortune to please it was talk'd of sufficiently at the Court of Polycrates where I then was and at length was so often repeated and so many Copies made of it that I met with one of it in which in stead of the two first Verses which might be thus translated Thou in Spring-season each year dost return Too happy Swallow was put Thou as a Locust each year dost return Too happy Turtle So that this handsome Metamorphosis being made of a Swallow into a Locust my poor Ode became a strange peice of non-sense But people that understand a little sense answer'd Berelisa perceive well that it was not made so No doubt they do reply'd Herminius but sometimes there are things whose meaning cannot be conjectur'd and all that can be known of them is that they are not understood Wherefore the less a man can expose himself to these events the better and yet they would be avoyded if all the world were exact 'T is so troublesome to be always exact answer'd Clidamira that nothing requires more pains All other things have their bounds but exactness has none it is diffus'd every where and there is scarce any thing in which it may not be found When exactness is excessive reply'd Plotina I confess 't is something inconvenient and if you observe they that profess it have a kind of a constrain'd Air their complements savour of ceremony their familiarity is so nice that the least thing hurts it and there is no quiet from them He that is guided by true reason answer'd Herminius never addrest himself to any thing in the excess but acquires a certain habit of being exact which affords delight in stead of trouble For I conceive they who are exact as vertuous persons ought to be cannot but alwayes continue so They are so without perplexity constraint or ceremony and because they understand exactness to be a point of elegancie that it is necessary to Society and finally that without it a man can promise himself nothing from any other person For when I tell a small secret to a friend who promises me not to reveal it if I know he is not exact I am always in fear Moreover for a man to comport himself rationally in friendship it behoves him not only to conceal what he is desir'd to keep secret but sometimes also not to divulge things which he is not requested to be silent of because generosity requires him to have a certain charitable discretion even towards those that are not wise enough to be absolutely discreet in their own concernments For indeed it is never commendable for a man to lose an occasion of testifying to himself that he has more prudence goodness and vertue than another He ought to make a secret delectation to himself by acting better than others do and account it a glory to supply the reasons of others by his own and not be like those who more frequently speak what they never ought so much as to think than what is fitting to be spoken I confess said Amilcar they who have no exactness are sometimes injurious to others for I remember I saw a man at Carthage that through want of it committed the greatest extragavancies in the World I remember one day he invited me to dine with him but being invited himself about an hour after to another place he made no scruple to goe thither without so much as sending to advertise me of it For my part said Plotina I shall never pardon a man who promis'd me a basket of Orange-flowers and sent them not and I shall remember another as long as I live that sent twice to know whether I would be in my chamber that he might come to visit me
commit in protecting an infamous Tyrant But wherefore repli'd Porsenna have not the three hundred Conspirators you speak of rather desig'nd to assassinate Tarquin than me Because answer'd Mutius if the Tyrant were dead your party would rather become stronger than weaker thereby but if you were remov'd out of the world Tarquin's party would be destroy'd Porsenna being then more incens'd against Mutius and desiring to know the names of those he said had conjur'd against his life commanded his guards to compel him by force to discover what he desir'd to understand But Mutius to hinder them from executing his order stept suddenly towards the fire that was prepar'd for the Sacrifice and putting his hand into the midst of the flames See said he to him without changing his countenance by the stedfastness I have to endure the rigour of the fire how little they fear that ardently love glory and judge by what I doe whether I am likely to tell by force of torments what you desire to know of me Mutius spoke this with so undaunted and bold an aspect and beheld his hand burn with so calm a countenance that Porsenna and all about him were so astonish'd with this action that they exprest their amazement in shouts which they were unable to contain Porsenna himself advanc'd towards Mutius and commanded his guards to withdraw his hand out of the fire That which you doe against your self said the King to him then beholding him with admiration is far greater than what you design'd to doe against me and if I had a Subject that had done as much for my service there is no reward so high but the greatness of his courage ought to expect it from me Yet it were more noble my Lord answer'd Aronces to esteem greatness of courage in the person of an enemy than of a Subject I grant it reply'd Porsenna and to evidence to you that I am of that mind I give Mutius his life I thank you for it in his name my Lord answer'd Aronces generously for he seems to me so fierce as not to care for having a good render'd to him which he was willing to loose and I thank you in my own for having given me so great an example to follow 'T is true my Lord said Mutius life is very indifferent to me but for that 't is an obligation that the King is pleas'd to give me a thing which he believes ought to be acceptable to me I will testifie my gratitude