hearty thanks she is not so to you whereas an equal tempered Mistress who is universally merry and affable unto all she does rather vex then please one Therefore I conclude that there is more glory and delight in loving a proud fantastical and coy Mistress then one that is pleasant merry and affable and though perhaps one may be happy in a melancholy and in a merry Mistress both yet the conquest of a proud Mistress is more easie then the conquest of one who gives hopes the very first day that one begins to love them If Celeres replied Amilcar do defend the cause of fair and melancholy Mistresses as you have of the proud I shall stand in need of the fair Plotina's help to maintain the cause I undertake Grecians being before all others in eloquence replied Celeres and Artemidorus having a most vast will Perhaps my reasons will not found so well as his Not that his side and that which I am to defend are much opposite for few proud and fantastical Woman who are very merry and few also who have not some touch of melancholy but it is a certain kind of sweet and charming melancholy which makes most violent and tender passions grow in the heart of a Lady When I speak of a fair and melancholy Mistress added he you must not imagine I mean such as are of a gloomy frowning fretting and angry humour for I make a great difference between Sadness and Melancholy But I mean such a sweet and charming melancholy as is not an enemy unto all pleasures and gallant diversions I mean I say a melancholy which has a sweet languor and passion in its looks which makes the heart great generous tender and sensible and puts into it such a zealous disposition unto love as those who know not what a melancholy heart is do not know what love is and I am confident that a Lover who is acquainted with all the delicacies of this passion does find more delight in a certain kind of languishing and passionate lustre in the eyes of his Mistress then he shall in all the mirth and jollitry in the World He will not value those eternal laughers who think themselves worthy of pity if they do not laugh from morning to night and certainly the most sensible delights of that passion are not those delights which move laughter And if after a thousand sighs and secret groans a Mistress afford but one favourable word which gives any spark of hope a Lover will not hearken unto it with more sensible delight then unto all the ingenious rallery in the World not but that he has his joys but they are such joys as are rather languor then mirth such joys as are peculiar only unto love and melancholy is so particularly proper unto that passion that his very pleasures have a tincture of melancholy His studies and musings which seem so dull and heavy are infinitely pleasing unto him and at his faintings of spirit are preferrable before all diversions in the World and though there appear no blithness in his eyes nor ever laugh yet he thinks himself very happy I know very well that at the first acquaintance a merry person is extremely pleasing and that it is much easier to get acquaintance with such then those more serious For as Amilcar said very well one shall get familiarity with them the very first day of acquaintance they will laugh sing dance and tell a thousand merry stories whereas on the contrary one must go more slowly to work with those whose temper most take me for commonly upon the first acquaintance with them one shall see but the out-side of their beauties and wit nor will they shew all their ingenuity of a long time and when you do know all still you are to seek their hearts so as discovering every day fresh graces you have every day fresh delights but it is otherwise with jocund and pleasant persons for at the very first they shew you all their beauty their hearts and all their affections and certainly if you love them not at the very first you will never love them And also if she love not you at first she will never love you nor afford you any but common favours And the very truth is they only who have passionate Souls do know how to take every thing as a favour who only can invent innocent delights and can make hope last after they have given you their affections For my part I must ingenuously confess that I do love the merry better then the melancholy but I must withal tell you that I would not spend all my life in mirth I would have my friends of that temper but not my Mistresses for there is nothing more cruel then to love one who never minds nor observes any thing but pleasures It is otherwise with a passionate melancholy Mistress for if you give any obliging language she remembers it a hundred times she repeats it unto her self in secret and she will make you glad to see she remembers it by hinting something or other handsomely which will let you know it If you play a lesson on the Lute unto her and there be any passionate Ayrs in it which seems sutable unto your love of her she will resent it with tenderness she will make application unto her self and answer you with such sweet and languishing looks as shall most sensibly delight you But on the contrary a merry Mistress never minds any passionate Ayr but begins her self to sing some song or other which signifies nothing If you send any passionate or amorous Epistles unto her she runs over it in reading or if she have any diversion in hand perhaps she will put it in her pocket and not read it till she be more at leisure and when she hath read it perhaps she will burn it or may be throw it into her Cabinet and never read it at all But when a serious passionate and melancholy Mistress receives a Letter from her loved servant her heart beats when she takes it she opens it with a blush and she reads it with care and secresie she reads it over and over an hundred times and seriously ponders upon every syllable and though she remember every word yet will she read it again and again The truth is there is nothing so sweet as when one is loved by such a melancholy virtuous person to see how she will be troubled in denying any slight favour which you shall ask of her and will deny it in such an obliging manner as a merry Mistress would oblige you less in granting it then she in denying I do know very well that such use to love very ardently and desire also to be ardently loved and therefore they use to complain very often but what though is there anything in this World so sweet as to see a Mistress complain she is not loved enough can she possibly give you a more apparent testimony of her Love a merry Mistress indeed
know him that his heart is susceptible of love But if this Prince merits an high encomium he hath a daughter worthy of him and able to command admiration from all Philonice is the Princess of Agrigentines name she is the most surprizing Person in the world for you must know that as the Princess her mother was wrapt in the cold embraces of the grave ere she compleated a triennial age her illustrious Father having at this time many warlike Preparations which have since impal'd his brow with victorious Laurel instead of leaving her at Agrigentine caus'd her to be educated at a magnificent Castle belonging to him scituated in the Campagne and as she appear'd in the world she was adorn'd with all imaginable politeness and I assure you without flattery that she is acquainted in many things which her only imagination hath dictated to her and for her Person 't is infinitely pleasing her head is crown'd with black resplendent hair she is of a mean stature yet so agreeable and noble that it admits of no disadvantage her action is free and natural without any affectation the circumference of her visage shews the extreams of an imperfect Circle and almost form'd it to a perfect oval the new fallen snow was turn'd in comparison of the refin'd purity of her complexion her mouth for shape shamed the imitation of the most exquisite Painters and all the features of her face had so near a kindred of proportion and symmetrie as the severest master of Apelles art might have call'd it his glory to have copyed Beauties from her as the best of models her eyes darted forth such a radiant splendour as neither the firmest eye nor the strongest soul could arm themselves with resistance of proof against these pointed glories but there results from all these perfections such a modest ayr on the visage of Philonice that her only physiognomie clears what blemish can be imputed to the vertue of her soul and delicateness of her spirit 't is not but when she meets with any that she neither esteems nor pleases her she hath a certain coldness which without being uncivil seems more touching to those to whom it is address'd she 's affable but the grandeur of her soul and habitual probity retains her from making those delusive caresses which by many Ladies of the Court are practised with so much Prodigality but for a person she loves there 's no Princess in the world can testifie her tenderness in more obliging and real expressions she is of such a liberal inclination and all her resentments are so discreet and generous as she believes her action should not bely her words for spirit she hath it to admiration she speaks both naturally and gallantly she writes pleasant Letters in a stile so natural reserving her quality that I can mint no expression to equal their praise she hath a solid vertue glory is the cheifest of her delight her heart is tender spirit firm her amity both constant sincere and agreeable she 's discreet in all her actions she 's never capable of any transportment she is both young and wise she hath judgement without experience and prudence without pride and she is so accomplished that I can tax her of nothing but of too much vertue since 't is certain she is so modest that she doth not well know it at least she speaks as if she esteem'd her self not so much as she ought 't is true she accuses her self in such an ingenious manner that her own words betray her There 's likewise in this place another Virgin whose Father is Governour of the Castle of Agrigentine who is highly esteem'd by Philonice not without desert for besides as she is fair and hath an engaging spirit which both pleases and charms all those who approach her she knows how to fit the humour of all Persons her Discourse is admirable she never appears distemper'd at her company she hath a modest jovialty that gives delight to many persons This Virgin called Berelisa hath moreover such a passionate spirit that she makes her glory consist in knowing how to love her friends and as Philonice hath much inclination for her she is commonly with her The day in which Artemidorus was brought to the Castle of Agrigentine she was with this Princess in a great Hall where the Prince her Father was with many other Ladies leaning