so full of civilities unto Onesicrite the Prince of Phoceus Aristonice and unto Menedorus that they had reason to be very well satisfied However since that place was not fit for any long discourse Carimantes carryed Onesicrite unto Cleonisbies Coach telling the Prince of Phoceus Menedorus and my selfe that we should go on hors-back with him for having at all huntings many spare horses there was as many as we stood in need of so that as soon as the Prince of Phoceus had waited upon Cleonisbe unto the Coach where Onesicrite already was and that Bomilcar had waited upon Aristonice and that the Coaches began to goe they all took horse and followed The Prince of Phoceus all the way did talke with Carimantes and acquainted him with the desolation of his Country the fortune of their Armes the greatnesse of their Conquests the resolution of the Phocean Inhabitants the command of the Goddess which is adored at Ephesus the storm we endured and the meeting with the Princess Cleonisbe who understood the same things from Onesicrite more particularly then she had them from Hipomenes Though the way was not very long yet I observed Bomilcar to have much spirit A spirit so full of activity as one might see by his physiognomy that he was possessed with more then one violent passion He asked me a hundred indifferent Questions enquired very narrowly concerning the Phocean Prince Also I asked Hipomones all that my curiosity did prompt me unto hoping that since he was a Grecian I might have all good Offices from him and amongst the rest I asked and desired him to tell me who Bomilcar was Sir sayd he unto me he is a man so considerable in this Court that he is looked upon as the man who only put an end unto the Warr between the Carthaginians and the Segoregians For being a very potent man in his own Country it was by his negotiation doubtless that those two Enemy-Nations are at this time in peace I beseech you sayd I unto him is not Bomiclar originally of this Country No replyed he the proud Carthage is the place from whence his Father had his being After this passing from one discourse unto another I understood that the King of the Segoregians had no other children but Carimantes and Cleonisbe and I understood also that I was not mistaken when I believed Glacidia was much in favour with Cleonisbe for he told me that she did very much esteem and love her adding that she very well deserved this happiness because she made use of Cleonisbes favour onely to do good offices unto all well qualified men At the last Madam we came unto the Castle where the King was which was one of the most Princely seats which ever I saw a seate which had a hundred delicate Rivelets and pleasant Medows about it and a Prospect of so vast an extent towards the Sea that ones eyes could finde no other limits but their own weakness which would not permit them to discern beyond the confines which Nature had prescribed unto them In coming to it we saw a great Walke set on both sides with Lawrells above eight hundred paces long We passed through a long ascent rayled and ballistred planted in order with thousands of Orange Trees iutermixed with Pomgranets and Cittrons which pleasing more then one sence at once did perfume the Aire in which we breathed We saw also in the midst of a Garden an admirable spring of water which Nature had cast into an excellent figure and which did rise in a murmuring noise and fall again into a little River in a Meadow behind this Garden We observed also in coming to this Castle that all the walls of the Court were covered with Mirtle and that there was a rare border of odoriferous hearbs behind the Castle where one might see Arbors of Lawrell Fountaines and Rivers in most admirable method But our greatest wonder was the magnificence within this stately house and particularly in the Kings Chamber Truly Madam though it was not adorned either with Pictures or hung with Sydonian Tapistry or Purple yet what we saw was much more rich and glorious then any that ever I saw For Madam I beseech you imagine this Chamber to be the height of the house and one of the most ravishing objects that ever any eye beheld The walls and roof were enamelled with a kind of irregular Arabian work all of mother of pearl and Corall The bow of Heaven had not more splendant colours then the reflection from the mother of Pearl and being mingled with Corall of all colours that nature ever produced in the Ligustique Sea which is not far off it made the most beautifull object in the world For some being white some black some flame-colour some Carnation some Rose-colour this Miscellany is impossible to be described And therefore not to insist long upon it give me leave to tell you Madam how the King of Segoregians received us Cleonisbe being of no less excellency of judgment then spirit she sent before to acquaint the King with her adventure as soon as she landed to the end he might not be surprized when we came into the Hall of the Castle Carimantes presented his hand unto Onesicrite who now could not let Aristonice go before her so that Bomilcar did lead her As for the Prince of Phoceus he presented his hand unto Cleonisbe who most obligingly told him that since the Prince her Brother would present Onesicrite unto the King she would do him that good office to present him As for Menedorus he gave his hand unto Glacidia Since the King did understand the Grecian Language as well as Carimantes and Cleonisbe he was most sensibly moved at what the Prince of Phoceus sayd unto him after that the Princess his Daughter had presented him for though his Speech was but short yet he told him all our misfortunes and in few words did so explain them as the King might most easily understand and remember them he made choise of such apt words to express our miseries as the longest and most Eloquent Oration in the world could not work more tenderness in the hearts of Auditors To be short Sir sayd the Prince of Phoceus unto the King at the end of his Speech you see heare a company of miserable men whom fear of servitude hath forced to forsake their Country who have not one foot of ground to tread upon unless you give it them or unless they usurp it a weather beaten people loaded with sorrows who have nothing but our liberties and hopes of your favor nor could wee ever hope unless the Princess Cleonisbe had promised to be our Patroness and Mediator to you and also obtained the same favour for us from the Prince Carimantes Thus Sir upon you depends our Destiny since if you do not permit us entrance into your Ports for our Fleet we have nothing else to do but dye patienly As the King was ready to answer Aristonice began to speak Sir
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
her she went presently out of the Temple and spoke not a word unto this woman as she did intend and went unto the Palace extreamly melancholly The King of Assyria went thither with her and he was no sooner in her chamber but looking upon her with many signs of satisfaction in his countenance Well Madam said he to her will you contend with the gods The gods answered she are not unjust and that 's all my hope They are not unjust I confesse replied he but withall you must acknowledge with me that they can be no lyers I know it well replied she but I know also that they are incomprehensible and it is presumptuous rashnesse in men to think they can perfectly understand their language They do explain themselves so clearly replied he that I can doubt no longer of my good fortune They explain themselves so unjustly in appearance answered she that I cannot believe they are well understood But Sir added the Princesse who desired to be alone and at liberty to bewaile this new misfortune if it be the pleasure of the gods to make an alteration in my soul leave all the care of it unto them and meddle you no more with it they have power enough to do it themselves if they please to have it so and I pray you leave me a little quietnesse cruel woman said he in leaving her do you resist both heaven and earth but however it is my part to obey you as he went out Mazares who left us in the Temple came in but so sad that I wonder we did not suspect the true cause of it yet we had not the least thought of it but he disguised his melancholly under pretence of that which he discovered in the Princess which was not a little you are very generous Mazares said she to him not to participate of the King of Assyria's joy or at least to hide it from me at this time I protest Madam answered he you have no cause to thank me for being more sensible of your sorrow then the King of Assyria's joy since to tell you truly my heart does it without any consultation with my reason since I do nothing but what I cannot chuse Indeed Orsanes told me afterwards that he was no less troubled at the Oracle then the Princesse was and this conversation at this time was not very regular for sometimes Mandana would be reserved and sometimes Mazares would silently entertain his thoughts and Orsanes has told me that when he did secretly call to minde the present condition of his Fortune he could not deplore it enough Alas said he to himself what can I hope for if Mandana speak it is after such a manner as makes me believe that Artamenes is the onely happy man she loves and if I hearken unto the Oracle then the King of Assyria must have his hopes satisfied and Artamenes must be as unfortunate as Mazares But whilest this Prince was thus ruminating the Princesse coming suddenly out of her musing how can I think said she that my heart should change its resentments and how can Mandana ever resolve to make up the felicity of that Prince who is the cause of all her misfortunes which way can I ever comprehend it If ever this Prodigy come to passe the King my father must first die Artamenes must not be upon earth and I must lose my Reason for without these I cannot comprehend how Mandana can ever be Queen of Assyria as she must be if the Oracle be interpreted after the King of Assyrias exposition I shall never make an end Chrisantes if I should repeat all the discourse between the Princesse Mazares and my self The next morning the King caused a Magnificent Sacrifice to be offered to thank the Gods for the Oracle he had received But here I beseech you admire the destiny of things That same thing for which the King did thank the gods the same did incense the people who began to grumble and say it was fitter to offer a Sacrifice to appease the Gods then to thank them That the war was unjust that the Princesse Mandana was wronged that the Babylonians ought to restore her unto the King her father Thus when they began to descant upon