I began to undertake him and said Sir I cannot understand from whence all this melancholy can proceed which thus discomposes your face for though these Sacrifices for your death I know cannot be pleasing to you yet me thinks such a soul as yours should contemn and not permit them to trouble you you I say who have been taken for dead more then once and in a more gastly manner You have reason Chrisantes said he to me to think that this publike thanks is not the cause of my grief for I assure you that as soon as Cyrus does revive again this false joy of his enemies shall be turned into sorrow But Chrisantes there is another cause which I would tell you if I had but confidence enough for I do confess your wisdome makes me fearfull to reveal it Sir said I to him one of your age had need be wise to judge of the wisdome of another This wisdome whereof you speak knowes no causes of any fear you should have but shall think himself honoured wheâ—â— you shall impart any secrets unto him I know not said Artamenes whether or no I should tell you that at these words Artamenes stopt and could not for his heart go any further but not being able to expresse himself he blusht and sigh'd and smil'd at last looking me in the face he said Do you not guesse my Dear Chrisantes at what I dare not tell you and for which I fear you will chide me when you know it When I heard him say thus the zeal he used in the Temple and his eyeing the Princess made me conclude he was in Love And remembring what I said unto him at his first entrance into the Temple I said unto him Is it not that Venus has a minde to be revenged on you for taking Mars his part so much against her I said this unto him in a laughing and jeasting manner supposing that this humour might chance be but a peece of Gallantry and a light Phansie which might easily be blown over But alas Artamenes who asked me the question more in earnest answered me in such a tone as I saw it must be no common remedy that could cure his disease But after he had fully opened himself and told me all I contributed all I could to divert his thoughts and disswade him I urged the little reason he had to love so violently and the impossibility of ever being beloved again for Sir said I to him if you appear as Cyrus the Princess will be so far from loving that she will hate you and Astiages will be sure to load you with fetters at the least on the other side if you court her as bare Artamenes what hopes can you ever have from Mandana Can a poor simple Knight pretend unto the Daughter of a great King A Princess who is lookt upon as the sole Successor unto the Crowns of Medea Cappadocia Galatia and Persia also for since they think you dead Astiages and Ciaxares will doubtlesse prepare themselves to usurp it if Cambises die first And though they both know that the Kingdom of Persia is elective yet since it hath continued successive in the illustrious Line of Persides ever since his time they will now pretend it ought to be so still Recollect your self therefore Sir be a man and assume your Reason Cast not your self away frivolously Hath the gods design'd you for such high things and must you dream away your time in Love What would you have me do said the Prince I have not rendred my self captive with fight I have consulted and argued with my self as much as you can and produced as many reasons therefore Chrisantes I cannot promise to cure my self upon a sudden there must be time for it therefore urge me no more to depart from hence but give me time to consider Sir Replied I Love is a disease whose venome is contagious and of a nature so malignant and subtle that one cannot too soon fly from the place infected Those who are already infected do carry the Disease with them replied the Prince although they do change Air therefore presse me no more to depart I conjure you unlesse you intend to make the Disease worse But said I if you should chance to be discovered your Ruine were most certain It would be more certain answered he if I should depart therefore pray let us submit to Fortune and talk no more of it The Prince spoke to me in such a manner as it was apparent he desired I should have some indulgence towards him so that I was glad the Ship was not trim'd up The next morning Artamenes went again to the Temple of Mars pretending to inform himself of some particulars concerning the Country but indeed his design was to finde out some Subjects to speak concerning the Princess He fell into Discourse with one of the Sacrificers whom he found to be a man of good ingenuity he asked this Priest a thousand Questions before he could handsomely bring in Mandana at last the asked him whether Ciaxares had any more Children besides this Princess his Daughter No said the Priest And it is very strange for the people were wont to affect a King rather then a Queen but now they have left off that humour for since this Princess came at age of discretion her beauty and her vertue hath so dazled the eyes of all that they will not change the Queen for any King Artamenes was ravisht to hear the Priest say so and said unto him if the beauty of her soul were like to that of her body doubtlesse then she deserved that good opinion Yes yes answered the Priest a thousand times more excellent and more vertuous then either you or I can imagin for she is wondrous fair without vanity or affectation she sits in a Throne without pride and considers the misfortunes of poor men with compassion and her bounty doth often relieve them Those who have the honour to be more about her then I have do say that she is of a most winning conversation As for my self I cannot speak of her but with thoughts of that Piety which she expresseth towards the gods I can assure you Sir there is none more religious and vertuous then she nor of greater wisedom and knowledge in all things that a humane soul is capable of In a word added the Priest she is the honour of her Sex and a shame unto ours I leave you to judge Sir whether the Amorous Artamenes was not in an extasie of joy that he was not deceived in her and whether or no this did augment his Passion He lookt upon me all the time of this Discourse and was glad he had found so good an excuse for his weaknesse He lengthened the pleasant Discourse as much as he could and asked the Priest if she came often unto the Temple When she was at Sinope answered he she came hither almost every day And where ere she is she will come one day in a
beleeve that Artamenes was killed as all Cappadocia thought not long since and that it was no more impossible that Artamenes should be Cyrus then that Philidaspes should be the Prince of Assyria Reasoning all these things in secret with her self she was a long time looking upon my master before she would give any answer which did so much trouble my master as not being able to conceal it I see Madam said he to her you cannot keep your word with me not to change thoughts of Artamenes I perceive by your silence that Cyrus hath disturbed you Cyrus replied the Princesse has indeed a little troubled the calmnesse of my mind yet I will assure you he has done no ill office unto Artamenes but on the contrary said she sighing but as I find Artamenes to be much more unfortunate then I thought him so also I find more disposition in my self to lament him But I pray said she tell unto me all your past adventures and do not conceal any thing from me which concerns the beginning of that life whose after years has rendred him so glorious My master to satisfie her did punctually relate unto her all that had chanced unto him He told her what Harpagus told him concerning the ill intentions of Astiages towards him afterwards what offers Harpagus did propound unto him how he would cause the whole Province of Paratecenes to rise against the King of Medea he told her also how he refused his offers and how he commanded him to make no more such propositions He told her also how desires of Travel to see the wars had caused him to leave Persia and change his name In few words he told her of all his Travels how a Tempest drove him into Sinope and how he was in the Temple of Mars where he saw her thank the gods for his death It is true indeed said the Princesse that I was with the Sacrificers to render thanks unto the gods for the losse of Cyrus but it is as true also that I did never rejoyce at his death And that it did ever seem unto me much rashnesse in those who dare undertake to explain the Oracles and the meaning of the Star so precisely Can I believe Madam said my master interrupting her that the fair Mandana did not rejoyce at the death of Cyrus Cyrus I say whom Astiages would have smothered in his Cradle Cyrus whom all the Magi were certain should possesse the Throne of the King of Medes and command all Asia And Cyrus who from his infancy has disturbed the tranquillity of a King who has such near relation unto you It need not seem strange unto you replied the Princesse that I should not rejoyce at the death of a Prince whom I knew not and who never did me any hurt since you had so much generosity as not to take revenge upon that King who would have put you to death and as you have done to serve that Prince who had his life from him who would have taken yours away But Artamenes said she unto him for I dare not yet call you Cyrus since you have told me what you are I have not lessened that esteem which I had of you and one the contrary seeing I am more obliged unto you then I thought I think my self engaged to acknowledge it yet notwithstanding I confesse that I do not well know how I ought to deal with you If I look upon you as a Prince who would not take revenge of his enemy by reason of relations in consanguinity As a Prince I say who in spight of all those reasons which might have absolutely diverted him yet hath not ceased to love me A Prince who hath saved the life of the King my Father who hath a thousand and a thousand times exposed his own for him who hath received so many wounds Conquered so many Provinces won so many Battles took a King a Prisoner prevented a dangerous Conspiracy and who has long loved me without telling me of it or displeasing me If I look upon you in these respects I do confesse Artamenes that without any prejudice to vertue or decency I could wish that by the consent of the King my father I might give you some testimonies of that extraordinary esteem which I have of you But if I also look upon you as a Prince whose birth began with so many prodigies so many eclipses which dimmed the splendor and heat of the Sun who shook the foundations of the Temple of whom the Stars have foretold so much and all the Magi assures us he will be the overthrow of all Asia I confesse I say that then I cannot well resolve my self for though 't is true my heart tels me that they who did interpret the meaning of those things have but ill understood them and that if the Stars did foretell your birth it was because the gods did presage unto men by them that you should be a Prince whose vertues should be extraordinary Though I say I should resent it so yet this is not enough Doubtlesse Astiages and Ciaxares will never allow that Mandana should dispose of her affection unto Cyrus But Mandana said Artamenes interrupting her this same Cyrus who is so terrible unto all Asia is now prostrate at your feet and you may dispose of his fate as you please To what end Madam said he to what end are all his Conquests which he hath made Can it be imagined that he aimed at any universal usurpation since he hath refused all that the King would give him though I have fought an vanquished and conquered yet doubtlesse he hath enjoyed the fruits of all my combates my victories and my conquests I am not so much as master of my own sword but since you do reign in the heart of him whose hand doth guide it you need not fear I shall commence any unjust war It belongs unto you Divine Princesse to order the destinies of people and Kings and the life of Artamenes depends wholly upon your will yet Madam said he in a most submissive manner if it be your pleasure that Cyrus shall not revive he is ready to obey you yes adored Princesse Cyrus who can disturbe the tranquility of all Asia and has hopes to reign of a great and glorious Kingdom is ready to renounce all his rights that he hath unto the Crown of Persia and passe away all the rest of his dayes under the cloud of Artamenes if he find any hopes that Mandana will not lesse esteem him And if it be so that he must wear a Scepter to merit you chuse you Madam in what place of the world you would have him expose his life to get one and certainly he will go Things that are most impossible would appear unto me most easie provided you will not take from me my hopes of your love Say then Divine Princesse would you have Cyrus revive or would you have Artamenes live or would you have them both die I give you the
upon Artamenes vvith a face full of black despair the equality of their misfortunes did suspend all their cogitations and they apprehended all that Love could possibly imagin dolorous and resentive They saw if the winde continued where it was that the Galley would be driven against the foot of that Tower wherein they were and so dash all in pieces so that now they begin to fear vvhat before they desired vvishing the vvindes vvould now second the Prayers of the Ravisher and blow them far from Land Mean vvhile the storm encreaseth and according to the ordinary capricious inconstance of the Sea a vvhirl-winde did upon a sudden so intershock the waves as the Galley was carried far from the Town with incredible celerity so that these two Rivals lost the sight of it and vvith it all their hopes and their hearts What fears of shipwrack these two illustrious but improsperous Princes did resent is not imaginable Fain they would exclude Mazares out of their Prayers for Mandana but rather then she should want a wish of safety they pray for both and repent them of their first desires Now when that object vvhich before did take up their passionate resentment of each other was out of sight they began to conceive of one another as two Rivals and two enemies Artamenes was upon departure vvith intentions of committing the King of Assiria into safe custody when the King began to speak thus unto him I know Artamenes that your Birth and Quality is equal unto mine I am sure of it by infallible and most certain grounds I do retain much Confidence in your Generosity of vvhich I have had so much experience and of vvhich mangre my hate I have been a long though tacit admirer Therefore I vvill both beleeve and hope that you vvill not deny me one favour vvhich I shall desire As you are my Rivall said Artamenes I should deny you all your desires but as you are the King of Assiria I can deny you nothing so it be not prejudiciall unto the King whom I serve nor his Daughter vvhom I adore and be confident I will deny nothing which will not vvound my Honour or my Love I oblige my self unto it by the vvord of a Man vvhom you say is not inferior unto your self although it pass not so in the opinion of the World Demand then vvhat you please but first consider well with your self least against my vvill you should provoke me to a deniall The King of Assiria as soon as Artamenes had said so replied I know that I am in your power and you may transfer me into the hands of Ciaxares I know again it vvill be of much advantage unto him to get that King unto his fetters a great part of vvhose Kingdom he hath Conquered But I know you too Noble to triumph over me or to insult over your Captive Rivall vvhom you cannot chuse but know to be a Man of Soul since he hath measured his Sword with yours Suffer me therefore to have so much Honour as to Contribute my endeavours towards the Punishment of our Common enemy and of Releasing the Princess And I do oblige my self by Promise that if it please the Destinies to be so propitious unto me as that I shall finde out the illustrious Mandana yet I vvill never transact any thing unto your prejudice untill first the fate of Arms in Duell have decided our Fortunes I confess Artamenes said he further that my request is something difficult yet if your soul be not capable of any but easie things I shall conceive you unworthy to be my Corrivall 'T is true replied Artamenes but 〈◊〉 cannot Consent unto your desire It is much more easie for me to determin our Controversie by the Sword then Consent unto your Liberty nor is it in my power so much as perhaps you imagin As my Love is not inferior into yours Artamenes replied the King of Assiria so my desire of Combat is no less violent in my soul then yours yet I would not fight for the enjoyment of the Princess since she is not in a Condition to be the Prize of the Conqueror but Artamenes our best and most expedient course is to pursue the Ravisher of Mandana and to Contribute both our endeavours jointly together for her freedom since our interests unto her are so equall Do you not apprehend that if both of us should fall in Combat then would the Glorious Mandana remain in the Possession of our Common Rivall without either protection or defence At these words Artamenes paus'd and then replied Doubtless it were not just to expose our Princess unto so much hazard nor is it fit for me who am entrusted by the King of Medes with his Army to dispose so peremptorily of such a Prisoner as the King of Assiria All that I can vvith Honour and safety promise is to employ the best of my endeavours for his release But to testifie in the mean time how desirous I am to encounter so Gallant an enemy and that I will if possible procure his freedom I do now engage my Honour never to pretend any thing unto the Princess although she were in my possession though the King of Medes should consent unto it and she her fair self were pleased with it before the fate of Arms has rendred me a Conquerour in Combat with you I cannot deny said the King of Assiria but your Arguments are Convincing that you have reason to treat me as you do and that my request was unreasonable And though you be wiser then I am yet I beseech you confess I am more Amorous since I have lost so much reason which you have retained I must dispute with you replied Artamenes that Controversie more obstinately then the other Then the King of Assiria without any further replies did entreat him to endeavour his release which once happily obtained might much conduce to the safety of the Princess Upon this Artamenes retired and committed the guard of the Assirian King unto Araspes commanding to treat him with all observance and possible Civilities waiting upon him unto his accustomed Lodging and so at this time they parted Artamenes marched through all the streets kept the People in good order and quite quenched the fire he sent out severall Men to see if they could discover any happy tydings of that Galley which had carried away his Princess He dispatched Posts unto Ciaxares with Intelligence of all adventures and employed all the rest of the day in giving out Orders At night he retired unto that Chamber where his Princess was wont to lie which he knew to be the same by the information of Thrasibulus unto whom he applied himself with as much Civility as the inquietude of his minde would permit him he gave order for reparation of his Ships which had been torn by the tempest and consumed by fire He related unto Artamenes how the King of Assiria did treat him with much respect and permitted him to lie within the
condition doth in this intervall give me leisure to contrive waies of changing my idle course of life Why Sir said I to him do you say your unhappy condition Are you not the Son of a great King and a great Queen Doth not fortune so much smile upon you as that you are beloved of your Subjects and feared of your enemies You I say who shall one day be possessor of a great Kingdom where such a lasting peace is so surely setled as nothing can disturb it you whom the gods have adorned with so many admirable Qualities of so generous a minde so sublime a soul all whose inclinations are noble whose person is admirably handsome whose strength so incomparable and whose proportion of body moved by so couragious a soul may easily prompt you to the most heroike actions Suppose I were all these you tell me answered Cyrus very quickly and that they were spurs to quicken me unto high actions and that the gods have given me such qualities to employ them in common poor idle things am I not then the most unhappy man alive to make no better use of them If I should continue this course of life long posterity would not know that Cyrus ever lived No no Chrisantes I am not so happy as you think me especially since the time that Harpagus talkt with me in the Forrest Let me tell you I have endured such anguish of soul ever since as you would pity me if you knew it and I would acquaint you with it if you will promise to be faithfull and obey me Sir said I to him I shall never fail in my fidelity and I will promise ever to obey you so far as your commands are just I desire no mote said he then looking upon me with such an aspect as would win the heart of a savage man My Dear Chrisantes said he if you knew the torments of minde I have endured I am sure they would move compassion Harpagus you know motioned a war unto me and I refused it Doth it repent you Sir said I interrupting him No said he but it troubles me that any man should propound any difficult businesse unto me and I not in a condition to accept it not to dissemble with you If I had followed the suggestions of my own minde I should not have been eight daies after that crosse accident but would have found out some ware in some Countrey or other that I might thereby make it apparent unto Harpagus and all the world how the only reason why I refused his motion was because I thought it unjust and not because I thought it difficult or dangerous Who knows said he whether Harpagus will think it cowardise or temperance in me I am now of age wherein my valour may be suspected and I shall never rest satisfied until by some honourable and dangerous adventure I have justified my self and redeem'd my honor This is it Chrisantes I am infinitely weary of my idle nor can I understand why you should commend me as you have done unlesse it were to rouse up my dull soul unto sprightly Action It hath been my Lesson never to be weary in any Action I shall undertake and that delicacy is a crime I have been taught that Valour is essentially requisite in a Prince and how he ought to fight to know the use of his Bow his Spear his Buckler his Sword but to what purpose are all these if he never use them what good is there in ability of body to endure hardship if I should be ever treading in the smooth pathes of the Courts tranquillity What use can I make of my Valour as long as I am lul'd in a lasie Peace What shall I be better for combating with wild beasts which know nothing but as nature teacheth them In short Chrisantes not to conceal my soul from you I conceive the sapient documents and instructions which have been infused into me do all authorise the design which I resolve upon as soon as ever I can get an opportunity for it And what is your design said I to him I would answered he leave the lazy Court and travel into Assiria and from thence into Phrygia or any place where I shall hear there is any war I have a desire to instruct and improve my self to the best advantage I would learn to know my self and all the world Your Design is great said I and proceeds from a most Noble Soul But Sir such designs as these ought not to be so lightly and inconsiderately taken up I do not well know answered Cyrus how shall I take it since fortune doth oppose me but this I know that I will employ the utmost of my power to undertake it Good Chrisantes Let me entreat you not to disswade me for all you can possibly say will be in vain I am throughly resolved upon it I am not ignorant of that duty which I owe unto the King my Father and unto the Queen my Mother I am infinitely tender of them both but yet my desire of honour and love of glory is above both Whether you allow or disallow of this Resolution beleeve me Dear Chrisantes I will finde out a way to put it in execution or death shall be the only obstacle which can hinder me Cyrus pronounced these words with so much active animosity and with such heroick violence as I paws'd and wondered and could not answer his eyes more then ordiuary sparkling his complexion more vermilion every part so agile and his discourse so positive that there was no contradictions to be thought upon I must confess I did much honour this budding virtue in him and I could not contend with what I so much liked and admired In conclusion I desired eight dayes time for consideration not liking to undertake a matter of this consequence too rashly but I had much ado to obtain it for he was resolved to be gone whilst his Father Cambises the King was in his progress Then Sir I did think my self strangely entangled in the business I did perceive by the Queens intelligence from Ecbatane that the fears and jealousies of Astiages did rather much encrease then any thing diminish and I saw that this violent scrupulous and superstitious Prince would either destroy Cyrus or declare a warre upon Persia and that it was impossible to prevent the one of these two I presently addrest my self unto the Queen and told her that I discovered every day more and fresh discontents in the Prince her Sonne and moved her to perswade the King her Husband that the Prince her Sonne might undertake some Travels and in a disguise see the world be acquainted with the Manners of other Countries and remove from under that malignant Constellation which in this place at this time was so predominate But she answered me That she thought Cambises being perswaded the Manners of the Persians were more virtuous then those of other People he would therefore never consent unto it unlesse he had some strong
Arguments to induce him thereunto yet as for her part in consideration of the King her Father his humours she did not much disapprove of the motion I perceived she had some inclinations that he Sonne should be removed but that her Maternall tenderness joyned with her desires of concealing her Fathers cruelty from Cambises knowledge did impede it and that this was her only reason which hindred her from absolute consenting to his departure both she and I did conceive much likelihood of producing good effects provided he were so hansomely disguised and not discovered by the Spies which Astiages had lurking in every corner of Persipolis Moreover she considered that the King of Medes her Father was old and of a mutable disposition therefore it might so happen that during her Sonnes travell he might either die or alter his minde when he knew that he who was the cause of his fears was far enough remote from being in the head of any Army to trouble him and since he was so giddily travelled without any Accommodations or Train proportionable to his quality And though the Queen did well enough resent and understand all this and confessed it yet the presence of her Sonne was so deer unto her as she could not fix upon this harsh resolution however so full of reason I pondering all these Circumstances and knowing that Honour was the only motive which prompted Cyrus to this design also conceiving it the only prudential course for the preservation and maintaining of Peace between these two great Kingdoms then I resolved without disclosing any of these reasons unto the Prince to consent unto his desire and I my self to be a partaker of his Fortunes and a witness of his vertues from which I expected high atchievements Certainly it was not without great reason that I concealed from him the causes of all our fears which we apprehended of his Life if he had stayed any longer in Persia for doubtless if he had known the truth he would quickly have alterd his resolutions and would not have quit the Name of Cyrus for that of Artamenes which now I advised him to take upon him I cannot express the joy this Prince was in when I went unto his Chamber and told him that he had overcome me and that I would consent unto his desires upon condition he would promise me that in all the voyage he would be pleased to promise me to condescend unto mine and be rul'd by me Indeed I never in all my life saw so many signs of full satisfaction as appeared in his looks Ha my Chrisantes cried he out and embracing me since you have consented in this fear not but I will obey you in any thing Let us go let ut go upon any conditions for as long as you shall demand nothing but what is just and honourable be confident I will never disobey In conclusion Sir not too much to abuse your Patience it was resolved that Cyrus and I and Feraulas from whom he had not hid the design and two other servants should be all the number As for our subsistence we took with us all the Princes Jewels which were not a few nor common ones though the Persian Nation does openly profess to contemn all such magnificent superfluities but the Queen following the custom of her own Country brought with her a vast number and gave the most and best of them unto Cyrus her Sonne who seldom wore them unlesse at publike Feasts and grand Ceremonies intending to poise himself between the magnificent Mede and the moderate Persian We put up all these Jewels and pretending to Hunt with a small number we did prolong the Chase until night then dispersing our selves in the Forrest and meeting at an appointed Rendez-vous we took our way and began our voyage the horrid sequel where of affrights me when I think upon it But before our departure the Prince writ unto his Father asking pardon for departing out of the Kingdom without his leave He wrote another Letter also unto the Queen his Mother upon the same subject and without acquainting me he left a Note to be conveyed unto Harpagus in which he told him that though he had refused his offer yet he should see ere long by what Rule he squared his Actions As for my part I thought it not good for me to write unto the Queen least the King should come to see what I writ and gather something out of it which the Queen would have concealed Now Sir Cyrus must cease to be Cyrus and under the Name of Artamenes you shall understand some of his glorious Acts. After we had layn three dayes in the wildred Forrest where we chang'd our habits and travelled three nights we arrived at Susianes that way seeming more safe then the other to passe into Assiria of which you know Babylon is the Metropolis a Town then of the greatest splendor of any that ever was But Sir it befits me not to speak of it before you since you all except Thrasibulus contributed to the destruction of it and therefore are not ignorant I will only tell you that though Artamenes had no intentions to take part with the Assirian against the Phrygian because the Assirians were the old enemies of Astiages yet we went thither to see the Court which then was the greatest and most pompous in all Asia When we approached neer it the object did much delight Artamenes As we passed along the banks of the River Euphrates we admired the situation of this proud Town which stood between two of the most famous Rivers in the world Tygris and Euphrates Here passed by us two men talking together how that the Queen was possessed with great Joy and great sorrow both together Artamenes did overhear them and you must know Sir Cambises had alwayes a great desire that his Sonne should be taught the Languages of all the prime Nations in the world It was his customary Speech that it were very strange a Prince should not understand the Language of that Nation from whom he would entertain an Embassadour so that both Artamenes and I understood that Language Artamenes then understanding what these two men said addressed himself very civilly unto them and asked them in their own Language What did the Queen so much joy and so much sorrow at The one answered That her joy was because about some eight dayes since the tedious warre between the King of Assiria and the King of Phrygia was happily ended a happy Peace was concluded upon advantagious termes and joyfully proclaimed about some two dayes since But the joy of this great Queen who solely governed the Kingdom since the death of the King her Husband although she had caused the Prince her Sonne to be crowned King this joy I say was turned into great sorrow the reason of it is because she having but this only Sonne whom she intended to marry unto the Daughter of a Prince called Gadates with whom this Peace was concluded and whom
satisfie fond curiosity so far as to fore-know his future Fortune yet that which chiefly restrain'd him as I conceive was his fear not to finde that in the answer of the gods which he so much desired to wit Glory and the occasions to acquire it War but the Event of things did shew how his fears were falsly grounded and that the Destinies would have told him nothing but of his Victories and Triumphs Whilest we were at Ephesus we conversed with many Grecians which came to that place some out of Devotion and some Curiosity amongst the rest Periander King of Corinth came hither in disguise and lodged in the same place with us Many terms of Friendship past betwixt him and me if it become to say so of a Soveraign This wise Prince whose wisedom was in highest esteem throughout all Greece had so great a phansie unto Artamenes as he forced me to promise him as soon as our affairs would permit to travell unto Corinth After we had past over all Chaire and part of Lidia we visited both high and low Phrygia in the first of these we saw that great Town of Apameus and in the other the mountain Ida the Port of Tenedos the River of Xanthis and the deplorable ruines of Troy Artamenes staied here with much delight and viewing the places where the valiant Hector and famous Achilles fought he could hardly stir off it at last we past on and behold the Tomb of this Demigod As we came into Jonia we procured a man of the Isle of Samos who being a great Scholar well travelled and very knowing in all Antiquity became our guide and shewed unto us all that was rare Artamenes asked him a thousand Questions concerning Troy and its Leaguer There remains yet some ruines of the two Marble Castles which neither the Flames nor old Time had yet demolished The Prince was much pleased with the sight and went over all the Ruines and Rocks and over the Famous Rivers of Scamander and Simois This Countrey which heretofore did flow with Noble bloud seemed now to be a Land consecrated unto the gods of Peace This Learned Grecian which we had with us told us that Periander whom we had seen in Ephesus was not the only wise man of Greece but that the Nation was now as full of wise and excellent men as in the daies of Agamemnon Vlysses and Nestor This commendations moved Artamenes to have a great desire of going thither So that we seeing the wars in Phrygia proceeded no further I perswaded him to passe into Greece to which he consented and we went To begin with the most famous first We came to Athens which we much admired as well for that Famous Port of Pireus as the excellent order of Laws here established by a man of great wisedom whose Name was Solon and who did voluntarily banish himself ten years for his own Countrey To the end his Laws might thereby not be changed he having obliged the Citizens by Oath to observe them until his return Artamenes came here acquainted with Pisistrates who as some said became Tyrannicall Whilest we were at Athens there was a flying Report that Solon was in the Isle of Cyprus so that I confesse I did forward Artamenes his desire of going thither as well to see that fair Island seated in the Aegian Sea also that Famous Temple of Venus as to be acquainted with that prudent Graecian but we were not so fortunate as to finde him there yet it was Artamenes his good fortune to contract friendship with a Prince called Philoxippes a man of high spirit and great vertue But I will not trouble you with every particnlar passage of our Voyage and omit many Islands which we saw in the Aegian Sea I will only tell you that after our coming to Athens whether my Master promised Philistaates to return we went to Lacedemon which government did not please him who thought all the Earth too little to fill up the chinks of his ambition This Great Soul thought two Kings in one Kingdom incompatible At last we come to Delphos Argos Micenes and Corinth where we were magnificently treated by the wise Periander for this gallant man ever thought the Laws of Hospitality inviolable and that strangers could not be welcomed with too much Civility It was his pleasure that the Princesse Cleobuline his daughter whose beauty and wit was fam'd throughout all Greece should honour Artamenes with her converse he was as exact in the Greek tongue as any Native Periander to entertain him caused Arion that famous Musician as well for his excellency in that Art as for the Dolphin which preserved him to play before him I will trouble you no more Sir with many remarkable passages and how my Master did infinitely better himself by the observation of the several Manners and Customes of those people and places where he came But in the Conclusion of all I must tell you that at the Port of Corinth where men from all parts arrive there we came to know that the war between Lidia and Ionia was now broke out and published and that the storm which had long hovered was now fallen upon them Upon this Artamenes becomes all Impatiency till he were in Arms and presently resolved for Ephesus there to engage with them against Craessus their Enemy In taking leave of Periander he told him how desirous he was to recompense the Graecians for the Civilities which he had received from them So Periander fuâ—nishing us with a well tackled Ship we put to Sail with a favourable winde Artamenes thought now he had met with an opportunity to put that prodigious valor which nature had infus'd into him into practice his desire of glory did elevate his soul so high as that he was wrapt into a heaven of unimaginable joy But Fortune which had made him wait so long for an opportunity did now offer him one which he looked not for and which was like to have proved very fatall unto him for suddenly a Marriner cried out he discovered four Sail of Ship coming towards them and if we looked not well about us they would immediatly fetch us up The Pilot he lookt and was more dismayed then the first for he discovered that it was certainly the valiant Pirate who made up to assault us Pardon me Generous Thrasibulus said Chrisantes and breaking of his Story If in following my Narration exactly if I give you a Name which was so much renowned in all the Seas where we passed No no said Thrasibulus to him I think never the worse that you should give me a name which my ill Fortune made me assume and which perhaps better Fates may render more considerable upon the Aegian Hellespont and Euxian Seas and which may wipe off all that infamy which waits upon the Quality of a Pirate Continue on your Story and omit not the least circumstance which relates unto the Story of Artamenes Chrisantes seeing Thrasibulus silent and all the Princes prepared for
the first then Madam receive the Victory as the fruits of my love which I purchased at the price of my bloud if the later then pitty an unfortunate man who died in your service and who died adoring you since I have nothing to hope for I believe your vertue will not be offended at my respectful passion and you shall never find worse then I discover since the first time that I write unto you is my last of life There needs no other answer Madam unto what I desire but some slight testimonies of sorrow and pitty refuse them not then I conjure you And that you may be the easier induced to pardon my boldness consider if you please Madam that if I had lived you had perhaps been for ever ignorant of what I now tell you when I am entering into my Grave ARTAMENES As long as the reading of this Letter lasted tears did so abundantly trickle that she was forced divers times to break off But when she had ended knowing that she was not able to restrain her lamentations more then she could her tears being desirous that I should be no witness of her excessive sorrows Feraulas said she to me you see that I have not forgot how the illustrious Artamenes saved the life of the King my Father since I so condole his losse that I can take no joy in all those glorious advantages which he hath atchieved for us But said she sighing what can be done lesse for him who in one day hath won two battles hath taken an enemy King prisoner and hath bestowed an everlasting peace upon all Cappadocia then to make that memorable day a day of sorrow and tears for his losse Grief did sad this Princesse that she could hardly pronounce these last words so that to be at more liberty of lamentation Go Feraulas said she to me lament your glorious master and come hither in the morning for I shall be glad to see you Then I made a low reverence to depart and was at the closer door when she called me back Feraulas said she to me tell me before you go of what Country was the most Famous Artamenes and exactly tell me what was his quality He was a Prince Madam said I to her and had if he had lived been a King of a great Kingdom But Madam this is all I have in commission to tell you my Master having expresly forbidden me to tell his name 'T is enough said she for the glory of Artamenes and too much for the tranquillity of Mandana she being more loaden with sorrowes at these words dismissed me and staid alone only with her dear confident Martesia I was no sooner gone as she told me afterwards but giving her my Masters letter to read See there said she alas there you will find the cause of my excessive sorrow Consider I pray you if ever any was more lamentable Martesia obeying the Princesse began to read the Letter in a low voice unto her self but Mandana would not suffer her No said she Martesia I would understand what I confusedly beheld and what perhaps I have read false Martesia began to read the letter aloud but oh heavens how oft was this reading interrupted and how happy had Artamenes been if he had known her resentments of him whosoever should have told me within this hour said the Princesse to Martesia that I should receive a declaration of love without anger and that I should pitty him which made it and dearly loved his memory Ah Martesia I should not have believed it Yet I cannot chuse but confesse my weaknesse unto you and acknowledg that I do infinitly compassionate the unfortunate Artamenes I am not angry at him for loving me yet I know not added she whether if he should rise again I should repent of what I say and all I would doe should be to hide my resentments yet Martesia I doe well find that Artamenes had a greater share in my heart then ever I thought and perhaps more then he ought to have or I to afford him Indeed Martesia my soul is extreamly troubled I am very sensible of those sorrowes which are in me and whether I will or no all these sad passions doe not offend me I perceive added she that the knowledg of his quality mingles a secret Sentment of Ioy in my soul I recall his life and all his heroick Acts into my memory And against my own mind and consent I cannot forbear to be glad when I find all these things and circumstances which have been told unto me confirm me in the belief of his birth and love Indeed Martesia not to dissemble the truth I do think that as Artamenes loved me and I had no certainty of it so I did love him also and knew it not that which I named esteem and acquaintance said she and blusht might perhaps have been called somthing else Indeed I know that I did oftimes wish a Crown upon the head of Artamenes and knew not well why I wisht it and I knew moreover that though the suspitions which I had of his passions did disturb me yet I was never absolutly unwilling that he should love me But oh Heavens that which is most considerable and most vexatious is that I know I shall resent his death so deeply as it will molest all the tranquillity and hopes of my life The sad Mandana stopt at these words And Martesia though she was much troubled at the losse of Artamenes yet to comfort the Princesse told her that the Gods were ever wont to mix bitters and sweets goods and bads together and never the one without the other and therefore at this time she must think that all these victories are bought at a deerer rate Ah Martesia said she to her that victory which is at the price of Artamenes life is infinitly too dear though it had brought me a Crown with it For my dear Martesia It is a hard matter ever to be comforted after the losse of such a Prince as he A Prince I say who was owner of all excellent Qualities and no bad ones also one who loved us But said Martesia to her if he had lived you had never known as much or if you had you would have been offended at it I confesse replyed the Princesse hastily I should have been offended and that mortally But Martesia he never told me of it but untill he was at the point of death I knew it not untill he was in such a condition as he could not know what I thought of it and it is this principally which causeth my most sharp sorrow All the great acts of Artamenes and all his high vertues were things which truly did gain and merit my esteem but I must confesse unto you that his reverence and respect of me has absolutly gained my heart The Combats which he fought the battles which he won and all his other glorious actions which he did to merit my approbation did not so much appertain unto
invented wherewith to torment me would you have me all at once resent the wounds your Souldiers shall give unto those of my party would you have me apprehend my misfortunes before they fall upon me what would you have unhappy Mandana do I would have you know answered he that upon your will depends the destiny of all Asia Thus many men thus many Provinces and thus many Kingdoms have you brought hither in my behalf I know Madam added he that the King your Father assisted by the King of Persia has brought his Troops into the field and that he is upon the banks of the River Gindes to come to you and therefore Madam I put my self into a posture of defence and try if this last remedy will mollifie your heart Consider if you please Madam that the Kings of Lydia Phrygia Arabia Hircania and a hundred other most valiant Princes who are in my Army do not acknowledge the King your Father nor are they in love with you as I am and therefore will not spare you as doubtlesse I shall do Consider seriously I conjure you that amongst two hundred thousand men one of them may easily deprive you of that person who is so dear unto you Oh cruel man cried she unto what a fearful punishment do you expose me Ah pittilesse Princesse answered he whose hard heart had rather all Asia should be in arms that it should swim in bloud and be ruined and that the King your Father should be engaged in a dangerous war rather then accept the affection of a Prince who adores you who lives not but for you and who is ready to imply this same Army to Conquer more Crowns for you if those he has does not satisfie your ambition you see Madam two hundred thousand men ready to march and ready to fight when occasion requires yet although so many valiant Captains and Souldiers be all impatient to look their enemies in the face and fight them yet one favourable look from you is able to make all their Arms fall out of their hands Yes Divine Princess the Fate of people depends upon your eyes Cast but one pleasant look upon me pronounce but one advantagious word unto me be but lesse cruel and afford me but one spark of hope and then all Asia shall rest in peace and the King your Father in safety Speak then I conjure you or if you will not speak let your eyes speak for you say that you will hereafter love the King of Assyria or promise once only that you will love Artamenes no longer Pronounce the doome Madam Must I fight or must I disarme But consider well before you give the fatal sentence Sir answered the Princesse The Gods are absolute Masters of all men and Mandana ought not to usurp that Supream authority over them It is my part patiently to endure the misfortunes they shall send me and not oppose their wills If they were not resolved upon a warre they would change my heart and also the heart of my father to pardon you So I am not in a condition to dispose of my own will It is enough I know from your mouth that the King of Medes is in Arms against you I may know thereby that it is not permitted me to afford you either a favourable look or an advantageous syllable or to give you the least glimps of hope Since he holds you for his enemy I have a new cause to use you ill nor must I pardon you though I should be so weak as to wish it And though Artamenes were not living yet I should be the same I am unto you Moreover although your Army be very great yet will I hope the Gods will be favourable unto the justnesse of my Cause making all my fathers enemies to fall before him and giving him the Victory Yet the Gods do know if I could with the losse of my life prevent the danger of my fathers I should sacrifice it with incredible joy Yes Sir if you can suffer me to be that Victim which will bring peace unto all Asia I freely consent unto it with all my heart And if nothing will give you satisfaction but the taking Mandana away from unfortunate Artamenes I also consent unto it so you will put her into her grave and that it may be permitted her to passe out of the hands of the King of Assyria into the hands of Death which she would sooner chuse But in the Name of the Gods Sir be Generous Do an Heroick act surmount that passion which is in your heart The conquest of Mandana is not worth half the blood which will be spilt Love does deceive you Sir and that Beauty which thus charmes you is but a pleasing desusion And although she were as fair as you phansie her yet at the best it would be but a treasure which time would certainly steal from any that enjoyes it Recollect your self therefore Sir and if there be any spark of reason in you affect honour and glory and prefer it above Mandana That is much more fair then she and will treat you better Then will you esteem Mandana more and also she will you nor will she then blame you for the injuries you have done her Consider that such a Princesse as she is not worthy of so constant a love as yours think how she hates you treats you coursly and will never love you In short either by reason or revenge or out of generosity restore Peace unto all Asia and hate Mandana who hates you I would do so Madam said the King of Assyria if I could but alas I cannot if I would and I think it is as impossible for me not to love Mandana as it is impossible for Mandana not to love Artamenes But Madam added this Prince in extream anger If you love the life of your father the King of Medea be moved with my prayers for know assuredly that there is not a valiant man in all my Army which has not a resolute designe to encounter with him Imagine that all the Arrows in the hands of all these souldiers which you see are aimed at Artamenes that all their spears are set against his heart and that all Engines all Strategems all offensive Arms are employed particularly against him and that it rests onely in your power to take so many enemies off him Therefore cruel woman if you love Artamenes hate not me but give me some slight signe of your good will and repentance No Sir answered the Princesse you do not yet know me for if I would have changed my minde it would have been when I heard the name of my Father pronounced and that which I will not do for him I will never do for Artamenes Not but that since you force me to tell it I am infinite tender of that Prince and shall preserve an immoveable fidelity for him and between a Father and a Lover I will do what befits me without any wavering what resolution to take Then Madam said