on a Balcony which jetted on the Court to see twelve stately horses that had a little before been sent to her Father and she desiring to go next morning to the Chace he would have both her and Berelisa chuse those they would have for that gallant sport as their eyes were wholly imployed in surveying these Horses Terillus who had taken Artemidorus entred into the Hall followed by his prisoner leaving his men at the entry of the gate you know Artemidorus is of a gallant deportment which will easily make you believe that he attracted the regards of the Agrigentine Prince of the Princess Philonice and the amiable Berilisa and all the rest of the company for though his habit was but simple yet had he the ayr of a person of Quality though in the design he had to disguise himself he affected unusual simplicity 'T is true seeing all perfections concenter in these Ladies he would not hinder himself from saluting them with such a grace that disposed them to conceive a good opinion of him In the mean time Terillus who presented him to the Prince of Agrigentioe seeing him prepared to give him attention thus said Sir I come to present to you this Prisoner I am obliged to praise and to excuse the weakness of those who took him and to give you occasion to treat him with civility for to speak as a person of Honour who ought to commend the courage of his enemies it hath sometimes been more easie for me to put five hundred men to flight then to vanquish this valiant man for there was so much difficulty to make him render himself after his Sword was broken that I conceiv'd it requisite to acquaint you with his valour to the end that treating him according to his merit he should repent himself from having exposed his life rather then to be your Prisoner It is so natural said Artemidorus for generous Conquerours to praise the courage of those they have vanquished that I ought to draw no vanity from the praises you have attributed to me He which praises you is so brave himself replyed the Agrigentine Prince that you may glory in his praises and if you had ever seen him in any dangerous occasions as he hath seen you you would retribute the like praises to his Valour and as your great magnanimity and the air of your Visage easily dispose me to believe you are of illustrious blood though your habit contradict that opinion Tell me what you are and what 's your condition and what motive induc'd you to take such an unjust party I know by your accent you are
Object But said she can I doubt of the condition of this Prisoner His Spirit confirms me that his Birth is Noble and all those groundless suspicions which my imagination suggests to me of the pre-engagement of his heart his civility to me disperses those aery vapours and confirms me that Love hath not yet triumphed over him and that his heart is at my devotion No Berelisa added this amiable Virgin flatter not thy self and believe if he were in love he would acquaint thee with it and perhaps if thou should'st disclose thy affection to him he would not credit it resolve then to repel this dangerous inclination thou feelest ready to force thy heart resist the merit of this Unknown and weave not the web of thine own destruction thou dar'st not commit this secret to the fidelity of any person though it should crack the Organs of thy Vital Faculties This was her last resolution and during some time she believed she had eradicated this affection from her heart there hapning an accident which diverted her self from the contemplation of this object for Telesis her Brother returned from Travel and as they tenderly loved one another their joy swell'd to such an neight by the sight of each other that all former occurrences were now buried in oblivion he related to her all those adventures which hapned in his voyage he acquainted her with all the Atchievements of gallantry he had performed in those places he had passed and desiring to go to the Camp though the Trees now began to be periwigg'd with Snow he lest with her divers Letters and the pourtracture of a person whom he then loved and of whom he made a pleasing relation Berelisa having her spirit thus busied felt not for some days her usual inquietude as her soul was in this tranquillity she one Morning repair'd to the aforesaid Walk where she had hardly taken two turns but she heard one speak very high in Artemidorus his Chamber Berelisa hearing this noise and not being able to comprehend the occasion of it approaching thither and heard the Prisoner earnestly entreat his Guard to redeliver what he had taken from him and he answering in insolent terms he would not but that he would carry it to Afranor to the end he should transmit it to the Agrigentine Prince She had scarce heard this when the Prisoner reiterated his entreaties with so much earnestness that she conceiv'd what had been taken from him was of too great a concernment to be seen so that tenderness engaging her heart and curiosity her spirit she called him by his name who so much contested with Artemidorus This man hearing himself called by his Master's Daughter went to the Window requesting her to inform him what she desired I would have you tell me said she to him why you give such uncivil language to a Prisoner whom you ought to treat with civility and from whence proceeds the grounds of this Contestation Madam replied this man his eyes sparkling with anger this Prisoner hath suborn'd some of my Companies for having taken from him a Letter with intention to carry it to my Master he so much prest me to render it him that I was transported with anger by reason he thought me capable to betray my fidelity I pray Madam said then Artemidorus speaking to Berelisa if you repent not of your excessive goodness towards me do me the favour I conjure you to use your power over this man as that Letter I have written may not be seen by any person You see Madam said he who had spoken to Artemidorus this Letter must consequently be of importance and that I should have injured the Trust reposed in me if I had rendred it to him I protest unto you replied Artemidorus that it neither concerns the Prince of Agrigentine nor Afranor but hath only reference to my self To find a mean to reconcile you replied Berelisa permit me to survey your Letter and relie on my discretion and if I find that neither the Prince nor my Father have any interest in it I will redeliver it to you and oblige him who hath taken it from you not to disclose any thing neither will I ever speak of it without this I am assured your Keeper will not render it to you but on this occasion added she I believe I can easily obtain it sure he imagines I will neither betray the Prince nor my Father This man consenting to Berelisas Proposition Artemidorus was constrained to suffer this Virgin to peruse what he had written imagining after she had perused it she would permit him the favour to write another or to send this to Clidimira for 't was to that fair person to whom this this Letter wâ—â— addressed After he had consented to what 〈◊〉 proposed and when his Keeper had given the Letter to Berelisa she found it contained these words IF I only tell you I am the unhappiest Prince in 〈◊〉 World I should not sufficiently inform you of 〈◊〉 grandeur of my Misfortune At these words Berelisa staid and a joyful 〈◊〉 motion seiz'd her spirits seeing that secret inclination which had taken possession of her Soâ—â— had a more noble foundation than she imagined so that this resentment renewing the tenderness of her heart she often read these three or four lines as if she had there desired to limit her curiosity but at last rebeginning the Letter she found the contents framed after this manner IF I only tell you I am the unhappiest Prince in the World I shall not sufficiently inform you of the grandeur of my Misfortune but assuring you I 〈◊〉 the unhappiest Lover that e'er submitted to the 〈◊〉 of Love my infelicity cannot be paralleld for in 〈◊〉 my Liberty is restrained I know not whether you 〈◊〉 free nor whether till this time you have retained you affection inviolable I am only ascertained that I â—â—â—cy your Idea continually present before my eyes 〈◊〉 all the compassion of two of the most exquisite 〈◊〉 Nature e'er made for wonder cannot sweeten the rigour of those miseries I endure Behold to a Chaning As this Letter was not fully finished Berelisa could know no more but she knew enough to disturb her repose since if the beginning flattered her with joy the conclusion sadded her heart with grief for if she had learned this Prisoner was a Prince she had likewise learned he was a Lover and that he believed he was beloved and as she learned it with some agitation of spirit her Cheeks were planted with a roseate tincture insomuch that she turned her head to conceal her blushing from Artomidorus In this disturbance of her heart grief produced the same effect as joy had done before giving an additional renovation to that esteem she conceived his merits might command for there is nothing fitter to augment a new-born inclination in the hearts of most women than to learn that those they love have already gained the affections of others Berelisa was in a strange perplexity time
