not permitting her so much leisure as to consult her reason in this occasion but at last generosity and tenderness being the more prevalent she told his Keeper that this Letter neither concerned the Prince of Agrigentine nor Afranor expresly commanding him not to speak of it and being induced by a jealous resentment she commanded his Keeper to endeavour the discovery of him whom Artemidorus had suborned to the end he should be dismissed his place afterwards she desired him to leave the Prisoner at liberty to speak with her in the Garden that she might render his Letter to him and this man obeying her Artemidorus came to render her thanks and to spend some time in walking with her whilst two of her attendants spoke to him who commanded Artemidorus his Guards at the end of this Walk How shall I methodise my language Madam said he to her to thank you for your last signal favour and what may I do to testifie unto you my recognition You will cancel that obligation said Berelisa the blood leaping into her face by wholly confiding your self to my discretion for though your Letter acquaints me you are of Royal extraction that you are amorous and that your Love is reciprocal it doth neither inform me of your name nor hers you Love nor of the place of your Nativity and I desire satisfaction in those things before I re-deliver your Letter Ah Madam said he to her if you knew the importance of your demand you would it may be not persist in requesting it for you are so generous that I am confident you would not prejudice me in any thing On the contrary replied Berelisa 't is principally to generous persons to whom it appertains to be in power to prejudice because they have no good will to act it therefore without repenting what I have said I redemand satisfaction in those three things For my Name and Country replied Artemidorus I can tell you not being ashamed of either though I cannot do it both without danger and prudence but for the name of the person I love since my Letter hath not declared it to you I suppose I ought not to do it and you ought less to persevere in that demand added he you are so obliged to that charming person for Madam if she had not enslaved my heart and had I been free when I came to Agrigentine I should assuredly have been amorous of you and doubtless much importun'd you with my complaints for as I love with an immeasurable ardour I should have caus'd you more displeasure than Terillus therefore Madam since you have this obligation to the person whom I love constrain me not to violate my discretion and remain satisfied that I expose my self to sufficient danger by telling you that I am Brother to the Enemy of the Agrigentine Prince What replied Berelisa Are you Artemidorus Brother to the Leontine Prince who departed from this place about six months since Yes Madam I am that Artemidorus who would not it may be have been so civilly treated as he is by the Agrigentine Prince and the charming Philonice had they known his true condition I therefore declare to you Madam said he that the only interest of my love hath obliged me to to fear a long imprisonment and hath detained me from discovering my quality Whilst Artemidorus thus spoke Berelisas spirit was much disturbed for you must know that Telesis her Brother who had related to her all the adventures of his Voyage had told her that he was amorous and beloved by a Leontine Virgin whom the Prince Artemidorus absent from thence formerly affected and that he had left in her custody at his going to the Camp a Pourtraicture and many Letters but as she had given but slight attention to his relation she not imagining to have any particular interest therein she had forgot the name of that person and not knowing if it were her to whom Artemidorus had begun to write she had both an extreme desire to acquaint him with her Brothers recital and to peruse those Letters he had left with her to see whether she could gather any satisfaction from them As her imagination fancied divers things the irresolution of her spirit was visible in her eyes which Artemidorus nothing believed her inquietude proceeded from her not being resolved whether she should discover his quality to her Father that he might declare it to the Agrigentine Prince But this opinion soon vanished for Berelisa devining his thoughts and not willing he should believe her capable to reveal a secret he had confided to her thus said looking attentively on him Think not I examine whether I ought to discover your Name I declare to you I am not resolved to reveal it on condition you will promise me two things the one not to enterprise any thing against the Agrigentine Prince the other positively to tell me all your love for it may be I know many particulars in your Fortune of which you your self are ignorant As they were on these terms and that Artemidorus demanded of Berelisa the beginning of his Letter Philonice arrived Berelisa therefore not being willing neither to answer nor to deliver him his Letter went to the Princess who made her a thousand caresses and told her she came to bring her good news for in fine said this charming Princess the Prince my Father will return in four days having finish'd the War with Honour and having forced his Enemies to make Peace and till 't is concluded Clisias hath obtained that your Prisoner should be on his Parole and that he may walk where he pleases without his Guards on condition every night he repairs to his Lodging in the Castle the conversation Clisias had with him having imprinted such a good opinion of him in his mind that he thought himself bound to perform this civil courtesie and if you believe it requisite he shall accompany us when we go to meet the Prince of Agrigentine at Carisalis which as you know is about eight miles hence for it seems just to me you should permit your Prisoner to go to the end he not appears ingrateful Berelisa whose spirit was prepossess'd with many different things did not give a regular answer to that which Philonice propounded she therefore made a sign to Artemidorus who remain'd behind to approach telling him he was obliged to the Prince of Agrigentine and explaining to him of what nature was this obligation Artemidorus receiving much joy at this news gave many thanks to the Princess But I pray said she to him do not thank me yet for it may be Peace may not be easily concluded and many Months may be expired e'er you recover your Liberty but your Guards being dismiss'd added she be more cheerful and expect the end of the War with more tranquillity Artemidorus answered to this discourse with much spirit and civility and Berelisa being in a profound melancholy study Philonice jested with her demanding the cause it for said she
it without your being concerned therein as well as my self replied he I should gladly obey you But Madam I beseech you consider what commands you lay on me and assure your self I shall ever love you Clidimira never even though she should have a greater affection for me than ever I had for her Artemidorus replied she you are too tedious in debating a thing pleases me not While she said this Clidimira comes into the room which caused a fatal interruption of the conference In the mean time Artemidorus thinking to oblige Berelisa took his leave but not being able to quit the room without passing by Clidimira he had not the power to do it without a civil salute which Berelisa took very hainously Not but that she knew well enough that he could not avoid saluting her but she conceived it but just after the discourse she had entertained him with he should have acquitted himself with more neglect and less Civility Nor was it in her power to dissemble the disturbance of her mind which Clidimira perceiving and looking on it as a consequence of the Letter she had caused to be written to her began maliciously to press her to tell the reason of it When you shall have told me that of the Joy I see in your countenance replied Berelisa coldly I shall happily give you that of the melancholy which seems to be in mine Truly replyed Clidimira if my eyes do discover any joy they betray me for since the loss of Telesis I have had no great reason to be joyful To deal as truly with you replied Berelisa I also assure you that if mine express any melancholy they are impostors and deceive you But Sister replied Clidimira it were more unlikely that I should arrive to any joy after the loss of Telesis than it is that you should be sad There are so many things likely to be true which are not true replied Berelisa and so many true things which seem not to be so that I think it not fit to measure your joy by the account you give me of it Not but that added she after the loss of such a Husband as you had it would be thought very strange that you should so soon have overcome all grief but it seems youth and a greatness of mind and beauty will not suffer affliction to be long liv'd If it be so replied Clidimira since you have so great a Wit since you are so Young and Handsom and have only lost a Brother where I have lost a Husband it is likely you should be much more light-hearted than I. As I have not lost a Brother but I have withal lost a friend replied Berelisa I have haply thought my self more concerned in this loss than you have For to speak generally when one loses a Husband one loses a Master who many times disturbs our pleasures and therefore it is not impossible but that the loss of Telesis may cause me a greater affliction than it does you Not to examine whether it be impossible or not replied Clidimira blushing for madness I am certain Telesis is nothing concerned in the melancholy which is now legible in your eyes And not to examine replied Berelisa whether you have reason to speak as you do I am certain that the gladness which may be read in yours ought not to be there there being no great reason it should You may be satisfied replied she that if I am glad I have reason to be so And I for my part tell you replied Berelisa that if I am troubled I will be revenged on those that are the causers of my trouble As angry as you are replied Clidimira I should willingly contribute to your revenge And so you shall replied Berelisa in a malicious tone for being related as we are our interest cannot be without some relation and so not to be divided Tell me then who are your enemies of either Sex replied Clidimira You see them every day replyed Berelisa I need not name them to you and it shall go very hard but As Berelisa would have continued what she was saying Aphranor comes into her Chamber to acquaint her that the valiant Prince of Agrigentum who had defeated his enemies had at length forced them to Petition for Peace which was signed adding withal and directing his speech to both her and Clidimira that they must needs go immediately to the Princess Philonice's Which said he acquainted them with some of the Articles of the Treaty they not offering to interrupt him as having their several expectations that he would not forget that which concerned the Prisoners But Aphranor conceived they were not to learn that in all Treaties of Peace the prisoners of War are set at liberty and therefore said nothing to them as to that point Insomuch that having both an equal curiosity as to one Article wherein yet they were not equally concerned they spoke both at the same time to ask the same thing But having received their answer they blush'd they became more jealous one of another they hated one another more then before and to consummate their affliction Aphranor told them that all the Prisoners were set at liberty 'T is true added he that the Prince of Agrigentum had ordered him who had brought him this news to tell Prince Artemidorus that his Court should be his Sanctuary as he had offered it sometime before and conjured him to remain there till such time as he had made his peace with the Prince of Leontum But when he had quieted them a little with this weak hope he added that it was thought this Prince would not accept of the proffer because of the misintelligence which was between the Princess of Agrigentum and Leontum So that Berelisa and Clidimira perceiving that Artemidorus would be obliged to remove were both extreamly troubled which trouble yet had a mixture of some reflections of joy which either of them raised from this consideration that this absence of his would afflict her Rival But to speak truly it was a joy was neither serene nor of long continuance In the mean time Aphranor pressing them to go immediately to Philonice and they not thinking it civil to discover they were not so loving one to another as to make a visit together were forced to obey him But all the way as they went to this Princess they spoke not one to another till they were come neer her Palace Clidimira purposely to vex Berelisa and to sist out her thoughts asked her whether she thought it not fit that she sent to congratulate Artemidorus For added she with a seeming simplicity since he was pleased to give me a visit in my affliction I conceive it but fitting I should return this civility If there be a necessity that he depart and leave us it were fit you did what you say but if he remain I should conceive you did well if you had no more to do with him considering what hath passed between you I assure you replyed Clidimira
