Battalia who stood in the Head of them and carried himself with so gallant a grace that he did with delight attract the eyes of all upon him It might be said that all this great body was linked unto him by an invisible chain since by the least motion of his hand or accent of his voice it moved as he commanded sometimes to the Right hand sometimes to the Left sometimes to the Rear sometimes doubling their Ranks and sometimes their Files in short there was Let 〈◊〉 very Sergeant in all the Army which understood his office better then Artamenes did As they were busied at this brave exercise the Princess discovered afar off upon the Plain one of the King of Pont's Heraulds who was easily known by his distinguished habit When he was come near the first Ranks he was conducted unto the King of whom he desired permission to speak unto Artamenes concerning something from the King of Pont Ciaxares calling him the Herauld addressing his speech unto him Sir said he the King of Pont my Master who esteems you and thinks himself obliged unto you and who would not have the Victory if it be his fortune to get it imputed unto any baseness of his men hath sent me to advertise you that there are fourty Knights in his Camp whom he does not know for if he did they should all be punished who have took a solemn Oath and conspired against your life to be at the first Battel and not to separate nor seek for any but Artamenes nor fight with any but him but either to kill him or perish themselves This is the Conspiracy Sir which the King my Master hath enquired out and which was found in a Paper scattered in the camp but he cannot discover who are the parties or who that writ it Therefore Sir the King of Pont and the King of Phrygia who sent me to you to advertise you of it not daring to desire you that both for their honour and your safety you would forbear â—ight that day knowing well that your great Spirit cannot forbear but they advise you at least to wear some simple unknown arms that day to the end these base men may not easily distinguish you nor effect their unworthy design The Herald having delivered his Message and made low reverence also Artamenes another unto the King he desired leave to answer the Herald which he did most civilly although it did much vex him he should receive such Obligations from his Rivall I am much obliged unto the King your Master said he unto the Herald for the care which he takes in preserving my life But to testifie unto you that I am not altogether unworthy of that honour which he hath done me I must desire leave of the King said he in turning towards Ciaxares that I stay you a little before I give you my Answer Then he whispered Feraulas who was close by him in the ear and commanded him something which none understood but it was presently known for Feraulas making haste and my Masters Tent not being far off we saw him return presently and followed by a Souldier which carried as a Trophee that magnificent Sute of Arms which Artamenes had caused to be made for himself This sight surprised Spectators and begot a curiosity in the Princess for Feraulas observed that she eyed the Arms and was much astonished at them Certainly Sir Artamenes could not make choice of any thing more magnifâ—cent nor more observable They were engraved with gold and enamelled with such lively 〈◊〉 as the bow of heaven had none more glittering All the nails were headed with Ru 〈…〉 intermingled with Emeraulds In the middle of his Buckler was a great Sun represented by Diamonds which dazled all those who beheld it Upon his Head-piece was an Eagle of Mâ—ssie gold most rich which her wings displayed who bending down her head and holding the beh 〈…〉 s top in Beak and Tallons did seem to gaze upon the Diamond Sun which shin'd in the midst of his Buckler as who should say that this Sun which according to Artamenes his devise did embleme the Princess did deserve more regard then that Sun which shined in the Heavens From the Train of this proud Bird did issue a Plume of Feathers admirably well mixt with twenty several colours The Hilt of his Sword the Scabberd the Belt the Gauntlet the Sute of Arms and all the appurtenances were suitable unto this magnificence which for the richness of the substance the excellency of the work and the admirable variety of colours nothing could more invite the eye to gaze then it As soon as they appeared every one began to ask and desire to know what Artamenes would do with them The King lookt upon my Master and stept nearer to hear what he would say when Artamenes after a low Congy and asking leave to answer the Herauld Tell thy Master said he to him that since my Arms are good enough to resist his which are so dreadful I shall think them therefore good enough not to fear those gallant Cavaliers who have such a high opinion of their valour as that they must needs be fourty to fight with one I Prethee publish throughout all the King of Ponts Camp that these Arms which here thou seest shall be those which I will wear upon the day of Battle And assure thy Master from me if the King will please to permit me that to acknowledge his generosity in some manner there shall none ever assault in my presence but one to one nor shall his valour sink under an oppressing multitude if I be there The Herald though astonished at the greatness of Artamenes soul would have answered something but he hindered him No No my Friend said he do not oppose thy self against my design and be confident that if the King thy Master did but throughly know me he would not disallow of what I do Ciaxares hearing what he said would have opposed him instancing that it was not wisedom or justice so slightly to hazard a life which was so considerable My Honour Sir Replied he ought to be more precious unto you therefore I most humbly beseech your Majesty force me not unto any disobedience But this Replied Ciaxares is to no purpose yet he dismissed the Herauld without any other answer When he was gone and the Arms carried back unto the Tent Artamenes was not moved at it one jot though the advice did so nearly concern his life But Ciaxares had other resentments of it and was much perplext almost resolving not to advance towards the Enemy fearing to hazard that life which was so dear unto him The Princess who saw the Herald come unto the King and who knew Feraulas which carried those magnificent Arms had a great desire to know the meaning of it so that she sent one of her servants to enquire who met us as we were conducting the Herald out of the Camp after we had according to the orders of Artamenes carried him
to wonder was that she had sent a servant of her own and this servant being not in the house she conceived that it was onely some mistake between Clorelisa's servants and hers So as making her self ready to go presently unto her she gave her hand unto Artaxander supposing he would go with her And to let him see she made no application of what he had spoken unto her self Though I do beleeve said she unto him that you are not in love with Clorelisa yet I cannot chuse but think you will visit her since you cannot deny her the advantage of being the first friend you had in Themiscyra and I will be the more earnest in maintaining her right in that because I pretend to be in the second place your friend Oh Madam said he whether I be in love with Clorelisa or no I am sure she hath not so high a rank in my heart as you have though she be a person whom I much honour and esteem Since Telamires house was very nigh unto Clorelisa's they had not leysure to say any more And since one of Telamires women might hear them Artaxander was forced to talk of something else However as soon as they were come into Clorelisa's Chamber she chid Telamire a thousand times and that with a strange agitation of heart for since she saw Artaxander with her she imagined him to be the cause of her stay but she was much worse when Telamire to justifie her self did tell her all the passages yet Artaxander did still affirm very confidently that they assured him she was asleep But since the heart of Clorelisa was too much engaged to be deludâ—d she would needs look into the matter a little neerer and calling all her women one after another