head with Honor to the graue gloryed in the fauour Anzitemus began wih All these resolued him that the fame of Artabazes death and Astiages ouerthrow was altredy diuulged in Armenia and that the dissentions betwixt Media and Persia receiued a period only the Maryage of Roxana was deferred as not knowing how he was affected and therfore without doubt he might determine for his owne kingdome Wherupon they made forward apace and accordinge to their expectation without difficulty more then the wonder of his returne because they supposed him lost in the fight with Cleonidas Landed in Armenia at the Riuer Erix from whence by easie Iornies ouer the Mountaines they came to Armamiranda where Euphamia was resident to whom the people vpon report of Anzitemus ariuall had flocked on heapes desiring her to stand as a guard betweene them and his displeasure considering their obedience since and the reuenge vpon Gestarius who had opened the Dore of the last troubles To these she onely wished the continuance of their loyalties but to certaine persons drawne into the faction with Olmus and of inueterate malice for Cleonidas who made her beleeue they would be warranted their safety shee absolutely denied to bee compelled For if they determined truth and vndissimuled duety no doubt her Sonne though Artabazes losse was irkesome to them both knew what belonged to a remedilesse matter But little needed these suspitions for Anzitemus knowing that strange courses bred as strange alterations and that in a good beginning consisted the hope of successe proclaymed a generall Pardon and establishing of all men in their estates offices and places that would ratifie his succession With this comfort was the whole Kingdome appeased and for the better assurance of their faythfull hearts they confirmed the prerogatiues of his Maiestie and conferred to him whatsoeuer belonged to a Kings person establishing those Lawes wherewith his Father and Grandfather had swayed the Common-wealth The people brought in a guift of a thousand Talents the Officers to continue their places liberally fined them selues the Nobilitie to renew their Immunities sent many Presents the Cities to strengthen their Priuiledges disbursed great summes the Gentry to aduance them selues spared for no reasonable matter and the Courtiers to purchase fauoure exceeded in cost and diligence But when the incomparable Brizaca was published their Queene they passed in extremity of applause and sacrificed to the Gods for restoring their peace and establishing the Monarchy in such worth and royalty THus was Anzitemus and Brisaca solemly inuested and looking backe with regard vpon the worth of Euphamia affoorded her the dignities of her Widdowhead and permitted her the fruition of many Pallaces and Priuiledges besides in all Assemblies there was a Throane erected somewhat higher then his owne that the people might know shee was the Kings Mother and how highly hee desteemed her Now though Fortune dad taken off the maske of Despight and shewed him a countenance of fauour yet neither seemed hee vaine or elated but reposed and indeed moderating that excesse of ioy which sometimes many Princes after their aduancements cannot hide But it may be the meditation of his great affaires reduced him because three especiall matters lifted vp their heads to be seene and by being seene to be remembred The first was the discharge of the Zagarians and dismissing Philano which hee royally performed with a Princely ouerplus confirming the League and wishing if the Persians and Medians did not agree to hearken after Roxana but when Trezoboro came to take his leaue of his Friend it exceeded a Passion and the louely Philano truly deciphered the force of Affection So deuiding a Ring betweene them because subiect to aduentures they might be sure not to be vnknowne they parted in body but the loue of their hearts ended not in death The Ring was artificially wrought and enclosed with an enameled Scalloppe made of a Stone taken from the eyes of a Panther but deuided was not to be matched without the other both parts had impression with their owne bloods from this counterchangeable Mott Nonaliud admittit The second proceeded from his care to Artabanus to whom hee had engaged him selfe especially about the redaction of both the Kingdomes to one Monarchy But this was happily without further trouble determined for not three dayes before Philano departed the Embassadors of Media and Persia ariued and after the ceremonie of gratification from all estates was ended they shewed him a Commission contayning foure principall poynts First they tyed them selues to yeerely Tribute as acknowledging him the life by which their polliticall bodyes did mooue in peace The second exposed a perpetuetie of Alleageance for Loue and Dutie was but a slender counterpoise to Life and Honour which hee had so often aduentured for their sakes The third concerned the Mariage of Roxana with Darius Artabanus Sonne The last entreated for Cleonidas whom destruction had miracuiously spared his owne penitency much bettered To these he breifly made answere the Tribute he did disclaime as foreseeing such a Challenge might either grow to intrusion or moue their deniall so heere after debate be the destruction of one another Their loue and frendshippe he much relyed vpon The Maryage of Roxana he anulled dilating besides the hapinesse depending but concerning Cleonidas Anzitemus interceded as resolued the differences betweene them were not so slightly to be ouerpassed The third and espetiall matter of importance consisted of many diffused partes and therefore intermixed the more trouble to vniforme it and this was how to reconcile Trezoboro to his father considering the inconueniences proiected from the prophesie First the Emperors goodwill hung in suspence for he that feared before they were borne could not but tremble now they were men and of abillitie to defend themselues Then the returne of Kalucky was doubtfull vpon the notice of the deceite Thirdly the discussing of the Oracle finding part true in the Maryage of Brizaca must needes hasten dipleasure Next the mislike of Opacus because his daughters had so presumed would sturre vp some troubles Last of all the ielosie of himselfe as the Principll cause of mischeife For commonly men feare most the blow that commeth last and the Oracle concluded that Mengrelius must be slaine by his daughters Husband THese particulars were orderly debated at last his loue to his Queene and Trezoboro preuayled eyther to make a peaceable attonement or compulsiue entrance into Trebizonda for which purpose Bertosus was sent Embassadour from the Armenian King to the Emperour Mengrelius to whom the report of Anzitemus recouery seemed so strange that his feare of hee knew not what presaged mischiefe to follow yet remembring the Prerogatiue of Kings and that Bertosus desired audience hee appoynted a day of hearing and for the better countenancing his Maiestie summoned all the Princes and Nobilitie of his Empire the chiefe was the Empresse Ballutasa then followed Opacus of Capadocia Curatsax of 〈◊〉 Phorcanus of pontns Schidrothemis of Synoâ—… Rhemus