side of Lydia and that it spreads it self upon the right hand towards Mantiana and on the left hand towards Phrygia that afterwards on the right hand it moistens a great part of Cappadocia and on the left hand Paphlagonia so that there were some places by which we were to go that the King of Pontus feared very much and which the Princess also feared because it was on that side of Cappadocia where the people by the perswasions of Aribeus were revolted and took part with the King of Assyria But as soon as we were past Cappadocia he suffered us sometime to stay in the night time that the Princess might more quietly take rest and sleep and to that end they made her a Cabin in the Boat which separated us from the rest of the company and where none but her own servants entered excepting the King of Pontus At last Chrisantes as necessity is alwayes ingenious the Princess did not apprehend it an absolute impossibility for us to make an escape so that I consulted with Orsanes and we resolved to endeavour it The Princess would have a candle burning alwayes in the night time in our Cabin but the better to execute our designe we put it out And prosecuting our resolution one night when we were neer a great Wood Orsanes who lay on the outside of our Cabin came under the hangings on our side and went quietly into the water which was not very deep in that place intending to take us one after another and carry us ashore and then to hide our selves in the thick of the great Wood which we observed very neer us And since the night was very dark and we but two to be carried the Princesse would not be carried first because she should then be alone upon the Banks so that she would have Orsanes carry me first But Oh Heavens what ill fortune was it that I obeyed her and how much injury did the Princesse do her self in commanding it For Orsanes and I were no sooner at Land but the King of Pontus waking and seeing no light in our Cabin cried out to him that stood Centinel who had not perceived us because it was very dark and bade him look well to the Princesse so that at this Cry the Watermen who alwayes kept a dark lanthorn did bring it and there they found the Princesse all alone in a great amazement Orsanes and I seeing this would have returned what danger soever would hap unto us but the Watermen Rowing away with all their strength by order from the King of Pontus Cry and call as long and as loud as we could they would not stay to take us in The King questionlesse imagining that we had got some considerable strength upon Land to execute our designe We heard the Princesse call sometimes Martesia and sometimes Orsanes but presently after we neither heard nor saw any thing although the Moon presently after began to break out and the River in that place did so turn and winde that it was impossible for us to see the Boat You may well imagine Chrisantes how great my sorrows and my fears were First to see I was separated from the Princesse Secondly to finde my self alone with a man upon the banks of a great River neer a great Wood in the midst of the night The rest of the night we passed away and followed the River side hoping alwayes that the Moon would shine so cleer that we might once more discover the Boat At the last we being very weary and having found a little habitation of Fisher-men by the water side we stayed there and found there more helps then we could hope for from men of such Quality We told them our adventure disguising our names and the qualities of the persons because we were in Paphlagonia and desired them to informe us whether it were possible to overtake the Boat we told them of they told us that it was absolutely impossible to overtake them with another Boat considering the number of their Oars and the time we had lost to follow them nor was it more easie to follow with Horses because the River doth turn and winde very much and their Boat taking alwayes the middle of the River has by consequence lesse way to go then they who go by the sides Moreover not far from thence the River divides into two and who can tell which way they would take In conclusion Chrisantes we had no other course but to finde out some way how to come hither where I did suppose I should finde the King I had by good fortune the Picture of the Princesse about me in a very rich box which upon this occasion did us very good service for when I had taken out the Picture I sent Orsanes unto the next Town to sell it and to buy a Coach and Horses whilest he left me amongst the fisher-men At his returne we did recompence those honest men for their courtesies and came in all haste hither where we thought verily to finde Artamenes also but little did we think to finde him a Prisoner Now wise Chrisantes you know thus far of the Princesse her fortune and I did very much desire to relate it unto you before I spoke with the King to the end that when you were informed of our adventures and my self also better instructedin the state of things I might more judicially know what to say or not to say Martesia having ended her story Chrisantes and Feraulas thanked her for the pains she had taken and began to consider the wonderfull passages she had told them They could not sufficiently admire the constancy of the Princesse and her immoveable vertue wherewith she acted throughout all her adventures They considered her as carried away by the greatest King of all Asia whom she hated they then looked upon her as in the power of a Prince whom she very much esteemed and yet they think upon her as she is in the power of a King without a Kingdome They observed the greatnesse of the first did not terrifie her from treating him lesse rigorously That the esteem which she had of the second did not alter her heart and that the misfortunes of the third did not move her to treat him lesse civilly then if he were upon his Throne The truth is they saw Mandana was so worthy of Artamenes and Artamenes of Mandana that when they considered how they were separated and how both of them unfortunate their conversation could not chuse but end in sighes and teares and all other signes of compassion First for so many misfortunes as the Princesse had been exposed unto Secondly by reason of that strange Oracle which threatned a greater misfortune unto Artamenes then his imprisonment Feraulas was over-joyed to see Martesia again and Chrisantes who did very highly esteem her vertues did bid her very welcome back yet before they parted they made a short relation according to their promise of all the adventures of Artamenes As well his
speed unto the Kings Chamber commanding Arbaces to let none enter unto Artamenes untill new Orders but as he went he was not without his conceits for indeed he did not directly know what it was which Martesia had sent unto Artamenes and he was fearfull it would not prove a businesse so criminall as he wished it Yet since he could not imagine what innocent intelligence there could be between them he went to Ciaxares with much boldnesse and also much hopes the resistance of Artamenes seeming unto him to be an infallible mark that there was something in that Cabinet which would make against him He did therefore very much aggravate the despair of this Illustrious Prisoner and breaking open the Cabinet which was not full because Mandana's scarf remained upon the Table when Artamenes did shut it upon the entrance of Metrobates then they began to look what was within it and there was found some jewels and perfumes one of Homers Illiads rich bound up likewise the Lawes of Lycurgus and Solon the Comedy of Thespis some Verses of Sappho and Erina's composing certain Enigmaes of the Princesse Cleobuline some small Geographicall papers the modell of Babylon the description and encampment of Ciaxares his Army before that Town some Songs of the famous Arion and many other such things All this while Metrobates despaired of finding any thing against Artamenes and Ciaxares was very glad of it but at the last finding a little golden enamel'd Box Ciaxares saw that the Picture of Mandana was within it about which this Devise was written in the Cappadocian Language I am better in your Heart This picture was made for a Princesse of Cappadocia whom Mandana loved very well and who loved her most tenderly again So that this Princesse dying before she had this picture Mandana gave it to Martesia who desired it of her But alas how extreamly was Ciaxares surprised to find it there and how jocund Metrobates to see himself happier then ever he hoped for The Kings mind was so much troubled that he neither knew what he did nor what he saw He read this harmlesse Motto which he thought to be so criminal and afterwards cried out who could have thought that ever Mandana would have spoke such a would unto Artamenes How could that severe vertue which she seemed to own suffer her to imagine such a piece of gallantry as this in favour of a simple Cavalier who wanders about the world and none knows what he is Ha since it is so as it is but too too true Mandana has some further designes Perhaps she is hid in the house of Artucas where she staies only untill Artamenes be at liberty and then when he has got himself in the head of all those forces which are of his intelligence he will take my Crown from me and subvert my Throne No no said he unto Metrobates and throwing the picture into the Cabinet again we must lose no time the guards of Artamenes must be changed Chrisantes Feraulas Artucas Orcalques Martesia and Andramias also must be secured for I suspect him also Sir said Metrobates I know very well that this design is something dangerous to execute yet I humbly offer my self and will adventure it so I may have your Majesties Guard to assist me then I believe the respect which all people ows unto you will keep them from opposing your will So that except Andramias and Artucas who are men of rank and Martesia who is a woman of quality all the rest are inconsiderable as for Chrisantes and Feraulas they are strangers and doubtlesse are no more to be feared then their Master and I am sure there is no danger in securing Ortalques The King then recalling into his mind the discourses of Mazares unto Artamenes and the journey of Ortalques unto the King of Assyria the secret carriage of Martesia with Artucas the frequent visits of Feraulas and Chrisantes the picture of Mandana in the hands of Artamenes and such a passionate Motto too gallant for a Lady which made profession of so much vertue he thought questionlesse to discover some great crime and questioned no further but Artamenes was in love and that Mandana allowed of it In conclusion being transported with anger he caused Metrobates to take fifty of his Guard to execute his pleasure before the passages in Artamenes Chamber was noised abroad Andramias coming into the Castle as Metrobates was going out he was easily arrested as well as Ortalques who was with him From thence going to take Artucas he found Chrisantes and Martesia there and took them three conducting Martesia and a woman to wait upon her in a Coach unto the Castle but carrying Chrisantes and Artucas on foot afterwards he went to look for Feraulas but could not find him for hearing by good fortune that Metrobates had been in his Masters Chamber with a Guard he was gone unto Hidaspes to acquaint him where he found the King of Phrygia Presently after he was come thither they heard of Andramias his arrest and also how Ortalques Martesia Chrisantes and Artucas were imprisoned in the Castle and that Artamenes was kept more close then ever So that hearing of all these passages at one time and knowing that Metrobates had been to seek for Feraulas the King of Phrygia would not have him stir out of the house of Hidaspes because he might be much more serviceable unto his Master then if he were in prison This Prince having sent in all haste to acquaint all the famous friends of Artamenes with it they all went unto the King as fast as ever they could to know the cause of this sudden change The King of Phrygia the King of Hircania Persodes Thrasibulus the Prince of Paphlagonia the Prince of Licaonia Ariobantes Gadates Artibies Hidaspes Adusius Aglatidas Gobrias Madates Artabases Leontidas Megabises Thimocrates Philocles and many others came thither but it was told them they could not see the King Yet notwithstanding since they feared lest he should fall upon some violent resolution they pressed so much that at the last he commanded the King of Phrygia and the King of Hircania only should enter where they found him extreamly sad Sir said the King of Phrygia unto him we are come hither to know whether your Majesty has any need of us Yes answered the King in great rage I do not think you will any longer protect and defend such an ungrateful rash and ambitious man as Artamenes Who came into my Court with no intent but to dishonour me and assumes so much boldnesse as to fix his eyes upon my Daughter All her Ravishers are lesse worthy of my hate then he since in taking her away they have done nothing which is unworthy of her But this insolent fellow in ravishing away her heart has done her an irrepairable wrong and mortally offended me The King of Assyria although he was a stranger unto her and an enemy to the Medes is yet a great King The King of Pontus although he hath lost both his Kingdoms yet he retains the Quality of a King The
he could not understand what it was he concluded that it was such as he was ashamed to confess so that passing from this thought unto another Is Mandana said he descended from so many Illustrious Kings and who her self must one day raign over so many people and such great kingdomes so weak as to endure the unjust passion of an unknown man Ah No no I must punish Artamenes for his boldness and Mandana for her weakness furthermore when he saw that Feraulas would not suffer himself to be apprehended he did imagin that to be an infallible signe of his knowledg of many things for he knew that Feraulas was of such a couragious spirit as the fear of his life would never make him flee away In conclusion the king did suck so much venome out of every imagination that his minde became so much incensed against Artamenes as he would not suffer the king of Phrygia to speak any more in the behalf of him The king of Hircania was no lesse rudely rejected then he And seeing so many Princes and men of high Quality about him How is it possible said he unto them all that you should thus importunately presse me in the behalf of such a man as you know not who he is If he would himself say he were a Subject unto any one of you I should then with more patience hear you interest your selves in his fortunes But questionlesse he is of some such inconsiderable Countrey that he is ashamed to own his very Nation and yet all of you speak for him as if he were the Son of some great king or as if I should incense all the Kings upon earth by punishing him But said he unto them in a mighty fury either speak no more in his behalf or let me know your reasons why you should so eagerly interest your selves For let me tell you this once for all and it shall be my ultimate Resolution that if within two dayes space Artamenes do not confesse his faults his life shall pay for it and satisfie revenge and afterwards at more leisure all his complices shall follow him After Ciaxares had thus expressed himself he went into his Closet and left all the Kings and Princes extreamly dejected They all went then unto the house of Hidaspes because he was most interressed in him and because they were more free and at liberty there then any where else When they were all there the King of Phrygia having consulted with the King of Hircania with Hidaspes Aducius Artabases Thrasibulus Madates and Feraulas they concluded that since Ciaxares did object against Artamenes the basenesse of his Quality and thought that his greatest crime therefore it was requisite to tell him who he was and try if that way would prevent him from his violent resolutions They conceived that since Astyages was dead Ciaxares perhaps would not so much startle at the Stars and predictions of the Magi as the King his father did but that when he should know Artamenes was the sonne of a King his Cosin and had thirty thousand Persians in his Army he would perhaps look better about him before he destroyed him and that if it should once come to open force the Souldiers would fight with more fury for the son of a king then they would have done for an unknown stranger This resolution was not fixed upon without great Contests but after the grounds of it were well examined it was so determined and they resolved that after they had given all requisite Orders unto their Regiments they woul 〈…〉 â—act the next morning accordingly and that in the mean time 〈…〉 as they could to 〈◊〉 about Ciaxares that morning to 〈…〉 esse might 〈◊〉 spread and be 〈…〉 â—onferenc 〈…〉 King o 〈…〉 were on 〈…〉 fore Ci 〈…〉 safety 〈…〉 and in 〈…〉 be said 〈…〉 day T 〈…〉 〈…〉 a the King of H 〈…〉 L 〈…〉 nia 〈◊〉 Prince of Paphlagonia Gobria◠〈…〉 Th 〈…〉 Philocles Leontidas Megabises Ariobantes Hidaspes Adusius Madates Art 〈…〉 Aglatidas and a hundred others were there But their hast was notwithstanding so 〈…〉 full for do what they could it ws impossible for them to see the King t 〈…〉 morning 〈…〉 would by all means dine that day in private because he would avoid the soncitations 〈…〉 many as were opposite unto his designe But at last know that they were all of them extreamly importunate to speak with him and were come into his Chamber he came out of his Closet in a high fury absolutely resolved upon the death of Artamenes Presently after according unto the last dayes resolutions Feraulas came also into the Chamber and thrusting thorow the pr 〈…〉 to get neer the King he presented himself before him with as much boldnesse as reverence Ciaxares being infinitely surprized to see him What Feraulas said he unto him do you fear death so little that you dare put your self into the power of a Prince who has caused you to be sought for as a Delinquent It is not death Sir answered he that I stand in fear of but my greatest fear is lest your Majesty should precipitately act a piece of high injustice upon the person of my Master Therefore I come to tell you that Artamenes is so far from being of any obscure extract as he is the Son of a great and good King of what unknown Countrey I pray you is the Father of Artamenes King replied Ciaxares Ah my friend this excuse is too grosse and I cannot believe it unlesse all these Princes confirm what you say If that be Sir replied Feraulas you may very well believe that Artamenes is the Son of a great King since there are thirty thousand of his Fathers Subjects in your Army and all these Kings and Princes who hear me are able to attest the truth of it Truth is Sir Artamenes is Cyrus sonne to the King of Persia and Hidaspes Adusius and so many famous Persians as you see about you are all to be one day his Subjects Is Artamenes Cyrus replied the King of Mades away away it is impossible Sir said Hidaspes the thing is so true that nothing upon earth can be more Yes Sir pursued Adusius and we are able to make it most apparent unto you the report of his shipwrack was most false and Cyrus was never in any danger of death but in your Majesties service You know said the King of Phrygia that this is not likely to be an invented businesse for if it were not true Hidaspes would not say it I know replied Ciaxares infinitely unquiet and troubled in his minde that the thing which you discover unto me is the way to hast his ruine for Artamenes as he is onely a rash ingratefull and a deluding man and a particular enemy unto Ciaxares who according to his Clemencie or Justice may pardon or punish him But if it be true that he is Cyrus then it is as true that he is the generall enemy of all Asia and ought to be destroyed You are all
the bank of a little river which empties it self into Araxes at that place that which begets this conceit is because they hear there was two Ladies brought thither about the same time that it was reported the Princess Mandana came thither these two Ladies are kept in the Castle guarded very carefully and used with great respect One who saw them reports that one of those Ladies is admirably fair and very melancholy I enquired as exactly as I could without danger of discovery of every particular concerning that Lady and I find by all circumstances it must be the Princess for they assured me she was very fair yellow haired of a good stature and of a modest aspect Besides all this I my self observed that the young Prince Phraartes brother unto the Prince Tigranes who now is sick in the high Armenia and he comes thither often very privately so that it is easily to be imagined there is some person of great importance in that place Moreover I must tell you that going one day into this Castle with a Merchant of Artaxates whose friendship I had purchased by some trivial presents in hopes by his means to get entrance under a colour of curiosity I did at last get in as far as the first Court and had certainly seen all the Castle and all the Gardens and by consequence the Princess if by ill luck the Prince Phraartes had not at that time come in They no sooner knew of his coming but they endeavoured to conceal us because they had received an express command to let none enter As he came in they caused us to go out in all hast yet as I went through a passage in the Base Court I saw that Prince in a Balcone courting a Lady which seemed unto me to be the Princess Mandana as I could guess so far off and in a moments passing and seeing only but one side of her head nor being able to see nothing perfectly but her stature and the colour of her hair This Sir is all I can tell you concerning the Princess and all I could possible gather for since that time they would not upon any term permit me to come again into the Castle nor can I hear any thing concerning the King of Pont It is not to be doubted said Cyrus but that it was the Princess Mandana which you saw the visits of the Prince Phraartes are insallible testimonies of it but Araspes added Cyrus is this Prince as handsom as his brother Tigranes I know not Sir replied he smiling for he was used always to be very free with Cyrus for I never had the honor to see the Prince Tigranes yet I know that Phraartes is not so handsom as the illustrious Artanones Cyrus laughed at the discourse of Araspes and imbracing him again I have done ill I confess said he unto him to ask you such a question and I deserve your raillary for not asking first whether the Castle be well fortified whether the passage over that river be guarded and whether you think according to all appearance the reducing it unto our power will cost us dear But Araspes love is such an imperious passion that its interest will be first considered and therefore you must excuse me After this Araspes told him that the Castle stood in a Town so great that it was but weak that it was very irregular in respect of its excessive length that unless it had six thousand resolute men to guard it it is not impossible to be taken The difficulty of the business was because it was within fifty furlongs of the Town of Artaxates which is the greatest Town of both Armenia's and all the forces which the King of Armenia had were quartered in the Suburbs of it Moreover since there are not many great towns in this Kingdom because of the abundance of pasturage which make all the country infinitely populous and that so prodigiously full as when the Inhabitants only do muster into Battalia they make a terrible shew therefore he beseeched him not to take it ill if he should advise according to his opinion not to attempt any thing until all his Army was come up and to content himself till then with seizing upon a passage over the river which was slenderly guarded because that what intelligence soever the King of Armenia received concerning the march of Ciaxares his Army he could not believe that he would make war upon him in good earnest but imagined always that it was only to fright him unto the payment of that tribute which was demanded Cyrus then gave Araspes thanks for the pains he had taken and the danger he adventured in his behalf and causing him to put â—ff his Merchants habit and to take a horse of his he pursued his march after he had held a Councel of War concerning the assaulting of the passage over the river only to honor the Officers which were with him for in all Councels his own opinion was the resolution of them all He dispatched a messenger immediately to Ciaxares to acquaint him with the intelligence of Araspes and desire of vanquishing reviving in his heart he hasted forward the march and prepared to force the passage over the river presently omitting nothing that a most prudent and couragious Captain could do upon such an occasion his design was presently executed and easily affected Those trenches which the Armenians kept being inforced within one quarter of an hour he became master of the river and in his enemies country and with the loss of not above fifteen or twenty men he cut in pieces all that made resistance and entirely defeated them When he came from Sinope his intention was to stay at that place with the Army but since his power was absolute he altered his first resolution and resolved to deliver Mandana if it were possible before the King came up conceiving that the fewer men he had to participate in the danger the more would the Princess be obliged unto him and also the more glorious would the action be That which did most prompt him unto this design was news late come that Ciaxares finding himself not very well would defer his advance three daies longer and in respect of that accident his march would be the slower but that which did most of all incite him unto this quick expedition and dangerous attempt was his consideration of the King of Assyria's coming and it was odious unto him to think that his Rival should share with him in the glory of delivering his Princess resolving then to stay no longer he left two thousand men to keep that pass over the river and went straight unto the great town of Artaxates which was scituated in a most fertile Plain upon the river Araxes and neer that place where by the Councels of Hanibal another King of Armenia did a long time after cause the new Artaxates to be built This town had but few Advenues yet were the walls so weak and in many places so ruined
while Cyrus did lye down upon the bed more to rest himself then to sleep but he had not leasure to do that for one came to tell him that the Prince Artibies was at the last gasp and desired to see him He did rise immediately and went unto him Walso he found him at the very point of death but in so free a mind and quiet so us that Cyrus was surprised at him I am desperately forty said he unto him coming heer him that I should be partly a a cause of your deplorable condition No most generously did this dying Prince answer rather rejoyce with me who since the death of Leontina looked for nothing from the wars but ruine I could never in any place have died with more honor then neer you nor shall I desire life but shall die with more joy then I can express if you will promise me to cause my ashes to be inclosed within the Tomb of Leontina In pronouncing this name which was so dear unto him he expired without the least motion by reason of his great loss of blood yet had he this satisfaction before he died to hear Cyrus promise what he desired for he weakly held out his hands and cast his eyes towards him by way of thanks That which was most admirable in this sad accident was that death did not afright out of his countenance those pleasing signs of desire to dye which he ever more since the death of his Mistress The heart of Cyrus was exceedingly tendered at the loss of this young Prince who doubtless did own all the accomplished qualities that might merit his esteem and friendship he testified his sorrow by most apparent signes and though his Tomb was covered with the spoils of vanquished enemies and hung about with Trophes of broken Arms yet was it further honoured in that his ashes were watred with the tears of the greatest Prince in the world In the mean while day did begin to break and inteligence was brought that there was so great a Tumult within Artaxates and such an universal amazement that the King of Armenia was gone out of it with his whole Court and a great part of his Forces retreating unto certain inaccessible Mountains where he had some Castles very well fortified he understood also that the King had carryed the Queen his wife and the Princesses his daughters with him and he imagined that perhaps Mandana might be there also his desire was to go after them immediately but he was confidently told that before he could be in readiness to see forward the King of Armenia would be got within his Sanctuary where he had nothing to fear but famiâ— Yet since Cyrus would not trust unto what was told him he took horse after he had commanded an Egyptian Chyrurgion which was in the Cyprian Brigado to imbalm the Corps of the Prince Artibies after such as excellent manner as was used in his Country and which would keep the Corps a long while is corruptable he gave orders also to present a complimentive excuse unto the Princess of Pont that he could not see her untill his return and these orders being given he went with two hundred horse only to be shewed these Mountains and indeed he perceived it impossible to arrive thither in any time he then resolved to go and possess himself of some advantagious placed betwixt those Mountains and the Town to prevent any communication between them But no sooner did thoâ—â— which were appointed for that design under Hidaspes begin to march but the Inhabitants of Artaxates multiplying their fears had held a tumuluous councell and conceived it more safe for themselves to submit unto such a Conqueror as Cyrus then any longer to reast such an 〈◊〉 Prince They sent then Deputies unto him to beg 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that in such submission terms as if his whole Army had been at their Gates As he was the sweetest prince upon Earth unto all such as resisted him not so he desired no more from them but a bare oath of Fidelity he did not conceive it expedient with so few Forces as he had to â—ngage himself within that Town but contented himself to posses himself of both the ends of Artaxes and some Castles which were indifferent strong in divers Entrances into Artaxates to the end he might thereby take all relief away from the King of Armenia and all ma 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 communication between the town and the mountains where he was 〈◊〉 continued his design of sending Hidaspas with twelve hundred men only to the foot of the mountains 〈…〉 by to prevent the country from carrying in of provisions after all which he resolved to wait unâ—â—il Ciaxares came up before he would make any other attempts and 〈◊〉 he had given our all expedient and necessary orders he returned unto the Castle 〈◊〉 whence he came with much impatience to discourse with the Princess of Pont imagining that perhaps she could tell where the King her brother was and by consequence where the Princess Mandana was Having then rested himself a while and put himself into a fit and handsom garb to appear before her he sent to ask whether he might be permitted the honor to see her As she did no less desire it then he though for different reasons so she sent word back that she should be very glad to entertain his visit so that going immediately unto her he was received with all possible civility and he rendred her all the submission and reverence as if she were in Heraclea After the first complemental ceremonies were performed Sir said she unto him if fortune had been as favourable unto the King my brother as you were unto him in procuring his release I would not have lost those Kingdoms which he once possessed I know not Madam replied Cyrus whether the King of Pont has not been a greater gamer by the loss of his Kingdoms then he would have been in keeping them But I am most certain that I prefer that favour which fortune has bestowed upon him since he lost them before all he had before she deprived him of them and I wish unto the Gods with all my heart that he were reinvested and set upon those Thrones again which he has right unto upon condition he would restore that unto which he has no right at all This discourse is so obscure unto me said the Princess of Pont that I am not able to return a pertinent answer for indeed I know very well that the King my brother has lost the Kingdom of Pont and Bythinia also that he was forced to depart from the last town that was left him and to fly away in a Ship to seek security for his person from you but I do not know how Fortune which deprived him of this Throne has made him a gainer since But I understood since that he was not with you and I was told the last without any certainty that he was here in Armenia whether I came to seek him
yet cannot find him How Madam said Cyrus is not the King of Pont and the Princess Mandana in Armenia I do not believe answered she that the King my brother is here and though he were indeed I cannot imagine how the Princess Mandana should come hither Cyrus seeing with what free ingenuity this Princess spoke unto him told her all how the King of Pont had saved the Princess Mandana from shipwrack how he left his ship and took boat up the river Halis to come into Armenia so that Madam said he I do not see it possible but he must be here and I wonder you should not know it I have had so little liberty said she since I came into Armenia that it is not impossible but he may be here and yet I not know it But Sir how can it be that he of whom you speak who has divers times spoken unto me concerning you as the man whom of all the world he most esteems though he knows not your quality should any way disoblige you He I say whom you have so much obliged he unto whom you gave both life and liberty and he who had an intention to preserve you at a time when you were in danger He never had any intention to destroy me replied Cyrus but he has most cruelly wronged me Ah Sir said she he did not describe Artamenes unto me to be so unjust as that he should think it to be a wrong which was done without design nor can I think him changed since he was Cyrus he is not changed at all replied he for he loves the Princess Mandana now as he loved her then although the King of Pont did not know it then so that Madam you may easily judge he does not at all oblige me in carrying away the Princess and retaining her against her will I should not speak thus unto you Madam said he if the affection I bear unto her were not now known over all Asia and if I were not forced to justifie my self â—o the opinion of so excellent a Lady as you Sir said she unto him I can say nothing to it yet for your consolation let me tell you that the King my brother owes such a profound reverence unto the Princess Mandana that you need not fear any ill treatment of her and if I knew where he were I would beg of you permission to go and try whether I could move him to restore her unto her father Cyrus returned thanks unto this Princess with much affection and she discourse on both sides was â—o very obliging that Cyrus did wonder to find a disposition so ready to do him any good office in the Sister of his Rival It is very true she was so handsome and so amiable that it was impossible but one must needs esteem her infinitely and be in terms of friendship though not in love with her Moreover since she found in Cyrus the resemblance of a person who was most dear unto her she expressed more obliging civility towards him then she perceived in her self so that for three or four dayes Cyrus did visit her every spare hour wherein he did not visit some guard or other and a great friendship grew betwixt them for after Cyrus had satisfied the curiosity of this Princess by making a short relation of his fortunes unto her and since he assured her that if the King her brother would restore the Princess Mandana he would help him to recover his lost Kingdoms she thought the condition good and she her self also believed that as soon as the King of Pont should know that Artamenes is Cyrus and that Cyrus did love and was loved by Mandana he would change his design So that conceiving she ought not to look upon this Prince as the King her brothers enemy she regarded him as both her and his protector and as a Prince who perhaps would become a Mediator between the King of Pont and the new King of Bythinia so that she enjoyed pleasure and satisfaction in the sight and conversation of Cyrus This Prince was for some certain days a little troubled to observe that this Princess never saw him but she changed colour and sighed often when she looked upon him But remembring the picture which was shewed him in Bythinia he concluded that Spitridates whom he resembled was not only in love but it must needs be that he was loved also and since he had great hopes in the negotiation of this Princess with the King her brother when it was known where he was and since he knew that there was nothing so engaging as to be a confident unto one who is in love and he knew how to carry the matter so handsomly without too much pressing so that I moved her ingeniously to acquaint him with the misfortunes of her life to the end some expedient remedies against them might be applied and that he might find out means to prevent her misfortunes as she would his if it were possible One morning when Cyrus heard that Ciaxares would come up within three days and that the King of Armenia had not any victuals to hold out long his mind being in more tranquility by reason of his hopes to be satisfied from the King of Armenia himself where her he sought for was he went unto the Princess of Pont to put her in mind of her promise but though she was very willing to give him satisfaction yet had she no mind that her adventures should come out of her own mouth but that one which was with her who was well acquainted with every circumstance even to the least of her thoughts might make a relation of them Cyrus consented unto the motion and for the present retired but presently after dinner he returned unto her chamber where he found her who was to relate the misfortunes of the Princess of Pont who was her self gone into her Closet with some Armenian women which waited upon her This Lady who was to make the relation was called Hesionida one of very good quality originally from Bythinia whose mother was Governess unto the Princess and who indeed was a kind of Governess her self unto her for since she was six or seven years elder then Araminta her mother who was very old and sickly committed the charge unto her so that she was exactly knowing in all the passages of that Court and since she had a most charming wit and was very sweet and complacential in all just things she made the Princess of Pont even adore her Cyrus who knew the quality of Hesionida by the information of one of the Princess men did treat her very civilly and full as respective complements returned as given Then did they sit down and thus did Hesionida begin The History of the Princess ARIMINTA and SPITRIDATES THe order which I have received from the Princess to make an exact relation unto you of her misfortunes requires Sir that you arm your self with abundance of patience for they are so numerous that they cannot
be comprehended in a short story and necessity compels me to let you understand not only those which relate only to the Princess her self but those also which concern her father the usurpation of the Kingdom of Bythinia is the real cause of all those miseries she endures You Sir who has won so many battels thereabouts do know that a river only divides the Kingdom of Pont and the Kingdom of Bythinia so that it is not at all strange that an ambitious King of Pont should stretch his limits over it But I believe that the course he took will appear so unjust unto you that you will hardly endure so much as the relation of it Be pleased to know Sir that the Grand-father of the Princess Ariminta was a very violent Prince one that was most jealous of his authority and as adventurous as any man in the world all his life was wholly taken up in wars with his Neighbours sometimes against the King of Phrygia other whiles against the King of Cappadocia and Galatia and sometimes against the King of Paphlagonia but in all these wars he was continually assisted by the King of Bythinia which then reigned who was father unto Arsamones who now is upon the reconquest yet notwithstanding he bore a spleen in his heart against him because he once opposed a new war which he would needs undertake against Cappadocia without any ground or reason for it for since Bythinia was between the Kingdom of Pont and Galatia he could not make any attempts upon it unless that Prince gave him a passage through his Dominions which he refused to do After this he always looked upon Bythinia as a great Obstacle unto his ambitious designs But Sir it befits me to pass this over very slightly for since I am originally a Bythinian the love of my Country may perhaps make me speak more then is fit considering the respect which I am obliged to render unto those Kings from whom the Princess whom I serve is descended yet must I not make that crime a secret which is publikely known unto so many Kingdoms since it is the very foundation of all I shall tell you Be pleased to understand then in few words that the King of Pont desiring to confer with the King of Bythinia about some important affairs which he said concerned them both both these Kings drew towards their Frontiers and since the river Sangar is the limits unto both of those Kingdoms they made choice of a most pleasant Island wherein there was a very fair house fit for this enterview which was made ready with all possible magnificence But yet since this Isle belonged unto the King of Pont he therefore was at all the expences of these feasts which lasted three days in all imaginable prodigality and splendor The last of these three days the King of Bythinia was seized upon with so suddain and violent a sickness that the Physicians did give him over and it was impossible that he should be transported out of this Isle where the King of Pont stayed with him expressing so many testimonies of real sorrow that all the world were deceived in him and especially the King of Bythinia more then any else This Prince then having only one son about six years of age and having buried the Queen his wife seeing himself in this extremity and thinking to prevent the King of Pont whom he knew to be of an ambitious humour from usurping Bythinia he would declare him Governour over the Prince his son so that being in this deplorable condition unto which all the Kingdom believed he was brought by a poyson which the King of Pont had given him he assembled all the Grandees of Bythinia which waited upon him to this enterview and declared unto them how he intended the King of Pont during the minority of his son should have the Government of his Dominions and disposure of all things with this proviso yet to confer the offices of Government only unto the Bythinians The King of Pont made a shew as if he were unwilling to accept of this offer but at the last this unfortunate Prince pressing him more urgently unto it he promised him to preserve the Crown of Bythinia as his own and he spoke with so much seeming generosity that he caused him to die a satisfied though a violent death Though all the Grandees of Bythinia did seem to approve of this resolution not daring to desire their dying King yet after he was dead reports of poyson making great noise they opposed against it and made use of the guards unto the late King to secure the person of their young Prince who was within fifty furlongs of that place in a Castle where the Kings of Bythinia used to bring up their children until such times as they were fit to be taken out of the hands of women But the King of Pont foreseeing such a design caused all the Garrisons of all the towns along the river secretly to redouble their guards so that in drawing them out he quickly made up a little Army with which he seized upon the person of the young Prince and made himself master of Bythinia procuring the favour of some Grandees in the Kingdom by golden arguments After this he returned into Heraclea where he educated the young Prince Arsamones at the first he caused all honors due unto a King of Bythinia to be rendred unto him to the end he might the handsomer deceive the Bythinians and allure them to receive his orders But afterwards when he had well established himself he published a Declaration by which he would make it appear that the late King of Bythinia did acknowledge his Kingdom had been formerly usurped from the Kings of Pont and by which he said that the late King desired his son should be only a subject unto him who now raigned In short Sir Force not Justice was his Law and Arsamones was now created only as a Prince not a King and was indeed no more then a Slave which is loaded with heavy chains of gold he wore them with an unexampled patience and dissimulation Those who use to dive deep into the reason of things could not comprehend why the King of Pont should put the father to death yet spare the son but whether it was out of fear to force the Bythinians unto a war against him or that he was restrained from it by a predominate power of the Gods which would not suffer him yet he did it not Arsamones then lived as a subject and married a Bythinian Princess which was permitted because she was not rich but in recompence thereof she was at that time admirable fair and at this time as vertuous as fair then you know Sir her vertues and condition as well as I do since you were with her when you were taken for the Prince Spitridates he permitted also a sister unto the King whom he had imprisoned to marry the Prince Gadutes yet it was because Nitecris Queen of Assyria
the Prince Spitridates his melancholy and will you not now take it ill that if in my turn I ask you what it is which thus disquiets you at this time Hesionida said she unto me If you will absolutely know it you shall but you would do me a greater pleasure if you would save me the labour of â—â—lating the follies of that Prince Truly Madam said I unto her I do so much esteem Spitridates that I am much troubled at his sorrows and this is the reason that I desire to know the cause of them Then did I urge so much that I moved her to acknowledg how Spitridates had spoken unto her concerning his passion and how she had sharply forbid him to do any more and that she believed he would not be so bold as to disobey her But said I unto her to pump her mind after I had commended her for what she had done so she had done it without any scorn of that Prince If Spitridates should be exactly obedient and never any testimonies of esteem come from him would you then thank him for it Do you think said she and blusht that I command things which I would have done But Madam said I unto her before you make any fresh questions I beseech you answer a little more directly unto mine and tell me truly whether if the Prince Spitridates should speak unto you no more wait upon you no more neither unto the Temple nor into the Walks if he should never care for pleasing you or rendring you a thousand services every day if he should look upon you with cold indifferent eye or perhaps slight you â—what would you then think would not all these displease you But replied she and laughed I did not forbid him speaking nor command him from those things which civility requires Then I understand you Madam said 〈◊〉 unto her and smiled you would have Spitridates love you and not tell you of it No replied she you do not rightly interpret my words I do expound them as I ought to do said I â—â—to her nor is it forbidden you to suffer a Prince who in all appearances must be your Husband to love you But Madam I beseech you remember that you carry your self so unto him that if ever that happiness befall him you may never repent your self of any word either too bitter or too sweet unto him and it is after this rule which I conjute you to direct your selfe in your carriage towards Spitridates for I am certain that if you punctually observe what I say you shall never speak any thing unto him which may cause repentance Thus much she did promise me and so our conference ended All this while Spitridates was not the only singular Lover of the Princess for since Artanus was as bold with his tongue as he was timerous in combate after he had carried himself a while in a respective manner he did at last unâ—end himself unto his natural inclination which was always insolent if his hare-like courage had not a little restrained him but since in this war there was no great danger of life he was as bold as a Lion for upon a day when Spitridates was with the Princess and when Artanus came in and the Prince received a message from Sinnesis to come unto him that they might go and hunt together so that Artanus remaining alone with the Princess Araminta after some common discourse she asked him why he went not unto the Chase with the Prince hes Brother and he answered her that this recreation was not predominate over his passion Though you do not go out with any love to the sport replied she yet you may go out of love to the Company So I should replied he if you would go also I am much obliged unto you answered the Princess but there is no reason you should have no more complacency towards my Brother the Prince not that I can much blame you for not affecting a pleasure which ought to be used only as a diversion and not as a profession of life for I think it most proper to preserve the health of the body by the exercise and not to polish the minds of them that follow it in excess and do nothing else It is very true replied Artanus and I am of your mind and I conceive it fitter for great Kings to hunt after their enemies and to take Kingdoms and for fair Princesses said he with extream boldness to take hearts but I would not have them do as they use in hunting where they take all they meet with I wish they would take by choice and not by chance If so replied the Princess there would perhaps be many taken which are free You may Madam if you please replied he most insolently sausfie me in many things at once concerning this subject for you may tell me what would the Destiny be of the Prince Spitridates of Pharnaces and of Artanus if this kind of hunting were in use he pronounced the last of these names so low that the Princess did not well understand it yet half hearing and seeing by the disorders in his face that she was not mistaken she answered him very sharply after this manner If the destiny of those three persons whom you name depended upon me two of them should most assuredly be happy And what of the third said he As for the third said she he should doubtless have what he deserves that is a good share of the aversion and disesteem of the Princess Araminta I am very glad then answered he that this kind of hunting is not in fashion And I am very sorry said she that you have so ill invented it But however Madam said he and roughly interrupted her you know not how to make your self eternally adored by him who the best of any man in the world knows your worth He whom you speak of repied the Princess would do better to acknowledg the respect he ows me and to teach him I forbid you to speak any more unto me then did I enter into the Chamber and Artanus went out and I saw so many signes of anger in the Princess that I wondred but she did presently satisfie me and related the impudence of Artanus unto me with as much anger as a person of honour could have against one that had affronted her I cheared her up as much as I could possible and confirmed her doubtless in her designe to let Artanus know that he knew not his duâ—y But that she might not be ignorant in any of her Conquests the unfortunate Pharnaces brought in the Princess Aristea unto her where the conversation was as it used to be very indifferent and pleasant and ere they were awate they fell into discourse concerning Lovers Passion Gallantry and Declaration of love and as the Princess Araminta was yet angry in her mind at the passage of Artanus For my part said she I cannot conceive any thing more inconsiderate then for any man to tell her