time pressed him to speak sincerely but seeing Themistus would say no more and loath to prejudice his health by too much importunity he left him and went to the Princess Himera to see if she knew of any thing that had happened between Demarata and Themistus for having an extraordinary affection for those two persons he was extreamly troubled to see any thing of discord happened between them But Lindamira not knowing any thing and that the love of Demarata was the only secret Themistus had concealed from her she assured him that she knew nothing that had passed between them so that Perianthus returned to the Palace infinitely afflicted As he came along news was brought that the Prince of Messena was no sooner got to the Army but he understood that the enemies were overjoyed at the accident had happened to Themistus whose valour they stood in fear of and that not desirous to hear of peace out of the hope they were in to be more fortunate in the War than they had been they slighted the propositions thereof and broke the cessation assoon as ever it was expired That thereupon two parties meeting that of the enemy had been defeated so that Perianthus who could entertain nothing of joy which he did not communicate to Demarata went and acquainted her with what he had heard It seems then said she in a scoffing way to prosecute the secret design she had Victory is not the absolute slave of Themistus since she sometimes waits on the Prince of Messena This was so maliciously spoken that Perianthus was absolutely satisfied that she had entertained other thoughts of Themistus insomuch that this putting his thoughts into a strange disturbance he would needs guess at what it should be but the more he thought of it the farther he was from the truth Being therefore no longer able to brook this uncertainty the first time he was alone with Demarata he conjured her to promise to tell him sincerely one thing he should ask of her Provided it do not concern Themistus replied she I promise you the knowledge of any thing I know ask what you will Ah Madam said Perianthus that is it I desire 't is concerning Themistus that I would know something and therefore I beseech you Madam answer me not ambibiguously but tell me truly whence it comes that your thoughts are not the same they were towards him You have so great an affection for Themistus replyed the Princess and I owe you so much respect that to do rationally I ought to disobey you Perianthus's curiosity increasing at this he pressed her more than he had done and whatever the most violent and passionate Love can suggest or speak Perianthus made use of to obtain from her what he desired But the Princess seeing her self upon the point of executing the design of revenge she had carried on so craftily felt in her heart an extraordinary agitation Love that had seduced her Virtue did all that lay in its power to divert her from committing the crime and she seemed to Perianthus to be so much at a loss though she dissembled as much as she could her irresolution that his curiosity was much increased thereby So that urging her still more and more she found her self in a great disturbance and felt a certain horror to ruine the only man in the world that she could love The desire of revenge encouraged her and she was in so many minds that she knew not what to resolve on But at last imagining that as things then stood if she did not ruine Themistus he might ruine her ambition siding with indignation against that little remainder of affection that ballanced the business within her she absolutely determined and made it her main business to effect the unjust design which a violent passion had bred in her However if she would not presently yield to Perianthus the more to enflame the desire he had to be satisfied For heavens sake my Lord said she to him force me not to tell you what I know of Themistus you love him you think the State cannot be without him and it is my duty to have that consideration of you as not to acquaint you with any thing that may trouble you Be pleased then to give me leave to disobey you and ask me no more what Themistus hath done It shall suffice added she if when he is recovered you lay your commands on him never to see me but in your presence But I beseech you replied Perianthus very much surprised tell me what Themistus may have done that should oblige you to cease loving him Once more I beseech you my Lord said she ask me no more nor indeed are you at the present added the incensed Princess in the condition you should be in to think him guilty for you have so great a friendship for him that though you were told he would deprive you of the sovereign power you would not believe it I must needs confess said he that I should not lightly believe Themistus guilty of an unworthy action and would therefore intreat you to examine well whether those who accuse him are well informed Urge me then no more my Lord replied she and ask me no more what Themistus's crime may be since I am only she that of all your State can both accuse and convince him Perianthus was extreamly astonished at these words for from what she had said it might be inferred that Themistus had done Demarata some affront So that as jealousie soon takes root in the heart of an amorous man especially that of a Husband that is still in love so he reflected on that which Demarata would have had him insomuch that his colour changing and he looking earnestly upon her I beseech you Madam said he put me once out of pain and tell me clearly what you have but hinted at And the more to oblige you to do it added he I will tell you the present posture of my thoughts Know then that if Themistus hath laid any plot against the State I flud in my self Love enough to pardon it if he repent him of it but if he have wanted the respect he ought to have for you I will never see him again Prepare your self then replied the Princess never to see him while you live for assure your self that Themistus is the most presumptuous man in the world But my Lord added she you shall never know his crime more precisely if you promise me not to make that advantage thereof that I would have you I promise any thing replied he provided you tell me what I would know I shall do it my Lord answered she but you shall promise me before hand that you will not disclose what I shall tell you that you will not speak of it even to Themistus that to prevent that you will banish him without seeing him and without giving him any reason why in case you think I have cause never to desire his sight again and that if you have just
for Themistus he went himself and brought Lindamira to be lodged in the Palace upon pretence of some design he had heard there was to carry her away so that Themistus was deprived of the comfort of seeing her for besides that he had a slight hurt the Prince sent him word he should not come into the Palace till he had sent him order to that purpose Thus was Themistus the most unfortunate man in the World and Demarata entertained so great a joy at it that she discovered it in all her actions So that Perianthus observing it and perceiving that she hated Themistus began to be jealous again and to be almost perswaded that what she had said to him before was true because he saw no other apparent occasion of her hatred He did not therefore only do what he did violently but also without prudence or any reflection on the influence Themistus had over the Soldiery he spoke bitterly of him even in publique and saying openly that he would make it a match between the Prince of Messena and Lindamira assoon as he was recoverd of his wound he sent Themistus order to leave Syracuse Nay my friend had notice given him that he was to be secured assoon as he were out of the City where they durst not take him as being much the darling of the people Being in this condition this desperate Lover would fain have taken leave of his Princess and he had been confident enough and haply cunning enough to find out the means to do it but fearing she might forbid him the execution of any such design he was content only to send her this Letter The unfortunate THEMISTUS to the Princess LINDAMIRA I Depart Madam and I depart the most miserable of all men to tell you whether I am going I am not able and yet I question not but I shall find out the ways to deliver you and revenge my self I shall haply do those things which at first sight you may blame me for but if you prove not unconstant the event will convince you that I shall do nothing contrary to reason Be constant therefore Madam so to prevent my resentments from reaching so far as otherwise they might for if I lose you there is not any thing which I shall not endeavour to deprive them of who should be the occasion of so great a misfortune to me This Letter being delivered to my Sister who still had the liberty to see Lindamira though she was kept very close Themistus departed and I stayed at Syracuse to give him an account of what passed there But instead of returning to the place where he had been before he went to the Army and did there against Syracuse what Brutus did for Rome in Tarquin's Army that is made himself the Master of it so far that it was at his choice either to bring it up against Perianthus or against the Prince of Heraclea 'T is true this Prince was so far unfurnished with Horse that he was not in a condition to keep the field Whence it came that he sent to Themistus as soon as he understood how things went to treat with him but my friend without either making any breach or yet treating put him off with delaies and began his march towards Syracuse That which furthered the execution of his design was that there was no Officer but held his place from Themistus for the former War having been very bloudy all the Officery in a manner was changed Besides that being of a very liberal and gallant disposition the hearts of the Soldiery was at his command and that the excessive affection Perianthus had for