other buildinges and the metation finished with the circuit of a Thousand yardes all contained within the deepenesse of a double Moat to which industry of man had drawne vp the violence of many springes and the circomference of a triple Wall yet did a stealing hill in such soft vprising direct thee that what with the brauery of the Marbell paued streetes and the comlinesse of the euen built houses waling foure great wayes of two hundred foot in breadth eight hundred yardes in length from the Cittie gate to the first Pallace wall thou wouldest haue been delighted in the iorny and wondred with what pleasure thou hadst attained to such height thus was it stronge to with stand insurrection and in the midest for the better commaund of the Cittie and easier prouision of the Pallace like the heart enuiorned with the body and the nourisher of life to all the members they flourishing by the strength of it and that prospering by the good order of them Thus was it princely to resuscitate regarde because the state of Maiestie may not be confounded with communitie but retaine speciall reuerence Thus was it named Armamiranda that the people in remembring their well affected Prince might conceiue he forgot not his much deseruing parentes The next matter of import was to vnuaile the grosenesse of errors and to reduce the gouernment to vniformitie which consisting in the admittance of vertue and men louing vertue for vertues sake selected such whose integritie of life and prudent directions warranted their worth for any purpose as for follie either of her selfe lothsome or bewtiched with impietie abhominable she was altogeather banished the person whosoeuer reiected for the imperfection and the imperfection imputed rather to scorne of discipline then naturall defect This made the good goe forward in a well troden path and the bad desist from accoustomed ill life to which they were as it were directed by reason so great a king made himselfe exemplary by his owne vprightnesse in iudgment trueth of word reposednesse of speech chearefulnesse of aspect secrecie of businesse imparted tolleration of inconueniences resolution of enterprises heroyicke proceedinges in matters of Armes constancie in affliction and at all times reuerence towrad the Gods The officers of his house were such whose demeanour sollicited Honour to remember their worth or vertue beautified that Honour before collated to them yet was no man trusted to the libertie of his owne will but receiued these instructions to accknowledge the dignitie of a kinges person to maintaine the secretes of state and Court to perpetrate no fact incurring the crime of Maiesty to detract no time nor occasion which might set foorth the honour of his kingdome to admit no vnworthy person as an officer in Court to hinder no mans aduancement that had merited his place and to depraue nor depriue no complainant till his cause were iudicially heard His prouidence appoynted a Hundred Senators as Presidents of Prouinces dispersed through the Empire to whom he committed Causes of incombrances and Petitions of the people not yet withdrawing him selfe from Controuersies of importance nor forbidding to speake whom Iniuries enforced so that the Proude and Mighty were depressed the Weake and Innocent comforted and the Worthily regarded confirmed The Priestes had charge to watch late to rise early to be spare of Diet sober in speaking patient in suffering holy in conuersation seruent in execution of Sacrifice impartiall in reprehention vntainted with priuate malice no hoorders of Treasure administers of wants and keepers of their owne houses The Noble-men reziant in their Countries receiued these instructions To haue their Houses stored with seruiceable Attendants such as should neither be rash quarrellers lyers blasphemers gluttonous gamesters lecherous or infamed All which might be easily auoyded or quickly preuented if they themselues were milde honest sober silent patient familiar and deuoute neither murmuring at the haunts of Brothers Vncles Coosins and all other of their kin nor denying to succour the necessities of poore Allies or supplying the wantes of crauing Strangers whose enforced aduersitie deserued compassion The Iudges of the Kingdome and Iustices of each diuision were prescribed rules touching them selues and had a commission concerning others touching themselues in no sort to be irregular not lauish in tauntes not arrogating vnproper titles no vtterers of base reproches no nourishers of impatience no deriders of former instances no despisers of ciuillitie nor others ignorance and aboue all no deniers of iustice nor strangers to religion concerning the people to make stronge weaknesse to commend courage to prouide before enforcement to chastise dissolution to succour in time to appease sedition to obserue conformitie to cleare suspition to remedie heuinesse and to temper the momentary ioyes of prosperity The Gent whose youth added Iustinesse to desire and sufficiency to willingnesse were aduised with this caueat not to surpasse their degrees or endanger their estates to learne morallitie as an ornament of the minde and practise to be actiue for the enabling their bodies either to Courtly pastimes as the Prince delighted or to Warres necessitie as the Common wealth enforced whereby was put in vse the running of rases the swiftnesse of Footmanship the wrastling by armes the breaking of Horses the sleight of the Launce the casting of Dartes the benefit of Slinges the stroke of the Sword the wearing of Armour and the aduantage of other weapons besides the spare time of Countries repose was bestowed