unto And Astiages sent afterwards unto her to let her know that if she pleased she might return into Persia for he had this conceit that it was the first Sonne of Mandana only whom he had to fear which being secured he was then glad to be rid of the Mother whom if she should detain any longer would by her extremity of sorrow draw a thousand reproaches upon himself As soon as this Liberty is obtained she presently returns to Cambises unto whom she opened not a syllable of her troubled soul but attributed the alteration of her Complexion unto her absence from him and her sorrowes for the death of her Sonne I am forced Sir to be a little longer then is fitting in the relation of my Masters strange Infancy who though all this while in a poor Shepherds homely Cottage was notwithstanding Apprehensive of those Glories which belong unto a Kingdom Be pleased Sir to know in few words that this young Prince though then unknown unto himself or any else to be one did then act the part of a King and caused himself to be called so amongst all the neighbours Children which played with him when he was but ten years of age He made himself feared loved and obeyed amongst them as if he had been really their absolute Prince One day having punished one of the boyes whom he called subjects for some offence committed the Father of that Childe so punished chanced to be an Officer in the Kings house who coming to the knowledge of this passage and wondring that this young poor Shepherds Sonne should act the part of a King so well told Astiages of it and infinitely extolled the beauty and boldness of this Childe The King caus'd him to be sent for and asked the Childe why he punished the other boy the Childe did return so quick an answer as struck the King into a wonder seeing him speak unto a King with as much confidence as if he had been among the boyes Moreover Astiages was infinitely astonished to see this Sonne of a poor Shepherd so much resemble his Daughter Mandana as never two were more like Indeed he had some secret suspicions in his soul which told him it was the same that he suspected him to be In conclusion Sir Astiages could not be satisfied untill he sent for the Shepherd himself out of his Cottage and asking him in a terrible tone and with stern looks where he got this Childe the poor simple Methridates thinking the King had known the passage and being terrified with the Kings looks and question confessed the whole story The King in spite of all his fears could not chuse but like and love this admirable Childe and after he had assembled all the Magicians they told him whether it was the truth of their thoughts or whether it was their pity which moved them to dissemble I know not that the Royalty which this Childe had exercised over the boyes was an infallible sign that the Gods had heard their prayers and that all the Dominion which this young Prince should have over the Medes was limited and confined unto that which he hath exercised over the boyes so that there need no more fears of him They further told him that the Gods do sometimes threaten great Princes by these Prodigies only least they should forget that duty which they owe unto them and in conclusion they told him that if he would be pleased to follow their advice he should send this young Prince unto the King of Assiria his Father Astiages who conceived many affectionate thoughts of this Childe was glad of the advice and being himself of a weak soul relied much upon the judgement of these Magicians and was fully perswaded that this imaginary Royalty was the fulfilling of his Dream and truly Sir as the case stands now with Artamenes it is apparent that Astiages has no reason to fear Cyrus yet though he permitted this young Prince to live whom he named Cyrus he would not pardon Harpagus for he banished him the Court and Kingdom This man who would neither be absolutely pittifull nor absolutely cruell is left without support or refuge and compl'd to the rigor of a long exile Nevertheless as I know you are not ignorant Astiages sent Cyrus unto Cambises his Father writing this excuse unto him That to prevent certain malignant Constellations which threatned this Childe he out of his affection was forced to hide him and cause his sorrowes in divulging him dead but this sorrow will quickly change it self into a double recompence of joy when he shall see him living so well and so amiable Cambises received him with unexpressible joy and the wise Mandana gave as many thanks unto her Father Astiages as ever she received causes of displeasure from him though she had learned the truth of the story by the information of Harpagus who was fled thither and told her all in hopes thereby to procure himself Protection And though she could not be convinc't that Astiages was so innocent as he made himself yet by the knowledge of what was past she was instructed how to prevent the like for the future Mean while the young Cyrus is in Persipolis for joy of whose welcome both publike and private Sacrifices are made throughout all Persia and for whose Education all men of high parts throughout the whole Kingdom are imployed When Ciaxares heard of these passages he sent unto Cambises and the Queen his Sister to congratulate their good Fortunes in finding their Sonne and he writ in a high Complement unto the Queen how he wisht his Daughter Mandana might hereafter become worthy to be the Mistris of Cyrus whose fame fil'd all the world This young Princess was born unto the King of Cappadocia about three years after the birth of Cyrus and had the Name of her Aunt Mandana given unto her Now Sir to tell you how young Cyrus was educated would but abuse your Patience for his high atchievements since does sufficiently demonstrate it unto all the world I shall only tell you that both the King and Queens endeavours were with all possible care to infuse such good dispositions as now appears to be in him For all men finde in all his actions and all his words something so sweet so high so complacentiall and so full of goodnesse as it is an absolute impossibility to know him and not to love him He was marvellous well proportioned exceeding fair and as this charming Symmetry did from his very infancy appear in all parts of his body yet his soul and spirit was infinitely above it Perhaps you know that in Persipolis there is a pleasant spacious place called the place of Liberty in one Quarter thereof stands the Kings Palace None inhabit within this square but Grandees and wisest sort of Persians for wisedom in that Nation is no lesse valued then Nobility by descent which also is in very high esteem It was within this famous Quadrangle wherein none but persons of great wisedom
they were deceived and that there is no such thing Amenophis was forced to go himselfe not daring to trust it in a letter and satisfie them of all the passage In the mean time he caused Edisea and Timareta to returne into the Isle to the end that if Sesostris returned she might stay him appointing Traseas and Edisea to tell him that he had altered his opinion since his departure and at his return would give him all possible satisfaction also conjuring Edisea to order it so that the faire Shepheardesse might stay Sesostris if he returned after which Amenophis departed in a disguise and carried the Princesse Servant with him And these were the motives Sir which attracted Amenophis out of the Isle and Sesostris in and Timareta also But to returne unto Sesostris whom I left leaping hastily out of the Boat the sooner to see his faire Shepheardesse give me leave to tell you Sir that he found her upon the top of the hill and bottome of the Sicomore where Sesostris had imprinted his mind and she every day since her return was reading it this beauty he found in a musing posture her eyes down and walking softly when he was coming hastily to her to testifie his desires of seeing her who being upon a sudden sweetly surprised with the sight of her dear Sesostris and to see his face so full of joy had good cause to think his heart was as full of love both their joyes were so high that they were not able to expresse them by their words yet at last they spoke but it was both at once but yet they understood each other for upon such occasions regular set civillities are not the most obliging but there is a certain disorder of spirit confusion of words which plea seth much better then any studyed complements of quaint language which perhaps signifie nothing at most nothing to the purpose but after they had vented what their first raptures permitted them Timareta saluted me and Sesostris saluted Edisea who followed Timareta some twenty paces from her these two lovers were both so equally disordered with a pleasing surprise that Timareta in speaking to me called me Sesostris and Sesostris called Edisea Timareta this little reciprocall error had different effects for Sesostris was very glad to heare Timareta use his name in lieu of mine nor was he sorry for calling Timareta in lieu of Edisea thinking she would thereby know that his thoughts did run on her but as for Timareta she was vexed at her selfe for being so surprised that she blusht for shame This pretty error was not only the joy of Sesostris at the first meeting but it was highly augmented to see Timareta a thousand times more faire and charming then she was at his departure she was grown taller her neck was in another but better modell she was grown plump her complexion was polished her eyes more lustrous her behaviour more gracefull and free all which made her infinitely more amiable Moreover the beauty of her mind was as much bettered as that of her body and her being at Elephantine had so taught her the air and garb of the world that she seemed to be as indeed she was a great Princesse disguised in the habit of a Shepheardesse Sesostris for his part was grown infinitely more amiable also his behaviour was more high and his spirit more bold and refined Thus these two young persons finding each other worthy of fresh admiration it is no wonder if their affections were greater then before yet for all this there was some such altera ions in the way of Timareta as made Sesostris have many an angry houre for as this young beauty did certainly love more then before so she did expresse it lesse so that at the first private conference which they had together after the return of Sesostris he complained of her cruell change in her behaviour who being now more circumspect then when she was young would not let all her heart be seen in her tongue I beseech you fair Timareta said he unto her from whence proceeds this alteration which I perceive in you and why do you treat me more seriously and more coldly then before you used You may replyed she and smiled leave out one of your last words which you used since I have done nothing which can make you think I treat you more coldly I confesse I have left off a little of my childish simplicity and merryments of my infancy Ah Timareta replyed he do not under the colour of that cruell expression deprive me of that sweetnesse which heretofore you blessed me withall but let me at the least take some consolation in things that are past though I cannot in the things present To shew you that I am not rigorous said Timareta to him I promise you never to forget how I owe my life unto you but at the same time I conjure you to forget all the innocent passages of my infancy not to regulate in measure the rest of my life by what is past for truly Sesostris I have spoke a hundred thousand things which makes me blush to think of them and which I shall never speak againe Why said Sesostris do you think it just you should treat me worse then you did because you have more spirit and witt then you had and because you are more faire and consequently I more your captive therefore you should be more rigorous to me I conceive said she 〈…〉 d and smiled that now there is more decorum to be observed and though I should love you yet I should not tell you so but it is your part only to guesse at it It must needs be confessed said Sesostris that this fashion is a little too Tyrannicall and unjust for am I not the very same I was when you lived in more freedome with me No said she unto him you are now a much more refined man But admit I be replyed he must you therefore use me worse No replyed she but I doe it to get more of your esteem Ah Timareta answered Sesostris rigour is an ill expedient whereby to get the esteem of a lover I assure you said she I think it is a better then indulgence For all your rigour 〈◊〉 said he and shewed her the medall which Simandius gave him you cannot hinder me from having your picture 't is true said he it does not fully resemble you but however it is not more unlike you then your self is to what you were unto me in that age when you suffered me to look on your eyes without turning them away Timareta taking this medall and looking upon it was extreamly surprised to find the figure of a woman on the one side of it whose aire did much resemble hers so that having a longing desire to know how he came unto it and how it came to resemble her she began to be importunate with him to tell her Then would he according to his intentions have given her all that Simandius gave
soul and spirit worthy of so fair a body But he told him that she was much fairer then her Statue that her Spirit was as high as her beauty and that her soul was more worthy of esteem and admiration then her beauty and Spirit adding that her fortune was as extraordinary as her merit and her virtue more admirable then all that he had said After this the Ambassador presented unto Cyrus the best sort of those who followed him and amongst the rest the illustrious man who bore the name of Aristheus and presented him as a particular friend unto that fair Lady of whom he spoke and as being himself one of the rarest men in the World I think my self very happy said Cyrus in imbracing him that he is only her friend for had he been her Lover perhaps I should not have had the happiness to see him since it is probable he would have been with the substance for whom this Statue is made I can assure you Sir replied Aristheus that though I were her Lover and desired above all things to please her yet should I have had the houour which I have received this day for that most excellent person takes such great delight to hear talk of your Virtue and Victories that to obtain her favour I ever intended to be a Witness of so many truths as you Sir make good and so be able to please her in talking of you Your language replied Cyrus in the same Aristheus spoke does much oblige me but I would not have those who come unto me use many adulations and flatteries as you do lest in taking too much delight in their applauds I should grow in the end not to merit them from any After this Cyrus gave orders unto Hidaspes to conduct this Ambassador and all his Train unto the lodging which was prepared for him commanding her to treat him with magnificence worthy of that King who sent him In the mean though Cyrus by the will of Ciaxares was become Master of all the Treasures of Croessus upon condition not to restore them unto him yet he told him concerning this Ambassador though he was not yet in the possession of his Crown which he would restore unto him and though it was not above eight daies before the ceremony was to be solemnized with the marriage of the Prince Artamas and all the rest of the happy Lovers who were then at Sardis and he did more then that for he did so transact the business that Croessus and this Ambassador did see each other Cyrus telling the latter of these that he ought not to consider this Prince as him who had denied the Statue which the King his Master demanded but as a Tributary King unto Ciaxares of whom he desired alliance since he desired his so that after this reconciliation which this Ambassador had power to make for his Commission was not limited he did visit the Princess Palmis as well as the Princess Timaretta and was so charmed with this magnificent Court and with the beauty of all the Ladies in it that at the desire of Cyrus he promised to be at this great Feast which was to be kept within eight daies during which time nothing was talked of but the King of Phenicia whom they said was in Love with that Beauty whose Statue he demanded every one were full of curiosity to know more precisely the particularities of the adventure the reason of the difficulty to know it was because there were only three or four with this Ambassador who understood the Lidian and the Greek Tongue and these three or four were so busied in answering all that was asked them as they could not be moved unto any long conversation Also during the first daies they were taken up in seeing the rarities of the Town and all the Treasures of Croessus so that at last the great Feast day arrived before any knew that which they had so great a desire to know This ceremony was doubtless one of the most sumptuous in the World and the most glorious for Cyrus if he had followed the dictates of his own inclination he had stopped many things which wounded his modesty But there was a necessity of submitting unto the custome and unto the Councels of the King of Hircania Gadates Gabrias and Chrisantes who told him That it was fit the people with their own eyes should see their King was a Slave and that it was he who made this Slave a King so that maugre the repugnance which he had unto it he yeelded unto custome and hearkened unto the counsel of his friends though not in all things for he would not suffer Croessus to go chained through the streets of Sardis from the Palace to the Temple but thus prevented it Presently after break of day Croessus and Myrsiles were carried in a Coach to the lodging of the High-Priest which joyned to the Temple where the ceremony was to be solemnized where they stayed until it began In this Temple which was one of the greatest in the World was erected an Amphitheater most magnificently covered with the richest Tapistry of Sidon where all the Ladies might most conveniently sit and see All the streets from the Cittadel to the Temple were also sumptuously hung there standing ranks of Souldiers on both sides all in such glittering Arms as never was a more glorious sight a thousand Martial Instruments made the Ayr eccho with shrill and pleasant sounds which attracted all the people of Sardis either into the Temple or into the street which joyned to it or into the place before the Cittadel out of which Cyrus came accompanied with all his Court which was so numerous and so glorious that day as it was suitable unto the Court of Asia's Conquerour As for the Phenician Ambassador he was in the Temple upon a Scaffold with all his Train next him was the Princess Timaretta and all the Ladies which lodged in the Palace of Croessus When Cyrus entred into the Temple with a huge croud of people about him Croessus was brought by the Priest into the midst of the Temple having a Chair and Fetters of Gold upon his hand and behind him the Prince Myrsiles in the like manner The Princess Palmis was next him but under a Canopy of golden Tissue and without Chains Cyrus having no mind that she should have any sign of servitude or that they should upbraid him with triumphing over a Lady As soon as this Prince entred into the Temple most admirable Musique was heard which after it had played a quarter of an hour some Himns that were sung unto the Gods did cease After which Cyrus who was upon an elevated Throne descended and taking off the Chains and Fetters which Croessus and and Myrsiles wore and which he gave unto the Priest he took from the hand of the said Priest a Crown and put it upon the head of Croessus after he had caused him solemnly to swear that he would acknowledge the power of Ciaxares
any reason so the Inhabitants of Cumes who had invited Cyrus to approach took a toyish fancy and would not let Mandana receive him within the Town but would by all means have her come out of her Coach and go out of the Gates beyond the Bridg to present unto him those men who would offer him the Keyes of their Town On the other side Cyrus who could not imagine that Mandana would ever come out of Cumes to meet him but on the contrary thought that he was to go into the Castle therefore he waited with extream impatience on horseback until they opened the Gates He was that day in most glorious Armour of so high a Garb so Noble and so pleasing as he attracted the eyes of all the world Being then in all the impatiency that strong hopes of a neer happiness could inspire he fixed his eyes upon the Port of Cumes Mazares looking that way as well as he though with less hopes and impatience of another nature And as these two generous Rivals were thus in expectation they saw the Gates open and Mandana immediately to appear conducted by Anaxaris but she appeared more fair and fuller of charms then ever her joyes to see Cyrus and her self at liberty did so sparkle in her eyes and elevate her spirits that her Beauty was fuller of lustre In the mean time Cyrus and Mazares no sooner saw her but they alighted immediately from their horses and went towards her As soon as Cyrus came neer Anaxaris as well to hide the agitation of his spirits as out of his respects did quit the Princess hand and let Cyrus have the liberty of taking it and Mandana to receive him and present the twelve Inhabitants of Cumes which followed her one of which number carried the Keyes of the Town in a rich Bason So that Cyrus walking in the head of all the Voluntiers in his Army and Mandana before the Inhabitants of Cumes behind whom was a huge crowd of people they both did meet After Cyrus had saluted Mandana with all the reverence of a real Adorer I am come Madam said he unto her to make good all that you have promised for your liberty though it be at the rate of my life My liberty Sir replied she would be bought aâ— too dear a price if it should cost the life which is so glorious and so pleasing unto me Nor am I engaged any further Sir said she in presenting the Inhabitants of Cumes unto him who were all upon their knees then to obtain of you that you be pleased to use these men well who offer you their hearts in offering you the Keyes of their Town and who assure you that they will be more obedient unto a just Psince then they have been unto one who was not so in protecting the King of Pontus Madam replied Cyrus their destiny is in your hands not mine since I am fully resolved never to do any thing but what shall please you and positively without any exception do all that you shall command me I conjure you then said she unto him to use these Inhabitants of Cumes as well as you would use the most faithful of my Fathers Subjects I have already professed Madam replied he that I am all obedience therefore if you please to command it they shall themselves keep the Keyes of their Town which they have not lost but to make themselves more happy by it since they are under your protection Cyrus bad no sooner spoke these words but the Inhabitants gave such shouts of joy as they went from street to street until the Eccho did ring at the further end of the Town Then after Mandana had confirmed what Cyrus spoke she did most obligingly present Anaxaris unto him Though this valiant stranger said she unto him would have me acknowledg you only for my Deliverer yet I must needs tell you that he hath done incredible things for my liberty and that I am more his debtor then I know how to express Anaxaris then holding down his head to hide the disorder of his countenance did modestly and with much delight receive the commendum which Mandana gave him and received the thanks which Cyrus gave him with much sorrow After which Cyrus to keep promise with Mazares presented him unto the Princess Mandana Madam said Cyrus unto the Princess you would do abundance of wrong if you should say that you owe your liberty only unto me for without all doubt the valour of Mazares hath much contributed unto those victories which I have gotten and since he hath given me a thousand testimonies of a generous repentance I beseech you readmit him into that friendship and esteem which you had of him when you were in Babilon I beg it Madam replied Mazares upon the same conditions which I propounded at Sardis when it was not your pleasure I should have the glory of delivering you I do consent unto it replied she with much joy since that I have recovered an Noble friend whom I thought for ever lost Thus might be seen that which perhaps will never be seen again for Mandana presented unto Cyrus one of his Rivals and Cyrus presented another unto Mandana In the mean while since the place was not fit for any long discourse Cyrus beseeched the Princess to go into her Coach which he saw within the Gate But since he would prevent all surprizals and since he would not let Mandana enter into that Town where his Forces were not he commanded her Coach to come out of the Town beseeching her she would be pleased to see those Troops pass who had both the honour to fight for her and now to guard her Mandana understanding his design went into her Coach with Martesia and the Coach stood so as the Souldiers might all march just before it Cyrus Mazares and Anaxaris did stand next the Princess all three with different thoughts After which the Troops began to march and pass by the Coach all the Officers and Souldiers saluting as they passed by holding down their Javelines All this while Cyrus who was next the Coach and who only talked with Mandana was sensible of so much delight as filled his heart his spirits and his soul Mandana for her part seeing her self at liberty and seeing Cyrus next her she was also full of pleasing satisfaction but being a Person of superlative modesty she did much conceal it Also she desired to avoid all occasions of Cyrus his speaking to her of his Passion in that place therefore beginning the discourse first as soon as he came unto the Coach whilst the Troops marched by Sir said she unto him I hope you will not think it ingratitude if before I thank you for abundance of obliging favours I desire you to tell me what news you hear from the King my Father You never need to fear Madam replied he that the man who by all his services can never oblige you can accuse you of any ingratitude But I am more afraid you should
which of these soever it be it makes you equally culpable yes and you Artamenes much more in fault then the King of Assiria since her quality may pretend to both but your condition by all appearances is far below them Sir replied Artamenes faintly by this argument you may suppose that the King of Assiria would never contend with me about such a thing into which I could never pretend You speak replied the King in a tone so dissonant unto your condition that it doth rather confirm my jealousie then extenuate it for though the King of Assiria be my enemy yet he is a King and in that respect you owe him more regard then is fitting for your Discourse When I have a sword by my side answered Artamenes who could no longer contain it may be I should make a King look about him as well as another man you know some who can inform you whether I speak truth or no and he whose part you scorn to take can tell you something if he had not a very bad memory I do not question your gallantry said Ciaxares nor make any doubt of your valour but I have some cause to suspect your fide 〈…〉 lity Your Majesty needs not to doubt of either if you did but know me well said Artamenes to him It cannot be imagined his faith should be corrupted who hath had so commanding a power as I have had why then replied the King do you not make your actions more clear and intelligible since you are so innocent I beseech your Majesty answered me Presse me no more to discover a thing which I neither ought nor can reveal It is sufficient said he that the gods have so often imployed my hand to support that Scepter unto which you think I pretend and kept your Crown upon your head Upbraid me not with your services retorted Ciaxares angerly for if you remember what once you were and what now you are you will acknowledge they have not been ill rewarded I have remembred them too much and if I had lost the memory of them perhaps you had ere now lost your life Consume no more time in contriving excuses to palliate your crime I should be as glad as you that you could purge your self from them Sir replied Artamenes I am far from upbraiding you with my services for they have been so inconsiderable I should not so much as have thought upon them but in vindication of my injured Innocency Can you produce any proof of your pretended Innocency said Ciaxares to him yes answered Artameus from arguments drawn from my virtue if you were capable of knowing it Well Replied Ciaxares you will not then diseover unto me what this correspondence is which you hold with my Enemy and Ravisher of my daughter Sir answered the innocent Artamenes you shall never kuow that Artamenes this man whom it seems you know not the man who as you are perswaded would betray you the man whom once you loved that this man did ever hold any intelligence or correspondency with your enemies I shall in time make you confesse replied Ciaxares for it is apparent enough both by your Letter and your Discourse and as the knowledge of every particular in this close conspiracy is necessary to my own safety and good of my Kingdom so perhaps when you are in a close Prison safer then that wherein you kept the King of Assiria then I say you may perhaps better inform me Sir answered Artamenes without any passion or transportation Prisons and punishments compell Artamenes to reveal what he hath a minde to conceal My prison shall thus far comfort me that I have exchanged my sword for fetters in a time when your Majesty have no potent enemies to molest you so that thus losing me you have but lost an unprofitable Servant I understand you very well replied Ciaxares in much choler you cannot forbear upbraiding me with your services then going to the Chamber-door he call'd for the Captain of his Guard and commanded him to conduct him unto his Chamber and keep him safe upon forfeiture of his life The Captain who dearly loved Artamenes and who knew how great a favourite he was stood amazed at the command not well knowing whether he should obey or no and finding so sudden a Revolution in the fortune of one who the very day before was the only man in the Kingdom and who ordered the destinies of Kings and Princes as he pleased he was so confounded that he knew not what to do But Artamenes observing his astonishment Come said he let us go giving him his sword and pay this last service unto the King thereby teaching the rest of his Subjects to obey with a willing minde more course commands then these In saying so he made low obeisance unto the King and followed Andramias with as slow a motion as if he had been free After this the King commanded to secure Araspes and was obeyed It were a very difficult task to relate fully how Artamenes resented this passage and what strange thoughts he apprehended The King of Medes also had much reluctancy for what he did Artamenes did more wonder at the oddnesse of his Fate then lament it The King repented almost every minute of what he had done What shall I do said he with this offender who hath done me so much good service and whom I loved so well who hath stolen away the hearts both of my friends and enemies this offender I say who all the world esteems yet none knows where he was born Who ever met with so crosse an accident Can it be imagined that Artamenes by whose valour I have obtained so many Victories and conquered so many Kings and Countries should wound his honour with Treachery On the other side what can I conceive of this Letter which puzzles him to explain and the Crime is so great that his pretence and colours cannot hide his correspondency with the King of Assiria No no said he Artamenes is guilty And though it be either in matter of love or matter of ambition he is culpable and deserves punishment The worst is loving him as I do I shall grieve more for him then he will for himself but said he suddenly the sorrows which I resent for the losse of Mandana will quite me from that of Artamenes And my soul will be so sensible of the one that there will be no room for the other But let us use all expendients to bend this obstinate spirit Let us do what we can to make him confesse his fault that so we may have occasion of pardon Whilst Ciaxares was thus arguing the matter with himself Artamenes whose amorous soul could not be separated from the memory of Mandana was more troubled at her shipwrack then his prison and entertain'd more sad apprehensions of her losse then sorrow for his own Do your worst ye rigid destinies said he you cannot afflict me more My soul is not sensible of any sorrow but for Mandana
of Artamenes his most glorious descent It will suffice to say his Name is Cyrus and derived from the illustrious Race of Persides This is enough to inform you that there is not one more Noble in the world Cyrus hath this advantage above others that he is Soveraign of a people if it befit a Persian to say it amongst whom Virtue is loved and vice abhorred with such disgust that it dares not appear unless under a cloak of Virtue Artamenes moreover for so I will call him yet has the glory to be subject unto a Prince and Princess whose Applauds fills the story of all Nations so that he derives nothing from them but what is most Noble and Heroicque Now since the History of the King of Medes does much conduce to the cleering of my relation I shall be forced to fetch far off a foundation to build the rest of my discourse upon Be pleased to remember how the Ancient Kings of Assiria became Lords of all higher Asia and how the wise and famous Deiocus Sonne of Phraortes did incite his Countrymen to rebell against their Tyrant Kings and after he had got the Soveraignty of the Medes into his own Power restor'd it into the hands of a Mede again You know Sir that this Great and Generous Prince was Lineally descended from the Ancient Kings of Medes and that it was he who ordained such excellent Laws who built the stately Town of Ecbatane and who reduced under his obedience all the state of his Ancestors which were the Brussians the Paratecenians the Struchatians the Arisentines and the Budiens After Deiocus who raigned fifty three years Phaortes his Sonne inherited the Crown and raigned so peaceably as if the Assirians had never usurped But being not content to sit quietly in the Throne of his Predecessors he began to make war against the Persian a People so rusted with more then a whole age of Peace that they finding themselves assaulted by a most Martiall People accustomed to conquer and to prevent the utter desolation of their Country complied with them and Peace was so concluded that the two Crowns of Persia and Media were inseperably interested so that as often as Phraortes should stand in need of their Assistance they were obliged to lend it Here Sir was the first Connexion of the Medes with the Persians I need not relate how Phraortes swel'd with ambition pronounced war against the King of Assiria who slept securely in a downy bed of Peace within his own Dominions Nor how after he had raigned two and twenty years and besieging the Town of Minos perished in the attempt Nor how after his death Ciaxares his Sonne the first of that Name among the Kings of Medes succeeded in the Kingdom nor how Fortune was sometimes a friend and sometimes a fo unto this Prince for I know you are not ignorant how in giving Battle to the Libians when he was at the very point of being victorious it became so accidentally dark upon a sudden that it was impossible for him to continue fight and finish his almost gotten victory You know also that in besieging the Town of Minos of which we spake before intending to revenge the death of his Father Phraortes who was killed before this Town and being at the very point of taking it Medeas King of the Scythians appeared with an Army of a hundred thousand men within shot of his Camp You know also how this King lost the Battle unto the Scythians and his Empire with it but got again into the Throne for this Invasion of the Scythians lasted not above eight and twenty years You know also that this Ciaxares not changing his Resentments with his fortunes revived the warre with the King of Assiria and at last became Master of the Town of Minos Then Sir you know how this first Ciaxares was Father unto Astiages whom he left a quiet Inheritor of his Dominions but as this Prince was born in a turbulent time so I beleeve that the restless spirit of the Father was transmigrated into the soul of the Sonne and imprinted such Melancholy thoughts in this Prince his Sonne as caused him to passe his life with much inquietude and was partly a cause of all those thwartings in Artamenes his fortunes He was married very young and in a manner doubtless extraordinary though out of my memory The Battle which the King his father lost unto Aliattes King of Lydia by reason of that obscurity which blinded both Armies was a cause of this marriage for after so strange an accident the King of Medes consulted with the Priests and Aliattes went unto the Temple of Diana at Ephesus which by reason of the Oracles there was grown in great repute These Princes were told by the Priests and by the Oracle of Diana that the Gods did express by this remarkable sign they were not pleased with the warre but that they ought to resolve upon termes of Peace The King of Sicily who was a mediator in the matter did so negotiate between them that the King of Lydia who had but one Daughter Sister of Craessus should marry her unto Astiages the Sonne of his enemy So you may collect by this that the marriage which was made up so soon after the warre of Lydia gave me some say cause to say that this Prince born when the Starres had such tumultuous influence received from them such troublesome Inclinations As for his Raign Sir because it is so late since it ended it would be superfluous to relate it Let it suffice to tell you how he knowing that none of his Predecessors ever since the Famous Deiocus had enjoyed their Kingdom in Peace therefore he alwayes stood upon his guard and feared some Revolt You know Sir that he had by the Queen his wife and sister of Craessus Ciaxares who now raigns and retains the invincible Artamenes prisoner You know also that he had one Daughter called Mandana an admirable Beauty of great virtue and wisdome That long since the Queen his wife died and with her all his affections to any other so that he would never marry more Since this losse all his thoughts are upon his young Sonne Ciaxares and his young fair Daughter Mandana endeavouring to keep himself peaceable within his own limits without any attempts upon his Neighbours And though he had the good fortune never to be in any considerable actuall warre yet he had to be in continuall preparations for it sometimes against his antient enemy the King of Assiria sometimes against his Allies and sometimes against his own Subjects yet for all these inquietudes which his perpetual turbulencies did procure him his Court held up the proudest head in all Asia For as you know the Medes were alwayes addicted to Magnificence and Pleasures Astiages especially who was most of all devoted unto all manner of Diversions of his Melancholy and pensive cogitations Ecbatane was the fittest seat for it of all places in the world This Prince therefore ever
the Temples of Medea and Cappadocia for delivering them from the cause of that apparent danger which the Starres did threaten unto them Therefore said he to me it concerns you to have a care of the Prince his safety and to consider what would be his Fate if he should be known unto the King or the Princess of this Country who do so much rejoyce for his death as that they render publique thanks unto the Gods for it During this Discourse of Feraulas Artamenes was very pensive and perceiving I was going to speak unto him he prevented me and said with a most sad and disconteuted countenance Fear not Chrisantes that I shall be discovered if any thing do it it will be our too hasty preparations of departure This may make us suspected therefore let us stay and rest quietly Let us not depart tumultuously In saying so he turned from us and would not stay our Answer Then he took a walk by the sea side being followed by two Slaves which the valiant Corsaires gave unto him and Feraulas and I followed presently after But alas this walk little pleased him for we found him in a profound melancholy dump In short Sir he was in Love and loved so desperatly as never man was in more deep Passion And as this Passion had taken such strong possession of his soul so the expressions which he had used against Love in his first going to the Temple caused him to conceal it from us he being ashamed to discover his weakness He was continually expostulating with himself what it was which thus troubled him not well knowing whether it was Love or no What kinde of torment said he to himself is this which I endure From whence proceeds this restlesness of minde If the sight of the fairest Angel upon earth be the cause then am I the most miserable man alive Yet methinks such beautifull Objects should not infuse any Passions but delight and joy How comes it to pass then that the Fairest Prospect which ever eye beheld should cause my sorrow I know not said he whether I should think it Love or whether some worse humour But what is it I would have or what is it I can have Alas alas I neither know what I would or what I can have and hence comes all my misfortune and my sorrows Yet I am most certain of this that if I follow my own inclination I must Love the Fair Mandana as great an enemy as she is unto me But what do I say I must Love Ha no no I do explain my thoughts but ill and my tongue betraies my heart if it do not say I do Love Mandana and that I will for ever Love her and that I think my self the most miserable man unless she Love again But alas alas Miserable unfortunate Artamenes Came I here to see her offer Sacrifices of Thanks unto the Gods for my death Did I come to learn how Cyrus can never please her but in the Tomb wherein she thinks him buried After these Contemplations his Passion was a little qualified But presently hope which makes Love live and undertake all impossibilities and without which there is no subsistence did perswade him that Artamenes and Cyrus were two and that he as he was Artamenes was not at all interest in those things which the Medes resent against Cyrus son to the King of Persia and that although Cyrus was hated yet Artamenes may happily be beloved if he used the means and endeavoured by his services to render himself worthy of it As he was thus entertaining himself with this flattering argument the ardent desire of Fame and Glory which heretofore had held a strong possession in the heart of my Mastes began to come in competition and dispute for victory with the Princess of Cappadocia When his thoughts reflected upon this glorious Rival of Mandana he then began to rouse up and resolve never to think upon the Princess any more Why should I said he forsake a Mistress which will never fail to recompense me and all which follow her and whose servitude is so glorious as she rewards them which are faithfull unto her with no less then Kingdoms Crowns and immortal Glory What is become now of my eager desires to know and to be known of all the world Poor I who sculks under the false name of Artamenes and am buried alive to satisfie my enemies Have I left Persia for nothing else but to become a foolish Lover of a Cappadocian Princess and have I left Cyrus to become a Slave unto one who thanks the Gods for my misfortunes and who perhaps her self with her own hands would throw me into my grave No no said he I must not be so foolish as to fetter my self Recollect thy self Artamenes said he and remember how oft thou hast been told in Persia that Love is a dangerous Passion Stop entrance therefore into thy heart at first never let it take Possesâ—ion and domineer But alas added he presently what do I say what can I do I speak of resistance and am already fettered I speak of Liberty and I finde my self in strong Chains I think of Reigning and am a Slave I speak of Glory and Ambition and heaven knows I have no higher then to be Mandanaes servant and I will never seek any greater honour then I can finde at the feet of my Princess I plainly see that I am more hers then my own and that all my Reason is farre too weak to oppose Love My own eyes betray me my heart has left me and my will is all hers I would not Love my life but in hopes to imploy it in her service And I finde that my Reason as rebellious as it is against my heart begins to argue in behalf of my Princess it tells me secretly that Love is the noble cause of all Heroick Actions that it took up Lodgings in the hearts of all the Heroes and that the famous Persian the first King of my Race for all his valour was overcome by it when he first saw his Andromede It tels me that the Gods themselves were sensible of it And that it is never idle but in the hearts of sluggish spirits yet most agile in the souls of them who are truly generous In conclusion of all it tels me That since Mandana is the Fairest and most absolute Beauty in the world I am excusable if I love her And that though perhaps I shall not be much commended for it yet it assures me I shall not be much blamed Follow on then Artamenes pursue thy humour which thus transports thee and make no more resistance against a Fair enemy whom thou canst not vanquish or if thou didst would repent it After the agitations and tossings of this violent and noble spirit the Prince began to mend his pace Feraulas and I followed but found him so altered that we began to wonder such a sorrow sadded his eyes and all his gestures were so turbulent and disordered that
