you of since he was one of my friends judges Know then that this generous friend of Clarinta's is called Anaximenes a person of extraordinary merit He is well born and comes of a House bless'd with an Estate sufficient to satisfie a wise man and yet it may be said it is a thousand times less than he deserves Anaximenes is tall hath an Oval countenance a dark hair a delicate but pale complexion somewhat a great mouth a well proportion'd nose eyes black large and full of fire Yet is his deportment grave enough though his eyes do many times betray an obliging smile For his understanding it requires more knowledg than I have to define it well For not to mention the great prodigality of Nature towards him in that particular he hath improved it strangely He hath not only learned whatever the Greeks knew but also whatever the Chaldeans the Babylonians and the Egyptians have communicated to others So that whatever the most learned as well antient as modern knew separately he hath united in himself Thence is it that he is consulted upon the most obscure passages of Hesiod and Homer and what from Greece where the Disciples of the seven Wise men do yet flourish what from Crotona and Metapont where live those of Pythagoras he constantly receives Letters from those learned persons with whom he holds correspondence For the Tongues he hath an admirable command of four not reckoning his own and writes Verses in all those four as well as in his own natural language He hath also writ divers pieces in Prose full of excellent knowledge and what ever is noble in Poesie or curious in point of Letters he is absolute master of But though Anaximenes be a very knowing person and his company much courted by all the Lovers and professors of Learning yet is it not to be imagined that he sees no other people no his acquaintance spreads not only into that of Queens Princes Princesses and Ministers of State but also into that of all the Gallants about the Court and all the Beauties without any exception for to speak freely he is no less a lover of the Ladies than of the Muses and what makes for his advantage is that they have an infinite esteem for him and that he never had any violent love for any one of them but she became his very familiar friend For when he loves he does it with violence nay he hath the gift of shedding passionate tears which all Lovers have not and he is the most generous Lover in the world 'T is true he cannot endure to love all his life-time to no purpose and what is most particular in his love is that sometimes an ordinary passion cures him of a great one that he can afterwards resume his former chains without breaking his second that he can cease loving yet not hate and that his love is many times changed into friendship Anaximenes is not to be numbred among those people that have friends only for themselves for though he hath a great interest in all those that have any in the Court of Eryx yet does he not make any advantage of it himself save that of serving others He is perpetually doing good offices for some or other and the world affords not a person that takes greater pleasure in obliging such of any worth as are unfortunate than he does Nor does he think it enough to serve such with his credit as he thinks stand in need thereof but his own estate lies as open to his friends as himself and these things he does as freely as if fortune had given him security he should never want any thing And for the interest he hath with great ones he gets it not by base sycophancy on the contrary he speaks sincerely and courageously to those whom he deals with and discovers a greater heart in giving a faithful advice than others do in those actions that make most noise His virtue is not unciviliz'd or scrupulous he injures no man nay endeavours not the prejudice of his enemies his behaviour is innocent all his inclinations generous he loves glory yet does not admit ambition and to define him in few words he hath the knowledge of a Grecian the heart of a Roman and a soul as amorous as if he had been born in Africk Anaximenes being such a person as I represent him to you was one of those that came to the Princess Clarinta's on the day appointed for Artelisa's four Lovers to give each of them their reasons to prove the greatness of their affection But that so great a difference might receive a period without the fear of any unhappy consequence they caused the four Lovers solemnly to swear that they would exactly observe the engagement that they had made not to raise any quarrel about the choice after it was once made and to leave Eryx the same day For my own particular in regard I had been long there and was a friend to all these Lovers and much favour'd by the Princess Clarinta I was one of those that were to give Artelisa their advice But at last the day being set and Artelisa come to the Princess Clarinta's Palace where four very understanding Ladies chosen by her with the consent of the four Lovers being come Meriander Teramus Anaximenes Merigenes three others and my self met them there Clarinta would have the business debated in a spacious Closet wainscotted in the roof that had all about it many Cabinets full of things curious and magnificent The Princess lay on a little Bed of State all the Ladies sate on cushions and the men either stood or half kneeled by the Ladies upon a large piece of Tapestry which took up half of the Closet For the four Lovers they were with the Prince Clarinta not thinking it fit they should hear what was said against them one after another lest it might exasperate them Nay they drew lots who should speak first of those that were to plead for them So it happened that Alcimedes's friend should begin Caliantes should be the second Lisydas's next and Melicrates's last Clarinta did further oblige those that were to speak to address their speech to Artelisa whose thoughts were then in no small disturbance When all had taken their places Alcimedes's friend who was to speak for him was call'd who having made a low reverence and received Clarinta's order spoke to the fair Artelisa in these terms ALCIMEDES 's Plea THe cause I am to defend is so just Madam that were I not satisfi'd that it is impossible for a man to love without hope I should charge the illustrious persons whom your merit hath made your servants with a carriage very irrational For Madam can any of them compare what they have done for the discovery and expression of their affection with that which Alcimedes hath Caliantes it must be confess'd hath done a generous action in resolving to lose his Estate rather than leave you but when all is done Madam a man
