PART I.
or, The Royall Romance.

103

more caufe of defpair every day then other, of parting the young Lovers affecti-
on, although he might by the succeds of his defigns fever their perſons, and had
made his lifters prepotterous paſſions, in part, as a ſtale, the better to compaſs his
own ends, though he would have been moſt willing alſo, to have rendred her
entirely ſatified, in regard the contrary (as he thought) ſomething conduced to
the diſhonour of the Family) began a little to confider what he ſhould do at the
prefent : wherefore becauſe he would leave no way unatempted, that might pre-
tend to probability, and finding the Princesſ Clorïa at a window alone, earneſtly
beholding the fire works, and other paſtimes, anſwerable to the ſeafon, which ſeem-
ed ſomething convenient for his purpofe, he began a diſcourſe to her in this na-
ture, as he had formerly done a hunting to Narciſſus, although the noife of the
people below upon the banks of the River, ſeemed not very well to comply with
his intentions.

Madam, said he, you may here behold in part, the infinite glory and happineſs of
the King your great Uncle, in his own proper Sphere, the rich City of Damascus :
but prefently finding the could not perfectly underſtand what he ſaid, by reaſon of
the cryes and ſhouts of the multitude, though he perceived an inclination in her
courteous diſpoſition, to hearken to the matter of his diſcourſe, as well as the ſound
of his word, drew her by little and little from the window, until they were both re-
tired to ſuch a diſtance, that they had free liberty, to underſtand what each other
would deliver, which made him begin again in this manner.

Truly, said he, ſince these magnificencies now beheld, are no better then meet
SHADOWS, TO what brightneſſes Orfames enjoys in his own Countrey, (of which you
have already a large ſhare by birth, being ſprung from that flourishing tree, of the
Illuſtrious and Royal House of Syria, and ought to have more in my opinion by
poſſeffion, in regard of those rare perfections, which both art and nature have ſo
liberally beſtowed upon your ſelf, to the wound of your Sex) I cannot be but ſome-
thing amazed, if not ſcandalized how your thoughts can carry you into any other
Region, (eſpecially having ſuch conveniences) before you had taſted of those excel-
liencies in Syria, that may not again be ſo well underſtood and apprehended, as by
ſuch curious ſancies as yours, that are able even to adde a new life both to them,
and to every thing eſſe you ſee and hear: I muſt tell you moſt admirable Princes, that
the Nobility of Syria in their own proper Elements, appear rather like so many So-
vereign Lords themſelves, crowned with honour and reſpect, then ſubjects to any
mortal King whatſoever, by reaſon of their commands and dependencies, not any
way to be equalled, or made leſs by what power ſoever, (continuing in Orſames
favour) but as their own retirements, ſometimes give them appetites for private re-
creations, whereby they become familiar and ſolitary; Alas, dear Madam, said he,
did you but behold the glorious Palaces of Damascus, with other rich buildings of
leſſer note, (onely appointed to be the habitations of Merchants) you ſhould think
this great eſteemed City (ſo much extoll'd by the boafing Egyptians) to be but
an unfuſnilſhed Village, in regard of its magnificence and ſplendor: and for the
the ſland of Cyprus whither you are now going, (which I muſt confefs I admire,
ſince the Queen your Mother by your attraction, would ſuddenly be induced to viſit
Syria) ought to be eſteemed in your view and apprehenſion, a poor and contempti-
ble part of the world, onely ordained to breed up a ſew petty perſons, of no ho-
nour and birth, as common drudges through the world, whereby to maintain the
better trade and commerce for the benefit of our people; which Countrey not-
withstanding (without Syria's immediate affiſtance) can neither defend it ſelf in
time of War, or preſerve it ſelf, in time of Peace: To this greatneſs and prosperity
of the Syrian State, as I will not ſay my Uncle Philoftros, gives our flourishing
fields greenneſs, or cauſeth the earth in due ſeafon to produce bountifully to the In-
habitants, yet I may boldly affirm, that his faithful policy hath rendred Orſames
great and mighty, and ſo conſequently his ſubjects happy and ſonſtinate; other
people being over-run by their enemies, whileſt we make War in all Countreys to
our advantage, though but in part demonſtrated by this City, not onely as you ſee
made

The Princes' Gloria;

PART I.

made subject by strong hand to our power, but in the Inhabitants, being perfwaded
upon the matter in a moment, willingly to obey our laws and juridiction, as the great
acclamations of joy, now offered to Orfames prosperity, in the preſent Feaſt of cu-
ting the Banks of the River doth witneſs: by Syria I ſay you ſhall be honoured as a
Goddeſs, and in Cyprus you cannot be maintained as a Princeſs; in the one your
worth will be loſt for want of knowledge, when as the other ſhall give you more va-
lue, in regard there are beauties alſo worthy of eſteem; the rich Palace of Orfames,
can aſſord you a habitation fit for your Dignity, when all Cyprus ſhall ſcarce grant
you convenient entertainmet: with theſe words taking her fair hand as the laſt pe-
riod of his diſcourſe, he beſtowed as many Syrian complements upon the ſubject, as
would have created it an idol, if Clorias had been any way indulgently ſuperſtitious
in her own concernment.

But as the ſweet Princeſs took theſe glorious expreſſions of Philos, (not being
any whit ſuſpitious of his inward intentions) as meer gallant Courtſhips, whereby
to furnish out the reſt of his entertainments, (though ſhe could not but have rea-
ſon as ſhe thought to ſmile at his vanity) ſo of the other ſide, hearing, as ſhe ima-
gined, rather blaſphemies then diſgraceſt ſpeeches uttered, not onely againſt that
Countrey, ſhe had already partly reſolved to make her own, but as it were in diſ-
paragement of the honour of that noble Family, from whence her dear Narciſſus
was extraſtacted, which ſhe knew yielded to none in Aſia, either for perſonall worth
or antiquity in deſcent, could ſcarce forbear the returning him a moſt ſharp reply,
however again confidering, the pretenſions of his magniſcent entertainment, to
be as it were wholly conſecrated for her ſatisfaction, ſhe let his words paſs at the
prefent, either as high ſtawn expreſſions, proceeding from his paſſionate youth,
whereby himſelf might become the better eſteemed, or from ſome customary diſ-
courſe or volubility of tongue, incident to the nature of his Countrey-men; yet
would not abſtain from telling him, (though in a kinde of a jearing way) that as
her own ſmall experience, in the glory and bounty of many places in the world, be-
ſtowed upon them by the Gods favour, or natures partiality, was not of a knowing
confidence ſufficient, to judge of their valours, (which made her really in her own
thoughts, ſatisfactory contented, with what ſhe hath already ſeen in ſome ſtates, and
was in part born unto in her Fathers Kingdom) ſo ſhould ſhe ever hold it, but a fitting
obligation belonging to her duty, firſt by her perſonal preſence in the island of Cy-
prus, to enquire after her mothers pleaſure, and then to be abſolutely directed by her
will, either to wait upon her into Syria, or to any other Region where ſhe ſhould
command, which alſo was delivered with ſuch a kinde of Vermilion bluſh, as
very well demonſtrated, that rather anger then baſſuſnels, exacted from her that
beautiful Tincture. Philos ſcarce expected from her reply ſuch an anſwer; yet put-
ting on in his countenance, a certain confident ſmile, made up between diſpleaſure and
the opinion he might have of the Princeſs want of experience and breeding, to deal
with him in diſcourſe, continuing ſtill notwithstanding his intention to mix ſome flat-
tery with his words, he quickly made her this return: O Madam, ſaid he, do not ſo
injuriousl ſtax your own judgement, but rather lay it upon the obſtinacy of your
will, which is a property I muſt confes, incident in a moſt high meaſure, to all
thoſe of your Sexes; that is, not to do a thing, becauſe you will not do it, and
not for that reaſon, and confideration tells you, it may be the beſt. Truly Sir, an-
fwered the Princeſs, as I thank Gods, I finde not in my own nature, ſuch an obſi-
nacy as you ſpeak of, ſo cannot I yet be diverted from theſe maximes, that I have
learned in my youth: which are, that obedience to my Parents, and a contented-
neſs in diſpoſition, ought to be eſteemed neither folly or impiety, but of contrary,
wifdome and goodneſs: I confes the fame, repplied Philos; but when the one may
be conferved, and the other encreaſed, certainly we ought always to apply our en-
deavours, to the greater commodity and benefit: as for example, if you now go
along in the company of your great Uncle Orfames to Damaſcus, you ſhall not
onely with a world of honour and reſpect gain thoſe experiences, of beholding the
excellent rarities of the earth; but the Queen of Lydia your Noble Mother, no
doubt

doubt will be bent for with all expedition, both to accompany your fortunes and content. Clorïa having formerly heard by discourfes from the Queen and others, that Philoftrus, Philos Uncle, was not onely a main obftruder of her Fathers deigns, but was also absolutely against her Mothers comming into Syria, could not forbear, but plainly to tell him her thoughts in that particular, with some tears in her eyes, as if her apprehensions anew, began to work towards the affairs of Euarchus her father in Lydia: inſomuch as he might easily perceive, there reſted in her minde (notwithſtanding other diverſions) certain discontented motions, concerning his Uncles uſage of the Queen in her diſtreſſes, not having ſo much (as he was inſormed) as ever invited her into Syria, notwithſtanding all the misfortunes and oppreſſions of her own Countrey; but rather was a means to divert Orfames her brother, from either giving her countenance or reception; though grounded principally (as it was conceived) upon his ſpleen, that Anaxia the old Queen of Syria, had been ſo nobly entertained in Lydia, having been baſhed from her Sons Court, onely by his power and greatneſs: What the ſequell of these diſcourſes would have produced, cannot well be imagined, for that divers of the company being already ſufficiently tyred with beholding the fire-works, were retired into that part of the room, where Clorïa and Philos were diſcourſing; which for that time not onely ended the diſpute, but took off all occafion to begin anew; neither indeed was there any commodity at all for it, ſince the whole ſ Assembly one with another, ſell into diversity of pleafant communications, which in truth was a great deal more proper for the ſeafon then that of another nature, that had happened onely by accident; though of the other ſide, they might be occafioned by reaſon of Philos paffions and underhand deigns: however the company continued conſuſedly mixt both in perſons and language, until they were invited into another room, to take the delicacies of a Banquet, provided for their nights reſrefhment, that appeared not more curious then magniſcent, as it were deſigned to cloſe up their expeſtations, with the reality of what was again unpoſſible to be parallell'd by any other Nation: it might be eſteemed an impertinent vaunty, to dwell here again upon deſcriptions, ſince not onely by what hath been already ſaid, the reſt in part may be imagined; but the time of the night alſo calling the company to their reſt, may very well give a full period to Philos ſumptuous entertainment, though in them according to his expeſtation, he found not his wifhes ſatisfied; neither in his own violent aſſections to Clorïa, nor his ſifters prepoſterous paffions concerning Narciſſus: which was the occafion, that being reſtired into his private Chamber, inſtead of ſleep, he became incumbred with diversity of trouſeſome thoughts.

Philos, as I ſay, being withdrawn into his own ſolitary lodgings, (in imitation of the reſt of the company to the outward view, though not to the fame intention, according to his inward diſturbances) began more ſeriously to reflect upon his purpofes, confidering not onely the progreſſe he had made in them, but the iſſues conſequently were probably to follow: To this effect in the firſt place, he found it was unpoſſible to remove the ſettled aſſections, between the young Lovers Clorïa and Narciſſus, as well by the manner of diſcourſes he had made to them both, in the commendation of the Syrian excellencies, as by divers other reaſons and circumſtances, that he had obſerved in either; which made him believe, as the combinations he had made with the Ambaſſadour, would prove to little effect for his benefit, ſo would they be of moſt desperate concernments to thate ſweet and innocent creatures: next he laid before his remembrance, not onely the gallant bravery of Narciſſus perſon, in many attempts he had made at the ſiſe upon the Egyptians, having withall in a manner ſaved the life of his Uncle Philoftrus in the fight, as at another time his own from the ſury of the Lion; but alſo more particularly, he reflected upon the courteous diſpoſition of the Princes Clorïa, notwithstanding her dignity and quality, accompanied with her excellent beauty and rare perfections, not to be equalled again in all Africa. Laſtly, he confidered with ſome horror, what a world of inconvenience his family had brought upon Euarchus and his Kingdom of

Lydia

The Princess Clorïe;

PART I.

Lydia, not onely at the first, by stirring up of the ungrateful Mjffians to contend with him, but also in discountenancing of Hyacinthia the Queen, in her Solicitations with Orfames her Brother for her Husbands Interelt; however there feemed to appear no other reafon for these latter evils, but that Anaxia the old Queen of Syria, (being in disfavour with Philoftrios) had been received by the Court of Lydia, with fome more then ordinary affection and ceremony. These considerations after a long debate privately in his own boſome, made him at laſt utter this language.

O Heavens, faid he, with what a Torrent of impious madneſs, are mortalls carried on in their courſes, when they fear their actions onely by ambition, and fill the fails of their intentions, with nothing but violence and pride? O wife moderation that ſhould temper the heat of all our paffions, and make us rather good then politick, to what Region art thou flown, to seek vertue and quiet? What if our endeavours could attain every day to new Conqueſts, until the world ſhould become ours by the ſword, accompanied with blood and ſlaughter? What were the purchase worth, ſtill living in diſtempers and vexation? Doth more Titles any thing else, but ſerve to create new appetites, which daily encreafe without satisfactions? What ſerve command and greatneſſe, but to inflame deſires, that torment day an night our over-indulgent thoughts, with reſtleſſe labours of ſuch impatien cy, as absolutely deſtroy thofe felicities, that onely nature and reaſon ſhould delight in? Do we eat or ſleep better, because we are great and mighty? Or can all the paſſionate acquisitions of the earth, in honour and digi- nity, render us healthful if we be diſeaſed, or make us fall back one year from our age, either to grant us more vigour or longer being? Will not the faſt coming on of that allotted time by the divine powers, mingled with gray hairs and wrinkles, ſoon put a period to all thofe vapours of delight, which we rather imagine then poſſeſſe, though we ſhould live to the uttermoſt date of all mortality? Of the contrary, the Gods onely know, by what accident we may be cut off, before that expectation can be performed, to an eternal forgetfulness perhaps, both of us and our actions. O ſacred Truth, if not Religion, faid he, let me here inſoke your productions, to accompany hence forward all my intentions, with that power and affiſtance, may make me at leaſtwife to act temperately in what I go about: with these thoughts, though not ſettled determination, within a while he ſell aſſleep, and ſo continued, until the chearful morning brought unto his cham- ber window the Sun, being the bright Governour of the day, that ſoon diſperſed from his imagination, all thofe melancholly vapours of the night, that had fet before his more recollected fancy, the lively repreſentation of his own condi- tion, inſomuch as he not onely again ſlew from his pious thoughts, but was content to perſwade at laſt his understanding, that as the buſineſs in it ſelf was not of any wicked nature, in regard of the Interelt of Crowns and Kingdomes (that feemed to claim Privileges and Maximes, above all Morality and Religion) ſo was it impoſſible for him, (since the Ambaſſadour of Lydia was himſelf departed from Memphis) to frame any probable way for prevention, without endangering his Uneles honour; upon which, as he pretended, depended the whole welfare and absolute prosperity of Syria: These flatteries I may ſay, made him reſolve to let the young Lovers to run their own hazard, rather then endanger ſuch an inconveniency to fall upon his Family; ſo apt are men in worldly honours and hap- pineſſe, to entertain all unjuſt Chimera's, that tickle up thofe indulgent appre- hensions, that onely correfpond with ſenſe and appetites. Thus again was he confirmed in his untoward faith, made up onely by his own deſires, without any Counſel at all of vertue: ſo that with the fame garb and greatneſs as he was ac- customed, not onely went out of his chamber, attended by multitudes of flattering ſuitors, but according to the diſſembling cuſtome of that policy, which properly belongs to the actions of State-men, he saluted every perſon he met, with ſeverall voluble complements, that were of force ſufficient to have made them believe they had absolutely his heart in all their petitions, if experience had not taught them of-

tentimes the validity of favourites words; however they were to comply in counte-
nances, as he did in language: which continued all things in a feeming calm in the
Court of Orfames, until the two young Lovers Cloria and Narciffus, could be
no longer perfwaded to ſtay, by the alluring enticements, magnificencies, and
pleasure of the fame: wherefore, as a couple of gallant ſhips were provided for
their transportation, (ſince for the honour of Syria it was not held convenient, one
Veffel should contain both their perſons, though the Lovers themselves were not
well pleafed with the Ceremony) ſo Orfames himself, would needs accompany
them from Memphis to the ſea ſide: In the way they were met by divers petty
Triumphs, from thofe Towns as they paſt down the River of Nilus, which how-
ever protraſted the time, longer then Cloria and Narciffus deſired; not onely in
regard of their own paſſionate deſires to be in the Inſland of Cyprus, where they
might have the oportunity, to pROSECUTE the period of their wishes, according to
the dictates of love and engagements; but for that they both knew alſo, their af-
fectionate parents waited for their arrival, with a moſt violent zeal, having been
a long time beforehand, by themſelves adverſed of their coming.

So that after ſomething a long and tedious journey, (because they ſo eſteemed it)
they arrived at the laſt Haven in Egypt; where the fair and gallant pROspect upon
the ſea, gave their eyes no bounds, but what the main Ocean was content to aſſord
them; which proved delightful enough, in regard they had been ſo long a time ſhut
up between other varieties.

As this gave ſome period to their wishes, in embarquing ſuddenly for the Inſland
of Cyprus; ſo the chief Nobility of the Court appeared discontented at the re-
ſolution; for if the men honoured, and took a ſingular contentment in Narciffus,
noble vertues, his gallant prefence being accompanied with youth and valour; ſo
had the Ladies of Memphis no ſmall delight and ſatisfaction, in Cloria's affable
converſation, that had accompanied her in her journey; ſince ſhe had not ſo
much pride in her diſpoſition, as to be either humorous or neglectful, although ſhe
never wanted a ſufficient Majesty in her carriage, to make her ſelf reverenced of all,
according to the dignity of her perſon: to ſay the plain truth, ſhe had a famili-
arity that perſwaded love from the meaneſt, however ſhe never failed to procure
reſpect from the highest. And however, many croſſes had rendred her thoughts
inwardly ſomething muſing, nevertheless the greatneſſe of her diſcretion, al-
wayes ſo tempered the prejudicial properties of it, that thofe inclinations of melan-
cholly were never viſible, but to her Governeſs Roxana, in her own private Ca-
binet, when they entred ſeriuouſly into conſideration of their fortunes; which a
certain kinde of neceſſity ſometimes ſeemed to exaſt from them both: if at all
ſhe appeared a little amazed at her frequent diſaſters, it was rather a mark of her
extream innocency, then any courage ſhe wanted to ſuſtain her loſſes; as it were
in a manner not believing, that it was poffible for people to be ſo wicked, and the
Gods ſtill to continue entirely patient. These are the Attributes (if not much
more) that all indifferent tongues and pens muſt give her. And the Syrians in the
general, were loath to ſend away out of their own poſſeſſion, ſuch perfections into
another Counntrey, which they eſteemed far leſs worthy then their own; or rather,
that ſhe accompanied with thofe excellencies, ſhould be loft from their ſociety
and expeſtation; which I muſt confefſe, made her fair perſon aptly to be like-
ned to a rich enamelled Cafe, all ſet over with Diamonds, and other pre-
cious ſtones; that notwithstanding within, contained a p[ic]ture that was not to
be valued by any eſtimation: onely ſome ſympathy remained by a divine de-
termination between the two Lovers; for as ſhe was pleafed by her very elec-
ton, to parallel with her ſelf Narciffus, ſo he could love no other ever, but excel-
lent Cloria.

In this poſture, I ſay, when they came to the ſea ſide, (in the interim the King
leading Cloria by the hand) the ſweet Princes, with a few beautiful tears in her fair
eyes (being, at it were, loath to depart, though ſhe deſired nothing more then
to be gone) ſell down p[re]ſently upon her knees, with a certain gentle intermix-
ture

P 2

The Prince's Clorias

PART I.

ture of grief, made up between forrow and bathfulnefs: which however it for
some space hindred her expreffions, yet at laft she took her leave of her great Un-
cle, in these words: May all the Gods fend you Sir, faid she, both Victory in War,
and Prosperity in Peace, until the very world grow old with your fame: but the
King quickly stoppt her imprecations, by two or three loving kiffes, imprinted upon
her fair lips; which kept in the other part of her discourfe. Whilest *Narcissus* in
another place, with a smiling countenance (as it were befieged by multitudes of
embracements) dispatched his complements as faft as he could, since he imagined,
they gave his thoughts scarce any thing but trouble and impediment, in that alrea-
dy all his wishes and defires were directed to another Region, which feemed more
violently to carry his ambition, then the Southern windes, that attended at pre-
fent to drive them out of the Haven: onely he appeared yet something unfatis-
fied, when he remembred that his Love was to be transported in one ship, and he in
another, by the rigid rules of honour belonging to the *Syrian Nation*. When they
had been conveyed (after all their complements) by many of the Nobility, into
the gallant vessels, that lay some distance from the shore, the Trumpets of either
fide founded their departure, as if they intended to summon the Gods to beftow a
bleffing upon the Voyage: when prefently the fails being displayed, and the pen-
dants and colours let flye to the belt advantage, they launched into the deep, where
*Neptune* again feemed moft willing to take their protection, ſince scarce a wave mo-
ved other then gently, to give them any manner of disturbance.

Thus in a kinde of a certain supposed tranquility (by reafon of the calm) they
failed for at least twelve hours, as it were playing with the windes, and contem-
plating the waters; and the more pleafant and fatisfactory it was, in regard of the
Seamens ſometimes caſting out their nets, to catch fish, for the delight of the Prin-
cefs, and the reft of her Attendants.

Whileſt the company employed their thoughts with theſe entertainments, the
Marriners began to fear a change of the weather, as well for that many Dolphins
appeared oftentimes to ſhow themſelves above the waves, (an indubitable ſigne
ſeemed of a ſtorm) as alſo for that the winde of a ſudden had altered its ſtation
a great deal more Eaſtward, which as they perceived, diverted their courſe from the
Ifland of *Cyprus*, and carried them directly towards *Crete*: the other ſhip in the
interim, where *Narcissus* was, ſeemed to be at some distance, having got the ſtart of
them, by reaſon of theſe ſports the Marriners had preſented to the Princefs.

Neither were their expectations long deceived, for prefently they might obſerve,
not onely certain black clouds to unite together ſuddenly in the Eaſt, but the windes
began already to bluſter, with ſomething an open mouth. As this warned the
Princefs *Clorias* to retire into her own Cabinet, ſo the Marriners buſily employ-
ed themſelves, to put their ſhip in a poſture againſt all accidents; being the
more precipitate in their intention, for that it wanted not much above an hour
to night.

The ſtorm encreaſing, *Clorias* within a ſhort time, not being able longer to
brook the toffing and rolling of the ſeas, caſt her ſelf down upon her bed, to
take off, as she imagined, the diſtempers and incommodities of her indifpoſition; in
which poſture notwithstanding, her fancy proved as well diſturbed as her body, ſince
both the cracks of thunder, with the uncouth whiſtling of the windes in the night
ſeason, became a great deal more unpleasant to her apprehenſion. However ſhe
was tied to theſe obſervances, until it ſhould pleafe the Gods, either to calm
the ſeas, or put them in more ſecurity: But it ſhould ſeem neither her prayers
nor her companies wishes, were able at all to prevail with the divine powers,
ſo farre as to make them in opinion confident of their own ſafeties. Untill
at laft it was neceſſary, not onely to take down all the chief Tacklings be-
longing to the ſhip, but alſo the main Maſt it ſelf: deſiring they might ra-
ther commit their fortunes and prefervation to the mercy of the ſeas, then any
more rely upon the windes courteſe and gentleneſs, ſince they could not caſt in their
Anchors to any effect, by reaſon the water was ſo deep, and their Cables (as they
knew)

knew) not strong enough to suftain the force of the Tempeſt; which ſeemed rather to increafe in violence, then to give them hopes of abatement.

In this danger and perplexity they continued many hours, the gallant Veffel all the while being toſt from one billow to another, as if the Waves intended to ſhew to the heavens by their lofty motion, how much they diſdained and ſcorned any controul; whilſt the Ship notwithstanding with a brave kinde of fortitude, ſeemed ſtill to contend against the rudenſs of their malice; inſomuch as (however being rather desperately wounded, then abſolutely overcome) ſhe made her way through the Seas with incredible celerity, in regard of the ſtrength and highneſs of the winde, though ſhe wanted both her Sails and Maſts: but the Pilots not being able to inform themſelves, which way ſhe ſteered her course, by reaſon a thick miſt, had overclouded the ſuperficies of the water, were put again into new doubts, left they might fall upon ſome Rocks to their ruine, though there was no remedy; for as all was to be left to the hazzard of the Seas, ſo their trust in ſupernatural merſies, was to be their chief comfort: notwithstanding this more then desperate danger, poor Clorïa ſeemed in her inward thoughts, to be more ſolicitous for Narciſſus ſafety, then for her own prefervation; as it were invocating privately the pure heavens to that purpofe, whilſt the reſt of the company ſent out their prayers alſo to the Gods in their own behalfs.

It was about noon the next day before the windes abated, when the Marriners informed the Maſter, they ſpied ſome land at a good diſtance, the skie having ſuddenly cleared much of its darkneſs; and not long after they might perceive many ſhallops upon the Seas belonging to poor Fishermen, caſting their Nets into the Water.

As this gave them all ſufficient cauſe of joy and encouragement, ſo did they preſently let out the long Boat that they had drawn into the Ship during the Storm, with intention to enquire of thoſe people, not onely near what coaſt they remained, but how they might by their directions, provide in the belt manner they could, for their conveniency of landing, whereby to repair their Veffel.

It was not half an hours time, before the Boat again returned with this inſormation, that as the land they were near was part of the Inſland of Crete, ſo not above half a dayes fail from that place, was the fair Haven Town of Pergame, whose Governour at preſent, was a great Nobleman of the Countrie named Delalus; that notwithstanding the Inſland was divided into many ſactions, by reaſon of the differences between Euarchus King of Lydia and his Senate, had kept that City wholly for the Kings intereſt: This news you may be ſure, had put the Princẽs Clorïa in ſuch an extaſie of joy, as would have created an entire ſelicity in her thoughts, if ſhe had not in the interim, called again to her remembrance, her ſeparation from Narciſſus: but the company, rather flattering her opinion, then afſuring their own thoughts, that undoubtedly he was paſt all hazzard, being in ſo good a Ship, ſhe was quickly perſwaded to go to Pergame, reſolving there to remain, not onely, whilſt ſhe heard ſome news of Narciſſus; but during a neceſsary conveniency might alſo be had, for the repairing of her own Ship, being as they told her abſolutely uncapable (before ſhe was mended) to make any other voyage whatsoever: ſhe conſeſcending to this councel and advice, ſome of the Fishermen were quickly hired with ſtore of money, to be their guides and conductors to Pergame: So that preſently trying a ſtrong Cable to the great Veffel, and fetting many Rowers in one of the biggeſt ſhallops belonging to the Fishermen, they had ſed her along the Seas towards the Haven, as it were in a kinde of pleafant triumph; which they might the more commodiousſly do, for that now the winde being in a manner wholly allayed, they ſeemed to enjoy upon the water a ſufficient calm for their purpofe.

But notwithstanding this commodity, it was almoſt the whole day, before they could draw their Ship, near a point of land that bordered upon the Haven; ſo that Clorïa was ſorced for one night, to take up her lodging in a poor cottage: however, this gave her thoughts more ſatisfaction then the ſtately Veffel belonging to the

Kingdom

110

The Prince's Clorias

PART I.

Kingdom of *Syria*, had her body in the Storm. When the day came, as it was determined to continue their resolutions for the City of *Pergame*, so was it held convenient before the Prince's approach, to give notice to the Governour, of her accidental arrival, within the dominion of his jurisdiction. This was quickly put in execution, by sending a messenger before, whilst they themselves within two hours space, were set ashore upon a promontory not many furlongs from the Town. The sweet Prince's walked upon a green walk, pleasantly fet with Trees, when *De-dalus* the Governour of *Pergame*, accompanied with many Gentlemen of the Countrey, and attended by one Troop of Horfe, prefented himself before her, not only to give her reception into his Territories, but to undertake in the King her Fathers behalf (he being, as he said, his Deputy) all the entertainment that poor Kingdom (being lately much beaten with War) could afford. You may be sure *Cloria* was not backward to give him thanks, affuring him of her kinde acknowledgement of his endeavours. This conducted her to her company quickly (for the time was not proper for much complements) to take possession of a brave, though ancient Castle, feated upon a little rifling at the further end of the Town, whilst the inhabitants in the interim, being placed in order of each side the Streets, gave the Prince's a joyful welcome into that City, which her Father (as they said) had never visited: So being at last brought into her Chamber, with other ceremonies, it was not long before she went to bed, as well to rest her minde, as her body; however the first desired the Governour, to send out some small Ship of his own, then lying ready furnished in the Haven, to hearken out some tydings concerning the other Vessel of *Syria*.

But however thus (by the goodness of the Gods) the sweet Prince's had in a manner miraculously escaped the danger of the Seas, that seemed in some fort even ambitious of her ruine, coveting perhaps to have entombed so dainty a body within their uncouth intrals, yet could she not so soon shake off the malevolent effects of those distempers that had difcompos'd her during the tempest, which however they put her not in any danger of life, yet they did not only keep her from being visited by any whatsoever, but for the most part continued her in her private Chamber for a long time, where only *Roxana* and some few servants more attended upon her person.

This gave the opportunity one day to *Roxana* (her Lady being asleep) to enquire of *Dedalus*, concerning the affairs of the Island; since, as she said, there could not chuse but be many things worth the knowing, in regard of *Euarchus* contention with the Senate, belonging to the jurisdiction thereof.

Truly Madam, said he, as the passages have been lately many and strange, in this most unhappy Island of Crete, so to give you the better scantling of the busineſſes, that from time to time have hapned, I must in some fort begin with the original, when the Countrey first became under the Lydian power and jurisdiction. And to this purpose therefore you must know, that after the generation of the Gods had totally left Crete, to a certain kinde of wilde barbarisme, not only in the manners of the people, but in the rudeness of the foil, for want of being industriouſly manufactured, some of the ancient Kings of Lydia conceiving, that the Island lay convenient for the jurisdiction of their own Crown, both by reason of the natural fertility of the ground, as in regard of the safety of the Harbours, began to create some ambition in their thoughts to be Lords of it; yet knowing, they could have no Title to the Countrey in their own Right, but what the Laws of the Sword might violently (if not injuriously) afford them, made earnelt solicitation, to the great Arch-Flammin of Delphos, that in respect of the degenerating of the people, from all religious maximes, with the practice of other inhumane customs, (pretended to fall upon it for want of order and government) he would be pleafed, under the facred banner of his holy protection and power, to grant them the principality and jurisdiction of the Island; upon the condition nevertheless, that they should ſtill be obliged, to obſerve those rites in their ſacrifices to the Gods, as were only uſed in the Temple of Delphos: With these titles and pretences, many of those

Princes,

III

Princes, taking always advantage of the inhabitants factions and disagreement
amongst themselves, sent several Armies either by force or policy, or both, to con-
quer the Countrey: which, to be short, within some few years was totally effect-
ed, notwithstanding now and then many contradictions, and dissurbances hapned,
proceeding rather from the inconstant natures of the people, then that they had
any great cause, to complain of their subjection to the Lydian Laws and Govern-
ment. This gives me occasion a little to digress from the matter of the Story, with
some explanation of the dispoſition of the ancient Natives; which in part perhaps
hath caused so many changes, and revolutions in our Island. *Tis true, they have
bodies capable of such labour and activity, as might enrich the Countrey, if their
mindes were anſwerable to their compoſure and making; but they are so extreamly
lazy and proud by nature, that as they had rather beg or Steal, then work, or take
pains, ſo doth the foil wholly upon the matter lye unmanured; rather chusing in
forreign parts any ſervile office whatsoever, then they will make the beſt of their
own Livings and Eſtates, at home in their own Countrey: whilſt their Wives and
Families alio in the interim, are content to ſeeK out new and ſtrange fortunes, with
whole troops of attendants, not omitting nevertheless the leaſt part of thole cere-
monies, that belong to perſons of the greatest quality, although every night they
lye in Barns, and in the day feed ſcarce upon any thing that can aſſord nouriſhment
to their appetites. The women may be ſaid to be rather chaſte by nature, then that
they can give any reaſon in their own thoughts, why they are honed at all; for that
commonly they sleep altogether, without any diſaſte in the general, or the leaſt ſhew
of jealousy in the particular; a laudable property, incident to moſt barbarous Nați-
ons: however perhaps meerly proceeding, from want of luxurious inticements,
that uſe to enflame luſts in diſpoſitions. The men are valiant enough in the Wars
of other Countries; but whether by constraint or nature I will not ſay, ſince at
home it is moſt apparent, they even want courages to defend their Wives and Chil-
dren, rather truſting to their own craft and ſubſtility in circumventing their enemies,
then any way deſiring with their Swords in their hands to oppoſe; perhaps thinking
it a folly, where they any way can get advantage to complement about honour;
for no people in the world hate with a more unrelenting ſpight, or revenge by a
more hidden cruelty. When they go to the Wars, whole Troops and Families follow,
to accompany their friends, out of kindneſs, though their intentions for the moſt
part are thereby to pillage Camps of either ſide, according to the fortune of the
day. Concerning their Religion, though they do exaſtly adhere to the ancient
rules of Delphos, and that with a ſeeming zeal outwardly, yet ſeldom or never per-
form they thoſe rites, with an intention to obſerve any moraſtity; inſomuch as it
may be ſaid, they rather uſe ſuch ceremonies, because they will not change cu-
floms, then that they hope to receive absolute benefit by them; in this manner be-
ing content to ſuffer themselves to be flattered, onely with an opinion they do well,
when they will not take any care at all to be better ſatisfied. In conclusion, they
love to talk of Lands and Poſſeffions, withheld injuriously from their right, but
never attempt any means probable to come to them again. And this, Lady, being
as near as I can guesſ, the trueſt Character of our common People, I ſhall again
return to the proſecution of our ſtory.

As I faid before, after the Kings of Lydia by many defeats given to some of the
principal of the Nobility, that eſteemed themselves Princes in Authority and com-
mand, if not in Titles and Right, had fettled an absolute Monarchy in the Island,
by degrees, the people were brought into a kindle of flavish condition, ſince they
conceived, they were fitter to be made obey then to command; not onely in regard
of their lack of knowledge, and conſtancy in the general, but alio for that the
Governours perceived, that however they wanted ſufficient industry to mannage
the Councils, as well as their Laws in their own Countrey, yet they had ſpight
enough againſt the juridiction of ſtrangers: It was ſufficient they did not aſſeſt
other Nations, and therefore could not love the Lydians, inſomuch as notwith-
ſtanding the apparent benefit they found, by practising and uſing the Lydian cu-
floms,

The Princess Clorïa ;

PART I.

Itoms, in many things concerning the fowing of Corn and the like, they rather
chose to undergo the penalty, for their not putting them in execution, then they
would in any kinde subject themselves, to thofe laudable and profitable observati-
ons; as if their pride appeared sufficiently satisfied, in not feeming willing to fol-
low that which certainly was the beſt, for no reaſon but that it was preſcribed them;
however I muſt ſay the Noblemen in the general, were not onely for the moſt part
very much civilized, but extreamly affected to the Crown of Lydia, as knowing
from thence were brought learning, riches, and education: though ſome great
perſons amongst them notwithstanding, rather endeavoured to head many barba-
rous factions (out of I cannot tell what manner of ſordid ambition) then they would
either come to Court themselves, or ſeem to hold any friendly correfpondency with
any of thofe that did, though they were of the fame Blood and Kindred with them-
ſelves; which not onely raiſed many jealousies amongst the Nobility in the particu-
lar, but always cauſed a great Court ſuspicion, concerning the affections of the
Nation in the general; so that thofe that for the moſt part, attended upon the Per-
ſon of the Kings in Lydia, notwithstanding their continual industry, to do their
Princes ſervice, were looked upon with no eyes of favour and grace, by reaſon of
this unpolſhed ambition of thofe Lords, that ſtill addicted themselves to the old
Cretan manners; as it were loving it for no other cauſe, but that it ſeemed to
thwart and contradict the Lydian cuſtoms: This pride indiſcreetly executed, at the
ſirſt I ſay, created jealousies in our Princes, which again returned hatred to us;
wherefore, as the wifdom of councellours, thinking to provide againſt rebellions,
would never make choife of any of the natives for governours; so the natives think-
ing themselves diſhonoured thereby, were unwilling to obey ſuch Commanders ſet
over them: Upon this followed complaints on all fides; and many of our Lords,
not daring to dispute the right of their juſtifications in Lydia, oftentimes forbore
to appear upon ſummons; so that advantages being made of their fear, rather then
knowledge of their crimes, their Eſtates became confiſcated for their omission,
which of neceſſity enflamed their hearts to thoughts of more diſloyalty, until at laſt
their ſpleen (joynſing with the humours of the people, who had not much to loſe
because they would poſſeſs but little) made them at laſt fall into an open Rebellion,
which for ſome years filled our Countrey with blood and ſlaughters

But now Madam, said he, as I have but hitherunto prefented you with a glaſs,
whereby you may the better understand the ſtory I am to tell, so shall I in as brief
a way as I can, repeat unto you not onely the occafions as I conceive of the late Trage-
dies, acted in this poor and unfortunate ſland, but also make you acquainted with the
very realities themselves: To this purpose I muſt ſay in the Reign of a late Queen of
Lydia, a woman endowed with admirable gifts of nature, as also had a ſpirit anſwer-
able thereunto, (whereby ſhe ſeemed to give her undertaking) that
Nation fell out both with the Arch-Flammin of Delphos and the great King of Egypt
at the fame time: The firſt ſhe pretended ſurped an unjuſt Authority over her Sub-
jects and Dominion, as the other ſhe alledged, too ambitiously endeavoured an uni-
versal Monarchy over all Princes. Theſe differences likely to go into ſome deſperation,
between theſe mighty perſons and the Queen, gave cauſes ſufficient of admiration
to all theſe parts of Asia; and the rather for that as they could not well compre-
hend, how ſuch a mafculine courage could be in a woman; so did they as little
know, in what manner ſhe would defend theſe extraordinary breaches: but expe-
rience quickly made them ſee, ſhe not onely intended, but proſecuted her intenti-
ons with all vigour: for as ſhe absolutely abolished within a ſhort ſpace, all the
jurisdiction of Delphos out of her Kingdoms, so did ſhe within a while after, give
the King of Egypt ſuch overthrows by Sea, that ſcare ſould be in many years re-
cover his loſſes. In the interim, whileſt theſe contentions were acting, with no
ſmall violence of all fides, to the contentment (if not amazement) of many other
Princes, that eſſeemed the differences a kinde of ſafety to themselves. The unwife
ſland of Crete, believing they might again recover, either all or ſome part of
their loſt Privileges, (pretending they were obſtructed in their Religion) not long
after

after entred into open rebellion. To tell you, that the main motives of their rilings,
proceeded from the instigations of Egypt and Delphos, is not an improbable conje-
ture; since as the one in a ceremonious assembly of Flamins, declared the Queen
an accurfed enemy to his Rites and Jurisdiction, so did the other fend Forces into
Crete, to strengthen the people in their pretenfions, which however thefe affiftances
feemed not to prevail entirely againſt the Queens Governours in the Inland, yet appa-
rently they procured her Officers ſo many difturbances from time to time, that how-
ever the neither failed them with fupplies, or was wanting to them in counfels; yet
for many years together, the Rebels kept a confiderable Body in the Field, in deſpight
of all the Queens Forces.

In this manner theſe contentions continued many years, for as the Queen ſeemed
with Majeftick Spleen, to be enflamed with her Subjeſts Disobedience, ſo were her
Subjeſts in their rage animated by Meſſengers ſent from Delphos, to put them al-
wayes in minde of their Religious Obligations: Whereunto being added their hate
to the Lydian Government, and the confidence they had of Egypts affiſtance, they
ſeemed oftentimes to have received a new ſpirit of valour, contrary to their nature
and custom; however for the moſt part, they rather made uſe of their ſubtilty, in
fending out ſmall parties to circumvent and entrap the Enemy, then being willing
at any time to hazzard in the Field a main Battle, to decide the controverſe; which
was the reaſon the War was ſo long prolonged, with ſeveral ſuccesſes of either
ſide: for as the Cretans had the advantage, of perfectly knowing the Countrey,
amongst Woods and Bogs, ſo had the Lydians a great deal the better in their con-
duct and reſolution: but which way ſoever buſineſſes went, as the Rebels were
conducted by a Nobleman of the Nation, wholeſ Family and Name was as great
amongſt the people, as his Spleen and Courage was againſt the Queen, ſo became
the State of Lydia exceeding weary of the War, being moſt certain, the money
disburſed in the contention, would never by any conqueſt ſhe could make of
the Inland, be again repayed into her Coffers: Wherefore, after ſome deliberati-
on it was reſolved, to ſend over a principal Favourite of the Queens, whereby to
put the ſooner an end by his Authority and Fidelity, to thoſe chargeable and bloody
differences, that not onely deſtroyed her people in the Inland of Crete, but dif-
quieted her own Government in the Kingdome of Lydia: and the rather was it ſo
determined, for that ſhe had been periwaded, that the ſouldiers of her Army in
this Inland, lengthened the War on purpofe, for their own benefit and command:
knowing when that ſhould be once absolutely ſinſhed, their ſteem at Court,
would fall with their want of employment in the Field: But contrary to her expe-
ſation, this Favourite of hers having more ambition then ſoreſight, (ſince he
was ſent away onely by his enemies, to ſeparate him from the Queens Perſon) as
also being more vain-glorious in his thoughts, then experienced in his years,
(and ſo conſequently not having much knowledge either of the Countrey, or the
Enemy) after a moſt val ſexpence of money, and nothing in a manner aſted
againſt the Rebels, he returned again into Lydia, with diſgrace and diſhonour;
which at laſt by reaſon of his ſubtil adverſaries practices, that undermined him in
the Queens favour, he loft his head upon a Scaſſold, by the common Executioner;
in whose place notwithstanding ſuch a brave perſonage was ſent, that in a very
ſhort ſpace, reduced the Rebels to ſo much neceſſary reaſon, both in their
Perſons and Eſtates, that they offered quietly to ſubmit to mercy, without either
condition or contention. This being entertained, and the people ready in all pla-
ces to lay down Arms, the Queen her ſelf suddenly changes her own habitation
here, for a more laſting one in another world; that made all things at a ſtand
for a time. But as Enarchus Father met with no oppoſition, in that poſſeſſion
that belonged unto him with ſo much justice, ſo upon his firſt entrance into Lydia,
he was prefented with an absolute ſubmiſſion, not onely of the great Noblemen
of our Inland, that had for many years contended with the Queen, but alſo
of all his Party, that were neither ſew in number, or penurious in fortunes.
Nevertheless, although this King was merciful enough in his diſpoſition, as

well

The Princess Clorina;

PART I.

well to pardon all faults, as to forget former disaffections; yet the hungry Myssians his natural Countreymen, perceiving that the forfeitures of the Island of Crete, by reason of the late rebellions, were not of value, to be returned back again to the owners, without some profits made thereby; and finding the situation and fertility of the Countrey able to make full reparation to their greedy stomachs for the defects and sterility of their own habitations, not onely perfwaded the King, that his act of mercy would prove of dangerous consequence to rebellious dispositions hereafter, but obtained at his hands, so many grants of possession in this Island, that gave them sufficient conveniency and authority, to transport a great part of their own people hither, where being established after a while with peace and security, by their industry joyned together with their power, they soon outed most of the inhabitants of their Estates; and at last took from all in general both their Liberty and Religion; in some much as many ancient Families were either turned a begging in their own Countrey, or forced to seek servile offices in other parts for subistance. This, I must say, is the common allegation of the natives, and in part true, although I must confes much of their miseries proceeded from their lazy dispositions (as I have formerly said) that would not permit them to equal other Nations in painful endeavour; rather chusing in their natures to be wanderers, then become willing to submit their persons under the jurisdiction of better customs. But be it what it will, in this condition they remained without any power at all to act, until the beginning of these differences, between our King Euarchus, and his great Senate; when the people, (not having altogether forgot their old hate to the Lydians, and now finding some opportunity to expresse it) began anew to flye out, however the particular causes were these: When the Myssians first proclaimed their dislike, by leading Armies to oppose Kingly Authority in their own Nation, one Polinex, once Governour of this Island (though deftroyed for his Service) prepared a company of expert Souldiers, to be employed against the Myssians, as esteeming them most proper to the purpose; in regard of their hate to those people. But not to detain you over long by needleſs repetitions, and circumftances of things which are onely conjectural: After that our King Euarchus, in a manner had committed the mannagement of affairs into the hands of his great Senate of Lydia, it was not held either needful by way of oppofition, or convenient by reason of the expence, to continue a foot those Souldiers, that had been leavied and provided by Polinex, in this Island of Crete; wherefore orders were prefently ſent to disband the Troops; but in some fort nevertheless to give them satisfaction, left they might prove dangerous and troublesome to the Government, they gave them what liberty they pleafed, to contract with other Princes, for their future entertainment in some forreign Wars. However the Myssians, when they perceived the Souldiers were thus by bargain to be transported; either fearing their rerurn in a Body to their prejudice, or rather (I may say) envying all felicity of theirs, made earneſt ſuit to the Senate of Lydia, (with whom then they held a most intimate correfpondency) not to suffer them to go out of the Kingdome. As theſe perſwasions prevailed, before the confideration of the contract made for their transportation, so the people of this Island, being not oneely inflamed with theſe injurious proceedings, as they esteemed them, but alſo fearingly an utter extirpation of the whole Nation, by reason of the malice and practices of the Myssians, of a ſudden (having entered before into many consultati ons against themſelves) began as well to make use of those Arms they were already provided of, as to ſeize into their hands many ſtrong Towns in the Countrey; however in the interim, they ſet forth many Proclamations in their own defence; which in effect were to this purpose, that in regard the King himself had in a manner loft all his own prerogative, whereby he was formerly impowred to govern, they in their own behalſs now were neceſſitated to take up Arms for their prefervation, both against Myſſia and the Kingdom of Lydia; that ſought not oneely the abolifhing of their Religion, but an extirpation of their persons: but however theſe pretensions were plausible enough, and perhaps no otherwife meant by them at the

the first, yet the outrageous violence commited of both fides, soon drew many Com-
manders of Crete from other parts, who instead of contributing their endeavours
in making onely a defensive War, they violently perfwaded the people to stand upon
their own pretended privileges before the conquest; as having either Kings of their
proper Nation, or at leastwife no strangers to command over them; whilft they
themfelves also began to challenge old Dignities and Titles, with the poſſeffion of
moft of the Lands in the Countrey, that for many years had belonged to other per-
sons and families, that perhaps had bought them to them and their heirs, at moft
valuable and confiderable rates. This in a very ſhort ſpace ſet the whole Island in
fuch a burning and outrageous flame, that ſlaughters of ſuch execrable natures were
committed, (to the very horrour, as I may ſay of mankinde) that both my ſelf,
and ſome other Noblemen of the Countrey, were forced to take up Arms, not
onely for the defence of our perſons, and eſtates, but to bring the people of
both fides to a better temper: for my own part, as I uſed what moderation I could
in executions upon my Countreymen, at what time ſoever I gained any Victories
over them (which truly was not very ſeldom) ſo by this means their hatred began to
be augmented towards me as againſt a *Myſſian enemy*: infomuch as they began to
form orderly Councils of their part, as we did entertain with regularity thofe ſup-
plies were ſent us out of *Lydia*; for however they had the greatest part of the
Countrey at their diſpoſe, yet we held the moſt commodious for our purpofe;
things thus reſting in doubtful though bloody conflicts, until the differences between
our King *Euarchus*, and the Senate now remaining at *Sardis*, began to take up
new considerations, in the thoughts and appetites of all forts of people, that had
any relation to the *Lydian* Government; wherefore the King having drawn armies
into the Field for his own pretended defence, as the Senate had raiſed Forces to con-
tend againſt his intentions, the Souldiers under my command, being more defirous
to ſerve in the *Lydian* Wars, where gain and honour were (as they thought to be
obtained) then to remain here without either pay or benefit, both they and my ſelf
in a particular way, endeavoured to ſerve the King againſt his Senate; and of a
fudden, shuſſling up a truce with the Rebels in theſe parts, upon their faithful promi-
ſes, not onely to ſubmit to their Princes pleafure, upon reasonable conditions, but
further to aſſt him in his preſent Wars, both with their Perſons and Eſtates; I
ſent all the Souldiers preſently to the Kings Armies, keeping in the interim this
Town, with ſome other under my juridſiction, to be diſpoſed of, as he ſhall at any
time appoint. In fine, as this is as ſhort a relation as I can make of, thofe accidents,
that have befallen our unhappy Countrey, from the beginning of the *Lydian* rule,
ſo cannot I but eſteem my ſelf extreamly ſatisfied for the preſent, that although it
hath not yet come within the compaſs of my ability, to do the King any remarkable
or profitable ſervices, that the Princes *Cloria* is not onely her ſelf in perſon,
come under the power of that command I hold under her Father, but that her
difſtreſes and neceſſities at Sea also, have been in part relieved by the natural ſcitua-
tion of this Island of Crete, which as a good and lucky Omen, will preſerve it
hence forward (I hope) from deſtruction, if not grant it a better bleſſing, then
lately it hath received from the favour of the Heavens: and with theſe words ac-
companied by ſuch a look, that was capable enough to win belief, concerning his
affectionate endeavours to the King, he ended his diſcourse.

