affording me so freely her company the first night I not permitting the second I tooke my leave lovingly of the old people who truly had entertained me with an honest Countrey affection so that presently according to our direction we repaired to the Bankes of the River Pactolus where we quickly hired a Barke that without any suspition at all brought us to Sardis which Towne sheltred us without discovery untill we found another conveniency to convey us to your Castle where being arrived we are confident you will not betray your guests but rather advise us by your Counsell how to prosecute further my affaires since it is to be thought they will make a sudden and diligent inquiry after my escape At which words with a pretty smile the Princesse Cloria cast her eyes upon her Governesse as if she expected from her experience the best direction for them both Roxana when she had drawne the lookes of Ascanius upon her in a curious manner since he had not been formerly acquainted with her conversation and also mused according to her custome for some short space she gave this advice Truly said she as it is most necessary in the prime place that my Lord Ascanius provide for his own security since it is impossible but some speedy search will be after his escape the Senate not being willing to part with so many of the Royall family out of their own jurisdiction So Madam be pleased to thinke it convenient that the Queen now remaining in Syria may presently be made acquainted with this fortunate delivery of my Lord your brother from his imprisonment by some trusty messenger to be dispatched from our Counsels which party may be as I conceive this faithfull servant the companion of his Travels whom he hath now brought along with him into this Castle who cannot well remaine here in that he will rather prove a Subject of suspition then an officer of use since the daily visits of this place by the Nobility and other people of quality must of necessity bring his name in question And for this beautifull runaway your brother since he so well becomes a Maids attire and hath so bravely given testimony of his own modesty I see no reason why he may not still live amongst us without danger to his own person or prejudice to our honours being entertained as your attendant in your chamber untill either commands out of Syria call him away or you your selfe be removed from the jurisdiction of this Kingdome by your happy marriage with my Lord Narcissus at which words the Princesse became as red as Scarlet not dreaming her young brother should so abruptly have been made acquainted with her secret ingagement But the fault was already committed and Roxana had no time to aske forgivenesse wherefore something confounded by her errour as well as she could she went on with her continued discourse However said she that we may not remaine altogether ignorant of the proceedings of the Senate I shall industriously endeavour to instruct our little dwarfe who wants no wit to make such inquiry abroad as may be most convenient for our affaires for whose truth and honesty I will undertake with the engagement of my reputation This may give you a full liberty to enjoy with freedome each others company a benefit that neither of you will repine at I am sure since the fates have been hitherto penurious to both your conversations with these words she rested silent in a kinde of a grave smile expecting the young couple should signe their consents by some demonstration After that Roxana had fully ended her discourse the lovely paire looked upon each other with such a sweet chearefulnesse as if their own passions had no desire to enquire further after the depth of her reasons since their hearts abundantly approved of the consequence of her designe which was that they might enjoy the felicity of one anothers conversation at last Cloria asked her brother how he liked the wisedome of her Governesse which gave him occasion to tell her that he did not now wonder how she had passed through the intricacie of so many dangerous adventures having had so faithfull and discreet a Pilot to guide her in the vast sea of such desperate accidents In the meane time this delighted company past away their howers in such conversation as most tended to Euarchus wished prosperity sometimes complaining of the unrelenting cruelty of the Senate that could so long detaine their just and mercifull King in a darke prison instead of casting themselves at his feet humbly to desire pardon for their offences otherwhiles againe they would entertaine their thoughts with new hopes of his releasement by powerfull Armies sent into Lydia by all the Princes of Asia in which number Narcissus had no low ranke in the opinion of lovepartiall Cloria neither seldome did they agree in beliefe that the generall distractions of the Kingdome would soon put an end to the differences without any other assistance untill these diversities of fancies carried them one day into the garden where Clorias diligent servant in the view of other attendants observed so carefully the directions of her charge that she made alwayes election of those fruit that the Princesse intention did but only covet and presented them to be made more beautifull by the touch of her white hand In these entertainments I say they continued untill an ancient Lord of the Senate who had not altogether put off his duty and affection to the Kings posterity with a seeming joy that made him forget his accustomed ceremonies to the Princesse Cloria not onely suddenly entred the Garden but made a kind of rude passage through the crowd of such as waited neere her person and with a breathlesse voyce informed her that that very morning as the Nobility were sitting in their own Councell chamber divided by a partition from the common assembly of the lower Senate they were saluted in a tumultuous manner by may thousands of people having their leaders of much greater quality with a petition that not onely complained of the proceedings of the Army but defired they might again speedily enjoy the liberty of their King the freedome of the Lawes and an establishment of their Religion as they said absolutely obstructed from their possession by the licentious power of the Souldiers under Farezius command whom as they intimated they had formerly chosen to be their Captaine for some season but not to be a tyrant against their priviledges for ever vowing withall that as they would not depart the great City of Sardis without a direct answer so were they resolved to procure an accomplishment of their just requests to the hazzard of their lives and fortunes O Madam said he how these brave beginnings inflamed our soules with new courages notwithstanding we could not chuse in some sort but reflect upon our own poornesse of spirit or at leastwise dulnesse in understanding that never went about to put in execution what these people propound
removing with all expedition yet neither the distempers of the Princesse or the commodity of the Syrian Vessell that had conveyed them thither as yet afforded them the conveniency But whilst their expectations from day to day waited the opportunity Dedalus of a sudden had intelligence that the old Cretans having newly given the Myssians in their Countrey a kinde of a desperate overthrow esteeming themselves thereby at more liberty to act as they pleased were marching in all hast against the Walles of Pergame with an intention as 't was said to obtaine the absolute jurisdiction both of the Towne and Haven The Governour upon this after he had made the Princesse Cloria acquainted with the newes assembled the chiefe Magistrates of the City whereby not onely to take their advice but to demand their assistance however all the benefit this congregation produced towards the end he intended was to breake up the meeting in distracted councells instead of more setled resolutions for he found some were for the Senate of Lydia and the Myssians others againe declared their affections to be most inclinable for the proceedings and Religion of the ancient Natives though the third sort of people however fewest in number declared for the Princesse Cloria and himselfe but Dedalus finding he could not build his determinations upon these uncertainties wherein both the safety of the Towne and his own honour might probably suffer by reason of the protraction as also the person of the Princesse Cloria be endangered by his slownesse and neglect he quickly mustered up all the Souldiers of the Castle with such others of the Kings party in the City that were willing to obey his command with an intention according to Roxana's perswasion onely to guard and defend the Walls and the Bullwarkes of the Towne from any suddaine surprize of the Rebells not conceiving himselfe able to contend equally with them in the Field by reason of their numbers and provision no sooner was this resolution of his publickly made knowne in the generall to the people but the most part of them began with open mouthes to exclame against his intentions calling him Traytor and coward with a thousand other words of most infamous language pretending he durst not issue out into the field to fight with the enemy for feare of his own person though it were thereby to secure all their lives and estates As this mad rage in the multitude was kindled by the Myssians faction in the City as doubting if it were not speedily prevented the old Cretan Natives might probably become masters of the place and so by consequence they should be hindred of their Trade and commerce with Smyrna and other Haven Townes belonging to the Senate of Lydia so was Dedalus forced to issue out into the Field and venture a Battle with the Rebels which he performed with so gallant a bravery that within few houres time he dislodged most of their Troopes from about and neere the walls of Pergame But three or foure dayes after thinking to returne againe into the Towne with both honour and authority he was suddainly contrary to his expectation violently opposed and denyed enterance at the gates of the City the inhabitants pretending that he onely seemed to have put the enemy to flight when he had resolved to deliver up the Towne into their hands Dedalus in the interim being enflamed with this ungratefull proceedings of his Country men resolved by power and force of armes to gaine a new entrance to his old command and to this purpose although his Souldiers were not many he began to make formall Trenches as if he intended a long and continued siege whereby againe to bring the people to their wonted and ancient obedience to that jurisdiction he held under the King his master as supposing neither their strength or skill would long be able to contend with his right and power but alasse they had already too craftily prevented his purposes by more preventing designes for as soone as they fell upon these resolutions to keep him by strong hand out of the Towne they sent privately to those Lydian ships that lay dispersed over the Seas with a full declaration of their intentions which was to render themselves obedient to the Senat 's commands of which a considerable number was already come into the Haven to take possession of the City whereby to receive the peoples offers in that nature with a promise also of their parts to afford them protection both in war and peace against all those that should oppose This being soon made known to Dedalus he had no other way but to endeavour the best conditions he could both for himselfe and the Princesse to which effect Commis-missioners of each side were appointed to Treat since as he could not altogether have declined this remedy so with no probable hope could he have expected the gaining of the Towne by force in regard of those supplies which remained in the ships newly come into the Haven to strengthen the inhabitants endeavours and resolutions of the other side being obliged to lye with all his Forces in the Fields before the Walls of Pergame without either supplyes or provision he was in certaine danger to be destroyed by the old Natives who not many dayes before by his valour and conduct he had disgracefully chased from the siege However the Princesse Cloria when shee came to the assured knowledge of these unfortunate passages by which her owne liberty seemed again to be circumscribed by a new though a more inferiour jurisdiction although shee could not be but sufficiently sensible of the unhappinesse of such a subjection yet shee resolved to meet her captivity with such a majesty as either would bring revenge upon her person in regard of her Fathers contentions or procure a respectfull compassion from her enemies that might defend her Dignity from all oppression with these thoughts as if shee had beene of a sudden miraculously cured of her distempers shee called for her Clothes whereby the better to put her couragious determinations in execution when any violence to that purpose should be attempted but Roxana upon the instant comming in to her chamber and finding her body not in a capacity to answer to that resolution of her minde not onely gave her counsell to lye still and expect as yet the farther event of things during the Treaty but also entered into more necessary discourses with her concerning what was to be thought upon and done in this unlucky conjuncture of affaires although shee could not apprehend much danger would happen either to her person or quality by this accident To this purpose shee used this language unto her as shee lay in her bed Madam said shee put the worst which is to be made prisoners to this new power that as you see hath not onely driven out Dedalus from his command but probably will now circumvent all our other designes if they can finde the opportunity they must either carry you into Lydia or send
thinks that season longer and his torment greater by much then in the day time for where the minde is kept high by ambition to compasse something it coveteth it hath power enough in that interim to hold up the body from falling to its proper center the earth where naturally it inclines but being without comfort if a man doe not make strong use of his noble part his soul to maintaine his courage and resolution the suffering or captivating of flesh and bloud will render a man quickly totally overcome and that is the reason that long and tedious persecutions have destroyed more competent spirits then sharp and violent tortures since they were prepared for the one with expectation and only weared by the other with continuance We know that old men strive more greedily to preserve their lives that short time they are to live then young men in their most flourishing yeares because diversity of prospects operates so much in youthfull bosomes by reason of continuall activity tending that way that they have not leasure to settle their imaginations upon horrid apprehension when old people have so much time to think wanting power of action that the object which is naturall appeares often before their eyes to fright them and so fares it with a person that only suffers in comparison of him that doth both suffer and act together wherefore that person hath need of a double courage because there is nothing to accompany his thoughts of variety or diversion for certainly it pleaseth a man rather to contend for his life though he know he shall be deprived of it then to lose it without any strife at all which seemes to be the case of Euarchus since they will not so much as permit him with reason to dispute his rights but force him unheard to deliver up his Crowne and more grievous a great deale is his condition in that he appeares to be left of all those friends that have been most obliged to his goodnesse What is the reason that a delinquent upon the Scaffold is accustomed to have his eyes banded before the stroake of death to take away from him the apprehension of the blow which he knowes he shall receive When a valiant Souldier in the Field without shaddow will charge against a thousand weapons with as much certainty of destruction but because the ones action frees him from the others terrour All which shew that a sad expectation of an ill augments the suffering when a diversion by imployment of the body or busying the senses by diversity of objects take away that apprehension that makes any danger or misery excessively horrid as for example men for the most part are put to torture in uncouth places where there is nothing but silence or low whispers to render the sufferer more sensible of the paine by the quieting of the imagination and so it fares with such as passe through darke places being afraid of every small rustle when in the day time the same way perhaps is pleasant so that as I say without doubt all smart griefe and discontent is encreased by want of action and too much leasure for consideration for I must conclude that it is a great deale easier for a person to dye fighting in the Field though he should be cut in sunder in a thousand pieces then to endure a long and tedious captivity which is Euarchus present condition in so much as at last if he should in some sort yield to this cruelty I must not finde fault with his courage but if he gaine the victory I shall esteeme him a miracle of nature As I must not said Roxana goe about to disprove your arguments grounded upon such reasons and more delivered by the knowne authority of your excellent judgement so of the other fide I could wish the King had some Counsell to assist him in these difficulties besides his own capacity and courage since it is impossible but humane nature at the length will be tired with over much suffering and by consequence faile for want of true information there is no contradiction of your opinion said Creses but such is the crafty spight of some that they will permit none to be about the Kings person that dares loyally afford him any profitable consolation because they may the sooner bring him to consent to their desires Yet replyed Roxana it is not well known what those desires are since they never durst for all I could ever learne publickly declare their intentions but doe as it were in a dark mist endeavour to possesse the people that the King refuseth something he is obliged to grant for the good of his Subjects by which meanes they strive still to maintaine their credits and opinions amongst the common sort It is so Madam said Creses however since you are fallen upon that point I shall let you know how farre the King hath yet condiscended to their demands whereby the better to dispossesse the People of that beliefe they are perswaded to have in the Senates integrity though I verily thinke they now more feare their power then trust their intentions for whereas not many dayes agoe they proposed to Euarchus to have the power of the force of the Kingdome for twenty yeares both by Sea and Land the King hath yielded to grant them that jurisdiction during his life though not for that terme which appears now to be the greatest difference between them since the Senate seemes not content with this offer whereupon the Myssians have lately put out a furious declaration against the Senate pressing the King to such unreasonable conditions In good earnest answered Roxana I cannot tell whether I have more cause to smile at the seeming ridiculousnesse of these proceedings or be amazed to see men growne so foolishly unreasonable since Euarchus appeares to my understanding to be willing to part with more from his own hopes then what the Senate requires for that if he grant the power of the Kingdome out of his hands during his life it gives more assurance to the Senate that he intends no more to raigne if he had quitted his power for so many yeares only since he might have some thought to over live that prescribed terme againe for the Myssians I wonder most of all at their new loyalty to their Prince when they have been as I may say the only cause that hath made him no King though now anew they seeme to desire to re-establish him in his ancient authority which certainly cannot be but upon other designes of advantage to themselves more then for Euarchus prosperity Truly Madam said Creses in the generall it is as you say but yet there are so many mysteries hid under these proceedings that they are capable to deceive the sharpest judgement if some light be not given by information Wherefore you must know that both Euarchus and the Senate know very well that the consequence of all the Affaires chiefly depend upon the assurance of the safety of the Kings person
since he can never hope to be againe re-established in his rightfull authority but either by the humours and inconstancy of the common people who when they finde the Kings absolute oppression brings no prosperity to them will probably become exasperated against the Senates proceedings and power or by an unreconcilable difference betweene the Senators themselves who may most command when they shall finde no other jurisdiction to oppose them both which in all likelihood will conduce to the Kings benefit if he sit quiet sometime under his injuries which I conceive to be the reason that he hath in outward appearance yielded so much to their demands And for the Myssians perhaps by this opposition they would perswade the world to a beliefe of their integrities as if at the first they consented not to the Kings hard usage whereby to obtaine a greater party not only in the Kingdome of Lydia if they have an intention to dispute their own profit but in other Countries if they meane to make Warre upon our people because they cannot be sharers in the government as they hoped the only cause certainly of the now seeming quarrell so that in my opinion Euarchus hath done like a wise and politick Prince in seeming not to contend where he was sure not to prevaile especially since by the dispute he might have endangered those hearts that will now be of his side if the occasion be offered either out of pitty to his sufferings or our of hate to the Senates government And besides it is to be considered that no act he shall passe in this condition of constraint can binde either himselfe or posterity by all humane and divine lawes if his Sword ever become more powerfull in the meane time the Senate will seek to preserve the Kings life and person with their best care since their own authority falls entirely by his death which as I say is the reason they desire more a terme of yeares in the continuation of thier required government then the determinable fate of the Princes life because they may have alwayes the liberty to presse him to new conditions if they finde by experience they have not yet obtained sufficient since they shall not need to feare the vexations of his person may bring any hazard upon him I cannot deny said Roxana but these reasons are sufficient to render me wholly satisfied in my doubtfull opinions but the gods are only capable to foresee the event of things And with that looking upon the Sun she perceived the time of the day called her to the attendance of the Princesse which made her for the present take her leave Upon her arrivall she found Cloria only accompanied by her Lute in a small withdrawing room belonging to her own chamber where none but her selfe had permission to be admitted not long after she had saluted the Princesse she discovered she had been weeping by the red circles about her eyes that gave the old woman occasion further to be inquisitive after her imployment untill she spyed this complaining ditty lying written before her upon the Table that quickly gave her satisfaction of the occasion though her excellent voyce and rare skill rendred the Musick heavenly Is Justice could some favour finde Or were not rather truly blind Ambition sure durst never weare The spoyles of such a vertue heare When every houre Doth need her power To set both Crownes and Kingdomes free For love I see is but a flame That onely beares a constant name And is by interest as a wave Tost here and there as others crave If objects seeme Of more esteeme To summon sense unto the call But whatsoever dwells more high Shoote but your Commets from the skie Against the hate that mortalls beare To such as lawfull Scepters weare And wee 'l adore For evermore That action as a Diâ—â—â— Yet whilst that fate and pride contend Whether shall conquer at the end The Gods themselves have cause to feare A revolution of the Spheare And then like we May Martyrs be In the vast Chaos of the fall But the Princesse after she had made an end of her Musicke began with many complaints and more sighes to blame absent Narcissus for his too much negligence in his love since in all this time of her last restraint he had not found as she said some disguise to visit her person though he might want the power to procure her liberty which she continued with a certaine passion untill Roxana not only chid her for those sad expressions that as she told her had destroyed in part the ravishing delight of her song but seemed unjust in accusing her servant that had in so many dangerous adventures shewed alwayes the entire constancy of his affection who was no doubt at the present retired into some region where he might best advantage her service However Cloria was willing upon any hopes to be satisfied with the proceedings of Narcissus and much more with his intentions yet could she not but tell Roxana that although she was pleased to be his advocate that seemed to have a powerfull perswasion in her beliefe yet were the loves she feared from Farezius and the importunities she expected of Cassianus in her apprehension arguments sufficient to make her think Narcissus wanted much diligence at leastwise violence that he did not endeavour to scale the very Walles where she remained a prisoner rather then to endure her to be so injured Truly Madam answered Roxana as I cannot tell why you should expect miracles instead of services so have you no cause to doubt the importunities you mention since I am not certaine Farezius love was ever presented to your liking either from himselfe or any of his instruments And for the Addresses of Cassianus you have been already so accustomed to refusals that I conceive you have not any other hard part to play then to continue the same course still Besides you may well remember by Cassianus own Letter that his affections are not so hot as to presse you upon over great inconveniences and therefore in my opinion you may very well quiet your thoughts concerning his courtships O Roxana said the Princesse you are much deceived in both these particulars for as to my knowledge which I have understood since I saw you last Farezius hath already intimated his desire to my father whom you may be sure will comply almost in any thing that concernes the Generall So doth Cassianus labour the Senate underhand to be propitious to his love since as he sayes their own honours are ingaged in the issue for that the world takes notice of their protestations which are to see him established in a prosperous condition both in power and affection And the rather as â—retends for that they formerly sent for him according to their professions to see them put in execution Roxana replyed as there be many reasons of sufficient force to make me give way to your opinions since your own beauty honour and vertues are loadstones