they all said that they saw none either from Artaxander or Clorelisa Artaxander then told her that certainly some of the servants unto Belermis to save themselves the labour of coming to her had told this lie But say what he would or could Clorelisa was not satisfied and she was fully perswaded that this was a trick of Artaxanders and she thought also that Telamire was an accessary unto it for since she assured her very earnestly that she had sent unto her house and since all her women on the contrary assured her that none came from her she did not onely think Artaxander to be in love with Telamire but she thought as that Telamire held a great correspondency with Artaxander then ever she imagined so as jealousie having possession in her minde she was tormented beyond expression and she who was so earnest in sending for Telamire knew not now what to say unto her Since I came in a little after this confused examination of the matter I could plainly perceive the turbulency of Clorelisa's mind all I could observe was the confusion of Artaxander and the prudence of Telamire For truely this wise Lady taking no notice of Artaxanders love not of Clorelisa's jealousie did speak unto every thing with a marvellous moderation and tranquillity and certainly I came in very opportunely to help out with discourse However I made her since confesse that she could not chuse but find some sweetnesse in thinking that though Clorelisa loved Artaxander yet he did not love her and that the glory to be preferred before such an amiable Person was some delight unto her For my part I was exceedingly delighted with the passages of that day for besides the pleasure of seeing how Clorelisa and Artaxander were put to a Non-plus I was extremely taken with seeing Belermis in his fierce Garb who knowing that Telamire was in his sisters Chamber came thither to see her But he came amiable Doralisa more like a Conquerour then a Captive not but that all he said unto her was very civil and respective yet his Air and Garb did alter the very sence of his words and made him seem as if he intended to fetter her whose chains he wore Moreover since he could not chuse but be talking as much of matters of warre as love he was so full of his Martiall phrases as that day I learned as many Military Termes as might serve for the Relation of all sorts of Combats for he vsed them all in his discourse so as before 't was night I knew what Incampment and Quarters were I knew what the first second and third Divisions did mean I learned all the Postures to the right hand to the left hand as you were double your Ranks and Files And I knew from him that day at least enough to lose a Battle if I had commanded an Army And to be serious with you he was so full of words peculiar unto War that all I could do was to remember them though as yet I did not know the significations of them But to compleat my diversion The severe Isalonide entred who commonly finding fault with every thing did not like that Clorelisa should be so dressed since she was sick saying openly That those sicknesses which onely draw company about One and will let one be dressed better then when they are well were of a most dangerous consequence For indeed said she If one were really sick they should see none but such as could cure them or their very intimate friends and not do as most women now adayes who are more carefull in consulting with their Glasse before company come then with their Physitian And are more diligent in advertising all their acquaintance that they keep their Chamber then those that can cure them And to tell you truely they have a greater desire to have them come who can tell them a thousand tittle tattles then such as use to cure diseases But said I unto her to do Clorelisa a pleasure if you did but know how much melancholy doth augment all manner of diseases you would say that pleasant company may be put in the rank of the most infallible Remedies If you should ask the advice of my sister answered she in a most imperious Tone I am sure she will be of your opinion and maintain that all manner of simples used in Physick are not comparable to the company of five or sixe such tittle tattles as are glad to hear of any sick Gallant who are sick onely because they should come and see them I must confesse unto you said Clorelisa and blusht for anger that I have been such a one as you speak of but at this time I am so ill that much Company are very troublesome unto me Telamire hearing Clorelisa say so did rise up and offered to go away but Clorelisa out of jealousie as well as friendship took hold of her and said that she was neither weary of her nor me Then it is of me replied Artaxander But if so I beseech you speak unto Telamire to command me away for since I had the honour to wait upon her hither I expect that command from her You may easily judge how Clorelisa resented Artaxanders discourse yet she could make no
of these two Princes and told them that the business did require some time to examin the truth more exactly but in any case not to do things over-rashly and inconsiderately The two Kings consenting unto this Proposition retired And Artamenes did earnestly desire that his Trophee might stand and that Ciaxares would be pleased to leave a guard with it which was consented unto During these contests there was a necessity of carrying away Artamenes I sent unto the Town to get a Litter the Princess hearing of it sent hers for which my Master as you may imagin Sir thought himself not a little obliged After the Princes had given orders for the Funerall of the Combatants upon the place of fight with all solemn Pomp as well one side as the other Feraulas and I did carry Artamenes into a house in the Town where we had lodged some days before yet Ciaxares would not suffer it but caused him to be carried into the Castle All the Kings Physicians and Chirurgions were brought into the Chamber After they had viewed his wounds put in their first tents and dressed them they told the King that they hoped none of them were absolutely mortall although two were very dangerous so that by their care and his own strength of nature a happy cure was hoped for The Princess also that first night sent many times to know in what state he was and he understanding of it though the messenger spoke very low the Physitians having forbidden all noise he called to the messenger and would himself receive the Princess Complement after he had received it feebly turning himself on one side and opening the curtain of the bed which was cloth of gold Tell the Princess said he that I ask her pardon for fighting her enemies so poorly and bringing home a Victory which was yet disputable If I die I hope her goodness will pardon me and if I scape I shall hope to repair the fault by some better service Give her most hearty thanks for this honour of remembring me and assure her that her goodness does not oblige an ungratefull soul Mean while a Fever so violently seizes on him as every one despaired of his life I cannot tell how to express the sorrows and cares which Ciaxares and the Princess had of him unless I shall tell you that Ciaxares was as dear over him as if Mandana had been sick and Mandana also as if Ciaxares had been so wounded But in a little time the danger was over and I could not chuse but wonder at the humorous conceit of Fate which made this Prince and Princess who the other day offered Sacrifices of thanks for his death now as forward to make Prayers for the preservation of his life At length every one is well pleased to see that all their cares were not in vain for after the twentieth day his Physitians question not his perfect recovery but promise a present cure As soon as he was in a condition to be seen both all the Court and Camp did visit him Aribees as great a Favourite as he was came oft to tender his complement Philidaspes in spite of his ambitious jealousies which the Valour of Artamenes procured him fail'd not to pay civilities and the King who saw him every day brought the Princess to congratulate his recovery This wrought a wonderfull effect in Artamenes So that in few daies after his wounds healed extraordinarily such power it seems has the soul over the temper