Roxana after she had returned the Governour thanks, with two or three ſights to
exprſes in a ſort her inward ſorrow for the accidents, as it were both pittying the peo-
ple, and doubting the event, (ſince as *Dedalus* himself ſeemed not over-confident of
his power, ſo had he heard of many ſactions in the Island) ſhe deſired him, that
he would be yet plearſed, to augment ſo far her obligation, as in a ſew more words,
added to his further trouble, to let her know, how the common intereſt at preſent
ſtood in the Countrey, as well in regard of the King, as the Senate, for that him-
ſelf appeared not to have (as he ſaid) an absolute command through the whole
Island.

Dedalus ſoon repſyed, that as he could not much brag of the affections of

the

The *Princess* Clorïe;

PART I.

the inhabitants concerning his own particular person, (not onely in regard he had given them, as he said, many desperate overthrows in their late contentions; but for that he was not of the fame opinions with them in the Worship of the Gods; upon the which they seemed to ground their chief distikes against both King and Senate) so could he easilie resolve her, that the Countrey in the general was divided into three factions: The first being for the King intirely, the second enclined to the ancient natives, and the third was wholly addicted to the Senates interest; but whether in the end will prevail (said he) the Gods onely can inform: since, however the first seems to have the best right, yet the two remaining exceed in power and probabi-lity: the one being better furnished with Money and Provisions, as the others are accompanied with Numbers and Violence. As he was about to proceed in his dif-course, they were both advertised of the return of those Meffengers, that had been sent to enquire after the safety of the other Ship wherein *Narciffus* was; who being prefently called into their preſence, one of them gave this short account of their Voyage by Sea: Having for many dayes, said he, not onely coafed several Islands belonging to Greece, but much alſo of the continent appertaining to the leſser Asia, we could have no news at all of any ſuch Veffel, either Shipwrackt, or put into Har-bour; until at laſt by chance we met with a Merchant of Rhodes, going for Carthage, who informed us, that for certain before his departure from that City, a gallant Ship both with Syrian and Egyptian Colours, was arrived in the chief Haven be-longing to the Island, however much beaten and torn with the Weather: but what people or commodities were contained in her, he said he could not inform us, in re-spect he himself was under fail upon his departure, when that Ship came in.

The Meſſenger alſo added further, that a great Fleet of Lydian Veffels, that were newly come upon the Seas, lay between Rhodes and Cyprus, which hindred them for the preſent, for making any further enquiry or experiment, since if they ſhould have approached the Island, as he ſaid, it had been almost impossible to have eſcaped, by reaſon they could not but have easilie been diſcovered to be of King Eu-archus party: It is not to be doubted, but as this intelligence ſufficiently ſatistied them, concerning the safety of the other Ship, ſo did they hafe to the Princeſs Chamber with the Meſſengers, to give her information of the expedition, which for the preſent hindred the period of Dedalus relation, concerning the paſſages of the Island, according to his intention.

THE

The Second Part
Of the Princes
CLORIA.

S the Princes *Cloria's* thoughts now were reasonably well set-
tled, concerning the safety of *Narcissus*, in regard of the
Messengers relation, so *Roxana* with more alacrity and clear-
fulneſſe, summoned anew *Dedalus*, to make an end of those
paſſages belonging to the Island of *Crete*; whereupon one
day meeting in the fame walk that had entertained the Prin-
cesse, upon her firſt arrival in the Countrey, they both feated
themſelves together under a Tree, artificially made into an
Arbour of pleasure, that had its full prospect toward the sea; whileſt he gave
her this further account.

Madam, said he, as for the Interests which I formerly mentioned unto you not
many dayes since, you may be pleafed to know, that as *Enarchus* our King in his Wars
with the Senate of *Lydia*, must be forced upon all occasions, to court any affiſtance
whatſoever for his beſt advantage; so of the other ſide do the *Cretans* resolve to
make use of their preſent power, to gain benefits to themſelves, and party in any
thing they can procure, either from their Prince or any other : To this purpofe,
after the agreement that I told you of, which I made with the Natives of the
Countrey, (however many of the moſt rigid ſort, would not at all come within
any manner of communication, whereby to be ſubject to the *Lydian* power, there-
unto encouraged as *tis ſuppoſed by a meſſenger from *Delphos*, that neither under-
stands the Islands Interſt, or the peoples good) they deſigned Comſioners to be
ſent to *Philadelphia*, where the King then remained, to treat upon ſuch conditions,
as they conceived moſt neceſſary for their commodity and ſecurity: Thus arriving
at Court, in a ſhort time they were not onely admitted to kifſ the Kings hands, but
withall permitted to preſent their Petitions and Requeſts; for this ceremony, (and
so I may well call it, ſince it produced but ſmall effects, to the advantage of any
party) there was appointed a great Hall in the City of *Philadelphia*, into which place
the meſſengers were brought with ſome ſtate, as ſoon as the King was feated in his
Throne, becauſe they ſhould not complain of the want of any circumſtance, that
belonged to the ſolemn entertainment of Ambaſſadours of other Nations, to
make them the willinger to comply towards the affiſtance deſired: After they had
been in this manner received, as alſo with good language from the Kings own
mouth cheriſhed, they preſented a paper that contained theſe peremptory demands.
First, they deſired to have, not onely the free exercife of their Religion through the
whole

118

The Princes Gloria;

PART II.

whole Inland, notwithstanding the Lydian Laws to the contrary, according to the Rites and Customs of Delphos; but withal to enjoy the use of the best Temples, alone appropriated to themselves, with all the Rents and Privileges that of old at any time belonged unto them. Secondly, they expected an absolute concession from his Majesty, that no Governours whatsoever of any Foreign Nation should be appointed over them in Crete, or in any Fort or Inland belonging to the same; besides they refused to admit of those of the very Country it self, unless they were confirmed and approved of by the general Council, which they had established to mannage and ordered all their affairs, both in peace and war: And lastly, they expected (as the writing which they had delivered the King exprest) an absolute restoration of all those Lands to the true owners, that had been taken from their possession, by reason of any former pretended Rebellion, and given to the Miffians or Lydians, either by the old Queen of Lydia, or Enarchus Father. The King, as I was informed, after he had read these Propositions, seemed to the outward view of the assembly, extreamly troubled in his apprehensions, as if he had been exceedingly deceived in his expectation, concerning the good nature and reality of our Countreymen: notwithstanding he was by this means, sufficiently enflamed in his thoughts, in regard of these proceedings; (not only in some sort disdaining to be thus handled by his Subjects in his necessities, but being also with some reason sufficient of their intentions, as fearing that they aimed to become Masters of the whole Inland, and so by consequence to be possessors of most of the Lands of his best friends, who were actually employed now with him in his Wars) yet conceiving that he was not at the instant, in a capacity to new much discontent to any party, that could either good or hurt him in his present differences with the Senate, he gave their Commissioners at least wife fair words in the general, promising speedily to send particular messengers of his own into Crete, not only more knowingly to treat with them concerning their demands; but withal, if it were possible, to conclude with them concerning his own desires, which he conceived would be for both their advantages, against the common enemy that had an intention to destroy both: in this manner they were差mit into their own Country, partly pleased, and a great deal more unsatisfied, in regard no more life remained from their employment, then the expectation of the comming of the Kings Officers: But in the interim, whilest the messengers were lookt for, both the Kingdom of Syria, and the Countrey of Egypt put in for their several interefts, as well concerning the Government it self of the Inland, as to be supplied from hence, with Souldiers in their Wars, one against another; the State of Syria went only upon the score of Enarchus Right and Titles, though Soraftros challenged their affections in his ser vice, by an ancient tye, as he said, they owed the Egyptian Nation: neither, as I told you formerly, was the Arch-Flamin of Delphos backward, in maintaining to the uttermost of his power (by the industry of some instruments he employed) his own jurisdiction above either; as pretending the best right to the fame, by reason of those agreements that had been made with the Kings of Lydia, who first conquered this Inland.

These attempts I must lay, extreamly divided the Inhabitants both in their actions and opinions; for as the more moderate sort of people (especially those that had any correspondence with the Lydians, either by extraction or commerce) were willing enough to continue the old Government, and retain both their Laws and Customs they had formerly used; so the violenter part of the Natives, that had time out of minde contracted a certain kind of barbarisme in their manners and dispositions, would hear of no agreement, but what was prescribed them by a few Commanders, that were sent from the Egyptian Wars, who seemed only to comply with the Religion of Delphos for their own ends: The people I may affirm with some confidence, were so far transported, and infatuated with this spightful ambition, (their Governours in the interim, supposing they should be made petty Princes in command, amongst the more ignorant sort of Natives) that they did not only decline violently all manner of reasonable accords, but even were perfwaded

to

PART II. or, The Royall Romance.

to hate with an exact spleen and malice, all their own Countreymen, Friends, and
Kindred, that had any manner of correfpondency, or almost the least communica-
tion with thofe of the Lydian Race and Intereft: in the interim the Senate of Lydia,
finding this violence and distractions amongst us, resolved to put many of the strong
Forts of the Countrey, (which from the beginning of the troubles, they had kept
in their poſſeſſion) abſolutely into the hands of the Miffians, the better to avoid
the expence, and inconveniency of the War in their own particulars, having as they
thought enough to do with their King in Lydia; and the rather for that they knew,
that as Myſſia was moſt proper, to ſend Souldiers of their own Nation into the
Island of Crete, whereby to contend with the Inhabitants, ſo was there ſuch an
inveterate ſpleen and hatred between the Natives of both Countreys, not one-
ly in regard of their poſſeffions, but their Religion, that no reconciliation
was at any time to be feared: besides the Miffians, with others of Lydia of their
faſſion and intereſts, ſuppoſed the old Cretans owed them a ſecret revenge, for ha-
ving injuriously outed them of their Lands and Eſtates, in the time of the late King
Enarchus Father.

These Tranſactions, I ſay, filled the whole Countrey anew with blood and ſlaugh-
ters; and the more confuſed it proved, (and ſo conſequently the more horrid) in
regard that for the moſt part, we fought dividedly upon a general ſcore of three
Intereſts: ſometimes two againſt one, and then again each for it ſelf, as often as any
opposition was found, which not ſeldom happened, in regard of the many jealousies
and ſuſpitions, riling daily out of the variety of apprehenſions, by reaſon of fre-
quent accidents: ſo that in a ſhort time, almost in every place the Towns were
fired, the people deſtroyed, and the Countrey depopulated; being no ſafety in any
place, or ſcarce the least means of ſubſtance out of Armies, unleſs it were under
the walls, and protection of ſome ſew Garrifons, that ſecured a kinde of aſſal
circuit, for neceſsary provisions, to maintain themſelves and the Inhabitants of
their Jurisdiction: But the King at laſt receiving from me and others intel-
ligence of theſe lamentable proceedings in the Island of Crete, (as truly in
a manner it was paſt all examples, ſince the intention of all ſides was not alone
to contend about disputable rights, occafioned by ſome former oppreſſion, but
even to extirpate not onely whole families, but the very remembrance of the
Nation it ſelf, that ſhould have the unhappineſs to be overcome by the other) gave
order to me if it were poſſible to reconcile theſe bloody differences and horrid con-
tentions, with all the ſpeed I could, especially amongst thofe of his own party;
neither was he determined to exclude out of this number the old Cretans them-
ſelves, however depending upon other intereſts, onely in regard they ſeemed by
their Declarations formerly in words, to ſtand for his Title and Authority, againſt
the proceedings of the Miffians, though publickly they contended violently with
his Forces in the field. *Tis true I cannot deny, but in ſome things they had reaſon
enough for their jealousies, the King very often being conſtrained, to go even from
his own ſ resolutions, to give ſatisfaction to thofe Councels, that were continually
about his perſon, who perſwaded him he loſt the love of his people in Lydia, by
ſeeming in any kinde to favour or countenance the Cretans in their demands, who
as they pretended were enemies to their general eſtablished Religion; Of the other
ſide, the Natives were again by much too covetous and miſtrustful, not onely to
defire violently other mens poſſeffions and eſtates from them, but ſo entirely to
doubt the Kings performance of his promiſes, when as they knew he did but en-
davour for his better advantage, to contract privately with them in moſt parti-
culars, in ſuch matters as appertained to the Temple of Delphos, for giving, as I
ſaid, too general a diſtaste, to thofe of his own party, within the Kingdom of Ly-
dia. But to be ſhort, it was not very long, before the King ſent a moſt intimate
Councillor of his own into the Island of Crete, as well to inform me particularly
of his pleasure by word of mouth, as alſo to joyn himſelf with me and others in
Commiffion, for the better and ſpeedier effecting of his deſigns: preſently as ſoon
as he arrived, we ſent out our Summons to the whole Countrey in the general,
either

The Princess Cloria;

PART II.

120

either to meet themselves, or to appoint Deputies for each Division in the Island; to attend the Kings orders and direction, upon a certain day at Pergame, not only to hear what should be propounded in their Princes behalf, for their future peace and advantage, but also we our selves would be ready to hear what the people would demand, to their further satisfaction, whereby their enemies the Myssians, might be opposed in their intentions; who endeavoured not only to beat down all Kingly Authority in the Island, but to become absolute Lords over all the Inhabitants ancient Liberties: I must tell you, whilst we expected a joyful issue of these purposes, we understood another great Lord of Lydia, was newly arrived with certain directions as was pretended from the King, independent to that power was granted us, whereby as we were informed, only himself was impowered underhand, to deal more intimately with the inhabitants concerning matters of Religion: as this something startled our expectation, having no such notice from the King, so did we resolve to send for the party upon our authority, who upon his appearing neither obeying our commands, nor giving us the satisfaction was desired, we at that very instant, refrained his person, until the Kings pleasure in that particular (as we said) should be publicly known: but whether these proceedings of ours, (which however we esteemed for the best) or that the Natives in truth were otherwise settled in their resolutions hindred the success, when the day came according to the appointment for this Assembly to meet, there appeared none at all of the ancient Inhabitants of the Countrey; so that upon some conclusion of a few things between us and the rest of the Cretans, who were not altogether so spiteful against the Lydian Cudoms as the others, we for the present dissolved any further Treaty, which in a manner is as much as I can say of our present state and affairs, until I shall be better instructed, either by the Natives inclinations, or concerning the Kings fortunes and success, it not being yet a moneth since the intended Treaty was broke up.

Roxana as she had been very attentive to all Dedalus discourse, for that she was extreamly desirous to inform her self in what particulars she could, concerning the passages of the Island; so when he had absolutely made an end of what he would say, she used these words unto him: Truly, my Lord, said she, I must needs confess, this seems to my imagination to be a most unfortunate Countrey in the general, if not to be threatened by some desperate fate from the Heavens, to its destruction: however of the other side, it seems something doubtful as yet to my apprehension, in what things the Natives are so much to blame according to many mens thoughts, since it is but reasonable, as the King is to expect from them their fidelity and affiance, so they should in some sort, be assured in their Religion and Poffessions; especially in a conjuncture of times, when there are so many enemies of all parts, that confpire their ruine; not only in respect of the Myssians, that are in open hostility against them, but in regard also of those that attend about Enarchus person at the Court; who are no way inclinable, as you have already intimated, to favour their proceedings or interest. Truly Madam, answered Dedalus, if there were no more in it then those generals you mention, there might be much said in their behalfs; but being pleased to admit so far of a tedious discourse, that I may a little take apart the particulars of their demands, I make no question but you will easily perceive, that as they were unreasonable, to exact from the Kings necessities such conditions, so was it impossible for him to grant them their defires, without endangering in a manner the whole frame of his affairs, both in Lydia and Crete it self.

Dedalus finding, that Roxana was most willing to hear all his arguments for her better satisfaction, he began thus to dispute: First, said he, for their propositions mentioned, not only to have a free liberty to exercise their own Countrey Rites, in the worship of the Gods, according to the use of Delphos, but to have most of the chief Temples, belonging to the Island delivered into their hands, with all the Rents and Revenues belonging unto them, it cannot but evidently appeare, to all knowing judgements, what a distraction it would soon have made in Crete, when

when as in many places moſt of the inhabitants themſelves, are contrary in their opinions to thoſe principles, whereupon would follow a moſt desperate confusion amongst all forts of people; when ſuch should be of a ſudden, debarred of the usual place of their ſacrificing to the Gods, by thoſe that formerly were ſubject to their Laws and Cúftoms; and much more ſtrange and diſtasteful it would be, to have the maintenance of all their Priefts and Flamins (being for the moſt part Lydians by birth) taken from them, and they turned with their whole Families into the world without any ſubſtance at all, after ſo long a time of poſſeſſion and ſettlement: beſides it is very well known, many of the Noblemen and Gentry of the Countrey it ſelf, upon whose ſidelity and power the Kings preſent affairs depended, were actuall y veſted in a great part of thoſe Titles and Rents (in a manner beyond any reſmembrance) either by gift or purchafe: who no doubt upon ſuch a diſadvantageable change, meerly out of ſpleen and diſtaste, would have quickly turned their endeavours and affections, to the countenancing absolutely of the Myſſians proceedings againſt Enarchus their Prince: In the next place whereas they demanded, that either no ſtrange Governours ſhould be appointed over any part of the Island, but meerly Natives, or at least wife ſuch as ſhould be approved by the general Councel inſtituted by themſelves, I pray consider but with indifference (which I know you do) what an extraordinary, (and I may ſay) a moſt prepoſterous inconveniency, it would have brought upon the Kings deſigns, not onely by reaſon of thoſe contemptible opinions, it would have created in all mens mindeſ, concerning his actions and want of ſpirit, but alſo have given ſo general a diſtaste to all his Subjects of beſt quality in both Kingdoms, that the effects muſt needs have been of a moſt dangerous consequence, when as the principal men of honour ſhould be absolutely outed, both of their preſent command, or ſuture expectation, to give way to the advancement of ſuch people, that neither knew well how to govern when they ſhould be employed, or the King himself could be at all certain of their ſidelity, when they were in office; as well in regard of the ſantamental inconſtancies of their own natures and diſpoſitiors, as alſo in reſpect of their ſeveral intereſts depending upon other Nations. And laſt of all, whereas it is deſired, that all thoſe Lands be again reſtored to the ancient Natives of the Island, which had been at any time forfeited, for what preſtended Rebellions ſoever, either in the Reign of the Father of Enarchus, or the old Queen of Lydia, and ſo conſequently in the poſſeſſion of any Lydians or Myſſians, would have proved as dangerous an inconveniency to the Kings affairs, as any other thing we have yet mentioned; and in truth would have been a work (beſides the general diſtaste) of a moſt ſtupidious labour to have effected, not onely in regard of the ſeveral intricate Titles, that muſt of neceſſity depend upon the long continuatiion of them from one family to another, by reaſon of alienations and bargains of diſvers natures and manners, made between man and man, but alſo would be a moſt difficult matter for the Natives themſelves, juſtly to diſtribute with an indifferent equality and content, to each party who ſhould make their demands; ſince as many would pretend to what was none of their own, ſo others again being but very young, (if at all then born) when their anceſtors loſt the poſſeſſion of their eſtates, (the property of them being alſo ſince that time changed, either by cutting down of woods, erecting of building, or peopling of towns and villages) would be deſtrauded of their dues, for want of certain knowledge, what belonged to their parents: beſides how many hundred of families, would be turned to a moſt miferable begging poſture, who as Tenants to their Lords, had laid out their money of a considerable value upon purchafes, either for lives or years, and knew not where to ſeek other habitations with their wives and children for their ſubſtance; neither truly could the Natives make any considerable profit of the ſaid Lands, for want of people to manure them, ſince it is very well known, they in their own perſons are not any way husband-men, or at all induſtrious without the Lydian affiaſance, wherefore conſequently, this course and alteration muſt bring a general deſaſtation upon the whole Countrey: but put eafe ſome would readily yield to theſe orders and injunctions, by reaſon of quiſetnels and poſſeſſion, yet no doubt but the moſt part would oppoſe, being by birth

R

or

The Prince/s Cloria;

PART II.

or extraction either *Myssians* or *Lydians*, which of necessity would procure confusion enough, as also be a means that *Euarchus* enemies, would dispoſes all his friends under their Jurisdiction in like manner, whereof ever they had gained by their words any thing over the Kings fortunes in *Lydia*, *Myſsia*, or *Crete*. Of the other ſide, if we do but consider the ſmall aid and affiſtance, theſe people could have afforded their Prince at the beſt, we ſhall finde theſe conceſſions (upon the matter) would have been wholly loſt, ſince they undertook onely, to procure him ten thouſand men to be employed in his Wars, without paying them for any considerable time; and the Gods know perhaps, they would not fully have performed thate promiſes, being as uncertain in their undertakings, as unreasonable in their demands: No, no, Madam, ſaid he, theſe were but meer Chymera's, broached by ſome of their eminent commanders for their own ends, to render themſelves great and potent amongst the people, and afterward would have made uſe of their power, as their Anceſtors did before them, to no other purpofe but to exerciſe Tyranny, and nouriſh Rebellions: And however I ſay, that the meſſenger ſent from *Delphos* ſeemed to concurre in thate deſigns, though I will not ſay he erred, so much in will and intention, as out of ignorance and want of judgement: nevertheſſe though he imagined onely perhaps to reduce the Inhabitants to their ancient obedience to the Temple of *Delphos*, without prejudicing much others rights, yet his complying ſo much with their rude and barbarous cuſtoms in outward ſhew, according to the old Natives humours; with his publickly diſcountenancing all others of a more civil conversation, notwithstanding they professed the fame Religion and Worſhip of the Gods, gave not onely cauſe of too much ſuſpition, concerning his deſigns and purposes, but occasioned a great deal of confusion and diſtraCTION in the generall, as well to the overthrow of the Kings Interest, as to the hazard of the Natives ſubſtiance in their own Counſrey, in regard of the advantages their enemies the *Myſsians* make of their differences. But here a meſſenger ſent from the Princesſe *Cloria* ſtopt their further diſcourse, who as he ſaid defined to ſpeak with *Roxana*; so that the old woman, onely thanking *Dedalus* for what was palt, and promising to meet him often upon the fame ſubject, made haſte to know her Miftrefſes pleafure.

When *Roxana* came into her Chamber, the Princes ſold her, that ſhe had been lately troubled with a moſt untoward and fearful dream, which (however in her thoughts ſhe was not at all ſuperſtitious (as ſhe ſaid) yet ſhe could not absolutely free her apprehenſion from the consideration of it: ſhe imagined her ſelf and *Narcissus* to be upon the Sea together in one Vessel, when of a ſudden an extream darkneſs ſeemed to cover the face of the water, infomuch as they could not perceive any thing at all about them; whereupon both of them remaining frighted, with a kinde of horrour to ſee ſo great an unexpected change in the weather, from a clear ſunſhine day, to a time almost as black as night, they might at laſt behold themſelves encompassed round about with many ſhips, belonging to the Senate of *Lydia*, that bid them preſently yield to that power without reſistance, unleſſ they would hazard their own deſtructions: ſo that inſtantly conceiving themſelves no way able to reſift ſo peremptory a command, their perſons were preſently not onely ſeized, but ſeparated with a great deal of cruelty one from another, to their no ſmall grief and amazement; whilſt in the interim alſo ſhe heard ſome of the company ſay, that as this deſign was put in execution, by the authority of young *Philos*, *Philoftrus* Neſphew, ſo was it his pleafure to have her ſelf carried prifoner into her Fathers Kingdome of *Lydia*, as he was resolved to diſpoſe of the perſon of *Narcissus*, according to his own will and intentions in the Kingdom of *Syria*: preſently upon the apprehenſion of the dream (as ſhe ſaid) ſhe wakened, with ſome kinde of feeming trouble more then ordinary, as the people about her had inſormed her.

*Roxana* finding her Miftrefſe, notwithstanding her proſeffions, to be ſomething diſcompoſed, either by reaſon of the diſtempers of her ſicknels, or in regard of the diſtraCTION of her apprehenſion, having belike before ſhe went to ſleep, filled her imagination with ſome unprofitable thoughts proceeding from the diſcourse of former actions or conceptions, told her, that as it was the greatest ſolly in the world

world (if not a moſt ſupream impiety) to put any manner of confidence or be-
lief in dreams unpleafant, that were ingendred onely in the fancy by meer ac-
cidents, meeting with the indisposition of the body, ſo if the Gods at any time
had a will, we should be inſtructed in things to come neceſsary to be known;
they would certainly ſend us for true information to Oracles, that are not to be
held fallible in any kinde: of the contrary, the motions that proceed from our
ſelves, are for the moſt part governed by paſſions; and ſo conſequently not to be
relyed upon, although ſometimes I cannot deny, ſaid ſhe, but they happen ac-
cordingly, though no otherwife then like as a perſon should caſt a ſtone over a
houſe, and by meer fortune might kill a bird of the other ſide; for though the
ſtone had but that one place to light in to do the thing, yet by meer fortune it might
as well light there as any where else: But however this ſhort diſcourſe, reaſon-
bly well quieted the Princesſes thoughts for the preſent; yet both ſhe and Roxana
fell upon a ſeſolution, with all poffible ſpeed to haſte their Journey towards the
Island of Cyprus; as well for that they doubted not, but to meet Narciſſus to
their extraordinary content and ſatisfaction there; as of the other ſide, not con-
ceiving Crete to be a place of ſufficient ſecurity any long time, in regard of thole
many ſactions and diſturbances in the Countrie, depending upon ſeveral intereſts,
according to the relations of Dedalus the Governour; for beſides the inconſtant
matures of the people, with the ſmall authority the King ſeemed to have by way
of Jurisdiſction, over the very actions and affairs of his own party, (as they were
informed) could they be very confident of the fidelity of the City of Pergame,
where they for the preſent remained; in regard the Senate of Lydia by occafion of
Trade, ſeemed to have a kinde of hidden influence, in the thoughts and affections
of moſt of the Inhabitants: nevertheless, although Gloria and her Governefs might
have theſe paſſionate deſires, of removing with all expedition, yet neither the di-
ſtempers of the Princes, or the commodity of the Syrian Vessel that had conveigh-
ed them thither, as yet aſforded them the conveniency.

But whilſt their expeſtations from day to day waited the opportunity, Dedalus
of a ſudden had intelligence, that the old Cretans having newly given the Myſſians
in their Countrie a kinde of a deſperate overthrow, eſteeming themselves thereby
at more liberty to act as they pleafed, were marching in all halte against the Walls
of Pergame, with an intention, as twas laid, to obtain the absolute Jurisdiſtion
both of the Town and Haven. The Governour upon this, after he had made the
Princeſs Clorïa acquainted with the news, affembled the chief Magiſtrates of the
City, whereby not onely to take their advice, but to demand their affiſtance; how-
ever all the benefit this Congregation produced towards the end he intended, was
to break up the meeting in diſtraſted Councells, inſtead of more ſettled reſo-
lutions; for he found ſome were for the Senate of Lydia, and the Myſſians;
others again declared their affections to be moſt inclinable for the proceedings
and Religion of the ancient Natives; though the third ſort of people, however
feweſt in number, declared for the Princeſs Clorïa and himſelf: but Dedalus
finding, he could not build his determinations upon theſe uncertainties, where-
in both the safety of the Town and his own honour, might probably ſuffer, by
reafon of the protraſtion; as alſo the perſon of the Princeſs Clorïa be endan-
gered by his ſlowneſs and neglect, he quickly muſtered up all the Souldiers of the
Caſtle, with ſuch others of the Kings party in the City, that were willing to
obey his command, with an intention according to Roxana's perſwafion, onely to
guard and defend the Walls and the Bullwarks of the Town from any ſudden
ſurpize of the Rebeſs; not conceiving himſelf able to contend equally with them
in the Field, by reaſon of their numbers and provision: no ſooner was this reſo-
lution of his publickly made known in the general to the people, but the moſt part
of them, began with open mouthes to exclaim against his intentions, calling him
Traytor and Coward, with a thouſand other words of moſt infamous language,
pretending he durſt not iſſue out into the field to fight with the enemy, for fear of his
own perſon, though it were thereby to ſecure all their lives and eſtates: As this mad

R 2

rage

The Prince's Clorias

PART II.

rage in the multitude, was kindled by the *Myssians* Façon in the City, as doubt-
ing if it were not speedily prevented, the old *Cretan* Natives might probably be-
come matters of the place, and so by consequence they should be hindred of their
Trade and Commerce with *Smyrna*, and other Haven Towns belonging to the Se-
nate of *Lydia*; so was *Dedalus* forced toiffue out into the Field, and venture a
Battle with the Rebels, which he performed with fo gallant a bravery, that within
few hours time he diflonded moſt of their Troops from about and near the walls
of *Pergame*. But three or four dayes after, thinking to return again into the
Town with both honour and authority, he was suddenly (contrary to his expeſta-
tion) violently oppofed and denied entrance at the gates of the City, the Inha-
bitants pretending that he onely ſeemed to have put the enemy to flight, when he
had resolved to deliver up the Town into their hands: *Dedalus* in the interim being
enflamed with this ungrateful proceedings of his Countreymen, resolved by power
and force of arms, to gain a new entrance to his old command; and to this pur-
poſe, although his Souldiers were not many, he began to make formal Trenches, as if
he intended a long and continued ſiege, whereby again to bring the people to
their wonted and ancient obedience, to that jurisdiction he held under the King
his maſter, as ſuppoſing neither their ſtrength or skill, would long be able to con-
tend with his right and power: but alas! they had already too craftily prevented
his purpoſes, by more preventing deſigns; for as soon as they fell upon theſe
reſolutions, to keep him by ſtrong hand out of the Town, they ſent privately to
thofe *Lydian* ſhips that lay diſperſed over the Seas, with a full declaration of their
intentions, which was to render themſelves obedient to the Senates commands; of
which a confiderable number was already come into the Haven, to take poſſeſion
of the City, whereby to receive the peoples offers in that nature, with a promife
alfo of their parts, to afford them protection both in war and peace, againſt all
thofe that should oppoſe. This being ſoon made known to *Dedalus*, he had no
other way, but to endeavour the beſt conditions he could both for himſelf and the
Princeſs, to which effect Comſioners of each ſide were appointed to treat; ſince
as he could not altogether have declined this remedy, so with no probable hope,
could he have expected the gaining of the Town by force, in regard of thofe
ſupplies which remained in the ſhips newly come into the Haven, to ſtrengthen the
Inhabitants endeavours and reſolutions; of the other ſide, being obliged to lye
with all his Forces in the Fields before the walls of *Pergame*, without either ſupplies
or proviſion, he was in certain danger to be deſtroyed by the old Natives, who
not many dayes before by his valour and conduct, he had difgracefully chaſed from
the Siege.

However the Princeſs Clorias, when ſhe came to the affuſed knowledge of theſe
unfortunate paſſages, by which her own liberty ſeemed again to be circumſcribed,
by a new though a more inferiour jurisdiction, although ſhe could not be but
ſufficiently ſenſible of the unhappineſs of ſuch a ſubjection, yet ſhe resolved to
meet her captivity with ſuch a maſjefly, as either would bring revenge upon her
perſon, in regard of her Fathers contentions, or procure a reſpectfull com-
paffion from her enemies, that might defend her Dignity from all oppreſſion :
with theſe thoughts (as if ſhe had been of a ſudden miraculouſly cured of her
diftempers) ſhe called for her clothes, whereby the better to put her cou-
rageous determinations in execution, when any violence to that purpoſe ſhould
be attempted: but *Roxana* upon theinſant coming into her chamber, and finding
her body not in a capacity to anſwer to that reſolution of her minde, not onely
gave her counsel to lye ſill, and expeſt as yet the farther event of things during
the Treaty, but alſo entred into more neceſſary diſcourſes with her, concerning
what was to be thought upon and done, in this unlucky conjuncture of affairs; al-
though ſhe could not apprehend much danger would happen, either to her per-
ſon or quality by this accident: To this purpoſe ſhe uſed this language unto her as
ſhe lay in her bed: Madam, faſd ſhe, put the worſt, which is to be made prifoners
to this new power, that as you ſee, hath not onely driven out *Dedalus* from his
command,

command, but probably will now circumvent all our other designs, if they can
find the opportunity: They must either carry you into Lydia, or lend you home
into Cyprus; if they conduct you into Lydia, they cannot certainly be so inhumane,
as to debar you from the sweet society of your most Honoured and Noble
Father, in whose conversation you will not only be delighted, as it may be imagined
with a most supreme felicity, but also you will have the commodity, to impart
unto him your secret resolution, concerning the intended marriage, between my
Lord Narcissus and your self, which perhaps is a conveniency you would be most
unwilling to miff; and in some fort requisite before you absolutely finish those other
ceremonies, which in effect as you know, must have been performed either in person
or by Deputy, to render you fully satisfied in your thoughts; since as you may
remember you made an open profession to that purpose: Besides, how do you know,
but that you may find your Father in such a prosperous condition, that by the absolutely
subjection of his enemies, your Mother the Queen may again be called
home to her old honours and felicities in Lydia? which would be the convenientest
and best Theatre, whereon to act the happy parts of your most glorious Nuptials:
Of the contrary, if they should find you into Cyprus, certainly you should be in
the place according to your own wishes, since all this while you have endeavoured
the expedition and success of that journey, as the last feeming period of your desires,
after all your strange and several adventures; esteeming it as a full satisfaction
from the Gods, in recompence of your so many troubles and hazards: neither
let it ever enter into your thoughts, that the Senate of Lydia will in any kind, either
endanger your person or restrain your liberty; for that, as such intentions would
afford them no manner of benefit whatsoever, in their contentions with the King
your Father (since there are already many of the Royal Issue out of their power and
possession) so would it not only cause a more general hate upon their actions
throughout all Asia, but highly exasperate your Uncle Orfames against their proceedings;
to the endangering certainly, of a new War between Syria and Lydia,
which no doubt but the Senate will endeavour to prevent, by all means possible they
can invent.

Yet however Roxana might be of these opinions, or that she onely used such diss courtes, the better to encourage the Princes; nevertheless it was not many dayes before the Senates Sea Forces declared their intentions; which was absolutely to conduct Cloria into Lydia, restrained in her person, until (as they said) the farther pleasure of the Senate, should be known concerning her particular; withal pretending they had a peremptory commission to execute according to this purpose; proceeding belike from the untoward endeavour of that Ambassadour at Memphis, that had been employed by Philos, to destroy the Loves between Cloria and Narcissus: As for Dedalus, all the conditions he could procure for himself, was, upon their undertaking to pay him thirty Talents for the discharge of his Souldiers, and the defraying of his necessary expences, prefently to lay down Arms and quit the Inland of Crete; yet if he pleafed, being so agreed between them, he might vifit the Kingdom of Lydia, until such time he should more commodiously prepare his occasions, for his absolute transpportation into forreign parts.

'Tis true Roxana caft about many wayes in her working thoughts, how yet to al-
ter or prevent theſe determinations of carrying the Princes Cloria into Lydia a pri-
ſoner: First the fancies to feal out of the Town, to thofe Forces which Dedalus
had in a Body entire without the Walls; and notwithstanding the agreement, to
animate their Spirits to ſtand for the Kings right and the Princes safety: But finding
they both needed neceſtary provisions, and were in danger in their perſons hourly to
be cut off by the old Cretans, that lay every where diſperſed over the whole Coun-
trie, who hated them as they knew equal with the Myſſians; the thought that
would be a project of no great conſequence to their benefit; then againe the imagined,
that perchance they might uſe ſome ſtratagem, to be conveyed privately out of the
Haven, by ſome hired Ship to that purpofe; and by that means conceaſedly get
into the Inland of Cyprus, according to their former intentions: However when
the

The Princesses Clorias

PART II.

She was told, that the Officers of the Senate's Forces, had lately not only taken a strict account of all the Vessels that remained in the Harbour, but had also put in new Commanders of their own in every Ship, she supposed with no probability whatsoever, could they attempt such a design without being revealed; and then they might come to be worse off in their confinement: Whereas now the Princes was promised all honour, favour, and respect according to her Dignity in the journey.

And lastly she conceited, that perchance they might find not only reception but protection in the Armies of the ancient Natives: But when she considered the inconvenience of their dispositions, the rudeness of their customs, with their several particular interests, she thought it a vanity, if not a madness to put in execution any such design; and the rather for that the Princes Clorias herself, was not yet so perfectly recovered of her health, that she could possibly expose her person to those uncertainties, both in travel, and dyet, with other inconveniencies, that she would necessarily be obliged to suffer amongst those unpolished Troops: Wherefore the old woman being in her opinion convinced in all these particulars, she perfwaded her Mistrises, with a kind of a Majesty mixt with affability and kindness, to entertain both her fortunes, and those Commanders that should be designed to conduct her under the jurisdiction of the Senate, since as yet they could not by any means learn, what probably might be resolved of, concerning the farther dispoſure of their persons, upon their arrival in the Kingdom of Lydia.

It was not many dayes when the Princes Clorias had declared her self, both fit and willing, to undertake a journey, that the Admiral at Sea, (who had been sent out by the direction of the Ambassadour, that remained as was formerly related at Memphis) conducted the sweet Princes with her Governeſs, into his own Ship, where he had prepared a magnificent Cabin for her reception; but whether so adorned out of any intention thereby the better to win her belief, or out of the humanity of his own nature I cannot tell: Yet so it was, in that unwelcome Triumph, that both the Fleet and the Seas themselves received them with a profusous winde, which in two dayes and a night or thereabouts, landed them in the fair and ancient Haven of Smyrna, where they repofed not much longer, before they were conveyed by many gallant Troops of Horſe (by the Senate's directions) to a brave Castle of the Kings, feated upon a hill not very far off the great City of Sardis, where they had not only time enough to reſt, but to exercise abundantly their own thoughts, ſince as they knew they were confined, so were they in a manner out of hopes to know for how long.

Some weeks after the said Princes, and her affectionate Governeſs, had remained imprifoned in the Castle, which the Senate had ordered for their confinement, spending their time for the moſt part in fruitſels complaints, accompanied with more tears, of a sudden Roxana one day as she was fitting in a low Parlor, that opened a Balcona-window into the Park, where many tame Deer grazed, that all the Winter were accustomed to be fed by the hand, for the pleafure formerly of the King, who upon his retirement from troubleſome affairs, would repair thither for the better privacy of recreation, was faluted by a young Gentleman, of more then ordinary beauty and comeliness of person, who after he had with a certain winnig behaviour made up between confidence and humility, beſowed ſome complements upon her, he uttered this language: Madam, said he, not finding the excellent Princes Clorias so apt and capable for my diſcourſe at present, as I wifh she were, in regard of those defpairing ſorrows, that seem to cloud so many admirable perfections, that were wont to give new luſtres to the world, and may again notwithstanding theſe ominous interpoſitions, that seem to be governed, not only by a cruel but a moſt preſumptuous and unmannerly fate, if she can but be wrought to such a confidence and belief of my intentions, concerning her ſervice, as is not only convenient but moſt neceſſary for the ſeafon: For however the office I now seem to hold under the Senate's jurisdiction, is cauſe (I muſt confess) of ſuspicion enough, to the moſt strongest perſwafions; yet I call all the Gods to witneſs, who beſt know
my

my heart, that I harbour never a thought inwardly, that doth not entirely with a
moft lupream happineſs to every action, that *Enarchus* can think may again bring
him to the uttermoſt height, of all his ancient Honours and Dignities, though the
circumſtances and reaſons of my affections, in regard of my preſent condition, are
too many and various at this time to be dispuſed: But if this belief of my loyalty, ſhall
take that place with your charity, as I humbly deſire it may, I ſhall then diſcover
unto you ſuch paſſages, lately come to my knowledge, that will not onely pro-
bably ſecure the Princes from a Storm coming upon her, which perhaps ſhe would
moſt willingly avoid, but alſo put her in a way of ſo absolute a happineſs, that I
dare be bold to ſay, neither her hopes nor yours can yet arrive unto.

*Roxana* however ſhe knew not (notwithstanding all his violent proſeſions) how
to be over confident of his intentions, yet in regard both of the neceſſity of their
condition, as alſo having ſome kinde of reaſons given her, by the earneſtneſs of
his language, and the ingenuity of his countenance, to be ſomething plyable to
his diſcourſe, ſhe thought it at leaſtwife the ſaſeſt way, to comply with his offer,
without any ſeeming jealousy whatſoever: And to this purpofe, after ſhe had abun-
dantly thanked him for his extraordinary courteſie, ſhe told him, both her Ladies
obligations and her own, would be exceedingly augmented, by any information he
ſhould give of the Senates intentions, ſince as yet, they could ſinde nothing but
effects of their cruelty; and much more if by his affiſtance, they might winde
themselves out of their preſent troubles and future dangers.

Then Lady, faſſed he, as the ſtory I have to tell, concerns Prince *Caffianus* for-
tunes, ſince his departure out of *Lydia*, wherein the Princes *Cloria* is involv'd, ſo
muſt I deſire your leave, to proſecute all ſoſe circumſtances that belong to the re-
lation; however perhaps they may not be altogether judged, ſo neceſſary to the
matter by your diſcerning judgement; yet in regard the paſſages cannot be but ſome-
thing delightful to your ſancy, I ſhall make bold to preſume upon your patience,
ſince truly they are both admirable, and almoſt paſt all belief.

Know then, that *Caffianus* at his being at the Court of *Lydia*, though his buſ-
nefs in outward view, ſeemed to pretend to nothing, but the procuring affiſtance
from the King, to regain his loft Countrey of *Iberia*; yet ſecretly I muſt tell you,
he fell in love with the Princes *Cloria*, which however he durſt not diſcover: In this
poſture he continued between hope and despair, until the arrival of the old Queen
*Anaxia* (as he believed) drowned all his encouragements, in a vaſt Sea of impoſſi-
bility; for that ſhe brought with her in her journey, certain propoſitions full of
honor and benefit to *Enarchus* Court, from the King of *Egypt*, concerning a
marriage between the fair Princes and his Son and Heir *Ofiris*; which cauſed *Caffia-
nus* that night, when all the world was employed about the triumphant ſports, that
were deſigned for the entertainment of the Queen of *Syria*, to leave *Lydia*: Be-
like being put on to thate ſofutions, by his melancholly apprehenſions, which
however as you very well know, ſo enflamed the whole Kingdom, by the ſpightful
praſtifes of ſaſtions *Dimogoras*, joyned with the crafty inlinuations of others of
the fame intereſt; that it proved a main occaſion, that ſince hath diſquieted the
King in his Government.

But *Caffianus* himself, who had left *Lydia* ingendring certain black Clouds of Ma-
lignant vapours, that afterwards became furious ſtorms of blood and ſlaughter
(though I cannot ſay he was any way guilty in their effects; for Princes Titles and
Intereſts are oftentimes abuſed to finiſter ends and purpoſes) retired in perſon, under
the juridiction of an ancient Forreſt, not many dayes journey from the Court,
where ſometimes he privately lived, delighting his ſolitary intentions, with the ex-
ercife of hunting, and other rural delights, which thate pleaſant Woods, and
that fruitful Countrey plenteifully afforded his nature and fortune: But not long it
was before *Hyacinthia* our Queen alſo, by reaſon of the inflamations of *Lydia*, was
forced to quit her Husbands Kingdom, by which accident, as you know, ſhe met
in that place, with the company of her baniſhed Brother *Candalus*, outed in like man-
ner of all his happineſs, by the powerful Authority of *Philoftros* great Favourite to
*Orſames*.

As

The Princesss Cloria;

PART II.