absence of Spitridates for she conceived it not fit for him to fight for her against his own father neither did she desire he should fight for his father against her so that not knowing either what to wish or what to do she prayed unto the Gods to deliver her out of this gulph of misfortunes But in conclusion Sir your generosity not deceiving her hopes but setting the King of Pont at liberty unto whom you gave considerable Auxiliaries under the conduct of Artaxes we received this intelligence with all acclamations of joy and indeed the people of Heraclea took fresh heart when they heard their Prince set at liberty after so generous a manner publike rejoycings were appointed and the glorious name of Artamenes was as highly celebrated in Heraclea as it was in Sinope or Themiscira The Princess then hearing the King was upon his return would go to meet him and since we knew there was none of Arsamones his troops that way which he was to come we went two dayes journies before to meet him but to our great misfortune we fell into an Ambuscado which waited for us in a Forrest and carried us a blind way which was unknown unto us we knew not whether they would carry us unto Arsamones or Artanus and in the choice of these two the Princess knew not which to wish for if it should be unto Arsamones though she was in hopes of much mildness from him by the mediation of the Princess Arbiana and the Princess Aristea yet she imagined that the King her brother might perhaps suspect she did voluntarily fall into his hands since he was not ignorant of her affection unto Spitridates though he could not be ignorant that Arsamones did hate his son for loving her yet notwithstanding the very name of Artanus was so averse unto her fancy that at the hazard of being ill used by Arsamones or suspected by the King her brother she wished rather to be carried into Bythinia then unto Cabira under the power of such a man But yet the choice was not in her for towards night we were brought unto Artanus who as amorous as he was durst not venture himself in this enterprize but committed the carriage of the business unto a resolute souldier who heretofore was one of those who conspired against your life When the Princess saw Artanus in the head of two hundred horse ready to receive her she was surprized for though he was known to be a very Coward yet since to be a Mutineer and a Rebel is sufficient to raise a party his was not small and we were much grieved to see so many gallant men obeying such a Captain but we were forced to submit unto fortune and be carried into Cabira where he was Master and in which there was a Castle of a great strength wherein he lodged us I will not stay to relate unto you Sir all the insolencies of Artanus for it is enough that you know him a Coward to imagine how he would lay aside all due respects when he is once the stronger and since it is most ordinary to see them who want courage never to be submissive but when they are weak yet he met with a soul so great in the Princess and so resolute a spirit that maugre all his insolence she so charmed him that he durst hardly come into her chamber or to see her Mean while the King of Pontus as afterwards we heard came to Heraclea and was extreamly angry at the carrying away of the Princess his Sister but as the state of things stood he durst not by any means divide his Army and he knew that Arsamones was so strong that it would not permit him to continue a siege and therefore since his business was either to relieve a Sister or to save two Crowns I believe common policy might easily incline him unto the latter rather then the first The condition of things standing thus Artanus was so impudent as to send unto the King of Pontus and offer unto him his forces upon condition of his consent unto the marriage betwixt himself and the Princess Araminta but the King would not hearken unto any such propositions answering him That if he had a desire to vanquish his enemies without any trouble he would wish them such aid as he offered and also bidding him have a care how he used the princess his Sister because as soon as he had finished the Bythinian war he would then call him to a strict account for all his demeanour You may imagine then Sir in what a condition the princess was in who knew of all these passages by one of her guards who was suborned unto it For when she imagined that Arsamones would kill the King her brother or that the King her brother would kill the father of Spitridates she did absolutely lose her reason In the mean while the King of Pantus after he had rallied all the forces he was able went into the field to oppose Arsamones who was already master of a great part in the Kingdom of Pontus and in the first encounter the Prince Euriclides was slain which much grieved Arsamones But Sir why should I busie my self in relating the particulars of a war which is known all over Asia It is enough that I acquaint you how this Prince as gallant as he was yet was he almost quite beaten that which contributed much unto his ruine was Aribeus who calling away his brother with all his forces did much weaken him and though the King of Pontus would not conâ—ent unto it because it was done without any order either from Ciaxares or you yet Artaxes obeyed the absolute authority of Aribeus who was then Governour of Sinope so that this Prince being much weakned thereby was forced to make a retreat into Heraclea and to stay there until he had raised fresh forces and be able to come again into the field But Sir he had not time for it for Arsamones after that the Prince Inâ—aphernes the son of Gadates was come unto him not omitting such a favourable opportunity advanced with his Army and besieged him within the capital Ciâ—y of all his Kingdom which indeed was the only place that remained under his obedience for that part which was not subjected unto Arsamones yet took part with Artanus We understood by several relations whilst we were in Cabira how the King of Pontus during this fiege did do such miracles as that it may well be said he deserved a hundred Crowns in losing his own But however seeing his enemies were not only Masters of all without the Town but also of one of the Gates and that they had now nothing to do but to enforce the last entrenchment since he had no mind to fall alive into the hands of Arsamones he resolved to fly away in a ship and to go and offer his sword unto Ciaxares towards the delivery of the Princess Mandana of whose carrying away he had heard with unconceiveable sorrow and hoping
and the Princess Araminta during our Navigation But in short they expressed themselves unto each other in all the terms that love and vertue could invent After we were come into this Arm of the Sea we quitted our Ship and Democlides whom Spitridates had ordered to take money enough for a long voyage when he came first from his Quarters went unto the next Town to buy horses to carry us unto the River Euphrates for as you know this River divides the two Armenia's Then was it put to the question what course Spitridates should take when they came in Armenia and it was a most pitiful story unto him when the Princess said that he must leave her for I must confess unto you said she unto him that I dare not trust too much unto the generosity of the King my Brother and though I do know him to be very generous yet I will not adventure you in the power of a Prince who never loved you especially now since you are son unto his enemy and an enemy who hath taken two Kingdoms from him Therefore Spitridates since your vertue has preserved me from falling into the hands of the King your Father It befits me to preserve you from the fury of the King my Brother Alas Madam said he let not any considerations of my interest trouble you nor hinder me from waiting upon you for though the King your Brother should treat me hardly yet would I most willingly endure it for the love of you I doubt it not at all said she unto him but however I desire you should only endure the miseries of absence for the love of me for I cannot look upon you but with an eye of great esteem and I know that the King my Brother will not relish it because perhaps he will imagine that my complacency towards you proceeds from my hopes of two Kingdoms from Spitridates But Madam said he unto her whither would you have me go Any whither said she where you may with safety to your person wait for a turn of fortune and until the heart of the King your Father be molified But Madam replied he since I most willingly forsake all for you may you not diâ—pense a little with that rigid Decorum which you observe in every thâ—ng If you really love me and think upon my passion and respects unto you what sorrows I have suffered what imprisonments I have endured and what exile I now undertake for you I conceive you will permit me to live disguised with you or else to let us go and live together in some unknown place far from any acquaintance where we may wait upon the pleasure of the Gods until such times as I am in a capacity to restore one Crown unto the King your Brother and present another unto you What you now tell me replied the Princess is neither just nor honourable for I should thereby incense the mind of the King my Brother and you the King your Father and we should expose our selves to a thousand unprofitable miseries Then suffer me said he to go with you unto the King of Pontus without any disguisement or banishment Though he should be in a disposition to receive you favourably answered she yet certainly it would be upon a condition that you should bear Arms against the King your Father which questionless you never will nor will I advise you unto it and therefore Spitridates of necessity you must leave me Must I needs leave you Madam replied he in a sad â—one Yes said she and if reason will not prevail with you I will joyn my prayers and commands unto it And however you may be sure of this advantage that as my fortunes are you need fear no Rivals Ah Madam cried Spitridates in taking away of Crowns they have not taken away your unparalled beauty nor your incomparable mind which has not a second in vertue Therefore Madam I must always doubt it especially knowing that the King your Brother will be continually exasperating you against me Look not upon Spitridates I beseech you Madam as the son of an Usurper but as a Prince who will never be King till he can restore one Crown unto the King your Brother and another present unto you I have already said it and I repeat it again you Madam shall either raign and your Brother too or else I will not and therefore you may if you please be so just at the least as to give him some assurance of your affection who has consecrated every minute of his life unto you Do not I beseech you banish me from you before you assure me that I shall be entertained always in your heart and that nothing can ever banish me from thence for without this Madam I cannot obey you I will promise you said she unto him to possess the King my Brother with your generosity as much as I can and will eternally remember the Commands of the dying Prince Sinnesis and by consequence keep my affection entirely for you as long as I live May I build upon this said this sorrowful Prince You may replied she and I should think my self most unjust and ungrateful if I failed since you are so generous and since my affection is so pure and innocent that it were a greater crime to resist it then preserve it for you I know not Madam whether I should dare to tell you that this is not enough I know not Spitridates said she and interrupted him whether I should tell you that I think it a little too much and that you do me wrong to suspect me and complain But Madam replied he what is it I beseech you that you do for me and what can I do more for you You do every thing answered she that I can desire I cannot deny it but though I do nothing for you yet I do all I can or may be more then I ought and let that satisfie you Oh Heavens replied he what do you do my Divine Princess which I can interpret unto my advantage I shew you answered she those sorrows which I cannot hide you may see the thoughts of my soul in my eyes and I permit you to think that my heart prefers you before all the world and after this Spitridates what can you desire more and whether is it not more then the Princess Araminta ought to do for the Son of Arsamones However Spitridates take heed lest ambition be too prevalent with you during your absence since it is usual to alter the souls of all men To be sure of that replied he do not banish me from you I would I could not answered she but it must be and you must be gone I should be too tedious Sir if I should repeat all this sad conference which truly on both sides was so tender so generous and so full of sorrow that I who heard it wept for the Princess desiring I was all the while present It was in vain for Spitridates to use any arguments of dâ—sswasion
a visit and to assure me of the life and health of the King my Lord and Husband I would not have you think your self Madam said he unto her at all obliged for so poor and inconsiderable a service but I beseech you take the pains to read this Letter shewing her Mandana's Letter to him and by it you may see there are no services which I do not intend to do you for since the Princess Mandana hath written unto me I am not Master of my own will but subject wholly unto hers I wish Sir replied Panthea that I could handsomly divide my gratitude between you both for you both have highly obliged me After this Cyrus enquired concerning the health and welfare of his dear Princess and after he had desired her pardon for taking so much liberty to himself he conjured her to tell him how the King of Pontus used her Sir replied Panthea for the satisfaction of your mind let me tell you that the King of Pontus is so absolute a Slave unto the Princess Mandana that it is a very wonder he can retain her as he doth for excepting her liberty there is nothing which she may not absolutely command so that I can assure you he gives her no cause of any complaint but only that he will not part with her for my part I have used my best arguments to move him unto it But his answers always were that he could not and though he never received other satisfaction then to prevent all Rivals from enjoying her he would wander about the world until he found a safe place of Retreat and some potent Protector who was able to defend him Oh Madam cryed Cyrus out Certainly the Gods will never protect the Ravisher of so divine and innocent a Princess The truth is replied Panthea we are but deservedly punished for affording him any protection Cyrus then seemed more civil unto her then before and told her that if he did not depend upon the power of Ciaxares he would immediately let her have her liberty But since the Princess Mandana is concerned and since the King her Husband had entered into league with her Ravisher he must needs acquaint Ciaxeres with it before he released her yet in the mean time he assured her she should find all due observances rendred unto her Panthea returned most civil thanks and both parted well satisfied one with another And indeed it is no wonder that two so highly accomplished should much esteem of one another for as Cyrus was in all things transcendent so Panthea was a most admirable Princess her beauty was infinitely taking It did much surprize the eyes and inspire love she was of so sweet a Majesty and so charming a modesty that whosoever saw her must needs interest themselves in her misfortunes In the mean while Cyrus commanded Araspes to conduct her unto Artaxates leaving him five hundred horses for that purpose After which taking horse with the King of Assyria they made such haste that in three days they came to Ciaxares unto whom Cyrus did render an account of his voyage from thence he went to wait upon the Princess Araminta where Phraartes already was Cyrus did ask the Princess pardon for departing from her without bidding her adieu assuring her that for her sake he designed nothing but to deliver the Princess and not to ruine the King her Brother and she told him her fears of receiving some sad consequents of his enterprize As Cyrus was with this Princess news was brought him that a Post came from Ecbatan which moved Ciaxares to go thither There came also another the same day from Ariobantes who sent him word how he received intelligence that Craessus sent to consult with several Oracles and imployed in one and the same day men of much ingenuity and honesty to go unto Delphos to Dodona to the Temple of Amphiaurus to Antredes Triphonâ—us to Brachides which is upon the Frontiers of the Milesians And into Africa to the Temple of Jupiter Ammon to the end he might either be confirmed or disswaded from his intended designe Mean while he raised a puissant Army and solicited his Allies to arm with him This being the state of things it was resolved that in consideration Ciaxares had noâ— his health very well he should return unto Ecbatan and pacifie all troubles there and that Cyrus with all his Army should march towards Lidia as well to procure the liberty of Mandana who was carried unto Ephesus which Craessus had conquered as also to oppose the designes of that Prince Thus both ambition and love being the legs of Cyrus he went with as much zeal as those two violent passions could inspire into a most Heroick and amorous soul It was also resolved upon that to keep Abradates within the compass of reason Panthea must be retained and conducted into Cappadocia towards the Frontiers of Lidia for certain intelligence was received that this Prince had entered into league with Craessus which did very strongly confirm what Ortalques had related Since the Princess Araminta had no desires to remain in Armenia because of the Prince Phraartes and since moreover Cyrus had some hopes in her solicitations with the King her Brother he was very glad she resolved to go with the Queen of Panthea who arrived at Artaxates as these resolutions were fixed upon and who was according to the desire of Mandana treated with all possible honours And to that end Araspes received new orders from Cyrus to have an extraordinary care of it This Prince telling him with a smile which in spight of his melancholy did appear in his eyes that he could not more safely trust the fairest Queen in the world with any better then with the most insensible man upon earth The great separation was within two or three days after for from that day Ciaxares prepared to return unto Ecbatan with two thousand men amongst which was Megabises Cyrus also accompanied with the King of Assyria the King of Phrigia the King of Hircania and all the rest of the Princes which were in the Army began to disencamp and march towards Lidia after he had subjected a Kingdom unto Ciaxares The Prince Tigranes out of his affection to Cyrus and ingratitude for his so generous leaving the Crown unto the King his Father would needs follow him in this war Phraarees also prompted both by his generosity and also his love to Araminta would by no means stay behind so that the providence of that Princess was ineffectual However to convey the Queen of Susiana and the Princess of Pontus more conveniently Araspes with five hundred horses did begin his journy the day before the Army which was the reason why the messenger whom Abradates sent found not the Queen his wife at Artaxates who was come thither to demand her but he was answered that a Prince who was allied unto the King of Medes and who protected the Ravisher of the Princess Mandana could not obtain any thing from thence Before
infallibly to be loved but their meaning as well as mine certainly was that to move another to love it is requisite to be loving so that in saying unto a man If thou desirest I should love thee then love me I instruct him in the means to obtain his end and to make that which is good in his heart to appear and sometimes that which is evil added the Princess Love though ought not to be blamed Madam replyed Doralisa which certainly never infuseth any evil inclinations And as one cannot complain against the Sun which I always compare with Love because it nourisheth a thousand venomous vermin at the very same time that it blancheth the Lillies and Rubies the Roses so Love ought not to be accused for the business of some leud Lovers that are in the World since it inspires only heroique actions and causeth men to practise all the virtues who without this passion were perhaps men of rude Souls If men be bad the fault is not in Love but them if the dunghill stink when the Sun shines upon it the fault is not in the Sun but in the dunghill The Princess laughed heartily at the expressions of Doralisa and so did Abradates But as for Mexaris he was much netled and the more because Doralisa bolted out a hundred things which touched him to the quick and once he observed that when Abradates and Doralisa looked upon one another they smiled and winked in derision and that Abradates by a nod of his head seemed to thank Doralisa for all her bitter jeers which she had vented So that these things exasperating his spirit he spoke not a word that day unless some short and sharp words to Abradates who answered him with as much resolution as the Respect which he owed unto the Princess and the Quality of his Rival would permit him Since she observed the perplexities of Mexaris she endeavored to sweeten the Conversation and indeed the colour of this Prince seeming to cool a little she did not suspect any ill consequence of it They went both from the Princess at the same time for when Mexaris saw that Abradates was going he took leave of the Princess also and would needs be gone though she desired to stay him When they were at the bottom of the stairs Mexaris talked with one of his men in a low voyce and afterwards asked Abradates if he would walk 〈◊〉 turn in the Gardens of the Palace which were close by and Abradates answered he would wait upon him so they went out Mexaris being waited upon by eight or ten of his men and Abradates with the like number As soon as they were in the Garden Mexaris carryed Abradates into a great Walk where none were present and after he had beckened unto his men that they should not follow he stood still and looked upon Abradates with an imperious aspect I have had intentions a long time said he unto him to speak unto you but my hopes that of your self you would do that which a thousand Reasons require you should hath moved me to defer it till now to advertise you that you do not carry your self as the Son unto the Queen of Susiana my Sister ought to do For though my age do not much differ from yours yet I must exact from you some difference both as you are my Nephew and as you are an Exile come unto this Court for Refuge where I ought to be preferred before you Sir replyed Abradates with a bold civility I do not know that I have failed in any respects which I owe you either as being son unto the Queen of Susiana or as I am come for Refuge unto a place where indeed you are very considerable and therefore I think I may safely say that your complaints against me are unjust and your manner of complaint is a little too high Your dayly actions replyed Mexaris are much more injurious to me for you cannot be ignorant of my devoted affection unto the Princess of Clasomena and yet you apply your self too obsequiously in your Courtship of her Though the manner of your language replyed Abradates might perhaps make me excusable if I should not render you an account of my actions and designs yet the respect which I owe you as Brother unto the Queen my Mother and unto the King who gives me protection in his Court obligeth me to tell you that I loved the Princess of Clasomena from the very first instant that ever I saw her and I did not know any thing of your passion to her until such time as I was not able to be Commander of my own Also understanding that Croessus would never approve of your Marriage with her I conceived it would be no great injury unto you if I used my best endeavors to obtain a happiness which you could never enjoy But can you think said Mexaris that the same Reason of State which moves the King not to consent I should marry one who would render me too potent in his Kingdom will ever permit you who are a stranger to marry her No no Abradates let not this imagination delude you but be assured that it is not the will of Croessus you should think of this Alliance And consider further if you be wise that the Prince of Clasomena will never bestow his Daughter upon an exil'd Prince Hitherto replyed Abradates I have spoke unto you as I am Son unto the Queen of Susiana as a Prince protected in Lidia and as Nephew unto the Prince Mexaris but now I will speak to you as a Lover of Panthea as one who knows not how to yeild unto any and as one who will love and serve her as long as he lives The truth is said he if the case were so as that the Princess of Clasomena should make choyce of you then I had nothing else to do but dye and I have so high a respect of her though not of you as to dye without complaint but since she makes no such choyce be pleased to know that I will not alter my course Though you were in Susa replyed Mexaris and I an Exile protected there as you are in Lidia you could not speak more haughtily and boldly then you do I should then speak more mildly replyed Abradates because I know it unworthy to insult over those that are miserable And is it not as unworthy answered Mexaris to refuse those Respects which are due unto Protectors I shall never neglect them I owe unto the King of Lidia replyed Abradates and I am sorry that Love should force me unto that which I do against a Prince so neer unto him I must have better satisfaction replyed Mexaris very fiercely for if you do not absolutely renounce Panthea I must call you to an account with a Sword in your hand I will do all I can replyed Abradates to do neither the one nor the other But you must answered Mexaris and that quickly therefore resolve with your self which of them you will
replyed Cyrus After which sending Aglatidas unto the King of Phrigia to give him an account of the success in his Voyage he spent the rest of the day which he had designed for his own rest upon contemplation of the present state of his fortunes and to contrive ways how to release his Princess Doubtless it was a great consolation unto him to hear that the King of Pontus was in the Army and that the King of Assyria could not send unto Mandana Nor am I altogether unfortunate said he since my Princess is in a place where she may think upon me with freedom But how do I know said he whether or no she thinks well of me Have I not more reason to fear that she thinks upon me as the cause of all her misfortunes and remembers me with horror in lieu of tenderness Perhaps the same Gods which promised the King of Assyria that he should see an end of all his misery and that he should have the glory to hear Mandana sigh for him did make him a Prisoner purposely to hasten his happiness and it may be she pities him whilest she accuseth me and at this very hour as I am speaking of her he has a greater share in her thoughts and affection then I have But most unjust man that I am said he and reprehended himself why do I accuse the most perfect person upon Earth of any inconstancy She I say who hath given me a hundred most obliging testimonies of her unalterable constancy She hath seen the King of Assyria who was Possessor of a great Empire and could command an Army of two hundred thousand Men lie prostrate at her feet and never be moved at his tears Why then should I now ever think that since he is deprived of his Kingdom and in fetters and never speaks to her he can alter his mind yet notwithstanding pity hath much power in it she can mollifie the most obdurate hearts and soften the most fierce Souls especially such as suffer for her also she delivered me and retained the King of Assyria Then afterwards when he began to consider how the Gods had promised Victory unto Cressus and yet since he entered into Lidia he had nothing but good success against this Lidian King he knew not what to think Sometimes he feared the Gods did raise him only to throw him down again and in a moment after he thought that perhaps they did never intend it So that when one glimpse of any hope did but shine upon his heart then all his thoughts were of fighting and vanquishing his Rivals After he had relished the sweetness of this last thought he fell asleep and slept on with more tranquility then usually he was wont but his sleep was not long since he awaked by break of day He was no sooner up but the King of Phrigia came to thank him and express his joy that the Prince his Son was not exposed unto the fury of Cressus Afterwards this Prince understanding from Aglatidas how infinitely Abradates loved the Queen his Wife did advise Cyrus to carry her unto the Army telling him that such an occasion might present it self that her presence and the presence of the Princess Araminta might happily much advantage him At the first Cyrus did not much harken unto the counsel of the King of Phrigia thinking that he was to employ nothing but his courage in the Releasment of Mandana and remembering what small effects the last meeting of the Princess Araminta with the King of Pontus produced he could not fancy any advantage by them Yet since the King of Phrigia Chrisantes Aglatidas and Ligdamis were not of his opinion he yeilded unto them Then the very same hour he sent Aglatidas unto the two Princesses with the Letters which he brought for them and to beseech them they would be pleased to come unto one of those Towns which he had taken and which was close by the place where he was encamped But for more civilities sake he writ unto them both and the more to oblige Ligdamis he desired him to go with Aglatidas and conduct the Princesses with whom was his dear Cleonice giving orders unto Aglatidas for Araspâ—s that he should take his Troops unto Nisomolis In the mean while Cyrus whose constant custom was to conquer all opposers resolved to enforce the Enemy and to drive them from that quarter which they possessed before all their Army came up so that this being his full resolution he intended to assault them in so many places at once that they being forced to divide their Forces he might more easily vanquish them yet this could not be executed in the morning because he thought it most expedient to fall on in the night thereby to spare his Troops and to avoyd the arrows which they who guarded the Trenches might with more judgment aym if it were not in the dark On the other side the King of Pontus desiring to put nothing to the hazard would not fight until the whole Army of Cressus was arrived and desired that the Battel might be fought neerer Sardis to the end that if Cressus was beaten he might more readily retire into the Town to defend his Princess so that he resolved to disencamp the night following and in order to that the day was no sooner done but causing many fires to be made as usually was wont he marched away with all his Troops towards the plain of Sardis Cyrus was much surprized when going to assault his Enemy he found none there he made ready a great body of Horse to follow them and himself being in the head of them he pursued a long while yet the Enemy made such haste that he could not overtake them so that conceiving it not safe to engage himself too far he returned back and possessed himself of the same quarter which the Lidians quitted Yet was he extreamly sorry to understand by the sick and wounded Enemies which the Enemy left behind in their Camp that the King of Pontus was gone to quarter on the other side of the River Halis which runs along the Plain of Sardis over against Pactolus which bounders the other side And judging by this that the Enemy intended to protract the War he fell into such sad despair as is unconceiveable so that without imparting his design unto any but him he sent he dispatched Artabases unto the King of Pontus to tell him that since it was not just the Princess Mandana should continue so long a Captive he conjured him to obtain permission from Cressus for a Duel between them two and so to end all differences betwixt them concerning the Princess Mandana offering that if he were Conqueror to restore the Queen of Susiana and the Princess Araminta upon condition he would restore the Princess Mandana unto Ciaxares if the Fate of Arms went on his side adding further that if Cressus would prolong the War he might the better satisfie his desire In the mean time since Cressus and Abradates did
and Belesis as sad as he was had a greater share in that satisfaction which he ought to have in hearing Mandana was alike then he himself had such a customary habit of sorrows had seized upon his soul yet finding some satisfaction in relating sad stories he told me what his thoughts were when he stole away from Tyburtus how having a design to seek out some place vvhere he might pass unknovvn he resolved to imbarque for Sicily and so to pass into Arabia the Desart and there end his daies Yet having consulted vvith an Oracle the Gods did by their ansvver forbid him that course and directed him to dvvell in the black Mountain in Sicily vvhere he should find some consolation Thither I vvent then said he unto me and at first believed that the consolation vvhich the heavens had promised me vvas death For passing a day and a half in these Mountains vvithout seeing any body I made no question then but death vvould soon be my lot But at last the Gods being my Guide as vvell as Commander I met Belesis vvalking in the Wood and spoke unto him presently vve grevv acquainted and the same day did begin so great a league of friendship that vve promised never to part from each other Yet I am very ready to disingage you from your vvord said Belesis and interrupted him for since the Princess Mandana lives it is not just you should be tyed unto he fortunes of a miserable man vvho is out of all hopes to better himself yet I shall have this advantage that the end of your miseries will shorten mine since certainly I shall dye as soon as I am deprived of the sweetness which I find in your company Alas alas Belesis said the Prince Mazares you are not acquainted with the malignity of my fate if you imagine I can ever be happy I must confess it is an extraordinary comfort unto me to hear that Mandana is alive and that though I was her Ravisher yet I was not her Executioner But for all that since I cannot leave loving her and knowing it to be impossible I should ever get my self so high in her esteem as I was before it may be said that I do nothing but change misery for misery and which way soever I look upon the matter I find my self the most unfortunate Prince upon Earth for since I was the cause that this Princess fell into the power of the Pontean King that she hath been hurried from Kingdom to Kingdom and that all Asia is in War about it I am most confident she hates my memory every minute in the day and thinks the Gods most just in drowning me as a punishment of my crime And I may assure my self that as soon as she hears I am not dead she will be as sorry for it as I am glad to hear she is living Moreover I am so unfortunate as to have such Rivals as in any reason I cannot hate them but such as I ought rather to lament The King of Assyria is cruelly betrayed by me and I carryed away from him her whom he infinitely loved for whose sake he hath lost the greatest Kingdom in all Asia As for the King of Pontus how can I complain against him Since I ruined Mandana and he saved her must I not rather accuse my self then him Can I in any justice quarrel with a Prince who rescued my Princess from her grave which I layd open for her What can I alledg against the illustrious Cyrus What Crime can I tax him with or to say better How may he accuse me for I made use of his Name to deceive the adored Mandana under that illustrious Title I seduced her and have eternally lost that esteem and friendship which I might have for ever enjoyed Do you remember Orsanus said he to me the time when this illustrious Princess was at Babylon how she called me her Protector alas how undeserving was I of that glorious Title I have just cause to beleeve that of all her Lovers and Adorers she hates me the most The King of Assyria as violent as he is by Nature has not so much affronted her as I have done The King of Pontus in keeping that only which fortune gave him is not so culpable as I am for I miserable I am not only an unjust rash and insolent Lover of this Princess but also a perfideous Friend and wicked Cheater whose memory she may justly hate Why should I trouble my self about her Liberty said he for if the illustrious Cyrus do not recover it for her none else can The Prince Mazares was so vehement in such expressions as these that I thought it not convenient to contradict him lest I should more confirm him in his resentments by too much opposition But granting him some things and disputing others our Conversation lasted till faithful Arcas brought in Supper which was more neat then magnificent as you may well imagine After which my dear Master asked me how I came to see Mandana whether Martesia and Araminta were with her and as in my answers I phrased Abradates King of Susiana Belesis interrupted me asking how it was possible Abradates should be King since when he entered into his solitude the King his Father and the Prince his elder Brother were alive and he himself was an Exile at Sardis The Reason is replyed I unto him because those two Princes are both dead and consequently Abradates is King by succession The Gods are worthy to be praised for it replyed Belesis for Abradates is much more worthy to wear a Crown then the Prince his Brother who has been my greatest Persecutor Pray Orsanus said Panthea and interrupted him is this Belesis of whom you speak the same I have so often heard spoken of at Susa when I came there and one who of all men living is one of the most accomplished Gallants whom Love hath punished with all his tortures I know not whether he be the same you mean replyed Orsanus but I know that Belesis is of Mantiana and hath dwelt at Susa a long time That Love hath been the misfortune of his life and that the Prince of Susa elder Brother of Abradates hath made him complain much of his violence towards him There is no question said Panthea but he is the same I mean so that I can assure you the Prince Mazares is in company of one of the best loved men in all Asia as those who have known him tell me even by her whom he most loved though since she most hates him But Sir said she to Cyrus I pray pardon me for interrupting him in his Relation and therefore I beseech you let him continue it Cyrus then returned a Complement unto Panthea and commanded Orsanus to proceed and accordingly he went thus on with his Story You see Sir how the first day of my being in the Wilderness was spent Trusty Arcas giving me his bed and making another for himself as well as he could It was so
late before I went to bed that the Birds at break of day did awake me within three hours after I began to sleep yet was I not so soon awake as my Master for though he was unimaginably joyed that Mandana was alive yet was it a kind of an interrupted joy and mingled with so many perplexed thoughts as he could not sleep that night As soon as I came out of my little grot I found him gone out of his so that finding Belesis alone I beseeched his help in perswading the Prince Mazares to quit this kind of life which then he lived But alas Sir said I unto him the better to move him unto it It were requisite you did quit it your self and to perswade him rather by your Example then your Reasons Ah Orsanus cryed Belesis the destiny of the Prince Mazares and my self are much different and that which is good for him is not for me Sir replyed I since I am ignorant of your misfortunes and dare not be so bold as to ask what nature they are of I cannot so well convince you as perhaps I should if I knew them but to speak in general there can be no misfortunes so bitter but a man of your spirit and Wisdom may sweeten them 'T is true replyed he those miseries which Fortune doth cause may be overcome but such as Love doth load a man withall there are no comforts so cordial as to sweeten them especially such as mine are however I will promise you to use my best arguments to move the Prince Mazares unto a removal from hence in the morning I would say to day said he and sighed if my affection unto him did not need some time of preparation before I be separated from so dear a friend Whilest I was thus talking with Belesis the Prince Mazares was rather wandering then walking in the Wood and the disorder of his mind was so great that he talked as he walked and in lieu of walking far off from the Grot he was turned upon it again ere ever he was aware he found Belesis and me together as we were going out to look him No sooner were we met but Belesis in pursuance of his promise began to entreat him that he would stay this day with him seeming as if he made no question but that he had intentions to leave him As soon as he said so my Master looking upon Belesis told him that the alteration in his fortune should not alter his maner of living for said he unto him It is misery enough unto me that I can never pretend unto Mandana's esteem to make me forsake the society of men although she be not dead yet it was the despair which her death did cause in you and that made you take up a resolution of forsaking the sight of men 'T is true replyed Mazares but why would you advise me unto a life which will bring more bitter sorrows unto me then this I live Consider well Belesis what you advise me unto and tell me truly what you think to be my best course Sir replyed he a man that is not in love would advise you to endeavor to forget the Princess Mandana and to return unto the King your Father and the Queen your Mother who would infinitely rejoyce at it But since I too well know the power of that Passion over those who are captivated with it I must ingeniously tell you that though I think it expedient for you to quit your Desart yet I know not what to say therefore I advise you to be your own Counsellor and to follow your own inclination I have mused away all this night replyed the Prince my Master in contemplation of my present condition but cannot resolve what I ought or what I would undertake yet I must confess I find in my Soul such a violent desire to see the Princess Mandana that I cannot tell whether or no I am able to resist it And yet at the same time I find my self so extreamly ashamed of my Crime that I think I shall never be able to shew my self so that my fears and my desires will not suffer me to resolve what course to take Moreover though I should resolve to see her yet how can I bring it to pass If I go into Lidia where she is and present my self unto Cressus who fights against Cyrus then it may be said that I fight for the King of Pontus against a Prince who would release the Princess If I should go into the Army of Cyrus and think to have the honour of fighting for Mandana then perhaps I should only fight for Cyrus and the King of Assyria and dye before I have expiated my Crime by any considerable service What shall I do then I cannot resolve to fight neither for the King of Pontus nor for the King of Assyria nor for Cyrus and yet my destiny is so odd that I cannot engage my self on either side but I must serve some of my Rivals and it is absolutely impossible to imagine any way which can be advantagious to me Moreover since the Princess Mandana loved Cyrus when he was only Artamenes and in her fidelity to him did scorn the greatest King of all Asia what likelyhood is there that now since Artamenes is become Cyrus the King of Persea's Son who since hath conquered many Kingdomes that she should change her affection to him No no said he she will never change and I must needs confess she has no reason to change nor can I ever hope to obtain the Love of this Princess the height of my ambition is That she would not hate me Yes Mandana said he could I but let you see my real repentance and could do you any such considerable service as would force your generosity to pardon me and admit me unto your esteem again I should desire no more but take all my miseries with content But alas how is it possible for me to obtain this my desire Sir said I unto him in hopes to make him quit his Desart you may obtain what you desire if you will contrive wayes how to release the Princess of Medea and restore her unto the King her Father But to effect that you must renounce your solitude and go where Mandana is and seek all occasions of doing as I advise you Oh Orsanus said he you would not advise me thus but only to make me leave this Grotto for you know well enough that what you advise me unto is not easie to compass If you vvere once in the way replied I I should then answer you more affirmatively but this is most certain that as long as you bury your self alive in this Wood you can never do any service unto the Princess whom you love who yet hates the very thought of you and who cannot know how you repent the carrying her away as long as you are here Moreover if things so fall out that you cannot effect what I advise you unto and that you absolutely resolve
more then her soul Antimaques returned with the consent of Timantes his Father and to recompence his pains a match was made up between him and Dorida and they were marryed eight dayes after Timantes and Parthenia I shall not trouble you Sir with a relation of the great rejoycings in Paphos for you are not concerned in them onely let mee tell you this Sir that never were two so happy as Timantes and Parthenia and to let this Princesse see he loved her above Parents Country and and all the world he would not goe into Crete but resolved to dwell in Cyprus The King for Philoxipes his sake conferred upon him the Government of one of the principall parts of the Isle So that Parthenia found a full accomplishment of her joyes insomuch as you Sir have reason to hope that the same gods who declared her happinesse and yours at the same time would produce the same happy events unto you Sir as unto her Also it was the Prince Philoxipes his pleasure that I should come and acquaint you with the happy conclusion of this adventure that you might with greater hopes wait for a happy end of all your misfortunes and for an accomplishment of your felicity which he desires with all his heart and wishes with as much zeal as he doth his own Megasides having ended his story Cyrus expressed a thousand thanks to the Prince Philoxipes for the hopes he gave him of an end unto his miseries and thanking Megasides in particular for his exact relation of this pleasant adventure he thought he had good reason to hope that since the Gods had made Parthenia so happy so odde a way they would also make him happy after all his miseries After this Cyrus asked Leontidas where he met with Megasides and he was answered at Milete then he dismissed them assuring Megasides and Leontidas that he would take orders for their dispatch as soon as he had taken a little rest But they both beseeched him to give them so much leave as to stay and see the end of the Siege of Sardis Leontidas importuning him to send his orders unto Thrasibulus by some other and Megasides desired he might not return unto Cyprus but with news of a new Victory to the end he might be more joyfully welcomed by Philoxipes Cyrus consented unto their requests and giving them both thanks and commendations he bad them retire unto their rest being himself in more quietness of spirit then he was the day before for though the Oracle of Babylon did threaten him and the Sybill declared sad things unto him yet since Venus Urania spoke him fair he did not so sadly resent the rest nor despaired of happinesse since he might as well beleeve the one as the other Thus this news did invigorate his spirits amidst his sufferings He had fresh hopes of happy success in his siege of Sardis and hoped also that the unjust jealousie of Mandana would shortly end So that after he had given some Military orders he refreshed himself with two or three hours of sound serene sleep His Dreames also which used to be horrid now smiled upon him and he saw Mandana and Mandana not jealous nor angry He thought he saw her sitting in an Arbour set round with Flowers and that she called him with as much sweetnesse in her voice as in her eyes but as he was going unto her and ready to kneel unto his Princesse he thought he heard a great noise which made her vanish and him awake very sorry he could no longer enjoy so fair and sweet a vision The end of the first Book ARTAMENES OR CYRVS the GREAT THE SIXTH PART BOOK II. CYRUS as soon as he was awake begun to think how he might turn his pleasing dreames into reall enjoyments of Mandana but since that could not be unlesse Sardis were taken the getting of that famous Town was the object of all his wishes and thoughts Never was this victorious Prince so greedy of Conquest as at this time Nor did he neglect any thing that might further his design but did so often hazard his life at that Siege that if Fortune had not had a greater care of his life then himself his Rivals had triumphed over his ruin without any quarrell among themselves But this Prince was so powerfully protected by heaven to fall in so just a war though those who judge of things according to appearances and consider not that the secrets of Soveraign power are inscrutable did think him to be forsaken Mean while the cessation of hostility untill the dead of both sides were brought off being ended both the Assaulters and the Assaulted began both to use all endeavours to compasse their desired ends Cyrus attempted to raise another Sconce under the Counterscarp of the Ditch opposite unto that which he made before to the end that when he made a second Assault this might facilitate his design and that when he was Master of two Passes over the Ditch he might make a scalado in two several places at once without the losse of many men Yet this was not done without a Councell of War But since this Prince never propounded any thing without deep judgement and which was not advantageous to the common cause both his Friends and his Rivals were forced alwayes to approve of what he sayd Yet would the King of Assyria sometimes oppose him out of pure obstinacy And if the wisdom and prudence of Mazares had not sometimes interposed and tempered the violence of the Assyrian Prince perhaps the combat between Cyrus and him would have been fought before the War and by consequence before Mandana was at liberty For so was the condition between Cyrus and this Prince to put to hazard that in a single Duell which he had wonne and so justly merited by so many generall Combats by the taking of so many Towns by the conquest of so many Provinces and Kingdomes and by the winning of so many Battels 'T is true all the Friends of Cyrus had an observant eye over them and more true that Cyrus himself had sometimes pitty upon this Prince who without all doubt had many excellent qualities For when he considered how he was a great King that he had lost a great Kingdome and the prime Town in the World and that the Violence of his passion forced him to serve in the Army of his conqueror and rivall and also enemy that he was certainly hated of Mandana he excused his imperfections and weaknesses and deferred his revenge untill after Mandana's releasment when he might with honour take it yet would he augment his sorrowes by letting him know what the Oracle of Venus-Vrania had said in his commendations that he might have lesse confidence in that which he received from Jupiter-Belus at Babylon It was not only envie to take all hopes from a rivall which moved Cyrus to publish this Oracle but as his reason why he would not divulge the sad answer of the Sybill was because he