to him by telling him once again that his life cannot be in safety unless he give peace to Rome and desert the interest of Tarquin who is too unjust to prosper long For in brief I am the least courageous of the three hundred that have sworn his destruction Ah! Mutius cry'd Porsenna if I am so hated by three hundred such brave men as you are that they resolve to destroy my life an Army of a hundred thousand men could not preserve it and to testifie to you how highly I esteem your courage I will adde liberty to the life which I have already granted you Since that is a thousand times dearer to me than life answer'd he I thank you for it my Lord but I cannot dissemble my sentiments know that as great a benefit as it is I cannot accept it if it be on condition to cease being your Enemy in case you continue to be one to Rome For inasmuch as I can never cease to be a Romane so I can never dispense with hating those that would subdue my Country Therefore doe not grant me liberty if you intend thereby to ingage me in your interests For 't is certain added he fiercely I can never be absolv'd from the Oath I have made with those three hundred Romans who have sworn your ruine Porsenna being still more astonish'd at the boldness of Mutius commanded he should be led into a Tent that his hand should be drest that he should be treated very well and secur'd till further Order After which Tarquin being arriv'd express'd to Porsenna very much animosity against Mutius and ask'd him what punishments he determin'd to inflict upon him You ought rather to ask answer'd Porsenna what way I can secure my self from those three hundred resolute persons who for your interests have conspir'd against my life onely That which I speak my Lord reply'd Tarquin agrees with what you say for is there any other means to avoid the effect of that Conspiracie but by striking a terror into the Complices by the dreadful punishments you shall cause Mutius to endure But what can a man be made to suffer said Porsenna that comes in a manner to seek a certain death that comes with a Ponyard onely into the midst of an Army to kill me that endures the fire without changing countenance and will not accept either of life or liberty on condition to cease being my Enemy Voluntary punishments answer'd Tarquin are no punishments at all but if you force Mutius to suffer you will see him change his language especially if the torments you put him to be long and often repeated For when all is done added the cruel Tyrant fear is the surest guard of Kings in such cases For my part said Aronces who could not endure Porsenna should hear the Tyrant's Counsels I conceive that instead of seeking which way the King may be secur'd from so many generous Enemies it would be the best and surest course to seek the means to have no occasion to be secur'd from them But how can that be said Tarquin roughly The matter would be very easie answer'd Aronces generously if the King would but make Friends of his Enemies That Counsel reply'd the Tyrant fiercely must be extended further and it should have been added also that 't is requisite for the King of Hetruria to make Enemies of his Friends The Counsel of Aronces said Porsenna not permitting Tarquin to continue his discourse is worthy of himself and of me and when my friends betake themselves to consider only their own interests without considering mine it will concern me a little if they become my Enemies I shall then be more strong by having fastned generous Enemies to my Interests than by losing self-ended Friends who care only for their own Aronces Lucilius Telanus Theanor and all the other Commanders that were present having by a confus'd noise testifi'd their approbation of what Porsenna spoke Tarquin became extremely amaz'd and perplex'd yet being a Prince whom Policie had taught to conform himself readily according to the most unexpected events he made no long hesitation but addressing to the King My Lord said he to testifie to you that I have regarded only the preservation of your life I without passion receive what you spoke last and also advise you to clemencie tho according to my judgement that vertue ought to be practis'd but seldome when a Prince intends to make himself fear'd and respected Pardon Mutius therefore since you have such a desire but doe
wantonness if heed be not taken to them You shall see said she I know how to avoid so dangerous an extream and understand better than you think the bounds of all the several sorts of friendship that can be had But wherefore have you not one of these kinds said I for the poor Mortius for whom I now intercede Ah! Cesonia answer'd she smiling do you not know there is a Proverb which says That in the Seas of love on the same shelf No dextrous Saylor ' twice ere splits himself You speak so little seriously reply'd I that I care not to speak any more to you In good earnest answer'd she I declare clearly what I think and profess that I will have no kind of affection as long as I live which may disturb my quiet When I began to have an inclination for Martius I was so young that I wanted strength to oppose it but at present I am assur'd I shall defend my heart better For in fine I am so resolv'd to love my self and consequently to love quiet liberty and glory as I said at another time that I will never love any of those people who cannot be lov'd without hazarding those three things which undoubtedly are the most agreeable in the world But could not you marry Martius said I. If I would marry any one answer'd she I confess Martius might oblige me thereto but Cesonia I have so great an aversion from marriage that I cannot consider him as one that is to be my husband and I am so resolv'd never to marry that I believe nothing can make me change my sentiments For I judge nothing better than to resolve to live free