their sufferings the people will not be content to trust strangers with their liberty but yet the assistance that is desired from forraigne Princes needs not to consist wholly in numerous Armies but in small and frequent supplies both of men and moneyes which joyned with the Kings party and laying hold of the many discontents already ingendred in the hearts of most cannot but conduce exceedingly to the overthrow of this new government Besides there is another benefit that may be expected from other Countreyes being at open difference with the Senate of Lydia and that is denying their Merchants the liberty of Trade within their dominions which at last must of necessity discontent and impoverish the rich City of Sardis from whence the Souldiers are if not mainteined at leastwise supplyed upon all urgent occasions But why answered Cloria may not these Princes and especially the two great Monarchs of Aegypt and Syria as well forbid the free commerce you speak of in the time of their own differences as when they shall be at peace between themselves if they have any intention to right my father as I have heard they doe pretend Because replyed Roxana they are both so full of their own ambition that neither dares offend the State of Lydia as yet untill their Warres be at an end between themselves least they might give too much advantage to each other by the assistance of so powerfull a Kingdome as this is Then said the Princesse there may be some hopes to better my fathers affaires when these Kings shall thinke it good to put up their bloudy swords and not before I conclude not so Madam answered Roxana for although these exasperated Princes against their own quiet should have neither temper in their actions nor finde wisedome in their councellours untill meere necessity should constraine their Subjects to seek peace with violence which were too dangerous a president yet it is to be hoped that the Myssians with the Cretan Forces joyned to the discontents of Lydia by reason of diversity of Religions and interests would in time restore the King to his ancient dignity Pish Roxana replyed Cloria for the Myssians I have so little confidence in their assistance that what countenance soever their actions put on I can scarce be perswaded of their intentions since they once sold my father to this misery he now undergoes when they had a gallant Army in the Field to have redeemed both his person and his Crowne And for the Cretans besides that they are of a different profession to ours concerning the worship of the gods there are also so many factions amongst them by way of private ambition that they rather goe backe daily in their own affaires then shew any probabillity of helping others And for the discontents of Lydia which you mention with their diversities of Religions I doe not finde upon all occasions but they can very well lay downe their own spleenes when there appears a necessity to oppose my fathers prosperity Lastly concerning the common peoples sufferings I am perswaded they are resolved to endure any subjection or almost bondage it selfe rather then to be willing the King should recover againe his lost rights by force and power of the sword without making first some conditions with his prorogative notwithstanding he hath divers times given them by protestations what assurances could be desired from a just and a religious Prince Madam answered Roxana your opinion I must confesse is grounded upon a great deale of probabillity considering how the Myssians not onely sold the King to the power of the Senate but at the first beginning of these troubles came into Lydia to dispute your fathers rights But yet if you please to consider that the reason of their actions then proceeded from the extreame covetousnesse of some eminent persons amongst them who finde now they can expect no more gaine the Senate having already compassed their ends upon them you will easily believe that they are resolved to change the sceane for your fathers advantage since by that meanes they may come to play a double game and winne by the bargaine Next concerning the Cretans although I must confesse their foolish divisions amongst themselves have not only much hindred the Kings affaires and in a manner indangered the whole frame of their own designes yet is there such a disparity betweene them and the people of Lydia not only in regard of the difference of Religion but in that we have outed them formerly of much of their Lands that they will dye to the last man rather then suffer the Senate to beare rule over them Thirdly I must desire you not to dwell too strictly upon your beliefe that the common people of Lydia will so easily accord their difference and pacifie their discontents upon the appearance of a strange Army in regard it will only bring with it the right of the cause with a promise of amendment especially when they shall by a little more experience finde that their present grievances have neither termination nor limitation For I say that as at the first they were perswaded to entertaine the assistance of the Myssians whom they most hated and feared of all other Nations against their King who oppressed them in nothing however their fancies did injure their judgements so will they as well accept of any forraigne assistance against the Senate when they can no longer endure the burthen of their oppressions And last of all give me leave to tell you that the divisions within the Army and Senate house cannot but produce strange effects since no spleen is so great as what is in gendred by the same faction when once they fall at odds either by reason of gaine or prerogative But as she was further proceeding in her discourse the dwarfe enformed them that there was newly arrived in the Castle hall a young Maid of an excellent beauty who desired with much earnestnesse to be brought presently into the Princesse presence as pretending she had some secret to discover not convenient to be imparted to any other eare he also said that as her eyes sparkled forth a kinde of youthfull Majesty so did her neglectfull dresse seeme to have been disordred by her late journey which made her appeare more Amazon like This strange advertisement put them both into a sollicitous consideration as well concerning the person of the party as the occasion of the adventure And many loving desires would gladly have perswaded poor Cloria that Narcissus had borrowed another disguize to have given her a new visit but having more exactly examined her little servant concerning all particulars she found the stranger neither in stature or countenance could agree with the proportion or features of her absent Lord Wherefore after some more displeasing consideration with a kinde of a sad voyce as if her thoughts were troubled at the mistake she commanded the Page to conduct the Maid to her presence As soon as the damosell entred the room with confidence enough
approaching neerer to the Princesse in an abrupt manner told her though softly in her eare that her new guest was no other but her brother Ascanius broake from his imprisonment under the Senates jurisdiction wherefore wisht her for some time to discharge her dwarfe that he might more freely discourse to her his adventures Cloria was so much confounded with a sudden joy to have her sweet brother in her possession whom she could not be permitted to see during their imprisonment that her distractions could scarce finde a way to put in execution what her owne judgement should have thought convenient at another season But at last breaking through her pleasant amazement she discharged her little officer for however she was accustomed to trust him in her own secrets yet she would not notwithstanding use any priviledge to hazard her brothers confidence least it might render him lesse assured of his safety When she had passionately demonstrated his welcome by many affectionate kisses taking his white hand in hers which seemed also to have a neere alliance in beauty she desired him to make her acquainted with the passages of his escape since as she said they could not but be admirable considering the strict guard the Senate was ever accustomed to set over the Kings children in the interim Roxana curiously attended to understand the discourse that was to proceed from such dainty lips Wherefore after Ascanius had saluted his sisters looks with three or foure gentle smiles in which he seemed lovely to congratulate his own fortune and deride his Goalers carelesnesse he began this repetition though first he excused himselfe for many circumstances belonging to the story My father said he as he had commanded my brother Prince Arethusius for his better safety into the Kingdome of Syria there to attend the directions of our noble mother so was he perswaded by the Myssians in whose power he then remained in the Army to get me into his own possession whereby the better to secure as they pretended as many as might be of the bloud royall To this purpose he commanded me to make an escape and presently to repaire to his presence however with this caution that if I should be prevented in the execution I must not by any meanes reveale his desire least the Myssians should be brought into suspition who were then treating with the Senate about their payment But be their pretences what they would I strengthened my duty and obedience by all the thoughts my young yeares and lesse discretion could suggest advantageable to the designe and the Kings command which I must tell you scarce gave sleep to my eyes in the night or rest to my body in the day since truly I must needs say my youthfull ambition became more violent then ordinary to doe something exactly that might pretend to care and wisedome Yet not to trouble you with long repetitions where the successe proved unfortunate I was to my intollerable griefe taken in my escape though more perplexed I must confesse to be foyled in my first interprize then sorrowfull at the consequence of the losse being apprehended I was by order of the Senate exactly examined before such Commissioners as their gravities ordained to be judges of my actions However the gods so farre favoured my weake constancy that neither tyranny nor flattery was able to shake my dutifull resolution which so inraged their froward spleens that they not only caused me to be shut up in a darke roome but commanded some slight punishment to be inflicted upon my person as a small combatant in my fathers quarrell at which I rather laughed then seemed to feele But not finding these petty sufferings could prevaile against my spirit they ordered a great part of my dyet to be taken from me as supposing belike my belly was easiest to be conquered when truly I never esteemed meat the chiefe part of my consideration especially when I was assured for their own sakes they would afford me sufficient to sustaine nature yet at last having tryed all other wayes to compasse their ends without receiving any fruit from their labours they withdrew from me those accustomed respects belonging to my birth and quality which I cannot deny but most wrought upon my disposition for that I conceived the dignity of my parents as also your selfe sweet sister suffered in the omission To be short finding themselves wholly overcome by the goodnesse of my cause rather then by my courage they began of a sudden to change though not the theatre yet the manner of their action which was not only to sweeten their carriages towards me but also to tickle up my young ambition with hopes of being their elected King For as they said my father having totally abused his trust and my eldest brother Arethusius being unkindly fled from their protection they could finde none other so fit a person to undertake the government of the whole Kingdom as my self if I would but expresse love in my nature and be ruled by their Counsels for their intentions as they protested were never to destroy Monarchy But I being enflamed with a new rage to heare them to scandalize my fathers goodnesse go about to withdraw my duty by their intentions I answered that as my father had been much too gentle a Prince for such people so was their dissimulation no more to be believed concerning my selfe in these offers then when they protested to the world to make Euarchus the greatest King of Asia And in the meane time had to the uttermost of their power deprived him of his Crowne and dignity This blunt and resolute reply of mine belike gave them no further encouragement to proceed for telling me I was a pevish child and could not be brought to understand my own good they not only quitted my company but by degrees suffered againe the streame to returne into its right course to my singular content which however continued me still a prisoner Having past over so great a storme without shipwrack either of my own honour or danger to my fathers affaires I began to conceive good opinions of my judgement and beginning likewise to be extreame weary of my captivity since my yeares now required activity I fell into many considerations of another escape and had encouragement to put it in execution not only by daily rumours I heard of the discontents of the people for that they found no inclination of the Senate to agree with the King but also for that I understood many of the Kings ships had lately revolted from their service All which I say enflamed my thoughts to a new designe and these inflamations of hope desire and passion made me diligent to procure the good opinion of those that were intrusted with my person as a necessary consequence to my intention I oftentimes demanded of them to what end was it to use rigour in my imprisonment when it might turn to their prejudice if our side should hereafter prevaile neither could it at all
performed in this manner After said he I parted from this Castle according to your command I went to the very doore of the Senate-house the best place as I thought for intelligence where finding all those that stood without in a most confused distraction both in their words and looks it was not long before many of the chiefe Senators of a sudden came out of the room when presently they went with a great deale of haste towards another chamber where I understood by the discourses of the multitude they were designed to meet some of the Lords about a conference concerning the settlements of the disorders of the Kingdome I being both bold and little and so consequently as I thought not much to be suspected in the confused crowd thrust in along with them where placing my selfe in a nook of the chamber under a hanging it was my chance to heare these severall discourses from them The first sort of Senators that spake thought it convenient if not altogether necessary again to settle the King in his ancient dignity not onely in regard of the extraordinary cries of the common people to that purpose but also for that there were so many severall factions within themselves in the Senate not probable to be reconciled with any advantage to the Nation Others notwithstanding were of a contrary opinion alleadging that it were better to hazard the ruine of the whole Countrey in a generall confusion then to come any more under the jurisdiction of that Tyrannicall government as they said they had with so much bloud already endeavoured to destroy A third number of that assembly seemed in some sort to be willing to restore againe Euarchus to his Crowne in full lustre but they doubted least his unrelenting spleen might put him on to call the Senate to a strict account for their past actions and severity used both against his authority and person wherefore wisht rather to have some of his posterity Crowned in his place whom for such a benefit as they believed would easily be perswaded to forgive and forget his fathers injuries This proposition a long time entertained their fancies untill they considered that not only Prince Arethusius was in the Kingdome of Syria prosecuting the Queen his Mothers designes and my Lord Ascanius his brother had lately by flight procured his owne liberty without their consents that absolutely beate back any more discourse upon that subject however they thought it convenient if not extreamely necessary for the present to give what satisfaction they could to the discontented people who belike attended in great numbers about the City of Sardis to that purpose yet it was considered with all that if they should endeavour altogether to please the multitude without having their Swords ready drawne in their hands whereby to be able to chastize them if they should prove too unreasonable in their demands they must expect dangerous and insolent affronts instead of quietnesse and obedience to their commands In so much as they thought it convenient in the interim that they entertained the peoples expectations with good words and faire promises to send privately to Farezius wishing him to be ready to march with his Souldiers to keep the multitude in due obedience to the Senates authority if they should continue these extravagant prosecutions of their designes which in effect being fully resolved upon by them all they quickly broake up the Assembly So that when they were in this manner dispersed and I had freed my selfe undiscovered from their companies I thought it my duty to gaine what other intelligence I could amongst the common people since I conceived much consisted in their constant and brave resolutions to which purpose they seemed in some sort to have assembled themselves with an intention to contend against the present government by some violent manner of prosecution though for the better colour of their actions and intentions they appeared only with petitions in their hands instead of other weapons of danger With these thoughts I held it my best course to retire into the very heart or body of the City of Sardis as well to feele the pulse and constitution of the Inhabitants as the likelier to be informed by their intelligence concerning all other proceedings of the Kingdome neither in this designe was I much deceived in my expectation for sorting my conversation with watermen and other inferiour people I understood that as the rich Citizens of the Towne although they desire againe to have their King to governe over them though with some restriction in his power because they feare his revenge since otherwise as they believe they could probably expect nothing but a generall confusion so of the other side it is apparant the multitude for the most part desire a change not only in regard of the envy they beare to the Senate who more absolutely command over their persons and estates then the King ever did in his greatest glory but also in regard they doubt the Souldiers at the last will come to be Masters of every mans fortune which jurisidction of all others they most detest in their natures and dispofitions As I was sufficiently satisfied in these inclinations of the people I repaired to the publike place of commerce for the whole City where in short amongst the Merchants I understood that not onely a great part of the Navy was revolted to the King the Marriners being encouraged thereunto by some Senators which Farezius the Generall had formerly sent into banishment but that the Myssians were also preparing a great Army by the directions of the Kingdom of Syria suddenly to invade Lydia on the Kings behalfe These newes giving my endeavours sufficient encouragement still to prosecute my designe for other intelligences within three or foure daies afterward I became certainly informed that the Senate being not able or at leastwise not willing to give the multitude satisfaction according to the desire of their petitions they had in great numbers not onely taken up armes for their own defence in regard they understood that Farezius had directions notwithstanding the opposition of the Lords to march towards their assemblies with all his power but they had also seized upon many Castles and Towns towards their enterprize and assistance in the Kings name with whom in like manner many of the Nobility joyn with considerable Forces Last of all you may be pleased to know That Hercrombrotus Lieutenant Generall to Farezius is of a sudden called away with a great part of the Army towards the confines of Lydia neere the City of Smyrna occasioned by reason of the revolt of some of his own Commanders who are joyned with the power and force of the Countrey to oppose the Senates proceeding which in effect is the full information I can give concerning my imployment When the Dwarfe had made an end of this relation the Princesse Cloria smiled upon her brother not onely to see how well the boy had performed his office according to the confidence