sequell you shall finde that they are essentially necessary I beseech you also Sir give mee leave to relate many things particularly which Fame doubtlesse hath already brought unto your ears yet it is impossible you should perfectly understand the adventures which have dependency upon them since it is not credible your Infancy could be capable of them nor indeed possible in your riper years that the Conquerour of all Asia should have so much leisure from his illustrious Conquest as to enquire of all the passages in Africa Give me leave to tell you then Sir that Sesostris is the sonne of Apriez that Renowned but unfornate King who after a long and happy Reign brought home so many glorious advantages from the Wars with Tyre and Sidon was at last thrown out of his Throne This Apriez boasts of his descent from the Race of the first Sesostris so famous for his Virtues and Victories For Psammethicus his great Grandfather was so 'T is true this Prince from whom Apriez descended was himself sufficiently adorned with glory without any derivatives from his Predecessors since it was he who had the honour to defeat eleven Kings or rather so many Tyrants which during a vacancie upon the Throne divided all the Kingdom into so many illegitimate powers This is Sir the extraction of Sesostris And I know Sir you will wonder when I tell you that Amasis who this day reigns in Egypt hath a Son of Apriez and a Son who commands all the Forces of Amasis Conqueror of the late King his Father But Sir if you will be pleased to lend as much patience as to hear me your wonder will vanish and all that which did seem incredible will easily be beleeved To return then unto the source of Sesostris his misfortunes it is expedient as I said before to acquaint you with the misfortunes of the King his Father and afterwards tell you how Amasis came unto the Throne for these are the hinges of all the History I have already told you Sir how happily Apriez raigned happy in Warrs happy in peace and as happy also in his marriage not only in a Princesse of most admirable beauty and vertue but also in a sonne born the first yeare of her marriage a sonne who from his very cradle seemed to be what you see him at this day and all the interim of his infancy was full of illustrious hopes Thus was Apriez the happiest of all the Kings upon Earth Master of the most abundant of rich Kingdomes in the World never was Aegypt in sweeter tranquillity never did the Floods of Nilus make our fields more fertile and never was the Monarchy more firmly established then it seemed to be at that time Yet Sir this Serenity was quickly overclowded but that you may the better see which way the Gods did bring it about be pleased to know that Amasis who at this day raignes and whose birth was more noble then his enemies report was then in the Court harbouring so much ambition secretly in his heart as seldome did suffer him to be in rest There was in the Court at the same time a Princesse whose name was Ladice who had been married who being a Widdow obtained the Queenes favour and consequently the Kings for it is the custom of Aegypt that all Husbands doe in generall respect their Wives and especially Kings their Queenes grounding this laudable custome upon the excellent example of Osiris who was infinitely uxorious unto Isis and this way Ladice possessing the heart of the Queen was in great credit with the King and as those in favour are alwaies looked upon so Amasis whose spirit was as great as his ambition perceiving the power which Ladice had with the Queen began to apply himselfe unto her more then any other before her favour was much divulged in the world to the end he might perswade this Princesse that this was not the reason why he saw her more then he was accustomed For Amasis being of a penetrating spirit and knowing the humours both of the Queen and Ladice though the favours of this Princesse were at first but small in shew yet he foresaw that undoubtedly they would augment and therefore to set a better price upon his services he began betimes to declare himselfe to be a devoted friend unto Ladice and indeed this Princesse who was extreamly pleased with the spirit of Amasis was not long before she became his friend as much as he hers and more for he loved her because of her favour and she loved him only in respect of his merit and person In the mean time when Amasis saw he was not mistaken in his conjectures but that Ladice did grow more and more in favour the better to cloake his ambition he made the Princesse think he loved her and so handsomly mannaged the matter that she was not angry with him for it I will not tell you Sir which way he discovered his passion to her nor how Ladice accepted it because I intend not a relation of his or her history only this that Ladice being both faire and a favourit all the men of any quality in the Court did apply themselves to serve her so that she neither accepting nor rejecting any of them she was absolute Mistresse of the hearts of all the Grandees of Aegypt and since this Princesse did love the State she made use of their loves as well as her beauty and favour to keep them from any rebellions in the Kingdome and inseparably to unite them unto the Kings interest and the truth is she did negotiate with so much wisdome and generosity that she merited eternall glory for she did dissipate severall factions shattered many confederacies and plots and reduced them all unto the Kings obedience In the meane time Amasis who in the eyes of all the world seemed only the friend of Ladice did really become her lover and a lover loved because she had a beliefe that he was the only man who loved her in consideration of her person and not of her favour not knowing that his soule was filled fuller of secret ambition then it was of love yet did she find some difficulties in the matter for there was then no suitable proportion between Amasis and his rivalls nor between him and her selfe yet notwithstanding since she did most passionately love him and thought her selfe obliged and since he courted her with unequalled respects and had served the King in many occasions with much fidelity since he got much glory in the Warr with Tyre and Sydon and since her inclination prompted her to preferre him before all the World and since her soule was disengaged from all others she could with more ease overcome all other obstacles and resolve to marry him if she could have any infallible assurance that those who then courted her and whom she kept from disturbing the state would not renew all their factions especially at that time when the King was engaged in a warre with the Cyrenians But
him yet by no means would she receive them but pressed him still to tell her how he got so much riches and asking him further how after this he could return to be a Shepheard Give me leave said he unto her to begin my answer where you ended and to tell you that I am a Shepheard because you are a Shepheardesse and when you leave being so I will then cast away my Crook and for all the rest said he seeing mee coming towards them you may know them from the mouth of Miris As I heard these last words I asked Timareta after I had saluted her what it was I should tell her and she telling me I made a relation of our voyage but since I was to acquaint Timareta with the valour of Sesostris he would needs impose silence upon me but seeing he could not he rose up and went to Edisea who was coming towards us so I made an exact relation of all his acts how great a reputation he had gotten under the name of Psammetites and which way he came by the medall but whilst I related all these things I perceived such joy in the eyes of Timareta as plainly appeared Sesostris was not a little in her favour In the mean time Sir what assurances soever Edisea gave this amorous Shepheard that Amenophis had changed his mind and promised at parting that at his returne he would give him full satisfaction yet he had a mistrust in all these faire words and if Timareta had not been as wise as faire Sesostris had certainly carried her away out of the Isle before the returne of Amenophis but she was so angry at the very first motion of it that he never durst think of it afterwards for she continued three whole daies and would not speak unto him though he courted her with all imaginable plausibility yet after a thousand petitions for a pardon and as many promises to submitt totally unto her will Sesostris made his peace and resolved according to the orders of this fair Shepheardesse to rest quiet untill the return of Amenophis so that after this reconcilement wherein I was a mediator they lived together without the lest jarre unlesse only such as are essentiall redintegrations of love as are every day both in and out a hundred times yet was their tranquillity much molested by the death of Edisea who being gone Timareta had no reasonable conversation but in the company of Sesostris Traseas doubtlesse was a man of much spirit and was much civilized by the long communication of Amenophis Nicetis his wife was also a little more sociable by the company of Edisea but for all that they were nothing suitable to the youth and aire of Timareta and therefore having no other agreeable company she was the more joyed in that of Sesostris yet ever with much reservednesse making it appeare that she would give her selfe no more liberty then Edisea her governesse would were she living yet this reservednesse had nothing in it but modesty without any rigour or severity so that after all teares were dried up for the death of Edisea Sesostris was without any inquietudes but to see Amenophis returned not and because he thought the longer his absence was the more was his happinesse deferred But Sir his longing expectations of Amenophis were all in vaine for he was faln into a desperate Adventure For be pleased to know Sir that as he was going to the places where all the Officers of that faction which he had raised were covered he was so unfortunate as in going through the Town of Nea which is in the Province of Thebes and where there was a sedition raised that Amenophis and his servant chanced to be in the midst of this Tumult against their wills In the mean time as ill lucke was one of the principall men of the Town was hurt and was so near Amenophis and his servant that they with many others were taken as authors of this sedition the party of the hurt man prevailing against the other Thus was Amenophis and his servant a long while prisoners for being strangers they had no support Amenophis not daring to make use of any his friends in Thebes since those who were masters of this Town were for Amasis So than he was forced to trust onely unto his innocency But those who were reall Criminals and were taken with him they had kindred and friends in the Town they were released and the innocent more closly kept in their Prison Yet could they not proceed unto judgement against them because they would first see of him who prosecuted against them being in his bed it was long before they could be certain whether he would mend or end live or die so that the punishment being to be more or lesse rigorous according to the event Amenophis and his servant were kept Prisoners not being able or daring if they could to apply themselves unto any Amenophis was extream grieved at one thing for he found that he had lost Ladices letter to Amasis in the Tumult by meanes of which he hoped hereafter to make Sesostris and Timareta known and which he would needs carry with him both because he would by it justifie himself unto his friends and because he would not trust it any where but where he was himself But whilst he was in this pittiful Condition the Nile did swell afterwards returned again within its ordinary bankes as alwaies it used towards Winter Heracleon drawing his Forces out of the winter Garrisons did suppresse those which revolted and almost quite defeated them so that they were forced all to retreat into Thebes Yet Heracleon could not besiege them but contented himself with being Master of the field and have by this action obtained greater favour with the King This happy successe perswading Amasis that his best course to keep the People in their obedience was to shew himself in all his Provinces and to Perambulate all his Kingdom he began to go from Town to Town to win their spirits and to imprint a new Respect And that his voyage might seeme onely a Progresse of Peace the King would have all his Court with him at last Sir he came to Elephantine and hee was no sooner there but the imperfection and weaknesse of his eyes did so augment that hee thought he should have quite lost his sight but that which did most affright him was a terrible apparition which he then saw I am confident it was rather one of those mysterious dreams which sometimes foretells men of future accident then a reall apparition however it it was Amasis said that when he awaked one night an hour before day he saw or at least thought he saw a gloomy light by the help of which he perceived the Ghost of Apriez and distinctly saw the wounds he received when he was most barbarously massacred The body was all bloody and disfigured but the great amazementâ— of all was to see following the dead King the Princesse Ladice in a great
the Tower and in seeing the Galley with which Ma 〈…〉 carried you away my deadness of heart and soul when I thought you perished my vexation to find you in the power of a Rival when I heard you were living my melancholy 〈…〉 when I delivered the Princess Araminta in lieu of the incomparable Mandana 〈…〉 see you on the other side of the River and I not able to follow you my grief to hear that you were imbarqued at the Port of Cicilie my sadness of soul to hear that you suspected me of infidelitie my unutterable grief when I took Sardis and could not find you in it my furie when I heard my Rival had found out an art to make you invisible my torment to be alwayes amongst my Rivals and still separated from you These Madam are the sorrows which I desire to talk of in hopes that judging of the greatness of my Love by the greatness of my sufferings you may know me better It seems we have long been separated replied Mandana with a modest sigh since you have forgot that though I permitted you to love me yet I could never endure you should speak to me of your Love My Love Madam replied Cyrus was at that time a hidden mysterie I durst not then tell any that I loved you but now since all the world knows me to be your Adorer and since Ciaxares himself approves of it it were not just that you onlie should be ignorant of my love For trulie Divine Princess there is not one Souldier in the King your Fathers Armie who knows not that he hath fought onlie for you I could never have any joy in all the Victories I have gotten because in getting them I could not release you I acquainted all my Rivals with my Passion Mazares himself would somtimes pitie me and would you Madam be the onlie one in all the Universe unto whom it should not be spoken Oh Madam this would not be just Speak on then said she unto him since there is no remedie But I pray Sir give me leave also to relate my sorrows I am afraid Madam replied he that they are not much different from mine for methinks I hear you aggravate your sorrows for being so often carried away and exposed unto so manie voyages so much pains and so manie dangers without your making me a sharer in them and how to my infinite glorie and delight would it have been if I had been the cause of your greatest sorrows But alas Madam I perceive you do not think me worthie of any such obliging expressions as to tell me I was any cause of them nor will you permit me so much as to think it Yet I assure you replied she that my fears lest you should perish in some of those dangers into which you exposed your self for the love of me was one of my greatest sorrows Your language Madam replied he is most obliging but since your sorrows might perhaps proceed onlie from generositie they were not of that nature which I desired For trulie Madam did you know how to love you would know that absence from the person loved is a most horrid torment But since the Gods have made you onlie to be loved and since they have infused love enough into my heart to make me endure this modest coldness which still opposeth my felicitie I will not murmure to see you no more sensible of my zealous Passion Yet Madam to my consolation I would gladlie believe that your modestie doth hide some of your thoughts from me and that I do not see all the advantagious resentments of your heart Being a Prince of so much virtue as you are replied Mandana and blusht and knowing me so well as you do I will freelie permit you to believe that I have all the advantagious thoughts of you all the esteem and tenderness which in any reason I ought to have of a Prince unto whom the King my Father is a debtor for his life and meny Victories and unto whom I owe my libertie and somthing more After this Sir be contented and ask me no more for as well accustomed as you are to get Victories you shall get no more of me At these words Cyrus did render a million of thanks unto Mandana for the Permission which she gave him and then they began to make short relations unto each other of all their adventures but it was in a different manner for Cyrus feared that he could never say enough to set forth the violence of his Passion and Mandana was so full of tenderness towards Cyrus that she feared lest she should say too much yet the conversation was most sweet and pleasing unto Cyrus for Mandana was not so absolute a Mistress of her looks and words but that Cyrus saw by the motion of her eyes that her heart was not insensible so that somtimes his excess of joy would silence him and he would gaze upon her without a word and somtimes again he would break into such raptures of expression as it was most plain his love was stronger then his reason I beseech you Madam said he unto her when he perceived the disorder of his own spirits pardon me if I cannot master my joyes for I profess they are so great that the more I consider you the more reason I find to devote my whole heart unto you for since I am now so neer the divine Mandana after so long and sad an absence after I believed her lost and bewailed her death this is so high a joy as is absolutelie unutterable when I call to mind the miserable condition I was in when I loveâ—d you at Sinope and compare it unto my present happiness Oh heavens what an advantagious difference do I find For I was then unknown unto you I durst not then tell what I was for fear of being hated though I knew I could never be loved unless I were known I had a great King to my Rival and another Rival in the head of a puissant Armie and I saw everie thing against me But now Madam I find the King your Father for me I see the King of Pontus without a Kingdome or any receptacle I have the Prince Mazares my friend in lieu of Rival and I see the King of Assiria a Prisoner unto Arsamones judg therefore I beseech you Madam whether the extravagancie of my joyes be not excuseable Since I am yet far from Ecbatan replied she I must confess I cannot resent the happiness which I enjoy out of fear it should be molested by some accident which I cannot foresee yet since it is vanitie to make imaginarie miseries I will hope that our happiness will be durable and that Fortune will be as constant in smiling upon us as she hath been in her frowns against us After this Mandana hinting unto Cyrus that it was late this Prince retired and went out of her Chamber with spirits so full of passion as he neither saw Martesia nor Chrisantes nor Feraulas who never stirred
and Bythinia And the truth is Madam he was so violently earnest in it that every one did believe it was his intention But though it was the design of Arsamones yet it was farre from the intentions of the Princess his Daughter who declared her self so highly and so genevously that she would never thrive by the misfortunes of the Prince her brother as Arsamones was no lesse incensed against her then him so that Intaphernes was constrayned to grieve with that Princess for offering her two Kingdoms It is true that his love had its part in this griefe For this Prince conceived that as long as Arsamones was in the mind he could never pretend unto the Princess whom he loved it being easie to foresee that Arsamones would never give her unto him though upon no other reason then because he was a professed lover of Spitridates But as Intaphernes had this augmentation of his sorrows so Atergatis who was recovered of his sickness was grieved to understand that Gadates who was not ignorant of his affection unto Istrina had sent orders unto a Lady who was with her to have a strict eye over all his actions and to render him an account of them this Prince having still a fancy that when Cyrus had ended the Warr he might perhaps by a treaty of Peace oblige the King of Assyria to marry Istrina by obtaining for him a restitution of some part of his Kingdom for Madam though this fancy had but an ill foundation yet he did and still doth feed himself with some hopes in it And indeed because the Queen Nitocris with whom he had been in love did earnestly desire it as long as she lived he thought that he was obliged by his respects unto that great Princess not to let Istrina marry as long as there was any possibility that the King of Assyria might marry her After this Madam you may imagine that the lives of the Prince Intaphernes and Atergatis were not very pleasing since to live without hopes is the most difficult thing upon earth Yet I am sure that if they did not hope yet they were not altogether desperate yet they were perpetually full of fears And all the consolation which they had was to know that they were not out of favour with the Princesses whom they adored As for Intaphernes he was so happy as that the King did never suspect his Love so that he could see and talk with his Princess when he pleased But all great changes in Kingdoms must needs be a while unsetled so there were many commotions and stirrs which required he should divide his Army into two Bodies and that Intaphernes and Atergatis should command them Arsamones residing sometimes at Heraclea and somtimes at Calcedonia to give out several orders to places as need required Thus Madam did these two Princes and these two Princesses live whilst the illustrious Cyrus after he understood you were not dead as once he believed was carrying on the Warr in Armenia thinking that you were there And thus they continued untill that generous Prince being upon the Frontiers of Lydia there chanced that thing which I believe you are not ignorant of but yet you neither know the cause nor the consequence of it I must therefore tell you Madam that when the valiant Anaxaris who is now the Captain of the Guard came to the Camp of Cyrus I understood how he had told him that he had saved the life of the Prince Spitridates and that he was at first deceived by that resemblance which is between those two great Princes But Madam certainly you do not know who brought Spitridates into that Paphlagoneon wood where Anaxaris found him nor who kept him there nor how he went from the place unto which Anaxaris conducted him after he had so valiantly defended him Therefore I must tell you that when Araminta would needs have Spitridates leave her in Armenia and commanded him to wander from Countrey to Countrey untill the Gods were pleased to change the state of their Fortunes yet Spitridates could not find a heart to go out of Armenia since Araminta was in it though she had charged him not to stay there because she feared lest the King her Brother should arrest him and because she would not have a Prince who had kept her from the power of the King his Father should fall into the power of the King of Pontus who did not love him So that Spitridates searching for a place where he might have best intelligence from Artaxates whilst the Princess Araminta was there he thought that he could not better seate himself then in some house upon the River Araxes which runs to Artaxates For as great Rivers causeth great commerce between great Towns so he thought this place to sute best with his design and indeed the Village where he stayed was so great a Passe as it was easie to receive information of some things which he desired to know But Madam as all humane Prudence is extreamly limited so it chanced that the same way he thought best to heare news of his Princess and to keep him neare her the same was it which set him at a greater distance from her For Madam as he was one evening taking the Ayre upon the banks of the River Araxes by himself alone and being far from the house where he lodged a stranger did accost him and speaking to him in a broken Language he spoke as thinking him to be Artamenes and as if he had seen him in the Court of Thomiris Spitridates perceiving his errour would undeceive him but he could not For this stranger was so confident that this Prince would only conceal himself as he never offered to examine seriously whether or no his eyes had deceived him and indeed not giving any credit unto his words he executed his design which he had upon the person of that Prince and did it with ease For since Spitridates was alone and without any Armes and since this stranger was seconded by ten men which lay in ambush it was easie for them to force him to enter into a Barque which was not far off and it was the more easie because the stranger having told him that he would carry him unto a great Queen where he should receive no harm provided he would repent himselfe of his flight Spitridates thought it would be the more easie to undeceive him by arguing with him then by defending himself in vain since he was alone unarmed and against ten men thinking that if he should offer to make any obstinate resistance it would the more argue him to be the man he was taken for So that going into the Barque and not being able to hinder the sixe Rowers from putting off the shoar where he intended to stay a while he began to make a thousand protestations unto this stranger that he was not the same man which he took him for but all in vain I beseech you sayd Spitridates unto him ask every one you
Moreover since the winds do often use to beat against that mountaine where I told you the chief of the Sarronides did use to inhabite one part of the yeare so it chanced that a little while before wee came into that Country the violence of the winds had so beaten down abundance of wood at the foot of this mountain and wafted the Trees to the shoare that we had nothing more to do but to work them up You may easily imagine Madam that this Town was not so stately built as Babylon or Ecbatan but yet there was not one Greek who had not a handsom and convenient lodging There was three publique Market-places in this new built Town which was much more long then large because having enclosed all the Fishers Cabins within our Circle we were confined unto that narrowness There was also good fountaines and an admirable Port and though its scituation was upon a hanging ground and consequently a little inconvenient because the streets were uneven yet it was very pleasant though the Graecian Architecture was not set out in its full ornament for since our Aimes were only for Lodgings it may be said that they were Cabins regularly built rather then houses yet they were very convenient and handsome and seemed Palaces unto Exiles But Madam it was a wonder to see how the Greek did strive to get the Segoregian language and how earnest the Segoregians were to get the Greek for they did suddenly so perfectly understand each other that I do not think there is at this time one of the Kings Subjects who does not understand Greek nor one Graecian who does not understand the Language of that Country where they now inhabite As for Aristonice she cloystered up her selfe within the verge of that Temple which she built as soon as ever it was finished and not medling with any thing but her devotion shee lived in a wonderfull restraint In the mean time since the Prince of Phoceus knew very well that it was not enough to build a Town unlesse it were governed by good politique Laws he began to settle the order of them and to avoid all envie amongst those who had acknowledged him for their head he appointed a great number unto the transaction of publique affayrs naming the number of sixe hundred who had determinative voyces in Councell But for the dispatch of urgent affayrs he constituted a number of fifteen without assembling a generall Councell and of this fifteen there was three with whom he advised in matters of secresie according to occasions Thus Madam this Councel consisting of sixe hundred out of which sixe hundred was named fifteen and out of fifteen three and out of three one all which made up but one Authority was the government of this new Town whose modell I desire to describe before I proceed with the love of the Phocean Prince Methinks sayd Mandana and interrupted him you have forgot one thing which deserves some curiosity which is to tell us whether this Towne was called the new Phoceus or whether they gave it the name of the Country Your question Madam replyed Thrytemes is more worthy of Curiosity then you imagine since there hapned a very odd passage about it For Madam it was never in the power of the Phocean Prince to call this Town Diana's Town as he intended but was forced to yeeld unto a multitude who had got a custome of calling it Marscilles having no other reason for it unlesse the forming that name out of two Greek words corruptively put together for the one halfe of that name in the Aeolian language signifies Fisher and the other halfe in the pure Greek signifies to tye But Madam to interpret the oddnesse of the thing a little better unto you be pleased to know that when our Fleet came to this Port a great multitude of Fishers were got together to see us land so as the Marriners of every ship casting out their Cables and knowing them to be Fishers because they had Lines and Nets in their hands they prayed these Fishers to tye their Cables unto some stakes which were upon the shore that they might serve in lieu of an Anchor so as the two words which they pronounced at landing that is to say Fisher and tye which in our Language signifie Marseilles a little corrupted they would by all meanes have called the name of the Town thereafter However Madam custome was stronger then Reason and the People more powerfull then the Prince since being Founder of the Town he was not able to give it the name he desired but must permit these two Greek words which had no reasonable signification be the name of a Town the government whereof was constituted wholly by reason and Prudence However Madam I must return from whence I digressed and acquaint you with the loves of the Phocean Prince of Carimantes of Bomilcar of Menedorus of Britomartes and of Galathes from the time the King permitted us to stay in the Country And Madam I must tell you that the love of the Phocean Prince to Cleonisbe and that of Carimantes to Onesicrite did extreamly increase for then looking upon the Persons whom they loved as those whom they should see and adore as long as they lived their Passions were the more inflamed But this did kindle abundance of jealousie in the heart of Bomilcar of Galathes and of Menedorus Furthermore the esteem which the Princess Cleonisbe had already of the Phocean Prince did abundantly increase by acquaintance and the friendship which this Prince had with Glacidia became so great in a few dayes that she did not value Bomilcar who was most in her favour at a higher rate then she did him In the mean while the Segoregian King being returned unto the Metropolis of his Kingdom which was not above halfe a dayes journey from the place where we landed he would by all means have the Prince of Phoceus after he had given all requisite orders for the building his new Town to accompany him with Menedorus my selfe and many others Sfurius staying behind as an overseer of the works 'T is true since the distance was not far the Prince of Phoceus went thither very oft but he always made such hast and chose his hours so conveniently that not a day passed but he saw Cleonishe with whom was Onesicrite betwixt whom was already an intimate love Most of the Phocensian Ladies did also follow her so as this Court did flourish as much as any Court in the world As for the Prince of Phoceus he was pleasing unto the King and universally unto all that saw him as nothing but his merits were talked of and he became so familiar with the Princess Cleonisbe that Bomilcar who had been acquainted with her all his life was not more 'T is true Glacidia did much contribute unto it for indeed she was a great admirer of the Phocean Prince and being a zealous commender of her friends she continually talked of him to Cleonisbe Yet she
that place where the River Phases empties it self into the Euxine Sea and this Pilot assuring him that he might provided he took the water at full tide and avoided one Rock which the water covered neer that place I made use Sir of all this and made immediately unto the place where Ariantes would land but he having much the start of me make what hast I could he was landed before I came there But 't is true I understood that he had carried the Princess Mandana unto a Castle not above six furlongs from thence and which is seated upon the River Phases But now my greatest fear was that if I shewed my self I should be known by those who followed Ariantes and Andramites So that to hear more certainly I sent those to Land whom I brought from the Port where I first imbarqued but they being a company of dull fellows I was not a jot the better informed all they could tell me was that it was a thing impossible for me to attempt the delivery of that Princess for Ariantes and Andramites did so carefully guard her and the Castle was naturally so very strong that all would be in vain So that having only twenty men I could do nothing more then as a Spie Then after many daies patience I could devise no better way then to endeavour the getting one of Ariantes men into my Ship that I might out of him get some light of Ariantes his design and to keep him there So that making choice of three resolute Souldiers I put them into the habit of Marriners after which they went and fell in conference with them of a Ship upon that Port for being all of them idle when they are off their Guard they have nothing to do but to walk and hunt some of those birds which Phases gives a name unto and of which there are a great abundance in that River So that after they were landed and had walked and hunted together and talked of several indifferent things those of Ariantes Ship desired those I sent to come into their Ship and they to render civility for civility invited them into theirs So it chanced that almost all those who were invited were called away upon some business and only one of them staid behind them Here Sir may the order of Providence be wondered at for this man who stayed behinde chanced to be one of Mandana's Guard and a man best able to satisfie me in all I desired to know So that as soon as he was in my Ship I shewed my self unto him and so amazed him that imagining you were there also and would throw him over-board as a punishment for his crime he threw himself at my feet For heavens sake Feraulas said he I beseech you save my life for if our Prince will spare me I shall inform him of such things as may perhaps deliver Mandana You may well imagine Sir that I promised his life unto him upon condition he would be as good as his word and indeed I made such use of his fears and hopes that he told me all he knew And Andramites having lost his man after the Combat he had entertained this fellow to wait upon him until he found his own or got another So that this man being very intimate with him he often heard the discourse of Ariantes and Andramites concerning their designs Pray Feraulas said Cyrus and interrupted him tell me quickly if you know them I shall tell you Sir replied Feraulas how I understand by this Guard that though the Prince Ariantes has a great minde to make himself King of Issedon yet he had rather preserve Mandana then conquer a Kingdom and hazard the losing of her not doubting but both you and Thomiris will fall upon him if he carry her unto Issedon So that caring for nothing but how to keep Mandana he was no sooner ashore but he writ unto Thomiris and to all his friends about her beseeching her to forget what was past and he would solemnly renounce all his claim unto the Crown of Issedon and pretend unto nothing but the quality of her Subject provided she would receive Mandana into her Court that she would promise never to render her unto you Sir but use her best endeavours that he might marry her Thus Sir you may well conceive that Thomiris would not refuse a Proposition which would assure her of a Crown and which would bring that person into her power whom she believed was the only cause why you Sir did not love her Also this Guard told me that Ariantes received an answer as favourable as he could wish that Thomiris would forget all that was past and offered him what security he would desire for the safety of his and Mandana's person and that she would solemnly ingage her self never to restore her unto you Sir And indeed this Guard further told me that Thomiris sent two men of Quality unto Ariantes to tell him that if he desired her Son in Hostage she would give him provided he would let Mandana be in her power But Ariantes knowing very well that Thomiris had such an interest as would make her keep promise as to Mandana he thought it his best course absolutely to trust her therefore the next morning he went by Land unto Colchides and from thence to Thomiris At the same time he sent unto one who as I think was called Octomasades to tell him that now he had no further design of making himself King He sent also unto Issedon to all them that had stirred in his behalf to tell them the same I heard all this I tell you from the mouth of Ariantes and Andramites as they talked together not thinking that I heard them for Love had so blinded them both that they hardly knew who was present After this Sir I believed this Guard could tell me no more and I thought my best course would be to gain this fellow and to send him back purposely to hear more news of Mandana And indeed I inspired him with so much horror against the perfidiousness of all them that had betrayed you that I am confident he will prove a faithful Spy yet I sent him not away until I had asked him how Ariantes behaved himself towards the Princess and he told me that he was so full of reverence and respect that she had no reason to complain of any thing but his carrying her away yet he assured me that she was extreamly troubled and that if she had not the comfort of Martesia's company he knew not what she would do for Doralisa was so full of sorrow and anger against Andramites that she was not in any capacity of a Comforter But Sir not to trust too much unto this fellow I hoisted Sail as soon as I had set him on Land lest he should betray me and cause me to be stayed and so hinder me from coming to advertise you Yet since I was very desirous to know certainly whether the Prince Ariantes departed the next
which of these soever it be it makes you equally culpable yes and you Artamenes much more in fault then the King of Assiria since her quality may pretend to both but your condition by all appearances is far below them Sir replied Artamenes faintly by this argument you may suppose that the King of Assiria would never contend with me about such a thing into which I could never pretend You speak replied the King in a tone so dissonant unto your condition that it doth rather confirm my jealousie then extenuate it for though the King of Assiria be my enemy yet he is a King and in that respect you owe him more regard then is fitting for your Discourse When I have a sword by my side answered Artamenes who could no longer contain it may be I should make a King look about him as well as another man you know some who can inform you whether I speak truth or no and he whose part you scorn to take can tell you something if he had not a very bad memory I do not question your gallantry said Ciaxares nor make any doubt of your valour but I have some cause to suspect your fide 〈…〉 lity Your Majesty needs not to doubt of either if you did but know me well said Artamenes to him It cannot be imagined his faith should be corrupted who hath had so commanding a power as I have had why then replied the King do you not make your actions more clear and intelligible since you are so innocent I beseech your Majesty answered me Presse me no more to discover a thing which I neither ought nor can reveal It is sufficient said he that the gods have so often imployed my hand to support that Scepter unto which you think I pretend and kept your Crown upon your head Upbraid me not with your services retorted Ciaxares angerly for if you remember what once you were and what now you are you will acknowledge they have not been ill rewarded I have remembred them too much and if I had lost the memory of them perhaps you had ere now lost your life Consume no more time in contriving excuses to palliate your crime I should be as glad as you that you could purge your self from them Sir replied Artamenes I am far from upbraiding you with my services for they have been so inconsiderable I should not so much as have thought upon them but in vindication of my injured Innocency Can you produce any proof of your pretended Innocency said Ciaxares to him yes answered Artameus from arguments drawn from my virtue if you were capable of knowing it Well Replied Ciaxares you will not then diseover unto me what this correspondence is which you hold with my Enemy and Ravisher of my daughter Sir answered the innocent Artamenes you shall never kuow that Artamenes this man whom it seems you know not the man who as you are perswaded would betray you the man whom once you loved that this man did ever hold any intelligence or correspondency with your enemies I shall in time make you confesse replied Ciaxares for it is apparent enough both by your Letter and your Discourse and as the knowledge of every particular in this close conspiracy is necessary to my own safety and good of my Kingdom so perhaps when you are in a close Prison safer then that wherein you kept the King of Assiria then I say you may perhaps better inform me Sir answered Artamenes without any passion or transportation Prisons and punishments compell Artamenes to reveal what he hath a minde to conceal My prison shall thus far comfort me that I have exchanged my sword for fetters in a time when your Majesty have no potent enemies to molest you so that thus losing me you have but lost an unprofitable Servant I understand you very well replied Ciaxares in much choler you cannot forbear upbraiding me with your services then going to the Chamber-door he call'd for the Captain of his Guard and commanded him to conduct him unto his Chamber and keep him safe upon forfeiture of his life The Captain who dearly loved Artamenes and who knew how great a favourite he was stood amazed at the command not well knowing whether he should obey or no and finding so sudden a Revolution in the fortune of one who the very day before was the only man in the Kingdom and who ordered the destinies of Kings and Princes as he pleased he was so confounded that he knew not what to do But Artamenes observing his astonishment Come said he let us go giving him his sword and pay this last service unto the King thereby teaching the rest of his Subjects to obey with a willing minde more course commands then these In saying so he made low obeisance unto the King and followed Andramias with as slow a motion as if he had been free After this the King commanded to secure Araspes and was obeyed It were a very difficult task to relate fully how Artamenes resented this passage and what strange thoughts he apprehended The King of Medes also had much reluctancy for what he did Artamenes did more wonder at the oddnesse of his Fate then lament it The King repented almost every minute of what he had done What shall I do said he with this offender who hath done me so much good service and whom I loved so well who hath stolen away the hearts both of my friends and enemies this offender I say who all the world esteems yet none knows where he was born Who ever met with so crosse an accident Can it be imagined that Artamenes by whose valour I have obtained so many Victories and conquered so many Kings and Countries should wound his honour with Treachery On the other side what can I conceive of this Letter which puzzles him to explain and the Crime is so great that his pretence and colours cannot hide his correspondency with the King of Assiria No no said he Artamenes is guilty And though it be either in matter of love or matter of ambition he is culpable and deserves punishment The worst is loving him as I do I shall grieve more for him then he will for himself but said he suddenly the sorrows which I resent for the losse of Mandana will quite me from that of Artamenes And my soul will be so sensible of the one that there will be no room for the other But let us use all expendients to bend this obstinate spirit Let us do what we can to make him confesse his fault that so we may have occasion of pardon Whilst Ciaxares was thus arguing the matter with himself Artamenes whose amorous soul could not be separated from the memory of Mandana was more troubled at her shipwrack then his prison and entertain'd more sad apprehensions of her losse then sorrow for his own Do your worst ye rigid destinies said he you cannot afflict me more My soul is not sensible of any sorrow but for Mandana
Image of a young Childe which still stood upright holding a bow in his hand The Magicians construed this Childe to Embleme that which should be born of Mandana and become the love of all Nations but absolute Master of the most noble part of all the world Since these accidents and reiterated prodigies the heart of Astiages was all fear The Princesse which before was his only joy is now the cause of all his sorrow Yet truly he suffered not alone for she was sharer with him though in a far different manner so that when she knew what Expositions the Magicians had made concerning Ciaxares and her self this wise Princesse went to her Father and most humbly desired him not to trouble himself concerning her for she assured him that if he thought it fit she would never marry and by that means the menaces which aim at him should all become void or rather then her life should cause his disgurst she would resolve her death and think it a happinesse to be a victim which would appease the angry gods and restore him unto his souls tranquillity she told him that she thought it but her duty to value his satisfaction before her own life When Astiages heard his daughter thus expresse her self in lieu of being moved at it he did beleeve she acted some peece of dissimulation and that it was some fears made her speak so confidently Moreover he bethought himself of a Prince his Allie called Artambases who was captivated by the beauty of the Princesse and who entertain'd some far fetcht hopes of her favour Astiages thought this Prince who indeed was of a nature ambitious might become the father of that childe which he so much feared so that without returning any answer to what the Princesse had so submissively said he sternly commanded her not to stir out of her Chamber and prepare her self to be obedient unto whatsoever he should command The Princesse after she had promised an absolute though blinde obedience retired Astiages remained in the room and in a most restlesse minde he could neither resolve of his daughters death nor put any confidence in her promise of never marrying for thought he though her resolution perhaps for the present be so yet Artambases in conclusion will winne upon her or perchance make head against me without her consent she is young and fair and by consequence may be tempted beyond her green resolutions therefore it is dangerous to confide in her words though I should in close her Love will break the strongest wals and deliver her either by power or policy If I should let her be at liberty they would court her before my face against my will so that I know not what to do or what to think upon but at last since he had no minde to destroy her he thought it the best course to marry her yet to marry her so as in all likelihood there might be no fear of what the Fares threatned After he had a while thus wandred in his own discomposed thoughts he remembred himself of Cambises who lately succeeded in the Kingdom of Persia by his Fathers 〈◊〉 him Astiages thought most fit to be his guard from all his fears For said he I am sure the Persians are not ambitious but they are just and contented with their own without any thoughts of enlarging limits they securely rest themselves upon the downy Bed 〈…〉 peace and will never disturb that soft repose in any hopes of uncertain conquests 〈◊〉 I know Cambises in particular doth as much exceed other Princes in point of 〈◊〉 as the Persians in generall exceeds all other people of the world He governs his 〈◊〉 by Laws not will So that he is a father as well as a King unto his Subjects Moreover the Kingdom of Persia is not so absolute but that it retains some shadow of a Common wealth where many will not soon induced to undertake a war as one single man may be nor hath ambition so predominate an influence upon a Senate as it hath over the minde of an absolute Prince In conclusion Sir not to lengthen my Story with what is absolutely necessary be pleased to know that the King of Medes resolved upon this Marriage and presently propounded it unto Cambises who resenting it with much joy sent his Ambassadors unto Ecbatane to court the Princesse Astiages who himself procured the match you may be sure would not refuse it but presently consented and sent the Princesse his daughter into Persia She according to her accustomed vertue is all obedience and in a short time after thought her self the happiest Princesse in the world when she found her husband owner of so many admirable qualities and received from him such ample testimonies of his affection towards her To be short Astiages according to all appearances seemed to rest in much satisfaction and security and Ciaxares his Son was likely to succeed him in peace Also the Princess his daughter was setled in so calm a Countrey that according to all prudential appearances there was not any resemblance of a war to arise But this serenity lasted not long in the soul of Astiages Mandana was no sooner setled but he repents of the match and endeavours to get her again into his power That which stir'd upon his jealousie and begot new fears was because all the sacrifices which he offered unto the gods did seem to be all rejected And the Magicians who since his dreams had much busied themselves in contemplation of the starres and observation of other caelestiall motions did all unanimously conclude that the great Revolution which threatned Medea was at hand and that they did every day more and more freshly discover the malignancy of those Constellations which did portend a dire confusion to it Insomuch as that there was more necessity to prepare how to endure it then waies how to prevent it Things standing thus Astiages sends to entreat Cambises that he would be pleased to permit the Queen his wife to come unto him The Queen although she was well acquainted with the humorous disposition of the King her Father did desire her Husband that he would be pleased she might have leave to pay this satisfaction unto him who gave her life for since she knew her Fathers restless soul she was in some hopes to qualifie him And though she loved Cambises infinitely yet she was contented rather to leave him for a time then cause a warre between him and her Father which might chance to arise upon a refusall Cambises although extreamly tender over the Queen his wife was yet so complacentiall as to send her into Medea in an equipage befitting her quality and to make her appear more Glorious in the Medean Court where she was brought up then before she did the King her Husband conducted her to the frontiers and there bad adieu with as much affectionate ceremony as is imaginable As for Mandana she feared the King her Father would keep her for the satisfaction of