As most of these passages were within the compas of your own intelligence, which I have related only for my fories better method, so now I shall prelume to inform you, of such particulars, as you have not yet heard of, for *Caffianus* remaining as I faid in the delightful Forreft, and going under the borrowed and abbreviated name of *Caffa*, being disguifed in the habit of a young Huntman, upon the Queens arrival prefented himſelf to your view, though not to your knowledge: By which encounter, he was encouraged, again to profecute his old love (almoſt laid aſleep by time and ſeparation) to the Princes Cloria, ſince the conveniency (as he thought) could not be bettered, and in that manner resolved to wait upon the Queen undiscovered into Syria: Nevertheless in that intended voyage as you know, both himſelf and *Eumenes* ſuffered ſhipwrack; however *Caffianus* (though the other perifhed) by the propitiousneſs of the Heavens, eſcaped in a manner miraculofly the desperate danger of the Sea, and entered into ſuch adventures as ſcarce can be parallel'd: for his body being ſupported, upon a flat Cheſt full of Jewels belonging to himſelf, by the only flowing of the water, was carried into certain Nets belonging to poor Fishermen, who finding a young man full of beauty, though almoſt dead by the violent agitation of the Waves, after they had recovered ſome life in him, prefented him to a Lords Daughter of the Countrey called *Brifania*, as a ſubject worth her beſt compaſſion: But the Lady whether taken with the youth and beauty of her patient, or having an inclination to affect that ſhe had once preferred, of a ſudden ſell in love with his lovely perſon, ſince ſhe had no motives to be inticed by the knowledge of his Titles, he having concealed himſelf, the better to perform his intended journey into Syria: And this love at laſt from ſmall ſparkles, began to encreafe to a great flame, though for a long time *Caffianus* was not informed of the Ladies paſſions; for her Virgin modeſty ever ſuppreit the declaration of that, which ſhe had much adoe to hide, until the ſecret fire was discovered by the ſharp ſight of another ſuitor, that had already procured the good will of her Father for their future marriage; notwithstanding another rival by a more noble love, contended with the former for preheminence: In the interim that theſe intricate affections ſeemed to act ſeveral parts, the old Lord by his unexpected death, left his fair Daughter to inherit rather misfortune, then juridſiction, for *Fridius* her hated Lover (being ſo called) preſently ſeized both upon her Perſon and Countrey, pretending that her Father in his laſt Will, had inſtituted him the ſole Governor of her Minority, left ſhe might endanger both her honour and safety by ſome inconfiderable match; refolving withal to make *Caffianus* a Sacrifice, or a Petitioner to compaſs his ends: to which purpofe, he cauſed him publickly to be accuſed, that he intended to have betrayed the Town and Countrey to a Forreign Power; under pretence of freeing *Brifania* from prifon, who ſeemed alſo to have conſented to the practice, whereby to have procured her own releaſement. And this being falſly laid to his charge he was unjustly condemned; however *Fridius* ſuſpended the Execution, until he had not only again attempted the Ladies conſent to his offered Love, but procured *Caffianus*, who went by the borrowed name of *Caffa*, to be himſelf a Sollicitor in his Suit; which opportunely gave *Brifania* occafion, inſtead of granting *Fridius* his requeſt, to diſcover her own love, but *Caffianus* became rather conſuſed then pleafed at this diſcovery, ſince the hazzard of his own life could but purchafe the acceptance; inſomuch as onely with a ſorrowful courtſhip he entertained her diſcourse, however ſhe gave him leave to depart, and carry her peremptory denial to the proud Tyrant. Nevertheless poor *Caffa* was to be made the object of his ſpleen, ſince *Brifania* would not be the ſubject of his love; for ſome few dayes after he was brought to a publick Scaſſold eſected before the Caſſle Window, where *Brifania* remained, that ſhe might be the better wittneſs of the bloody Tragedy intended; *Caffa* appeared in a mourning habit, becoming the ſadneſs of his preſent condition, but much more clouded in his ſorrowful countenance, that ſhewed his dejeſted minde; though his beauty had yet ſo large a poſſeffion in his perſon, by the opinion of the people, that he ſeemed a Sun shaded in a dark Skie, that notwithstanding ſnot ſorth bright beams under the black coverture; and in this manner was he

he lead to the Theatre of death in the view of the people, who accompanied him all the way with their liberal lamentation, since these were the only sacrifices they could offer in his behalf; for although he was esteemed amongst them but a private Gentleman of Iberia, yet could they not chuse but grieve to see, a youth of his natural perfections, untimely brought to his destruction, by the cruelty of a wicked Tyrant: But in the mean time, poor Brifania summoned to the spectacle by the noife of the spectators, at the first light began to feel new passions in her gentle bofom, not so much of love as pitty, since the prifoner himself, had by divers meffagesenticled her to yield, rather then to make him the only object of Fridius his hate: Wherefore, first he laid before her thoughts the innocency of the prifoner that was to suffer, onely becaufe he continued wilful. Then he began to think, there was nothing but her own miserable captivity could redeem his life; religion, charity and affection pleaded of one fide, as hatred, honour, and courage contended of the other, which made her sometimes resolve to break through the crowds, and fling her self at Fridius his feet to beg his pardon: But then her spirit again difdaining such a submission, rather chufing to caft her perſon amongst the people, and by her own death incite their revenge. Whilft these considerations tormented her gentle ſoul, and that his approaching execution feemed to exact from her conſent a speedy resolution, at the further end of the Market-place appeared a confused fear amongst the common people, which was quickly ſeconded, not onely with cryes of Treason, but with the noife of many warlike instruments, tending to the ſurprize of the Town; ſo that the Scaſſold that was ordained to be the Stage where Caſſa was to act his laſt part, became ſoon emptied of all thofe unwelcome affiftances, and he left onely to be his own prifoner; an accident certainly that ſufficiently pleafed him, although his amazed joy, had ſcarce belief enough to apprehend he was free, which made him longer continue that poſture the executioner had put him in, then his good fortune required at his hands; ſo that he moved not, until one of the Souldiers wifht him to pray for the life of Saxanius, who had delivered him from death. By which declaration it was quickly known throughout all the Market-place, that Brifania's firſt Suitor, had both ſaved Caſſa from deſtruction, and poffed himſelf of the City, who hearing of the cruel captivity of his dear Miftrifs by the wicked tyranny of Fridius, had affembled all his friends to her rescue, and by a neat ſtratagem, had happily brought about the design for her delivery, and her enemies puniſhment: Fridius ſufficiently apprehenſive of the guilt of his own Treason, ſtaid not to dispute the right of his caufe with his victorious rival, but preſently retired under the ſafe protection of the ſtrong Caſſle, where he ſuppoſed was a Garrifon able to contend, whilſt other ſuccours came to his aſſiftance; beſides he had Brifania in his power, by whose Authority and Title he imagined the better to retain the obedience of the people. But Saxanius intending neither to be ſlothful in his love or hate, after he had given ſome orders for the ſurer obeſiance of the Town, ſoon placed a formal Siege before the Fort where his Miftrifs was imprifoned, with ſo great a probability of prevailing, that within ſome ſew dayes he received a Meſſage from wicked Fridius, that if he did not preſently retire himſelf and his Troops from before the Caſſle, he vow'd by all the Gods, that Brifania ſhould act the firſt part in that Tragedy was intended: And for the greater aſſurance of his intention, he cauſed the Lady to be brought upon the Leads, where were already prepared the circumſtances of her death.

Saxanius after he had underftood this peremptory demand from the proud Tyrant, and beheld with his ſorrowſul eyes, the threatened danger of his fair Miftrifs, for whose ſafety he had ingaged not onely his own courage, but the valours also of all his friends and kindred, became tormented with many thoughts, and divers ſolutions, ſince if he absolutely performed the commanding requeſt of his hated rival, he was no more ſecured (as he ſuppoſed) of Brifania's prefervation, then if he ſhould yield to nothing he deſired, but rather gave Fridius the more liberty to be cruel, when he had no occafion to fear; and for any promife

S

he

The Princeſs Clorïa ;

PART II.

he could make, it was to be eſteemed like the reſt of his false actions: Wherefore he almost determined to fend away the Herald with a threatening denial, inſtead of a ſubmiſſive conſent. But then reflecting upon the apprehenſions of his dear love, who as he believed, would imagine that he eſteemed much more a little honour then the ſaving of her life, it deſtroyed his former half ſolution, and entered him again into new and confused considerations, which were loft in his deſperate breath with diversity of paſſions, until caſting his ſad eyes towards the place where Brifania was, as a pure ſacrifice to be offered according to his imagination, who ſeemed in his apprehenſion already to accuſe him of unworthy love, that could ſo long diſpute in his minde her preſervation; of a ſudden he might fee one caſt headlong from the top of the Caſtle into the Ditch, which too ſoon perſwaded his belief that the wicked Tyrant had prevented his judgment, by performing the execution before the return of his Meſſenger: So that he remained like one that ſeemed to be changed into a Marble Statue, until a Flag of Truce appeared joyfully upon the Caſtle, as a teſtimony of future friendſhip: However Saxanius could not be ſatified in the Omen, until a Meſſenger from the Fort aſſured him, not onely of the Ladies ſafety, but alſo of the death of Fridius; with this relation, that the Souldiers of the Fort, neither being able to endure their Prinſeſs captivity, nor the Tyrants cruelty, had by force reſcued their Miſtrſs, and committed a ſupream justice upon his perſon; who now was ſent from Brifania to know, what conditions the beſiegers expeſted, both for her liberty and the Town they had already conquered. But Saxanius would make no Articles at all with his Love, for after he had diſpoſed of his Troops into ſeveral Quarters, he went to preſent himſelf a ſlave to the fair Captive he had redeemed, where he intended to chain his freedom for ever. However Caſſianus finding that he was not onely fallen into ſome diſdain, by reaſon of thoſe deſires he expreſt for his own preſervation, as alſo Saxanius likely to take poſſession of thoſe favours he might have enjoyed, imagined there was no way to preſerve him ſtill in the good will of his Lady, but to diſcover his quality, which he ſuppoſed would both advance his eſteem, and leſsen his rivals credit, and by that means he come a publick pretender to Brifania, which notwithſtanding produced no other eſfects then a challenge from Saxanius, which Caſſianus in honour could not reſufe, after he had given ſufficient teſtimonies of his condition to be a Prince and no wandring Stranger. Yet however the day was appointed for the Combat, and every ones expeſtation attended the final event of the Quarrel, Brifania's NURSE called Rhena promiſed to ſatifie all parties without danger or blood, provided her Miſtrſs would be directed by her Councils, and become Wife to him whom the Heavens had ordained to be her Husband.

This ſtrange intricacy, gave curious deſires to multitudes of people to be preſent at the wonder, ſince both the Champions were reſolved not to be foiled in their Honour, ſcarce in their Loves; wherefore they came into the Field armed, to ſupply the deſect of the old womans performance, according to her bold promife: But when they were prepared to have ended the difference by a bloody encounter, Rhena intreated them they would firſt repair to the great Temple to ſacrifice to the immortall Gods, where ſhe ſaid, ſhe might perhaps relate ſuch a ſtory, that would ſatifie all their deſires. This propoſition from the old woman, although it carried not with it much probability of according the rivals, their quarrel being grounded upon a difference, that knew not how to admit of any competition, when gratitude it ſelſ seemed to have no place in Caſſianus diſpoſition, though he enjoyed his life by the fortunate favour of Saxanius; yet by the importunate ſcryes of the people, who began to be leſs curious and more pittiful, they were perſwaded to follow her directions, and being before the Altar encompaſſed round about by the expeſting multitude, Rhena after ſhe had called the Heavens to witneſs, of the truth of what ſhe intended to utter, delivered this relation, which as ſhe ſaid, ſhe had bound her ſelf by a vow never to declare, until ſome neceſſity not to be avoided, ſorced from her the diſcovery.

When beauteous Elizana, ſaid ſhe, the vertuous Mother of Prince Caſſianus here preſent,

131

present, was confrained with her dear Husband, to flye from the Countrey of Mefoporamia by the prevailing power of Artaxes general, in the way being great with Childe, she was forced to retire to the house of my late Lord, Father to Brifania, whose Wife was her near Kinswoman, and at the fame time great also, where she had not remained many dayes before she was delivered of a fair Daughter, as my Lady not long after of another, to the joy of the whole house: However, the Gods esteeming my Mistris too good for this life, took her out of this world before she had finished the moneth of her Child-birth, to the unspeakable fadneſs both of her Husband, and all her Servants, leaving no ſſue to inherit her ſingular vertues but a Daughter onely. Elizana also being quickly called away by her own troubles, left her little infant unto my education, as my Lord also truſted me with his Jewel: But accidents and the Wars in Armenia growing every day more hot then other, for the better ſecurity and quiet, I was perſwaded with the two Children, to retire to my own house, where we remained for ſome years, they contented to be each others companion, as I happy to be both their Foster Mother, ſince they increaſed not ſo ſaſt in dayes and nights as in beauty and goodneſs; but alas the Fates were envious at our felicity, and took one of them out of the world, and with theſe words the old woman wept, with the remembrance of her dear loſs, until her many tears running down her aged cheeks, gave ſome interruption to her diſeourſe: But finding her grief was ſcarce ſeafonable to the paſſionate multitude, ſhe wiped her eyes, and then proceeded: When the violence of the War, ſaid she, became ſo qualified, that Parents had ſome leaſure to enjoy the comfort of their Children, I preſented my Lord with a beautiful Daughter; though for the other I had in charge, I deſired his favour to make my excufe, ſince it was not in my power to prevent the will of the Gods, which gave him ſo much ſatisfaction, that he perſwaded Elizana by letter to be content that had many more, which continued until my Lady Brifania by his late death as you know, became heir to all his poſſeſſions, though interrupted ſome time by wicked Fridius, and redeemed by valiant Saxanius, to whom without a great deal of ingratitude ſhe cannot but give her ſelf, and all that ſhe hath, ſince ſhe hath received it from his hands. At which words Caffianus began to muſter up within his breaſt a multitude of paſſions, until the old woman turning towards him, told him, that preſently ſhe would render him ſatisfied also: Wherefore, after the people were a little quieted in their confused murmur, ſhe thus ended her ſtory: But now ſaid ſhe to unriddle this myſtery, and fully to perform my promife I muſt let know, that Brifania was not childe to your late decaſed Governour, but Daughter to worthy Elizana; I onely uſing that fallacy upon the death of the other, becauſe I feared the loſs to my Lord would have proved a vexation intollerable, ſince he wanted Children to inherit his Fortune and Honour; and for Elizana I ſuppoſed the croſſe would not appear ſo great, in reſpect of the bountifulneſſe of the iſſe, which the Gods had beſtowed upon her; however I made a private vow to my ſelf, as I ſaid, never to diſcover this myſtery, until ſome preſſing occaſion forced from me the declaration, as well to retain Brifania in her ſuppoſed Fathers poſſeſſions, as to take from their Parents all jealouſe of my fraud. But ſince the Heavens by the power and right of Conqueſt, have now eſtabliſht my Lord Saxanius in that Government, which Brifania did intend innocently to uſurp, and that his noble pretenſions to her love, deferve her beſt entertainment, as if the Gods intended a perpetual unity in their hearts againſt all obſtacles, I hope it will be the opinion of all here preſent, that the marriage between them be ſolemnized inſtantly in the Temple; and the rather for that I cannot doubt, Prince Caffianus will forbid the conjunction, ſince nature denies him the capacity of ſuch a happineſs. This Declaration was quickly warranted by the deſires of all the people with loud acclamations; ſo that Brifania turning about to Saxanius with a blush that more enflamed his joy, after a little paſſue ſaluted him with this language: My Lord, ſaid ſhe, for ſo it ſhould ſeem the deſtinies have deſigned you againſt all difficulties, though whether I ſhall be now eſteemed worthy in your vertuous thoughts, to give you that Title

S 2.

may

The Princess Clorias

PART II.

may be some question, since your noble address formerly received not those ready entertainments they merited: However, I shall endeavour to perfwade you to believe, that the Heavens have had a secret influence, whereby the better to unite our selves, since my prepofterous affection to my Brother upon small grounds, endeavoured fomething to obscure your perfections in my apprehension, which now appear to my knowledge, in a most full and affectionate prospect, that absolutely de lights all my fenses. And with that, as if she had been too liberal in her language, like a Rose over-preft with the nights dew, by little and little caft down her lovely looks upon the ground. Saxanius inftead of delivering his judgement concerning Britania's plea, put in execution his intended decree by a gentle kifis upon her fair lips, which gave the people sufficient intelligence of his thoughts, so that the marriage became prefently solemnized, to the content of all the fanders by, but more specially to themselves, whose happineſs could not fully be apprehended but in the fruition onely. And this Madam I fay, is the delightful, though intricate ſtory of Caſſianus adventures, ſince his departure out of Lydia, which he was pleafed to figure in writing under his own hand; however to none but to his faithful friend and chiefest counſellour Dimogoras.

But now that I have entertained your ears with these ſtrange though, pleasant paf- fages; as I may fay, feemingly rather miracles, then accidents, I ſhall come nearer a great deal to your concernments: This intelligence of the safety of the Prince you muſt know, enflamed the thoughts of Dimogoras; whereupon he be- gan to confider, if a marriage could be compassed between Clorias the Kings Daugh- ter and Caſſianus, it would undoubtedly, not only ſtrengthen his own greatneſs, but exceedingly fortifie all manner of contentions of the Senate, with Euarchus the King, ſince by this means his Daughter ſhould not be matched to any Forreign Prince, that might give her Father affiſtance; but rather by degrees would be wrought to be an enemy to his pretenſions and desires.

With theſe considerations he went preſently to the Senate, whereby to make them acquainted with the intelligence he had received: And to this purpose, being fat in the Council, he uttered this kinde of ſpeech, with as much eloquence as his natural roughneſs, and want of education could deliver.

My Lords, faſd he, as it is moſt evident, the Gods have hitherunto proſpered our attempts in a moſt admirable manner, to the wonder of all Asia; ſo of the other ſide may we again behold, a kinde of miraculous influence depending upon theſe accidents, ſignified unto me by Prince Caſſianus Letters: Theſe things being confidered, I fee no reaſon, nay I may boldly affirm there is a great deal of piety in the ſolution, both belonging to the ſervice of the Gods, as almoſt towards the eſtablishing of our own affairs, to endeavour all wayes poffible, to unite the perſons and affections of Clorias the Kings Daughter, and Caſſianus the adven- terous Prince, in ſuch indifſolvable ties of Love and Marriage, that may not one- ly render them happy themselves, but ſecure us from all fear of a Forreign Cunjun- cion, that undoubtedly would diſorder (if not deſtroy) that work we have already wifely begun, and hope ſhall fortunately end in this Kingdome. For my part I muſt confefs, I do almoſt tremble, yet when I confider in how great a hazzard our affairs ſood, before your Admiral ſurprized the Princes at Per- game; for that the alliance intended between her ſelf and Narciſſus, could not have been other then ominous; when as of the other ſide we are moſt aſſured, to finde Caſſianus upon all occafions, not onely a furtherer of our deſigns, but a lover of our perſons. Perhaps you may be a little startled with the doubts, that Clorias will ſcarce be brought to think of ſuch Nuptials, but truly theſe are merely frivolous considerations, in comparifon of benefits of States, and Kingdoms: wherefore I fay, if ſhe cannot be perfwaded to yield her conſent, by the influence of his Courtſhip, ſhe muſt be compelled by your power and authority. So that my opinion is, that Caſſianus be preſently ſent for, not onely to put in execu- tion, with all expedition, what we ſhall determine for our own happineſs, and the Kingdoms welfare; but almoſt to be honoured and maintained by our loves and affecti-

affections, according to our former resolution and promifes. Let it suffice there
seemeth already a sympathy in their years, beauty, and religion, and what wants of
Titles and Poffeffions, our Authorities muft make up, to be supplied according to
accidents and occasions; for that in point of honour, as I intimated before, we are
obliged by many promifes, not onely to fettle this injured Prince, again in his loft
Dominions, but to render him as happy as we can by our endeavours.

This Oration being delivered with more violence then Rhetorick, he fate down
in his place expecting the iſſue: which produced not onely ſeveral diſcourſes, but
much ſeeming contention, in regard of divers and fundry intereſts: yet Dimogoras,
with others of the fame Faſtion, ſo far prevailed at laſt, that it was absolutely de-
creed that Caſſianus should with all expedition be ſent for, with an affurance of the
intended match between him and the Princes Clorïa.

When Crefes had made an end of thus much of his diſcourse, he reſted ſilent,
as it were expecting ſome kindne of reply from Roxana: but finding the old woman
at leaſtwife troubled, if not ſomething confounded at the relation, he began anew
with her in this manner.

Truly, faſd he, it were a kinde of diſſervice, onely to mention dangers to torment
your apprehenſion; and not at the fame time to propound remedies that might
probably cure the diſeafe; which would turn all my proſeſſed courteſies into no-
thing but cauſes of jealousy and ſuſpition: Wherefore, Madam, as the time that
will be given, for the ſolicitations of Caſſianus cannot be long; his arrival being
expected every hour, many weeks being paſt since he was ſent for to Sardis: to
muſt you ſpeedily reſolve upon the prevention, unleſs you are willing to comply
with the Senates intentions. In ſhort, be your thoughts and ſolutions what they
will, I make bold to aſſure you, if you dare but give ſufficient confidence to my
promifes; or doubt not my capacity to perform them, to deliver the Princes Clorïa
and your ſelf free from your preſent imprisonment; which being effected, you may
retire under the protection of Euarchus the King at Philadelphia; yet I muſt leave
the particulars to further diſcourſes, when I may be aſſured of your ſolutions:
but if neither my deſign, or faith pleafe you; for that perchance I seem to be at
preſent, what notwithstanding I intend not to be many dayes, I muſt conjure you
not to diſcover theſe motions to any, but to your Lady, which is a justice I hope
your honour and goodneſs cannot deny me.

It was a question whether this ſtory and offer did more amaze or content Roxana,
since as ſhe did not expect the one, ſhe would not hope for the other: notwith-
ſtanding with ſew circumſtances, and a great deal of thanks, ſhe entertained his
motion, confirmed with her ſtrong proteſtations of all their gratitudes to that ſer-
vice he ſhould perform; which was enough to part them at preſent, by reaſon of
the paſſion the old woman had to inform the Princes.

Roxana, although ſhe acquainted her Miſtrefs with theſe pleasing propofitions,
(who apprehended them ſent by the Gods for their good) yet ſhe resolved in her
thoughts to enquire after the party and his intereſt, by which ſhe intended to lay
the ground of thoſe Councils ſhe would uſe. To this purpofe, after ſome ſew dayes
ſhe became informed, that he was a young Nobleman of Lyria, called Crefes, em-
ployed by the Senate in the Government of the Countrie about the Castle, which
made her alſo obſerve his actions, whereby ſhe might learn, whether it were a new
inſtructed duty that taught him better obedience to the Kings ſervice then formerly?
Or whether ſome diſcontent of his other Lords proceedings at Sardis, in regard of
his own perſon, cauſed him revengefully to put off his truſt? But as within the com-
paſs of ſome weeks ſhe was ſatified it was neither of theſe reaſons that gave him
an appetite to leave his command, and begin a new Loyalty to his King, ſo of the
other ſide ſhe became aſſured in her opinion, that his ſecret love to the Princes Clor-
ïa was the principal cauſe that made him offer ſo acceptable a ſervice, to the hazzard
of his own life; and with this knowledge ſell into many considerations with her Mi-
ſtrefs, whether it were better with ſecurity of their perſons, ſtill to remain in the
Castle, where they were under the jurisdicſion of the Senate, and to expect the

vexations

The Princess Clorïa ;

PART II.

134

vexations of *Caffianus* importunity upon his arrival, as *Crefes* had informed them,
or hazzard themselves under the protection of the new Lover, whose disposition
and intention they were not acquainted withal; nevertheless, after long debate
they fell upon the latter, which was rather absolutely to trust his passion, then ex-
pect the Senates goodneſs; and to that purpose *Roxana* told *Crefes* in the Princesſes
name, that she was resolved wholly not onely to rely upon his fidelity, but to be di-
rected in her journey to her Father by his care; which gave *Crefes* a world of content,
not alone that he was thought worthy of ſo great a confidence, but by this means
he ſhould free his apprehenſion from the danger of *Caffianus* Courtship; ſo that
within a weeks' ſpace he provided all things neceſſary for their eſcape; whilſt in the
mean time *Cloria* pretended a ſickneſs that cauſed her to keep her chamber, where-
by no ſuſpition of her flight might remain for ſome dayes after her departure,
as *Crefes* did of important buſineſs, which called him to a neceſſary attendance at
*Sardis*.

When the deſigned night came that they were to begin their journey, which was
expected with ſome impatience, the Princes, *Roxana*, and their intrusted Dwarf, the
only attendants they would uſe for fear of diſcovery, repaired to a place at the
foot of the Castle hill, where one Sentinel being more curious then the reſt, would
have interrupted their paſſage, but their ready knowledge of the Word gave him a
quick diſcharge, and ſo conſquently ſet them free to take their Horſes, that were
provided not far off by *Crefes* care, who was there also attending himſelf to mount
the Princes, and the other company: Scarce had the chearful morning appeared
in the Eaſt, after a tedious nights travel in rough and unbeaten wayes, when they
arrived at an even plain, that not onely aſſorded them ſome conſolation, to ſweeten
their paſt inconvenience, but gave opportunity to *Crefes*, reflecting upon his own
truſt, and enflamed by his ſecret love, to uſe this language to the Princes.

Madam, said he, as I envy not the Gods happineſs, in the converſation I have
power to enjoy, ſo the truſt that is committed to my care, deſerves a diligence be-
yond expreſſion, wherein if I had a thouſand lives, they were all too ſew to be em-
ployed in ſuch a ſervice; yet give me leave to ſay without prophanation of your
facred ſelf, that love is the onely price that ought to purchase your perſon by an ho-
nourable pitty, which cannot be wanting, where there are ſo many other admirable
perfections; for ſince none can merit your vertues, your goodneſs will appear in
the greatest luſtre, when it ſhall be ſeen you chufe, because you intend absolutely to
oblige, like the heavens that take moſt pleasure in forgiving highest offences. It
may perhaps be eſteemed by ignorant apprehenſions, a kinde of an equality in
worth, when Titles are united; but you know that dark foils are uſed to illustrate
bright Diamonds, wherefore let not honours be the object of your looks; which
however, although they cannot out-ſhine yours, yet certainly the clearneſs of your
beauty will beſt appear, when others are removed, like the fair Moon when the Sun
is moſt obſcured that offends by his too much violence; Flowers ſeem more de-
lightful in innocent Fields, then in ſtately Gardens; and Chriftal ſtreams are plen-
tifuller replenſhed with variety of watry Inhabitants, when the green Meadows
give them bounds, rather then where Marble ſtructures enrich their abode; then
kiffing her hand with a paſſionate earneſtneſs, he bathed her white Glove with a
ſew of his own Tears, that quickly gave *Cloria* Items of his intentions; but ſhe
would take no notice of his dicourſe, being unwilling to diſquiet her protection,
ſince ſhe could not conſeſſe to his deſire, ſo that ſhe was conſtrained prettily to
divert the occasion, by calling her Governeſs to the communication, pretending that
elſe her rigid gravity might chide them both for their diſrespect: When *Roxana*
was arrived at a nearer diſtance, the Princes perceiving her to be much troubled, if
not altogether tired with the paſt nights travel, by her often removing her ſelf up-
on her Saddle, not being accustomed to many ſuch exerciſes, after ſhe had bid her
be of good chear, began to question with her, concerning the practice and em-
ployment of her youth; and whether or no women in those dayes did uſe to ride
a hunting, according to the fashions now of Lydia? Faith no Madam, said *Roxana*,
in

in those times maids were more modestly bred, then to exercise such hoiting recreations; for if their mothers suffered them to walk a turn or two in the Garden, after they had performed a good dayes work upon their Samplers, and of Holydays to go eat a mefs of Cream in some honest neighbours house, it was esteemed a large liberty; besides there was a careful provision by their parents, that no men of any fort should accompany them, although they were such as pretended to be Suitors, and the conditions of marriage already agreed upon; but now by my truly, there is nothing but private Courtship and publick Love, with continual divertizements from one pleasure to another; so that young Girls endeavour nothing more, then to become bold and scandalous: nay, I can assure you Princes, said she, Maids durst not so much as smile before their Fathers and Mothers, scarce looking upon their Woes before they were married, in which baſhful poſture on the night of their Nuptials, they entertained their Husbands with tears only.

This discourse, or rather passion of the old woman, proceeding as 'twas supposed from the hard going of her Horſe, gave Clorïa occasion to tell her in a gentle smile, that the reason why they did not practice such pastimes, was because they wanted good horſes for the sport, and Coaches as she had heard were not then in uſe: Good Horſes, said Roxana, I cannot tell what you call good, but for my part I was never worſe carried then at the present; at which the Princes began to laugh outright, since she had so directly hit upon the diſale of her Governeſs. However Crefes that he might prevent all quarrels told her, that ſhe found hers not eafe, ſhe should ride on his, which perhaps would better please her, although he prettled, he had no design but to accommodate her before himſelf; whereupon taking her down from her faddle, in a quarter of an hours time made the exchange, though the labour ſeemed fruitleſs, for the old woman being no whit amended in the choice, ſhewed the defect proceeded from her age, and not from her Steed: Nevertheleſs moſt couragionſly (though ſhe did ſweat for the buſinſeſs) the arrived at the Forreſt, where they intended to repofe themſelves for the noon ſeason, that required ſome made against the ſuns violence: Crefes chose a flourishing Tree for the Princes accommodation, which contented her thoughts as well, as the richeſt Canopy of State in her fathers Court, and the provision that the Dwarf had brought with him, abundantly ſatisfied inſtead of other curiosities: these ſatifaſtions exacted from Clorïa another neceſsary duty, that the night paſt had abſolutely debarred her of, which was ſhewed by the gentle cloſing of her fair eyes from the dayes light, whileſt in the mean time Roxana had conveniency, after ſhe had put something under her Ladies head, to retire her ſelf under another Tree, to be indulgent also to her own ſenſes.

But Crefes whose love and care cauſed him to be a diligent Sentinel over the Princesſes rest, afforded him also the happineſs of this contemplation; in which ſain he would have stollen a kif, but that he feared the Heavens would have revealſed the theft: Can the Gods (thought he) be altogether stupid, to suffer ſo divine a creature upon earth, and leave their own habitation barren of ſuch excellence, ſince more then a thouſand Cupids, are ready to offer ſacrifices upon the pure Alтар of her fair Fore-head, perfumed by the Incense of her odoriferous breath? Can theſe two illuſtrious Cherries, said he, that onely kifs one another, because they cannot meet with the like perfections, be leſs powerful then to invite ſove from Olympus to taſe of the dainties? But beholding a preſumptuous flye, boldly to entertain it ſelf in the delicious Garden of her Face, where mixt Roſes and Lillies gave it both nouriſhment and delight, notwithstanding the many gentle prohibitions of her white hand, he began paſſionately to exclaim against the rudenſs of the creature; yet when he saw its black colour and curious shape, ſerved inſtead of a foyl to become her beauty, as if put there rather by art then nature, he not onely let the ſilly beaſt alone, but commended his industry, however finding her ſleepy imporſtunity, desired ſomething earneſtly to be rid of that troublesome ornament, he could do no leſs then contribute his affiſtance, and haſtily endeavoured to chafe the flye from that Paradice, where it wanted neither flowers nor exercise, at which the

Princesſ

The Princeſs Clorïa;

PART II.

Princeſs ſuddenly wakened with a demand, what had diſturbed her in her reſt? But
poor Crefes durſt not own the diſquiet, and ſo he ſell alſleep again, in which inno-
cent calm he remained until Roxana's confident authority, made her know it was
time to prepare for the afternoons journey; and this injunction was ſufficient to
render her obedient againſt the enticements of her wearied ſenſes.

Many dayes they had not travelled in this large Forreſt, to ſeeke out obſerve
wayes to prevent ſurprize, ſince they ſuppoſed they ſhould haſtily be purſued, if not
encountred by ſome of the Senates Forces, lying in a manner every night either
in a poor Cottage, or in the open air, which the courageous Princeſs underwent with
an admirable fortitude; hoping her reward at laſt ſhould be not onely to ſee her
dear Father, but to hear ſome news of her Love Narciſſus, for whose ſake her
thoughts were chieſly tormented; before they arrived at a ſmall Plain encompaſſed
with wood, which the more flouriſhed, becauſe Phebus had not ſo abſolute a do-
minion in that place as eſwhere. At the farther end of the Plain upon the riſing
of a little hill, that directed its view towards the Eaſt, they might behold a houſe;
though not of any appearing capacity, to contain many perſons; but long they
had not contemplated the commodity of their ſuppoſed nights lodging, e're they
ſpyed an old Father with a book in his hand, ſitting under a Tree, which gave oc-
calion to Crefes, whilſt the Princeſs and Roxana were content to take ſome pleafure
in that ſolitude, to preſent himſelf to the aged man, as well to be inſormed who he
was, as alſo to receive ſome benefit by his alliſtance.

Wherefore, after they had civilly falutied one another; and that Crefes
had told him, he conducted certain diſtressed Ladies towards Philadel-
phia, where their friends remained in the Kings Wars; and alſo that they
wanted for the preſent accommodation of lodging for the approaching night,
the old man ſeemed not onely willing to pleafure him in any thing, but of the
ſudden burſt forth into abundance of Tears and Complaints, as it ſhould ſeem
at the remembrance of Euarchus and his fortunes; which made Crefes the
more paſſionate to be inſormed of his condition, and to that purpofe deſired
him, that he would be pleased to let him know what accident had driven him into
that ſolitary course of life; ſo both ſeating themſelves upon a little riſing hillock,
becauſe the old Father was not capable of a long diſcourſe without ſome repoſe, he
uttered this language.

Sir, faid he, ſince you will needs be acquainted with my fortunes, you muſt know
in my youth I was bred by the careful industry of my parents a Scholler, which
profession brought me firſt in credit with my Prince Euarchus Father, who was
himſelf not onely learned, but exceedingly loved the converſation of thofe that
were poſſeſed with ſuch qualities, which at the firſt joyned with the ambition of
of my own nature, made me a Courtier, and that vocation, as I thought, exaſted
from me a diligence to preferment, however honours were but moderately conferred
upon me, during the life of the old King, though after his death his ſon Euarchu,
whether miſtaking my ability, or being in love with my fidelity, ſhowred down ſo
many favours upon me, that I not onely in a ſhort time became chief Flamin of
all Lydia, but in a manner governed the whole State under the King, which heap-
ed on me ſuſufficient envy; and the rather, ſince I conferred many offices poſſeſed
formerly by the Nobility upon thofe of my own profession, whereby the better
to ſtrengthen my party, and dignify my condition: in this poſture I remained,
until the great Senate that now rules in Lydia chafed me from Court and Common-
weale, which made me ſeek out this private habitation, until the Fate of Euarchus
Government ſhall be ſo determined, that I may again return to his ſervice, or re-
ſolve to end my life in this ſolitude; and with that wept, which for ſome time
continued them both in a penſive ſilence, until Crefes importuned the aged Fa-
ther to put off his ſorrow; or at leaſtwife, ſuffer him to be a ſharer with him in
his grief, by letting him know more particularly the cauſes: This gave occaſion
to the old man to tell him plainly that many Souldiers were newly arrived in the
Forreſt, to ſhelter themſelves by the protection of the Woods, from the rage of
their

their perſecutors, who followed them after a Battle that was lately fought between
Thyſaſmas and the Senates Forces, where both he and almost his whole Army being
furprized by an Ambuſcado of the Enemy, had loft the day to the abſolute de-
ſtruction of the Kings Affairs, and an utter undoing, as 'twas believed, of all his
friends, ſince Euarchus expects every hour in perſon to be beſieged in Philadelphia.

This unexpected news, did more then trouble Crefes, not onely because it did
in manner deſtroy his own hopes, that ſeemed to depend upon the ſucceds of the
journey he had in hand, which was to preſent the Princesſe Cloria an acceptable
offering to her Father, but in denying them all means to avoid a dangerous con-
ſequence, ſince they neither could advance towards their firſt intention, for doubt
of interruption in the paſſage by ſcattering Troops of the Senates Garrifons, nor
durſt retire back again to the Caſtle for fear of being cruelly punished for the
ſcape: ſo that he was forced to make the old Father acquainted with the perſonall
prefence of the Princes Cloria; and the rather, ſince he could no way miſtraſt his
fidelity, but of the contrary by that knowledge, procure a reception of her in his
honſe, until his own return from Philadelphia, whither he intended ſecretly to go,
that he might the better be informed of the Kings condition, and by that direction
more conveniently ſecure the Princes Cloria, either by flight into ſome forreign
Countrey, or deliver her perſon into the protection of her own Father, as he had
promiſed: yet he conjured the Flamin, after he had laid open unto him his
thoughts, intentions, and deſires, not to diſcover the leaſt ſyllable of theſe diſaſte-
rous accidents to the Princes, for fear of diſquieting her gentle boſome with mis-
fortunes, no care of hers could remedy; though he determined to perſwade her
to be contented to diſpence with his own absence for ſome time, to perform pre-
tended neceſſary ſervices for her ſaſtety. When they had ſufficiently diſeſtled theſe
reſolutions and agreements, they both roſe from their ſeats, to preſent themſelves
to Cloria: The Princes at their approach, entertained the Flamine with the fame
aſſection ſhe conceived to be due to one, that had been formerly honoured by her
Fathers favours; whilſt he with tears in his eyes, preſently conducted her and the
reſt of the company to his ſmall habitation; excuſing notwithstanding in a court-
ly phraſe, the poornears of the welcome ſhe was to expect: but long ſhe had not
enjoyed the pleasing ſecurity of that retirement, before ſhe was overtaken with a
moſt horrid and inſolent Treafon in this ſort.

The Souldiers that cowardly were fled from the Battle, as the *Flamine* had related to *Crefes*, and were retired within the Fortifications of those Woods, for their better ſecurity againſt their purſuers, understanding by ſome intelligence that the Princes *Cloria* was lodged privately within the old Fathers house, began to consider, that if they returned her back again to the Senate at *Sardis*, from whence they underſood ſhe was eſcaped, it would prove ſo acceptable, that they ſhould not onely thereby purchase all their pardons, but probably many of the chief actors might receive considerable rewards. This opinion they no sooner entertained in their wicked and diſloyal breaks, but the execution followed with ſo much violence, that they not onely seized *Cloria* and *Roxana*, but alſo carried with them the old *Flamine*, as a full period to their ſupream villany, notwithstanding all the perſwasions could be uſed towards them: But the Gods hating the Traytours, though the Senate made uſe of the Treafon; all they could procure for this acceptable ſervice, was to have their lives ſaved, upon condition they ſhould within ten dayes depart the Kingdom; or eſſe, to ſuffer preſent death wherefoever they could be found after the limited time, which caused them to curse the very day of their births.

However this juſt ſentence was a deferving reward for their offences, yet poor
Cloria enjoyed no comfort in her captivity, but rather her croſſes were augmented
by the arrival of *Caffianus*: ſo that one day when ſhe was retired into the inner-
moſt part of her lodgings, with an intention to contribute a large proportion to
her forrows, eſteeming it the beſt conversation ſhe could poſſeſſe in theſe ſad times,
ſhe was of a ſudden ſaluted by the Prince, who conceived his power gave him

a ſuf-

The Princes/ Gloria ;

PART II.

a sufficient warrant for any intrusion; where, after he had continued his courtship with a few complemenns, he strived to protest his affection, with all the reasons that the fame Religion, nearneſs of kindred, and his vow'd ſervice to her Father could pretend unto; which pluckt from the Princes this sharp and sudden reply, contrary to her nature.

Couzen, faſd the, although your own thoughts can beſt witness the Religion you hold, yet give me leave to tell you, that my knowledge receives no ſatisfaction by your proſeffion, ſince you violently ſeem to run along with that current, that ſeeks by all means poffible to destroy the Lydian Rights, in taking away the Flaminis out of the Temples, the onely pretended occafion now of theſe Wars, between my father and his Senate; in which Cuitomes I have been brought up from my Cradle. Again, for your blood, I muſt confes it is of ſo near kindred with mine, that I wonder you do not bluſh to fee me ſuffer an injurious captivity, without revenge or aſſiſtance; much more, to be a principal cauſe of my imprisonment, ſince your prepoſterous aſſections addes flames to the Senates cruelty; when as my love in all justice ſhould rather be perſwaded then compelled. And laſtly, concerning the ſervice you proſels to my Father, as I would be glad to fee ſome effects thereof by real actions, inſtead of aiery, and perhaps of falſe proſeffions; ſo of the other ſide, I muſt deſire you to remember, that Prince Caffianus was alwayes entertained, and cheriſhed by King Enarchus, with all humanity and bounty, when his regal power was not diminifhed: wherefore in my opinion, you have no reaſon to ſide with that ſaction, that ſtrives to pluck the Diadem from the brows of him and his poſterity; in which number I have, or ought to have a conſiderable intereſt.

Caffianus, after he had received this bitter reply, with a certain pale, if not guilty look, reſted for ſome time, as it were frozen in a kinde of deſpair, not being able to utter one ſyllable in defence of himſelf, againſt ſuch desperate language, as he thought delivered by a heavenly Oracle: yet at laſt, left he might ſeem altogether conquered by the force of her reaſons, when it was impoſſible her ſweet words could wound, but with the darts of Cupid, he fearfully returned this anſwer, which reached her ears, but not her belief.

Madam, faſd he, for the differences in Religion between your Father and his Senate, I eſteem them no way eſſential; conſtiting onely in matter of Ceremony, which with a little labour may easily be reconciled to both their advantages: And for that bloud of yours, that ſo much honoured my birth, I could wifh to have an occafion to let it out from nouriſhing my heart, whereby to do you the leaſt ſervice; though your releaſe cannot fall within the capacity of my power, ſince it is the command of the whole Kingdom, that reſtrains your liberty; nevertheleſs without any thought of injury intended to your perſon: for, if I believed the Senate had any determination to diminifh much leſs to deprive your Royal Father of those Flowers which belong juſtly to his glorious Crown, I should be ſo far from countenancing of their endeavours, that I would contend with all difficulties, to tear the remembrance of their intentions from the face of the earth; however, I cannot deny, but I meerly ſubſift by their extraordinary bounty, ſince I have loſt the poſſeffion of mine own Countrey, that ſhould maintain my condition. At which words the Princes with a diſdainſul ſmile, gave him a diſembled thanks, accompanied by ſo ſweet and becoming a ſcorn, that Caffianus ſeemed more bitten at her ſilence then by the diſpute; though Roxana could not chuse but take her Miſtreſſes part, and conſequently made this cholorick anſwer, to that little he had faſd in his own defence.

My Lord, faſd he, I cannot but wonder if the points in Religion, be of no greater difference then you ſpeak of, that the Senate ſhould diſturb the quiet State of Lydia with ſo much blood and ſlaughter, to compell Enarchus to change the Government, when it is evident he deſires but to maintain the proſeffion of his Father without alteration; nay rather methinks it would have been greater marks of their piety, to have given way to the Kings humour, in ſo ſmall a thing of

con-

PART II. or, The Royall Romance. 139

consequence, then to have bought the alteration at so dear and dangerous a price. And for the latter part of your discourſe, I shall onely put you in minde, that as your Uncles love and bounty never failed you, when he was in a flourishing proſpere,ty, so you may do nobly to pay his actions paſt, and his neceſſities preſent, with teſtimonies of gratitude and duty. *Caffianus* although he vowed to the ut-termoft of his power, he did and would render him his beſt endeavours, yet he quickly changed the ſubject of the diſcourſe, pretending that love at the preſent, was more ſuitable to his diſpoſition then hate, and therefore began again to court the Princels with fresh complements: however when he found with a neglectful ſilence, ſhe onely ſeemed to hear his words, without a will to understand the matter, as if ſhe were leſs pleaed with thoſe ſmiles, then with the Senates frowns, he abruptly quitteſt the room, with a kinde of a dark cloud in his looks: within two dayes after this encounter, the old *Flamin* was brought before the great Senate to receive his trial, not onely for having been in his Court employments a diſturber of the State, as *twas pretended by his ill council to *Enarchus*, but at the preſent for being an inſtrument, to convey the Princels out of the Senates protection, and conceal her perſon in his house, whereby to marry her to ſome foreign power, that might endanger the proſperity of *Lydia*. Which accufations were ſo ſpitefully alledged againſt him, with ſuch prejudicate reſolutions for his ruine, that the old man had not force enough, to ſuſtain the weight of the proſecution, though he expreſt a competent courage in his defence, and ſo was condemned publickly to loſe his head upon a Scaſſold, in the view of all the people, who at leaſtwise appeared contented, if not pleſed at the novelty.

But *Cloria* when ſhe heard of this ſudden, and as ſhe conceived, horrid determination, was poſſeſſed with a noble compaſſion, not onely confidering the old man to have been a moſt faithful ervant to her Father, but unfortunate by this intended Tragedy, onely for entertaining her at his house, as a teſtimony of his Loyalty to the Royal Family, which wrought in her gentle ſoul divers perturbations: First, ſhe considered, that if he ſuffered, it would be ſome ſtain to her honour, ſince he appeared rather to be a Martyr for her, then for himſelf, which obligation ſhe was unwilling to undergo, without ſome teſtimonies of a ſupream gratitude; yet then when ſhe reflected upon that ſubmiſſion, ſhe muſt use to beg his life of the Senate, ſhe thought the ſacrifice of an old *Flamine*, who e're long could not chuse but be an offering to the earth, would not prejudice his own happinſes, much leſs tax her of ill nature; and therefore became half perſwaded to let him run his laſt period with glory, rather then become a ſuppliant to her Fathers *Subjects* for mercy: yet after much contestation with her ſelf, the vertuous Princels ſell upon this appearance, that ſhe in a manner became the author of ill, by omitting that good ſhe had power to do, and by that means ſhould deferve the world's confure: ſo that pitty, gratitude, and religion ſeemed to contend with courage, honour, and diſdain, till at laſt ſhe flew to this reſolution, to ſend for *Caffianus*, and conjure him by the hopes of his deſired love, to be ſo far an interceſſour in the poor *Flamines* behalf, as to preſerve him from deſtruction by his power or intereſt; though again when ſhe entred into consideration, what a jealous ſcruple the requeſt might raſe in *Narciffus* thoughts, if ever he ſhould come to know of the action, it almoſt destroyed the pionſnels of her intention: nevertheleſs ſhe called *Roxana*, and wiſht her in her name to fetch *Caffianus* to ſpeak with her, ſince her reſolutions were not long to be protracted, if ſhe had a will they ſhould prove effectual; yet as the old woman was going out of the door to perform her meſsage, ſhe suddenly commanded her back again, labouring as it were in her inconſtant conſtancy, until *Roxana* her ſelf being displeafed with her ſtruitleſs irreſolutions, at length went without her leave.

When *Caffianus* came, he found the Princesſe feared not onely in a dark chamber, but environed with thoſe mourning Curtains about her bed, which ſhe had caused to be hung up ſince her laſt imprisonment, as teſtimonies of the diſcontented ſtate ſhe conceived her ſelf in: When *Roxana* had inſformed her of the Princes pre-

ſence

The Princess of Gloria;

PART II.

fence to attend her pleasure, after she had with a low voice desired him to fit down in a Chair near her, she used this discourse unto him.

Coufin, said she, is it possible you can think, that the blood of the poor and aged Flamin may be so acceptable an offering to the Gods, as to make them thereby more propitious to your desires? or do you believe, that my love which you seem to hope for, will be perfwaded easily by the cruelty of so horrid a sacrifice? if you mean to threaten instead of intreating, perhaps you may pleafe your own nature, but never I can affure, compel my liking; since I finde in my soul so much courage yet left, notwithstanding all my misfortunes, as not to give away my affections to one that hath merited so much just hate from me. Certainly you are miftaken to think, Cypres Branches are fit Ornaments to become a Marriage Bed, when the many examples in that kinde have been alwayes prodigious: Can you flatter so far your own imagination, as to apprehend the flughter of my friends, and floughtered chiefly for my service, can create lefs effects in me, then a revenge when I shall have power to execute it according to my will, upon thofe that have occasioned my difpleasure? It should be strange they should expect to be entertained in my bofom, that have spightfully procured my difgraceful discontent: No Coufin affure your self, thefe are not the wayes to captivate a Virgins gentle heart, whereby to truft protestations of much a Suitor, that wanted not hate in the highest professions of his love.

Caffianus after he had heard thefe words from the Princes, haftily without any reply at all took his leave; which not onely gave occasion of many conjectures both to Gloria and Roxana, but also of some difcourfes, that produced hopes and fears, until within three hours of his departure, he again returned into the Princes Chamber, with a Reprieve for the old mans life, signed by the hands of the Senate; though with this condition, that she muft be pleafed to follow the direction of the whole Kingdome in her Marriage: however Caffianus vowed by the Heavens, he employed all his power to have procured it abfolute.

Gloria notwithstanding she was not well satisfied with the reſtriction, yet she was pleafed with the pardon, and prefently ſent it by Roxana to the Officers, that had the cuſtody of the old Flamin; whilft in the mean time she conceived ſome diſembled ſatisfaction was neceffary for Caffianus, that he might continue ſtill his beſugn courtesies to the aged Father; and withal to poffeſs him with the knowledge of the impoſsibilities that hindred the progress of his love, whereby he might be leſs violent, in preſling the Senate to the accompiſhment of his deſires: The rather ſhe fell upon this reſolution, for that Narciffus abſence, ſecured him from all danger by underhand practiſes, though her ſelf could not be confident of his safety, ſince ſhe had heard nothing from him; which consideration at the preſent, drew from her fair eyes ſome tears before ſhe uſed theſe words to Caffianus.