Demarata was prejudicial to that Prince and advantageous to Themistus The report of the revolt of the Army was no sooner come to Syracuse but Demarata insulted over Themistus after a strange manner Nay she perswaded Perianthus that it was fit Lindamira should be secured and accordingly she was put into a Tower on the quarter of the Hexapila out of a fear that if she remained on the Achradina side some design might be laid to carry her away by the advantage of the Sea However she was attended with abundance of respect but she was withal kept very close and strong guards about her The Prince of Messena who lay still under cure was extreamly afflicted that he had been the occasion of so much disorder yet was it some comfort to him that Themistus was not at the Court but Perianthus was at his wits end almost Not but that he is a very gallant person but having only his guards about him that he could trust himself to he knew not what to resolve on the people of Syracuse were discontented and would not arm to defend themselves against a man that had brought them peace and whose valour was their terror a great number of the grandees charged Demarata with imprudence and Perianthus with facility so that all the Prince could do was to secure the Gates of the City For Lindamira though she well knew that Themistus did not what he did but out of the affection he had for her yet could she not forbear being very much exasperated against him to have brought things to that extremity without making her acquainted with his designes 'T was to no great purpose that I secretly gave her notice that Themistus's design was only to deliver her and to prevent her marriage with the Prince of Messena she was never the more appeased and sent me word she would never love Themistus while he was in Arms against her Brother and his Countrey But this I thought not fit precisely to communicate to Themistus for it had afflicted him beyond measure but at last to shew he would be no Usurper he sent me a Declaration which I got handsomely scattered up and down Syracuse wherein he declared that if they would send the Prince of Messena back into his Countrey set the Princess of Himera at liberty and permit her absolutely to dispose of her self as she pleased he would lay down Arms as soon as Lindamira should have expressed her Will in such place where she might say she was free The people being not at all concerned in this affair thought there had been no way but to grant Themistus all he desired and divers persons stirred up by me cried out aloud that it were better to bestow the Princess of Himera on Themistus than on the Prince of Messena However Perianthus stood out and refused all that was demanded so that Themistus marched still on towards Syracuse The Prince of Messena had sent to the Prince his Father but he was not too hasty to succour Perianthus with whom he had still rather have been in War than Alliance though he had been forced to do otherwise So that Perianthus and Demarata were at an extream loss what to do Yet could not this revengeful Woman repent her of any thing she had done insomuch that Amerintha desirous to tell her something one morning she was so incensed
what ever gratitude or tenderness of affection could imagine that were most obliging but for fear he should repent him of it she left him with an absolute command to remove the Army three or four miles at the present to give the people a certain omen of peace and an assurance that the next day she would send him such Articles in order thereto as he could not but accept Themistus answered her with a thousand things the most passionate that could be yet with such a sadness as sufficiently discovered he did himself an extream violence in obeying her but at last he continued firm in the resolution which love had made him take so much to the prejudice of his ambition and when Lindamira took her leave he gave her his hand he saluted her without being able to say any thing but with his eies as her Chariot began to stir he got on horseback and looked after her as long as he could perceive her and at last returned to the Army but so sad that it was easie to judge that the Princesses tears had overcome him He accordingly dislodged the Army immediately and took up his quarters four miles thence In the mean time the Princess Lindamira doing her self some violence discovered more joy than she had for though she was extreamly well satisfied with the absolute power she had over Themistus yet could she not but stand in fear of a thousand things whereat she was afflicted But at last desirous to gain credit among the people she put on a cheerful countenance and told them as she came in that she promised them peace and that Themistus would immediately remove his Army So that this report being scattered up and down the City you could hear nothing but the name of Lindamira and it was with much ado that her Chariot could pass through the streets by reason of the throng This considered it was not to be supposed that she should be carried to the Tower from whence she was brought for the people were resolved on the contrary so that she was conducted to her own house whether Perianthus came to her For Demarata she was also desirous to go thither But I having cunningly scattered liverse things against her among the people they openly threatned to cast her into the Sea If she withstood the peace insomuch that she was forced to remain in the Palace and to go and comfort her self the best she could with the Prince of Messena who was in no less trouble than her self Perianthus was no sooner come to Lindamira's but I gave notice to all the well-affected of any quality to come thither also and among others Anaxander and Meriander came I shall not Madam give you a particular account of what Lindamira said to Perianthus for it were impossible for me to do it being certain that never any one spoke with so much Art as she did She very discreetly excused Themistus she said she had perswaded him without any trouble and very prudently making the Articles her self without seeming to do any thing she brought the business to such a posture that it might be said Perianthus was very much obliged to her for that she would condescend to be the Victim to appease that exasperated ambitious person Not to abuse your patience any longer Madam Meriander being chosen to negotiate the Peace the Articles were made and communicated to the Prince of Messena He at first opposed them what he could as did also Demarata but the people coming to hear it threatned to put them into a vessel without Oars Pilot or Mariners and to expose them to the mercy of the Sea and winds so that they were forced to submit to what they could not hinder Meriander was hereupon sent to Themistus to whom Lindamira writ a Letter to tell him that he must condescend to what was offered Yet were there divers things proposed to him which he was very much troubled at insomuch that Meriander spent three daies in journeys between Syracuse and the Camp and had he not carri'd himself very discreetly and sincerely this pretended peace had not been concluded For Demarata did all she could to oppose it the Prince of Messena was dissatisfi'd with it and Themistus would have been glad Lindamira had not pressed him to it But at last it was concluded that all should be forgotten on both sides that Themistus should command the Army till the War of Heraclea were expired that the Princess Lindamira should remain if she so pleas'd at a strong house of her own with a sufficient guard and that there she might marry to whom she pleased within the space of one year That in case the War with the Prince of Heraclea were soon ended as it was likely it would be Themistus should for the space of one year not only keep out of Syracuse but out of Sicily so the better to work a faithful confidence between the Prince and him That no Officer of the Army should lose his place if he committed not some new fault that deserved it That the Prince of Messena should be entreated to return to Messena assoon as he were recovered That Themistus should not during his absence be deprived of any of the employments and estate he had received from the Prince Besides all which Perianthus engaged to consent to Lindamira's marriage with him in case that Princess should be willing after the year were expir'd This last Article was it that Themistus boggl'd at most as being unwilling his happiness should remain in such uncertainty In the mean time Demarata endeavoured what she could to perswade Perianthus it should be so besides that Lindamira conceiving it would be the better for Themistus that Demarata should not see him of a long time purposely to cure her of her passion commanded Themistus not to oppose it So that after a many negotiations the Treaty was concluded and executed the Princess of Himera went to Himera whether Themistus sent certain Soldiers for her guard The Prince of Messena sick as he was caused himself to be caried out of Syracuse threatning that he should haply return thither one day to demand the recompence of his services and Themistus remained at the head of the Army against the Enemy who having rallied together some few Troops was defeated by him whereupon he was forced to embrace a peace though much against his will But the Prince of Heraclea propos'd it with such advantage that it could not be refus'd This done Themistus would needs oblige Lindamira to change her resolution but ineffectually for she would have him perform what he had promised that he might not give ill example to the Prince by being the first breaker of his word So that he was forced to leave Himera to depart Sicily and to come and live here till the year be expired For Demarata I cannot well tell you what she said during all these transactions for Amerintha being not with her she would not certainly confide in any other and all