Master should have this Commission addressed himself unto the King with a very comely grace and said smiling unto him If it be your Majesties pleasure the Princess should be informed of all the brave acts of this gallant Stranger I conceive that since he is so modest it is not convenient to send him because that Modesty will rob him of that honour which is his due therefore if your Majesty would be pleased to give me leave I shall present his Panegyrick unto the Princess I I say who was an eye-witness of his valour and a great admirer of it Artamenes hearing and seeing Philidaspes so forward was afraid the King should consent unto his desire therefore without giving the King time to answer he said Sir since the acts of this Gallant Stranger who speaks are so illustrious and much more then mine it would be but just in me to present them unto the Princess my self therefore without any further opposition unto your Majesties Commands I will accept of the honour since there is more reason I should speak his Elogie then he mine Sir Replied blushing Philidaspes his going will lessen the honour of Artamenes but Replied my Master it shall not lessen the honour of Philidaspes The King being much pleased with this pleasant Controversie of which you shall hereafter know the cause would be Empire in the matter and gave this judgement betwixt them I will said he to Artamenes thus far hearken unto the advice of Philidaspes as to use it as an Antidote against your too much modesty I will therefore have Arbaces the Lieutenant of my Guard go along with you to help out your modesty and speak aloud those things which perhaps you will not so the King took the Letter from him and when he had altered it gave it unto him again Artamenes took it with as much joy as Philidaspes saw it with anger As I remember it was thus indited Ciaxares King of Cappadocia and Galatia unto the Princess Mandana his Daughter HE who shall give you this Letter having saved my life I thought none more fit to acquaint you with the danger wherein I was then he who delivered me from it And I could not devise a more prevalent way to cause his stay amongst us then those praiers and desires which I know you will make unto him And because I am acquainted with his modesty therefore I have sent Arbaces with him that he may tell you what perhaps the modesty of the other will not permit him for I see he hath a better faculty in extolling the valour of another then his own In short he hath saved my life and hath vanquished all my Enemies if night had not hindred his pursuit Pray unto the Gods that all my Captains may be like unto him and though you cannot make him my Subject endeavour at the least to make him my Friend Ciaxares Judge you Sir what Joy was this unto Artamenes Feraulas waited upon this little journey and was a witness of all passages and my Masters Entertainment Alas said he to himself in reading the latter end of the Letter how unnecessary is this Praier how impossible a thing it is to be a Lover of Mandana and not a friend unto Ciaxares yes yes think no more of it I am and will be a friend unto the King of Cappadocia and to the King of Medes also and so great a friend too that I will be an enemy unto Cyrus Let him keep in his Tomb still unhappy Cyrus who is the object of all the fears and hates of these Princes as long as Artamenes is thus happy keep still in the obscurity of thy Sepulchre and never come out Oh Artamenes happy Artamenes added he thou art going to see thy Princess and to speak unto her to be commended by her to be known unto her and happily may prove so fortunate as not to be hated But alas alas that is not enough for to be perfectly happy is to be beloved Thus Sir were the spirits of Artamenes inspired with all the delicate and tender passions which Love could contrive Sometimes his soul was all joy sometimes again quite quasht with fear for who knows said he but that for all the Kings Letter to her I shall incurre her dislike there ere secret suggestions of soul which moves us to love or hate for which no reason can be given and against which there is no resistance so that perhaps though I be not the most odious of men and though I have done some considerable service to the King and her yet if I should be so unfortunate as to finde such an antipathy in her soul then all my actions my services and observances though I owned all the vertues in the world and though I had all the Crowns of the earth upon my head yet I should never win her affection I may perhaps by these obtain her liking and esteem but that will not satisfie me Love is such a capritious Passion as it will never be content with any thing but Love again And I should conclude my self the most unhappy of men if I should finde in my Princess only a bare esteem without affection The violent Raptures of his spirit made him busie himself about a hundred petty things which heretofore he never thought upon As soon as he came to Anigres he would himself chuse what clothes to wear and asked Feraulas a hundred times which he should take and which did best become him To â—â—e short when he was drest and wearing a very magnificent rich Scarf of golden Tissue to bear his Arm in he was conducted by Arbaces unto the place where the Princess was Artamenes Sir did afterwards confess unto us that he had more timorous motions of spirit at that time then when he fought with that valiant Pirate or when he fought in the last battle This great heart which never trembled in most horrid hangers was now possest with such fear that had not his joy a little tempered it he had quite shamed himself and incurred the Princess dis-favour but at last being come into her Presence-Chamber magnificently furnished Arbaces having acquainted her before whilest he was dressing himself in what manner she should receive him where she was waited upon by a great number of Ladies which waited upon her in this voyage and also many others of the Town and Province She was that day drest but negligently yes so fair and charming did she appear in his eye that as he told me afterwards he saw none of the other beauties and rich attired Ladies about her so much was his eyes and minde possest with this powerful object The Princess no sooner saw my Master but she rose up and having been already told of all the services which he had done her father she prepared her self to receive him with joy and thanks Artamenes made two congies and approaching with all reverence due to one of her quality he kissed the Kings Letter and presented it unto her When
but your self and are you not content with your own Victories but you must also rob other men of theirs Artamenes looking upon him with a fiery aspect It is such a one answered he who makes use of the valour of others to vanquish a distressed Prince abandon'd of his men who ought to be reproached with stealing a victory and not Artamenes who never imploys any arm but his own to obtain it and who leaving all the Plunder of a Field unto the Souldiers doth seldome make them partakers of his dangers Those whom Fortune favours Replied Philidaspes need not to call any others to their help Those who dare trust unto their own courage answered Artamenes never beg the help of Fortune I am certain she hath been your friend and helped you at this bout Replied Philidaspes And certainly she hath forsaken you replied Artamenes that you should thus need the assistance of twelve or fifteen to deal with one single Prince It is an easie matter for you to vanquish answered Philidaspes who never hath any to fight with but base saint-hearted and simple Antagonists It is an easie matter for you to vanquish an abandoned King with a great number but you would perhaps finde it a harder matter added he and raised his voice to vanquish Artamenes single whensoever you shall give him an occasion to fight with you for he desires it and it shall be to morrow morning if you please Let us not stay so long Replied Philidaspes then he stood upon his Guard ready to receive Artamenes who came most fiercely upon him and gave a furious blow which doubtlesse had deeply wounded him if his hand had not turned and the Sword glided upon his Arms. To be short they both of them felt the weight of each others blows and the strength of their Arms do what we could who endeavoured to part them But here Sir I beseech you admire what vertue and true valour can do we were but only four which followed Artamenes and they were twelve or fifteen which followed Philidaspes who when they saw the dispute that was between them though they took his part against the King of Pont yet they would not do so against my Master but turned on his side At this very time Claxares followed by a great number of men did draw neer us and caused these two surious Combatants to give over and suspend their choler What Demon enemy unto my Glory said Claxares would ruin these who have made me victorious And why would ye do that your selves which Fifty thousand men could not do After these words he asked what was the ground of their Quarrell and when he understood it he chid Philidaspes very much for drawing his Sword against one who had the Command over him and he did a little blame my Master for so saving the King of Pont. Sir said Artamenes to him I will engage my self to repair this fault by some way that is more Honourable and I will promise to bring you this illustrious Prisoner before the War be ended or else perish in the attempt Did I not promise in your Majesties presence that I would not suffer him to be vanquisht by any numerous multitude and I did but keep my word with him If the King had not come replied the desperate Philidaspes you might perhaps have been punished then added my Master interrupting him for your boldness and rashness The King imposed silence upon them both and by vertue of his Soveraign Authority agreed them upon the place and caus'd them to embrace one another before him In conclusion a Retreat being sounded they encamped upon the field of Battle and every one returned into his Tent and Artamenes thought upon his Feraulas who had been wounded did the same As for me who had escaped more happily then they I found my self in a condition to do them both service The King came to visit Artamenes at night who not being able to contain his joy that my Master had escaped so dangerous an adventure he expressed all the signs that possibly could be of a most dear and tender affection towards him He sent immediatly unto the Princess his fair Daughter to acquaint her with the Victory and Preservation of Artamenes and my Master as you may very well beleeve did receive this Honour from the King with much joy and reverence All this while though Artamenes and Philidaspes were good friends from the face outward yet they were not so at the heart and it may easily be conjectured that this last adventure did sharpen their spirits it begot phantasticall resentments in both their souls For Sir to disguise the matter no longerâ— Philidaspes whom my Master thought to be only an ambitious man did love the Princess as well as he and this is the reason why he was so hot against the King of Pont looking more upon him as a Lover of Mandana then as an enemy unto Ciaxares Nevertheless he drew some rest unto himself out of this accident for considering how generously Artamenes had preserved the King of Ponts Life he could not so much as suspect my Master to be his Rivall thinking it a thing impossible in such a case to be a Rivall and so Generous both As for Artamenes his thoughts ran quite contrary concerning Philidaspes for his suspicion of his Love to the Princess was by this days accident more augmented then ever How is possible said he to us at night after Ciaxares was gone out of the Tent that Philidaspes who cannot harbour any particular hatred of the King of Pont unless because he is his Rivall should offer to kill him as he was about to do That Prince I say who seems to be of a brave and Generous Soul and is inspired with a Gallant desire of Glory Ah No no Chrisantes said he to me Philidaspes Loves Mandana if I be not the most deceived man in the world Thus Sir you see that one and the same action produces different effects for Philidaspes did think that Artamenes did not Love Mandana because he saved the Life of the King of Pont and on the contrary Artamenes thought that Philidaspes did Love her because he did endeavour to kill him in a manner so dishonourably Yet notwithstanding this all these diversities of opinions were so dubious so uncertain and grounded only upon weak conjectures that they could not assure themselves of any truth but they entertained an inveterate aversion one against the other However some two or three days after the Battle Ciaxares held a Councel of War to consult Whether or no they should Pursue their Enemies who were retreated and who waited for a Puissant Recruit And to amaze them the more it was resolvd to divide the Army and send one part of it to besiege a strong Fort in Bythinia which was seated upon a great Lake by this means to divert and impede thse Forces which the Enemy expected Mean while the most considerable part of the Army to stay and wait upon
unto her Chamber and by consequence every one had permission to enter For since the King was very well acquainted with Mandanaes vertue He did permit men of Quality to enter into her presence though he himself was not there since the Lady of Honour her Governess and all her other women were continually there and never left her So that it might be said Artamenes did seem to be very happy though indeed he was not For he had the good fortune during the time of his passion to get infinite honour to serve Ciaxares most highly to oblige the Princess most sensibly in saving the life of her father and overcoming all his enemies so that he might be almost assured of her esteem But on the other side when he considered the austere vertue of the Princess of which she made profession he could never hope she would ever suffer either Artamenes or Cyrus to presume so boldly as to speak of Love Moreover the King of Pont and his Passion stir'd up his jealousie and the presence of Philidaspes was troublesome to him though he knew no reason for it yet Artamenes and he lost not an inch of any opportunity to see the Princess They followed her unto the Temple They waited upon her into the Park and Walks and visited her at all permitted hours They neglected nothing that two men equally possessed with passion could do But that which most amused my Master concerning Philidaspes was that besides his diligence about the Princess one might see him alwaies busie about Ciaxares and Aribees and seem'd to be so urgent in all his actions that my Master did suspect his ambition as well as his love though he every moment thought him capable of both In all matters of gallantry they were alwaies opposite one to another In all their opinions they differed 'T is true Artamenes had this advantage that he opposed Philidaspes without any shew of humorousness in his minde which his Rivall could not brag of For though really he was a very compleat man yet he was of a more violent conceited and active temper he was alwaies too full of contradiction in his Discourse and therefore not so plausible Truth is it appeared one night when they were with the Princess that he was not absolute Master of himself or thoughts but suffered them sometimes to rove further then he would have them There was then but few about her and these two secret Lovers were there almost alone with her After discourse upon many severall Subjects The Princess had a great desire if it were possible to unite them to the end they might become more serviceable unto her Father and beginning to discourse upon what might be the ordinary cause of friendship I have wondred a hundred tunes said she to Artamenes and Philidaspes that I could never discover any great matter of friendship betwixt you two for though I know you do esteem of one another very much yet me thinks you love not one another so much as you should do I mean said she that confident friendship and tenderness of affection which dare trust and tell all things unto him that is loved and partake of one anothers sorrows and joys For you are both of you strangers and both men of spirit courage and generosity You serve the same Prince and you should love one another fot I beleeve your souls are too gallant to be capable of envy If so then how comes it to pass that you do not love as much as esteem one another And why cannot I finde that Union of soul betwixt you which makes Friends reveal their hearts and secrets one to another Perhaps Madam answered Philidaspes it is because we esteem too much to love one another also And perhaps also it may be Madam replied Artamenes that our secrets are of two great a consequence to be revealed unto any I would therefore gladly know replied the Princess and that very precisely what it is which doth disunite you For I do confess I cannot finde it out For my part continued she I know but of two passions which can hinder gallant men from loving one another those are Ambition and Love As for the first of these I do beleeve my Father is able to satisfie you both As for the second I can neither suspect that two men so generous as you are can be so weak nor indeed do I see any appearance of it And it may be that there is not one of my Women said she smiling and looking upon them all that hath not secretly chid her Beauty because she has not fettered you since you came to Court where it is observed that the inclination is not at all that way Tell me then said she to them I conjure you and do not hide the truth of the matter from me I leave you to judge Sir in what a Labyrinth Artamenes and Philidaspes were noe entangled and what an odd chance this was that the Princess should desire that thing which they could not tell her and that which would have amazed her if they should have assumed the boldness to have told what they knew though neither of them in particular knew all they desired to know For it is certain that as yet she did not suspect any thing either of the Passion of Artamenes or Philidaspes and that Artamenes and Philidaspes did hate one another rather by reason of certain secret jealousies which they had of their designs then out of any certain knowledge of the truth Yet the Princess whose aym it was to act the most advantagiously she could for the service of the King her Father and to reconcile the mindes of these two Men who were of such eminency did very much presse them to tell her what was the obstacle which obstructed their friendship Madam answered Artamenes It will be a hard matter for me to tell you since ordinarily I do not use to have any difference with those I esteem As for me replied Philidaspes I will go a little further then that and say I am never used to have any thing but difference with those I do not Love whether I esteem or dispise them my Heart said he cannot rest in such a just Medium between Love and hatred and though I could yet I should byasse more to one side then the other you make me much joyed answered the Princess very hastily least Artamenes should make such a reply as should sharpen the spirit of Philidaspes for I never could suspect that he could hate such a man as Artamenes who never offended you whom all the Court knows whom the King my Father does extreamly Love and whom I esteem very much so Philidaspes continued she not giving him leave to speak since doubtless you cannot hate Artamenes I conclude that of necessity you must Love him a little and if so I hope that I shall not have no hard task to make you Love him much for said she in turning towards Artamenes Doubtless you will never resist me
the King of Saces Father of Prince Mazares who has suffered shipwrack where I dare say of my self that in a little time I got some honour But after his wars were ended and peace was established throughout all Asia I was compelled after two years spent among the Saceans and in my Travels to return unto Ecbatan which as you know is one of the goodliest most magnificent and most delightfull places in the world I arrived there some few daies after Astiages received news of the death of young Cyrus son to the King of Persia and the Princess his daughter Then I know you have been Sir so long in Cappadocia as you cannot be ignorant of all the passages in Medea of the menaces of the gods of the fears and frights of Astiages and of the joy which he conceived for that security which all Asia hoped for by the death of that Prince who as men say did promise mighty matters unto the world I came then to the Court in a time of great jollity and feasting and there I staid a while with all delight imaginable The King never hunted but I was with him There was never any meeting of Ladies but I was sure to be there I wore rich clothes and recreated my self in the pleasant walks And as you know there is not a more delightful place upon Earth then the Kings Palace and Gardens at Ecbatan so there was not one day which did not afford me fresh delights The King was pleased to take more notice of me then I deserved I got the love of all the young Gallants in the Court and if I durst say it there was none of the Ladies which did hate me for as my design was generall to please all so it had been a hard matter to have displeased any one in particular Thus did I enjoy my youth and liberty with abundance of satisfaction Whenas Artambaces who as perhaps you know had heretofore been in love with the Queen of Persia before she was married unto Cambises Father of Cyrus of whom I speak and who going from the Court upon that occasion was afterwards married in the Province of Arisantine unto the daughter of a great Prince in that Countrey and who went away from Ecbatan and carried with him his only daughter about fifteen years of age whom he loved extreamly and who doubtless did deserve as much It chanced so at that time being glutted with variety of pleasures and weary of the tumultuous court I took Horse being waited upon by only one servant to go and enjoy my solitude at a fair House which my Father had some thirty miles from Ecbatan I departed very melancholy and lumpish not knowing any cause for it at all my design being only to recreate my self in viewing the Pictures Statues Gardens Grotts and Fountains about my Fathers House that thereby I might make my conversation more pleasant at my return to the Town But alas Sir little did I think what would hap unto me in this Voyage I have often wondred since at the pains which I took to captivate my self and how I found out a way which lead me into such a Labyrinth of trouble as hath disquieted all my life When I came into a great high way a hundred paces of the Castle I saw a chariot overturn'd which was quite broken in peeces the magnificence of it did tell me that it belonged unto some person of quality but since there was no Grooms about this Chariot of whom I could enquire I went on being come unto the first Gate of the Castle the Porter who opened the Gate told me that Artambaces whose Name and Quality I knew very well coming from the Countrey to Ecbatan had the misfortune to break one of his Chariots and seeing he could travell no further that day desired to stay there that night whilest his Chariot was repaired The Porter told no more then that Artambaces was there but mentioned not a word of Hermanista his wife or Amestris his daughter So after I had given order for the best entertainment possible I went straight into the Garden where I was told he was But Sir I was much amazed when crossing a Quarter in the Garden I saw in a green Arbour the fairest Lady that ever eye did look upon and whom I did not know at all for Amestris had never been at Court This beauty was no less surpris'd to see me then I to meet her in that place For she thinking there had been none in the house but Servants she little expected there one of my Garb It was very hot and she had none with her but one of her women she had pulled off her Cypress wherein she used to cover her fair neck and being bare armed she lay negligently upon a bed of green grass her head lying upon the knees of that woman which was with her I no sooner saw her but I stopt and as soon as ever she perceived me she started up and put on her Cypress we both did blush at the passage but certainly it was out of different apprehensions modesty causing that in her which Love did in me For Sir the first minute of this fatal view was the first minute of my Passion yet notwithstanding all my unparallel'd astonishment and wonder I saluted the adored Amestris with much devotion and beginning discourse Madam said I to let her know who I was I did not think to finde such fair and pleasing company in my Fathers House and if I had known that such an one as you had been in the Arbour the reverence I owe unto such as you seem to be though I think there is not such another in the world would have taught me better manners then to disturb your rest Sir answered she it belongs to me to desire pardon for interrupting the pleasure of your solitude which it seems you came to take in this pleasant place But Sir said she in beginning to walk on It is my Fathers part to make excuses for the freedom which he took upon him to lodge with you to night since an unexpected peece of luck did force him to it Seeing then that her design was to conduct me to her Father I presented her my hand and easily observed by this first address that she had a desire to make me know who she was for there appeared in all her actions so much gallantry spirit and modesty as I saw she was Mistress of as much Soul as Beauty Madam said I conducting her and answering unto what she said it is a great happiness to be interrupted by such an one as you and I think there is no reasonable man who would not for such a blessedness not only quit his solitude but the Court also with all its magnificence and pleasures I alwaies lookt for Flattery said she smiling out of Ecbatan and perhaps I shall well enough defend my self against it here but I do confess unto you that I do fear it a little here where I did
with too much violence you may judge Sir in what a condition I was when I saw Amestris going away with Menasta who all the while of our discourse stood five or six paces from us to watch lest any came and understood nothing at all what we said I will not insist Sir upon repetition of my apprehensions for it would but too much abuse your patience Let this serve for all that there was never any esteemed himself more undone and unfortunate then I for indeed I found that I loved and was beloved but for all that there is not any ingredient of hope left for me I found that it was not permitted me to force my happinesse from him which enjoyed it I had no more Rivals to punish I had no more inconstant Mistresses to complain upon What comfort could I ever hope for amidst my sorrows I had no power to forget one which loved me who had all my heart my spirits my soul my memory and all and for whom I forgot all the word besides There was not any hope for me to speak unto her She had forbid me to die Indeed I found nothing but what did extraordinarily afflict me yet notwithstanding I would try whether by the assistance of Menasta I could speak once more unto Amestris but Sir it could not possibly be obtained and from that day this cruell Lady would never walk in any place lest she meet with me also she feigned to be sick to the end she might not go out at all When I understood by Menasta the full resolution of Amestris never to alter I then determined to remove from that place where I could not see her â—est in consideration of me I might perhaps have contributed unto her death by causing her restraint As for Megabises who was as much vexed at the marriage of Amestris as I was although he was thought not to love any longer when he came to Ecbatan yet he found as well as I that it was not such an easie matter to extinguish a violent passion Astiages having heard where I was did reconcile us without seeing or embracing one another comman ding me because I had killed his brother to shun meeting him as much as I could possible The cause of our last querrell was not known unto any no not unto Megabises himself who was alwaies ignorant that I had seen him in that fatall garden near the Fountain in the green border As concerning Anatisa I left Ecbatan before she returned out of the Countrey so that I cannot tell you what she thought of me I did write a Letter at my departure unto Amestris which I sent unto Menasta but I never had any answer unto it I went wandring a while from Province to Province not well knowing what I did nor what course to take until such time as the War begun in Assiria I hoped there to put a period unto my misfortunes in finding out an honourable death During all the time I was there I never received any news neither from Menasta nor Amestris although I used all possible means to engage some or other to enquire of them And ever since that you have been a witnesse of my Melancholy although you knew not the cause And since that I never heard more of Amestris unlesse what I knew by Araspes how that Otanus was yet living and that yet she was unfortunate and in all likelihood since Melancholy did so remain in her face she yet perhaps loves the unfortunate Aglatidas Now Sir you understand what the adventure was which you desired to know and what were the misfortunes of that man who more then any man in the world wishes a happy end unto yours and who expects nothing but death to put an end unto his own After these words Aglatidas was silent and Artamenes thanked him for the pains which he had taken asking him pardon for causing him to revive his sorrows and did seem to be extreamly sensible of them I confess said he to him that you are much to be lamented and the accident which has made you so unfortunate was a very extraordinary event But for all that said he to him sighing you do know that Amestris is living and you need not doubt but that yet you are beloved So that you may hope that Time and Fortune may work a happy change in your affection But I do know some more unfortunate then you I know not that Sir replied Aglatidas but I do know very well that I did lose an inestimable Jewel in losing Amestris and that if ambition should join it self unto Love to persecute me I could not be more Melancholy then I am yet Sir it is very generous in you to interest your self more in the misfortunes of others then your own You have unjust and heavy fetters of your own to complain of and need not trouble your self to lament the unhappiness of Aglatidas who is not worthy of that honour Aglatidas answered he is worthy of all that is great in the world and therefore I hope that one day the Gods will put a period unto his misfortunes Although I had all the qualities in the world replied Aglatidas those which you do attribute unto me would not create any hope in me and as long as Artamenes continues unhappy I know not why any who have any vertue should ground their hopes upon that reason which is not alwaies infallible Thus did Artamenes and Aglatidas discourse away the time untill Andramias told them that it was time to retire Aglatidas asked Artamenes whether he could do him any service desiring to let him know that he could contribute something towards his delivery but Artamenes thanked him and told him that his prison was not so great a misfortune but if he could he would never come out unless by the same hand which put him in The End of the First Part. THE SECOND PART OF ARTAMENES OR Cyrus the Great BOOK I. THough this Illustrious Prisoner was carelesse of his Liberty yet his friends did contribute all their diligence to procure it and Hidaspes entertained not a thought of any thing else ever since he knew Artamenes to be Cyrus Not onely Hidaspes Aducius Artabases Chrisantes and Feraulas who were native subjects unto the King his Father and hereafter to be his did all of them in particular contrive all expedients for his safety But the King of Hircania the King of Phrygia Persodes Thrasibulus and many others also were not lesse solicitous So that to lose no time Chrisantes went the next morning betimes unto the King of Phrygia with intentions to relate unto him in a more concise manner all 〈…〉 t which the day before he had related concerning the unhappy life of his dear Ma 〈…〉 r but since they thought it expedient to keep alwayes some about Ciaxares to pre 〈…〉 t him from taking any violent resolutions against Artamenes the King of Phrygia said thought it fittest for him to undertake that office since he was most affectionate
damp his soul and made his sorrowes so apparent in the sight of all that great assembly that though Ciaxares was much sadded yet was he much more This Prince no sooner saw my Master but never remembring the business of his voyage he reflected upon that loss which he had Alas Artamenes said he to him Philidaspes has not been so happily discovered in his second enterprise as he was in his first The Gods have permitted him to force away my Daughter I wish Sir replied my Master that I could either by my valour or my good fortune regain her and that I could prevent the unjust Philidaspes from long enjoying that treasure which I might easily have taken from him The King not well understanding these words desired the explanation of them and Artamenes could not hold from relating that businesse which most of any thing in the world did sensibly trouble him he told the King how he had met with Philidaspes and how he saw the pavilion set up in the Forrest how he had killed them which assaulted the ravisher of Mandana and how he had contributed to the carrying away of Mandana This strange event did so much surprise the King augmented his sorrowes in such a new manner as he could not heed Artamenes and his grief which appeared exceeding much when he had ended his relation But by good fortune all they which saw him did believe that this excessive sorrow which so much appeared in his face and words was only an effect of that odd cross adventure which he had met withall Insomuch as all the Court were so sad at the misfortune of the Princesse as that there was none so little interested in it as could precisely observe his actions After this fatall relation was ended and every one spoke of it with wonder as well as woe Sir said my Master speaking to Ciaxares will you permit me to go after and seek Philidaspes I cannot call him the Prince of Assyria since I can hardly believe that a son of the Queen Nitocris who is one of the greatest and wisest Princess of the world should attempt so unjust a designe True it is added he that it is also hardly to be believed that any man who is not of a Royall extract durst else undertake an enterprise so bold as to force away the Princess of Cappadocia Ah Artamenes said Ciaxares the aversion which you ever had unto Philidaspes was better ground then you thought and I doubt not but you will infinitly interest your self in this business Doubt it not Sir replied my Master for I promise you either to deliver her or die by the hand of her Ravisher After this the King went into his Closet and called Artamenes after him to the end he might ask him whether it was true that he came back without any traine or equipage as he had been told Artamenes then told him what I have told you But since the Kings soul was so sadded with the loss of the Princess he cared not much for the bad successe of his voyage and having such need of my Masters valour in such a dire conjuncture of affairs he never examined whether what he had said unto him were likely or no. Artamenes vrged him againe to give him leave to follow Philidaspes though there was small hopes of finding him And since it might so hap that the Princess might fall sick by the way and retard his march Ciaxares consented unto his desire and gave order for three hundred horse to follow him the next morning my Master asked the King if any thing of the conspiracy were discovered and whether he suspected any as assistants unto Philidaspes but the King told him that Aribeus had used all possible means to enquire into the business yet unto this hour could never have any conjecture my Master had a great desire to tell the King that Aribeus was not a fit man to be imployed in that inquisition by reason of the great friendship between him and Philidaspes but he stayed untill his Jelousies were grounded upon better bottomes then surmises and untill he had more plaine and convincing arguments against him Then he left the King and without the closing of an eye all that night waited impatiently for break of day Mean while Sir not to hold you with relation of all the agitations of his restless mind and the weariness this last voyage had caused in him give me leave only to tell you that in fifteen dayes which were imployed in quest of the Princesse we met with nonewes that could afford any hopes unto my Master but on the contrary we were advertized how after many cross and blind wayes which they took purposely to deceive followers Philidaspes was arived with the Princess at a town within his own kingdome which is towards the frontiers of Medea in such a place where he might raise an army too considerable for us to attempt the rescue of the Princesse we learned also for certaine that Philidaspes was really son unto the Queen Nitocris so we returned againe unto Themiscira without effecting any thing but knowing that Mandana was in the hands of such a Prince as might if the Queen his mother would consent bring an Army of two hundred thousand men into the field The thought of this though it dejected the spirits of all others yet did it elevate the soul of Artamenes in lieu of driving it into despair and the quality of his Rivall did in some sort comfort him in his disgrace All the rest which before went after the Ravisher of Mandana did fruitlesly returne they only told us that the wounded man whom we left by the way did recover of his wounds Mean while Aribeus who as you shall know by the sequel of my discourse was not innocent from this conspiracy conceiving that though perhaps my Master would not find Philidaspes yet he might perchance meet with some of the guards which he had corrupted and suborned did pretend a journey unto Pteria whereof he was the governour under colour that some ancient Greek inhabitants of Sinope did attempt somthing against the service of the King for Sir I think you know how this Town was built by the Milesiens and how that Grecian Colony has often changed masters Indeed it would be a difficult thing to define exactly which is true Sinope it is so filled with inhabitants of severall nations having been one while possessed by the Graecians another by the Galatians Somtime againe by the Paphlagonians and at this day by the King of Cappadocia Aribeus therefore raised this false seditious report that under pretence of it he might be gone from Themiscyra before Artamenes returned and so came unto Sinope as I said before So that my Master being rid of him was in absolute and quiet possession of the Kings mind But as the state of things stood there was nothing to be thought upon but warr Ciaxares sent first to the Queen Nitocris to ask her whether
Prince had no great faults in him although he was not owner of those heroique vertues which prefer men above their own qualities yet notwithstanding ambition and love together inflaming his heart he talked of nothing but civil wars of revolt and of sedition and truly the matter was so forward that every one began to bandy parties All the discontented lovers made one faction Labinet made another by himself followed by some stirring spirits and Gadates he had only the Queen on his side The young Princesse seeing the condition of affairs stand so she was extreamly troubled and after she had well consulted with her self that perhaps it might cost her a great Kingdom she took a resolution which made the greatnesse of her soul and vertue to appear For calling Gadates unto her who doubtlesse she loved very well and more then she had signified unto him calling him I say unto her to give him a testimony of her affection after a new and surprising manner Gadates said she unto him I have a desire to tell you that which doubtless you are ignorant of at the least I am certain that I have had some care to conceal it from you Know then pursued she that I have thought you worthy to wear the Crown of Assyria Madam said he it becomes the Queen Nitocris too well to take it from her and he whom she shall chuse for that honour were unworthy of it if he should not content himself with being only the first of her subjects Reserve your thanks Gadates said she unto him until the end of my discourse for after I have given you this great testimony of my esteem I must require another testimony from you of your affection If it be to die at your feet Madam replied he I am most ready to obey you and I do not know any thing in the world which I would not consent unto observe me I conjure you to the end I ask you nothing impossible Gadates who never durst speak of his love unto the Queen was a little surprised yet after this which she spoke unto him he quickly recollected himself and looking upon her with as much respect as love provided Madam said he unto her that your Majesty do not forbid me to adore you I shal never disobey you No said she sighing I do not intend that my authority shall extend it self over the thoughts of the heart and though may be my dominion would reach so far yet would I not destroy those thoughts which your soul has of me But that which I would tell you is this That the necessity of State affairs and the good of my people will not permit me to make my own choice of a husband I would have you know I am resolved to assemble the States General of my Kingdom and to receive a husband by the universal allowance of my subjects If they be reasonable you may perhaps obtain their voices as I would have given you mine if they would have given me the liberty But if you cannot procure your self to be chosen by them then resolve with your self Gadates never to see me again as long as you live but to retire unto that Province which belongs unto you and never come at this Court. I will not stand wise Chrisantes to tell you all the discourse between Gadates and the Queen Nitocris nor many other passages which depend upon this discourse though they be well worth observation and much concerning I shall only tell you to the end I may come unto the more essential part of my discourse that do what Gadates could he could obtain no more from her but liberty to sollicite the Judges of the matter Then the Queen assembled the states generall of her kingdome declaring unto them that she thought upon the good satisfaction of her people therefore left them the liberty to chuse themselves a King When all the incensed lovers heard of this they were surprised at the declaration they were ravished with the wisdom vertue of the Queen came unto Babylon to solicite their interests but in conclusion this powerfull reason of state which would have all causes and pretences of civill wars removed induced the states general to beseech the Queen that she would be pleased to marry Labinet which she accordingly did without the least shew of repugnancy was all her life extreamly well pleased with her marriage lived very well with her husband yet it was her pleasure that Gadates should obey her should retire unto his province and never returne to the Court The King who knew the business and also was acquainted with the vertue of this Princess did much solicite her that Gadates might returne to Babylon but she would never consent unto it A while after her mariage she sent commands unto Gadates that he should marry a Princess descended from the Ancient kings of Bithynia who was extreamly rich and infinitly virtuous which he did although certainly he did ever preserve his violent passion to the Queen He lived as well with the Princess his wife as the Queen did with her husband Mean while Nitocris had a son which was he whom you knew somtimes by the name of Philidaspes somtimes by the title of the King of Assyria Gadates had also a son and a daughter and as soon as they were crept out of their first infancy the Queen who was then a widdow and still forbade Gadates from coming to Court commanded him to send his children unto her that his son who was called Intaphernes might be brought up with the Prince of Assyria and the young princess his daughter called Istrina lived in that place where there might love grow between her and her son unto whom she had a designe to marry him as well to satisfie the law in marrying a Princess who was not a stranger as to testifie the esteem she had unto Gadates thinking she could not better nor more innocently acknowledge those services which he had done her then by preferring his daughter unto the throne of Assyria It seems also that she took not this resolution out of choyce only but out of a necessity also for all of the princes which had been pretenders unto the Queen Nitocris the greatest part of them were resolved not to match with him and the rest had no daughters so that the Princess Istrina was the only Lady whom the King of Assyria could marry But here you may well admire how humane prudence is limited and how this great Queen who by such publique works is rendered famous throughout all the world and ever shall be to all posterity was deceived in her reasons and how that which she thought would have caused love did inspire the heart of the young King of Assyria with aversion The Princess Istrina was ten years of age when she came to Babylon Intaphernes her brother fifteen and the Prince of Assyria fourteen But from that very time the imperious humour which we saw in Philidaspes began
execution of them was impossible for the accident did so disturb their Reason and animate their Courage that all of them did strive how to signal themselves by the dangers they would undertake in the enterprise Some would have them go by open force unto the Castle and demand Artamenes others advised to joyn the subtlety of the Fox to the fury of the Lion and others would have them go kill Metrobates immediately Some advised to go and raise the people some others would have them cause the Army to advance and all of them concluded to transact and bestir themselves to save the life of Cyrus Since they looked upon Ciaxares as a prejudicated Prince yet since they were all of them really generous they had not one thought of attempting any thing upon his Person but only so far as might get that Hero out of his hands unto whom he owed the Glory of his Raign and the Conquest of many Kingdoms In conclusion it was resolved upon to let some one down the walls of the Town by cords that he might go unto the Camp and make it known unto the Persians that the only Son of their Soveraign was in danger of death if they did not speedily relieve him hoping that afterwards all the whole Army would come unto the Gates of Sinope and move Ciaxares not to execute his Design with so much precipitation In the mean time it was resolved that Ariobantes and Megabises should return into the Castle and advertise them concerning all passages and also to try if they could any ways qualifie the King For their parts they assembled all their friends which they had within the Town to wait until the Army came up and to be in readiness for any attempt if there were a necessity of it and to stir up the people if there were no other remedy but there was no need of taking any thought for that because they perceived the people to come out of the Castle in tumults and as they walked the streets nothing could he heard but the name of Artamenes pronouncing it with troubled spirits Immediately after the people of Sinope seeing all their hopes turned into fears and their joys into sorrows grew into so great a commotion that there was not any who followed his accustomed course shops were shut the women spoke loud in the streets Merchants consulted together upon what was best to be done the Gentry flocked about the King and Princes to hear what was done in the Castle and the confusion was so tumultuously apparent that it was easie to perceive they wanted but little of a declared Revolt That which did most of all augment the Tumult was the Orders which Metrobates had given to suffer none to enter or go out of the Town for they who were come dut of the Camp into the Town being desirous to return thither again and they who were gone out of the Town into the Camp being also desirous to come back and both restrained The one endeavouring to come in the other to go out made such an hideous Garboil at the Gates that the noise of them sounded throughout all the Town and one benefit accrued by it for since all the Souldiers which Metrobates had brought from Pteria were all busied either at the Gates of the Town or at the Castle it was less difficult for Madates during the obscurity of the night to get over the wall and ditch He went then in all hast unto the Camp and acquainted all the Persians that Artamenes was Cyrus and that their Prince would presently be put to death if they did not interpose their lives to save his when he came there he found the Camp already in disorder by the return of several Captains and Souldiers who were denyed entrance into the Town who reported that certainly they would put Artamenes to death and perhaps all their Commanders and Princes also Madates then found the Army in a fit posture for his designe if he met any Captains It must be you would he say unto them which must save the invincible Artamenes you who have been sharers with him in the honour and you who he has so favourably looked upon If he spoke unto the Common souldiers It must be you would he say to them who must preserve your valiant General who would ever be in the deepest dangers but would never have any share in the Magnificent Plunder wherewith you are enriched If he saw any Phrygians he told them that it was their Kings Command to come unto Sinope and demand Artamenes If he saw any Hircanians he would tell them the same from their King and so the like unto all the several Nations which were in the Army so that the Discourse of Madates meeting with that violent passion which had taken root in the hearts of all the Captains and Souldiers towards Cyrus for we will not hereafter call him Artamenes it is not at all strange if Madates did so suddenly kindle so great a fire out of matter which was so combustible The Name of Cyrus was quickly divulged throughout all the Army for the thirty thousand Persians who had it from their Commander in chief unto whom Madates had imparted it did presently disperse it abroad And as this great Body was moved by one Soul every one ranged himself under his Colours and desired to be conducted unto Sinope The Name of Artamenes and of Cyrus ecchoed from Company to Company from Regiment to Regiment and above an hundred thousand men did in an instant talk and bestir themselves to relieve him whom they regarded as a God both in times of Peace and War Mean while the King of Phrygia and the King of Hircanias Troops grew great in the Town composed of all the Men of Quality in Sinope and of those who were not permitted to return unto the Camp The people also who at the first did only grumble do now take Arms and randezvouz into Companies in divers Quarters of the Town Ariobantes and Megabises were within the Castle where the disorder was greater then either in the Camp or Town Metrobates moved Ciaxares with all his Arguments to pronounce the last Sentence of death against Cyrus and Ciaxares himself was at the ultimate resolution both of them did foresee the dangerous consequences of so dismal a designe but choller did so prepossess the Spirit of Ciaxares that he disguised his thoughts And the wicked Metrobates that he might expel out of the Soul of Ciaxares all just fears of an universal subversion of his Empire by the death of Cyrus did blow the coals of his fury and quen ched all such apprehensions in him Sir said he unto him the reason why all these Kings and Princes are so hot and zealous in the behalf of Cyrus is only because they hope that if they can get him out of prison they shall receive a recompence for it but if he were once in his Grave you should see them in another mind The fidelity of Courtiers