of the body I will not trouble you Sir in telling what were the entertainments at these two visits it being easie to imagine that the deserts and valour of Artamenes was the whole subject of their converse But Sir to return unto matters of War where we left Be pleased to know that whilest Artamenes was thus in cure Embassadors passed continually between the two Kings to finde out some expedient how to determine this difference and bring it to Arbitrement The King of Pont protracted it as long as he could hoping that during this vacancy the King of Phrygia might perhaps be free from the designes of his enemies and according to that he could conclude either Peace or Warre but the matter continued so dubious that it seemed the Gods did purposely ordain it so to give Artamenes time of recovering his strength to vindicate his Honour and acquire more Glory He left his chamber some two moneths after his first wounding and went to present his thanks unto the King and Princess afterwards he returned civil complements unto all the Court and Camp especially unto Philidaspes By this time Sir the two enemy Kings having agreed upon Judges to hear and determine upon the reasons and arguments of both Parties impartially They erected a very Magnificent Tent upon the Plain where the Combate was and close by the Trophy which Artamenes had compiled Four of the Cappadocian and Galatian Grandees and as many of Pont and Bithinia were constituted Judges of this famous Controversie after they had all taken such oathes as were necessary to remove all suspitions of prejudice and partiality also three stately Thrones equally erected and under them a long seat covered with Purple for the Judges of the Field and all this hansomly prepared the King of Pont and the King of Phrygia conducted Artanus to justifie his pretended Victory But though he had more spirit then valour he went unto this Combate much against his will though it was not to be a bloudy one Artamenes was also conducted by Ciaxares Four thousand men of both sides ranged themselves half upon the right hand and half upon the left These Kings taking their Places according to their Rank and Judges sitting at their feet Artamenes and Artanus stood at the Barre silence was proclaimed But Sir I will not trouble my self to repeat verbatim the Speeches of these two Orators I shall only tell you the issue of them he which spoke first was Artanus who though he was eloquent and delivered it with a good grace yet it made no impression upon the hearers But on the contrary the Speech of Artamenes having the Rhetorick of truth in it and pronounced by a man of such an excellent Presence gained the hearts of all his Auditors His courage did so set off his Eloquence and wrought so upon the King of Pont that he could not chuse but admire the Spirit as well as Valour of Artamenes At these words the King of Hircania begun to speak and say Wise Crisantes I beseech you do not deprive us of the happiness to know the sense of what was spoke in this glorious Court in which the Cause depending was so uncommon and where the Judges were subjects unto them whom they were to Judge so by consequence must needs beget a curiosity in them who are ignorant of it Since it is your pleasure Sir replied Crisantes I shall relate as much as my memory is capable of The first which spoke as I told you already was Artanus who after
and fainted the hearts of our enemies Fear and Terrour has half defeated them before we come at them and if my conjectures do not much deceive me this second Victory will come at as easie a rate as the first The presence of the valiant Philidaspes will render it more facile and fortune which alwayes favours bold and dangerous enterprises will not forsake us in this Come on my brave Companions let us go for if you love difficulties you will never be without honour and if you expose your selves to ease you will never be in safety but put your enemies into a condition to be alwayes as thornes in your sides As soon as Artamenes had ended his Oration all the Officers and Souldiers did applaud the resolution he had taken In pursuance whereof he took a Muster of his Army to see how many he had lost and he found wanting only five hundred men though he had defeated sixteen thousand After this he commanded them all to take a little repose and within two hours after to prepare for Combate Mean while he treated Philidaspes with all civility But as he would have the reports of this first victory animate his Army and be a foundation for a second he sent back to the King of Phrygia Imbas his Lieutenant General whom he had defeated and took prisoner as I formerly told you commanding the Herauld which was to conduct him to tell that Prince how gallantly this valiant man had defended himself and had given such testimony of a noble soul during his disgrace that he would not do him the displeasure to keep him Prisoner during the Battle nor deprive himself of that honour to vanquish him the second time if good fortune failed not Philidaspes hearing him say so could not forbear contradicting him and told him that this man might be made use of after the Battle if the successe should not be fortunate If we be overcome replied Artamenes we shall have no use of prisoners since then we shall be either dead or prisoners our selves and those whom we have already taken will then be released in spight of our teeths And if we be Conquerours said he then all will be in our own power But it must be acknowledged replied Philidaspes that you have given a valiant man unto your enemies 'T is true replied Artamenes but in giving that one we have released many which otherwise should have guarded him yet so it was Sir that my master did what he pleased and Philidaspes was silent Mean while the King of Pontus and the King of Phrygia were extreamly surprized when at break of day they were advertised in their Tents of the great shouts of joy which were heard in Artamenes his Army and that many Phrygian Ensigns were seen there These Princes having seen the fires in the campes of their enemies all the night long could not imagine how it was posible they should fight and defeat the forces which they expected Neither could they believe that Imbas would betray his King countrie and take part with the Cappadocians Soe that in their incertainties they neither knew what to think or say All the Captaines and Souldiers were no lesse troubled and all together concluded that things went not well But as they were sending out to know what the matter was they saw Imbas arrive who being moved by his own generosity and intending to excuse his defeate by the valour of his enemies did so much extol their courage and magnified Artamenes so highly that he struck terror into the souls of all who heard him you have said enough answered the King of Pontus to take away the dishonour of your defeate in saying it was Artamenes who overcame you And it is enough said the King of Phrygia to oblige us not to flie such an enemy who if wee be vanquished by him it is no dishonour Tell then Artamenes said the King of Phrygia unto the Herauld that we will prepare to receive him as he deserues and if we can render him favour for favour and endevour to be in that condition as at our return we shall send him prisoners after the Battle Meane while Artamenes was resolved to finish this warr at this bout and neglected nothing which might Conduce to his happinesse he met not a captaine unto whom he did not promise some recompence from the King He never saw a common on souldier passe by whom he did not call by his name and unto whom he did not bestow some obliging language He did inspire into them all both by his words and by his actions such an ardent desire of glory that he was hard able to restraine them such was his powerfull art to invite mens hearts and make himself absolute master of their mindes After then all the Troopes had solaced themselves with a slight repast and offered a sacrifice unto the Gods in the head of their Armie Artamenes marched straight to the enemy in Battalia with Prince Tigranes and Philidaspes who would not leave him to the end that Artamenes should doe nothing which he did not doe as well as hee I Confesse