would rather provoke the people whom it were better to win by gentleness For methinks added he I have just now thought upon an infallible way of causing this artifice to fall upon your Enemies and principally upon the Prince of Cyparissa My dear Hortensius cryed Melanthus I beseech you declare it presently and tell me what is fitting for me to do It is requisite answered he to get all the pictures of the Princess Elismonda you can possibly and cause them to be brought to you and then you must declare that you will keep them carefully very highly extolling the Princesse's beauty afterwards give her a visit in person and send a Herald to the Prince of Cyparissa to Pisa and to Olympia to publish that you are ready to marry the Princess Elismonda to restore peace in the Countrey of Elis and render it more happy than ever it was before provided they will lay down their Arms. By this means you will infallibly raise division between the Prince of Cyparissa and the forces which he commands as also between him and the Citizens of Pisa and Olympia For you may well think that being a passionate servant of hers he will never consent that you should marry her And on the other side 't is easie to imagine that those which she commands will never be all of his opinion but the greater number being desirous of peace will force him to seek Sanctuary elsewhere and quit his pretentions Melanthus being very much satisfied with this project of Hortensius took no other care but to put it in execution Not that he resolved at that time to marry Elismonda or believed she would easily be brought to admit the match but the conceit of spoiling the Prince of Cyparissa's stratagem affected him with such joy that without farther considering he betook himself to follow the Counsel of Hortensius To which purpose himself went into all the Streets of the City attended by the whole Court to quiet and settle the people telling them he was intended to put an end to their troubles by restoring peace that the Princess Elismonda should shortly be set at liberty and that the only hinderance would be in the Prince of Cyparissa if tranquillity were not establisht throughout the whole Territory of Elis. To confirm these favorable expressions he did as Hortensius had counselled him to for he caused all the pictures of Elismonda to be brought into his Chamber and the next morning sent Hortensius to the Princess to obtain of her the permission to see her resolving nevertheless in case she should reject this proposition to make a great secret of it and give out on the contrary that she inclined to such conditions of peace Hortensius accordingly went in the name of the Prince of Messenia to the Castle in which this fair Princess was guarded whose health at that time was somewhat amended though her indisposition had left a testimony behind of it self by a little more then ordinary paleness It being known by those who guarded the young Princess that she attributed much to the Counsels of Cleontine Hortensius who was very prudent and lookt no farther than to serve the Prince of Messenia carefully desired first to speak with her and caused his name to be told her and by whom he was sent Upon which Cleontine coming to him in the Antechamber of the Princess presently perceived him to be the same person whom she had seen in discourse with Melanthus when Elismonda said she was resolved to hate him and receiving him very civilly his aspect and comportment speaking him a man of quality she attended to hear what he had to speak to her You will perhaps think it strange Madam Cleontine said he to her for a man that has not the honor to be known to you to desire secresie of you at the first time he sees you But when you shall know that 't is to serve the Princess Elismonda I have confidence you will pardon me You have so much the ayr of a person of honor answered Cleontine that I am very inclinable to believe you can offer nothing but what is generous and honorable and therefore you may please to tell me what your intent is of this address provided you also give me the liberty to answer you what I shall believe reasonable I shall tell you then Madam said he to her that the Prince of Messenia having seen divers pictures of the Princess Elismonda hath an extream desire to give her a visit and to express to her for the future all the Testimonies of generosity which the interest of his own glory will permit him to do But to the end this interview may have a favorable consequence and produce peace to the whole Countrey of Elis it will be your part discreet Cleontine handsomly to dispose the Princess Elismonda not to receive the Prince of Messenia as an Usurper but as a generous Enemy whom she may more easily overcome by favorable respects than the Prince of Cyparissa can ever do by valour notwithstanding he is a person of unquestionable magnanimity And for the rest I beseech you not to believe that the Prince's visit can be displeasing to the fair Elismonda by any thing which he may say unto her for he has no other design but to honour her and to testifie that he does so by all imaginable civility When they who may command request answer'd Cleontine and leave the liberty of a refusal no question but they deserve to have their desire granted if it may be done without injury to virtue and therefore if the Princess Elismonda does me the honor to believe me she shall receive the visit of the Prince of Messena according to your desire but I fear much added she I shall have no small difficulty to perswade her to it For in brief she is a prisoner the Prince her Father is dead ever since the beginning of the War and she wears Mourning still for him and sees not yet very well how she shall ever be more happy And to testifie to you pursued she with a half-smile how much she is sensible of all this I could almost constrain my self to tell you that she hates you though she does not know you Then I have sentiments very different from hers answer'd Hortensius for I honor her infinitely although I never saw her But if it please you added he I would know for what reason she hates me before she knows me Cleontine designing handsomely to gain upon the mind of Hortensius whose quality and reputation she understood by him that inform'd her of his desire to speak with her told him a part of the discourse between Elismonda and her self whilst Eumenes was presenting him to Melanthus For being this pretended hatred of Elismonda was only occasion'd by her observing the noble and handsome aspect of Hortensius she judg'd it would not be displeasing to him to know it And indeed Hortensius resented some secret pleasure in this kind of hatred and told
how it came about that he was engag'd to serve Melanthus Hortensius therefore recounted to her in few words his adventure in Thessaly He acknowledg'd so ingeniously that he ow'd his life to the Princess Andronice he related so modestly his encounter with Attalus and deliver'd all this so well and handsomly that Elismonda her self told him he had reason to be of her enemies side and promis'd him for the future to blame him no more for it Yet she remained still in the same irresolution concerning what she ought to do till Cleontine and Hortensius effected their perswasions of her to suffer a visit from the Prince of Messena on condition he would say nothing that might stir up and augment her grief Which granted Hortensius took his leave and Cleontine follow'd him into the Antichamber to exhort him to bring the Prince of Messena to a peace Thus this first day begat a very great friendship between Hortensius and Cleontine As for Elismonda she so strongly touch'd his heart that he had never felt the like from any fair person as he did from her For he found I know not what kind of secret agitation within himself which did not permit him to go to Elis without rendring it perceivable that he had a great disposition to love Elismonda Whence comes this commotion which I feel said he in himself as he was returning and why am I so affected in behalf of a person whom I never saw but one hour and with whom in all probabilities I ought never to have any particular friendship The Princess Andronice seem'd beautiful to me at the first instant that I saw her she also testifi'd much prudence sav'd my life is the cause of my fortune and hath much more kindness for me And yet neither her beauty nor her wit nor her good offices nor her kindness cause any agitation in my soul I love her with a calm affection and I consider her without having my heart disquieted my reason is an ingredient into the tenderness I have for her in a word I love her as a man loves a Sister Nevertheless I feel a commotion I know not what to make of for Elismonda it troubles and disquiets me and almost transports me over to her side against the Prince whom I serve But I ought said he after a little musing to surmount this imaginary weakness I ought to be faithful to the Prince whom I serve and I ought to believe that what I feel is nothing but what I am able easily to overcome Hortensius after this wise reflection found really some tranquillity in his mind but when he came to Melanthus and the Prince demanded of him whether Elismonda were as fair as her Picture he was upon the point of saying No and the next moment was ready to say she was a thousand times more charming but at length taking a mean between both he said 't was true her Portraicture perfectly resembled her After which making a great violence upon his mind and being willing equally to serve both Melanthus and Elismonda he told him moreover that the Princess deserv'd he should treat her well that she had beauty wit and virtue and that if he could really possess the Countrey of Elis in peace by marrying her he should believe him very happy How Ah Hortensius cry'd he as often as any marriage is propos'd to me for reason of State I always remember what the wise Thales whose memory is so famous throughout all Greece and amongst all the Asiatick people answer'd one day to his Mother upon the same occasion For when in the flourishing years of his youth she propos'd to him to marry he told her It was not yet time and when she made him the same proposal some years after he answer'd her That the time was past So that to imitate so wise a person in something I answer you dear Hortensius that 't is not yet time for me to marry and that I had rather owe the possession of the Principality of Elis to my sword than to my marriage Yet I am willing to let the people believe I have a design to match with Elismonda because this will create divisions among my enemies and infinitely despight the Prince of Cyparissa But in sincere truth I affirm that though I should become amorous of Elismonda I would never marry her by a Treaty and I could not resolve to do it but when I should be master of her State For according to the humour I am of I should not care to be Husband of the Princess of Elis but on the contrary it would be more sutable for him that is the Prince of Elis to espouse Elismonda But after all Marriage is not a thing so necessarily requir'd by policy as 't is believ'd especially for a Prince who has some peculiar sentiments in his ambition for I am not solicitous of having successors which may possess my Conquests On the contrary should Fortune make my destiny such as I wish it I should not be sorry if after having conquer'd many states there should be no person found after my death who could only well govern the Nations that I had subdu'd For which reason having a mind unaffected with that specious Chimera which flatters the humour of those Lovers of posterity who take pains for people that they can never know and on the other side equally fearing to have successors which may prove unworthy of me or surpass me unless I alter my present resolutions I shall pass my whole life in saying I will marry without effectually doing so and if my humour become not wholly opposite to that I now am in I shall never be possess'd with any violent Love For it becomes a Prince added Melanthus in order to being happy and gallant to leave all the Ladies of his Court to hope they may conquer his heart without affecting any one particularly it becomes him also to make a meer pleasure of Love as men do of Musick Hunting Dancing and Conversation and not to make himself slave of some fair coy piece who many times without loving the Prince loves only the greatness which she hopes from him Hortensius hearing Melanthus speak in this sort conceiv'd a secret joy in himself of which he knew not the cause And his heart was tender he did not contradict him though his thoughts were different from the Prince of Messena he only thought fit to answer him That it were not to be disapprov'd if a Prince quitted the courting Love only for the love of Glory But Madam it was resolv'd at the end of this conversation that Melanthus should go the day following to visit the Princess Elismonda and that two days after he should send to propound to marry her and to withdraw his forces provided the Prince of Cyparissa would lay down his Arms and depart out of the territory of Elis. Eumenes was of this privy Council and the next morning Melanthus being accompanied by him Hortensius and his ordinary Guards went