the Temples of Medea and Cappadocia for delivering them from the cause of that apparent danger which the Starres did threaten unto them Therefore said he to me it concerns you to have a care of the Prince his safety and to consider what would be his Fate if he should be known unto the King or the Princess of this Country who do so much rejoyce for his death as that they render publique thanks unto the Gods for it During this Discourse of Feraulas Artamenes was very pensive and perceiving I was going to speak unto him he prevented me and said with a most sad and disconteuted countenance Fear not Chrisantes that I shall be discovered if any thing do it it will be our too hasty preparations of departure This may make us suspected therefore let us stay and rest quietly Let us not depart tumultuously In saying so he turned from us and would not stay our Answer Then he took a walk by the sea side being followed by two Slaves which the valiant Corsaires gave unto him and Feraulas and I followed presently after But alas this walk little pleased him for we found him in a profound melancholy dump In short Sir he was in Love and loved so desperatly as never man was in more deep Passion And as this Passion had taken such strong possession of his soul so the expressions which he had used against Love in his first going to the Temple caused him to conceal it from us he being ashamed to discover his weakness He was continually expostulating with himself what it was which thus troubled him not well knowing whether it was Love or no What kinde of torment said he to himself is this which I endure From whence proceeds this restlesness of minde If the sight of the fairest Angel upon earth be the cause then am I the most miserable man alive Yet methinks such beautifull Objects should not infuse any Passions but delight and joy How comes it to pass then that the Fairest Prospect which ever eye beheld should cause my sorrow I know not said he whether I should think it Love or whether some worse humour But what is it I would have or what is it I can have Alas alas I neither know what I would or what I can have and hence comes all my misfortune and my sorrows Yet I am most certain of this that if I follow my own inclination I must Love the Fair Mandana as great an enemy as she is unto me But what do I say I must Love Ha no no I do explain my thoughts but ill and my tongue betraies my heart if it do not say I do Love Mandana and that I will for ever Love her and that I think my self the most miserable man unless she Love again But alas alas Miserable unfortunate Artamenes Came I here to see her offer Sacrifices of Thanks unto the Gods for my death Did I come to learn how Cyrus can never please her but in the Tomb wherein she thinks him buried After these Contemplations his Passion was a little qualified But presently hope which makes Love live and undertake all impossibilities and without which there is no subsistence did perswade him that Artamenes and Cyrus were two and that he as he was Artamenes was not at all interest in those things which the Medes resent against Cyrus son to the King of Persia and that although Cyrus was hated yet Artamenes may happily be beloved if he used the means and endeavoured by his services to render himself worthy of it As he was thus entertaining himself with this flattering argument the ardent desire of Fame and Glory which heretofore had held a strong possession in the heart of my Mastes began to come in competition and dispute for victory with the Princess of Cappadocia When his thoughts reflected upon this glorious Rival of Mandana he then began to rouse up and resolve never to think upon the Princess any more Why should I said he forsake a Mistress which will never fail to recompense me and all which follow her and whose servitude is so glorious as she rewards them which are faithfull unto her with no less then Kingdoms Crowns and immortal Glory What is become now of my eager desires to know and to be known of all the world Poor I who sculks under the false name of Artamenes and am buried alive to satisfie my enemies Have I left Persia for nothing else but to become a foolish Lover of a Cappadocian Princess and have I left Cyrus to become a Slave unto one who thanks the Gods for my misfortunes and who perhaps her self with her own hands would throw me into my grave No no said he I must not be so foolish as to fetter my self Recollect thy self Artamenes said he and remember how oft thou hast been told in Persia that Love is a dangerous Passion Stop entrance therefore into thy heart at first never let it take Possesâ—ion and domineer But alas added he presently what do I say what can I do I speak of resistance and am already fettered I speak of Liberty and I finde my self in strong Chains I think of Reigning and am a Slave I speak of Glory and Ambition and heaven knows I have no higher then to be Mandanaes servant and I will never seek any greater honour then I can finde at the feet of my Princess I plainly see that I am more hers then my own and that all my Reason is farre too weak to oppose Love My own eyes betray me my heart has left me and my will is all hers I would not Love my life but in hopes to imploy it in her service And I finde that my Reason as rebellious as it is against my heart begins to argue in behalf of my Princess it tells me secretly that Love is the noble cause of all Heroick Actions that it took up Lodgings in the hearts of all the Heroes and that the famous Persian the first King of my Race for all his valour was overcome by it when he first saw his Andromede It tels me that the Gods themselves were sensible of it And that it is never idle but in the hearts of sluggish spirits yet most agile in the souls of them who are truly generous In conclusion of all it tels me That since Mandana is the Fairest and most absolute Beauty in the world I am excusable if I love her And that though perhaps I shall not be much commended for it yet it assures me I shall not be much blamed Follow on then Artamenes pursue thy humour which thus transports thee and make no more resistance against a Fair enemy whom thou canst not vanquish or if thou didst would repent it After the agitations and tossings of this violent and noble spirit the Prince began to mend his pace Feraulas and I followed but found him so altered that we began to wonder such a sorrow sadded his eyes and all his gestures were so turbulent and disordered that
Camp did publish the Generosity of my Masters Name for which the King of Pont sent a Trumpeter to thank him most heartily for his civility But Sir I never consider how I abuse your Patience nor how long those Passions which I resent for Artamenes have kept me therefore let me reflect if you please upon the most important things of my Masters story Winter drawing on when this last Battle was fought and the Town which Philidaspes besieged being presently after taken where Philidaspes behaved himself like a man of great Gallantry and prudence and Ciaxares having had such happy success within the compass of eight moneths he called off Artamenes and Philidaspes who after they had setled all their Troops in their winter-Quarters and seen their Enemy do the like did come unto the King who now returned unto Sinope I need not tell you Sir how Artamenes and Philidaspes were entertained by the King and the Princess for you may be assured that it was with as much civility and joy as their great services could deserve As they were disposed when they took their leaves of the Princess so they were the very same at their return the first time that they saw Mandana at her chamber there they met It seemed by Feraulas who was there and well recovered of his wounds that the Princess was displeased and angry yet she shewed nothing but such charms as were able to captivate the hearts of most rebellious Lovers She diverted her Discourse after such an ingenious manner by her sweet complacence which had nothing of affectation in it that she gave them no occasion to renew those differences which passed between them in the last battle of which the Princess was not ignorant When you took your leaves of me said she to them I remember that I entreated you to look unto your selves so well as I might from your own mouths receive the particulars of the Victory but now I will spare you that labour for I have such an indisposition unto war that I do not love much to discourse of those glorious advantages which my father hath obtained by your valour Never fear that I am ignorant of them or that I will ever forget them Fame doth court and love Artamenes so much and doth not hate Philidaspes that the least of your actions must needs be published My soul is more ingenuous then to lose the memory of benefits But truly I do much affect peace the calm and quiet vertues do much better agree with my inclination then these lofty proud ones That Prince then Replied Artamenes could be very unhappy who hath a particular aim to please you and could finde out no other way to pay you service but by Sword and Fire and Bloud Questionless added she that a Prince who had nothing but valour and good fortune in fighting hath not in my opinion all the qualities necessary to deserve the esteem of a reasonable Princess For if he have those only and no more I should beleeve that a common ordinary esteem might well enough content him but he ought not to pretend unto so high a degree as Love What qualities then I beseech you Madam replied Philidaspes are requisite to purchase that favour of an illustrious and great Princess It is requisite answered she if I be not deceived that his valour be not too cruell that he love victory better then bloud that his fury last no longer then fight That he be ever civil That he affect glory without pride That he lookt for it in such waies where he may finde it That sweetness and clemency be his predominant qualities That he be very liberal but liberal with discreet choice That he be alwaies gratefull That he do not envy the glory of another That he be just unto his very enemies That he be an absolute Master of his passions That his conversation be not lofty or proud That he be alwaies faithfull to his friends and terrible to his enemies and to speak all in one word that he have all the virtues and none of the vices You have reason Madam replied Artamenes to say that he ought to be exact in all who deserves the affection of an illustrious Princess But Madam doubtless she must be such a one as resembles you who without injustice can desire that perfection which is not to be found amongst men and if she never confer her affection upon any but those who are worthy of it then that treasure would never be enjoyed by any though without question it be desired by all the Princes upon earth I know not said she whether the affection of such a Princess as resembles me be a thing so precious as to be called a Treasure but I know very well that if she resemble me her affection should not be easily obtained since by a premeditated design I am resolved never to bestow any part of my Love lightly but to fight against my own inclinations if they should offer to overcome me I know not Madam said Philidaspes interrupting her whether this hardness of heart be not as much to be condemned in your sex as you conceive pride is in ours I do not think it said she if I did I should perhaps change my minde But whatsoever it be to shew that I am not unjust I pray know that I am as liberall of my esteem as I am wary of my love since truly I shall never refuse it unto my greatest Enemy when they shall deserve it Imagine then said she to Artamenes if I do not only much esteem you but admire you for all those gallant acts which you have performed And imagine Philidaspes said she in turning towards him if you have not much reason to pretend unto a great part of my Commendations for what you have done Thus did this discreet and wise Princess entertain these two Gallants whom she perceived to be very ambitious and extreamly jealous of their honours and therefore she durst not aggravate the great actions of my Master lest Philidaspes who seem'd to be the more violent and hasty should be offended Then they parted being very well pleas'd with Mandana's civilities but much troubled to have it from her own mouth that her affection was so hard to be obtained It appeared that Philidaspes who was as amorous as Artamenes and did entertain the same resentments was a little more netled then he especially since throughout the Princess discourse he found many more obliging terms towards his Rivall then himself All this while Ciaxares thinks upon nothing but Feasts and publique jollities Astiages hearing of his Victories sends to congratulate with him and sent also a great Complement unto my Master reflecting upon his valour The Court was never so full nor so glorious as now All the Officers of the Army made Sinope their Rendezvous and almost all the Ladies of Quality throughout both Kingdoms repaired thither The presence of the Princess was free and open there was not a day but the King went
banish you and that I do it not with much sorrow and that I was not more displeased at the report of your death then I shall be at your absence But however Artamenes Glory is to be preferred before all things and as long as I do not strive against you but rather to give you all satisfaction you have not just cause to complain of me Artamenes knew well that he neither could nor ought to hope for any more from such a one as Mandana and though he ought to prepare his minde for it yet he could not chuse but be very much grieved at it She knew how to comfort him so sweetly in his sorrows by the heavenly charms of her conversation that he preferred the evils which he suffered as a servant unto Mandana before all felicity he could enjoy without her He began then to follow Ciaxares more closely then before He courted Aribeus contrary to his own inclination with more diligence and neglected nothing which might get him a good esteem in the Court so that though he should discover himself they would not think of destroying him And so it was that he was universally beloved and so much that the extraordinary care he took did not create him any new servants nor augment the zeal of those he had before so great was their zeal already In the mean time the man who Artamenes sent to carry the Jewels unto the daughter of that Lady who mistook him for Spitridates and who had so charitably entertained him returned unto Sinope who informed Artamenes that there was like to be a new war in Bithynia he further told him that he found the Castle invironed with many Souldiers and that when he had spoken unto that Lady she was extreamly surprized to see the Jewels which he had to present unto her daughter That at the first she doubted whether she should suffer her to accept of them but in conclusion she did permit her That at his taking leave of her she bestowed a very rich present upon him and charged him to tell Artamenes after she did with astonishment understand it was he that the King her husband was endeavouring to put himself into such a condition as that hereafter he might be able to retaliate his liberality and to make Spitridates his son who had the honour to resemble him worthy of that resemblance This man told Artamenes further that in his returne he saw all the Countrey full of Souldiers and that some of them had stayed him for some certain dayes which was the reason he did return no sooner Two hours after his arrival there came certain news from Artaxes that all Bithynia was in rebellion and Pontus about to be the like and that the King of Phrygia was compelled to retreat because that Croesus King of Lydia was entred with an Army into his Dominions and that a great part of his Forces did change Masters and sided with those who moved the people to revolt and who in truth had much right unto the Crown of Bithynia In conclusion they knew Arsamones husband unto that Lady who had treated Artamenes so well when he was wounded and who took him for Spitridates her son was in the head of a very considerable Army and that if the King of Pontus were not soon set at liberty and to take some course to oppose his Conquests not onely Bithynia which his father had usurped would be lost but Pontus also which was legitimately his would be in the same condition It was reported that the King of Phrygia was about new Levies in his Countrey but yet the reports went also that he would have his hands full of war against the King of Lydia Insomuch as it was apparent that there would fall an infallible revolution upon the Kingdoms of Pontus and Bithynia if they were not presently remedied Artamenes finding a good opportunity to oblige the King of Pontus and acquit himself of his promise to him and also to procure his departure from Sinope where he was not very glad to see him did beseech the King that he would not onely give him his liberty but also that he would lend him some Forces wherewith to reduce his Subjects unto their obedience He represented unto the King that it would be much more glorious for him and advantagious also to do so then to detain him a Prisoner Since if it should so fall out that he should lose his two Kingdoms as very likely he was then he would not be able to pay his Ransom but would be either forced to keep him alwayes or else cruelly to deliver him in a time when it was too late and when there was no hopes to get into the Throne Moreover he told him that the King of Pontus was generous and that obliging him thus gallantly he could run no hazard of danger In conclusion as Artamenes was alwayes very prevalent with Ciaxares and could perswade him unto any thing he pleased so the King condescended unto his desire upon condition notwithstanding that the King of Pontus should deliver into his hands two considerable places which yet held unto his side and that he should solemnly promise never to make any war against Cappadocia Artamenes having obtained his suit went presently to the King of Pontus who was already informed of his misfortunes but knew no remedy He no sooner saw my Master but going to him with much constancy though with much melancholy Generous Artamenes said he to him if in losing the Crown of Bithynia you had conquered it I should not be so sad as I am but that my most mortall enemies should triumph over my misfortunes I confesse that I have not patience to endure it without complaint nor can I chuse but much desire that liberty which I have desired you to obtain for me Sir answered Artamenes as it is my use to do what I ought so I have effected your demands and perhaps above your desires for I do not know whether I have not gone further then you desired My Master then told him what he had done with Ciaxares and how by this Article not to make any more war upon Cappadocia it was to be tacitely understood not to pretend any more unto the Princesse As this was reasonable so he did not murmur he grieved in secret without complaint and thanked Artamenes very civilly for his Generosity he extreamly extolled this great Act and thanked him who brought it to passe If ever I come unto my Throne again generous Artamenes said he to him I shall owe unto you all my glory and all my good fortune and I do protest unto you that if I can conquer again the Kingdom of Bithynia it shall be your fault onely if you do not as absolutely command it as my self you are no more a Cappadocian said he to him then you are a Pontean so that without offence unto Ciaxares I may well hope for the same happinesse and advantage which he hath he hath nothing now to do
but to live in peace and I am in a way of war and for this reason I beleeve that my wish is not unjust nor will displease you Sir answered Artamenes I am much obliged unto you for these advantagious resentments you have of me But Sir if you knew me more particularly you would quickly change your minde and therefore since you know me no better I will not abuse you in your error nor receive those favours from you which doubtlesse you would repent of afterwards And though it is true I am not born a Subject unto Ciaxares yet I am so tied unto his service by many strong reasons and obligations that I can never be disingaged from him After the first apprehensions of joy in the King of Pontus mind were passed over joy I say for the liberty which he had obtained and for those Auxiâ—raries which were offered him Love then began to take a place in his heart and he could not forbear some expressions and signes of his weakness and in the presence of Artamenes grieved at those great necessities which oppressed him for said he as long as I am in prison I do know very well that I ought not to pretend unto the Princesse Mandana and that if I remain in them I shall be still in the kingdom so by consequence far off from any pretentions to her But generous Artamenes in casting off these fetters wherein you have enchained me I must also cast off those which I received from the faire Mandana at least weare them in secret and alas in hiding them they are not less heavie nor shall I be less her slave Artamenes did know well how to answer this discourse all he could do was handsomly to divert it and to speak of war in lieu of love yet since things did very vrgently require it he gave orders for the King of Pontus departure within a few dayes and this Prince not being able to depart till he had spoke with the Princesse and took his leave of her sent to beseech Ciaxares that he would not deny him that favour Artamenes who was present with the King when this permission was desired had a good mind to oppose it yet durst not Yet he was much puzzled to resolve whether he should be present at this enterview or not yet notwithstanding all the indisposition he had to it yet he would be a witness of it he was in much fear that he should not be able to restrain himself yet at the last could not chuse but go The permission of the Princesse concerning this visit was asked she had no great fancy unto it yet Ciaxares having promised it there was no remedy but remembring his gallant deportment unto Artamenes she resolved therefore to treat him civilly The day of this Princes departure being come all the Ladies and all the court who were appointed so to do did then wait upon the Princesse Artamenes was as diligent as any to be there and doubtless as observant of all the passages in this enterview as any Since this Treatie between these two Kings was signed by both parties the King of Phrygia if he so pleased being comprised and all the prisoners released also the two Kings sworn in the Temple to observe the Articles and to live in peace with each other the King of Pontus did not then addresse himself as a prisoner unto the princesse but as a free Prince and waited upon by the officers of Ciaxares as he himself was this Prince was one of an admirable presence and then very sumptuous in Apparel The Princesse who perhaps would not have been so indulgent to him but in respect of Artamenes was but very ordinarily dressed nor did she need to be better for she appeared that day so admirably fair as that she quite darkned the fairest and most glorious in all the company the King of Pontus saluted her with much reverence and she received him with as much civility she would have given him the precedencie but he would not receive it he took that place which was next the Princesse saying with a handsom grace that it was not fit a prisoner of Artamenes in looking upon my Master and smiling to sit in the place of the Princesse Mandana Do not think Sir said she to him that your Conqueror desires to change either Rank or Condition with you he is too generous to desire that the King of Pontus should not enjoy all those honours which his birth hath Confer'd upon him I wish to the Gods Madam replied this Prince smiling that every one whose fetters I weare would treat me as well as Artamenes doth for if they did I should not be in that condition I am to wit perpetually a slave and unfortunate I do not wonder said the Princesse that all they which goe to war do not all take prisoners since then every one must have great courage and all be fortunate But I do confesse I think it very strange that all they who do take them do not use them well For my part I assure you Sir that by my consent they should not wear their fetters long but should presently enjoy their Liberty I doubt not Madam replied the King of Pontus but you are full of pitty but Madam there are a sort of captives whose liberty does not depend upon the wills of their conquerors and who are ever prisoners in a prison with out any gates grates or guards Those who are of that humour replied the Princesse must patiently suffer that misfortune for which there is no remedy complain of none but themselves I know some Madam replied the King of Pontus which have been used to what you say without accusing you of those evils which they endure do prepare themselves to suffer them as long as they live I should be very sorry said she that so great a Prince as you should have any just cause to complain of me but if my memory do not much fail me I behaved my self all the while you were in the court of Cappadocia with as much Civility as was due unto a son of the King of Pontus I do acknowledg it Madam replied this Prince but yet I make a doubt whether you have treated me as well since I came unto the Crown as before I would have you think replied the Princesse that you have some cause to complain of your self since you have declared war against us but I have much a doe to perswade my self that you had any reason for doing so If I did commit a fault replied this Prince I have been sufficiently punished for it I have lost severall Battels I have lost my liberty and I am in a way to lose both my kingdomes yet Madam I should think all these but small if I could but be so happy as to gain any room in your esteem I know very well Madam that since I have lost these Battles and appear but as a slave before you are such things as seem not to
How cried he out is Mandana taken away Who is the man that durst attempt so rash and unjust designe Philidaspes answered the servant whom they say was the Prince of Assyria Philidaspes replied Artamenes Yes Sir replied he and the same misfortune would have it so that a party which was sent after her were killed by some which rescued her of which the King is assured Ha my friends cried out Artamenes in turning towards us we need not question but that it was we who have killed the protectors of Mandana who have relieved her Ravisher and who are accessary to her carrying away Sir said Chrisantes unto him is it not better to go into the Town where we may be better informed of all the circumstances in this great misfortune Artamenes notwithstanding his despair finding Chrisantes speak reason set forward But heavens knows how altered from what he was before and what a prodigious change sorrow made immediately in him he had so sad and so terrible an aspect all at once as one might easily see anger mingled with his melancholy and that now jealousie was more in his heart then love He pressed the Princesse servant to tell him how the misfortune happened He understood then that three dayes before this accident Aribeus moved the King to hunt some thirty furlongs from Themiscira and during his absence the designe was executed But said my Master to him how could they execute it It was no difficult matter replied Mandana's servant for the Guards were corrupted and it was they who carried her away also it is thought one of her women betrayed her out of a secret jealousie she had that the Princesse preferred Martesia before her You know Sir added he that the river Thormodon runs under the windows of the Princesse Mandana and that those windows are so low that there needs no stairs to descend them Then Sir one of the Guards observing the hour in which the Princesse was used to retire went and knockt at the door of the outer Chamber as she was ready to undresse her self that woman which was of the conspiracy opening the door went and told the Princesse there was one of the Guard who had some important matter to acquaint her with The Princesse wondring at it a little did for all that command him to enter Madam said he to her I come to advertise you that there is a designe in agitation to carry you away this next night The Princesse knowing that heretofore she heard of such a thing was much astonished yet notwithstanding after she had thanked the man she asked him how he came to know it and how it might be prevented To give more credit unto my words said he to her you need onely to step unto the window where I will shew you the bars half loose This wise Princesse being desirous to be satisfied of the truth went unto the window That woman who was of the Plot taking a candle to light her But Oh heavens she was no sooner there but the Guard breaking out the bars of the window carried her away for they were filed loose before hand I leave you to judge how the Princesse was amazed at it She commanded him to hold off but much more was she astonished when she saw six more of the Guards enter and taking her by violence committed her into the hands of her Ravisher who was in a Boat under the window with many armed men Mandana at the first did obstinately resist him but was forced to submit One of her women reported that when she knew him to be Philidaspes by his voice for he was disguised she cried out Ha Philidaspes if Artamenes were here thou durst not attempt this But in conclusion Sir Philidaspes carried her away and all her women cried lamentably out but all in vain for those of the Guard which were not of the Plot desiring to enter could not for they which betrayed barred the doors behind The confusion was so great that these women belonging to the Princesse Mandana cried out on every side that they had taken away their Princesse and did not open the doors unto those which could not enter but by breaking them I forgot to tell you that these Ravishers did also take away with them that woman which was of the conspiracy but as for Martesia they would not take her but yet notwithstanding this generous woman would not forsake her Mistresse but held her so hard and fast by the clothes that they were constrained to take her also although they doubtlesse heard the Princesse cry out Ah Martesia do not forsake me At the last Sir the Boat going with the current of the River went at such aâ—rate as they were quickly a furlong off on the other side of the water where there was as many horses waiting for them as there was men so that it was not possible to be remedied for before the Governour of Themisoira could be advertized of the accident or could know what course to take they were got so far as there was no hopes of recovery Yet notwithstanding the Captain of the Guard taking horse with two hundred men onely divided them into severall Parties One of them was the twelve which met Philidaspes and knew him rather by the Arms he wore then by his face for having been so long concealed in the Countrey he so changed his habit and countenance as he was not knowable Those twelve men then knowing him as I told you and seeing a great Pavilion erected wherein doubtlesse was the Princesse and it being probable he would pitch his Tent as soon as he was a good distance off one of them returned in all hast to advertise their Captain that he might speedily come and relieve his men who since some strangers had took part with Philidaspes might be in danger to be defeated but he was so unfortunate that he could not meet with him Desperate as not to finde him he returned in full hast to the place where he left his companions engaged with Philidaspes and with those men who accidentally met him in that place But oh heavens he found there ten of his companions dead and found not the eleventh at all he saw the Pavilion standing but none in it and he could not discover any signe that one of Philidaspes his men were killed So Sir this man came to acquaint the King who came hither in all hast as soon as he heard of the accident He hath sent unto all the Ports to prevent the passage of Philidaspes in case he intend to take Sea But to tell you truth there is no great likelyhood of catching him that way since they have failed in their first discovery Moreover yesterday added the servant there run a Manifesto thorowout Themiscira by which it appears that Philidaspes sayes he is Labinet Son unto Queen Nitocris and sole heir unto the Kingdom of Assyria Moreover he sayes THat Cappadocia by right belongs unto the Crown of Assyria and therefore he could
this terrible alteration Truely said she when I call to memory all that has hapned unto us and that after all these hurryings away so many perfecutions so many warres so many shipwracks and so many misfortunes that Mandana should be a prisoner in Armenia and Artamenes a prisoner in Sinope I do confesse unto you that my spirits are confounded I have learned to despair of nothing since after all this I am living and at Sinope and with some whom I am not sorry to see You are very good Martesia said Feraulas interrupting her to say so And you would continue that goodnesse said Chrisantes if you would relate all your adventures since our departure from Themiscira and by what wayes Philidaspes brought about his designe why he being Prince of Assyria he appeared onely as Philidaspes how he treated the Princesse after he took her away how Mazares fell in love how that Prince deceived the other and took her away how you did during the shipwrack how you escaped it and how it comes to passe the Princesse is not free for I do confesse this last event is incomprehensible and puts all the Court into amazement None can imagine who it should be who has thus saved the Princesse to destroy her nor can any conceive who is that King whereof she speaks and why she named him not in that Note which we received from her Therefore sweet Martesia I do conjure you by the Illustrious name of the Princesse Mandana and also by the name of Artamenes to tell us exactly all that you know concerning the King of Assyria concerning the Prince of Saces and concerning the King whom we cannot guesse You require so many things said she in requiring this that I know not whether I can in a whole day give you that satisfaction I will therefore abbreviate my discourse as much as I can We do not desire you should do so replied Feraulas but on the contrary we do befeech you not to deprive us of one of the Princesse thoughts for truly Artamenes has need of all the comforts we can afford him and we cannot bring him a greater then to let him know what is become of that Princesse whom he adores therefore I do conjure you to give us this satisfaction for we are gladly disposed to give you hearing as long as you shall please But said Martesia do you not think it fit that I should know also what has chanced unto you I will engage my self to tell you all answered he before we part from hence so you will first satisfie our extreamly longing desires to understand your adventures for as Artamenes has no interest which is not mine so I am certain Mandana has none which is not yours Martesia seeing her self so urged did recollect her memory to order the discourse she intended into the better method and after a little silence she began thus THE HISTORY OF MANDANA TO make all our adventures more clear unto you also the reasons why the King of Assyria did appear in the Cappadocian Court under the name of Philidaspes although his right name is Labinet It is requisite that I do begin my story far off and that I relate the History of the Queen Nitocris and of the Princesse Istrina daughter of Gadates as well as that of Mandana I doubt not but you wonder to hear me speak so precisely of the Assyrian affairs and of the particular relations of two Princes who have the greatest share in this History But at the end of my story I shall acquaint you by what wayes I came to know what I am now going to tell you Doubtlesse you know that it was the Queen Nitocris unto whom the Kingdom of Assyria did belong and it was upon this reason that the Prince her son had not the quality of a King although the King his father was dead This great Princesse was lineally descended from the first Kings of Assyria And there never was a Princesse ever since the great King Ninus and the famous Semiramis more illustrious then she The King her father died when she was very young and she wore the Crown at an age when any other but she had strength enough to support it yet all the Assyrians did confesse that they never knew more wisdom and prudence in any then she did manifest in all her actions Yet notwithstanding although her own reason was very ripe she had a Councel which was composed of the most excellent men of the whole Monarchy who steered affairs But since by the fundamental Law of the State she could not marry any stranger Prince so all the Assyrian Princes were then at Babylon and I have heard reported that this Court was at that time the most magnificent of all the world As this Princesse was very fair and was owner of the prime Crown in all Asia so she moved passions in the souls of all the Princes which ever saw her and I have been assured that of all this great number of her servants there was not one of them which were not more amorous then ambitious I will not stay to tell you with what wisdom and vertue she behaved her self amongst them only this I must relate that amongst the rest there were two which seemed to be in greatest hopes to effect their design more likely then any of the rest The first was a Prince called Labinet as he who is now King of Assyria is called The other named Gadates who at that very time was a very miracle in beauty in handsomnesse in valour in spirit in gallantry and in vertue his quality also was very high and allied unto the Royal family But as for Labinet although he was nothing so accomplished and his good qualities were more dim yet he had this advantage that he stiled himself to be descended from one of the children of Sardanapalus if it may be called an advantage to descend from so bad a Prince and by consequence he pretended to have some right unto the Crown although he did not at that time openly declare his pretentions As the Queen was then very young so she did not consider this reason of state and her soul preferring him which was more accomplished before him that was lesse therefore her inclination leaned towards Gadates who doubtlesse was most worthy both both for his rare qualities and in respect of his passion since they say he adored the Queen Nitocris with as much purity as men adore the Gods This innocent passion having took root in the heart of this young Princesse who thought she could do nothing more advantagious for her people then to give them a King whom she knew most vertuous she began to receive the services of Gadates in such a manner as this precedency above all the rest of them which were interested was made known unto them There needed no more to trouble all the Court principally by Labinet who by reason of his pretentions unto the Crown was most dangerous Questionlesse this
Prince had no great faults in him although he was not owner of those heroique vertues which prefer men above their own qualities yet notwithstanding ambition and love together inflaming his heart he talked of nothing but civil wars of revolt and of sedition and truly the matter was so forward that every one began to bandy parties All the discontented lovers made one faction Labinet made another by himself followed by some stirring spirits and Gadates he had only the Queen on his side The young Princesse seeing the condition of affairs stand so she was extreamly troubled and after she had well consulted with her self that perhaps it might cost her a great Kingdom she took a resolution which made the greatnesse of her soul and vertue to appear For calling Gadates unto her who doubtlesse she loved very well and more then she had signified unto him calling him I say unto her to give him a testimony of her affection after a new and surprising manner Gadates said she unto him I have a desire to tell you that which doubtless you are ignorant of at the least I am certain that I have had some care to conceal it from you Know then pursued she that I have thought you worthy to wear the Crown of Assyria Madam said he it becomes the Queen Nitocris too well to take it from her and he whom she shall chuse for that honour were unworthy of it if he should not content himself with being only the first of her subjects Reserve your thanks Gadates said she unto him until the end of my discourse for after I have given you this great testimony of my esteem I must require another testimony from you of your affection If it be to die at your feet Madam replied he I am most ready to obey you and I do not know any thing in the world which I would not consent unto observe me I conjure you to the end I ask you nothing impossible Gadates who never durst speak of his love unto the Queen was a little surprised yet after this which she spoke unto him he quickly recollected himself and looking upon her with as much respect as love provided Madam said he unto her that your Majesty do not forbid me to adore you I shal never disobey you No said she sighing I do not intend that my authority shall extend it self over the thoughts of the heart and though may be my dominion would reach so far yet would I not destroy those thoughts which your soul has of me But that which I would tell you is this That the necessity of State affairs and the good of my people will not permit me to make my own choice of a husband I would have you know I am resolved to assemble the States General of my Kingdom and to receive a husband by the universal allowance of my subjects If they be reasonable you may perhaps obtain their voices as I would have given you mine if they would have given me the liberty But if you cannot procure your self to be chosen by them then resolve with your self Gadates never to see me again as long as you live but to retire unto that Province which belongs unto you and never come at this Court. I will not stand wise Chrisantes to tell you all the discourse between Gadates and the Queen Nitocris nor many other passages which depend upon this discourse though they be well worth observation and much concerning I shall only tell you to the end I may come unto the more essential part of my discourse that do what Gadates could he could obtain no more from her but liberty to sollicite the Judges of the matter Then the Queen assembled the states generall of her kingdome declaring unto them that she thought upon the good satisfaction of her people therefore left them the liberty to chuse themselves a King When all the incensed lovers heard of this they were surprised at the declaration they were ravished with the wisdom vertue of the Queen came unto Babylon to solicite their interests but in conclusion this powerfull reason of state which would have all causes and pretences of civill wars removed induced the states general to beseech the Queen that she would be pleased to marry Labinet which she accordingly did without the least shew of repugnancy was all her life extreamly well pleased with her marriage lived very well with her husband yet it was her pleasure that Gadates should obey her should retire unto his province and never returne to the Court The King who knew the business and also was acquainted with the vertue of this Princess did much solicite her that Gadates might returne to Babylon but she would never consent unto it A while after her mariage she sent commands unto Gadates that he should marry a Princess descended from the Ancient kings of Bithynia who was extreamly rich and infinitly virtuous which he did although certainly he did ever preserve his violent passion to the Queen He lived as well with the Princess his wife as the Queen did with her husband Mean while Nitocris had a son which was he whom you knew somtimes by the name of Philidaspes somtimes by the title of the King of Assyria Gadates had also a son and a daughter and as soon as they were crept out of their first infancy the Queen who was then a widdow and still forbade Gadates from coming to Court commanded him to send his children unto her that his son who was called Intaphernes might be brought up with the Prince of Assyria and the young princess his daughter called Istrina lived in that place where there might love grow between her and her son unto whom she had a designe to marry him as well to satisfie the law in marrying a Princess who was not a stranger as to testifie the esteem she had unto Gadates thinking she could not better nor more innocently acknowledge those services which he had done her then by preferring his daughter unto the throne of Assyria It seems also that she took not this resolution out of choyce only but out of a necessity also for all of the princes which had been pretenders unto the Queen Nitocris the greatest part of them were resolved not to match with him and the rest had no daughters so that the Princess Istrina was the only Lady whom the King of Assyria could marry But here you may well admire how humane prudence is limited and how this great Queen who by such publique works is rendered famous throughout all the world and ever shall be to all posterity was deceived in her reasons and how that which she thought would have caused love did inspire the heart of the young King of Assyria with aversion The Princess Istrina was ten years of age when she came to Babylon Intaphernes her brother fifteen and the Prince of Assyria fourteen But from that very time the imperious humour which we saw in Philidaspes began
kept any longer from his rest and commanded him to be lodged in the best lodgings and treated with all possible civilitie But before Artibies left him he desired permission to go and see Artamenes in prison whom he hoped to have seen in the head of an army unto which desire Ciaxares consented then he went immediatly unto the prison of Artamenes conducted by Aglatidas Andramias Thimocrates and Philocles Artamenes at the name of Philoxypes and the Princesse Agarista his sister did express much friendship unto Artibies This Prince presented unto him one of his Captaines named Leontidas who Artamenes knew to be an especiall friend unto Philoxypes who at his coming from him did charge him to present unto Artamenes the continuance of his friendship and to deliver a letter unto him Artamenes receiving it with much Joy for he did infinitly esteem Philoxypes although he had not been long in the Isle of Cyprus desired Artibies that he might read it The contents were these PHILOXYPES UNTO ARTAMENES I Am very glad that fortune was of my opinion and has given you that which I ever thought you most worthy of since the first time I had the honour to see you I wish that since she was not blind in serving you so she may not be inconstant in continuing it but that you all your life enjoy that hapiness which none who knows you can without injustice envie Moreover I had not married the Princess Agharista my sister but upon condition that the Prince of Sicilie her husband should send some Troops unto you and I hope that for my sake the Prince Artibies will be welcome unto you and that after he has purchased your esteem by those rare qualities whereof he is owner you will admit him some part in your friendship But to tell you something which is more delightful that I may thereby the more oblige you be pleased to know that the same famous man whom you came into our Isle to seek out of your desire to be acquainted with his vertues is in love with yours And if the good of his Country had not called him back unto Athens he had done that for Artamenenes which Artamenes did for Solon If you desire to be further acquainted with my fortunes I have entreated Leontidas to inform you and to assure you that I am not more in love with the beauty of Policrite then I am with the glory of Artamenes PHILOXYPES After Artamenes had done reading the Letter he redoubled his civilities towards Artibies shewing unto him the Letter of Philoxypes you see said he unto him how the wishes of that Prince are not effectual and how fortune whereof he speaks has forsaken me But said he in turning towards Leontidas it is from you Sir that I must receive much consolation in my misery in relating unto me what concerns the Prince Philoxypes for truly if I be not mistaken there must needs be a great alteration in him if it be so as he sayes in his Letter that he hath been in love since when I was acquainted with him he was in love with nothing but books pictures musick and such excellent arts and if he had any mistresse then certainly it was the vertue of Solon whom I heard him often speak of Oh Sir replied Leontidas there is indeed great alterations in the life of the Prince Philoxypes such as doubtlesse will much surprize you as they did not only the Court but all the Kingdom of Cyprus since I believe there was not one in all the Towns of Pathos Amathuses Salmes and Citherea who has not without admiration heard of his adventure Artamenes then seeming to be desirous of knowing the fortune of so famous a Prince Leontidas promised him to come unto him the next morning and satisfie his desire The rest of this day was spent in civilities to Artibies and the next morning Thimocrates and Philocles being desirous to know what accidents had happened in the Court of Cyprus since they left it waited upon Leontidas unto Artamenes who as soon as they came in because they would lose no time did sit down Leontidas being in the mist of them began his discourse thus THE HISTORY OF PHILOXYPES AND POLICRITE SIR since your abode in this our Island hath not been long that you may the better understand this Story it is requisite that you know part of the Customes of this Island the which I will in a few words acquaint you with that my ensuing Discourse may appear lesse tedious to you You must then know Sir that this good Island which for its precinct situation fertility for the beauty and greatnesse of its Towns and its Magnificent Temples passeth for the most famous and most considerable of as many lie on the Aegean Sea hath alwayes been consecrated to Venus and that love which every where else is a passion which hath no particular priviledges is in this place accounted a religious act All that are borne here seem as if they were bound to love from their very birth all the Temples are dedicated to Venus under several names all the pictures and statues here represent only this Goddesse and depend only upon her You shall find here Cupid set out every where and those who instruct us elsewhere vertuously in our youth by teaching us how to overcome our ambition anger hatred envy and all other passions deal otherwise with us here perswading us only how to love innocently But as there is nothing so pure or refined which meets not with alteration and corruption at the last a strange disorder crept in long since amongst us for you must know the first Temple which was consecrated unto Venus was that of Venus Urania who we say is the daughter of Heaven This Venus as we believe inspires only rational resentments and vertuous passions whereas on the contrary there are some Temples on the utmost borders of the Isle towards the South built long since the former which are dedicated unto Venus Anodema as much as to say to Venus coming forth from the foam of the Sea Now Sir these Temples do differ very much as do their resentments who offer sacrifices at them yet as those Religions wherein Libertinism passeth for a vertue are grounded with most ease the Religion of Venus Anadiomena hath for a long time prevailed over that of Venus Urania and our Island hath seen things which makes those even blush with confusion who remember they have heard them spoken of by their forefathers but thanks to Heaven a vertuous Queen who lived some sixty years since did re-establish all the Temples of Venus Urania made almost all those of Venus Anadiomena be beaten down abolisht all the shameful customes which were introduced in Cyprus and left only pure resentments amongst us of that passion which is the soul of the Universe and which is the sole entertainer of civil society We are now taught 〈◊〉 love our Goddesse our Princes our Laws our Countrey our fellow-Citizens our Parents Brethren