That which you demand replyed this Stranger is of so great consequence that Aronces ought first to be acquainted with it but lest we should commit an indiscreet action I intreat you to tell us all you know how he was saved And as I had often heard Clelius tell it I told him the day of this shipwrack the place where it hapned and I described to him the Cradle in which Aronces was found for Clelius had shewed it me when we found him in the Pyrates Vessel I told him likewise that a Casket full of stones then came into his power and in fine all I knew of this adventure giving many praises to Aronces which evidencing to him that I effectually was his particular friend obliged him to speak more freely before me ah Martia said he to this Lady who as you know is his Wife I do not doubt but Aronces is the child we lost for the day of his shipwrack agrees with that when we thought we should perish the place where it hapned is the same the Cradle in which Aronces was found is like it the stones we see Clelia have are those we had in our power but that which clears all suspicion is that Aronces is the very Picture of the Father of that Child we lost so that we must necessarily conclude he must be his Son I confess Madam the discourse of that man who is the same Nicius now in this Castle much perplexed me for in the beginning when he spoke to Martia and told her that Aronces was assuredly the Child they had lost I believed he was their Son but when he said he was his Fathers Image that belief soon vanisht when I perceived he did not resemble him which spoke so that dying with desire to be satisfied in that I would know I pressed Nicius and Martia to tell me who Aronces was but they answered 't was first to him they must disclose this secret and they earnestly prayed me to bring him to the sight of them and without deferring the time any longer I knew the place where they lodged and I promised them to bring Aronces thither before the day was past And I presently went to Clelius his house to rejoyn my self with that fair company I had left for 't is the custom at Rome that the day that one celebrates for their birth there is prepared a feast to entertain those friends which are invited to accompany them at this Ceremony so that finding the Tables covered and the company ready to sit down I at first believed that I ought to attend the end of this repast before I told to Aronces that I knew but this great secret seems to me so difficult to keep that I could not resolve my self thereto and drawing Aronces handsomly apart Can you believe said I to him that Clelia's Birth-day is that which is destin'd for the discovery of yours and before night you shall know who you are No Celeres said he to me I do not believe it for by what strange adventure can I know it As I saw he gave no credit to my words I spoke to him more seriously and in few words recounted to him that which had happened to me so that dispelling that doubt I saw in his face different motions at first I saw joy a little after I noted inquietude and fear and a moment after impatience to know that he feared to learn nevertheless the greatness of his Spirit reassuring him and that which I told him of those stones giving him some certainty that he must be of illustrious birth he remitted himself so well that as he would not now depart without causing some disorder he resolved to expect the end of this repast to content his curiosity and in effect it was executed as he had resolved for as soon as the Tables were uncovered we stole from the company and went to find Nicius and Martia who expected us with an impatience which could not be equalled but by that of Aronces he stayed two or three times going to find them for though he believed he should not fear any thing which might trouble him the love for Clelia made him fear that his Parentage would not be worthy of her but in the end being arrived to the Lodging where Nicius and Martia were they met us with the greatest demonstration of joy in the world for the more they looked upon Aronces the more they saw him resemble the King Porsenna but that which redoubled their satisfaction was that when he began to speak they found he had the sound of his voice so like to the Queen Galerita his Mother that they could not doubt but he was the same Child which was committed to their charge whom they had lost by a shipwrack In the mean time Aronces no sooner saw them but he thus said to them after what my dear friend hath told I know not what I ought to say to you knowing not who I am neither do I know whether I ought to wish to know it Nevertheless as the incertainty in which I have lived is the cruelst torment imaginable tell me I entreat you who I am though you tell me my heart soars higher than my birth and do not fear if it please you to reveal this secret in the presence of him to whom you have spoken of me for all my secrets are his and you cannot tell me any thing in particular which reflects on me but I shall tell it him a little after Since 't is so said Nicius I have two favours to demand of you before I tell you any thing the first that you permit me to look upon your left hand the second that I will shew those two knots of Diamonds to Martia we have seen that beautiful Virgin wear which is the cause of your discovery since if she had not been adorned with those Jewels to give us the curiosity to look more attentively on this Ceremony we had not it may be seen you for in fine if you are he I wish you are you have on your left hand a little black mole like to one we believe to be on your Mothers face and which becomes her admirable well and if those stones we saw are those we imagine there is two Portraits in the two knots of Diamonds that I pray you to shew my wife For the mole whereof you speak replied Aronces shewing him his hand you may see it 's such as you tell me it should be but for the two knots of Diamonds you would have me shew you I have sometimes handled them and I did not perceive they opened neither that they had Portraits inclosed in them If they are those we think replyed Martia you may handle them an hundred times before you can perceive they open But in fine added she that which I say is not so necessary to know and after I have precisely known the day of your shipwrack and what manner of Cradle in which you were found and after I
a beautiful person as in a State Tarquin was insensibly captivated by the beauty of Clelia But as the cruel Tyrant knew as yet better how to hate then to love he was strangely tormented in mind fearing to find the same person the object of his hatred and his love Is it possible said he within himself that I should be so infortunate as to love the daughter of Clelius No no added he it is an absolute impossibility for my Heart without the assistance of my Reason would have soon discovered the Daughter of my Enemy and would not have been guilty of so great a baseness as to have loved her It must be so continued he there is such an Antipathy between Clelius and me and I have so inveterate a hatred for him that if he were certainly the father of this beautiful person I should be naturally obliged to hate her But in sine continued he after he had paused a while in case my heart have betrayed me if I am really deceived and that this fair and inchanting Captive be effectually the Daughter of my Enemy what course should I take At these words Tarquin stopt a while but suddenly recovering himself Ah! base spirit that I am cryed he do I deliberate how I should deal with the daughter of Clelius No no continued he I defie all further deliberation I must renounce her love I must burthen her with my hatred and chains and put her to death to be revenged of her Father But am I certain I should do what I say said he again to himself I have certainly in my life done things so extraordinary that such an action as this might be lookt on as an ordinary consequence of the greatness of my courage but when all is done I never did any thing that seemed so heard to do as this I have sacrificed a Wife to my Ambition t is true but I had no great love for her I dethroned Servius Tullius I acknowledge it but I had ever hated him and I never yet met with a necessity should force me to destroy that which I loved because I have loved nothing but my own greatness and therefore I must confess I am yet to resolve what I should do if this fair prisoner proved my Enemyes daughter Here Tarquin was silent and having paused a while he repaired to the lodgings of the Captives with intention to try all means to discover which of them was the true daughter of Clelius But when he was employed in this visit Aronces struggled with incredible afflictions For as according to his expectation he had found the sage and generous Sivelia servent to serve him so he was hid in her house and by her means held correspondence with all the secret friends of Clelius and Herminius as also with the Grand Vestal Thus he knew all that passed in the Camp and at Rome for the Slave which Amilcar had sent was come to him and by Sivelia he knew all that happened in the City But that was it that rendred him the more unhappy for as the state of affairs stood then he could not rationally hope to apply any remedy thereto Tarquin's power seemed to be so strongly establisht that nothing could shake it He was indeed generally hated but withall he was generally feared in as much as had he been beloved he could not have been better obeyed than he was and to be short he was become so dreadful that men durst hardly think ought against him There was not one true Roman who wished not it were in his power to destroy him but there was not one who had courage enough to undertake it so that it might be said that Rome had alwayes an infinite number of men fit to be conspirators before there ever was any conspiracy so dreadful were the proud Tarquin and cruel Tullia grown Thus all that Aronces could do was to bemoan himself and endeavour to find out some means to send to Clelia to see if there were any possibility to carry her away But that was a thing seemed not so easie to be done he being obliged either to continue this retirement or run the hazard of being taken Sivelia was of such a high spirit that she never went to Tullias nor was the Grand Vestall's absence thence without suspition it was not fit many were acquainted with Aronces's retirement in Rome all which augmented his misery as much as could be Tarquin's arrival was no small affliction to him nay he escaped not the misery of being acquainted with his visit to the Captives and that the design of it was onely to discover which of the prisoners was the daughter of Clelius so that his sufferings were such as will hardly admit a perfect imagination of them For he considered himself every moment ready to be discovered and secured and that Clelia would be found out by her fathers inveterate enemy and the cruellest enemy that ever was Alas said he to himself during the visit what a deplorable condition am I in for if Tarquin discovered Clelia and that the hatred he beares her father exceeds the love it is said he bears her he will destroy her nay will invent new torments to do it but if his love to her shall outvie his hatred to Clelius to what persecution is she to what misfortunes am I exposed But cruel and proud Tarquin continued he though thou were loved as much by the People as thou art hated and that all my subjects were thy Guard nothing should discourage me from attempting to deliver Rome that so I may deliver Clelia if so be thou art so unjust as to evil intreat her But while the unfortunate Aronces thus sadly entertained himself Tarquin was in the lodgings of the Captives from whom he had received the greatest civility which he could expect from persons whose liberty could not be obtained without his consent The end therefore of his coming thither that day being to discover Clelia he entertained them all secretly one after another as soon as the first civilities were over He was desirous Clelia might be the last he spoke with because it was she he wisht might not prove the daughter of Clelia so that not doubting but to find her among the Captives he talkt with the sage Cesonia the merry Plotina and her companions before he spoke to Clelia But though he sifted them very craftily yet he could not make any great discovery for being all excellently witty and withall bearing a great affection to Clelia they told him nothing whereby he might be informed which was the daughter of Clelius But at length taking Clelia aside and viewing her sometimes with the looks of a Lover sometimes with those of an Enemy such a distraction was in his soul I beseech you Madam says he to her deliver me out of the greatest disquiet I ever was in and if it be possible restore me into a condition wherein I may both make you happy and entertain some hope of being so