Worthy Coufin, said she, (for so I will now call you, ſince I finde your words real, and your love noble) if the Gods did give me the poſsibility of being your Wife, I should a great deal rather, declare my ſelf perſwaded to the choice by your own vertues, then by the Senates wifdom, ſince the intereſt of Kingdoms is not to be put in the ballance with the unity of affection; the one proceeding only from forced reaſons, that laſt no longer then the motives have power by the operation of private ends, when the other arifing from the ſecret influence of the Heavens, engraves a perpetual affection in the heart, not to be removed by humane tyranny. Wherefore I lay, intereſts of Crowns cannot contribute any thing to the felicity of Nuptials, however ſometimes they pretend false ſhews to cover hidden diſcontents, and ſo by that means couzens the world into a belief, of what the married couple never enjoy, of the contrary enduring millions of concealed torments, that are increaſed in violence, when they burſt forth like impriſoned flames, which by accidents procure their own liberty: Therefore I lay, nay I will boldly proſes the undergoing the puniſhment of a thousand deaths, before I be ever compelled to marry by the preſcription of earthly reſpects, much leſs be commanded to take any for my Husband, that hath not really perſwaded my judgement, or abſolutely wrought upon my fancy: Let it suffice your perfections, carry with them more

power-

141

powerfulnefs in my consideration, then the Senates defires do weight in my under-
standing, though I should be forry to chufe rafhly, or to be guided wholly by mine
own opinions; which is enough to let you see that my unconquered, and I hope
pure love cannot be conſtrained, although my dear life pay the ranſom of my feem-
ing wilfulness; for though tyranny may ſhut up my weak body within ftrong Walls,
until the juſt Gods puniſh the wickedneſs, yet my resolved ſoul will be free to make
election of death, or life, as the occafion ſhall be preſented; ſo that as your acti-
ons have changed already my belief of your intentions, do not again change your
actions, that I become of another minde, wherein you will but loſe honour inſtead
of gaining love; and that loſs perhaps may make you uncapable of all other for-
tunes: It is enough, I value your blood, I eſteem your perſon, and love your
vertues; however I cannot be yours in poſſession as long as Narciſſus lives: with
thoſe words wept again, as at her former apprehenſions of his safety, which continu-
ed her in a ſilence, until Caſſianus reply gave her thoughts new matter to work
upon.

Madam, said he, as I cannot but be perſwaded, though unwillingly by your powerful and excellent Rhetorick, yet give me leave to tell you, that I understand not your conclusion, ſince you have been pleafed to ſay in your diſcourse, that as long as Narciſſus lives you cannot be mine; a choice I muſt confefs, that the Gods have never to this hour revealed unto me, ſince at my leaving of Lydia, a match of a far greater Dignity in Titles, ſeemed to be the obſtacle that deſtroyed my hopes, and ſo conſequently all motions I could make of my ſecret love: But however, if my ears have not much deceived my knowledge, I have heard it generally reported, that ſome accident many moneths ſince, hath deprived Narciſſus not onely of the ſhare you pretend he hath in your affection, but alſo of all the claim he can expect in this world. If it have, said Clorïa, your pretenſions are the nearer; and with that fell a weeping again ſo bitterly, that Caſſianus could not chufe but accompany her in her grief: But after ſome time that his thoughts had liberty to enter into consideration, both of the Princesſes words and of his own concernment, ſcarce yet believing her relation, he told her, that he had no reaſon to claim the intereſt of another; yet if Narciſſus were dead, he hoped his love and ſervice ſhould expeſt the next place in her affection: And with that parted from her, with an intention to make a more particular enquiry, into the truth of the intelligence, which afforded the Princes a kinde of a calm for the preſent, that contented her thoughts for ſome moneths.

And this calm having made her diſcontents ſomething tollerable, ſhe was per-
waded one afternoon by her Governeſs, to take ſome little delight or recreation,
in a green Meadow within the limits of her imprisonment, that uſually was not fre-
quented by ſtrangers, where a River in the midſt divided the Field by a ſeeming
equal arbicration; which afforded a kinde of a ſad entertainment to the Princesſ,
whilſt Roxana was perſwaded alſo by her many ſolicitous thoughts, to ſearch out
solitary walks in the neighbouring Woods, for the exerciſe of her contemplation:
To this purpose Clorïa ſitting down by the Brook ſide, ſupporting in the interim her
fair cheeks by her white hand, whilſt her knee underpropped both, as a rich ſoun-
dation that nature had created, for the eſtablishment of a moſt noble building, her
fancy was carried as it were with a ſtedſaſt melancholly to behold the running ſtream,
that repreſented to her troubled imagination, her own inconſtant fate, that had
formerly afforded her ſome moments of happineſs, in the converſation of her dear
Narciſſus, whom now ſhe was not ſure ever to enjoy again, which by a quick courſe
ſeemed to haſten to the Sea, to be drowned in that vaſt conſuſion, as her paſt de-
light was buried in her Fathers misfortunes and her own. And as ſhe was ſending al-
ſo her tears along with the courſe of the River in the main Ocean, to be confound-
ed in the multitude of thoſe rude Waters, of a ſudden ſhe ſaw a Pilgrim to traverſe
the Meadow, as if his ignorance in thoſe parts had rendred him altogether unſkilful
in the wayes: But the Princes being yet fuller of charity then ſorrow, diſpenced
for the preſent with her grief, to give him ſome inſtruction; and to that pur-
poſe

poſe

The Princes Cloria;

PART II.

142

pofe calling him to her, began to queftion with him about his name and buſineſs:
The Pilgrim in a kinde of amazed reply told her, that as his name ſcarce deferved
any remembrance, amongſt thoſe that enjoyed happy conditions, by reaſon of his
many misfortunes, ſo for his buſineſs, he ſhould be loath to impart it to any, be-
fore it did reach the ears of the Princes Cloria, to whom it was directed, whole
abode as he was inſformed was not far off that place. Truly, anſwered the Princeſs,
if you mean that happy condition by my ſelf, you are as much niiftaken in your opi-
nion as you were in your way; however perhaps I may prove ſo fortunate to your
intention, as to help you to the ſpeech of that Lady you mention, although I muſt
tell you, this paſſage is not open to all travellers, being onely kept for the Princeſs
private recreation, and ſuch company as are confined with her in the Caſtle: At
which words the poor Pilgrim fell upon his knees to ask pardon for his fault, though
he proteſted he was altogether ignorant, that any prohibition had forwarned paſ-
fage into thoſe private walks, reſerved for the Princeſs pleaſure; however his jour-
ney into Lydia was chiefly intended to her preſence. The Princeſs quickly command-
ed him to riſe, aſſuring him, that as the limitation of thoſe Fields did not belong
wholly to her juridiction, ſhe being her ſelf a prifoner alſo under authority, ſo if
ſhe were an absolute commandreſs (as he did imagine) ſhe was ſo well acquainted
with the reverence due to his ſacred habit, that his free abſolution would ſoon have
been procured at her hands. At which words the Pilgrim began to weep, and not-
withstanding her earneſt intreaty, would by no means riſe from the ground where
he kneeled, which made Cloria wonder, though not more at the buſineſs then at
his paſſionate carriage. Wherefore after ſome few circumſtances, finding no im-
portunity of hers was able to remove him from his fettled humility, ſhe told him,
the was the Lady to whom the intention of his travels was directed. When the
Pilgrim had received this information, he beſeeched her anew to pardon his rudeer-
our, ſince as he ſaid, being lately come out of Syria, he could not be inſormed of
the dignity of her perſon, not having any attendants about her to inſtruſt his know-
ledge, and then wept again, as if his buſineſs had been nothing eſſe, but meer ex-
preſſions of ſorrow; until at laſt having wiped his eyes with a Handkerchief hang-
ing at his Girdle, he entertained the Princeſs with this language.

Moſt vertuouſ Princes, ſaid he, be pleafed to know, that it was my fortune to be
in the City of Tyre, when young Narciſſus was brought into the Town mortally
wounded, by a Ship of the fame Town, where by the courteſe of the Captain, he
was ſoon provided of convenient lodgings for his repoſe, and an ſ Assembly deſired of
the beſt Phyſicians of the place for his cure, although his name and condition was
concealed from all, but thoſe that had conveighed him thither: Thus he remained
with ſome hopes, but more doubts for many weeks of his recovery, until at laſt a
dangerous Feavor made every one in the houſe deſpair of his ſafety: Amongſt
which number it was my chance to be preparing my ſelf for a Voyageto Delphos,
according to a ſerious vow I had made to the Gods for the expiation of certain of-
fences. But he underſtanding of my intention, and conceiving my beſt way would
be to pafs by the Kingdom of Lydia in the journey, one day when the violence of
his ſickneſs, gave him ſome more eafe then accustomed, and that the Chamber by
hazzard was freed from all company but my ſelf, by reaſon of a certain Holy day
near the Town, he deſired me to approach his Bed ſide, where after I was feaſt,
and that by many ſighs, he had made me acquainted with your unfortunate loves,
and his own condition, he conjured me by all the charity that ought to accompany
my thoughts in ſo ſacred a journey, that in my paſſage I would viſit you in Lydia,
where he underſtood you were newly arrived: And not onely declare unto you, all
the circumſtances of his untimely death, with the aſſurance of his moſt conſant
love to his laſt end, but withal obliged me to deliver this Ring, which he ſaid was
the dear teſtimony of the contract, that had been between you; and p ſeſently pu-
ting his hand in his boſom, drew out a paper, wherein was contained that unwelcome
token.

When Cloria beheld the pledge of their unfortunate loves, now ended in the worſt
of

of periods, she looked upon it as if she expected a miraculous remedy, or a miserable
diffraction; till at last, conquered by the very depth of her desperate imagination,
she became exceeding pale, and scarce was so for any time, before a more earthly co-
lour, by little and little seemed to change that yet lovely white, which death it self a
great while had no power to overcome. But as the procession was too wilful, for
not long after, her dainty though weak legs, not being able to support the weight of
her fair body, since her pure soul could contribute no affillance, the funk down to
the ground, like a rich marble statue built upon snowy bafes: which caused the poor
Pilgrim, with a hafte composed of an amazed forrow, and a desperate fear, to flye to
her relief; curfing not onely his relation, but his very journey that occasioned it: but
his violent execrations, had not power to breathe the least shew of life into her sweet
body, as if the Gods were resfolved, to keep possession of so heavenly a spirit. (not-
withstanding he continued the rubbing of her Temples with more then ordinary
paffion) until he spake in her ears, that *Narcissus* was not dead, but talfly so alledged
by his malicious and wicked tongue; and for a testimony of his laft affirmations,
(which he wist might be confirmed by his perpetual torment, as a punishment for
his offence) he suddenly pulled off that deceitful Beard, that had so unluckily disgu-
fed his perfon from her knowledge. *Cloria* after she had for some time continued in
her sad sleep, that fain would gently have sent her without noise to a better habitati-
on, the softly again opened her eyes, that seemed something eclipsed of their former
brightnes, and fixing them upon that object, that onely had power to keep them
from entertaining an eternal darknes, the used these low words: And is it poffible
that *Narcissus* still lives? or is it my flattering fancy that ever couzens me into new
miferies? then whut them again, as if either yet she was not absolutely perſwaded
of his truth, or had a minde to reprove him for his unkinde concealing of himself:
But *Roxana's* arrival, both afforded *Cloria* more remedy, and proved a means to beg
*Narcissus* pardon, who was not able by any Rhetorick, to excufe the fin he had com-
mitted, againſt the Laws of Love, in borrowing a difguſed shape, to hide that which
*Cloria* had onely a defire to fee: However Lovers quarrels although they are violent,
yet never or very seldom are laſting; beſide the sweet Princes had no room left in her
boſom for revenge, where there was already inſpired so much joy; so that in a ſhort
time, a perfect truce was not onely made between them, though chiefly expreſt in
contemplation, wherein their hearts spake more then their lips; but after they
had seemed ſufficiently to have surfeited of their joy, *Narcissus* was perſwaded to
make a perfect relation of his own adventures: Wherefore taking her fair hand, and
gently kiffing it twice or thrice, as a ſworn testimony of the truth of his ſtory, he
began in this manner, whilſt in the mean time the poor Princes, read a lecture in his
looks, that appeared amply to inſtruct her thoughts.

Moſt sweet Princes, said he, as I know not what accident, or rather I may call it
a fate, separated our Ships one from another coming from Egypt, so no sooner were
we out of fight of your Veffel, but the Winds, as if they intended again to remem-
ber us of a meeting, though they seemed to deny the opportunity, began moſt fu-
riously to rage upon the waters, inſomuch, as being toſt from one billow to an-
other, with a kinde of a rude uncertainty, we became at laſt in a manne: desperate
of our own ſafeties: But then O you Gods, how were my thoughts transported in
your behalf, knowing you to be in the fame condition of danger and hazzard? how
many lives would I have willingly ſacrificed of my own, with what torments ſoever,
but to have rendred you ſecure in my own thoughts, in some haven or harbour of
quietneſs, free from the inconſtant cruelty of the Winds, and raging Tempeſt that
appeared rebellious to all our wishes? what infinite dammages did I conceive the
whole world would ſuſtain by your loſs, ſince with you went away all vertue, ho-
nour, and beauty from the face of the earth? sometimes I would call the Marriners
from their neceſſary imployments, as to ask their opinions concerning your danger
and condition, whilſt they, barbarous and ignorant wretches, rather minded their
own preſent affairs, then gave me any ſatisfactory reply, as if they underſood not
the conſequence of my demand, but rather amazedly preferred their own ſafety,
before

The Princeſs Cloria;

PART II.

144

before those thoughts appertaining to your particular, which cauſed me equally to beſtow both curſes and prayers in your behalf: The Princesſ finding *Narcissus* in ſome ſort transported with theſe imaginations, whereby probably, ſhe ſhould be delayed from hearing the ſtory of his adventures, with a pretty kinde of jeering ſmile, wiſht him to leave off now any more care for her particular, ſince as ſhe ſaid, he found her ſafe, and rather follow that relation ſhe expected from him, as a more neceſſary duty for the preſent; this made him quickly fall to his task with fewer cir- cumſtances then formerly, in this manner.

A night and a day, ſaid he, having kept us upon the Seas in this Storm, at laſt the Skie cleared it ſelf from its cloudy incumberance, which made us perceive, that we were near the Island of *Rhodes*: Wherefore finding our Ship was much beaten with the Tempeſt, and moſt of our company unable to undergo a farther journey without ſome ſeſrefuſhment, I gave my content to have the Veffel put into the Ha- ven; the rather becauſe I hoped to hear ſome news of your ſafety in that City. The chief Commander of that Island for the preſent, is a great Nobleman of *Lydia*, who however, he keeps a certain correfpondency with the Senate for his own more con- venient ſecurity, yet in his heart he is an entire ſervant to the King your Father; which not onely made me think my welcome ſo much the better in his Countrey, but his Wife being my moſt near Kinſwoman, I was perſwaded to make my abode for ſome few dayes in that place, whilſt in the interim we ſent out many ſmall Veffels, to enquire after your condition: But however I could have been very well content, to have remained there longer, in regard of the vertuous and noble entertainment both of the Lord and Lady; yet upon the Meſſengers return, finding no adverſi- ment could be given concerning your particular, with a certain kinde of melancholly rage, I retired into my Chamber, where I continued, notwithstanding any perſwa- ſion to the contrary, until another Ship was fitted for our tranſportation, in regard ours was held for the preſent, altogether uncapable of another voyage, without a great deal of mending and reparation: Within two or three dayes I took my leave of my Kinſwoman, and her Lord; though the Gods knew in a very blunt manner, (my thoughts being overburthened for complements) and preſently directed my course to the Island of *Cyprus*, where I hoped you were, or at leaſtwife by my com- ing thither would be arrived; notwithstanding I could not in my fearful apprehenſi- on but doubt the worſt, though those in the Ship, endeavoured by many circumſtan- ces, to confirm me in a certain belief of your ſafety, which made the journey ſome- thing leſs tedious and diſtaſteful: I conjured nevertheless the whole company entirely to conceal my name, from any perſon whatsoever until you were found: But when we landed at *Salamine*, I underſtood the Queen your Mother and my Father, were both lately removed from thence to *Paphos*; where again ſtrictly enquiring after you, and not hearing any news whatsoever, either of your abode or ſafety, after I had ſpent ſome time in tearing my hair, and using other fruitile ſcomplaints, I resolved in a diſ- guife, to leek you out in the Countrey of *Pamphylia*, whither very probably I conceited the winds, and the ſtorm might have driven your Ship; and by that means have com- mitted your perſon to a new imprisonment, ſince that Territory is known to belong unto the King of *Egypt*: To this purpose having changed my habit (being onely ac- companied by a few of my attendants I could beſt truſt) we put *Egyptian Colours* up- on the top of our Veffel, as if we had only belonged to the principality of *Pam- phylia*: Thus we failed with all poſſible ſpeed towards the Confines of the leſſer *Afia*, in regard we underſtood by certain Merchants of *Syria* remaining in *Salamine*, no news had been heard of you in that Kingdom, ſince your departure from the City of *Memphis*. The Gods perhaps intending by this diversion, to bring about other purpofes, according to their divine and inſcrutable decrees, before we approached the Shore of *Pamphylia* by ſome hours ſail, we were ſuddenly ſet upon by two Veffels of *Tyre*, and preſently commanded to yield our perſons to their power and diſpoſe, without dispute or contradiction, unleſs we would hazzard our ſelves, in a contention moſt dangerous and desperate. This language meeting my diſ- contents and deſpair, cauſed me to make a greater reſistance, then was either

con-

venient or necessary for our welfare, until at last being wounded in many parts of my body, and not a few of the company slain or hurt, our Ship was not only seized upon, but my self carried to the Castle of the Town, where an Officer belonging to Philos commanded me to custody, for that Philos was for the present gone to Damascus: Within three days Philos returned from Court, and not long after coming to my Chamber, he quickly knew who I was; so befalling upon me some few complements (I deferring him in the interim to conceal my name and quality) he presently gave order, for my respectful attendance and necessary cure: Also he appointed me to be removed to the best lodgings in his Castle, with a promise absolutely not to discover my person to any, but his own Sifter Artemesia, who, as he said to his knowledge, would contribute her best assistance to my recovery: In this condition (though extreamly afflicted inwardly by reason of your self) I remained for at least a week's space; when again one day Philos came and feasted himself by my Bed-side, telling me after some few complements, that as his Sifter had provided such rare simples for the practice of my Physicians, as could not otherwise be procured, by all the power and art of the great and rich Kingdom of Syria, so was she resolved shortly in person, to give me a visit, if not daily according to my diftempers, when I should be rendred as he said more proper for the conversation of Ladies: Then he made me exactly tell him, the story or manner of our unfortunate separation at Sea; feeming extraordinary inquisitive, as well in what posture I left you at parting, as what my opinion was concerning your safety: Although this relation with so many particulars, brought to my remembrance by the discourse, encreased my torments, like so many sharp daggers piercing my heart, with a thousand mortal wounds; yet I could not well deny the civility, in regard that I was not only in the Countrey of Syria, where I knew it would have been held a kind of a rude barbarisme in conversation, not to comply in all discourses whatsoever, notwithstanding any discontent or passion, but that for the present, I seemed to be also entertained with the best expressions of love and kindneſs, could be imagined in his house: After I had made anſwer, to what he could poffible require at my hands in that nature, I both desired and conjured him, to send (speedily what Ships he could spare out of his Harbours, to require after your welfare and abode: Which being promised (some of the Physicians at the fame time coming into the room) he neceſſarily left me to their dispofe and directions.

As I began to recover my health, I became every day more then other perfwaded, and satisfied concerning the certain hopes of your safety, in regard we could not hear of any shipwracks, that hath hapned upon any of those coasts, or Seas near Syria, Pamphylia, or Cyprus, how diligent ſoever the Messengers had been in their enquiry; which in a short time ſo mended my condition, if not repaired my difficulty, that oftentimes I was not only able, but preſcribed to walk into the Garden, and other places of pleafure for my better recreation: And this was an occafion, that one afternoon, I was ſent for by the Lady Artemesia, (Philos being for the preſent somewhere out of the way, attending upon his necessary occafions;) at my arrival, I found the Lady her ſelf feated at the upper end of the room, with a Sampter in her hand, and a waiting-woman attending by her, that ſ furnished her with those Silks ſhe had occafion to uſe; however at my approach ſhe rose up, to give me a respectful salutation, and that drew from me some complements, in regard of the dainty work ſhe had deſigned, which in truth appeared excellent to my apprehension, being only the pretty banquet of the Gods, where ſuno ſwell'd with overmuch jealousy, becauſe Ganymed was ſo near her Husband: But that which pleafed me of my opinion, was to fee the angry looks of Cupid, becauſe his Mother courted her deformed Vulcan in ſuch an ſ Assembly; whilſt Mars appeared to be out of countenance at the action. After I had not only viewed, but commended the artificial hand, that had ſo lively deſcribed the delightful ſtory, Artemesia made me this reply: 'That it was no wonder, if humane creatures were given ſo much to love, when the very Gods themselves were troubled with those passions.' Truly Madam, ſaid I,

V

al-

The Princes Cloria;

PART II.

although I cannot but allow of the passion, when it is ordained to produce onely noble effects, yet certainly the Gods, could never be subject to those imperfections, when for the most part their flames were unlawful, as either preventing of other mens loves, or destroying the chaftity of Virgins, as the Poets mention. For my part, said she, I am of opinion, although most of their actions defcribed by the wandring fancies of Poets, were but meer fcriptions, yet it cannot be but the stories of Perseus and Hercules, both sons to Jupiter were true, and confequently do they to our example, the lawfullneſs of the passion, when ſuch Heroes were produced; the one of a married Wife, the other of a Maid, to free the world from oppreſſion and injury, ſince they appeared buſed in no other employment; who for their excellent qualities and justice, have been ſince eſteemed Gods. This diſcourſe I muſt conſeſs coming from a Virgin, did ſomething amaze me; yet we continued our disputation, until the time of the day, and Philos coming into the room, prevented any further contention, in a ſubject I as much delighted in as her ſelf. At which expreſſion the ſweet Princes ſmiled, as if ſome cauſe had been given her of jealousy; however she told him, although his ſtory began to be ſuspicious, yet she had ſo much justice in her reſolution, as to attend the end of his diſcourſe, hoping that his relation at laſt would clear all difficulties. But by my honefy, Madam, said Roxana, you will perchance be deceived in your confidence, when you may be ſure, he will never ac- curſe himself, what fault ſoever he hath committed privately; which words proceed- ed so sharply from the old womans delivery, that it might be easily conjectured, that in her youth she had been ſometimes couzened in her love; or at leaſtwife was of that opinion: Nevertheless Cloria bid Narcissus go on, proteſing she would not do that wrong to her own innocent and noble thoughts, as to ſuspect him whom she had in her judgement eſteemed worthy of her affections: At which declaration, the poor Pilgrim ſeemed to be tranſported with a new joy; and after he had given her humble thanks for the confidence she had of his vertues, that became increaſed by that opinion, he took her white hand again, upon which he imprinted a mul- titude of vows, able to drive jealousy out of the world, and then proceeded in this manner.

But this interruption, as I faid, not onely put off the exerciſing of my wit, and per- haps Artemefia's intention, but alſo carried us all to ſupper, where many looks of the young Lady to invite my eyes to the like encounter, gave my thoughts more then enough ſuspicion, and ſo conſequently my minde a great deal of trouble all the night following, until the morning brought into my Chamber an old woman, whom I had often seen in those viſits her Mitrifs had beſowed upon me in my ſickneſs, and bold- ly ſeating her ſelf upon my Bed, abruptly uſed these words.

Of all the men in the world, said she, I wonder at your ſtupidity, ſince your youth and beauty ſhould be ſuch flames to love, rather to conſume your quiet reſt, then coldly thus to entertain the more then offered affections of another Ventes, whose perfections are onely ſubjects of admiration. Is it poffible that ſo bright a star as Artemefia, hath not a powerful influence in your dull ſoul? When the earth ſeems to tremble at the greatneſs of her Uncle, which renders all people in a manner willing to become his flaves, whilſt you appear loath to be his friend. Can you think theſe frequent viſits, that this fair and great Lady made to you in your ſickneſs, and ſince her free converſation, proceed from ordinary reſpects, when the greatest Princes in Asia are not thought worthy of the favours, without coming clothed with the pretenſions of being her Husband; and alas, who can be eſteem- ed so happy, as to merit ſuch a Title, however far above you in dignity; though I could with ſhe had choſen long ago, to have prevented her unhappy fate, by cau- ing her eyes and heart upon ſuch a ſubject: If you do not yet understand this old Philosophy, at leaſtwife believe the new Logick I deliver, that am her nurſe; and conſequently ſhould know her minde. Let it ſuffice, if you lift you may be happy beyond Kings; but if your perverſe fortune, intend you not ſuch a bleſſing, certainly no leſa a curſe then deſtruction will accompany the diſafter; ſince there is no mean to be expected, between poſſession in love or ruine by hate; and after ſome time left

me

me, to be accompanied onely by my own imagination, which soon repreſented un-
to me theſe considerations. First the dangerous ſequence of being in the cuſto-
dy of Artemeſia's Brother, who had the commodity as well to deſtroy as to ſpeak the
word; and next the rage of the whole family, if they ſhould conceive themſelves
difhonoured by the reſuſal. Yet dear Cloría, ſaid he, my not to be conquered loy-
alty to you, was ſuſcient to reſuſt, though not to prevent all difficulties. At which
expression, the Princes onely with another pretty ſmile, bid him go on in his ſtory :
But the firſt, ſaid he, moſt troubled my thoughts, ſince Philos love to his Sifter as I
believed, would easily be perſwaded by my death, to make a greater diſtance between
our affections, when he ſhould finde my conſtancy could not be removed by his milder
art, rather then hazzard Artemeſia's honour: For the ſecond, although I ſuppo-
fed the whole family, would hold it for a ſupream indignity, to have their Kinſwo-
man reſuſed by my neglect, yet the revenge could not well be executed, without the
discovery of the Ladies paſſion: But I reſolved as my beſt defence, neither to take no-
tice of the old womans diſcourſe, nor of her Miſtriffes courtſhip, until I were yet
preſt by ſome new overture, not to be waved without a peremptory reply, and then
to ſhow my courage in our loves; ſince the Ladies paſſions, I ſuppoſed would not
break out to any dangerous violence, until ſhe became absolutely desperate in her
hopes. After I had dreſt my ſelf, and was entertaining my thoughts in a retiring
place belonging to my lodging, I became ſuddenl y invited by a Meſſenger ſent by
Philos, to accompany him to a certain place belonging to his Uncle Philoſtros, not
above four hours voyage in a Coach, where the great favourite had employed abun-
dance of wealth, with more industry, to render it an habitation both curious
and ſtately, as being the place not onely of his birth, but bearing the name of his
family. The firſt object that preſented it ſelf to our eyes, was a beautiful Town,
though more in the quality then in the quantity of the houſes, built in ſuch a
juſt uniformity, that it became a question to my imagination, whether the order
or the materials, ſhould have the greater preheminence in my opinion; ſince the one
in a pleafant prospective pleafed the fight, as the other in a mature considerati-
on fatſhed the understanding: For as Cypres Trees being mixt with the ſeveral build-
ings, afforded a moſt delightful variety, to the richneſs of the ſtone thewed it
was deſigned to be laſting; both which being joyned together, the whole could
not chufe but be admirable; inſomuch as I had much adoe, to get my looks off
thofe rarities, until greater wonders appeared ready to entertain me; which
was the Palace it ſelf ſeated in a convenient afcent, built all of Tufcan work, with
ſuch exact skill, that the Architectures of the wonders of the world, might have
been preſent at the deſign: It was framed into a perfect ſquare, each angle ſupport-
ed by a goodly Pavilion, elevating their gilded heads above the reſt of the Fa-
brick, which two Galleries of either ſide joyned by a portal of ſeverall coloured
Marble, incloſed in a large Court, that onely at the further end made a brave Tar-
ras, paved artificially with Moyfayick work, and bounded by rail and baller of Co-
vinthian Braſs, whereupon both ſides of the ſtairs upon double pedeſtals of Porphir,
were placed the two Statues of Saturn and Jupiter. The outward Court round
about the Walls, ſeemed to be crowned with Uns, mixt with half ſtatures of the
ancient Grecians, which the entrance being open at the top, the architrave freeze
and cornifh, were cut off in the middle, and ſinſhed with Cartooſes inſtead of
meeting. The gate of either part was ſupported by Ionick Pillars, two behinde
and one before, which made a return in the building; and four gilded Lions upon
low pedeſtals ſeemed to guard the paſſage. After we had traverſed theſe beautiful
incloſures, we were let into the Gardens, for the more conveniency of ſhade, ſince
the day already began to be enflamed by the Suns violence, which for the more
curioſity were ordered into ſeveral diſcents, ſupporred by huge Arches of white
Marble; and in many places ſo covered with excellent Fruit Trees, that they ſeem-
ed aſfar off, to be painted over with delightful Landskips of Woods, which the
Birds and Water-works incloſed in the Vaults, ſent forth a pleafing murmur
to the air. The firſt Garden although it were leſs then all the reſt, becauſe it

might

The Princes' Gloria;

PART II.

might afford a better prospect upon the other, was divided into four squares, each containing a magnificent fountain, the one having the brazen statue of Hercules with his Club in his hand, inv ironed about with a Christal lake, wherein were Fifths so gentle by education, that they waited in the water, to be fed by those that viewed the curiosities. The fuperfice of the pond was formed into twelve Angles, and raised three foot high by a certain calle of cut stone, that reembled a hedge, whereupon each point was put, one of his labours artificially caft in mettle. The second water work, reprefented the naked figures of Diana and her Nymphs in white Marble, however so shadowed by a dainty grove planted by art for that purpose, that their whole shapes could not perfectly be discovered, though there appeared enough for delight and admiration; whilst poor Acteon without the Trees in a green plat of ground, seemed to be torn in pieces by his own Hounds, according to the judgement given against him, by the revengeful Goddeſs, though his friends in every place out of the bushes, appeared to haſte to his refcue. The third fountain was onely of Perimus and Thisbe, with the tragical event of their loves. And the laſt figured the fates of Hero and Leander, where her Tower being built in a certain other lake, which received its current from the firſt, made a kinde of confused, though little Sea, where- in the compafſionate Nymphs by exact expressions, were apprehended to bewail the lovely youths death, whilst his diftraſted love, caſt her ſelf from the battlements of her own lodgings, to accompany him in his burial. But that which moſt delighted my ſenſes (becauſe it afforded a pleafing prospective, between divers rows of even ſet Trees) was a certain Banquetting-houſe afar off, built after the form of a round Temple, with large windows of bright glaſs, divided by gilded pillars; notwithſtanding it had a portal, to give it entrance, of many transparent columns, or at leaſt-wife they ſo appeared to my view at a diſtance: The materials that built it, were yellow minerals, enterlaced with ſhells of mother of Pearl, ſo that the ſtructure reſembl'd a Tower of Gold garniſhed with Jewels; and being ſheltred over head, in every place but before, by united Cyprefſes, it repreſented to my imagination, a rich Tabernacle in a flately Pavillion; ſince the Trees were ſo tall, that they gave it rather a ſhady luſtre, then a dark coverture. Scarce had I contemplated this pleafant object, but that Philos invited me to a nearer taſte of the beauty, it being to be paſt over by a Bridge firſt over, ſince the houſe it ſelf was feated in an Island made by the winding courſe of a natural River, though many artificial ſtreams from it, ſeem'd to contribute ſome affiſtance to the running Brook.

At our arrival (having ſpent a quarter of an hours time, in descending the ſeveral forts of ſtairs, that carried us into the lower Gardens) we might encounter with our eyes, at the firſt opening of the door, the Lady Artemefia, newly come out of the water, ſcarce having covered her mod ſety with a Lawn Smock; neither did our ſuſpital, ſeem to haſten the accommodation of that light coverture, to the beſt advan-tage, as if ſhe were ſo far from being aſhamed to be taken in that poſture, that ſhe rather expreſt a defire to have her beauties ſill ſeen: Her hair was at full length, though curiouſly curled, which pretended to deſign, and not to accident, ſince two waiting-woman in Nymphs attire, held a great Looking glaſs before her, whilst the carefully dreſt her face with certain black patches, cut into the forms of Flies, and other ſmall creatures, for the better ornament of her looks: Her legs were bare, one-ly ſhe wore upon her feet a pair of rich embroidered pantobles. This as near as I can remember, was the ſtate we found her in: And very near certainly you were, ſaid Clorïa, that you could diſcover ſo much. At which words Narciffus began to bluſh; proteſting alſo with a pretty violence, that he was ſo far from lik ing her in that poſture, that he waſ as much diſpleafed as aſhamed at her immod ſety. Well, well, replied the Princes, go on in your ſtory, without theſe impertinencies, ſince none layes any fault to your charge, which command was too peremptory, from his fair Miftris to continue him in any longer diſputation: So he proceeded.

But however, ſaid he, although ſhe put on no baſhful amazement in her countenance, yet with a diſdainful frown ſhe ſeemed to entertain our company, which was a ſuffi-cient injunction to cauſe us ſpeedily to retire; and that gave occafion to Philos (since

(since we had already travelled enough over those walks) to command us to be conducted up into the house, where we might be more conveniently shaded from the heat of the day; and that quickly brought us into the Galleries, where excellent Pictures, not enough to be esteemed, and rich Cabinets beyond valuation, gave our thoughts and eyes an abundance of employments, until a delicious dinner called us into another room, where we found Artemefia, scarce seeming to be the fame woman we left her in the Garden; having not onely put off altogether her choller, but also being trimmed up with so exquisite a neatness, as if she had been prepared for her Nuptial Feast; which confirms my opinion, that all those postures were designed of purpose, to make me think she was admirable in every shape, as well when nature plaid the careles wanton, as when art became the curious painter. But in conclusion, a few Complements fet us all at table, where lovely Pages like Ganymeds fill'd our Wine rather in Diamond then Chriftal Glasse, whilst our Fruit seemed to be fetcht from the Hesperides, all so excellent, that could not be imitated, much lefs equalled; yet that excellency was elevated, I will not lay augmented by ravishing Mufick, both of voices and instruments, that with a gentle harmony, rather bewitched then burthened the ear, which continued until direction was given to take away the cloth, that the room might be emptied of all Attendants, to give us the greater liberty for our private conversation; a custom in that Country for the better recreation, since they used not to remove presently after dinner: however we all continued for some time in a perfect silence, they perhaps expecting what I should say of my noble entertainment, and their Uncles greatnefs; and I not being overwilling to administer an occasion of discourse, till at last Philos himself brake out in this manner.

Sifter, said he, although I must confes we have largely tafted of your bounty, though more of your neat curiositie, a property I must acknowledge, that better becomes youthful Ladies; yet it should seem before dinner, you were too careleffe of your retiredneſs, in suffering ſtrangers to be eye-witnesses of those beauties, which you have designed onely for him that is to be your husband; as rich Jewels that are to be lockt up in close Cabinets, not to be expofed to the vulgar view. Brother, anſwered Artemefia, with a spriteful haſte, although it be true that it was contrary to the intention of my innocent modeſtty, in that poſture to be ſurprized by your wandring intention; yet certainly I am leſs aſhamed of the accident, when I consider you beheld nothing, that either I may be deprived of, or easily can be equalled by other Ladies of my years; onely all the fear I have is, left the ſcandal may prove offenſive to this worthy ſtranger, that I have so great ambition to content, that I should beſhrew any occafion that might render me ſuspected in his opinion, since the interest of my blood and conversation I know, must alwayes keep me safe in yours.

I must confes this complement, or rather ſtrange expreſſion of Artemefia, put me in ſome confuſion; confidering of one ſide, if I gave her no anſwer at all, it might be interpreted an ungrateful rudeneſs, having received ſuch exquifite entertainment, pretended onely for my divertizement, after my long ſickneſs; and of the other part, what reply ſoever I could make, proceeding from accuſomed rules of civility, would of neceſſity engage my words to the acknowledgement of her perfections, which might encourage ſome other paſſionate progress of that love I ſo much difliked: However, at laſt I ſell upon this reſolution, to involve my anſwer into ſuch a Riddle, that either could not be well underſtood, or being ſo, it might imply a double ſenſe, which I delivered in this fort: Madam, said I, your beauties reſemble the innocency of the firſt ages, that thought vertues were not to be hid from the ignorant world, nor imperfections to be masked by any art, whereby the rude magnitude might alwayes have books open, to learn knowledge, and practice goodneſs, which was the best way to avoid ill, when naked truth was the onely written character for their inſtructions. This reply, although it did not for the preſent well ſatisfie, becauſe it ſeemed not to flame by the ſtroke of the flint, that had produced ſparkles, as they believed, to ſet on fire the youthful tinder of my heart; yet of the

The Princesses Gloria;

PART II.

the other fide, it left not an absolute defpair in their opinions, that at last I might be warmed by their motions: nevertheless for that time the coldneſs of my anſwer changed the ſubject of our diſcourse, to other talk that I confefs I approved of; which with many varieties, continued us until the evening warned us to depart, and brought us to our old habitation; where at our arrival, we found a meſſenger newly come from *Damasſcus*, attending to certifie *Philos*, that his great Uncle *Philoftrós* was taken suddenly with a dangerous ſickneſs; inſomuch as many of his Phyſicians very much doubted of his recovery: But however he concealed the news from all the houſe, yet the next morning very early, it cauſed him to take his journey, leaving me in the interim onely to be accompanied by his gallant ſifter; who having the reins absolutely in her own hands, let her paſſions run with a full career; for finding that all theſe trials had not wrought at all upon my affection, or got the leaſt ground of my conſtancy, ſince the burning coals brought by *Cupids* diligence from his mothers luxurious Altars, had not yet thaw'd my icie thoughts, *Artemeſia* fell to work new ſtratagems; ſo that one morning, I being in a private Library belonging to my lodgings, where commonly I ſpent some hours in the day, in conferring with thoſe books I moſt deſired to read, and viewing the Maps of ſeveral Countreys for my recreation; of a ſudden I might hear the doleſul voice of a certain perſon, divided from my knowledge by a partition wall at the end of the room, which quickly made me curious enough to be inſormed of the nature of the complaint; wherefore approaching nearer, and leaning my head close to the diviſion, I became inſstantly ſatisfied, that the noſe proceeded from no other then from *Artemeſia*, which did not a little increaſe my wonder, ſince I conſeived her much beyond all misfortune; however I was reſolved to be fully inſtructed, and to that purpose ſettling mine ears to an entire attentivenesse, in diſtinct words I heard this language.

O unhappy *Artemeſia*, said she, is it poffible that thy own beauty is of ſo poor a value, that it hath not the power to attraſt the leaſt regard from a youthful eye, which hath been accuſtomed heretofore, to inflame all the hearts of *Syria* ? Or is thy Uncles dignity fallen in the eſtimation of all the world, ſince a ſtranger in thy power as a prifoner contemns both ? O you Gods of Love and Honour, said she, permit not our Family to be ſo diſgraced, though you be determined I ſhall perſiſh; for ſince I cannot perſwade him I muſt hate my ſelf, and by conſequence become a deſtroyer of us both: as I am reſolved not to breathe onely to ſuffer, ſo muſt not he live chieſly to triumph; with much other goodly ſtuff of this nature, which I leave to repeat, becauſe I will not prophane your moſt chaſte ears, with all the particulars of her violent and ridiculous paſſion; however I was forced to dwell with my conſideration upon two points in her mad expreſſion: the firſt was, that ſhe seemed to declare me a prifoner, which until then I never underſtood; though I muſt confefs, I found my liberty oftentimes reſtrained under the pretence of a lovin g care of my health: And the other that appeared more terrible, her ſeem ing reſolution, either to enjoy or to deſtroy; which made me when I had heard enough to retire to my own chamber: but many dayes I had not continued there, before I perceived by the apparent neglect of the whole houſe, *Artemeſia* not ſending for me according to her cuſtome, that I was held for no other then a prifoner, being eve ry night locked into my lodging by an officious Groom. All which was done as I underſtood, to bring down my proud and icie heart, to comply with her deſires; her nurſe in the interim giving me many items of her intention: beſides, I might be hold every day out of my chamber window, the rich and glorious triumphs of my inſolent Miftrels, when ſhe mounted her Chariot to take the air for her recreation, or performed ſome other viſits for her pleasure. And that the ſplendor might more appear to my thoughts, as intended affronts, contemning my low condition and captivity, ſhe cauſed an ordinary way to be made by my door, where ſhe daily paſt with mirth in her countenance, and ſcorn in her language; to ſhew ſhe had not onely forgot her old love, but the very remembrance I was in the houſe; whilſt in the mean time the foregoing Nurſe would now and then give me a viſit, as it were covertly

out

out of pitty, to comfort up my thoughts againſt her Ladies rigour; however I ve-
ry well knew her intention was but the better to discover my refolutions: neverthe-
leſs, with all which humours I was content to play, to avoid any further incum-
brance of her Miftrels offered affection, not doubting but at her brothers return, I
ſhould be able to procure my releaſement, the onely happineſs I aimed at, though
my endeavours were not of force to prevent this following miſchief: for Artemefia
finding that no artifice could make me entertain her love, or adore her perſon, ſince
the Heavens knew I had a brighter Deity to worſhip, which kept me from all ſuperſti-
tious Idolatry, began to be enamoured with her own revenge, and ſo resolved to
make me become a Martyr before my time: wherefore one day coming into my
chamber, when I laſt looked for her company, her own pride as I thought having
forbid her entrance, bearing in her hand a ſhort dagger, as in her countenance a
rough tempeſt, ſaluted me with this desperate language: Villain, ſaid ſhe, doeſt
thou think to carry the Trophies of my diſhonour into thy own Countrey, to
adorn the Chariot of thy Miftreffes triumphs, with thofe spoils thy diſdain hath
purchased in this Caſtle, to the diſgrace of our whole family? And with that ſtruck
at my naked breaſt, being newly unbuttoned by reaſon of the heat of the weather,
with ſuch a womans violence, that I muſt confes, my quick prevention had fortune
enough to avoid the danger of the ſtroak, though not ſo much power as to hinder
her rage, for finding I had not onely defended my ſelf againſt her intended and
malicious ſury, but endeavoured to become an absolute conquerour over her mad
paſſion, by striving to dispoſeſs her alſo of her weapon, with a ſpleen more infer-
nal then humane, because ſhe could not hurt me, ſhe resolved to wound her ſelf,
whereby I might be eſteemed the greater criminal, to take off that blemiſh which
hung upon her reputation by her too violent love; but the ſtroak proved more
deadly then perhaps ſhe imagined, for it not onely pierced her arm, where ſhe onely
intended it, but by reaſon of the ſharpneſs of the point, entred a great depth into
her naked ſide, which with the effusion of a great deal of blood (that at laſt called
up moſt part of the houſe to her affiſtance) left her dead in the view of all the
ſpectators. This ſad diſafter, as you may imagine, ſufficiently enraged the whole
company, and conceiving me either the aſtor, or the inſtrument of the Tragedy,
with all violence haled me to a cloſer prſon in the Caſtle, whoſt according to the
custom of thoſe parts, my pROCES was to be made the next morning by the JUſtice
of the Town, before the body could either be buried or imbalaſed. This accident
gave my confuſed thoughts ſuſſicient employment; however I made a great que-
ſtion whether I ſhould confes my name, or conceal my condition, finding by my
citation, I was onely called the ungrateful ſtranger, which gave me ſome opinion,
that my quality was not generally known in the City; believing as the one would
not at all help to leſsen the crime pretended againſt me, but rather give the more ſuſ-
pition of a hidden design, in that I durſt attempt a murther of that horrid nature,
which an ordinary perſon would never have performed; ſo the other might in ſome
fort help to hide the ſhame to our Family, in being called to a publick defence in a
cafe of ſuch a wickedneſs: wherefore I determined not to reveal my ſelf, until ſome
apparent neceſſity procured it.

At my arraignment, there was alledged againſt me, besides the breach of the rules
of hofpitality, how that it was impoſſible any other could commit the murther,
since Artemefia was found alone with me in my chamber; and it was not to be ſup-
poſed ſhe had killed her ſelf. On the contrary, I pretended that being a meer ſtran-
ger in thoſe parts, it could not be imagined I ſhould harbour ſo much malice in my
breaſt, as to become the murtherer of one, that had treated me in my ſickneſs with
abundance of humanity; besides I ſaid, the weapon which had given Artemefia her
deadly wound, was found by all the company in her own hand: but the buſineſs be-
ing thus to and fro violently diſputed, Artemefia's Nurſe was ſent for, to give fur-
ther téthimony of my carriage towards her Miftrels, during my abode in the Caſtle,
which could not chufe but give in the opinion of all there preſent, a great deal of
light in the diſputation; however, the malicious old woman imagining her De-
ſa-

The Princesss Cloria;

PART II.

152

clarations might afford me some affiftance, refused to come, pretending she was
necesfarily employed in the funeral of her dead Miftrels, being locked up with the
body in her private chamber; though the truth was, she thirted after my life, to
fave the honour of Artemefia, and the whole family, ſince by that means I ſhould
not have the opportunity to divulge her prepofterous love; ſo that at laſt I was not
only found guilty, but condemned privately to loſe my head within the Caſtle
Court; fearing beliſe in my laſt ſpeech, I would publifh ſome paſſages, that might
render the people ſatisfied of my innocency, and Artemefia's laſciviousneſs. Thus
finding all my honef Rhetorick could not prevail in my juſt defence, to ſecure me
from condemnation, I refolved to declare my perſon, hoping that although it might
not prove of ſufficient force to divert my judgement, yet nevertheleſs it would be
motive to protraſt my execution, until Philos returned from Damafus; which de-
claration happily met with my expectation: For after the Judges with much
amazement, had entertained the knowledge of my condition, being the ſon of him
who was eſteemed ſo intimate a friend to the Kingdom of Syria, they not only
prefently ſigned my Reprieve, but conveyed me with all the reſpect their Laws
would give them leave, back again to the prſon, where I remained until Philos re-
turn, who brought with him the news of Philoftrus death and burial, though four
dayes time was ſpent after his arrival, before he offered me a viſit; in which ſpace I
had liberty enough for conſideration what would be my fate: At laſt he came, and
ſaluted me with this diſcourſe, to my no ſmall admiration.