durst hardly look upon this Prince the difference of his condition though it made her more obliged unto him in her soul yet was it the reason why she treated him so coolly Philoxypes would have presented the whole Family but they all refused to receive any This mean while he was still more unhappy for though he loved Policrite passionately and that he valued her more then all the world besides yet could he never put on a resolution of making any one acquainted with this his so meanly placed passion He would certainly have been able to live with Policrite in any desert Island but he knew not how he could avow the marrying a Maid of her condition to the world yet did he still love her with a respectfull affection not giving way to any sinfull desire That pure and unartificiall vertue which he saw in Policrite infused into him a greater respect for her then if she had been seated on a Throne he then perceived he loved without hope of ever finding a remedy for his evil upon lesser termes then resolving to abandon the Court and Kingdom and to ask Policrite of Cleanthes upon so vexaatious termes but that which most of all afflicted him was that he knew not how he stood in Policrite's affection he found her milde and civil he observes no marks of hatred in her countenance but there was therein also so great a reservednesse and so exact a modesty as he could not penetrate her thoughts He thought also that Policrite was grown somewhat more melancholy then she had formerly been and indeed he was not mistaken for Philoxypes his handsomenesse his good behaviour his wit and civility being things not to be seen without liking young Policrite could not see her self belov'd of such a Prince as he without having her heart a little toucht with acknowledgement yet seeing her self in a condition so far beneath his and out of a sense of vertue she must resist this budding affection she could not but be afflicted at this conquest which she had made and to bemoan her self thereof to her dear Dorida who had wit enough Sister said she unto her how happy are you in comparison of me who can take pleasure in walking abroad in gathering of flowers in hearing birds sing and the fall of waters and in not being reduced to a condition of complaining of too much good fortune For in fine Dorida Philoxypes heart is a conquest which I am sure the greatest Queens would be proud to have made yet whilst they might innocently rejoyce thereat I must be therewithall afflicted I could wish I had never seen him or at least I think I could For when all is done though me thinks I could heartily desire that he would love me no more yet am I glad to see him But if love replied Dorida be so powerfull a thing as it is said to be how know you but that Philoxypes may love you well enough to Marry you Ah sister answered she as I would do nothing misbeseeming me so neither would I that Philoxypes should do any thing that might misbeseeme him to do But said Dorida belike then you love Philoxypes since you interest your self in his honour against your self Policrite blusht at this discourse and looking confusedly upon Dorida if you were better acquainted with this passion then I said she I would tell you whatsoever my soul is sensible of to the end I might know what to think of it But I cannot yet believe that this dangerous disease be yet got into my heart for if you remember well we have heard Cleanthes say and we have read it more then once that love makes one lose their reason that it causeth a thousand pains and vexations that it sometimes makes people do amisse and I thank Heaven I do not yet feel any of all this Me thinks my reason is free enough and I am well enough pleased with the melancholy which possesseth me For t is true I oft times talk I know not what but I delight in doing so and though I would not love Philoxypes yet there are certain moments wherein I am well enough pleased that he should love me But as for any thing of fault so far am I from being willing to commit any as I protest unto you that were it for no other reason then not to lose Philoxypes his esteem and good opinion I would die a thousand deaths rather then do any thing that should be unjust You may then believe that whilest I love vertue and would become worthy the affection of so great a Prince I will never do any thing contrary to reputation I believe you answered Dorida but for all this Sister mine you deceive your self if you believe you love not not Philoxypes For in a word you do not love what you lov'd before you knew him you are somewhat more comely you consult oftner with the Christall fountains and you are quite another thing then you were Ah Sister replied Policrite if that were true which you say I would quickly take order for it I would never see Philoxypes but to use him harshly to the end that he hating me I might no longer love him These two young people having entertained themselves thus upon the bank of a little rivolet Cleanthes and Megisto who had altered their mindes came thither and bidding Dorida withdraw a little Megisto began to say Policrite it is not many dayes since I told you that in respect of your condition you should never look upon Philoxypes but with a great deal of respect but fearing lest through that inequality which you may believe to be between you and him you may not appear to be so much obliged to him for his affection as indeed to put somewhat too great an estimation thereupon Cleanthes and myself have resolved to tell you that your true condition considered you are not bound to behold Philoxypes at any time but with a great deal of indifferency For in a word said Cleanthes not to disguise the truth from you any longer you are what you think not your self to be and we are likewise that which you know not and what you shall not as yet know because the Gods have not permitted us as yet to let you know it But to shew you how much you are more obliged then you think for to be vertuous know Policrite that you are of as Noble blood as any is in all Greece And how answered Policrite interrupting him am I not what I alwaies thought to be No daughter said he to number Kings amongst your Ancestors is not the greatest mark of honour that you make boast of There is somwhat of more August in your race then what I speak of Therefore that I might raise up your heart I thought it good to trust you with this important secret which I charge you not to reveal to any one as also to let you know the better how much bound you are not to doe any thing unworthy of your Fathers
sent by the King but as one who is resolved to serve you with his life if it shall be needfull and never absolutly to give you over till he know the cause of your Melancholy for Sir if there be no cause of this Melancholy and that it be but a distemper of humours I must stay here that I may endeavour maugre your self to divert you and if there be any cause for it Leontidas must likewise serve you therein if there should redound no other benefit to you thereby then to help you to keep it concealed from the King and from the whole Court if you desire it should be concealed from them I do not know any way said he to keep it undiscovered better then to tell it to no body But Sir said I if you treat me with this indifferency when I shall returne to Paphos and the King shall ask me what I think of your Melancholy I must needs say something to him And what will you say to him replied Philoxypes I think Sir said I that to revenge my self for the little confidence you have in me I will say what I do no wayes believe to wit that you are in love and that the shame of you former inflexiblenesse or of your new weaknesse hinders you from avowing it nay I will peradventure tell him said I in mockery that that Venus Vrania which people have so much quarrel'd with you about since the great Feast which you made here and which did precede but a few dayes your melancholy humour hath struck you effectually in love In fine Sir there is nothing so odd which I shall not say to revenge my self for the wrong you do the passion which I have to your service During this discourse Philoxypes changed colour twenty times and were it out of friendship or out of my importunity or that indeed those that are in love love naturally to speak thereof he took me by the hand led me into his Cabinet and after having made me take sundry solemn Oaths never to discover what he should say unto me and all this with as much ceremony and pressure as if he had some conspiracy to discover unto me against the state or some attempt upon the Kings person he told me that he was in love What Sir said I these retirements these Melancholies and this impenetrable secret which all the world in vain seeks to finde out Is it onely that you are in Love Ah Leontidas said he mock not at my misery for it is greater then you can imagine But Sir said I I have much ado to imagine that you can be so unfortunate as you say since I cannot conceive that there is e're a Princesse in the Kingdom except Ambitious Aretephile who will be Queen who will not favourably entertain your affection when you shall make it known unto her Alas said he with a sigh Love hath dealt much more cruelly with me then you are aware of and since I must discover unto you the secret of my heart know that I have met with an invincible resistance in one who lives amongst these Rocks and dwels but in a Cottage Yes Leontidas I have found a maid or to say better I have found Vertue it self wholly pure and under the visage of Venus Vrania which hath and doth yet resist me A maid who is not touch'd with Ambition in whom beauty causeth no affectation nor pride who hath simplicity and wit gallantry and sincerity and who in a sandy and desart place which the gods alone have pointed out unto me speaks better then all the wittiest Ladies in the Court. But when all this is done she lives in a Cottage her condition appears to be very mean if I consider all that is about her and when I consider onely her self or do but hear her speak she appears to be upon a Throne Her Governours are vertuous and discreet but still Leontidas they live in a Cottage and will not abandon it At last said he with tears almost standing in his eyes I am the most unfortunate of all men I have a passion which I cannot overcome and which I will not have known I too much respect Policrite's worth for so is she called of whom I speak to have any sinfull desire towards her which though I should have it would be to no purpose I likewise am too great a lover of Glory to resolve to marry a maid of this condition without much repugnancy Yet can I not live without her my sufferings are such that I cannot expresse them and seeing no remedy for my Malady I bear it patiently without complaining of it and void of all hope but death Philoxypes told me this in so feeling a manner as I much pitied him He then told me all that had befallen him How t' was he met Policrite how he was surprized that it was she by whom Mandrocles had drawn the picture of Venus Vrania and all the rest which I have told you I was somewhat surprized at this fantastick passion chiefly when I call'd to minde Philoxypes former inflexiblenesse Yet did I endeavour to comfort him Sir said I such a beauty as that is which you represent unto me and such a one as I have seen in the Venus in your Gallery bears some excuse with it of what condition soever the possessors are especially when it occasions onely some passing passions and which are of no long durance as I will hope yours will prove No no said he Leontidas do not deceive your selves I will love Policrite till death But Sir not to abuse your patience perceiving Philoxypes grievance too great to be cured I smothered it and sweetned it as much as possible I could He then led me into his Gallery to shew me his excuse though I had seen his pictures many times before we afterwards walked abroad but he being able onely to walk one way we were soon amongst the Rocks in a place from whence we might uncover Policrite's habitation which we no sooner saw but blushing with confusion he said 't is there my dear Leontidas where she that I adore doth live 't is underneath that roof which I prefer before the proudest Palaces that Philoxypes findes some moments of content and 't is there in fine that all my joy and happinesse is circumscribed Sir said I there needs no greater proofs of Policrites beauty then the smalnesse of her Cottage and whosoever shall imagine that Philoxypes affection is placed therein cannot doubt but that he hath argued the matter with himself as much as he was able In fine Sir after that he had enlarged himself in expressing Policrites charming beauty not suffering me to see her for fear of offending her I must think of returning to Paphos for I had promised the King to return that very night I asked Philoxypes what I should say unto him any thing said he my dear Leontidas rather then the truth of my adventure For in the minde that I am of I think that I
only to rid him out of this passion nay I have observed that of late he hath been troubled as oft as I have spoken to him to speak to Aretephile that he hath shun'd such Commissions as much as he could and I am too much perswaded that he hath argued the businesse stifly with himself and I am the only cause of what he suffers Good gods said he how great is my misfortune there is not any one man in all my Kingdom whom I should not hate if he were my Rival unlesse it be he and there is not any Lady in the Court in whose Love he would not have been happy except Aretephile But Sir said I again I protest unto you he is not in love with her and I protest to you replied he expressing an extream grief that Philoxypes is my Rival for were it not so he would not conceal his passion from me The respect he bears to you said I ought to hinder him from so doing if he were in Love No no replied he you shall no longer abuse me and I am equally perswaded of Philoxypes his love of his innocency and of my misfortune For in fine that the man in the world that I love best should fall in Love with the onliest Lady that I can Love and that I should see my self cruelly necessitated either to forsake Aretephile or to see Philoxypes die it is an unsufferable adventure Sir I besech you said I expect till she hath once more seen Philoxypes and have absolutely commanded him to discover his heart unto her before you resolve on any thing and if you please I will bring him hither to morrow morning No no replied the King you shall not stir out of the Palace this day nor shall you see Philoxypes before me In effect this Prince gave one of his servants charge over me and commanded me to withdraw into a Chamber which was appointed for me in the Palace 'T would be too difficult a thing to represent unto you my vexation and the Kings disquiet since to tell you true he had as much friendship for Philoxypes as Love for Aretephile Who ever saw said he for he himself told it afterwards an adventure like to mine I have a Rival whom I must love in despight of me and who gives me more occasion to love him for the affection he bears to my Mistresse then for all the service he ever did me and then for all the good offices he hath done me to her it being certain that I need only look upon him to see what he suffers in my consideration and that I need only consider what life he leads to see how much I am beholden to him I observe in his eyes a melancholly which makes me apprehend his death and I see in all his actions visible signs of his love to Aretephile and of his respect to me What shall I do said he shall I seem not to know this passion and let Philoxypes die But 't is no longer time to conceal what I think since Leontidas knows it Leontidas who is so much his confident and shares so deeply in his friendship shall I also tell Philoxypes that I know his love and not complain of him and if I should complain how weak a succour would this be I should peradventure hasten his hour of death by making him despair But shall I quit Aretephile and and let my friendship exceed my Love Philoxypes his passion is unjust but passions are not voluntary and he hath done what ever he could or ought to have done since not being able to keep from loving he hath yet kept from making his love known and hath rather chosen to hazard his life by his respectful silence then to preserve it by making his passion known which he knows will displease me The King past the night in this manner very unquietly sometimes he was agitated with anger and hatred not knowing whom he hated or on whom he desired to be revenged sometimes he did a little blame Philoxypes for not having at the very first acquainted him with his passion sometime he betook himself to Aretephiles beauty but at last he blamed himself Then suddenly considering the pittiful condition into which Philoxypes was brought and what an unhappy life he led his heart was so touched with compassion as he did almost love his pretended Rival better then his Mistresse He then called to mind how that all the favours he had received from her had been husbanded and obtained by Philoxypes his means He past the next morning in like perplexity and strange irresolutions at last having dined somewhat early he went well accompanied to lie that night at Claria not affording me any opportunity to give any notice thereof to Philoxypes for he into whose custodie I was given thinking it had been for some businesse of another nature treated me as a prisoner of the State and would not give me the least liberty The King commanded me to follow him so as I came with him to Claria he not having spoken one word all the way long but musing still on his adventure But when we were come thither Philoxypes's people told the King that their Master was not at home and that according to his custom he was walked out all alone The King informed himself carefully of one of his servants who had a long time waited on him whether he knew not the cause of his Masters melancholly this servant who loved his Master dearly that he might make use of the honour the King did him in speaking to him said Sir I know not what my Master ailes but this I know that if your Majestie out of your goodnesse find not some means to cure him of the melanchollie which possesseth him he will certainlie not live long For he eats little hardly sleeps at all does nothing but sigh cannot endure that one should speak to him about businesse wanders whole dayes in the fields and I once heard him cry out when he little thought I did so Good gods what would the King say if he saw how great my sadnesse is and how hardly would he guesse at the cause of my death In fine Sir said this man with tears almost in his eyes I know not what to say but I am very certain your Majestie will lose the faithfullest of all your servants if you lose the Prince my Master Whilest this man spake thus I was strangely in pain for I saw all that he said tended to confirm the King in his opinion I was much the better for beckning unto him he never looked on me so intent was he to what he said The King on his part sighed and having left the other well Leontidas you will not have it that Philoxypes is in Love nor that it is Aretephile whom he loves Sir said I I confesse I am still of that belief and I would your Majesty could resolve to be so too O Unfortunate Philoxypes cried the King not answering me how sad is this
well acquainted with Aretaphiles humour told the King he knew a way how to work his reconcilement with her Alas said the King there are few things I would not do to purchase that content speak therefore my dear Philoxypes must I be long in paine must I sigh abundantly and pour forth abundance of tears and must I be everlastingly prostrate at her feet No Sir said he you shall onely put the Crown upon her head but replied the King I would gladly not have owned Aretephiles love to her Ambition on the contrary I would have had the Crown of Cyprus to have been a reward of her affection to me Five or six daies being thus past over and Philoxypes not being able to tarry any longer at the Court he desired leave of the King to return to Claria Those who the King had sent to the Port towns which were neerest to Paphos returned at the same time but brought no news of Policrite so as the unfortunate Philoxypes returned to his solitariness in great despair He had yet engaged the King not to discover the cause of his melancholy nor were there any that knew it but he the Princesse Aretephile and my self nor did the Princesse know any more then that Philoxypes was faln in love with one that he knew not It would be very hard to relate unto you what life he led when it was fair weather he went to visit Policrite's Cottage and all the places where he had seen her or spoken with her he went to ask more questions of the slave who was there and whom they had ever had an eye unto not finding any one that spoke with him nor that he spoke with any one But all the addresses this Prince could make could not prevail against the fidelity of this slave who deserved a better condition When Philoxypes could not walk abroad he walked in his Gallery gazing on the picture of his dear Policrite When he called to minde how contented a life he led before he fell in love he almost wished he had never seen Policrite but when he remembred her charming beauty her bewitching minde and the happy hours which he had enjoyed in her company though she had alwayes concealed the esteem she had for him he preferred all the sorrows he had suffered since he was in love before all his former pleasures Oh! would he sometimes say to himself when he should read Policrite's letter how sweet how pleasing and how cruel things have I learnt in one day Policrite is of illustrious birth Policrite will alwayes remember me and Policrite will never more see me Alas if it be so said he why have I not recourse to death and what shall I do with so unfortunate a life Then suddenly remembring that Policrite was alive and that she did not hate him he conceived a beam of hope that peradventure she might make enquiry after him and knowing how miserable a life he led she might at last resolve to let him know in what part she lived This thought afforded him onely so much hope as to keep him from dying not so much as to comfort him in his misfortunes Living then in this manner all the rest of the Winter he went sometimes to see the King when the King could not come to him and despairing of all remedy he onely expected death or news of Policrite the one or the other whereof were the object of all his thoughts and the bounds of all his desires The Spring it self which seems to inspire joy into whole Nature wrought no alteration in him He beheld the roses in his Gardens blush with the same melancholy as he had seen his Knots white with Snow in Winter Those who watched over Cleanthes his slave brought him word one morning that he was suddenly dead This angersome news did redouble his grief in as much as for that he seemed concerned in any thing which belonged to Policrite and that this slave appeared to him worthy of such good fortune as that in losing him he lost almost all hopes of ever discovering where Policrite was He forbare not notwithstanding to have watch kept for a while to see whether any body should come to that rural Cottage or no but at last weary of wearying out his people he dispenced with their further trouble therein and abandoned his fortune absolutely to the guidance of the gods As he was one day in this sad mood Solon came to Claria he was at first much joyed to hear a name he so dearly loved but considering what an alteration there was in him since he had seen him and how confounded he should be to acknowledge his weaknesse to him though he knew that lawfull love was not a passion to which Solon had declared himself an enemy this joy suffered a little allay He went notwithstanding with much eagernesse to meet him but sadnesse having so deeply seized upon his heart and eyes the satisfaction which he received to see the famous Solon was so inward as there hardly appeared any signe thereof in his countenance Solon no sooner saw him but he observed his melancholy and Philoxypes on his part looking on Solon instead of the peacefull physiognomy and that chearfull and pleasing aspect which he had wont to have in his eyes he seemed to see a great deal of sorrow The first complements being over and Philoxypes having brought Solon to his Chamber Sir said he the sight of you would surely much rejoyce me did I not see some signes of sorrow in you of which I must needs request to know the cause Noble Prince replied Solon I should have prevented you and have desired to know the cause of your melancholy before having afforded you leasure to informe your self of mine But I confesse unto you the Law-giver of Athens is not at present in a condition of prescribing Laws unto himself and that the sorrow I feel is stronger then my reason Philoxypes embracing him then straitly conjured him to tell him the reason thereof and desired him to believe he would do all that lay in his power to comfort him But Sir said he I thought that Philosophy had been a salve to you against all the misfortunes of life and that sorrow was a thing unknown to Solon to whom whole Greece gives the name of Wise Philosophy said this famous Athenian is a vain-glorious Art which boasts of governing in places wherein she hath no great power she may doubtlesly said he teach men to be vertuous make them know whole Nature reach them how to discourse and give them Laws and Precepts for the government of Kingdome and Common-wealths Nay she may oft-times make us overcome our passions but when an equitable feeling which nature gives us is to be overcome believe me Philoxypes the same Philosophy which hath sometimes made us lose Crowns without change of countenance or which hath made us not stick to refuse them is weak in lesse eminent occasions And in my particular I may say I have been
the present necessity did work upon his former resolutions and he did not so obstinately design to presse out what the intelligence was which Artamenes held with the King of Assyria insomuch as there seemed to be great hopes of his speedy freedome The King of Medes did suffer them to commend him in his presence without any anger he did not reject their prayers in his behalf and without any direct consenting he made as if there were some resolutions in him of altering his opinion but carried it as if himself would have the advantage of doing it and not as forced unto it by any other These resentments being perceived by all the illustrious company they spoke no more unto him concerning Artamenes fearing to prejudice him whom all the world would advantage Yet they went from the King in great hopes of his liberty so that presently a general voice went about all the Town and Camp that Artamenes was to be set at liberty Artamenes himself was told as much for certain His guards all wept for joy Andramias could not hold from hoping to see him presently in the same condition he was formerly Martesia was so transported that she could not expresse her raptures of joy Chrisantes and Feraulas were so glad of it that Artamenes himself could be no more for in consideration of the Princesse and the state she was in he prised his liberty as the greatest good which could befal him Well said he in himself I may once again hope to do Divine Mandana some service Oh heavens could I ever believe to be in such a state as either to deliver my Princesse or to die in her service Can I flatter my self with such a pleasing thought as both to see and be seen by her Is it possible I should ever have the liberty to discourse with her of my most adoring passion If this be so why should I complain of those hardships I have endured since I shall receive so ample a recompence Thus did Artamenes entertain himself whilest all the Town and Camp was rejoycing by reason of their hopes of his liberty and to give him an addition of joy Feraulas came into his chamber and confirmed the news telling him that it was not without ground and falling into discourse concerning Mandana he repeated almost all that Martesia told unto Chrisantes and himself at the last remembring himself how they had told him that when Martesia was on the banks of the River Halis amongst the fishermen she made use of a box which had a picture in it to bring her unto Sinope and that the picture was Mandana's Ha Feraulas said he unto him is there no means by vertue of that credit which I know you have with Martesia to move her unto so much favour as to send me that picture with a promise to restore it unto her if she please the same day I come out prison Sir said he unto him I do not think Martesia will deny it upon that condition but as for giving it absolutely unto you I think that her fears to dispease the Princesse who as you know is of such a nice vertue as that she will scruple at the smallest things will not permit it also she her self is so much enamoured with it that it would be a piece of great difficulty to obtain it from her for ever but yet for a certain time doubtlesse she would not refuse it Artamenes then engaged Feraulas to use his best endeavours and Feraulas charged with this commission left him and left him with more joy then he had a long time found in his heart Ciaxares for his part was secretly pleased in himself to be overcome and as it were constrained to free Artamenes yet sometimes he would be very angry that he could not exactly know what that intelligence was which he could not discover But after all the high merits of Artamenes the great acts he had done the many obligations unto him the present necessity of his valour all these were to prevalent in his mind that he resolved to set Artamenes at liberty the same day he was to march with his Army towards Armenia But whilest he was in so advantagious a resolution for himself and so beneficial for his daughter so pleasing unto the famous prisoner and so generall a joy unto all Asia especially such as had interest themselves in his fortune Metrobates only that close enemy of Artamenes and that old friend unto Aribeus was in extream sorrows This man had a soul so ambitious that he valued not by what stairs he ascended unto greatness so he could but get up There hapened many passages in his transactions which moved Artamenes whilst he was in the height of his fortune not to esteem him by consequence not to doe such good offices as he did unto all others For Artamenes thought it a piece of great injustice unto unfortunate men of honour to load with benefits those who deserved them not whilst others more meritorious were in misery Moreover Metrobates being linked unto the fortunes of Aribeus had ever followed his principles and Artamenes destroying him just at that time when Metrobates was in highest hopes to receive recompence for all the services he had done him this man therefore was so much incensed against Artamenes that he would enterprise any thing which might conduce unto his ruine Chrisantes and Feraulas were informed of his bad intentions but since he did not openly transact against their master and since they could not devise what ill office he was able to do him they had not recourse unto any violent wayes to defeat him as well because they were both wise and virtuous as because it might be prejudiciall unto Artamenes neither could they handsomly discover his designes for the party who informed them of the ill will of Metrobates dyed a little after with sorrow that he had been the cause of Artamenes his imprisonment moreover as the state of things then stood they had no ground to believe any thing could obstruct his liberty since it was demanded by a great Army and by three whole kingdomes But on the contrary it was almost an infallible certainty that a man who was equally beloved both of vanquished and Vanquishers would be set at liberty and that none durst shew their hatred no not Metrobates himself As he was burning in his secret envie at the universall joy which all the world expressed for the freedome of Artamenes He received intelligence from Artaxes who was commander in chief at Pteria and who understood that Ortalques had been to tell the King of Assyria something though he could not exactly tell what but it was in all probability Artamenes who sent him for he knew him to be his servant and that he had brought orders from the King when he was in Bythinia he whom Artaxes sent unto Metrobates was commanded not to go into Sinope lest he should be stopped but to send some unsuspected messenger to bid meet at
the Son of his old Master he was easily suborned to carry the counterfeited Letters of Artanus which caused less knavery to be suspected That which moved Artanus unto this was because he hoped the great courage of Pharnaces would cause him to be killed in this war and then if he could but send Spitridates far enough he himself should then be the only man of quality in all the Kingdom which could pretend unto the Princess After that Spitridates was well confiâ—med in his belief of being deceivd he related with a far more calm mind then before the dispair which he was in and how he resolved to seek out a death somewhere so far off the Princess that she should never hear any more news of him How in this sad designe he went unto that Port which was nearest and to imbarck in the first Ship which put to Saile without so much as asking whither it went How by chance it was a Merchants Ship of Tenedos which took him in How from thence he went to Ephesus because reports went that Croessus would assault it How he was in all that war and yet could not meet with death although he did sufficiently expose himself unto all dangers How remembering himself that if he would follow the ambition of Arsamones rather then the love of the Princess Araminta he might be a King and that he preferred the Fetters of Araminta before the Crown of Bythinia he caused to be painted upon his Buckler a Slave who refused Crowns and made choice of Chains as I already told you How after the conclusion of that war he imbarqued again for Cyprus hoping that Island which was consecrated unto the Mother of Love would be more propitious unto him then any other but conceiving that journey too pleasant for an unfortunate man he passed into Cicilie afterwards not being able to stay in any place he would needs put to Sea gain had he not met with a Persian Magi who being new come ashore did render him all imaginable honour speaking an hundred things in a language which he understood not An Interpretor which he carried with him for the conveniency of his travel told Spitridates how this man was a Persian who took him to be the Son of his King whom Merchants had reported to be drowned at Chalcedonia Spitridates hearing this answered him by the Interpretor that he was not a Persian that it was very true it was supposed he was drowned at Chalcedonia but he was not But whatsoever this Interpretor said this Persian would not be perswaded but all that Spitridates said was but excuses In conclusion Sir he was so importunate with Spitridates to confess that which he was ignorant of as he was forced to leave him But this man going unâ—o the Magistrate of the Town told him that the King his Master had lost his only Son and Succesâ—our unto his Dominions who for some concealed reasons would not return into his Countrey and how that by chance he had met with him that he was in this Town and ready to imbarque away He conjured the Magistrate to arrest him and to send him back unto the King his Father so that this Magistrate finding the Persian of a grave Phisaognomiâ— and had acquaintance with the greatest and wisest men in the Town sent Orders to stop Spitridates as being Son to the King of Persia and to treat him with all respect as befiting his quality you may easily imagine that this Prince was extreamly amazed at it he used all his arguments to undeceive these men but the more he denied the more this Persian maintained that he was Cyrus In conclusion the Magistrate sent both Spitridates and this Persian unto the Prince of the place who after he had heard them both and fearing to commit an errour did send them both unto the King of Persia and made choice of a man of a good ingeâ—uity and quality for this imployment and say what Spitridates could he was sent away with a great number of souldiers I shall omit the relation of his melancholy during so long a voyage during all which time he was guarded very vigilantly I shall only acquaint you that the Persian Magi dyed during this voyage and being come into Persia where the Embassadour which went with them heard that all the people believed Cyrus to be dead and that the Merchants saw him drowned he began to believe Spitridates conceiving he had no reason to conceal his being the Son of a King as really he was so But so it happened that this Embassadour fell sick as well as the Magi and dyed for company so that Spitridates was now at more liberty and stole away from this Embassadours men when they were in the height of their mourning but yet notwithstanding he was often in danger to be stopped by several others who took him to be you Sir And since he was resolved to draw nearer the place where we were that he might hear in what part of the world his Princess was he passed out of Persia into Medea where he was also followed divers times not knowing the reason why Afterwards being come as far as the Frontiers of Galatia there he heard of the Bythinian Rebellion and of the War which the King his Father had declared against the King of Pontus also he did afterwards tell the Princess Aristea that this news did so cruelly perplex him as he fell so extreamly sick upon it that never man was more violently tormented for hearing every day a relation of his Fathers victories and also of Prince Euriclides his death he conceived this to be the worst way to regain the opinion of the Princess Araminta not that he wished the King his Father were vanquished but that he himself knew not what to wish In conclusion said he unto the Princess Aristea You see me here dear Sister well recovered of my sickness against my will and desiring your advice what course I shall take for though my Princess should be perfideous unto me yet would I deliver her out of the hands of Artanus where I understand she is That is not an easie matter for you to do said she unto him unless it be with the Kings forces and the sooner to induce him to see you it is requisite you seem as if you did not love that Princess Ha my deer Sister said he I cannot counterfeit not know I how to owe my good fortune unto a lye But alas said he what might my Princess think of my silence during all these great alterations Perhaps she imagines that I lurk quietly till the wars be ended that I afterwards would peaceably enjoy the fruits of the victory but my Divine Princess how unjust would you be in such a thought Well Sir after many such like complaints and lamentations as these Spitridates retired himself unto the place where he was to lodg And Aristea told him before he left her that the Prince Intaphernes the Son of Gadates who is now in the
her but it was unto Cleander with whom you spoke I do confess it replyed she for since it is by him that Sosicles may be justified I might well speak unto him who might make his innocency known However it be said he do you think my daughter would allow you to go from her at midnight and do you think I can be perswaded that you spoke unto Cleander only concerning the interest of Sosicles Speak Cylenisa speak I say and tell me ingeniously who set you a work Then Paetias whispered the King in his ear and told him that the Souldiers who heard them speak and discovered it unto him did often hear the name of the Princess both in the mouth of Cleander and hers The King seemed to be much moved at what Paetias told him for presently remembering the sorrows which the Princess testified at the imprisonment of Cleander and her endeavors to justifie him he made no doubt but that there was some secret business which Cylenisa would not confess so that he spoke more sharply to her then before yet say and do what he could he could not make her speak a word against the Princess But her companion who was with her bring neither so witty nor so bold nor so affectionate as she the King being advised to seperate them he got her by promises and by threatenings to tell all she knew she confessed then ingeniously that the Princess did know of their coming but thinking to justifie her she protested that it was only out of compassion to the prisoners that she sent Cylenisa to speak with them The King would have made her confess what she heard of Cylenisa's and Cleander's discourse but she would not answer a word to that for she said she was so affrighted to be at that time in that place that she heard their discourse but very confusedly yet confessing that the name of the Princess was often used There needed no more to disturb the Soul of the King who now made no question but that there was a secret Correspondency between Cleander and the Princess his daughter He went unto Cylenisa again but with such fury in his words and so much anger in his eyes that she stood in need of all her constancy to be undaunted However she was carried back to the Cittadel and the King sent unto the Princess for by this time it was day to come unto him which immediately she did He no sooner saw her but he commanded all to withdraw then looking fiercely upon her I never thought said he unto her that you had a heart so base as to bestow any private affection upon a man that is unknown upon a man I say who certainly is of a base original since he hath no shift but an Imposture to fly unto to save his life as if he could make the world beleeve he was a Kings son a man who after abundance of benefits which I conferred upon him would in recompence betray me and ruine me and my Dominions When the Princess heard her Father speak in such manner she thought that Cylenisa had confessed all so that having no disposition to deny a most innocent truth and injure it by telling lyes resolved to disguize the matter no longer Sir said she unto him it seems you think me to be very much in fault but thanks be unto the Gods I have this satisfaction of Conscience that I am certain I am not so How said he are you not infinitely in fault to hold a secret compliance with a grant Delinquent to the State Should any of my Subjects do as much he should infallibly dye for it and judg whether your Crime be not greater then any Subjects can be you who are my Daughter and is interested in the glory of my Kingdom and good of my People and ought to have no other Interest but what is mine Sir said she unto him if I had any other then such indeed I should think my self most culpable but since I have not I most humbly beseech you to give me one quarter of an hours audience to justifie my self The King with much ado kept silence and suffered her to speak This wise Princess began her discourse with the affection the King had to Cleander in his Infancy likewise with the affection of her Brothers and the esteem which she her self had of him repeating in few words and much art all the services which he had done for the King his Victories his Conquests and all his hereique Acts Yet relating all this after such a manner as no suspition might be she affected him but only as it she aymed at his justification and truth Yet Sir said she unto him after she had called into his memory whether he would or no all his obligations unto Cleander this man so illustrious in every thing to whom the Prince Atis owed his life unto whom I am a Dâ—btor for vours he I say should never have moved my heart so much at this time but by two most powerful Considerations the one is because I know you had a design to marry me unto him at your return from this War the other is because I understand his original is equal unto mine besides all this I am most certain that he never had any intentions to beâ—â—ay you nor ever had a more violent desire to acknowledg all your benefits The King wondering and raging that his daughter should know of his design concerning her Marriage said unto her and interrupted her You ought however to have stayed until I had commanded you to marry Cleander before you gave him any testimonies of your affection But since you are so obedient unto my will that you would have married him if it had been my pleasure pray also hate him when I would have you and know that I will punish him for his Crime and adhere unto no other Interest but mine own Were he guilty Sir I should with all my heart do so replyed she but since he is innocent and the son of a great King I think Sir that I should do you good service in restraining you from incensing the anger of the Gods against you by destroying a Prince who did never justly offend you For truly Timocreon Thiâ—ettes and Acrates told no lyes when they assured that Cleander was son unto the King of Phrigia I my self have seen all those things which should have justified his Birth and moreover I do most certainly know that he would never have took part with your Enemies to fight against you It seems you know very much indeed said Cressus and interrupted her but though you had committed no other Crime then this to know so exactly the secret thoughts of such a man as Cleander is a stranger and a Delinquent it were enough to deserve no pardon But Sir said she unto him since I cannot justifie my self in your opinion unless I justifie Cleander also and letting you see his real right and true quality why will you not be pleased
of his disorder yet she could not guess what it was but thought that perhaps some had sent him intelligence Aglatidas would ere long returne to Ecbatan however he made such a visible testimony of his discontent to all the company that Amestris withdrew some came unto him who had not yet made their complementall addresses unto him as Governour but he received them so scuâ—vily that they conceived themselves injured and had he not been known to be a jealous man and by consequence phantasticall those men considering his extravagant behaviour towards them had quarrelled with him but they made a short visit and left him to the liberty of his halfe-mad humours As good luck was Artemon came in before he spoke with Amestris after the company was gone out if hee had not perhaps hee would have used extreame violence towards her As soon as Ottanus saw Artemon here said hee unto him and gave him the letter which hee had received see whether I had not reason to beleeve that Aglatidas and Amestris have been alwaies very kind one to another Artemon tooke the Letter and read it but finding not a word in it conduced to what Ottanus talked of nor any thing else but that Aglatidas had obtained for him the Government of Arisontine Province which hee so much desired how is it possible said hee unto him that your reason and mine should bee so opposite Why answered Ottanus is it not as cleere as day that Amestris hath written secretly unto Aglatidas that I desired this Government and that it would bee an excellent expedient to reconcile mee unto him and would bee a meanes to let mee permit him the sight of her if hee obtained it No such thing answered Artemon but I am confident of the contrarie that a Crowne were not able to induce Amestris to permit Aglatidas the sight of her or a visite unto you and consequently I must conclude that Amestris had no hand in it and that Aglatidas did it out of pure generositie because hee hates you not as you doe him You are so much devoted to excuse Amestris said bee very angrylie that I beleeve there are few crimes which you would not absolve her of if shee should commit them It is very true replyed Artemon that I am strongly perswaded of her virtue and most true also that to punish one for thoughts which hee had in the bottom of a heart were to entrench too much upon the priviledge of the gods for they only can truly know them However it bee said Ottanus I will never accept of any thing as a gift from a man whom I would pistoll How said Artemon being much amazed will you refuse the Government which you accepted of and after you have received the complements and congratulations of all the Towne who came to rejoyce with you Yes said hee I will refuse it and render thanks unto the gods that I neede not write any letters of thanks unto Clarans for his fine honor conferred upon mee But what can you say unto those who came to see you replyed Artemon if any doe meete mee said hee and urge mee for any reasons of my actions I will tell them I cannot endure Amestris should love Aglatidas and that I am more generous then to receive a benefit from my enemy or that hee should tryumph over the heart of Amestris which should bee only mine yet are you not afraid to offend Cyaxares and Cyrus by it said Artemon No answered hee I feare nothing so much as to bee oblieged by Aglatidas but why doe I terme it oblieged I may rather say wronged for what greater injury could hee doe mee then this Had hee written unto Amestris and sent her any Jewels or had shee answered him and returned her Picture few then would have knowne it But by this it is divulged throughout a whole kingdome that Aglatidas in lieu of asking a Government for himselfe did aske it for a man who hates him and hath married her hee loved and still loves hee might as well tell all the world that by this hee doth recompence the husband for the favours which hee hath received from the wife but I shall take such orders as they shall not accuse mee of preferring any ambitious thoughts before my honour Beleeve mee said Artemon you runne a greater hazard of your honour by refusing then by accepting of this Government However it bee said hee in extreme fury I had rather lose my honor then receive any benefit from Aglatidas When the benefits of an enemy answered Artemon may prejudice us it is prudence to refuse them and it is more generous to obliege an enemy then to bee oblieged but since this benefit which Aglatidas confers upon you is not of that nature and since you cannot refuse it from the hand of a King without ruine to your selfe and moving all the world to mock you I conceive you ought not to yeeld unto your passion but to overcome it Pardon mee Otanus for using such freedome of speech the extravagancy of your reason moves mee thinke I am oblieged unto it were it not that I see you are not Jealous of Aglatidas replyed Ottanus with a forced smile I should thinke you in love with Amestris Though you should think so replyd Artemon I should not so much wonder at it as I do at your actions And I doe confesse that I cannot understand your designe in it I would let all Medea know said Ottanus that I will not contribute any thing unto the follie of Amestris Ah Ottanus said Artemon Let it be least of your 〈◊〉 that any should suspect any such thing you have taken such strickt order for that as it can never be imputed to you I will take a stricter order then yet I have done reply'd he Which you can hardly doe answered Artemon You shall see that eâ—re long replyed Ottanus and shall confesse that my honor is more deer unto me then any thing else Artemon fearing he had some secret ill designe against Amestris urged him no further but felt him because it was very late Hee was no sooner gone but Otanus went unto Amestris and vented as many expressions as furie jealousie and anger could invent she returning not one sharp reply or knowing the cause of his choller for since he was fully perswaded she knew Aglatidas had obtained the government for him he expressed himself in such obscure enigmaâ—s that she could not understand either his injuries or his reproaches After he had fretted and fumed away almost all the night in persecuting Amestris he went out of her chamber unto his own and would permit none to follow him but Dinocrates whose unworthy flatterie did best suit with his inclination He was no sooner in his chamber but he sent orders to have his horses ready by break of day and after he had passed over the remainder of the night in most unconceiveable turbulencie of minde as soon as it was day he took horse without any