no Heraclean but I am confident you are a Sicilian and concluding you a Sicilian and not an Heraclean I confess to you I cannot tell precifely whether you are of Syracusa Panormus Erycine Messina or Leontine though it seems your pronunciation speaks you the last Sir replied Artemidorus as I have many particular reasons which oblige me not to discover either my Name or Country dispense with it if you please and I assure you I will not complain of you if you do me the favour to treat me as a private Soldier and as a Prisoner of War Whilst Artemidorus thus spoke Philonice and Berelisa attentively fix'd their eyes upon him and the Prince of Agrigentine after an exact survey noting the whiteness of his hand turning towards Philonice and Berelisa thus said I pray What think you of this Prisoner may I credit his words or my reason For my part replied Philonice I find him to have the air of a person of Quality For my particular added Berelisa I am perswaded this Prisoner is a man of condition and spirit and if he should have confessed it to me my belief would not receive any stronger impression For pursued she depressing her voice if he was but a simple Soldier he would heighten his condition to be more civilly used Philonice confirm'd what Berelisa had said and all the other Ladies were of Opinion that this Prisoner was neither a simple Officer nor Soldier The Prince of Agrigentine turning towards him with a gallant and civil air natural to him As 't is advantageous for you we should doubt of your words said he to him and that all these Ladies will not believe you nor suffer me to do it permit me to think you are not such a person as you represent your self therefore you shall be treated with all the civility and courtesie that a generous Prisoner may claim but kept with as much exactitude as persons of quality and in time it may be you will resolve to speak with more confidence 'T is not for the vanquished to give laws to the vanquisher replied Artemidorus and I have doubtless nothing to do but constantly to support my Imprisonment I render thanks to these Ladies for their advantageous opinion Artemidorus pronounced these words with such a noble Air that it added a confirmation to their belief and having sent for Berelisas Father who as I have already told you was Governour of the Castle he commanded him civilly to treat him and to take strict care of him who departed with his Prisoner as soon as he had received this express order from the Prince But to the end said the Prince of Agrigentine addressing himself to Berelisa this Prisoner should have no desire to cancel those Chains the fortune of War hath impos'd upon him give him I entreat you those of love 'T is affirm'd it is so dangerous to desire to give much without exposing themselves to take a little replied Philonice seeing Berelisa fram'd no answer that I would not counsel her to obey you Her silence he replied gives consent and she hath so attentively beheld this Prisoner that I imagine the Beauty of his Person hath already strom'd her Inclination I ingeniously confess answered Berelisa a vermilion Tincture shadowing her Cheeks this Unknown pleaseth me without knowing him I pity him as an unhappy person whom I believe worthy of my compassion and to whom I will voluntarily render all the favour lies in my power not prejudicing your service If you oblige him to love you replied the Prince of Agrigentine he will love his imprisonment he will bless his captivity his chains will be grateful he will it may be change party and you will give me a new Subject by procuring a new Slave At these words all jested with Berelisa seeing it pleas'd the Prince and they were minded the more to do it by reason Terillus there present was amorous of Berelisa though she could not affect him This Lover thus finding all to counsel his Mistress to conquer this Prisoners heart and having noted she had lookt upon him with extraordinary attention he even wished he had not taken him and could not conceal his anger from Berelisa who perceiving it and not being thereat displeased suddenly chang'd her manner of speech to answer to the Railery of the Agrigentine Prince She told him that after some consideration she imagined she should perform a charitable Office to give love to this Prisoner but to the end pursued she that the more glory should reflect on me I must first know whether he is a person of quality whether he is of your enemies Country or whether he is amorous that I may effare his first Mistress from his heart that I oblige him to renounce his party and to forget his Country But if he should change his party replied Terillus would he be worthy of your esteem and do you believe that a man without honour should merit your love For my part replied Berelisa I love glory as much as any person and I cannot suffer a degenerate action but in case of love I would not have honour to be alledged to me to destroy my intentions and if I had a Lover and that I was so unjust as to demand a testimony of affection from him which did not rightly square with Justice I would he should be unjust for the love of me and that he should yield to love me for if I make no scruple to be injust for the love of my self sure I cannot think it fit my Lover should do it for the love of himself and that he prefers his interest to my will I know to speak prudently love ought not to contradict honour but to speak as Mistress of it Love ought to make a Lover act any thing to please his Lady Ah Berelisa replied Philonice you say too much of it for the means to esteem him who obeys you if you command him any unworthy act I have already told you replied she that I can esteem my Lover no more than my self and that I would he should be capable of all that I do and all that I would have him do 't is not that I should be assured I should be ever incapable to command any indignity but I am likewise assured that a Mistress cannot think it good that she should not be blindly obeyed and that if he disobeys he should yet pretend to be a lover For my part replied the Prince of Agrigentine which have it may be as much experience in love as war I believe that a man of honour which sees himself constrained to commit an unworthy action or disobey his Mistress ought not to perform her commands but desert his Empire and endeavour to cure his amorous Lethargie by the knowledge he hath of her Injustice but he ought not to pretend to continue to be beloved sure to speak of the thing in general it appertains not to a disobedient lover to aspire to that advantage and when 't is
and found her in her Cabinet there being nigh her on a little Jasper Table the Pourtraicture of Clidimira the case whereof was shut her Letters were likewise there he not knowing whose they were by reason he could not see the Writing Her eye no sooner reached him but Berelisa blushed and would have treated him with more ceremony than ordinary but Artemidorus opposed it with much address I pray Madam said he in a low voice approaching to her remember that 't is but for you I am Artemidorus at Agrigentine and that in what estate soever I may be I should have more glory by respecting you than by receiving so many inutile demonstrations of your Bounty After that she desired Artemidorus to take a seat which having done he earnestly entreated her to render him that Letter he had begun to write to the person whom he loved That Person replied Berelisa blushing is so unworthy to receive that I believe my self bound not to restore it to you Ah Madam cry'd Artemidorus it appears you do not know her for I can assure you if you knew her I know not replied she her Cheeks being stain'd with Blushes what I should do if I knew her by my self but I am very well assured I hate her for the love of you for not to vail truth with artificial conceits you love an unfaithful person who certainly is very affectionate to them she loves but who contracts an irreconcileable hatred against those whose affections she hath deserved But Madam cry'd Artemidorus much astonished at those words I have not told you the Persons name whom I love and I believe 't is impossible since yesterday you should have notice of it To demonstrate to you what I know replied she opening the case where Clidimiras Pourtraicture was enclosed see if you know this Picture Ah Madam cry'd Artemidorus I know it too well if 't is true Clidimira should be unfaithful but Madam added he changing colour who gave you this Pourtraicture which was at first intended for me and which had not received the last hand of the Painter before my departure Hath not Clidimira sent it me to bring me some consolation during my imprisonment And hath not this charming person heving notice of the place of my residence by some way unknown to me thought by this means to obstruct my death You will see by this Letter replied Berelisa giving him one her Brother had left her and Artemidorus taking that she offered to him suddenly opened it and knowing the Characters were framed by Clidimiras hand he read these words Clidimira to Telesis I Confess to you Artemidorus hath given me many testimonies of affection and likewise assure you this Picture was at first designed for him but the mutability of my Fortune intruding many intimable obstacles to impede the progression of this love my reason did at last free me from it and as I doubt not but absence will be a sufficient remedy to cure the affection of Artemidorus I freely engage my self to permit yours and promise you as you desire that if his love receives no variation it will not in the least alter my intent of having no Commerce with him and of loving Telesis whilst he perseveres in his love to Clidimira Whilst Artemidorus read this Letter Berelisa attentively fix'd her eyes upon him and noting the change of his countenance expressed some emotion of joy which Artemidorus taking notice What Madam said he to her have you the cruelty though you exceed in all excellent qualities any person in the World to acquaint me with such doleful news For in fine there 's nothing more cruel than to know Clidimira is inconstant and that my Rival is the Brother of the generous Berelisa to whom my obligations are innumerable But Madam added he