of her since he had seen her For after that first visit he return'd thither very frequently and sent every day the Princess was permitted to walk in the Park of the Castle all her Women were suffer'd to attend on her and she was serv'd with the same magnificence as if she had been absolute Mistriss of her own Principality But withal at the same time her guards were redoubled which being known to the Prince of Cyparissa put him into a strange despair in seeing those Pictures of Elismonda which he believ'd might occasion a commotion in Elis and in the Army produce no other effect than raising a curiosity in Melanthus of seeing the Princess and giving him occasion to become enamour'd on her But that which compleated his despair was that the proposition made by Melanthus was wonderfully well received both at Pisa and at Olympia that she understood it was very well lik'd of at Elis and himself perceiv'd the Officers of his Army did not disapprove it and his Soldiers who serv'd in a war that could not enrich them since it was only to defend their own Countrey declar'd openly that if he were generous he would not oppose the peace A further affliction to the Prince of Cyparissa was a belief that Elismonda consented to the proposition made by Melanthus and being weary of her prison would have no great repugnancy to marry an enemy that would give her liberty Alas said he to one of his friends who was also one of mine and named Artimedes How unhappy am I in having been so discreet for Elismonda was never inform'd by my own mouth of the violent Love I have for her and though I am confident she cannot be ignorant of it yet she may make semblance that I am her Servant only because I would preserve the same Sanctuary for my self which the Prince her Father afforded me Perhaps she thinks I fight rather by reason of the hatred I bear against Melanthus than for the Love I have for her But it is too true I have no consideration but Elismonda and without her I have no interest in any thing Yet it shall never be said that I will not do my utmost not to become miserable to hinder mine enemy from becoming happy and to effect also that that fair Princess commit not an action unworthy of her self Hereupon the Prince of Cyparissa having consulted with Artimedes what was requisite to be done assembled all the Officers of his Army and spake to them with so much eloquence and courage that he brought over a great part of them to be of his own sentiments He laid before them the importance of the matter the tender years of Elismonda and the shame there would be in gratifying him that made an unjust War For what more could be done said he in favour of a Prince that had hazarded his life a thousand times in opposing the enemies of this State and gain'd many victories than to give him the State that he had defended and the Princess to whom it of right belongs Think not but the gods will punish you severely if you abandon the defence of a Countrey consecrated unto them in so particular a manner Withstand therefore such a dangerous design courageously and know that if the Prince of Messena believ'd he could take Pisa and Olympia very easily he would never propound peace to you 'T is true added he he offers it on such shameful conditions that he seems desirous to be refus'd and this proposition is only an Artifice to deceive the less intelligent people who perhaps will presently murmure because the peace is refus'd But in brief important deliberations are not to be grounded on the murmurings of the people for most usually a little constancy appeases them and a little insinuation makes them change their opinions In fine added he The honor of the gods that of your Princess and your own glory is concerned in the matter Therefore consider well upon it and believe not that I wil ever forsake you as long as I see in you a purpose of making a generous resistance But withal think not that I will ever sign a Peace which cannot be accepted but with shame For indeed I will rather choose to become a vagabond and fugitive from City to City to the end of the world than to commit any thing unworthy of my self This Oration made a great part of the Prince of Cyparissa's Officers who were present at it become of his judgement but the rest opposed it and declar'd that peace was a Good which could not be bought at too high a rate that the Prince of Messena was generous and fortunate and they should be at last constrain'd to do that by force which they might now by Treaty before the Countrey were totally destroy'd Thus every one continuing in his sentiments the Prince of Cyparissa thought he had done very much in having brought over part of them to his side After which he went to Pisa and Olympia to endeavour the same thing But as 't is more difficult to induce the inhabitants of a great City to refuse peace then Soldiers it was not possible for him to effect his desires The people were ready to make an insurrection in Pisa and as he was going out of the City news was brought him that half the Officers which he had won to his mind were fallen off from him since his departure It remained therefore only to seek how handsomely to gain time in order to which being very prudent he told them which had the greatest power both in Pisa and Olympia that to testifie to them how much he attributed to their judgements he consented that the proposition of Melanthus should not absolutely be rejected but rather to act with prudence it were fit to demand a Truce for six months during which time liberty might be had to speak with the Princess Elismonda to the end her pleasure might be known That which oblig'd the Prince of Cyparissa to demand his Truce was that in the compass of these six months the time of the Olympyck Games would be come when the Prince hop'd that in that great Assembly which was to be at Olympus from all parts of Greece he might engage the neighboring States in a League offensive and desensive against the Usurper of Elis. But at last there being much reason in what he requir'd and the Truce seeming a good step to the Peace he brought Pisa and Olympia and his Army to approve that which he propounded But that which was rare was that Melanthus perceiving he could not obtain what he demanded was not sorry that a Truce was insisted on because he very much fear'd lest if the War should continue till the time in which the Olympick Games were to be celebrated and they could not by reason of it be celebrated this great change might awaken the adjoyning States and oblige them to ingage in a War whose success might be not fortunate unto him if others should
and Butterflies take from flowers that which is convenient for their respective uses without offering to oppose one another they have not set limits to their Empire all the Lillies and Roses of the Spring are to them in common and men with that sublime reason which renders them Masters of the World have establisht War in it by establishing the Laws which divide the Universe They have brought all kind of Vices into it by the many inventions subservient to pleasure they have made all the miseries which are in the World by looking upon ambition as a lawful thing since without it all men would be in peace and in brief they have introduced all the unhappinesses of which they complain although the gods have enriched the Universe wherewith to render them all happy Who would think interrupted Belintha smiling that the love Clymene has for this poor little Dog which you see follows her and understands nothing of what she says should cause her to speak such handsome things and that after so serious a manner who could imagine that a person who has so much Wit should take pleasure in trifling with a Dog I have already told you answered Clymene that the love of beasts is a sign of gentleness and humanity and that it is cruelty to do them harm but I add also that all that loves is amiable that all that insinuates it self with kindness deserves to be ingratiated that that which has no ingratitude deserves to be well treated and that since it is not forbidden to love Flowers Fountains and Statues it may well be lawful to love cheerful and pretty animals which love you and divert you without ever doing you any harm But in brief replyed Belintha 't is not our purpose to extoll the demyreason of brutes and condemn the use of the reason of men but only to know whether Amity which is the most precious thing in the World and which ought to be the greatest recompence of the most considerable services and the most noble prize of merit and virtue ought to be employed in loving a little Dog I am willing added she humanity should be exercis'd toward beasts that no mischief be done them and that people delight themselves with them if they please but I would not have them loved with the same kindness wherewith we loved mankind and which ought to be so precious that it ought not to be given to friends without well examining whether or no they be worthy of it As for me answered Clymene smiling who have not found amongst men whereon to employ my affection conveniently I must love where I can love without fearing to be deceived 'T is not added she that I grant I love my Dog with the same kindness wherewith I should love a Friend But for that all afflictions mankind is capable of have the same original all arising out of the heart Belintha is pleased to confound my kindness to brutes with my true friendship and thereupon to inveigh against me without any just ground The fair Clymene said Hesiode speaks her reasons so agreeably that instead of condemning her I wish I were not what I am and had the honor to be hers in what manner soever Endeavor then answered Belintha to be her friend if you can and do not wish to be her Dog for then I should infallably hate you Ah! cruel Belintha cryed he with some earnestness I believe it is difficult to be no more than the Friend of Clymene Did you say answered that fair Virgin it were no easie thing to gain my friendship you would have reason for contrary to my natural humor I am become the most distrustful person in the World and in my present sentiments I give no credit to words nor cares nor services I know not well whether I should trust time which they say discovers the most concealed truths Therefore 't is better to leave me in my Desart to hear my Nightingales Perhaps replyed Belintha smiling you may hear complaints in it as sweet as theirs for Hesiode sings at least as well as they and I see he beholds you with so much pleasure and hears you with so great admiration that I cannot assure but that he loves you a little too much already I perceive said Clymene you have a design to jest but yet I must tell you that when I saw Hesiode the first time upon the Banks of Hippocrene he loved me a little in less time than since his arrival I confess it answered Hesiode and I should certainly have always you loved if I had always seen you But Madam your Fortune calling you elsewhere and mine retaining me then at Helicon I forsook you for the love of glory which I have always since ardently affected You see replyed Clymene looking towards Belintha it is my Destiny to loose my Conquests by ambition Glory and Ambition answered Hesiode are not wholly alike However said Clymene I am very glad you are cured and that I understand it from your own mouth Hesiode blusht at this discourse and going to answer to Clymene he could not contain from saying with a great sigh O gods what is 't I speak Alass in speaking it a sigh do's from me break And secret trouble from my passion grown Tells me my heart no longer is my own As soon as Hesiode had spoken these Verses of Clymene which he had remembred since Belintha shewed him them he became much perplexed but he found them so exact an answer to that which Clymene had said to him and they agreed so well with his thoughts by changing only one word that he could not hinder himself from uttering them Nevertheless Clymene and Belintha both blusht when they heard them The first looked upon her friend with indignation and upon Hesiode with confusion and Belintha on the contrary beheld Hesiode with anger and Clymene with shame Hesiode for his part lookt upon Belintha as if he desired her pardon and upon Clymene with much love But at length Belintha desiring to pacifie her friend began to speak gently to her and beseeched her to suspend her choller till she had heard her And accordingly she told her of the accident of the Letter which Hesiode had seen and which ingaged her though unwillingly to tell him what she knew concernicg the love of Lysicrates which Hesiode could not but have learnt otherwise from a hundred persons I grant what you say answered Clymene but in telling Hesiode what he would have kown from others there was no need of shewing him the Verses which no person ever saw besides your self Your having made them so amorous replyed she caused me to think that by shewing them to Hesiode when I was speaking of Lysicrates I should give him the greater aversion against him But however added she I will make my peace with you and am only troubled how Hesiode will make his with me By desiring your pardon answered he and acknowledging to you ingeniously that the excellent Verses of Clymene