Andronice to Melanthus he who took away that Picture was infallibly at the walk where you were and 't is probable he who makes such offers to the Laconian is some Stranger that happens to arrive here and will not make himself known unless he be one of the Combattants As there were some persons whom I knew not at that walk answered Melanthus how is it possible for me to know but there may be persons of greater quality than they appear And therefore I have a conceit he that makes this proposal is that Unknown who will not discover himself till the prize is to be contended for and I will endeavor my self to persuade the Laconian to the end I may know this reserv'd Rival And accordingly he sent to enquire him out and out of a capricious jealousie which Hortensius did not withstand he added to the offers made him by the Stranger all that he thought capable to mollifie the most ambitious mind without being able to make him change his resolution But what great advantage said Melanthus to him do you apprehend from getting a Crown of Olive in the condition you are in The glory of fighting in the first rank answered he and in the sight of the King whom I am to serve in the War and being a Native of a City where glory is preferred above Riches I affect such a Crown of Olive more than all your Gold But perhaps replyed Melanthus you will not win it and by resigning your place you will become rich The pusillanimity I should be guilty of in yielding my place answered he would make me die with shame and therefore I had much rather die poor than commit any thing unworthy of my self Then at least tell us said Melanthus what you know concerning him that is so importunate with you to resign your place I know no more of him answered he but that he is a person of quality who newly arrived on the other side of the River Alphaeus upon the Frontier of Arcadia and will not discover himself unless he make one in the Combat This discourse of the Laconian augmented Melanthus's curiosity and he was pleased with his constancy though he was sorry he could not move him from it so that Hortensius minding Melanthus to make him a Present he readily consented to it But when he told the Laconian his intention The gods forbid answered he with a very noble air that I should accept a thing which would be unprofitable to me from the hand of a Prince to whom I refuse one that would be well pleasing to him and indeed it was impossible to make him change his resolution This generosity of the Laconian and the urgency of the unknown person that desired to Combat made the discourse of the rest of the day But the next morning it was known that one of the Combatants whose Mistress was sick at Pisa had received a Letter from her which absolutely commanded him to quit his place to the Master of him that delivered it which was the unknown person and Love accordingly effected that upon the mind of this Lover which all the offers of Fortune could not work upon that of the generous Laconian 'T is true he quitted it only for the race with horses for being one of great activity he aspired to all the Crowns of the Olympick Games But Hortensius who had continually greater love to Elismonda and fidelity to Melanthus after having deliberated of the matter in his mind resolved if he were Victor of all the rest to suffer himself to be overcome by his Master believing a man that had been Victor of many others might without shame suffer himself to be overcome by a great Prince and by a Prince to whom he owed all his fortune A sentiment of Love a while encountered with his generosity but at length he continued firm to his determination As for Elismonda when she was alone with Cleontine she wished Hortensius might carry the glory of all the Olympick Games that so said she Melanthus and the Prince of Cyparissa may not have the joy to be Crowned by my hand Andronice on the contrary what ever friendship â—he had for Hortensius wisht Melanthus might become victorious and all the Ladies who had Lovers among those that aspired to the victory made vows in secret contrary to those of the Princesses But at length Madam not to weary you unprofitably in recounting to you the particularities of the Olympick Games which last for some days I shall tell you nothing of what past the four first because the Ladies use not to be there and 't is only on the day of the Chariot-races which is the last that all the Victors are Crowned besides that Melanthus and the Prince of Cyparissa to preserve some State were only in this last days exercises which are the noblest of all Hortensius also could not be in those of the preceding days because he was matcht with the Prince of Cyparissa who was not This last famous day being come each of the pretenders offered a sacrifice in the morning upon the Bank of the River Alpheus along the Course But that which surpris'd them was that seeing preparations for a sacrifice they knew not who was to offer for there stood a magnificent and admirably contrived Chariot near the place where the sacrifice was prepared but there was no person in it Upon inquiry from those that belonged to it it was known that this Chariot was the Strangers to whom a Lover had quitted his place out of obedience to his Mistress In fine Madam this day so famous throughout all Greece was more remarkable than ordinary by that which hapned afterwards as you shall presently understand To tell you in order all that passed in it you may please to know that all the several sacrifices being made except that of the Unknown all the Scaffolds erected under the umbrage of the Trees growing on each side the Course which is upon the Bank of the River were filled with an incredible multitude of Spectators of all sorts and conditions Those of the Judges and Princesses being prepared to receive them and all the rails beset with people and the adjacent places thronged with multitudes that came to see and could not all those of the pretenders that had offered their sacrifices came and ranked themselves at the end of the Carriere with their Chariots in a large place designed for that purpose expecting the hour for the race to begin to the end the great number of spectators who were assembled in this place might have the satisfaction of beholding those the longer that were to run And indeed nothing can be imagined more delectable than to see the great number of goodly persons magnificently attired every one according to the mode of his Countrey with stately Chariots painted and gilded and adorned with several Impresses according to the different interests of the masters of them But that which rendered this object more pleasant was that all these