said he unto him that they suffer me to come unto you to the end I may die in defending you against your rebellious Subjects Thrasibulus Hidaspes and Aglatidas who indeed feared that they would not let him enter did range themselves on his side but he looking upon them with great turbulency of spirit said unto them No my too generous friends come no nearer unless since I cannot turn the point of my sword against you you will provoke me to turn it against my self Whilest these passages happened in that place the King was in extream agitation of soul for at the same instant in which he saw Cyrus in that generous posture a Souldier presenting himself at his feet Sir said he unto the King that Illustrious Prisoner whom my companions and my self did guard is escaped But if it be permitted me to say it your Majesty need not to be troubled at it for he is too generous to do any harm but it is the wicked Metrobates who you had more need to be troubled at The King was so-much surprized and troubled both at what he saw and what he heard that his spirits were not at so much liberty as to inform himself further by what the Souldier desired to speak if Thiamis and Ariobantes had not moved him unto a further curiosity But at last the Souldier being commanded to speak on he told the King in few words how he overheard the Proposition which Metrobates had made unto Cyrus how he offered to kill Ciaxares upon condition Cyrus would give him the Government of Pteria Thiamis and Ariobantes took hold upon this favourable opportunity and aggravate the hainousness of this wicked act The King did yet make some doubt of the truth but the Souldier continuing his tale Sir said he to justifie the truth of what I tell you give me leave to acquaint you further that Metrobates no sooner knew of the escape of Cyrus but in lieu of advertising you he provided for his own safety and as the Ladders by which Cyrus was delivered did remain still at the window he made use of them that way to go out of the Castle having carried along with him a party of my fellow-souldiers for my part I should have come to advertise you of this horrid motion as soon as I heard it if I had then the power to have done it But being ingaged upon my duty in the outer Chamber of Cyrus when Metrobates came thither I could not get out until after his escape The King was extreamly troubled at this relation yet not altogether believing it he sent into all places of the Castle to seek for Metrobates and to see whether they who delivered Cyrus had not killed him But he knew that Cyrus had been delivered without any resistance he knew also that Metrobates went the second time to the Chamber of Cyrus and perhaps with an intention to kill him though he had no orders for it and when he found him escaped it seems he escaped himself in the same way as the souldier related Now Sir replied Thiamis I hope you will no longer resist both Heaven and Earth Do you not now sufficiently see the innocency of Cyrus through the crime of Metrobates I know very well answered Ciaxares that Cyrus is generous but I cannot yet so clearly discover his innocency As soon as he had said so Martesia Chrisantes Feralus Araspes Artucas and Ortalgues did all of them enter for such a fear had seized upon the souldiers since Metrobates who placed them there was escaped that they looked after their prisoners no longer Ciaxares being much surprized at the sight and not knowing whether his Person was safe amongst so many people whom he had hardly used did yet manifest his confidence and asked all about him very angerly Whether or no he was King since they were so bold as to fail in their due respects unto him Sir replyed Chrisantes when we saw that our Guards did leave us we supposed your Majesty had no further use of us and I thought added Martesia that it would conduce much unto your glory and preservation to tell you once again Sir that Cyrus is innocent See Sir said Thiamis forcing him to take notice of this last Act of Cyrus in hindering his friends from coming nearer him whether you have any reason to reprehend the Servants of such a Master whose generous Soul does oppose against his own deliverance and becomes an enemy unto his Rescuers Oh Heavens Cried out Ciaxares what shall I do what can I or what ought I to do Command me answered Thiamis to go and fetch Cyrus unto you and treat him kindly as he deserves But he holds intelligence with my Enemy replied the King You may see Sir replied Ariobantes by the manner of his acting that he holds no culpable correspondence with him but he is culpable at the least in relation to my Daughter and therefore cannot be innocent You may see that Sir replied Martesia by a Letter which I will present unto you and which by good fortune I found in that Chamber where I was prisoner which formerly was mine This Letter was never seen by any but Cyrus nor did he ever impart the Contents of it unto Chrisantes or Feraulas and the Princess although she was most innocent yet would she not suffer it to remain in his hands and therefore it remained in mine I did think I had lost it but by good fortune I found it in a little Trunk which was sent from Themissira unto Sinope and I have brought it unto your Majesty to let you see how criminal Mandana is Ciaxares then taking the Letter which he knew perfectly to be his Daughters hand he read it with much circumspection and trouble The Princess MANDANA unto CYRUS SInce it is your desire I should write my ultimate resolution unto you I shall repeat that which I have already spoken unto you which in Sum is this That all the obligations whereby I am bound unto you and all the Services which you have rendred unto the King my Father shall never move me to recede from the exact and rigorous rules of virtue I do know very well that you did never desire any thing from me to the contrary Therefore you ought not to be surprized if I again tell you That if you do not find out some expedients and wayes to make the King my Father acquainted who you are and procure his consent within the time prefixed you must return into Persia and never see me more This is the totall Sum of all I can or ought to do MANDANA The King having read the Letter and seeing Cyrus oppose his own friends and command the Souldiers to lay down their Arms Let him live said he let the happy Cyrus live whose own virtues has more induced my Soul to save him then an hundred thousand men could do It is your Office Grave Thiamis said he to pronounce the same unto the Souldiers and it is yours Ariobantes to
give out all necessary orders for the safety of the Castle Oh Sir cried out Chrisantes Feraulas and all the rest who were in the Chamber as long as Cyrus lives your Majesty need not to fear any thing Mean while Thiamis desiring to execute the Kings Order with all speed and not to give him any time to repent of so gracious a Sentence went down unto the Gate of the Castle followed by all the Magi which waited upon him As soon as the Gates were opened Cyrus came up and endeavoured to enter and forbid entrance unto any else All his Deliverers and Partakers did advance all the Captains and Souldiers cried out that he should not enter and made a terrible noise But when the Gates of the Castle were wide open and none but the Magi and Sacrificers appeared the tumult ceased every one kept his station and silence to hear what Thiamis would say unto them Cyrus then saluted the Magi with much reverence holding down his sword and looking upon him with as little dismayedness as if his life were not at all in danger Is it from you Grave Thiamis said he unto him that I ought to re-assume my fetters No Sir answered he the Ministers of the Gods do not use to abase themselves so low as to execute the injustice of men But generous Prince I come to proclaim that liberty which the King hath granted unto you The flight of Metrobates hath cleared his soul from all doubts and the Gods unto whom you are most precious have by your own victories freed you from that danger which seemed to be inevitable Come then Sir and triumph come and receive that tenderness of foul which the King keeps for you Cyrus then making most low reverence unto Thiamis Doubtless it is your pious prayers said he unto him rather then any virtue in me which hath wrought this happy change in the King But grave Thiamis Does the King esteem me as a justified man or as a criminal whom he pardons you shall know that from his own mouth replied Thiamis This grave Magi had no sooner said so but Cyrus turning himself towards his illustrious friends did intreat them to let him enter alone but he could not hear their Answer for this good news having in a moment passed from mouth to mouth nothing could be heard but thoughts of joy yet certain mistrusts did remain in many minds and they could not be satisfied with any thing Some would have Hostages before he entred others asked whether Thiamis whose wisdom and integrity was known unto all the world would answer for him Insomuch as hearing himself named by so many voices and different men No no said this sage Sacraficer unto them as loud as he could speak fear nothing but trust me with the Person of Cyrus It is my office to conduct Victims unto the feet of Altars not into the hands of Executioners I use to appease the Gods by sacrifices not but I do not use to execute vengeance upon men Let your obedience said he unto them restifie that your zeal is grounded upon good principles and in lieu of serving do not prejudice your most Illustrious General Mean while the King of Phrygia the King of Hircania Persodes Thrasibulus Artibies the Prince of Paphlagonia Hidaspes Artabases Thimocrates Philocles Leontidas Megabises Aglatidas Orsanes and many others came near and desired that they might follow Cyrus into the Castle but Thiamis told them it would better accommodate the business if some part of them only did enter in with him and the other part remain without to keep the souldiers and people within the limits of their duties lest some Banique fears should freshly incense them and lest they should imagine Cyrus is ill used and moreover it would be much more requisite they should endeavour to take Metrobates who was yet out of the Castle After this contest Cyrus entred the King of Phrygia Hidaspes Artabases Adusius Thrasibulus and Aglatidas only following him the King of Hircania and all the rest remain without to take all requisite courses to prevent any new commotion In the mean while Thiamis was no sooner gone towards the King but this Prince was entred into his Closet whither he sent for Chrisantes and Martesia only These two Persons had both of them so much spirit and discretion and had told Ciaxares so much that they made his soul desirous to hear the justification of Cyrus with delght for since neither his truth nor his passion was not any longer to be concealed as a secret it was much more easie for them then before to make his innocence appear Chrisantes did then with all ingenuity confess of what nature that intelligence was which Cyrus held with the King of Assyria and caused him so well to understand that it was no criminous correspondence as that the King would sigh for sorrow considering into what a bad condition this supposed crime had brought him Martesia for her part did justifie his Mistress so handsomly and did so sincerely and briefly relate all the passages that he himself found no cause of complaint There was nothing but that Picture which was found in the Cabinet of Cyrus which moved him to conceive it to be too much for a Princess of so great a vertue as Mandana professed for although Martesia had told him it was made for the Princess of Pteria yet there was no proof of it but as good fortune was Martesia did bethink her self of a passage which would clear the business Sir said she unto him Ariobantes who as you know was Brother unto the Princess of Pteria for whom that Picture was made is able to witness that I tell you no lye he may perhaps know it if your Majesty shew it unto him for I do remember he was with the Princess the same day it was finished and that the Princess his Sister falling sick the next day after sent Ariobantes unto the Princess for it But the Picture-drawer being desirous to take it with him that he might do something unto the Dress she could not receive that satisfaction she desired So that the same Princess died and as I told your Majesty never received it As soon as Martesia had told this Ariobantes entred who gave the King an account of those Orders he had given for the Guard of the Castle Ciaxares then fetching out the Cabinet of Cyrus which he always kept in his Closet ever since the wicked Metrobantes brought it unto him he took out the Picture of Mandana and shewing it unto Ariobantes asked him whether ever he had seen it before Yes Sir answered he after he had a while looked upon it doubtless I have seen it and that more then once for I saw it when the Princess out of her goodness was pleased to let it be taken for my Sister and I saw it afterwards when it was carried unto Martesia a few days before the Princess was carried away by the King of Assyria I remember also how I
convinced of the contrary and therefore I beseech you permit me amiable Stesilea to deprive my self of the happiness in seeing you especially since your interest is not concerned in it for since it is not the pleasure of the Destinies that my heart can be yours I would not contribute any thing unto the belief which the world assumes whilest in the mean I am the most miserable man upon earth who out of fear to displease her who loves me 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 forced to qâ—â—t another which hath given me so many Testimonies of her goodness and who doubtless 〈◊〉 me for this last misfortune Indeed I do replied she blushing and perhaps more then â—â—ought But I am to be lamented as well as you for if it be so that the court beleeves you be in love with me what strange tales will be told unto my disadvantage if you leave off your seeing me upon a sudden will they not suppose that you have either fooled Stesilea or that it is carried so out of subtilty No no Philocles the alteration must not be so suddainly or if you will needs have have it so you must in regard of my honour make it seem as if I treated you 〈◊〉 but if so said I I shall not justifie my self in the opinion of Philista since she will have some can be to think that I quitted you only because you chased me away And indeed it was 〈…〉 of Stesilea to make Philista think so But Philocles replyed she do you think that Jealousie is a bad procurer of love for my part I think it an excellent good one and am fully perswaded that if you were really in love with any other Lady then Philista she would love you the better for it Yes said I unto her but you must imagine that her affection would be then very indifferent unto me if I should love her no longer It s true replyed she but if this way wereless unjust then Philista her self is you would be for ever happy Stesilea pronounced these words in such a manner that the tenderness of her friendship was of another nature then mine and it troubled me so much that the rest of our conference was in very ambiguous phrases from both parties which I beleeve perswaded us that both of us understood one another But since I could not alter my heart and would not deceive a Lady unto whom I had professed so much amity I parted from her complaining against my self and as I beleeve giving her some reason to complain against her self for the cruel resolution I had taken to discourse no more in private nor to speak with her but very seldom Mean time since this visit lasted very long and was known unto Antigines this change in my course of living with Stesilea did not work those effects I hoped and the rumour went that this seperation was a compact only twixt her and me insomuch as Philista was not at all undeceived and Stesilea made high complaints whensoever she â—ound opportunity for it Saying it was strange I should have so little care of her reputation as to sacrifice it for one who loved me not During all this while Philista though she would love me her self did what she could to make me hate Stesilea yet do what she could I still retained a friendly opinion of her It is very true that it did conduce to my greater persecution for I was even desperate to see that I was the cause of her disquieâ—s Thus stood the state of things when I received an express order to returne unto Corinth you may imagine into what a damp this drove my soul I was to leave a Lady whom I loved but who loved not me I forsook another Lady who did a little love me and whom I doubted not but should ruin me as much as she could in the opinion of Philista during my absence But for one piece of good fortune to me that father of Antigenes hearing where he was did peremptorily command him to return so that this was no smal consolation unto me nor was the news I heard of Alasis his returning unto his own Country very shortly less joyful to me but I kept it very close from Antigenes because I had the intelligence by an indirect way The Prince Cleobulus did embrace meat parting and the Princess his daughter who indeed was a most admirable Lady gave me a Letter to the Princess of Corinth which was writ no less in my advantage then that I brought But when I was to bid adieu unto the Princes and afterwards unto Philista that was a doleful story to me Antigenes and I met both there together and I had so much satisfaction by it that I hindered him from speaking in private unto Philista but yet I found so much dissatisfaction also as to see a notable difference in the adieus of this beauty every time she looked upon Antigenes in this last conference I saw in her eyes a melancholy cloud which without any dim unto her beauty did augment her sweetness and when by chance she looked upon me I could find nothing but indifferency or disdain she bid me adieu and hardly looked upon me but her eyes followed the happy Antigenes as far as they could possibly see To tell you how Antigenes and I lived together during our Navigation would be supeâ—fluous it being easie to be imagined we mused continually upon the matter and hardly spoke a word but thought the more I was something comforted in that I brought my Rival away with me As for Stesilea I took no leave of her though I endeavored it Dispight and sorrow and honour would not let her discover her weakness At the last we arived at Corinth where Periander and the Princes Cleobuline received me with joy but yet there was no delights to be so used in it for me I shuned all such company as formerly I was wont to court Arion only was he who did a little comfort me for he was of a great spirit and passionate Soul I found in his discourse and songs I knew not what kind of charming power which did allay my sorrows and keep me alive Mean time I was even desperate to see Antigenes would not engage himself unto any fresh beauty and thus did I live for almost a whole year but in the end it was known that Alasis father of Philista would come with his daughter for he had not a wife to inhabit in his ancient country Oh Heavens how this news rejoyced me but this joy was qualified when I understood that the elder Brother of Philista had married Stesilea a little before their departure from Jalissa and that she came also with them Indeed this marriage did much augment my sorrows yet did I hope that since Stesilea was virtuous the change in her condition would work upon her Soul and that it would be more advantagious unto me to have a friend so neer alied unto Philista Antigenes was so glad of this news that his joy appeared
for them who loves us when we do not love them and we do always mourn for them we love though they love not us Lament lament eternally and weep for the incomparable Leontina As I was thus condoling Polimnis not hearkening unto me but looking towards a great plain for Boetia is a very flat and open Countrey I stopped and looked as he did and casting my eyes the same way I saw a Coach appear guarded and conveyed by some horse After Polimnis and I had looked a while whilest the Coach drew near us we knew it to belong unto that same fair one whose loss I so lamented Ah Polimnis said I distractedly look where they bring the Corpse of Leontina in saying so this sad object did so work upon my spirits that my soul was too weak to support so great a grief I would have put my horse on towards the Coach which was coming towards us but not knowing what I did but having absolutely lost my reason I went backward in lieu of forward Polimnis coming towards me seeing my countenance change my eyes twinkle and I holding him by the hand said in an undistinguishable tone I shall see her dead Polimnis and after this he saw I let the bridle of my horse fall and if he had not held me up I had fallen my self he then took me by the Arme and one of my men helping him they took me off my horse very gently and set me upon the ground some two paces from the way where I lay in a sound Polimnis was then in a pitiful case to see his friend dying and his Cousin dead but as he was very busie about me and the Coach came nearer he was extreamly surprised to hear Ladies in it laughing and singing then did he rise up to look who they were and he saw Leontina in the Boot of the Coach who knowing him caused it to stay that she might ask him what he was doing there but casting her eyes at the same time upon me Oh Heavens said she is not that the Prince Artibies which I see Yes replied he it is the same and he is in great need of your help but said he unto her how did you rise from the dead for all in Thebes thinks you so It is not now a time to tell you replied she but rather to help your friend In saying so she came out of the Coach as all the rest of hâ—r friends did and commanding one of her men to go in all haste unto the next house for some water to fetch me out of my sound Leontina did most charitably come to me and laid her hand upon my Arme to try how my pulse did beat Mean while he who wâ—nt for water returning they threw some in my face and by little and little I revived But Oh Heavens how was I surprized to find my self in that condition and to see my admired Leontina living though my imagination during this long sound was filled with her death When Polimnis saw what I would revive he came towards Leontina who turned towards him asked what was the cause of this accident Your self inhumane Cousin said he unto her and then in few words he told her the news of her false death was the cause of his true and real sorrow but though she seemed not to believe it yet she afterwards told me that she was fully perswaded of it especially by my manner of looking upon her when I returned unto my self by the confusion I was in to find my self in that condition and by an hundred other things which I did and said upon that occasion But in conclusion after I was fully assured that Leontina was living and had thanked her for her charitable help she would not suffer me to take horse but desiring her friends to make room for me she took me into her Coach which I was constrained to accept of for I had not yet recovered out of my weakness and sorrows In our return to Thebes I understood how that which raised the reports of her death was that indeed she found the River of Ismenes very high and being likely to be put to swim she thought of no way but perishing yet by good fortune they turned the Coach back again to the side and it did not overturn until they were near the Banks so that she and all her friends were easily relieved and rid out of their fears to be drowned but they stayed a day to refresh themselves after this fright and resolved not to continue on their journey until the River was lower so it is to be imagined that some or other seeing only the Coach overturned had raised this report However this accident was very favourable unto me and the mute eloquence of my sounding had more Rhetoriâ—k in it to perswade Leontina then all my words I found her me thought nothing so rigid unto me as she used and if it were pertinent at this time to remember delightful passages I should tell you that for two months together I fully tasted of all the sweets which hopes of being loved could feast me with all but since it is not at all pertinent I shall only tell you that after so many happy days Antigenes as you heard from Philocles arrived at Thebes and there as many others did fell in love with Leontina As he was a man of a very pleasant conversation of an agreeable disposition quick-witted and gallant he moved so much jealousie in me as maugre all my endeavours I could not hide it and I think that once I made it too apparent unto Leontina in so much as she was more offended with me for my jealousie then she was for my love when I had made it known unto her so that both to correct and punish me she treated Antigenes more civilly then ordinary In conclusion the matter was so carried that though Leontina knew well enough she did not love Antigenes yet to be revenged on me she resolved to treat him more favourably then any And since her heart was not placed in her forehead every one believed that she preferred Antigenes before all the test of her Servants and all my friends at Thebes came to comfort me in so much as my sorrows and my spite made me resolve to overcome my passion I contended with it and I vanquished at least thought so for I could never look upon Leontina without anger I shunned her with care and I thought that I passed from one extremity unto another and hated her Then did I desire Polimnis that we might go and hunt for a certain time at a stately house his father had about an hundred Leagues from Thebes beyond Mount Helicon thither then we went and my soul as I thought was in much tranquility and sufficiently disâ—ngaged from Leontina Upon a day a friend of Polimnis invited us to a feast where we were all in our altitudes of meriment and joy with divers other persons of quality in that
the little Princess Palmis whom Cleander eyed very attentively Mean while Craessus being much delighted with the answers of Cleander asked him an hundred questions and amongst the rest whether he took delight in seeing this horse-race To which he answered that he should take more pleasure in riding himself then looking on But said Craessus unto him what would you do with the prize if you won it and what on the contrary would you do if you did not win it If I lost it said he without pausing I would even die for anger and if I won it I would present it unto the Princess your fair daughter who stands by you To be short Madam what should I say Cleander so pleased the King that it was his pleasure both he and I should continue with the Princes his children and also knowing the abilities of my father he would needs engage him in his service So that he was induced to give order for transportation of all his portable estate from Delphos to Sardis and to set up his rest in Lidia To relate unto you Madam the childish years of Cleanders life would but abuse your patience and would lose time which would be better imployed in relating his heroâ—que acts yet let me say thus much for his infancy that never any did imploy it better then he nor more improved himself in all exercise of body or Arts of mind wit and judgment The Prince Atis unto whose service he was particularly devoted and who certainly was one of the sweetest Princes in the world did love him with most extraordinary tenderness And the Prince Myrsiles though dumb yet expressed all signes of possible affection that could be wished for Madam this imperfection did not proceed from any defect in the ear but tongue and he did understand every thing which was spoken it was not impossible he should express an affection unto Cleander But though Atys and Myrsiles were both most admirably handsom yet it must needs be confessed that Cleander had a kind of air in his countenance above them and though he seemed to be below them both in his quality yet his physiognomie spoke him much above them both In a very short time he got the love of the people the admiration of all compleat men the inclinations of all the Ladies the favour of the Princes of the Princess and of the King But that which was observed most admirable in Cleander was that he seemed to be infinitely above all his greatest favours not in scorning but in using them well and not seeking for them by any base and unworthy wayes he enjoyed them without all pride or vanity and also did impart them unto such as were meritorious with as much generous liberality 〈◊〉 if he had been a King In the infancy of his illustrious servitude as oft as Cleander went from the Princes upon any complement unto the young Princess their Sister This little faâ—r o 〈…〉 asked him an hundred questions sometimes whether he was not weary of Sardis sometimes whether the Temple of Delphos was more magnificent then those he saw in Lidia and by many other pretty questions so as it was easily observed that Cleander pleased this young Princess for when these Princes sent any others which were educated with them she only returned answer unto the message brought her without holding any long converse though it is true that seldome any but he was imployed upon such business for when he saw any such designed he would desire the honour of the service insomuch as he saw her almost every day The great disproportion of years between Cleander and the Princess Palmis was the reason that her Governess permitted her to speak longer with him then any other so that as long as Infancy lasted he was the most happy in the world since nothing did oppose his delights Thus did we live until his sixteenth year when some Subjects of Craessus began to rebel so that now we went to War wherein Cleander did things beyond belief of all but the illustrious Cyrus who knows it not impossible to be both young and gallant So that Cleander appeared so high in the eyes of all the Army that every one no less extolled his courage then before they did his beauty wit and handsomness He received a slight wound upon the left arm in assaulting an enemy as he was striking at the King which accident did double the favour of Craessus towards him so that when we had subdued the Rebels and returned unto Sardis Cleander was no longer looked upon as a pretty child but as a compleat and gallant man for though he was very young yet since as much wisdom judgment and discretion appeared in him as in all reason could possibly be expected from his age he was not dealt with as others who first go into the world but on the contrary at our return from the field the young Cleander was treated as a man of high and exact Reason the Princess her self who then was thirteen years of age began to hold discourse with him in a more reserved way and less familiarity though always with the same sweetness At the same time the Prince Atys who then was about nineteen years old fell in love with a Lady in Court called Anaxilea and since Cleander was his dearest Favorite he made him the only Confident of his passion discovering the very bottom of his heart unto him This Lady was without dispute most fair but her condition was so much inferior to the quality of a Lidian Prince that he imagined Craessus would not approve of his open profession to love her Therefore he endeavored to disguise his thoughts and to appear both more civil and more courtly to all Ladies in general that thereby he might conceal his true affection from his father Cleander then was for a while much troubled about it but yet that business was not his greatest torment for Madam be pleased to know that at the Kings return unto Sardis the Princess of Lidia appeared so admirably fair in the eyes of Cleander that she charmed him anew for certainly had he never seen her before he could not have been more surprized and indeed there was reason for it since during the ten Months which the War lasted her beauty was so prodigiously improved that all the people were forced to acknowledg never eyes did see so perfect a beauty since therefore she had no less spirit then beauty it is no wonder if the Soul of Cleander was not able to resist a passion which had so moving a cause and indeed it was so high that he began to love without hope and love did so absolutely command his heart that it was impossible for him to resist At the same time there was a Prince at Sardis named Artesilas who was in love also with the Princess Palmis but his passion was stuffed with ambitious thoughts Thus it may be said that Love did take his original from the Wars for at our return
famous for his Laws came thither also who was entertained by Cressus with all imaginable honours So that it may be said and rightly that Sardis was never so full of illustrious persons as then for every one that had any excellence in Arts throughout all Greece either came themselves or sent their works thither so that which way soever one turned his eye he might see something for his instruction and diversion But though this Court was the most glorious in the world yet Cleander was there the most unhappy Lover upon earth for though he was adored by all the Court yet since the Princess Palmis was ignorant of his love and he durst never acquaint her with it he lived a life extreamly melancholy and whilest the Prince Atis Antaleon Mexaris Abradates Artesilas and all the rest of that Illustrious Crew were high in all delights solitary Cleander sighed in secret and wore only melancholy in his eyes The Prince Mersiles by reason of his imperfection was also very reserved and solitary However this conversation did much delight the Princess who not suspecting Cleanders love to her was only curious to learn with whom he was in love but with such an odd kind of curiosity as I understood by my Cousin who since did tell me that not knowing any reason for it she was really as fearful to know whom Cleander loved as in appearance she desired it for this Cousin told me that the Princess discoursing one day with her concerning his passion and bidding her to enquire concerning it she began to reckon up all she could think upon who might in likelihood be the cause and though she named all the beauties in the Court yet she could not find one who her mind did think fit for it so that this Cousin of mine whose name was Cylenisa and who was much in favour with the Princess began to laugh Madam said she you would either have Cleander not in love at all or else you would have him fix his affection much above or much below himself for I named all the Ladies who in reason are fit for him considering the present condition of his fortune to fix any thoughts upon 'T is very true said the Princess Palmis and blusht but I do not look out a Mistress for Cleander proportionable to his quality since he knows not what it is himself nor sutable to his fortune which is no more then very mean but according to his vertue and merit which is most extraordinary and this is the reason why I cannot guess who it is he loves because I cannot find any one amongst all those which you have named that is worthy of his affection and therefore I must needs conclude that he loves one that is below himself Thus Madam you see what thoughts the princess of Lidia had of Cleander who yet was oftentimes much puzzled to find answers unto her questions for when she remembered that she told him he would discover who it was he loved when his Mistress and he fell out with one another she would always when any opportunities were offered ask him whether he did not yet begin to be out of favor with his Mistress and whether ere long he would be in an humor to reveal his secret If I should reveal it unto you Madam replyed he one day doubtless I should be out of favor with her but as long as I conceal it I need not fear her anger How Cleander replyed the Princess cannot I know your passion but you must be out of favor with her and cannot you tell it unto me but she must know it No Madam answered he I should no sooner confess what you desire to know but she whom I love would know my crime by the shame which she would discover in my eyes and would most cruelly punish me for it If it be so said she and smiled then stay till you jar and till you be out of any fears to incense her Thus did the Princess before she was aware give a handsom opportunity unto Cleander to discover his passion had he been so bold as to have closed with it yet he was extreamly afraid of the disfavor of Craessus upon an odd reason I think I have already told you that Solon at his first coming unto Sardis was bid very welcome by that Prince But since it is the Custom of all Great Princes to love that one should commend their Magnificence Craessus having shewed Solon all his vast Treasures and the most prodigious Riches which his House was adorned with he asked him whether he had seen any in all his Voyages more happy then he was Since Solon did not think true felicity did consist in such things like a man of high wisdom but a bad flatterer he answered that he knew many more happy then he and amongst the rest he named one Tellus who winning a Battel and dying for his Country said That none were happy before their death Craessus thought by this saying of Solons that he preferred the virtue of Cleander who was become his great Favorite before all the King of Lidia's Riches and that this Prince did enjoy in him a Treasure which he was ignorant of and which was to be valued much above all the Riches which he shewed him with so much delight Since nothing does more incense the spirits of men principally Kings then to scorn what they esteem Craessus could not endure this plain-dealing sincerity of Solon but the pleasant and frolique humor of Easopâ— did much better please him so that this wise Solon went discontentedly from him As Cleander had a most generous Soul so he did endeavor to hide this injury as much as he could and by the orders of the Princess her self had an especial care of this Athenian Law-maker He conducted him some thirty furlongs out of Sardis which act of civility did so much incense Craessus that he could not endure Cleander should be so bold as render any good office unto the man he frowned upon and this trivial business was like to have brought a great change upon the fortunes of Cleander but yet the Prince Atys and the Princess of Lidia did so intercede that they did procure his reconciliation In the mean while Adrastus became so desperately in love with the Princess Palmis that Artesilas and Cleander themselves could be no deeper wounded then he Atis also renewed his old love unto Anaxilea in spite of his resolutions to the contrary but it was after such a manner as that he made no secret of it and although Cressus did not approve of his choyce yet he expressed a hundred publique testimonies of his passion to her I think it was about this time that Abradates and Mexaris fell in love with Panthea yet since that business is not pertinent to the story of the Princess Palmis I shall omit the relation of it and only tell you that at the same time Cleander was most unhappy Yet had he so much consolation in his
then confiding in her and setting forth the injustice of Cressus in that he would not suffer Cleander to clear himself and that the Princess his daughter was sensible of his innocency he negotiated so well with her as she obtained of her Sister that Cylenisa should be entertained in the Temple and placed with the Princess not daring to ask leave for Cleander to speak with her for fear of being refused and lest it should prejudice her in lieu of serving her you may easily imagine what joy this was unto the Princess Palmis to see her dear Cylenisa again and to hear Cleander was out of prison and come unto Ephesus though she was still very fearful he should be discovered and taken again But when Cylenisa told her he seldom stirred out except mornings and evenings unto the Temple and that he was well disguised she was more at quiet 'T is true the liberty of Cleander did make the prison of the Princess more close if may call that sacred place a prison For as soon as Cressus heard that Cleandir was released he sent new Orders unto Agesistrata to take more care of the Princess Palmis and that she be better guarded But since the friend of Meneceus was for us the doubling of Guards was to no purpose One strange and happy accident more happened which was that Cleander found in the house where he lodged all those things which should testifie what he was and thus it came about Be pleased to know that the domestique servant whom my father had trusted with all those things and many others seeing that his Master was a Prisoner resolved to steal all that he had of his and embarqued for Ephesus That he being acquainted with a servant in this house he left with him many of those things to keep and amongst the rest all those things which would serve to clear Cleander declaring unto him that if he dyed he gave him all those things which he left in his hands and telling him that he durst not return until his Master were out of prison But the truth is he thought that Cressus would put my father to death and then he might return to Ephesus and enjoy the fruits of his Theft yet since he was gone no further then the Isle of Chio his friend heard often from him but indeed at last he understood that he was dead when Cleander came to lodg with his Master who was a very good friend unto Meneceus So that desiring to see what was given him he looked upon all those things which my fathers servant had left unto him and there found all those things which I told you of and not being able to conceal his wealth out of joy that he had to possess it he shewed the Picture unto his Masters wife who finding some resemblance between it and Cleander let him see it as some extraordinary piece so that to recover all that he had lost he recompenced him who had them and received them again I leave you to judg Madam what joy this was to Cleander in finding a Crown when he had no hopes to enjoy it he made the Princess Palmis acquainted with this prodigious accident But do what could be Meneceus could not obtain permission for Cleander to see the Princess All that could be done was by the contrivance of Cylenisa to convey Letters unto her which she out of her goodness was pleased to answer In the mean time we knew not what course to take because Cleander would not go and make himself known unto the King his father and leave the Princess Palmis at Ephesus he durst not think of taking her away though she should consent unto it not knowing where to find any place of security for her or whether he should be known for what he was neither durst he make it known unto Cressus that he had found those things which would manifest what he was understanding by a Letter from the Princess that the quality of the King of Phrigia's son would not at all advantage him in the opinion of the King her father Cleander being thus unresolved what course to take he was advertised of two things in one day which moved him unto that resolution which I shall tell you of the first was that I informed him of a Cicilian Ship come into the Port in which was the King of Pontus and the Princess Mandana the other was that absolute Orders came from Cressus that the Princess his daughter should enter into Orders and take upon her the habit of a Vestal You may imagine how much this severity of Cressus concerned Cleander and how much it grieved the Princess Palmis for she had no inclination unto that course Agesistrata protested unto the Princess that she would not receive her into Orders though she would have her because her will was forced which was positively against their Customs This being the state of things the Princess Mandana stole away from those who watched her and put her self into the Temple of Diana as a Sanctuary and the King of Pontus could not get her out again because the people would have risen against him if he had attempted it But Madam she was no sooner there but Cleander thought he had found an undoubted means to obtain an inviolable Sanctuary for his Princess if in getting away the Princess Palmis he could get away the Princess Mandana also and carry her unto Ciaxares from the King of Pontus or else in the absence of Ciaxares unto the illustrious Cyrus For said he If this design prosper although the King my father who is with him should not acknowledg me yet the service of restoring the Princess Mandana would be acceptable to the King that I shall obtain from Cyrus a protection for the Princess Palmis and it may well be hoped that the Heavens will favor so just a design since I do only rescue an innocent Princess out of the hands of her Ravisher to restore her unto the King her father This Project seemed so full of Reason were it but once executed that neither Thimettes Meneceus Tegeus my father nor I did at all contest concerning it We speedily then sought out ways to execute what Cleander had imagined We had already some men with us but not sufficient to do it by open force therefore policy must be the way Meneceus did so well employ the power which he had with his ancient Mistress that he moved her to speak unto her Sister who is one of a great virtue much spirit and greater Soul he set forth the injustice of Cressus and also the King of Pontus in such a moving manner as he forced her to acknowledg that whosoever could set the princess Mandana and the princess Palmis in any places of security would do an act which would be acceptable unto the Gods She had no sooner said so but using her own words he told her that it was she who was best able to do an act so generous Yet for