CLORIA AND NARCISSUS CONTINUED A Delightfull and New ROMANCE Imbellished with divers Politicall Notions and singular Remarks of Moderne Transactions WRITTEN By an Honourable person LONDON Printed by S. G. and are to be sold by Anth. Williamson at the Queens Armes in St. Pauls Church-yard neer the West end 1654. To the Reader Courteous Reader YOu have now the Second Part of Cloria and Narcissus sooner sent after the First then was determined in regard the Stationer was something pressing to have it with the former perhaps it may give more satisfaction then the other for that according to my apprehension it doth as much cleare difficulties as can well stand with the nature of a Romance More I shall not need to say to any other purpose then what you may read in the Epistle to the first part Onely judicious Reader craving your favourable construction of all such faults as may have escaped in both parts either by defect of printing or otherwaies by oversight of the Author THE SECOND PART OF Cloria and Narcissus AS the Princesse Clorias thoughts now were reasonably well setled concerning the safety of Narcissus in regard of the messengers relation so Roxana with more alacrity and cheerfulnesse summoned a a new Dedalus to make an end of those passages belonging to the Island of Crete whereupon one day meeting in the same walke that had entertained the Princesse upon her first arrivall in the Country they both seated themselves together under a tree artificially made into an Arbour of pleasure that had its full prospect toward the sea whilst he gave her this further accompt Madam said he as for the interests which I formerly mentioned unto you not many dayes since you may be pleased to know that as Evarchus our King in his Warres with the Senate of Lydia must be forced upon all occasions to court any assistance whatsoever for his best advantage so of the other side doe the Cretans resolve to make use of their present power to gaine benefits to themselves and party in any thing they can procure either from their Prince or any other to this purpose after the agreement that I told you of which I made with the Natives of the Country however many of the most rigid sort would not at all come within any manner of communication whereby to be subject to the Lydian power thereunto incouraged as 't is supposed by a messenger from Delphos that neither understands the Islands interest or the peoples good they designed Commissioners to be sent to Philadelphae where the King then remained to Treat upon such conditions as they conceived most necessary for their commodity and security Thus arriving at court in a short time they were not onely admitted to kisse the Kings hands but withall permitted to present their Petitions and requests for this ceremony and so I may well call it since it produced but small effects to the advantage of any party there was appointed a great Hall in the City of Philadelpha into which place the messengers were brought with some State as soone as the King was seated in his Throne because they should not complaine of the want of any circumstance that belonged to the solemne entertainement of Ambassadours of other Nations to make them the willinger to comply towards the assistance desired After they had beene in this manner received as also with good language from the Kings own mouth cherished they presented a paper that contained these peremptory demands First they desired to have not onely the free exercise of their religion through the whole Island notwithstanding the Lydian lawes to the contrary according to the rights and customes of Delphos but withall to enjoy the use of the best Temples alone appropriated to themselves with all the rents and priviledges that of old at any time belonged unto them Secondly they expected an absolute concession from his Majesty that no governours whatsoever of any forraigne Nation should be appointed over them in Creet or in any Fort or Island belonging to the same besides they refused to admit of those of the very Country it selfe unlesse they were confirmed and approved of by the gentrall councell which they had established to manage odered all their affairs both in peace and Warre And lastly they expected as the writing which they had delivered the King exprest an absolute restoration of all those lands to the true owners that had beene taken from their possession by reason of any former pretended rebellion and given to the Myssians or Lydians either by the old Queene of Lydia or Evarchus father The King as I was informed after he had read these propositions seemed to the outward view of the assembly extreamely troubled in his apprehensions as if he had been exceedingly deceived in his expectation concerning the good nature and reality of our country-men however notwithstanding he was by this meanes sufficiently inflamed in his thoughts in regard of these proceedings not onely in some sort disdaining to be thus handled by his Subjects in his necessities but being also with some reason suspicious of their intentions as fearing that they aymed to become Masters of the whole Island and so by consequence to be possessors of most of the Lands of his best friends who were actually imployed now with him in his Warres yet conceiving that he was not at the instant in a capacity to shew much discontent to any party that could either good or hurt him in his present differences with the Senate he gave their commissioners at leastwise faire words in the generall promising speedily to send particular messengers of his own into Creet not onely more knowingly to Treat with them concerning their demands but withall if it were possible to conclude with them concerning his own desires which he conceived would be for both their advantages against the common enemy that had an intention to destroy either in this manner they were dismist into their owne Country partly pleased and a great deale more unsatisfied in regard no more life remained from their imployment then the expectation of the comming of the Kings officers But in the interim whilst these messengers were look't for both the Kingdome of Syria and the Country of Aegypt put in for their severall interests as well concerning the government it selfe of the Island as to be supplyed from hence with Souldiers in their Warres one against another the State of Syria went onely upon the score of Evarchus right and Titles though Sorastros challenged their affections in his service by an ancient Tye as he said they owed the Aegyptian Nation neither as I told you formerly was the Arch Flamin of Delphos backward in maintaining to the uttermost of his power by the industry of some instruments he imployed his owne jurisdiction above either as pretending the best right to the same by reason of those agreements that had been made with the Kings of Lydia who first conquered this Island These attempts I must say extreamely divided
the inhabitants both in their actions and opinions for as the more moderate sort of people especially those that had any correspondency with the Lydians either by extraction or commerce were willing enough to continue the old government and retaine both their lawes and customes they had formerly used so the violenter part of the Natives that had time out of minde contracted a certaine kinde of barbarisme in their manners and dispositions would heare of no agreement but what was prescribed them by a few commanders that were sent from the Aegyptian Warres who seemed onely to comply with the religion of Delphos for their owne ends The people I may affirme with some confidence were so far transported infatuated with this spightfull ambition their governours in the interim supposing they should be made petty Princes in command amongst the more ignorant sort of Natives that they did not onely decline violently all manner of reasonable accords but even were perswaded to hate with an exact spleene and malice all their owne country men friends and kindred that had any manner of correspondency or almost the least communication with those of the Lydian race and interest In the Interim the Senate of Lydia finding this violence and distractions amongst us resolved to put many of the strong Forts of the Country which from the beginning of the troubles they had kept in their possession absolutely into the hands of the Myssians the better to avoid the expence and inconveniency of the Warre in their owne particulars having as they thought enough to doe with their King in in Lydia and the rather for that they knew that as Myssia was most proper to send Souldiers of their owne Nation into the Island of Creet whereby to contend with the inhabitants so was there such an inveterate spleene and hatred between the Natives of both Countreys not onely in regard of their possessions but their religion that no reconciliation was at any time to be feared besides the Myssians with others of Lydia of their faction and interests supposed the old Cretans owed them a secret revenge for having injuriously outed them of their lands and estates in the time of the late King Evarchus father These Transactions I say filled the whole country a new with bloud and slaughters and the more confused it proved and so consequently the more horrid in regard that for the most part we fought dividedly upon the generall score of three interests sometimes two against one then againe each for it selfe as often as any opposition was found which not seldome hapned in regard of the many jealousies and suspitions rising daily out of the variety of apprehensions by reason of frequent accidents so that in a short time almost in every place the Townes were fired the people destroyed and the countrey depopulated being no safety in any place or scarce the least meanes of subsistance out of Armies unlesse it were under the walls and protection of some few garrisons that secured a kind of small circuit for necessary provisions to maintain themselves and the inhabitants of their jurisdiction but the King at last receiving from me and others intelligence of these lamentable proceedings in the Island of Creet as truly in a manner it was past all examples since the intention of all sides was not alone to contend about disputable rights occasioned by some former oppression but even to extirpate not onely whole families but the very remembrance of the Nation it selfe that should have the unhappinesse to be overcome by the other gave order to me if it were possible to reconcile these bloudy differences and horrid contentions with all the speed I could especially amongst those of his own party neither was he determintd to exclude out of this number the old Cretans themselves however depending upon other interests onely in regard they seemed by their declarations formerly in words to stand for his Title and authority against the proceedings of the Myssians though publickly they contended violently with his Forces in the field 'T is true I cannot deny but in some things they had reason enough for their jealousies the King very often being constrained to goe even from his own resolutions to give satisfaction to those Councels that were continually about his person who perswaded him he lost the love of his people in Lydia by seeming in any kind to favour or countenance the Cretans in their demands who as they pretended were enemies to their generall established religion Of the other side the Natives were againe by much too covetous and mistrustfull not onely to desire violently other mens possessions and estates from them but so entirely to doubt the Kings performance of his promises when as they knew he did but endeavour for his better advantage to contract privately with them in most particulars in such matters as appertained to the Temple of Delphos for giving as I said too generall a distast to those of his owne party within the Kingdome of Lydia But to be short it was not very long before the King sent a most intimate councellor of his owne into the Island of Creet as well to informe me particularly of his pleasure by word of mouth as also to joyne himselfe with me and others in commission for the better and speedier effecting of his designes presently as soone as hee arrived we sent out our summons to the whole Countrey in the generall either to meet themselves or to appoint Deputies for each division in the Island to attend the Kings orders and direction upon a certaine day at Pergame not onely to heare what should be propounded in their Princes behalfe for their future peace and advantage but also we our selves would be ready to heare what the people would demand to their further satisfaction whereby their enemies the Myssians might be opposed in their intentions who endeavoured not onely to beat downe all Kingly authority in the Island but to become absolute Lords over all the inhabitants ancient liberties I must tell you whilst we expected a joyfull issue of these purposes we understood another great Lord of Lydia was newly arrived with certaine directions as was pretended from the King independent to that power was granted us whereby as we were informed onely himselfe was impowred underhand to deale more intimately with the inhabitants concerning matters of religion as this something startled our expectation having no such notice from the King so did we resolve to send for the party upon our authority who upon his appearing neither obeying our commands nor giving us the satisfaction was desired we at that very instant restrained his person untill the Kings pleasure in that particular as we said should be publickly knowne but whether these proceedings of ours which however we esteemed for the best or that the Natives in truth were otherwise setled in their resolutions hindred the successe when the day came according to the appointment for this assembly to meet there appeared none at all of
you home into Cyprus if they conducted you into Lydia they cannot certainly be so inhumane as to debarre you from the sweet society of your most honoured and noble Father in whose conversation you will not only be delighted as it may be imagined with a most supreame felicity but also you will have the commodity to impart unto him your secret resolution concerning the intended marriage between my Lord Narcissus and your selfe which perhaps is a conveniency you would be most unwilling to misse and in some sort requisite before you absolutely finish those other ceremonies which in effect as you know must have beene performed either in person or by Deputy to render you fully satisfied in your thoughts since as you may remember you made an open profession to that purpose besides how doe you know but that you may finde your Father in such a prosperous condition that by the absolutely subjection of his enemies your mother the Queen may againe be called home to her old honours and felicities in Lydia which would be the convenietest and best Theatre whereon to act the happy parts of your most glorious Nuptialls of the contrary if they should send you into Cyprus certainly you should be in the place according to your own wishes since all this while you have endeavoured the expedition and successe of that journey as the last seeming period of your desires after all your strange and severall adventures esteeming it as a full satisfaction from the gods in recompence of your so many troubles and hazards neither let it ever enter into your thoughts that the Senate of Lydia will in any kinde either endanger your person or restraine your liberty for that as such intentions would afford them no manner of benefit whatsoever in their contentions with the King your Father since there are already many of the royall Issue out of their power and possession so would it not onely cause a more generall hate upon their actions throughout all Asia but highly exasperate your Uncle Orsames against their proceedings to the endangering certainely of a new Warre betweene Syria and Lydia which no doubt but the Senate will endeavour to prevent by all meanes possible they can invent Yet however Roxana might be of these opinions or that shee onely used such discourses the better to encourage the Princesse neverthelesse it was not many dayes before the Senates Sea Forces declared their intentions which was absolutely to conduct Cloria into Lydia restrained in her person untill as they said the farther pleasure of the Senate should be known concerning her particular withall pretending they had a peremptory commission to execute according to this purpose proceeding belike from the untoward endeavour of that Ambassadour at Memphis that had beene imployed by Philos to distroy the Loves between Cloria and Narcissus As for Dedalus all the conditions he could procure for himselfe was upon their undertaking to pay him thirty Talents for the discharge of his Souldiers and the defraying of his necessary expences presently to lay downe Armes and quit the Island of Creet though if he pleased being so agreed between them he might visit the Kingdome of Lydia untill such time he should more commodiously prepare his occasions for his absolute transportation into forraigne parts 'T is true Roxana cast about many wayes in her working thoughts how yet to alter or prevent these determinations of carrying the Princesse Cloria into Lydia a prisoner first shee fancies to steale out of the Towne to those Forces which Dedalus had in a body entire without the Walls and notwithstanding the agreement to animate their spirits to stand for the Kings right and the Princesse safety but finding they both needed necessary provisions and were in danger in their persons hourely to be cut off by the old Cretans that lay every where dispersed over the whole Countrey who hated them as they knew equall with the Myssians shee thought that would be a project of no great consequence to their benefit then againe shee imagined that perchance they might use some stratagem to be conveyed privately out of the Haven by some hired ship to that purpose and by that meanes concealedly get into the Island of Cyprus according to their former intentions however when shee remembred she was told that the officers of the Senates forces had lately not onely taken a strict account of all the Vessels that remained in the Harbour but had also put in new Commanders of their owne in every ship she supposed with no probability what soever could they attempt such a designe without being revealed and then they might come to be worse used in their confinement Whereas now the Princesse was promised all honour favour and respect according to her Dignity in the journey And lastly she conceited that perchance they might find not onely reception but protection in the Armies of the ancient Natives but when she considered the inconstancy of their dispositions the rudenesse of their customes with their several particular interests she thought it a vanity if not a madnesse to put in execution any such designe and the rather for that the Princesse Cloria her selfe was not yet so perfectly recovered of her health that she could possibly expose her person to those uncertainties both in travel dyet with other inconveniences that she would necessarily be obliged to suffer amongst those unpollisht Troopes wherefore the old woman being in her opinion convinced in all these particulars shee perswaded her Mistresse with a kinde of a majesty mixt with affability and kindnesse to entertaine both her fortunes and those Commanders that should be designed to conduct her under the jurisdiction of the Senate since as yet they could not by any meanes learne what probably might be resolved of concerning the farther disposure of their persons upon their arrivall in the Kingdome of Lydia It was not many dayes when the Princesse Cloria had declared her selfe both fit and willing to undertake a journey that the Admirall at Sea who had been sent out by the direction of the Ambassadour that remained as was formerly related at Memphis conducted the sweet Princesse with her governesse into his own ship where he had prepared a magnificent Cabin for her reception but whether so adorned out of any intention thereby the better to win her beliefe or out of the humanity of his own nature I cannot tell yet so it was in that unwelcome Triumph that both the Fleet and the Seas themselves received them with a prosperous Wind which in two dayes and a night or thereabouts landed them in the faire and ancient Haven of Smyrna where they reposed not much longer before they were conveyed by many gallant Troopes of horse by the Senates directions to a brave Castle of the Kings seated upon a hill not very far off the great City of Sardis where they had not onely time enough to rest but to exercise abundantly their own thoughts since as they knew they were confined so were they in