gently to him and took off his Head a Cap which he wore according to the Tuscan mode and after the Eagle had soared with it as high as the Clouds she came down and put it upon his head again And. I must tell you that Tanaquil being a Tuscan and having some skill in Augury she was so extremely joyned at this happy Presage and so assured her self it would be seconded with happy effects that she imbraced her Husband and told him that there was no grandure so high but he might hope for it So as Lucumo suffering his Ambition to be flattered by such sweet hopes he entred Rome where he no sooner was but he went to the King and offered him his person and all he had for the service of the State and the truth is he disbursed much towards the Wars upon divers occasions And to be suitable every way unto the Custom of Rome he quitted the name of Lucumo because it was the Roman Custom to have two names whereof one is particular and the other is the name of the family So he took the name of Lucius for the first name and of the Town Tarquinia where he was born he made the name of Tarquinius so as he called himself Lucius Tarquinius and left off the name of Lucumo Moreover he was affable civil and popular he Courted occasions to do men courtesies to the end he might oblige them and he got such credit during the reign of Ancus that this Prince determined upon nothing without him also he was very powerful in the Senate and extremely beloved of the people The King left him Guardian of his Children by his Testament so as making use of this favourable conjuncture to satisfie his Ambition he did openly labour for the Crown before Ancus was dead Declaring that though he was a stranger yet that ought not to be any obstacle since Tatius and Numa were such and yet Reigned But to the end his design might take effect the day that the people were to elect a King he sent the young Princes unto whom he was Guardian to a hunting lest their presence should put the People in memory of the great qualities of their Father and invite them to elect one of them two And the common opinion was that but for this trick Lucumo had not been King as he was The truth is he was a very glorious King for he acted nothing but great things ever since he was chosen His very pleasures were magnificent for it was he who instituted the Circensian Games so famous throughout all Italy and who built that which we call the Circle which is between the Mount Palatine and the Mount Aventine He was wont to say that in all things there ought to be a difference between Kings and Subjects even in their very Pleasures and that it was absolutely necessary there should be a character of Royalty upon every action of a King be it in great or little matters As for Martial matters he is eternized for his Acts against the Latines were all glory he triumphed over the Sabines and brought the City of Collatia unto subjection as he had before the City of Appiola afterwards undertaking a second War against the people of Latium he became Master of all their strong places one after another for he took Cornicula Ficulnia Cumeria Crustumerla Ameriala Medulla and Nomeuta After all this he employed himself in building publick places of eternal memory and he built one purposely to keep the people from being idle After many great and good works which he did either for the conveniency or Ornament of the Town he laid the foundation of the Temple of Jupiter which is within the Capitol only to fulfil a vow which he made during the War against the Sabines But before I speak of his death I must tell you several passages purposely to make you the more hate Tarquin the Proud when I shall come to relate his life and acquaint you with his Crimes Know therefore that at the taking of Cornicula there was among the Captives a woman whose Husband died at this Siege who was said to be very handsome and of good quality and who was preferred unto the Service of Tanaquil also she being big with Child she was brought to bed in the Palace for both being fair and witty and vertuous Tanaquil did love her and took a care of her So as being delivered of a Son he was brought up in the Palace where they said this Child whose name was Servius Tullus had his head all environed with a flame always when he slept This Prodigie making a great noise the King went to see it and Tanaquil also who would not suffer any Water to be cast to quench the flame but assured her Husband out of her knowledge in presages that this Child should one day be the light of the State and the greatest support of the Royal Family The King remembring what Tanaquil said concerning the Eagle and that all came truly to pass he gave credit unto her this second time as at the first he took so great a care for the good education of the young Servius Tullus that he grew to be so excellent in every thing as the King gave him his Daughter in marriage But after this the Son of the Predecessor unto Lucius Tarquinius who pretended that he had hindred him from Reigning being much incensed to foresee that Servius was like to Reign in his prejudice he resolved upon a revenge for him from whom they thought the injury proceeded And indeed they caused him to be murthered by pretended people who upon a pretence of going to ask Justice of the King did kill him in his own Palace but since all the assassinates fled after the fact Tanaquil not using any fruitless Complaints caused the Gates of the Palace to be shut to the end this News should not be divulged she encouraged Servius Tullus to mount the Throne she spoke unto the people out of the Windows and told them that the King was not dead but that he recovered and that ere long they should see him and that in the mean while Servius Tullus should do them Justice And Servius Tullus being gone out of the Palace in the Robe Royal which we call Trabea he did render Justice unto each one in particular seeming as if he referred all to the King as if he were not dead indeed both Tanaquil and Servius Tullus did carry all matters so cunningly as the death of the King was concealed many days During which time the Children of Ancus Martius who had caused the Successor of their Father to be murthered retired unto Pometia for those whom they employed in the crime being taken and perceiving the power of Servius Tullus established they knew not what course to take And the truth is Tullus having all the Patricians for him was declared King without any insisting upon the Suffrages of the people 'T is true he was in very great esteem and so