perhaps because he is absent And why did she marry you replyed Artemon if she loved Aglatidas That is it which I know not said he but gladly would know her reason for it Aglatidas replyed Artemon is indeed a very gallant man but he is so inconstant that I cannot think he ever had any share in the heart of Amestris The pitiful Complaints which Anatisa makes against him does sufficiently argue his inconstancy How said Ottanus do Aglatidas and Anatisa jar Yes answered Artemon and that extreamly Ah Artemon said Ottanus this which you have told me does much more perplex me I do not see any cause you have replyed Artemon Aglatidas when you married Amestris did love Anatisa as every one thought since then he has cast her off and gone away and what does all this concern you I cannot untangle my thoughts answered he but I wish Aglatidas had continued yet in love with Anatisa So would she too answered Artemon and laughed but since he is glad with a pretence to break with her why should it offend Ottanus Then having a mind to chide him after such a manner as should not make him angry Well Ottanus said he unto him I pray resolve me are you Jealous or are you only Phantastical I know not well what I am replyed he but I am most certain my mind is most unquiet and I find all symptomes of Jealousie in my self Then this is the first time answered Artemon that ever a Wife made her Husband jealous by neglecting her self by never going abroad nor seeing any body and by hiding her beauty with as much care as others take to shew it Therefore I am the more to be pityed replyed Ottanus for I see no remedy for my misery If Amestris had a gadding mind of going unto Balls and I disl ked it then I could hinder her from going any more but as the disease is I know not where to find a Remedy If you will follow my advice said Artemon unto him you shall never seek for any since certainly small diseases do commonly grow greater by remedies My disease replyed he is none of those which can be called small Truly said Artemon I know not how you should term it a great one Can a greater be imagined replyed Ottanus then to see the same which should have been my chief felicity become my greatest misery But why are you not happy replyed Artemon is not Amestris most fair is she not richer then any of her quality has she not as much wit as riches and beauty and has she not much more Virtue then either wit beauty or riches altogether is she not affable and complacential unto you what then would you have more I would see replyed he into the very bottom of her heart and see if there be no secret there which she has not already told What replyed Artemon what would you have her tell I would have her tell me replyed Ottanus half angry a likely lye rather then tell me nothing Artemon seeing Oltanus begin to be angry would incense him no further lest he should deprive himselfe of means to be serviceable unto Amestris for the future for though he was his Cousâ—â— yet it was his generosity which made him his friend and which side to take either hers or his was no Question since Reason would not allow him to take the part of Oltanus However conceiving it requisite to hold some hand of complacencie with him he ask'd him whether he would have him spâ—ak unto Amestris but the commendations which Oltanus gave of her would not permit Oltanus to give that Commission for he was of such a humour as he could not without anger heare his wife extolled nor I think could he endure to heare any speak in her dispraise Artemon not being able to regulate his minde went away and left him to champ upon his owne sullein and melancholly humour yet he was no sooner gone but the minde of Oltanus altered and as it is usuall with unquiet and jealous spirits he writ an intreating Letter unto him desiring him to see Amestris the next day and endeavour to discover the bottom of her soule the Letter did contradict it selfe in two or three severall places and it was easily perceived that the minde of him who writ it was not at rest Artemon failed not to doe as Oltanus desired him who in the mean time had given orders that they should let him enter though Amestris said she was not well and would see no body When he came to her he asked her pardon for interrupting her solitude and really desiring to doe her service he did not keep the conference which he had with Oltanus as a secret but on the contrary he truly told her the state of her husbands minde to the end she might contrive some wayes how to cure him lest his restlesse disposition should reflect upon herselfe Since Oltanus had rather you should tell a handsom lye than tell nothing at all I beseech you invent one and such a one as may cause quietnesse both to him and your selfe if it be so that there be any secret truth in your heart which you would not have him know I am much obliged unto you reply'd Amestris for your expressions of sincerity towards me yet generous Artemon I have nothing to tell him which I have not already told him my humor it is true is changed but I cannot tell the reason of it yet since in changing it is for the advantage of Oltanus what does he complaine of Look for no reason of his complaints reply'd Artemon for he has none though Madam I am forced to confesse your retirednesse is very strange and it is not strange that Oltanus should wonder at that which does astonish all the Court and Towne Yet since I am not so full of Curiosities as he but being very full of reall respects unto you I will beleeve that all you doe is well nor doe I desire to penetrate into the secrets of your heart But in the name of the Gods Madam if you can tell Oltanus something which may satisfie him and if it be possible be not so devoted unto solitude I am able but to doe the one halfe of what you desire me said she unto him which is to shew my selfe unto the world a little more then I doe But as for inventing any lyes and telling them unto Oltanus is a thing I cannot doe for I should tell them so scurvily that he would never believe me yet Artemon let me tell you that in following your Counsell I shall expose my selfe unto much misery it being more the likely that since Oltanus is jealous and knowes not of whome and at a time when my Closet is my Prison and when I see no body he will be much more when I haunt company Yet however since it is the pleasure of the Gods hee should become my Husband it is my duty to follow his will and to force my owne you may assure
conducted might be carried unto the Queen of Susiana Chrisantes was too gallant a man to treat so brave an enemy as he found him ill and told him that according to the Laws of war he must carry him to Cyrus but promised to obtain of him what he desired In the mean time Chrisantes did provide the most convenient lodgings that he could for those Ladies amongst which one of them was a most ravishing beauty and the next morning himself did Conduct these Prisoners unto Cyrus But in going thither they were to pass through a little town where the Queen of Susiana and the Princess Araminta was and they went by the Temple there just as those Princesses were coming out of it Chrisantes out of his respects unto them made a halt and the coach in which the Captive Ladies were staid and one of them knowing Panthea cryed out so loud as that Princess turning towards her looked seriously upon and knew her And being well acquainted with Chrisantes she sent unto him desiring the favour that she might speak with those Ladies which he conducted And since he was not ignorant what Respects Cyrus would have rendered unto that Queen he went himself unto her and said he would bring them unto her house as soon as she should be there and he was giving orders accordingly for it when news was brought him that Cyrus was coming to see Panthea and the Princess Araminta So that Chrisantes seeing the disposition was no more in him since his Master was present he left the Queen who was going into her Coach and went to acquaint Cyrus with her desire This Prince then passing by the Captive Ladies saluted them with as much civility as if they had not been Prisoners at all and going straight to the Queen of Susiana with whom the Princess Araminta was Madam said he unto her and bowed down to the very ground you will finde more conveniency at your own house then here to entertain these Ladies which are of your acquaintance Panthea then commanding they should obey Cyrus went to her own Lodging and the Coach in which the Captive Ladies were followed hers In the mean while Chrisantes presenting his Prisoner unto his Prince Sir said he unto him this enemy which you see here is questionless worthy of your protection since he assures me that the Prince Artamas is his friend if so said Cyrus and embraced him I am sure to be his also since I think my self obliged to love all that he loves That honor sir replyed the Prisoner would be too great for me and it would be enough if you will be pleased in consideration of him to treat those Ladies whom I conducted with all civility The consideration of the Queen of Susiana replyed Cyrus without any addition of the Prince Artamas is sufficient to oblige me unto it and your own merit without that Prince is also enough to make me your honorer for finding by your face that you are a man of quality and spirit and understanding by Chrisantes that you have as much soul and heart as a man can have there needs no more to induce me to it and to let you see I am serious before I certainly know what you are pray go with me to your Ladies who are with the Queen of Susiana In saying so they alighted from their horses and went unto Panthea's chamber whom he found full of expressions of friendship and affection unto one of those Prisoners My dear Cleonice said she unto her am I so happy as once to see you again And can I grieve for your imprisonment since it makes my own more sweet Madam replyed Cleonice the loss of my liberty shall delight me if it can any way adde unto your happiness however it is not long of your illustrious Conqueror said she and looked upon Cyrus that my Captivity is not sweet unto me Cyrus answered Panthea according to his ordinary generosity After this that Princess told him how the father of this fair prisoner was born her subject since he was the subject of Clasomenes although he dwelt at Ephesus and told him further that she had known Cleonice a long time and loved her exceedingly and that she was of a most sweet condition conjuring him to let her be with her and all the Ladies in her company also though she knew none of them Cyrus consented unto all her desires telling her they should have their liberty if he did not think their presence would be more pleasing to her and would divert her Afterwards Cyrus asked that Lady whose name was Cleonice whether she was any friend unto the Prince Artamas thinking it impossible but she must needs know him by the famous name of Cleander Sir answered she and blushed I am a debtor unto that honor which I have to be known unto the generous Ligdamis and pointed with her hand unto that prisoner which Chrisantes took and I make no question but when by his mediation Artamas shall know we are in your fetters he will obtain so much favour from you as that our chains may be as light as the Laws of War will permit The illustrious Cyrus said the Princess Araminta and interrupted her does not use to impose heavy ones upon his prisoners for he is much more observant unto the Laws of Generosity then the Laws of which you speak Whilst Araminta was speaking thus Panthea looked upon Ligdamis and thought she should remember the name then addressing her self to him I pray Sir tell me said she and smiled whether your father be not Governor of the Castle of Hermes and whether you are not that same Ligdamis whom reports say does make a publique profession to be a declared enemy of Love and to all them that are in love Madam replyed he doubtless I am the man you mean though I am not the same I was Leonice blushed at the answer of Ligdamis but to turn it as handsomly as she could she said when none asked her that one of her Cousins being sick in the Country she durst not venture to go from Ephesus unto her if Ligdamis had not offered to guard her and one of his sisters which she shewed unto Panthea who indeed was very fair Cyrus knowing by this discourse the name and quality of his prisoner did use him more civilly then before conceiving it might advantage the design of Artamas So that after a long visit unto these fair Prisoners he left them with Panthea and charged Araspes to treat them with all possible sweetness and curtesie As for Ligdamis he carried him with him assuring the Ladies that he would be as careful of him as Panthea could be of them and indeed in their return unto the Camp they talked together and Cyrus to testifie how dear the friends of Artamas were unto him he let him have his liberty upon his parole and told him he should have no other guards upon him but his own generosity Ligdamis returned thanks with all imaginable submission and
answered Cleonice I should make you my Friend and Ligdamis should be no longer a Lover Yet Madam said be unto her is it not possible to accustom your self to endure I should love you a little more then I did before and to acquaint you with my sufferings You promised as much when I parted from you and told me you would receive my services as testimonies of my friendship I have every day for six moneths together suffered a thousand torments and in lieu of accepting my obedience according to your promise will you prepare new punishments for me That would not be just said I and interrupted them and if Cleonice will follow my advice she should not be so rigorous Why do you say so Ismenea said she unto me Can you be so much byassed by your affection to Lygdamis as to counsel me unto any gallantry with him That word said I unto her is a little too much but I do confess I know no reason why you should treat Ligdamis as if he were not so much as your friend for we are obliged to love our friends in miseries as well as in happiness I do confess said she that they who do not so are only the false friends of prosperity and deserve not that glorious title of friend Then if Ligdamis said I unto her hath lost his reason by any manner of misfortune and seeks all remedies to cure himself of all his miseries and follies but can finde none would you not endeavour to ease him and much pitty his misfortune Doubtlesse I should replied she Then why do you not said I unto her and laughed for do you not see that he is not master of his reason though you do not grant him so much affection as perhaps his folly desires yet receive his affection with some kinde of sweetnesse for it is not the part of true Friendship to forsake him in so great a misfortune as his is to love one that is insensible And for my part if you use him so you must give me leave to think you make no other use of your friends but to serve your own ends and to divert you since you cannot endure they should trouble you once in their lives Cleonice hearing me say so began to smile and Ligdamis to thank me And he afterwards joined his most perswasive Rethorique unto mine and we so overcame her that after two hours converse we obtained that Ligdamis should stay in Ephesus and that he should see her but still upon condition never to speak unto her of any Love matters Thus then were some days spent but since it was not possible for Ligdamis to lock up his love so close in his heart but that it would break out in some of his actions or words there was not a day but Cleonice and he had two or three quarrels But Cleonice did insensibly accustom her self to answer him and though it was always with a spirit of contradiction yet it was a great comfort unto him to talk of that which took up his whole soul And indeed it came to that pass at last that Cleonice became the Confident of his Passion and could not endure he should speak of any thing else And though she always advised him never to hope for any thing and often commanded him to quench his flames yet in the end she had no desire to be obeyed She would often be so melancholly that every one would chide her At the first this surprised me because I never saw her in such an humour before but after I had discovered the phantastical cause of her melancholly which took her often and left her often and I found the fit would always take her when contrary to her intention she had spoken a little more sweetly concerning Ligdamis then she intended and when her memorie did chide herself for being not sharp enough with him she would be sure to be dogged all that day both towards her self and all that came near her and on the contrary when she had the power to treat him ill she appeared more pleasant and nothing but joy could be seen in her eyes Also one could never see them both in a good humour at one time for when Ligdamis was ravished with joy at some favourable word which Cleonice had spoke then she was always melancholly and when he was sad at any harsh passage from her then would she be exceedingly pleasant so great was her care to hinder him from seeing she was not insensible Yet it is most certain she did not hate him and though she would not call her affection by the name of Love yet her change was so much that it deserved no other name For a hundred trivial passages which slipt from her unawares did sufficiently manifest as much I remember that whilst he passed under the notion of her friend only she cared not in what dresse he saw her and I have seen him in her chamber some daies when her dress was so careless that any other beauty but hers would have lost its lustre and I am confident she did never once in all her life consult with her glass how to please him But since his return it is otherwise for Ligdamis never could see her till she was dresâ— She made a shew as if her design in it was only to wean him by degrees from that familiarity he had with her but the true design was that Ligdamis might think her more fair I humblie ask your pardon Madam for making such an exact relation of every trivial passage for since you commanded it I hope my obedience will plead for my excuse Be pleased to know further that as love cannot lie long hid so Hermodorus Artelinda and Phocylides presently came to know that Ligdamis was in love and in love with Cleonice So that the Passion of Hermodorus augmented the Love of Phocilides revived and the Hatred of Artelinda renewed and became more violent for she was so vexed to see the heart of Ligdamis resist her charms and be captivated by Cleonice's that she uttered a hundred symptoms of envy Moreover as it is the custom of many Ladies that are a little too gallantly inclined to justifie themselves by accusing others she divulged it in two or three dayes throughout the Town that Ligdamis was in love with Cleonice adding further that Cleonice was not so hard-hearted as she was wont to be saying in her railierie that Love had wounded two hearts with one blow The noise of it was so great in so little time that it did not only come presently unto my ears but it reached Cleonice's also who heard it with more sorrow then I can express for I saw many signs of anger break out at her eyes but I could not tell whether it was against Ligdamis or against Artelinda or against herself and she would not explain herself but spoke many things which much puzled me Yet I certainly knew that Ligdamis was upon better terms in her heart then he believed
you will deny me If you fear to obtain that which you would ask replyed Panthea your best course is not to ask it That would not be just replyed he For truly Madam being upon the point of departure my desires are so violent to know upon what tearms I stand in your opinion that I cannot take my leave of you unless you do me the favour to inform me But withall being conscious of my own unworthiness I am afraid and that with much reason that if you do not grant my desires you will force me into such despair as I dare not so much as look upon you lest I should find the thoughts of your heart in your fair eyes However Madam said he not giving her leasure to interrupt him give me leave to let you know before pou speak that whatsoever you either will or can speak unto me I shall for ever adore you with a most unequalled passion and that as I have loved you from the very first instant I saw you so I shall love you to the last minute of my life Therefore never think I beseech you that by being rigorous you can chase out of my heart that passion which the fairest eyes upon earth have created in it No no Madam it is impossible all your power is not able to reach so far doubtless you may make me the most happy or miserable man alive but you cannot hinder me from being eternally yours and more yours then my own Tell me then I beseech you Madam how I stand in your thoughts and whether it be permitted me to hope I am in a better condition then Mexaris Mexaris replyed she is a great Prince whom I reverence with all respect due unto his Quality But as for Abradates he is not well advised to eradicate that himself which his own merit had planted in my heart and which if he had not I should have infinitely esteemed him but in the humour that now I am in he hath put a great obstacle unto that friendship which I reserved for him by speaking to me as he hath done Is it possible Madam said Abradates that I should have been higher in your esteem if I had not given you any testimonies of my Love If so certainly I am the most happy man alive and I have no more to ask Deceive not your self Abradates replyed the Princess for I am fully perswaded that since you have took so much boldness as to speak what you have done you do not esteem me enough I know not whether I have told you before but I see though I should tell it a hundred times yet all would be over-little to perswade you that though I do infinitely esteem those excellent Qualities which are in you yet since you do not esteem me so much as I desire to be I cannot think my self at all obliged unto you for that affection which you tell is in you Alas Madam replyed Abradates what higher testimony of a great esteem can be given unto any then to give ones entire heart to make you absolute Mistriss of my Destiny and who would neither live nor die but according to your Dictates and Decrees In these resolutions I appear prostrate before you Madam and can you say I do not enough esteem you You know very well Madam that your eyes did never afford me one favourable look what would you have me do now I am ready to depart and leave such a Prince as Mexaris is at Sardis However Madam though you will not be pleased to let me know how I am in your thoughts yet I beseech you let me know at the least what place my Rival holds there for if he be but upon worse conditions then my self I protest I shall depart without any murmur and without asking any further favour If there want nothing but that ingenuous Declaration to satisfie you replyed the Princess and smiled I pray leave me at rest and keep your self so also In the mean time know Abradates said she and assumed a more serious look that persons of my Quality and Virtue never use to dispose of themselves but to suit themselves and minds unto their Fortunes therefore though I had a disposition to let you love me yet I would never permit it until I were in a condition that I might do it innocently and without impudence After this I have no more to say unless this that you wil much oblige me if you wil not force me to fly your company As Abradates was ready to reply the Princess Palmis came in broke off the discourse And as we were then in a great walk of Cypress Trees planted so close to one another that they made a very thick hedg It chanced as I cast my eyes upon a place where I saw the Boughs to shake I perceived Perinthus lurking and looking through I no sooner spied him but I shewed him Doralisa which did much amaze her that he should be so earnest to leave her to that end Perinthus also was at an extream nonplus and told her that as he was going out of the Garden he met with him whom he had intended to go unto about his business which being done he returned into the Garden again and taking into another walk before he was aware he had a mind to see whether any had come in to supply his place since he went out before he entred again I understood you very well Perinthus said she unto him you think to make me conceal your incivility by this excuse but truly you must invent a better before you prevail Perinthus being in a terrible fear that Doralisa should go and acquaint the Princess and others with the disorder which she discovered in his Spirit beseeched her that she would honour him with her hand again then putting the Boughs of the Cypress close again he began to conjure Doralisa in a low voice not to speak unto any of the disorder which she discovered in his soul I promise you that I will not replyed she upon condition that you will acquaint me with the true cause or to say better confess it unto me for to tell you truly I am confident you are in Love with the Princess Ah Doralisa cryed he out I must trust my self unto your discretion but I do conjure you Doralisa in the name of the Gods that you do not discover it I promise you I will not said she unto him upon condition you will be ingenuous and sincere Know then pursued Perinthus that the Prince of Clasomena understanding that Mexars and Abradates were both in Love with Panthea he apprehended much joy for the first of these and much sorrow for the second and therefore he absolutely commanded me to discover if I could the true apprehensions of the Princess his Daughter and if it were possible to prevent Abradates from having any private discourse with her yet I can safely swear unto you that yet I have not told the least circumstance of any thing unto the
Subjects of Croessus had orders to bring their victual for the accommodation of the Camp every City and Tovvn being taxed and rated at a certain quantity vvhich they vvere required to furnish out Cyrus then understanding that his Enemies vvould presently come unto him if he vvent not unto them did forecast how to prevent them And in order to that he commanded a General Muster of all his Army which he found to consist of about a hundred and forty thousand Men he held a Councel of War to consult how he might assault the Town of Nisomolis where he was to pass the River The King of Phrigia the King of Hircania the Prince Tigranâ—â— Phraartes Persodes Gobrias Gadates Hidaspes Adusius Chrisantes Artabases and many others were of this Councel Where it was Resolved That they should not make a formal regular Siege of it but that it were better to lose some Souldiers in storming of it then to lie lingering before it until the Enemy came to relieve it with his whole Army This was no sooner resolved upon but Cyrus thought how to execute it so that the day following his Troops began to draw forth yet the first day he made a false March purposely to deceive the Enemy and indeed they were much deceived for making no question but Cyrus intended to pass the River at the Castle of Hermes and thither therefore they sent away the greatest part of their Forces contenting themselves with as many only as would keep the Garison of Nisomolis As Cyrus never used to neglect any thing that was his duty he went to take his leave of the Queen of Susiana and the Princess Araminta Most of the Princes in his Company did the same and amongst the rest Phraartes whose passion did dayly encrease though the coldness of the Princess should rather have lessened it The Conference of Cyrus with these two Princesses was upon some things of concernment he did yet comfort them as much as he could always assuring them that he aymed at nothing but Mandana's releasement and that if the Fate of Arms were so favorable to him he would for their sakes remember the persons who amongst his Enemies were so dear unto them After which he took horse and went on his Journey In the mean time maugre the remembrance of so many angry Oracles and fatal Predictions which might well have made the heart of Cyrus to tremble yet he did gloss his sorrows so well that all the Souldiers who were ignorant of them did march with as much alacrity as they were wont to do when they went unto a certain Victory And when they saw Cyrus put on his Arms and take horse there appeared a most noble Fury in his eyes and indeed this Prince was so unlike himself when he prepared to fight or give out Military Orders that there was not a greater alteration in the countenance of the Pithian when she gave her Oracles then in the face of Cyrus when the sword was in his hand One would have said that a new spirit did animate him and that he himself was become the God of War his complexion grew high and lively his eyes more sparkling his action more free his voyce more clear and every way more majestical so that at his least beck he struck terror into the Souls of all about him Yet did there always appear a calm serenity in his Soul maugre this heroique agility which made him perpetually change his place and be in every place to give Orders throughout all and certainly he did it with so much prudence as never any could ever tax him with commanding any thing to an ill purpose Also he was always obeyed with most exact diligence and blind obedience as soon as ever he spoke the word all were ready to execute and his presence had something in it so divine and terrible both that when he was in the head of his Army only with his all-commanding Trunchion in his hand one might very well say he made both his Friends and his Enemies to tremble and wrought different effects in the hearts of both for his Enemies out of very fear did often fly and his Friends out of fear to displease him became incomparably more valiant and certainly that divine heat which warmed his heart and sparkled in his eyes did communicate it self throughout the Army and begot such an ardent desire of fighting as was often a great Cause of Victories Thus did Cyrus appear when he had a sword in his hand and in the head of his Army when he went to storm the Town of Nisomolis Since it was very concerning to carry it in a short time do what the King of Phrigia and Hircania could he himself would needs be the first that fell on and many have assured me that he carryed the first Ladder and was first upon the Enemies Rampart This is without all dispute that had he not been there this little Town vvould have held out maugre all our men above eight days yet by his incomparable valor it vvas reduced in less then tvventy four hours vvith the loss of very fevv men though half of the Garison vvas cut in pieces and the rest listed themselves under Cyrus Thus did the King of Lidia in a little time lose a most considerable Pass over the River Hermes and at least three thousand of his best Souldiers This good beginning put joy into the vvhole Army of Cyrus and struck such a terror into all the Country along the River Hermse as if all Lidia vvere conquered In the mean time after a Garrison vvas put into the Tovvn Cyrus caused all his Forces to pass over the Bridg at Nisomolis so that in a day and half this great Army did over-spread all the Neighbouring fields carrying vvith it such a horrid fear that from the banks of the River Hermes unto the River Pactolus there vvas not a Lydian heart vvhich did not tremble the Army of Croessus it self vvas astonished yet since it vvas much more numerous then that of Cyrus it presently took heart again But since some of their Forces vvere not yet come up Croessus vvas not over-forvvard to take the field but thought it most expedient to let the fury of this storm vvhich made such a noyse to cool a little conjecturing that the Army of Cyrus vvould lessen vvhilst his increased yet he sent 20000. men under the conduct of Andramites to check the over-forvvardness of Cyrus his Army until such time as he vvas ready to march and still confiding in the Oracle vvhich he received from Delphos so much that though his Army had been vveak as it vvas strong yet should he hope for Victory and that he should ruine the Empire vvhich Cyrus vvas in expectation of In the mean vvhile Cyrus possessed himself of all passages became Master of the Field and left not a Tovvn on his back vvhich could annoy him but took all in his vvay and terror vvas spread so far that most did render themselves as
addition of Forces He was no sooner advertised by his Spies which he had purposely set that Abradates had passed over the River Halis with his Troops but he took horse after he had sent to acquaint the Kings of Phrigia and Hircania and other Princes of his Army so that in a very short time having abundance with him he went to meet these Princes some thirty furlongs from his Camp He was no sooner come on to a little rising ground but he saw the Troops of Abradates appear and those which he had sent out meet with them so that marching forward with about five hundred Horses only he met Abradates and his Rival When these two Bodies were so neer that the first Ranks might know each other the King of Assyria Abradates and Mazares out of the respect which they owed unto Cyrus as their ancient Conqueror and as now to be their Protector did leave their main Body and advanced towards him Cyrus no sooner saw their action but he did the same both sides alighting from their Horses at the same time some twenty paces from each other Abradates as it was agreed between the King of Assyria Mazares and himself did advance the first and presented the rest unto Cyrus Sir said he unto him If I had come alone unto you I should have feared my reception but since I bring with me two such valiant Princes and so many gallant men which follow them I dare hope you will not deny us protection especially when you consider that I have brought a Prince who would have brought the Princess Mandana to you if she would have given credit to him and who would have brought the Prince Artamas also if it had been possible Upon his saying so the King of Assyria and Mazares saluted Cyrus the first of these with a kind of angry civility and the other with a most melancholy respect Cyrus returned these salutes very civilly though with more coldness then he resolved yet he spoke unto them with incomparable generosity as soon as he had overcome his natural repugnancy to embrace his Rivals and the Ravishers of Mandana and as soon as this averse Ceremony was over I make no doubt at all of Victory now said he unto them nor can Fortune as powerful as she is prevent the Releasement of Mandana You may see by this Sir said Mazares unto him and gave him Mandana's Letter that the adored Princess you speak of might have been out of Prison had she pleased and that I did my best to obtain my pardon Cyrus then taking Mandana's Letter from the hand of his Rival with as great an agitation of spirit as Mazares had in giving it he opened it and after a civil Complement unto the Princess he read these words MANDANA to the Invincible CYRUS IF the Prince Mazares be so generous as to give you this Letter and will fight for you then receive him as if he had released me since it was long only of my self that I was not released by him Render therefore unto his Virtue that which I have refused him and be assured he will merit your friendship if is be true that his repentance be real Therefore without any remembrance of his carrying me away from Sinope think how he protected me at Babylon and would have released me out of Sardis Live therefore with him as if he were always your Friend and as if he had never been your Rival And be assured that you will sensibly oblige her who is the most just and most acknowledging person in the world Adieu Extract out of the last words in this Letter all the câ—nsolation that she can give you whose Name is with a true Epithite Vnfortunate MANDANA Whilest Cyrus was reading this Letter the King of Assyria's mind was full of unimaginable torment and speaking unto Mazares in a low voyce You are a happy man said he unto him that can with such a calm and moderate Passion give Mandana's Letter unto your Rival I do not think my self to be in any condition of envy replyed Mazares sadly and I beleeve you would think so as well as I if you did but know my heart As they were thus talking together Cyrus having read this Letter which infused much calmness into his spirit he looked upon Mazares with much mildness and assured him most obligingly and generously both that he would esteem him as the Releaser of Mandana and never remember his act at Sinope So that Mazares maugre the Passion of his Soul was ravished with admiration as well as the King of Susiana But since the King of Assyria did impatiently resent this discourse Cyrus did end it very handsomly And Abradates did present Andramite unto him Also Mazares presented Belesis telling him that this his illustrious Friend could well testifie his Repentance Also Anaxaris Sosicles Tegeus and Feraulas coming up towards him Cyrus embraced them with much joy especially the last of these After which taking horse he rid towards the Camp where Cyrus was no sooner arrived but according to the Orders which he had given a Councel of War was held in his Tent to consult whether the Truce should still be observed or whether this accident ought to move them to break it off Mazares gave there his voyce as freely the first day as if he had been an ancient Friend of Cyrus The question was a while in doubt some gave their votes to break off the Treaty and take advantage of the disorder in the Army of Croessus and others affirmed that it did not suit with the glory of Cyrus to do so Those who were of this opinion said that this which happened was an advantage which could not be attributed unto Cyrus since he had yet done nothing but receive his Prisoners and give retreat unto an ill treated Prince and unto some other Malecontents of Quality that therefore patience was to be used since the Truce would not last above three days In conclusion the business being well debated how great a desire soever Cyrus had to fight especially having now got the Pass over the River Halis free by the means of Andramites his Brother yet notwithstanding he would never violate the Laws of War So that this being the Result of the Councel all the Princes retired unto their Tents which were prepared for them except Abradates whom Cyrus did wait upon unto a little Town where his dear Panthea lodged giving Orders unto Artabases to withdraw to the end there might be no sign of any Captivity Cyrus would have Andramites also to follow Abradates that he might have a sight of Doralisa thinking the Gods would one day reward him for having comiseration upon unfortunate Lovers like himself and for his care in sweetening the bitter Pills of their miseries though he saw no remedy for his own The End of the second Book in the fifth Part. ARTAMENES OR The Grand CYRUS The Fifth Part. BOOK III. AFter Cyrus had done every thing that the dignitie of his Place
I shall tell you further that he thinkes you the fairest he ever saw and if you will not beleeve me I will move him to tell you as much himself As soone as he had said so not giving Cleodora time to answer he turned towards Belesis and calling him aloud Come hither Belesis said he unto him come and confirme what I have told Cleodora Provided you have told her that I think her the fairest upon earth said Belesis coming neer the Coach which went very softly and saluting her with a low Congie I shall most Joyfully confirme your words and that with an oath if need be Doubtlesse Generous stranger answered she and smiled you think you do Hermogenes a curtesie in commending any thing he shewes you and indeed I receive your flatteries rather as a marke of your friendship to him then of any good opinion you have of me If it were so Madam replied Belesis I should have commended every beauty which I saw in this place before you came purposely to oblige Hermogenes But I can assure you I commended none but your self and I must add said Hermogenes that if Belesis Love any in Susa it must be the Faire Cleodora for he told Alcenor and me that he perceived in himself such a kind of heart-trembling as useth to precede Love alwaies as soon as Hermogenes had said so so many Coaches mett in that Place as of necessitie the discourse must break off Belesis telling Cleodora with his eyes that all Hermogenes said was true and Cleodora made such signes by the actions of her head and hand as made her thoughts somthing apparent After which all the Ladies retired to their homes and so did we In our way thither Belesis asked us of what disposition Cleodora was and whether she had many Servants Since I was better able to informe him then Hermogenes who had been absent a whole year I took upon me to answer and satisfie his Curiositie which indeed was better grounded then he imagined So that to content him I told him in general that there was not one of her sex in Susa who had more or a finer spirit then she had I perceived that already replied he both by her Physiognomie and the aire wherewith she spoke But that which I desire to know is of what kind of spirit that is Since that is your desire replied I I must tell you that Cleodora hath in appearance more sweet affabilitie then ever any had yet those who know the bottome of her heart do say she is a little more severe but how ever it be it is most certain that very many strive to please her though she dislikes all yet notwithstanding all this there is much tendernesse and goodnesse in her spirit and this third is a mixture of complacence and severity both in her soule which makes her not alwayes of an equall temper though she be alwayes affably pleasant Moreover she is extreamly nice and delicate in choise of her friends which is commended by some and much blamed by others for if those who visit her be not very compleat men of admirable Parts she cares not for their company nor whether they esteeme her or esteem her not You do very much perplex me said Belesis for you tell me such a story as makes Cleodora very dreadfull to me and yet I cannot chuse but think it much pleasure to engage the heart of such a one as you describe her If you dare attempt it replied I you are more bold then many compleat gallants of our Court who questionlesse have a great inclination to love Cleodora but dare not attempt it Not but that as you see she is civill and affable enough yet it is so difficult a task to please her that few men have so good an opinion of themselves as ever to go about it Moreover this must be said in her commendations that she is never deceived in her choise and whosoever she esteemes does certainly deserve to be so yet for all that it were to be wished she would be more indulgent then she is to the imperfections of others not that she doth ever speak of them but because she will never speak unto them who have them or if she do it is with such a cold indifferency as makes them despair who have so much witt as to discerne it yet for all this Cleodora is admirably complacent especially unto those whom she has a desire to be acquainted with and therefore since you merit to be in the catalogue of those whom she esteemes I advise you to see her and see her often whilst you are at Susa Though it be but ou of mear curiosity replied Belesis certainly I will see her let me give you this advice said Hermogenes for you must know that if Cleodora have not changed her humour she is yet very fantasticall and puts a great difference between the compleat gallants of the Court and others therefore if you desire to please her you must not live as a stranger that would never be known perhaps the reason is replied Belesis because she is perswaded it is impossible to be compleat unless one have such a garbe and aire as is very rarely gotten any where but in Court besides that added I Cleodora knowes not what to say unto such as are ignorant of the newes which is in the world and which she knowes admirably well To please Cleodora then replied Belesis it seems I must furnish my self with a hundred thousand things of discourse doubtlesse you must replied I unlesse you have a priviledge above others if you would have her talk long with you Thus Sr. did Hermogenes and I make Cleodora known unto Belesis who was entertained at his friends house with much magnificence The next day following Hermogenes went to the King and to the Prince of Susa who then was and carried Belesis with him whose name was not unknown unto these Princes for his father had formerly been a long time together at Susa After this two or three dayes were spent in receiving visits which were rendred unto Hermogenes and in letting Belesis see the rarities of the towne After this he asked Hermogenes when he would carry him unto Cleodora for said he though I am not yet well furnished with such discourse as will divert her yet I have a great desire to visit her Hermogenes sent immediatly to know whether Cleodora was at home and answer was brought that about an hour since she was gone into the country and would not return this fifteen dayes Since I intend to stay three monethâ— in this place replied Belesis to comfort my self I must imagine that it is a delight deserred not lost During the absence of Cleodora Hermogenes shewed Belesis all the beauties both in Court and Town but his heart was not at all moved by them and being of a pleasant and quick war he made himself acquainted with all the friends of Hermogenes in a short time and knew the severall interests
his civilitie and praying for his prosperity Yet Phraartes could not obtain one smile from the Princes Araminta whose sorrows for the prisonment of Spitridates and fears of the battel were so great that she hardly took any notice of him as for Ligdamis he received all imaginable expressions of tendernesse from his dear Leonisa but for Andramites he saw Doralisa onely in termes of civilitie yet he did not think himself altogether miserable since she looked so well as in termes of civility upon him in the mean time Abradates took not his last leave till the next morning but as he was ready to put on his Arms which he used to wear Panthea sent him a most magnificent sute which she had secretly caused to be made and which she trimmed up with all her jewels His helmet glittered with abundance of rich Diamonds and had a plume of purple colour the rest of the arms were sutably rich and of the same colour with his plume so that Abradates wondering to see a stately sute of arms began his thanks unto his dear Panthea by complaining against her for dressing his arms with her jewels which were for her self at a feast of rejoycing after the victory I have so great an opinion of your valour said she unto him and we are so indebted unto the illustirous Cyrus that I thought it requisit you should weare very remarkable arms to the end your glorious acts may the more easily be discerned by him in the day of battle but for all the courage of Panthea she could not pronounce these words without a shower of teares she endeavoured to hide them lest Abradates should take them as a sad omen nor would that Prince take notice of them lest it should too much melt her heart and his own but many expressions of an inviolable eternal affection passed between them and he promised so to acquit himself in the sight of Cyrus as should become him so that insensibly ingaging themselves in a discourse of Cyrus they did infinitely commend him for his civil usage of them Panthea making the time as long as she could before they bad this cruel adieu purposely the longer to enjoy the sight of her dear Abradates who was never so handsom and gallant as in this glorious sute of arms But the time did come that he must leave her and he embraced his dear Panthea and then pronouncing the word adieu he went out of her chamber to mount into a most magnificent Chariot of war which waited for him at the Castle-gate Panthea following him with all the rest of the Ladies which were prisoners And he espying her with such a sadnesse in his countenance as was not sutable to his great and heroique soul he went back unto her and taking her by her fair hand which he kissed with a sad devotion and being desirous she would go in again I pray unto the gods cryed he out I may behave my self as one that is worthy to be Pantheas husband and Cyrus his friend after which conjuring her once more to retire he left her and went hastily into his Chariot but she was not retired till he was quite out of sight he still looking upon her as long as he could But as if the constancy of Panthea had been inspired that she should never see him again she sounded and her women were forced to carry her to bed In the mean time never was such a glorious sight as this Army for not onely Cyrus the king of Assyria Mazares and all the rest of the Princes were most magnificently armed but there was not a common souldier which shined not in his arms so that the sun shining that day without a cloud made the march of this army the most glorious sight that ever eye beheld All the Cavalry had marrions of burnish Brasse with white feathers their suits of arms carnation colour and their lances all gilt or imbroidered As for Cyrus his arms were the same of gold which he wore that day he gained the victory over the King of Assyria the horse he rid on had also the honour to serve him in many of his victories and particularly in that so that the king of Assyria knowing these armes he sighed and could not chuse to say unto Cyrus I pray heavens said he unto him that those arms which now you wear prove as fortunate against Cressus and the kings of Pontus as they did against me and I beseech the gods I may make better use of mine this day then I did on that You did such glorious things that day replid Cyrus modestly that if fortune had not been your foe Ciaxares had not been conquerour and therefore I have greater hopes this day in your valour then in mine own Then Mazares Tigranes Phraartes Anaxares Gobrias Gadates and all the volunteers coming unto him he commanded that all the army should march he himself did lead up the vanguard with the king of Assyria unto whom he gave the right hand and offered him the command of it Hidaspes commanded the main body of the battle wherein were all the Homotimes the King of Phrygia the rare guard and Abradates al the Chariots of war which made a distinct body of it self Cyrus then beginning to advance having first sent out scouts to discover the enemy gave motion to this huge body who with one wink dispersed spirits into it Cressus also and the King of Pontus prepared for a general combate and neglected nothing that might get a victory T is true there was a vast difference between these two armies for hope was in that of Cyrus and fear was in the Lydian kings Not that he was any thing inferiour in numbers especially since the arival of the Egyptian Auxiliaries and of those forces which the Prince of Myssia and Arimaspes brought up but the very name of Cyrus was grown so terrible every where that it was no sooner known in the camp of Cressus this prince was come over the river Halis but fear seised upon the hearts of all his souldiers and the night following their frontier Guards gave many false alarmes to their own side for they apprehended such fears as made them beleeve they saw what they saw not so that they stood all night in their arms Cressus then fearing lest this general terrour should grow to be one of those panick fears which hath ruined whole armies without a blow resolved to expresse some courage and by his example to infuse it into others that he might meet Cyrus so that the morning after he disencamped and advanced a little beyond Thybarra at the same time Cyrus was drawing towards him so that these two huge armies encamped that night within fifty furlongs of each other Cyrus because he would not be surprised passed over all that night without any sleep and the King of Assyria and Mazares being as vigilant as he they were witnesses of the pains he took in every thing and how he neglected nothing that might obtain a