other side I must desire you to remember that Prince Cassianus was alwaies entertained cherished by King Euarchus with all humanity and bounty when his regall power was not diminished Wherefore in my opinion you have no reason to side with that faction that strives to pluck the Diadem from the browes of him and his posterity in which number I have or ought to have a confiderable interest Cassianus after he had received this bitter reply with a certain pale if not guilty look rested for some time as it were frozen in a kind of despaire not being able to utter one syllable in defence of himselfe against such desperate language as he thought delivered by a heavenly Oracle yet at last lest he might seem altogether conquered by the force of her reasons when it was impossible her sweet words could wound but with the darts of Cupid he fearfully returned this answer which reached her eares but not her beliefe Madam said he for the differences in Religion between your father and his Senate I esteem them no way essentiall consisting onely in matter of ceremony which with a little labour may easily be reconciled to both their advantages And for that bloud of yours that so much honoured my birth I could wish to have an occasion to let it out from nourishing my heart whereby to doe you the least service though your release cannot fall within the capacity of my power since it is the command of the whole Kingdome that restraines your liberty neverthelesse without any thought of injury intended to your person for if I believed the Senate had any determination to diminish much lesse to deprive your Royall father of those flowers which belong justly to his glorious Crown I should be so farre from countenancing of their endeavours that I would contend with all difficulties to teare the remembrance of their intentions from the face of the earth however I cannot deny but I meerly subsist by their extraordinary bounty since I have lost the possession of mine own Countrey that should maintain my condition At which words the Princesse with a disdainfull smile gave him a dissembled thankes accompanied by so sweet and becomming a scorn that Cassianus seemed more bitter at her silence then by the dispute though Roxana could not chuse but take her Mistresses part and consequently made this choloricke answer to that little he had said in his owne defence My Lord said she I cannot but wonder if the points in Religion be of no greater difference then you speak of that the Senate should disturbe the quiet State of Lydia with so much bloud and slaughter to compell Euarchus to change the government when it is evident he desires but to maintaine the profession of his Father without alteration nay rather me thinks it would have beene greater markes of their piety to have given way to the Kings humour in so small a thing of consequence then to have bought the alteration at so deare and dangerous a price And for the latter part of your discourse I shall onely put you in minde that as your Uncles love and bounty never failed you when he was in a flourishing prosperity so you may doe nobly to pay his actions past and his necessities present with testimonies of gratitude and duty Cassianus although he vowed to the uttermost of his power he did and would render him his best endeavours yet he quickly changed the subject of the discourse pretending that love at the present was more sutable to his disposition then hate and therefore began againe to court the Princesse with fresh complements however when he found with a neglectfull silence she onely seemed to heare his words without a will to understand the matter as if she were lesse pleased with those smiles then with the Senates frownes he abruptly quitted the roome with a kinde of a darke clowde in his lookes within two dayes after this encounter the old Flamine was brought before the great Senate to receive his tryall not onely for having been in his court imployments a disturber of the State as 't was pretended by his ill councell to Euarchus but at the present for being an instrument to convey the Princesse out of the Senates protection and conceale her person in his house whereby to marry her to some forraigne power that might indanger the prosperity of Lydia Which accusations were so spightfully alleadged against him with such prejudicate resolutions for his ruine that the old man had not force enough to sustaine the waight of the prosecution though he exprest a competent courage in his defence and so was condemned publikely to lose his head upon a Scaffold in the view of all the people who at leastwise appeared contented if not pleased at the novelty But Cloria when she heard of this sudden and as she conceived horrid determination was possessed with a noble compassion not onely considering the old man to have been a most faithfull servant to her Father but unfortunate by this intended Tragedy onely for entertaining her at his house as a testimony of his loyalty to the royall Family which wrought in her gentle soule divers perturbations First she considered that if he suffered it would be some staine to her honour since he appeared rather to be a Martyr for her then for himselfe which obligation she was unwilling to undergoe without some testimonies of a supreame gratitude yet then when she reflected upon that submission she must use to beg his life of the Senate she thought the sacrifice of an old Flamine who e're long could not chuse but be an offering to the earth would not prejudice his owne happinesse much lesse taxe her of ill nature And therefore became halfe perswaded to let him runne his last period with glory rather then become a supplyant to her Fathers Subjects for mercy yet after much contestation with her selfe the vertuous Princesse fell upon this apprehension that she in a manner became the author of ill by omitting that good she had power to doe and by that meanes should deserve the worlds censure so that pitty gratitude and religion seemed to contend with courage honour and disdaine till at last she flew to this resolution to send for Cassianus and conjure him by the hopes of his desired love to be so farre an intercessor in the poore Flamins behalfe as to preserve him from destraction by his power or interest though againe when she entered into consideration what a jealous scruple the request might raise in Narcissus thoughts if ever he should come to know of the action it almost destroyed the piousnesse of her intention neverthelesse she called Roxana and wisht her in her name to fetch Cassianus to speake with her since her resolutions were not long to be protracted if she had a will they should prove effectuall yet as the old woman was going out of the doore to performe her message she suddenly commanded her backe againe labouring as it were in her inconstant
tyrant practice temperance my innocence seeks onely to advance The lawes of love and honour those being left marriage is a thraldome or a theft Narcissus How should I plead for love much lesse contend when you in love will not become my friend But leave me with tortures the fruit to catch that you with crafty slights from me doe snatch Cloria T is passion not craft that injures love and from your selfe not me your torments move Which ought be checkt least our expected joyes in future times prove but confused ioyes Narcissus At leastwise I must call that temper cruell that starves my flames for want of fitting fuell Since I can neither quench those fires that burne or warme my selfe which way so ere I turne Cloria There is no meanes so good to still a flame as for to cast on milke upon the same Calme then your thoughts and be content to beare the just decree which passion will not heare Narcissus Certainly faire Creature you feele no paine that wooes me thus my passions to refrain For those that tortures taste upon the rack cannot be blamed if they some courage lack Cloria Yet such as faile in their owne constancy imply a guilt and doe as faulty dye When others that their tryalls overcome doe save their lives and gaine a lawrell Crowne After the Princesse had thus perswaded Narcissus to be contented finding the time of the day gave them no more opportunity she rose up to returne to the Castle however assuring him as often as she could without danger to her selfe she would frequent those walkes for his satisfaction This being the decree all the favours poore Narcissus could obtaine further of the wilfull Princesse was only one parting kisse in recompence of all his travells which being obtained she and her Governesse went home joyfully discoursing of their good fortune which continued Cloria's thoughts in such a paradise all the night following that scarce did her faire eyes entertain any rest at all Thus as I say shee took paines to please her imagination whilst her body wanted that sleep it necessarily required which was an occasion that after dinner the next day she cast her selfe upon her bed something to supply the defect of the night past but presently upon her waking her Dwarfe told her that a young handsome Priest at the gate humbly desired to be admitted to the speech of her highnesse having as he said businesse of great consequence to impart unto her This sudden intelligence gave Clorias thoughts some trouble doubting a disasterous adventure the rather for that her newly being wakened from the Ideas of her chiefe delight it seemed to interrupt her apprehension with a contrary feare of being dispossest of what she had enjoyed by her flattering fancy however she called Roxana to accompany her in the expectation commanding the little messenger not only to usher in that stranger that seemed so importunate but afterward himselfe to wait in the outward roome because she would have none privy to the businesse before she and her Governesse were informed of the contents But no sooner did Cloria view this new intruder but but she knew him to be him whom she most desired to see her young servant Narcissus who had borrowed the habite of one of Apollos Priests in a Temple where he lodged the night past amongst the woods to keep him from every ones knowledge but her own and her intrusted Governesse Roxana neverthelesse the rigid old woman began to raile downe right at his presumption vowing with his too much passion he would destroy thē all this gave Cloria occasion to laugh heartily seeing her poor servant with innocent looks to undergoe the cholerick reproofe of Roxana without replying one single word to her hasty language yet his patience not only by little and little procured him his peace but after a long conference with his compassionate Mistresse by the free consent of her Governesse who at last became perswaded he was entertained for a houshold servant however the sweet Princesse seemed unwilling to prophance his sacred robes with any hypocrisie But one day Cassianus comming to visit the Princesse the gods know with what an envious jealousie Narcissus underwent this ceremonies sometimes he had a will to have interrupted his passage at the entrance into her chamber other while againe he thought to have alleadged she was asleep and could not be disquieted in her rest and last of all he began to have a resolution to quit his borrowed habit and challenge him for his boldnesse in pretending in his presence to his right And a thousand other fancies entertained his imagination almost in an instant when there was no more time left him for these considerations but whilst Cloria was advertized of Cassianus arrivall and he admitted into her chamber whither Narcissus followed him with greedy steps to be a curious eye witnesse of his behaviour And when he saw Cloria with a gentle modesty admit of her Cousins salutation she being not willing to give him any discontent by reason of the old Flamine that was at his mercy his colour began to change in his face one while the beautifull red seemed to claime an interest in revenge notwithstanding all the prohibitions of his sweet Mistresse then againe the faire white had the prerogative and pretended feare to Clorias commands so that in this manner they never left combating in his lovely countenance untill he was rid of the occasion of those disorders Not many dayes after Cassianus had performed his unwelcome visit the Senate belike jealous of the Princesse safety in regard the King her father had been strangely rescued from their power by that Army that not long before they esteemed their Subjects suddenly commanded not onely those servants to be removed from their accustomed attendance that had been about her person but her selfe and Roxana to be conducted to a stronger Fort there to remaine with better security and more honour as they pretended until the present distractions of Lydia could in some sort be pacified in which number poor Narcissus became also prescribed which converted his past content into an unexpressible rage some time blaming the heavens for not punishing the cruelty as he interpreted it of the unjust and barbarons decree then againe he absolutely fell out with himselfe that he had not ability beyond humane force to prevent the execution of such a pernicious command But alasse his vaine passions were so farre from defending the Princesse Cloria against that violence offered to her person that he had not so much liberty as by one deare kisse to take leave of her white hand amongst the rest of her traine who were admitted to that sorrowfull honour for the rigid guard finding by his distracted lookes and extravagant words that he had not patience enough in his breast to comply punctually with their strict commission quickly discharged him from his ordinary attendance before they disposed of the rest of the servants This accident soon retired
I say this admirable Princesse had a base brother also named Leonatus who wanted not ambition enough to desire the Crowne of Mysia though he were not furnished with sufficient vertues to merit such a dignity and to this purpose left nothing unattempted that might either advance his own esteem or deprave his sisters actions and to that end insinnated himself by all meanes possible not only into the good opinion of the Lords but much more into the favour of the common people in which interim the young Princesse being furnished with youth and beauty was perswaded by the chiefe nobility to thinke of a noble husband that might accompany her in her conversation and give the Kingdome a hope of posterity two essentiall parts as they pretended of her own happinesse in prosecution of this desire there was presented unto her view a handsome Lord of this our Countrey of Lydia in conclusion the nuptials were quickly solemnized to the appearing content of both parties and the rather for that the then Queene of Lydia was well satisfied with the choyce not doubting to maintaine by this meanes a continual and strong interest in the Kingdome of Mysia since she had married to the Princesse one of her own Subjects But now Leonatus began to play his part for finding this conjunction proved a bar to his pretention for succession he thought it his best way to establish himselfe notwithstanding a certain power in the government and to that purpose strived by all meanes his malicious will could instruct to gaine the good opinion of the young King whereby to set him at difference with the Queen who began to be a little distasted to see his wife take upon her so absolute authority he only bearing the name of a Prince which at last grew to such a height by the underhand provocation of wicked Leonatus that one day when the Queene being great with child was retired into her private chamber to conferre with a certain Secretary of State most imployed in the Kingdomes affaires her husband of a sudden rusht into her presence with his sword drawne and there before her amazed eyes slaughtered her poore servant However this was an act of some horrour to the great bellied Queen and so consequently might be thought sufficient motives of her lasting indignation to see her selfe and authority so affronted by one she had lately raised from being a Subject to be her husband yet religion and good nature proved so powerfull in her noble disposition that upon the Kings sorrow and submission she was content both to forgive the injury and forget the dishonour by a perfect reconciliation But Leonatus not weary yet of his own wickednesse though despairing of his further ability to retain his interest with the young King since the Queen as he thought had so absolutely circumvented him in that project of a sudden stroake into friendship with certaine factious Priests that had newly brought in a religion into Mysia that taught this dangerous Doctrine That Princes deserved no longer to governe then whilst they contented the People Which opinion you may very well imagine took feelingly with the multitude in so much as in a short time the Queen had imployment enough to defend her person from reproaches as her Kingdome from civill warre This exceedingly tormented her thoughts untill the birth of her young sonne againe revived her spirits however Leonatus still prosecuting his horrid designes to supplant the Queen in her just right whereby to bring the government of the Kingdome under his own jurisdiction one night secretly caused not only the young King to be cruelly murthered in his bed in execution of his revenge because he had quitted his party but also laid the bloudy slaughter by way of private aspersions upon the innocent and religious Queen the more to bring her in hatred with the common people who seemed already sufficiently poysoned by the late pernicious doctrine brought into the Countrey by the turbulent Priests Although these crafty practises had not as yet power to shake or rather absolutely to destroy her grounded authority which had been cast upon her by so rightfull a succession yet by little and little they so wounded her reputation that they made her desire to have a faithfull companion to assist her in her government which politick Leonatus perceiving judging it a love passion in the Queen put on some of the nobility underhand to perswade her not only presently to marry but to take for her husband a valiant Gentleman his intimate friend who a long time had pretended unto her love however he was not without some suspition that he had been an actor in the Kings death with these baites I say Leonatus so farre intangled the Queenes innocency that she was wonne by perswasion to make this election being councelled thereunto by the chiefe nobility set upon her to that purpose though she first caused a decree to be past by the unanimous consent of all that this Lord had been no way guilty of the false aspersion his enemies had cast upon him concerning the Kings murther No sooner were these nuptials solemnized which was the thing Leonatus desired but secretly he admonished the new King to flye assuring him as his friend that either he would be suddenly slaine by many that had conspired his death or publickly be apprehended and brought to his Tryall by the consent of the whole Kingdome so that he whether knowing himselfe faulty indeed or fearing the power and injustice of his enemies since emulation amongst his equalls had procured him a world of envy quickly followed his advice and privately without the Queenes privity quitted his Country and Fortunes Leonatus conceiving now he had compassed the hardest part of his projects sent secretly into Lydia to possesse the Queen there with an assurance of Minerva's guilt since she had married the murtherer of her first husband too apparently as he pretended discovered by his strange flight at the same time also by the help of his factious priests he raised tumults against her in her own kingdome whereby she became imprisoned because she would not quit her government This you may believe gave the poore Queen sufficient imployment insomuch as being wearied by continuall troubles and invited to the Court of Lydia by her kinswomans promises for her better and quiet protection she was content to resigne the Crown to her sonne and accept of those offers she esteemed reall But alas no sooner was she arrived within the bounds of this kingdome of Lydia but contrary to her expectation wherefore amazed in the execution instead of being admitted into the Queens presence with love and honour she was commanded as a prisoner to a Castle not farre off whilst in the mean time her young sonne was committed to the tuition of Leonatus her worst enemy however with this pretention that as soon as she could cleare her selfe of those aspersions and accusations that her subjects brought against her she should enjoy those respects
at Court which had been largely promised her though in the interim she must be content with her fortune since the State of Lydia thought it not fit for one in her condition bespotted with the opinion of so black a crime should have any correspondence with their Queen as 't was pretended of so bright a vertue when the gods know it was either the too much cleernesse of her own good parts or the rightfulnesse of her title being of a contrary Religion that was the onely obstacle of her happinesse But whilst Minerua under-went for many yeeres a hard imprisonment in Lydia since the Queen her selfe was so farre from easing her of her bonds as she would never give eare to her complaints the King her young sonne began to approach to mans estate and that maturenesse in age gave him a feeling of his mothers oppressions but her enemies in Mysia being also backt from the States in these parts who had an intention all they could to suppresse his greatnesse that he might have no power to claim his right in the kingdome of Lydia gave his thoughts and actions not onely continuall interruptions but at last imprisoned his very person in his own kingdome Notwithstanding all this the wise King bore these insolencies with unexampled patience knowing that as it was not in his power to free himselfe from their tyranny by any Kingly pretention so of the other side he hoped that factions amongst themselves would at last purchase his liberty In this state he continued untill his Guard found that it might be prejudiciall to his Titles in Lydia after the old Queens death to keep him thus as a prisoner whereby they might also be debarred from a plentifull share of the gain when Lydia by succession should fall to him upon these considerations they of a sudden not onely released him from his confinement but every one of these men themselves strived who might be most in his favour when as he not onely as a good natured Prince forgot all his injuries but became sufficiently pleased to be at liberty upon any termes But the old Queen of Lydia drawing now to her last period both of life and Kingdome conceiving it was reason sufficient for a just jealousie to have the heire apparant so neere her jurisdiction whom she imagined looked upon her continuance like a young blossome that strived to thrust out the ancient and withered flower from its stalke began suddenly to question the poore Princesse her selfe also being almost worn out by her hard usage about her correspondence with those forraine powers who were of her kindred And not content with any answer the truth of her proceedings could make called her to her triall before ordinary Commissioners As these might be evident marks of Minerva's ruine so were they not undiscovered by the sharp apprehension of the wise Lady though her spightfull fate would not afford her preservation notwithstanding her excellent endowments yet as she had good cause she excepted against those partiall Judges designed for her destruction by all the pretentions that a free Prin cesse or an opprest woman could alledge though the Queen seemed as deafe to her just and reasonable request as her enemies were violently bent to satisfie their cruelties untill in the end she was forced to desist from her importunities and stick wholy to the confidence her goodnesse had merited in God mercies This not onely brought her to a judgement-seat prepared with some outward circumstances fit to entertaine her dignity but to a condemnation prepared with ceremony to bewitch the understanding of the common people who rather desired to behold strange spectacles then to be delighted in just actions and in this May-game as I may call it of the worst cruelty when the form of Law was onely made use of to hide bad intentions was this brave and religious Queen as a period to all her fortunes sentenced to lose her head Notwithstanding this condemnation the Queen of Lydia for some time deferred the execution conceiving her own honour could not but suffer abroad in the opinion of all other Princes her equals as her kinswoman in person did at home under her jurisdiction But ambition jealousie and revenge at last got the victory over all her other vertues by the malicious and crafty perswasions of Minerva's enemies who believed they could not be safe as long as she lived since it was probable if ever she came to weare the Crown of Lydia she would alwaies be mindfull of their disaffections these reasons procured the Queen underhand to signe a warrant for Minerva's death which by the Lawes of the Countrey could not else be taken away by any power and with this authority a messenger presently was sent to the chief officer of the Province to give Minerva warning of her approaching doom When the sad Princesse beheld this bloudy character written with the royall hand of her neerest kinswoman it was a question whether amazement or courage governed most in her noble thoughts for as of one side she could scarce believe that the Queen had been drawne to an act so prejudiciall to the honour of her Sex so of the other side she entertained the newes with a gentle smile as a wished period of all her miseries onely with three or foure deep sighes she desired these requests of those commissioners that had authority to see the sentence put in execation First that she might have all her servants about her at the time of her death to beare true testimony to the world that she neither staggered in her religion nor derogated from her sonnes honour next that the Queen would be so charitable as not onely quietly to suffer those that attended about her person in safety to quit the Kingdome but to pay them their due wages if not reward them according to the just service she had received and lastly that she might have a Priest of her own profession to comfort and instruct her in her last suffering To the first they onely answered that as they could not give her leave to have all her attendants about her for feare of tumults by reason of their multitudes so were they willing to allow her some few to satisfie her desire For the second they promised to be intercessors to the Queen in her behalfe But for the last they absolutely refused her request pretending it would be a dishonour to the religion professed in Lydia With these answers Minerva retired into her chamber the better to prepare her religious thoughts against the next daies combate where she remained all that night with so constant a zeale to the worship of the gods and so cheerfull a demeanor in the perswading of her servants to patience by contemning of all worldly prosperity that it was easily to be perceived she rather entertained death as a kind friend that intended to put her in possession of a better life then as a fierce enemy that set before her imagination frights of a horrid destruction