by the Spies which those of Ardea had in Tarquin's Camp that Aronces was not there and was conceived to lurk in Rome So that not doubting but that Sivelia could give some account of him his resolution was to be fully satisfied Horatius for his part in his excessive affliction had some benefit by the Truce for that it afforded him the leisure to perfect the cure of his wounds and to consider what he should do to out-vie the generosity of his Rival yet without violating the interest of his love Nay even Tarquin himself was at some ease for that he received from Amilcar what gave him some shadow of hope As for Prince Sextus he had the least share in this happiness for the love of Lucrecia exercised such a tyranny over his soul that he had not the least command of it himself As for Prince Titus and the Prince of Pometia they also having some secret interest to manage at Rome found their convenience of the Truce as well as others Nay even the cruel Tullia put on a little more cheerfulness and became less furious than she was wont as being in some hopes to corrupt him who kept Clelia who not conceiving himself sufficiently rewarded for the late murthers he had committed by the orders of Tarquin seemed enclined to swallow the promises of this cruel Princess Things being in this posture the noble Herminius came one evening to Sivelia's Amilcar being in the house who was extreamly glad to see him for he had a natural affection for him and infinitely esteemed him for his parts and vertue Herminius also who had as great experiment of the merit of Amilcar as any living was overjoyed to find him at his vertuous Mothers from whom he had received a thousand expressions of tenderness which he had requited with as many obliging testimonies of gratitude and true friendship But Sivelia's enjoyment was somewhat obscured by a certain fear she had lest her Sons return might be discovered but Tarquin not being at Rome and Amilcar advising that Herminius should for more safety lodge with Aronces she was received and with more quiet enjoyed the presence of a Son in whom all the vertues made a glorious constellation and in whom his greatest enemies found not the least declination to any evil habit For indeed Herminius was in his inclinations noble in heart free passionate compassionate and generous in humour he was mild civil obliging complaisant having a mind fit for all things and fortunate in finding out many pleasant and innocent circumventions to divert his friends of both sexes Moreover though he was a very discreet person and sufficiently reserved among those who had not much of his company yet when he pleased he screwed up his humour to a certain bravery and sprightliness but to those he loved not this was mystical and his frolickness might confidently be taken for an expression of his esteem and his affection He was excellent good at writing of Billets of all sorts and had such a happy and easie vein of Verses that it was Amilcar's judgement Greece afforded not a more generall a nobler and a more nimble wit than that of Herminius insomuch that sometimes he would wish he might change wits with this illustrious Roman saying that Phocilides the Milesian who was then alive had never made better Verses then he nor Sappho more amorous Amilcar therefore having an infinite esteem for Herminius made a thousand obliging expressions to him at his coming to Sivelia's but at last left this dear Son with his excellent Mother But after promise he should go to Aronces his loding whither he was going himself and where according to his custome he used to pass away the Evening Sivelia therefore having acquainted Herminius how all things stood which concerned his fortune sent notice to Racilia of her sons arrival and begged the same favour for him as she had done for Aronces To which that generous Matron having made such answer as was fit she should Herminius went to her house where he was received as a kinsman of her husbands and as a friend for whom he had a great tenderness He had also the happiness to see a Neece of hers whose name was Hermilia a Virgin if any in the world had extraordinary excellences both of body and mind but he was much surprised to find that neither Aronces nor Amilcar had so much as seen her Not that Racilia was confident of the discretion of this Beauty but the reason she gave Herminius was that she found Aronces so afflicted and Amilcar so frolick that she thought the melancholy of the one would not admit diversion and the frolick humour of the other was enough for his friend and himself But Herminius assuring the interest of a Kinsman of the fair Hermilia told her Aunt that his friends must needs see her Racilia then without delay accompanied with her daughter conducted Herminius to Aronces's chamber where they found Amilcar who had that day brought a Letter from Clelia to that illustrious Lover which consequently affording him as great satisfaction as the unhappy state of his affairs would permit him to receive he entertained Herminius with a many expressions of gladness having first asked Racilia leave to embrace his friend But these first ceremonies of friendship being over Herminius presented Hermilia to him acquainted him who she was How cryes out Amilcar hath this fair Virgin been in the house ever since I came hither She has replyed Herminius smiling and had it not been for me this Treasure had been yet hidden from you Ha Madam sayes Amilcar to Racilia your generosity is very great in regard of your compassion not to consider that the sight of this beautiful person is an excellent medicine for unfortunate persons It may be replyed obligingly Aronces she is as likely to make as to cure such But if you 'l believe me sayes Racilia there is no great danger of her doing either for she ever sayes that a man is not to seek his comfort any where but in himself and that in her own nature she is so harmless she can do no hurt which her compassion shall not allay if it cannot cure As I have never been so unhappy as to do any replied the modest Hermilia so I am not certain whether I should be so good as I am believed and so I should have as great a pitty for those ills I were guilty of as for those I were not This past Aronces being Master o' th' Ceremonies in his own chamber though it were in Racilia's house caused these Ladies and his two friends to sit down It is true that while Amilcar spoke to this vertuous Roman and her Neece Aronces listned to Herminius who acquainted him with all he knew of Horatius As I am true to you sayes he in a low voyce I must needs confess that I have discovered in your Rivall the most generous resentments in the world for it is constantly believed that in some intervals he wishes he