in taming of Beastes by pollicy force deuise of Toyles deceite of pittes coursing of Dogges or cunning of Horsmanship In catching Fowles by counterfeit of Voyce limings of bush placing of Ginnes and exercise of Hauking In snaring of Fish by skill of Hooke groping by hand casting the Net opening the sluce or poysoning the poole The Marchant was made acquainted to trauell abroad to obserue his Martes to learne nauigation to abstaine from curiosity to apply himselfe to the place of his Trade to exchange his commodities to be certaine of his admittance and to make difference in the choise of his Marchandise according to the variety of Countries each affording natures bountie and the earthes plentie The Countri-man had these informations to till the ground to Plough their seasons to Sow their Corne to reape the blessings to howse their Stuffe to order their Cattell to Plant fruite to sow Acorns to set Wood to quicke Ditches to draine Marshes to stocke Rootes to cast Pondes to sheate Sheepe to trim Wooll to weaue Cloth to spinne Linnin to dresse Hony and to practise whatsoeuer labour might attaine to or conceite imagine The Artificers were imployed to build strongly to Wall with stone to strengthen with Iron to make warme with Glasse to heaw Timber to burne Brickes to graue in Mettall to cast Armour to digge Mines to search Welles to deuise for Shipes to Tann Leather and to furnish townes so that nothing was left vndone which belonged to the vse of man nor any thing done according not to reason
they apprehended it as the voyce of some good Angell for their happinesse and without more adoe elected the Honourable Mulcasses to the Embasie by whose Commission Adelphus Artabanus Lieuetenant generall in Persia was against his will discharged because in deed the Souldiers were disappoynted in their expectation as euer louing better Booty and Spoyle then Pay or strict Obedience to home Commanders But certified of Medormus treasons and how honourably Anzitemus had behaued himselfe they quickly returned to the sweet walkes of loue and dutie and allowed Mulcasses authority So Adelphus leasurely gathered vp his Army and yet departed not quite out of Persia till hee vnderstood Astiages answere who keeping his Court at Susiana whither hee had withdrawne his Forces to garison entertained Mulcasses as a Messenger of peace and after audience limitted a time to receiue his satisfaction But after he was fully dismissed the monstrous enemies of Prosperitie Enuie and Wrath made an onset against the Kings honour and so battered the citadell of good thoughts that hee could not depresse his malice without discouering it thus to his Councell My Lords I am sure you will not be so sparing in your regard toward the renowne of Persia and my Honour but you remember the disgraces offred my fathers house by the first Artabanus who many yeeres turmoyled with a Ciuell-warre our Country and denied our right to this Kingdome and now you see Artabanus his Sonne as his Father against the Law of nature would haue disappointed vs against the Law of nations hath intruded himselfe my auncestors cast cleane out of doores by a mutinous rebellion and I not permitted the saftie of my hard gotten peace yet you see Iustice hath taken my part a little and Fortune openeth now the doores of a further recom pence I meane the Croune of Media it selfe but how not by base relaxation and accordance to their wills but by our owne vallutes and preuailing excursions pressing now forward as if a Tree cutt to the heart and hanging by a small hold were with a strong push to ridd the workman of mâ—…e labour Let vs therfore sooth this opportunitie and catch the Goddes by her goodly foretop least she take in scorne the disdaine and we preposterously repent the negligence But the most of his Councell interposed their negatiues and forecasting the benefits of a florishing Common-wealth through sweete peace deciphered the mischiefes yea the miseries of the best warre Then Astiages replyed the Honor of a King was more then a Million of liues and the Gods had appointed them their vicegerents sometime like good stewards to husband their plenty encrease their inheritance sometimes like seuere Maisters to correct offenders and to be the scourges of Iuorath howsoeuer he would not remaine ouerinsulted by the wrong of an other but be famous in after ages for some exployte of his owne They againe inferred that contentions arose from prestigious spirits which delighted in the blood of men that their late scares of desolation and aduersitie were not yet worne out that plentie like an Orphan went mourning in the streetes and that his election to the Diadem challenged no such bondage at their hands because they well hoped in his conformity to good purpose and had â—…eofaild with Artabanus in the promise of the Kingdome but this put him beyond all patience as euer stomaking the house of Media and watching an opportunitie to be reuenged though in deed the first errour proceeded from the incontinencie and tyranny of Persia vpon this occasion ORmisdates not long since King of Persia hauing matched with Garifeola Artabanus Otanes Mother of Media matched her likewise with Noblenesse of birth and minde and by reason of their loues the Kingdome like a well manured Ground brought foorth encrease of much happinesse to the inestimable enriching of the possessor For although the Queene was barren of her body yet her inward excellencies so flourished that they added life to good conceite toward her and indeed moderated to the admiration of diuers and the honor of the King that wanton libertie which such a Prince in enioying many concubines presumeth on But the oldest Wood doth soonest burne and Ormisdates in his declining age was soonest allured to lust-breaking faith and did degenerate from himselfe I meane stood not so strongly on his Guard of vertue when there was expectation of setled humours as in the heate of youth when the errors of life might haue passed with excuse For as he passed through the streetes of Magranopolis to cellebrate the feast of the Sunne he cast his eyes vpon a window wherein a Lady at left her outward shew bare the same record sate with a countenance compounded of cheerefull affabillity and louely modesty little thinking that cunning had taught her eyes both to allure and draw compassion that experience had brought her countenance to the vse of