the actions of their Prince they fell to murmur and from murmur it grew to insolence and from insolence to sedition and at the last an absolute Revolt Mean while Winter came fast on and all was covered with snow but all this did not make the besiegers give over their designe and continued it so close that notwithstanding the vast greatnesse of the Town there entred no victuals into it Yet notwithstanding the Oracle kept up the heart of the King of Assyria but for all that he was necessitated a few dayes after for the famine beginning to encrease and pinch the people they began to cast off their obedience unto their King and in one night this great Town had more enemies in Arms within the walls then without although the King of Medes Army as you know was become vastly great since the defeat of the King of Assyria because many Princes did then quit him and joyned themselves with Ciaxares Never was greater confusion then this of Babylon Some took up Arms to force the King of Assyria to restore the Princesse unto the King of Medes Others were in Arms to keep her and by her to make an advantagious Peace Some there were who being not onely deprived of all reason but humanity did speak of sacrificing her Others on the contrary maintained that she deserved to have Altars erected unto her vertue and constancy Some would now get to maintain themselves from those who had too much And others without any other pretence maintained they were in Arms to shake off the yoak of Royalty and make themselves free since fortune afforded them such a favourable opportunity And indeed they all talked so insolently and high as I am verily perswaded that they did contribute as much to the taking of the Town by their Revolt as all the strength of Ciaxares his Army or to say better I think the gods intending to protect the Innocency of the Princesse and to punish their Rebellion did make use of themselves for that purpose and blinded them to their own destruction And although it seemed that the furie of the people was advantagious unto the Princesse considering the state of things yet in lieu of rejoycing her it did much grieve her it being most certain that nothing is more horrible nor entrencheth so much upon the soveraigne Authority of the Gods as this rebellious Crime which entrencheth upon the soveraigne Authority of Kings who are the Images of the gods Yet as the King of Assyria is a Prince of a great heart and Mazares of no lesse to second him so he hoped to appease this disorder and resolved to take the onely course by which popular insolencie is reduced unto Reason which is by example and punishment of mutineers But
since the thing could not be done without some danger because if the besiegers should make an assault upon the Town at the time that the people were so much incensed it was to be feared they would yeeld up the Town and the King of Assyria apprehended that then he could not save the Princesse especially in the night when the besiegers were most busie in giving Alarms and when the people are aptest to attempt any thing because they who are most forward in such tumultuous occasions cannot be known in the dark He consulted then with Mazares upon it who told him that it was Prudence in those who do not resolve to flee yet to know how they may do it if any necessity should presse them unto it It is good reason said the King of Assyria unto him for all Babylon and my Crown to boot are nothing to me in comparison of Mandana And at this time if I should lose Mandana I should be in danger to lose my Scepter as well as her it being to be imagined that the people will not then endure me nor suffer me to carry away Mandana with my life The main difficulty will be to finde out a way to escape and get out of Babylon if I should be put to it for as for a place of Retreat it is easie to finde one for since Aribeus is in Pteria and keeps half of Cappadocia I cannot wish a safer Sanctuary This Traitor was so cunning as to make the people beleeve that the Princesse was not averse unto such an advantagious marriage and that it was onely the King her father whom she feared and caused her to do as she did But before he could go unto Pteria he must get out of Babylon and that was the great difficulty there being dangers in it both without and within the Town All this while the soul of Mazares was in torment and his minde much divided As he was good and Generous he could not without great difficulty contribute any thing unto the misfortune of the Princesse but as he was passionately in love with her it was much more difficult for him to consent that ever she should come into the power of Artamenes and for his own particular interest he had rather she were in the hands of a hated Lover then a beloved Lover Not but that he was terrified at the Oracle yet the aversion which the Princesse had unto him did make him lesse esteem it and he found much more danger in Artamenes then in him Jealousie therefore being predominate in his heart he applied himself mainly to the King of Assyria's desires and that with successe though it was not easie to get out of Babylon unseen But Chrisantes I am perswaded that there is nothing so difficult which love and jealousie together cannot bring to passe This Prince then told the King of Assyria that he would finde out an expedient for it and bade him since he desired him to do his endeavours in it to command the women which waited upon the Princesse to let her have no clothes but such as were white according to the Assyrian fashion which yet she had not worn and also the like unto Arianta and my self The King of Assyria urging him to explain himself and his reasons for it Mazares told him that the course would prove infallible and indeed made the King confesse that it was ingenious and presently gave orders for it so that the next morning Arianta and my self much wondred when we found all our clothes taken from us and white ones left in their roome such as women of Quality use to wear in Assyria I asked the reason of it and they told me the King would have it so because if it should chance the sedition increased he might more easily put the Princesse into the Temple and for her better security to have them passe for Assyrians Since Mandana was not yet awake Arianta and I did dresse our selves in them thinking indeed that this way might conduce to her safety But when she called her women and went to dresse her self and when she saw they gave her white garments after the Assyrian Mode although they were very rich yet she had such and extream aversion to them that I am verily perswaded the gods did foretell unto her her misfortune she would not by any means wear them but when those which waited upon her told her with tears in their eyes that it was not in their power to give her any other she did much against her minde put them on and sighing said that the change of her habit should never change her heart I would make her understand the reasons which they gave for it but she was not satisfied with them nor any thing pleased with this new kinde of compulsion Mean while the King of Assyria and Mazares being resolved to punish the people were very diligent in giving out orders to that purpose The King in person with all the Grandees of the Court was ready to teach the people the duty which they owed unto their Legitimate King when a Spie which had been in the Army of Ciaxares came unto him in a great amaze and told him that within three or four hours within night he should see the River Euphrates dry and fourty thousand men enter at both ends of the Town At the first the King of Assyria would not believe it but the Spie did so directly name the place where Artamenes caused two great Trenches to be digged and turn the River into them that he gave credit unto his words and the example of the River Ginde rendred this more probable The Spie further told him that if the snow had not hindred the Pioners the designe had been executed before now But though he was very circumstantiall in his relation yet notwithstanding the King of Assyria with Mazares went unto the top of the Tower of Jupiter Belus the better to discover the Works of his Enemies and when they were there then the Spie shewed him though it was far off the earth which the Enemy had thrown up as well to shelter themselves from being seen as to empty the Trenches which were to receive the River Euphrates You may imagine Wise Chrisantes in what a condition this Prince was He saw from that high Place a whole great Town in Arms against him and he saw that he was ready to be assaulted in such a manner that though the people had seconded him yet he should have much ado to repell his Enemies for since the River Euphrates was very broad he conceived the enemy would enter at both ends of the Town in compleat Battalia and that he had not time to raise up such works as would prevent them But this was not the worst he feared for he thought that as soon as the Enemy appeared the people would endeavour to take away the Princesse and make their own conditions with Ciaxares by rendring her unto him And seeing himself driven to such a