how can I so soon deface Clidimiras Image engraven in my heart for whom I have acted those things which deserve a larger compensation for her alone I have contracted the anger of the Prince my Brother for her I have destroy'd my Fortune and rejected Glory can it be then possible that Clidimira from whom I have received so many amorous testimonies should resign her love to another Speak generous Berelisa speak for though I have accused you of cruelty you can bind me in no stricter obligation than to discover all you know of Clidimiras infidelity and to suffer me to peruse all her Letters which serve to the confirmation of it I will voluntarily do it replied Berelisa on condition you promise me not to be my Brother's Enemy who hath not injured you since he knows you not and that he believes you did not in the least pretend to her when she engaged her self to him Ah Madam replied Artemidorus 't is not possible for me to promise you not to hate a Rival crown'd with the Title of Happiness and all that I can promise you is That your amity shall retain the effects of my hatred against Telesis Speak then Madam speak but do not speak yet and let me first see all Clidimiras Letters and she having given him one he opened it which contained these words Clidimira to Telesis IF Joy is a favourable Disposition to Love you will sometimes find me the pleasantest person alive I know not whence it proceedeth whether from the simple effect of my Temperament or from the Conquest of your heart and neither you nor Fortune can ruine this serene humour unless you banish my love from thence Ah Clidimira said Artemidorus casting this Letter on the Table 't is your gayety will chanel my Cheeks with tears but 't is requisite for me to know how far your perfidiousness hath transported you and opening another Letter he was much surprised to see 't was one he had formerly wrote to Clidimira which he would have sacrificed to his anger had not Berelisa hindred him Ah Artemidorus said she to him what intend you to do I am but the depositary of these things I shew you I ought to render them to my Brother with whom I should have great contestation had I lost that he confided to my care But Madam said Artemidorus can I suffer a Letter I heretofore wrote to Clidimira to be in my Rivals hands Look on another said she and let me view that and Berelisa by an amorous curiosity being dispos'd to read that Letter Artemidorus desired to hear it read conceiving it would be a means to heighten his intended hatred against Clidimira and Berelisa opening it it spoke these words Artemidorus to Clidimira I Shall have this day Madam the honour to visit you but 't will be only in Ceremony and with as much care to smother my passion as I should have had in the Declaration of it Pity me I pray you and whether my spirit suffers an Eclipse or not assure your self that the sole love of the admirable Clidimira can either give or deprive me of it and that neither my words or silence serve but to evidence your dominion over me
her propitious fortune for she had acquired so much esteem with Artemidorus that to her his thoughts wore no cover but as she would not be too curious in prying into his Actions she intreated her dear Lisicoris to observe with a vigilant eye the Passages betwixt Clidimira and this Prince she did not relate to her the cause of her curiosity though she was one of her dearest friends colouring it over with her Brothers interest for 't is more difficult for a woman adorned both with spirit and vertue to confess a violent inclination to any person who doth not express his love to her then to avow she favours a Lovers passion as the last adventure had armed Artemidorus against the charming force of Clidimira's eyes knowing that if he went not to visit the Princess at Cleodomas his house she would prevent him by coming to him he determined to wait on her after dinner which surprized the company they not imagining the state of his health had yet licenced him to leave his Chamber When Philonice was informed of his arrival she was in the great Hall I have formerly mentioned no sooner did Clidimira and Berelisa cast their eyes on this Prince but their faces were shaded with a crimson colour which even planted his Cheeks with blushes he could not conjecture whether this agitation proceeded from his new or ancient love confusion did at this time so distract his senses In fine after he had saluted Philonice she presented Clidimira to this Prince and knowing what accidents had formerly happened between them she did not ingage them in any long discourse but spoke to Artemidorus who seeing now only the beauties of Clidimira was glad he had discovered the dissimilitude of her other parts she being so discreet that her hands never lay open to the sight of any person her breast was masqu'd with a pleated scarf which barred the eye from descrying her deformed features so that if any one had seen her dressed after this mode would have judged the whole composure of her body proportionable to the splendor of her eyes but Artemidorus contraryed this opinion her defects being now as apparent to him as if they had been visible for Berelisa he knowing the pure whitenesse of her breast and the perfect shape of her hands admired her modesty for not disclosing those things which Clidimira concealed through affectation and concluding it an effect of her vertue began to feel his heart retreating from Clidimira's love to be stormed with Berelisa's perfections as Clidimira's spirit was a little disquieted it stopt the Organs of her speech which incited Berelisa's desire to wing away the time in pleasant discourses 't is true her spirit was not yet re-stated in its former tranquillity but knowing how far her beauty surpass'd Clidimira's her joy framed her to this agreeable humour Philonice after a little stay in the Hall went into the Wood followed by Cleodamas and all this company at first they discoursed of the beauty of the place and clearness of the day but the company being strayed into these divers alleys fortune placed Artemidorus between Berelisa and Clidimira all three were surprized to hear no words break from each others lips the unfaithful Mistress durst not speak to Artemidorus before her sister to appease the distemper of his spirit caused by the levity of her former actions and Berelisa willing to see to whom Artemidorus would address his speech did not unlock the silence of her harmonious voice this Prince not knowing in what language to express himself in the presence of these two persons expected one of their tongues to supply its office in this manner they arrived to a Balcony at the end of this Ally where Philonice Cleodamas and Lysicoris stayed his coming the Princess seeing them walk in this mute posture scarce taking notice of her demanded of Artemidorus on what subject he entertained the attention of these two amiable persons I assure you replied Berelisa not giving this Prince leisure to shape an answer my sister and I are not jealous of what Artemidorus hath said for he hath been so sparing of his words that he hath spoken no more to one then to another I had more to say to one then another replyed he but I did not think it convenient to declare my thoughts for my part added Clidimira being a stranger here I did not imagine my self obliged to begin any discourse for my particular added Berelisa I am so pleased with my own idle fancies that my words would have been a pennance to me for interrupting my sweet repose it seems to me replied Cleodamas that the fancies of such an excellent person as Berelisa if she declared the subject of them would produce much delight for it only appertains to those who have tender hearts to be skilled in the pleasures of a certain pleasing deliberation which diverts the spirit and so sweetly seduces reason that one cannot desine its inticing allurements 'T is true replied Berelisa all mens humours do not comply with this delightful dotage and there 's many speak of it who believe it only consists in licencing their Spirits rather to the motions of their hearts then to the conduct of this imperious reason to enjoy our pleasant fancies we must let our spirits wander up and down confine them no where we must have something in our souls which whispers no disturbance our temper must be inclining to Melancholy we must think on something which pleases us and we must be capable of a certain Lethargie of the senses which imprints belief in all our thoughts and the use of reason must be for some time suspended I say we must but confusedly hearken to the singing of the Birds or the murmuring of the Springs neither must our eyes distingush the diversity of colours Ah Berelisa cryed Cleodamas you describe these fancies too clearly to be ignorant of them If idle Imaginations were a crime replyed she I would subscribe to your opinion but as they are the most innocent pleasures I confess I know them and that I sometimes prefer them before all company whatsoever But you do not dream replyed Philonice that you have said to draw these fancies to the life there must be something in our hearts which doth not displease us Pardon me Madam replyed Berelisa but that something I have named is not that something you imagine I assure you replyed Artemidorus that if one mention something that you have done it will admit of no other explication then that of the Princess Whatever it should be said Cleodamas I should think that man happy which should insinuate into Berelisas heart that she hath called something which in a vulgar expression is termed Love Berelisa blushed at this discourse and fortune conducting Terillus to this place they changed the subject of their conversation on the contrary Philonice finding her self on a square Base of stone on the right hand from the house as one ascends the high alley Cleodamas sent for