Sir that when I saw things in that condition I could not resolue any longer obedience unto the command of Artamenes but I put in amongst this young gallantrie of the court which made up a Troop of Voluntiers and followed my master But yet I know not how he got a sight of me and as soone as he spied me he made a signe with his hand then I quit my rank and as he came forward to me some fifteen or twenty paces Sir said I coming to him I beseech you give me leave to fight No no answered he I will not and your disobedience has angred me I have done Sir said I since you will not permit it and I will retire my self However Teraulas said he if I die at this time you may assure the Princesse that the day of my death was a bloody day unto my enemies that in one day I was both Conqueror conquered after these words my deare best master commanded me aloud to obserue his orders to the end that none should think worse of my Courage and my retreat which otherwise might have been blemished After this I left him and he marched to wards the Enemy who did prepare to receive him They endevoured to perswade their Souldiers that the former defeat of their Troops would be advantagious to them since they had so wearied their Enemies as they must needs be weak yet for all that say what they could the very name of Artamenes did more daunt them then all the good language of the Princes could encourage them Meane while both armies seemed to be inspired with the same spirit and the same furie they both advanced Ioyne the Aire is obscured with Arrowes the breaking of which as they met and clasht one against another added a terrible noise to the martiall harmonie These first blowes on both sides did redouble their ardent
all the Baggage of both Kings was all taken so also they met with many things which the King of Phrygia had formerly taken from Ciaxares in a war which was betwixt them Philidaspes made use of all the rich Plunder to make the Pomp more proudly Magnificent He caused two thousand men of war to march first in the head of which were carried abundance of Ensignes gained from the Enemy and the better to set forth the death of their General they which carried them were in mourning Fifty Trumpets followed these Ensignes in black Mantles and Pennons afterwards followed fourty Coaches covered with black all fil'd with magnificent coats of Arms Head-pieces Plumes of divers colours Bucklers of a hundred several fashions Swords Bowes Quivers Arrows and Lances And all this in so handsome a mixture and so well set out with order and with confusion both that as they who were there told us nothing could be beheld more beautifull and Pompous Six other Chariots followed these fourty first all fil'd with that which Ciaxares had formerly lost to wit magnificent Pavilions great pieces of Plate both silver and gold prised at an inestimable rate and value both for their huge Prodigousnes and rich engravings a Throne of Gold richly beset with Onyx Topaz and other rare Pretious-stones After these Charets marcht the King prisoner on horseback but without a sword invironed with a hundred for his guard in mourning Cassocks and followed with fifteen hundred Prisoners chained four to four Immediately after marched Philidaspes alone cloathed in mourning and his horse furniture sutable with the Baston of a General in his hand The rest of the Regiments followed marching in the same order as the first As this Triumph came into the great Plain within twenty furlongs of Sinope they of the first Rank saw a Litter which crossing the way about an hundred paces before them did stay as if it were to let the Souldiers passe yet they were no sooner within compasse of looking into the Litter but presently making a stop they began to run out of order and cry out It is Artamenes it is Artamenes This word passing from the first Rank to the second and from the second to the third and so thorowout all the glorious name of Artamenes did in an instant fill the mouthes of friends and enemies Captains and Souldiers Conquerors and conquered all stopt and in a moment all would advance to be better certified of the matter Philidaspes who was afraid it should be some stratageme of the King of Phrygia to put his Souldiers in disorder whilest he relieved the King of Pontus commanded every one to his place and advanced to the place where the noise began But oh Heavens how was he surprized when looking into the Litter he saw that it was really Artamenes which was within it who held his hand out to the Souldiers and cherished all them which came near him This sight did doubtlesse astonish Philidaspes and perhaps made him sad But as he was one of a great soul wit and generosity so he partly hid it without expressing much joy or much sorrow he lighted from his horse and came neer my Master Artamenes said he in coming to him and presenting him his Generals Staff could never rise in fitter time he who died in the day of Victory revives again in the day of Triumph In the case that I am in replied Artamenes smiling and most civilly saluting him I may more aptly be taken for a vanquished then a vanquisher And to tell you truly I think that I am neither fit to follow a Chariot nor to go before it Chariots of triumph answered Philidaspes are not difficult to be conducted for commonly fortune guides them Artamenes had not leasure to answer this nice complement for all the Officers whether Philidaspes who commanded them would or no did quit their places and acknowledge him no more but came to salute their General Artamenes All the Regiments not daring absolutely to quit their Ranks because of the Prisoners which they guarded yet they pressed so that all the Souldiers might at least see the Litter where he was The King of Pontus impatient to embrace his glorious Conquerour sent one of them who was appointed for his guard to ask leave for him to come neer The souldier coming neer and presenting what the King of Pontus desired my Master with an unparalelled modesty making a signe to him with his hand It is Philidaspes said he and not Artamenes which can grant him that leave and of whom he must ask it since he received the last Orders from the King and commands in Chief Philidaspes being even confounded and half angry at my Masters sweet civility said unto him That his power was nothing since he was present and therefore the command was in him I care not for commanding others answered Artamenes when I am not in a condition to do that my self which I bid others do You must at this time answered Philidaspes endure this inconveniencie for I do not think there is any will take your Office out of your hand Why you may better take it upon you then I replied Artamenes Your Souldiers will not consent replied Philidaspes and I think they have good reason for it In conclusion Sir after this modest contest Artamenes took upon him that Command which belonged unto him and turning towards the messenger from the King of Pontus My friend said he to him tell the King of Pontus that if I were able to goe I would come where he is and do him that reverence which is his due and tell him that he may do what ever he pleases This generous Royal prisoner came then with great joy to salute the man who had captived him I could not but grieve much said he in coming to him at your losse and I never had any thought of my liberty untill that minuit you were beleeved to be dead Sir answered my Master with much sweetnesse if I were not so wounded as I could not sustain my self Artamenes would not receive the King of Pontus after such an uncivil manner and doubtlesse he would let him know that he thinks his Victory very unfortunate that he is not had in more Veneration Never speak of unfortunate answered the King of Pontus my fetters are not base since you did put them on nor have I need of all my Victories to follow Artamenes as my Conqueror Such as you who deserve to Conquer answered my Master ought to be but little troubled at being conquered and it is a greater argument of your valour then mine that you find such consolation in your misfortune The King of Pontus drawing back a little to give room unto those who yet had not saluted Artamenes my Master had a desire to know whether or no the Victory was compleat he asked of the King and the Princesse he enquired particularly of most part of all the Officers and he had the goodnesse to ask where Chrisantes and where