many changes that necessitie had made her tongue deny where she wished and demaund where she knew there was nodeniall that time had wrought her heart sometime like waxe to melt with the warmth of desier sometime like stone to be hardned with disdaine that coustome had custructed her demeanor Matronlike if there were occasions of sobrietie Courtlike if great estates importuned and fantastique if there were inducements of wantonnesse This was Damastoris a woman of reasonable good Parentage of reasonable good yeares of reasonable good estate a Widdow childles and wealthy two helpes in all conditions and Common-wealths and a wanton taking the benefite of her time and belike finding inconuenience in the obedience of one man would not so subiect her youth and liberty any more whereupon shee made vse of her experience and indeed ouerliberally satisfied her pleasure Yet with that delicate conueyance that the fault seldome appeared and if it did could not be vrged against her With her Ormisdates fell in loue or at least in such liking that hee perswaded him selfe it was loue and so determined to perswade her this yet was the doubt the meanes of accesse hee not able to come to her without speciall notice taken and for speciall purpose shee not likely to come to him neither willing to attende in Court nor hauing cause of Petition or complaint At last Desire bred Imagination Imagination Conceit Conceit some Disquiet and Disquiet must needes haue Redresse Now when Princes come to seeke Redresse I hope no man will imagine that any worldly meanes can be wanting and when the King of Persia importuned dispatch who would not nay who did not endeuour to please and to pleasure him yet heerein hee onely imployed Pasquito a man of reasonable comelinesse exceeding good behauiour dellicate ellocution setled experience as hauing all his time like a cunning Marchant seene many Countries and neuer daring to venture his Wealth in one Shippe and honourable secrecie such a quallytie that somtimes all other good partes fayling it simplie preuayleth who at the first pleaded many excuses to the King of disgrace in the
action hassard of preuayling so incurring his displeasure danger of temptation ielosies mistrustes and the cunning of Women At last the king commaunding or he being willing to obey Pasquito furnished him selfe and came to Damafloris with all the graces of a Princes solicitor first beginning with her owne worth that shee did Beautie wrong to keepe it like a Flower in a close Potte making no vse either to please the scent or the sight that shee was a present for a mighty King and peraduenture a King indeed did like her This hee sayd to make her inquisitiue knowing Women were subiect to curiositie that he had heard and knew shee was Wise and therefore would not refuse the fortune was toward her and that hee came from Ormisdates who wished well vnto her and had sent a Present of kindnesse by him so that if hee were not an vnworthy Messenger and a man hatefull it could not choose but shee must apprehend the blessing ment This was vttered in so good a fashion that though shee had knowne how to haue reprooued Incontinencie yet could shee not much mislike him that did but his dutie to his Prince nor the King that offered fauour to his Subiect nor her selfe for beeing solicited by the mighty Ormisdates But with a kind of abasshed drawing backe rather studying to contriue her businesse to the best purpose then willing to entertaine any cause of mislike shee yet made him beleeue there was cause of mislike saying and almost weeping in so saying that the King wronged her much to suppose shee would make sale of her Chastity that hee wronged her more so to motion her dishonour hauing neither seene nor heard any tokens by her of immodesty All this sayd Pasquito is confessed yet quoth hee the loue of a King is of that prerogatiue that hee protested it was more for her owne sake then the Kings satisfaction hee came thither and so by degrees of insinuation fell to appeasing her from appeasing to perswading from perswading to counsayling that howsoeuer she determined which sayth he I will not vrge further against your vertuous resolutio it were not amisse to speake with the King Heere shee stopped againe falling to the examination of particulars how when and where the King should take notice of her All which he certified with excellent circumstances Then she made many doubts of the Queenes ielousie the Courts opinion and her owne iourney Nay sayth hee if you vouchsafe me the Author of this good Newes to my Prince neither Queene Court nor your selfe shall know your selfe or once haue cause to entertaine the attributes of Ielosie Thus it was concluded that shee should bee disguised like a Marchant of Arabia and so vnder colour of the sale of rich Iewels haue secret conference with Ormisdates and this she did with that gallant demeanor and attractiue that the King was rather rauished then â—…amored toward her yea she behaued herselfe so well that at a second meeting he promised to inuest her a Dutches and if he had issue by her to proclaime him heire to his kingdome which was performed accordingly For with in one yeere after she brought him a sonne named Ascrasapes and he thought himselfe a happy man to be the Father of a Child This made him dote on her the more and that made her deale with him the cunninger so that the Queene Garifeola seemed altogeather forgotten and her former deseruing was ouergrowne with the rancke weedes of a Strumpets flatterie which shee could not but repine at yet at the first shee gently behaued her selfe till finding the nature of some things as Nettles and Burres to sting the sorer by the softer handling shee remembred her great birth and plainely tould him the wrongs done to her and her house were intollerable and that shee would be reuenged both on the tother and the Bastard this incensed the king and mingled with the Counterfeate feare of Damafloris contriued a strange course which was by deuorce vnder colour of barreâ—…nesse to be seperated from her nor desisted he so But as a man tumbling downe a paire of Staires neuer lins falling till he came to the bottome did â—…e cause the same resemblance in the Queene absolutely putting her by all gouernment and proclaiming Damafloris in her stead But when Artabanus Otanes her Sonne vnderstood of these proceedings the indignitie was too hainous