deal with such a Prince as Cyrus was As this Hero was ever used to seek his enemies and never to turn his back upon them he drew up into battalia upon another hill opposite to that which Cressus possessed and seemed so exceedingly desirous to be fighting that he stood in need of all his prudence to stop the heat of that courage which desired to hazard all then not fight Yet upon better consideration finding that if he lost this Battle his glory would receive a foil and Mandana would not be released he examined the matter a little better He saw that the right wing of Cressus was sheltred with the Town of Thyberra which on that side was naturally fortified by the fall of many Torrents which time had made so deep and impetuous that the passages were not fordable Cyrus also saw that the main body of his enemies was most judiciously placed so that more advantage could not be devised for indeed it was in a little wood which nature had so intrenched that all art could not mend it As for his left wing it also had possession of another Hill the accesse unto which was through many ditches so that it were fond imprudence to fight vpon such disadvantages especially since Cressus was more numerous then himself The King of Lydia hoped that Cyrus would have done as hee did at Artaxates and in Assyria so that Cyrus hazarding all and he nothing he might chance get the victory But since prudence will alter thoughts according to occasions Cyrus who did hazard all in Armenia to deliver Mandana where he might well in reason do it would not do so in Lydia where he should hazard the losse of Mandana and the victory also yet hee used all possible stratagems to make Cressus quit the ground he was in possession of and to provoke him to fight upon reasonable termes It may truely be said all military Art was used upon this occasion to draw his enemy out of his holds so that every day both Armies had continually skirmishes though Cyrus could not engage his enemy in a main Battle In the mean while the place where he was encamped was very incommodious for him for his enemies being master of the little river which ran by Thyberra he wanted drink both for horse and man and likewise all manner of forrage Cyrus then resolving to disincamp resolved to quarter neer Pactolus where his Army might have plenty of all provisions which he wanted in the quarters he quitted and where he might observe the motion of his enemies which way soever they moved and force them to fight if they stirred the question was whether they should remove in the night or in the day time for though prudence told Cyrus it should be in the night yet his great soul would not permit him his chief reason why he desired to follow the motions of his courage was because he was in hope Cressus would follow him and so he should face about and fight him But since there was some danger in that attempt and that good successe was doubtfull he resolved upon an honourable Retreat in the face of an Army much stronger then himself and commanded by Princes expert in Command so that at break of day his first Brigade began to march the second followed afterwards the Artillery and Charriots marched in the head of the Infantry The Orders of Cyrus were so well executed that the Retreat was without disorder except the first Brigade of the right wing wherein Cyrus was because the left wing of Cressus which was opposite to it and wherein the Lydians and Mariandins were was best able to fall upon this Prince because there was fewer obstacles on that side then any other and they left them to charge that Prince whom not a Lydian durst look in the face upon even termes nor now assault him but because he retreated In the mean time Cyrus commanded that body of Horse which Hydaspes commanded to keep their ground upon the plain to the end his Brigade might retreat between the Horse as indeed they did But those forces which Artabases commanded that day who retreated with the rest of the Army as well as those which Anaxaris commanded were assaulted by the Mariandines who received them with much courage especially Anaxaris who indeed did miracles at that time But do what they could the Troops which they commanded were worsted Anaxaris was wounded and taken prisoner and A 〈…〉 s more happy then he disingaged himself from amongst them and got amongst his own party The enemy encouraged by this prosperous beginning had advanced their victory if Hydaspes had not stopped them and given them such a sharp repulse as merited the acclamations and praise of both Armies for hee charged with such furious valour as made it appear he merited the favour of Cyrus and fighting both for his own glory and the glory of his Master he beat the Mariandines and Lydians as farre as half way up the Hill from whence they descended But three squadrons comming fresh upon him and all the Cavalry of Cressus being commanded to oppose the valour of Hydaspes He and his forces were forced to submit unto such a multitude and retreated in confusion especially because they retreated down the Hill Cyrus whose prudence could not be deluded did foresee this and commanded one part of his Troops to draw up into Battalia on the top of the next Hill and ordered his Brigade to keep the plain to assist the retreat of Hydaspes and to that end he went from squadron to squadron to exhort them all to shew themselves worthy of that good opinion which he had of them and their courage and indeed he had a confidence that they would do as heretofore they were accustomed and never forsake him Yet as he charged those who forced his men to retreat in disorder these same squadrons who promised never to forsake him nor never yet had done so were blasted with that same fear which heretofore they were wont to astonish others so that whether the multitude of their enemies did amaze them or whether the tumultuous retreat of their own side did shake their courage they forsook Cyrus so that there was no other course for him but to think of saving himself that he might save all his Army yet he would not resolve upon that course untill he was driven to the danger of being either killed or taken more then once so loath was he to retreat from his enemies who never met him but were beaten Those of his men whom fear frighted out of judgement ran away to the bottom of the Hill where all the Infantry stood as a Reserve but those who had so much courage as to look danger in the face and retain their reason stayed at a passe in the plain where there was a little blinde which did in some sort hide them Cyrus who at this time had his spirits as free and his soul as seeing as if he were in no
danger spying some of his men which made a halt in this place began to rally as many of them as he could together and couragiously facing about upon his enemies did not only stop their pursuit but did vigorously repulse them and beat them up the Hill which Cyrus his men had quitted After this Heroick Act Cyrus meeting with the King of Assyria the King of Phrygia the King of Hircania and all the Princes of his Army he fully determined to give Battle and not to alter from the first Orders which he had given and indeed there needed no other alteration unlesse that the first Brigade of the right wing should change places with the second Cyrus not conceiving them yet recovered out of those fears into which they were driven and therefore would not expose them to the first shock of the Battle not but that there is ever some danger to change Orders in the face of an enemy yet the change of those two Brigades was done in such excellent order and regular motion that the least confusion did not appear for commanding a countermarch they passed from ones place to the others between rank and rank and kept their distances and motions so even that in a very little time they were ready to fight as if there had been no change at all All the Calvalry which Cyrus had rallied were sent unto such Quarters as were fit to be possessed and all things were so soon and so well ordered that it was not discerneable any men were lost in this retreat the losse whereof in reallity was very small In the mean time Cyrus who was alwayes circumspect to chuse the most advantagious ground especially in the day of Battle took the right wing and quartered them with the first Brigade whose squadrons were composed of Persians Medes and Cappadoceans and placed a Body of Voluntiers who desired the honour to fight where he did between two squadrons which Gadates commanded in the head of which this Prince would fight The most eminent of these Voluntiers were Persodes Andramites Ligdamis Timâ—râ—â—n Sosules Hermogenes Belesis Orsanus and Tegeus Feraulus and Ortalques alwayes keeping close to their Masters Those who this day served under this Prince were the King of Assyria who commanded the first Brigade assisted by Aglatidas Tigranes kept close unto the person of Cyrus and was adjutant unto him as Aglatidas was unto the King of Assyria Artabanes commanded the Cavalry of this Brigade In the mean while Mazares took upon him the command of the left wing the first division whereof was equal in number of squadrons to the first division of the right wing Gobrias commanding this first division was assisted by Adusius Phraartes commanded the cavalry of this Brigade The first division of the infantry marching between these two wings consisted of five battalions the artillery marched in the head of the infantry and so did the hundred armed charriots under the commande of Abradates whose statly charriot was drawn by eight of the finest horses ever eye beheld the second division of the right wing was commanded by Artabases as the second division of the left was by Chrisantes the second Brigade of infantry was divided also into five battalions many squadrons of horse were placed between the two Brigades of infantry all the body of Persian Cavalry wherein were the Homotimes and the Assyrian Infantry commanded by Hidaspes made up the body of the battle The body of reserves composed of Phrygians and Hircanians were commanded by the Kings of Phrygia and Hircania All things being thus ordered there was such an interior joy appeared in the aspect of Cyrus as inspired courage into the soules of all those that looked upon him But that the same spirit of valour which did animate him might be infused into all the army he commanded a muster of all his troopes and going from Division to Division from Brigade to Brigade from Squadron to Squadron and from Rank to Rank he dissipated all feares out of cowards and inspired valour into them and the most couragious also Remember my Companions would he say unto the first squadrons that it concernes you to fight this day not only to get victory but to keep that Glory which we have gotten at other times Afterwards turning towards other Troops Forget not would he say unto them that those who fight ill are in more danger then those who fight well and that in all places and fights there is more safty in keeping ground then flying Then going a little further and speaking unto others Make it appear Souldiers said he that you know how to vanquish by Art and never Triumph by hazard Remember would he say to others that most of our enemies have been vanquished by us before and that they never vanquished you Let not the multitude of our enemies fright you would he say unto such whose valour he suspected for if you have but more heart then they you will easily overcome them though they were as many more I should do you wrong would he say unto such whom he desired to flatter if I should exhort you to fight It is enough if you do but as you were wont Moreover my Companions said this Prince and went a little further Remember that our Cause is Just and the gods are Just I know you are brave and Gallant men and that you were never overcome and that you justly expect great Recompence And I dare boldly promise both it and victorie unto you if you will but do as I will do my self After this Cyrus recommended three things espcially unto them all The one was to observe each other in their march that thereby the order of Battle might not be broken but that their divisions might be even and their distances equall The second was neither to be too backward when they charged nor too precipitatly forward And the last was to let their enimies shoot all their Arrows and throw all their darts before they began to shoot and throw theirs Afterwards Cyrus going to Abradates told him that he expected to be a debtor unto him for the victory which he hoped for But the King of Susiana seeing himself very disadvantageously placed answered that he stood most in need of his help to get the victory and that he desired some Persians would come and teach him to fight After which Cyrus still exhorting his souldiers returned to the head of the right wing in which he was to fight and he had no sooner took his place but Araspes who had disingaged himself from the Lydians came into the Army of Cyrus and presented himself unto him I am now come Sir said he unto him to expiate the crime which I committed by dying in your service as I writ to you that I intended when I went first unto your enemies purposely to give you intelligence We have so much need of valiant men replied Cyrus that as faulty as you are I cannot chuse but be glad to see you and when
extream desire But all in vain for fortune would not let them meet In the mean while he met with fresh resistance and the resolutenesse of his enemies gave him an ample subject for his prudence and valour So that not enduring that the victory should continue any longer upon doubtfull tear 〈…〉 s he caused his body of reserve to march up The King of Lydia did the like but with different successe For the Kings of Phrygia and Hircania did so sharply charge their enemies and were so exceedingly animated by the example of Cyrus whom they saw do such incredible acts of valour as they had the honour to second him in his courage and outed the left wing and body of his enemies reserve who were forced to fly yield unto the valour of a Prince whom none could surmount In the mean while since the whole Army of Cyrus was inspired with the same spirit Mazares where he was did as much as any brave Prince could do who desired death and victory for he charged the Prince Myrsiles and Pactias with extraordinary valour He did not only go unto them with a resolution of fury but seeing they would not come unto him because they were on a very advantagious ground he went up the hill unto them with incredible courage though without any disorder or indiscretion and charged them so hotly that he routed them yet one of his squadrons passing up a place of difficulty was repulsed by one of the enemies squadrons but Gobrias releeved them and forced the Lydian Squadron to do like their fellowes which was to fly away in disorder Yet The second division of the enemy ateempted to relieve their first but Chrisantes comming up to Mazares the right wing of the Lydians was entirely squandered So that Mazares now made no doubt of victory though himself was two or three times in danger to be taken by the enemy The body of the battle in the head of which were the Charriots had no mean share in the victory and Abradates did more then he promised his dear Panthea and indeed more then he should have done for he did so expose himself unto dangers as if he had either known himself invulnerable or else desired death he drove the eight horses which drew his charriot with such fury as he tumbled down his enemies and forced their charriots to fly The rest of the Charriots which followed him doing the same struck terrour into all that opposed them Some of the enemies charriots fled others were tumbled over and broken all were rendred uselesse to the Lydians Abradates having done this and seeing the Egyptian Battalia keep their ground went with his Charriots to rumble amongst them and overthrew all he met either by the impetuosity of his Charriots or by his sword or with the Sythes wherewith the Charriots were armed Never was sight more terrible to behold then this The horses trampled upon the bodyes of dead and dying men The Syths cut off others and the wheels ran over those which the horses and Sythes tumbled down But alas the victory of Abradates proved fatall unto him for the field was so strewed with horses and dead men with broken armes and overturned Charriots that he could not passe but over Mountains of these mingled together so that the wheels sometimes went high and sometimes low and his Charriot unfortunately overturned maugre the skill of him which drove it Yet Abradates disingaged himself from under it and began to fight on foot but was forced to yeeld unto a multitude who seeing him down fell upon him so that this valiant Prince and all those with him perished at this time yet his death was revenged to the full For Hidaspes and Gadates comming in they charged all those that fell upon Abradates with such fury that they forced them to retire in confusion into the body of their battle Afterwards Hidaspes with those troops under his command charged Arimaspes and his troops and all the Battalions of the first division charged those enemies which opposed them with such vigour that Arimaspes as Great a Commander as he was was forced to yeeld unto the valour of Hidaspes not being able to resist him long The King of Pontus who fought with as much courage and ill fortune perceiving the disorder in Cressus his Army did what he could to Rally and was twenty times in danger to be taken But in that deplorable condition in which he saw himself he could do no good Cressus also as well as he gave many rare testimonies of his courage but could not finde any remedy against his misfortunes He saw the two wings of his Army broken in peeces and the main body of the battle squandred He saw the field was covered with his dead and dying men That terrour was in all his Troops they fled wheresoever Cyrus assaulted them and in some places where they were not assaulted So that Cressus seeing no way but to secure his person and defend Sardis And the king of Pontus thinking upon the preservation of the Princesse Mandana both these two Princes resolved to retire and so they did notwithstanding Cyrus sought all over for them and could not hear any thing of them for they were gotten into a great body of horse which hastily flying raised such a cloud of dust as obscured their flight and hindred him from the pursuite In the mean time Cyrus and Mazares being both of them in the heads of those wings which they had so gloriously conducted fell upon the Rear of the enemies battle which consisted only of the remainder of Infantry the Horse being all fled away So that Cyrus seeing none that was able to resist him but one Egyptian Battalion which stood still upon their ground He sent Feraulus to take their Guards the Captain whereof was killed and to give this Battalion Battel But as Feraulus did execute the commands of his master he found that these Egyptians did naught else but cover themselves with their Bucklers and stood as men that were resolved to dye upon the place Cyrus wondring to see this Battalion neither advance nor retreat and seeing all his Army victorious and also the Army of Cressus quite defeated He commanded the fight to cease and to ask the Egyptians why they would not throw away their armes if they intended to render themselves and why they did not fight if they would not unto this they answered that the Prince who commanded being dead and his body in the middle of their Battalion they were resolved never to forsake it and therefore if Cyrus would have them submit themselves unto him he must give them leave to render all the honours which was due unto his bodie and go to bury him this being granted them they would take the part of Cyrus and leave Cressus who had forsaken them otherwise they would be all killed upon the body of their dead Prince Cyrus no soonner heard their desires but he admired their fidelity and affection to their Prince
and consented to their demands appointing Feraulus to let the body of the dead Prince be carried in a Chariot of war whither they would have it desiring also to speak with the chief commanders of these Egyptians who without more delay lifted up the corps of their General But as if heaven would recompence them for their fidelity as the Chariot passed by Cyrus he casting his eyes upon him whom the Egyptians thought to be dead he perceived that as he leaned his head upon a Buckler he opened his eyes so that Cyrus seeing a Prince so handsom as he was in a condition to be recovered commanded Feraulus to carry him into one of his tents so after this pursuing his victory he went before Thybirra and summoned it which the same houre submitted unto his discretion So that having in one day won a battle took a town and released the king of Assyria Tigranes Anaxaris he was most triumphant it is worth observation that this prisoner king was he who did capitulate about the surrender of this town unto which they who took him carried him for the inhabitants seeing themselves with out any hopes of relief or any power to defend themselves threw themselves at his feet beseeching him to intercede for them unto Cyrus to use them well which he promised and performed for Cyrus at the request of his Rival did most generously expresse all signes of clemency and sweetnesse unto them upon all occasions This victory left the conquered no manner of consolation for the Lydians were totally defeated they lost all their Artillery all their Ensignes and all their Chariots and all their Baggage Abundance were killed and abundance were taken prisoners Arimaspes that valiant Ionian was taken and died the next day of his wounds and all this with a very inconsiderable losse unto Cyrus unlesse in the death of Abradates which did so sensibly grieve him that he expressed much sorrow upon the field and where he encamped that night notwithstanding his satisfaction not onely to see that all his friends and souldiers had exceedingly well behaved themselves but also that his very Rivals should adde unto his glory Seeing he had now nothing to do for the releasement of Mandana but to enforce the walls of Sardis his joyes at it did comfort him for the losse of Abradates whose corps he sent to seek that he might render it all the honours it deserved And since the gods were pleased to showre happinesses upon him after so many bitter storms of misfortunes as he went into his tent to rest himself after all his glorious paines there came a post unto him from Thrasibulus to let him know that his Armies were no lesse prosperous under his command then under his own for he had vanquished all that ever opposed him and that the greatest part of al lower Asia was reduced under his Empire at the same time also arived an Envoye from Ciaxares to tell him that he could spare him many fresh troopes because Thomiris was not in a capacitie to make any war upon him since she was desperately sick of a languishing disease which was like to cost her her life or her reason And to compleat his happinesse a Cavalier whom he knew to be one of those he heretofore had pardoned for being in the conspiracie of cowardly Artanus brought him a letter from Mandana which before he read it did induce him to beleeve that he had very ill expounded the oracles of the gods and that for the future he should be as happy under the name of Cyrus as he had been miserable under the name of Artamenes The end of the fift Part. THE Third Volume OF ARTAMENES OR The Grand CYRUS THAT EXCELLENT NEW ROMANCE Being the 〈…〉 Sixth PART 〈…〉 Written by that Famous Wit of FRANCE MONSIEVR de SCVDERY Governor of NOSTRE-DAME And now ENGLISHED by F. G. Esq LONDON Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELEY at the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Church-yard and THOMAS DRING at the George in Fleet-street M. DC LIV. ARTAMENES OR CYRVS the GREAT The Sixth Part. BOOK I. THough Cyrus was infinitely impatient to see what the incomparable Mandana had writ unto him yet it was a long time before he could reade the Letter not only because excesse of Joy had disordered his heart so much that he knew not whether he should beleeve what he saw but also because hee would have the man who brought it tell him whether he received it from the hand of Mandana how hee saw and when but hee had no sooner asked him all such questions as he desir'd to be satisfied in them without staying for his answer he opened the Letter which had no superscription but when he had opened it hee knew her Character and found in the beginning of it these words The unfortunate Mandana unte the unfaithfull Cyrus This Prince had no sooner cast his eyes upon her cruell words but hee stopt and read them over the second time yet with so much wonder and despaire that hee could not chuse but breake out into sad expressions of his sorrowes insomuch that feeling his heart full of violent Agitations he return'd in private but still as he return'd he read Mandana's Letter which contained these words I would I could lock up in my heart my resentments of your Inconstancy But I doe confesse my wonder is so great to heare that you have changed your opinion of me that I cannot chuse but vent both my admiration and indignation though I know it argues weakeness to make any complaints unto such as offends me and that it speakes more greatness of Soule not to accuse such Delinquents as we are resolv'd never to pardon But since I cannot indure your change without complaint I will complaine like one that will never be appeas'd Therefore I doe declare unto you that I will not any longer be the Pretence of the ambition nor be the innocent cause of all Asias desolation Render back unto my Father those Forces which you have of his to the end my fetters may never be unloosed by your hand for I confess I had rather remaine a Captive still under a respective Ravisher then to bee set at Liberty by a perfidious Prince who hath heretofore given a hundred illustrious Testimonies of his fidelity unto MANDANA Cyrus read this Letter with so much sadnesse with such astonishment and perplexity of spirit that he was forced to read it over againe But the more he read the more he was amazed and the heavier was his heart and though his innocency might have been a cordiall unto him yet his too delicate a soule could not without extreame sorrow suffer such an unjust accusation and his purity of love could not chuse but be apprehensive that Mandana should think him capable of any change in his affection to her moreover since it appeared not by her letter who it was she thought he loved he could not guesse whether it was Panthea or Araminta for he rendred equall civilities unto
much this woman should be so opposite unto the judgement of all others concerning the Princesse of Salamis I pray tell me said Parthenia what shee did say in particular of her For I take the greatest pleasure in the world to see envy and jealousie work in the spirits of those who are inspired with those humours Since it is your pleasure Madam said he unto her I will confesse that after I had the honour to meet you the first time in the Labyrinth and could not finde you in any place after nor none could tell me who you were I had an imagination that you were this Princesse whereof we speak Yet I durst never reveale my thoughts unto any but this Lady who was my indifferent good friend but she kept me not long in that errour for she told me the Princesse of Salamis had a shrill voice not at all sweet that she was grosse and ill made that she had white but not handsome and fair hands The truth is said Parthenia There is no certain conclusions to be made by the reports of others and since I love Parthenia very well but doe not love her who speaks against her perhaps I shall be partiall and favour the one and wrong the other then I would have you see the Princess of Salamis and be judge your self In the mean time I am beholding to you for thinking me to be her for though she were not as all report her yet my obligation is not the lesse since your imagination fancied me to be so and not as that Lady described her 'T is true replyed Timantes That I fancied your Idea like that of the Princesse of Salamis bee shee as fair as shee can be However said Parthenia exceedingly desiring to know what Timantes would think of her beauty I pray doe me so much favour as to see that Princesse How can I see her Madam replyed he for the Prince Philoxipes asked her leave to bring me into her desart and she would not honour me so far And to tell you truly Madam all my curiosity is confined unto your self and I desire to see none else Yet I should think my self obliged to you answered she if you would see her Once more Madam said he pray tell me how I can see her You may easily doe it said Parthenia for I know she goes almost every day unto a little Temple of Venus Urania not above thirty furlongs from her house towards Amathonte I doe know the Temple said hee for it was shewed unto me as I went unto the Adonian Feast Since so said she I pray you goe thither to morrow for I confesse I should be very glad if the beauty of that Princesse should please you to the end you may hereafter suspect the reports of that Lady who I love not and may put her out of the Catalogue of your friends Alass Madam said Timantes there is no necessity of my seeing the Princesse of Salamis for I know enough from you to make me discard that Lady from the number of my friends for since she does not please you she cannot me No no said she I would not have you doâ— so out of complacencie but out of reason therefore I conjure you to doe as I desire But Madam said he if this Princess be as fair as reports make her me-thinks you should have some care of my heart in exposing it unto so great a danger at least you should shew me your eyes that I may with them defend my self against hers On the contrary said she since I doe intend never to give my entire affection untill I am first most certainly assured of yours I wish the Princesse of Salamis were a thousand times fairer then she is that she might be a stronger tryall of your constancie For since I value not a perfideous inconstant heart nor would be loved for beauty if I had it but would have good security against all those evils which beauty causes I should be glad you saw all the beauties in Cyprus to the end I might not fear it In conclusion Sir Parthenia ordered the matter with so much art that Timantes promised to go next morning and see whether the Princesse of Salamis were at that Temple not having the least suspition of the truth nor thinking she had any other design in her commands but onely that she loved to be punctually obeyed So that he prepared himselfe for it And after he went from her Parthenia gave all requisite orders for his journey in the morning and so did she Amaxita writ a Letter unto me to send a Coach by break of day for Parthenia would not make use of the Ladyes with whom shee lodged because Timantes knew it So she did rise betimes in the morning and dressed her self in her richest habit and neglected nothing which might set her self out with advantage When she was all ready and had looked the last time in her glasse Amaxita asked what was her design not being yet satisfied with all the reasons she had told her I would exactly know said she what Timantes will think of me which I can never doe if I shew my self unto him and discover who I am But Madam said Amaxita unto her since you doe not feare that your beauty will attract the heart of Timantes why doe you tell him the truth No replyed Parthenia I have not changed my mind but still fear the menaces of the gods and these fears are my reasons why I goe so fantastically to work But for all that Madam said Amaxita I am confident Timantes will think you the fairest that ever he saw and I beleeve all the excellings of your spirit your soul your hands your stature and your voice will have much adoe to hold out against the glory of your eyes and therefore if you think you cannot marry him if perchance he should be in love with your beauty as well as with your soul never expose him unto that danger but seek out some other way to make tryall of his fidelity Yet Parthenia would not hearken unto Amaxita But not well knowing what she should think if Timantes should commend her either too much or too little She went into the Temple so early as she was in no danger to be known in the Town She went also by a blind way to the end that she might come as if she came from Salamis for so her Desart was called But since she feared that if Timantes did see her in the Temple he would know her by her stature as soon as she came she offered her sacrifice and afterwards seeing that Timantes was not come she went unto the Sacrificers house under pretence of resting her self whose house was close by the way as one comes from Paphos So that being in a Parlor shee leaned against the window talking with Amaxita whose hood was up as well as hers for in favour of their design the Sun did not then shine She had not stood there a quarter of an
known she was there for feare she should be invited to come into the Town However night being come Timantes went unto his accustomed place of meeting being resolved to commend the beauty of the Princesse of Salamis but not too highly for the reasons aforesaid He was no sooner there but Parthenia asked him what he thought of the Princesse of Salamis I think she is very faire replyed he and I think that she who told me otherwise did her much wrong for truly if that Princesse had a mind answerable to her eyes and a soule as faire as her face questionlesse she were a rare woman But though she be only faire replyed Parthenia is it not possible to love her Yes replyed he and smiled if those that look upon her were all eyes and no spirit No no said Parthenia doe not dissemble I see you have a mind to answer me according to my thoughts and not your owne and to tell me rather what I would have you say then what you think Suppose I did Madam replyed he is it a crime to be complacentiall Complyance said she ought not to go so far as to dissemble ones thoughts it is enough if it submit unto them and too much to hide them true delight consists in conformity of thoughts and not of words only and truly I am more joyed to see one whom I love think just as I doe then I am to see them who for my 〈…〉 ke force themselves in every thing to a complacency certainly there is nothing more sw 〈…〉 nd pleasing then this sympathy of spirits thoughts and opinions therefore never strive to find out what I would wish you to say but be cleare and ingenuous and speak your owne thoughts for you cannot deceive me Madam replyed he I doe ever speak sincerely unto you you ask me whether the Princesse of Salamis be faire I answer you that she is very faire am I farre from the truth Parthenia being then angred to think her beauty had not so much pierced the heart of Timantes as she thought began to speak in a little higher tone You commend the Beauty of the Princesse of Salamis very coldly said she unto him that it is plain to see you doe it out of complacency only or else out of subtilty to perswade me your heart is not sensible of beauty 'T is most true Madam replyed he I am at this time sensible of nothing but your spirit and soule and all I know of you and therefore Madam doe not wonder said he thinking that he could not please her better if I be not so much charmed with the beauty of this Princesse as I should have been if I had not been in love with you and truly Madam my desires of returning hither were so hot that I did not spend much time in contemplation of her This Sir was the conference between Timantes and Parthenia that night Timantes hardly daring to commend the beauty of the Princesse of Salamis though Parthenia seemed to desire it and Parthenia not well knowing whether she should commend him for it or no But after he was gone she resolved with her selfe and concluded that her beauty did not charme him and was mistaken when she thought to see nothing but signes of admiration in his face and actions No no said she unto Amaxita certainly I am deceived and all that which I thought to be admiration is only astonishment Timantes questionlesse is surprised but it is to see that the world should so much commend me with so little cause certainly he loves beauty in another shape then that which the Gods have given unto me there is something in my face which distasts his eyes and will certainly make me to lose all that my spirit hath gotten Madam said Amaxita unto her you said you would not have Timantes love you for your beauty 'T is true said she but however I would not have him hate me because he finds somthing in my face which does not please him I know Amaxita said she that this I say seemes unreasonable unto you but I cannot help it for had you tryed as I have done what a monstrous misery it is to be sleighted by him who once adored me you would excuse all my imperfections and weaknesses and would confesse I had reason to try all waies possible which might make me know the heart of Timantes However Sir Parthenia was not long in the beliefe that her beauty did displease her lover for as it was my chance to be in three or foure places where he had so highly extolled her the next morning I acquainted my sister and she Parthenia with it and since I thought there was never any danger in telling a beauty that she was extolled I told the story with as many aggravations as I could and therefore said I think Timantes was as much in love with her beauty as her spirit Madam said Amaxita to her it may truly be said that Timantes loves two and is not inconstant since he loves but one person and by giving his heart to one he does not take it from the other and it may be further said that you have a Rivall whom you cannot hate for I doe not think your spirit can envie the power of your eyes nor your eyes oppose the conquests of your spirit Parthenia hearkned unto all that Amaxita said and never gave her answer but after I was gone and she had commanded me to keep an observant eye still over Timantes she did complaine of him almost asmuch for extolling her beauty too high unto others as she did for extolling it too little the night before unto her and finding that he did not speak sincerely she was very sad yet not so much as when she thought that she did not please his eye and when Amaxita asked her what security she desired of the heart of Timantes she told her that she did not know her selfe Truly Madam said Amaxita to her I cannot see you can either expect or desire better assurance then you have that Timantes is the man whom the Gods would have you to marry for he began to love you without the power of your beauty and not knowing whether you were noble or rich he still loves you and knowes not that you are faire and loves you in a place where there are a thousand shining beauties who doe all they can to engage his heart you would have perswaded him that you were ill favoured and indeed he had great reason to suspect it yet for all this he continues loving you you have also imployed your owne beauty to make tryall of his constancy and you see he is faithfull to you that he dares not commend her in your presence for feare certainly he should thereby give you cause to think that he can be sensible of beauty All that you say is true replyed Parthenia but yet for all this if Timantes can suffer his heart to be drawne from his unknown Mistresse by the charmes that are in
to reverence Amasis the more because he proclaimed some lawes which seemed full of justice and gave great hopes of his wisdome for he enacted that all his subjects throughout his dominions should give an account to the governour of the place where he lived how he had lived the yeare before to the end he might banish idlenesse and injustice both at once So that Amenophis no sooner heard how the people began to grumble but he heard immediatly after that he stood upon faster grounds then ever as if the Gods had neglected the conduct of the universe since they suffered an usurper to sit upon the Throne and the legitimate King to be in exile brought up in a Desart amongst a company of Shepheards But Sir I must not insist longer upon this since I have many things of great importance to tell you In the mean time therefore since Amenophis thought to draw some advantage by the young Timareta he thought fit to educate her so as she might hereafter be known unto Amasis without dislike which he did excellently well by meanes of my mothe the great recompenses which he promised so that she sent him a woman to be tutor to this young Princesse This woman was a Theban most admirably qualified for the education of such a person as this divers crosse adventures had ruined her family and forced to seek a livelyhood by such a happy servitude as this her name was Edisea Thus Sir Timareta came under her tuition assoon as she was fit to be taken from her Nurse who had escaped the contagion as well as she and be pleased to know Sir that as Sesostris was a miracle so Timareta was another for beauty and spirit all the parts of her face were so many wonders her complexion though a little brown yet most lovely her hair the purest black that ever was her aspect was so high and charming as it did invite both admiration and love So that I may truly say never were two children together so amiable as the young Sesostris and the young Timareta especially when the lustre of their spirits began to joyn and shine with their beauties which was when Timareta was eight and Sesostris twelve years of age For Sir I assure you all their actions and their words were infinitely taking and transcend their ages Since naturally I was reasonably active and had some education before I came into this Isle I practised all exercises of body with Sesostris which he performed admirably well as running leaping shooting the Lute and such things As for the Liberal Sciences Amenophis taught him as well as any Prince in the world stood in need of He could speak divers Languages especially the Greek very well For since Amenophis had the disposition of all the Queens and Ladice's Jewels we wanted neither Books nor any thing else which was requisite Yet our habits were course like Shepheards and sometimes wee went unto the Flocks when Amenophis gave us leave Again Edisea educated Timareta as if she were in the Court though she permitted her to use some such common things as Shepheards use as the making of fine Baskets of Rushes weaving strings in severall colours and such like But Edisea did not onely teach her these trivials but also the Greek language yet the wonder of all was to see what a wonderfull inclination Sesostris had unto Timareta He could not endure to be out of her sight he never contended with her for any thing but in all things submitted unto her that at that age complacency was a novelty If hee observed she wanted any Rushes to make her pretty Baskets wherein she put her fruits and flowers he went in all hast to get her them If at any time she desired any Flowers he was never at rest untill he brought her a basket full he thought so much of pleasing her that he thought upon nothing else On the other side the young Timareta though very sweet unto all yet did put such a notable difference between Sesostris and all others as it was very observable She approved of all he said and if two of us present unto her any thing at one time shee would accept that which Sesostris offered before the present of any other Thus Sir wee lived untill Sesostris was sixteen and Timareta twelve years of age But Sir as they were amiable in their Infancy so they were amiable in their riper age when their spirits did put soules into their beauty and when they were grown capable of loving For truly though Timareta had a design to please a whole Court she could not take more care of her self then she did And if Sesostris had a design to publish his spirit unto all the world he could not have been more exactly careful to please then he was when he spoke before Timareta In the mean time since Amenophis conceived that if Sesostris and Timareta were hereafter to appear in the world as known who they were it would be advantageous that Timareta should love Sesostris he did not check this growing affection no more then Edisea who alwaies followed the mind of Amenophis without seeking for other reason and so much the rather in this because she perceived all the inclinations of Timareta to bee virtuous In the meane time since we read all sorts of Books especially the History of Aegypt sometimes when Sesostris and I were together wâ— talked of many things especially of Amenophis and what designes he should have For said Sesostris to me I find by the History of Aegypt that it is divided into six severall professions That the Priests are ordained for sacred things the Noblemen for Councellors unto their King for Commanders in their Armies and Governours of Provinces that their Souldiers in generall think upon nothing but matters of War that the Merchants busie themselves in nothing but in things belonging to their Traffique that Labourers follow onely their Plough that Artificers meddle with nothing but what will make them more knowing in their art and that Shepheards keep themselves within compass of their Fould and think upon nothing but their Flocks Yet though we be onely Shepheards I see Amenophis doth instruct us in a hundred things which the Law forbids and I find my heart too big to be contained within the compasse of this little Isle and I have had some thoughts of making a proposition unto you of leaving it if At this word Sesostris stopped and though I did extreamly presse him to goe on with his sentence yet I could not move him So that I was forced to speak his thoughts and agree with him to steal out of this Isle relating many things concerning Elephantine which I remembering very well begot a strong curiosity in him But for all our plot it was not easie to be executed For Amenophis had a strict observant eye upon us and indeed Sesostris did decline it for hee was already deep in love with the young Timareta being after this very reserved unto each