necessity as that he must defend the Palace where she was both against the people and the King of Medes he concluded it to be a thing impossible At the last being out of any hopes to keep Babylon and the Princesse and love prompting him unto some other course he endeavoured to execute that designe which he and Mazares had contrived He went down from the Tower in all hast and seemed as if he would appease the people by lenity hoping thereby to gain time whilest Mazares put all things in a readinesse for the execution of their enterprize at the beginning of the night if there were any need of it The King of Assyria resolved not to depart untill the designe of his Enemies was in executing for he imagined that Artamenes would enter the Town at both ends of it and that other places would therefore be lesse guarded because those two places would take up most of their men But upon a sudden we heard a terrible noise for the River being drained in a moment and the besiegers entred they caused a most horrible disorder and confusion I shall not need to relate any further of it unto you since I do imagine you were there but for my Part I never in all my life heard such an astonishment as this caused in all the streets of Babylon In the mean time we were in great fears for although the Princesse did imagine that perhaps it was Artamenes who would come and deliver her yet the danger wherein she apprehended him caused her fears As for the King her father she imagined that he would not venture himself in this attempt As we were thus betwixt hope and fears the King of Assyria came in to us Mazares stayed in the garden of the Pallace with them who were appointed for our Guard But the King entring furiously Madam said he to the Princesse to the end she should make no resistance the people of Babylon are in great disorder and since they beleeve you to be the cause of the War they would have you in their power therefore I must put you into some place of better security then this Sir said she unto him since I have put my self into the custody of the Gods it is my duty to wait upon their pleasures and submit unto what they shall ordain me and you would do me a great favour if you would leave me unto their protection But when she saw four or five men in Arms enter knowing she was not in a condition to resist and not knowing that what the King of Assyria said was untrue she went with them and Arianta and I followed her she asked then where Mazares was and he answering her that she should see him presently she went whither they conducted her Then were we led into the Garden of the Palace where Mazares did indeed stay for us Mandana no sooner saw him but letting the King of Assyria's hand go she gave hers unto him supposing now she had no cause to fear since he was with her Then they led us unto a back door which almost joynes unto the Gates of the Town which the Troops of Mazares guarded and who were acquainted with what was designed When we were ready to go out of the Garden which was of a huge bignesse we saw by the help of a candle which was brought that the King of Assyria the Prince Mazares and ten men who were to be of the Party took every one of them a white Cassack which covered them all over and that they covered their heads also with white This caused us to think that the white Garments which they gave us were designed for the same use as those which these Princes and those mens were although we could not imagine unto what end Afterwards they brought twelve white Horses Saddles and Bridles were of the same colour The King of Assyria got upon one of them and would have the Princesse to ride behinde him but she refused and did chuse Mazares though with much reluctancy yet the noise in the Town did so encrease though we were far enough from the place where it was assaulted that her fear of falling into the hands of rude and insolent people caused her at the last to let Mazares have the care of her safty Two men of quality of those ten took up Arianta and me behind them the candle being put out and the dore open we went straight unto that gate of the town which as I already told you was near it then the King of Assyria and Mazares commanded a Captain in a low voice I mean a Captain which guarded that gate to go and advertise all the Princes and Souldiers that they should fight it out no longer since the town was already lost and that as many as would might take the advantage of the dark night to save themselves and take the benefit of this gate we were not above twelve paces from the walls but the King of Assyria who went a little before did ride very softly lest his horses feet should make to great a noise more fearing the ears then the eyes of those we should meet for Chrisantes the ingenuity of this devise was in that the Prince Mazares considering that all the fields were covered with snow and because there was a great mist when we went out it was impossible that Artamenes should make good his round and therefore he thought it would be no hard matter to pass between two Courts of guard and never be perceived since white is not easily discovered in the snow and in the night especially since the moon did not shine This invention of white horses and white habits made us invisible to those who met us and they who we did meet not being in white as we were were discovered a good distance off so that we could shun them before they could see us there was nothing therefore that the King of Assyria feared but the neighing of the horses and the horses feet as for the first of these he put it unto fortune but as for the noise of the horses feet the snow was so soft that they could not be heard the King of Assyria findding this went a little faster and presently after we discovered the guard of Ciaxares his Army To tell you Chrisantes what the Princess thought to see her self in this Equipage and out of Babylon at that time of night and on horsback amongst a company of men all in white going in such great silence I should lengthen my story at the first she was glad that she had escaped the fury of the rude multitude so insolent as to mutiny against their Prince and she thought that whithersoever they carried her it would be incomparably more easie for Artamenes to get her out of the King of Assyrias power then in Babylon which she thought impregnable therefore conceiving it to be most advantagious for Artamenes and for her own liberty she went with them without any resistance and thinking of
themselves in a large Meadow which is cut thorow in the middle by the River which gathered together in that place seems to be a great Channel which hath on its Banks neither Canes nor Rushes nor Reeds nor little Shrubs but is onely bordered by thick Turff and all besprinckled over with Flags of differing colours with Narcissus's with Lillies and all other flowers which love moisture and freshnesse There are likewise on this River great store of Swans which swim so demurely as you would think they were afraid to trouble the water which bears them up and that there might nothing be wanting to this entertainment Philoxypes had so ordered it as this River was all covered over with Boats made like Gallies painted with lively colours and guided by young Boyes in Maratin apparel but very handsom who rowing gently with Oars painted red and green came to the banck to receive this gallant company who were played unto on rustick Musick by young Shepherds very quaintly clothed who drove herds along that Meadow on the other side of the River Their Shepheards crooks were all trimmed with brass guilt over and strewed over with cypers their Flutes and little Bagpipes were as well deckt as were their sheep all whose hornes were loaded with flowers In divers parts of this Meadow were a hundred lovely Shepherds clothed in white with hats of roses who to make the place the more pleasing mixt the melody of their voices to the rustick Musick aforesaid So sweet a place being doubtlesly proper to infuse joy and pleasure being no disposition to cruelty the King found Aretephile a little more gentle and all the worst treated lovers of this company found at least some truce to their sufferings and were maugre themselves delighted with so lovely a place which was bounded about by a very high Pallesade wherein Niches placed at equall distances were statues of white Marble the rarest that were ever seen in Greece But I may seem to be my self inchanted in a place so full of charms since I stay so long thereon I must then haste to make this fair company depart whom Philoxypes waited on back to Paphos after having offered them a famous banquet Some few days after being returned home with intention to entertain himself alone there for two dayes he spent all that time very contentedly But Philoxypes his humour lying rather to like general beauties wherein art hath nothing to do then those where art undertakes to perfect nature went out of his Park and unaccompanied by any save one servant he went to the River side intending to walk along it till he should come to the head thereof which is not far from thence and which certainly is one of the goodliest things in the world For this miraculous Spring-head which of it self makes a River is inclosed by Rocks of an unaccessible height at the foot of the greatest and highest whereof is a large cave which extends it self even to the loss of sight both on the right hand and on the left under unaccessible Rocks At the bottome of this Cave is a silent spring which sometimes riseth up to the top of the den and sometimes falls so low as it is not above five or six foot high This inequality is the cause why the River of Claria as well as all the others of Cyprus pass rather for a fair Torrent then for a River though this be not positively so for it is never altogether dried up as are all the rest As he went towards this Cave he got off horse-back leaving his horse with his servant commanding him to wait his return and not to follow him Thus did he walk all alone along these Torrents with the sight and noise whereof he he was much delighted when raising up his eyes he might see some twenty paces off a very handsome woman though in mean habit who was sate upon a Rock all covered over with moss and who seemed to take pleasure in eying attentively the fall of waters which came rushing at her feet as if to do her homage At first Philoxypes thought not to trouble the contentment of one whose humour was so conformable to his to sit musing upon the River side and to turn a little aside that he might not interrupt her But being come a little neerer and seeing that her apparrel though clean and handsome gave her not out to be a personage of quality he went directly towards her because that was the easiest way But being come very neer her and the noise his walking made having made this woman look about he was strangely taken not only to see the handsomest creature in the world but to discern perfectly that that miraculous Venus which he had in his Gallery and which he had alwayes taken onely for the effect of a handsome imagination was really the picture of this personage Philoxypes ravisht at this so strange apparation changed his colour and saluting this maid with more civility then her condition seemed to require he advanced yet neerer her but she rising up in haste and having not without a blush paid him his salute as if she had been troubled to be seen alone in that place she hasted to go unto an old man and a woman well advanced in years who were not above twenty paces off her yet fearing by like to be followed she turned her head twice towards Philoxypes who was still the more dazled with her beauty and more confirmed in his opinion This Prince surprised at this encounter had a great desire to know who this young and so wonderfull handsome maid might be and to know also how Mandrocles could come to draw her picture and why Mandrocles had always told him that the picture which he had drawn was only an effect of his fancy He followed her with his eyes as far as he could but having stood still a pretty while not knowing why he did so he lost sight of her amongst those Rocks after she was come up to those she went unto so as he could no more discover her Philoxypes did not overmuch endevour it though his minde led him very much thereunto but coming neer the River side instead of continuing to walk towards the Spring head he went down the stream and were it by hazard or out of design he happened to rest himself upon the same Rock covered with moss on which he had seen the fair maid fit Philoxypes being there could think on nothing but on this fair unknown one and upon the pleasing adventure which had befaln him He then remembred the discourse which had past in the Gallery and what he had said of that picture which every one so much commended and delighted to entertain himself upon this subject how glad said he unto himself would Princesse Aretephile be if she knew what had befaln me and how would the King mock me if he heard it They would certainly say that the Goddess had wrought a miracle to punish me by making me meet with a