his own just spleen to see himselfe in the height of all his Victories disobeyed by weake Forces suddenly besieged a small City that lay in the very heart of his new Conquests conceiving his enemies wanted power of refistance or at least ability to bring him any incommodation which made his Troopes lesse carefull to prevent correspondency But the Towne finding it could not hold out long against so strong a siege gave private intelligence to the Citizens of Sardis who apprehending the losse would absolutely turne to their ruine since the King would be sure as they believed after to imploy the rest of his endeavour in their subversion when he should have finished the designe in hand that only opposed him of a sudden sent out under the command of Dimogoras the Souldiers of Sardis it selfe that untill then were never known to remove many Furlonges from the smoake of their own chimneyes to try if it were possible to raise the Kings siege and with as quick an expedition as they were able marched towards the Campe imagining that the successe of this voyage was to determine their fates whether to remaine free Citizens or become conquered slaves Euarchus when he heard of this new and unexpected supply so much contrary to his imagination however rumours thereof had formerly come to his eares thought it his best course rather to fight with them in the open Fields then in continuing in his Trenches to hazard the danger of being starved for want of provision with these purposes after he had quitted the Walls of the Towne he advanced towards their quarters with a hope to set upon them in the plain Champaine since he conceived he had much the advantage of horse though his foot was of a farre lesse number But though the King omitted no industry to compasse his designe yet being betrayed by the common people in his intelligence who ever favoured the Senate more then their Soveraigne Dimogoras got some dayes journey towards the City of Sardis before Euarchus knew of his remove the designe of the Generall being no other now he had freed the City from danger but to get againe safe with his whole Army to the place from whence he came The King as he was enraged with this secret escape so was he resolved if it were possible to fight with him upon any termes since the contrary as he imagined would prove in the opinion of the multitude of no lesse a consequence then a Victory obtained by his adversaries To that effect as soone as he had overtaken his enemies by tedious marches he set upon them with desperate inconveniences not only for that they had locked themselves in inclosed Countries but never came out of their Trenches to skirmish by which meanes the Kings Cavalry proved of no service so that as I may say by reason of these unfortunate disadvantages Euarchus after twelve houres fight could pretend but to a very small Victory which successe returned Dimogoras to the City of Sardis with some honour in regard that however he had not beat the Kings Forces it might be said upon the matter he had worsted his designes Neverthelesse although this gave the Generalls party not only encouragement for the present but hopes in abundance in the future especially for that the Kings Souldiers every where began both to be negligent and treacherous more seeming to rely upon the supposed justnesse of the cause then resolving constantly to defend it by any hazzard yet the Senate at Sardis doubting something their own fortune or successe notwithstanding what policy soever they could use in the Kings Campe resolved againe to bring in the Myssians into Lydia with a powerfull Army To this purpose they made a contract with them not only to pay them a very great sum of money both to defray their charges and reward their endeavours but also promised to establish in the Kingdome of Lydia it selfe the same manner of worship of the gods as was practised in Myssia As this seemed in effect to be the whole agreement between them so the Myssians wanted not in their meaning underhand designes which was to beare at leastwise an equall share in the government of both Kingdomes whereby the better to satisfie their pride and avarice for the latter which as 't was said they would have sold the gods themselves if they had been upon the earth vendible By this meanes againe Euarchus became involved in new troubles for presently after the Myssians having made this unhandsome accord to the Kings disadvantage notwithstanding their so many vowes and promises to the contrary there was imployed at the same time an Ambassadour from the Kingdome of Syria to Euarchus not only to perswade him to entertaine a new Treaty and friendship with his Senate sitting at Sardis but also absolutely to break all correspondency and friendship between himselfe and the State of Egypt which being condescended unto by the King he undertooke as well to keep back the Myssians from entring Lydia as to settle an absolute peace in all the rest of his dominions whether these were only brags or no is altogether uncertaine rather may it be thought either the Kings Fate or unhappy Councell thrust him on upon those wayes that were most prejudiciall to his affaires in conclusion he did not only deny the Ambassador the least entertainment of these propositions but at the same time also was perswaded to publish a declaration against the City of Sardos though at present it seemed to contend with the Senate about the payment of that money promised to the Myssians in recompence for their expedition into Lydia This I must needs say so much exasperated the Towne that presently they went on with their accord by the generall consent of all when these summes were received presently the Myssians marched into the Country with a huge Army whilst another was sent with Dimogoras against the Kings own person As by this meanes Euarchus was constrained to divide his Forces so he sent the greatest part of his Army along under the command of Thyasmus his Nephew for the necessary raising of the siege before the City of Theatyra where the Myssians were already incamped however their power was encreased with such Troopes as the Senate had commanded to joyne with them in that service Prince Thyasmus upon his approach whether being as I may say too precipitate in his conduct or that he was betrayed absolutely in his intelligence when he came neere the Towne thinking either to surprize or defeat the enemy in an instant of the contrary suddenly he became involved in a most desperate Ambuscado which in a manner destroyed the persons or the courages of his whole Army though in truth the Myssians performed the least part of the service But the King being followed and furiously attempted in his march as I said by Dimogoras he kept himself and Troopes though fewer by many in number upon such sure and couragious grounds that the Generall at last was brought into so
many desperate inconveniences by reason of his want of conduct and providence that although Euarchus at that time fought not one stroake he was forced to compound for the lives and liberties of all his Souldiers which was an occasion that presently turned out Dimogoras out of his office whilst in the interim there was put into his place one Farezius whose melancholly valour in a very short time prevailed exceedingly for that the Myssians had caused the King to divide his Forces into so many severall commands that he could not conveniently maintaine a considerable body together under any Captaine to be able to contend with power sufficient wherefore after some Councell taken with his best friends the King resolved himselfe in person to endeavour to stop the fury of this new and prevailing Generall that seemed like an outragious Torrent to carry all before him whether he marched against Townes or Armies The King besides the inflammation of his own naturall courage was put on to fight with Farezius as 't was thought upon these reasons first to prevent a conjunction between him and the Myssians who were as yet at some distance next to continue a life in his own party that seemed something to decline his assistance in many places of the Kingdome in regard of the others extraordinary successe And last of all for that both money and other provisions failing he began to contract many necessities in his army It was not long before they both met upon a large Plaine in an open Countrey that afforded roome enough for an equall contention if the Fates had at all proved indifferent in the encounter The first charge was given with fury sufficient by both sides however the Kings horse without any known cause whatsoever of a sudden gave back and not long after most shamefully turned their backs though the foot with incredible gallantry still continued the fight with honour and safety Euarchus upon this however not being so much amazed as displeased presently rid amongst the flying Troopes as it were calling both gods and men to witnesse concerning the justnesse of his cause and the unfainednesse of his intentions withall perswading them either to shew more courage or lesse disloyalty not onely in his words but by his own unexampled courage evidently expressed before their faces he conjured them to fight or at leastwise to stand their ground at some distance whilst he and the rest exposed their lives to the fury of the enemy calling them sometimes his country men and subjects otherwhile he termed them no better then unworthy slaves that precipitately followed their own destruction and captivity when as they had a faire occasion offered them to be both glorious and happy but at last seeing nothing would prevaile he looked up to heaven with tears in his eyes beseeching that the gods would take pitty on him in his necessities at leastwise prove propitious to the Monarchy of Lydia that seemed absolutely to depend upon this dayes adventure Thus between praying fighting and perswading he continued untill he saw most of his Souldiers either taken or slaughtered so that at last being constrained with a very few number in his company to quit the Field he left his Campe to the courtesie of the enemies mercy whilst by obscure passages he got againe safe in person though much in his thoughts dejected to the strong Towne of Philadelphia where not long after by the whole power of Farezius he was besieged with the rest of his Court friends and family As this said he was the proceeding of that fatall day so may I suppose by the dispersing of the most part of the company it will be also time for us to retire so taking Narcissus by the hand he promised he should have the rest of his discourse at home His house was seated at the end of a small town only divided by a pleasant grove of wood that encompassed a round Temple built with Jonick Columns within which was the statue of Apollo when they had performed some few devotions according to the manner of the country amongst other Priests of their own order that remained in the place the old father led him to his habitation being entered into the Parlour he presently shewed him the picture of Euarchus which for some time he had kept as he said in an obscure corner of his house though now he seemed to expect more freedome whereupon he began to read a lecture concerning his life and disposition which gave him an occasion to discourse in this manner The father of Euarchus our now King being a Prince wholly given as I may say to his own pleasure only studied wayes to keep himselfe during his life in a quiet security to this purpose he not only brought up his sonne after the death of his elder brother in learning and domestick exercises under the protect of his own eye and jurisdiction but when he came to yeares of consent he endeavoured with some violence to marry him to the King of Aegypts daughter by whose greatnesse he thought to establish his owne regall power the better in Lydia perceiving his subjects were apt enough upon all occasions to kick against his authority But finding the Treaty was protracted he sent his son in person with an intimate favourite of his into Africa to court the young Lady To be short the journey produced no effects at all answerable to his desires for the two favourites of each Prince clashing together although a certaine day was appointed for the marriage yet the match broake though upon what grounds I neither know or can well dispute after this breach Euarchus made presently his addresse to Hyacinthia our now Queen being sister to Orsames King of Syria esteemed a most mortall enemy to the greatnesse of the Kingdome and Monarchy of Aegypt no sooner was this match concluded but the old King dyed leaving young Euarchus to inherit in outward appearance as much glory and prosperity as was possible to be enjoyed by mortality upon earth and so continued for many years untill these late unhappy difference obstructed his felicity which truly I must the rather bewaile in regard that he is a Prince given to no manner of vice however perhaps some will say he is more beholding to nature for his inclination then to resolution for his temperance unto which I must needs answer that as the world ought not to take any notice of the inward thoughts of man when people receive a generall commodity by the outward expressions of vertues so of the other side when good and laudable actions are accompanied with an entire justice in appearance it is unpossible but either the gods have placed such upon earth to become rare examples for imitation to others or else have ordained them to be extreamely beneficiall to themselves so that both wayes deserve singular countenance and preservation and this without any partiality may be said to be the right character of the disposition of Euarchus now for his
only I am confident without a deep examination of our inward thoughts the conscience will not be sufficiently understood whereby to be cleere in any kinde to purpose however our principles may be right and good for without it neither sorrow nor satisfaction can follow of any considerable value to blot out the remembrance of such evils and so consequently a continuation of the punishment due to the nature of our offences will not be taken away It is not enough to say our enemies want justice and legality in their prosecution for that they may be made for the present only devine revengers though themselves be reserved for a higher and more exemplary torments for however actions of prosperity and successe be not alwayes markes of favour and approbation yet ought they justly be esteemed testimonies of distast against those Nations and such persons that unfortunately are rendred Subjects of misery and chastizement since none ever suffers without a cause when revolutions happen if we would but seriously enough looke after the reason in the generall we should find matter sufficient to convince our beliefe that we are not totally innocent almost in any particular when as the gods are oftentimes accustomed to preserve the whole for their sakes that may pretend justly to any thing extraordinary No my friends this Kingdome hath been for some yeares past involved in too much superfluity to expect long a continuation of their felicity which no doubt made us too unmindfull from whence proceeds originally all good and commodity when peace and tranquillity exceedingly abound in any region without being at all bridled and restrained by voluntary temperance and consideration there is nothing to be expected soon after but captivity or destruction to recall againe mens thoughts and actions to moderation necessary for a new settlement and preservation this world was created but as the tryer and touchstone of our dispositions for the better establishment of our eternall condition hereafter since otherwise certainly it had not been made at all In this consists the only mistake of mankind that we look at present as essentiall acquisitious belonging properly to our persons without any relation to the future when as they are I say intended either as accidentall benefits or naturall consolations necessary in some sort for our temporary subsistance if we be great mighty and prosperous we expect ease pleasure and observance as meere duties that should attend us instead of making our thoughts thereby become more gratefull humble and solicitous in all our endeavours not only to augment vertue and purchase grace but to distribute our endeavours also by charity and reason to those that are more indigent upon earth what a King or commander hath in honour and power should be imployed in care and industry for the generall good and if a begger or inferiour person wants in riches and prosperity it ought to be supplyed by being free from hazzard and perturbation by which meanes all sorts of people may participate in a kinde of an equality according to the intention of their first creation since the gods certainly intended no absolute difference but what their inscrutable decrees have determined in the future answerable to the endeavours of every one in particular for however the things belonging to this life sometimes may vary by way of accident in the world yet the reasonable and more noble part of man should be alike free in every one of us by the same rule of estimation and pretention This consideration makes me at present looke upon my selfe and you in this common misery with the same eyes of pity and commiseration wherefore being determined to call my own thoughts to a most strict account what I have acted and how I may suffer so would I have you also examine your consciences wherein you have offended and in what nature you may be remedied by this meanes if it be yet possible to procure some mercy from the gods in our pressing necessities These I say are intentions not onely most pious but extreame safe with these words he instantly rose from his seat and retired into his private chamber that not onely forced teares but occasioned discourse from most of the company But whilst the King and the Inhabitants of Philadelpha with desparing thoughts were busily imployed about the better fortifying of the Towne against the expected siege of Farezius who every day was looked for which his Troops to attempt the same though most part of them intended rather to mend their conditions by yielding at last upon milder termes then entertained in their hopes any probability of prevailing against his Forces of a sudden the Myssians fearing lest they might be deceived in their expectations both in the money they expected from the Senate as also concerning an equall share in the government of the Kingdome of Lydia for that they had procured to themselves and nation in the Battles rather contempt for the little valour they had shewed then any way gained credit in the Warres besiedged another Towne belonging to the Kings party not yet reduced under the Senates jurisdiction where however they had continued for some weekes yet at length they were beaten off both with losse and disgrace in so much as then not knowing well how to play their Cards with any advantage they began as their last refuge not onely publikely to dispute the Kings Titles whom as they pretended the Senate had oppressed beyond their intentions but imployed the interest of a certaine Ambassador of Syria in their Army to perswade Euarchus if it were possible to make an escape from the City of Philadelpha whereby to put his person into their hands promising in the interim his hopes both present safety and future prosperity as people being as they said his own native country-men who intended his condition nothing but good and advantage by their assistance according to his owne desire The King having received this comfortable message which pretended a lucky Omen as he imagined to the rest of his occasions notwithstanding Farezius had newly besieged Philadelphia one day he called me privately into his Bed-chamber when he had made fast the doore with a certaine kinde of extraordinary earnestnesse in his countenance according to the manner he used in any thing he went about being in truth a Prince that is not only sollicitous in his thoughts but indefatigable in his paines and actions he told me that as he had a secret of much consequence to impart unto me so was he affraid left it should come to the knowledge of any that were not intended to be imployed in the businesse doubting he had so many Traytors attending about his person that it was impossible almost for any designe to be put in execution without the Senates privity and knowledge wherefore though he were sufficiently confident of my fidelity by reason of the long experience he had had of my service and the tryall he had experimented of my honesty and religion yet for that one