great lovers of good cheer that they spend the greatest part of their life in eating or in studying what they should eat In the mean time these Dames because they set an extraordinary value upon themselves despise all others and imagine that people ought to build Temples and erect Altars to them But to countervail this replied Damo there is another of my Fathers Disciples who hath expounded his doctrine after another manner for there are a sort of women into whom he hath instilled his opinions scruple at nothing but out of a desire they have that their actions might be well taken make the best of those of others how faulty soever they may be They hold that it is the Intention onely that can make an action evill so that with the best Intentions they many times commit the greatest Follies There is among these women so professed a Libertinism that it may be said they place their honour in not having any For they trouble not themselves about any thing but what pleases them and what diverts them and to justifie this humour they quote that act of compassion which my Father did in Egypt when he prevailed with the Fishermen to sell him all the Fish they had taken that he might restore them their lives Whence they infer that it is not likely that a man who though he performed an act of Vertue in giving liberty to a sort of Fishes would have all the passions chained up and so render humane life comfortless and pensive so that squaring Philosophy to their own humour they lead such lives as if they were come into the world onely to study their pleasures and to satisfie all their desires without any abatement I should prefer these however before the other replyed Brutus for they hurt no body and spend not their time ill but on the contrary those austere Dames are damnably troublesome and disturb all the enjoyments of Society Truly replyed Damo they all deserve to be condemned and there is a third way may be taken which certainly is the surest the most rational and the most convenient if the mind be but rightly disciplined But my Lord I consider not that I spend too much time in relating to you what passed between these persons for since that the counterfeit stupidity of Brutus at that time partly occasioned his continuance of it for his safe abode in Rome I might have passed by the account of all that conversation But to make amends for this digression into which I am sensibly fallen I must withal omit a many gallantries Brutus did in that place while he stayed there yet not forgetting to tell you that Tarquinia and Damo returning to Metapont prevailed with Bellanira to accompany them and brought also Chrysis along with them Brutus then having the opportunity to see them daily began to eotertain a love for Chrysis nor could he say he wanted any from Bellanira so that now he was not out of employment as being a servant of Chrysis though Bellanira had the greater affection for him as believing him not too far engaged with her friend Besides that he had infinite friendship for Damo Now was it that he led a pleasant life for his greatest business was to find out new recreations Love and Friendship were the subjects of his Poetry and those of his Epistles Complement and Courtship nor did he find others less pleasure than he did himself But indeed this bravery was interrupted by the grief which the death of Tarquinia brought him who died in Child-bed of Hermilia but as time doth insensibly cure all afflictions of this nature so Brutus within a few dayes yeilded to his former inclination whereof the frequent journeys he made to Crotona whither Chrysis was returned were such visible expressions that Licinius could easily perceive the progress of that passion through the mask of the trouble he was in for the death of Tarquinia Whence taking occasion to perform his promise to Marcus Junius he told Brutus that his friends at Rome had wrought his reconciliation with Tarquin and that he understood there was some little inclination to a Revolt that therefore he was obliged to return thither and consequently should not engage himself at Crotona I have stood so long upon my guard as to that point replyed Brutus that if you find me not some employment I shall not long be master of my self For the hatred I bear Tarquin will be unprofitable as long as I remain in a place where I cannot hurt him Therefore if you would stifle the love which I feel growing within me let me know whether I may hope to revenge my Father and my Brother's death deliver Rome from slavery and assume the glorious title of the Restorer of my Country You demand much in a breath replyed Licinius but all I can tell you is that while you are at Metapont you will do nothing of all you intend Let us then to Rome replyed Brutus and that suddenly You must certainly go replyed Licinius but you must withal do it securely and suffer your self to be guided by those who are acquainted with Tarquin's humour and who hope to over reach him and elude all his distrust Brutus attentively hearkning to Licinius promised an implicite obedience to his advice and that he would submit himself to him as he would have done to his Father This done it was resolved they should communicate their design to the wise Damo nor failed they the same day to acquaint her with the whole state of their affaires but when they had well examined the business they were mightily troubled to find out some expedient for the safety of Brutus's life For his part it was the least of his troubles but Licinius and Damo seemed not so littly concerned in it At length after many thoughts of it this prudent Virgin said she thought she had found out a way how Brutus might be in Rome without danger For in fine said she directing her speech to Licinius I never heard that Tarquin doth ordinarily commit any crimes which are no advantage to him When he poysoned his Wife and his Brother It much concerned him they should be out of the World When he caused Servilius Tullus to be murthered 't was to get into the Throne himself When he dispatched the Widdow of that vertuous and unfortunate King it was out of a fear lest her tears and her vertue might move compassion in the people When he gave a violent purge to the Senate it was his design to remove thence all vertuous persons who might oppose his injustice When he banished or put to death so many illustrious Citizens 't was because they were men of conduct and courage likely to undertake any thing against him And to come neer home when he put to death the Father and Brother of him whose life you would preserve it was because they were powerful forward and rich Hence I conclude that for Brutus to be safe at Rome until the Gods shall think fit