impossible to hinder the marriage of Valeria with Herminius by acquainting some that were of Tarquins interest how that in policy he ought to prevent this Alliance Spurius then being acquainted with one that was kinsman unto Heslius that was in favour with Tarquin he went to see him and seeming to talk of the marriage of Herminius and Valeria as the news of the Town he began to speak of the good fortune of Herminius For truly said he very subtilly if he had not good fortune the King would never permit this marriage which unites two of the most potent Families that are his enemies and out of whom there are more exiles since Tarquin reigned than any others in Rome Spurius seemed to say this not as if he desired him unto whom he spoke to tell Heslius and that Heslius should tell Tarquin but only as wondring at the good fortune of Herminius For he knew very well that he to whom he spoke would tell Heslius all he heard And indeed as soon as ever Spurius was gone this man went to his Cousin and told him all he knew Heslius conceiving indeed that this alliance between two Families enemies of Tarquin was to be prevented he went unto that Prince to acquaint him with the business and the consequences of it Tarquin who except Horatius and Clelius hated Valerius and Herminius more than all the rest of his enemies he resolved to prevent this marriage by his absolute authority Thus when Herminius and Valeria thought to pass all their lives together in a most happy condition Tarquin sent for Valerius to tell him that for some reasons which related unto the good of his service he charged him not to marry his Daughter unto Herminius Valerius out of his great and noble soul told Tarquin all that his generosity guided by prudence did dictate unto him to oblige him not to constrain him in a thing which ought to be free But Tarquin answered That if Herminius married Valeria he would banish them Rome the next day and that they should never enter the City again Valerius not being able to oppose force he retir'd home where he found Herminius who impatiently expected his return for as a Lover is always fuller of fears than any other so he was more disquieted than Domitia that Tarquin had sent for Valerius But when he was returned the sorrows of Domitia of Valeria and of Herminius were extreme Valerius related unto them word for word all that the Tyrant had said unto him and all that he answered after which Valerius spake unto them with abundance of wisdom For after many other things worthy of his great heart and high spirit To testifie unto you said he unto Herminius how much I esteem your vertue and how happy I think my Daughter would be in being your wife I do declare unto you that were it not I have some secret hopes to be one day profitable unto the liberty of my Country I would exile my self and I would advise you unto the same that you might live with Valeria in some part of the world where vice does not triumph over vertue as it does at Rome But generous Herminius you having so much spirit so much heart and so much vertue as you have you are a Debtor unto your Countrey as well as I am Therefore I exhort you to stay here and to overcome that innocent passion which you have in your soul But to testifie how much I value you I do declare unto you That if your vertue cannot overcome your love and that you cannot live unless miserably I do consent to give you my Daughter to deprive my self of her and you for ever and to permit you to go and dwell in some other part of Italy where the power of Tarquin is not acknowledged provided Valeria consent unto it Oh Sir replied this wise Lady though I do esteem Herminius far above all other men yet I do declare that I am not able to abandon you to follow him and I think him so generous as he will not desire to take me from the best father in the world but I hope he is so reasonable as to be contented with that assurance which by your permission I shall give him of my affection that though we cannot live together yet I will with all the innocence and all the tenderness of a sister preserve it inviolably for him Yes my Daughter said Valerius I do permit you to love Herminius as the only man worthy to be your Husband and I would have Domitia also to love him as if he were her son Oh Sir replied Herminius you do set before me a most happy example of vertue for me to imitate for I must ingenuously confess that if you and Valeria did not give me so great an example of generosity I cannot tell what answer I should have returned But yet I see that I should be the most ungrateful and most unjust man in the world if I did not think my self happy in my misfortunes though through the grandeur of my passion and the Tyranny of Tarquin I am the most unfortunate of men As Herminius said this one came to tell Valerius that Spurius desired to speak with him And indeed that revengeful lover knowing that Tarquin had sent for Valerius and being impatient to know whether his design prospered he took a pretence of some business to speak with Valerius purposely to see in what temper his spirit was So that Valerius seeing tears in the eyes of Valeria and despair painted in the face of Herminius he went into another Chamber to receive the visit of Spurius Valerius was no sooner gone but word was brought Domitia that some Ladies desired to speak with her she seeing Valeria and Herminius in a condition unfit for visits she put them into a Chamber within her own and commanded the woman of Valeria to wait upon her Lady Valeria and Herminius were no sooner at liberty but excess of sorrow taking away their speech they looked upon each other a while and did not speak afterwards they went and sat down in the further part of the Chamber where the servant durst not approach out of respect though she had an itching desire unto it that she might report unto Spurius what she heard But after this silence had lasted a while Herminius was the first that broke it by a great and profound sigh which was a preface unto the saddest words that ever afflicted lover pronounced Alas Madam said he unto her Herminius now must never be happy in fair Valeria it may be I shall live a while after so sad a doom But Madam you that know how to love do also know that this word Never is a most fatal sound if it be applied as I do Yes Madam to think that you must never be mine does cast such a gloomy mist upon my spirit that my reason is confounded and I repent of what I said unto the generous Valerius and you when I commended both
love you Are you not able to say positively that you will love me for ever since you may be sure I shall love you as long as I live When one does love replied Valeria he thinks that he shall Love always and yet thousands of examples make it evident that there are some Lovers who cease to Love Oh Madam replied he the heart of Herminius is not alike unto those Lovers that think so Since so replyed she The Term that our affections shall last shall be equivalent since if you love me as long as you live I will love you until I dye Herminius was so charmed to hear these obliging words from the mouth of Valeria that he resolved to submit his spirit unto the reason of this wise Lady He therefore commended her he asked pardon for his importunity and beseeched her to pity his imbecillity and to comfort him in his misery by her constant goodness So as Valeria being very glad to see that the power she had upon the heart of Herminius was so great she spoke unto him so obligingly that when Domitia and Valerius returned they found his Soul in such a temper as they desired it to be Being therefore both of them charmed at his vertue they assured him that they would love him as their own Son as long as they lived And indeed ever since that day they did love Herminius better than before Yet for fear of incensing the Tyrant they agreed that for a time he should not come so frequently unto them as he used nor that he should hide any of his sorrows to the end that unjust Prince might know by his spies that they had obeyed him Things being thus Herminius not acquainting Valerius nor Valeria he went unto Prince Titus and to the Prince of Pometia and imployed them to move Tarquin not to oppose his marriage But though these Princes were very zealous in the service of Herminius yet they could not do him any good So as he grew so melancholy that the splenitick Spurius was comforted in all his disgraces He had also the pleasure to see that Salonina did not marry Volesus And some there was that suspected he hindred the Parents of that Lover from consenting unto his marriage So as though Spurius was not loved by neither Salonina nor Valeria yet he had the satisfaction to see they did not marry those whom they did love and to break off the society of so many excellent persons who were always together But Herminius yet found out an invention to establish another Cabal for the Amity between Valeria and Lucretia being very great these two Ladies became inseparable So as when Lucretius the Father of Lucretia permitted his Daughter to go unto Racilia in the Countrey The Cabal grew as gallant as ever Lucretia Hermilia Collatina and Valeria being of it But the thing most particular in this adventure was that Spurius who now hated both Valeria and Salonina and also Volesus and Herminius especially the last of these he took a fancy that since he neither could nor would be any longer his Rival he would find him one that should Endeavoring therefore how to bring such a fantastical design to pass he bethought himself of Mutius who till then never seem'd to have any amorous inclination For as perhaps you have observed him Mutius is naturally proud and ambitious and the love of Glory takes up so much of his heart as I believe Valeria with all her charms would not be so pleasing to him as some dangerous occasion would be if he were sure to come off with honour So as Mutius having a heart full of nothing but Heroick designs he never minded such trifles as are the delights of lovers you should see him oftener with grave bearded Senators discoursing upon the valour of Romulus than with young Gallants So as Spurius who was a friend unto an Uncle of Mutius who had the Guardianship of him he cast his eyes upon him for this fantastical design And indeed he made no ill choice for Mutius was handsom he had wit and spirit he was proud and haughty and he was fit to court a Lady and enrage a Rival Spurius then finding Mutius as he was walking with one of the gravest Senators in the Capitol he drew him aside upon pretence of some business with him Sir said he unto him I beg your pardon for depriving you of a conversation which I know you preferred before all the young men of your own age and before all the beauties in Rome But Sir to speak sincerely added he and smiled I do aim at your honour in it For to be free with you I love you very well and you have often told me that you would follow my advice in all things Mutius was a little surprised at this for he knew not why he should be reprehended for preferring wise men before such as were not Though he did not love any reprehensions yet since his Uncle had often commanded him to follow the advice of Spurius and since he had often promised that he would he asked him wherein he had failed beseeching him to tell him what he would do to get honour and glory Since you would know replied Spurius I would that you should not cross the order of nature I would not have you wise before your time but to think there is a kind of folly which well becomes all young men and that to arrive at Glory the sooner you must do many things which may seem a retreat from it For in lieu of applying your self eternally unto these old grave and serious Sages who are experienc'd in the conduct of affairs and command of Armies you should see all the Ladies in Rome that have any beauty wit or handsomness you should make your self some friends out of such as have spent five of six years in Gallantry and are able by their example to teach you how to behave your self in the world You should be in society with all such as have any reputation of excellency but not hang upon them too much Never go where you are not wished for nor imprudently molest the pleasures of others when you are not diverted your self nor inconsiderately engage your self in such foolish company as meet with any business and where none desires you But you should cunningly and handsomely make your self desired you should be sociable you should love pleasures you should court Ladies of merit you should invent occasions to divert them you should not be too merry nor too grave but temperate with judgment you must not be a Wit nor Sword-man nor a Gallant of profession I beseech you said Mutius Tell me what one should do to get esteem you must fall in love replied Spurius But said Mutius Can one fall in love when one will I assure you answered Spurius when one is of your age it is harder to keep out than to fall in love but as long as you keep company with none but gray bearded Senators your heart cannot