up Armes at all in the beginning to oppose our Prince if now without any other condition whatsoever we should lay them downe and againe restore him to his ancient dignity without conditions I pray remember we have made a solemne protestation to the gods as of the other side a confederation with our friends and if we breake with both no doubt but heaven and earth will accuse us as well of perjury as indiscretion since we should seem neither to reverence sacred things as we are bound nor preserve humane obligations as we ought may you not remember we took from our King his power for no other reason but because we thought him not fit to raigne over us accompanied with his stubborne and wilfull crimes and shall we presently restore him to that State againe without amendment are we not tyed by promises to the Senate of Lydia faithfully to performe their businesses in these Warres whilst we are under their pay and jurisdiction and shall we detaine the very object of their intentions against their minds as a protected person by our Army who was the onely booty they aymed at to purchase by our endeavours O horrid injustice and more pernitious indiscretion since in the one undoubtedly we exasperate the gods anger as in the other we apparantly endanger our own safeties for as they cannot but revenge their own dishonour in the highest fury of their wrath in regard of our perjury so justly may the people of Lydia over-run our Kingdom for not performing those conditions we contracted for before we entered their Countrey which however may be a Warre of some long contention and dispute yet the effects must needs be bloudy and expencefull whereas if we go hand in hand with our friends I meane the great Senate at Sardis we shall not only preserve such an amity as probably will make both Nations happy but for the present fill our coffers with sufficient gold to render us in Myssia equally rich with other Countries of Asia By releasing the King I say without their consents we give him only power and conveniency instead of being gratefull for the benefit to punish us for having been at the first the chief occasion that made him at all stand in need of such a kindnesse This disposition of his hath bin sufficiently experimented in his necessities when as he wil not so farre gratifie us as to put the Flamins out of the Temples These reasons being considered I say let us presently dispatch messengers to the Senate of Lydia with full power and commission from this Army not only to Treat of conditions but to conclude with that Councell concerning those conditions and Articles which shall be thought fit to be offered to the King to confirme either before he be restored to his Crowne or released from his imprisonment so shall we be pious to the gods just to our friends and beneficiall to our selves Although there was much contradiction and strong disputes concerning this oration of Argilius yet in regard Lycius the generall with many others of his faction in the Councell were against the Kings desires An absolute determination was presently there taken to send Argilius with some other Commissioners to the City of Sardis whereby to conclude such propositions as should be held most advantagable as they said for both Nations Though it was well knowne the Myssians had only an intention to good themselves not only in the payment of that money which they expected from the Senate but in regard of their secret intentions by Euarchus suppression to have an equall share in the government of the Kingdom of Lydia but however they concluded to put in execution their resolutions with all expedition yet they still kept the King in hopes by faire promises of his restoration as well to couzen and deceive his expectation that he might not entertaine new thoughts or fall upon other Counsels as that he might not be irreconcilably distasted with their actions if they should misse of their agreement with the Senate of Sardis who they doubted might be something unwilling to part with those vast summes that were demanded which fayling they intended to make use both of the Kings Titles and countenance to prosecute their other designes either in Lydia it selfe or any other part of Asia as there should be occasion The propositions they offered to the Senate were these First that the solemne protestation formerly agreed upon should be taken by every person of both Nations without exception out of which not the King himselfe to be exempted secondly not onely the jurisdiction but the very name of the Flamins to be absolutely abolished and no other rights and manner of worship of the gods to be used but according to the customes of Myssia Thirdly that both Euarchus and his posterity so farre to be disinabled in their authority that each Senate in both Kingdomes might be sufficiently confident of their power whereby to be freed in their own opinions from all danger and suspition in the future Fourthly that such sums of money should speedily be payed to the Myssians as was promised for their satisfaction and Lastly Commissioners to be chosen out of either Countrey to whom the common transaction of affairs should be equally committed Although these two latter Articles were something disputed yet it was not long before it was agreed that these conditions being presented and the King refusing to subscribe them he should be detained as a prisoner and not acknowledged for a Prince Argylius and the rest returning to the Campe where the King to be short refusing his subscription and consent within a very few weeks imployed for the circumstances necessarily belonging to every performance Euarchus was by the conduction of some Troopes of horse delivered into the custody of Farezius who presently conveyed him with his own Souldiers to a faire house formerly belonging to the Kings of Lydia Of the other side both Argylius and Lycius marched into their own Countrey of Myssia with money and triumph as if they had deserved immortall fame for their disloyalty which for the present must end my dolefull story since the time of the day envites us to take part of a slender supper according to the warning of the little Bell I heare however before you goe to bed I engage my selfe to furnish you with another relation much more pleasing to my thoughts that occasioned the late meeting of the people in the Fields with such expressions of joy as you beheld so taking Narcissus by the hand he led him into a pretty roome where they found two or three dishes of meat newly set upon the Table attended onely by the old woman and the youth After they had given thankes to the gods within an hours space they ended their supper the cloth being presently taken away and some few other discourses of delight fittest for digestion past over the Priest againe began this new relation Euarchus said he being thus entered as I told you into a
little discourse unto you what may be the suppositions of the Syrian State that seemes so much to countenance the Myssians before the Souldiers and to say the plaine truth doe more favour them then any other people that have seemed most affectionate towards the Kings interest First you may suppose that they thinke the Myssians not onely in regard that most of the gentry and Nobility have either command or imployment in the Army or Warres of Syria but the common people and inferiour sort have such a dependency upon the Nation by reason of certaine priviledges granted them time out of mind by way of a free Trade and commerce amongst them that it is unpossible for them to quit their interest for any other benefit that can be proposed to their consideration And the rather for that the Court maintaines alwayes some Ambassadour or Agent in their Countrey both to direct their actions and designes and to inform the State upon all occasions of their proceedings which joyned with the large pentions are bestowed amongst their rulers and other eminent persons of Myssia will prove as they believe necessary ties and obligations to retaine their fidelities constant to the Syrian ends And so consequently can they never attempt the destroying or lessening of Monarchy but as they shall direct and approve of besides most of the factions now prevailing against Euarchus authority in Myssia are composed either of Lords or Priests who are most commonly not so envious to royalty or at leastwise as they may believe more to be perswaded by reason then extravagant people that have learned no rules necessary to government and order by any manner of fitting education wherefore not so much to be feared in their courses and prevailing jurisdiction if they should be suffered something too much to prosper in either proceedings against their King Secondly it cannot be doubted but that Monarchy in the generall is a great deale more conducing to the commodity of the Myssians then a common government either in Lydia or Myssia and therefore not probable they should joyne in such a strict amity with the Senate as absolutely to destroy the prerogative and Kingly jurisdiction of Euarchus since by that conclusion they would neither be able to temper their own factions at home amongst the Nobility and persons of greatest quality nor have any hope to receive benefit from other Princes abroad in their occasions and whereas many may be perswaded to believe that by agreeing in those designes for the absolute overthrowing of Monarchy in Lydia they might in time come to be equall sharers in the government of both Kingdomes and so consequently participate alike in the profit and gain being the chiefe if not the onely thing their covetous dispositions looke after such thoughts are meere fancies and chymeras for certainly the Senate understanding well the poornesse of the Country of Myssia and not being ignorant of the secret intentions of the people withall how insulting and encroaching they are in their natures will be sure to take order they shall have no more interest in the affaires of Lydia then is intirely necessary for their own service and commodity so that when the Myssians shall find their aymes to faile in these particulars it is to be imagined that they will not onely be perswaded upon the least endeavour of the State of Syria to fall off from the Lydian faction but even to make a War with that Nation it selfe for the establishing againe of their King in his ancient glory and command and to that effect adhere either to Syria or any other Nation that may assist them in those proceedings onely this doubt in some sort may be made that Argilius and Lycius who so unworthily have betrayed the Kings person for a sum of money will never by their good wills trust themselves any more under his power for feare of revenge answerable to their deserts And they being the most principall men of the Countrey it is to be suspected they will have so great power and influence over the actions and determinations of the rest of the Inhabitans in the generall that they can never be brought in any kind to own the Kings interest to purpose notwithstanding all the labour and industry of the Kingdome of Syria But to this I shall only make this answer that however these people prevailed in the Myssian Army for the selling of the Kings person against the thoughts and wills of many yet that very action of theirs hath procured them since so much hatred in their own Country that it may very probably be believed by the State of Syria there must of necessity arise daily new factions amongst them neither want they intelligence at the present that assures them that an Army will suddenly march into Lydia from Myssia in King Euarchus behalf which advertizement I suppose is sent them by their Ambassadour there remaining Last of all I may adde that the Court of Syria may imagine the Souldiers who have now the King in their possession having no other relation but to their own wills and uncertaine principles will prove from time to time as inconstant in their resolutions as they have been heretofore desperate in their fortunes and be rather in the generall inclinable to affect equality then continue long contented to be governed by Kingly authority or to say the plaine truth willing to be under any jurisdiction whatsoever witnesse their falling off from their command both under the Senate and their old Generall besides it is esteemed a maxime among their tenents to have scarce dependency upon any power neither in those things that belong to the gods worship or concerning other their humane actions pretending by such constraint an absolute freedome cannot be enjoyed either in minde or body so that however the King may seem a little to revive by their proceedings yet I can assure you in Syria there is a great doubt made of the reality of their actions but whether these opinions be grounded either upon the perswasions of the Myssians or upon other more solid though secret reasons I will not take upon me at present to determine but rather shall expect both with hope and patience the issue in the interim apply my selfe to my direction and commission as well in keeping a correspondency with the Souldiers as with the Myssians by this time again the way began to be something uneven so that they could not well prosecute any farther discourse At night they tooke up their lodging not above halfe a dayes journey where the King remained and not much farther distant from the City of Sardis where encountering with a jovial companion master of the house as appearing also faithfull to Euarchus in his intentions after they had accommodated themselves to their minds in their chambers they desired their host with an equall indifference to let them understand as well the newes that concerned the proceedings of the Senate as that which belonged more properly to the Army since
as they said they could not chuse but be of a nature something more remarkable then ordinary in regard of the late transactions of both parties which seemed at present to put most of the Kingdome to a kind of a vast consideration concerning the issue the rather were they curious of this information the better thereby to tast the inclinations of the people Truly gentlemen said the Host as I must not take upon me the understanding of either of their proceedings and determinations when as perhaps they are not very well acquainted with their own intentions themselves so shall I to supply that defect enforme you if you please of those discourses that have lately passed in the Senate concerning the Kings government notwithstanding the Souldiers have him personally at the present under their jurisdiction who to say the plaine truth use him with that civility and respect that it gives his friends more then ordinary hopes of his speedy restoration againe to the honour of his Crowns and Dignity however the gods onely know what the issue of their determinations may be some of the Senate would have no King at all pretending that it would be too miserable a condition for all sorts of people to be Subject both in their persons and estates to an entire Monarch not suffering them so much as to aske a reason concerning any thing that should be done amisse although their purses and paines were forced upon all occasions to pay for the honour and the pride belonging to the dignity whereas a common government as they say gives a certaine kinde of encouragement pleasing in some kinde or other to all sorts of people as having an appropriated share in every action that concerned the good or ill of the Commonwealth others againe of a contrary spirit pretended they are afraid that if the government should be absolutely changed to a popular State though it might seem in outward appearance to have more freedome it could not neverthelesse but be of lesse security in that it would be alwayes Subject to faction and confusion in regard of the inconstancy of dispositions and therefore are rather of opinion that the government remaine in the same nature as it doth with some necessary restrictions to their King A third sort made some doubt how to finde out wayes to limite a Monarch in any kinde by what lawes soever could be established to that purpose it being almost impossible to take from a Prince altogether the sword of Justice power and yet suffer him still to remain in the condition of a governour which in effect would be no other then a common government varnished over with a glorious Title to no effect leaving the whole as subject to faction and confusion as if there were no King at all in that he should want the authority although he were honoured with the name necessary to that purpose there were others that suddenly started up in the Senate-house who imagined they had thought upon a way to remedy all inconveniences which was to have onely a King by election either of Euarchus family or some other but the proposition was quickly answered with these doubts that if the Prince intended should be elected out of the same bloud if not according to the direct line of succession it would endanger a new slaughter and faction through the whole Kingdome by reason of severall ambitious interests of the other side if he were absolutely chosen out of another family as no doubt but there would be many opposers in the very election it selfe so not possible to have any of an extraction illustrious enough to warrant his kindred from being a burthen to the Commonwealth in their maintenance and support which probably would prove a sufficient inconvenience to the people for that oftentimes justice would be sold other oppressions committed only to supply a needy and indigent family in conclusion however many seemed willing againe to restore Euarchus and his posterity to their ancient rights and dignity yet fearing in regard of their own proceedings that they might be strictly called in question for their past actians they utterly desisted from that resolution notwithstanding these severall and violent discourses for that time they setled upon no determination whatsoever only at last they ordered the government should remaine as it was at present in the Senates power though bearing still the name of Euarchus until farther confideration I must tell you as these were the manner of disputations in the Councels at Sardis both before and since the revolt of the Army so now by their favours as we suppose they must aske leave of the Souldiers before they settle either a government in themselves or take it away from others And the rather am I induced to this beliefe for that the common people appeare not yet much scandalized at the late revolt but of the contrary as t is thought would be extreamely satisfied with the Souldiers proceedings if they should speedily againe turne the streame into its right course however in that I shall say the least that may be untill I be more instructed in the constitution of the world with these words he ended his discourse and presently tooke his leave pretending some other company in his house needed also another part of his entertainment This information of the Host gave Creses and the Priest occasion to fall into a more serious disputation concerning the nature and property of Monarchy and other governments according to divers opinions and judgements with the severall benefits and inconveniences belonging to them The Priest would needs take upon him the defence of the Kingly part whilst Creses was to be content with the more inferiour degree both notwithstanding grounding their discourses from the hopes they had that the Souldiers would shortly againe restore Euarchus to his Crowne and government The Priest first began in this manner As Monarchy in the generall said he hath been held by writers to be the best and most absolute way of government so ought it as well be granted that a Prince by descent and inheritance is the freest of all others from burthen and inconvenience to the people since the making up of new families upon every exchange and the many dangerous factions would arise by reason of elections would at one time or other either hazzard or ruine the Commonwealth for that all ambitions could never be supprest totally in every person with the only consideration of the common safety but that I may more particularly make good my argument I shall endeavour from certaine principles of Divinity nature and institution to prove my affirmation and opinion In the first place according to the example of the divine providence there is but one God that made and now rules the heavens since if there were more none could be absolute much lesse omnipotent in any kinde and so consequently the government should still be subject to variation both in part and in the whole for as divers persons must
Lawes were agreed upon might easily governe with secrecy and moderation to the benefit of the people who would be pleased sufficiently in having the name of the election of such Ministers If you meane said the Priest that this jurisdiction should be eternall it were a great deale worse and more dangerous in matters of Tyranny and injustice then to be under one single Pritce by inheritance since he might dye and by that meanes his successor might againe bring ease and remedy but the other assembly being once in the greater part corrupted it were unpossible ever to expect any redresse at all for that those that should happen to succeed would come to their places but one by one and consequently could not have voyces in number sufficient to countervaile the opinions of the rest remaining in the Councell or Magistracy besides if any should have received injury or endured oppression by the casting voyces of the whole assembly to whom should he flye for remedy and redresse since every one singly would put off the blame from himselfe pretending not to have authority and power sufficient without the generality of that congregation to repaire the injured person which seldome or never could be procured whereas being wronged or oppressed by a Prince or any of his Officers or Ministers of State it would be no great difficulty to make the particular complaint understood at one time or another to himselfe And more facile it would be a great deale for the Monarch or governour speedily to afford the remedy either in that that concerned his own person or belonging to any of his Commissioners for else he should be forced to take upon him the blame before the face of all the world whereas the others actions that is to say concerning the particular would be so involved in the darke that it were almost impossible to make it appeare where the fault lay but in the generall assembly who without an infinite labour could not be brought to understand much lesse to redresse the grievance And if you meane this magistracy or supreame authority should be only temporary and so consequently be made subject upon all occasions to the election and questioning of the common people what a world of inconveniences would it bring not only by continuall factions and disorders in the chusing these new Magistrates but in the very spight and heartburning would be occasioned thereby amongst the people being carried on to this election by a certaine conceived greatnesse in their own opinion that might render their rude ambitions extreamely unsatisfied if they should be at any time crost in their choyce with a thousand other inconveniences that I cannot mention Yet said Creses alshough it should be granted that in those particulars you have mentioned Monarchy were to be esteemed the most convenient government of all others however it cannot be denyed but that the common people are in that slavery under such a jurisdiction that they cannot possibly have hearts sufficiently affectionately to render them entirely industrious towards the profit and good of the Common-wealth in the generall in regard that however they toyle and take paines in abundance they can never attaine to any places of dignity or respect in the Kingdome either to content their thoughts or advance their esteem whereas in a popular state the meanest is in the same capacity of preferment as the highest borne person in he Countrey Although this be true said the Priest yet the defect proceeds not from their naturall unhappinesse but from their disabillity or want of knowledge in regard of their deficiency in education which inconveniency and defect they will as well suffer in a popular government as in a Kingly authority since no worthy person whatsoever is debarred from preferment in a Monarchy if his industry and parts can merit the honour and advancement and although he should in any kinde misse of his expectation yet it would not grieve him so much to be under the jurisdiction of the Nobility that are by birth and extraction above his condition as to finde himselfe much subordinate and inferiour to those of his own ranke and quallity to be esteemed of all others most irkesome to humane nature so that you see it is but meere fancy that engenders these considerations and opinions besides there are other inconveniences and omissions appertaining to a popular government as for example it seldome or never preferres or rewards worthy persons according to their deserts and merrits when as for the most part smallest crimes and defects are punished by most fearefull and horrid severity proceeding either from envy or jealousie which is the occasion that oftentimes when Generalls Commanders or States men have procured a sufficient interest and esteeme amongst all sorts of people whereby to be able to contend doubting their own safeties from the Magistracy they enter presently into such rebellions that either turne the Commonwealth into a Tyrannicall Monarchy or occasion at the best so much bloud and slaughter that every Subject thereof hath reason enough to feare his own losse if not generall destruction whereas a Prince being of so eminent a condition himselfe not to be equalled by any of what quallity soever hath no cause to be envious or suspicious againe the Prince hath a more neere interest in his Countries good then all his subjects besides by way of personall honour wherefore a greater benefit or losse attends him in every thing that is acted since he creates not only the officer that commands or executes but enjoyes the profit or disprofit of the successe whereas the people in a Commonwealth receive it but in the generall no one man being able to appropriate any publike action particularly to himselfe which is a principall motive to enduce the Prince to attend earnestly the prosperity of the government because he may be said truly to esteeme it his own which no other prison can doe in what constitution some ever if there be others in equall authority with him for to joyne interests will never take so much the fancy and opinion of the owners as those which are singly appertaining but to one onely Well said Creses although I see upon any termes you will needs have a Monarchy to be the best government yet neverthelesse I must not have a Prince altogether unlimited as it were threatning a kinde of a fearefull apprehension of Tyranny to his people by which meanes they would be hindred from endeavouring industriously either the common good or their private welfare but rather I should wish a king in some sort bound by lawes fundamentall established by a lawdable constitution at the first however not to be so strictly chayned up that he were left no any power or prerogative at all without his Subjects leave or be so let loose to his owne will and pleasure that he might injure and oppresse his people as he list that is to say to have the government to enjoy such a mixture in the whole that the Subjects