imagine that my quarrel with Artamenes is not the way to procure her favour if she love him but it will put you into lesse danger of her hatred then my self But so it was Sir that they could not agree upon the matter they were rather ready to fall upon one another for it is imaginable that union which was grounded upon jealousie was not indissolvable and so they parted very ill satisfied with one another and Indathirses seeing my master go out of the Tent to walk followed only by two or three of his men he went after with an equal number to seek him by the River side where he often walked As soon as Artamenes saw him he went towards him and accosting him with much civility I am happier then I thought said he to him since I expected nothing in my walk but solitude and find such good company Indathirses answered my Master civilly enough before the company and beginning to go on Indathirses propounded it to walk on foot and my Master consenting unto it they gave their horses to their men and walked alone along the River side As soon as they were at a reasonable distance and ought of sight of their men Indathirses looking upon Artamenes I know not said he to him whether the businesse I have to tell you will surprize you but I do know very well it can never trouble you so much as it has me I know not replied Artamenes whether or no it will surprize me until I do know it yet I can assure you that I use not to be so at any perverse events but alwayes prepare my self to receive the worst malice of fortune with a quiet mind my businesse with you now replied Indathirses is not of that quality but before I explain my self any further tell me I beseech you whether since you came amongst the Massagettes you ever heard of the cause which brought me into this Court of Thomiris Since I do use to be sincere replied Master I must confesse they tell me it is because you are in love with Thomiris and that both you and the Prince of Sauromates are possessed with the same passion Knew you as much before you saw Thomiris I did so answered my Master why then did you not defend your heart added Indathirses against her charms and since you make such publike profession of generosity why would you disingage two Princes who have received you with all possible civility for I am certain that the Queen loves you and I conceive that you love her for this Princesse would for a whole year together obstinately deny her affection unto me to place it upon a man who never asked it or does not love her I do confesse answered Artamenes coldly that what you tell me does more surprise me then I thought it would But since I do not use to give any explanations of this nature unto any who complaine of me and speak unto me in such an Aire as you do I can say nothing to you but that I reverence the Queen more then to suspect her of any such imbecility as you accuse her of And for my particular if I have been any obstacle unto your affection I have done nothing but what I ought but yet replied Indathirses you do not directly tell me whether or no you love the Queen and whether the Queen loues you and whether your businesse at Court will quickly be dispatched I will give you no other answer replied my Master but as I did before that I have done nothing but what I ought to do and if you be not contented with it then you must look out a way to get better satisfaction for I will not refuse you any that I can I do know very well replied Indathirses that to assault an Embassador is in some degree a violation of the law of nations which all the people in the world thinks sacred but since I am a stranger as well as you I do not think my self obliged by the lawes of this Countrey nor that I am any thing injurious unto honour if I demand reparation for the affront which you have offered in causing Thomiris to hate me Most Just answered my Master without any dorr at it and if you please to walk some two hundred paces further out of their sight which follow us you having a Sword as well as I we may there end all differences and see whether the love you bear unto the Queen will make you Conqueror without any danger Artamenes told us afterwards that his anger to see himself persecuted by a man unto whom he was not any Rivall did so transport him that he was not less incensed then if he had been in love with the Queen Indathirses then accepting the offer they began to walk untill they were out of any sight of their men who never minded them Indathirses and Artamenes drawing their Swords began the combat the particulars whereof I cannot well relate since all we know was from the mouth of the Combatants whose modestie would not permit them to set out their own valours Artamenes told us that Indathirses shewed himself a man of great Courage and much valour in this dangerous attempt They made severall passes at on another without a touch but at last since it was my Masters destinie ever to vanquish his Sword was sanguin'd with the blood of Indathirses The hurt was but slight yet since it was in his right Arme it much troubled him so that fearing he should not be long able to manage his Sword he resolved to come up very close unto my Master who received him as gallantly Indathirses was as tall as my Master but there was ever such a strange vigour in the heart of Artamenes as it allwayes doubled his strength in any dangers and which ever made him victorious so that after a little time of dispute Artamenes catcht hold of Indathirses Sword and presenting his own sword unto his brest caused him to confess himself vanquished my Master having both swords in his hands you will now acknowledg said he that Artamenes is not altogether unworthy of the affection of Thomiris I will confess replied Indathirses that you have valour enough to vanquish me and that my fortune is not good enough to dispute with you for her and I do confesse replied my Master restoring him his sword and imbâ—acing him that I am not in love with Thomiris That I never was nor ever will be How replied Indathirses are not you a lover of Thomiris No replied Artamenes and by my good will shall never be any hinderance unto your felicity with her since it is so replied Indathirses why would you fight because I would better perswade you of the truth answered my Master and not suffer you to suspect my valour Indathirses was so much surprised and charmed with the generosity of Artamenes that he could not chuse but desire him to explain this Riddle and used such pressing termes and so full of submission that my Master
as he is I hope for victory But alas in the mean time I am all fury the fight of my old enemy Philidaspes revives all my jealouâ—â—e and hate The King of Pont also who loved me before he knew I was his Rival triumphs over all my hopes Perhaps I say he has not only the happiness of seeing her but hath gained her heart and obtained his pardon so that since he did not like Philidaspes ravish her away but save her from shipwrack she cannot look upon him as an injurious Ravisher however he is no less culpable in my eyes so that which way soever I look I see none but the Ravishers of Mandana to punish yet alas I see them but asar off since I must not fall upon the King of Assyria and since I know not where the King of Pontus is Amidst these thoughts Aglatidas entered and brought Artaban unto him who came from Sinope and assured Cyrus that within these two days the whole Army would be come up before Artaxates Cyrus did gladly receive him both because his news did please him and because he was a friend unto Aglatidas He enquired very affectionately concerning the health of Ciaxares the Kings of Phrygia and Heriania and of all the rest in the Army After this conceiving it fit to acquaint the King of Assyria and the Princess Araminta with this news he prepared to go unto them bidding Aglatidas very sweetly to make his friend welcome But said he addressing himself unto Artaban grieve him not with any stories of Amestris for his own passion without the addition of new misfortunes torments him enough I should