Hetruria's Camp by night or since he could not take Rome to imploy some correspondents she had in the City to set it on fire In the mean time the proceedings of Tarquin having exasperated Porsenna the siege being not likely to go on well longer between two divided Camps and Mutius's courage together with Aronces's counsel having prevail'd upon the heart of the King of Hetruria he sent Mutius back again to Rome by Lucilius who had order to offer the Romans peace upon reasonable conditions Telanus also accompani'd Lucilius to negotiate this grand affair Their instructions were first to demand once more the restoration of Tarquin yet without much insisting upon an Article which was known could never be granted Secondly to obtain at least that all he had by Succession from the first Tarquin and all he had gotten since should be deliver'd to him and thirdly that a small Territory near the Veientines should be restor'd to Porsenna the Romans having usurpt it from him ever since the last War Upon these Conditions they were to offer up the Janiculum and withdraw the Army out of the Roman Territories Moreover to the end all acts of hostility might sooner cease he enjoyn'd the Ambassadors to demand twenty Virgins of Quality for Hostages and twenty Youths of Condition till the perfect conclusion of the peace refusing absolutely to yield up the Janiculum or withdraw his Army without this condition Lucilius and Telanus being well instructed what they should do departed with Mutius whose heart was possess'd with extream joy to see his design so happily succeed and that his Lie was as serviceable to the deliverance of Rome as his valour for it was not true that three hundred Romans had sworn the death of Porsenna and he spoke in this manner only to induce the King to raise his Siege As for Aronces he was so joyful with the hope of seeing Peace that he could not contain from going to declare it to the Princess of the Leontines and the generous Melintha He was also much pleas'd that he could send that old Man to Rome whom Galerita promis'd him to procure deliver'd and Plotina so ardently wisht to see to the end she might learn her extraction of which she was still ignorant Wherefore to make use of this favourable opportunity of giving Clelia intelligence of himself he writ to her by Telanus and to Artemidorus Herminius and Octavius and several other friends to oblige them to be diligent in promoting the peace When Lucilius and Telanus approacht the Walls and the people heheld them coming with Palms in their hands to signifie their bringing Propositions of Peace they sent forth shouts of joy they run hastily to the gate at which they were to enter and express'd such earnestness to know what they had to say that 't was easie to judge they would be favourably heard So they were immediately conducted before the Senate to whom Lucilius presented Mutius after which relating in few words what had pass'd and had handsomly magnifi'd Porsenna's generosity who was capable not only to give life and liberty to a man that had resolv'd upon his death but also to send to offer peace at a time when he might hope a happy event of the War he dextrously dispos'd the minds of the Senators to hear the Propositions he had to make Yet he was stopt at the first Article which he spoke of the re-establishment of Tarquin and the Senate all with one voice said that death being eligible before servitude no peace was to be hop'd if it could not be made otherwise Whereupon Lucilius having order not to insist upon that Article he said that according to his instructions that at least it was fit to restore the Tarquins what belong'd to them as ordinary Citizens so that this qualification calming their minds they agreed the restitution of what could be yet found had belong'd to them not as if justice requir'd it but only in consideration that Porsenna had restor'd Mutius After which Lucilius demanded that a small compass of Territory which had been usurp'd from Porsenna's Dominions should be restor'd to him that twenty Virgins of Quality and twenty youths of condition should be deliver'd to him in hostage and told them then that his Master would withdraw his Forces out of Janiculum open the passages free the River and cause all acts of hostility to cease without ingaging more in the affairs of Tarquin Lucilius having lay'd open his King's demands did not long withdraw but all those that compos'd the Senate unanimously declar'd they found no difficulty in granting what Porsenna required Yet there were some that scrupled the Article concerning Hostages but Porsenna understanding how important that peace was and that they who stuck at it could not but have some secret inclination for Tarquin because having no children themselves they were unconcern'd in this Article he oppos'd his judgment No no said he hastily we ought not to stick at a just thing for it is equitable that Porsenna restoring the Janiculum before the final execution of the Treaty that is to be made have Hostages for security and it is not to be fear'd that a Prince who sends back an Enemy whom he might with justice retain will keep back Hostages which he cannot withhold without violating the Publick-Faith But how is it intended answer'd a Senator roughly that was on the contrary opinion that those twenty Virgins of Quality shall be chosen out To testifie to the Publick reply'd Publicola that I have no intention to except my own daughter from the general rule and that all that is mine is the commonwealth's my advice is that the choice be made by order of Lot without any deceit and that all the names of Youths of Quality in general be put into one Urne and those of Virgins of condition in another and that in the middle of the Temple of Janus which ought to be shut up assoon as these Hostages shall be delivered a young Child shall draw twenty of these Tickets which shall be well mingled before hand after which without any contest they whose names shall be found in the twenty Tickets to be sent to Porsenna Publicola's opinion seeming just and generous they who had offered to obstruct the peace durst not contradict it But before they broke up the Senate Voted to give Mutius the Meadow in which he had done that great action of enduring the fire with such extroardinary constancy And accordingly that peice of Land was from that time called The Mutian-Meadows and he himself was term'd Mutius Saevola by reason of his burnt hand After this result had been taken it was signifi'd to Lucilius and Telanus who nevertheless could not return till the day following because the Senate would not absolutely conclude the business without the suffrages of the people 'T is true it was easie to judge they would approve the deliberations that were made for they had suffered far more than those of the better Quality Telanus
after he came out of the Senate delivered Aronce's Letters to Clelia and the rest he writ to he intended also to carry the old man who accompanied him to Plotina but he requested him to leave him at Clelius's house However Telanus desir'd at least to signifie to that fair Virgin of whom he was still amorous that Aronces had kept his word which he had pass'd and to that purpose he went to wait upon her where he found good company for Valeria Berelisa Anacreon Amilcar Herminius Acrisius and Spurius were with her as also Octavius and Horatius The action of Mutius and the Peace being two matters new and important they were talked of alone in all companies every one magnifying or diminishing the merit of Mutius's act according to their own judgements or inclinations For that Telanus was esteemed by all the World he was received with joy he was askt tidings concerning Aronces he was thanked for the peace as if he had made it and a thousand caresses were made to him For my part said Plotina pleasantly I believe Berelisa Clidamira and my self see Telanus again with more joy than Valeria for being they are not of Rome and I think my self no Roman tho I know not precisely what I am we are not in the same fear that she is of going as Hostage to Porsenna's Camp That which you do not fear answered Telanus is that which discontents me for I should be sufficiently joyful that you were in a place where I could render you any service 'T is true said Valeria with a melancholy aspect my joy for the peace is not absolutely pure and fear lest the Lot fall upon me sufficiently disturbs me Confess the truth said Berelisa to her with a low voice 't is not that alone that causes the sadness in your eies but your fear left Mutius's action which produces peace to Rome cause Publicola to change his mind and be prejudicial to Herminius occasions your discontent 'T is true reply'd Valeria blushing my Father is so accustomed to Sacrifice all things to the Publick-good that I cannot but fear becoming one of the Victims of the Peace Whilst Berelisa and Valeria were speaking low Plotina not being able to contain from turning the most serious matters to raillery for my part said she I confess I have at present the greatest ardency in the world to know who were the three hundred men which 't is said Mutius affirmed had conspir'd to kill Porsenna I know at least I am none of them answer'd Herminius I should be very sorry to be suspected for one added Horatius I am of your mind pursu'd Octavius Anacreon and I said Amilcar being not born at Rome we have no concernment in it since Mutius said they were three hundred young Romans who had conspir'd against Porsenna's life As for me said Spurius whereas Mutius and I have not the same intimacy as heretofore it cannot be believ'd that he communicated his design to me And for my part added Acrisius I have several reasons for which I cannot be accused for one as first I was not born in Rome Secondly Oh! I beseech you interrupted Plotina laughing and knowing how much Acrisius affected to speak stop there for I hate nothing more than those people who in a great company where every one has right to say something begin to speak with First and to proceed to Secondly and Thirdly and I am ready to dye with fear left they should go on till they come to Fiftiethly All the company laughing