had hitherto paid for the purchase But what the sweet Cloria would have answered to this discourse could not be known since Farezius occasions call'd him suddenly away from her presence into the City not so much to receive those Triumphs prepared for his further entertainment as to procure money for his Army Though the Generall continued some violence against the rich Town of Sardis in imprisoning their chief Officers as also in causing those Senators which he had formerly accused to be sent into banishment yet the affaires of Euarchus became no whit more amended since he was not onely still detained as a Prisoner though with something a greater liberty and freedom but the Senate was permitted to press his patience with those former propositions they had sent by Aâ—gyllius prejuditiall to his Crown and in truth to the absolute taking away of all his royall authority which gave occasion of many discourses amongst all sorts of people some said that Farezius was in love with the Princess Cloria and by that means endeavoured to force the Kings consent to the mariage whom he thought else could not be brought to yield to such unequall Nuptialls much less would his Daughter be won to give up her person to those disadvantages who had been courted by all the great Princes of Asia with multitudes of glorious offers Others again believed the contrary faction began to prevail and had by some means either bribed Farezius to their party or out-witted his designs Neither wanted there a third Company that imagined the people grew weary of their own sufferings by reason of the Armies free quarter suspecting the Generalls power intentions only to make himself his Souldiers mighty without looking upon their liberties and prosperity For a testimony of which as they supposed the Nobility carried the chief sway in the Senate House contrary to their desires however certain Trybunes were chosen in the Army to preferr the rights of the ordinary Souldiers and common people Whilst these thoughts or rather fancies were tost to and fro almost in every mans bosom for that the whole affairs of the Kingdom were at a stand and Euarchus seemingly no nearer his enlargement then the first day he was imprisoned nay farther off in most opinions Roxand one morning according to her custom being troubled with more feares than ordinary for that the Princess her Mistriss appeared to her imagination not a little concerned in the business since it was not improbable some sparkles of love joyned with Farezius ambition might be obstacles against the Kings prosperity came to entertain her self within certain groves belonging to the Castle which were ordered into many delightfull walks that here and there crossed one another for the more conveniency of the Company that should frequent them for recreation where long she had not remained disputing with her doubts and hopes but she met accidentally with Creses who seemed to be there with the same intention they both appeared pleased at the incounter whereupon Creses quickly asked her after some short salutation what she thought of the strangeness of these times so much changed contrary to both their expectations when as they looked rather for the King to have been royally received in Sardis then to have been still continued a prisoner much less to be pressed with new propositions dishonourable to his person and destructive to his authority Truly my Lord answered Roxana as my thoughts are in a Wood about the actions of the times so no doubt but som mystery waits upoÌ„ the issue however I must confess my fears outgoe my faith in any good they mean the Kings power since both the delayes used and much more these Articles presented are no good Omens to Euarchus prosperity but take off rather that glory which Farezius should have obtained to himself if he had made the Kings restoration to his rights his first and chiefest work since by his power and authority the rest of the necessary affairs of the Kingdom would in all probability have been better and surer setled when they should have carried with them both Law and Justice You are in the right Madam said Creses wherefore if I may not be thought over tedious to your patience I will discourse to you some things which I have not only heard from the Kings own mouth when I last waited upon him but other observations I took when I was in Syria by which you may make what conjectures you please So taking the old woman by the hand he led her to a little banquetting house not far off for the more privacy where after they were both seated he made unto her this Relation Madam said he first you must understand that Euarchus the King is opposed in his just government or rather legall authority by four factions that for the present seek to undermine one another all having absolutely in their hearts cast off their obedience to the Kings Person and Prerogative The Senate strives with violence to maintain that jurisdiction it hath extorted from him as the Mysians endeavour out of a high covetousness to be sharers in the Government and Riches of this flourishing Kingdom Neither wants the Army pretentions by reason of the service they have done in the late Warres to claim reward and subsistance And last of all the wealthy City of Sardis in regard it hath for the most part furnished the Souldiers and Councell with money requires to be made a free Town that is to say to depend upon no subjection but what Magistrates created by themselves shall prescribe This contention of all sides is the chief occasion as 't is thought that makes every thing at a stand whilst in the mean time the people seem to cry out being overburthened with oppressions and payments which in the end certainly cannot but turn to an absolute confusion since there is scarce possibility left to satisfie all parties And thus much shall suffice for the common state of things Now concerning the proceedings of Syria which I have most from the Kings own mouth be pleased to understand that when he was forced to assemble this great Councel that hath proved so unfortunate to his happiness there was sent into Lydia from Philostros an Ambassador as Euarchus imagined for his consolation and assistance against the violent proceedings of his Senate but presently after his arrivall he was so far from complying with the Kings occasions that he kept a frequent correspondence with those persons that seemed most to oppose his authority in so much as the King was constrained at last with some violence not only to forbid him any longer attendance upon his person but earnestly to desire the State of Syria to recall him home from all further imployment in Lydia which setled the thoughts of Euarchus in some quietness whilst his own victories over his disobedient subjects and the death both of Philostros and Orssames gave the King more then probable hopes of a finall and happy successe in his enterprize
which was againe in a very short time to reduce all Lydia under his lawfull jurisdiction but belike the State of Syria following the same maximes of government under the young son Orsames had left behind him contrary to all humane expectation sent presently after the death of Orsames another Ambassador to Euarchus not only anew to invite him to breake the League which he still continued with the King of Aegypt but to allow his contesting Senate to be a lawfull and continued Councell by his absolute approbation thinking belike that it would better conduce to the affaires of Syria to have Euarchus power limitted then to suffer him to remaine in his high prerogative but these demands the King most violently and disdainfully refusing the Ambassador not only with some seeming discontent took his leave but as it was thought invited the Myssians againe into Lydia which hath been as you know the reason of Euarchus overthrow since the Senates single power had never probably prevailed against his fortune and successe however the businesse did not yet rest for after the King had notwithstanding strugled with infinite difficulties to make good still his declining cause his son Arethusius Forces also being destroyed in many set Battells who after fled into Syria to the Queen his Mother Euarchus was forced to put himselfe under the protection of the Myssians Army yet with so little benefit to his affaires that in a short time after he was delivered in person into his enemies hands who treated him with all manner of hardnesse untill the Army took him violently from that jurisdiction As this Madam is the sad particulars I can relate unto you of the Kings misfortunes and captivity so may you very well make conjecture of the consequences Roxana after she had thanked him for his discourse wherein as she said he had made her acquainted with some passages she never understood before yet he should oblige her much more if he would be pleased to deliver his opinion what might be the intentions of the Syrian State in thus desiring to lessen or rather to outward apparence to overthrow the Monarchy of Lydia since the example seemed of a dangerous consequence for its own government for that those Subjects might also fall upon the like pretences Truly answered Creses what I can say of that Theame is that either they thinke it more convenient for the glory of Syria to reduce all Kingdomes but their owne into Commonwealths whereby theirs may appeare to Asia the onely Empire or they have an intention to make a conquest of ours by reason of those multitudes of divisions they see arising amongst our selves or perhaps they ayme to set up Prince Arethusius in his fathers Kingdome because he is of the Syrian bloud whereby they believe they shall purchase both honour and friendship But if I thought I should not prove over harsh in my unpollisht language whereby too much to injure your patience by my tedious relation I would discover yet a story though acted long time since that in my opinion hath been the originall of the sad effects of this last Warre it will prove the longer in regard it toucheth the proceedings not only of the Kingdome of Lydia but the Countries of Syria and Myssia that formerly have been all three interwoven in dangers slaughters and civill broyles by the spightfull proceedings and factious maximes of a certaine Priest called Herenzius Roxana glad to entertaine any conveniency that might instruct her farther in the Mysteries of these unlucky times although many things she had read of Herenzius violent spirit told Creses that as no language proceeding from his lips could prove tedious to any eare how ignorant soever so did she not doubt but the consequence of the present affaires required rather ample stories then short descriptions which gave him a sufficient warrant to use his own pleasure both for the manner and matter of his discourse untill his endeavours produced this following relation You must know said he that this Priest Herenzius some yeares since when all the world seemed to yeild obedience to the great Flamine of Delphos as the only Oracle upon earth to prescribe the manner of the worship of the gods suddenly starred up in the Kingdome of Syria who by reason of an ignominious punishment he had undergone as t was reported for a hainous offence committed against humane and divine Lawes began violently to fall out with heaven and earth in so much as in the first place he quarrelled with the forme of the service to the Gods then used and in the latter he denyed Kings and Princes obedience or rather loyalty from their naturall subjects To this purpose to execute his malice against all authority because he had suffered by it and withall thinking againe in some sort to recover his lost reputation in doing notable actions how wicked soever of a sudden flew to a certaine Towne upon the confines of Arabia whose people had newly not only disobeyed their Flamine but cast off their government to his authority which quickly gave him admittance with his Doctrine since they knew his opinions suited with their designes yet being rather friendly entertained then perfectly established by their welcome his insolency and pride in a short time banished him againe from the City seeing he could not shew temper in his first entrance and so remained untill the feare of the inhabitants of comming once more under their old government for that they understood their Prince prepared for a siege constrained them not onely a new to desire his company whereby to be assisted by his Councell but were forced to binde themselves by a solemne oath to submit absolutely their wills to his institutions with these conditions he became fully possessed of that power that gave him opportunity both to governe as he pleased and instruct as he listed untill he had fitted all their thoughts for the impressions of his designes by the eloquent language and cunning practices he used which in a short time so prospered that many disciples were found of such towardly dispositions instructed by his principles that he sent many of them also into other Countries to poyson the peoples loyalties since obedience is the most assured tye that probably warrants the safety and prosperity of Kingdomes But these men having as I said taken their journeyes with these intentions the first prevailing progresse they made was in the Countrey of Myssia where finding some discontents already ingendring between the young Queen then raigning grandmother to Euarchus and some factious and ambitious Nobility soon introduced their new and dangerous opinions into the hearts of the common people by which meanes the Lords became also so powerfull by their assistance that the poore Princesse in a short space was forced to quit both her Kingdome and Life a Tragedy too pittifull now to be related whilst the Rebells took possession of her authority from which usurpation proceedes Lydia's miseries since by a continuance of the same
desires in those people towards her posterity they have now filled this Kingdome with tumults troubles and bloud the better to make good their own jurisdictions so unlawfully purchased in former times but however these opinions of deposing of Kings and aldering the worship of the gods prevailed entirely in Myssia by reason of those crafty and factious actors that Herezius had sent yet his Doctrine found not so ready acceptance in the Kingdome of Lydia for that the Queen then raigning endeavoured against the violence of all their endeavours both to conserve Monarchy and maintaine their Flamines though the State altered many Tenents in Doctrine untill the late agreements of each Nation to oppose Euarchus in the same designe contrived an accord to extirpate in effect both King and Flamines This may passe my discourse of the Kingdome of Syria that hath not only formerly borne part in the suffering by reason of these opinions sowed in the world but hath been a principall occasion to give the Myssians protection by whose power Euarchus hath been chiefely destroyed To which purpose you must understand that although Herezius other messengers could not so easily beate downe the strong Walles of Monarchy established by so many ages in Syria against the power of great Armies alwayes kept in pay by that Nation yet oftentimes they filled the whole Kingdome with most lamentable slaughters to gaine enterance for their opinions and freedome for their Doctrine in so much as the Prince himselfe then governing finding the Temples overthrowne his Countrey spoyled and his Subjects destroyed by the fury of the contention was forced at last so farre to give way to the Herezians religion in Syria that they had not only granted them a free exercise of their consciences throughout all his dominions but many fortified Townes were delivered into their hands wherein they put their owne Garrisons to secure better this agreement which both afforded him peace and seemed to give them satisfaction for the present however every yeare almost after notwithstanding these benefits produced new stirres by that faction to the disquieting of the Kingdome that gave sufficient cause of vexation to many good Princes since they could not be assured of the loyalty of their obliged Subjects nor of the continuation of their owne prosperities when neither graces could win them by reason of the spleen they bore to Monarchy or power could compell them in regard of those Forts they had in their custody But to be short before the great and wise Favourite Philostros durst take upon him the huge worke he intended which was to suppresse the gloriousnesse of the Aegyptian Empire he imagined he could not be absolutely safe at home and so consequently not fitted for so large a conquest as long as he should leave behind him in his own bosome so eminent a danger as those he esteemed lawlesse Subjects in Orsames Kingdome knowing they would upon all occasions be ready to joyne with forraigne Forces to overthrow their owne Kings government and therefore resolved first before he undertooke any new designe to subdue their power to the absolute obedience of his great Masters jurisdiction as in times past it had been to some of his predecessors to which purpose he not only suddenly besieged the strongest Towne they had in Syria but within a short space left them never a Fort in the whole Kingdome that was not constrained to deliver up the Keyes of its Gates to the will and pleasure of fortunate Orsames who began to grow great in the opinion of the world by the conquest of his own Subjects that were accustomed to give sufficient imployment to other Kings However after that Philostros had made this speedy progresse in glory as well as in security for his Masters parant advantage both in quietting his Subjects at home and terrifying his enemies abroad which proved mighty advantages for those designes he had contrived in his politick braine because it was not convenient and scarce safe to continue desperate discontents in so dangerous a body that had vastly spread it selfe thorough most Countries in Asia whilst his thoughts and endeavours were otherwise to be imployed he began by little and little to smooth his brow towards that sect and at last not only assured them of his absolute forgetting all faults past but made many of them chiefe officers and commanders in that Army Orsames provided to goe against the Aegyptian Forces wherein he craftily procured a double commodity to his affaires the one in winning a party he had good cause to suspect and the other in rendring them ingaged in the quarrell he intended against Sorastros besides he was most assured that they would fight with spleen against that religion by nature they most hated since the Aegyptians of all others were held obsequious to the rights and ceremonies of Delphos which also was a meanes to binde the Myssians to the affaires of Syria since no Nation or people in Asia professed more violently the same worship of the gods introduced by Horenzius and exercised by his followers in Orsames dominions which were not onely reasons to tye Philostros to that sect by all the favours he could procure it in his own Country whereby to make them serviceable in the Warres he had with Sorastros but by that meanes gave countenance to the Myssians against Euarchus their lawfull Prince which by consequence afforded the Senate of Lydia conveniency also to suppresse his power that they might not seeme to goe lesse in jurisdiction in mastering their King then those people they had bought with their money onely to doe them service so that by this meanes the Favourite gave worke enough at home to Euarchus that he should not have the opportunity although he might have the wil to assist the King of Aegypt which the pollicy of every Nation requires according to some opinions when a Prince is not able to make good his party against another prevailing Monarch This Madam as I say hath been the fate of these mighty Kingdomes only troubled by the cunning industry of one factious and ambitious Priest as if the Gods had sent him into the world to let man see his owne frailty and the rather for that Euarchus not many yeares agoe appeared so glorious and fortunate in his government crowned with a flourishing prosperity in wife children peace and power that he was not only the absolute envy of all Asia but seemed to carry in his hand the arbitration of the world being now cast downe into so low and I may call it miserable condition by a little faction of his own people that he is not only denyed to be a King but deprived of the comfort of all that ever was his with an addition of a sharpe and lasting captivity according to the discretion sometimes of his meanest Subjects whilst in the interim honour love justice and gratitude seeme to be laid a sleep in the deep Center of the earth other Princes only watching to their own