be very sorry Sir replyed Artaban not to obey you in all things but I told him as we were coming hither how that fair Lady was not in a very happy condition and I told him also how Ottanus would not accept of the Government in the Province of the Arisantines which you would have conferred upon him Would not Ottanus replyed Cyrus in great amazement accept of a thing so advantagious for him what may be his reason for it I know not that Sir answered he I but I am certain he hath left Ecbatan and when I came from thence reports were that he came into Artaxates so that if this be true he is certainly upon the Mountains where the King of Armenia is If it be so said Cyrus unto Aglatidas perhaps we shall release Amestris before Mandana for it is to be supposed that Ottanus having committed so base an act as to side with the enemies of his Prince and a Prince too who had honored him with a Government so much above his desert he will perish and dye there which if he do added he and smiled Aglatidas must go and comfort Amestris I do not know replyed that sad Lover whether or no I shall be able to comfort others but I am most certain that I have had a long time need of consolation my self After this he thanked Cyrus for his tenderness over him and waiting upon him as far as the Princess Araminta's Chamber he went to entertain his dear friend Artaban with more freedom then before and to enquire more particularly of him concerning Amestris Mean while after Cyrus had acquainted the Princess Araminta with the King of Assyria's arrival and with the news of Ciaxares his advance he went unto the Chamber of his Rival whose mind was altogether as turbulent as the mind of Cyrus who in all likelyhood could never hope for the happiness of bâ—ing beloved although he should deliver Mandana and vanquish Cyrus nor though he did flatter up himself with hopes in the Oracles yet could he never pretend to have any other satisfaction then revenge upon him However since love and hope are inseparabâ—e Companions he sometimes fancied that this his illustrious Rival should be no sooner out of the world but he should possess his place yet these fancies did quickly vanish and he did more often imagine maugre all his oraculous assurance from Heaven that as soon as he had killed Cyrus he should then be more hated then before These were the imaginations of that Prince when Cyrus came into his Chamber to acquaint him with the news which Artaban brought After he had stayed a quarter of an hour with him consulting what Quarters those Troops which he brought should have in the morning he left him and went to give orders for it and many other things Mean while the King of Assyria after he had sent to ask the permission of Cyrus went to visit the Princess Araminta In the mean while also Cyrus sent unto several Guards which he had placed that they should not be surprized or amazed when they saw the Troops of Ciaxares advance He sent also into Artaxates appointing them to prepare the King of Armenia's Palace for Ciaxares and the Princess Araminta for since the whole Army was to be joyned he thought it expedient to make sure as well within the Town as without He was also informed by Araspes that Hidaspes and Chrisantes had defeated some Troops which the Prince Phaartes had sent out into the Plain to forrage for victuals After all this he retired unto his Chamber and as usually he did passed over the night without a wink of sleep In the morning he went to visit the quarters of Hidaspes and others and the day following that he would go meet Ciaxares and carry the King of Assyria with him These two Princes then took horse Thrasibulus some Voluntiers and two hundred Horses only waited upon them and after he had caused the Assyrian Troops to advance and ranked them in Battalia with the rest to receive Ciaxares with the more ceremony he sent Araspes before that he might prepare the King to meet with the King of Assyria not but that he knew Ciaxares would keep promise since he had passed it but because he always used to observe order and decorum in all things After some three hours march they discovered clouds of dust to arise from the ground caused by the march of the Army Presently after they met and he came up to that Regiment where Ciaxares was with the King of Phrigia As soon as the Souldiers saw Cyrus they began to shout with such great acclamations of Joy that it may well be said they forgot Ciaxares was there Cyrus beckened unto them with his hand and with great modesty made signs unto them to be silent to march and keep their ranks he refused these honors with such a kind of obliging smile as spoke him neither pleased or angry at it The King of Assyria heard all these acclamations with much perplexity though he would not shew it and at last they met Ciaxares in a place where he was lighted from his horse to refresh himself and to see those Troops drawn out which he intended should march first unto Artaxates As soon as Cyrus discovered him under the Trees he advertised the King of Assyria so that lighting from their horses some
many men and her complacency to them was very cold she told Leonisa diverse times of it but she not being of her Cosens humour and being something yonger then she she could not finde in her heart to banish any that came unto her and seemed to esteem her so that she told Cleodora that she could not be uncivill unto any and more then that she ought not to take so much upon her in a house where she is rather to obey their command Cleodora durst not speak of it unto her Aunt because she knew it would not please her that she should be of any smch criticall humour and therefore not knowing what course to take she entreated Belesis one day since she observed there was a great confidence between Leonisa and him that he would tell her that her universall civility did much offend her and if she answer you said she unto him that she does not love to disoblige any one tell her that in all reason she ought rather to oblige some one compleat gallant to esteem her and not shew such equall civility unto all that come to see her As Cleodora said so and thinking none did hear her but Belesis Leonisa was unknown in a closet and came unto them laughing and addressed her self extream sweetly unto Cleodora I beseech you said she do not condemne me before I may answer for my self Cleodora perceiving that Leonisa had heard what she said seemed as if she knew that she was in the closset and spoke purposely that she might understand her In the mean time I will seriously tell you Leonisa before Belesis said she who knowes the world very well that there are two sorts of people who without any choise use to affect a multitude which thus daily flock about you I pray tell me said Leonisa in which Catalogue you rank me and who are those two sorts of people which so affect that which I must confesse I do not hate They are replied Cleodora either Country people newly come to town or else they are light headed huswifes which love tatling Surely said Leonisa I am not of this last number I confesse it said Cleodora for if you be you would make me much to wonder yet I must-say thus much for you that you smell not at all of the country unlesse in this humour But Cleodora said Leonisa is it not an undeniable maxime that civility ought to be shewed unto all in generall and is it not by esteem only that one ought to put a difference between those men we see No said Cleodora for which way can one expresse esteem but by civility when one would distinguish one of excellent qualities from others you know it is not handsome to give men tender and obliging language The word friendship is something too hard to pronounce and it is dangerous to use it in speaking unto young and Courtly Gallants and the truth is a man must give a thousand testimonies of his wisdome or else do some very considerable peece of service before it will be handsome to be tender and affectionate to him after this consider Leonisa whether you be not too prodigall of your civility unlesse it be shewed only unto such men as really esteem you I shall be very reserved in my favours and my esteem replied Leonisa and be prodigall only of a thousand triviall passages and