Amasis would marry him unto her he was ready to run out of his wits for love does often drive one to hope for not onely things difficult but even things impossible Sesostris sometimes hoped that happily Amasis would not force him to marry her but that when it should please the gods to afford him a fit opportunity of retiring himselfe from the World hee would then marry his fair shepheardesse as well as many Kings of Aegypt had married with Graecian slaves In conclusion Sir Sesostris resolved to imploy all his possible endeavours to deferre the marriage leaving the rest to the Conduct of the gods In the meane time Heracleon was as full of restlesse thoughts as he though in a different way for certainly ambition was the torture of his mind But since he could not alter the order of things as he pleased how envious soever he was to see Sesostris so near the Crown hee complied with him as with a Prince whose friendship he would gain though himselfe could not Raign and endeavoured to divert him with a possible complacency yet Sesostris could not affect the conversation of Heracleon for besides his imperious disposition he considered him as the brother of Liserina who he thought did eagerly put on his marriage with this Princesse insomuch as he could not possibly affect him In the mean time since Civility would not permit him to fall out with him they were continually together And Heracleon conceiving he could not possibly devise any diversion more sutable to his age then hunting He invited him very often to that sport wherein Sesostris seemed to take great delight more affecting to be in the fields and woods where he might sometimes entertain his own thoughts then to be in Elephantine where hee was very often constrained to entertain Liserina But Sir be pleased to know that Heracleon and he being one day hunting together the beast which they pursued did lead them near the Castle where Traseas dwelt so that riding along the Lake they saw the fair Timareta walking by the water side and in such a profound study that the merry cry of the dogs and the shrill musique of the Horns could hardly make her look up and see who passed by her But at last the noise being so loud and near she turned aside with a languishing look as if she had been married unto a crabbed Husband who interrupted her study And she no sooner lifted up her eyes but Sesostris and Heracleon knew her and stopt letting the Chase run on Timareta no sooner saw them stop but she knew them also and blushing she seemed more fair then ever and so charmed the eyes of Heracleon that in talking to Sesostris he could not chuse but extoll her Sesostris was grieved to the very soul that hee durst not throw himselfe at the feet of his fair Shepheardesse whom he so much respected all the while he was a Shepheard But at last his love surmounting all other considerations Though I shall appeare a Shepheard in the habit of a Prince said he and laughed as Achilles did a boy in the habit of a woman when he could not chuse but wear a sword I must stay one minute and speake unto this fair Shepheardesse were it for nothing but to ask how he doth with whom I lived For my part said Heracleon I am much joyed at the motion onely out of a desire to please my self in looking upon her After this these two Princes alighted from their horses and went to Timareta who continuing on her walk went towards Nicetis who was not far off but she was prevented by these two Princes who suiting their civilities according to her beauty not her quality did accost her as if she had been of their own Their discourse with her was long though nothing of privacy or any thing of concernment yet she spoke with so much spirit and grace as when they parted Heracleon was no lesse in love then Sesostris So that coming out of Elephantine with two but love ambition he returned with three since certainly he grew jealous as soon as in love for though Sesostris in speaking to Timareta did keep a carefull distance and though Timareta on her side did examine every word and did regulate their very looks yet maugre all their precaution Heracleon saw in their eyes some sparks of that fire which burned in their hearts so that both his Love and his Jealousie begun both at once But for his better satisfaction in their way to Elephantine he asked the Prince Sesostris whether it was possible he could so long live with Timareta and not be in love Sesostris who for severall reasons would not have it thought he was in love with this Shepheardesse told him handsomly that it was with beauty as with the Sun continual looking upon it makes it never admired and he being brought up with Timareta from the cradle he ever thought her fair but never found matter of adoration in her But since Sesostris could not say this without his face betrayed his tongue as his tongue belyed his heart Heracleon was confirmed in his opinion he being a man violent in all things and possessed with the three most violent passions that the heart of man is capable of he presently began to endeavour wayes for the satisfaction of them all But since Love was the passion most predominate he did oftentimes use to come and look for Timareta not onely by that water side but in the house where they dwelt though she entreated him with as much wisdome as modesty not to put himself unto the trouble and in every visit he grew so deep in love that it almost stified his ambition and the more because he found in her as much virtue as beauty and an invincible resistance As for Sesostris since more eyes were upon him then Heracleon he could not so easily see her and it was onely once that he found an opportunity to steal so much time as to talk with her and then he was so unhappy as it was known unto Heracleon who was almost choaked with despair In the mean time Amasis thinking he had given long enough time for consideration unto Sesostris began to publish unto all the world that he would marry him with the Princesse Liserina The first Ceremonies were performed So that since all Marriages of persons of this quality are quickly divulged it was not onely known at Elephantine but the news was carryed as far as Timareta But when the wise and prudent Timareta did plainly foresee that as soon as Sesostris ceased from being a shepheard the King would infallibly oblige him to marry she grieved exceedingly yet endeavoured all she could to hide her sorrows but could not for I have heard her expresse her self concerning Sesostris so generously so wisely and yet so passionately and obligingly that I discovered more grandure of spirit and soul in her then ever before In the mean while Sesostris was not lesse sad then she Liserina onely who courted
be had over Heracleon for since he loved him he would not willingly lose him nor be forced to drive him away from him After this he went to bed and slept and in lieu of gastly apparitions and terrible dreams as he used to have his imagination was full of sweet and pleasing things Ladice appeared unto him but it was in full lustre of that beauty which formerly he adored in commending him as much as before she menaced him and exhorting him to goe on with what he had so well begun and to augment the wonder whether the joy and agitation of his spirits had dispersed some melancholy vapours which caused his blindness or whether the gods would either punish or recompence him according to the various thoughts of his soul when he awaked he found his sight restored so that being transported with joy and delight he sent for Sesostris and Timareta and went with them unto the Temple to render thanks unto the gods himself declaring unto all the people that Sesostris was the Son of Apriez and telling Timareta that she was much obliged unto a Prince who though she was the Daughter of an Usurper yet would give her the Crown of Aegypt yet Sesostris did publiquely declare that he would not wear the Crown untill after the death of Amasis but would be onely regarded as the first of his Subjects You may well imagine Sir how great was the joy of Sesostris and Timareta when being returned to the Palace and this Prince had the liberty to wait upon her to her chamber and to talke with her freely before he returned unto the King as he was desired that he might be advised with concerning the best expedients of publishing the matter throughout all the Kingdome and principally at Thebes and Heliopolis to the end all Warres might cease I hope you will pardon me Sir if I do not relate any joyes and delights of this juncture Sesostris Timareta continued so short a time happy that I cannot do it nor will I relate all the resolutions the King took with Sesostris and Amenophis nor how great was the peoples joy when they knew there was a Prince descended from their Antient Kings who should succeed Amasis But give me leave to tell you that in consideration of the happy event of this adventure the King pardoned Traseas the untruthes which he had told Sesostris did the same and Amenophis followed their example As for the Princesse Liserina she had some comfort to see her brother put by the Kingdome for she conceived him onely to be the cause why she was not Queene But as for Heracleon the motions of his heart were most violent and Tanisis incensing him by his wicked Counsells there was no abhominable proposition which they made unto each other which they did not harken unto without any horror or repugnancy But at last after they had propounded Crime after Crime they resolved that considering the juncture of affaires there was no way but to kill Sesostris and the King also And in the meane time to publish that Amenophis was an impostor who foisted in a pretended Sonne of Apriez And to farther that design they resolved that the King should first be killed to the end it might be published that Sesostris killed him and for a pretence to raise a tumult during which Tanisis should kill Sesostris having men for that purpose with him This horrid designe being resolved upon all their endeavours were to put it in execution with all speed Tanisis accustomed unto all villanies had alwaies such men at his beck who never look after any thing but recompence but never enquire whether a thing be just or unjust But the difficulty was how to get him unto the Kings Palace at that time when the act was to be executed Yet since Heracleon had many Creatures in the house he found out one that was neither rich nor virtuous moreover he had been once turned out of office by Amasis and at the request of Heracleon restored This man at the salutation of Tanisis did ordinarily keepe the Guard upon a little back staires which went between the lodging of Sesostris and the Kings Chamber So that thinking the man most fit to give entrance unto those whom they would imply to murder the King and the sooner because it might easily be imagined that Sesostris was the Assasinate considering the place which he Guarded therefore Heracleon put on Tanisis to suborne this man But Sir I will not make any longer relation of an act so horrid but in short let me tell you Tanisis suborned this Officer who promised to let in whom he would and the businesse was brought unto so near a point of execution that men were ready to cry out the King was killed and that it was Sesostris killed him and lest there should be any failing in the enterprise Heracleon had provided a boate upon the Nile which ran on the back side of the Garden that he might thereby save himselfe if need were and also laid horses some thirty furlongs from Elephantine In conclusion Sir this being the Juncture of things the King had intelligence by one of those whom he had set to eye Heracleon that certainly he had some plot in hand though he knew not what it was Amasis hearing this feared that Heracleon had some ill designes upon Sesostris not thinking of any thing against his person So that to prevent any danger hee doubled the Guards towards the lodging of Sesostris and by consequence weakned his own which was favourable unto the designe of Heracleon But the gods being just they did not favour him but unto his own ruine For Sesostris knowing that the Guards were doubled at his dore would know the reason and called him in who commanded the Guard who at first said he knew nothing but that accidentally the Guards were stronger on the one side then the other But Sesostris finding that this Souldier knew more then he would tell he was very urgent with him and so farre that at last he told him it was supposed Heracleon had some ill design because he was seen that night go out of the Palace and speak unto an officer which had the Guard upon the back staires and was heard to promise him great recompences This officer saying to excuse his silence that he durst not tell it lest he should not be credited and become exposed unto the hatred of Heracleon Sesostris no sooner heard this but after promise of recompence for his fidelity he went to acquaint the King though it was late and he knew that he was retired to his rest and certainly it was by the inspiration of the gods However it was Sir Sesostris went and went not that way of the back staires but by the great common way lest he whom the souldier suspected and commanded that side should think he was discovered if he should see him â—o so late unto the King who was fast asleep when Sesostris came unto the Chamber with two of
thanke Cyrus Then the Herald returned with much satisfaction the time being set when Cyrus would send a Convoy to guard these Ladies at their coming out of the Town Then the Herald rendering an account of the happy successe of his voyage that Lician Lady named Lycaste accompanied with a Neece named Parmenides her daughter called Cypide a sister of Parmenides called Arpalice and one of her friends named Candiope went to thank Croesus and take their leaves of him The Prince Myrsiles accompanied them to the Gates of the Town in consideration onely that they were cosens of Doralisa whom he ever highly esteemed and certainly this stood in need of a person of some authority to conduct them thither For though the Inhabitants might have been glad of these Ladies going out of the Town yet they murmured yet the presence of Prince Myrsiles restraining them they let them go out in a Coach Parmenides riding on horseback and followed by all the Train of Lycaste and her own A Herald of Croesus riding before to conduct them unto the place where Andramites in the head of fifty horse waiâ—ed for them But as if Fortune did strive how to make the most innocent actions of Cyrus seem culpable it chanced that the Princesse Mandana and the Princesse Palmis having got a day of leave to take fresh air upon the Tarrasse from which all the Plain is discovered they were there just as these Ladies went out at the Gate next the Cittadel so that wondering to see a Coachfull of Ladies go out of a besieged Town they began to observe them and follow them close with their eyes so that they saw when the Herald conducted them to the place where Andramites stood and observed how Andramites received them Mandana perceived or at least imagined that he received them with much respect and afterwards that he led them towards the Camp Since all he did must needs be by the orders of Cyrus his actions could not be indifferent unto her and she conceived that these Ladies could not come out of Sardis but by the permission of Cyrus therefore she had so violent a curiositie to know who they were and why Cyrus should shew them such a favour that she could not chuse but ask the King of Pontus the next time she saw him which was every day at such hours as his businesse of War could best spare him and when the melancholy of Mandana permitted him therefore she no sooner saw him but addressing her speech unto him I would gladly know Sir said she unto him who those Ladies were which yesterday went out of Sardis and who have obtained more favour then I can The King of Pontus not being ignorant of her thoughts answered her craftily that those Ladies obtained a Pasport from Cyrus because they were Cosens unto a Lady whose name was Doralisa who the Queen of Susiana loved very well and who at this present is with the Princesse Araminta Thus this Prince though he spoke nothing but truth yet spoke very much against his Rivall Mandana not doubting but that Cyrus permitted these Ladies to come out of Sardis onely in consideration of the Princesse Araminta and not at all of Doralisa yet since she would hide the agitation of his spirit as much as she could I wonder said she since the Princesse Araminta has such a power over the spirits of Cyrus that there are not more Ladyes which make use of her credit with him to get out from hence for I beleeve he can deny her nothing I beleeve replyed the King of Pontus that my Sister makes better use of that power which she hath over the soul of Cyrus then you doe of that which you have over me You I say who every day ask things impossible or at least things which if not denyed will give a death to him you ask them of I know not what she askes replyed she yet I am sure I ask nothing of you but what is just and which you ought not to deny me Though I agree replyed he that what you ask is just yet I cannot agree Madam that I ought not to deny it For Love is a passion which cannot acknowledge any empire but his own Therefore never wonder Madam if I doe not hearken unto what you say since you never speak any thing but in opposition to my passion Though I should confesse Sir replyed Mandana that Love does not admit of Reason yet it must admit and submit unto necessity Therefore to what purpose is all your obstinate endeavours to defend Sardis and to win my heart since the first of these is very difficult and the other absolutely impossible It were better policy for the King of Lydia to think of preserving his Crown and for you to think of procuring your liberty by giving me mine I will consent added she in a mind extreamly incensed against Cyrus that you shall not deliver me into the hands of any Prince who is your Rivall since I would have you deliver me unto none but the King my Father Ah Madam replyed he the better to know her thoughts can I beleeve you had rather be carryed unto Ecbatan then to remain in the Camp of Cyrus Doubt it not replyed she but beleeve that my soul is in such a condition as I will neither be favourable unto you or him How Madam replyed he can you cease from loving Cyrus as well as my self I assure you sayd she I begin to love none in that way you would be loved I have told you Sir a hundred times that you have an infallible way to get my esteem and friendship which is to keep me no longer a Captive For though in reason when any one ceaseth from persecuting it is enough the persecuted party cease from hating without so much generosity as to forget all past injuries which the common people of the world are not used to doe But I will now repeat the same I have said a hundred times before Doe but release me Sir and I will ever both esteem and become your friend I wish to the Gods replyed he that I were able to be contented with your offer or that I could perswade you to a little more As for my self replyed she it is absolutely impossible therefore it must be you that must change since I cannot that the Warres may cease which causeth so many miseries and which in all likelyhood will last a long time at least I am perswaded Cyrus has no design to end it quickly since hee lets so many out of Sardis The King of Pontus hearing Mandana speak in this manner was as joyfull as his bad condition could permit for he perceived her mind was much incensed against Cyrus and truly he was not mistaken He was no sooner gone out of her chamber but Mandana called for Martesia What doe you conceive said she unto her of the passages we have seen this day Could you ever beleeve that the civilities of Cyrus should transcend his love However
Princess Timaretta that as soon as he had taken convenient order for the handsomness of her voyage and for the magnificency of her Train and Equipage she should when she pleased return into Aegypt under the conduct of Sesostris upon condition notwithstanding that she would honour him with her promise to make that renowned Prince as happy as he deserved to be These two great Princesses having answered Cyrus as civilly as generosity obliged them he left them to visit Croessus to the end he might ask his pardon for the King of Assyria's violencies to condole with him his misery and to present the Prince Artamas unto him knowing well that the King of Phrygia would consent unto this reconciliation But in going thither Hidaspes who had the guard of these Princes and of all the Castle caused them to pass through the stately Chamber wherein all the Treasures of Croessus did lie The sight of such a mass of riches and so many glistering things had not brought him out of that profound study into which the taking away of Mandana had put him if Tigranes Anaxaris and Chrisantes who followed him as well as the Prince Artamas had not expressed their wonder and astonishment by the cries which they could not restrain notwithstanding those respects which they were alwayes wont to observe unto that Heroique Conquerour Yet notwithstanding their admiring noyse had not invited Cyrus unto any consideration of so many glorious sights if Chrisantes who was loath to pass so soon out of so fair a place had not by his words awakened him Look Sir at least I beseech you said he and smiled upon that you have conquered and be confident that since Fortune has so far smiled upon you as to make you Master of all these Treasures it is impossible she should frovvn so much as to let you lose the Princess Mandana Therefore Sir you may very vvell look upon them as most certain pledges of your future good fortune I shall look upon him replied Cyrus vvhen Ciaxares gives me leave to recompence the valour of so many brave men vvho hath aided me as you have done to conquer them or vvhen he has permitted me to restore them unto the unfortunate Croessus in the consideration of the Prince Artamas But since that is not yet it is sufficient I appoint Hidaspes to have a care of them and indeed Cyrus had not stayed a minute longer in consideration of all that magnificence if he had not observed that Tigranes had an earnest desire to stay longer So that being unvvilling to oppose his curiosity he vvalked softly through three great Chambers and tvvo Galleries vvhich passed from one into another and vvhich vvere all filled vvith most rare and precious things All placed in such an order and by so much Art that one might every vvhere observe a regular confusion and pleasant disorder vvhich the lustre of the magnificent Cabinets did make all vvhich did fill the imagination of beholders vvith abundance of pleasing conceipts and forced their minds and spirits into admiration and certainly not without good cause and Cyrus as disinterested as he was and though full of sorrow and passion yet in the end honored with his observance this prodigious heap of riches which Croessus had so dearly doted upon and which Solon so little esteemed that they purchased his aversion Never was seen together so much silver so much gold so many precious stones nor so many rarities as there were in those three Chambers and two Galleries The Grandure of the Dishes and Vessels were prodigies the Statues of the same mettle were innumerable and in beauty incomparable but amongstâ— all these several figures of gold there was one of Marble so admirable that it invited Cyrus to stay and a long time to admire it above the rest though the material of it was not so precious as many others it was fashioned with so much art and represented so fair a person as it is no wonder if it charmed the eyes of a Prince whose judgment was most delicate and who was exquisitely able to judg of all beauties This Statue was of a natural and ordinary grandure standing upon a Pedestal of gold between Pillars on four sides of an admirable beauty to each of them were Captives chained of all sorts and conditions but they were inchained by little Cupids so rare and admirably wrought as eye never saw better The figure represented a Woman of about eighteen years of age of a most superlative surprizing and exact beauty all the features of her face were wonderfully fair her stature so noble and handsome that nothing could be more alluring her dress was so Courtly and extraordinary that it was equally after the mode of Tâ—rian Ladies after the fashion of the Nymphes and after that fashion in which the Goddesses are dressed but particularly the Goddess of Victory as the Athenians deck her that is without wings and only with a Coronet of Lawrel upon her head This Statue was placed upon its Basis with such a sprightly action as it seemed to be animated The face the neck the arms the hands were of white Marble as well as the thighes and feet whereof one part only was to be seen through the lacing of her buskins because she did with her left hand a little hold up her Mantle that she might as if it were the more easily walk holding in her right hand the skirt of her Vaile which descended from the hinder part of her head under the Coronet of Laurel as if she would prevent the Wind from whifling it too much All the garnishings of this figure were cut in Marble and Jasper of various colours The garment of this fair Phenecian which was lapped in a thousand pleasing folds was of Jasper whose colour was so lively that it resembled the Tirian purple A Scarf which was negligently thrown about her neck and reached to her shoulders was of a kind of Marble mingled blew and white which infinitely pleased the eye The Vail of this figure was of the same piece but carved with so much art that it seemed to be as soft and pliant as a piece of Tiffiny The Coronet of Laurel was of green Jasper and the Buskins were of enamel'd Marble but the rarest piece of admirable art was there was a kind of Ayr and Spirit in this figure which did inaminate it and which perswaded all beholders that it was ready to walk and speak One might perceive a sprightly Phisiognomy and a certain kind of fierceness in her action as let all beholders know that she whom it represented had a fierce soul this figure looking with scorn upon the Captives which were inchained at her feet Moreover the Carver had so exactly imitated the freshness and plumpness of young fair ones that one might know the age of her whom he represented by that Statue This figure being thus admirable it was not without reason that the illustrious Cyrus was so curious as to ask the Prince Artamas whether
it was not the work of Dipoenus or of Sâ—ill s who were the two most curious Gravers that were then in the world imagining notwithstanding that this Statue was more then the bare effects of a fine phancy But the Prince Artamas after he had told him that it was indeed the work of one of those Gravers whereof he spoke who were of the Isle of Crete he told him further that it was made in representation of a Lady of Quality in Tyre with whom the late King of Phenicia was in Love and who was reported to be one of the fairest persons of the World much fairer then her Statue This being so said Cyrus Why did not that amorous King keep this figure Because as I have heard say replied Artamas this Statue was not finished when that King died and as doubtless you know Sir since you have been in Greece Dipoenus and Scillis did leave four images imperfect which they began in Peloponnesis to wit of Apollo of Diana of Hercules and of Minerva because there was not ready payment made of what was promised unto them so you may easily conceive that the King of Phenicia being dead and the Prince his Son who succeeded him having business of more importance upon him then to give them what the King his Father had promised Dipoenus and Scillis were no more patient with him then they were in Greece for after one demand of their wages perceiving there was some respite of time required for the payment they imbarqued in the night and carried their work with them And Croessus then having a repute to collect all rarities in all Asia they addressed themselves to him and sold this Statue unto him 'T is true the report is that a little after the War the young King of Phenicia sent to demand it of Croessus offering the double of what it cost but he would not part with it This adventure replied Cyrus is doubtless worthy the beauty of this Statue which caused it After this he looked upon the miraculous quantity of Arms belonging to all Nations in the world Arms of pure gold set with precious stones He also admired the Thrones of mossy gold the figures of all the Gods which were adored throughout all Asia whose price of the bare materials only were worth more then is imagineable He saw also in that place Tables Mirrous and Cabinets of an inestimable price All the Tables which were set round those Chambers and Galleries were filled with a million of most rare and rich things Pearls Rubies Emeralds Diamonds and such things made such a glorious and precious miscelany that no diapared Meadow in its glory of the Spring could make a more pleasant object then the variety of precious things did which lay upon those Tables In the midst of these magnificent varieties the ingenuous fables which Aesope composed at Sardis were shevved unto Cyrus in vvhich he had vvrit and vvith such art couched all the history of Croessus his Court and vvhich this Prince so esteemed that vvhen Aesope departed out of Lidia he vvould needs have him give them unto him And to testifie hovv much he esteemed them he caused them to be richly bound vvith those vvhich he had before composed which taught most excellent Morals unto those who understood well the language of Beasts whom he made to speak Indeed the book was covered with enamelled gold and so set with Diamonds as turn it which way one pleased the name of Aesope appeared the Clasps were as rich and suitable to the rest and Croessus did not more honour unto Homer or any of the books of the Sibbels so famous throughout all Asia then he did unto Aesope since he thought his works worthy to be amongst his Treasures which he prized at a higher rate then all things in the world besides After a serious contemplation of this world of riches and with astonishment beheld the vast number of huge giblets of gold and silver After I say he had reflected upon the misfortune of the Prince who lost them and so passionately loved them Cyrus went out of this place of riches unto the Chamber of miserable Croessus with whom was the Prince Myrsiles This old King and this young Prince received Cyrus with all civility due unto a Conquerour yet without any base dejection of Spirit As there appeared a sorrow in their eyes so also there appeared a constancy in their souls and Cyrus seeing with what resoluteness they indured so great a misery said aloud That they deserved to wear all their lives that Scepter which they had lost and that it should not be his fault if Cyrus did not restore it unto them And indeed this generous Prince did so behave himself towards Croessus and his Son in such an obliging manner that it may be said he made a most absolute conquest of them and gained their hearts by his civility as well as conquer their Kingdomes by his valour As soon as Cyrus entred into the Chamber where they were they advanced towards him but this minded Prince making hast to meet them received them with as much civility as if it were in times of peace or as if their present fortune were equal I could never have believed said Croessus to his illustrious Conquerour that I should ever have thought my self able to give thanks unto a Prince who conquered my Crown Yet Sir since I owe my life unto you and since the same hand which pul'd me from my Throne pul'd me also from the Scaffold which the King of Assyria's violence caused me to ascend I think it rather my duty to commend you then to complain of my misfortune But Sir since the life which you have preserved can neither be glorious nor pleasing unto me let it suffice I only commend you without giving you thanks and that I acknowledg you to be worthy of that glory which you possess I do not desire you should thank me replied Cyrus Nor do I fully consent you should commend me but I cannot indure that you should hold so bad an opinion of the Medean Kings as to dispair of your being in a more happy condition then you are especially considering that this Prince added he and presented Artamas unto him is my most dear friend and considering that I have almost as much credit with Ciaxares as Artamas hath with Cyrus The King of Lydia who had after then once since the taking of Sardis repented himself of the injustice which he had done the Prince Artamas did receive him very civilly yet with much shame it not being possible he should see him and not remember the obligements wherein he was bound when he carried the name of Cleander and the unjust imprisonment which he caused him to suffer after he was known to be the Prince Artamas yet notwithstanding as he was resolved to acknowledg unto Cyrus that he did not deserve his misfortune he did check himself and said since Conquerours may impose what Laws they please upon the
unto him for believing he should see the Princess Araminta the next morning every minute seemed an Age unto him As for Sesostris and Artamas after they had conducted Cyrus unto the Cittadel they returned to the Pallace to see at once those two Princesses who raigned in their souls The first of these since he had not of a long time seen his dearest Timaretta he thought he should never see her enough And the second besides the joy which he should have to be with his Princess he was joyed that he was able to render an accompt unto her of the conference between Cyrus and the King her Father and that he was able to tell her that he was well received Since these two Princesses had two Chambers which joyned together and since they were both in their own Chambers which Sesostris and Artamas came to see them they parted at the doors of the Chambers But vvhil'st Sesostris vvas entertaining his dearest Timaretta and vvhil'st he vvas protesting that his Love vvas as violent as vvhen she vvas the fairest Shepheardess of all Aegypt and he the most amorous Shepheard of the World Whil'st I say Artamas vvas protesting unto the Princess Palmâ— after he had rendred her an accompt of all passages bet 〈…〉 〈◊〉 and him that the aâ—teration in her fortune had vvrought no change in his heart and that he did love her vvith more zeal and respect though the King her Father vvas a Captive and though he had lost his Crown then he did before when she was the Daughter of the most puissant and rich King of all Asia Whil'st I say these two illustrious Lovers found some sweetness in discoursing of their past misfortunes and present miseries Andramites prepared himself to wait upon Cyrus the next morning when he intended to carry Spitridates unto Araminta to the end he might the sooner see his beloved Doralisa Ligdamis also as well as he had the same design to see his dearest Cleonice Parmenâ—des also who came to Sardis as soon as he heard it was taken thought of returning to see Cydipe so that all these Amorâ—tes being no less amorous then Spitridates were no less impatient then he and expected the happy hour with as much restlesseness of mind They all departed not so early in the morning as they could have desired because Cyrus had yet so much business to dispatch that the Sun was a great height before he took horse for he had not only his last orders to give unto the messenger whom he sent unto Ciaxares but he had commands to give concerning the bringing of Menecrates and â—hrasemedes unto Sardis He had written and sent unto Persipolis but he had yet to command that they should go unto certain small Maritine Towns whose names were out of his memory when he sent unto Ephisus Milete Guides and Cuma for though in his sending thither he had given orders in general to go unto all the Ports on that Coast yet because he had not precisely named the Towns which he then remembred he vvould send thither chusing rather to do a hundred things to no purpose concerning the Quest of his Princess then to fail in the least circumstance that had any shadow of possibility in doing her service But at last all business was dispatched and he departed first asking pardon of the Prince Spitridates for keeping him so long from the sight of the Princess Araminta conjuring him to pardon the fault of an unhappy Lover who was not so neer the sight of her he loved as he was After this complement which Spitridates received with the same civility it was expressed they rid towards the Castle where Cyrus had lodged Araminta Tigranes knowing the violent disposition of his Brother Phraartes would also make one in this journey to prevent any unruly attempt which his Brother might fall upon at the sight of Spitridates As for Andramites Ligdamis and Parmenides they waited upon Cyrus at this time more for their sakes whom they loved then for any other reason Aglatidas who was interest in all these Lovers was very desirous to be a witness of all their joyes so that he accompanied Cyrus as well as Anaxaris Artabanes Chrisantes Hirmogenes Leontidas Megabises and many others This Prince took with him two hundred horse for his Guard conceiving that there was not need of any more though it was a daies journey in a Country newly conquered for Croessus had no Troops in the field the disorder was so great amongst the people and the Dominion of Cyrus was hoped to be so gentle that considering â—he state of things there was no fear of any revolt Also a great part of the way he was to go was through the Camp and their own Quarters and by consequence less dangerous But when these Princes were about fifty furlongs from Sardis Cyrus met a servant of Artabases unto whom he had committed the Guard of Panthea and Araminta when he displaced Araspes This servant came to tell him from his Master that the Prince Phraartes had carried away the Princess of Pontus This servant had no sooner openly delivered his message unto Cyrus but Spitridates gave so sad a cry that he did most sensibly move the hearts of all who heard him unto pity As for Cyrus though he had only a most pure harmless affection unto Araminta and pity of Spitridates yet was he most extreamly troubled at the accident the sence of honour mixing with the tenderness of his soul caused him to resent very bitterly this little respect which Phraartes had of him in taking away a Princess who was his prisoner Tigranes for his particular was exceedingly grieved at his Brothers fault and it had been a difficult matter for a stranger seeing these three Princes to know which of them was the Lover of the Princess who was carried away Though the sorrows of Spitridates were a thousand times deeper then those of Cyrus and Tigranes yet his eyes his words and all his actions could not make it appear how great they were After his first apprehension of sorrow and dispair he stood still more then a quarter of an hour in a Lethargy of Spirit which made him hear what others said as if he understood them not During all this time of this sad silence he had such a cloud of dismal melancholy in his face as made it most apparent that his soul was in most horrid torments The first words he uttered were Is it possible that Artabases the fidelity of whose heart I make no doubt should not prevent so great a misfortune Sir replied the servant the great wounds which he hath received upon this occasion will sufficiently testifie that he hath not failed in the duty which he owes you and that his extraordinary valour did not at this time fail him But how is it possible replied Cyrus and interrupted him that Phraartes could execute his design Sir replied the servant to acquaint you exactly how it was be pleased to know that when the news
best and know least I am most confident there is none knows your worth better then I do I know you are of an excellent composure I am acquainted with the accuteness and excellency of your Spirit Generosity shines in your soul your valour is absolutely Heroique but for all this I know not who you are nor know whom to ask therefore dear Anaxaris I beseech you give me leave to ask the question and let me not be denied I wish Sir I could deserve those commendations you are pleased to give me And I wish also that I were able to satisfie your curiosity But since it is convenient for me to conceal my self as since it will not at all avail you to know I hope you will not put me to necessity of disobeying you Though all this doth but augment my curiosity replied Cyrus yet because I love you I will check my desires upon condition you will be perswaded that my greatest reason which moved me to desire the knowledg of vvhom you vvere vvas my desires of serving you Anaxaris returned thanks unto Cyrus for the honour which he did him but it was in such terms as perswaded that Prince that Anaxaris was of such a Quality as was more used to receive then give thanks Since now they drew neer the Camp Cyrus though of giving out several orders as he passed he visited many of the chief Commanders so that it was almost night when he came to Sardis At his entrance in he met Mazares who came to meet him and they saluted with the same civility which they usually shewed unto each other but in such a melancholy manner as made it manifest there was no news to be heard of Mandana I will not ask you generous Rival said Cyrus unto him Whether you know any thing concerning our Princess for your sadness speaks you do not 'T is very true Sir replied Mazares I do not know any thing of the Princess more then what you knew yesterday when you parted But I know another thing which will be a Wonder unto you and which I will immediately tell you Since it is not any thing which relates unto the Princess replied Cyrus you may tell me what you please and I shall hearken unto it vvithout any impatience I do not say replied Mazares That it does not relate unto Mandana but only that I do not know any thing of that Princess for if I had said so I had said untruly since it is to be believed that the King of Assyria is gone to seek her Is the King of Assyria gone replied Cyrus with astonishment Yes Sir ansvvered Mazares One of his men whom he left with a Letter for you told me that he himself took horse about four hours since and that he intended to ride all night and do what he could to be the first who should know where the Princess Mandana is Cyrus no sooner heard this strange news but he changed colour and cholor began to mix with his sorrows He was afraid the King of Assyria had received some secret intelligence of the place where Mandana was It vexed him that the violence of his nature should prompt him unto a thing which would be taken for excess of Love He was afraid that he would find out some wayes to come unto Mandana and deliver her though there was no likelyhood of it As for Mazares his thoughts were as turbulent as those of Cyrus for though his Love was without any hope and though he was resolved to look no further then the liberty of Mandana yet many times his heart would sparkle out some hatred of his Rival and Love of the Princess Mandana so that he stood in need of all his reason to expel and smother these gusts of his old passion At this time he had no leisure to vent his thoughts for Cyrus had so great a desire to see what the King of Assyria had writ that he sent in all hast for the man who had the Letter appointing him to be brought unto the Cittadel vvhither he vvent to expect him vvith an impatience suitable to the grandure of his Love yet he was not long in that restless mood for the King of Assyria's Officer knowing that Cyrus was returned to Sardis came unto him at the same instant that he was sent for so that within a quarter of an hour after Cyrus came to the Cittadel he received the Letter which he so impatiently longed for He opened the Letter in all hast and read it so fast as if he would have known all the Contents of it in one instant yet notwithstanding his impatient hast he was long in reading it for the King of Assyria writing it in hast the Character was not legible yet in conclusion he picked out these words The King of Assyria to the too happy CYRUS NEver think that the design which I have undertaken to go in quest of the Princess shall make me decline the least jot from our old conditions on the contrary leaving you in the head of a hundred thousand men and I going alone to discover if I can where the Princess it the confidence which I have in your Word obligeth you to keep exact touch with me As for my part never fear that I will fail since a King without a Kingdome or Army is not in a condition of daring to do it though he would Give me leave then to go and be your Spy since it is the pleasure of Fate I can do nothing else as long as we believed the Princess Mandana to be in Armenia or knew that she was in Sardis the hope of delivering her did suffer me to indure the sight of you and Mazares But now since we know not where she is and since I shall be less useless in the Army then perhaps I shall be elswhere I will quit my self from the sight of my Rivals not but that I know the height of your generosity in all that relates unto me But I had rather that the Princess Mandana should accuse you of too little Love unto her in your too much civility unto me then she should accuse me of too little affection unto her in the too acknowledgment which I have of you Therefore I leave it to the publike voge either to commend you or blame me for what we do However once more I incite you to the observation of our conditions and remember alwayes that you can never enjoy Mandana until you have ruined The King of Assyria After Cyrus had read this Letter his soul was a little more at ease although he found many things which netled him and which revived in his heart that old hatred which he had towards this furious Rival when he passed under the name of Philidaspes and when he himself under the name of Artamenes but his comfort was that he perceived the King of Assyria's departure was only an effect of his phantastical humourt and of his violent temper not that he knew any particulars of the