rights who were esteemed oppressed by Artaxes power a story most sufficiently known to all my selfe came into Lydia to demand assistance of Euarchus my Uncle to recover againe my conquered Country of Iberia detained from me by Tigranes Duke of Colchis Orsames also at the same time began his Warres against our oppressor with the same pretentions since Philostros his powerfull Favourite judged it a worke full of piety and justice however he knew there would be much bloud spilt in the quarrell fince as his master was mighty Artaxes was obstinate and both ambitious And to this purpose not onely prosecuted his designe with much violence against the King of Armenia but in a short time Orsames gained many Countries so that at last he brought Artaxes to be willing to accept if not to demand a publike Treaty whereby as t was pretended Asia againe might be reduced to its former happy condition by the effects of a generall peace since the discomposure of such mighty interests seemed to threten the whole world with a fatall destruction and to this effect all the injured Princes were called to shew forth their accustomed priviledges in a City upon the Confines of Syria and Armenia which was a place chosen as most indifferent for that effect where their Commissioners then meeting and yet remaining with more disputes then hopes of agreements gave occasion to the Senate of Lydia to invite me to flye to their protection as well for present subsistance as future hopes since it appeared these two powerfull Kings only beheld their own ambitions as the chiefe object of their considerations though they pretend a more charitable intention in their actions But my Lord said Roxana as I doe not desire to trouble my thoughts with the rights of other Princes that have little relation to our affaires but as they may concerne your particular so in regard they may prove over tedious for our intended discourse since the Princesse her selfe will be likely to surprize us before we have finished I must intreat the honour only to be made acquainted with those things that shall belong to your owne Titles and the rather for that I have heard some disputes formerly to that purpose which I was not very well able to answer and should be very glad to be better provided against other arguments of the same nature Truly Madam answered Cassianus as it is impossible for me to sever in all respects the interests of other Princes from my own so I will endeavour to avoid what unnecessary discourse may prove either tedious or impertinent after that Roxana had acknowledged the favour by a few complements he related these particulars Although I am confident said he that you are competently informed that my dead father was dispossessed of his fruitfull Countrey of Iberia for taking up of Armes against the power of Artaxes King of Armenia yet may not be perhaps sufficiently instructed how Tygranes became possessor of our Countries Titles and Honours wherefore be pleased to know that after my said father was driven forcibly from the possession of the Crowne of Mesopotamia which he had received by the free election of that people who found themselves oppressed by the Lawes Artaxes had imposed upon their consciences as well as many of the Nobility deprived of such Lands belonging to the Temples in their possessions which their predecessors had left them though formerly taken away I must confesse by violence from the Flamines and my mother forced to flye to her friends charity for succour and safety the King of Armenia with the assistance of Tygranes riches prosecuted so farre his begun good fortune that in a short space he not only quieted the stirres in his dominions but advanced his power into Iberia which being without any support but what few Forces Euarchus his father then King of Lydia had send to defend his daughters right quickly became master of what strong places he pleased untill at last he was Lord of the whole and being in possession he not only paid that debt he owed to Tygranes with part of my Lands but bestowed upon him in requitall of his other good services all our Titles and honours which for many lasting ages had remained in our family as being the next of kinne As this cruell injustice killed my father with griefe so after some yeares it brought to our assistance the forenamed Scythian Prince as one sent from the Gods in our apprehension to teach Artaxes a new law of obedience to the fortunes of so great a courage however this date of life became determined by the envious destinies and we left only to demand ayde of Orsames power to finish that work that we thought so happily begun to the advantage of the injured Princes in which number I was to be reckoned the chiefe since most eminent both in wrongs and honours As I may say my particular cause bearing the very name of all the rest In this signe the Syrians continued a large progresse within Artaxes Countries untill the King himselfe was forced in a manner by the consent also of Sorastros King of Aegypt to that generall treaty I formerly mentioned which notwithstanding all the while hath only produced disputations instead of conclusions for that the War continues still with violence to the ruine of the whole Kingdome without the benefit of any in particular began at first by the obstinate pride of Tygranes that would not restore those rights belonging to my selfe which probably might have given satisfaction to the other Princes of our faction however lately Tygranes being also oppressed by the burthen of warre in his owne dominions begins to be more plyant to our desires and to this purpose many arguments are alleadged of either side to give colour to the unfortunate actions of Souldiers who are maintained more to fatisfie the ambition of the two mighty Kings then to put us in possession of our rights Tygranes affirmeth that as the King of Armenias gratitude bestowed upon him in recompence of his services done the Crowne those honours and Lands that belonged to our Family so the money he hath laid out in the Warres makes him a lawfull purchaser of that benefit and therefore in all equity cannot be deprived of them without a full satisfaction according to the damage he hath sustained by those actions The State of Syria againe pretends that unlesse my selfe be restored to my former dignities the combination which is made with the injured Princes must of necessity be broken and so consequently their Kingdome of Syria dishonoured in their agreement and we further adde that although Artaxes might have some colour of displeasure against my father for taking upon him the Crowne of Mesopotamia and defending the possession in his life time by force of Arms which however is a Title disputable yet my self ought not to be esteemed any way guilty of the fault being an infant and therefore too much injured by such a losse when instead of enjoying the greatest
some that not only gave it out but believed that he had been poysoned to prevent a farther trouble and danger to the Kingdome This also gave occasion to Prince Cassianus within a very short time after to quit personally the Country of Lydia as perhaps supposing now his chiefe friend and Favourite Dimogoras was gone and the rest of the Lords not being in a capacity to support his honour and designes against the Souldiers in the Princesse Clorias behalfe it was to little purpose any longer to prosecute his pretended love Neverthelesse the Nobillity with many other of the Senators of the same faction prepared themselves to give the body of Dimogoras most stately and glorious Funerals To this intent when the day came all attired in black they met the corps with a world of ceremony and so conducted it through a multitude of people to the place ordained for that purpose where being placed according to the custome of other Generalls the flames quickly consumed the pyles whilst that which was immortall had a farther account to give concerning his actions and thoughts during his life When the Princesse Cloria understood of this strange and unexpected law not only pronounced in the Senate but published all over the Kingdome she began now to repent her of her too much beliefe given to the Kings enemies notwithstanding any perswasion whatsoever she had entertained in her thoughts and consequently had more cause a great deale to doubt her owne security having no other defence left her but what she could gather from the faithfull and wise Councells of her intrusted governesse Roxana which was the occasion that one day having for the most part spent her whole store of passion she used this kinde of despairing discourse unto her Truly Roxana said she as there might be noted at first a strong jealousie amongst the Souldiers by the strict gard set upon the Kings person so this last action makes me feare that there is some prevailing designe as well against our liberties as his dominion which we shall be scarce able to prevent by any industry or assistance for as I cannot rely much upon the Lords power by reason they have altogether lost their authority by severing their interests at the first from their Princes prerogative nothing but to comply with their own ambition and spleen so is there as little to be hoped for from the endeavours of this great and rich City of Sardis considering their late carriages when Farezius with his triumphant Army not only entered their Walls without resistance but were content to receive his absolute commands without the least dispute belonging to their long enjoyed priviledges never as yet questioned by any former Prince or power these representations being knowne and granted to be the effects of the late transactions what probabilities remaine for the recovery of my fathers rights though it should be opinionated that we our selves were out of all danger personally since the Kings party appears not to have either abillity or will to doe him good And Lydia being strongly united under the present jurisdiction what forraigne industry and endeavour soever can worke any considerable effects to his advantage considering the many brave Vessels and shipping that are alwayes ready for defence and resistance upon the Carian and Ionian shoares to oppose either sudden invasion or continued hostility When Roxana had for some time rested silent with teares in her eyes she returned her this answer Lady said she you must then give me leave to blame your superstitious modesty as I may call it in not suffering your Uncle Orsames to have performed those ceremonies belonging to your Nuptials at Memphis which perhaps in part if not totally would have prevented these inconveniences Indeed Governesse replyed the Princesse although perhaps you esteeme those decorums of fitting duty which I shall be ever ready to render my Father and Mother but bashfull superstitions yet I can assure you I shall never be so much wanting to my own honour as rather not a thousand times to venture my deerest life then to give away my selfe to any love whatsoever without their inward consent and publike approbation but let us for the present leave that subject and only fall upon the consideration or the meanes whereby the King may be redeemed from his miseries which Rhetorick would not only farre better please my eares but be a much more profitable discourse in my opinion since in the other point I am resolved still to remaine obstinate notwithstanding any perswasion to the contrary Truly said Roxana as I must needs confesse the thing it selfe is difficult to bring about and the wayes more uncertaine to know how so of the other side I am so farre from believing the impossibility of the Kings restoration to his ancient dignity that according to my owne thoughts I shall give you very probable reasons whereby to perswade you to it if my fancy doth not much out goe my judgement For although I cannot deny but that the Countrey of Lydia being throughly united under a well setled government with the addition of Ionia and Caria that afford so many considerable havens furnished with multitude of shipping is a condition scarce to be attempted by any power yet considering the impatience of the peoples natures with the daily oppressions of them by the heavy weight of Taxations a quick division will be wrought in the hearts of those that must of necessity be wonne to the change of lawes and government before the ancient constitutions by which the Subjects have formerly lived happily for so many ages can be totally taken away However for the present perhaps either feare or hope exercises so farre mens thoughts that hardly as yet have they leasure for consideration but when as I say they shall finde this is like to be perpetuall they will with much violence desire againe their old subjection though at first they were foolishly perswaded to seeke a new government And more especially if those two great Monarchs of Syria and Aegypt once make that accord that all Asia attends with a greedy expectation which may soon be effected since the King of Armenia hath already agreed with his discontented Princes and also hath condiscended to give satisfaction to the Scythian Crowne whereby to deliver his Countrey absolutely from that power that hath so many yeares molested it with its armes But Roxana said the Princesse what will those agreements conduce to my fathers benefit when every Prince regards only his own concernments besides their extreame jealousie of one anothers glory will not suffer them to undertake any conquest joyntly And put case they should accord constantly in their purposes yet when the people of Lydia shall see themselves ready to be invaded by a forraigne power they will certainly more strongly conforme their obediences to this jurisdiction they now live under whereby the better to prevent a new threatning danger It is true said Roxana untill the Subjects be made more desperate in
her Governesse Roxana had in his wit and fidelity but withall in regard of the inward joy she felt concerning the King her fathers affaires that seemed now to be in a better posture then they were almost since the beginning of his troubles for she imagined by the consequences his subjects would be constrained for their own advantages to place him again in his Throne in a higher capacity of power then before Ascanius of the other side expressed also by his countenance the like gladnesse in so much as after a little space as if he had been in a manner transported with thoughts of delight and satisfaction according to his youthfull conceptions that were apt enough to entertaine all Ideas of content and felicity presently runne to his sister and whilst both his arms were cast about her neck he sealed as well his affection as his joy upon her Ruby lips by a multitude of sweet though more deere kisses but she at last either something apprehending the too much importunity of such affections or else desirous to inform her selfe better of other particulars told her brother in a jesting way that as she could scarce dispence with the rigid rules of her own modesty to have her virgin lips so assaulted although it were from an affectionate brother whose innocent vertue was beyond all possibility of scandall so did she of the other fide exceedingly wonder that his own change of condition which onely procured his safety under the protection of the Castle where for the present they remained had not wrought in his disposition contrary effects to that quality wherein he was born since now he was to esteem himselfe rather a servant to fortune then a Prince by extraction not a Prince replyed Ascanius the gods defend I should ever harbour in my brest such poore and unworthy thoughts notwithstanding the injustice or malice of any fortune whatsoever no sister be you assured that both for your sake and my own I shall alwaies endeavour by my actions to shew that I am sonne to Euarchus and Hyacinthia and I doubt not but you will doe the like concerning your own particular But yet replied the sweet Princesse we are obliged in some sort to yield to our fates when we have not means sufficient left us to prevent them for if the Senate by a certain kind of a tyrannicall power granted them by the heavens perhaps onely in correction of our offences doe imprison and circumscribe our persons what matters of consequence can our mindes afford us to our advantage in such exigencies O say not so answered Ascanius for the mind is able to be a noble conquerour over all unfortunate disasters since in my youthfull studies I have read of many brave persons that in the highest expressions of tyranny and afflictions imposed upon their bodies by their worst and greatest enemies have at last in despight of all their cruelty born away the onely palme and Lawrell of victory as it were confounding their very persecutors with the extraordinary constancy of their own sufferings These said Cloria I must confesse are brave resolutions in words if they can be as well practised by actions for I must tell you that flesh and bloud cannot easily put off all naturall inclinations though I will not deny but the soule may doe miracles being ayded by divine considerations and oftentimes hath demonstrated wonderfull effects meerely out of some extraordinary sense or inflammation of honour both by Souldiers and Philosophers Truly said Ascanius then it were very hard being Kings children if we should not in our proceedings meet with some of these faculties to our benefit when as perhaps contemptible slaves in former ages have aboundantly exampled to our knowledge and edification such heroicall suffering As they were thus discoursing Roxana who had for a long space kept a most formall and grave silence thought it also convenient to shew her own wisdome the rather since her yeeres and experience pretended to a certaine kind of prerogative amongst those of the younger sort of people Truely said she as I cannot deny but that this extraordinary courage you mention is of a singular benefit to many sorts of people in their pressing and difficult occasions yet when with a wise though not a base complyance we can avoyd both the inconvenience and hazard to our selves with more ease and no dishonour I see no reason why we should goe about to straine nature to no purpose especially if we be not well assured to gaine a beneficiall victory by the contention And if we faile in that we seem to undertake we contract thereby a further mischiefe and disreputation to our selves then if we had not at all offered to contend against power and oppression at the first besides oftentimes those resistances in the dark shall never come truly to the knowledge of the world so that consequently we faile then of that glory our foolish and preposterous ambition aymed at by such resolutions by which means we shall be rather enterpreted to be blown up with vain-glorious fumes then seasoned with true fortitude In time the best mixture must be so to moderate our actions that as precipitately we put not our selves upon vain and needlesse sufferings without necessity so ought not we too much to yield to the inconstant stroakes of fortune and oppression when either honour or religion calls us to a publique demonstration of our bravery and courage But however these disputations might either confirme Cloria or convert her brother yet Ascanius finding the opportunity for his own desired imployment in the Kings affaires he resolved as soon as possible he could to seek occasion for his own speedy departure which did not a little afflict the considerations of his sweet sister the Princesse Cloria who began to contract a most singular delight in the witty conversation of her deare brother Neverthelesse she resolved not to be so great a friend to her own passions as to become thereby an enemy to his honour and her fathers prosperity so that this being after some consultation determined on all sides Ascanius intended in some new disguise like a boy belonging to the Navy to steale privately away to sea under the protection of those officers that might afford him the conveniency to repaire to those ships that had revolted from the Senates service FINIS
imprinted in a faire character but written by a much fairer hand which she giving to Roxana to reade it spake this language COusin Although I can no way doubt of your affection by reason of so many protestations you have made upon all occasions able to convert any misbeliever from the strongest opinion to the contrary since otherwise honour as well as religion should extreamely suffer by so much falshood yet whether that love or no be of so noble a quality as to merit my regard is scarce a question when you dare not before the face of any enemy own these professions you have so often uttered Alas alas Cassianus to what a miserable condition am I brought when he that my heart would pleasure is afraid to receive the favour because he that I have no will to love is pleased to be angry What dazeling beames proceeding from Farezius greatnesse have power to captivate the soule of so Illustrious a Prince whose antient bloud hath filled the veynes of all the mighty houses in Asia with lustre and renowne If I be growne lesse in vertue then I was when you first made those large tenders you ought to expresse wherein that I might defend my reputation but if your inconstancy proceed from fancy or want of courage you cannot expect I should remaine the same CLORIA When Roxana had read the Letter she told the Princesse that as she did approve the manner of her writing since it wanted not force to stirre up the coldest courage to that violence which was necessary for their purpose so did it not give much advantage for future engagement but however Cloria was not able to heare her words without letting fall a few gentle Teares not only to shew that her heart consented not to the hypocrisie but her soule melted at the remembrance of her absent love though she meant no way to prejudice his interest and in this sorrowfull posture gave her governesse commission to send away the paper whilst she her selfe quickly retired into her own chamber at leastwise to content her thoughts with those hopes she had been perswaded to entertaine by Roxana's discourse though not many dayes did she spend in diversity of contemplations before she received this answer from Cassianus MOst admirable Princesse as I cannot but confirme my former protestations by a thousand other new oathes not onely to re-assure you of my fidelity in those pure affections I firsi offered upon the Altar of myheart to your sacred perfections but must conjure your beliese by all the powerfull spells of honour and justice to be confident that neither the feare of Farezius greatnesse or doubt of my owne safety could give the occasion to lessen those respects so justly due from my love to your worth since I not onely hold the Generalls person of too low a consideration for my thoughts which are alwayes imployed upon that high subject your excellent selfe but my life to be of too small a value to be lost in any thing that can possibly be named your concernment No deare Madam it was nothing lesse then the horrour my imagination apprehended to suspect your unvaluable person might be in some danger by the unjust jealousie of the proud Generalls feares to see you adored by any interest and withall no small doubt least your royall fathers rights might againe be restrained by his rage when he should perceive a forraigne Prince of his own bloud began new addresses without his leave to any of his posterity since I believed Farezius aymed alone at the honour to doe the King justice but now finding he hath not onely changed the opinion with his fortune but that I have a releasement by the powerfull warrant of your pen the gods shall not with-hold my fury from performing those services wherein I will esteeme death a purchase if the faire Cloria doe but own the Sacrifice of offered CASSIANUS The Princesse could not chuse but reade this Letter with a little kind of trembling as if she feared what she did not doubt since the worst she was to expect as she thought from Cassianus was to comply with her desire but it is the nature of all passion to produce new violences whether in those things we wish or others we would not have And so it fared with sweet Cloria who in a manner dreaded what she had designed to be because it came But after a lovely smile had taken possession of that countenance that for a while put on some distraction she told her governesse that although their plot in all apparance had thus far well succeeded since she perceived her Cousin was wonne to be sufficiently valiant yet she made some question how she was to entertaine his presence when he should make his addresses for if she should as she said give him but ordinary welcome he might againe fall back from his seeming fury against Farezius and if too well he might expect some greater engagement then was convenient for her to grant Truly Madam answered Roxana make no scruple to let him have as much as you can spare upon the old score since my Lord Narcissus appearance at any time will absolutely blot out the obligation which you know were the first conditions you treated upon in saving the old Flamines life I but said Cloria I should be very sorry any suspected testimony did remaine that so much as intimated my thoughts could ever be perswaded to another choyce In good sooth said the old woman your conscience is so tender in matters of love that I believe when you are married to your servant you will make a doubt whether he be the same man or no and by that meanes call your affection in question to the raising of some desperate jealousie between you At these words the Princesse smil'd but was prevented in her reply by the information she received that her dinner waited her pleasure It was not long after this discourse before Cassianus himselfe in person came into the Princesse Lodgings not only in confirmation of the truth of his Letter he had sent but as it were according to his profession to obraide Farezius suspected if not pretended love although Cloria for that present was so busied by reason of some imployment in her chamber with her maid servants that Roxana was constrained with some complements not only to give him entertainment but to make her Mistresses excuse which at last seated them both in a withdrawing roome belonging to the Princesses lodgings and that conveniences drew on many discourses amongst which Cassianus was perswaded by the old womans desires to relate the passages of his own fortunes with the rest of the Princes of Armenia pretended to be injured by the usurped power of Artaxes their great King which he delivered in this manner as a greater motive by Roxana's meanes to perswade Clorias affections You must know said he that after the valiant King of Seythia had lost his life in the Armenian Warres in defence of the Princes