out of Artaxates that his Presence was requisite in the Army Pormit me then Madam said he unto her and taking her by the hand that I wait upon you unto your Chamber and there leave you Mistress of the Castle till I have finished the victory In saying so he conducted her unto her lodging where after a short complement and leaving Chrisantes within to see he wanted nothing he went down into the Court where he met some Souldiers and Captains bringing in the Prince Artibies wounded that he might be there dressed with more conveniency when Cyrus saw him in that condition and observing how those which bore him were very weary and weak and troubled in the carriage of him yet notwithstanding all the croud and all the sorrows of his soul this Prince did with his own hands help to carry him unto his Chamber and laid him upon a bed commanding all possible care to be taken of him After this Cyrus took horse and seeing he could not satisfie his love by the delivery of his Princess he would however satisfie his glory by doing the boldest act in the world every step he made he received intelligence upon intelligence concerning the Troops that were coming out of Artaxates but how great soever they made the danger appear yet he went to draw up his own forces and resolved to fight them though they were an hundred thousand men if they did begin the Assault and indeed they were no less for from the little valley under the Hill where Cyrus stood unto Artaxates all the Countrey was covered with multitudes of enemies who seemed as if they intended to fight for the King of Armenia held a Councel of War about it without the walls of the Town and advanced unto a little Village which was close by the valley that separated the two Armies there he made a halt yet the Great Cyrus kept his station still continually facing this innumerable multitude of enemies who stood and durst not fall on This great business was carried with so much good fortune and prudence together that it was six hours after the Castle was taken before it was known to them of Artaxates In conclusion after much consultation the King of Armenian concluded that it was not expedient to fall upon such a Prince as used to fight like a Lion and overcome all that came near him The Prince Phraartis who was pretty gallant would have put it to the hazard what ere came on it but his advice being not followed because an old experienced Captain maintained That it was not wisdom with fresh new Troops of Townsmen untrained in war to assault Souldiers dyed in blood and a General the Greatest in the world especially he having the advantage of ground Cyrus was well satisfied with the fight of his enemies he faced them from morning until night and would have presented them Battel if they durst have excepted it though they were above twenty to one The night came on apace and covered the shame of the Inhabitants of Artaxates in re-entring their Town after they had only seen that Castle taken which was so very considerable unto them in respect of the River Araxes which runs by it yet was the soul of Cyrus far from satisfaction and this great and bold act produced nothing but sorrow unto him for his hopes were so high to deliver the Princess Mandana that nothing else could answer them as soon as he saw all the Armenian Troops were entred into their Town and after he had placed good guards he went to take his rest that night in the Castle which he took After he had enquired concerning the state of the Prince Artibies whom they said was very ill and after he understood the Princess of Pont was retired he went into his Chamber only with Feraulas Well Feraulas said he unto him extreamly melancholy what do you now think of my fortune Do you not confess me to be the most unhappy Prince upon Earth I think Sir replied Feraulas that it is the part of the conquered to complain and of the Conquerours to rejoyce No no Feraulas said he It is not glory and honour which is the predominant aim of my heart and though I had defeated this huge multitude of enemies which I only looked upon I should have been still as melancholy as I am neither Conquests nor reputation nor honour is the mark I now aim at It is only Mandana I look after and since I find her not I think my self as unfortunate as if I had been vanquished Araspes lyed not said he when he told me he had seen a Lady of quality in the Castle that she was fair yellow-haired and of a good stature but alas this Princess as fair as she is yeilds me no satisfaction by her sight I conceive Sir said Feraulas that it is considerable to have got the Sister of the King of Pont into your hands a Lady of whom I have heard a good report when I was in the Bythinian war so that in all probability it will keep that Prince in some fears Ah Feraulas answered he and sighed how dear soever the Princess of Pont is to him Mandana is much more he will easily dispense with a Sister for a Mistress If he should have my brother if I had one or my father in his power it would make me to do any thing to release them but never upon such conditions as to quit Mandana Also knowing me so well as he does he will not fear mine ill entertainment of his Sister although he do not restore Mandana he knows too well that it is not my Genius to do a base unjust and cruel Act and so since he conceives no danger he will keep Mandana still But Sir said Feraulas are you fully assured that this Lady is the Princess of Pont Yes replied he for now I call to memory a Picture which the wife of Arsamones caused the Princess her daughter to shew me to the end she might discover whether or no I was Spitridates I do very well see that it is she for that picture resembles her extreamly But replied Feraulus if it be she I wonder she does not take you for Spitridates as the Bythinean Princess did because doubtless replied Cyrus the King her brother has formerly acquainted her with out extream resemblance But however Feraulas such things as these we must not discourse of Let Mandana only Mandana be the only object of my thoughts and the subject of our discourse did I but know where she was my Soul would be at some rest for though she were in Artaxates I would without staying for Ciaxares attempt her delivery Doubtless you might replied Feraulas for after this which we have seen if you do not enforce it it may well be said the reason is because you would not and the inhabitants owe you thanks for all those miseries which you will not do them when it is in your power After they had thus discoursed a good
cover again all the Letters which the Prince did write unto her after she had read them that she might thereby keep them more safely It is requisite that I shew it unto you then going to the fire he took away that which hid the Chaacters of the King of Phrygia's Letter unto this amiable Lady and he read aloud these words The Prince ARTAMAS unto the incomparable ELSIMENA AT the last Love hath overcome all cruel Reasons of State which did oppose my happiness And though I were assured that by marrying you I should lose that Crown which I am to wear yet would I resolve upon it and bid the other adieu for I make no comparison 〈…〉 you and all the Crowns in the world yet I hope the Gods will preserve it for me 〈…〉 may make you a Queen In the mean time Thimettes hath Orders to ask that Lady 〈…〉 gave you life and is to dispose of you when it is her pleasure I shall be happy The Sacrificer of Apollo's Temple has promised me to be secret and faithful and I do assure you my dear Elsimena that the never to be untied knot which is kept there will sooner be loosed then that which ties my heart unto your service ARTAMAS After that Thimettes had read this Letter See Sir said he to Cleander whether you can wish any more to inform your knowledg look upon the writing of the King your father and of the Queen your mother which will remove all seruples of doubt Moreover said he in looking upon the paper a little nearer I perceive some dim line of the Queens own hand which is discovered in coming near the fire which doubtless was covered by the same subtle composition without any intention which by some chance was poured upon it and warmed by the heat of the Sun when the Slave had it in the Boat And indeed looking upon that place where it was written This Infant is recommended unto the God which is adored at Delphos there was to be seen following Who without doubt will restore him to the King of Phrygia his Father Cleander was so astonished Timocreon was so glad and Thimettes esteemed himself so happy at the discovery of such an important business that all three knew not how to express themselves My father caused the Cloth of Gold Mantle to be brought in which the child was found in the boat and which he carefully preserved but Thimettes before he saw it described it so precisely and all things found so exactly as he said them that there was no scruple nor objection to be made and as oft as Thimettes minded the resemblance between Cleander and Elsimâ—na he wondered that he did not at the first know him to be son unto the King of Phrigia But Sir said he unto him after I have told you your Quality it is requisite I let you know your first Name and that I tell you it was your fathers pleasure to give you the same with himself so that you must change the famous name of Cleander for that of Artamas which is your own After this Cleander would needs see Acrates and hear from his own mouth the relation of his Crime assuring Thimettes and him also that he would pardon him However since there was War between the King of Phrigia and Cressus it was not thought expedient to divulge the business And Cleander who had secret designs which Timocreon was ignorant of after he had