to tollerate and the reuenge too difficult to attempt yet something must be done to keepe his Honour intigrate and his Mother from so strange infamie wherupon without further ambagie finding himselfe vncapable of the Scepter by reason that the Lawes of Persia debarred a Stranger which yet they afterward went about to disanull and vnable to make a conquest in regard of home incumbrances hee determined to cast it on some other whose 〈◊〉 and abilitie might second the enterprise To this counsaile was Tautaxes called a Noble man of Persia of the honourable family of Odâ—…nates and next heire to the Crowne to him did Artabanus inferre the scandall of the Kingdome the wicked life of Ormisdates infaming them all the bastardy of Ascrasapes an vnlawfull stop to hinder his course the desire of the people to haue reformation who most commonly vnder that goodly shew begin inuouation and his owne power to assist him touching sparingly his Mothers wronges as if hee would leaue out somewhat for him to remember and so might be sure of his apprehention which consorted to his wish For Tautaxes ambitious enough of himselfe was willing to be thought worthy to be a Prince not remembring the danger of that point but now incited by such liklyhoodes he gathered his forces and friendes togeather sending Artabanus word that if he would come in person because he would haue the name of a King and credite to the action there should not any oare want to â—…owe the Boate to what streame he liked Thus began the ciuell Warres of Persiâ—… and this stone neuer left rowling till Ormisdates house was cleane extinguished and the Crowne at last vnited to Media yet many battailes were first fought and the seuerall alterations gaue only notice that this world is a stage of vncertainties For as Artabanus once brought the King to a narrow streight and Tautaxes if he had followed his Fortune might haue ended the Warre Ormisdates thus despighted in the worst manner made the wronged Garifeola beare the burden of his rage and striking off her head sent it her sonne as a present I will not say he lamented a remedilesse matter but he prosecuted his reuenge and went forward apace had not his owne misfortunes in despight of resolution recalled him and this was the first reuolt of Medormus and Gliranda in Media yet Tâ—…taxes proceeded as well now to liue as to raigne For there is no Medeum betweene an Emperor and Traytor and in a gallant encounter shew the miâ—…ed Ormisdates and returned in triumph toward Magranopolis where the incontinent Damafloris kept her Court of purpose to shew
the greatnesse of her state in that place where once shee had liued in meane degree But as hee was marching a Brother of the Queenes vnder colour of Embasie from Artabanus and crauing priuat conference stabd him to the heart with a poysoned Knife Now was Damafloris sole Queene and with her cunning and authoritie handled her businesse so well that by aduancing of some bestowing of Offices on others placing reconsiled Friends least farre off they might prooue dangerous Enemies neerest her seate and forbearing a time the vsuall impositions of the Kingdome her former errour was forgotten and they were contented to admit of her Sonne Ascrasapes for King who by this time was able to conceiue of matters of gouernment and seeing the miseries which the Warres had in a manner deuasted all the Kingdome with pollitickly matched with Mitrea the Daughter of Tautaxes slaine by his Vnckle hoping by vniting both the Families togeather to leaue no scruple nor doubt for his succession In his time many troubles were appeased but what he purposed the strength of his state was his owne ouerthrow like a man determining to spit poyson out of his mouth but doing it against the winde it flyeth backe againe in his face and inuenomeâ—… as ill Which came to passe by hauing a Sonne this Astiages now reigning whom his Mother Mitrea brought vp very carefully as looking on him with reuengefull and ambitious eyes to maintaine her owne greatnesse and by his meanes to bring to good end what shee had long since deuised First then the remembrance of her Father helped forward her hate against Damafloris and that ended not without effects and they procured Ascrasapes to depose her from her regencie by suggesting a conference happening betweene the Mother and Sonne wherein shee dared to tell him hee must respect her as principall cause of his Honour and that hee was tyed in a kind of duty toward her for aduancing him in this sort Little needed the Spurre to a forward Horse little needed Mitrea to vrge this against her because hee tooke it in ill part and the Sonne of such a woman had malice enough in store which according to the Queenes owne desire made his Will stand for a Law against both his Mother and her partakers The second attempt was against the King himselfe for finding her heart to stomacke shee was matched with a Bastard for whose sake her Father was slaine and her selfe more in pollecie then honour and loue thus confirmed shee cared not what troubles were procured or mischiefe might settle her minde so that after many circumstances Ascrasapes died not without suspition of poyson and shee in her Phaâ—…tons flourish was sole Queene of the East But the Noble men of Persia casting vp the account of these strange distractions of the Common-wealth thought by taking away the cause to remooue the effects and by quite abolishing the race of Ormisdates especially the ofspring of Damafloris and some what fearing the violent humour of the Queene Mitrea determine for another King and looking toward Artabanus of Medea as well for his owne worth as his Grandmothers sake and Fathers losse who though he perished not in the Fieldes of Persia yet by his beeing heere his troubles in Media were occasioned nominated him to the place and sent accordingly to bid him prouide for all their goods Yet by the good behauiour of Mitrea was this iudgement reuersed and Astiages her Sonne appearing with some towardlinesse made them repeale the former Edict as it were pittying his youth and that hee deserued no such punishment but indeed the desire of satisfaction toward the noble house of Tautaxes bound in their duty and obedience with stricter obseruation So they all submitted to Astiages and misfortune weary of tartying long in Persia passed into Media as you haue heard in which time the Kingdome of Astiages