Verily said Plotina I wonder all the world does not addict themselves to learn to speak well since methinks nothing is more easie than to be always in the company of worthy persons for the case is infinitely otherwise in all other things that we desire to learn It is sometimes tedious enough to attend the directions of those that teach to sing to paint or to dance but since to speak handsomely there needs nothing more than to converse with people of the World and with those too that speak gracefully and agreeably I make a vow to learn to speak during my whole life and never willingly to converse with any others Others ought rather to apply to you Madam said Zenocrates than you to others You have reason answered Amilcar but there is another kind of thing which the amiable Plotina has need to learn which is to hear a little more favorably what I sometimes say to her As for that replyed she 't is learnt but too soon but there is another which I would have all them taught who know it not which is to consider what is spoken to them and not to wander into unseasonable fancies from the purpose in company A little distraction added she I can pardon but for that multiplication of continued extravagant fancies some people are addicted to who never are present where they are seen and are scarce ever in any place I think it fit they were reformed of it For he that has so many things to muse of better than those he intends to speak ought to abide in his Closet and entertain only himself since 't is undoubtedly an incivility not at all to attend to that which is spoken in the place where you are present and to make no account of the company and for my part I am perswaded there is nothing but the murmur of a rivulet or the prilling of a Fountain that can be civilly heard while we are meditating What ever you are pleased to say answered Amilcar the liberty of musing is infinitely pleasing and you are not ignorant that there are certain houses in all places which are accounted more agreeable than others only because the Masters of them lay no constraint upon any person There a man may be either pensive or sociable he may either laugh or sing entertain himself with whom he pleases come in and go forth without speaking any thing and in a word enjoys a liberty in such houses attended with so much sweetness that they are deservedly preferred before all others However it be replyed Plotina I consent to what Herminius affirmed for without learning so many several things it will be most convenient for me only to converse with persons of ingenious accomplishments and therefore I am resolved to consort with no others hereafter if it be possible You had reason to add those last words answered Amilcar for according to the course of the World it is sufficiently difficult to converse only with such persons as you speak of He had scarce ended these words but one came to advertise Herminius that Valerius enquired for him concerning some urgent affair Another also came at the same time to tell Horatius that the second Consul who was his Kinsman had some occasion for him so that this honorable company broke up for Valeria having a curiosity to know what her fathers business was with Herminius departed presently after him and afterwards Amilcar and Zenocrates retired and left Cesonia and Plotina alone together Those two gallant persons were no sooner in the street but they met Aemilius who told them there was a man come from Clusium that had brought some intelligence which obliged the Consuls to assemble the Senate extraordinarily And indeed it was a Messenger sent by Artemidorus who advertised Valerius that they were already about raising forces in the States of the King of Hetruria and preparing to advance the Troops of the Veientines and the Tarquins It was also informed that the Queen Galeritia accompanyed by the Princess of the Leontines was gone to the Island of Saules where Aronces was confined with intent to perswade him to yield absolute obedience to Porsenna and that it was not doubted but he would be won to it there being no appearance that he could refuse to beat Arms against all those whom the King his father declared and adjudged for enemies Valerius receiving this intelligence judged it important to seize upoh a considerable Passage and cause a Fort to be built there before the enemies had time to perceive how necessary it would be for them to be masters of it But the second Consul being as much a savorer of the interests of Horatinus as Valerius was of those of Aronces though both of them sought the publick good there became a kind of disposition to discord between them Valerius knowing of how much concernment it was there should happen no breach between them desired to avoid a contest which might prove prejudicial to the publick affairs To which purpose being to act two important matters at once one of which was to know which of the two Consuls should go Commander of the forces designed to fortifie that difficult passage between Rome and Clusium and the other to know whether the Consul Horatius or Valerius should be the person that should Dedicate the Temple of Jupiter Valerius propounded to refer the decision of it to the event of Lot perceiving the urgency of the matter for the people imagined all would go ill if the Temple were not dedicated and intelligent persons foresaw it was necessary to seise of a place that might hinder the enemies from coming so suddenly to besiege Rome and consequently allow leisure to fortifie it And it was to consult of this affair that Valerius sent to seek Herminius and the second Consul desired to speak with Horatius Valerius would rather have stayed at Rome where he believed his presence necessary but the Dedication of the Temple of Jupiter being an honor desired with immence passion by his Collegue he put the matter into the power of Lot which decided it in favor of the second Consul So that Valerius was obliged to go and command the Army for that secret expedition which was judged so necessary Horatius as amorous as he was resolved to accompany him and would not remain behind a peaceful Spectator of the Dedication of a Temple while there were Forces in the Campagne Themistus Herminius Amilcar Zenocrates Aemilius and all the other friends of Valeria would have done the same but he judged it necessary for himself that his true friends should continue at Rome during his absence And moreover his attempt requiring to be executed by surprise he did not deem it needful to carry so many brave persons with him for such a purpose Nevertheless he consented that Mulius should go with him for knowing his imperious honor and what his passion was for Valeria he was not unwilling to separate him from Herminius and Aemilius whom he very highly