My Lord, faſd he, I muſt not onely deſire you, to forget all your ill ſusage in this
Caſtle, but to interpret the reaſons, to have proceeded from a womans unruly paſſi-
on (for I cannot give it a better Title) without my privity, which my future aſtions
and my preſent diſcourſe ſhall teſtifie, if either you will believe my words, or par-
don my intentions. Be pleafed then in ſhort to know, for my reſolution is to make
unto you a particular conſeſſion, and after commit my ſelf unto your goodneſs and
mercy, that when you and the fair Princes Cloria were at Memphis with Orſames,
it was my fortune to be conſuered by the power of love, proceeding not onely from
the excellency of her beauty and converſation, but as I may ſay was thraſt upon me,
by ſuch a forceable and precipitate ſate, that could not be contradicted by the
power of any reaſon or temper; inſomuch as I muſt tell you, in regard of thate
paſſions, I could neither eat, ſleep, nor reſt with convenient ſatisfaction;
ſo that I conceived my ſelf obliged for my preſervation, to contrive a project with
with the Lydian Ambaſſadour, then remaining at Memphis, which was to interrupt
your paſſage at Sea going into Cyprus, whereby the better to make a ſeparation be-
tween your love, and that which the Princes bore you, that both mine, and my ſilter
Artemefia's might ſucceed in the places: And however the Gods prevented rather
the manner of execution, then the effect of our deſigns, by contrary ſtorms and
accidents at Sea, yet I muſt now inform you, that as your ſelf by fortune were ta-
ken by our ſhips, which hath ſince produced this late diſmal miſhap concerning my
ſilter, ſo the Princes Cloria by chance falling upon the Coaſts of the Iſland of Crete,
is now delivered into the poſſection of the Senate of Lydia; and they as I am in-
formed, from thate Ambaſſadours of our Countrey that are at Sardis, intend with
ſome violence to beſtow her in marriage upon her Couzen Caſſianus Prince of Ibe-
ria, whereby the better to fortifie their pretenſions and titles againſt King Euarchus
her father; however they ſeemed for a long time to play with my hopes, as if they
only intended her for my ſatisfaction; belike imagining that ſuch an expeſtation
would alwayes be ſufficient to continue our Family faithful to their purpofes, and ſo
conſequently make my Uncle Philoftrus ever willing, to employ his power with Or-
ſames for their advantages; but he being now dead, (which news they have already
received in Lydia) they publickly disclaim from having any ſuch intention, as be-
lieving now we can no more contribute profitably to their deſigns: wherefore as
my thoughts and reſolutions intend a preſent retirement in ſome place of Religion,
to ſeek pardon of the Gods for my many violent and unjuſt ambitions, ſo did I very
well know, their mercies in no kinde were to be obtained, without ſuch a particular
decla-

declaration of my own faults, which I have now made unto you: As I can no way
doubt of your charity and compaffion in my behalf, according to the noblenefs of
your nature; so may you be pleafed to take what free liberty you pleafe for your de-
parture, with a promife also on my part, to be ready to affift you with my belt ſervices,
either in your loves to the faireſt Princes, or upon what other occafion ſoever that may
make you better honoured and eſteemed in the world. After he had delivered thus
much, I muſt confefs I was ſo well ſatisſed with this diſcourse; not onely in regard of
your ſafety, but also in reſpect of my own releaſement, that Philos imagined as I then
thought by my preſent actions and expreſſion, that I meant to run away from him;
for ſuddenly taking me by the hand, he faſd he had a ſew more words to deliver unto
me, that concerned his Sifters proceedings, ſince he held it moſt neceſſary, his own
innocency might be cleared to the full; for that in no particular he proteſted, was he
guilty of my laſt ſ usage.

As I cannot deny, ſaid he, but that I kindled the firſt ſparkles by my commendati-
on of your perſon and worth, that afterward ſlamed ſo violently in my Sifters boſom;
so of the other ſide, I never expected it should have broken out to ſuch an ominous
paffion, whereby you were to be injured without meaſure, as my Sifter deſtroyed
beyond example: But as the Gods have their ſecret workings in all humane things,
we muſt with patience and reverence ſubmit all our endeavours to their pleafure,
which will for the moſt part keep us from extravagant and wicked actions; ſince
however ſometimes we fail by misprifion, yet by a ſmall repentance we ſhall again
be brought into our accuſomed temper, when as letting loose the reins of our de-
fires without moderation, we are born into a vaſt Sea of confusion; that produceth
nothing but prodigious deſtructions, as it ſared with Artemeſia, who was resolved
becauſe ſhe could not obtain ſuddenly what her own thoughts perhaps eſteemed law-
ful, to convert that paffion to ſo ſtrong a hate, that of neceſſity would not onely
render the object of her wifhes nothing, but her ſelf miſerable without hope of ever
being able to enjoy what ſhe ſo much longed for; however her old nurſes counſels,
although they did not contribute to her paffions, yet they produced thate projects
that cauſed your ill ſ usage; for finding you were not by any fair means to be won to
my Sifters deſires, ſhe adviſed her to aſſay the contrary, to try if that course could
terrify you to consent: All which Artemeſia confessed before her death, her body
again reviving after it was brought into her private Chamber; as alſo with many
tears and ſighs entreated your pardon, which I thought good to acquaint you with,
that her unſeigned repentance might procure your charitable forgiſeneſs: And
with that taking me by the hand again, with tears in his eyes, he deſired
me as a teſtimony of a perſect ſe reconciliation, I would vouchſaſe the pains to
viſit the dead Corpſe before the Funeralls, which ſhortly were to be per-
formed.

Although I went with him as fully contented in my minde, as he ſeemed oppreſſed
with forrow for his Sifters death; yet I could not chufe but have a noble compaffion
at the remembrance of the Ladies hard fate, especially for that the cauſe was onely
for over-much loving me: but at my arrival, inſtead of imbracing the dead body, to
my wonderful amazement, I was ſaluted with theſe words from living Artemeſia.

My Lord, ſaid ſhe, that you may not think you converſe with dead (though
changed) Artemeſia, you muſt firſt know, that after I had performed in your lodg-
ings that unparallèld action of my mad rage, bathed all over with mine own blood,
I was carried into my Chamber, whilſt you unknown to me was in danger to have
ſuffered unjustly for my fault; and being there, by the careful induſtry of mine
own Phyſician, without the privity of any, but ſuch as were intruſted about my
perſon, I was not onely recovered from my trance, but before my Brothers arrival
put out of danger of death; however, I deſired the buſineſs might be kept ſecret
from the knowledge of all but my intimate ſervants, ſince I was resolved to quit
the world by a more religious way, not being willing to ſupport the ſhame of ſo deteſ-
able a ſact: Yet considering that an absolute repentance could not be, where
there wants an intention of full ſatisfaction, I was delirious with my own
mouth,

X

The Prince's Gloria;

PART II.

154

mouth, to make this declaration, before I enter into the strict rules of my penance, by which I humbly and sorrowfully beg your pardon, wishing a perpetual prosperity to the chaste loves between you and the Princefs Gloria. And this, my Lord, being all I have to say to you, I desire you will have no more remembrance of me, then meerly what charity infructs your pious thoughts. And with these words he drew clofe the curtains of her bed, not willing to be seen, or any more spoken withall.

These things, I must confess, rather appeared to my imagination vifons then actions, until with as much honour as could be devifed, I was fet free by Philos, who also courteoufly offered to accompany me with his beſt ſervice in my journeу; but becaufe I was resolved to viſit the place of your abode in a diſguize, (not onely for that I knew you were in the cuſbody of your enemies, but also in that I had a defire to understand by the way, the ſecrets of the Senates intention, concerning Caſſianus love, which I must confess gave my thoughts ſome trouble) I reſuſed his offer.

As this diſcourse feemed to give a ſingular content to the lovely Princeſſe, de-monstrated by many viſible ſigns, both in her eyes and bluſhes; ſo Roxana, who had all the while, with a moſt exact attentivenſs, given ear to his ſeveral relations, uttered this language, with a kinde of a formal gravity: Truly my Lord, ſaid he, you have not onely gallantly now cleared all our doubts and fears, but also in my opinion have carried your ſelf in your diſcuit adventures, more like a valiant Martyr, then a conſtant Lover, which I muſt confess deſerves both praeſe and requital: And yet Governeſs, ſaid the Princeſſe, we muſt not commend him over-much, left he expect a greater reward then we ſhall be willing to afford him. Dear Gloria, replied Narciſſus, I cannot but confess my own covetouſneſſe, ſince no leſſe a preſent can content my thoughts, then your admirable ſelf, which is a Jewel beyond the price of the whole world: But ſaid Gloria, the chief property of Jewels are to be looked upon at a diſtance; wherefore, if you will be ſatisfied onely with that liberty and moderation, perhaps I ſhall without much diſculty grant your requeſt. Yet Madam, replied Roxana, it is moſt neceſſary he make choice of ſome other apparel, better to become his perſon; ſo may you have both the conveniency now and then to meet in theſe walks without ſuſpition, untill the conſution now in the Kingdome afford you a greater liberty. But Narciſſus moſt earneſtly entreated to be entertained at a nearer diſtance; however without fruit, in regard both Gloria and Roxana aprehended, that his paſſion to ſee Caſſianus ſometimes received as a Suitor, though but with appearing complements, would provoke him to ſome actions, which might either prejudice their liberties, or diſcover his perſon: for that neither of them could yet be over-confident, of Caſſianus intentions and fidelity concerning the old Flamin, although he had not ſince their late diſcours ſe, either ſhewed any manner of diſcontent, or ſo much as troubled them with viſits. Narciſſus, when he ſaw he could not by any means prevail in his deſire, as if he had been at the inſtant poſſed with ſome Poetical ſury, began this complaint in Verſe; which the Princeſs, being excellent also in that faculty, as quickly anſwered ex tempore.

Narciſſus.

O deareſt Love, recal thy hard decree,
that ſeems both rigorous to thee and me;

The coldſt Rocks, though cover'd all with Snow,
upon the Suns approach begin to thaw.

Gloria.

Yet vertue muſt not ſo admit a flame,
to be it ſelf endangered by the ſame;

As appetites do kindle false deſires,
discretion muſt oppoſe to alloy the fires.

Nar-

ucher in that stranger, that seemed so importunate, but afterward himself to wait in
the outward room, because she would have none privy to the business, before she and
her Governefs were informed of the contents.

But no sooner did Clorïa view this new intruder, but she knew him to be him,
whom she most desired to see, her young servant Narcissus, who had borrowed the
habit of one of Apollo's Priests, in a Temple where he lodged the night passet amongst
the Woods, to keep him from every ones knowledge but her own, and her intrusted
Governels Roxana: Nevertheless the rigid old woman began to rail down right at
his presumption, vowing with his too much passion he would destroy them all; this
gave Clorïa occasion to laugh heartily, seeing her poor servant with innocent looks
to undergo the choleric reproof of Roxana, without replying one single word to her
hafty language; yet his patience not onely by little and little procured him his peace,
but after a long conference with his compassionate Mistrifs, by the free consent of her
Governels, who at last became perfwaded, he was entertained for a household servant;
however the sweet Princes seemed unwilling, to prophane his sacred robes with any
hypocrifise.

But one day Cassianus coming to visit the Princes, the Gods know with what an
envious jealousy Narcissus underwent this ceremony; sometimes he had a will to
have interrupted his passage at the entrance into her Chamber; other while again, he
thought to have alledged she was asleep, and could not be disquieted in her rest; and
laft of all, he began to have a refolution to quit his borrowed habit, and challenge
him for his boldneſs, in pretending in his prefence to his right: And a thousand other
fancies entertained his imagination, almost in an instant, when there was no more
time left him for these considerations, but whilst Clorïa was advertifed of Cassianus
arrival, and he admitted into her Chamber, whither Narcissus followed him
with greedy steps to be a curious eye-witneſs of his behaviour: And when he saw
Clorïa with a gentle modeſty admit of her Couſins salutation, she being not willing
to give him any discontent, by reason of the old Flamin, that was at his mercy, his
colour began to change in his face, one while the beautiful red seemed to claim an in-
terest in revenge, notwithstanding all the prohibitions of his sweet Mistrifs; then again
the fair white had the prerogative, and pretended fear to Clorïa's commands: So
that in this manner, they never left combating in his lovely countenance, until he
was rid of the occasion of those disorders.

Not many dayes after Cassianus had performed his unwelcome visit, the Senate be-
like jealous of the Princes safety, in regard the King her Father had been strangely
rescued from their power, by that Army, that not long before they efteemed their
Subjects, suddenly commanded, not onely those ſervants to be removed from their
accomp ſomed attendance, that had been about her person, but her self and Roxana, to
be conducted to a stronger Fort, there to remain with better ſecurity, and more
honour as they pretended, until the preſent diſtractions of Lydia could in ſome ſort
be pacified; in which number poor Narcissus became alſo preſcribed, which convert-
ed his paſt content into an unexpreſſible rage: sometime blaming the Heavens for
not puniſhing the cruelty as he interpreted it, of that unjust and barbarous decree;
then again he absolutely fell out with himself, that he had not ability beyond hu-
mane force, to prevent the execution of ſuch a pernicious command. But alas, his
vain paſſions were ſo far from defending the Princes Clorïa, againſt that violence of-
fered to her person, that he had not ſo much liberty, as by one dear kifſ to take leave
of her white hand, amongst the rest of her train, who were admitted to that for-
rowful honour: For the rigid guard finding by his diſtracted looks, and extravagant
words, that he had not patience enough in his breast, to comply punctually with their
ſtrict commission, quickly diſcharged him from his ordinary attendance, before they
difpoſed of the rest of the ſervants. This accident soon retired Narcissus into the
neighbouring woods, there to complain onely to Rocks and Stones, of the greatneſs
of the Princes injury, and his own misfortunes; in which place he remained in his
wilde passion, until want of food and lodging, conſtrained him to turn his thoughts
to consider his preſent neceſſity; and to that purpose, resolved to seek ſome habi-
tation,

The Princesss Gloria;

PART II.

tation, where he might receive entertainment, until he could further dispense of his determination, since he found these fruitless forrows and distracted expressions, neither eafed his grief or profited his love. Wherefore after he had travelled three or four dayes in the vaft Forreft, with such provision onely as he could get in poor and contemprible Cottages, as he past through a thick Wood, which seemed to obscure a certain Plain that lay beyond it, his melancholly ears of a fudden were faluted, with a certain kind of rude Mufick, that appeared also more confuted, for that it was at many periods, accompanied with the loud acclamations of common people. As this seemed a strange adventure to his imagination, after such an absolute silence, for so many dayes in his solitary perambulation, where doleful echoes appeared to have been in a manner his only companions, with the uncouth fall of waters from high and unacceffible precipices, so the unexpected newneſs again of probability of humane conversation, put on a little his defire to be curious, though scarce was he willing to allow himſelf any content at all, ſince he that was the delight of his ſoul, had been forcibly separated from his fight: Nevertheless he executing his intention, he directed his ſteps towards the place where he heard the noise, through the intangled Bryers, and almost impaffable bushes, which ſufficiently moderated his haſte and protracted his march; yet at laſt with much pain, he arrived near the outside of the Wood, where he might perceive through the Branches of the Trees in a spacious Plain, a great many of Countrey people gathered about a little Altar, raiſed fix ſteps above the ground; at which ſtood an old Priefl offering aſſeſtice to the God Pan, as appeared by his ſtatue placed upon certain bases compoſed of rough stone, and with more unpolſhed workmanship. This discovery invited Narciſſus to attend the ion with ſilence; and the rather for that at every full point, and ſtop of the Priek in his devotions, the multitude suddenly took hands in a joyful agreement one with another, and danced many rounds, about the Image in a rural manner, to the onely Mufick of their untunable voices, though a certain Ditty which he could not understand by any words they uttered, appeared to express the intention of their mirth, though onely known to themſelves, in respect of the rudeneſs of the language, and the harſneſs of the delivery.

When *Narcifſus* had a long time entertained his wonder, with the fight of this extraordinary paſttime, defiring alſo to ſatisfy his understanding of the reaſon of their ſ Assembly, he approached nearer the company, with an intention to enquire of ſome ſtanding by, nor onely what the occaſion might be of that ſolemnity, but how he ſhould the readieſt way, finde out the next convenient Town to give him receptiſon; and the opportunity fitted well with his deſire; for the Priek having performed all the rites and ceremonies belonging to his office, was newly retired ſome diſtance from the multitude, to a ſmall riling bank, as well to repose himſelf, as to behold with greater conveniency the continued ſport, wherein he ſeemed to have more then an ordinary intereſt, which made *Narcifſus* quickly addreſſs himſelf to him with this courteous language.

Father, faſd he, I hope it is the cuſtom in theſe parts, especially amongſt those of your proſeffion, not to take ill any curioſity of a ſtranger, that ſeeks civilly to be enſformed, as well in the manners of the Countrey where he paffeth, as of a convenient place that may give him entertainment: And that I may prevent your demand, which I make no doubt but will ſeem neceſſary to your judgement, be pleafed to know that I am by birth of the Island of *Cyprus*, and intending a pilgrimage to the Temple of *Delphos*, am by chance ſ fallen into your company.

The Priek ſeeing himſelf faluted by a young man, though in his own habit, of ſuch an excellent beauty, and ſo perſect a ſhape, p ſeforently not onely roſe up from his ſeat, to give him the more reſpectful welcome, but told him for his lodging the night to come, ſince the time of the day perhaps might prevent him of a better conveniency, he ſhould hold an extraordinary honouſ, that his own poor habitation might perſorm the ſervice: And the rather, as he ſaid, for that their p ſroſſions ſeemed to agree by the outward reſemblance of the Robes. *Narcifſus* was not much diſpleafed with the offer, as well becauſe he found himſelf ſomething weary, by reaſon of the ſtraight expeſa.

extravagant and uncertain journeyes he had made, as also that he might hope by this
opportunity, to get further information concerning his own resolutions, that yet he
had not fully determined. Wherefore after he had returned the Father a civil thanks
for his favour, with an intimation he was willing to accept of his charitable kindnesſs,
they both fate down together upon the Bank-fide, to behold the finishing of thofe
rural delights, that paſſionately feemed to employ the Countrey people; which gave
occasion to Narciſſus, to demand the reaſon of that extraordinary mirth, that poſ-
ſeſſed the thoughts of the whole company. The Prieft after he had a little ſmiled,
to think of the ſtrangers apprehension, told nim, ſince he perceived his curioſity
went ſo far, as to be ſatisfied in thofe petty affairs, he would take the pains to let him
know the original that produced the effects; which as he ſaid was the more proper
for his entertainment, ſince the occasion at the preſent, detained almoſt all Aſia both
in expectation and wonder; however he feared his ſtory might be too tedious for his
patience. But Narciſſus ſeeming rather paſſionate at the ſatisfaction then diſaſted
at the offer; the Prieft retired ſomething further into the Woods, to be more out of
the noife of the people, where after he had ſettled the ſtrangers expectation to a ſilent
attentivenesſs, he began this diſcourse.

Sir, ſaid he, you muſt be pleased to know, that our King Enarchus Grandmother
called Minerva (by whose right he came to wear all thofe Crowns he was once poſ-
ſeffor of, and might ſtill have enjoyed in a pROPEROUS meaſure, if his fortunes had
been equal to his goodneſs, or his Subjects loyalty anſwerable to his own eminent
worth) was a Princesſs, of ſuch excellent vertues, that it had been a controverſe be-
tween art and nature, whether had more bountifully contributed, to the adorning of
her Royal Perſon; however ſhe onely reigned in Mysia, a Countrey not onely
barren in production of the fruits of the earth, but luxurious in the unfaithfulneſs
of the people, though her birth juſtly claimed the inheritance of this rich Kingdom
of Lydia, after our Queen then reigning here; I ſay this admirable Princesſs, had a
bafe Brother also, named Leonatus, who wanted not ambition enough to deſire the
Crown of Mysia, though he were not furniſhed with ſufficient vertues to merit ſuch
a dignity; and to this purpofe, left nothing unatempted, that might either ad-
vance his own eſſem or deprave his Sifters actions; and to that end inſinuated him-
ſelf by all means poſſible, not onely into the good opinion of the Lords, but much
more into the favour of the comon people; in which interim the young Princesſs, be-
ing furniſhed with youth and beauty, was perſwaded by the chief Nobility to think
of a noble Husband, that might accompany her in her converſation, and give the
Kingdom a hope of poſterity; two eſſential parts as they pretended of her own hap-
pineſs: in pROſecution of this deſire, there was preſented unto her view, a handſome
Lord of this our Countrey of Lydia: in conclusion the Nuptials were quickly ſo-
lemnized, to the appearing content of both parties; and the rather for that the then
Queen of Lydia, was well ſatisfied with the choice, not doubting to maintain by this
means a continual and ſtrong intereſt in the Kingdome of Mysia, ſince ſhe had mar-
ried to the Princesſs one of her own Subjeſts.

But now Leonatus began to play his part; for finding this conjunction proved a
bar to his pretension for ſucceſſon, he thought it his belt way, to eſtablish himſelf
notwithstanding, a certain power in the Government; and to that purpofe eſtrived
by all means his malicious will could inſtruct, to gain the good opinion of the young
King, whereby to ſet him at difference with the Queen, who began to be a little di-
ſaſted, to fee his Wife take upon her ſo absolute Authority, he onely bearing the
name of a Prince; which at laſt grew to ſuch a height, by the underhand provoca-
tion of wicked Leonatus, that one day when the Queen (being great with Childe)
was retired into her private Chamber, to confer with a certain Secrety of State, moſt
employed in the Kingdoms Affairs, her Husband of a ſudden ruſt into her preſence
with his Sword drawn, and there before her amaz'd eyes, ſlaughtered her poor Ser-
vant. However this was an act of ſome horrour to the great-bellied Queen, and ſo
conſequently might be thought ſufficient motives of her laſting indignation, to ſee
her ſelf and Authority ſo affronted, by one ſhe had lately raſed from being a Subjeſt

The Prince's Cloria;

PART II.

160

to be her Husband; yet religion and good nature proved so powerful in her noble
disposition, that upon the Kings forrow and submiffion, she was content both to for-
give the injury, and forget the diſhonour by a perfect reconciliation. But Leonatus
not weary yet of his own wickedneſs, though defpairing of his further ability, to re-
tain his intereſt with the young King, ſince the Queen as he thought had ſo aſolute-
ly circumvented him in that project, of a ſudden ſtruck into friendship with certain
ſaſtious Prieſts, that had newly brought in a Religion into Myſia, that taught this
dangerous DoCTRine; That Princes deſerved no longer to Govern, then whilſt they con-
tented the people. Which opinion you may very well imagine, took feelingly with the
multitude, inſomuch as in a ſhort time, the Queen had employment enough to de-
fend her perſon from reproaches, as her Kingdom from Civil War: This exceed-
ingly tormented her thoughts, until the birth of her young Son again revived her ſpi-
rits. However Leonatus ſtill profecuting his horrid deſigns, to ſupplant the Queen in
her juſt right, whereby to bring the Government of the Kingdom under his own jurif-
diction, one night ſecretly cauſed, not onely the young King to be cruelly murthered
in his Bed, in execution of his revenge, becauſe he had quitted his party, but alſo laid
the bloody ſlaughter, by way of private aſperſions, upon the innocent and religious
Queen, the more to bring her in hatred with the common people, who ſeemed al-
ready ſufficiently poſſoned, by the late pernicious doctrine brought into the Coun-
trey by the turbulent Prieſts: Although theſe crafty practiſes, had not as yet pow-
er to ſhake, or rather abſolutely to deſtroy her grounded authority, which had been
caſt upon her by ſo rightful a ſucceſſion, yet by little and little they ſo wounded her
reputation, that they made her deſire to have a faithful companion, to aſſiſt her in
her government; which politick Leonatus perceiving, judging it a love paſſion in
the Queen, put on ſome of the Nobility underhand to perſwade her, not onely pre-
fently to marry, but to take for her Husband a valiant Gentleman his intimate friend,
who a long time had pretended unto her love; however he was not without ſome ſul-
picion, that he had been an aſtor in the Kings death; with theſe baits, I ſay, Leo-
natus ſo far intangled the Queens innocency, that ſhe was won by perſwafion to
make this election, being counſelled thereunto by the chief Nobility, ſet upon her
to that purpofe, though ſhe firſt cauſed a decree to be paſt by the unanimous conſent
of all, that this Lord had been no way guilty, of the falſe aſperſion his enemies had
caſt upon him, concerning the Kings murther. No ſooner were theſe Nuptials ſo-
lemnized, which was the thing Leonatus deſired, but ſecretly he admoniſhed the new
King to flye, aſſuring him as his friend, that either he would be ſuddenly ſlain by ma-
ny that had conſpired his death, or publickly be apprehended and brought to his
Tryal by the conſent of the whole Kingdom; ſo that he, whether knowing himſelf
faulty indeed, or ſearing the power and injuſtice of his enemies, ſince emulation
amongſt his equals had procured him a world of envy, quickly followed his advice,
and privately without the Queens privity, quitted his Countrey and Fortunes.

Leonatus, conceiving now he had compaſſed the hardeſt part of his projectſ, ſent
ſecretly into Lydia to poſſeſs the Queen there, with an aſſurance of Minerva's
guilt, ſince ſhe had married the murtherer of her firſt Husband; too apparently as he
pretended diſcovered, by his ſtrange flight: At the ſame time alſo, by the help of
his faſtions Prieſts, he raiſed tumults againſt her, in her own Kingdom, whereby ſhe
became imprifoned, becauſe ſhe would not quit her government. This you may be-
lieve, gave the poor Queen ſufficient employment, inſomuch as being wearied by
continual troubles, and invited to the Court of Lydia by her Kinſwomans, promi-
ſes, for her better and quiet protection, ſhe was content to reſign the Crown to her
Son, and accept of thatſe offers ſhe eſleemed real. But alſo, no ſooner was ſhe ar-
rived within the bounds of this Kingdom of Lydia, but contrary to her expeſtation,
(wherefore amazed in the execution) inſtead of being admitted into the Queens pre-
fence with Love and Honour, ſhe was commanded as a prifoner to a Caſtle not ſat
off; whilſt in the mean time her young Son, was committed to the tuition of Leo-
natus her worſt enemy; however with this pretension, that as ſoon as ſhe could clear
her ſelf, of thatſe aſperſions and accuſations that her ſubjects brought againſt her,
ſhe

She should enjoy those respects at a Court, which had been largely promised her; though in the interim, she must be content with her fortune, since the State of Lydia thought it not fit, for one in her condition, beforsotted with the opinion of so black a crime, should have any correspondence with their Queen, as 'twas pretended, of so bright a vertue; when the Gods know, it was either the too much clearnefs of her own good parts, or the rightfulness of her title, being of a contrary Religion, that was the onely obstacle of her happineſs. But whilſt Minerva under-went for many years a hard imprisonment in Lydia, ſince the Queen her ſelf was so far from eating her of her bonds, as she would never give ear to her complaints; the King her young Son began to approach to man ſtate, and that matureneſs in age gave him a feeling of his mothers oppreffions: but her enemies in Myſia, being also backt from the States in theſe parts, who had an intention all they could to SUPPREſſ his greatneſs, that he might have no power to claim his Right in the Kingdom of Lydia, gave his thoughts and actions not onely continual interruptions, but at laſt imprimſed his very perſon in his own Kingdom. Notwithstanding all this, the wife King bore theſe infolencies with unexampled patience, knowing, that as it was not in his power to free himſelf from their tyranny by any Kingly pretension; of the other ſide, he hoped that faſtions amongst ſ themselves would at laſt purchase his liberty. In this ſtate he continued, until his Guard found, that it might be prejudicial to his Titles in Lydia, after the old Queens death, to keep him thus as a prifoner, whereby they might alſo be debarred, from a plentiful share of the gain when Lydia by ſucceſſion ſhould fall to him: Upon theſe ſ considerations they of a ſudden not onely releaſed him from his confinement, but every one of theſe men ſ themselves ſtrived, who might be moſt in his favour; when as he not onely as a good natured Prince, forgot all his injuries, but became ſufficiently pleated to be at liberty, upon any terms whatſoever. But the old Queen of Lydia, drawing now to her laſt period both of life and Kingdom; conceiving it was reaſon ſufficient for a juſt jealouſe, to have the Heir apparant so near her juridiction, whom ſhe imagined looked upon her continuance like a young bloſſome, that ſtrived to thrust out the ancient and withered flower from its ſtalk, began ſuddenly to question the poor Princes (her ſelf alſo being almost worn out by her hard ſusage) about her correspondence with theſe forreign powers, who were of her kindred; And not content with any anſwer the truth of her proceedings could make, called her to her trial before ordinary Comſioners. As theſe might be evident marks of Minerva's ruine, ſo were they not undiscovered by the ſharp apprehenſion of the wife Lady, though her ſpiteful fate would not afford her prefervation, notwithstanding her excellent endowments: yet as ſhe had good cauſe, ſhe excepted againſt theſe partial Judges deſigned for her deſtruction, by all the pretentions that a free Prince, or an oppreſſ woman could alledge, though the Queen ſeemed as deaf to her juſt and reaſonable request, as her enemies were violently bent to fatiſe their cruelties; until in the end ſhe was ſtocked to deſt from her importunities, and ſtick wholly to the confidence her goodneſs had merited in the Gods mercies. This not onely brought her to a Judgement-feat, prepared with ſome outward circumſtances fit to entertain her dignity, but to a condemnation prepared with ceremony, to bewitch the understanding of the common people, who rather deſired to behold ſtrange ſpectacles, then to be delighted in juſt actions; and in this May game, as I may call it, of the worſt cruelty, when the form of Law was onely made uſe of to hide bad intentions, was this brave and religious Queen, as a period to all her forſtunes, ſentenced to loſe her head. Notwithstanding this condemnation, the Queen of Lydia for ſome time deferred the execution; conceiving her own honour could not but suffer abroad, in the opinion of all other Princes her equals, as her Kinfwoman in perſon did at home under her juridiction. But ambition, jealouſe, and revenge, at laſt got the victory over all her other vertues, by the malicious and crafty perfuſions of Minerva's enemies, who believed, they could not be ſafe as long as ſhe lived; ſince it was probable, if ever ſhe came to wear the Crown of Lydia, ſhe would alwayes be mindeſſul of their disaffections.

Y

These

The Prince's Clorias

PART II.

These reasons, I say, procured the Queen under-hand, to sign a warrant for Minerva's death, which by the Laws of the Country, could not else be taken away by any power; and with this Authority a Messenger prefently was sent to the chief Officer of the Province, to give Minerva warning of her approaching doom. When the sad Princes beheld this bloody character written with the Royal Hand of her nearest Kin, woman, it was a question, whether amazement or courage governed moft in her noble thoughts; for as of one side she could scarce believe, that the Queen had been drawn to an act so prejudicial to the honour of her Sex, so of the other side, she entertained the news with a gentle smile, as a wifhed period of all her miseries; onely with three or four deep sighs, she defired these requeft of those Commissioners that had authority to fee the sentence put in execution: First, that the might have all her ſervants about her at the time of her death, to bear true testimony to the world, that she neither flaggered in her Religion, nor derogated from her Sons Honour: Next that the Queen would be so charitable, as not onely quietly to suffer those that attended about her person, in safety to quit the Kingdom, but to pay them their due wages, if not reward them according to the just ſervice she had received: And laftly, that she might have a Prief of her own profefſion, to comfort and inſtruct her in her laft suffering. To the first, they onely anſWERed, that as they could not give her leave to have all her attendants about her for fear of tumults, by reason of their multitudes, so were they willing to allow her some few to fat ſiſe her defire. For the ſecond, they promifed to be interceſſors to the Queen in her behalf. But for the laft, they abſolutely reſuſed her requeſt, pretending it would be a diſhonour to the Religion profefſed in Lydia. With theſe anſwers Minerva retired into her Chamber, the better to prepare her religious thoughts againſt the next dayes Combat, where ſhe remained all that night, with ſo conſtant a zeal to the Worſhip of the Gods, and chearful a demeanour in the perſwading of her ſervants to patience, by contemning of all worldly prosperity, that it was easily to be perceived, ſhe rather entertained death as a kinde friend, that intended to put her in poſſefſion of a better life, then as a ſiſerce enemy, that ſet before her imagination frights of a horrid deſtruction: Thus ſhe continued her employment, until the early morning and watchful cruelty, brought to her Chamber door the instruments of her deſtruction: This warning was ſufficient to make her prepare with Majety, to act the laft ſcene that should render her famous to poſterity. Wherefore with a pleasant look, as if ſhe intended to laugh at deaths worſt shape, when ſhe came out ſhe bid the company good morrow, and then proceeded to the Scaffold, with all the circumftances being long to her dignity, that was covered over with black Velvet; where being ſet in her diſmal Chair of State, ſhe told the ſpectators, that as they muſt not expect many words from her, in regard her Sifter the Queen of Lydia was not preſent, to whom ſhe would onely have directed a diſcourſe; ſo of the other side, ſhe wifht them all to bear witness, that ſhe conſantly expired in that Religion ſhe ever profet to the world, for which ſhe both did, and was joyfull to ſhed her beſt Blood; which being ſaid, by one and one ſhe took leave of her ſervants, who being overpreſt with grief and tears, were ſcarce able to perform their laſt, though conſtrainſed duties, to fit their glorious Miftris for her execution: And with another ſweet ſmile, holding up her white hands to the Omnipotent Gods for mercy, not long after without the laſt unquiet motion, ſhe received that fatal ſtroke, that ſent her foul to an eternal habitation.

When this unexampled Tragedy became ſpread over Asia, which gave ſufficient occasion of large diſcourſes, it could not but with ſpeedier wings ſie to her Sons Court, accompanied with all the particular circumſtances of her death, where it reſted until an Ambaſſador from the Queen of Lydia was ſent, in ſome fort to leſſen the fact, as being absolutely done without her privity as he pretended, to which purpose ſome of her principal Councillors had been puniſhed: But this Balfom a long time, had not power to heal the deep wound this apprehended cruelty, had made in his dutiful boſom, until his people finding that Myſſia was not able to contend with Lydia in any revenge, and that the ſmallest attempt offered by way of force to vindicate his honour, might inter-

163

interrupt his quiet and peaceableSucceffion to a Crown so rich and flourishing, which
ere long he could not by course of nature but expect, since the Queen was both old
and decayed, not onely diffwaded him from any hostile evafion, but also counfelled
him to entertain a firm correspondency with the State he was to possefs, and thera-
ther, for that the Lydian Meffenger threatned him, with a legal deprivation from
his Royal Right, by the conſent of the whole Kingdom, in whose judgement (as he
faid) his Mother had been condemned, if any way he flirred violently to diffurb the
peace eſtabliſht in both Countreys.

These reaſons (I ſay) render'd him as well ſatisfied in ſhew as in effect, who was
eſteemed extreamly peaceable, if not ſlothful in his nature; which was the occafion,
that as he could never be brought willingly to enter upon any actions of glory, ſo
did it make him for the moſt part, as it were a captive to the preſſing importunities
of his covetous and inſolent Countriemen the Myſſians, who ſcarce would be ſatis-
fied with any gain or preferment whatsoever he could beſtow upon them. But to be
ſhort, at laſt the old Queen of Lydia dying, he without any contradiction quickly
took poſſeſſion of her Kingdoms, in which government he continued with all the
proſperity in the world during his life: That ſinſhed, the Crowns of Lydia, Myſſia,
and Crete, defended by a juſt right upon his hopeful Son and Succeſſor Euarchus,
then newly married to Hyacinthia Orſames Sifter, (our now Queen) who enjoyed al-
ſo thoſe poſſeffions (I muſt needs ſay) with as much happineſs (until theſe laſt flirs)
as it was poſſible for mortality to expect.

But the Myſſians, who as I ſaid before received golden liberalities in the time of
the old King, (he being a Prince that knew no way how to be provident) when they
found that Euarchus numerous ſſſue, and the Queens neceſſary expences, did in a
manner drown all their expectation; firſt began to mutter in words againſt the ac-
cuſtomed vanities of the times; and laſtly they found fault that onely ſmooth-faced
boys enjoyed, (as they ſaid) all the Credit of the Court, when Souldiers and men
of valour wanted both countenance and means to live, the King being ſo bewitched
to his own eafe, and Wives content, that he could not be drawn to help his own
Brother in-law, againſt the oppreſſions of the King of Armenia; by which War
many might be employed that now wanted ſubſtance: Nor was there wanting in
Lydia it ſelſ many ſaſtious ſpirits, that not onely received encouragement by this
bold language, who also coveted State preferment in the Government of the Com-
mon-weale: Yet theſe begun diſcontents lay hid in the cinders of ſome duty, until
new taxations of the Subjects gave more desperate diſtaſtes, beſides, the accidental
arrival of Prince Caſſianus in Lydia after his Fathers death, ſtirred up the pride of
one Dimogoras to a new ſpleen againſt the King, by which means he believed he
ſhould be the ſooner employed. But that which ſeemed moſt to contribute to Euar-
chus prejudice, was the ſudden arrival of an old Myſſian Captain out of the Wars of
Armenia called Lycius, who having gained in thoſe ſervices good ſtore of wealth,
ſued to the King to have himſelf rewarded by Titles of Honour; which being deny-
ed him by ſome negleſt, as alſo Caſſianus requeſt for a competent afflіſtance, a little
protracted, this inſolent Commander quickly flew from the Court with execrations
in his mouth, and malice in his heart; and ſo coming into his own Countrie, omit-
ted no diligence that could withdraw the people from their lawful obedience; which
he had the better opportunity to effect, since he found not onely the Nobility am-
bitious, but the Prieſts violent. The one he perſwaded with brave ſpirits again to
look upon the courage of their Anceſtors, who had by force of Arms torn Privi-
ledges from their Kings; the other he admoniſhed, to caſt their thoughts upon
the recovery of that Religion now almoſt loſt, that had formerly chafed their for-
mer Queen both from her Kingdome and life; and for the common people it
was ſufficient to plead to their imaginations liberty; by whose perſwafion, the
Nobility not onely raſed a power absolutely to contemn the Kings Authority in
their own Countrie of Myſſia, but alſo led a great Army preſently into Lydia,
whereby to compell Euarchus to ſummon the great Council of that Kingdome
alſo.

Y 2

To

The Princesss Gloria;

PART II.

164

To be short, when this eminent Assemhly was met, as it was designed in the
City of Sardis, which was also affused to be made a free Town (as much to say, as
not to be compelled to any obedience to Enarchus and his posterity) the chiefest dif-
courtes that were made there, were in difgrace of the Kings actions, and almost all
the Acts that paft were to destroy his Authority: All which the milde King suf-
fered with a world of patience, hoping that time, after they had wearied them-
felves with their violent passions, would let them fee their own miftakes, or the God's
at leaftwife would defend his innocency: However thefe unexpected proceedings not
only continued, but their rage grew to such a height againft his perſon, whereby as
twas thought to bring him into the greater contempt amongst the common people,
that by divers tumults countenanced in the multitude, he was at laft forced from the
City of Sardis, whilft the Senate in the interim inſtituted a ſtrong guard of Soul-
diers of the Town Forces, to wait upon their Councels, becaufe they would ſhow
to the Subjects, greater marks of Sovereignty in their Assemhly, then in the Kings
Dignity.

But whilft many were brewing their own paſſionate deſigns with incredible inſo-
lency, being chiefly ſupported by the votes of the common people, who were per-
lwaded they ſhould recover by the Senates Authority an absolute liberty, the poor
King with a very ſmall train retired to the City of Theatyra: Where however, con-
trary to the expectation of the Senators, who believed that their diſcountenance,
was ſufficient to render him abandoned by the whole Kingdom, he not onely re-
ceived better welcome, but was entertained with the general commiſeration of moſt
of those parts, who bitterly complained of his hard (and as they thought) unjuſt
uſage; and the rather did this pitty prevail, for that by his eloquent and fluent Pen,
he ſeemed fully to beat back all the aſpersions, his enemies ſought daily to caſt upon
him; which brought (as I ſay) to his Court multitudes of Gentry and Nobility, both
from the City of Sardis and other parts, who vowed perpetual faithfulneſs to his per-
ſon, with other eſſential ſerviccs.

Theſe encouragements by the perſwafion of his truſty Councillors, made him im-
ploy his beſt industry to raife Souldiers, whilft in the interim he ſent to the Queen,
whom he underſtood was in the Island of Cyprus, to procure him Arms, by the
credit The had purchased with the Duke of that Countrey, ſince the Senate had al-
ready ſeized upon all his Magazine and Ships: After which he went from one pro-
vince to another, to feel the inclination of the people; yet as he found moſt of them
for him in their words when he was amongſt them; whether out of the inconſtancy
of their own natures, or unwilling to be at any charge to maintain new troubles; as
foon as he left them perſonally, they were for the greatest number carried from their
former proſeffions; ſo that he perceived the ſucceſs of his whole fortunes, was
chiefly to depend upon the gallantry of the better ſort. And truly this expeſtation
did not deceive him; for in a ſhort ſpace, beyond all belief, they ſo furnished him
with moneys, beſides their own attendance, that he became maſter of a brave Army
commanded by his Nephew Prince Thyaſmus, who was newly arrived in his Camp
from the Armenian Wars.

The Senate, who before had raſed Forces to contend againſt the Kings intentions,
according to the intelligence they had received, not to be ſlothful in their affairs,
quickly created Dimogoras General in the deſign, whom they knew was a man never
to be reconciled to his Sovereign, by reaſon of the ſpightfulness of his own vio-
lent ambition: no ſooner was he eſtabliſh'd in his office, but he was commanded to
march, as they pretended to ſeparate the King from pernicious Councels, and bring
him ſafe to Sardis, there to be better governed; to which purpose that City had
plentyſually ſ furnished money, conceiving their prosperity depended upon their Princes
ruine.

This reſolution was quickly known to Euarchus, and not long after considered by
his Councel, that it was high time to advance with the whole Army, to try the for-
tune of a Battle with the Senates General, ſince the King wanted provision, and could
not expeſt ſupplies of money to furnish out the neceſsary expeſion: with this de-
termi-

termination, after two or three dayes march, they met the Senates Forces upon an
ample plain, spacious enough to have decided the controversy for the worlds Empire :
The Conflict of a sudden grew so deliberate, that it was a question whether they
fought more to satisfie their own spleens, or to gain a beneficial Victory; which
however was prosecuted for some hours with doubtful fortune; for although the
Kings Horfe commanded by Thyafmus in person, at the first charge defeated their
Enemies, inomuch as for many furlongs they had the chace of their Troops, yet the
Foot Forces in their abfence, that for the moft part wanted Arms, had sufficient im-
ployment to fuftain the fury of the Senates Souldiers, being better provided: Which
however was bravely ſupplied by the noble valour of the King himself, inſomuch as
he ſuftained the violence of the tempeſt, until his own Horfe again came in to his
reſcue; though with ſuch a ſlaughter of his poor ſubjects, that it created a moſt
paffionate compaſſion in his Royal Breaſt, although the determinable fate of his
Crown might very well have given a full employment to his thoughts: Upon Thyaf-
mus appearing with his viſtorious Troops, Dimogoras retired with his worſted Forces,
and the night hindred further p[ro]ſecution for the preſent, which as I may ſay, envi-
ouſly ſhadowed the Kings glory, who eſſe could not have been defrauded as twas
thought, of a moſt absolute Conqueſt to his immortal honour, if not to his King-
doms proſperity.

However he resolved the next morning early, again to ſet upon his Enemies, who
were retired for their better safety, within the protection of their ſecure Trenches ;
but contrary to his expectation Dimogoras (belike fearing Enarchus intention, and
unwilling to hazzard the Senates fortunes in one doubtful adventure) had made uſe
of the dark coverture of the night, to convey himself and his whole Forces, to a
ſtrong Town not far off, remaining under his juridiction: Nevertheless, ſo much
opinion this half conquelt had got amongst the common people, that many Cities
prefently returned under the obedience of their lawful Prince, whileſt in the mean
time, the King made Philadelphia the chief ſididence of his Royal Court, where
again he began to rule like a Monarch, and ſuffered his other Generals in many parts
of the Kingdom, to p[ro]ſecute his commands with ſuch p[ro]ſuous ſuccesſs, that in
a ſhort ſpace he became in a manner Maſter of all Lydia, though the great Town of
Sardis ſeemed full with moſt obſtinate pride to contemn his power, being more in
love with that p[affion], that made them hope to be a free City, and the covetousneſs
to obtain payment of that money they had disbursed, then mindful of their own
ſafety and obedience. The King who began to think now the difficulty of his af-
fairs were p[aſſ] all danger, began a little to play with the weakneſs of his Enemies ; in-
ſomuch as his Souldiers became neglected in their discipline, as the Commanders licen-
tious in their course of life, which certainly contributed extreamly to all his misfor-
tunes : for being provoked either by unwife, if not traiterous Councel, or put on by his
own juſt ſpleen to fee himself in the height of all his Victories diſobeyed by weak For-
ces, suddenly beſieged a ſmall City that lay in the very heart of his new Conqueſts,
conceiving his Enemies wanted power of reſiftance, or at least ability to bring him
any incommodation, which made his Troops leſs careful to prevent correfpondency :
But the Town finding it could not hold out long againſt ſo ſtrong a Siege, gave pri-
vate intelligence to the Citizens of Sardis, who (apprehending the loſs would abſo-
lutely turn to their ruine, ſince the King would be ſure (as they believed) after to im-
ploy the reſt of his endeavour in their ſubversion, when he ſhould have ſinſhed the
delign in hand, that onely oppoſed him) of a sudden ſent out under the command of
Dimogoras, the Souldiers of Sardis it ſelf, that until then were never known to re-
move many ſurlongs from the ſmoke of their own Chimneyes, to try if it were poſ-
fible to raiſe the Kings Siege, who with as quick an expedition as they were able,
marched towards the Camp, imagining that the ſuccesſs of this voyage was to deter-
mine their fates, whether to remain free Citizens, or become conquered Slaves. En-
archus on the other ſide when he heard of this new and unexpected ſupply, ſo much
contrary to his imagination, however ſumours thereof had formerly come to his ears,
thought it his belt course, rather to fight with them in the open Fields, then in con-
tinuing

 continuing

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166

tinuing in his Trenches, to hazzard the danger of being starved for want of provision: With these purposes, after he had quitted the Walls of the Town, he advanced towards their Quarters with a hope to get upon them in the plain Champain, since he conceived he had much the advantage of Horfe, though his Foot was of a far less number. But though the King omitted no industry to compaſs his design, yet being betrayed by the common people in his intelligence, who ever favoured the Senate more then their Sovereign, Dimogoras got some dayes journey towards the City of Sardis, before Euarchus knew of his remove; the design of the General being no other now he had freed the City from danger, but to get again safe with his whole Army to the place from whence he came: The King as he was enraged with this fœret escape, so was he resolved if it were possible to fight with him upon any terms, since the contrary as he imagined, would prove in the opinion of the multitude, of no leſs a conſequence, then a Victory obtained by his adverſaries: To that effect as soon as he had overtaken his Enemies by tedious marches, he ſet upon them with desperate inconveniencies; not onely for that they had locked themſelves in inclosed Countries, but never came out of their Trenches to skirmish, by which means the Kings Cavalry proved of no ſervice; so that as I may ſay by reaſon of these unfortunate diſadvantages, Euarchus after twelve hours fight could pretend but to a very ſmall Victory; which ſucces returned Dimogoras to the City of Sardis with ſome honour, in regard, that however he had not beat the Kings Forces, it might be ſaid upon the matter he had workſed his deſigns.

Nevertheless, although this gave the Generals party not onely encouragement for the preſent, but hopes in abundance in the future, especially for that the Kings Souldiers every where began both to be negligent and treacherous, more feeming to rely upon the ſuppoſed juſtneſs of the Caufe, then reſolving conſtantly to defend it by any hazzard; yet the Senate at Sardis doubting ſomething their own fortune or ſucces, notwithstanding what policy ſoever they could uſe in the Kings Camp, reſolved again to bring in the Myſſians into Lydia with a powerful Army: To this purpole they made a contract with them, not onely to pay them a very great ſum of money, both to defray their charges and reward their endeavours, but alſo promiſed to eſtablish in the Kingdom of Lydia it ſelf, the fame manner of Worſhip of the Gods as was practiſed in Myſſia: As this ſeemed in effect to be the whole agreement between them, ſo the Myſſians wanted not in their meaning underhand deſigns, which was to bear at leaſtwife an equal ſhare in the Government of both Kingdoms, whereby the better to ſatisfie their pride and avarice; when as for the latter (as *twas ſaid) they would have fold the Gods themſelves, if they had been upon the earth vendible.