and my Reason are two such faithful sentinels about my heart that I do not fear they will ever betray it either to your Merit or your Love and it is out of that confidence that I speak to you as I do that is without indignation or severity I therefore tell you once more that I have a very great friendship for you that I shall never love you otherwise than according to that and that you cannot put a greater obligation upon me than by resolutely strugling with the passion now so predominant in your soul If it be true Madam added he that you cannot have ought beyond a friendship for the unfortunate Themistus grant him one favour I beseech you If it be a favour that may stand with friendship replies Lindamira I promise it you Alas Madam said he what I desire is so considerable that you must be very unjust to denie it For all my request at the present to remit the torment I feel is only to intreat you to make use of one word for another though the sence be even in your intention the very same For instance Madam continued this afflicted Lover it will be an extream satisfaction to me if instead of saying you have a friendship for me you would be pleased to make use of certain words which because they are sometimes employed to express sentiments that speak more tenderness have I know not what that is more satisfactory more inviting and more proper to keep up the spirits of an unfortunate man than such as are particular to friendship Your wits are at such a loss replies Lindamira that I pity you much more than I would do For in fine what pleasure do you take in making your self unhappy when all things seem to contribute to your felicity Nature hath furnished you with all she could that is a high birth and a proper person you want neither gallantry nor understanding and you have no reason at all to complain of her Fortune for her part hath done all she could for you your valour hath been fortunate the State is obliged to you your Master owes you his life you are upon the establishment of the greatness of your House and all the world loves you you only excepted Madam interrupted he Nay on the contrary replied Lindamira I have told you already that I am your friend and that I will be ever so provided you promise me and that sincerely you will do all that lies in your power not to own any thing towards me but friendship I shall do so Madam replied he if you in like manner will do me the honor to promise that for your part you will do what you can not to have an affection for me for it were a great presumption to say it but only to be perswaded to entertain my passion in case I cannot overcome it 'T were very pleasant indeed replies Lindamira who would not alwaies speak in good earnest of Themistus's love if it happened that when you should have subdued your passion I at the same time were resolved to admit it It were much better I should not resist my sentiments and that you should only endeavour to reform yours Besides this Themistus had abundance of other passionate discourse with Lindamira but at last he promised her sincerely to do all he could to subdue his passion conditionally she would also do what lay in her power to resolve to continue her friendship to him in case he could not forbear loving her For she had one day threatened to deprive him even of that if instead of being her lover he became not her friend Since that Themistus did really all he could to reform his sentiments for there were so many things to perswade him that Lindamira would never have any thing but a bare friendship for him that he in a manner despair'd of ever exalting it into love And yet as the most unfortunate do most easily derive comfort from inconsiderable things because they cannot hope for any greater consolations Themistus was so sensible of those expressions of friendship he received from Lindamira that there wanted not some intervals wherein he was ready to entertain joy though he was satisfied Lindamira had no love for him and still wished that he had no more for her Nay when Lindamira freely spoke to him of any concernment of her own he felt somewhat that it is impossible to express if he were indisposed and that she sent to see how he did he was extreamly satisfied and that so far that he never received any expression of esteem or friendship from her but he was as glad of â—t as another Lover would have been of what they call signal favours Not but that assoon as he was out of Lindamira's fight he was troubled at the same things whereat he had rejoyced before out of the very consideration that Lindamira had only a friendship for him But after all when he found her kind and obliging he suspended his grief and love ensnaring his reason made him forget that Lindamira had only a friendship for him and find unconceivable pleasures in the least kindnesses he received from her In the mean time from the first day they treated together Lindamira asked him ever and anon what progress he had made towards friendship and Themistus asked her on the other side what progress she had made towards Love and yet Lindamira had still the cruelty to tell him very often and very seriously that he should take heed he were not deceived by appearances and not look on those kindnesses she had for him as proceeding from any thing but friendship And indeed Themistus was so far satisfied that Lindamira had nothing else for him in her heart that she knew it not better her self While things stood thus the Prince of Messena addressed himself openly to this Princess who having neither inclination nor aversion for him treated him with a civility sutable to a person of his quality and merit For Demarata her soul was still persecuted with the same secret passion which added to the aversion she had for Perianthus So that she was forced eternally to stifle two sentiments the hardest in the world to be dissembled Yet did she in time overcome them for it was believed about the Court that she did not treat Themistus well but out of a meer reflection that he was the Princes favorite and the Prince who sometimes discovered some light indifference in her imagined it was to put a sharper edge on the love he had for her Themistus on the other side minding only his ambition as what should further his love neglected nothing that contributed ought to the aggrandization of his fortune so that being at the same time to obey both a Master and a Mistress he wanted no employment Things being in this posture it happened that Lindamira being a little indisposed Demarata came to give her a visit and met there the Prince of Messena Meriander and Themistus For the Ladies that came
not unknown to you hold the chief rank in her heart for though she inhabite in the Countrey of Elis yet she is originally of Sicily Elisante is in my judgment highly to be admired in one respect which is that loving society naturally she has not withstanding attained the art to dispense with the want of it And conceiving that of all pleasures those which arise from agriculture are the most innocent she is become so perfect in this art which is the most antient and necessary of all others that the wise Timanthus who is her master in this kind of knowledge is not her superior in that wonderful skill which consists in well ordering of Land and improving the advantages of seasons and which affords the most considerable delights of the Countrey to those who understand how to use the same as well as Elisante Moreover in the prudent management wherewith she accompanies her industrious cares about her Gardens Meadows Woods and Flocks she finds all the pleasures of profit imployment and glory this prudent retirement having such a loveliness in all respects that the virtuous Elisante cannot be too much commended for it She hath many Illustrious friends writes handsomly and speaks with a certain vivacity declaring both the accuteness and firmness of her mind Then in reference to her Children the desire of seeing them virtuous haâ— ever been the most ardent of all such as she is capable of In a word Elisante is the Soul of her Desart which as pleasant as it is is indebted to her for a great part of its lustre and loveliness But the better to give you the description of the little Court of the two Princesses I was speaking of it is necessary for me to pourtray forth to you two Persons which made the principal ornament of it one of which is named Chrysilia and the other Claricia The first is unquestionably one of the most lovely women and the other one of the most charming Virgins in the world Chrysilia is a person so amiable that should she design to have her self loved by all the World nothing could resist her But since your silence seems to command me to draw you a picture of her without colours and such in which words alone give the ayr that makes resemblance and a little imagination animates you may please to know that Chrysilia is not tall of stature nor yet of their size who are accounted little for if she sees some taller than her self she also sees others not so tall and her stature is beyond exception well proportioned to the ayr of her whole person Her hair is the fairest black in the world that is the most bright and resplendent so that as her head is very gracefully tired the neglected Rings which fall carelesly upon her cheeks or necks make the most pleasing show possible with her mixt complexion of Lilly and