of their Love Nevertheless I conceive if a mans heart be really touched and the person he loves return him affection for affection if it be only the crosness of Fortune that separates such two persons without their own contributing ought thereto on one side or other if they behold a deep sorrow in one anothers eyes at their separation and be absolutely assured of their reciprocal dearness I conceive I say their affection may subsist notwithstanding their eternal absence The grief arising from their separation may no doubt be diminished since it is not possible to live always in lamentation But Love will not wear away yet it will remain less sensible in process of time though always sufficiently strong to keep it self from being destroyed by an other passion and to cause us to love nothing but that we have fixed our affections upon though without hope of ever receiving contentment from it At least I have found sentiments in my own heart which perswade me I should be capable of such an unusual fidelity for we oftentimes see absence of no great duration proves destructive to very ardent passions There are some people interrupted Plotina who in the very places where their Mistresses are present are lyable to absences of heart worse than the other But to make an end of my sentiment continued Themistus I am of opinion a violent Love will not become absolutely extinct during a long absence if a new passion do not destroy it for there is something so sweet in Loving that when we once love well our minds are unable to resolve to love nothing at all after having tasted the sweetness of this passion You have so well satisfied what I enjoyned you answered Anacreon that if the lovely Berelisa acquit her self as well of what is commanded her she will repeat very amorous Verses Nevertheless said she blushing I shall not repeat many for I have a memory as unfaithful as others have their hearts But since 't is unlawful to disobey you I shall repeat some Verses I learnt heretofore made as was said by a Woman whilst she imagined a Lover whom she affected returned to love a former Mistress whom she accounted unworthy of his affection And accordingly Berelisa being lead by a jealous passion recited the following Verses which she had made at Agrigentum in the height of her jealousie and had never shewed to any person till then so that Artemidorus was surprised to hear that which follows Tell me poor slave what meant those shows Of tenderness or all those vows If thou intendest not to prove By them thou truly wert in love But since thou' rt turn'd disloyall goe Condemned to disgrace and woe Mean while I 'le bless my self and smile Thy falsity did me beguile Berelisa repeating these Verses turning a little towards Artemidorus made the Company esteem them sufficiently amorous Clidamira smiled deceitfully and Artemidorus was troubled knowing Berelisa too well to be ignorant of the sentiments of her heart But the best was Acrisius who was so addicted to loquacity not remembring that his Ticket enjoyned him silence for all the remainder of the evening could not contain himself from making a long acclamation in praise of these Verses But Anacreon checking him for it lengthened the time of his silence from the next morning to noon after which Sicinius who loved not long discourses was obliged to relate his whole life in order to satisfying his ticket which he did in this manner Whereas I am of opinion a man cannot be said to have lived while he did not love the relation of my life will not be long for my love is but of six months date and during that time I have had nothing else to do but to bemoan my self for the rigor of my Mistress and uneffectually to endeavor to love her no more After this Sicinius held his peace and nevertheless made apparent by this short relation that those who speak little have sometimes as much wit as those that speak excessively for he handsomely enough quitted himself of the perplexity he was designed to be put into In the next place Clidamira being to declare what she hated most answered roughly Not to be believed when she spoke truth I conceive said Berelisa craftily it is more troublesome not to be believed when we speak an untruth because it seems to be more cause of regret for a man to have invented a thing he is unable to make believed Assuredly Berelisa has reason answered the Prince Artemidorus but since it remains only for me to promise Musick when the Ladies require it I do it with pleasure I do the like for the Collation injoyned me added Telanus And as for me said Spurius since I am obliged to promise not to hate any person I do it with condition to break my word for I foresee I shall not be freed from hatred so long as I am votary to Love Now it belongs to me said Aemilius looking upon Valeria to determine whether it is possible to love without desires or without hope But because it seems too late to make a long discourse it will be more convenient for me to tell you the opinion of a Lover of my acquaintance who one day made Verses upon this Subject and in one place of that Work speaks thus Cold and fruitless is Loves fire Whence is banisht all desire If so our hopes are gone Love's state Makes such an one unfortunate Nay he is beyond man's thought A miscreant or else a sot Aemilius spoke these Verses with so passionate an air that Valeria changed colour and Herminius resented a kind of vexation at it Nevertheless he took upon him to be the Historian of this gallant Feast and Amilcar to recount an amorous History as his Ticket obliged him After which it being late all this fair company retired Sulpitia led Clidamira and Berelisa to the place where they were to lodge and Herminius constrained Anacreon to go and lodge at the house of the virtuous Sivelia who was friend to all the friends of her Illustrious Son and loved worthy persons sufficiently to be induced to give handsome reception to a stranger upon information of his merit As for Artemidorus he was sufficiently sad for he had observed Berelisa was possessed without just cause for it since he had only such civility for Clidamira as a virtuous person can never disclaim but had a very tender passion for Berelisa In which regard he was extreamly impatient till he could get an opportunity to entertain her in private which he could not easily bring about for the next morning there was a great Company with Clidamira and her so that he could do no more than tell her after a confused manner that he ever loved her dearly and that she was injurious to him in apprehending any cause of jealousie Berelisa blusht at these words and not being able to suppress her first thought but casting her eyes another way you might more properly say answered she