By this means again Euarchus became involved in new troubles; for preſently after the Myſſians having made this unhandſome accord to the Kings diſadvantage, notwithstanding their ſo many vows and promiſes to the contrary, there was employed at the fame time an Ambaſſadour from the Kingdom of Syria to Euarchus, not only to perſwade him to entertain a new Treaty and friendſhip with his Senate, ſitting at Sardis, but alſo absolutely to break all correfpondency and friendſhip between himſelf and the State of Egypt; which if conſeſcended unto by the King, he undertook, as well to keep back the Myſſians from entring Lydia, as to fettle an absolute peace in all the reſt of his Dominions: Whether theſe were onely brags or no, is altogether uncertain; rather may it be thought, either the Kings Fate or unhappy Council, ever thrufft him on upon thoſe wayes, that were moſt prejudicial to his Affairs: In conclusion he did not onely deny the Ambaſſadour the leaſt entertainment of theſe propoſitions, but at the fame time alſo was perſwaded, to publish a Declaration againſt the City of Sardis, though at preſent it ſeemed to contend with the Senate, about the payment of that money promiſed to the Myſſians, in recompence for their expedition into Lydia. This I muſt needs ſay ſo much exaſperated the Town, that preſently they went on with their accord by the general content of all: When theſe ſumms were received preſently the Myſſians marched into the Countrie with a huge Army, whileſt another was ſent with Dimogoras againſt the Kings own perſon:

fon: As by this means Euarchus was confrained to divide his Forces, so did he fend the greatest part of his Army along under the command of Thyafmus his Nephew, for the necessary raifing of the Siege before the City of Theatyra, where the Myffians were already encamped; however their power was increafed, with fuch Troops, as the Senate had commanded to joyn with them in that ſervice: Prince Thyafmus upon his approach (whether being as I may ſay too precipitate in his conduct, or that he was betrayed absolutely in his intelligence) when he came near the Town, think-ing either to furprize or defeat the enemy in an inſant, of the contrary ſuddenly he became involved in a moſt desperate Ambufcado, which in a manner deſtroyed the perſons or the courages of his whole Army, though in truth the Myſſians perform-ed the leaſt part of the ſervice: But the King being followed and ſuriously attempted in his march (as I ſaid) by Dimogoras, he kept himſelf and Troops (though fewer by many in number) upon ſuch ſure and courageous grounds, that the General at laſt was brought into ſo many desperate inconveniencies, by reaſon of his want of con-duct and providence, that although Euarchus at that time fought not one ſtroke, he forced him to compound for the lives and liberties of all his Souldiers, which was an occafion that preſently the Senate turned Dimogoras out of his office, whilſt in the in-terim there was put into his place one Farezius, whose melancholly valour in a very ſhort time prevailed exceedingly; for that the Myſſians had cauſed the King to di-vide his Forces into ſo many ſeveral commands, that he could not conveniently main-tain a considerable body together under any Captain, to be able to contend with power ſufficient; wherefore after ſome council taken with his beſt friends, the King resolved himſelf in perſon, to endeavour to ſtop the ſury of this new and prevailing General, that ſeemed like an outrageous torrent, to carry all before him, whether he marched againſt Towns or Armies.

The King befides the inflammation of his own natural courage, was put on to fight with Farezius, as 'twas thought upon the ſeafe reaſons: Firſt to prevent a conjunction between him and the Myſſians, who were as yet at ſome diſtance: Next to continue a life in his own party that ſeemed ſomething to decline his affiſtance in many places of the Kingdom, in regard of the others extraordinary ſuccesſs: And laſt of all, for that both money and other provisions failing, he began to contract many neceſſities in his Army. It was not long before they both met upon a large plain in an open Countrie, that afforded room enough for an equal contention, if the Fates had at all proved indifferent in the encounter: The firſt charge was given with ſury ſuffi-cient by both ſides, however the Kings Horſe without any known cauſe whatsoever, of a ſudden gave back, and not long after moſt ſhamefully turned their backs, though the Foot with incredible gallantry, ſiill continued the Fight with honour and ſafety: Euarchus upon this (however not being so much amazed as diſpleased) preſently rid amongſt the flying Troops, as it were calling both Gods and men to wit-nels, concerning the juſtneſs of his Cauſe, and the unfaindeſns of his intentions; withal perſwading them either to ſhow more courage or leſs diſloyalty: Alſo not onely in his words, but by his own unexampled courage, evidently expressed before their faces, conjured them to fight, or at leaſtwife to ſtand their ground at ſome diſtance, whilſt he and the reſt expoſed their lives to the ſury of the Enemy; calling them ſometimes his Countriemen and Subjeſts; otherwhile he termed them no bet-ter then unworthy ſlaves, that precipitately followed their own deſtruction and cap-tivity; when as they had a fair occafion offered them to be both glorious and happy: but at laſt, feeing nothing would prevail, he looked up to Heaven with tears in his eyes, beſeeching that the Gods would take pitty on him in his neceſſities; at leaſt-wife prove propitious to the Monarchy of Lydia, that ſeemed absolutely to depend upon this dayes adventure: Thus between praying, fighting, and perſwading, he con-tinued, until he ſaw moſt of his Souldiers either taken or ſlaughtered: ſo that at laſt, being conſtrained with a very ſew number in his company to quit the Field, he left his Camp to the courteſe of the Enemies mercy, whilſt by obſcure paſſages he got again ſafe in perſon (though much in his thoughts dejeſted) to the ſtrong Town of Phyladelphia, where not long after by the whole power of Farezius, he

The Princesss Clorias

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168

he was befieged with the reft of his Court, Friends, and Family.

As this, said he, was the proceeding of that fatal day, so may I fuppofe by the disperſing of the moſt part of the company, it will be alio time for us to retire: so taking *Narcifus* by the hand, he promised he ſhould have the reſt of his diſcourſe at home.

His houſe was ſeated at the end of a ſmall Town, onely divided by a pleafant grove of wood, that encompaſſed a round Temple built with Ionick Columns; within which was the ſtatue of Apollo: when they had performed ſome ſew devotions, according to the manner of the Countrey, amongst other Priefts of their own order, that remained in the place, the old Father led him to his habitation: being entered into the Parlour, he prefently ſhewed him the picture of *Enarchus*; which for ſome time he had kept, as he ſaid, in an obſcure corner of his houſe, though now he ſeemed to expect more ſ freedom; and thereupon he began to read a Lecture concerning his life and diſpoſition: which gave him an appetite to diſcourſe in this manner.

The Father of *Enarchus* our now King, being a Prince wholly given, as I may ſay, to his own pleafure, onely ſtudied wayes to keep himſelf during his life in a quiſet ſecurity; and to this purpofe, he not onely brought up his ſon, after the death of his elder brother in learning and domeſtick exercifes, under the protect of his own eye and juridiction, but when he came to years of conſent, he endeavoured with ſome violence, to marry him to the King of Egypts Daughter, by whose greatneſſe he thought to eſtablish his own Regal Power the better in Lydia, perceiving his Subjects were apt enough upon all occafions, to kick againſt his authority: but finding the Treaty was protracted, he ſent his ſon in perſon with an intimate favourite of his, into Africa, to court the young Lady. To be ſhort, the journey produced no effects at all anſwerable to his defires; for the two favourites of each Prince clathing together, although a certain day was appointed for the Marriage, yet the match broke, though upon what grounds I neither know, or can well dispute: After this breach *Enarchus* made preſently his addrefs to Hyacinthia our now Queen, being filter to Orfames King of Syria, eſteemed a moſt mortall enemy to the greatneſs of the Kingdom and Monarchy of Egypt: no ſooner was this match concluded, but the old King died, leaving young *Enarchus* to inherit in outward appearance, as much glory and proſperity as was poffible to be enjoyed by mortality upon earth; and ſo continued for many years, until theſe late unhappy differences obſtructed his felicity: which truly I muſt the rather bewail, in regard that he is a Prince given to no maner of vice; however perhaps ſome will ſay, he is more beholding to nature for his inclination, then to refolution for his temperance; unto which I anſwer, that as the world ought not to take any notice of the inward thoughts of man, when people receive a general commodity by the outward expeſions of vertues; ſo of the other ſide, when good and laudable actions are accompanied with an entire justice in appearance, it is unpoſſible but either the gods have placed ſuch upon earth, to become rare examples for imitation to others, or eſſe have ordained them to be extreamly beneficial to themſelves; ſo that both wayes he deſerves ſingular countenance and prefervation; and this without any partiality, may be ſaid to be the right character of the diſpoſition of *Enarchus*: for his active parts, that are and have been obvious to all the world; no man can accuſe him of cruelty, pride, or injuſtice: his dear affections to his wife and children, are beyond the pattern of all his predeceſſors; his activity and ſolicitation almoſt not to be imitated by any: his mode, ration in Diet and Apparrel ſcarce equals the pooreſt of his Subjects: if his parcimony can be imputed to him for a fault, let his numerous iſſue, and the ſmall extent of his own Revenues, make for him at leaſtwife a probable, if not a ſufficient excufe: beſides and over and above theſe ſpecified vertues, I muſt commend his diſcreet valour, and entire patience, ſince as in the one he never declined any engagement, when the neceſſity of his fortune did any way ſtand in need of the demonſtration of his courage, ſo did he never yet appear overcome by paffion, when he taſted the greateſt bitternefs of what aſſion ſoever: With theſe words the Prieft, as if he had been transported with the very apprehenſion of his suffering, ſeemed to end his diſcourſe.

courfe both in tears and lighs; and certainly had so continued for a long space, in a certain kinde of extatice, if an old woman and a little youth (the whole family with himselfe of his private habitation) had not interrupted his sorrowful contemplation, by bringing into the Parlor Wine and other junkets to entertain *Narcissus*, who not-withstanding, after he had tafted sufficiently of that civility, put him in minde again of his promiled relation, which was to make an end so far of his information, concerning King *Enarchus* fortunes, that he might be infructed, in the reasons of the joyful assembly of the people, dancing about the Altar and Statue of God Pan.

The Priest, after he had acknowledged in some fort, his own digressions from the matter intended, he let him know; that as it was no part of his meaning to deprive him of his due, according to his own obligation, so he desired him to excuse his passion in the Kings behalf, occasioned onely by the fight of the picture, that suddenly brought into his minde, a certain kinde of representation of his heroical vertues, proceeding from his nature and education: Whereupon presently leading *Narcissus* into his Garden, furnished him with many dainty flowers of all forts, in which curiosity he seemed to take an extraordinary delight, at last they both feated themselves in one of the Arbours, neatly contrived to defend the inward part of the habitation from *Phæbus* oppression, which afforded a sufficient conveniency for discourfe, and that joyned with the opportunity, quickly entered him into his new relation after this manner.

*Enarchus*, said he, being as I told you retired to Philadelphia after the Battle, as foon as he came into the Town, he went prefently to his Garden without speaking one word to any perſon, although many Troops followed him with paſſion, to know ſome particulars concerning his fortunes; the rather for that they conceived themselves also to be sufficiently interested in his fate: There he walked with a quick pace according to his cuſtom, ſometimes caſting his arm abroad, and otherwhiles again beating his breast with no ſmall violence; then would he look up to the Heavens, as if a little he accused the Gods determinations, to ſuffer him that intended nothing but justice and goodneſs, to be so cruelly perſecuted by his own ſubjects, without any known caufe whatsoever; ſo that in truth the whole company with tears in their eyes, began more to consider his inward ſufferings, then their own outward ſtate and condition: Thus I ſay he continued, until Prince *Thyafmus* his unfortunate Nephew (who not long before had retired thither with his beaten and ſcattered Troops) came, alſo with a few attendants in the Garden: When he had saluted the King with a fad look, (walking with him in that manner two or three turns) he at last, humbly defired him, to let the company understand a little of his unfortunate paſſages, ſince they could not be worſe (as he ſaid) then they imagined them to be, and for ought they knew they might be better then they ſuppoſed: The King went preſently and feated himſelf upon a Bench, whilſt all the company flockt about him, though he onely made a diſcourſe to them in this nature.

Gentlemen, said he, you now behold *Enarchus* tumbled from his THRONE: It is apparent the Gods are displeaſed with our actions; neither do I well know, what will become of this unfortunate Kingdom; for however they puniſh and demonſtrate their indignation oftentimes by evil and wicked inſtruments, yet they never ſhew their diſpleasure and indignation, but where offences are apparent enough to deferve that chaſtisement: Whether theſe faults (for which for the preſent we are ſcourged) abound moſt in my own Court, or the poſon hath too much dilated it ſelf over all my dominions, I will not ſay; onely ſure we are, that ſins of all forts are increaſed in ſuch a meaſure, that it is probable the Gods no longer could abſtain from demonſtrating the very height of their fury and wrath: I could be contented to ſuffer for you all, ſo that would be ſufficient to pay the ſcore of our obligations, we owe the Heavens justice for our crimes; but I fear me we are deſigned to be more generally involved, whereby to ſatisfie the divine exaſperated indignation, who can be no more couzened in its knowledge then reſtrained in its power: In my opinion the beſt way is, inſantly to take aſunder by way of profitable consideration, all our particular actions and thoughts; and ſo by wholſome and true

repen-

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The Princess Clorïe;

PART II.

repentance, if it be possible, to give some stop to the furious torrent of our misfortunes, before they come to such a Sea of confusion, that necessarily a general destruction must follow: When I consider the pride, covetousness, and diffimulation of my own Family and Court, I am partly convinced in my thoughts, that the ills we have suffered, wholly proceed from that original: Again, when I look upon the difobedience, luxury, andatheisme of the whole Kingdom, I may suppose from the peoples impieties have come our misfortunes: If I have been to blame for either, I must rather implore the Gods pardon for my omissions, then overmuch accuse my own intentions that made them so; since however my nature may be too paffively indulgent in such particulars, yet my disposition was not at all, prone to give them allowance and approbation: I must confess I cannot altogether free my self from every imputation, that hath been cast upon my Government; for it is no small fault to be remiss in punishments, where crimes may be encouraged to example; though much more when countenanced in oppression: And where inferiour Officers are permitted, though not commanded to be unjust, the Prince ought to bear a share in the active part, for that he had the power to have refrained the milchief, which perhaps is the occasion of my present suffering, with the rest of my Subjects, and what more indignation the Gods have in store, I cannot be certain to prevent; onely I am confident, without a deep examination of our inward thoughts, the confidence will not be sufficiently understood, whereby to be clear in any kindeto purpose, however our principles may be right and good; for without it, neither sorrow nor satisfaction can follow of any considerable value, to blot out the remembrance of such evils; and so consequently a continuation of the punishment due to the nature of our offences, will not be taken away. It is not enough to say our enemies want justice and legality in their prosecution, for that they may be made for the present onely divine revengers, though themselves be reserved for higher and more exemplary torments; for however actions of prosperity and fucceels, be not always marks of favour and approbation, yet ought they justly be esteemed testimonies of diftaste against those Nations, and such persons, that unfortunately are rendred Subjects of misery and chaufferement, since none ever suffers without a caufe: When revolutions happen (if we would but seriously enough look after the reason) in the general, we should finde matter sufficient to convince our belief, that we are not totally innocent almost in any particular; for the Gods are oftentimes accuftomed to preserve the whole, for their fakes that may pretend justly to any thing extraordinary: No my friends, this Kingdom hath been for some years past, involved in too much Superfluity, to expect long a continuation of their felicity; which no doubt made us too unmindful from whence proceeds originally all good and commodity: When peace and tranquility exceeding ly abound in any region, without being at all bridled and refrained by voluntary temperance and consideration, there is nothing to be expected soon after but captivity or deſtruction, to recal again mens thoughts and actions to moderation, neceffary for a new ſettlement and prefervation: This world was created but as the tryer and touch-stone of our dispositions, for the better eſtablishment of our eternal condition hereafter, since otherwise certainly it had not been made at all: In this confifts the onely mistake of mankind, that we look at preſent, and effential acquifitions belonging properly to our persons, without any relation to the future, when as they are I fay intended either as accidental benefits, or natural confolations, neceffary in ſome fort for our temporary ſubſtance: If we be great, mighty, and profperous, we expect ease, pleafure, and obſervance, as meer duties that should attend us, inſtead of making our thoughts thereby become more grateful, humble, and ſolicitous in all our endeavours, not onely to augment vertue and purchase grace, but to diſtribute our endeavours also by charity and reason, to those that are more indigent upon earth: What a King or Commander hath in honour and power, should be employed in care and industry for the general good: And if a begger or inferiour perſon wants in riches and prosperity, it ought to be supplied by being free from hazzard and perturbation: By which means

means all forts of people may participate in a kinde of an equality, according to the intention of their first creation, since the Gods certainly intended no absolute difference but what their inscrutable decrees have determined in the future, anfuerable to the endeavours of every one in particular: For however the things belonging to this life, sometimes may vary by way of accident in the world, yet the reasonable and more noble part of man, should be alike free in every one of us, by the fame rule of estimation and pretension. This consideration makes me at preſent, look upon my ſelf and you in this common mifery, with the fame eyes of pitty and commife-ration: Wherefore being determined to call my own thoughts to a moſt strict account, what I have acted, and how I may suffer; so would I have you also examine your conſciences, wherein you have offended; and in what nature you may be reme-died by this means, if it be yet poſſible, to procure ſome mercy from the Gods in our preſing neceſtities: and theſe I lay are intentions, not onely moſt pious but ex-tream ſafe. With theſe words he instantly roſe from his ſeat, and retired into his pri-vate Chamber, that not onely forced tears but occasioned diſcourse from moſt of the company.

But whilet the King, and the inhabitants of Philadelphia with defpairing thoughts, were buſily employed about the better fortifying of the Town, againſt the expected Siege of Farezius, who every day was looked for with his Troops to attempt the fame, (though moſt part of them intended, rather to mend their conditions by yielding at laſt upon milder terms, then entertained in their hopes any probability of prevailing againſt his Forces) of a ſudden the Myſſians, fearing, left they might be de-cceived in their expectations, both in the money they expected from the Senate, as also concerning an equal ſhare in the Government of the Kingdom of Lydia, for that they had procured to themſelves and Nation in the Battle, rather contempt for the little valour they had ſhewed, then any way gained credit in the Wars, belieng an-other Town belonging to the Kings party, not yet reduced under the Senate's jurif-diction; where however they had continued for ſome weeks, yet at length they were beaten off both with loſs and diſgrace; inſomuch as then not knowing well how to play their Cards with any advantage, they began as their laſt refuge, not onely pub-lickly to dispute the Kings Titles, whom as they pretended the Senate had oppreſſed beyond their intentions; but employed the intereſt of a certain Ambafladour of Syria in their Army, to perſwade Enarchus, if it were poſſible to make an eſcape from the City of Philadelphia, whereby to put his perſon into their hands, promiſing in the interim his hopes, both preſent ſafety and future proſperity; as people being (as they ſaid) his own native Countreymen, who intended his condition, nothing but good and advantage by their affiſtance, according to his own deſire.

The King having received this comfortable meſſage, which pretended a lucky Omen as he imagined to the reſt of his occasions, notwithstanding Farezius had nev-ly beſieged Philadelphia, one day he called me privately into his Bed-chamber: when he had made ſaſt the door with a certain kinde of extraordinary earneſtneſs in his countenance, according to the manner he uſed in any thing he went about (being in truth a Prince, that is not onely ſolicitous in his thoughts, but indefatigable in his pains and actions) he told me, that as he had a ſecret of much conſequence to impart unto me, so was he affraird left it ſhould come to the knowledge of any, that were not intended to be employed in the buſineſs; doubting he had ſo many Traytors attending about his perſon, that it was impoſſible almoſt, for any deſign to be put in execution, without the Senates privity and knowledge: Wherefore though he were ſufficiently confident (as he ſaid) of my fidelity, by reaſon of the long experience he had had of my ſervice, and the tryal he had experimented of my Honesty and Religion; yet for that one or two more, were neceſſarily to be uſed in the fame adventure, he resolved to exact from me, not onely my faithful promise, but a Religious Oath, concerning the performance of my truſt tending to his commands: After I had affured him by verbal proteſtations, that I would be ready to lay down my life, in any thing his Majety ſhould think me capable, either of acting or suffering for his advantage, he made me preſently kneel down before

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the

The Princesss Gloria;

PART II.

the Statue of Jupiter, which he had always standing in his Chamber; where moft
solemnly I renewed those undertakings: After which he discovered unto me his de-
signs; which was in a disguised habit, to pafs through Farezius Camp in my Com-
pany, and so privately to convey himself into the Myffian Army, whither as he
told me he had been lately envited, with affurance of their affiftance, towards his
prosperity and protection: Although I muſt confefs I was not much enamoured of
the project, knowing the base eſteemed falſhood of that people; yet left the King
might ſuſpect any unwillingneſs in my diſposition, to hazzard my perſon in his ſer-
vice, I durſt neither open my thoughts, or deliver my opinion, although perhaps I
might have ſhewed him ſome reaſons, that would have procured alteration, how-
ever I knew of the other ſide, his ſtraits and neceſſities were ſufficiently preſſing
in regard of the Siege, to caufe him almost to venture upon what desperate deſiga
whatſoever: In conclusion I undertook to provide within three dayes ſpace, both
horſes and other conveniencies to that purpole, whilſt the King in the interim wri-
a Letter, with ſome few directions to his Nephew Prince Thyſmus, whom he had
lately made Governour of Philadelphia; which was to render the Town to the Ene-
my, after ſuch a time mentioned, though with the beſt conditions he could make for
himſelf, a consideration alſo being had both of his Court and Friends: Besides he di-
rected other writings to his eldeſt Son Arethusius, who remained then in the fartheſt
part of the Kingdom, attended by ſome few Forces of his own, wifhing him to
transport himſelf with all expedition to his Mother the Queen, to whose commands
he conjured him to be obſequious, in every thing that concerned all their affairs, the
being in truth not onely a Lady he loves beyond meaſure, but whose birth and inte-
reſt may procure him affiſtance out of Syria.

To be ſhort, within three dayes time I had provided all things ſo neceſſary for the
Kings journey, that he was clothed after the manner of the Grecian ſlaves, who
are accuſomed to be employed about ſervile works in the Field, onely he had
over his under apparel, a blue Mantle with ſhort and large ſleeves: He wore upon
his head a high Bonnet in colour red, with three or four Feathers taken from a Cocks
tail, upon his legs were ſaſtned certain black Buskins of Leather, with Buckles.
Betimes in the morning, we iſſued out of the Town both on horſeback, my ſervant
riding before a great bag, that was oyléd all over to prevent the prejudice of rain;
ſince I had put ſome neceſſary accommodations for our voyage therein, however no-
thing at all that could be any way ſuſpicious, although it might be our fortunes to
be taken by the Enemy, which in truth ſo fell out accordingly: For paſſing through
the firſt watch, we were not onely commanded to ſtand, the Souldiers prefently de-
manding of us from whence we came, but alſo as ſuſpicious perſons, were carried be-
fore an Officer of the Army to be examined: I did not deny but that I came out of
the Town of Philadelphia; however I told them, that as I was onely there by acci-
dent, to viſit ſome friends and diſpatch other neceſſary buſinſes, with certain
Schollers that lived in the Academy, who meddled with nothing but what concerned
their Studies, ſo was I again repairing to the City of Sardis, where for the moſt part
I remained, being by profession a Prief, that obſerved the Myſſian Rites, in my
ordinary ſacrificing to the Gods. This ſmooth tale I had hoped would have freed me
prefently, yet they kept us all that day and the next night, with a pretenſion the
Generall was not at leaſure, without whose diſcharge and allowance (as they ſaid) we
could neither pafs, or be at liberty: *Tis true, their chief intention was to get money
from us; but I muſt confefs I durſt not over-bountiſly offer them any, in regard it
would have given the more occaſion of jealousy and ſuſpicion: nevertheleſs, notwith-
ſtanding they ſeemed to detain me as a prifoner, yet I got leave for my ſervant, to be
in ſome ſort free in the Camp, whereby to have the conveniency (as I pretended) to
provide ſome accommodation, neceſſary for the Horſes; who in that office performed
his duty ſo diligently, that I muſt tell you he was conſtrained all night to lye in the
open Field, without any coverture whatsoever over his body, though in truth it proved
to be a very tempeſtuous ſeafon: In this manner we were perplexed betweene ſear
and ſuffering, however I muſt confefs I little doubted the Kings diſcovery; not one-
ly

ly

ly in respect of his habit, but that he had also shaved his beard in a most antick fashion. In conclusion the good humour of the General the next day, or rather the Souldiers finding there was but little to be got from us, not onely discharged me from my further attendance, but gave a Pans for me and my servant, to travel freely to the City of Sardis, without any let or hinderance from any of their party; which proved to be of no small conveniency unto us in all our journey: for although the protection onely mentioned that Town, where we leapt intended to go, yet as soon as I was out of the Camp, I so finely mended the writing with my own pen, that I made it most aptly serve for every place and Region: Inflomuch, as by reason thereof, in our journey we were neither letted nor troubled to any purpose; having a discharge presently amongst all manner of Officers of theirs, as soon as we produced the paper; when as without doubt otherwife, we had been infallibly taken and imprisoned, since those parts where we travelled, were become extream suspicious by order from the Senate, in regard of the Declarations of the *Myssians*, of purpose so commanded, the better as they thought to prevent all intercourse and correspondence, between the Kings party and the people of that Nation.

In this manner at last we arrived in the *Myssian* Camp, and with a great satisfaction (I must needs say) to the Kings thoughts, however his refolutions were not presently to discover his person: so that retiring into a little Village not very far from the Army, he sent me (after I had taken some small refreshment) to enquire for the *Sylvian* Ambassadour, upon whose score he rather seemed to have put his undertaking this dangerous adventure, then upon any absolute confidence he could have in the *Myssians* fidelity, in regard that they had already so often deceived him, with their fair promises and false actions; it was my part also in complements to tell him as much, when I had made him acquainted with the Kings arrival. As the Ambassador appeared somewhat amazed at the news, so did he not stick to assure me, that he knew his Majestie would be received by the Army with all honour and safety, and presently went along with me to finde him out, where the King after some few civilities, used this language to the Ambassadour.

Sir, said he, as you now see me in a pofture far below my birth and dignity, so the Gods, to let us know we are but men, have for the present sufted my person according to my misfortunes, whereby to comply the better with my necessities; this I hope is sufficient to show, what a desire I have to put my self into the hands of my native Countreymen: If either the consideration of my past benefits beftowed upon them in the general, or any compaffionate reflection upon my unfortunate state at the inflant, are motives sufficient to work upon humanity, I shall be safe here, and may be prosperous hereafter; wherefore, as I would not have them to work upon my miferies, for poor and contemptible gain, so shall not I remember them any more of their former ingratitude and disobedience; but rather let us both unite in such a conftant conjunction, that as by their means I may come again to be King, so will they ever by such an act of kindnesses oblige me to govern for their benefit: they cannot but consider with what little probability they can hope for any eftABLishment in Lydia, but by my means, when as already the Senate, doth not onely disvalue their actions and proceedings by most diſgraceful and contemptible ſpeeches, but now that they have brought (as they believe) their affairs to a prosperous iſſue, (whereby they have no more need of their affiſtance, and so conference would be rid of the trouble) they not onely dispute with them, the titles, and reaſons of their own Intereſs, but even deny them the payment of their just due, for all those ſervices they have performed to their advantages in Lydia.

As the Ambassadour did not make any great reply to the Kings discurſe, but in a few complements, concerning his own ſervices, so did he preſently conduct him to his house for his better accommodation; where he gave preſent order, to have him furnished with apparel, and other neceſſaries, which in the interim (as it was ſuppoſed) he acquainted Lycius the General, and the rest of the Officers of the Army, with his arrival in the Camp: After two or three dayes time, the Ambassadour not onely exposed the King to the view of the people, but delivered him into the protection of

The Princesss Cloria;

PART II.

174.

on of the souldiers; where however *Lycius* and some of the principall of the Nobility, entertained his preference with an extraordinary outward humility; yet nevertheless with certain kindes of sad and distrustful looks and countenances, they performed their duties and respects in kissing his hands, and using other ceremonies, as if they were not any way privy, much less confenting to his journey: The King, notwithstanding he seemed not to take any notice of their actions in publick, but of the contrary gave testimonies of joy and gladnes, at the apprehension of his happy fortune; yet in private, by many words and fighs, he expressed his own doubts and opinion concerning his future entertainment; the rather, in regard they prefently fet a strict guard upon his person, though pretending it to be done for no other end, but for his greater honour and safety; however his hopes became something better satisfied, for that they admitted freely to his converflations, not onely many of his household servants that were come from Philadelphia, after the Town was furrendred to Farezius, but some of those Priefts also of his own faction, that were under the jurisdiction of the Flaminis.

In this manner the King remained for divers weeks, delighting his thoughts with
fuch recreations, as had been almost made cuftomary to his nature, by continual
praſtice from his infancy, which made not a few wonder, how he could seem ple-
fed with fuch trivial things in the height of his vexations and difcontents. Again, it
was spitefully laid to his charge by his adverſaries, that he had no great prejudice in
being tumbled from his Throne, when as he appeared not to have apprehenſion
enough, to be sufficiently ſenſible of what conſequence the losſ of a Kingdom was;
but probably either he had ſo much wisdom, as to reflect upon the uncertainty of
all worldly things with a right consideration, or was endued with ſuch a ſupream
goodneſs in his diſpoſition, as perſwaded him to bear his affiſtions, with no ordina-
ry temper and pacification.

In the interim the *Myſſians* were not idle, to play their game to the beſt advan-
tage, both with the Senate and the King, for as of one ſide they made the Senate
believe, they had a minde to dispute the Kings injuries and ſufferings, both out of
Honour and Religion, ſo did they alwayes tell the King, that he muſt give ſatisfaſ-
on to the demands of either Kingdom, before they could become inſtrumentall in
his eſtablishment; which drew on their confultations to the length of many weeks ex-
pectation, the Senate urging the delivering of the Kings perſon into their poſſeſ-
on, out of right and justice, in regard they had been onely hired in the wars and ſer-
vice of Lydia by their money, wherefore conſequently they were obliged with a
punctual decorum, to obſerve their commands in every thing. Of the other ſide,
*Enarchus* party affirmed, that he being King of *Myſſia*, as well as *Lydia*, the *Myſſi-
ans* ought to have as particular an intereſt in his perſon and preſervation, as the Se-
nate of Lydia; in ſtecution of which they were to fee him again reſtored to his
Crown and Dignity, notwithstanding any defire to the contrary: but whilſt theſe diſ-
putations laſted, as I my ſay, with ſome ſeeming bitternefs of either ſide, which as *twas
thought, would inſantly have cauſed a cruel and bloody war between both Nations,
one *Argilim* a Nobleman of *Myſſia* came ſuddenly from his own Countrey into the
camp, who from the very beginning of the ſtrts had been a main oppoſer (by reaſon of
his own covetouſneſs and ambition) of the Kings intereſt in that Nation; intend-
ing thereby more abſolutely to govern all the Affairs of that Kingdome himſelf:
When he arrived he preſently went to the Council of the Army, where he made this
Oration.

Gentlemen, ſaid he, I understand you are now affembled about thofe confultations,
that may belong to the Kings particular concernments; partly proceeding from the
earneſt solicitation of the *Syrian Ambassador*, and partly in regard *Enarchus* is now
prefent amongst you in the Camp: In my opinion it is more juſt and convenient, in
the firſt place to look upon the Gods Worſhip, as in the next to minde our own pre-
fervations: to this purpofe it ought to be confidered, why we took up Arms at all in
the beginning, to oppoſe our Prince, if now without any other condition whatfo-
ever we ſhould lay them down, and again reſtore him to his ancient dignity, without

con-

conditions ? I pray, remember we have made a solemn protestation to the Gods,
as of the other side a confederation with our friends; and if we break with both,
no doubt but heaven and earth will accuse us as well of perjury as indiscretion; since
we should feem, neither to reverence sacred things as we are bound, nor preferve hu-
mane obligations as we ought: May you not remember, we took from our King
his power for no other reason, but because we thought him not fit to reign over us,
accompanied with his stubborn and wilful crimes; and shall we presently restore him
to that State again without amendment ? Are we not tied by promises to the Senate
of Lydia, faithfully to perform their business in these Wars, whilst we are under
their pay and juridiction ? And shall we detain the very object of their intentions
against their mindes, as a protected perfon by our Army, who was the onely booty
they aimed at to purchase by our endeavours ? O horrid injustice and more perni-
cious indiscretion, since in the one undoubtedly we exasperate the Gods anger, as
in the other we apparently endanger our own safeties; for as they cannot but re-
venge their own dishonour in the highest fury of their wrath, in regard of our per-
jury, so justly may the people of Lydia over-run our Kingdom, for not performing
those conditions we contracted for, before we entered their Countrey; which how-
ever it may be a war of some long contention and dispute, yet the effects must needs
be bloody and expenceful; whereas, if we go hand in hand with our friends, (I
mean the great Senate at Sardis) we shall not onely preferve such an amity, as pro-
bably will make both Nations happy, but for the prefent fill our Coffers with suffici-
ent Gold, to render us in Myssia, equally rich with other Countreys of Asia.

By releasing the King I say without their consent, we give him onely power and
conveniency, instead of being grateful for the benefit, to punish us for having been
at the first the chief occasion that made him at all stand in need of such a kindneſs:
this dispoſition of his hath been sufficiently experimented in his neceſſities, when as
he will not so far gratifie us, as to put the Flamins out of the Temples: Theſe reaſons
being considered, I say, let us prefently dispatch meſſengers to the Senate of Lydia,
with full power and commiffion from this Army, not onely to treat of conditions,
but to conclude with that Council, concerning those conditions and Articles which
ſhall be thought fit to be offered to the King to confirm, either before he be reſto-
red to his Crown, or released from his imprisonment; ſo ſhall we be pious to the
Gods, just to our friends, and beneficial to our ſelves.

Although there was much contradiction, and ſtrong disputes concerning this
Oration of Argilius; yet in regard Lycius the General, with many others of his
Faction, in the Council, were against the Kings deſires, an absolute determination was
prefently there taken, to ſend Argilius with ſome other Commiſſioners to the City
of Sardis, whereby to conclude ſuch propoſitions, as should be held moſt advantage-
able as they ſaid for both Nations; though it was well known the Myſſians had onely
an intention to good themſelves; not onely in the payment of that money, which they
expeſted from the Senate, but in regard of their ſecret intentions by Enarchus ſuppreſ-
ſion, to have an equal share in the government of the Kingdom of Lydia: but however
they concluded, to put in execution their reſolution with all expedition, yet they
ſtill kept the King in hopes by fair promises of his reſtoration, as well to couzen and
deceive his expeſation, that he might not entertain new thoughts or fall upon other
Counſels, as that he might not be irreconcileably diſtaſted with their actions; if
they should miſs of their agreement with the Senate of Sardis, who they doubted
might be ſomething unwilling, to part with those vaſte ſummes that were demand-
ed; which failing, they intended to make use both of the Kings titles and coun-
tenance, to prosecute their other deſigns, either in Lydia it self, or any other part of
Asia, as there ſhould be occasion.

The Propoſitions they offered to the Senate were theſe: First, that the ſolemn
protestation formerly agreed upon, ſhould be taken by every perfon of both Nati-
ons without exception, out of which not the King himself to be exempted: ſecond-
ly, not onely the juridiction, but the very name of the Flamins, to be absolutely
abolifhed, and no other rites and manner of worſhip of the Gods to be uſed, but

acord-

The Prince's Clorias

PART II.

according to the customs of *Myssia*: Thirdly, that both *Euarchus* and his posterity were so far to be disinabled in their authority, that each Senate in both Kingdoms, might be sufficiently confident of their power, whereby to be freed in their own opinions, from all danger and fuspition in the future: Fourthly, that such sums of money should speedily be paid to the *Myssians* as was promided for their fatisfaction; and lastly, Commissioners to be chosen out of either Countrey, to whom the common transaction of affairs should be equally committed.

Although these two latter Articles were something disputed, yet it was not long before it was agreed, that these conditions being prefented, and the King refusing to subscribe them, he should be detained as a Prifoner, and not acknowledged for a Prince: *Argylius* and the rest returning to the Camp, (where the King, to be short, refusing his subſcription and consent) within a very few weeks employed for the circumftances neceffarily belonging to every performance, *Euarchus* was by the conduction of some Troops of Horſe, delivered into the custody of *Farezius*, who preſently conveyed him with his own Souldiers to a fair house formerly belonging to the Kings of Lydia: Of the other ſide, both *Argylius* and *Lycius* marched into their own Countrey of *Myſſia*, with money and triumph, as if they had deferved immortal fame, for their diſloyalty, which for the preſent must end my doleful ſtory, since the time of the day invites us to take part of a flender ſupper, according to the warning of the little Bell I hear; however before you go to bed, I engage my ſelf to furnish you with another relation, much more pleasing to my thoughts, that occasioned the late meeting of the people in the Fields, with ſuch expreſſions of joy as you beheld: so taking *Narcifus* by the hand, he led him into a pretty Room, where they found two or three diſhes of meat newly ſet upon the Table, attended only by the old woman and the youth. After they had given thanks to the Gods, within an hours ſpace they ended their ſupper; the cloth being preſently taken away, and some few other diſcourſes of delight fitted for digelſion past over, the Prieft again began this new relation.

*Euarchus*, said he, being thus entred as I told you into a new captivity, (though far more nobly uſed) was conſtrained to attend the coming of the Commissioners of the *Myſſians* to *Sardia*, for the further diſpoſure of his perſon and affairs: but in the interim the Souldiers, whether contrary to their custom and vocation, reflecting principally upon the miſeries and affiſions of the King, or rather being willing to make that the ground or pretenſions for their future intentions, whereby to quarrel with the Senate about their own diſcontents, in feeing the *Myſſians* eſteemed, and themſelves neglected, not onely by degrees began to uſe the King gently, but openly to complain that themſelves were ſo far from receiving rewards for their ſervices, as that they had not been juſtly paid their wages; when as the *Myſſians*, as they ſaid, received great ſummes of money, for doing nothing eſſe but running away, and betraying their King: alſo they ſeemed exaſperated, to have them countenanced in ſetting up their manner of worſhip of the Gods, throughout all the Kingdom of Lydia, to the enflaving, as was urged, of the Nation in the free liberty of their conſciences; when as the people of Lydia, according as had been promided them, could not exercife their own manner of worſhip: beiſides they ſeemed extreamly to repine that *Myſſian* Governours should be joyned with thofe of Lydia it ſelf, in the management of State affairs, that belonged properly onely to the Nation: neither did these discontented diſcourſes end in this manner; for they daily affsembled in private Counſels, to produce ſomething for their advantages, though they yet knew not very well what either to demand or act; however these proceedings were ſoon brought to the knowledge of the Senate, who being jealous alſo of their own intentions, were a great deal the more fearful of any dangerous accidents; so that preſently they ſent meſſengers to the Army, though as twas ſaid with intentions to perſwade, yet with authority to command the Souldiers to a better obedience: but as these Officers were extreamly deceived in their expeſtations, concerning their own power and intereſt in the Camp, so were they forſed with expedition to return to thofe that ſent them, with ſome terour in their

count

177

countenances. As this for many dayes, caused sometimes distracted Councils,
otherwhiles more peremptory discourses, so was it not over-long before the Senate,
was faluted with a Declaration from the Souldiers, wherein they not onely taxed
them, with want of justice and extream ingratitude to the Army, that had fought
so many Battles, and shed so much blood for themselves and the privilegedges of Ly-
dia, but also prefented their considerations with these following propofals, wherein
they wifht to be speedily satisfied : First, that they might with all expedition, not
only be paid their just dues, but in a convenient time be farther rewarded accord-
ing to their deferts : Secondly, that no part of the Army should be disbanded with-
out their own confents : Thirdly, that such Laws and Decrees might prefently be
eftablifhed, to affure the people of Lydia of their convenient liberties; and lastly,
that the Worship of the Gods according to the Myffian Rites might not be impofed
absolutely upon any perfon or condition. These demands being ſent to the Senate
by meffengers of their own, that before never expected to be contradicted, much
lefs circumſcribed by any power whatsoever, began to think, that it would be now
their faſeſt way, rather for the prefent to endeavour to temper the Souldiers paffion,
then further either to tempt or hazzard their fury: To this purpofe they returned
back their meſſengers, with faithful or at leaſtwife feigned promifes, that ſpeedily
they ſhould receive ſatistaction, according to their hearts content: Nevertheless the
Army finding after ſome weeks expectation, that the Senate endeavoured, rather to
deceive their expectations by flowing under-hand and private faſtions among the
Souldiers, then that they intended really to perform in effect, any thing that was
actually for their good, after they had as it were choſen Farezius as their Captain
General for their privilegedges, as well as the Senate had choſen him for the Wars, not
only ſeized prefently upon moſt of the Magazines of the Kingdome, but almoſt ſent
ſome Troops to take the King out of prifon where he remained: Euarchus being a
little amazed at this new and ſudden attempt, as he could not well interpret their
meaning, although it is probable he might like well enough of their actions, ſo at the
firſt, did he make ſome ſtand at their proceedings; yet at laſt being perſwaded of
their fair intentions, and having of the other ſide affured them of his affection, they
inſtantly carried him in a certain kinde of triumph, through moſt part of the King-
dom of Lydia, until at laſt they lodged him in a brave Caſtle of his own, where he
now remains (as it is believed) with a great deal of ſatisfaction; and the rather for
that (it being ſo given out) they do not onely in an honourable manner, ſuffer him
to exercife his own Rites concerning the Worship of the Gods, with a free admit-
tance of all companies to be entertained, with what converſation he pleafeth, but
have lately invited him to ſend for the Queen and all his Children, who ſhall be as
they ſay joyful witnesses of his being again eſtablished in his Throre and Dignity ;
and however they be ſomething ſuſpitious of the practices of the Commiſſioners of
Myſſia, and thofe belonging to that ſaction, left they might perſwade the Kings
heart from the intereſt of the Souldiers, yet the better to give him ſatistaction, con-
cerning the opinion of his own liberty; neither they or any else are debarred either
from his prefence or communication; whilſt of every ſide they have promifed the
common people a happineſs according to their expectations, both in their manner of
worſhipping the gods, as well as belonging to all other privilegedges, that can poſſibly
any way appertain unto their future condition. This in truth I muſt tell you, was
the onely occasion of our affemblry this day, not onely to thank the gods in the gene-
ral for this appearing happy change, but almoſt a little to exercife their ancient deco-
ritums in their Rural ſports, in regard they had been for ſome time debarred from ſuch
playes, by the rigid ſeverity of the Myſſian customs; which as I told you had been
brought into Lydia, by the Priefls and others of that Nation, and at laſt was impoſed
upon the people, as an absolute injunction by the authority of the Senate: This being
what I can ſay for your ſatistaction, concerning the preſent affairs of the Kingdom,
wherein I fear me I have too much offended in the general, by my long diſcourses,
though upon the matter I do not ſee how they could have been well omitted in any
particular, ſo I hope you will now give me leave to end. After that Narciſus had

A a

thanked

The Princesss Clorïa ;

PART II.

178

thanked him for the pains he had taken, and the favor himself had received, (having passed away some time longer in other disscuries upon the same subject) the Priest calling his boy to take the lights, he conducted Narcissus into his Chamber, where after a while, with some Court-complements, he left him to take his rest, promising in the morning to show him his Library, as one of the best curiosities he could present him withall.

It was not very early the next morning, that the Priest interrupted Narcissus, conceiving belike that his travel required something more then ordinary rest, though in that he was much deceived, for he was not accustomed to let passes much time, without thinking upon his dear Clorïa : but at last coming into his chamber, he invited him according to his promise, to the fight of his Library. As in that place they turned over many books of divers kindes, so beholding amongst other things, Maps and Spheres of the world, they fell in divers disscuries concerning the opinions of some in the Primitive age, that did not believe there were any Antipodes; as also others again, that thought the Sun rose still, and the Earth turned round; besides, a third fort of people which would not believe, but that there was another world in the Moon. This gave occasion to the old Priest to say, that as he would not much trouble his thoughts with the disputation of those questions, since it could no way concern, either his present or future being, so was it an unanfwerable argument for the immortality of the soul, that the Sun being of so vast a greatness, and of so excellent a clarity, no way to be known or imagined, of what matter it was made of, could not in all reason but be created for a thing more worthy then it self; and that not appearing in this world, of necessity it must be the reasonable soul of man, and nothing else, which was at first ordained to be the object of such an intention, in regard that only remaining here pretends to eternity, and so consequently more worthy then all other things. From this discurse, they fell to a disputation about the privilege of Arms and Learning, which of both ought to have the greater prerogative in peoples esteem: Narcissus said, that as action was more noble then contemplation, since the one did but think what the other performed; so in all probability Arms was to be preferred before Letters, in that it created really the subject for the others employment: besides he said, that action did not only nourish it self, but gave life to other things, as namely History, the worlds Looking-glans, and times Recorder: Again, the undergoing of dangers and difficulties, as he said, was a means to warm mens apprehensions, and desires with noble flames; whilst Learning in a more obscure way, did but hold it the best honour it could merit from posterity, to remember truly what other people did worthy of commendation; however perhaps it self was only contented to lye drowned in a certain kind of sensuality, pleased with an imagination, that coveted but to know those things perfectly, which it never intended at all to practise, since the Dignity of Crowns and Empires depended not upon the information of who possessed them, but in having the free dispose of such glories themselves, for the most part not to be compassed and enjoyed, but by active valour; when as Books did no other wife then make relation of those passages, like Generals in triumphant Chariots after the Battle, chewing to the people what was deferred in the field; or rather representing an excellent Comedian, appareld in most glorious attire, that playes to the life without wounds, the part of him that acted nobly and dangerously against his enemy. Books I must confess, said he, are commodious pictures, to teach present times by predeceffors examples, what men ought to do in their own perfons; whereas by activity and arms, we are put in possession of the honour it self: The one, as I may say, being only the shadow, that may in some fort satisfie a foul not sufficiently knowing or inflamed; like old people that repeat with delight their old fories in their youth, when they have no more power or will to act to any purpose; whereas the other continues us enjoying our own vertues, like a plentiful and flourishing Harvest, producing variety of new fruit to the industrious Husbandman. He further said, that Letters were only useful in leafons of quiet, whereas arms could only secure and protect learning at all times, to make it become profitable, for that mens unruly and preposslerous disscures and actions, were to be refrained and regulated, more by power then perfuafion. This being said,

179

laid, *Narcissus* with a gentle smile, gave the Priest also occasion to shew his reasons.

The Priest told him, as he hoped without offence he would give him leave to be of a contrary opinion, however he honoured sufficiently the profession of arms, so with a courteous smile he began the question also in this manner: Although I will not deny, said he, but my self to have been a souldier in my youth, yet I cannot but stand for the privilege of the pen, according to reason and justice; wherefore as contemplation doth not destroy the exercise of the body, so of the other side, books render a man more capable to act with advantage, without which, attempts would not be much profitable, since man's life is too little a space to learn sufficiently, what were best to be done in many things: he said further, that Military Discipline it self, could not subvert to any prevailing purpose, without those rules and orders, which were before thought upon, and learned by method and instruction; for that it is not only, the running precipitately into hazzards and dangers, that ought to render a person defervedly admired, though sometimes blindefold fortune crown the action or attempt with success; but rather, when as by a knowing valour, we have either prevented a mischief, or procured a victory, deferves effusion: A prudent and valiant General, said he, goeth not so much into the field to hazzard and destroy, as to preserve and overcome; which certainly cannot be so well effected, as by least slaughter, and most policy; for although Monarchies and Countreys are oftentimes conquered by force of arms and power, yet seldom without stratagems and prudence can they be long and quietly enjoyed, for want of good established Laws to maintain them in peace and security; Wars he affirmed reembled furious windes and forms that overthrow buildings, and productions, but order and quiet like good builders, or provident husbandmen, make up again the breaches to fairens and commodity; even as a rough and harsh hand may quickly disorder the strings of instruments, for want of sufficient skill, but it must be skilful Artists that make them found delightful to the ear: A disorderly Commonwealth, said he, may sometimes necessarily be chaftized with the sword, as dangerous purifications, which are to be cut away from the rest of the members, to fave the whole body from perishing; yet good and knowing Government, must be alwayses applied as a falve to render the rest again whole and found: In conclusion, said the Priest, a State or Kingdom may stand without war, but without learning it cannot poffibly subvert; since Armies themselves, that are efteemed the very instruments of glorious acquisitions, must, to preserve their own being, much more to purchase them confiderable success, be obliged punctually to observe those rules preſcribed them in times of peace. To this difcourse *Narcissus* onely replyed, since he had ſo well defended learning by learning, he had no reason any more, to endeavour by the sharp language of his tongue, to destroy the excellency of the ſubject.