Carnation which is beyond all suspition of artifice and makes her seem both sprightly and pleasing As for the form of her countenance 't is neither round nor Oval but being between both cannot well be defined but by saying It has the perfections of each Chrysilia's eyes are not large but so sweet so black lively and full of spirit and glittering that their beams are almost inevitable She sometimes moves them in a certain negligent manner that pleases infinitely and on the contrary sometimes expresses such a pretty haughtiness in them that makes her rather to be lov'd than feared Moreover Chrysilia's mouth is extreamly graceful and not like theirs whose lips seem shaped after so close a manner that one would think they had never smil'd in their lives She hath little sprightly glances which speak liveliness love and cheerfulness and her beauty has several charms which are not suddenly discovered at once but appear more or less according to the temper of her mind and the people with whom she converses Yet Chrysilia's aspect is extreamly graceful at the first view though she has the happiness to deserve more than she promises She has also white and small teeth a neck admirably well shap'd handsome arms and fair hands But to pass from the charms of her beauty to those of her wit I am to tell you she is infinitely ingenious that she usually less discovers her self to be so than she really is though she always speaks very exactly and never any thing but what is absolutely pertinent and likewise agreeable But having no ambition to be universally praised she is not sollicitous to lay open the whole beauty of her mind to all sorts of people So that sometimes she gives her self up to such a reservedness when she happens in places where the persons do not please her that if she be constrained to speak the words fall from her mouth so carelesly that you would think she were desirous not to be understood for fear any should return her an answer so faintly does she pronounce the last syllables of all her words But on the other side when Chrysilia is with persons whose conversation pleases her her serious air is cleared up and a cheerful grace appears in all that she does She speaks alike handsomly upon all subjects and there is elegancy judgment and all things which she expresses She has a subtle way of raillery and reasons exquisitely upon all occasions in a word she hath wit sufficient that were her beauty less she would notwithstanding be infinitely charming Moreover her heart is capable of great tenderness but having a delicate spirit which is not too hasty in making a choice and being naturally slow to abandon her self to friendship and intimacy she is sometimes reproacht for not being sufficiently endearing to her friends But her Soul is noble and which makes her yet more amiable not haughty or ambitious of any thing She writes also extream handsomly though she does not make semblance of understanding so much as what handsome-writing is to conclude she is unquestionably so amiable as I said before that she may justly assure her self of being loved by whomsoever she pleases As for my part interposed Plotina I love her already and I would not have you tell me there was yet another more lovely than she with the Princess of Elis and the Princess of Messenia for I shall not accord with your opinion Fear not Madam answered Merigenes that I will ever make my self a Judge between two amiable persons 't is enough for me that I make you their pictures and leave you the liberty to follow your own inclinations For indeed never any decision ought to be made between two beautiful and accomplisht Ladies That which pleases one does not another and there is a certain humerousness of which I am to learn the reason which sometimes apprehends defects with approbation and finds pleasingness in things which are not taking However it be in that respect said Amilcar I have great impatience to know Claricia I beseech you interrupted Plotina agreeably speaking to Merigenes if Claricia be a
maugre the valor of those that had taken him one of his attendants having given him a Horse he had saved himself and took the way towards the Camp followed with a small party of his own the Inhabitants of Elis having in this sedition cut the rest to pieces So that continued this Citizen there are no more enemies at least left in the City and provided the valiant Hortensius will not forsake us we hope notwithstanding our City being destitute of Walls to defend our selves courageously against so furious an enemy Elismonda who knew what Hortensius's sentiments were beheld him as a person that dared not answer But this generous Lover after haveing made a great violence upon himself If you should be defended Madam said he sighing only by a Traytor the gods would abandon you and therefore 't is better I should abandon you and betake my self to my duty For Melanthus has had grounds to believe me culpable and his cruelty is innocent towards me so that if you please I must follow my resolution and go find that Prince I leave you at liberty in a City that is yours and if the action I am going to do restore me to any favor with Melanthus I will mploy it only to oblige him to make peace with you and leave you in tranquillity Hortensius spoke this with so sad an aspect that all that beheld him had their hearts much affected with it Elismonda her self admired the generosity which excited indignation in her and was so astonished at it that she was not able to speak half her thoughts But at length Hortensius notwithstanding all Elismonda's importunities to divert him went to find Melanthus but as he was going he found him ingaged in a very unequal fight against a party of the Prince of Cyparissa who was there in person and by his exemplary valor redoubled the courage of his Soldiers The arrival of Hortensius caused an alteration in the face of things Melanthus was already wounded when he arriv'd and his forces put to the rout But Hortensius joyning with the Prince of Messenia who was infinitely amazed at this grand action dis-ingaged him from five or six that environed him encountered with the Prince of Cyparissa wounded and took him prisoner and turned the Victory to the party of a Prince who had intended to take away his life the same day 'T is true Melanthus was not in a condition to enjoy his own for through the extraordinary agitation and heat of his spirits and rage of his mind his wound though not very great of it self became mortal by reason of the bad temper of his body at that time so that the next morning his life was despaired of But for that his reason was still free this action of Hortensius inclined him to believe what he alleadged for his innocence and this Prince as violent as he was expressed a thousand obligations to him and desiring to understand the truth of his condition he no sooner was told the approaching of his fate but he caused Hortensius to be call'd who being come jealousie remaining in his heart even to death he constrained him to promise him never to deliver the Prince of Cyparissa but on condition that he should not marry Elismonda and then told him that he would declare him his Successor provided he would marry Andronice Hortensius whose great soul was never at a loss told him He would undoubtedly do his utmost to hinder the Prince of Cyparissa from marrying Elismonda but as for what related to the Princess Andronice he conjured him to leave the Soveraignty to her as for himself he was resolved to dye a thousand times for her service and content himself with the glory he should have in serving her Melanthus then knowing that Hortensius's love to Elismonda was that that hindred him from accepting his offer was despighted at it so that he turned away rudely to the other side and continued some time without speaking The approaches of death changing nothing in the sentiments of this exasperated Lover he caused the Commanders of his Forces to be assembled for they had carried him to the Camp and told them that he commanded them to obey Hortensius and acknowledge him for their Prince in case he would Marry Andronice hoping Ambition at length would tempt his Rivals mind and call him off from his love to Elismonda After which his reason failing him he dyed the night following You may judge Madam what a change his death caused in affairs the Princess of Elis saw now that her safety depended on Hortensius for the Prince of Cyparissa was a Prisoner and she had none to defend her interests if the Messenians would carry on their Conquests But when she was informed of the declaration Melanthus had made to Hortensius she resented extream trouble at it because knowing of all the predictions which assured he was to reign in some place she doubted least he would accept what was offered him and to be a Soveraign marry Andronice and renounce his love to her self So that the secret inclination she had for him excited a perplexity in her heart that sufficiently resembled a violent love though she concealed her sentiments After Hortensius to whom all Melanthus's Army submitted without scruple had performed the last duties to the Prince of Messenia he assembled the Officers of the Army and declared to them that he would be the first to obey the Princess Andronice and so would accept the glory of commanding them only till she were at liberty After which he sent to the Princess Elismonda to request her permission to speak with the Princess Andronice conjuring her not to refuse him a thing which might possibly produce peace This proposition augmented the jealousie of Elismonda but the generosity of her heart not suffering her to discover it she granted what Hortensius desired Accordingly this interview was made in a Temple dedicated to the Nymph Gonniades which stands between Pisa and the place where Hortensius was incamped I shall omit to tell you Madam all that was spoken in this interview because it would be too tedious At first Hortensius comforted Andronice for the death of Melanthus he related matters to her as they had passed and acknowledged to her the love he had to Elismonda and then coming to the declaration Melanthus had made in his favor I protest to you Madam said he though I were not prepossessed with an affection to the Princess Elismonda and had a whole heart to give you the respect alone I have for you would cause me to serve my self no farther with this declaration than to settle the Soveraign power in your hands without ever desiring to oblige you to do for me more than your own inclination should induce you to But since I am unfortunate and born only to be so it is fit Madam you would please to appoint me what I ought to do in relation to your iberty I know I owe my life to you and consequently ought to do