and when I consider all the consequences which almost infallibly attend a wedded life they make me to tremble Not but that I conceive there may be some marriage happy but Cesonia where shall we find two persons who have wit constancy goodness enough one for another and a sufficient resemblance of natures to live always well together Some there may be but they are few and I do not think my self fortunate enough to meet with so great a felicity 'T is therefore more easie for me to take a resolution to live in liberty As she was speaking this by a strange chance all her Lovers came one after another to see me and were together in my Chamber So that Plotina being in her jolly humor told me smilingly that she had a desire to undeceive all persons and make a publick Declaration of her sentiments And thereupon in a very delightful way of raillery she told them all she had absolutely resolv'd not to love any person much and never to marry at all and that the most which could be hop'd from her was to please her to obtain her esteem and to have some part in a kind of calm friendship which she was resolv'd to have as long as she liv'd For in truth said she I will never run the venture of meeting with indiscreet unfaithful capricious lukewarm inequal and deceitful Lovers nor bring my self in danger of having a jealous covetous prodigal humorsome imperious surly foolish or little virtuous Husband nor consequently of having deformed vicious ingrateful and wicked Children and I incomparably prefer to spend my whole life with the liberty of having such Friends of either Sex as I please For I find that if I should marry I should be so good a Wife that I should thereby be miserable All Plotina's Lovers oppos'd her sentiments and especially Martius but she answer'd them so well that they knew not what more to say to her And so she continu'd firm in her resolution But now there being no great pleasure in living in a besieged City three or four of Plotina's friends and mine resolv'd together with us to make use of Clelia's occasion to go out of Ardea for Horatius would not stay there out of a belief that Tarquin would take the City So that Plotina without considering what grief she should cause Martius imploy'd him to manage this affair and to bring it to pass that we might be guarded by the same convoy which attended on Clelia The conversation of Plotina and Martius was very extraordinary and I know not how Plotina was able to be so inflexible as she was For he us'd all imaginable blandishments and endearing expressions to move her heart but she continu'd inalterable in her sentiments and all he could draw from her was that he should never see her love any person more than himself and that she would never marry as long as she liv'd And indeed if the poor Martius had liv'd I declare to you that you would have had less interest in Plotina's heart but you must know that when we went out of Ardea with Clelia this generous Lover notwithstanding his regret came himself to conduct us and deported himself with so heroical and passionate an air that Plotina esteem'd him much the more for it Now being it was fear'd that we should be sooner discover'd by the enemies if we had any considerable number of people with us Horatius Martius and eight of their Friends took upon themselves alone the charge of conducting us But such was our ill fortune we met with Hellius one of the Ministers of Tarquin's cruelty who came in the head of a Party of twenty to set upon Horatius Martius and their Friends How interrupted Amilcar was Martius amongst those whom Hellius fought with when Aronces Herminius and Celer from whom Artemidorus Zenocrates and I parted that morning arriv'd and carri'd away Clelia who was at the foot of a Tree with you Yes answer'd Cesonia and the unfortunate Martius was slain by Hellius in the beginning of the Fight though he was very valiant And indeed 't was his courage occasion'd his death for he charg'd with too great violence into the midst of those who came to take Plotina and her Friends I will not tell you the particular passages of this encounter for you have understood from the mouth of Aronces how Horatius and Hellius perceiving others were carrying away Clelia joyn'd together to recover her and how Aronces Herminius and Celer resisted so many enemies at the same time Yes generous Cesonia answer'd Amilcar I know all that pass'd in that great occasion I know what Clelia did putting her self couragiously before those that would assault her three protectors I know how terrible a Combate it was in what manner Aronces fought with Horatius and how the generous Herminius defended both his life and liberty and spoke to Hellius and with what generosity Aronces assisted the wounded Horatius whom he found by night in a Wood but I know in what manner Plotina lamented Martius when you were taken and carried to Tarquin Do not enquire so much of her grief reply'd Cesonia for perhaps you will think it too violent for in good earnest no greater affliction can be resented by any than was by Plotina for the death of Martius But at length