embraced him and told him that he was no less a Debtor unto him for his life then he was unto the King his Father after I say a thousand thankful expressions unto Thimettes and him he desired them to leave him at liberty unto his private thoughts not intending yet to treat Thimettes as a Subject unto the King his Father nor look upon Timocreon but with his accustomed respects Since I knew not what had passed I came into the Chamber when these persons went out and since he had trusted me with all his secrets discovered unto me all his ill fortunes it was his pleasure I should participate both of his good and bad fortune So that staying me with him and after he had in short related all unto me as I began to rejoyce that he was the son of a great King Ha Sosicles said he unto me how heavy do I thâ—â—â— this Crown though yet it be not upon my head for truly I see many cross and many agreeable Consequences of it I conceive replyed I that since the Princess Palmia can desire no more in you then an illustrious birth you have reason to be satisfied and hope to be happy You do not consider Sosicles said he unto me that as soon as I tell I am the son of a King so soon do I tell her that I am the son of her fathers Enemy Moreover do you not conceive that Crossus thinks I ought to depart within these two days at most to go and fight the King of Phrigia and Sosicles how do you think I can go and tell him that I neither can nor ought to go May I not expect after this that he will look upon me as Nephew to the Murtherer of the Prince his son and indeed Sosicles is there not more cause to fear that this seeming good fortune will cause me real misery then there is to hope for any end of my miseries If I go unto the King my father whom I have fought against whom I have overcome and whom I thought to kill with my own hands is there not some reason to think that he will expect the same valor which has been so fatal unto him should restore him that which it hath gotten from him and yet can I so much as think of fighting against my Benefactor and which is more then that the Father of the Princess Palmis Also knowing as I do that I am the King of Phrigia's son shall I stay any longer in the Country of Cressus May not the King my father disclaim me and not acknowledg me his son if I should continue fighting not only for my Enemies but also against him Yet Sosicles I am put to this cross necessity Oh I wish to the Gods that my Princess who does not hate me as unknown would not hate me when I am known unto her But Sosicles if my Princess cannot find a way to reconcile all these contraries but shall think that to be her Lover and the son of her enemy are two qualities incomparable I am resolved to renounce the Throne and without ever assuming the name of Artamas continâ—â— Cleander eternally But Sir said I unto him as long as you are Cleander you must fight against the King your father Ah Sosicles said he the Combats already with him have caused such horror in me that though I would fight again against him yet I think my hand would not obey me Did I not tell you that I was not so happy as you thought me Oh most cruel Fortune canst thou not present
extream desire But all in vain for fortune would not let them meet In the mean while he met with fresh resistance and the resolutenesse of his enemies gave him an ample subject for his prudence and valour So that not enduring that the victory should continue any longer upon doubtfull tear 〈…〉 s he caused his body of reserve to march up The King of Lydia did the like but with different successe For the Kings of Phrygia and Hircania did so sharply charge their enemies and were so exceedingly animated by the example of Cyrus whom they saw do such incredible acts of valour as they had the honour to second him in his courage and outed the left wing and body of his enemies reserve who were forced to fly yield unto the valour of a Prince whom none could surmount In the mean while since the whole Army of Cyrus was inspired with the same spirit Mazares where he was did as much as any brave Prince could do who desired death and victory for he charged the Prince Myrsiles and Pactias with extraordinary valour He did not only go unto them with a resolution of fury but seeing they would not come unto him because they were on a very advantagious ground he went up the hill unto them with incredible courage though without any disorder or indiscretion and charged them so hotly that he routed them yet one of his squadrons passing up a place of difficulty was repulsed by one of the enemies squadrons but Gobrias releeved them and forced the Lydian Squadron to do like their fellowes which was to fly away in disorder Yet The second division of the enemy ateempted to relieve their first but Chrisantes comming up to Mazares the right wing of the Lydians was entirely squandered So that Mazares now made no doubt of victory though himself was two or three times in danger to be taken by the enemy The body of the battle in the head of which were the Charriots had no mean share in the victory and Abradates did more then he promised his dear Panthea and indeed more then he should have done for he did so expose himself unto dangers as if he had either known himself invulnerable or else desired death he drove the eight horses which drew his charriot with such fury as he tumbled down his enemies and forced their charriots to fly The rest of the Charriots which followed him doing the same struck terrour into all that opposed them Some of the enemies charriots fled others were tumbled over and broken all were rendred uselesse to the Lydians Abradates having done this and seeing the Egyptian Battalia keep their ground went with his Charriots to rumble amongst them and overthrew all he met either by the impetuosity of his Charriots or by his sword or with the Sythes wherewith the Charriots were armed Never was sight more terrible to behold then this The horses trampled upon the bodyes of dead and dying men The Syths cut off others and the wheels ran over those which the horses and Sythes tumbled down But alas the victory of Abradates proved fatall unto him for the field was so strewed with horses and dead men with broken armes and overturned Charriots that he could not passe but over Mountains of these mingled together so that the wheels sometimes went high and sometimes low and his Charriot unfortunately overturned maugre the skill of him which drove it Yet Abradates disingaged himself from under it and began to fight on foot but was forced to yeeld unto a multitude who seeing him down fell upon him so that this valiant Prince and all those with him perished at this time yet his death was revenged to the full For Hidaspes and Gadates comming in they charged all those that fell upon Abradates with such fury that they forced them to retire in confusion into the body of their battle Afterwards Hidaspes with those troops under his command charged Arimaspes and his troops and all the Battalions of the first division charged those enemies which opposed them with such vigour that Arimaspes as Great a Commander as he was was forced to yeeld unto the valour of Hidaspes not being able to resist him long The King of Pontus who fought with as much courage and ill fortune perceiving the disorder in Cressus his Army did what he could to Rally and was twenty times in danger to be taken But in that deplorable condition in which he saw himself he could do no good Cressus also as well as he gave many rare testimonies of his courage but could not finde any remedy against his misfortunes He saw the two wings of his Army broken in peeces and the main body of the battle squandred He saw the field was covered with his dead and dying men That terrour was in all his Troops they fled wheresoever Cyrus assaulted them and in some places where they were not assaulted So that Cressus seeing no way but to secure his person and defend Sardis And the king of Pontus thinking upon the preservation of the Princesse Mandana both these two Princes resolved to retire and so they did notwithstanding Cyrus sought all over for them and could not hear any thing of them for they were gotten into a great body of horse which hastily flying raised such a cloud of dust as obscured their flight and hindred him from the pursuite In the mean time Cyrus and Mazares being both of them in the heads of those wings which they had so gloriously conducted fell upon the Rear of the enemies battle which consisted only of the remainder of Infantry the Horse being all fled away So that Cyrus seeing none that was able to resist him but one Egyptian Battalion which stood still upon their ground He sent Feraulus to take their Guards the Captain whereof was killed and to give this Battalion Battel But as Feraulus did execute the commands of his master he found that these Egyptians did naught else but cover themselves with their Bucklers and stood as men that were resolved to dye upon the place Cyrus wondring to see this Battalion neither advance nor retreat and seeing all his Army victorious and also the Army of Cressus quite defeated He commanded the fight to cease and to ask the Egyptians why they would not throw away their armes if they intended to render themselves and why they did not fight if they would not unto this they answered that the Prince who commanded being dead and his body in the middle of their Battalion they were resolved never to forsake it and therefore if Cyrus would have them submit themselves unto him he must give them leave to render all the honours which was due unto his bodie and go to bury him this being granted them they would take the part of Cyrus and leave Cressus who had forsaken them otherwise they would be all killed upon the body of their dead Prince Cyrus no soonner heard their desires but he admired their fidelity and affection to their Prince