at the manner in which Plotina interrupted Acrisius he was a little abashed but yet he was constrained to bear the railery whether he would or no for fear of offending Plotina of whom he was highly enamoured However this fair Virgin that she might not give him leisure to be angry chang'd the discourse and beholding all those that had spoken But according as you all speak said she it might seem an injury to you to accuse you of being any of those three hundred Conspirators To save you the trouble of searching for so great a number of them said Telanus then I shall assure you I believe Mutius was the sole person and made use of that untruth to induce Porsenna to what he desir'd for by the way as he came hither he spoke certain things which suffer me not to doubt of it at all If it be so said Plotina I think this unhappy adventure ought to reconcile Herminius to lying 'T is so far from it answer'd he that I shall hate it the more for tho I am zealous for my Country yet I confess I should not like to deliver it either by a Lye or an Assassination and if I were to chuse either Horatius's action or that of Mutius I should not deliberate a moment notwithstanding the success of the last is far more considerable than of the former But that it may not be thought I speak as a Rival or as an envious person I shall commend Mutius for the constancy wherewith he endur'd the torment of the flames that burnt his hand and for his courage in attempting a thing in which it is probable he would perish but as for the Lye and Assassination I confess to you I cannot find any thing in them that does not clash with my inclination For according to my judgement to do an action perfectly Heroical not onely the motive to it ought to be just but likewise the means noble and innocent Indeed added Valeria suppose an indifferent cause in the action of Mutius he will be the greatest Criminal of all mankind and the most inconsiderate and he can not be commended saving for a happy rashness Should you speak this at present in the Court of the Capitol answer'd Plotina the people would look upon you as an Enemy of Rome Nevertheless Valeria has reason reply'd Octavius But however said Amilcar 't is good there be Heroes of all sorts that is such as are scrupulous scarce of any thing rash and Lyers for in brief without Mutius you had had no peace wherefore I conclude that the Lye he made use of be put in the rank of those innocent Lies of which we spoke so much here one day It will be enough answer'd Herminius to put it in the rank of happy Lies In truth said Plotina then I perceive there are scarce any pleasures how great soever but are mix'd with some sorrow Peace which is so great a good perhaps will shortly cause several displeasures to me for I apprehend Berelisa Clidamira and Anacreon will speedily go from us and besides I am in great fear lest the Lot which is to appoint those twenty Virgins of Quality that are to be given in Hostage should cruelly deprive me of all those I love best As Plotina had done speaking Clelia enter'd who came to seek Valeria there A little while after Cesonia brought Clelius into Plotina's chamber with the same old man whom she had seen once before and who was to inform her of
Porsenna's Camp because he fear'd her vertue would mollifie the King's mind or if it did not she would not be well treated Octavius's heart was mov'd to see Hermilia so afflicted as she was go into a Victorious Army which would alwayes bring into her memory the death both of her Brother and her Lover As for Mutius he was not very sorry that Valeria was to goe to Porsenna by whom he hop'd to be protected tho he had intended an attempt upon his life but Herminius and Aemilius were so afflicted at it that their sorrow serv'd to comfort Spurius for that grief he would have resented if he had been ignorant of their affliction As for Amilcar perceiving no very great sadness in Plotina's eyes and being free to see her in Porsenna's Camp as well as at Rome he thought to himself this change of life would give him a new affection without being oblig'd to change his Mistress Telanus was very glad of this adventure but Acrisius Sicinius and Damon much afflicted As for Clelia she did not certainly know what sentiments she ought to have by reason of her natural modesty she could not but regret at her going to Porsenna's Camp but otherwise her interests were so intricate that she could not well disintangle them She was not sorry to be remov'd from Horatius and glad to think she should see Aronces but she was to leave Sulpicia and goe into the power of Porsenna with whom she conceiv'd Tarquin and Sextus were not likely to make a total breach and who she knew well did not approve the love Aronces had for her Yet it was a consolation to her to have Valeria Plotina and Hermilia for her companions but for all this she was very sad as well as the rest of her Friends All the influence the Publick interest had in the minds of these fair Virgins only caus'd them to constrain themselves as much as they could that they might not seem much afflicted for a thing that conduc'd to confirm the peace Assoon as their names were drawn crowns of flowers were put upon their heads and they were oblig'd to thank the Gods for chusing them to establish the liberty of Rome Moreover the names of twenty young youths of Quality were drawn by Lots after which it was resolv'd to send the Hostages assoon as Lucilius was return'd and Porsenna had confirm'd the Articles of Peace carry'd to him and every one departed home Then the fair Virgins prepared for their departure and receiv'd the Adieus of their Lovers and Friends of both Sexes Horatius express'd himself to Clelia in the most pathetical words the most violent love could dictate and the most nice jealousie suggest to him Mutius spoke to Valeria with more fierceness than ordinary and like a man that thought nothing could be refus'd him after having procur'd peace to Rome I know well cruel Valeria said he to her that you look upon what I have done for Rome as if I had done it against you but perhaps you will change your thoughts during your absence in the mean time you must permit me to hope that Publicola who is more sensible of the Publick-good than you will thank me for what I have done for it and be unwilling you should render me miserable If my Father could render you happy answer'd she without violating his own word and forcing my will without doubt he would doe it and were it in my power to hinder you from being miserable I would doe it out of gratitude But Mutius you require a thing absolutely impossible therefore preserve no ill-grounded hope in your breast Herminius is the only man in the world that I can love and if I could cease to be his I ought then to favour Aemilius and not you Ah! cruel Valeria cry'd Mutius consider what the Lover you despise is capable of doing and fear lest he act that against his own Enemies which he has done against the Enemies of Rome As you pretend to have perform'd a brave action answer'd she so there is reason to believe you will not blemish it by an ignoble one and besides to tell you freely threatnings never cause any fear in me You intend then added he that I must dye with despair and burn eternally without hoping a moment of release in my torments You can endure the fire so constantly reply'd she with a little too sharp raillery that you are less to be pityed than another But in brief Mutius added she content your self with the glory you have acquired doe not blemish it with unjust menaces addict your self rather to ambition than love and leave me in quiet I shall obey you Madam said he to her and if I cannot leave you in quiet as you desire I shall employ the same hand against my self that has lately given peace to Rome Since I am alwayes alike equitable answer'd Valeria I oppose that which you intend to doe against your self as I would oppose that which you should offer to attempt against another No no Madam said he to her I have nothing to doe with your equity and when the fancie takes me I shall know well how to doe my self justice In this manner Mutius parted from Valeria Aemilius bid her Adieu like an unhappy Lover that dar'd not hope any thing Spurius like a man that never despair'd of any thing but alwayes believ'd what could not be obtain'd by merit or force might be by subtlety As for Octavius his farewell to Hermilia was so respectful a declaration of Love that this fair Virgin as sad as she was could not be offended at it Sicinius following his own humor bid Plotina Adieu in two words Acrisius on the contrary employ'd a thousand in saying almost nothing to her Damon who knew of the Dialogue Amilcar made while he was sick spoke to her more against his Rival than of his own passion and as for Amilcar he told her he would conduct her to the Camp and assist Telanus to convoy her Colatina had no Lover at Rome whom she regreted and so was not troubled to bid adieu to any but her friends Berelisa and Clidamira were much afflicted to see all these fair persons depart and so was Anacreon Indeed Artemidorus's sickness most of all took up their care they went to visit him very frequently sometimes with Sulpicia Berelisa or Cesonia but with this advantage to Berelisa that the Prince notwithstanding his weakness observed this fair Virgin was more troubled for his wounds than Clidamira He perceiv'd her more sad and dejected and beheld in the other more pretence than true sorrow Lucilius being at length return'd and having brought back the confirmation of the Peace notwithstanding the negotiations of Tarquin and Tullia to break it preparation was made to send away the Hostages Accordingly the next morning all the young Youths that were to be given in Hostage were led to the foot of the Janiculum and the twenty fair Virgins conducted by their relations were put into the hands of
of Clusium and that of the Prince of Perusia was without doubt the way to put him in a capacity to give law to all Etruria and to dispute the power with the famous Vulturnum and with proud Rome it self but knowing the resentments the King of Perusia had against the King of Clusium his Father she was strongly perswaded that he would never consent to hearken to any terms whilst he was in prison or that if he did hearken to it he would never give his Daughter to his Prisoner 't is therefore said she to him we must contrive a way to render you happy and to give the Peace to two Estates which cannot subsist in War Alas Madam what expedient may a Prince find overwhelmed with so many different chances as I highly esteem your vertue I will propose to you a proposition which according to all appearances may effect happily your design if you follow my advice But generous Porsenna pursued she before I tell it you you must solemnly swear to me and do not promise me that which you will not inviolably keep I promise you Madam said he to her that I will never violate my word I give you and that I will not make use of the priviledge that may be granted to Prisoners not to perform their promise but likewise promise me that you will not command me to disrespect you or not to affect Galerita on the contrary replied Nicetale I intend to put you in a possibility always to love her and to permit her to love you innocently till the expiration of her life but to make this design succeed happily I must steer my course so that you may depart from prison without any suspition that I was privy to it you must therefore said she not go to Clusium for fear you should not be there Master of your self but you must go to the King of Cera who remaining neuter during this War