follies wickednesses frauds and treacheries that I think it better to wish to know ones own heart well than those of others For my part said a man with a fierce aspect I should wish to be the most valiant man in the world And I to be the most eloquent added another Eloquence and Valour answer'd Amilcar are two excellent things but 't is good to wish at the same time to know how they ought to be us'd for to speak truth they are a strange sort of people who understand nothing but killing of men and I am much of the sentiment of those of Agrigentum who have a Proverbial saying amongst them That Valour is like salt good for nothing by it self and yet good for almost all things But as for Eloquence it is not less necessary to know the right use of it for an Eloquent person who declaims always in conversation is very troublesome and as often as any one wishes Eloquence he ought to remember to wish judgment with it As for me said a Greek who was present I should much desire to write such excellent things as I might believe would descend to Posterity and that with glory and I am assur'd if Anacreon who hears me would speak truth he would confess that the thought of being one day translated into various Languages and commended in several Ages is infinitely sweet to him I assure you answer'd Anacreon smiling if you knew that pleasure by experience you would not account it so great as you imagine for at the same instant that I think perhaps my Works will live a long time I think perhaps I shall not but shall infallibly live less than they So that this chagrin strangely troubles the pleasure of this pretended immortality Anacreon is very equitable in speaking as he does said Amilcar for those pleasures are properly the pleasures of fancy not but that I know well 't is almost a general weakness to affect to have our names live but to speak truth upon a serious consideration 't is but a folly for cannot we judge by what is said of those that have written before us what will be said after us of those that write at this time 'T is true they are sometimes commended but yet they are blam'd at least as much as they are prais'd They are robb'd and ill translated and besides though it were not so what concernment can we take in things which shall happen when we are no longer concern'd amongst the living Believe me then let us be contented with present pleasures let us enjoy our glory whilst we live let us seek to obtain the praises of such as are alive and let us not care for being commended by people not yet in being whom we know not and never can know No doubt there are a thousand agreeable things in the Odes of Anacreon which will not be understood two thousand years hence because Manners Customs and Gallantry will be chang'd with the Ages Nevertheless I allow that people may by the by comfort themselves in some manner against Death which the thought of having some priviledge above the Vulgar and leaving a name which does not die with them but let us not account this amongst the most exquisite pleasures nor so affirmatively ascribe to our selves an imaginary immortality which perhaps posterity will not give us for I assure you every one does not live in this manner who desires it and many people think they write for immortality whose works will die As for me said a very amiable Virgin who was sister to that Lady of Praeneste who had spoken before I am confident my wish will please all the Company Tell it quickly then said Amilcar 'T is to be invisible answer'd she Ha! Madam reply'd Amilcar this is the first time no doubt that so fair a person as you made this wish In good earnest added she I know nothing more agreeable than this But what would you do with your invisibility said Amilcar smiling I would make use of it answer'd she to know the secrets of all the World and especially to know truly what they who do not love me speak of me As for my part reply'd Amilcar I have no curiosity to know what my Enemies say for I easily imagine it But I confess to you I should be ravisht to know that my Friends spoke of me in the same manner when I am not with them as when I am For experience has taught me there are few people but upon some occasions make railery upon their Friends or at least endure to hear it made in their presence Yet this is very culpable answer'd Berelisa But when we have Friends said Clidamira who have certain natural defects which cannot be conceal'd as deformity or the like what ought we to do Never speak of them answer'd Berelisa But if others speak of them reply'd Clidamira 't is necessary to agree with them When we cannot contradict them answer'd Berelisa we must blame them of injustire in accusing vertuous persons of defects not in their power to amend rather than to commend them for a thousand good Qualities they are indu'd with and thereupon we ought to take occasion to praise them and exaggerate all that is commendable in them for there is nothing more unworthy and unjust than to upbraid any one with his natural defects However it be said Amilcar let us return to invisibility of which various uses may be made One might thereby be present at all the Counsels of Kings and Master of the secrets of all the world and nothing besides the thoughts alone could escape the knowledge of an invisible person It would be good in affairs of State and War but chiefly in Gallantry for we might deceive all Husbands Mothers Aunts and Rivals but being by ill hap this wish is one of the most difficult wishes in the world to be accomplisht let us see what the remainder of the Company wishes For my part said a man of Ardea who was very rich and ingenious I would wish to have no Envyers You would then answer'd Amilcar have no vertue be poor deformed and miserable for whoever has good fortune merit and virtue has Envyers infallibly As for me said an amiable person who sate next Berelisa I should wish more to be an accomplisht man than an accomplisht woman As for this wish answer'd Amilcar I find nothing to say against it for though women are infinitely more amiable than men and I love them a thousand times better yet I judge Madam that you have wish'd very judiciously for were there no other reason than that which allows us to use Courtship and Gallantry and forbids it you I should account your wish very just For my part added another Lady I should like well of immortality I am wholly of your mind answer'd Amilcar and this wish is the best of all for it would be great pleasure to see the whole Universe continually change being unalterable ones self But to speak truth this happiness