time when he could neither see nor follow us Martesia wished to meet the King of Assyria to tell him that this device was better then the white habits in a snow which he used to get out of Babylon that we might have the pleasure of seeing him desperate when hee could hear the Princesse and not see her As for Mandana she hinted to us though she did not name you that she was desirous to see you Sir and that you might onely hear her voice Thus we went on not suspecting that the King of Pontus was so near as to hear us Yet me thought that as we went over a stony way I heard more horses then we had in our company but durst not expresse my thoughts Thus wee got out of the Camp and about the height of the day the Sun began to be so hot that the Princesse complained very much And coming to a place where were two wayes the one leading unto a thick shady Wood and the other into an open Plain the King of Pontus seeing the men who guided Mandanaes horse to take the open way he forgot that he should not speak and commanded them to turn upon the right hand into the shade I leave you to imagine Sir how we were surprised when wee heard the King of Pontus his voice which wee knew full well The truth is it was so great that we cryed out all at once The Princesse stopped upon a suddain and leaping hastily from her horse she became visible and fell into such lamentable complaints as would have moved pitty from very stones I no sooner saw her lighted from her horse but I did the same and so did Martesia and went both unto the Prince the King of Pontus was extreamly perplexed for since he had only four in his company he thought it would be difficult to carry us away by force therefore he went politiquely to work for leaving his Ring with Timonides he came and threw himself at Mandanaes feet giving her all the respective language that a violent and submissive passion could devise beseeching her to pardon him protesting he would still observe the same submission unto her as formerly and assuring her that he would onely endeavour to winne her by his tears adding that if he could not obtaine this happinesse in a short time he would then carry her unto Ecbatan Yet all his submissive eloquence could not move the Princesse who told him peremptorily that she would absolutely die upon the place Insomuch as the King of Pontus perceiving her obstinate and would goe no further he began to beseech her not to force him to faile in his submissive respects and force her to follow him And to shew you Madam said he unto her that I am able to doe it know that I have fiftie Horse with me though you see them not At first the Princesse did not beleeve him but the King of Pontus causing Pactias and Timonides to speake she did no longer question the truth for she knew both their voices So that exceedingly grieving at it and chusing rather to follow her Ravisher then to force him by a vaine resistance unto any violence she yeelded since she could not chuse and got upon her horse Yet first she told the King of Pontus that he should never hope for any thing from her but hatred and contempt In the mean while since in lighting from my horse I had let goe my bridle it was a peece of difficulty to finde him againe since he carryed with him that which made him invisible and Timonides was ready to take me up behind him when this horse which was kept with that which Pactias rid upon came unto him when he neighed so that Pactias hearing him so near to him layd hold on him and I got up Then after that Timonides had given the King of Pontus his Ring againe wee went on but alass it was with thoughts different from those wee had before and certainely this Princesse did repent of her escape yet I cannot tell you her thoughts but by conjecture for since that I never heard her speak When we were come into the Wood where we saw some houses the King of Pontus let the Princesse stay under a shade and brought some meat unto her but she would take nothing onely a glasse of water and that at the request of Martesia after which we continued on our journey In the mean time Timonides feared that I should complain against him for not imparting his Masters secret unto her therefore he rid alwayes next me and I having a great desire to know how wee came to be invisible conjured him to tell me and assured him that if he would tell me the truth I would pardon him I had no sooner said so but Timonides being glad that I would accept of his justification bad me in a low voice stop my horse and stay a little behinde the King of Pontus for seeing the two Footmen which guided Mandanaes horse we knew he was not farre off her So that stopping our horses untill we were out of hearing after Timonides told me with a thousand oaths that he knew nothing of the designe untill the last night that Pactias cold him he related all unto me adding that it would be long before the King of Pontus came unto any place of retreat and that he was resolved to travell all night and not to rest the Princesse until break of day In the mean time we were so attentive unto our discourse that we never minded our way so that being in a thick Wood full of severall wayes we took a wrong one and we minded it so little that though wee met with two women with baskets of fruit upon their heads wee never so much as enquired of them Alas said Cyrus and interrupted her I met those women also and what they told me was the reason why I took not that way which would have conducted me unto the Princesse But I beseech you relate unto me quickly all that you know that I may in all hast go and repair my fault I shall quickly end Sir said Arianita for Timonides and I perceiving wee were out of the way wee doubled our pace back hoping to overtake them but wee never could Then this accident did happen unto me for be pleased to know riding along the Torrent my horse slipped and threw me into it so that being much hurt Timonides was much troubled with me and I know not what hee could have done without the help of him who brought you hither Ah Arianita cryed Cyrus out what will all you told me availe me unlesse you will let me have that stone which made you invisible that I may make use of it if ever I meet with Mandana Alas Sir replyed she one misfortune never comes alone for be pleased to know it fell into the River when my horse did throw me and as for that of Timonides hee took it from his finger when he came to helpe me out of
was in Elisa's Chamber to see the whole Navy appear Since I spied it the first I could not chuse but express my joyes by acquainting Elisa with it Come Madam said I unto her Come and triumph over the Conquerour of others and fully enjoy your Victory She blushed at my words and we no sooner went to the Balcone but we discerned the Fleet and presently after we discovered how all the Ships had their ornaments of victory We saw a thousand Flags waving in amongst the Cordage as many flames flashing the Ships were set round with colours gained from the Enemies and all the Decks shined with gold and silver But that which most surprized Elisa and me when the Fleet came neerer was to perceive all these Flags and Pennons in lieu of being of several colours as they use in combat or in Triumph were all of one dusky dark colour mixed with gold and silver such as is used in the Funeral ceremonies of Kings The sight of this made us begin to tremble but our admiration augmented when coming neerer the place where we were we could distinctly perceive that the Captain who had more ornaments then the rest of the Ships had upon his Deck a great Coffin placed upon a half part of three stairs and that this Coffin was covered with black cloth wrought with gold upon which was placed a Crown and a magnificent Sword and at the head of this Coffin a Trophe elevated to signifie that he who died and was in the Coffin died in triumphing a hundred lighted Lamps hung round about the Deck The Kings chief Officers were in mourning and waited round about the Coffin This sight caused extream sorrow in Elisa's heart and mine a doleful musique was heard from every Ship which by its lamentable tone spoke the King of Phenicia to be dead All the Ships gained from the enemy followed this Captain but without any Flags Pennons Banners or Ornaments to signifie their defeat the Souldiers in them were chained upon the Decks of the Ships to honour the Funeral Pomp of that illustrious Conquerour To be short Madam it was the King of Phenicia who was dead of his slight hurt which he had commanded me to conceal from the Queen and Elisa when he sent me to carry the news of his victory Doubtless you will ask me Madam how it was possible that a wound which permitted this Prince to write unto the Queen and Elisa and which did hardly trouble him should cause his death so suddenly But I shall answer that the Dart which had been poysoned as it was known after my departure and the venom having not dispersed its malignity when I came from him he did not seem to be so much as ill But as soon as I had left him the venom reached his heart and he died within twenty four hours after He was no sooner dead but his Lievtenant General dispatched a Ship for Tireâ— to bring this sad news Mean while he cast anchor neer a great Town not far off his Road purposely to give orders for all things necessary to honour the Funeral Pomp of the King his Master But as I told you the Ship which should have preceded the Fleet being Shipwracked none were advertised of the Kings death nor of the Navies approach After this Madam you may easily imagine how Elisa and I were amazed and grieved for though the soul of Elisa was not ingaged in any passion to this Prince yet since she was of a generous disposition and sensible of benefits it was impossible she should look upon the Coffin of this Prince whom she had seen so respective at her feet with a dry eye or tranguile soul And when the Captain of the Ship came under her Window she hastily retired as not being able to endure so sad an object yet notwithstanding her retirement her sorrows encreased when the Ship came into the Port and the people who were crowded to render honour unto their victorious and living King did cry out most dolorously when they knew that their Prince was dead The noise of such a clamour was so great that the Chamber of Elisa seemed to shake and it was long before we could make our complaints because we could not hear each other 'T is true our tears did speak our sorrows and we said many things in saying nothing But at last our tongues were sad expressors of our losses yet it was not suddenly for Elisa desiring to know all particulars of his death willed me to go out and inform my self But this is not pertinent to my discourse let me only tell you Madam That the last words of the dying King was with the name of Elisa which did not lessen the grief of this fair and virtuous Lady As she was moved only out of her generosity so Straton grieved out of interest and gratitude both for all his hopes were quashed and could not expect that from the new King which he hoped for from the other Never was a more general mourning then this never was a greater consternation then seemed to be amongst the people and never did change of Prince cause such an alteration in private fortunes During this confused unsetledness and trouble which was in the Court Straton went into the Country and carried Elisa with him who was glad of such a solitude to hide her melancholy and where she was pleased I should somtimes come and see her But during this time Dâ—â—oenus and Scillis having moved the Kings Officers for what the late King had promised unto them and these Officers perhaps without acquainting the King having repulsed them they imbarqued in the night and carried away with them the rare Statue which they had made and which they said was an absolute miracle In the mean time as it is the custom to mourn for the death of a King so it is also the custom to rejoyce with him who is to succeed and as publike sorrows never last long so a calm began suddenly to appear in the Court and things were setled as before As for Elisa though she was not of an humour to pass so quickly from sorrows into joyes yet out of reason and wisdom she rowzed up her self and since her heart was not ingaged in any particular affection her sorrows were more easily comforted Straton then returning unto Tire Elisa returned also and since she had never seen the Queen since the Kings death she went to her as soon as she had got into a habit of mourning Never was the Court so full as now there was not a man of any quality in all Phenicia who was not there at Tire So that when Elisa was with the Queen with a Princess who loved her very well she met with the applauds of all the Grandees in the Court and Realm For indeed Madam the mourning which Elisa wore for that renowned Conquerour did so very well become her that without doubt it helped her to conquer many hearts which were not yet subjected that black and