any where it seems good to him and to go where he shall not be expected As for his Satyrs they shall contain the most exquisite and delicate morality mingled with the most subtile and real raillery and never shall any other so pleasantly deride vices as he nor so ingeniously render them ridiculous Yet it shall be less impossible if I may so speak to imitate him in his Satyrs than in his Odes But to conclude he shall die at the age of fifty seven years after having acquired a glory which nothing can destroy After him cast thy eyes upon Tibullus a Roman Knight handsome well made and of a good port he shall be rich and become poor he shall have so amorous an inclination that the multitude of his loves shall proceed less from his inconstancy than from his inclination to love He shall chiefly celebrate in his Verses four of his Mistresses Delia Sulpitia Neara and Nemesis He shall have a particular amity with one of the eminentest persons of Rome named Messala Corvinus and shall dye in a voyage that he shall make with him after having had the glory to be the first Author of the Latine Elegy The style of his Verses shall be amorous soft easie clear neat and of extream sweetness and elegancy In the next place behold Propertius an other Roman Knight he shall imitate Callimachus Mimnermus and Philetas whom I shewed thee before Behold also near him the fair Cyntbia his Mistress who shall sometimes help him to make Verses as Lesbia shall Catullus His Elegies shall be so handsome that though the best Judges shall prefer Tibullus before him yet others shall be of the contrary opinion There shall be more wit more conceits and more amorous sentences in his Verses but less passion facility and elegance Dost thou not see at the right hand of Propertius another Poet 't is Varus who shall live at the same time Horace and all the rest of the same profession shall celebrate him as a great Epique Poet but there shall remain nothing of his but twelve or thirteen verses so that one day his writings shall not be known but by the commendations of others But it is time to shew thee the famous Ovid a Roman Knight dost thou not also see near him a very comely person 't is his wife who shall be nam'd Perilla and taught by him to make Verses He shall be born at Sulmo the Metropilis of the Peligni in Italy near the Marsi he shall be at first designed by his father to the Law and shall succeed well in it but having all his life had a great inclination for Poetry he shall renounce that profession and give himself wholly to the other He shall be a particular friend to those of the highest quality in Rome and of very delightful conversation He shall marry thrice he shall divorce his two first Wives and keep the third which thou seest near him He shall be banished by Augustus for having made love to the Princess Julia his daughter whose deportment shall be very disorderly some shall believe the cause to have been for being amorous of Livia wife of that Emperor but the true reason shall be so concealed that many different and improbable conjectures shall be made of it The place of his exile shall be Pontus a Province of Asia near the Getes and the Sarmatians He shall compose many works the greatest of all which shall be his Metamorphosis which he shall imitate from the Greek of Parthenius of the Island of Chios as to the design only for he shall much more amplify them his stile shall have much wit facility and copiousness but more of native Ornament than Art For the most part he shall abandon himself to his own genius and not always allow himself the leisure to choose his conceits and expressions but yet he shall be so extreamly amorous so passionate and full of wit that he shall be accounted admirable throughout all Ages His Books of the Art of Loving and the Remedies of Love shall get him a great reputation But it may be said the Flower of Latine Poetry shall dye with him for his successors endeavoring to imitate his Wit his copiousness his conceits and subtile fancies shall leave the good way and wander so that insensibly after his days the Latine Poetry shall begin to lose that sweetness and natural Majesty which during so long time rendered it admirable For behold that Spaniard with the fierce countenance thou seest appear there 't is Seneca the Tragedian he shall have much wit but he shall favor of the tumidness of his Nation he shall be born at Corduba and in process of time some shall attribute part of his Works to a Philosopher of the same name whose mind shall be of the same temper with his In the next place behold Lucan who shall be born in the â—â—me City he shall have many admirers but whose Work to speak equitably shall not be perfectly admirable saving in its pieces He shall be justly accused for not making a conclusion and for flying always so high that he cannot be followed without weariness He shall one day have a Translator among the Gaules who shall get much glory by his traduction His wife Palla Argentaria shall make Verses as well as he but at length an Emperor called Nero shall put him to death not so much for having conspired against the State as to deliver himself from a Rival in Poetry whose Works shall be better received by the people than his After him see an imitator of Virgil called Statius and near him his wife Claudia who shall be illustrious for her wit she shall make Verses too as well as that of Lucan This Poet shall fall much short of Virgil by endeavoring to surpass him In brief he shall be great and sublime but most often inflated and obscure Then consider Silius Italicus a Spanyard also so great an admirer of Virgil that he shall reverence his Tomb. He shall write a Poem of Seventeen Books concerning the War of the Carthaginians against the Romans he shall be Consul of Rome the year wherein the cruel Nero shall be slain So likewise Valerius Flaccus who shall write of the Argonautes but do not stay upon this sight for though these must be good Poets yet they shall not be of the same rank with the others thou hast seen But I am going to shew thee two that shall better deserve to detain thy view they are Juvenal and Martial for though they are not to have all the excellency of the Age of Augustus yet they shall have the advantage to be the first in the style they shall choose See therefore Juvenal who appears first his Satyrs shall be less mirthful and delicate than those of Horace but full of wit and life Horace shall always laugh and never be in choler Juvenal shall frequently be inraged and laugh more rarely These two sorts of Satyrs shall divide the Wits and there shall no