only is not enough but a high spirit and a great heart are essentially requisite and I am perswaded that the haughtiness of a fair fool hath such a neer resemblance of Pride and comes so neer a kind of foolish idle vanity as it doth much misbecome them and renders them insufferable I know that if this person who hath this loftiness of behaviour have not also a great and generous heart she will be bitter and tart and surely in lieu of being stately this I do not wish to be in any accomplished person Sullenness and Stateliness are two different things the first is Ugly the other is Majestical the one a sign of a melancholy Spirit the other of a great and noble soul Yes the stateliness which I speak of is a spark of Divinity which distinguisheth those who are so from the common herd of people which makes them feared and respected of those who love them and which without the least incivility forbids too much familiarity with those who are so stately and which quality I do every day admire in Elisa and therefore wonder not that I should desire her to part with any other quality then with this noble Pride which I so much love in her and which also hath rendred you so good offices To me replied Phocilion For heavens sake do not offer to perswade me that I am any Debtor unto the haughtiness of Elisa Indeed you are replied Poligenes For can you think that she being so fair so amiable and so much adored as she is her heart would have been at this time to dispose of if she had not been as stately and majestical as she is or if she had been so affable and sweet as you seem to desire her she could never have seen so many denied Suitors at her feet without having pity upon some one of them insomuch as when you came unto Tire and courted her acquaintance you would have found her heart ingaged whereas now you find it free and so disingaged from any affection as the most passionate of all her Lovers cannot find in her behaviour the least cause of any jealousie 'T is true replied Phocilion But on the other side they cannot find any foundation of hope Yes replied Poligenes very much since there is no fear that any will be more happy then your self But I beseech you said Elisa and interrupted them Wherein does this stateliness you speak of consist I pray tell me that I may know how to be more or less lofty as occasions shall be offered Is it in the Aire of my visage that it appears or in all my actions in general Is it in my words Or in the accent of my voice Is it in somthing which I cannot define replied Poligenes For truly you are more civil then many others who pass for more sweet and affable then they are you are essentially good you are ready to do all good offices to your friends with an excellent grace Also upon some occasions you are pittiful and tender but with all these you are high-minded and stately as I would have you to be and to say truly I think that this brave and noble Pride hath its source from the root of your heart and from thence it passeth into your Spirit into your eyes into your face and into all your actions and words Since so said Elisa then I must be as long as I live the very same I am at this present for I must needs confess unto you that I would not change my heart for any others Though your highness of behaviour should make you have no other thought but that replied Poligenes yet I should for ever love it for as I said before I should not be sorry if others cannot enjoy that thing which I cannot my self enjoy Phocilion was not yet satisfied with the reasons of Poligenes but this discourse lasted so long that night summoned us to leave Eliâ—a who doubtless was gladder to see her stateliness commended then any other Quality for she heard every one applaud her beauty her voice and her Spirit and somtimes she met with some who found fault with her stateliness and extreamly complained against it This was the state of things Madam when the Brother of Poligenes whom I told you was travelling in Greece returned unto Tire He was then about four and twenty years of age and there being such a difference of age between Poligenes and him he respected him almost as his Father and indeed Poligenes took as great a care of Agenor as if he were his Son he was therefore extreamly glad to see him so handsom and pleasing every way and I assure you Madam a man could not be more handsom then he was he was not only handsom and of a good garb but he was also exceeding agile in all the exercises of his body especially in danceing Moreover he had an admirable wit but it was a merry and diverting wit which infinitely pleased all companies Moreover he was the aptest of all men to make secretss to discover those of others and to hide his own when he would 'T is true this humour lasted not long nor took him oft for he had a vanity which caused that he could not be loved without desiring it should be known yet the passions of his soul were very violent but vanity would not permit them to be strong in his heart and certainly if Agenor had not had this fault he had been much more amiable in the eyes of those he loved then he was For as for others except his Rivals he was the sweetest and most civil of men towards them his vanity being only confined unto his Gallantries Agenor being such a one as I have described he returned to Tire whilest Straton Barce and Elisa were gone for fifteen daies into the Country In the interim Poligenes shewed his Brother all the Court who got in it extraordinary reputation especially among the Ladies In the mean while Agenor having a soul naturally disposed unto Gallantry could not live without a business of that nature he applied himself unto one of the Queens women named Lyriope one both of beauty and merit but of an envious and revenging spirit such as would not permit her self to be at rest Indeed Lyriope looked upon any thing that was advantageous unto any of her companions with a spiteful eye and I believe she never saw a good face but she had ill rest all that day I think also that she wished her self both fair and brown both at once that she had eyes both black and grey and indeed to be all that others were yet be what she her self was also Lyriope was not only envious at the beauty of others and their Conquests but at their very cloaths also not enduring any should have more riches nor better made then her self without extream regret You may then imagine Madam that a woman of this humour was extreamly joyed that a man whom all the Court most talked of and
passion which she would advise him to assume Lyriope hath since reported that she was in pittiful perplexity at that time and indeed it is easily to be imagined that envy and jealousie contesting in her heart did put it into a strange disorder On the one side she saw that she might do a great honor to Elisa whom she hated on the other side she might spite Asiadates and extinguish a passion which disturbed her tranquility But though jealousie was powerful in her Spirit yet she had not overcom her envy had she not phancied much happiness to her self if this project could wean him from the love of Elisa for as it is ordinary for envy to make those partial who are possessed with it Lyriope began to think Elisa not so handsom as she was and never to think that the King would fall really in Love with her so that the tumultuous turbulency of her soul beginning to calm upon a suddain she named Elisa unto the King But she had no sooner named her then this Prince cried out Oh Elisa said he unto her Certainly you have read my very heart Elisa being she who of all the Ladies in the world best pleaseth me and with whom I can with least pain seem to be in Love Lyriope hearing the winde in that corner began to tell the King her envy growing stronger then her jealousie that she should be extremely sorry if she should kindle a real passion in his soul and therefore she would disswade him from the choice of Elisa since he had a greater inclination to love her then any other but her labour was in vain she could not quench what she had kindled nor change the Kings minde at last she resolved to stand unto her first principle Thus it was on all sides resolved that the King should seem to be Elisa's servant Since ths Feast of Neptune was to be celebrated within two daies a sit occasion of expressing his gallantry did offer it self such a one as would make all Phenicia his witnesses In the mean time Elisa knew nothing how Lyriope plotted against the tranquility of her life but enjoyed a thousand innocent delights in Cleomira's Palace finding more contentation in the conversation of her friends then ever she could in the multitude of her Lovers Phâ—cilion also as amorous as he was did not think himself altogether miserable though he was not loved so well as he would be for he had the consolation to hope that none would ever be more happy then himself Poligenes and Agenor had an infinite esteem of her still since reason and dispair had cured them of their Love to her but as for Asiadates he was still in most horrible torment the violence of his passion was without any hope he received a thousand affronts and checks from Elisa neither Lyriopes jealousie nor his own would permit him any rest yet were his sorrows much augmented upon the Feast day of Neptune For the King in prosecution of his intended design applied himself to commend and Court Elisa more then any other and to speak high in her advantage He took her out to dance at a Ball which was kept at the Court and made such applications to her as that the next morning the general noise was all over Tire that the King was in love with Elisa But Madam imagine with what a restless soul Lyriope did pass over the day of this Feast For my part who by chance was next her the same night that this pretended Love of the King made the greatest flame I must confess that I never saw any thing more equally carried in my life for though I did not then know the true cause of Lyriopes changing countenance nor did I imagine that envy only was the cause of it yet did I observe all passages I saw Lyriope look somtimes upon the King somtimes upon Elisa somtimes upon Asiadates and somtimes upon nothing though her eyes were open but stood in a most profound musing I perceived her pronounce some words somtimes half aloud and perceiving her own error would restrain her self As for Asiadates I heard him say that never man was such a sufferer as himself when he saw the King become his Rival for though he never was in the least hope of Elisa's love yet was he as much grieved at it as if that Prince had taken from him the heart of Elisa or hindered him from enjoying her As for Phocilion he also was troubled at it but his was with a mixture of some tranquility and the more because he did not conceive that Elisa's eyes would ever be dazled at any grandure since she was used to treat Princes and Subjects all alike and was so far from being startled at Majesty that she slighted it But Madam the rarest part of this encounter was that the King had not talked above three words to Elisa but he was was really in Love with her and in as high a degree as possible could be yet was this Conquest no joy unto Elisa but on the contrary it troubled her Yet to draw some good out of a thing which she looked upon as evil she imployed all the credit she had over the Spirit of this Prince to dispose it unto virtue unto which he had already much inclination and indeed it may be justly said that all Phenicia was beholding unto Elisa for a thousand excellent things which she infused into the soul of this young Prince In the mean time Feasts Musiques and all delights were more in use at the Court then ever and though Elisa since the Kings love did more affect solitude and appeared in sight less then ordinary but carried it as if she would let the Court see that she was no way contributory unto the love of this young Prince nor rejoyced at all in the Conquest yet it was impossible that she should not be present at these great assemblies whereof she was the cause yet she transacted so wisely that without incensing the King she perswaded him that all he was to expect from her was respect and acknowledgment and that such acknowledgment only as should be locked up in her heart without any other outward expressions then wishing his glory and the happiness of his raign And indeed this Prince who was not of his Fathers inclinations did love Elisa with a most pure flame In the mean time Lyriope found her self extremely mistaken in her opinion that the Kings love to Elisa would quench the flames of Asiadates for on the contrary he seeing his choice authorized by the Kings his flames were hotter and he began to scorn and slight Lyriope much more on the other side this envious woman seeing the King did really love Elisa and that loving her as he did it was very glorious unto her she thought how she should quench those flames which she had kindled endeavouring to perswade this Prince that if he did love Elisa in earnest he would lose himself in the minds of the people more then
joyned and those who commanded them had conference but Thrasibulus according to the liberty of Truce sent Leontidas in a Barque with Philocles who was Lievtenant General unto him who commanded this Fleet unto Cyrus to inform him of all passages so that Leontidas arrived at the Camp just as Cyrus entred into his Tent with Mazares Myrsiles and many others But to the end he might know how to receive Philocles he went to Cyrus before him and acquainted him how Philocles was sent by the Princess Cleobuline who was then Queen of Corinth after the death of the wise and valiant Periander her Father and that he came to offer him from the Queen this Fleet which he saw arrive Cyrus no sooner heard this from Leontidas but he disposed himself to receive Philocles with extraordinary civility not only because he did very much esteem him and because he brought him powerful Auxiliaries but also because he came from one of the most illustrious Princesses in the world whom he had seen very young when he travelled by Corinth Having then appointed Chrisantes to go and entertain them whom she had sent and Leontidas to hring him thither Philocles was brought who presented a Letter unto him from the Queen of Corinth which contained these words The Queen of Corinth to the invincible CYRUS SIR TO testifie how dear the remembrance of the illustrious Artamenes is unto me and how much I interest my self in that glory which he hath gotten I have sent unto him the best Ships which are on our Seas being extreamly sorry that he would not acquaint me with his necessities but demanded aid from Princes who could not help him with a more willing heart then mine The Souldiers which I have made choice of to send him hath all of them heretofore returned from Wars with Lawrels on their heads under the late King my Father and lest they should forget the art of vanquishing I should be glad to have them fight under such a Conquerour as your self nor can they a greater honour then to have a helping hand in the Princess Mandana's delivery and fighting under your Ensigns and this is my advantage that when you shall send them back I shall be more trrrible to my Neighbours Philocles who knows my thoughts of you will more precisely interpret them and if he follow my instructions exactly will tell you that I do easily believe all the wonders which are reported of your life and that there is none in the world who doth more honor your virtue then my self nor who wisheth your happiness with more zeal then CLEOBULINE This Letter being full of Noble expressions it did most infinitely oblige Cyrus who testified unto Philocles so many cordial acknowledgments of this great Queens goodness unto him as made it apparent that his heart was most sensible of such a generous overture After this Philocles acquainted Cyrus how the Queen who sent him understood that the Prince of Cumes had sent secretly unto Corinth to cause Ships of War to be made and that she was diligent to enquire by some intelligence which she hath in the Town what might be his reason for arming by which means she came to understand that it was because he had given retreat unto the King of Pontus who was escaped from Sardis and had taken the Princess Mandana with him Philocles further told him that this great Queen supposing he knew where that Princess was and not questioning but that he would presently besiege Cumes she made ready this Fleet which now she sent unto him which could not possibly come sooner unto Cumes because of the contrary windes Philocles extolled the esteem which Cleobuline had of Cyrus with so many aggravations and such eloquence as it was evident he came from the Court of a Princess where ignorance did not pass for a virtue like many other Courts in the world Though Cleobuline was very young when Cyrus was at Corinth yet he remembred her to be then very fair and of an admirable Spirit as well as beauty and being obliged unto a more particular curiosity he asked Philocles a hundred questions concerning this great Princess and her Government but the more Philocles answered the more his curiosity augmented for he told him such wonders of this Queen in discoursing with him of her great soul spirit wit prudence justice liberality and goodness as this Prince was all admiration and had no longing desire to know more In the mean time to testifie how much he esteemed of any thing that came from her he sent Chrisantes unto him who commanded this Fleet with several Barques loadened with all manner of things suitable for a Present at Sea keeping Philocles with him and Leontidas also until the Truce was ended The next morning he who commanded the Fleet whose name was Thimochares came also to visit Cyrus who treated him with magnificence worthy of himself and worthy of that Queen whom he desired to honour by honouring him who commanded her Arms. Since the Truce allowed him leasure enough and since his hopes of seeing his Princess at liberty had infused much serenity into his soul his civilities were more exact and regular then ordinary therefore as often as Philocles and Timochares were with him he talked with them continually of the Queen of whom he still heard somthing that was admirable and indeed so many miracles as would have staggered his belief and suspected Philocles and Timochares of gross flattery if he had not known the first of them to be a man most sincere However this Prince alwayes thought that he committed a crime when he thought of any thing but Mandana and would not perhaps have been so forward in the business of this Queen of Timochares according to her orders had he not asked him from her whether she approved of her design never to marry advising with him afterwards upon several things which related unto her Dominions So that Cyrus infinitely wondred at the resolution which this young and fair Queen had taken and afterwards talking with Timochares and then with Philocles who for divers reasons wished that this Queen would not so obstinately persist in her resolution Philocles resolved to acquaint Cyrus with something which almost none but himself could to the end that he might advise Timochares who had some credit with Cleobuline to perswade her not to persist in her design So that after they had augmented the curiosity of Cyrus by a thousand circumstances concerning this Queen and after Philocles had told him that a relation of this Queens life would concern him Cyrus who infinitely esteemed Philocles promised to give him audience some night when every one was retired to their rest But before he would let him begin this relation he asked him how Philista did and how the state of his Love did stand Oh Sir answered he with such a smile as testified that he was either cured of his passion or happy the state of my fortune is changed since I left you
to see my own weakness and yet have not left me power enouhg to surmount it But Madam replied Stesilea to justifie you by your own words is it not sufficient to stop all accusations that you have done all you were able to subdue the passion of your soul For truly Madam I cannot conceive that virtue consists in having no passions Nature gives them unto all and they can never be totally subdued but by death I am confidently perswaded that so these passions prompt us not unto any thing which is against true glory we are not culpable though we cannot subdue them therefore Madam in lieu of accusing you as you do your self you ought to be commended for striving so couragiously against that which is the most powerful of all passions and you ought to consider with a little more tranquility which way you may vanquish them or render them less intollerable As for vanquishing them replied the Queen I will never hope for it though I am resolved to strive as long as I live and as for making them less intollerable the way is very difficult to be found Moreover Stesilea there is one thing which doth extremely torment me for I am perswaded that if Myrinthus knew my thoughts of him they would stagger his sidelity unto Philimena and somtimes again I have thoughts that the Crown I wear keeps him from loving me I believe I have an infallible way to make him break off with Philimena but it is a way I will never take for there is nothing in the world I fear more then that Myrinthus should know I love him Then Madam said Stesilea What will content you That I had never loved Myrinthus replied she For to talk of ceasing from loving him is to talk of a thing impossible neither my heart nor my reason will ever consent unto it Then Madam replied Stesilea I cannot easily think you can be in such a miserable condition but you may finde out wayes to be happpie Truly Stesilea replied Cleobuline the state of my fortune is such that I know no way to happiness but only to wish it For since the fate of Myrinthus is not sit to be a King I cannot be any thing else but a lump of misfortunes yet I do conceive somthing that would render me somthing less miserable then I am I beseech you Madam said Stesilea what is it that will be any ease unto your misery I would have Myrinthus said she not to love Philimena but would have him love me but love me without ever telling me of it or without ever knowing that I love him and I would have all the world ignorant of that passion which was in our souls I pray judg then Stesilea whether there be any possibility of my happiness truly I can never pretend unto so 〈…〉 ch as to hope it all that I wish is that Myrinthus did not love Philimena yet truly I 〈…〉 told you my wish but shame moves me to alter my opinion for I feel my love to Myrinthus converts it self into hatred against my self and that my jealousie of Philimena turns fury against my own reason therefore Stesilea I will pause a while until second thoughts have better digested my first and until I am better resolved upon what I would have you do This is a most certain and infallible Maxime which is for ever unalterable that I will never do any thing that shall be opposite unto glory and that Myrinthus shall never know that I love him After this Stesilea had a long conference with Cleobuline at the conclusion of which nothing was resolved upon yet this Queen found some ease in her spirits since she had discharged her heart unto Stesilea whose tender and passionate soul was very fit to be a confident of such a Noble passion and ever since she was inseparable from the Queen who could not live without her So that according to the custome of all Courts which is that as soon as any is admitted into the favour of the Kings or Queens they are Courted by all the Court So Stesilea by her new admittance into the Queens favour was loadened with civilities and addresses Basilides himself was very compliant with her and among the rest Myrinthus as powerful as he was with the Queen yet Courted the friendship of Stesilea to the end she might procure him that Queens consent unto his design of marrying Philimena so that by this means she was upon very good terms with Myrinthus who not knowing the cause of this new favor did attribute it as all the rest of the Court did unto the merit of Stesilea and unto the recommendation of the Princess Eumetis with whom she spent all the beginning of her life Thus Myrinthus not knowing the true cause of those many favours wherewith the Queen honoured Stesilea did Court her favour in hopes of her doing him a good office by favouring his design Moreover in order unto this design he became more obsequious more exact more respectful and more compliant about the Queen but the more regularly he demeaned himself the more did her love and her jealousie both begin to flame the more obsequious he was the more she thought him amiable but also considering that his reason for being so officious about her was only because he was every day more in love with Philimena a spiteful jealousie did so rouze her heart as she phancied as much pleasure in hindering Myrinthus from marrying Philimena as this Lover did in enjoying her So that consulting about it one day with Stesilea she both prayed her and conjured her to contribute all her endeavours unto the breaking off of this match I know well said she unto her that I can do it my self by virtue of my Soveraign authority but there is two strong reasons which restrain me The first is because I am extreamly afraid that Myrinthus would guess at the cause and therefore I will not run that hazard The second is if I could not do it without a blush because I would not have Myrinthus hate me as doubtless he would if he should know it to be I who broke off his marriage therefore Stesilea I conjure you to imploy all your wits to make him alter his opinion of Philimena or at least to keep him from marrying her not that I do intend that Myrinthus shall ever know I love him though you should effect my desired project but it is so great a pleasure unto any one who is in love to quash any passion that shall oppose their own as I would do any thing in the world to see Myrinthus out of love with Philimena I profess Stesilea said she if you can drive her out of the heart of Myrinthus you shall have as great a share in my heart almost as he hath for then I imagine I shall with less pain hide that passion which thus rants it in my heart I shal more easily vanquish it or at the least shall love him less Stesilea hearing Cleobuline
transported with the violence of his Love Philimena is so essentally necessarie unto the felicitie of my life that I cannot live without some hopes of enjoying her As for hope replied Cleobuline with extream grief and anger I will not take it from you for some men will often hope against all manner of probabilitie but as for Philimena I will never per 〈…〉 it if you marrie her it shal be without my consent I know verie well said she that after so much goodness as I have formerly extended towards you it may seem somthing strange I should denie you a thing which you â—o earnestly desire and denie it without giving you any reason for my denial But know Myrinthus that this reason is of such a nature as I cannot tell it yet it is so strange a reason that it is invincible and if you did know it you would confess that if you were in my room you would do the like And I assure you it will not be a greater difficultie for you to cast off Philimena then for me to consent that you should ever think on her therefore Myrinthus solicite me no more in the matter for all will be in vain Let if suffice that of two passions I shall satisfie that which 〈◊〉 used to be most difficult to content and if you will be happie over come the other couragiously Alas Madam said Myrinthus and sighed it seems your Majestie is only a lover of glorie and virtue since you think it such an easie matter to drive out of my heart a hot-burning passion which keeps a most violent possession No no Pbilimena will not out so easily Doubtless I may resolve not to marry her and die but I cannot leave loving her and live therefore Madam it is in your choice whether you will glve me death or Philimena The reverent duty which I owe your Majesty tan go no further If you doom me to death I will endeavour to receive it without murmure but if you grant me life and Philimena what would I not do to testifie my acknowledgments Consider Madam I beseech yoo that your last words will be a sentence either of life or death unto a man whom you have so much esteemed as to honour him with abundance favours and benefits Consider I say that if you permit me to enjoy Philimena I shall serve you all the rest of my life with unutterable zeal And consider also that if you forbid the bains those cruel words will be poyson which passing from your mouth into my ears will pass from my ears unto my heart and there most infallibly will be my death a death the most severe and tormentive in the world since pronounced by the greatest Queen upon earth and whom I held in such reverent esteem for the most certain truth is Madam that I have yeen as zealously devoted unto your glory as unto Philimena and I do protest that I am as faithful a subject unto you as I am a faithful lover unto her Then yeeld obedience replied Cleobuline unto those orders which I command and obey them willingly I wish unto the heavens Madam that I could replied he but since I cannot unless I die I beseech you command them no more let it suffice I wish that I loved Philimena less and believe it I most humbly beseech you that if I were able to quench those flames which offend you I should most joyfully do it knowing very well that a Princess whose heart is sensible only of glorie would the more esteem me if mine were not so sensible of Love But the case is unalterable with me Madam 't is you must pronounce the fatal words of life or death Live then said Cleobuline unto him scarce knowing what she said but live without Philimena unless you will both live and die in my displeasure I will live Madam if I can replied he since you command it but since I am confident that I cannot I shall die in my sorrows that I cannot know why I die but I shall die with this satisfaction that I shall die the most faithful though the most unfortunate of all your Subjects After this Myrinthus made a most low and reverent Conge unto the Queen with such a sad and drooping countenance that any other then a Lover would have pitied him No sooner was Myrinthus gone out of the Queens Closet but Stefilea entred and she was no sooner entred but Cleobuline commanded that none else should enter and then she related unto her all the passages between Myrinthus and her self and that with so much agitation of spirits that the passion of her soul was very discernable Did you know said she unto her with what zealous earnestness Myrinthus asaed leave to marrie Philimena you would wonder how I could denie him or you would wonder I should not hate him and admire how I could conceal the jealousie of my soul yet to my unspeakable miserie the more he seemed in Love with Philimena the more he blew the flame of my affection unto him Alas said I unto my self whilst he was talking how happy should I be if Myrinthus were as affection unto me as unto another and when he protested that he was as much devoted unto my glorie as unto Philimsna I had much ado to withhold from saying that his neerest way of happiness was to be as much devoted unto my person as unto my service But thanks be to the heavens my reason rowzing up to aid me I abhorred a thought so base and unworthie of my self and I was more then half resolved to allow the marriage of Myrinthus with Philimena thereby to drive Myrinthus out of Cleobulines heart but my mouth would not obey the offers of my minde which neither my heart nor reason did not command Thus my dear Stesilea I have denied Philimena unto Myrinthus and I have still kept Myrinthus in my heart notwithstanding his extream love of Philimena yet 〈…〉 these violent flames of affection which I saw in his soul did inspire such 〈◊〉 mine and I could not be more angrie if Myrinthus had been ungrateful and perfidio 〈…〉 â—ut presentlie after my anger ceased and I accused my self of the most horrible 〈◊〉 in the world Indeed I must confess unto my shame that one could not be 〈…〉 â—ust then I 〈…〉 business for as violent as my affection to Wyrinthus was 〈…〉 â—ould never 〈◊〉 that he should know it and that though he had loved me 〈◊〉 â—id not allow 〈◊〉 so much boldness as to sell me of it so that it must needs bâ—◠〈◊〉 the greatest â—olly and 〈◊〉 in the world to 〈◊〉 Myrinthus miserable But for all that I pha 〈…〉 so great a consolation in seeing him out of love with Philimena and I found so much delight in making my self believe that he loved me and knew not that I loved him as I could not by any means consent that he should either love or marrie Philimena yet for all this I am perswaded that he
of telling that which I have promised never to reveal Can you not guess at what you desire to know Let it suffice I tell you for the opening of your apprehension that it is neither policie nor hatred or scorn which moves the Queen to denie you Philimena After all this Myrinthus I pray tell your self that which I have not power to tell you especiailie when I call to mind the promises which I have made to the Queen never to tell it Myrinthus hearing Stesilea speak in this manner began to apprehend what she hinted at but he apprehended it with so much astonishment and so much perplexitie of Spirit as he thought that he misapprehended her his thoughts were so ravelled as he could not unwind them to the bottom yet to run no hazard he answered Stesilea a little from the matter The thing which it seems you would have me apprehend said she unto him is so verie full of wonder as I fear that I should commit a crime in seeming to apprehend it No no Myrinthus replied Stesilea it is no crime to understand me but you will be extreamly too blame if after you understand me you do not what I conceive you are obliged unto Alas Stesilea cried Myrinthus I cannot comprehend how I can believe you unless I should fail in my respects unto the Queen no no her denial is not caused be any reason you would give me and I think it better to misunderstand you and to accuse you as an Imposture rather then to accuse the greatest Queen upon Earth of so bad a choice Stesilea seeing Myrinthus either would not or would not seem to believe her did so circumstance the matter unto him as at last she convinced his belief and he calling to memory a hundred several passages especially the manner how the Queen denied his Marriage with Philimena he did not at all doubt of the truth Since he was not at all satisfied at the last conference with Philimena he could not imagine himself loved by the most illustrious Queen in the world without some thoughts which elevating his heart did exhilerate his spirits and ambition did so swell his soul as his imagination was full of Thrones and Scepters and Crowns The beautie spirit wisdom and virtue of Cleobuline did so stagger his thoughts as for a while there was an interregnam in his heart In the interval of which he thought he could give it unto which he pleased and stronglie phancied to give it entirelie unto Cleobuline and that he could quit Philimena But this inward tumult which glorie and ambition had raised in his soul being a little calmed his love to Philimena began to revive and made him think this honour which the Queen did him as a thing which would render him the most miserable man alive This serenitie of soul was no sooner established in his heart but turbulent clouds began to bluster again and he was so full of contradictions in his talk to Stesilea as the trouble of his Spirits was evident I beseech you Stesilea said he unto her before I tell you my thoughts promise me never to tell the Queen that you have acquainted me with any thing for Stesilea if she should know I know it I have nothing in the world to do but die at your feet since it is impossible I can appear before her the most ungrateful and unjust person that lives amongst men I have already told you Sir replied she that I would not have the Queen know I have discovered her secret unto you 'T is true said he but I am so sensible of shame that I am not so joyed as I ought to be as I am at an extream Dilemna for I must confess unto you that my fidelitie to Philimena makes me ashamed of my crime against her as well as against the Queen and I am perswaded that if Cleobuline and Philimena did see the thoughts of my heart they would both of them be equally incensed I am forced to consess that I cannot apprehend my obligations to the Queen without such agitation of mind as I am not able to express I would willingly die a thousand times to do her service I would leave loving Philimena and onlie adore her I would I say sacrifice my life and render her eternal homage But presentlie after when I think upon Philimena I wish the Queen to hold me in a state of neutralitie and indifferencie and indeed to hate me provided she will let me love Philimena Judg then Stesilea I beseech you in what a sad condition that heart is which is tormented with such various and contrarie thoughts However it be said she I conceive you owe so much reverence to the Queen as not to think any more of Philimena I wish to the heavens replied he that I were able to follow your counsel I do not ask any thing which is unjust said she For since the Queen would not have you know she loves you and though you did love her yet would she have you not tell it unto her I will not oblige you of necessitie to love her but onlie to ease her of so much sorrow as to see you love another and this I conceive to be the least you can do for the most wise virtuous and most accomplished Princess in the world Alas Stesilea said he I know that my dutie is to do all things but the great difficultie is to know what I am able to do against my self and against Philimena And since all your arguments are not strong enough to stagger my constancie or render me perfidious you would have me leave Philimena for the greatest Queen in the world 't is true but it is for a Queen who will not have me know she loves me and who would have me love her and never speak of it No no Stesilea such a passion as this is not able to make a man perfidious who is accustomed to tell her he loves that he loves her A man I say who has leave to sigh and libertie to let his love be seen in his eyes and to seek for some advantagious thoughts in the eyes of his Mistress which her tongue dare not utter But what if upon capitulation the Queen should let me know her thoughts and let me tell her mine Am I yet the Master of my own heart Can I dispose of it as as I will Alas alas said he and sighed how miserable am I and how far from that power Could I be innocent either towards the Queen or towards Philimena my heart would be at some ease But to speak truth since I cannot be faithful unto Philimena until after I have tried not to be so my constancie is almost guiltie and as for the Queen though I am culpable against her with abundance of repugnance shame and repentance yet still I am guiltie Thus not knowing well what I am I dare neither justifie nor accuse my self but still remain in the most lamentable condition in the world Since it seems
impossible for you to be happie replied Stesilea therefore take that course which may ease the Queen of those sorrows which you have caused you may easilie do it since all is but to think no more upon Philimena Easilie do it replied Myrinthus and looked upon Stesilea If I were able I would immediatelie become perfidious Yes Stesilea since you have told me the Queens reason for denying my request there is nothing which my heart hath not alreadie invented against Philimena I have opposed against her the Queens beautie her spirit her wisdom her virtues her grandure and all my obligations to her and the sooner to vanquish I have racked my imagination even unto folly I have phancied things that might accrue unto me I have allowed my ambition all the swinge that vanitie it self can imagine and I have set my thoughts so neer a Crown that some second thoughts correcting the first I have blushed at my own audacitie and rashness But for all this Stesilea This great Queen who raigns so absolutely in the hearts of all who know her and who indeed hath right to raign cannot drive Philimena out of my own heart therefore if you have any generositie pitie my imbecilitie and miserie Tell the Queen as from your self that I am most unworthie of her affection that she abaseeth her self too much in looking upon me and since I dare not presume to lift up my eyes so high as her I am not worthie of her looks But yet I beseech you do not drive the nail too far and do not make her pass from love to hatred for indeed Stesilea I must profess unto you that I should be almost as sorrie to be hated by Cleobuline as not to be loved by Philimena therefore I beseech you transact with all your discretion for since I must die I desire I may with the glorie of her favour I have yet one Petition more unto you which is that you would keep her from hating Philimena and in order to that perswade her that in conquering my heart she will never displease Philimena And perswade her also if you can that I deserve some commendations for resisting her charms These are things so full of contrarieties replied she that I think my best course is to do none of these things you speak of Yet I do most constantly tell you replied he that I shall ever love Philimena but withal I tell it with a sigh and with a blush and that I cannot resent the happiness which I enjoy for thinking of that which I lose Oh heavens cried he out why is 't not possible to reconcile the Queen and Philimena in my heart For my part I conceive it may be for as you express the affection of the Queen methinks she should be satisfied that I hold her in infinite reverence that I respect her as they use to do the Gods that my Spirits and my reason doth acknowledg her power that I vow all my services unto her that my valour shall be ever imployed unto her glorie and that she only leave my heart unto Philimena But what do I say said he and reprehended himself it seems my reason wanders in offering to prescribe Laws unto Love and to divide that which will not admit of any division I must confess the Queen deserves a thousand hearts if I had them but confess also that since I have but one and that one already given it is not in my power to retake it and that it is only Philimena's As Stesilea was readie to reply Basilides entred who was much surprized to find so many signs of a troubled mind in the face of Myrinthus This thought did so much disquiet him as when Myrinthus rise up to go away he rise up also to ask him what the matter was though he was newly entred yet Myrinthus did not tell him what the matter was but to say somthing to colour the matter he told him that having desired Stesilea to do him a good office unto the Queen she told him how resolute the Queen continued in denying his Marriage with Philimena So that Basilides having some reason to think that the disorder he observed in the Spirit of Myrinthus proceeded only from the obstruction which he found in his design did make him new protestations and professed he would use his utmost endeavours to effect it after which they parted Myrinthus carrying with him the most restless heart that ever was Since his soul was of an ambitious temper and since he naturally bore much affection to the Queen this love of this Princess did huff him up and when he considered with himself what glorie it was unto him to be loved by a Queen so fair so illustrious and so charming it was a thing impossible but he must needs be joyed at it and to desire that he were able to be perfidious unto Philimena yet when he began to think that by preserving the one he must lose the other his ambition began to yeeld unto his love and all his cares was to find out wayes how to enjoy Philimena But since these wayes were hard to find the Queen not consenting unto it he was most extreamly grieved Moreover he had cause to think that if he married Philimena against the mind of Cleobuline she would then abase him as much as she had formerly exalted him So fearing lest Philimena who loved him when he was in favour should not love him when he was in disgrace his sorrows were an insufferable torment and as an augmentation to his misery he durst not acquaint Philimena with it or put her fideility to the best so that fearing all things and hoping in nothing he spent the rest of the day in extream restlessnesse and all the night following without a wink of sleep But that he might not bee miserable by himself there chanced a businesse which did not a little perplex Basilides For Sir be pleased to know that in order to his designes upon the Queen his care was to get himself creatures in her house both amongst the officers and amonst the women and there was one amongst the rest whom he had entirely gotten This Person then watching upon all opportunies to observe the Queen especially when she seemed most melancholy told him all that she at any time observed But at the last she observed so closely that she one day heard all that Stelisea said unto the Queen concerning Myrinthus and all that the Queen said unto her and she heard enough to collect that the reason why the Queen would not let Myrinthus marry Philimena was because she did not hate him her self At the first she resolved not to make it known unto Basilides knowing that it would not please him but upon second considerations she changed her resolution and the next morning told him word for word all that she heard The surprise of Basilides was so great that if he had only the testimony of this woman he had not given credit unto her words But
the Meadows and Trees and disclose a thousand flowers and upon a sudden a terrible storm of Hail and Snow doth fall together with thunder and winde so that one may in one day see all the beauties and all the rigours of the whole year Indeed Madam the inequality of Lysidices humour is so great as I have often seen her most pleasant in the morning most melancholy after dinner and as merry as might be before night again having no cause in the world to be more merrie or more sad at one time then at another Perhaps you will ask me Madam how Thrasiles could ever fall in love with such an uncertain person and I must answer that the good howers of Lysidice were so pleasing and charming that it is no wonder at all if she did captivate the heart of Thrasiles which was so apt for love It may be further said that the humour of Lysidice was alwayes to prefer the society of men before that of women and less various in her unequal humours with new acquaintance then with others Also Thrasiles did not at first know her temper but on the contrary was never better satisfied with any person then with her the first time he saw her For truly she had served her self into all his thoughts of Cleocrite and did so inveigh against her rigid humour as he had good reason to think that she had a heart as foft and sensible as Cleocrites was hard and indifferent So that accustoming himself by little and little to see her he came at length to love her Since he had already loved three persons in one Court he did for a while conceal his passion fearing that the would wonld as formerlie upbraid him with inconstancy Whilst he was thus silently in love with Lysidice he began to discover the odness of her humours and I cannot tell whether or no he did wish that he did not love her if the fate of it had been in his power However since he believe her not to be insensible and indifferent he counted all her other defects as nothing and to speak the very truth Lysidice had no other but this unevenness of temper and that was not then strong enough to hinder Thrasiles from loving her and applying himself to her service But it is very observeable that the same imperfection which all the friends of Lysidice did continually chide her for was partly a cause why he discovered his passion sooner then otherwise he would For Egesipes Thrasiles and I being one afternoon with her it chanced so that I began to chide her for the inequality of her humour which hindred her from being without any fault That which did give me a subject for it was that when Thrasiles and I came into her Chamber she did entertain us with such a hollow kind of gravitie as if she did not care for our company or as if she were in some most deep melancholy yet within less then a quarter of an houre Egesipes coming in she passed upon a sudden from her dumpish humour unto the quite contrary and was extreamly civil sweet and pleasant In the mean time I knew it could not be the sight of Egesipes which caused the alteration of her humour knowing that she loved me as well as him and that she esteemed Thrasiles more then Egesipes So that making this my pretence of chiding her Really Lysidice said I unto her I am very glad that I came not by my self to see you and I believe Thrasiles is not sorry that we came together for since you would have entertained us so coldly it would have vexed us to have seen it especially seeing you receive Egesipes with so much joy but since we came both together I believe this coldness doth not relate unto either of us For my part replied Thrasiles I respect Lysidice more then to suspect her of any coldness unto you and I had rather take it all upon my self though there is none in the world could be more sorry for it then I should No no Thrasiles replied Lysidice never trouble your self in a thing wherein you have no share nor trouble your self with satisfying Lyriana for I assure you She chides me rather to correct me then for any thing else It is most true Lysidice said I unto her and I should be extreamly joyed if you were alwayes in the same mood as you are now and that you would be never in that humour in which you were when Thrasyles and I came in Did you but know how much fairer and more amiable you are when you are out of this dogged fit certainly you would for ever banish it for questionless there is nothing more becoming then an even smooth and equal temper For my part replied Lysidice I am not of your opinion but am perswaded it is more pleasant to find several persons in one then to see still the same glutting equality of temper which never sheweth you but one and the same thing several times Certainly added she and laughed it is with equal and unequal humours as with waters in general where those which are still the calmest are not the most pleasing I think none will deny but that the Sea with all its storms and tempests is more pleasant then a standing lake in spite of its tranquil serenity The inequality and fury of the Sea replied Thrasiles is doubtless very pleasant unto those who stand upon banks and look upon it but very troublesome unto those who are upon it 'T is true replied she But as the Sea doth somtimes swallow up some unfortunate persons so it pleaseth a hundred thousand who look up in safety Moreover this inequality of temper which is so much vaunted of is often only a good effect of a bad cause For to speak in general if one do well observe those who are of this even temper you speak of he shall find much stupidity in some or most others of a grave and silent temper it is more out of sluggishness then virtue that they do not vary and change their humours others are so continuall in the same temper of merriment that they seem fools and others of such an insufferable tediousness of spirit as that their equality of temper renders them wearisome Moreover I will maintain that most of these equal-spirited persons have the thoughts of a base and crouching soul And on the contrary to speak in general those of a little uneven temper and somthing fantastical have hearts most high and heroique I know there are some in whom all the virtues meet wit spirit generosity complacencie and equality are their own but this is very rare and I om confident that ordinarily if men of greatest spirits have this equality in their humours it comes to them more by reason then by temper You defend a bad cause with so much eloquence said I unto her that I cannot think you are fully perswaded it is as you say Seriously said she I think as I say and I do not