These and the like difcourses at laft carrying them to dinner, (which being finifhed, and the cloth taken away) of a sudden the Priest was whispered in the ear by the little youth: *Narcissus*, civilly removed from his place to give them the more freedom of speaking: when he had done the Priest told him, that he was ſent for by one *Crefes*, a young Nobleman of Lydia, unto whom he had been formerly beholding, not only for the faving of his Library, but for many other courtesies, during his being employed in the Senates ſervice; who was juſt now (being come out of Syria) arrived in the Town hard by, from whom he doubted not, as he ſaid, but to have ſome relations of conſequence, to which purpose he did intend to bring him a long with him to ſupper: He farther inſormed him, that he had formerly enjoyned him to write the paſſages of these times, which gave his ſtudies ſome daily exercife: with this he took his leave of *Narcissus*; wifhing him to think upon what employment he pleafed in the interim, either in his Gardens, or amongst his Books.

*Narcissus* after the Priest was gone, as he reflected upon *Crefes* arrival, who might bring news out of *Syria* as he hoped, towards the eſtablishing of *Euarchus* in his THRONE, by which conſequence he doubted not, but the sooner to come to the period of his own love; so of the other ſide did he resolve, upon his quitting suddenly

A a 2

the

The Princess Cloríæ,

PART II.

the Priests house, to put himself under the command of the revolted Army, not
knowing which other way to do his sweet Princes any considerable service; especially
for that the King her Father, seemed now to be only under the care and protection
of the Souldiers: The next consideration that came into his mind was, by what
means he might with the least suspicion, provide himself with Horfe and Arms to
that purpose; since he durst not discover his intention to the Priest, for fear of the
more notice to be taken of his quality and condition: The whole afternoon in a man-
ner he spent in these considerations, until the old Priest returned with Crefes in his
company, though yet he had not enformed him of any news at all concerning his
Travels, by reason they had neither privacy or conveniency, in regard of the many vi-
lits and other complements they received from the Townsmen: As soon as Crefes en-
tered the room, the Priest made him acquainted with Narcissus, who was one, as he
said, that belonged to the Countrey of Cyprus, whereupon Crefes replyed, that as
his person merited in outward appearance, the best respect that could be given by all
civil people of any Nation, so was he extream happy in the encounter, for that his
Travels perhaps, might furnish him with something out of his own Countrey, if
lately he had not heard from thence, of some consequence: After that Narcissus had
returned him a futable complement, both the Priest and himself seemed somewhat
passionate to hear his relation, which quickly carried them all three to a convenient
seat in the Garden, where Crefes without much circumstance, used this discourte un-
to them, whilst their fupper was preparing in the kitchin in the interim.

As it is sufficiently known, said he, how unfortunately the Princes Cloríæ (after she
was delivered out of the Castle by my self) was carried back again to the Senate, by
the Treaſon of certain Souldiers fled from the Battle, which Prince Thyaſmus loſt to
the Myſsians, so will I onely begin my relation from my own quitting of Lydia up-
on that occaffon: To which purpose you muſt know, that it being my intention in
the first place to viſit our Queen Hyacinthia, to inform her fully of all occurrences in
Lydia, since I was rendered by reaſon of that accident, altogether uncapable of other
ſervices any way beneficial, either to the Princes or her ſelf, finding upon my arri-
val in the Inland of Cyprus, that the Queen was newly parted from thence, I had
ſome leaſure granted me to be enformed of the late ſtrange news of that Inland,
which were delivered me in this manner: The paſſages I am the more willing to re-
late for the ſatisfaction of this ſtranger.

The Dukes Daughter of that Countrey named Eretheria, one day walking by
chance by the Sea-side with one attendant onely, near a certain kinde of Religious
House, where ſhe was retired for her Devotions, of a ſudden caſting down her eyes
towards the bottom of the Rocks, ſhe might ſee ſomething lye, that however ſo
far off ſhe could not perfectly diſtinguish; nevertheless continuing her looks fixed for
ſome time upon the object, which ſhe thought according to the fancies of her ima-
gination, not onely to be a body that had been caſt up by the Sea, but that it alſo
appeared to have ſome motion in it: So that there being in that place certain ſteps
cut in the Stone, that afforded conveniency enough for deſcent, ſhe resolved her ſelf
in perſon to make the experiment, whereby the better to ſatifuſe her curiſity: Where
being arrived with her Maſ-ſervant, ſhe ſoon perceived a handsom young man lying
upon the Sands, with a piece of round Timber under his body, as it were infolded with-
in one of his armes, whilſt the other lay at ſome diſtance: This prouſpect however it
ſomething ſtartled her thoughts, with a little kinde of horrour, yet her courage more
prevailing then the natural ſearfulneſs of her ſex, as ſhe approached nearer, the
youth ſeemed to have ſome motion indeede, and this gave both her apprehenſion
and charity a ſubjeſt as ſhe thought to work upon: Wherefore preſently ſending her
attendant to call ſome Fithermen at a pretty diſtance, that were mending their Nets,
ſhe cauſed them preſently to transport the youth to a ſmall house by the Water ſide,
who in the interim began to recover more and more life. To be ſhort, within a while ſhe
applied to many remedies with her fair hands to his diſtempers, that in a few dayes he
was recovered from the greatest part of his danger, though not altogether out of the
troublesomneſs of his ſickneſs, which kept him in his bed for a very long ſeafon,
though

though in a manner daily viſited by the fair and charitable Eretheria; not yet having
yielded an account to any of the accident by Sea, that was the occasion of his being
caſt in that fort upon the ſhore: But finding at laſt, that he not onely had gained a
competent ſtrength, for what expreſſion ſoever he lifted to make, but alſo that that
faculty reſtored to him was at preſent neceſſary to be uſed for his advantage, one day
when Eretheria came according to her cuſtom to viſit her ſick patient, the room be-
ing freeſd by accident from all company else, the youth to her no ſmall amazement
proſecuted this diſcourſe.

Alas! sweet Eretheria, said he, what ſerve theſe outward remedies you apply to my
weak body, when you leave my heart ſill ſubject to a dangerous and painful diſeafe?
Theſe words ſeemed ſo ſtrange to the ears of the young Lady, that with a certain
kinde of amazed look, the only entertained his expectation for ſome time, but at
laſt apprehending a few ſparkles of love might proceed from her frequent viſitations,
that had imboldened the youth to higher ambitions, then any way his condition
could merit, or the admit of, had drawn from him theſe extravagant expreſſions:
turning her countenance infantly into a ſrown, the told him, the was of opinion that
his diſtracted ſpirit, by reaſon of his long ſickneſs, had cauſed him to very ridiculous
fancies inſtead of uſing fitting reſpects: To which he ſuddenly replied, No, no, moſt
dear Eretheria, know that I am not mad by theſe new diſtempers, but long ſince
wounded by your bewitching beauty; therefore as the guilt juſtly belongs unto you,
ſo ought you also to take upon you the blame: For you may be ſatisfied if you
pleafe, that your patient is no other but your unfortunate ſervant Eumenes, pre-
ferved (as I may ſay) miraculouſly from the rage and violence of the Seas unkindneſs,
to be more again tormented and endangered by your cruelty: This was enough to
have put Eretheria beyond all degrees of wonder and amazement, ſince Hyacinthia
our Queen had brought news of his and Prince Caffianus miſcarriage, as the had been
informed by an unfortunate ſhipwrack in her company: But when again the had
computed inwardly in her minde the time of the accident, and the finding of his body
lying upon the Sands, to agree punctually together, it rendered her abſolutely cer-
tain in her belief, that he was no other then the right Eumenes: Befides both his
voice and countenance, though much changed by reaſon of his ſickneſs, at laſt lively
came into her apprehenſion: So that after the had a long time reſted ſilent, as if her
consideration laboured to digeſt her thoughts into a method, or rather ſeeming to
lahour inwardly by the force of many paſſions, the at laſt broke out into theſe ex-
preſſions, wherein both her words and her tears were ſufficient witneſſes of her ex-
traordinary diſtemper: O you Gods, said the, muſt I be an inſtrument to protec-
murther, under the pretence of uſing charity; much leſs certainly ought it be
imagined, that I should imbrace ſuch a love without my Fathers conſent, who un-
doubtedly can never be pleafed with an election of theſe oppoſitions; and with that
ſlew out of his Chamber with ſome violence: This gave Eumenes considerations ſuſ-
ficient imployments, ſince he was not onely in deſpair that Eretheria would never en-
tertain his affections, but doubted whether or no the might not deliver him up into
the hands of juſtice for a ſlaughter he had committed; but again reflecting upon the no-
bleneſs of her nature, accompanied with ſo many rare perfections, he could not believe
ſo pure a whiteneſs of diſpoſition like the rich Ermin, would ſuffer it ſelf to be deſiled
by any provocation to ſalſhood: Nevertheless the grief to be left in that manner by
the fair Eretheria, as it were confounded in a vaſt Sea of confusion, when as before
he had raſed his hopes to ſome pitch of probability, by reaſon of the opportunities he
enjoyed, with ſome reſpects he had received from her after a tilting, continued his
diſtempers a long time upon him; which alſo became extreamly augmented, in re-
gard that Eretheria abſolutely forbore her accuſtomed viſits: Which cauſed her be-
like in the interim, more cloſely to retire her ſelf amongst the Holy Virgins, in the
place where the then remained; either being ſtruck perhaps with the ſenſible ſeeling
of the youths ſufferings (withal a little jealous of her own honour) or the more con-
veniently to avoid the importunity of ſuch ſuitors, that her Father had propoſed
to her choice: However not to detain me over long in the relation, or you in the
hear-

The *Princess* Clorïa;

PART II.

Hearing, by laying open all the circumstances, that might appertain to so passionate a story; *Eumenes*, after he was in a fort perfectly recovered of his sickness, found means by a certain difguise he borrowed of a young novice belonging to the order, not only to procure admittance into the conversation of *Eretheria* (who not being absolutely profeſt, he might the more conveniently do) but in a ſhort time after he had one day discovered himſelf to her knowledge, with tears, ſighs, and other ſervices, obtained ſome kindne of entertainment in her favour: *Nevertheleſs* in the interim he conjured him, by all those affections, that he could expect from her condition, ſo to conceal his perſon from the knowledge of any, that her Father might never ſuſpect either his pretensions, or that he was living: *Eumenes* although he thought himſelf ſufficiently honoured, that his beautiful Miftris, would in this manner allow him the freedom of her chaſte conversation, yet confidering he was not much nearer his journeyes end by the favour, then the Suns revolution, that did but rife and fet, to ſubſcute the one course without alteration, conceived himſelf to be in a manner in the fame predicament as tormented *Tantalus*; her permittance being onely remem ſies to keep his thoughts alwayes in an appetite, without taſting of that fruit which he ſo much coveted: However his hopes were ſufficiently encouraged to keep deſpair from ſeizing upon his ſoul: Thus I ſay he continued enjoying though he never enjoyed, until the unexpected death of the Duke her Father, gave *Eretheria* full liberty (as he thought) to diſpofe of her ſelf without contradiction: At these words *Narciffus* began to grow pale, inſomuch as the Priſt asked him how he did? but he reflecting upon the neceſſity of concealing himſelf, in regard of the Princels *Clorïa's* deſires, whereas he onely upon those conditions, was content to allow him her conversation, and beſides confidering that the demonſtration of any paſſions could not again call his Father to a new life, told them, that as a little quame had ſomething overcome his ſtoomach, ſo was he for the preſent pretty well recovered; wherefore deſired *Crefes*, without any more interruption in his behalf, to ſubſcute his ſtory, which made him quickly return to the matter in this manner: *Eretheria*, ſaid he, being thus the absolute poffeſſor of her own liberty, as by deſcent the onely heir to her Fathers Fortunes, ſince her Brother *Narciffus* had miſcarried unfortunately ſome time before at Sea, as was generally conceived throughout the whole Iſland of *Cyprus*, was preſently perſwaded by the States of the Countrey, to make election of ſome noble and worthy Husband, that might be capable to execute that charge and command, that belonged formerly to the Duke her Father; for that by reaſon of her ſex, he could not entirely of her ſelf enjoy the office; being willing, as they ſaid, if it were poſſible, to continue the jurisdiction in the fame blood, in regard of those extraordinary benefits the Iſland had received by the Government of the late Duke her Father. As *Eretheria* could not but accept of theſe propoſitions, that pretended to ſo much love to her ſelf and family, after ſhe had returned them a grateful acceptance of their kindneſs, with all the fitting expressions ſhe could ule to that purpose, within a very few dayes, *Eumenes* was produced to the confidence of the people, as the perſon ſhe moſt deſired to affect, which without any great oppoſition was approved of in the general, as being a man who had not only borne a long affection to the Princels, but upon all occaſions had demonstrated a ſufficient courage and judgement, worthy of any employment: As in this manner, he was created both Prince and Governour at the fame time, ſo I left the Iſland of *Cyprus*, providing not onely for the Nuptials of the young couple, but for the Funerals of the old Duke; whileſt my occaſions and paſſions carried me after the Queen *Hyacinthia* into *Syria*, being thither retired as I heard after the death of *Philoftrus*, who during his life had absolutely obſtructed her paſſage and intention: Where being no sooner arrived, but as the world had been turned into nothing but wonders, I found alſo *Orſames* dead, and his Queen newly brought abed of two Sons, which afforded the Kingdom of *Syria* an equal ſhare both of joy and ſorrow: This notwithstanding ſo far protracted my deſigns, that as I had but little conveniency to preſent the State of our *Lydian* affairs to *Hyacinthia* with all the particulars concerning the Princels *Clorïa's* fortunes, ſo had ſhe leſs hope her ſelf to determine of any thing ſpeedily,

speedily, in regard of the unf settlement of businesse s and Governments in Syria, by
reason of those new changes that had so lately happened: So that for some time I
was confrained to quit the City of Damascus, and to retire my self to a more pri-
vate place of habitation, finding at Court how unwilling they were to entertain any
occasion of charge and expence, the rather for that Prince Arethus the Kings el-
dest Son, was onely to be furnished out of his Mothers pension and allowance: But
long I had not continued in my voluntary retirement, but sudden intelligence was
brought to Court, not onely of the General revolt of the Senate of Lydia's Army
from their service, but also that it was reported they had taken King Enarchus out of
prison into the Souldiers protection. As this gave all our thoughts, fresh hopes of
something speedily to be acted for his good and restoration, so am I at present sent to
him with Letters from the Queen, though to what effectual purpose I cannot tell; for
that I find, not onely her self, but the whole State of Syria, to be extreamly addict-
ed to the Myssian intereſt, which I suppose the Army will never willingly confenct un-
to, in regard they have already ſo publickly and violently declared to the contrary, as
having made it the chief occasion of the quarrel between them and the Senate, which
in effect is all I can ſay, either of my journey or employment: Then turning himſelf
to the Prief he told him, that he muſt intreat his company to Court; and this preſent-
ly carried them all three to ſupper.

When they had ended, the Prief told Narcissus, that although he feared his occa-
sions, would conſtrain him for the preſent to take a journey to Court, whereby to
have the happineſs again to fee his old Maſter the King, and ſo by conſequence not to
be longer in a capacity, to do his particular that farther ſervice in his own houſe he de-
fired; yet he hoped they ſhould have the honour of his company along with them,
where he durſt undertake, his reception ſhould be equal with either of theirs, in those
contents they ſhould receive by ſo fortunate an occasion.

Narcissus after he had thanked him, as well for his paſt favours as his preſent offers,
aſſured him, that as he could not but be extreamly joyful, at the opportunity he
ſhould have by that voyage, again to behold his great Maſter in some probability of
being reſtored to his ancient Right and Dignity, ſo did he with him unſignedly to
believe, that notwithstanding he could moſt willingly participate of his good luck,
in personally accompanying them to Court, whereby to be an eye-witneſs of their en-
tertainments, yet ſuch were his preſſing occaſions (eſpecially in regard of those acci-
dents that had lately happened in the Island of Cyprus) that he was obliged to make
what haſte he could poſſible into his own Countrie, where notwithstanding he
ſhould ſtudy what requitals he ſhould be any way able to perform, in lieu of those
civilities he had received by his means in the Kingdom of Lydia: Theſe complements
with other diſcourſes, continued them in communication, until the time of the night
canſed them all to retire into their ſeveral lodgings; and the rather was the haſte more
neceſſary, for that the Prief was to make ſome convenient preparation for the next
dayes journey.

When Narcissus was come into his Chamber, being there onely accompanied by
his ſolitary thoughts, inſtead of ſleep he fell upon theſe melancholly consideraſons:
First it came into his minde, that he had not alone loſt a dear and loving Father, whose
wifdome would have been a continual ſupport unto him in all his difficult affairs, but
by that unreparable loſs, he was alſo in danger to be deprived of the beſt part of his
eſteemed hereditary honour and command, by the marriage of his Sifter with Enume-
nes, ſince in his room he was elected chief Governour of the Countrie, in regard of
the general opinion was amongſt the people of his own death: Yet again notwith-
ſtanding this poſſeſſion, he had ſome hopes by the affection of the Inhabitants to be
reſtored to his right, when they ſhould by his personal appearance, be made fully
acquainted with the miſtake, without either blood or trouble; ſince as he doubted not
of the natural affection of his Sifter Eretheria, ſo would he not ſuſpect the noble
dispoſition of Eumenes: But when he reflected upon the luſtre and ſweetneſs of
Crowns and Dignities, being once enjoyed either by ambitious or high ſpirits, he
conceived there might be more diſticulty in the attempt then ordinary, and ſo conſe-
quently

conſequently

The Princess Clorïda;

PART II.

quently an occasion given of contention and slaughter, not possible to be ended between them without destruction to one or other: Besides he doubted for the present which seemed most to trouble him, that these sudden changes, might so far alienate the thoughts and affections of the Princess Clorïda from his particular, that he might be induced in the interim, to entertain the Addresses of *Cauffianus*, that were most violently as he knew proposed to her choice by the powerful Senate of *Lydia*; and as he imagined would be the sooner entertained, in regard of the King her Fathers precent necessities, who by that means might hope the easier to come to the possession of his rights, especially when all opportunities were afforded, either for courtships or solicitation; and probably could not long be refused, by reason of her constrained condition, that obliged her without prevention, to endure all affronts and affronts to that purpose, that should from time to time be attempted upon her person: As these last considerations most struggled inwardly with his uncertain thoughts, not knowing well whether he should leave *Lydia* or not, so did he begin to think, that there being no Army in the Field that was in action, and not knowing how to be admitted to Clorïda's prefence, it would be to little purpose longer to continue in the Kingdom, and therefore resolved presently to go for *Cyprus*, where he seemed not to doubt, but that the people (if not *Eumenes* himself) finding him alive contrary to their expectation, would soon be periwaded to reason in his behalf; and to this purpose being settled in his Fathers command, he should be not onely able to bring affistance to King *Euarchus* occasions, but also contribute much to his Daughters releafement; whereas the contrary would both confirme the opinion of his being dead, and in some fort accuse him of too much sloth in his own nature, for not appearing active in those concernments of his own, that belonged so exceedingly to his honour and welfare: With these resolutions he quickly fell asleep.

In the morning the old Priest came to *Narciffus* to take his leave with these complements, that as he had hitherto been affamed, that his own difability to render him those services due to his worth, had made him want he feared much entertainment as was fitting in his poor habitation, so much more ſince he was now forced to leave him by the accidental journey, he was conſtrained to make to Court in the company of *Crefes*; but if he pleated to design any longer stay in the Kingdom of *Lydia*, he should take it for some part of ſatisfaction to his fortunes, that he would resolve to make use of his house in his absence; a place ſhould be alwayes ready he affured him, to afford him the best conveniency it was able for his abode: Which he refusing with the like complements, they both preſently deſcended into the Hall, where they found *Crefes* ready prepared to take horſe: After they had eat a bit or two, and performed some other few ceremonies belonging to their departure, they quickly mounted their Steads.

The Priest and *Crefes* had not travelled many furlongs together, ere they met with a most even and direct path-way; and that commodity as it ſhould seem, invited them both to a new discourſe, ſince the Priest ſeemed extreamly unsatisfied as yet, why the State of *Syria*, and much more the Queen *Hyacinthia*, should be so unwilting to entertain a correfpondency with the Army, that had delivered the person of *Euarchus* out of prifon, though paſſionately defirous to retain an intereſt with the *Myſſians*, that had apparently betrayed him thither, according to the common opinion almost of all *Afia*.

Father, said *Crefes*, as I have already made unto you a relation of my voyage into *Cyprus*, with some part of my proceedings in *Syria*, so having for the preſent ſo fair an opportunity, I ſhall endeavour to let you know my thoughts, in many other particulars, that I have not yet mentioned: To this purpose you muſt understand, that however the people of the Island of *Crete*, ſeem to profefs the fame Worſhip of the Gods with the State of *Syria*, yet cannot they obtain the free exercife of Religion, either from King *Euarchus* or his Queen *Hyacinthia*; though *Euarchus* by the Court of *Syria* hath been preſt, not onely to ſign all the chief Articles of the *Myſſians*, but also even to ſubſcribe to their tenents in matter of DoCTRine, notwithstanding they be altogether deſtructive to Kingly Rule or the Religion of *Syria*: As this gives me not ſo much encouragement in my journey as I could with, in regard the Souldiers

will

185

will not be willing to allow of any interest but their own, towards the placing of the
King again in his throne, so the Commissioners of the *Myssians* as I hear, are ex-
treamly busy about the Kings Person, to the no small discontentment of the Ar-
my, that hath him now under their jurisdiction: The Queen when I parted from her
at *Damascus* gave me express order, that however I might complement with the
Souldiers, and draw from them all the advantages that possibly I could, tending to
her Husbands service, yet I must be sure as the told me in the first place, to possess
the *Myssians* with an opinion, that *Euarchus* chief trust must still rest in their fidelities and affiance, though he be forced for the present to comply with the Army, that
delivered him out of the hands of the Senate: But here I make no doubt but you
will ask me, why the State of *Syria*, much less our Queen *Hyacinthia*, should be so
wedded to the *Myssians* particular? when as probably they can never be brought,
to be hearty in the Kings Affairs, since not onely in the beginning of these times
they opposed his Authority, with all the craft and violence they could possibly use,
but at last, as I may say, delivered him betrayed and bound hand and foot, into the
hands of those that were esteemed by himself his greatest enemies, when as he had
cho sen for his protection, rather the *Myssian* Army then the Senate of *Lydia*; and
this expression of ill nature and treachery, was onely to obtain the payment of a
small sum of money, not to be valued in regard of a Kings ranfome: So that I say it
may be supposed, they have some other hidden mystery in their thoughts against his
prosperity, which perhaps the State of *Syria* will never be able sufficiently to understand, whilst it be too late to repair the Kings losses onely procured by those people:
For it is well known, during the time they gave *Euarchus* the best hopes concerning
their affections and fidelity, they were then by their false instruments, contracting
with the Senate for his speedy imprisonment; a plain demonstration of their harsh
and cruel intentions towards his particular; for that when they most betrayed him,
they professed themselves then his faithfullest servants; as it were smothering him in a
Bed of Roses, and killing him with deceitful language: Whereas of the other side,
these Souldiers that have not onely the Kings Person, but his Authority under their
jurisdiction, and so by consequence may either shorten his Life or preserve his Dignity,
notwithstanding they have heretofore always declared themselves mortal
enemies to his interest, and proceedings, as never having had any dependency upon
the Court or his Affairs, yet now appear to the outward view of the world, to be
his greatest friends, either being converted and altered in their opinions, or more
compasseionate and just in their dispofitions: Which certainly cannot but extremely
augment the obligations, if they perform any thing remarkable according
to their professions, but as I will not trouble you with my thoughts, what may
be the issue of their intentions or actions, so must I a little discontinue unto you,
what may be the dispofitions of the *Syrian* State, that seems so much to countenance the *Myssians* before the Souldiers; and to say the plain truth do more favour them then any other people, that have seemed most affectionate towards the
Kings Interest.

First you may suppose, that they think the *Myssians*, not onely in regard that
most of the Gentry and Nobility, have either command or employment in the Ar-
my or Wars of *Syria*, but the common people and inferiour sort, have such a
dependency upon that Nation, by reason of certain privileges granted them time
out of minde, by way of a free Trade and Commerce amongst them, that it is unpo-
fible for them to quit their interest, for any other benefit that can be proposed to their
consideration: And the rather for that the Court maintains always some Ambassa-
dour or Agent in their Countrey, both to direct their actions and defiances, and to in-
form the State upon all occasions of their proceedings; which joyned with the large
pensions are beftowed amongst their Rulers, and other eminent persons of *Myffia*,
will prove as they believe necessary ties and obligations to retain their fidelities con-
stant to the *Syrian* ends; and so confequently can they never attempt the destroying
or leffening of Monarchy, but as they shall direct and approve of: Besides most of the
factions now prevailing against *Euarchus* Authority in *Myffia*, are composed either of

B b

Lords

The Princess Cloria;

PART II.

Lords or Prieſts, who are moſt commonly not ſo envious to royalty (or at leaſtwife as they may believe more to be perſwaded by reaſon) then extravagant people, that have learned no rules neceſſary to Government and Order, by any manner of fitting education, wherefore not ſo much to be feared in their courſes and prevailing juridiction, if they ſhould be ſuffered ſomething too much to proſper in either proceedings againſt their King: Secondly, it cannot be doubted, but that Monarchy in the general, is a great deal more conducting to the commodity of the *Myſſians*, then a common Government, either in *Lydia* or *Myſſia*; and therefore not probable they ſhould joyn in ſuch a ſtrict amity with the Senate, as abſolutely to deſtroy the prerogative, and Kingly juridiction of *Euarchus*, ſince by that conclusion, they would neither be able to temper their own ſactions at home, amongſt the Nobility and perſons of greatest quality, nor have any hope to receive benefit from other Princes abroad in their occaſions: And whereas many may be perſwaded to believe, that by agreeing in thoſe deſigns, for the abſolute overthrowing of Monarchy in *Lydia*, they might in time come to be equal ſharers in the Government of both Kingdoms; and ſo conſequently participate alike in the profit and gain, being the chief (if not the onely) thing their covetous diſpoſitions look after, ſuch thoughts are meer fancies and chymera's: For certainly the Senate understanding well the poornears of the Countrey of *Myſſia*, and not being ignorant of the ſecret intentions of the people, withal how inſulting and encroaching they are in their natures; will be ſure to take order, they ſhall have no more intereſt in the Affairs of *Lydia*, then is intirely neceſſary for their own ſervice and commodity: So that when the *Myſſians* ſhall finde their aims to fail in theſe particulars, it is to be imagined that they will not onely be perſwaded, upon the leaſt endeavour of the State of *Syria*, to fall off from the *Lydian* ſaction, but even to make a War with that Nation it ſelf, for the eſtablishing again of their King in his ancient glory and command, and to that effect adhere either to *Syria* or any other Nation that may affiſt them in thoſe proceedings: Onely this doubt in ſome ſort may be made, that *Argilius* and *Lycius*, who ſo unworthily have betrayed the Kings perſon for a ſumme of money, will never by their good wills truſt themselves any more under his power, for fear of revenge anſwerable to their deſerts; and they being the moſt principal men of the Countrey, it is to be ſuſpected, they will have ſo great power and influence, over the actions and determinations of the reſt of the Inhabitants in the general, that they can never be brought in any kinde to own the Kings Intereſt to purpose, notwithstanding all the labour and industry of the Kingdom of *Syria*: But to this I ſhall onely make this anſwer, that however theie people prevailed in the *Myſſian* Army for the ſelling of the Kings Perſon, againſt the thoughts and wills of many, yet that very action of theirs, hath proſured them ſince ſo much hatred in their own Countrey, that it may very probably be believed by the State of *Syria*, there muſt of neceſſity arife daily new ſactions amongſt them; neither want they intelligence at the preſent, that affures them that an Army will ſuddenly march into *Lydia* from *Myſſia*, in King *Euarchus* be-half: Which adverſement I ſuppofe is ſent them by their Ambaſſadour there remaining: Laſt of all I may adde, that the Court of *Syria* may imagine, the Souldiers who have now the King in their poſſeſſion, having no other relation but to their own wills and uncertain principles, will prove from time to time as inconſtant in their reſolutions, as they have been heretofore desperate in their fortunes, and be rather in the general, inclinable to affect equality, then continue long contented to be governed by Kingly Authority; or to ſay the plain truth willing to be under any juridiction whatsoever, witneſſs their falling off from their command, both under the Senate and their old General: Besides it is eſteemed a maxime among their tenents, to have ſcarce dependency upon any power, neither in thoſe things that belong to the Gods Worſhip, or concerning other their humane actions, pretending by ſuch conſtraint, an abſolute freedome cannot be enjoyed, either in minde or body; ſo that however the King may ſeem a little to revive by their proceedings, yet I can affure you in *Syria*, there is a great doubt made of the reality of their actions: But whether theſe opinions be grounded, either upon the

187

the perfusions of the *Myssians*, or upon other more solid though secret reasons, I will not take upon me at present to determine; but rather shall expect both with hope and patience the issue, in the interim apply my self to my direction and commission, as well in keeping a correspondence with the Souldiers as with the *Myssians*. By this time again the way began to be something uneven, so that they could not well prosecute any farther discourse.

At night they took up their lodging, not above half a dayes journey from where the King remained, and not much farther distant from the City of Sardis, where encountering with a jovial companion master of the house, as appearing also faithful to Euarchus in his intentions, after they had accommodated themselves to their mindes in their Chambers, they desired their Hoaft with an equal indifference to let them understand, as well the news that concerned the proceedings of the Senate, as that which belonged more properly to the Army; since as they said, they could not chuse, but be of a nature something more remarkable then ordinary, in regard of the late transfections of both parties, which seemed at present to put moft of the Kingdom to a kinde of a vaft consideration concerning the issue: The rather were they curious of this information, the better thereby to tafe the inclinations of the people.

Truly Gentlemen, said the Hoaft, as I must not take upon me the understanding of either of their proceedings and determinations, when as perhaps they are not very well acquainted with their own intentions themselves, so shall I to supply that defect enform you, if you pleafe, of those discourses that have lately paffed in the Senate, concerning the Kings Government, notwithstanding the Souldiers have him personally at the present under their jurisdiction; who to say the plain truth, use him with that civility and respect, that it gives his friends more then ordinary hopes, of his speedy restoration again to the honour of his Crowns and Dignity; however the Gods only know what the issue of their determinations may be: Some of the Senate would have no King at all, pretending that it would be too miferable a condition for all forts of people, to be subject both in their Perfons and Eftates to an entire Monarch, not suffering them so much as to ask a reafon concerning any thing that should be done amifs, although their purſes and pains were forced upon all occasions to pay for the honour, and the pride belonging to the Dignity: Whereas a common Government, as they ſay, gives a certain kinde of encouragement, pleafing in ſome kinde or other, to all forts of people, as having an appropriated Share in every action, that concerns the good or ill of the Commonwealth: Others again of a contrary ſpirit pretend, they are afraid, that if the Government should be absolutely changed to a popular State, though it might seem in outward appearance, to have more freedome, it could not nevertheless but be of leſs ſecurity, in that it would be alwayes ſubject to ſaction and confuſion, in regard of the inconſtancy of dispoſitions, and therefore are rather of opinion, that the Government remain in the fame nature as it doth, with ſome neceffary reſtrictions to their King: A third fort make ſome doubt, how to finde out wayes to limit a Monarch in any kinde, by what Laws ſoever could be eſtablished to that purpofe, it being almost impoffible to take from a Prince altogether the Sword of Justice and Power, and yet ſuffer him ſill to remain in the condition of a Governour; which in effect would be no other, then a common Government varnifhed over, with a glorious Title to no effect, leaving the whole as subject to ſaction and confuſion, as if there were no King at all; in that he ſhould want the authority, although he were honoured with the name neceſsary to that purpofe: There were others that ſuddenly ſtarted up in the Senate Houſe, who imagined they had thought upon a way, to remedy all inconveniencies, which was to have only a King by election, either of Euarchus Family or ſome other: But the propofition was quickly anſwered with these doubts. That if the Prince intended ſhould be elected out of the fame Blood, if not according to the direct line of ſucceſſion, it would endanger a new ſlaughter and ſaction, through the whole Kingdome, by reaſon of ſeverall ambitious intereſts, of the other ſide, if he were absolutely choſen out of another Family, as no doubt but there would

E b x

be

The *Princess* of *Cloria*;

PART II.

be many opposers, in the very election it self, so not possible to have any of an extrait-
on illustrious enough, to warrant his kindred from being a burthen to the Common-
wealth in their maintenance and support; which probably would prove a sufficient
inconvenience to the people; for that oftentimes justice would be sold, and other
oppreffions committed, onely to fupply a needy and indigent family: In conclusion,
however many feemed willing again to reftore *Euarchus*, and his pofterity to their an-
cient Rights and Dignity, yet fearing in regard of their own proceedings, that they
might be strictly called in question for their past actions, they utterly defifted from
that reſolution: And notwithstanding theſe ſeveral and violent diſcourſes, they fet-
tle upon no determination whatsoever; onely at laſt they ordered, the Government
ſhould remain as it was at preſent in the Senates power, though bearing full the name
of *Euarchus*, until farther conſideration: I muſt tell you, as theſe have been the disputa-
tions in the Councils at *Sardis*, both before and ſince the revolt of the Army, ſo now
by their favours as we fuppofe, they muſt ask leave of the Souldiers, before they fet-
tle either a Government in themſelves, or take it away from others; and the rather
am I induced to this belief, for that the common people, appear not yet much ſean-
dalized at the late revolt; but of the contrary, as *it is thought, would be extreamely
ſatisfied with the Souldiers proceedings, if they ſhould ſpeedily again turn the ſtream
into its right course: However in that I ſhall ſay the laſt that may be, until I be
more inſtructed in the conſtitution of the world. With theſe words he ended his
difcourſe, and preſently took his leave; pretending ſome other company in his houſe,
needed also another part of his entertainment.

This information of the Hoaſt, gave *Crefes* and the Priekſ occasion, to fall into a
more ſerious disputation, concerning the nature and property of Monarchy and other
Governments, according to divers opinions and judgements, with the ſeveral bene-
fits and inconveniencies belonging to them: The Priekſ would needs take upon him
the defence of the Kingly part, whileſt *Crefes* was to be content with the more inſe-
riour degree: Both notwithstanding grounding their diſcourſes, from the hopes they
had, that the Souldiers would ſhortly again reſtore *Euarchus* to his Crown and Go-
vernment: The Priekſ firſt began in this manner.

As Monarchy in the general, ſaid he, hath been held by Writers, to be the beſt
and moſt absolute way of Government, ſo ought it as well be granted, that a Prince
by deſcent and inheritance, is the freeſt of all others from burthen and inconve-
nience to the people; ſince the making up of new families upon every exchange,
and the many dangerous actions would arise by reaſon of elections, would at one
time or other, either hazzard or ruine the Commonwealth; for that all ambitions
could never be ſuppreſt totally in every perſon, with the onely conſideration of
the common safety: But that I may more particularly make good my argument, I ſhall
endeavour from certain principles of Divinity, Nature, and Inſtitution, to prove my
affirmation and opinion: In the firſt place, according to the example of the Di-
vine Providence, there is but one God that made and now rules the Heavens, ſince
if there were more, none could be absolute, much leſs Omnipotent in any kind,
and ſo conſequently the Government, ſhould ſtill be ſubject to variation; both in
part and in the whole; for as divers perſons muſt have ſeveral wills, ſo that of ne-
ceſſity would confound commands and diſtraſt obedience, whereby executions could
not chuse but be protracted, to the rendering of all actions and endeavours, of no
confiderable force and validity to the convenient and orderly rule of the world:
Wherefore we fee, ſubordinate offices are appointed in every degree, by this great
and all powerful God, every diſtinct Orb being ſo involved one within another, until
they all become governed by the firſt motion, onely to avoid equality and con-
fusion: So that we may eafily perceive by that decorum, that there is an entire ne-
ceſſity of one Governour: As for example, there is but one Sun that governs the
day, as another light ſhines in the night, neither of which being accompanied with
any of equal authority or influence; as it were both pretending, to a certain manner
of absolute Monarchy in their ſeveral kindes of motion and luſtre: In the ſecond
place, by the very rules of nature we have experience, that ſome one in every ſpecies
pretends

189

pretends above the reft to Dominion and Jurisdiſtion: As for the purpofe, the in-
duſtrious and painful Commonwealth of the Bees, have alwayses one to go before
them, whose perſon and voice they onely obey and follow, with a ſeeming care and
extraordinary obedience: The filly Ants in like manner have their Prince amongſt
them, who ſeems by his abſolute authority, onely to govern and direct their labours,
tending to unity and benefit, in their ſmall and innocent Commonwealth: ſo that
theſe being creatures no way given to exorbitancy of will as men are, if it be neceſ-
fary for them to have but one Governour, much more for us who are given in a man-
ner to nothing but malice and pride, whereby to be kept in order and regulated in
our diſpoſitions; which certainly cannot long be without the authority of ſome
ſingle power, that muſt not be equalled or contracted by any other: we ſee if two
ſtrange Bulls be but turned loose together in any paſture, their contention one with
another never ends, whilſt one of the two have gained the abſolute maſtery over the
other: with what extraordinary hatred and malice will two little Cocks of the
Game, perſecute one another in blood and wounds, until the one of them have ob-
tained the victory by the others death and ruine? Nay, example me if you can,
any two Males of any generous kinde whatsoever, that will endure the others ſo-
ciety, without an abſolute ſubjeſtion to his power and courage; as it were never
but ſtriving till one have procured the entire jurisdiction of the place; as if nature
by no means could admit of an equality in government; whereas of the contrary,
the Females, as being not at all ordained for rule and command, are ſeemingly con-
tented with the ſociety and company of their ſellows: which ſhews in my opinion a
certain kinde of neceſſity in all governments of one onely Monarch, not onely to
avoid ſaction and confusion, but to unite deſires and induſtry, towards the wellſare
and benefit of any Commonwealth; ſince without ſuch a known power and com-
mand, it is almoſt impoſſible to bridle and keep in order at all times, the unruly ſan-
cies and exorbitant deſires of mankinde; whose very nature or inclination, doth
ſwell as it were with nothing but appetites of contention: Laſtly, concerning the
very iſtitution of governments upon earth, the firſt certainly was Monarchy; for
as in the beginning a man in his own private family, appeared to be the onely abſo-
lute Prince to be obeyed, ſo Dominions and Kingdoms became no other way eſta-
bliſhed in the infancy of the world, but by the uniting together of ſeveral households,
either by accident or conquel: And though ſometimes people meerly out of ne-
ceſſity, to keep themſelves the better in peace and quietneſs, were forced to chufe
and form Commonwealths, yet we ſcarce read of any jurisdiction to be entertained,
(at leaſtwife to be continued for any considerable ſpace) but where one ſingle power
chieſly, if not abſolutely commanded over the whole; as if the multitude by the
very light of nature, being led thereunto by the meer dictates of reaſon, without
any manner of ſcience or experience, were conſtrained to believe, that no other
government could be ſafe and laſting; however their Lords not ſeldom proved the
cruelſeſt Tyrants could be imagined: As I cannot deny, but by reaſon of the exor-
bitancy of pernitious and wicked Princes, a State hath been changed from a private
to a popular Commonwealth or Government; yet ſcarce did I ever hear of any, but
that both began and ended in Kingly Authority; as being ſtill by ſome accident or
other, conſtrained to that election or conversion, either in abſolute power, or mixt
repreſentation, as if ſome kinde of neceſſity required ſuch an eſtablishment to render
it laſting, and convenient to the people.

Nevertheless, ſaid Crefés, it is a moſt miſerable condition for the people, to be in a
continual ſubjeſtion, under the power and command of either an impotent or ex-
orbitant Prince; for though he ſhould know what were beſt to be done, yet his
perſevere nature and diſpoſition, would not ſuffer him to put it in execution. And if
he knew not how to govern, he becomes led by the pride and covetouſneſs of others:
Again, put the caſe Government might fall into the hands of a mad man or a fool,
what remedy then could be expected, whereby the people might in any kinde have
the leaſt hope of redreſs? ſince by the Laws and Rules of Inheritance, he were to
continue ſtill without prevention and obſtacle; which of neceſſity ſome time or other

would

The Princesf Clorïa;

PART II.

would happen; and consequently caſt the Government into the hands of ſuch as he
should chufe, that probably were not far from his own temper in any thing: in like
manner, it muſt be the fame during the time of the Princes infancy, being by that
means rendred altogether uncapable either of governing himſelf or others.

Tis true, anſwered the Priek, the misſortune to a Kingdom is not ſmall when either of these happen: but however as no private intereſt can be ſo deſtroying as general confusion, ſo can it not be but much ſaſer for a Commonwealth, to be under the juridſiction of one vicious or impotent Prince, (who tis likely will be glutted by his exſeſes, or may be affiſed in his Councils) then for it to be wholly governed, by many diſagreeing heads and faſtious diſpoſitions, that direct ſeveral wayes in their intentions and confultations; which of neceſſity muſt diſtraſt all profitable determinations, and at the beſt cannot but protraſt, if not abſolutely hinder thoſe executions tending to peace and proſperity; being ſcarce to be avoided in a common Government, where opinions and intereſts are ſeveral in the Rulers: beſides it is well known that in ſuch Councils, ſecrets of the moſt higheſt nature (for that they are committed to many) are ſubjeſt to be revealed if not betrayed.

But according to my ſenſe and belief, ſaid Crefes, ſuch a Magiſtracy might be cre-
ated out of the whole, that when good and neceſſary fundamental Laws were agreed
upon, might eaſily govern with ſecrecy and moderation to the benefit of the people,
who would be pleafed ſufficiently, in having the name of the election of ſuch Mi-
nifters.

If you mean, ſaid the Priek, that this juridſiction ſhould be eternal, it were a
great deal worſe and more dangerous in matters of tyranny and injustice, then to be
under one ſingle Prince, by inheritance, ſince he might dye, and by that means, his
Succesſor might again bring eafe and remedy; but the other ſ Assembly being once in
the greater part corrupted, it were impoſſible ever to expect any redrefs at all; for
that thoſe that ſhould happen to ſucceed, would come to their places but one by one,
and conſequently could not have voices in number ſufficient, to countervail the opinions of the reſt, remaining in the Council of Magiſtracy: beſides if any ſhould
have received injury, or endured oppreſſion by the caſting voices of the whole af-
ſembly, to whom ſhould he flye for remedy and redrefs? Since every one ſingly
would put off the blame from himſelf; pretending not to have authority and power
ſufficient, without the generality of that congregation, to repair the injured per-
ſon; which ſeldom or never could be procured: whereas being wronged or op-
preſſed by a Prince, or any of his Officers or Minifters of State, it would be no great
difficuſty, to make the particular complaint underſtood at one time or another to
himſelf; and more ſacile it would be a great deal, for the Monarch or Governour
ſpeedily to aſſord the remedy, either in that, that concerned his own perſon, or be-
longing to any of his Comſmissioners; for eſſe he ſhould be forced to take upon him
the blame, before the face of all the world; whereas the others aſions, (that is to
ſay concerning the particular) would be ſo involved in the dark, that it were almost
impoſſible to make it appear, where the fault lay but in the general ſ Assembly; who
without an infinite labour could not be brought to underſtand, much leſs to redrefs
the grievance: And if you mean this Magiſtracy or ſupream Authority, ſhould be
only temporary, and ſo conſequently be made ſubjeſt upon all occaſions to the
election and queſtioning of the common people; what a world of inconveniencies
would it bring? not only by continual ſactions and diſorders, in the chusing theſe
by amongſt the people, being carried on to this election, by a certain conceived great-
neſs in their own opinion, that might render their rude ambitions extreamly unſaſ-
fied, if they ſhould be at any time croſt in their choice; with a thouſand other incon-
veniences that I cannot mention.

Yet ſaid Crefes, although it ſhould be granted, that in thoſe particulars you have
mentioned, Monarchy were to be eſteemed the moſt convenient Government of all
others; however it cannot be denied, but that the common people are in that ſla-
very under ſuch a juridſiction, that they cannot poffibl[y have hearts ſufficiently af-

ſectionate

191

fegionate to render them entirely industrious, towards the profit and good of the
Commonwealth in the general, in regard that however they toyl and takes pains in
abundance, they can never attain to any places of dignity or respect in the King-
dom, either to content their thoughts or advance their eſteem; whereas in a popu-
lar State, the meaneſt is in the fame capacity of preferment, as the higheſt born perſon
in the Counrey.

Although this be true, ſaid the Priek, yet the defect proceeds not from their natu-
ral unhappineſs, but from their diſability or want of knowledge, in regard of their
deficiency in education, which inconveniency and defect, they will as well ſuffer in a
popular Government, as in a Kingly Authority, ſince no worthy perſon whatsoever
is debarred from preferment in a Monarchy, if his induſtry and parts can merit the
honour and advancement; and although he ſhould in any kinde miſs of his expecta-
tion, yet it would not grieve him ſo much to be under the juridiction of the No-
bility, that are by birth and extraction above his condition, as to finde himself much
subordinate and inferiour, to thofe of his own rank and quality; to be eſteemed of
all others moſt irkefome to humane nature: ſo that you ſee it is but meer fancy,
that engenders theſe considerations and opinions: Befides there are other inconve-
niences and omilions appertaining to a popular Government; as for example, it
ſeldom or never prefers or rewards worthy perſons, according to their deferts and
merits; when as for the moſt part ſmallest crimes and defects, are puniſhed by moſt
fearful and horrid ſeverity; proceeding either from envy or jealousy, which is the
occasion that oftentimes, when Generals, Commanders, or States-men have procu-
red a ſufficient intereſt and eſteem amongſt all forts of people, whereby to be able to
contend, doubting their own ſafeties from the Magiftracy, they enter preſently into
ſuch rebellions, that either turn the Commonwealth into a Tyrannical Monarchy,
or occasion at the beſt ſo much blood and ſlaughter, that every Subject thereof hath
reafon enough to fear his own loſs, if not general deſtruction; whereas a Prince
being of ſo eminent a condition himself, not to be equalled by any of what quality
ſoever, hath no cauſe to be envious or ſuspicious: Again, the Prince hath a more
nearer intereſt in his Countreys good, then all his Subjects bideſes by way of perio-
nal honour, wherefore a greater benefit or loſs attends him in every thing that is
acted, ſince he creates not onely the Officer that commands or executes, but enjoyes
the profit or diſprofit of the ſucceſs, whereas the people in a Commonwealth receive
it but in the general, no one man being able to appropriate any publick action parti-
cularly to himſelf; which is a principal motive to endue the Prince, to attend ear-
neſtly the prouſperity of the Government, becauſe he may be ſaid truly to eſteem it
his own, which no other perſon can do in what conſtitutions ſoever, if there be
others in equal authority with him; for joymt intereſts, will never take ſo much
the fancy and opinion of the owners, as thofe which are ſingly appertaining but to
one onely.