Arsamones after he had given so much time as he thought requisite for the beauty of Istrina to work its effects in driving Araminta out of his sons heart he began to speak big like a Prince that would be obeyed and to declare unto Arbiana unto the Princess his Daughter unto Spitridates and every one to whom he spake that he was fully resolved to Court Istrina unto the marriage of Spitridates and that he was resolved to hinder Spitridates from marrying Araminta You may judg Madam how this resolution did perplex all the persons that were concerned in the businesse Then did the Princess of Bythinia Istrina Intaphernes and Atergatis being all together begin to justifie themselves by accusing each other and laying the misfortune upon every one but themselves But when this secret poyson wâ—h had lurked in their hearts caused many a throb did begin to evaporate by complaints they began to take fresh comfort At first they vented their Complaints tumultuously and in much confusion but by degrees collecting their thoughts into some order they did all justifie themselves and their passions teaching them to excuse the passions of others they made a Peace and accused only themselves for this secret schisme which was like to have spoyled their whole business So that esteem Love and friendship assuming place in their hearts without any anger spight and a miscellany of many other tumultuous thoughts they began to complayn of their own miseries not of one anothers But though this seemed to be solidly made yet Atergatis whose love was very violent he could not hope for any satisfaction of it untill he had found out a way to make the design of Arsamones impossible Though these persons had infinite spirits wit in abundance yet they were extreamly puzled For sayd the Princess of Bythinia though it should be possible to murder the passion of the Prince my Brother yet I should never consent unto it and though I believe his liberty would be his Exile perhaps cost him his life at least be very long yet I wish he had it It is the only remedy replyed Atergatis which can be found to comfort this illustrious Prince and perhaps to force Arsamones unto a cessation of his persecutions for truly Madam what comfort can you take to see the Prince Intaphernes loaden with fetters and to see him perpetually tormented by the King your Father Though its true replyed she that it would be more advantageons for the Prince my Brother to wander like a fugitive then to continue a Prisoner yet there is a strong reason which forbids me to procure his liberty if I could For since the King my Father during the exile of the Prince my Brother would declare me Queen I ought not to expose my selfe unto any suspition of such unjust ambition Oh Madam sayd Istrina your generosity is too scrupulous How can the Prince Spitridates ever suspect you of any thoughts to reign in his prejudice you I say whose soule is so high so noble and so disinterested and who is capable of no further ambition but to render your selfe worthy of more esteem then ever any had Whilst Istrina was talking thus Intaphernes hardly hearing what she said consulted with himself whether the liberty of Spitridates would be advantageous to him or no and after a serious debate with himself he concluded that as long as Arsamones had any thoughts of disinheriting Spitridates he could never pretend unto the Princess of Bythinia so that measuring the interest of that Prince by his own he thought it better for him that he continued still a prisoner then to wander over the world as he did during his exile So that concurring with the opinion of the Bythinian Princess and Istrina not daring to contradict them Atergatis ws singular in his opinion and consequently did submit in appearance However he was perswaded that the violence of Arsamones would reach further then they imagined and that there was no other remedy neither for Spitridates nor himselfe then that which he had propounded And he intended to try if there was any possible wayes to set that Prince at liberty and put it in execution when he thought best But whiles these four were thus reasoning with themselves Spitridates having received no answer from Araminta to whom he had writ he was extreamly sad in thought that her infidelity was the cause of her silence For Madam he knew not how he who carryed his Letter unto that Princesse and was to bring her answer was stopped by the Forces of Croessus and carryed unto Sardis as we understood after the liberty of Spitridates so that this unfortunate Prince being every day forced by his passion to expresse a thousand testimonies of fidelity unto a Princesse whom hee thought perfidious his despair was sometimes so great that he wished himself able to hate Araminta But for all that he still loved her with a most unalterable constancy and certainly he gave sufficient testimony of it after the Peace was established between Intaphernes Atergatis Istrina and the Bythinian Princess For Arsamones being infinitely enraged at his resolute resistance went to see him and gave him such bitter and menacing language as any other heart but that of Spitridates would have trembled Yet he kept close unto his prescribed Principles and without starting the least jot from his fidelity to Araminta or reverence unto the King his Father he resisted him without any tartness or complaint But the more patient and wise he was in his sorrows the more violent and unjust was Arsamones in his anger Know thou base man that thou art said he unto him that since thou wilt not be like the sonne of a King thou shalt not be one And to deprive â—hee of any title or right to succeed in two Kingdoms which I possesse I will declare and renounce the Kingdom of Bythinia and that I have no other pretence unto it but as a Conqueror Look upon me sayd this incensed Prince as an usurper and not as a legitimate King but as an usurper who can soveraignly dispose of what I have usurped and as one that will never give it unto a man who is unworthy of it and covers himselfe with eternall shame if within one moneth he do not repent this is the utmost minute that I will give him to choose whether he will be a King or a slave Then this violent Prince leaving him he was at freedom to complain against his injustice But Madam why should I consume any time in telling you the inquietudes of a Prince whom the Gods had so pointed out for a sufferer It is more requisite I acquaint you how Atergatis apprehending that Spitridates was resolved not to obey Arsamones and that Istrina was not so ambitious as to be Queen of two Kingdoms he resolved as I told you before to try all manner of wayes how to release him for being of a most liberall disposition and a winning spirit questionlesse he was qualified for
paces from the King of Assiria whom two of the Guard which were left with him whereof the one of them was Brother unto him whom that unfortunate Prince had last wounded both of them fell upon him behinde and took his Sword from him say what Mandana could to the contrarie for this Princess seeing how things stood did what she could to defend him who now defended her considering the pittiful condition wherein he was and she was now as careful of preserving his life as she was of causing his death when she thought he had killed Cyrus 'T is true all her cares were fruitless because the last blows which this unfortunate Prince had received did so upon a suddain enfeeble him as not being able to sustain himself upon one knee he fell upon that arm which held Mandana's Gown and so weakly supported himself So that the Princess seeing him ready to expire and being moved with extream compassion she sat down upon the grass whilst the fight continued some fifteen or twenty paces from her and this miserable Prince whose strength more and more failed rested his drooping head upon Mandana's knee and this generous and pitiful Princess seeing him ready to expire did not draw back from him as she did a quarter of an houre before and would not deny him the consolation of taking his last breath upon her knee Since his great loss of blood had taken away from him some part of his fierceness by taking away his strength and since he had his reason very perfect because he feared not death he uttered nothing concerning Mandana but yet what was very tender and moving 'T is true he spoke but little yet that little wrought great effect upon the heart of that Princess And to make the freedome of his soul appear he remembred the Oracle which he received at Babylon in the Temple of Jupiter Belus which said thus unto him Well mayest thou hope to make her mourn For all her cruelty and scorn Because hereafter in her Armes Thou there shalt find such pleasing charms As quite shall terminate thy pain And never shall complain again This Prince very probably remembering this Oracle lifting up his eyes in a languishing manner and looking upon the Princess I beseech you Madam said he unto her in a dying tone let me have some share in those sighs which I hear you breath to the end that dying in your Arms I may meet with that rest which the Gods have promised me by their Oracles