also it may very well be that a stranger who has none of these Qualities yet may merit much Esteem and Comendations though his Cloathes be odd though Carriage bad and his Tone worse And so we must ever be civill unto strangers and search for their Qualities either good or bad in their minds and souls that is the only way to judge of them aright After this Discourse began to change Subject and much Company coming in it lasted untill Supper-time Then all the crowd of Princes and Gallants followed Cyrus and left the Princess Mandana to Sup in private But as soon as that Prince knew she was risen from the Table he took Thrymetus who supped with him as well as his two strange Companions and claimed promise of him and carryed him to Mandana's Chamber leaving those who came with him in the company of Eucrates because Thrymetus acquainted Cyrus that he had many things to tell which he would not have one of those strangers to hear After which they went unto Mandana's Chamber and found her prepared with all necessary Curiosity to give attention unto the relation which Thrymetus was to make Siuce Cyrus knew well that one does not love to make a long Narration before much Company he brought none with him to Mandana's Chamber so as Doralisa Martesia Anaxaris Cyrus and Mandana were all the Auditors of Thrymetus his Relation which began in these Termes THE HISTORY OF PERANIVS PRINCE OF PHOCEUS AND Of the Princess CLEONISBE SINCE it doth extreamly import the Prince of whom I am to speak that you should have a perfect knowledge of all his Excellent Qualities I ask your permission Madam as well as that invincible Prince who hears me to make you acquainted with him whose Adventures you desire to know And as to his Glory I am to relate unto you some of his Heroick Acts so I must betray some of his Virtues that all the rest may the better appeare unto you for without any touch upon his modesty I shall tell you of his great Courage Spirit Generosity honesty and all other excellent Qualities of his Soule and body I shall tell you then Madam that the Prince of Phoceus is worthy to be descended from that Renowned Grecian who raising a Collonie of Gallant men in Phocides passed into Asia and there founded the Town of Phoceus which all his Posterity have peaceably enjoyed and in great Glory untill the Victorious Armes of Cyrus did subject it and chase out a Prince Uncle unto him of whom I speak whose unjust violence made him unworthy of such a Nepew But Madam without searching amongst the Phocensians for matter of Comendations unto this Illustrious Prince of whom I am to treat give me leave to tell you that he was born with all high and noble Qualities And that I am most confident all Greece which furnished the world with so many great men never had a soule more heroique then his Since he had a Father adorned with all excellent endowments this Father was infinitely indulgent in the education of his sonne and not contenting himselfe with what Phoceus could afford he sent him to Athens there to be instructed in all requisite Arts befitting his quality and disposition which was even from his Cradle martiall and apt for high things And he made choise of Athens rather then Phoceus because hee had no minde to quit his Tomb wherein he lives It was then at Athens Madam where hee was instructed in all the excellencies his age was capable of yet he would not in that place study the military Art before hee could put it into practice Alwayes affirming that the theorique of War was nothing and that precepts without practice would not profit him Indeed he became a Souldier at fifteen years of age and did so highly signalize himselfe that his reputation made the bravest men jealous of him even at a time when he might be thought a young Scholler in the school of Mars I shall not make any exact relation Madam of all his Acts in severall Wars from his fifteenth yeare untill his four and twentieth for as on the one side it is not very necessary so on the other I might perhaps make you question the truth of my words by the multitude of Heroique actions which that Prince hath performed Nor will I do like those who commending only in a generall way do make it suspitious that they have nothing to say in particular But to take the medium between these two extreams and to acqnaint you with the martiall inclination of the Phocean Prince even in his greenest years I must tell you how he made his first step into the Field that you may thereby judg of his courage Give me therefore leave Madam to tell you that he being at Athens in his fifteenth yeare and the Athenians in generall being weary of a long and tedious Warr which they waged with the Megarians about the possession of the Isle of Salamine they set forth an Edict by which they did forbid all those who had voyces in the Councell of publique affairs to make any more Propositions of continuing this War Insomuch as Solon whose name and merits Madam I am confident is not unknown unto you being exceedingly angry that they should give over such an important Warre in so ignominious a manner he endeavoured with all circumspectiall diligence to quash this Edict which was proclaimed without exposing himselfe and his Countrey unto so much danger as to lose the assistance of each other But all his endeavours had proved ineffectuall if the great soule of this young Prince had not helped him out Be pleased to know Madam that the Prince of Phoceus was the intimate friend of Pisistrates and saw him almost every day And being one day with Solon as they were talking of this Edict which prohibited any motions of War this young Prince seemed so troubled that Solon taking notice of his heroique sadnesse did much esteem him for it especially when asking him the cause he heard his answer For as Solon asked him his reason why he was so angry at this Prohibition Why Sir replyed he does not the very same reason which forbids the continuance of the War forbid men also to be valiant If the Athenians give over a just War because they cannot wage it without danger of what use is their valour For my part if this Edict be observed I had rather return to Phoceus then stay amongst a multitude of Cowards who are so base as to suffer it Yet I know there are many young sparks which murmure at it in secret as well as my selfe If any one were so hardy replyed Solon as to propound the continuance of the war unto the Athenians would you willingly second him Never doubt it replyed he and I am most confident that Pisistrates would follow and that we should cause the greatest part of all the Sparks in the Town to back us Solon hearing the young Peranius to say so did highly applaud
and forreign Warr which the King and Carimantes had by their talk made known unto her filled her imagination with such sad consequences that they raised a most terrible combustion in her heart Again her fears to incense the King or to force Carimantes unto some violent course did extreamly perplex her but the sight of the Phocean Prince went nearest her heart And truly Madam there appeared such lively sorrow in the face of the Prince that it being easie for Cleonisbe to conclude there was as much love in her heart as melancholy in his eyes she was fuller of irresolution and dispair then ever So as when the Prince of the Sarronides had made a learned discourse upon the importance of that choise which Cleonisbe was to make she knew not in the earth what she would or what she would not have In the mean time according to the custome the King gave a Ring of an inestimable value unto the Princess his Daughter who after she had taken it descended from the Throne and was to put it into the hands of the Prince of the Sarronides who after he had received it from her began to speak with such authority as if she had not been Daughter unto that King unto whom he was a Subject After I have received this Ring which is here in my hand said he unto her it is your part Madam to name unto me the man whom you think worthy of your choiss to the end I may give it unto him But first remember that this choise ought to be free it ought to be reasonable and it ought to be worthy of your selfe In order unto these consult only with your own reason and let neither feare or any humane respect whatsoever move you to infringe the Law which requires that you should be equitable in your choise Be pleased Madam then to tell me whom you think worthy of your choise At these words according to the custome the Princess would have named him whom she would choose and would have sayd Bomilcar But her tongue having no power to pronounce so much as the first sillable of that name though she did strive to do it in lieu of answering she stood silent and presently growing pale then blushing immediately after her soule was in such a maze as she knew not whom she saw or where she was Insomuch as not being able to be mistriss of her selfe nor calm so great a storm in so short a time she layd her hand upon her eyes she seemed to be so sick and weak that she was not able to finish the Ceremony Insomuch as the Prince of the Sarronides being a man of an admirable spirit and knowing that certainly this accident proceeded from the irresolution of her soul he went unto her and sayd that it were expedient to adjourn the Ceremony untill another time And then Cleonisbe accepting of that motion did gladly consent it should be so You may easily imagine Madam what a rumour this made in the Church and what amazement it caused in the minds of the four Rivals When the Prince Carimantes saw how the case stood he came from his scaffold and going straight unto Cleonisbe he began to talk with her in a low voyce Oh Sister sayd he unto her I beseech you defer not your happiness and mine one word is quickly pronounced Perhaps too quickly for you this day replyed she and sighed and therefore it s better to defer it untill another time In the mean while these foure Rivals knew not what to think yet Bomilcar concluded that he had reason to grieve that he was not chosen And the Prince of Phoceus had so much comfort as to think that since Cleonisbe had not pronounced Bomilcar it was almost a certain sign she did not love him for he knew the King would have her choose him As for Britomartes and Galathes since their hopes were more in their factions then any thing else they were not so angry as Bomilcar that Cleonisbes choise was deferred But whilst they were every one reasoning with themselves the Princess did carry her self as one who was sick and was carryed back unto the Palace where she was so extreamly ashamed that she could not vanquish her selfe as from a feigned sickness she fell sick in earnest To tell you Madam all the expressions of this Princess when she was alone with Glacidia is a task not easie Well cruell woman sayd this sick Princess did I not tell you I stood in need of your reason to strengthen mine now you see what a shame I have brought upon my self I would have named Bomilcar but my heart turned Rebell and would not suffer me to pronounce him and I was in such a condition that if I had not stopped my mouth I had named his Rivall in lieu of him But Glacidia make me so ashamed of my weakness that I may repent for I must confess it to be so very great that maugre all my shame I am in some sort glad that I am yet free and that I did not name Bomilcar for if I had overcome my self my victory had already cost me more tears then my defeat hath sighs However I beseech you chide me for being so little Mistress of my own heart If I should take so much liberty as to chide you for any thing Madam replyed she it should be for commanding me to condemn any of your actions for truly Madam I think it to be just that you should choose the Prince of Phoceus I think it just you should choose Bomilcar and I thinke it just you should hardly resolve which to choose Thus finding reason in all you do I cannot condemn you Madam All I am able to do is to pitty her who cannot choose as well as those who cannot be chosen However the Princess was not in a condition to renew the Ceremony for a feaver of above twelve days did seize upon her during which time she would not see either the Prince of Phoceus or Bomilcar or Britomartes or Galathes Yet since she could not choose but admit of Carimantes to see her the Prince of Phoceus had a powerfull mediator unto her Yet Bomilcar did more prejudice himself then Carimantes could serve the Prince of Phoceus For thinking he had some injustice done him if he were not chosen he did not only complain against the Princess but against the King also imagining that he had not solicited Cleonisbe enough in his behalfe Now Galathes fearing Bomilcar more then he did the Prince of Phoceus he carryed it so that the Princess knew how Bomilcar complained against her and let the King also know what he said aginst him As for Britomartes he went another way to worke for he spake aloud that if Justice were not done him he would unite all his friends and the friends of all his Rivalls who were no happier then himselfe to molest the happiness of him that should be chosen so as there was none but the Prince of Phoceus
sake it is endured that I had need to receive this Commandeâ—en in such a manner as may force me to obedience You know Madam what power you ever had over me I protest it is not lessoned and whatsoever you command me I shall obey provided I receive the command from your own mouth and provided you do not forbid me to love you untill the death of ADONACRIS This Letter being full of tenderness and respect Noromata could not reade it without a sigh and she hath told me since that she was never in all her life in a greater perplexity than after this But for all that this Letter which at first she would not reade she now read it thrice over and read it with such resentments as she was never able to express for she was extream sad after the reading it but it was such a sadness as had such a satisfaction in it as made the same thing which grieved not to displease her However after she had spent a quarter of an hour upon the Love of Adonacris she revived out of her weakness as out of a Lethargie of Spirit And tearing the Letter in pieces I would to the gods said she I were as well able to tear my tenderness unto Adonacris out of my heart as I am to tear this testimony of his affection After this altering her design of going unto Eliorantes she said that she would not go abroad nor see any body having no mind to expose her self so soon unto the sight of Adonacris But to vex her one came to tell her from Eliorantes that if she would write unto Sitalces she could send her Letter so it was written presently Thus Noromata whose fansie was filled with the conceit of a Letter from her Lover whom she loved was forced to answer her husbands whom she loved not and did so with much ado She began her Letter five or six severall times before she could end it for though she had Sitalces letter before her purposely to give a punctuall answer unto every Article yet that from Adonacris was so imprinted in her thoughts that she writ rather unto Adonacris than Sitalces but at last being angry against her self she overcame it and writ unto her husband with much respect also answered Argirispes with much civility After which she undrest her self and went to bed as a pretence of seeing no body no not so much as her own women And to that end she said she was troubled with an extream pain in her head which silence darkness and sleep would cure So as her women shut up all the windowes and drew the curtains very close and so left her at liberty to think upon the malady which tormented her To tell you Sir all that Noromata did both against her self and Adonacris would be a very hard task For truly all that a Person of a great Spirit of a great courage and of a great virtue could think or do to quench the flames of a violent passion Noromata did and carried her self so towards Adonacris that he could not so much as guess she desired he should love her In the mean time since she thought it not expedient to let him know her mind at the first by her proceedings she shunned seeing him and told it the next day that she was not well and that she would see no body so that by this means Adonacris came many times to see her and missed of his aims nor could he so much as know whether or no she had received his Letter And he feared extreamly that he was deceived when he believed that Noromata did not hate him On the other side Aritaspes being advertised that the young Spargapises would come the next day he went to meet him with all the Gallantry of Tipanis But though all the honours of the victory were done unto Spargapises yet it was Agatherses who deserved them for Spargapises was so young as he was absolutely uncapable of any high actions on commendations for them but onely followed the advice of the wise Terez and Agatherses So that as soon as he came to Tipanis Agatherses who to oblige Adonacris the more and to make Elibesis the more ashamed he presented him unto Spargapises who as he was advised received him very civilly Thus the conqueror and the conquered lived together with extream civility and Adonacris was more obliged unto that young Prince than if he had given him his liberty for be pleased to know Sir that Agatherses telling him it was fit he should visit Noromata whose husband was prisoner in his cause he went the same hour unto her and offered unto her his best service in geting the liberty of Sitalces And Adonacris having that evening had a great deal of discourse with Agatherses and letting him know that he never contributed unto the ambition of Elibesis there was such a correspondency between them that Agatherses asked him if he would wait upon Spargapises unto Noromata Adonacris joyfully accepting the offer did accompany this young Prince unto this fair one who faining to be ill did sit upon her bed to receive this visit little thinking Adonacris had been thâ—re But when she saw him and had looked him in the face her disorder was so great that she changed colour imagining that he would interpret all her thoughts into his own advantage But being a person of a most resolute spirit and a great soul she instantly recollected her self And seeming to take no notice of Adonacris she answered unto the civilities of Spargipises concerning the imprisonment of her husband But to do it in such a manner as might let Adonacris know whom she saw hearkning very attentively that she had all the thoughts which a modest wife ought to have upon the like occasion she thanked Spargapises with a most respective civility for all his offers conjuring him with abundance of earnestness to do all he could for the liberty of her husband But Sir added she it is not here I should make this Petition to you the first day I stir out shall be to beseech you you would be pleased to grant me one of your Prisoners that I may propound an exchange unto the Prince Ariantes between him and Sitalces You need not stay so long Madam replied Agatharses seeing Spargapises knew well how far he ought to satisfie Noromata's request for I suppose the Prince hath already granted your request Spargapises then imagining by what Agatherses said that he ought not to deny her did confirm what Agatherses said and asked her the name of that Prisoner whom she desired to propound unto Ariantes in exchange of Sitalces Sir said she then and blusht I should have some hopes of my husbands liberty if you would be pleased to grant me Adonacris since it is very probable Ariantes will not let the brother of the fair Elibesis be a Prisoner As Noromata could not name Adonacris without a blush so Adonacris could not hear himself named without a blush also especially upon such a
Queen she did not vehemently contradict her but on the contrary excused her violencies by some shallow reasons so that she might afterwards without incensing her produce more sollid Arguments to perswade her And indeed when she was alone with Thomiris she complained against the lamentable condition into which Fortune had brought her and pittied her that she should be brought unto such a cruell necessity as to be revenged upon so great a Prince as Cyrus was For though Gelonide did wish with all her heart that Thomiris did not love that Prince yet as the case stood she thought no way better to restrain her hands from the blood of Mandana then by the interest of her love Therefore fetching a compass the better to arrive at her end truly Madam sayd she unto her after much other discourse you are much to be pittied in your seeking revenge upon a Prince who is so much in Fortunes favour and so much esteemed by all the World For though they say Revenge is sweet yet I am perswaded that a Soul truly generous cannot seek revenge without abundance of Repugnancy especially when it must be steeped in blood However Madam added she very cunningly I hope your Soule hath changed its Passion and though it be troubled with the disquiet consequences of Hatred yet it is freed from the consequencies of Love Alas Gelonide replyed she I am more miserable then you imagine me and this first Passion hath not driven the other out of my heart But I beseech you Madam replyed Gelonide what likely-hood is there you should love Cyrus still for if you did you would never strive to make him hate you by persecuting Mandana for I am most confident that Cyrus would hate you much less for persecuting himself then for persecuting her whom he adores and therfore Madam if you do not hate that Prince think seriously upon what you do and if you will be advised by me in lieu of menacing the life of that Princess you shall protect it and force that Prince by your generosity to confess you merit his Esteem if not his Affection But I am most sure Madam that if you shed the blood of this Princess and do not hate Cyrus you will make your self the most miserable woman in the World and therfore consider well upon it if you do hate him then I grant you may satisfie your revenge by the most cruell and fatall wayes But if you do not hate him give a stop unto your fury and consider that if you do put Mandana to death Cyrus will do the like to you And though t is possible the love of Cyrus may dye with this Princess yet he will be sure to be your Enemy if you did put her to death Honour doth so engage him to make Warr upon you that though he should hereafter love you yet he durst not entertain any peace with you Therfore Madam sound your heart to the bottom and take heâ—d least thinking to entertain only hatred you find it to be all love I have heard say indeed that these two Passions as opposite as they are yet do somtimes so disguise themselves in such fallacious shews as they cannot be known from each other and when one hath thought he acted by dictates of Hatred it was indeed by dictates of Love Alas Gelonide sayd the Queen I have to my shame found all this to be true For I must with a blush confess that Cyrus is not out of my heart and if I did not love him still I should not seek revenge upon Mandana However I do carry it as if I would revenge the death of my Son though to speak truth my heart doth not accuse him for it Yes yes Gelonide since I must open my heart unto you I do look upon him as ungratefull towards me and not as if he were the Murtherer of Spargapises Thus at the very same time whilst I taxe him in Publick with this horrid Crime I do justifie him in the Closet of my heart as much as I can Since it is so Madam replyed Gelonide you must carry it otherwise and not put yourself into such a State as it will be impossible for you to be happy if Fortune should wheel about For Madam if you do not proceed to the very last Extremity who knows but you may hereafter have Cyrus in your Power he may chance be your Prisoner of Warr and may perchance become fettered in your Chains by Love if you use Mandana well at least this Prince will esteem you more and may happily in the end do justice both unto your Merit and your Affection Who knows also whether those Forces which are coming up to joyn with yours may not get you the advantage over Cyrus as now he hath it over you and whether Ciaxares may not be brought to demand Peace upon no other condition but to exchange Cyrus for Mandana And who knows whether this happy Peace may not satisfie the Passion of Ariantes and you both There is so little probability in all you say replyed Thomyris and sighed that I cannot flatter my self with any thoughts of it However Madam replyed Gelonide though it be not probable yet it is not impossible But if you put Mandana to death it is absolutely impossible that Cyrus should either love you or make any Peace with you Ah Gelonide replyed she you are a great stop unto my Revenge Why will you hinder me from the enjoyment of the only Pleasure that I can ever hope for yet I find your words make a deep impression in my heart and my fears to incurr the hatred of Cyrus restrain me from hating Mandana I wish with all my heart Madam replyed Gelonide that I were able to ease your Majesty of your sufferings but since I cannot yet I would perswade you if you love Cyrus not to provoke him to hate you by Sacrificing Mandana unto your Revenge For by that means I should preserve your glory and perhaps somthing satisfie the passion which raigns in your Soul As for my Glory replyed Thomyris I value it not for since I do not esteem my self I care not whether others do esteem me or no. As Thomyris was speaking this an old Officer of hers who had ever been very faithfull and affectionate to her Service came to tell her how he was very certainly given to understand that Ariantes was Master of all her Forces and that he had sent unto those who were coming up that he who guarded Mandana was wholly at his Command and that the People in generall began to fear the anger of the Gods if she should put this innocent Princess to death that they began to murmure and perhaps would Rebell if she persisted in her Design Since this advise came from a man whom she knew most faithfull it made some impression upon her Spirits and Gelonides discourse having prepared her Soul to receive it wel she thanked him for it and after she had dismissed him she began to consider
one of the most charming Ladyes of the world her Garb was so high her aire so noble and her walking agreeable that none could look on her without a disposition to love her She danced with as good a grace as shee walked and had such a nature of mirth and gravity together as did infinitely please her humour was as charming as her beauty for shee was alwayes sweet civill and affable she had a good inclination to Rallary or at least to love those who did it well but she gave a check unto her inclination and commonly seemed more grave then merry Yet notwithstanding she loved pleasures especially company and company a little gallant she could not spend a whole afternoon with one freind in private without being weary for shee had a kind of active spirit which was an enemy to all lâ—mpishnesse and which made all shee did delightfull Moreover shee was naturally magnificent liberall and good and had a soul so tender as would make one almost assured not to be hated though one should tell her that they were in love with her yet she was not capable of any violent passion the pleasure of being loved made her sometimes suffer her self to be so rather then out of any real inclination She was not at all fantasticall that desire to please which was in her heart proceeded from a more further noble cause Furthermore shee had a witt so sharp and shee could so cunningly pumpe the minds of those whose designes shee desired to know as it may be said shee had a key to open their hearts and look into their secrets and all this without any seeming of subtiltie indeed her temper was so opposite unto any guile that shee never had any freind whom shee once deceived but was apt to a kind of generous confidence which had rather be exposed to be deceived by others then to be so subtle as to prevent being deceived This Arpasia with her Beauty Wit and goodnesse did so please the Princesse of Bythinia and the Princesse Istrina that they were desirous to know her adventures especially since shee would imply them in some businesse unto those Princes whom they were to see For truly said Istrina to her after much other discourse It is not possible wee should be able to do you any right service unlesse we do know the state of your misfortunes They are of such a nature replyed shee that I can expect no advantage from you by telling of them but only your pitty Though you cannot Madam replyed the Princesse of Bithinia yet I beseech you tel them unto us for truly as for my part I do finde great case unto my miseries by being pittied Doubtless its true Madam replyed Arpasia But I am so unable to relate all the accidentes of my life my self that if you would know them it must be from her who has a share in my misfortunes for besides her knowing of them as well as my selfe I cannot relate such things with any order which have so much disordered my mind I know t is said that the remembrance of miseries is sweet but I must be happy first before I can take any delight in remembring my past misfortunes And therefore since I am not in that condition I beseech you dispense with me We shall willingly dispense with you Madam replied the Princesse of Bithinia provided the amiable Niside who is with you will undertake it in your roome I am contented answered Arpasia then I beseech you said Istrina let it be this day for since we do not directly know when wee shall goe and see those Princes unto whom you will imploy us It is requisit we should be knowing in the state of your fortune as soon as you can To testifie how willing I am to discover my misfortunes unto you answered shee I will go unto Niside and give her orders to acquaint you with all my weaknesses shee is a woman whose hard fortune cannot deject by dejecting her house and familie and who has such a share in all that relates unto me that shee knowes all my thoughts And therefore you may give credit unto all that shee will say excepting in any commendations which perhaps shee will give me For happily her friendship to me may byasse her When wee have heard her replied the Princesse of Bitihnia wee shall give you all justice and shall beleeve as wee ought to doe After this Arpasia retyred and Niside stayed with the Princesses asking them pardon before hand for her want of any art to relate what they required Then after many civilities they pressed her to begin the relation which she did in these termes addressing her speech unto the Princesse of Bithinia THE HISTORY OF ARPASIA THough I am perswaded you have so good an opinion of Arpasias judgment as to think that she would never have comamnded me to relate her adventures if she had not known that I was able to make a perfect relation of things past yet I must tell you Madam that none upon earth knows them better then I do and I dare almost say that I know them better then her self For the truth is that the heavy burthen of her sorrowes hath hindred her from observance of many which I have seen with lesse trouble though I was ever a sharer in all her miseries For fortune having ruin'd the family from which I descended which heretofore kept my self in a good rank and having lost those who gave me life when I was very young I was put unto Arpasia as having the honour to be allied unto her by my Mother And having continued with this excellent Lady ever since my infancy I have not only seen her adventures with my own eyes but further I have known her most secret thoughts I shall not trouble you Madam with a relation of Arpasias birth For you are not ignorant that Gabrias her Father hath a little Dominion which depends only upon the Gods and himselfe and that Gadates and he were two Grandees who heretofore pretended to marry Nitocris Nor shall I aggravate the miseries of the fair Arpasia which began by the death of her elder Brother who dyed after so sad a manner at Babylon by the violence of the late King of Assyria that it is not possible that you should know it and Arpasia was then so young that she was not capable of any long sorrowes for it But Madam it it is requisite you know that Gabrias even since the losse of his Son did wholy decline the interests of the Assyrian Prince Yet he did conceal his Resentments out of his Respects unto the Queen Nitocris who then lived But as soon as she was dead and that Prince had brought the Princesse Mandana to Babylon his desire of revenge began to break out and his whole imaginations were how to ruine the Assyrian King And to that end he did not only enter into league with all his neighbour Princes against him but also united himselfe with all the
meet in a country in which they are equally strangers it was an easy matter for Meliantes to fail into discourse with this servant who naturally loved to talk and who told him more than ever Meliantes asked For he did not only acquaint him that Gabrias was going unto Alfenes but he told him also that he was going to marry his Daughter unto Astidamus Further hinting to him that Arpasia did not love him nor was pleased with the marriage and out of his excessive zeal to Arpasia to justify her aversion he acquainted him with the irregular demeanour of Astidamus Thus Meliantes did as perfectly know the state of Arpasias fortune as if he had known her from her Cradle And understanding that Gabrias would stay some dayes in that place he intended to visit him the next morning accordingly did so with his friend whose name was Phormion Since Arpasia had spoken very advantageously of Meliantes unto her father hee entertained him very civily and his person was so fitt to please and his way was every way so noble that he got a good opinion at the very first sight For he was bigge of a noble stature and of an admirable deportment Moreover his haire was chest nut colour his face somthing long his eyes brown Teeth white mouth handsom and his physiognomy so ingenious that it spoke him witty before he spake yet he spoke most excelently well though his accent was somthing different from ours and though Meliantes was already knowing in so many severall things as it was a wonder considering his age how he should attain unto it yet his conversation was naturall and easy and spoke with such facilitie that one might see he spoke no more than what he knew though he spoke of every thing at least I am sure I never heard him speak any thing which I would have unsaid again also he composed verse excellently and writ admirable prose he had a quick fancy a sparkling witt A pleasant humour a noble heart and most generous inclinations he courted all persons of any extraordinary merit with a strange desire of acquaintance and could so finely insinuate himself into their spirits that they no sooner were acquainted with him but he got their esteem and affection All that knew him knew him to have a most tender heart and passionate soul And when he had any designe to oblidge any one he used such expressions as when he spoke of friendship one would have thought he spoke of love Meliantes then being thus amiable did exceedingly please Gabrias who desired his company as long as he stayed in that place he would by all means have him at dinner with his freind Phormion who without all doubt was a man of much merit and to compleat his good fortune Gabrias desired him to visit Arpasia who dined that day in private and Meliantes willingly obeying where his own inclination invited him he went unto Arpasias chamber who was glad to see him Since they had already so much esteem of each other as to desire an augmentation of it it seemed by their conversation that they had no designes to conceale their wits they shewed them without any affectation their discourse were so pleasing diverting that all the company had shares in their joyes of confirming that esteem which they had of each other The principal subject of their conversings was that universall chain of all things in the world which if one linke be but changed a hundred thousand linkes will change also For truly said Arpasia unto Meliantes very sweetly if Sesostris had never passed out of Affrica into Asia perhaps I should never have spoken to you For then he had never erected that pillar upon which I sate which was the commencement of our acquaintance and if old time had not defâ—ced it I should never have known you for had the inscription bin faire my father would have understod it and I should not have had any need of you So that I am a debtor unto two very different things for the pleasure which I have in your company First unto that illustrious conqueror who erected that Columne Secondly to time which did ruin it and which made me stand in need of your help to satisfie my curiositie I beseech you Madam said Meliantes and smiled remember what you say that if ever my acquaintance should become troublesome to you you may still accuse Sesostris and not me And I should be very glad you should think there is a fatall necessitie upon all things in the world to the end you may complain a-against destiny if ever my visits become tedious to you I cannot tell Sir replied she whether I should have any cause to complain against that which first made us acquainted but I am sure I shall complain against you if you will not acquaint me more precisely who you are I have already told you Madam replied he one of the reasons which hinders me and I shall not despaire but hereafter I may tel you the rest if I do not acquaint you with what you desire to know you speak Sir replied she as if we were to live out all our lives together and yet in all probability we shall quickly part Since you neither know who I am Madam replied he and smiled nor what my businesse is for ought you know my businesse is to the place unto which you go my wishes do so seldom happen replied she that I cannot believe that and I am perswaded that accomplished men are so farr from coming unto the place whether I go that I should rather banish all that are there your language Madam is so obliging replied Meliantes that though I had no businesseat Alfenes yet it is my duty to go thither only to make my selfe worthy of these honours you have done me But Madam to tell you somthing of my fortune be pleased to know that being in an humour of travell I have seen all Greece and having contracted an intimate amity with Phormion my friend unto whom I am obliged for all the pleasures I have found in his country I came to shew him all Asia as he hath shewed me all Greece therefore Madam having no other busines but to shew him what Asia hath most rare and admirable I cannot do better than follow you since there can be nothing more excellent then your self But truly Madam added he since I finde you to be as full of modesty as beauty and that your own deserved prayses make you blush give me leave to tell you that I go unto Alfenes only to see the strange and admirable lake of Arethusus which the Tiger crossed This being a busines more rationall than the other replied she I shall be glad you intend it and shall hope to have your good company the longer Since Phormion had not the language which Arpasia spoke very perfectly he said little this first visit but that little he said spoke him worthy to be the friend of Meliantes In the mean
described the sweetness of Looks the trembling of Heart which a sudden surprize useth to cause the disorder of the Countenance the agitation of the Spirits and all the motions of a passionate Soul But Madam after Phaon had read these verses aloud he read them again in a low voice to himself and when he had done he looked earnestly upon them without a word speaking or ability to read others I being desirous to satisfie my curiosity rowsed him out of those musings which I thought his admiration only had caused and forced him to read those Verses which Sapho had made upon a jealous amity which had been betwixt Athys and Amithone But Madam This jealousy had the right Character of Love and all the violencies which that tyrannicall passion could possible inspire into an amorous heart were so admirably expressed as it was absolutely impossible to mend them For my part I did nothing but applaud and admire the genius of Sapho all the while Phaon was reading that peece but as for him he read it with attention so full of pensivenesse as I began to wonder yet to lose no time in asking him the cause I set my self to read some Verses which Sapho had made in the Country during a little journey of eight hours which she went alone with my Sister unto a very pleasant house of Saphoes by these Verses she represented the felicity of two Persons who love one another and thereby proves that they stand in need of none but themselves to live happily describing afterwards the tendernesse of their affections their sincerity one unto another their delights their recreations their discourses upon the sweetnesse of amity and friendship and a thousand such like And Madam all that the most delicate love could invent of sweetness was described by these lines though it aggravate only the sweets of amity and never in my life did I see any so full of Wit so gallant and so passionate But as excellent as they were I could not read them out for Phaon who harkned unto them with extraordinary attention interrupted mee with these words Ah Democedes said he unto me Sapho is the rarest Person in the world but I am the most miserable Lover upon Earth and you the most subtile of all men living As for the first of these you mention replyed I I concurre with you but I do not understand the second nor the third for why are you the most miserable Lover in the World and why am I the most subtile of all men living I am the most miserable Lover replyed hee because Sapho is most certainly in love with some one And you the most subtle because you assure mee shee is not in Love with any But I beseech you said I unto him upon what doe you ground your opinion that she loves any one I ground it replyed he upon what I have read For Democedes it is absolutely impossible she should write so passionatly and tenderly unlesse she had experimentally been passionate As Phaon said so Sapho returned expecting a thousand applauds from Phaon But Madam if I had not commended her she had gone without a debt which was due unto her merit for Phaons mind was so stung with a causelesse jealousie which sprung in his heart that he could hardly speak Yet after I had given him time to recollect himselfe by my commending of Sapho The same jealousie which caused his silence made him break it to see if he could discover in the eyes of this exellent Lady whether he had any ground for his suspitions What I see here Madam is so surprizing said he unto her that you must not think it strange I should not be able to expresse my admiration Since Sir answered she you have now been long enough acquainted with me to know that I do not love to be commended in my presence you would do me a pleasure if you would speak no more unto me of what you have seen Oh Madam said he hastily I must needs speak something and ask you bouldly what you do with all that tendernesse wherewith your heart is filled for I have read such passionate expressions that the heart of the Writer must needs be well experienced and capable of Love It is so with the merit of my friends replyed she and blushed and my affection to them is so tender that if I had as much wit as amity I should have written more passionatly than I did Phaon eying Sapho very attentively he observed her blush yet he could not divine that it was in his advantage and that Sapho had not changed colour as she answered him but because she secretly chid her self for having too tender thoughts of him But on the contrary interpreting her blush another way he thought that Saphoes soul was passionate for some of his Rivalls and this beleife did raise such a disordered damp in his spirits that he was silent upon a sudden And if company had not come in doubtless his silence had seemed very odd unto the fair Sapho but since Nicanor Phylire and some other Ladies came in Sapho made hast to hide those Verses which she had shewed unto us so as she took no notice of Phaons silence In the mean time perceiving his mind much unquiet he made a sign unto me that we should go away and indeed whilst Sapho was entertaining these Ladies we went out without taking leave and we went to walk by the Sea side We were no sooner there but Phaon began to complain against me for said he how can it be possible you should be brother unto Saphoes best friend and not know that she is in love for most certainly so she is or has been for it most absolutely impossible that any should express themselves so passionatly as she hath done unless she had experimentally been possessed with that passion There is such odd tender and passionate phrases in those lines which Sapho shewed us that friendship alone could not suggest them unto her but absolutely she either is in Love or hath been for my part said I unto him I have known Sapho from her Cradle I have known all her acquaintances I am the brother of one who knows all the secrets of her heart and I do solemnly protest unto you that I am most confidently perswaded though Sapho was loved by every one that saw her yet she never was in love with any but withall let me tell you that I think her very capable of that passion and if ever it enter into her heart she will love with more tenderness and fidelity than ever any did Alas Democedes said he unto me you do either deceive me or else are deceived your self for Sapho could never write those verses unless she were in love with some or other But friend said I to comfort his mind if you had seen any of those lines which Sapho writ upon a victory which Pittacus obtained you would say she can write as well upon war as upon Love and