recouered some part of her former glory vntill Artabanus tooke vpon him the burden of being wronged and so lay in waite for reuenge which hee went about but was frustrated by his forces defeature vnder the leading of Adelphus and so shot another shaft of all peace working goodnesse bythe sending of Mulâ—…asses but how he sped the Prince Sacromirus beere can-best tell For as I suppoose the beautie of Roxana daughter to Astiages had then drawne him into Persia Indeed said Sacromirus indeed sayd the Duke by your Princely leaues we will be sparing of this delight For pleasure vsed with extremytie looseth her sweetnesse and best propertie therfore let vs first diue and remember the Ladyes as well loue exercise as discourses and yet the hearing of other mens matters doth little touch their owne prayses so that day passed with the varietie of Courtly pastimes and the next with the flying of Hawkes the third with hunting and the fourth made the time seeme very long had not the company entreated Sacromirus to finish Anzitemus story who thus began AFter Aistages was in in a manner restarined by the wisdome of his Councell he yet most ingenerously scorned to be so courbed of his will and enraged put in execution a terrible reuenge imprisoning Mulcasses against the Law of Armes and surprising Adelphus against the Law of honestie within the time of truce gathering his Armie togeather and one night came vpon him vnprouided he yet vsed the aduantage of his Trenches and some streight passages he had fortunately Barrocaded But alasse this rather sharpned then rebated their courage So by reason of ouernumber and home assisted they quickly made a breach into the Campe and Triumphed with a notable slaughter Adelpbus dangerously wounded and hardly escaping to be the messenger of more harder tidinges When Artabanus saw him selfe thus subiect to the mallice of fortune and that he resembled a man who once stumbling neuer left reeling till he came to the ground or one whom shrewd Turnes as it were in sequence followed after one another his modest anger could not refraine from inuection and pashionat complainning against his Fortune But when Anzitemus stomached the dishonor because his Councell consorted not with successe and that he saw a further procrastination of his businesse little needed Arttabanus to trouble conceite how to winde vp the Wheeles of this engine For he importuned the iorney in person and opposed against the difficulties obiected Wherupon the Magi and Haruspices were commaunded to attend who by their sacrifices deuined the greatest and happyest euent and Anzitemus with a well prouided and sufficient Armie passed through all the borders of Persia possessing the strongest holds and after in three encounters preuayled against Astiages enforcing his retreate to the strong Towne of Susiania where the place almost impregnable made him lye a while houering like a skilfull Faulken that with aduantage he might sease on his prey By this time had report added much to his glory and that made the comparison betweene his true vertue and Astiages ill disposition stand him in great stead For when vntoward remembrance had layed
striuing with an excellent courage made it a perilous fight and the perill bade them beware of the effectes which was vtter destruction And as when two mightie Lyons hauing both their Females in necessitie of food hapning at an instant on a little pray fall at such variance that the scorne of distribution settleth them to besatisfied in the bloud one of another So these as mightie combatanta not acknowledging the least difference determine that life shall depart before Honour be subiect to disgrace wherby the strangnesse wrought an amase and the manner a kind of delight For they taking vp the narrow Rome of the streete the rest had libertie to breath as if they seemed weary in the Butchering one of another and apprehended the end of all their troubles in the end of this controuersie But Astiages seeing no hope of the conquest and beginning to misdoubt him selfe fell backe againe to his first resosution of escape and remembring his League with Cleonidas thought there was possibilitie to returne with sufficient Fortune and Reuenge if hee could get thither by any meanes Whereupon lifting vp the fayling legges of Courage with all the remainder of a worne-out Furie he whirled at the turning head of his aduersary a blow of too great perill had not his eyes twinckling at the brandishing of the weapon been a caueate to other motiones wherby a sudden starting made his right foote slip and the earth yeeld so that thinking to giue forward the body measured the ground with his length which Astiagas tooke hold of and by crying Auzitemus was slaine in despight of opposition made for the time a fortunate escape euery one confounded with the sorrowfull newes and hindering one another with a rumerous entercourse But their feare and griefe with a chearefull contrarietie is soone reuersed by the vprysing of Anzitemus and although they could not satisfie him with reuenge on the person of the King yet did they recompence him with the gift of the Kingdome and with Panegericall ceremonies conducted him to the Pallace not doubting but as the Beare displeased with natures deformity by often licking fashioneth her young ones to an appointed shape So would he deale with their dissolute Common wealth and reforme what had misled the company amisse But because I haue brought him to so good lodging and that he found the beautifull Roxana there I will qustionlesse leaue him as vnwilling to enter into vnfortunate discourses either concerning himselfe and father or touching Brizaca who might be suspitious to heate Roxana named Nay qouth Trezoboro in his Sisters behalfe things past are past care therfore I dare auouch Brizacas content shal consist in Anzitemus future respect but they I perswade my selfe will well agree So shall we neuer replyed king zalby vnlesse we be thankefull to the Prince for his discourse and entreate the gratious Brizaca once againe to impose this taske on Anzitemus For I proteste I long to heare by what chaunce the director of all chaunces hath consented that this meeting should be recorded in the volumes of admiration But Rugio sayd there was no reason in the suddennesse For he had a purpose to shew the Princes the Arbour which King zalby so much liked and they after they liked so