behaviours which indeed are nothing else but common civility your prayses and commendations and esteem replied Cleodora are certainly of an inestimable value But Leonisa It is men only that must handsomly give commendations so frequently when they speak unto Ladies and surely you never told Belesis since you saw him that you think him very handsome that his wit doth infinitely please you and that his company charmes you Alas Madam said Belesis I beseech you do not Jeere me in your disputes for it is not I who causeth the fair eyes of Leonisa to attract so much company that troubles you I pray you said Leonisa to Belesis let me answer Cleodora my self I pray answer then directly replied she so I will replied Leonisa and therefore I will confesse I never spoke any such thing unto Belesis as you mention yet I assure you that maâ—gre this universall civility wherewith you upbraid me Belesis hath observed that I put a great difference between him and many others speak Belesis said Cleodora does Leonisa say truth have you perceived that esteem which she had of you from that which she had unto any else Belesis was now much put to it for he was unwilling to disoblige Leonisa and fearfull to anger Cleodora so that carrying a levell hand between them both I have so little right unto fair Leonisas esteem replied he that I cannot imagine how she should put any difference between me and the lowest rank of qualified men But as I am oft apt to flatter my self and to beleeve things which I desire I must confesse I have observed some land of civility used more obligingly unto me then unto some others to whom she hath done more reverence so admirably well doth she know the art of obliging by little things Beleeve not Belesis said Cleodora unto Leonisa since I assure you he is no lover of multitudes and certainly he hath good reason for it So have you Leonisa for what can you do with so many men you cannot marry them all You would not be thought a Tatler you cannot esteem them all and therefore how can you endure them all Nothing is more sweet unto me replied Leonisa then to think that none doth hate me but that every one on the contrary should esteem and commend me Alaâ— Leonisa said Cleodora what extream folly in it to say so for what good will the esteem of a thousand men do you when you esteem not them and beleeve it Dear Leonisa it is very well if one can live so as none shall hate them with affecting that all the world should love them I do confesse that one ought to do all the good they can and not to let a person drown for want of a hand lent to help him out Yet for all this one must love for themselves and their friends and not altogether for the publique The fittest places for expressions of civility is in the Temples in the walkes and in the streets but in my chamber if my coldnesse to those that trouble me would not drive them away I should be then uncivill and perhaps go a little further sometimes to rid my self of some such men as I know And certainly all this not without good reason for one dull fellow may hinder me from enjoying the conversation of the compleatest man in the world And truly I have so nice a spirit that I cannot endure this kind of complacency which will not purchase one reall friend in a thousand yeers 't is very true said Leonisa that perhapps I have fewer friends then you but perhaps I can brag of having fewer enemies and do you not
Clothes but also by the Garbe and Aire of Timantes Parthenia stayed not long there for she no sooner saw him but she made no question but that he was the stranger of whom they reported such wonders Insomuch as without any reason she perceived in her selfe a strange agitation of that for which she could find no cause but onely the odnesse of the adventure But at last Antimaques found out a place where he might see Parthenia 'T is true see her but with her hood pulled down no more then he could Timantes who saw her so also So that all this while every one was in a husht silence For Timantes not knowing that the Lady whom he looked upon desired not to be seen hoped still she would lift up her hood as he earnestly desired His curiosity wasthe more zealous because he saw a Lady of a very handsome stature and Symmetry and had the whitest hands in the World for Parthenia pulled Amaxita by the Gown to whisper unto her that she thought this to be the man so much extolled by every one So that by this meanes Timantes might judge of her beauty by her voice by her stature by her armes and by her hands As for her dresse nothing could be concluded from it For that day she wore such a dresse as ladies of highest qualitie sometimes use and which those of a more inferiour Ranke use also so that nothing could be drawn from it Nor had he time to observe how her women kept that respective distances for the hole through which he looked was so little that hee could see but one at once and Parthenia removing from that place some two paces he could see her no more do all he could I beseech you Madam said he unto her though you will not give me leave to see you yet for Heavens sake let me hear you and be not so inhumane as to let an unfortunate stranger wander and wander for the love of you For truly Madam had not your sweet alluring voice becharmed my eare I am confident I had found the way out of this mysterious Labyrinth And though I am deceived in this yet to let you know that I have seen others which I could have better understood Let me tell you that I am a Cretan and I beseech you let me not find the Cyprian Ladies lesse pittifull then they there For doubtlesse you know how Ariadne helped Theseus out of the Labyrinth there And be not so cruell I beseech you as to leave him wandering here who has the honour to participate of that illustrious and charitable Ladies blood but help Timantes out of this place as Ariadne did Theseus out of that For I must needs have the same passion to you that shee had unto him if you do the like for me Since you are such an absolute Master of your passions replyed Parthenia very glad to see she was not deceived that you can love when and whom you please It is to be likewise feared that you can also hate when and whom you please and that if I should do for you as Ariadne did for Theseus you would not do for me as Theseus did for Ariadne Therefore Sir I have no disposition to free you from your Labyrinth upon that condition which you propose for on the contrary you could tell me nothing which would sooner withhold me Also since now I know your qualitie I cannot find in my heart to see you because I am much ashamed that I have rendred you no more respect But Madam replyed he and smiled would it not be uncivill if you should not permit me the sight of you but to leave me wandering in a place out of which I cannot get without your help and do you not fear I should complain against you Could you know Sir who I am replied she doubtlesse I should fear it and should not do so However Madam I beseech you tell me why you use me thus The reason is replyed she and laughed because having never captivated any by my own charmes I should be glad to take hold of this opportunity and at least to make one Prisoner If there want nothing but that to give you satisfaction answered Timantes I promise you to be your Captive and Prisoner both I consent not to follow you out but to remain in this Labyrinth therefore I beseech you deny me not the happinesse of seeing you but instruct me which way I should come unto the place where you are since I shall be nothing but a peece of incivilitie towards you replyed she I cannot allow my self to let you see me but must be guilty of this cruelty wherewith you charge me The cruelty of fair ones will absolutely be forgotten replyed he if they will but once shew themselves how can I give credit unto your words replyed she and laughed still since you rank me in the number of faire ones before you see mee I know already replyed he that you have a most Angell-like voice not only in singing but in speaking moreover I know that you are of a most admirable stature garb that you have the whitest hands upon earth so that if your eyes be answerable and as far as I imagine them you must needs be the fairest upon earth