I assure you Sir said she and sighed again that what you have now done for me makes me extreamly sad to see you in this condition and if I were able to preserve your life as you would my liberty I would do it with all my heart It is enough divine Madam said he unto her in a very low voice and I shall die much more happy then I lived since I shall die unhated by the divine Mandana As this unfortunate Prince said so he offered respectively to take the hand of the Princess but at the very first touch of it he lost his speech and in a hollow whisper did let her understand that which his tongue could not pronounce So as this deplorable Prince dying immediately after he had the glory to make Mandana sigh and really to pity his death who had been the greatest torment of her life In the mean while the combat continued still but since the presence of Ariantes had given fresh hearts unto his men the face of things changed and both Aglatidas and Araspes who were met could not with all their valour prevent almost an absolute defeat for since the horse of Aglatidas was killed and himself wounded in the arm Araspes also being hurt in his right hand Ariantes and Andramites left a Party of their men to keep in work those few men which resisted them and went with the rest unto the place where Mandana was and say what she would or could she must submit unto force and be carried away against her will not but that it grieved Ariantes to the soul that his passion should transport him beyond his due respects But though he asked pardon for the violence he offered yet he behaved himself as a man who would execute his design and indeed he carried Mandana Doralisa and Martesia unto the Port where the Ship waited and as he remembred how Mazares in his carrying away Mandana from Sinope did set fire upon all the Ships in the Port he resolved upon the like lest he should be followed which thing was easily done because there was not above three or foure there and because the Port was separated from the Town which was neer and since there was not above two or three men in each of those Ships Thus Mandana Doralisa and Martesia being put into the Ship and Ariantes Andramites and their retinue also entred they began to hoyse sail not tarrying for those they left in hand with the King of Assyria's men for though Ariantes had left one of his dearest friends amongst those which fought yet he would not hazard the loss of Mandana to preserve him so violent was his passion Thus parting from the Port a little after Sun-set Mandana was in as sad a condition as ever But whilst this Princess and with reason was grieving Cyrus was as sad as his sorrow was just for after he had in vain sought Mandana chance brought him at last unto the place from whence she was carried away So as finding the place covered with dead and dying men he saw Mandana's Coach and the horses grazing loose he saw Aglatidas wounded as well as Araspes and he saw the King of Assyria dead So that not finding Mandana there and those who fought for her liberty vanquished his sorrow was most extream but it was at a higher pitch when he understood from Aglatidas and Araspes how the case stood and when he understood from one of Mandana's Guard who lay wounded neer the place where the King of Assyria's corps did lye some of that Princes dying expressions and all that he had done for her liberty So as this generous Rival in imitation of that compassion which they said Mandana expressed at the loss of so valiant a Prince he also pitied the lamentable destiny of so great a King though he had been his most mortal Enemy But to spend no time in fruitless complaints he commanded some of his Followers to put the corps of this renowned Rival into Mandana's Coach to catch the horses and to drive to the place from whence he came there to stay till he had resolved what Funeral Honours to do unto it After which visiting the wounded to see if any could tell which way Ariantes took the Prince Indatherses who was with Cyrus did know one of his Country who was of good Quality called Adonacris So as going to him and making himself known they were both surprized at the sight of each other But after the first passages of civility Indatherses
untill we came unto the Court of Guard where we found very few Souldiers for you must know Sir that the King of Pontus would not have the Princesse see him untill she was out of Sardis and past the Camp of Cyrus therefore taking one Ring himselfe and giving one to Pactias and one unto Timonides they followed us unperceived I will not trouble you with a relation how the Princesse was amazed when she was out of the Cittadell onely with three men and us and when she heard the horrid noise that was in the Town But let me tell you that the waies being very fair and sandy from the Cittadell unto the River Pactolus which was close by we went in more fears then trouble The King of Pontus and Pactias followed us also Timonides who carried the Heliotropes which were to be put into the Pomels of the Saddles as I told you when when we were come to the River we saw horses ready and a little boate into which the Princesse Mandana our conductor Martesia and I entred the two Souldiers rode over the River upon two of the horses and carried the rest in their hands And give me leave to tell you Sir that when the Princesse saw her selfe in the midst of the River her fears began to vanish and joy took possession of her heart it plainly appeared that she did not so much fear being taken by your forces as by those of Croesus or the King of Pontus Now shall I be presently out of the King of Pontus his power said she unto Martesia and me and shall not be beholding unto a perfidious Prince for my liberty when we landed he whom we called our deliverer went where Timonides was who was fixing the Heliotropes unto the Saddles on which the Princesse Mandana Martesia and I were to ride It being night and the Moon shining but dimly also our minds being taken up with various thoughts we never observed that the horses on which we rid were invisible nor had we any leasure to descant upon what we saw or not saw for as soon as wee were on horsback we went away I forgot to tell you Sir that Martesia riding behind our conductor the vertue of the Heliotrope sufficed for both As for the two men who came in the boate with us they went on either side Mandana to conduct her And to the end these two Souldiers who were not invisible should not be observed by your forces Pactias had put them into Persian habits also the King of Pontus not trusting wholy unto the virtue of these Heliotropes was so carefull in chusing his way and passing between the Quarters on that side where the line of communication was not finished that I am perswaded though there had been none of these Heliotropes he had passed safely In the mean time the King of Pontus let Mandana go first that the two men that were visible might be guides unto all the company who saw not each other commanding them that if any of the Enemy came to take them not to make resistance but to let Mandana go next whom he alwaies rid though she saw him not Though our minds were so full of hopes and fears and the night was so dark that wee took no notice of this wonder yet when we had rid a while and I observed that we could not see any but the two footmen which ran by the Princesse but could not see either Martesia or our Conductor wondering what should be become of the other horses which we saw at the water side I confesse that fear did so possesse me that I could not chuse but cry out I thought that I had wandered out of the way as well as those two men The cry which I made caused the Princess to look about her and seeing only the two men vvho held the bridle of her horse she vvas as much surprised as I was Martesia who was behind our Deliverer and who committed her self wholly unto his Guidance coming out of a deep contemplation had her share in the astonishment when she looked could not see us In the mean time Mandana stopped and I also and we were so affrighted that the King of Pontus thought twenty times to discover himself and comfort us but he did not still leaving the care of us unto him vvhom vve looked upon as the Author of our Liberty and he comming to Mandana let her feel the hand of Martesia assuring her that she needed not to fear any thing and that the vvonder vvhich she savv vvas an inchantment only to set her at liberty if you only vvere invisible said she unto him I should think you had found the ring of Gyges vvhich I hear Croesus hath lost but I cannot see either Martesia or Arianita and I perceive by vvhat they say that they do not see me Hovvever it be Madam said he unto her I assure you that you have no cause to fear any thing and the better to assure you vvhen none passeth by you may speak either with Martesia or Arianita and I perceive by vvhat they say that they do not see me Hovvever it be Madam said he vnto her I assure you that you have no cause to fear any thing and the better to assure you when none passeth by you may speak either vvith Martesia or Arianita whom I will cause to come nearer you whilst this man and the Princesse were talking thus Martesia and I were in extream fright yet being under the conduct of a man who had so much power as to act such wonders vvee durst not but speak him very fair thinking that since he vvas able to make us invisible he vvas able to do vvhat he pleased The Princesse having the same thoughts did not much presse him to tell her hovv he vvrought these miracles and thought it more expedient to concur with him only to carry her unto the place where she desired to go to wit unto Ecbatane and to stay at some Town where she might stay with safety and have so much time as send her a fitter Equipage Since we were yet in the place where we might meet with some of the Troops of Cyrus hee he promised her all she desired lest she should meet some and cry out So that the Princesse putting a new confidence in him she onely admired the prodigie without any fear of his deceiving her contenting her self with seeing onely those two men who guided her horse and speaking unto Martesia and me Thus then we passed the Camp of Cyrus between two Quarters we met some Troopers and Souldiers severall times but since the two visible men were cloathed in Persian habits they passed for their own men who were going from Quarter to Quarter So that we travelled without any obstacle And that which at first was a terrour unto us became afterwards our diversion Martesia and I had a hundred phantasticall wishes For my part I wished to see the King of Pontus to upbraid him with his injustice at a