much commended in this taking the benefite of the next sunnes aduancement the Feast was prepared but till it please them to rise from their solemnytie I dare not begin to trouble you with the discourse Finis libri Tertii THE FOVRTH BOOKE of the Historie OF TREBIZOND Imprinted at London by W. White for T. Downes and E. Dawson 1616. To the Honorable Lady CHANDOS HONORABLE LADY HOweuer Honour hath appeased your repinings and as it were coosoned your Birth-right with the courtesie of England so that it seemes a disparitie to place you the last that are eldest in blood and as worthy as the best Yet would I not exempt you from my owne poore Wishes nay I durst not deuide you from your Mother and Sisters least I might want the full participation of that grace and Vertue which I proposed to my selfe from your fauour Therefore I pray you giue me leaue to warme all benumming despaire with the Sunne of your Honor acceptation and amongst your other Vertues let me both affright Despaire that you will pardon my Errour and strengthen my Hopes that you will entertaine my good meaning though it be but in the presenting of a Booke For I protest when I ran away hoodwinckt with an opinion it would passe in the World as the deceit of Idlenesse there was a pleasure in pretending your Patronage and more then a Hope in naming my Lady Chandos as a Mistris of this Dedication Your Honors humbled in all impositions Tho. Gainsforde The fourth Booke of the Historie of TREBIZOND NO sooner was the Solemnitie of the Feast ended and the conueniencie of the place renewed their desires to beguile tediousnesse with delight but Brizaca proposed to Anzitemus the importunitie of the Princes to be made acquainted with his Story and he surrendring obedience thus proceeded I cannot deny but the fortune of that Victorie if I add not an vnpropper Title to the successe flattred mee with better hope then Astiages tried in his election Yet I protest Ambition had no such scope either to elate my fraâ—…ltie or admit of their proffers although peraduenture with my owne and other auxiliary forces I might haue awed both forren and domestick repining So that I made slight answer to them and vrged againe in a manner denied to be so incombred But they supposing a further worthynesse by my abaâ—…shed drawing backe oppressed me with reasons of their loue choice and necessity and compared iâ—… my behalfe abillity vertue and deseart I againe remembring my fathers captiuity and the trust reposed in me by Artabanus meant not to committe my fayth to a strange gouernment of deceite nor betray a good beginning to contumely Therefore gathering togeather the best reputed amongst them I thus demeaned my selfe I vnderstand worthy to be beloued Lords that some slender towardlynesse in these proceedings hath ouerswayed better consideration whereby you determine to impose this soueraigâ—…ety vpon mee but Wisedome aduiseth you â—…o take â—…eed in a polliticall body what Head you admit because if that exceed not in all aptnesse the iâ—…eriour members no concord can continue a peace nor conformity make a perfection For though in a Monarchy setled in many degrees of discent some one degenerating from the vertue of his predecessors for those vertues and those prâ—…decessors sake is not all togeather impeached yet in such a kingdome as this if the place be 〈◊〉 be supplyed with a man from the choise of others neither must your obedience be abused noâ—… his wilfulnesse maintained Let not then my defects so bewitch your opinion with a sparing regard of your selues considering all that is or should be in such a person though I weare no alien and might liue without feare of any
Resolution hee neither seemed much dismayed or abated For to complaine of Godes or Men of Fortune or the World he thought it a property of such as desired to liue Againe to crane pardone sue to Friends and make base Submission hee imputed to such as feared to die so that Death appeared now like a welcome Friend if the reproch might be taken away which made such an impression that he protested Anzitemus should not triumph in his disgrace not vse his liuing body contumeliously yet when there seemed want of meanes to effect this glorious Acte as hee supposed beeing left destitute of all prouision hee then boyled for very rage and was enforced to coole him selfe with a Cup of cold Water which working a better temperature somewhat reduced him and then he reprehended his dulnesse that conceiued not the infinite wayes whereat Death might make her entrance wherevpon with circumspection as if Desperatnesse meant to intreat her contrary aduise hee searched about the Chamber at last finding a rysing in the Wall where a Flint shoued out his Corner with a maine careere he dashed out his brairies leauing rather example of Manhod then Conscience With the death of Cleonidas remayned Armenia fully quieted and Brizaca without further suspition might prepare for her progresse to which the industry of Philiranus and the dutie of her Subiectes added outward Ritches and Pompe nor was shee behinde them for State and Maiestie So that shee set forward to their Ioy and Amazement from whence shee came to their Delight Contentment to whom shee went But when Anzitemus vnderstood of Cleonidas death hee tooke the newes as it were in ill part because hee thought him selfe disappoynted of a great deale of Honour in the courses meant toward him yet ballansing the assurance of his owne Peace and quietnes withall hee gaue way to more seasonable desires and seemed satisfied with the wantonnesse of the time and the pleasure of the place which delighted with varietie so that if his owne importunities had not compelled his returne into Armenia hee might very easily haue vsurped the felicitie of another Kingdome FINIS Scribimus indocti doctique Poeniata passim The Battaile betwixt Anzitemus and Cleonidas at Sea A dèsperate action of Cleonidas The Shipwracke of Anzitemus The storie of the Shepheards of Nagania Placandus fishing night Anzitemus saued by Placandus changeth hisname to Montanus Montanus as Placandus seruant saluted by Coranus Coranus not onely relateth the story of Montanus but describeth him to his daughter Deltona Coranus describeth Montanus to Deltona The Story of Marpesia The Shepheards feast wherein Mountanus and Deltona meet The description of the shepherds daughters The discription of the shepheards The