he do obey you and go away said I unto her and that absence cannot cure him what would you have him do then do you think it just he should be eternally banished from his Country only because he loves you too well Were he a man you did not esteem or that he did not deserve it or that you had an aversion to his person what could you do more I should then do much less said she unto me I cannot understand your reason for that replied I yet I must needs believe you because I see you let Hermodorus live quietly at Ephesus though he has loved you long Hermodorus replyed she is not a man whom I would honor so much as to command him any thing This honour which you do Ligdamis replyed I may well be called injustice Yet it is a favour replyed she since I do all I can to preserve his Friendship As she was saying this Ligdamis came in with an intention to get his term prolonged I no sooner saw him but taking the word from Cleonice Come Ligdamis said I unto hime come and hear the favourable cause of your banishment Must I then be banished replyed he Yes answered Cleonice if I have any power with you You have it Madam most absolutely answered he and sighed but it is the office of those that have the most soveraign power not to do all they can but all they ought to do And I ought to do all I can replyed she to infuse reason into your soul to the end I may keep you my friend Then you do not hate me Madam said Ligdamis I do acknowledge it said she but I shall most infallibly hate you if you do not obey me When you have made tryal of absence which I have heard is the only remedy against love and that I see you use your best endeavours to become wise then perhaps I shall be so favourable as not to deny you my friendship but permit you to keep that Passion in your soul which you cannot exclude I protest Cleonice said I unto her and laughed this is an admirable good one to make that which you endure because you cannot help it to pass for a great favour and to oblige men unto impossibilities Though I see you would perswade me I am to blame replied she yet I do not repent it for if it be impossible for Ligdamis to leave loving me then let him give me some testimony of his Love Therefore I conjure you said she unto him to make tryal of two remedies The one is absence the other is ambition You know Cleander loves you dearly go then into the Court for six moneths and endeavour to drive out one Passion with another but I beseech you do not resist me any longer unless you will have me hate you I know very well Madam replied he that though I do obey you yet all will do no good since wheresoever I am I am most certain you will be there present in my minde and I am absolutely incapable of any other ambition but of being in your favour After this Cleonice began to speak so earnestly unto Ligdamis that I knew she would be obeyed so that I advised him to be contented For said I unto him if absence do cure you then you have good cause to think your self happy if it do not yet you give Cleonce the greatest testimony of your obedience and love that possibly can be However Madam said he unto her I beseech you promise me if I punctually obey you that you will never any more command me to pull that Passion out of my heart which doubtless will ever be there as long as I live I promise you I will not said she unto him But because this is not enough to keep a languishing exiled Lover alive replied he therefore Madam I beg this favour of your goodness that in case I do not dye of sorrow but live to return unto you then that you would be pleased to be the Confident of my passion no Ligdamis said she unto him I do not promise you that but I assure you that I will not hate you if you obey me In conclusion Madam not to trouble you with any impertinent relations Ligdamis obeyed her It was easie to finde a handsome pretence for his voyage since it was wondered why he went no ofter to Sardis I did my endeavours that he might take his leave before he went but it could not possible be obtained I saw that the cause of this denial was advantagious for Ligdamis for she had not refused that favour but only because she knew it was impossible for her to bid him adieu without expressing too many visible signs of Friendship to him He departed then with intentions to go unto Sardis but in the way thither he heard how Cressus had imprisoned Cleander so that resolving not to go thither by reason of this accident which put all Lydia into an universal astonishment he went unto the Government of his Father there to spend the time of his exile and in solitude to lament the misfortunes of Cleander and his own and almost as much Cleanders as his own since after so many victories and so many good services done unto all Lydia he was a Prisoner without a crime This news being reported at Ephesus every one was extream sad for indeed it was one of the greatest misfortunes that could come to the whole Kingdom but besides the publique interest which grieved Cleonice as it did the rest the particular relations of Ligdamis was a great addition unto her sorrows She went to visit the sister of Ligdamis upon this occasion but she would not write unto him though I used all my arguments to perswade her as for him he writ often unto me unknown to Cleonice for I had forget to tell you how this cruel Lady made him promise her to send her no letters and that if he did write unto me I should conceal them from her so that I durst not acquaint her how absence had wrought no effects upon the cure of Ligdamis In the mean time Cleonice was exceedingly sad and solitary so that Artelinda and Phocylides left off their visits Stenobea after a hundred chidings that she was not jocund enough was forced to let her alone in quiet so that Cleonice keeping her chamber very much I was very often alone with her At the first when I began to speak of Ligdamis she would be angry yet by degrees she did not only suffer me to talk of him but also would herself begin the first One day then when we were alone after discourse of several other things I am certain said she in what place soever Ligdamis is he can find none unto whom he can speak concerning me and therefore I hope he will quickly forget his folly But said I unto her and looked earnestly upon her is it possible you should wish as you say that Ligdamis should be indifferent towards you Not as I say answered she What
written in a greater Character then the rest of the lines The Last Will of ABRADATES I Leave my heart and entire affections unto my dearest Panthea and my Kingdome unto the Illustrious Cyrus upon no other condition but that he shall protect this Princesse who wore the Crown and comfort her after my death Conceiving that all my Subjects will be as obedient unto this Prince as unto my self and knowing that I cannot doe an act more glorious for my selfe then to make choice of such a Successor nor more profitable for them then by giving them such a Soveraign nor more advantageous for the Queen my dearest Wife then in procuring her so generous a Protector ABRADATES After Cyrus had read what the King of Susiana had writ he was astonished at the generosity of this Prince so much that his sorrow began afresh and since his great soul could never yeeld unto any in point of Generosity I must needs declare unto you Madam said he unto Panthea that I accept onely of this last Qualification which the ever Renowned Abradates hath conferred upon me conceiving that he would never have constituted me King of Susiana but because the Laws of his Country would not permit him to make you Queen But I accept of the title of your Protector with hopes of meriting it by my services and protecting you against all the world I doe declare and promise you never to make use of this Authority which Abradates hath given me in his Dominions unto any other end but onely to settle the Crown upon your head Your expressions replyed Panthea are worthy of your self and worthy of Abradates his friend But Sir I need no more then a Tomb large enough to hold Abradates and my selfe Therefore I beseech and conjure you to leave me by my self awhile with this dear illustrious Corps which I am fully resolved never to forsake I know Madam said Cyrus unto her that your sorrows are but just and that they may be extreame without ever accusing you of any weaknesse But Madam it is requisite that you should preserve the memory of Abradates and in order to that it is requisite you should live Therefore I most humbly and earnestly beseech you let us goe and prepare a Tomb worthy of his Valour and Quality and give me leave to separate you from him whom death too cruelly before me hath separated you I conjure you unto it said Cyrus and taking one of the hands of this Illustrious Corps by the most valiant Prince that ever lived and by the onely man of all the world whom you loved But alass Cyrus was extreamly surprised to see this hand which was quite cut off from the arm of Abradates with a sword remaining in his own and separated from the body of his illustrious friend his speech failed him tears dropt from his eyes and Panthea redoubling hers took his valiant hand out of the hand of Cyrus and after she had kissed it with abundance of tendernesse and respect she layed it in its place as if she desired to fasten it unto his arm again washing it with many tears as quite took away all the blood wherewith it was sprinkled in severall places It is my self said she it is I who am the cause of Abradates my dear Abradates his death for I had not confidence enough in his own accustomed valour to pay that debt which I owed unto you Sir I spoke a hundred things which moved him to surpasse himselfe and I am most confident that his love of me caused him to precipitate himself into the midst of dangers Is it possible I should look upon him and live Can I suffer any should speak unto me of any such thing as consolation Madam said Cyrus unto her since your miseries cannot be remedied you ought to endure them patiently Abradates dyed full of glory his memory will passe to Posterity with honour but to make it more illustrious it is your part Madam to make the constancy of your soul equall his courage and it is my part also to make the friendship betwixt me and him and the respects I have of you conduce unto his glory and your tranquillity I beseech you Madam tell me whither it is your pleasure I should conduct you and leave it unto my care to provide for the Funerals of this Illustrious Corps Sir said she unto him with a little more serenity in her looks I beseech you let me have the sight of this dear Corps only one quarter of an hour and let me have the liberty to lament in silence and privacie when none shall be with me Cyrus unwilling to contradict her too much rose up and taking Phinence apart as well as Belisis and Hermogenes who followed him he began to desire her she would help him to perswade Panthea that they might take away this doleful object from before their eyes But Phinence and Hermogenes were so sadded with sorrows that they could not speak and as for Belesis he durst not think that his eloquence could prevaile where all the Rhetorique of Cyrus could not None of the other men which waited upon this Prince were so near as to speak unto this miserable Queen so then seeing he was the only man who must deal with her since Phinence could not by reason of her extreame grief and abundance of tears he began to chide Panthea But Phinence who by long experience knew she could not endure to be crost in her first apprehensions of sorrow restrained him and desired him to give her a minutes patience Stay Sir said she I beseech you stay I will if I can stop the current of my tears and cast my self at the Queens feet and endeavour to get her from Abradates But whilst Cyrus Phinence Hermogenes and Belesis were devising how they might separate Panthea from dead Abradates this deplorable Princess was devising in her mind what course she should take never to be parted from him And since Fate favoured her dismall design to dye she espied a Dagger which her dear Abradates had about him which he used not in Battaile so that conceiving her self to be the cause of her husbands death not onely in what she had said unto him at parting but also because she did first engage him on Cyrus his Quarrell she thought the Gods did suffer Abradates to have this Dagger that she might by it both punish her self and free her selfe from all her miseries Since she had lost all she loved nothing could please her she could not conceive she ought ever to comfort her self and she thought it a shame to live since Abradates was dead So that her excessive sorrow made her think death to be the greatest good that ever could befall her She no sooner espyed this Dagger but taking it unseen by any of the company because every one diverted their eyes from that lamentable object she struck it into her body and drawing it out againe to give her self a second blow she had not strength
surprised that Mandana should over-hear her would have denied her words but Mandana told her absolutely she did speak them and she would know the truth so that at last she told her all These two Princes then retiring themselves For my part said the Princesse Palmis I cannot find any reason why you should fear that this talk of the Guards should be true For is it probable or credible that the greatest Prince in the world should be capable of so much unworthinesse Though he were perfideous and could not preserve his heart yet certainly he would never make conditions of peace by disposing of you but would set you at liberty He may perhaps restore the Kingdom of Pontus unto the Brother of his new Mistris but has nothing to doe in the disposing of the King of Medes Daughter whose Army he commands and therefore I am confident Cyrus is innocent and these reports of the Guards are onely those vain popularities which such kind of people usually vent though there be no appearance of truth in them No no Madam replyed Mandana sadly the news is not all false nor doe I think it all true I doe not think the perfidie of Cyrus so high as to make his conditions of peace with me Yet certainly he loves not me but the Princesse Araminta and I must confesse that I have such probable conjectures of his crime that I doe not doubt it I confesse also I have concealed my suspitions from you because I could not possesse you so soon with an ill opinion of that man whom I had so highly commended unto you But I pray you said the Princesse Palmis what proofs have you of Cyrus his inconstancy who hath testified so many signes of unalterable constancy and done more for you then any did for any Be pleased to know replyed she that a while before the King of Pontus went to fight the Battle which he lost he came into my Chamber with more glimps of joy in his face then usually Madam said he unto me I beseech you pardon me if I acquaint you with a thing which doubtlesse will not please you but since it concernes you no lesse then me I think it my duty to let you know it Sir said I unto him and sighed you have so accustomed me to ill newes since I have been in your power that though you should tell me any thing which will not please yet I shall heare it I think Madam said he unto her that it will displease you to heare that Cyrus whom you preferre before all the Princes in the World and who indeed does merit all his glory hath preferred one before you that is inferior to you in all things I doe not desire Madam you should beleeve me but beleeve your owne eyes After this he gave me a letter telling me it was from the Princess his sister and which indeed was so adding that it was taken from a man who was taken prisoner But Madam said Mandana that you may see what cause I have to suspect and grieve I pray you read this letter from the Princesse Araminta which the King of Pontus left with me I need not tell you how this Princesse was in love with Spitridates sonne to Arsomenes King of Bithynia nor need I tell you how Spitridates does wonderfully resemble Cyrus for persons of your quality and wisdome know all these adventures After this Mandana did give the Princesse Araminta's letter unto the Princesse Palmis and the King of Pontus finding in it matter enough to make Mandana jealous resolved to give it unto her thereby to poison her opinion of Cyrus and the Princess Palmis opening this letter found these words ARAMINTA unto SPITRIDATES SIR I Conceive you have reason of wonder to see one whom you have driven to the necessity of justifying her selfe almost confesse all things that you can accuse her of In the meane time I cannot deny but that I am extreamly obliged unto the illustrious Cyrus who hath had more respect of me then ever conqueror had of a captive and that I have as much of him looking upon him as the greatest Prince in the world and the most glorious conqueror Nor can I deny but he does wonderfully resemble you and that the sight of him does extreamly delight me After all this I wonder you should write unto me that it should be reported I have conquered the conqueror of all Asia and that my heart is his most illustrious conquest for considering all I have done for you this is extream injustice there was no necessity that you should tell me that before you were in prison you heard of his respects unto me and to him for I confesse it lesse need to writ unto me how they report a hundred particular passages 'twixt him and me for you cannot do it without a wrong unto me Return Spitridates return render your selfe worthy of my justification repent of your accusation 'T is true I cannot much grieve since the taking of Sardis will let you know what the designes of Cyrus and my selfe are I doe not say this Prince hath promised to set you at liberty for you will perhaps think he would not doe it but only to recompence you for taking from you one who heretofore was most deere unto you After this I have no more to say but that since it is the voice of the people which accused me I doe expect and wait untill the same doe let you know I never did any thing which I ought not to do nor ever had the least thought which I ought not to think and that I love none but whom I will love unto the death of ARAMINTA Assoon as the Princesse Palmis had read this Letter Mandana began to speak VVell Madam said she unto her is it not reason that since the Prince Spitridates is jealous of the Princesse Araminta I should suspect the fidelity of Cyrus must there not needs be some truth in that which is so generally spoken both in Bithynia and Lydia in Chalcidonia in Sardis Moreover Madam I am most certain this is the hand of Araminta for I have severall times seen hers when the King of Pontus was a hostage in the King my Fathers Court so that I cannot think there is an imposture in it moreover I cannot suspect the King of Pontus of forgerie for I have seen the servant whom Spitridates sent with the Letter and he is the very same servant which I preferred unto Cyrus when he went unto Themiscyra But did this Servant tell you that Cyrus was in love with Araminta replyed the Princesse Palmis He did not directly say so replyed she but he said Cyrus did render as much honour unto Araminta as if she were at Heraclea he visited her very often and held long discourses with her Moreover this messenger from Spitridates tells me one thing which puts me out of doubt that there is a great league of secrecy between Cyrus and Araminta for he tells me
the power of Amasis who by reason of this Inundation could not send any Troops from Says nor make any exact search for the Princesses But I beseech you Sir imagine a little not onely in what a pittifull condition the Queen and the young Prince her Son were but also in what a sad case that unhappy Ladice was For since shee now grew big though it was not perceived yet since she was to goe with the Queen to justifie her self she must needs tell that she was Wife unto Amasis However she was resolved not to forsake her nor did not Amenophis having provided all things necessary for fifteen dayes they imbarqued from the place where they were though the house was not near water when the River was within iâ—s Channel Their Boat at one end had a Cabin covered with Canvas under which was the Queen Sesostris Ladice and two women of the Queens At the other end was Amenophis two Servants and the Rowers Imagine Sir in what a condition this Queen was who of a great Kingdom had nothing left but a little Cock-boat in danger to perish by the impetuosity of the Nile by the Crocodiles by the Hypopothames and a thousand most horrid Monsters wherewith that river is filled which way soever they looked they could see nothing but water which was making the land of her enemies fertile if she cast her eyes upon poor Sesostris they swam in tears to see in his face so many signs of grandure in so despicable a fortune to find so many symptomes of a great heart in so tender an age for he was not at all dismaid at the tossing of the waves and bounding of the Boate thus this miserable Queen not knowing which way to look for any consolation turned towards her dear Ladice but in lieu of finding any in her eyes she saw them swim in teares and full of so much melancholy that her owne was more augmented Amenophis only was he who gave her some comfort However the River Nile was not so troublesome as she apprehended because it was not so great where she crossed as it was in the province of Delta whose scituation is very low and nothing to be seen but the forme of this Greek Letter whose name it carries so that after eight or tenn daies rowing they found some townes where they might refresh and rest themselves in the night I forgot to tell you Sir that the Queen Sesostris and Ladice had no such signes of greatnesse in their garments lest they should be known truly I think they needed no disguisment for though the habit of a Queen and a Shepheard be very different yet sorrowes had so changed the countenances of these Princesses that they were lesse knowable then any disguise of garments could make them only they had all their Jewells about them in Case of need But Sir I have so many things to relate that I shall not spend any time in telling you how they were twice in danger of drowning by certain Windes which blow alwaies when the Nile is high they are called the Etesian Winds and I have so many other things to relate which will move your pitty that I shall not meddle with this But let me tell you Sir that after all imaginable impediments of this dangerous voyage they came at last into a Town scituated upon a high hill and with works to repulse the waves which is not above sixty furlongs from Elephantine in this place Amenophis heard how that Town was at last resolved to obey Amasis and that deputies were going to swear fealty to their new King Thus after a long and dangerous voyage hoping to find a place of Sanctuary the Queen was loaded with a new burthen of sorrowes so that she had no way now but to hide her selfe But the better to doe so they must not goe unto Elephantine and therefore the Queen consulted with Amenophis who was well acquainted with that Country and upon better thoughts he remembered a Shepheard of his acquaintance whose Father heretofore served his and who dwelt in a very solitary place and pleasant where the Queen might be both safe and convenient so that without more adoe they went that way and the next morning came to a little Isle which doubtlesse the Gods did purposely create for a Sanctuary and place of retreat unto this great Princessâ— for Sir I am confident that nature never framed such a place as this it is about fifteen or sixteen furlongs in length and something oval in the midst of it is an high hill where one may retire when Nilus is high and where the pastures are only inhabited by Shepheards in cabbines this hill is full of Sicomores whose shadow is very delightfull and at the foot of it unto the river banks are meadowes so thick so fresh so sweet and faire as it seemed to be a most fertile land a million of water-trees did shaddow these pleasant meadowes in divers places and as if the Gods had designed that those who inhabit in it should not be discovered by passengers in Boats it is set round about with a thick and high hedge of Osiers and rose trees which grow so close to the water and adorne it and as if it did both invite and forbid an entrance unto all those that came unto it all the Rose-trees were intermingled with a kind of wild Lillies which grow along the River Nilus and whose odour perfumes the whole Isle This Sir was the pleasant desart which served for a Sanctuary and retreat unto the Queen Amenophis was no sooner landed but he went to seek him who he knew lived there and having found him he disposed him to entertain some persons which fled from the persecution of the new King yet not telling who they were though he enjoyned close secrecy then they went unto his house which was the greatest and neerest in all the Isle which had not above ten or twelve in all and they so separated one from another that they might easily go in and out undiscovered by any he found this Shepherd had witt enough but something covetous which fault the more pleased Amenophis who having wherewith to satisfie the humor of the man thought he would make him very faithfull to the Queen and indeed he was so for he never spoke a word unto any of the rest in the Isle since it was late when they landed none did discover them all the Shepheards being busie in driving their flocks unto their folds so that Amenophis had all that night to instruct his Shepheard whose name was Traseas a married man whose Wife was called Nicetis he told them then after a good reward in hand and large promises of more if they were faithfull his best course was to say unto therest of the Shepheards that these people in his house were forced out of their homes by the floods which when it was passed would return in the mean time stay here that they dwelt beyond Elephantine Since they were
of that amazement he was in when he came within a daies journey of this great Town and heard that he whom Amasis had acknowledged for his Sonne proved to be no more then a simple shepheard and was returned to his former condition and that Amasis acknowledged a shepheardesse whose name was Timareta for his Daughter I say you may easily imagine how all these things surprised Amenophis However he conceived it expedient before he attempted to go into the Isle to know more certainly of the truth so that he resolved to go unto Elephantine in the night and lodge with his sister But he was much perplexed to understand when he came there that she was not in Town so that Amenophis not daring to trust himselfe with the Domestiques of the house and the Father of him with whom Sesostris and I lodged being his intimate friend he resolved to make the Sonnes house his Retreat whilst he enquired of the posture wherein things are So that we were not a little astonished when my friend who knew how dear Amenophis was unto us brought him into the Chamber where we were I cannot easily expresse unto you Sir both our joyes and his He asked us a hundred things and we in lieu of answers asked him other questions In the mean time the master of the house leaving us to the freedome of talke I beseech you said Sesostris who had an extreame desire to know who himself was Tell me who I am Am I the sonne of Amasis or the sonne of Traseas or your son you are none of all these replyed Amenophis whose am I then replyed Sesostris you are Sir replyed Amenophis since it is now time to tell you the Sonne of Apriez and the legitimate King of Aegypt and I come to fetch you that you may accomplish a designe which hath been a long time in plotting Sesostris was so surprised to hear this that he doubted whether he had well understood him so that he desired Amenophis to repeat what hee had said Then Amenophis gave him an account of his design in concealing his birth and told him it was he who raised all the revolts in Thebes Heliopolis and other places Then Sesostris and I told him all the adventures both of Timareta and himself which did no lesse surprise Amenophis then his relation did us The actions of Traseas did most puzzle him for hee did not beleeve that the Princes servant had revealed his secret However it be said Amenophis I had a designe to carry both Timareta and you unto Thebes and then acquainted Amasis that Apriez had left a Son and Ladice a Daughter so that when hee knew wee had a person so deare unto him in our power wee might have brought him unto some reasonable termes But since that the posture of things are otherwise Come Sir let us goe to Thebes whither I will conduct you and let the unjust Amasis see you are not his sonne but enemy if he will not restore the Crown which is your due I know very well Sir that when you parted from our Isle you had a great affection unto Timareta and though absence cannot cure you and though she be Daughter unto the Usurper of your Dominions you may yet love her and you must make a just War to conquer her and so enjoy at once both your Kingdome and your Mistris Remember that your very name obliges you unto high things and the Gods have given you spirit and heart enough to equall and perhaps to transcend the most illustrious of your Ancestors You know that when I taught you to be a faithfull and courageous Shepheard I taught you by it to be a great and generous King Begin then the conduct of your people whom the Gods have lawfully subjected unto you and know that the War you shall attempt is most just and cannot chuse but prove propitions It is to expell an Usurper it is to revenge your father most barbarously massacred it is to revenge the death of your mother whose sorrows onely put to death it is to crown your self with glory in the eyes of all Nations it is to get your own Kingdome and your Mistris Oh Father said Sesostris for I cannot call you otherwise I must tell you and tell you without basenesse that I cannot nor will not leave loving Timareta though she be the Daughter of an Usurper I doe affect glory and fear no dangers but I love Timareta and fear to offend her Timareta replyed Amenophis is questionless worthy of your esteem not onely for her beauty and excellency of spirit and virtue but also for the generosity of her mother who was as faithfull a Subject as Amasis was perfidious And for these reasons I am not against your loving her but agree if Amasis consent that you may marry her But to effect that and to oblige Amasis to give her unto you you must be in the head of an Army you must ask her as the sonne of Apriez and let him know that Sesostris the Shepheard and Sesostris the Prince are not the same Oh Father replyed he this Prince and this Shepheard you speak of are but one person yet have different desires and I doubt whether one can yeeld unto the other The Shepheard ought to yeeld unto the Prince replyed Amenophis Reason would have it so replyed Sesostris but Love will not consent unto it If you doe but consider the present posture of your fortune answered Amenophis you will find that Love as well as Reason requires you should follow my advice For the Shepheard Sesostris cannot pretend any thing unto the Princesse Timareta 'T is true replyed he but Sesostris the Prince ought not to pretend any thing unto the Daughter of his Enemy That you may cease being his enemy answered Amenophis you must become his master you must fight with him and conquer him and then give back Timareta that Crown which you have with justice taken from him These Sir were the arguments which Amenophis used unto Sesostris to convince him in point of love and to invite him unto Thebes but the passion which had taken up a strong residence in the soul of this Prince would not permit him so suddenly to resolve upon so difficult a matter He desired of Amenophis two dayes of consideration but indeed it was to finde out an expedient how to acquaint the Princesse Timareta with his true birth and to hinder Heracleon from marrying her yet he could not possibly compasse either for it being the custom of all mercenary minded vassâ—ls to follow fortune at the heels and change as it doth when Sesostris would have entered to have seen Timareta those who were at the Palace gate and kept it for Heracleon did treat him like a Shepheard and would not suffer him to enter This course entertainment did so incense him that he doubled his fury against Heracleon though he did not know that this triviall disgrace was caused directly by him His grief was hee knew not how to ruin
apprehension since it was more easie to take the Town of Sardis then to relieve it it were better for him to receive Timareta from his hand then from Croesus therefore in lieu of relieving the Town he would help to take it and was very glad that he was certain she was in the Town which could not chuse but be taken since the invincible Cyrus would assault it My hope is replyed Cyrus that since the valiant Sesostris will fight for Timareta he will teach me by his example how to fight for Mandana In the meane time Cyrus treated Sesostris with all civility and would have all the Grandees of his Armie visit him and do him all honour so that Sesostris that day saw all the Princes which were in the Armie who were so well satisfied with him and so taken in with his spirit and civility that he was infinitly esteemed And to do him the more honour Cyrus would have him comm and one Brigade of the Assaulters so that the morning being come all orders being given all the Engines fit all the Ladders ready every one prepared to fight they began an hour before day to fill the ditch about the Town in diverse places with faggots which was so readily done that the assault was given almost in an instant and this great Towne was set round with ladders except that side which lookes towards the mountaine Tmolus which seemed inaccessible Cyrus was in that quarter next the Cittadell which was the most dangerous The King of Phrygia assaulted that side towards Pactolus The King Assyria that which was opposite to it And Mazares commanded that which was between Cyrus and the King of Assyria Sesostris that side which looked towards the Plaine Tigranes and Phraartes another towards the principall Port and Anaxares another quarter Hidaspes Chrisantes Andramites Aglatides Persodes Hermogenes Leontidas and all the brave men of the Army commanded under these Princes The King of Hircania Gobrias and Gadates remained at the Camp and commanded the reserves to execute all the commands of Cyrus and to send reliefe where there was need The orders of this assault were not onely judiciously given but most couragiously executed and the more because the Lydian resistance found matter enough for the valour of all these great Princes and Souldiers Both besiegers and besieged were all fury both in assaulting and defending There was such a vast number of Ladders and men to carry them that if the Lydians had not been incouraged by a man whom love made think nothing difficult certainly they never would have opposed so great a storm and so generall an assault but he infused such spirit into them and they fought so couragiously that they made their enemies admire them for though they were assaulted by the most valiant Princes of the World and by stout souldiers used to gain battles conquer Kingdomes and take Townes yet they resisted them so sturdily that they seemed invincible they did not onely send clouds of arrowes showers of stones and throw down Ladders but fought hand to hand with heroique fury against those that came upon the top of the walls But Sir though Cyrus did things prodigious and all the rest of the Princes wonders especially Sesostris and though every one fought with all their force yet they were not able to carry the Town that day Yet it was very remarkable that except Tigranes who was slightly hurt in the hand by the fall of a ladder there was not one of those Princes either kiled or wounded 'T is true Cyrus was oft in extreame danger for he exposed himself so oft that he was of tready to be thrown down from the top of the ladder or else to be knockt in the head with stones which the Lydians threw Yet he came off safe but so sadly that never any was more for he found it a matter of great difficulty to force this Town so that calling a Councel of Warre whilst a Cessation of hostility was made for four hours to draw off their dead it was resolved to force it no more because it could not be taken by storme by reason of the high walls multitude of Inhabitants and abundance of Souldiers which defended it but they began to draw a line about it with forts hoping to take those by famine who could not be taken by force And the next morning without more delay Cyrus went with the Engineers of his Army to view the ground and to consider at what distance they should make it and how they were to raise forts to defend it It was no sooner resolved upon but Prisoners and others began to cast up earth Cyrus himself being a while an example to encourage the laborers so that the Inhabitants of Sardis seeing their Town ready to be inclosed and that the besiegers went not about to raise their siege as they hoped their joyes for the last repulse of the enemies was quite quashed and they began to murmure some said one thing some another sometimes they would make them believe that Cyrus cared not for Mandana then they would perswade them that he would discampe if they did couragiously sustaine this assault yet it seemed thye were like to be exposed unto all the hardships of a long siege So that they fell unto a fresh mutinie for nothing is more terrible to the people then fear of Famine The thing which much augmented their disorder was that when the siege began there were many strangers in the Town who were forced to stay against their wills and who now would have gone out if it had been in their power amongst this multitude of strangers there was one Lician Ladie of quality who coming unto Sardis to see a sister which was married unto Doralisas Unckle was there shut up having with her one daughter one Neece and one of her friends all three very fair and amiable Every one was sorry that these three beauties and strangers should be shut up in a besieged Town They did earnestly solicite Croesus for leave to write unto Doralisa who they knew was the Princesse of Pontus since the death of Panthea that she would obtain leave of Cyrus for three Ladies who were not of Sardis to come out of the Town and go unto their own homes And since they knew Andramites was in love with Doralisa also in favour with Cyrus they hoped he would mediate for them Therefore having obtained a a Herald from the King of Lydia they writ unto Doralisa and Andramites giving their letters unsealed unto this Herald who according to his Commission went out of the Town unto the head of the Trenches where he stayed and where an officer and four souldiers came to conduct him unto Cyrus This Prince no sooner knew the Cause of his coming but he sent him immediately unto Doralisa and sending her word by him who conducted the Herald that he consented unto what was desired so Doralisa and Andramites in lieu of coming to ask a favour were obliged to come and
Pontus should not accept of the offers of Cyrus at the return of those whom they had sent to Licambes to Pactias to the Caunians and to the Xanthians This man was so active and so fit for such an imployment his name was Tifernes that he alone had inspired the Spirit of Revolt through all the Town There was not one publique place in all Cumes unto which he did not go two or three times in a day If he saw any two men talking together he would be sure to make the third and with a cunning ingenuity bring them unto his opinion There was not a day on which he had not some horrid news or other to affright the people which was circumstanced and dispersed as it grew into a general belief On the other side Anaxaris he was not without his share of perplexities not but that he was treated with al the civility that a Prisoner of War could be nor was his Prison such a place as that he could comylain against it and if his soul had not been more a captive then his body he would easily have endured his misfortune But since there is nothing more dangerous to look upon then a Beauty in misery and since the Princess Mandana was the fairest unfortunate that ever was Anaxaris whose soul was of a passionate and tender temper could not look upon her but needs must love her At the first he did attribute all his tender thoughts which he had of that Princess unto the compassion which he had of her misfortunes He thought also for a while that it was as much the interest of Cyrus as the interest of Mandana which made him so sensible of all that concerned her But at the last his passion did so augment that he knew the greatness of it and knew it without any power to resist it Since he saw Mandana every day the fair eyes of this Princess did kindle such a violent flame in the heart of this violent unknown one as all his reason could not quench it not but that he saw very well that never any love could kindle with smaller hopes then his but yet not being a Master of his own heart he could not rule the motions of it all that he was able to do was to know he ought not to love Mandana yet in excuse of his irregular passion it must be said that he saw Mandana in such a manner as it was a very hard matter not to love her he saw her in secret and with some difficulty and since it was by him she knew the state of the Siege since she found him a very accomplished man and looked upon him as the friend of Cyrus and as a Prisoner of War in her behalf she used him with as much civility as it was possible for her to express Moreover since they were both of them Prisoners this conformity made such a kind of equality between them as rendred her civilities more sweet and obliging It may be further said in his excuse that Mandana was never fairer then at that time Indeed it may be said that her prison did only keep her from being Sun burnt and preserved the freshness of her complexion he saw her then fair sweet civil and in miserie and he saw her thus every day So that his heart being tentered by the tears of Mandana Love did more easily wound it and wounded it with such a poysoned arrow that the wound was incurable Alas said he unto himself when he considered the misfortune into which he was fallen What can I ever pretend unto by this passion Is it not the maddest fondness in the world to love such a person who neither can nor ought love me again though she did know the violence of my passion towards her For her heart belongs only to Cyrus by so many several rights as it would be the greatest extravagancy that ever was to pretend any thing unto her The inclination of Mandana is only to him Ciaxares hath promised this Princess to him and his incomparable valour hath conquered her he hath fought and won several battels for her he hath subjected several Prouinces and Kingdomes to her and will ere long take Cumes and restore her to liberty Judg Anaxaris what hopes thou hast of Mandana thou whom she knows not who dares not make thy self known unto her and whom she could not love though she did know thee Never think to conquer that heart which the Conqueror of Asia hath conquered Consider that thou canst not do as the King of Assiria the King of Pontus and the Prince Mazares did resolve couragiously to banish that Princess out of thy heart who can never give thee hers But alas said he and reprehended himself what good will it do me to oppose reason against an unruly passion which glories in scorning it The more unfortunate I see my Rivals the more I excuse my own errour and since the King of Assiria the King of Pontus and Mazares were not able to defend themselves from the charms of Mandana why should I be ashamed in my non-ability to resist them The first of these loved her when he was unknown as I am the second though at the rate of whole Kingdomes yet must love her so far as to become her Ravisher and the third though he knew she loved Cyrus though he was both Cozen and friend unto the King of Assiria could not chuse but love her and commit a double treason in carrying her away Know and believe Anaxaris for thy justification that the charms of this Princess are inevitable and that to fail after three such great Princes as I have named is no weakness submit then Anaxaris submit unto Mandana since thou canst not resist her and without knowing why thou lovest or without considering the sequel of so fond a passion endeavour only to please her Who can teâ—l said he further to himself whether all my Rivals will not ruine one another and whether I may not thrive by their ruines Also since I cannot chuse but love Mandana I have no way else but to delude my self as long as I can for such is the composition of my soul that though I were certain Cyrus were to enjoy her to morrow yet I could not chuse but love her In the mean time as hot as the love of Anaxaris was yet he had reason enough to rule himself so far as not to make his passion known unto the Princess who caused it so that behaving himself towards her with a profound reverence and unparallelled complaicense she grew very friendly towards him But to render himself more acceptable and that he might the ofter see her when he heard no newes he would invent it and since he could not invent any wherein Cyrus was not brought in and to be acceptable unto Mandana he must needs bring him in advantagiously therefore he was extreamly troubled to contrive it His passion brought one extream perplexity upon him for knowing that the King of Pontus plotted
am apt to believe that these Ladies do think more then they speak The discourse of Cyrus did put Atalia Lysidice and Philoxone to the blush but as for the indifferent Cleocrite she never changed colour for it yet those three Ladies blushed more for as soon as Cyrus had spoken that which made them blush Anaxaris returned and Thrasiles followed who entred with so good a grace and seemed to be a man of so good behaviour and of such a noble and gallant Air that as soon as Cyrus and Mandana saw him they had a good disposition to believe that those Ladies who had no mind to commend him did esteem him much more then they would speak of In the mean time Thrasiles spoke so well so reverently and so pathetically both unto Mandana and unto Cyrus that they esteemed him as much for his wit as his courage It is most generous and nobly done Madam said he to the Princess Mandana to give liberty unto a man who endeavoured all he could to hinder yours Though his zeal unto the Prince of Cumes and unto his Country was his only motive to fight against you Since you have done nothing but what honour did oblige you unto replied Mandana I do not think any thing you have done against me ought to keep me from my dictates of Generosity and doubtless it is upon the same reason that the Illustrious Cyrus doth so easily and with so good a will grant me your liberty Since I know Madam replied Thrasiles Lyside would have me wholly obliged unto you I dare not in your presence express my gratitude unto him though it be infinite No no replied Cyrus you ought not to give me that which I ought to have no share in In all places where the Princess Mandana is present she is the Authoress of all good and she deserves the disposing of all favours and therefore unto her from whom you received a benefit is your gratitude due Whil'st Mandana Cyrus and Thrasiles were talking Atalia Lysidice and Cleocrite and Philoxene looked on and looked often upon Thrâ—siles who for his part was not attentive to what he said or to what he heard as he was to observe Philoxene and to observe whether Atalia Cleocrite and Lysidice observed him But Anaxaris perceived it not for he was so wholly taken up with the sight of Mandana and Cyrus as he thought upon nothing but his own passion and never minded others But the most observeable passage of this day was that this company who was then with Mandana and stayed very long was composed of persons who had no mind to be there for Philoxene wished she had not been there Lysidice was extreamly perplexed at her being there Atalia was vexed at her presence and Cleocrite as neutral and indifferent as she was had rather have been any where else As for Thrasiles he was much non-plust at his being amongst foure Ladies with whom he had held various correspondencies and as for Anaxaris though the sight of Mandana was the essential part of his life yet he cared not for being there since he could not be rid of his Rival so that except Cyrus all in the Chamber desired to be out 'T is true this Prince was as restless as the rest for though he had no mind to be from Mandana yet he wished with all his heart that none else were with her yet they stayed a long while But at last Atalia Cleocrite Philoxene and Lysidice being gone Mandana asked Thrasiles whether these Ladies were his friends and whether he much esteemed them But ask what she would he was as much reserved in his speeches of them as they were to talk of him yet he commended them more then they commended him but yet it was after such a manner as was apparent that he was zealous in the commendations of none but Philoxene After some other indifferent discourse the rest of the company parted also But just as Cyrus was ready to fall in talk with Mandana Anaxaris brought in an Inhabitant of Cumes who had a Letter unto the Princess from the King of Pontus Mandana no sooner looked upon it but she knew it to be his hand so that giving it unto Cyrus to read Will you spare me the pains said she unto him of reading this Letter which I believe will but anger me I will obey your commands Madam in all things replied he though it be no pleasing office to read a Letter from a Rival lest in lieu of anger it should invite you unto pity after which Cyrus opened the Letter and found these words The most unfortunate of all men living unto the Princess MANDANA MADAM SInce revenge is the sweetest thing in the world I thought it my duty to let you know that though I can give you no other satisfaction in my life yet I can acquaint you that never any was so fullie revenged as you are for trulie Madam I suffer more then ever any did I suffer without any hope and which is the greatest of my misfortunes I suffer without your pitie And I resolved to let you know my sorrows that I might thereby force you to pitie an Enemie who now hath no power to hurt you Imagine Madam what sadness of soul it is after I have lost two Kingdomes after I have ruined Croessus and the Prince of Cumes after I have so long loved you without any hope but to hinder my Rival from being happie what horror I say it is to see him the most happie and most glorious of all men and to lose my verie hopes of ever seeing you again I am gone away Madam the most unfortunate Prince that ever was in the world the most desperate Lover that ever was or ever will be and the most miserable man that ever lived Since I â—o almost alone to seek my death in the same element in which I had the happiness to save your life and since in all prohabilitie my end will have no witnesses I had a desire to let you know that mangre your insensibilitie towards me and in spite of all those miseries into which my passion hath precipitated me I shall still die your adorer and can never repent of my adoring you though that be the onlie cause of all my misfortunes This Madam is the Passion which you have scorned and these shall be my thoughts of you when the excess of my sorrows shall end my life believe therefore I conjure you that you you onlie shall be my last thought and that when I expire my last gasp will be a gasp of love and happie enough shall I think my self if after my death you shall onlie say I was worthie of a more favourable Fate When Cyrus had read this Letter he looked upon Mandana and said Doubtless I have good reason to fear Madam that the King of Pontus his Letter will move your heart more unto pity then anger for though he be my Rival yet I profess I cannot read it without compassion Since pity