Since you imagine them so faire replyed Parthenia I will keep you still in that imagination and not show them unto you yet that you shall not say I am altogether inhuman I promise to send you one that shall help you out of that Labyrinth assoon as I am gone Timantes perceiving Parthenia prepared to be gone I beseech you Madam said he unto her let me at the least know your name as I have told you mine I had rather let you have a sight of me answered she then tell you my name but I pray you give me leave to conceale both After this Parthenia went away and Timantes heard no other noise but what she and her women made as they departed who never feared being followed yet they went very fast and took Coach in all hast commanding the Porter to goe and help those strangers out who were wandring in the Labyrinth but not untill a full hower after she was gone commanding him also not to tell who she was but to say they were some Ladies of Paphos unknown to him After this Parthenia went away and the porter in obedience to his former Mistresse stayed an houre before he went to release the strangers she spoke of In the meane time Timantes and Antimaques were as busie as could be to follow her but they were so far from getting out as they came into the middle of it that is to say in the round place where they resolved to stay and expect the performance of her promise But as every minute seemed an age unto any that are in expectation of any thing Timantes began to expresse his sorrowes unto Antimaques that he could not see the face of her who sung and his extreame desire to
designs of Agatherses an 〈…〉 all the Cabinet intricases of Tipanis and likewise of the Tent Royal that he did ofâ—e 〈…〉 send intelligence of great importance unto that Prince in so much as there was no nee 〈…〉 of giving any new reasons why he should not be released because the interest of State was reason enough On the other side Agatherses in continuing his mask of love unto Noromata he was nothing so circumspect as he might be in hindering Ariantes from the Throne But his greatest grief was that Thomiris during her languishing disease did send such ambiguous Orders as it was easie to know that her soul was troubled at something else then at the War and that She had some other design since She would not hazard her Forces and indeed Noromata's Father who was with that Queen did one day write that he heard her say She had rather loose the Kingdom of the Issedons then her Army However send what orders She would Agatherses was resolved to give battel as soon as Winter was done or else to force Ariantes into Issedon But Winter being very long in that Country he must endure a long torment yet it was some consolation unto him to hear from Spargapises his Envoy that the reports in Issedon was Elibesis would not marry Ariantes until the end of the War But since the passion of his soul was such as useth ordinarily to inspire him with thoughts quite opposite unto one another he would some daies wish that Ariantes had married Elibesis Yes Anabaris said he one day unto me I swear unto you by all the Gods that if I were sure to vanquish Ariantes to morrow I would have him marry Elibesis to day for it would be the greatest delight in the world unto me to see a Scepter fall out of the hand of this perfidious woman and my revenge would not be to the full if the fall of Ariantes Throne did overwhelm only himself and if I did not see Elibesis a Queen without a Crown or to say better the Widdow of a vanquished Usurper and by consequence without honour without rank and without support in necessity to have recourse unto me to obtain for her some small corner in that Kingdom which She hopes to possess Should you ever see her in such a deplorable condition said I unto him I am confident your joys would be mixed with much pity Fie Anabaris said he unto me I cannot pity those who cannot pity me and as my miseries never moved Elibesis so hers shall never move me or if they do it shall be only out oâ— meer generosity and out of my satisfaction to let her know that such a Subject as my self does better merit her affection then such a Soveraigne as Ariantes In the mean time Noromata in observance of her husbands orders did speak unto Agatherses according as he desired her but since he seemed to be in love with her he thought fit to answer her in ambiguous terms though he did intend to do what he could to release Sitalces And since he would have her think him to be really her Lover to the end that she being first deceived others also might be the sooner he told her very wittily that her desires of seeing Sitalces released had blinded her since she made such Propositions as were dishonorable to him For truly said he if it should be known you offer so much for his liberty it would be thought that his side did not much value him and therefore it is requisite to manage his honour a little better and give Ariantes time to advise upon it for his answer was not so clear but that it was requisite to send a second time unto him without making any new Propositions Therefore Madam have a little patience and let time bring that design to pass which perhaps would be ruined with haste This Sir was the answer which Agatherses gave her who being glad of a pretence to send again unto Issedon that he might hear news of Elibesis and publish it that he was in Love with Noromata he moved Spargapises to send thither the second time So that Noromata writ unto Sitalces all that Agatherses said unto her Adonacris also answered Argirispe and wished her to be wary in her offers for his liberty because if things changeed not he had an infallible way of getting his liberty which now he could not write In the mean time whilst these designs which had so many secret obstacles were in agitation Adonacris was very vigilant to take all opportunities of seeing and talking with Noromata 〈…〉 who for his part shunned him as much as she could though she did very tenderly love him But when chance only brought them together and when Adonacris could not suspect that she gave him any opportunities of talking with her then she could not chuse but be much joyed and take great delight in hearing him talk to her yet these delights and joys had some bitter mixed with their sweets for she was so extreamly careful of being over-obliging in her language that she so stifled the thoughts of her heart as put him into a cruel qualm she was so fearful it should be known that he did and still doth love her as she oftentimes did contradict the most just things and if he at any time did hold an argument with another she would alwayes take his adverse part so scrupulous and careful was this vertuous Lady of her reputation yet Adonacris knew very well that whensoever she was opposite to him She did it not out of harted But as the great prudence of Noromata did deprive him of a hundred innocent delights in depriving him of all private conference with her so he chanced one day to argue against Eliorante in the presence of Noromata upon a Subject which obliquely had some coherence with the adventure which grieved him For be pleased to know that there was two Ladies in Tipanis whose vertues and reputations were very different For one whose name was Menopea was possessed with a most violent passion in her heart and secretly held correspondencies of Gallantry with a very bravely accomplished man but She carried her self with so much prudence such strickt reservedness and so modestly that except very few who knew the truth all the world thought Menopea to be the most vertuous person upon earth and the least capable of any correspondencies of Gallantry with any one There was also another Lady whose name was Orique who was as really vertuous as ever any was yet extreamly exposed to scandal because She had a conceipt that it was sufficient to be vertuous without seeming so So that being only cautious lest any of her actions should be essentially ill and never caring for appearances by which the world in general useth to judg She exposed her reputation unto so much slander and envy that all the Town except a few who knew her very well did think that all men were her Lovers yes her favoured Lovers Thus She who was