continuance of the Feast with the Exercises of the shepheards The secodn meeting of Montanus and Deltonae The third meeting of Montanus and Deltona Montanus in loue with Deltona Deltona in loue with Montanus and how they came togeather Montanus commeth to Coranus and Deltona Corauus is pleased with Deltonas recouery and Montanus company Montanus meeteth with Franio comming from Corauus The Story of Franio an enuious opposite and riuall of Montanus Wicked idle men described Deltona is resolued to know what Montanus is and what shal be the issue of their loue so goeth to Marpesius Cane where she entertaineth Montanus Montanus commeth to Marpesias Caue and findeth Deltona Franio betrayeth Deltona to the Duke with his story aâ—…loue to Deltona The story of Rugio Duke of Fortona Deltona Deltona refuseth to be Dutches of Fortona The Duke stealeth away Deltona The Duke stealeth away Deltona through Franios mischieuous deuice who is slaine in the businesse The death of Franio Montanus followeth the Duke into the Cittie to see what will become of Deltona who is discouered to be an Emperours daughter Coranus meeteth his brother Bertosus in Fortona Egerius and Deltona discouered to be brother and sister the Emperour of Trebizonds 〈◊〉 The History of Mengrelius and Kalucki Kalucki dispossessed of the Empire by his younger brother Mengrelius seateth himselfe in the further Tartary Kalucki setled in Tartaria Menarelius marieth his sister Arcabella Mengrelius killeth his first Sonne The hystorie of Xantippus and Encelidon King Zalby commeth to Duke Rugio to Fortona Engerius prosceutcth the Historie of Mengrelius The description of Delphos Mengrelius troubled with a Dreame The Empresse is deliuered of two children the one named Trezoboro the woman Brizaca How Gellida and Perinthum saued the Princes The Empres Children deliuered to Coranus and Bertosus too Brothers in Capadocia Montanus hearing the Historie of Mengrelius is much troubled when the Duke confesseth that he loueth Delte na Bertofus proceedeth in the story of Mengrelius The Empres children with Coranus and Bertosus taken prisoners by Cleonidas The story of â—…xus and Menedemus The story of Cleonidas and Perinthum The Shipwracke of Coranus and Bertosus with the Emperors children who are here discouered to be Egerius Deltona But by their proper names Trezoborâ—… Brizaca Bertosussuffering shipwracke is taken vp by Piscarro nameth Trezoboro Egerus Coranus suffering shipwracke is taken vp by Selenus and nameth Brizaca Deltona Deltona thus reuealed doth not yet forget Montanus but confesseth her loue Mâ—…ntanus departeth from Fortonâ—… Montanus commeth to Placandus his father prepareth himselfe against the Triumph Montanus commeth to the Triumph unknowne The History of Artabazes and Olmus Olmus the Kinges Brother beginneth aninne uation Artabazes stomaching his Brothers presumption will not induer it but Kills him in the Hurliburly Artabazes Killeth his brother Olmus The story of Gestarius Artabazes leaueth Armenia Gestarius death The story of Cleonidas Artabazes Cleonidas carieth Artabazes away prisoner Montanus discouereth himselfe to be the Sonne of Artabazes Montanus hauing discouered himselfe to be King Artabazes Sonne by the name of Anzitemus maryeth Brizaca Anzitemus and Brizaca maryed Ligornio porceedeth in the History of Artabazes beginneth with the story of Artabanus and Astiages The story of Medormus and Gliranda Artabanus offereth priuat Combate to Medormus which Anzitemus performeth for the king Gliranda killeth her selfe Anzitemus meditateth on his owne affayres and his fathers imprisonment The story of Ormisdates and Damafloris Sacromirus sonne of Hircania proceedeth with Artabanus historie The story of Anzitemus and Astiages Astiages murdreth Mulcasses Astiages desperate of recouery considering Anzitemus possessed his Kingdome flyeth to Cleonidas Astiages flyeth to his Ships Anzitemus proceedeth in his owne story The Persiâ—…us would choose Anzitemus king but he refuseth Astiages returneth with Cleonidas who brought Artabazes into Persia. The cruell vnfortunate death of Artabazes Anzitemus father in reueng whereof he followeth Cleouidas to Sea and there encountreth him as in the first Chap. of the first Booke The death of Astiages Cleonidas killeth Artabaâ—…es Cleonidas and Anzitemns fight at Sea as in the beginnig The story of Cleonidas and Antanata with Armenus takeing her part possessing the Kingdome and denominating the Country Cleonidas conderateh with Colphurnus a Gyant Armenus Sonne of Sagarenus assisteth the Queene Artaxata Armenus Artaxata contract Armenus offereth priuate Combate Colphurnus death Cleonidas prisoner and restored Armenus is king and nameth the Country Armenia Cleonidas rebelleth againe and dyeth Cleonidas the Sonne is banished Armenia and becommeth a Piratte Anzitemus declareth his fortune with Roxana the heyre of Persia and how he was preuented from Marrying her by reason of his pursuing Cleonidas at Sea The discription of Roxana A circumstantial commendation of pleasing conference Presents prayers praises winne women Anzitemus preparcth to goe into his owne Kingdome of Armenia after to present Trezoboro to the Emperor Mengrelius Anzitemus returneth into Armenia is inuested King Bertosus is sent Embassador to the Emperor Mengrelius and discouereth the story of Trezoboro Placandus made Duke by Anzitomus Trezoboro returneth to Trebizonda and is entertained for Prince The story of Kalccki and Mullumalla The Empres Mullumalla in loue which Kalucki Barka determineth to murder Kalucki Mullumalla contriueth to saue Kaucki The murder of Barka Kalucki Emperour of Tartary Kalucki enformed how his brother had broken promise and couenant with him determineth to be reuenged Calucki certefied his brother had a sonne Malucki returneth to challenge the Empire of Trezibonda Mengrilius is resouâ—…ed to put it to the Tryall of a battaile but is preuented by miracle The battaile preuented by Miracle The story of Mengrelius and Trezoboro with the fathers ielosy against the sonne by reason of the prophesie Trezoboro in Armes proclaimed Traytor Auzitemus ioyneth with Trezoboro killeth Mengrelius fulfilleth the Prophesie inuesteth Trezoboro Emperor Mengrelius deposed and Trezoboro chosen Emperor Mengrelius slaine and the Prophesie fulfilled The story of Cleonidas after the Battaile with Anzitemus The death of Cleonidas