meet what Reports go of Artamenes whose name is so famous and I am sure all will answer you that he cannot be in Paphlagonia I need not enquire of any replyed the man when my own eyes tel's me I am sure therfore Sir with no murmur against my violence I beseech you give me leave to carry you unto a Queen whose Subject I am and beleive it it shall be long of your self if you be not favourably received I came by orders from her pursued he to inform my self of the causes of your Imprisonment the News wherof hath reached the Queen Thomiris to let you know that if you will change your thoughts of her she will march with an Army of a hundred thousand men to force you out of Ciaxares his Fetters and set you out of a Prison upon a Throne In order to this the Queen Thomiris hath given me wherwith to suborn your Guards and to attempt any thing for your Liberty but I perceive Sir you have your self procured it Then Spitridates protested unto him again that he was not Artamenes but that he was still a Prisoner unto Ciaxares but the man would not beleive him and was so obstinate in his mistake that Spitridates must submit The reason why this man was so hard to be undeceived was that though he had seen the Illustrious Cyrus a hundred times with Thomiris yet as he told him he never heard him speak so that the tone of Spitridates would not undeceive him though there was some difference between the pronunciation of Spitridates and that of Cyrus Yet Spitridates did not a little wonder that he should still be taken for another for since he did not then know that Cyrus and Artamenes were both one Person he could not chuse but think it strange that first they should carry him unto Cambises as being Cyrus and now carry him unto Thomiris as being Artamenes yet go he must for he was so stricktly guarded that he could not chuse But sayd he unto the man who thus forced him It does not appear unto me by your speeches that Thomiris ever appointed you to do as you have done since Sir replyed he she could not foresee I should find you in such a condition as I have done she could not command me to secure your Person with ten men only but since she honoured me so far as to tell me that she would arm a hundred thousand men to have you in her power it was an implicite Command to bring you unto it if I could by all the wayes that Fortune and opportuniry should offer me Also I have been this eight dayes since accidentally I saw you in the Temple in following you and waiting for an occasion to find you alone as now I found you upon the Banks of Araxes Thus Madam did this man speak unto this Illustrious Captive whom he knew not for his more safe Convoy he would have him alwayes lye in the Barque and not set foot upon land untill he came to the place where Araxes bounders the Country of the Massagettes He was no sooner there but the man carrying Spitridates to lodge with a man of his acquaintance which had a very good Tent upon the banks of that River he sent one of his men to acquaint Thomiris that he had brought Artamenes unto her and to know her pleasure concerning him not daring to bring him to her without having speciall orders for it But whilst this Messenger was in his jonrny Spitridates observing that the Master of the Tent where he lodged was of a good wit and that he understood broken Greek passably enough which is so generally spoken over all Asia because contrary to the custom of the Massagettes he had been a Traveller he asked him concerning the Queen and what they sayd of her Sir sayd he the Queen is a most excellent Princess and if her Passions were somwhat less violent she would be all Excellency and all Virtue but indeed they are so predominate in her that Reason often will not rule her For if either Ambition Choller or Envie possess her she humours the Passion without resistance Indeed her Action against the Prince Ariantes her Brother to Raign in prejudice of him her Action against the Prince Aripithes who was long since in love with her and her Actions concerning the Ambassador from Ciaxares who stole from Court and is called Artamenes All these do make it manifestly appear that she has no command over her Passions and that Ambition Anger and Love do easily get dominion over her heart and raign there in full Tyranny And indeed the voice is that this Princess will raise a very formidable Army either to be revenged upon Artamenes or else to make him love her as if it were as great a matter to conquer the heart of this Ambassador as to conquer a Kingdom I know that Fame speaks this Artamenes to be a most admirable man and that if the Massagettans had such a King they might pretend easily to be Masters of both Scythias But for all that since the Queen hath a Son and since Artamenes did steal away from the Court I beleive the War would be unjust and the Event cannot be happy Spitridates hearing this man express himself so wisely resolved to open himself unto him to try if he could procure his help to make an escape So that whilst all his Guards stood at the Entry of the Tent which was very spacious he told him how the case stood But Madam such was the Fate of Spitridates to be taken for Cyrus that though this man had never seen either of them yet he beleived that he who spoke unto him was Artamenes For Sir sayd he unto him if you be not he you need not fear being Arested by Thomiris since you may be sure that as soon as ever she sees you she will set you at liberty therfore Sir I need not endeavour your escape But I fear answered Spitridates I fear least the Queen should be mistaken in me as the man who first arested me is However it be Sir replyed the man your best course to make me endeavour your escape is to confess ingeniously that you are really Artamenes for if you be I must confes unto you that I am so devoted unto the Queens glory as I am apt enough to take an occasion from her of doing a thing which would reflect upon her honour if she should retain you Prisoner The truth is Madam since Spitridates had no other course he deceived this virtuous Massagettan since he desired to be deceived And indeed the man did so wel manage the matter as he got Spitridates one night out of his Tent by a back-way which his Guards knew not of and to make his flight more safe he would not let him attempt to cross the River which was very broad and deep since there was not one Fisher-man whom he durst trust Therfore he conveyed him into a poor Shepheards Tent which belonged unto him
appear so unto you but because you are interested for I beseech you what reasons should I give unto the King for not submitting to his commands You may tell him replyed Carimantes that I advised you That answer might produce a dangerous consequence replyed she and I had rather sayd she and blushed make him believe that I love the Prince of Phoceus then to make him suspect any defects of duty in you But truly said she and sighed the Kings words unto me will not give me leave to hearken unto you for as he did aggravate the matter unto me if I did not make choise of him I should cause him to break off the Peace which he made for us with the Carthaginians and so renew a War Also he told me I should ruine my Country if I did not follow his advice Oh sister replyed this violent Prince I must tell you there is less danger in a Forraign War then in a Civill and as the King told you that you should cause a War with the Carthaginians if you did not choose Bomilcar So I must tell you that if you do not choose the Prince of Phoceus you will cause War in your own Country for I shall the very next day quit the Court and fortifie Marseilles and with a body both of Greeks and Segoregians shall carve out Justice unto the Prince of Phoceus by giving you a legall voluntary and not a forced choise for I am not so blind but I can see that you esteem the Prince of Phoceus enough to choose him if the King did not hinder you and do hate Bomilcar so much that you would never choose him if you had the freedome of your own inclination And therefore Sister satisfie your self and me since you may very well do it without any offence unto the Law of the Land I know very well Sir replyed she that I may but I know not whether I ought and therefore I conjure you to attempt no such violent courses as I perceive you fancy But to let you see that the reason why I will not make you any such promise as you desire is because I conceive honour will not permit me I will ingeniously confess that if I did follow the motions of my own heart I should prefer the virtue of the Prince of Phoceus before any And this I do confess Sir to the end you may know that since I value not my own interest you ought not to think it strange if I do not sacrifice my honour for your satisfaction And the rather because I am confident that though the Prince of Phoceus be not chosen yet he will not faile to be your mediator unto Onesicrite since he is obliged unto it for his own sake and for hers as well as for yours But Sister replyed Carimantes if you had loved Bomilcar what could you do more for him I assure you Sir replyed she that my thoughts of him are very farr from deserving the name of Love But Sir since I am a lover of glory above all things I beseech you let me take the advice of my pillow and consider both of the Kings reasons and yours But first tell me sayd he whether you have made him any positive promise to obey his desires I had not so much power replyed she but since my answer was only by a respective and humble silence I believe he thought that I would obey him If you do obey him replyed Carimantes you force me to become a Rebell and to do all that the passion of the Phocean Prince shall desire me to the end he may favour mine Therefore Sister since by obeying the Law you will prevent a dangerous Warr you will do justice unto a Prince who adores you you will contribute unto my happiness and keep your self from being miserable obey it rather then the King After this Carimantes being gone Cleonisbe called for Glacidia unto whom she imparted all her Brother had sayd and that she might not be ignorant of any causes of her inquietude she told her further how two of great quality in the Country had told her that if she did not make choise of Britomartes who was only of all the Pretenders that Country man all the Nobility of the Kingdome would take his part adding that Hipomenes did advertise him how Galathes had plotted some great design with Menedorus in case he were not chosen So as said she unto Glacidia which way soever I look I find my self in the most pittifull condition in the world For truly if I obey the King I shall choose Bomilcar whom I hate I shall not choose the Prince of Phoceus whom I love I shall incense the Prince my Brother I shall disoblige all the Nobility disobliging Britomartes Also I do expose my self unto the violence and subtlety of Galathes who is the craftiest man alive But there cannot be the least thought of choosing either Britomartes or Galathes for though my naturall aversion be stronger against Bomilcar then against them yet I know that if I must be unjust unto Bomilcar it must be in favour of the Phocean Prince For by choosing one of them I should equally incense the King and the Prince my Brother yet they are both of them much to be feared for the one may raise a party in the State and the other being very powerfull with the King of the Celtes may cause a vexatious War On the other side if I should do as the Prince my Brother would have me and perhaps as my self would as much as he I should more incense Britomartes and Galathes then if I should choose Bomilcar But the great Consideration of all is that I shall incense the King and I doubt dishonour my selfe by it And after all this Glacidia added Cleonisbe can you be so inhumane as to deny me your Counsell in so perplexing a conjuncture No Madam replyed she and since you command me I will take so much liberty as to tell you that to ridd your self of half your trouble you must never think either of Galathes or Britomartes but without any fears either of the Celtes or Segoregians never trouble your mind with any thing but your choise either of Bomilcar or the Prince of Phoceus Alas Glacidia sayd Cleonisbe by leaving me in doubt of that choise you leave me in doubt of all Truly Madam replyed she this is all I either can or ought to do For being fully perswaded you cannot choose amiss between them two which I named I thought I might well say what I did but ought not to say any more since I cannot prejudice either Bomilcar or the Prince of Phoceus Therefore Madam it is your self only who must examine the reasons both of the King and the Prince Carimantes and to do what you shall find most expedient If I should hearken unto reason replyed she I should choose Bomilcar and if I should honour the motions of my own heart I should choose the Phocean Prince But for all this added
keep close in that Province until he have brought one of these two things to pass either until he have negotiated with the Queen his Sister or else until he have declared war for I understood within these few days that there came a man of quallity disguised unto him who told him that his friends had raised a great Party against Thomiris and that the state of things was so as he was able to take the Kingdom of the Issedons from Thomiris which he pretended that Princess unjustly detained from him This Scithyan who came to Ariantes replied Indatherses and addressed his speech unto Cyrus is certainly him for whom I desired your protection Sir If so replied Cyrus happily we may get more light from him then yet we know If he do know any thing replied Indatherses I am in good hopes he will impart it to me for he is my very good friend and is a little obliged to me So as since I know him to be a most accomplished man I have good reason to hope he will not hide what I shall desire to know if he can impart it without betraying his friend For Heavens sake said Cyrus let me know as much as you can concerning Ariantes I shall not fail Sir answered this generous Scithian for I assure you Sir I should be as much joyed to help you in the delivery of Mandana as I was when I had the happiness to help you out of the Massagetian Country After this Cyrus thanking him and confirming the promise he made unto the servant of Andramites he returned unto the place from whence Mandana departed but in his way thither he met the Prince Mersiles who with unequaled sorrow told him thus Sir said he since one that is a subject unto the King my father hath his hand in carrying away the Princess Mandana I may perhap seem to be accessary But if you will be pleased Sir to consider what he hath done against my self doubtless you will not think me culpable As he was saying so Mazares overtook them and with so much sadness in his face as it was easie to see that though he did not pretend any thing unto Mandana yet he did very much interest himself in her misfortunes And Cyrus had no sooner returned a civil answer unto the Prince Mersiles but Mazares conjured him to tell him whether he had heard any thing concerning Mandana So as Cyrus esteeming him very much and had loved him most tenderly had he never been his Rival he gave him a most exact account of all passages but he had no sooner done speaking then Mazares told him that he was exceeding generous to satisfie his curiosity For truly said he though I never carryed away Mandana but once yet it may very well be said that I am accessary both unto the King of Pontus his carrying her away and also unto this of Ariantes since if I had never begun they had never followed But I assure you Sir that I would spend both my blood and my life to recover unto her that liberty which I caused her to lose Alas alas cryed Cyrus considering what is past what may be expected from the future After this Cyrus began to march and muse with himself until he met with the Prince Artamas unto whom he related as much as he did unto Mazares And after that he went straight into the Castle where all Mandana's women stayed with all the Ladies of Thimiscira who were to return the next morning for the River which had not swelled its banks was now confined into its ordinary limits and would let them pass But since Arianite was of their acquaintance she and Pherenice stayed with them and all the rest of Mandana's women also Cyrus desiring Amaldea to have a care of them until their Princess was at liberty and that she would carry them unto Thimiscira where he would give orders for all things they should need In the mean time Indatherses went to visit Adonacris to scru what he could out of him before Cyrus resolved upon any course But whilst he was there he did not only give orders that all honor should be given unto the King of Assiria's Corps as if that dead Prince were living upon his Throne But also that it should be carryed unto the stately Tombe which the Queen Nitocris his Mother had built in Babylon And accordingly about three days after his Corps was put in a Charriot covered with black cloth imbroidered with Gold the horses which drew it in magnificent harness and this Charriot was waited upon by two hundred men in mourning on horse-back whereof half went before it and half behind In the mean time since it was ever the custom of Cyrus to do a hundred unnecessary things for the service of Mandana rather then neglect the least expedient that might be serviceable he conveyed away Spies to Cholchis where the servant of Ariantes said be would land and he sent Ortalques secretly in a disguise to Gelonide who had been very favorable to him when he was with Thomiris but since it was Chrisantes who had the most commerce with her Cyrus desired him to write unto her and desired Aglatidas who was Nephew unto that wise Lady to do the like he himself intending to march slowly towards that Country until he knew precisely where Mandana was Whilst Cyrus was thinking upon these things Indatherses having been to see Adonacris and having found him in a condition to be talked with he conjured him to tell what Ariantes his design was I can tell you replied Adonacris that since I came hither I opposed as much as I was able the unjust design of Ariantes And truly generous Indatherses I had a good mind to betray that Prince to the end I might the better have served him but since I was afraid to ruine him by desiring to serve him I durst not trust Cyrus unto whom I had not the honour to be known and if it had been the pleasure of the Gods that you had been here when I came first hither things had not now been in that lamentable condition as they are For truly Sir Ariantes hath lost a Kingdom to carry away Mandana and he chused rather to be her Ravisher then to be King of the Issedons I do so little understand the meaning of all this replied Indatherses that I cannot give any answer unto it for since I left Thomiris I have been alwayes in Greece seeking Anacharsis who as you know is my Unkle so as I have only a confused notion of what hath passed in both the Scithia's and since I desired to forget the ungrateful Thomiris I would not so much as think upon the Country where she dwelt nor ask any news of it 'T is true since I came into Asia I understood that presently after my departure from the Massagettes there grew a War between Arirntes and Thomiris by reason of apretention which that Prince had unto the Crowne but I have such a confused knowledge of
it that you would do me the greatest pleasure in the world if you would be pleased to tell me not only all you know concerning Ariantes and Thomiris but all the adventures happened unto your self and if you will compleatly oblige me let the illustrious Cyrus know it also and to induce you unto it I must assure you that it much concerns the Prince Ariantes whom you love you should oblige a Prince who certainly will one day be his Conquerour Since I have nothing to speak concerning the Prince Ariantes which can prejudice him replied Adonacris but on the contrary will rather excuse him I will willingly satisfie your desires as far as I can But to tell the illustrious Cyrus all that relates unto Ariantes and all that concerns my self will be a discourse so long that I am afraid considering my condition I shall not be able to go through with it But I have a friend which came unto me this morning who knows all things as well as I my self and who speaks Greek excellently well he shall relate the matter better then I my self can Indatherses seeing that indeed he was not able to speak so long together unless he should do himself hurt though he was indifferent well of his wounds he accepted of his offer So Adonacris sending for his friend whose name was Anabaris he presented him unto Indatherses and telling him what office he desired from him he prepared himself for obedience So that Indatherses telling him that he would first know what houre Cyrus would appoint and then send him word he went unto that Prince and left those two illustrious Scithians And Cyrus to loose no time desired Indatherses to bring Anabaris unto him that night So that he sent to seek Anabaris and presented him unto Cyrus who after a very civil reception desired him to satisfie his curiosity Then Cyrus Indatherses and he each of them taking their places he began thus The History of the Prince ARIANTES of ELIBESIS of ADONACRIS and of NOROMANTE WHen I consider Sir by what wayes the Gods do bring the strangest things to pass and what that indissolveable Chain of small things with great ones and great ones with small things is I cannot chuse but admire their order and acknowledg that it is not fit for men to pry too far into their mysteries Indeed Sir who can imagine that the violence which the Prince Ariantes hath done unto the Princess Mandana had its first cause in the adventures which I am now to relate unto you And that before ever Ariantes knew her he had done a hundred things which put a disposition into his Spirit of committing that Crime which now troubles you yet it is most certain that whilst you were with Thomiris and whilst the Prince Ariantes was in the Kingdom of the Issedons with the young Prince Spargapise there fell out such things as would have prevented this accident if they had not been Then Sir I do think it pertinent to tell you that the Father of Thomiris was not born a King and that when he became one he was already married Indeed Thomiris who was his then only Daughter was four years of age when the Prince Lypacari her Father by his prudence valor possessed himself of the Kingdom of Issedons after the death of the last of their ancient Kings So as by this means the Prince Ariantes coming into the world two years after Lypacaris ascended the Throne Thomiris was six years elder then the Prince Ariantes I tell you this Sir that you may the better understand by what right Thomiris raigns in prejudice of this Prince for be pleased to know that the Issedons are so perswaded that prudence cannot be found in youth as without any difference of Sexes they have a Law that when their King dies his eldest Child must raign So as if he have a Daughter elder then a Son the Crown is hers Things being thus and the Father of Thomiris dying this young Princess who was then fourteen years of age was proclaimed Queen because the Prince Ariantes was but eight And she found her way the more easie unto it because the Son unto the late King of the Massagettes who was then at Issedon and was deep in Love with that young Princess did countenance her cause by his presence and by his interest that so he might unite in her person two Kingdoms under one and the same Authority And indeed things went as he wished for Thomiris was declared Queen and he married her presently after 'T is true they stayed not at Issedon which is the Metropolis of our Kingdome because the King of the Massagettes being dead the Prince his Son carried the Queen his Wife into his own Country and he carried her thither in double mourning because the Queen his Mother-in-law died also So that this Prince carrying the young Ariantes with him by this means he took him out of the peoples sight lest murmuring that they had not a King resident in their own Kingdome there should any rebellion begin under his name In the mean time this young Princess being the first year delivered of a Successor the King her Husband died suddenly and left Thomiris Queen-Regent during the minority of the young Spargapises and left her also Queen of two Kingdoms Though this Queen was very young yet she raigned Soveraignly and absolutely and in great glory making her self so terrible unto all the Grandees and people that there was not the least commotion in either of her Kingdomes In the mean time though she was born at Issedon though that Kingdom was more civilized then the Massageâ—tes though we have their goodly Towns and though the others habitation be only in Tents yet she preferred that warlike people before that which was more civil and polite so as sending Lievtenants unto Issedon she dwelt in Tents Royal. Also it was her pleasure that the Prince Ariantes should stay with her until the People beginning to murmure a little at the exorbitances of those she sent to govern them and then she sent thither the young Spargapisis her Son though he was but a child to the end his presence might appease all tumults But because that young Prince did love Ariantes very well Thomiris let them both go together which voyage continued longer then she thought of This was the voyage Sir which those two Princes made when you were with Thomiris during which time all manner of diversions were invented amongst us to please the young Spargapises and keep him amongst us to the end we might still have him amongst us who was to be our King Since Issedon is a place as pleasant as any whatsoever it was there where Spargapises and Ariantes stayed most after they had surveighed all the Kingdome And though Spargapises was not yet at an age to relish pleasures yet since Ariantes was eight years elder then he the diversions were most for him Dancings Feasts Balls and other exercises of the body were for
such a one is merry as many men do for certainly there are a thousand petty observations to be made which make a great difference in tempers which seem not opposite yet that it is which makes the resemblance true For as all women who have great gray and sweet eyes do not resemble one another so there are a million of persons of whom the same things may also be said which yet do not resemble one another neither in their minds nor faces and therefore as I sayd before it is requisite to have the art of putting a difference between the melanchollick and the serious and between the diverting and the merry when one will draw such a picture as requires neither pensills nor colours I perceive by what you say replyed Onesile that when you have shewed us the picture of Sapho I shall know her better than I do my self Though I have the advantage to know that admirable Lady replyed Cyrus yet I am confident that you will know her better by Democides than I do To spend no time in commending the painter who must draw this fine peice said Spitridates I beseech you oblige him to begin his work Araminta seconding Spitridates Democedes began his relation addressing his speech unto the Queen of Pontus THE HISTORY OF SAPHO SINCE it is very naturall for every one to commend such things in which themselves have interests I think Madam it will plead my excuse if in commending the admirable Sapho I also commend her country because it is my own and if in observing unto you all the advantages of her birth I tell you that she was born in one of the most delectable places in the world The very truth is Madam The Isle of Lesbos is both so pleasant and so fertile as the Egean sea hath none comparable unto it This Isle is bigg enough in some places to make one think it is joyned to the Continent but it is none of those which are so mountanous as they seem to be only a huge masse of rocks in the midst of the sea Nor is it like some of those which having no rising ground in them seem alwayes exposed unto fury of the waves which inviron them But on the contrary the Isle of Lesbos can boast of all the varieties which any great kingdome joyned to the continent can produce For towards the East it hath mountains and great woods and towards the West meadows and pleasant plaines The aire there is pure and healthy the goodness of the ground produceth plenty commerce is great and free and the Continent so neer towards Phrygia that in two houres one may when they please see a forraigne Court Moreover Mytilene the Metropolis is so excellently well built and hath two such goodly ports that strangers admire them and find much delight in staying there This Madam is the place of Sapho's birth The wise Pittacus is the Prince of it and attracts an infinite number of accomplished men He had a son called Tysander a man the most rarely qualified in the world and who did contribute much to the pleasure of the place yet since it is long since he dyed I shall speak no more of him though he was one of Saphoes Adorers Now Madam after I have acquainted you with the place of her birth I will say somthing of her quality she was the daughter of a man of note called Scamandogenes of so noble a race that no family in Mytilene could shew a longer or more unquestionable pedegree Sapho again had the advantage to be the daughter unto a Father and Mother who were persons of great spirits and virtue but she was so unfortunate as to loose them so soon as she received from them only her first inclinations unto goodness for she was but six years of age when they dyed t is true they left her under the tuition of a Cousin who had all requisite qualities for the education of a young person and they left her an estate much below her ment yet enough not to stand in need unto any nay more to appear very decent and handsomely in the woâ—ld Yet she had a brother called Charaxes who was left very rich For Scamandrogines when he dyed divided his Estate very inequally and left much more unto his sonne then his daughter though to say truth he did not deserve it and though she deserved a Crown Indeed Madam I do not thinke all Greece ever had a person so comparable unto Sapho yet I shall not now relate unto you any passages of her infancy for she was so very little while a Child that at twelve years of age she was spoken of as a person whose beauty spirit and judgment were already â—pe and made all the world to wonder only thus much let mee tell you that never was in any found inclinations more noble nor a greater aptnesse to learn any thing she desired to know However though Sapho was charming even from her very Cradle yet I will draw you the picture of her person and mind only as she is at this present to the end you may the better know her Give me leave to tell you then Madam that though you here speak of Sapho as the most charming person of all Greece yet you must not imagine her to be one of those in whom Envâ—e cannot finde a fault But yet you must know that though she be none of those which I speak of yet she is able to inspire greater passions then the greatest beauty of the Earth And thouâ—h she sayes she is very low when she would detract from her selfe yet she is of a reasonable stature but so noble and so well made as possibly can be desired As for her Complexion it is none of the highest Lustre yet so well as none can say but that she is very faire But her eyes are so unexpressably lovely so fine so sweet so quâ—ck so amorous and so sprightly as the lustre of them strikes to the very heart of those she looks upon The truth is they sparkle like fire and yet have such a passionate sweetnesse as shews that Vivacity and Languer are not things incompatible in the eyes of Sapho That which made their greatest lustre was that there never was a greater opposition then was between the black and white of her eyes and yet this great opposition did not cause any harshnesse to appeare in them but there was such an amorous kind of spirit which did sweeten them in such a charming manner as I do not believe there was ever any person whose looks were more dreadfull Moreover she had many things which are seldome found together For her physiognomic was both subtle and modest and yet she had a kind of gâ—andure and haughtinesse in her Garbe and Aire Her face was ovall her mouth little and redd an â—her hands so admirable as if they were made to take hearts oâ— if you knew how dearly she loved the Muses you would say they were worthy to gather
corrupt our manners we do all we can to live upon what our Country affords us and not be beholding unto the commerce of other Nations This replyed Sapho hath some resemblance unto the Lacedemonian Constitution which took extraordinary care that no strange customs should be introduced unto their owne But when you tel me that you hold corespondency with no Neighbours I must confesse that I cannot understand how that can be and questionlesse it would be very delightfull unto all the company if you would be pleased to take so much paines as to make us understand it and to relate the Originall of a people and the manners of their Country which must needs be very pleasant if it produce men like unto your self I beseech you Madam replyed Clyrantes do not judge of my Country by me And to render that Justice which I ought to pay unto it I will tel you what it is Be pleased to know Madam that the Sauromates in general which some do mingle with Scythians and others distinguish do stil retaine such odd customs that their very sacrifices do speak the ferocity of their Nature For in Lieu of building Temples unto Mars who is the God whom they adore or erecting his statue they heap up together a huge pile of wood which they set on fire and when it is consumed they set a Sword in the midst of this great heap of Ashes before which they sacrifice those Prisoners which they take in Warre yet the people have been much more cruel and savage then now they are for the Prince who at this day governs them hath infused much civilitie into their Natures But in those dayes when they were more barbarous Fortune having brought amongst them some Greeks from whom the Challipides do say they are descended they seated themselves in a place which borders upon the banks of the River Tanais and they did so well indoctrinate some of the principall Sauromates as they made them abhorre their own customs and embrace theirs in so much as one of those Grecians did insensibly get such Authority over all their Country That the People did acknowledge one of them for their head And the businesse came to that height as when the Prince who then raigned over the Sauromates would oppose this Junction he found it a very difficult businesse for the commotion was so great and sudden that it came to blowes And this Greek being both valiant and prudent the Sauromattan Prince could not vanquish him but on the contrary he was forced to let them have a petty Dominion in the midst of his own Kingdom and could not help it For Madam this famous Grecian assembled to gether all such as would voluntarily be his Disciples and Subjects he drew them towards the confines of that place which he made choise of for their habitation and wasted the Country so al about that al seemed to be a desart Thus after he had maintained Warrs five or six years with much glory the Prince of Sauromates was forced to make a Peace and to suffer another Dominion to be in the heart of his own Kindome which was become a desart all about this new Dominion But one of the conditions of this Peace was that it should be equally forbidden both unto the ancient subjects of this Saucromatan Prince and to those of this new Soveraign to till the Lands which the last had laid wast or to build any houses or Cotages upon it And indeed Madam this was so stricktly observed by our forefathers that at this day it is three great dayes journey at the least over this Wildernesse So as one of the best cultivated Countries in the world is hedged in with another which is not at all inhabited And it may be well said that your Isle is not so without Neighbours as my Country is though it be joyned to the continent For it is an easier matter to passe between Mytilene into Phrygia then out of my Country unto any habitable place This description is so very particular replyed Sapho And the Idea of this little Dominion which hath no Neighbours doth so please me That if women were as well permitted to travell as men I should be full of curiosity till I saw it Your curiosity Madam replyed Clirantes would be much better satisfied then you can imagine For that illustrious Grecian our first Prince did hedge about his Dominions with a desart only to hedge in all the virtues and the secrecies which he would infuse into the soules of his Subjects and to hinder the vices of his Neighbours from spoiling his design And having many able men with him he established such good orders amongst them as in a short time their manners were wholy changed So as this Prince living unto a great age he had time enough to establish his Lawes and left a sonne prudent enough to maintaine them He lived to receive so much satisfaction as to see all the Arts and Sciences flourish in his Dominions and his memory is so deare unto us that we accompt our years from the time of his raign But I beseech you Sir said Sapho then unto him satisfie us a little better concerning your customs Since Madam replyed Clirantes they are almost all Graecian I should but be tedious since you know them better then I do It will therefore suffice if I acquaint you with what we believe And therefore be pleased to know Madam that we think of the gods as you do That except some reliques of ancient Sauromatique Ceremonies which our first King would not out of policy abolish our sacrifices are like unto yours our Townes our houses or Villages are much resemblant unto yours here but I must tell you that our Dominion is not so large for there is but one great City fifty Towns and two hundred Villages The truth is that the City is one of the most pleasant places in the World and if strangers were permitted egresse and regresse its reputation would be fam'd over all the World but since it is our custome to debarre them the reputation of our Country is confined within its own limits and the desarts which environ us and we think our selves so happy in neither envying nor being envyed by others that we value not the Worlds ignorance of our happinesse But I beseech you replyed Amithone when one comes into your Country are they not suffered to go out againe They never admit of any but upon that condition replyed Clirantes For there are Guards kept at all the advances and none are suffered to enter unlesse they be thought worthy Indeed when any one hath a desire to dwell in our Country the Guards stop them and carry them to the Prince who transferres them unto certaine Officers appointed for that purpose to be examined three Moneths together to see their manners and whether they know any thing worthy to be received amongst us and after all this they are to sweare never to go out of the Country without the
though the Prince Mazares should be as happy as he is brave and though he should have more generosity then love yet I have no grounds for any hope because I believe that if he attempt any thing the life of Cyrus will be the more in danger since Thomyris had rather see him dye then delivered Also it grieves me that his Rivall is a prisoner as well as he For he being obliged unto him being generous and having some power over his own spirit I might hope if he were at liberty that he would prevent all sad consequences of Thomyris her passion But alas it hath pleased the Gods to deprive me of all relief and to take all hopes from me As Mandana was talking in this sad manner Hesionide all in tears came and beseeched this Princess to go into Araminta's Tent For though Thomyris had commanded that all the captive Ladies should be severed yet Araminta was not by reason of her excessive sorrows As much grieved as Mandana was for her own interests yet she would not deny assistance unto a Princess whom she so much esteemed but went into heâ— Tent and found her in a most lamentable condition for she would never eate any thing since she knew of Spitridates his death She was grown so weak and yet had such a violent Feaver that it was easie to see that her grief would soon ease her of all her payns Yet her reason was very perfect and though her voyce was very faint yet she could expresse her selfe most sensibly unto Mandana I beg your pardon Madam said she unto her for augmenting your sorrows by a sight of mine yet since I have but a few minutes to live I hoped that you would give me leave to make one request unto you Alas Madam replyed Mandana My condition is so deplorable that there is nothing in my power but to lament your misfortunes and weep with you Yet I assure you Madam that there is nothing but things impossible which I would not do for you My request is replyed the miserable Araminta that by the power you have with Ariantes you will obtain from him that Spitridates and I may have but one Tomb That you will let the illustrious Cyrus know I leave him all the right which I have unto the Kingdome of Pontus And that I conjure him to keep in memory that unfortunate Prince who had the glory to resemble him and dye in his service But above all Madam I beseech you so contrive it that Death may unite what the cruelty of Fate hath severed and that Spitridates and Araminta may have but one Grave I hope Madam replyed Mandana that you will not stand in need of my help and that you will live to erect a Monument unto that Illustrious Prince for whom you grieve But if you do not alas Madam I shall not be able to do that Office which you desire For the Prince Ariantes is arrested by orders from Thomyris The miserable Cyrus is in Fetters and I am in as great a desire of death as you are Do thy worst Fortune do thy worst replyed Araminta weakly and after thou hast taken two Kingdoms from me deny me a Grave and deprive me of the only satisfaction which I had left which was my hope that the Prince whom Spitridates resembled might be happy As for you Madam added she holding Mandana by the hand I have nothing to say unto you since you have occasions enough for your own Tears and your afflictious deserves them After this Aransinta was silent and turned to the other side And about two hours after she fell into such a profound Lethargy that she never recovered out of it but only to pronouuce the name of the miserable Spitridates and dyed patiently Such a sad augmentation of sorrow as this filled the imagination of Mandana vvith all the horrours of death Yet that of Araminta vvas most vvorthy of life and of that passion vvhich possessed her soule For during that quarter of an hour vvhich she recovered she vvas full of high expressions She told Mandana that she did not stand in need of all her patience constancy to suffer the losse of tvvo Kingdoms to suffer Exile and imprisonment but she stood in need of more then all she had to endure the death of Spitridates She spoke most obligingly of the Bythinian Princelle She recommended Hesionide unto her She beseeched the Gods to pardon her vveaknesses and excesse of sorrovvs Also she prayed them to unite her spirit unto the spirit of Spitridates After vvhich she dyed quietly vvithout any strugling or losse of that beauty vvhich rendered her the most charming Princess upon Earth though that vvas the lovvest of those rare qualities vvhich made her admired In the mean time Mandana endeavoured to do her that office vvhich she desired and entreated the Physitian of Thomyris vvho savv her dye to be a mediator unto this Queen that Aramintas Tomb and Spitridates his might be all one And this man being much moved vvith compassion he obtained of Thomyris vvhat Araminta desired Thus Death united vvhat Fortune had separated and these tvvo illustrious persons vvho could not sit upon one Throne did lye both in one grave But all this while Ariantes was in most incredible torment in fears lest Thomyris should take any violent course against Mandana and his fears of it were such that hee almost wished her in the power of Cyrus rather than of Thomyris On the other side Myrsiles was extreamly grieved at his Arrest and that he was not able to do any service unto Mandana Cyrus or Doralisa Intaphernes and Atergatis were as much grieved as he but Feraulas was incomparably most of all dejected Meliantes also was vexed that Hidaspes was not a Prisoner as wel as some of those who came upon the same design The Princesse of Bythinia grieved for the death of her brother for Araminta for the imprisonment of her Lover Istrina also was sadly concerned in the affliction of that Princesse in the misfortune of Atergatis And Arpasia was very sad because Meliantes was a prisoner and because she knew not where Hydaspes was But put all the miseries of all these persons together they were all incomparable to that of Cyrus For when it came into his thoughts that his Rivall was a prisoner because he should not defend the life of Mandana against the fury of Thomyris his grief was beyond all expression which way soever he turned his thoughts he could find no consolation For if he considered Thomyris as his Enemy he could not endure his fetters If he thought upon her as his Lover she was more odious unto him If he remembred all his victories he remembred them with sorrow since his Fate was changed Iâ— he called to memory the cruelty of Thomyris unto the deaâ— Spitridates when she took him for himselfe he prepared himselfe to dye in the same cruell manner And if he thought upon Mandana he thought upon her with unimaginable sorrow
thought it fit to avert him from it I therefore do know of infallible certainty that Meliantes is my Sonn But since under that name he hath had the Glory of doing some service unto so great a Prince I would not have him own any other As long as the King of Hyrcania spoke Meliantes had many different thoughts sometimes he was glad that his birth was as great as his heart and somtimes when he thought his condition would blast his pretentions unto Arpasia he was sad Thus Love and Ambition strugling in his heart all the while the King of Hyrcania spoke he knew not whether he should be sad or glad But as soon as that Prince had done speaking Nature beginning to prevail with his Soul he rendred unto the King his Father all possible reverence in the presence of Cyrus and Mandana After which the King of Hyrcania by the permission of Cyrus caused the man whom Meliantes thought to be his Father to enter who confirmed all that he had said So as it being out of all question the King of Hyrcania told Meliantes he was very sorry that the Lawes of his Kingdome were against the Lawes of his Love but for all that he hoped that a Crown would comfort him for the losse of Arpasia So that without requiring any precise answer but supposing that he would conform himselfe to the Law he told Cyrus in a low voyce that hee was very impatient until Meliantes was known unto the world for whom he was hoping that the Complements and Addresses which would be made unto him upon the advantageous alteration of his condition would vvine its mind from its ordinary object and hinder him from excessive grief at his losse of Arpasia So Cyrus beseeching Mandana to let the people enter into her Chamber the happy adventure of Meliantes was quickly divulged For the Prince Mazares Artamus Intaphernes Atergatis and many others came in and were informed of it Yet Meliantes as soon as he could disingage himselfe from the company and being prieked on by his passion he went unto the Tent where Arpasia was who knew already who he was for Martesia had sent to tell it unto Niside who told her therefore she received him as sonne unto the King of Hyrcania to wit with much more ceremony and reverence But Meliantes at first perceiving it No no Madam said he unto her I beseech you do not change your way of behaviour unto me For if you please Meliantes will be the very same he was yesterday since Fortune will needs have it so that he cannot be both son unto the King of Hyrcania and Husband unto the fair Arpasia After this Meliantes acquainting her how the case stood he protested that if she would give him her whole heart he would with joy renounce all pretensions unto the Crown of Hyrcania and would esteem himselfe much more happy in reigning there than in a great Kingdome But Madam said he most passionately you must do it in all sincerity and Justice and consider that Hydaspes perhaps would not quit a Crown to enjoy you Arpasia was now much mooved at the expressions of Meliantes But being both full of generosity and sincerity she thought it not fit to dissemble her thoughts nor to let a Prince so generous loose a Crown since she saw it as great a difficulty for her to disoblige Hidaspes as him But though she vvas as svveet in her expressions as possible as possible yet he thought himselfe so vvronged that all these testimonies of his Love should not oblige her vvhole heart that he protested he vvould never pretend more unto her and that he vvould do all that ever he could to make ambition supply the place of his love and vvould never affect any thing but glory since he could never affect any but her and since he could not obtain her Love And accordingly hee vvent from her in this mind and meeting Hidaspes by the vvay he told him that he vvould yeeld Arpasia unto him and assured him that though he could never cease being his Rivall yet he vvould cease all pretentions unto the enjoyment of his Mistresse Hidaspes received this Declaration vvith so much joy that Meliantes began to repent but the anger of his soule coming into his reliefe he did not change his mind but on the contrary vvas so confirmed that he hoped vvith time to cure himselfe of his passion and vvithdravv his heart from one vvho could give him but halfe of hers In the mean time Cyrus had his shires in the inquietudes of Meliantes though he did not shew it For the Hircanian law which did forbid the sons of their Kings to marry strange Princesses was also the Law of the Cappadocians so as Mandana as Queen of that Kingdome could not marry Cyrus Yet this Prince did conceale his sorrows and would believe that as Ciaxares might deny the Princess his daughter as Qu of Cappadocia yet he might give her to him as Princesse of Media only Not that this obstacle was new unto this Prince but he had so many other more weighty that he never thought of it untill the King of Hircania did mention the Law of his Kingdom and untill Mandana told Meliantes that in gaining a Crown he must loose a Mistresse However he dissembled his inquietudes and appeared the next day as pleasant as possible In the mean time Mandana having a great desire to be on the other side of Araxes she entreated all the rest of the princesses to rise betimes so as they went so early that the Troops could not follow them But after they had passed over Araxes and the Army also the wise Anacharsis who had waited upon Cyrus so farre did take his leave of him and carryed Inâ—â—thyrses away with him â—â—esiphiles Cherseas and Diocles accompanied him and continued their Travels as they began But this wise Scythian at parting from Cyrus and Mandana did give them such high Elogies as they had great reason to be as well satisfied with him as he with them As for Indathyrses he left Cyrus much against his will as well as the faire Telegenes and had he thought shee could have left Armenia to go into the Countrey of the Sauromates he would not have parted so soon but he chose rather to cure himselfe of a growing passion by absence than vainly augmenting it by his stay In the mean time Cyrus and Mandana continued on their journey but out of prudence he would not let the King of Hircania goe unto Ecbatane for it was apparant that Meliantes had need to be far from Arpasia to quench his flames So as Cyrus making that his pretence he moved the King of Hircania to go into his own Kingdome with the Troops which he brought And in parting from Meliantes he gave him such high applauds inducing him to love glory only as he had good reason to be well satisfied Mandana also testified so much esteem of him and so did all the Princesses and Princes which followed