is very fit to be a Mediator between the King of Clusium and the Prince my Husband but before it 's put in execution you must promise me that in case by your solicitations and address you can neither conclude a Peace between these two Princes nor to oblige them to consent that you may espouse Galerita you will come back to reassume your chains for it is not just knowing your valour and good fortune in the War I should put such a valiant man as you in the head of an Army which must fight against Mezentius for though he is sometimes violent and unjust I am his Wife and ought to espouse his interest against all the World think therefore if you are capable to accomplish my desires as Porsenna was amorous and Nicetales proposition was equitable he promised her with joy to perform all the desired on condition she would likewise promise him to use all her power that he might espouse Galerita so the agreement being fully concluded they resolved that this Princess should return to Perusia and he that commanded the Castle absolutely depending on Nicetale should give him leave to escape and Porsenna through an interest of love was obliged to wish the absence of his beloved object as Nicetale desired passionately Peace should be concluded before the beginning of the Spring she hastened her return to accelerate the execution of her design but as she now look'd upon Porsenna as a Prince which should espouse her Daughter she permitted them to have some particular conference the day which preceded her departure whilst she entertained below a Lady of Quality which had arrived there that Morning so that Porsenna in this manner bid adieu to that young and fair Person the Grandeur of whose Spirit equalling her great Beauty made her to tell things most judicious to the Prince whom she was about to leave for after he had made to her a thousand Protestations of fidelity she told him she would not oblige him to so many things as the Princess her Mother had in case that he could not make a pacification between the King of Clusium and the Prince of Perusia she would only desire him not to bear Arms against the Prince her Father but Porsenna having answered her that if he was free honour would force him to fight for his Father and both love and honour equally engaging him to her if he could not conclude a Peace he would come back to re-assume his Irons which seemed to him much lighter than those with which love had chained him in fine Madam this separation was so tender and sensible and those which have related this Adventure say that it was scarce credible that so young a Person as Galerita should have power to draw her self from his conversation with so much judgment and address and assuredly this particular entertainment much encreased the Princes affection In the mean time Nicetale after she had reconfirmed her promises to him and he had renewed his to her returned to Perusia leaving a secret order with him which commanded the Castle who was the Son of the Princess Galerita's Governess to favour Porsenna's escape in four or five days but so privately to act it that he might not in the least appear culpable of it this man over whom his Mother had as much power by her address as by that which nature gave her disposed himself to hazard his Fortune in hopes to advance it and executed it so happily a few days after the Princess Nicetale was returned to Perusia that Porsenna saved himself as if he had suborned some of his Guards who went with him neither did Mezentius know any thing of Porsenna's love to Galerita nor the Intelligence of Nicetale with Porsenna In the mean time this Prince according to his word went to Cera from whence he sent to the King of Clusium to intreat him to endeavour to conclude a Peace with the Prince of Perusia by proposing his Marriage with the Princess his Daughter and he to whom this imployment was committed being a man of Quality very fit to perform this Commission Porsenna fully instructed him of all the reasons which might oblige the King his Father to consent to his Propositions charging him that if he would not effect it to tell him that he was not free but in appearance and that he would return to the Prison of the Prince of Perusia when his hopes were frustrated of espousing the Princess Galerita and to give Peace to two of the most considerable Estates of all Etruria at first the King of Clusium was strangely irritated against the Prince his Son because he went to Cera and not to him and vented his anger against his Proposition but Porsenna having secretly wrote to those which had some credit over this his Father's Spirit that they might induce him to make Peace they knew so well how to represent to him that his people were weary of War and the advantage that the Marriage of his Son with the blooming youth of the Perusian Princess would bring him that in the end he
resolved to send to offer Peace to Mezentius whose courage was much abated at Porsenna's flight for he knew not the conditions on which he departed from his Irons but having a fiery heart and a vindicative spirit he would not resolve with himself to hearken to any Proposition of Peace nor Alliance with a Prince whom he hated and that which fed this humour was that the Princess Galerita was much affected by a Prince of this Court named Bianor who forgot nothing that might hinder that the Peace should deprive him of his Mistress that which rendred his credit so great was that Mezentius was amorous of his Sister who is now that Princes Wife and who was then very beautiful and ambitions so it was not without great difficulty that Nicetale made him consent to her desires but she could not have done it unless having divulged the advantageous Proposals of Peace by the King of Clusium the people were no sooner advised of it but they murmured at him and so highly began to testifie their aversion to War that Mezentius knowing very well he could not without danger excite a revolt in his Estates having given a great charge to Bianor to appease the Person whom he loved he consented in the end to treat with the King of Clusium In the interim there passed few days but Porsenna wrote to Nicetale and Galerita to pray the first to remember her promise and to give a thousand testimonies of love to the latter but in the end after a long Negotiation the Peace was concluded and the Marriage of Porsenna and Galerita resolved on on condition Porsenna should remain at Perusia as long as his Father lived Mezentius imagining that the King would renew the War in despight of the Alliance if he retained not the Prince as Hostage it is true this Article was easily accorded to for though the King of Clusium very much loved his Son he was not sorry for this advantageous absence which reunited in his Person all the obedience of his Subjects so that the Marriage was happily concluded in despight of the Clandestine Machinations of Bianor and the natural aversion of Mezentius but hardly had Porsenna and Galerita the leasure to contemplate the happy Sun-shine of their good fortune when it was eclipsed with grief for the sage and prudent Nicetale died a little after the Celebration of the Nuptials and she dyed with much regret because she knew the secret aversion Bianor's Sister entertained in her heart against Porsenna and it was principally because she saw him adored by all the Court and very much loved by the People In the mean time the death of Nicetale put such a great consternation in all her House and in the Princess her Daughters that there were few in the one and the other which were not entirely swayed by grief so that in this great disorder it unhappily fell out that one of the Women of this Queen which had been alwayes favourable to Porsenna's Rival found all the Letters the Prince had written to Nicetale during his residence at Cera by which he entreated her exactly to keep her word and to oblige the Princess her Daughter to keep the promise she made him to espouse none but him so that this Person being seised of these Letters to evidence to Bianor that if she had not had the power heretofore to serve him nigh Galerita it was not for want of address but because an invincible obstacle opposed her intentions but shewing all those Letters to Bianor she excited a great confusion in his Spirit which made him resolve to revenge himself both of Porsenna and Galerita for as he knew Mezentius was jealous of his Authority that he was violent and vindicative and that he noted he did not very much affect Porsenna he believed that when he knew the commerce which had been between him and the Princess his Daughter he would be much exasperated against him having consulted with his Sister thereupon she confirmed him in his design for not seeing now that it was impossible Mezentius should espouse her being a Widdower and that he was very amorous of her she imagined it would be most advantageous to effect her Marriage with that Prince and the only way to excite his anger both against Porsenna and the Princess Galerita So that this Maid reasoning as an Ambitious Person and 〈◊〉 as a Vindicative Lover and an Ambitious Rival they absolutely resolved to shew the Prince of Perusia all Porsenna's Letters but as they were not absolutely assured what impression they would make in Mezentius Spirit when he saw them they would not give them to him with their own hands but laid them on the Table of his Cabinet where he found them without knowing who put them there he was strangely astonish'd to see them for as he well knew the writing of Porsenna and easily comprehended their Contents he would not make appear his astonishment nor anger because he would be better satisfied of them though those Letters almost learn'd to him all that which was passed the Article only excepted which might justifie Nicetale for it was not positively written in the Letter that he should return to Prison if the Peace was not concluded because he judged Nicetale would understand it if he did but express in general terms that he would not violate his promise Mezentius then being willing to be better instructed in that which was but dubiously mentioned in the Letters sent to find out the Lady who had been the Princess his Daughters Governess before her Marriage judging that this secret might be known to her she being very much belov'd by Nicetale but the better to palliate his Design he shewed to her all Porsenna's Letters to Nicetale without expressing the least resentment of anger to have learn'd the Intelligence which had been between the Princess his Daughter and Porsenna during his Imprisonment but on the contrary he said to her the more to deceive her that he had not the curiosity to know particularly all the passages between them and who were those which had contributed to unite their affection but to the end to know to whom he owed that obligation of Peace which his People enjoyed by the Marriage of those two Persons Mezentius thus speaking with a feigned dissimulation and the Lady believing in the estate things were his designs were consonant to his words disguised nothing from him and recounted to him all that was passed but though she told him that Porsenna was set free on a limited condition to come back thither if he espoused not Galerita by concluding Peace but he believed it not but believed 't was this Ladies invention and judged 't was her Son which had facilitated the flight of that Prince though she did not acquaint him with it but told him that Nicetale had suborned some of his Guards but she principally aggravated the Grandure of Porsenna's love to Galerita and that powerful inclination of Galerita for Porsenna seeming to