Well (ſaid Crefes) although I ſee upon any terms, you will needs have a Monarchy
to be the beſt Government, yet nevertheleſs I muſt not have a Prince altogether un-
limited, as it were threatening a kinde of a fearful apprehenſion of Tyranny to his
people, by which means they would be hindred, from endeavouring industriouſly,
either the common good or their private welfare: but rather I ſhould with a King,
in ſome fort bound by Laws Fundamental, eſtablished by a laudable constitution at
the firſt; however not to be ſo ſtrictly chained up, that he were left no power or pre-
rogative at all, without his Subjects leave, or be ſo let looke to his own will and plea-
ſure, that he might injure and oppreſs his people as he lift; that is to ſay, to have
the Government to enjoy ſuch a mixture in the whole, that the Subjects might not
be oſer-bold, to approach his preſence without an awful reverence, or he to be puf-
fed up with a vain opinion, (by reaſon of his dignity) that the Kingdom or Common-
wealth was beſtowed upon his condition, more for his own uſe then the good of his
people. Nor I neither ſaid the Priek: whereupon being called away to ſupper, they
fually broke off the reſt of their diſcourse.

The next day about noon they arrived at Court, or rather was it to be called a
Camp,

The Prince's Clorias

PART II.

Camp, since the Souldiers seeme to bear all the fway, notwithstanding others had a civil liberty allowed them, to be admitted upon every occasion needful into the Kinges prefence.

When *Euarchus* was informed, not onely of their arrival, but that *Crefes* had brought him Letters out of *Syria* from the Queen, he with a great deal of paflion lent prefentely for them into his prefence: upon their entrance they found him seated in a kinde of a confined Majefty, *Farezius* being on his right hand not far from his perſon, and a little below him ſtood one *Hercrombratus* his Lieutenant General, a man that seemed to carry not onely deſign, but policy in his countenance: about them were placed many common ſouldiers in the nature of a guard: however expreſſing more then ordinary freedom both in their looks and demeanor: *Crefes* after he had performed his wonted reverences, approached the King with a humilität, anſwerable to his titles, though not his condition, preſenting him with the Queens Letters, which *Euarchus* haſtily taking out of his hands, read them with tears in his eyes, and then asked him ſundry queſtions, both of his wife and ſon Prince *Arethuſius*, wifhing withal, he might once more have the happineſs to enjoy their company in *Lydia*: whereunto *Crefes* ſoon replyed, that he did not doubt but that the gods were long, would to that purpose be favourable to his pious intentions: Truly, ſaid the King, turning at the fame time to *Farezius*, this brave Commander doth give me more then probable hopes to this effect: but *Farezius* made him no other anſwer, then by a kinde of humble bending of his body, ſeemed to intimate a willingneſs in any thing to comply with his deſires.

Having for some time thus difcourſed together in publick, the King (also taking notice of the old Priſt with more then ordinary affection) led *Crefes* into an out-window in the fame room, that was ſheltred from the view of the common people, by large Curtains that reached to the ground, where after they had continued for the ſpace of an hour in private conference, the King calling unto him *Farezius*, uſed this language, with ſuch a look, as might procure compaſſion from the cruelle tyrant in the world.

*Farezius*, ſaid he, as I have ſufficient experience of your civilities, ſince it was my good fortune to be absolutely under your juridiction, ſo cannot I but preſume upon the continuance of these courteſies, finding your nature to be both noble and conſtant: wherefore to this purpose I would have you know, that it is not alone my own deſire at this preſent, to have ſome comfort and conſolation by the fight and conversion of my children, kept ſo long from my poſſeffion by the power of the Senate fitting at Sardis, but alſo have received conjurations by these Letters from my wife remaining in *Syria*, if it be poſſible ſo far to procure my own information concerning their particulars, that I may give her a true account, both of their comportments and education, whereby the better to fatiſe her motherly affection and natural inclination: when the King had ended this ſupplication, ſo far (as I may ſay) be-neath his dignity, though conſonant in ſome fort to his condition, *Farezius* after a ſhort paſse returned him this anſwer.

Although I muſt confes your Majefties deſires, are grounded upon all the principles both of nature and morality, yet you muſt be pleafed likewife to know, that at preſent, I finde my own power and intereſt ſo far weakned in Sardis, by the prevailing ſaction of the *Myſtians*, that I dare not be over-confident of any requeſt I shall make in your behalf; especially for that I am neither affured to continue ſtill the Senates General, or can procure thofe Senators to be puniſhed, that with ſo much violence, exclaim hourly at that attempt of ours concerning your releaſement: but nevertheless if you pleafe, that *Crefes* now in communication with you, may be employed as a meſſenger to demand these conditions, I ſhall procure him as large a commiffion as poſſibly I can from the whole Army to that effect; and being denied by the Senate any of our juſt deſires, we may adde your authority to the willingneſs of the Souldiers, to force them from the oppofers: As these motions were quickly embraced by the Kings apprehenſion and content, with many thankfull exprefſions, ſo *Crefes* wanted neither courage nor loyalty, to take upon him the execu-

execution, to the best advantage both for Euarchus service, and the Armies profit.

When Crefes arrived at Sardis, and had with some eloquence and more judge-
ment, delivered his message, being again retired for about half an hour's space, he
received these answers to every particular from the Senate: First it was told him,
that whereas it was desired, the Kings Children might not onely perform their na-
turall duty to their Father by a speedy visit, but might also for some considerable
time, remain in his company and conversation, (however they conceived it againft
the rules of State policy, to have any single person pleafured before the publique
good) yet that Farezius should fee how much they valued his Requeft, the Senate
had determined the children might make a journey to that effect, upon affurance
given for their safe return after some few dayes of salutation: Again, whereas the
Generall ſeemed to define, a continuation of his power and command under the
Senates authority, they not onely granted him his own demand, but wifht Crefes
to affure Farezius, that as they had never any intention to out him of his office,
contrary to his own content, so would they ever be moft ſensible of his brave and
gallant ſervices: but for the propofition, that concerned the accufation of some of
their fellow Senators, they conceived it a derogation to the high places they held
in the Commonwealth, to have them so much as suspected, much lefs to suffer them
to be brought as guilty Malefactors before any other Tribunall then their own,
being perſons (as they laid) whom they had found moſt true and faithful to the com-
mon intereſt: Nevertheless they conſeſcended by way of perſwafion, to cauſe
them voluntarily to leave the Kingdom for some ſmall time, whereby the better to
allay the rage and discontents of the Souldiers, until they could be fully ſatisfied in
their endeavours and fidelities: These answers did but in part give content to Crefes
expectation, especially for that the Senate ſeemed, not onely as he conceived, to put
on a kinde of more then ordinary infolency in their demeanors, but withal did not
so much as take any notice at all of Euarchus dignity, or that they intended any of
thofe respects for his ſake.

Though Crefes with a great deal of indignation, had attended their delibera-
tions, yet he was content with some humility, to beg leave to visit the Princesſe,
which being obtained, he found her feated in a melancholly Room, that had no more
light beſtowed upon it, then what was merely neceſſary, for the performance of
thoſe ſervices due to her condition; her perſon being ſhut up in a black Couch,
ſo obſcured with divers Curtains, that ſearce could her rare beauty be otherwife
discovered, then as the fair Moon, ſhadowed by too many black clouds; however
now and then as the Princes moved, there appeared bright and gentle rayes of thoſe
perfections, which could not be altogether hid; in this manner being admitted to
kifs her white hand, with many ſighs, and not a few tears, ſhe aked of her fathers
health, with some other circumſtances: But the uncomſpafionate guard, would not
ſuffer her to be ſo punſtual in her queſtions as ſhe deſired, until at laſt Crefes was ſe-
parated again from her preſence, by thoſe watchfull ſpies, that had the neareſt cu-
fody of her perſon, who belike as guilty men, ſeared Treafon in their very looks,
ſince no words were uttered, but what they underſtood; so that he was conducted to
the Caſtle gate, onely by Roxana's ample complements, inſtead of her Miltrefſes
more full expressions.

But however the Senate had made theſe large promiſes during Crefes his preſence;
yet afterward upon other considerations, they not onely denied the Princes Clorïa
acceſs to her Father, being unwilling belike to hazard ſo precious a Jewel out of
their custody, but thoſe Senators accuſed of Treafon, with the City of Sardis affil-
iance, within a very few dayes beſet the Senate Houſe by multitudes of their ſaction,
not onely denying to ſtand to the former Orders, of giving Farezius poſſeſſion of
the Caſtle of the Town; but alſo proſeffing, they would not conſent to their own
banifhment, alledging that the General rather deſerved to be puniſhed as a Traitor,
for having made ſo unjuſt and inſolent a demand, then themselves to be judged
for any crime; who were not onely thus liberal in their language, but cauſed the Se-
nate to diſannul their former Decrees.

Cc

The

The Princes Cloria;

PART II.

The news of this enraged multitude, was quickly brought unto the knowledge of the whole Army, and so consequently to Farezius; who after he had for some hours confulted with the rest of the Officers, refolved to march towards the Walls of Sardis, where after a shortliege, and no great slaughter, the proud inhabitants yielded absolutely to his mercy, whilst the chief Magiftrates of the City, iffued out to give him friendly entertainment, finding he had the greater party in the Town: In this manner with a most magnificent triumph, they brought him to take possession of that command, that before with some obliacy they had refused; and afterward most ceremonioufly conducted him to the very Senate, in which place he was received with new honours.

Cloria having notice given her of the Generals intention to visit her, began to consider with what reception she should entertain his prefence, since he appeared to her thoughts not onely one, who had lately conquered the whole Kingdome by his prosperity; but feemed at the prefent, to grasp the very fate of her Father; and therefore believed, she was not to receive him in her accustomed fad poſture, left he might interpret it, either a contempt of his power, or a forrow for his fortune: so that she commanded her Chamber to be adorned with Hangings of green Velvet, belonging to the Kings Wardrobe, embroidered with compartments of Gold, wherein was wrought the several Armories of her Anceſtors of both fides, divided by certain colours of rich cloth of Tiffue, interwoven with fuch variety of beautiful flowers, that it feemed the Princes had placed her ſelf in a delicious Garden, to give Farezius the more delightful welcome; which was encreafed by her own ſweet countenance, ſeated upon a Bed of the fame Livery; though the infide differed in invention, however it exceeded in curioſity, wherein with artificial needlework, was deſigned the ſtory of Venus and Adonis, and with that lively art, that the blushing anger appeared in the boyes cheeks, at the laſcivious carriage of the Queen of Love, whilſt in other places he feemed to have put on a ſimiling countenance, that he had broke from her forcible embracements: but that which was admirably expreſſed in death it ſelf, accompanied with a lively ſorrow, was the amazed grief of the Goddeſs, when ſhe beheld her slaughtered ſervant lying in his own blood, torn with the rude Tusks of the savage Boar, and his dejeſted followers, ſeemingly confounded at the object: Nor was it little leſs pittiful, to behold his poor Dogs here and there diſperſed, as if alſo they apprehended their own loſs, by their maſters deſtruction. Over the chimney was a large picture of moſt excellent workmanship, wherein was ſet forth the baniſhment of proud Tarquin by his enraged Subjects.

As ſoon as Farezius entred the room, he pawſed a while (being ſurprized with an entire amazement) before he approached the Princes, as if he apprehended ſome fear of Sacrilege in attempting ſuch an appearing Deity; but being invited by a gentle ſmile, that afforded not onely a greater encouragement to him, but added new grace to her own Beauty, he advanced with flow ſteps to perform thatof Reverences due to her Dignity, which at laſt brought him to that diſtance, that gave her conveniency to ask him concerning her Fathers ſtate; in which demand ſhe put on ſuch a look, that ſhewed the defired ſomething (though in words ſhe begged nothing) that eafily lay within his power to grant. But the Godſs ſeemed too cruell to make her a mendicant, whole perfections deſerved rather to have ſufficient authority to command all hearts: However, the General, as if at the prefent he underſood little eſle but admiration, for a long time anſWERED not her queſtions, which gave occaſion to Cloria again to redouble her paſſion, with other interrogaſions upon the fame ſubject; so that Farezius at laſt breaking through his amazement, told her, that he was in as prosperous a condition, as the unfortunate affairs of the Commonweal would permit, wherein he had employed his belt ſervice with all Loyalty.

This anſwer ſearce gave ſatisfaction to the Princesſe, ſince ſhe conceived Faezius had deſigned his whole endeavours for the prefent eſtablishment of the King in his ancient Dignity; and therefore turn'd away from his fight with a few gentle

195

gentle tears in her fair eyes; which being perceived by the General, he humbly be-
fought her to put off all fadneſs from her heart, for that he did not doubt, but
prosperity would ſucceed to her. Father, according to his merit, and her own
wifhes; however the illue, as he faid, muſt be attended yet with ſome patience, ſince
ſirſt the Souldiers were to be paid, who had ſpilt their blood freely for the liberty
of their Countrey; and the common people in like manner muſt be ſatisfied,
that had hitherto paid for the purchase. But what the ſweet Clorïa would have
anſwered to this diſcourſe could not be known, ſince Farezius occaſions call'd
him ſuddenly away from her preſence into the City, not so much to receive
thoſe Triumphs prepared for his further entertainment, as to procure money for
his Army.

Though the General continued ſome violence againſt the rich Town of Sardis,
in imprifoning their chief Officers; as also in cauſing thoſe Senators which he
had formerly accuſed to be ſent into baniſhment, yet the affairs of Euarchus became
no whit more amended, ſince he was not onely ſtill detained as a Prifoner, though
with ſomething a greater liberty and freedom, but the Senate was permitted to
prefe his patience, with thoſe former propoſitions they had ſent by Argylius
prejudiciall to his Crown, and in truth to the absolute taking away of all his
Royall Authority, which gave occaſion of many diſcourſes amongſt all forts of
people: ſome ſaid that Farezius was in love with the Princeſſe Clorïa, and by that
means endeavoured to force the Kings conſent to the Marriage, whom he thought
elſe could not be brought to yield to ſuch unequall Nuptialls; much leſſe would
his Daughter be won, to give up her perſon to thoſe diſadvantages, who had
been Courted by all the great Princes of Asia with multitudes of glorious
offers. Others again believed, the contrary faction began to prevail, and had
by ſome means either bribed Farezius to their party, or out-witted his deſigns:
Neither wanted there a third Company that imagined, the people grew wea-
ry of their own ſufferings, by reaſon of the Armies free quarter, ſuspect ing the
Generalls power and intentions, onely to make himſelf and his Souldiers mighty,
without looking upon their Libertiés and Proſperity. For a teſtimony of which as
they ſuppoſed, the Nobility carried the chief ſway in the Senate Houſe, contrary to
their deſires; however certain Trybunes were choſen in the Army, to prefer the rights
of the ordinary Souldiers, and common people.

Whilſt these thoughts, or rather fancies were toſt to and fro, almoſt in every
mans boſome; for that the whole Affairs of the Kingdome were at a ſtand, and
Euarchus ſeemingly no nearer his enlargement then the firſt day he was imprifon-
ed; nay, farther off in moſt opinions: Roxana one morning, according to her
cuſtom (being troubled with more fears then ordinary; for that the Princes her
Miſrels, appeared to her imaginations, not a little concerned in the buſineſs, ſince it
was not improbable, but ſome ſparkles of love joyned with Farezius ambition might
be obſtacles againſt the Kings prosperity) came to entertain her ſelf, within certain
Groves belonging to the Caſtle, which were ordered into many delightfull walks,
that here and there croſſed one another, for the more conveniency of the Company,
that ſhould frequent them for recreation; where long ſhe had not remained, diſ-
puting with her doubts and hopes, but ſhe met accidentally with Crefes, who ſeemed
to be there with the fame intention: they both appeared pleased at the encounter;
whereupon Crefes quickly asked her after ſome ſhort ſalutation, what the thought of
the ſtrangenefs of theſe times, ſo much changed contrary to both their expectations,
when as they looked rather for the King to have been royally received in Sardis, then,
to have been ſtill continued a prifoner, much leſſe to be preſſed with new pro-
poſitions diſhonourable to his perſon, and deſtuctive to his Authority. Truly
my Lord, anſwered Roxana, as my thoughts are in a Wood about the actions of
the times; ſo no doubt but ſome mystery waits upon the illue, however I muſt
conſeſſe my fears outgo my faith, in any good they mean the Kings power,
ſince both the delays uſed, and much more theſe Articles preſented, are no good
Omens to Euarchus prosperity; but take off rather that glory which Farezius

Cc 2

ſhould

The Princess Clorïe;

PART II.

Should have obtained to himself, if he had made the Kings restoration to his Rights his first and chiefest work; since by his power and authority, the rest of the necessary affairs of the Kingdom, would in all probability have been better and surer settled, when they should have carried with them both Law and Justice. You are in the right Madam, said Crefes, wherefore if I may not be thought over tedious to your patience, I will discontinue to you some things which I have not onely heard from the Kings own mouth, when I last waited upon him; but other observations I took when I was in Syria, out of which you may make what conjectures you please. So taking the old woman by the hand, he led her to a little Banqueting-house, not far off for the more privacy; where, after they were both feasted, he made unto her this relation.

Madam, said he, first you must understand, that Euarchus the King is opposed in his just Government, or rather legal authority, by four factions, that for the present seek to undermine one another, all having absolutely in their hearts, cast off their obedience to the King's Person and Prerogative. The Senate strives with violence to maintain that Jurisdiction, it hath extorted from him; as the Myssians endeavour out of a high covetousness, to be sharers in the Government and Riches of this flourishing Kingdom; neither wants the Army pretentions, by reason of the service they have done in the late Wars, to claim reward and submittance. And last of all, the wealthy City of Sardis, in regard it hath for the most part furnished the Souldiers and Councell with money, requires to be made a free Town; that is to say, to depend upon no subjection, but what Magistrates created by themselves shall prescribe. This contention of all sides, is the chief occasion as it is thought, that makes everything at a stand; whilst in the mean time, the people seem to cry out, being over-burthened with oppressions and payments, which in the end certainly cannot but turn to an absolute confusion, since there is scarce possibility left to satisfie all parties: And thus much shall suffice for the common state of things.

Now concerning the proceedings of Syria, which I have met with from the Kings own mouth, be pleased to understand, that when he was forced to assemble this great Council, that hath proved so unfortunate to his happy ones, there was sent into Lydia from Philoftros an Ambassadour, as Euarchus imagined for his conflation and affixture, againft the violent proceedings of his Senate, but presently after his arrival, he was so far from complying with the Kings occasions, that he kept a frequent correspondence, with those persons, that seemed most to oppose his Authority; insomuch, as the King was constrained at last with some violence, not onely to forbid him any longer attendance upon his person; but earneftly to desire the State of Syria, to recall him home from all further employment in Lydia, which settled the thoughts of Euarchus in some quietness, whilst his own victories over his disobedient subjects, and the death both of Philoftros and Orfames, gave the King more then probable hopes of a final and happy successe in his enterprize; which was again in a very short time, to reduce all Lydia under his lawfull jurisdiction: But belike the State of Syria following the same maximes of Government, under the young son Orfames had left behind him, contrary to all humane expectation, sent presently after the death of Orfames another Ambassadour to Euarchus, not onely anew to invite him to break the League, which he still continued with the King of Egypt, but to allow his contesting Senate to be a lawful and continued Council, by his absolute approbation; thinking belike, that it would better conduce to the affairs of Syria, to have Euarchus power limited, then to suffer him to remain in his high prerogative? But these demands the King most violently and disdainfully refusing, the Ambassadour not onely with some feeming discontent took his leave, but as it was thought invited the Myssians again into Lydia, which hath been as you know the reason of Euarchus overthrow, since the Senates fingle power had never probably prevailed againſt his fortune and fucceſs; however the bulineſs did not yet reſt: for after the King had notwithstanding struggled with infinite difficulties, to make good ſtill his declining Caufe, (his son Arethus) the forces also being

being destroyed in many set Battles, who after fled into Syria to the Queen his Mo-
ther) *Euarchus* was forced to put himself under the protection of the *Myffians* Ar-
my; yet with so little benefit to his affairs, that in a short time after he was delivered
in person into his Enemies hands, who treated him with all manner of hardneſs, until
the Army took him violently from that jurisdiction: As this Madam, is the sad par-
ticulars I can relate unto you of the Kings misfortunes and captivity, so may you very
well make conjecture of the conſequences.

Roxana after she had thanked him for his disſourse, wherein as he ſaid, he had
made her acquainted with ſome paſſages, ſhe never underſtood before, yet he ſhould
oblige her much more if he would be pleased to deliver his opinion, what might be the
intentions of the Syrian State, in thus defiring to leſſen, or rather in outward appea-
rance to overthrow the Monarchy of Lydia, ſince the example ſeemed of a danger-
ous conſequence for its own Government, for that thoſe Subjects might also fall up-
on the like pretences.

Truly anſwered Crefes, what I can ſay of that Theam is, that either they think it
more convenient for the glory of Syria, to reduce all Kingdoms but their own into
Commonwealths, whereby theirs might appear to Afia the onely Empire: Or they
have an intention to make a conqueſt of ours, by reaſon of thoſe multitudes of divi-
sions they fee arifing amongſt our ſelves; or perhaps they aim to ſet up Prince Are-
thusiis in his Fathers Kingdom, because he is of the Syrian Blood, whereby they be-
lieve they ſhall purchase both honour and friendſhip.

But if I thought I ſhould not prove over hard in my unpoliſht language, whereby
too much to injure your patience by my tedious relation, I would diſcover yet a ſtory,
though aſted long time ſince, that in my opinion, hath been the original of the ſad ef-
fects of this laſt War: It will prove the longer, in regard it toucheth the proceed-
ings, not onely of the Kingdom of Lydia, but the Countries of Syria and Myſſia,
that formerly have been all three interwoven in dangers, ſlaughters, and Civil Broyls,
by the ſpightful proceedings, and factious maximes, of a certain Prieft called
Herenzius.

Roxana glad to entertain any conveniency that might inſtruct her farther, in the
Mysteries of theſe unlucky times, although many things ſhe had read of Herenzius
violent ſpirit, told Crefes, that as no language proceeding from his lips, could prove
tedious to any ear how ignorant ſoever; ſo did ſhe not doubt, but the conſequence
of the preſent affairs, required rather ample ſtories, then ſhort deſcriptions, which
gave him a ſufficient warrant to uſe his own pleaſure, both for the manner and matter
of his diſcourse, until his endeavours produced this following relation.

You muſt know, ſaid he, that this Prieft Herenzius ſome years ſince, when all the
world ſeemed to yield obedience to the great Flamin of Delphos, as the onely Oracle
upon earth to preſcribe the manner of the Worſhip of the Gods, ſuddenly ſtarted up
in the Kingdom of Syria, who by reaſon of an ignominious puniſhment he had under-
gone (as twas reported for a hainous offence committed againſt Humane and Divine
Laws) began violently to fall out with Heaven and Earth; inſomuch as in the firſt
place, he quarrelled with the form of the Service to the Gods then uſed; and in the
latter, he denied Kings and Princes Obedience, or rather Loyalty from their natural
Subjeſts: To this purpofe to execute his malice againſt all authority, because he had
ſuffered by it; and withal thinking again in ſome ſort to recover his loſt reputation,
in doing notable actions, how wicked ſoever, of a ſudden ſlew to a certain Town upon
the Conſines of Arabia, whole people had newly, not onely diſobeyed their Flamin,
but caſt off their Government to his Authority, which quickly gave him admittance,
with his DoCTRine, ſince they knew his opinions ſuited with their deſigns: yet being
rather friendly entertained, then perfectly eſtablished by their welcome, his insolency
and pride in a ſhort time, baniſhed him again from the City, ſeeing he could not ſhow
temper in his firſt entrance; and ſo remained until the fear of the Inhabitants, of
coming once more under their old Government, for that they underſtood their Prince
prepared for a Siege, conſtrained them, not onely a new to deſire his company, where-
by to be affiſted by his Council; but were forced to binde themselves by a ſolemn

Oath,

The Princes Gloria;

PART II.

Oath, to submit absolutely their wills to his institutions. With these conditions he became fully possessed of that power, that gave him opportunity, both to govern as he pleased, and infruct as he lifted, until he had fitted all their thoughts, for the impositions of his designs, by the eloquent language and cunning practices he used, which in a short time so prospered, that many disciples were found of such towardly dispositions, instructed by his principles, that he sent many of them also into other Countries, to poison the peoples loyalties, since obedience is the most affixed tye, that probably warrants the safety and prosperity of Kingdoms. But these men having, as I said, taken their journeyes with these intentions, the first prevailing progreſs they made, was in the Countrey of Myſsia, where finding some difcontents already ingen-
dering between the young Queen then reigning, Grandmother to Euarchus, and some factious and ambitious Nobility, soon introduced their new and dangerous opinions, into the hearts of the common people, by which means the Lords became almo powerful by their affiſtance, that the poor Princes in a ſhort ſpace, was forced to quit both her Kingdom and Life, (a Tragedy too pittifull now to be related) which the Rebels took possession of her Authority; from which ufurpation proceeds Ly-
dia's miſeries, ſince by a continuance of the fame deſires in those people towards her poſterity, they have now filled this Kingdom with tumults, troubles, and blood, the better to make good their own juridictions, so unlawfully purchased in former times: But however, these opinions of depoſing of Kings, and altering the Wor-
ship of the Gods, prevailed entirely in Myſsia, by reaſon of those crafty and facti-
ous actors that Herezius had ſent; yet his DoCTRINE found not so ready acceptance in the Kingdom of Lydia, for that the Queen then reigning, endeavoured againſt the violence of all their endeavours, both to conſerve Monarchy, and maintain their Fla-
mins, though the State altered many tenents in DoCTRINE; until the late agreements of each Nation to oppoſe Euarchus in the fame deſign, contrived an accord to exi-
pate in effect both King and Flamins: This may pafs my difcourſe to the Kingdom of Syria, that hath not onely formerly borne part in the suffering, by reaſon of these opinions ſowed in the world, but hath been a principal occaſion to give the Maffians protection, by whose power Euarchus hath been chiefly deſtroyed.

To which purpose you must understand, that although Herezius other meſſen-
gers, could not ſo easily beat down the strong Walls of Monarchy, eſtabliſhed by ſo
many ages in Syria, againſt the power of great Armies always kept in pay by that
Nation, yet oftentimes they filled the whole Kingdom with moſt lamentable ſlaugh-
ters, to gain entrance for their opinions, and freedom for their DoCTRINE; inſomuch
as the Prince himself then governing, finding the Temples overthrown, his Countrey
spoiled, and his Subjects deſtroyed by the fury of the contention, was forced at laſt,
ſo far to give way to the Herezians Religion in Syria, that they had not onely grant-
ed them, a free exercise of their Conſciences throughout all his Dominions, but many
fortified Towns were delivered into their hands; wherein they put their own Garri-
fons, to secure better this agreement, which both afforded him peace, and ſeemed to
give them ſatisfaction for the preſent: however, every year almoſt after (notwith-
standing these benefits) produced new ſtirrs by that ſaction, to the diſquieting of the
Kingdom; that gave ſufficient cauſe of vexation to many good Princes, ſince they
could not be affured of the loyalty of their obliged Subjects; nor of the continu-
ation of their own proſperities, when neither graces could win them by reaſon of the
ſpleen they bore to Monarchy, or power could compel them in regard of those Forts
they had in their cuſtody.

But to be ſhort, before the great and wife Favourite Philoftr os durſt take
upon him the huge worke he intended, which was to ſuppreſs the gloriouſ-
nefs of the Egyptian Empire, he imagined he could not be absolutely ſafe at
home, and ſo conſequently not fitted for ſo large a Conqueſt, as long as he ſhouſd
leave behind him in his own boſom ſo eminent a danger, as that he eſteemed law-
leſs Subjects in Orſames Kingdom, knowing they would upon all occaſions, be ready
to joyn with Forreign Forces, to overthrow their own Kings Government; there-
fore reſolved firſt before he undertook any new deſign, to ſubdue their power, to the
absolute

abolute obedience of his great Mafers juridiction, as in times paft it had been to
some of his predeceffors; to which purpose he not onely suddenly befieged the strong-
eft Town they had in Syria, but within a ſhort ſpace, left them never a Fort in the
whole Kingdom, that was not conſtrained to deliver up the Keyes of its Gates, to
the will and pleasure of fortunate Orfames, who began to grow great in the opinion
of the world, by the conqueſt of his own Subjects, that were accuſted to give ſuſ-
ficient employment to other Kings.

However, after that Philoftros had made this ſpeedy progreſs in glory, as well
as in ſecurity for his Mafers apparent advantage, both in quieting his Subjects at
home, and terrifying his Enemies abroad, which proved mighty advantages for
thofe deſigns he had contrived in his politick brain, becauſe it was not convenient, and
ſcarce ſafe to continue desperate discontents in so dangerous a body, that had vajſt
ſpread it ſelf through moſt Countries in Asia, whileſt his thoughts and endeavours
were otherwife to be employed; he began by little and little, to ſmooth his brow to-
wards that Sect, and at laſt not onely affured them of his abſolute forgetting all
faults paſt, but made many of them chief Officers and Commanders in that Army,
Orfames provided to go againſt the Egyptian Forces, wherein he craftily procured a
double commodity to his affairs, the one in winning a party he had good cauſe to ſuſ-
peſt, and the other in rendering them ingaged in the quarrel he intended againſt So-
raſtros; ſefides he was moſt affured, that they would fight with ſpleen againſt that
Relig on by nature they moſt hated, ſince the Egyptians of all others were held moſt
obſequious to the Rites and Ceremonies of Delphos, which also was a means to binde
the Miffians to the Affairs of Syria, ſince no Nation or people in Asia, proſeſſed
more violently the ſame Worſhip of the Gods introduced by Herenzius, and exer-
ciſed by his followers in Orſames Dominions; which were not onely reaſons to ſte
Philoftros to that Sect, by all the favours he could procure it in his own Countrey,
whereby to make them ſervicable in the Wars he had with SoRAſtros, but by that
means gave countenance to the Miffians againſt Enarchus their lawful Prince; which
by conſeption afforded the Senate of Lydia conveniency alſo to ſuppreſs his power,
that they might not ſeem to go leſs in juridiction in maſtering their King, then thofe
people they had bought with their money, onely to do them ſervice: to that by this
means the Favourite gave work enough at home to Enarchus, that he ſhould not
have the opportunity (although he might have the will) to aſſiſt the King of Egypt,
which the policy of every Nation requires according to ſome opinions, when a Prince
is not able to make good his party againſt another prevailing Monarch.

This Madam, as I ſay, hath been the fate of theſe mighty Kingdoms, onely troubled
by the cunning industry of one ſaſtions and ambitious Prief, as if the Gods had ſent
him into the world to let man ſee his own frailty; and the rather for that Enarchus
not many years ago, appeared ſo glorious and fortunate in his Government, crowned
with a flourifhing prosperity, in Wife, Children, Peace, and Power, that he was not
onely the abſolute envy of all Asia, but ſeemed to carry in his hand the arbitration of
the world, being now caſt down into ſo low, and I may call it miſerable condition
by a little ſaction of his own people, that he is not onely denied to be a King, but
deprived of the comfort of all that ever was his, with an addition of a ſharp and
laſting captivity, according to the discretion ſometimes of his meaneſt Subjects;
whileſt in the interim, Honour, Love, Juitice, and Gratitude ſeem to be laid aſſeep in
the deep center of the earth: other Princes onely watching to their own prepoſte-
rous ſpleen, not confidering how ſoon it may be their fortunes to fall under the ſame
Fate, for that all men naturally covet liberty: With theſe words he reſted ſilent with
his armes acroſs, as if yet his imagination went higher then his tongue was able to
expreſs. This diſcourse gave the old woman alſo ſome leaſure to ſhed a ſew tears, in
considering the Kings misfortunes.

But as he was proceeding farther, they were both interrupted by the ſudden arrival
of the little dwarf, who told Roxana, that he had been a long time searching her all
over the Park, to inform her, that the Princes was newly defcended into the Garden,
to take ſome recreation before dinner, and deſired earneſtly her company, to impart
ſome-

The Princes of Gloria;

PART II.

something of consequence to her knowledge: This gave Roxana no more opportunity, then civilly to thank Crefes for those informations he had given her, profeffing again she was infructed in many things she had never heard before, that might afford light, as she faid, to her comportment and conversation, since she was daily to difpute with some enemy or other in Enarchus quarrel; and withal defired him he would be pleafed, to put on a resolution often to accompany her in that place, not only for her better information, but for her Mistriffes confolation, which you may be fure was a tickling motive to invite Crefes to the ſervice, being perſwaded, the Princes ſhould partake of his diſcourse; and love ſpeaks the moſt effectual language, though it want never ſo much probability to enjoy.

Roxana when ſhe came into the Garden, ſhe found the Princes retired into a close walk, defended by interwoven branches of green leaves from the Suns oppreſſion, which alſo obſcured her in ſome ſort from the fight of her attendants; ſo that the old woman had occasion given her by that retirement, to believe new accidents had cauſed the ſolitude: Wherefore approaching at a nearer diſtance, ſhe might perceive a paper in Clorias hand, whilſt ſhe ſtood ſtill lifting up her fair eyes to the Heavens, then again caſt them down upon the ground, and in this poſture advanced two or three ſteps, with a kinde of a violent motion: This continued Roxana the longer before ſhe discovered her being there, until the Princes turning that way, ſhe was neceſſarily invited to prefent her ſelf; however ſhe had not come near her by a few paces, but Clorias with a deep ſigh, inſtead of other expressions, caſt her paper ſhe held, which the old woman prefently reading, found it ſpake this matter.

Madam, as I ſhould not for a long ſeason, have omitted those ſervices due to your perſon by many visits, that my love and your vertues required, if the diſtempers of these times, had not proved prohibitions beyond my ability to reſift, ſince I durſt not contend with the power of the General, whose ſwill I found absolutely obeyed: So now having an unexpeſted occasion to give you adverſement, I cannot again but prefent my dear effects to your ſacred ſelf, hoping that my former love is not altogether out of your remembrance, not only ſince the Senate begins anew to poſſeſs themselves of their ancient Authority, but that the King your Frther is lately fled from the protection of the Army, though by whose means, or to what region cannot yet be learned by any examination.

Your moſt humble Servant,
and faithful Lover,
CASSIANUS.

Roxana after ſhe had read the Letter, ſtood ſtill ſometime in a Mufe, until at laſt passionately ſhe broke out into these words: Truly Madam, ſaid ſhe, as I cannot but ſmile at the former part of the writing, ſo muſt I needs wonder at the latter, ſince it ſeemeth as prepoſterous, Prince Caffianus ſhould after a long ſilence, attempt your love, when he remained quiet during the Generals ſuppoſed greatneſs, as it appears ſtranger to my thoughts, the King hath now removed his Quarters, when he was ſuppoſed ſecure in Farezius protection. But alas, ſaid Clorina, I rather marvel whether my Father can poſſibly be ſled to purchase more hopes, for that all the Kingdom is probably out of his jurisdiction; therefore I ſhould be glad to flatter my ſelf with ſome opinions, that the deſign was undertaken upon good grounds. As I cannot promife that anſwered Roxana, yet certainly the King being ſo wife, would never have ventured upon ſuch a dangerous attempt, without long consideration, and affuſed friends to conduct him to his journeyes end; yet if I may rove according to my wilde imagi nation, either he is gone into Syria, ſince I cannot believe he would any more truſt his perſon with the Myſsians, who have divers times deceived him; or is invited into Crete by his Subjects there in Arms againſt the Senate, the better to make good their cauſe againſt the new Lydian Forces, preparing to bring them ſpeedily under ſubjeſt ion. The Gods will be done, ſaid the poor Princes, but I fear the worſt: Theſe diſcourſes brought them to the reſt of the company in the Garden, to make them alſo ſharers of the unexpected news.

Roxana

201

Roxana the next morning had scarce leaure given her to welcome the day, when
she was advertised by a messenger sent from Crefes, that within two hours space, he
would attend her if she pleafed at the Banquetting-houfe amongst the Woods, not
only to finish out the reft of their discourse, but also to let her know other paflages
worth her acceptance. The old Matron conceiving, it was, fome intelligence more
particular concerning the Kings departure, ſent him thanks, and promifed with all di-
ligence to wait upon the ſummons, which ſhe performed a pretty while before Crefes
arrival, that gave her opportunity to examine her own imagination, but it was not
long before ſhe was interrupted by his appearance, which with a few ceremonies feat-
ed them both together as the day before, whilſt Crefes uſed this language.

Though I may ſuppofe (said he) you have heard ſomething of the Kings departure
from under the protection of the Army; yet perhaps you have not as yet been en-
formed of the reaſons and particulars of his retirement; or rather I may call it an
efcape, ſince he was perſwaded it would be for his better ſafety: Roxana confessing,
ſhe knew nothing of the manner much leſs the caufe, though common fame had
brought the report to her ears; Crefes gave her this farther account of the paſſage,
according to the relation he had from an officer intruſted in the ſervice as he ſaid.

The King, ſaid he, (being not onely ſuſpicious of the ſecurity of his perſon, by rea-
ſon of the many diviſions of opinion in the Camp; ſome deſiring a Prince, others
none; eſpecially confidering the diversity of humours amongst the common Soul-
diers, who generally laboured for an univerſal equality; as alſo being credibly en-
formed, that unleſs he would preſently conſeſſend to thoſe propoſitions formerly
ſent unto him, with the addition of ſome privileged demands, that were more de-
ftraſtive to his Crown and Dignity, he ſhould infallibly be murthered) was conſtrain-
ed to this ſudden retirement; however I muſt tell you theſe rumours were given out
as 'twas believed, onely to fright him to ſeek another ſtation, where he might be
again imprifoned with ſome colour and better ſecurity, as pretending his intention
was to eſcape out of the Armies juridiction and power: So that the poor King
finding cauſes enough for a ſuſpicion, acquainted two of his ſervants, both with
his fears and intentions, who to be ſhort, perſwaded him to fly to an island upon
the borders of Caria, where remains as Governour a valiant Commander, though
formerly employed by the Senate, yet at the preſent was conceived to be wholly at
the diſpoſe of Farezius and the Army: This Captain they affured him would be
entirely faithful to his deſigns, though upon what grounds I can neither inform
you or ſatisfie my ſelf, ſince the conſequence proved otherwife; for no ſooner
was the King arrived under his juridiction, but he entertained him, not onely
with a ſad and ſowre countenance, but after he had ſecured his perſon in the Caſtle,
and ſent away his two Officers, he preſently gave information to the Senate of
all the proceedings, deſiring further directions in what manner he ſhould be treat-
ed; though he carries ſtill in his demeanour, a kinde of a reverence to his dig-
nity: All theſe paſſages as I told you before, I have from one of thoſe perſons
newly returned, that accompanied him in the journey; with this advertiſement
alſo, that before the Kings departure from the Camp, he left in his Chamber
under his own hand, the reaſon of his fears and his eſcape: All which Madam I
may ſay is in ſuch a miſt, that no leſs a knowledge then ſome Divine Oracle, can
inform us concerning the certainty of the mysſery; onely we may be confident,
that Euarchus hath employment enough for his courage and patience. At theſe
words Roxana wept again, with the very ſenſe of the Kings dangers and miſeries:
Nay ſaid Crefes, his ſufferings of all ſides are ſo extream, that notwithſtanding he
hath ſent to Farezius, and offered to accord every difference and intereſt in the
Kingdome, being heard; yet neither the General nor Senate will entertain the mo-
tion, or allow him that privilege, fearing belike he ſhould ſpeak too much rea-
ſon to render his Subjeſts ſatisfied, whereby they might be endangered, to loſe that
authority, which now they poſſeſs without contradiction. But ſaid Roxana, why
do the common people deſire violently no King, ſince Euarchus ſhews ſuch teſtimо-
nies of his goodneſs? Truly ſaid Crefes, as that opinion in the General is erronious,

D d

ſince

ROXANA

The Princess Cloria;

PART II.

since all be not of that faction, so of the other side, there be too many that with an universal equality, not confidering the confusion it would bring upon the whole Kingdom, being as it were bewitched with an ignorant pride, for moft of them by such a parity, would be in more slavery then they are now, since they could never be capable of any command, and necessarily must obey that of, that would govern with more rigour, though elected from amongst themselves: Besides they are now so weary of the Senates rule in the fame poſture, having had ſome experience of their managing affairs hitherto, that they believe their own cure, can proceed from nothing but deſperate change, which is incident to all diſtempered minds; since they, that could not be well under Euarchus peaceable Government, wherein they enjoyed all wealth and prosperity (though no doubt but there was ſome abufes) certainly now will not reſt satisfied, when they ſhall feel nothing but want, oppreſſion, and inſtability; besides many fear, that things are not yet at the worſt, when so many contrary intereſts with violence ſeem to contend. These diſcourſes brought them both at laſt in dispute, whether active valour, or paſſive courage, were the greater vertue, in that Euarchus ſeemed to poſſeſs them both in a high kinde. But Crefes who had a dainty wit, defended the latter with theſe arguments: First, said he, before we can well confider with what hath been the Kings ſufferances, we muſt rightly state his misfortunes, which will appear to be the greater, when it is well known to the world, he hath alwayes ſhewed courage in the Wars, by venturing boldly his perſon upon all occasions, as alſo eloquence and judgement both by his Pen and Language, when thate faculties of Art and Nature were thought neceſsary and uſeful; a plain demonstration that he wants not ſenſe and knowledge, fully to apprehend his own oppreſſions; and the rather may it be ſo thought, for that thate who have moſt gained by his favours, the ungrateful Myſſians, with ſome others of his own Court, have been the chief inſtruments, or rather I may ſay the onely cauſe that have depriſed him, not onely of the privilege of his Royal Crown, but of all the perſonal happinesſe he enjoyed in his prosperity; besides his want of liberty now at laſt to make up the full Cataſtrophe of his miſery, none almoſt giving ear to his complaints, or pittying his captivity; though they have ſeparated him from his beloved Queen, in whole beauty and vertues he took an unspeakable felicity, as alſo the comfort of beholding his ſweet Children, being a real part of himself, which the Gods and naſture have ordinated to man, as a humane right; accompanied with the detention of his revenues, that ſhould maintain him and them; besides pROCUTING him with as many ſlanders as they can invent.

This Madam as it may be ſuppoſed, being the true condition of Euarchus misfortune, it may easily be conjectured, his ſufferings are equal, if not go beyond example; and yet his noble heart holds out ſtill to endure as you fee, what malice can invent without breaking; who notwithstanding offers love, mercy and patience to his whole Kingdom and worſt injurers: things being in this poſture, I ſhall proceed to the making good of my p[ro]mitted argument; which is, that paſſive courage is a greater vertue then active valour, if my diſcourſes do not ſeem too tedious for your more neceſsary employment.

As I muſt call the Kings conſtancy a noble Fortitude, since he hath neither ſubject of hope, nor object of diversion, so certainly is it the highest magnanimity for a Prince, to ſuffer patiently and without confusion from his own ſubjects, that owe him duty and gratitude; for that men that hazzard their lives freely in deſperate ſervices, either aim at Victory or Conqueſt, by which they intend to purchase gain or glory, which enflames their bloods with continual agitation, that ſcarce gives leaſure to reflect upon the dangers, much leſs time for cold and apprehenſive confidence; and yet we fee, ſuch have for the moſt part need of noife of Drums and found of Trumpets, to waken their courages, or lay a ſleep their fears, to continue them the better in action; whereas ſuffering hath nothing to help or comfort it, since the minde is ſtill prepared to entertain the miſery it ſuſtaineth, with a pale expectation of the fame or worſe, when as I ſay, it is known it muſt be endured without hope, having no diversion: like a perſon ſick in the night, wanting objects of variety, thinks that

that reason longer and his torment greater by much then in the day time; for where the minde is kept high by ambition to compafs something it coveteth, it hath power enough in that interim to hold up the body from falling to its proper center the earth, where naturally it inclines: But being without comfort, if a man do not make strong use of his noble part his foul, to maintain his courage and refolution, the suffering or captivating of flesh and blood, will render a man quickly totally overcome; and that is the reason, that long and tedious perzekutions, have destroyed more competent spirits, then sharp and violent tortures, since they were prepared for the one with expectation, and onely wearied by the other with continuance. We know that old men strive more greedily, to preferve their lives that short time they are to live, then young men in their moft flourishing years; becaufe diversity of prospects operates so much in youthful bosoms, by reason of continual activity tending that way, that they have not leasure to fettle their imaginations upon horrid apprehension; when old people have so much time to think (wanting power of action) that the object which is natural, appears often before their eyes to fright them; and so fares it with a person that onely suffers, in comparison of him that doth both suffer and act together: Wherefore that person hath need of a double courage, becaufe there is nothing to accompany his thoughts of variety or diversion; for certainly it pleafeth a man rather to contend for his life, though he know he shall be deprived of it, then to lofe it without any ftrife at all; which feems to be the cafe of *Enarchus*, since they will not so much as permit him with reason to dispute his rights, but force him unheard to deliver up his Crown, and more grievous a great deal is his condition, in that he appears to be left of all those friends, that have been moft obliged to his goodneſs. What is the reason that a Delinquent upon the Scaſſold, is accuſomed to have his eyes banded before the ftoak of death, but to take away from him the apprehension of the blow, which he knows he ſhall receive? When a valiant Soſdier in the Field without ſhadow, will charge againſt a thouſand Weapons, with as much certainty of deſtruction, becaufe the ones actions frees him from the others terrour: All which ſhew, that a ſad expectation of an ill, augments the suffering, when a diversion by employment of the body, or buſying the ſenſes by diversity of objeſs, take away that apprehension that makes any danger or miſery excejſively horrid; as for example, men for the moſt part are put to torture in uncouth places, where there is nothing but ſilence, or low whisperers, to render the ſufferer more ſenſible of the pain, by the quieting of the imagination; and ſo it fares with ſuch as pafs through dark places, being afraid of every ſmall ruſtle, when in the day time, the ſame way perhaps is pleafant: So that as without doubt, all ſmart, grief, and diſcontents, is encreaſed by want of action and too much leasure for consideration; ſo I muſt conclude, that it is a great deal eafier for a person to dye fighting in the Field, though he ſhould be cut aſſunder in a thouſand pieces, then to endure a long and tedious captivity, which is *Enarchus* preſent condition; infomuch as at laſt, if he ſhould in ſome fort yield to this cruelty, I muſt not finde fault with his courage, but if he gain the Victory, I ſhall eſteem him a miracle of nature.

As I will not, ſaid *Roxana*, go about to diſprove your arguments, grounded upon ſuch reaſons, and more, delivered by the known authority of your excellent judgeſment, ſo of the other ſide I could wifh, the King had ſome Counſel to aſſift him in theſe difficulties, beſides his own capacity and courage, ſince it is impoſſible, but humane nature at the length will be tired with over-much suffering; and by consequence fail for want of true information: I am of your opinion ſaid *Crefes*; but ſuch is the crafty ſpight of ſome, that they will permit none to be about the Kings Perſon, that dares loyally aſſord him any profitable conſolation, becauſe they may the ſooner bring him to consent to their deſires: Yet replying *Roxana*, it is not well known what thoſe deſires are, ſince they never durſt for all I could ever learn, publicly declare their intentions, but do as it were in a dark miſt, endeavour to poffeſs the people, that the King reſuſeth ſomething he is obliged to grant for the good of his Subjeſts; by which means they ſtrive ill to maintain their credits

Dd 2

and

The Princesss Gloria;

PART II.

204

and opinions amongst the common sort. It is so Madam faid *Crefes*; however, since you are fallen upon that point, I shall let you know how far the King hath yet contiscended to their demands, whereby the better to dispoſeſs the people of that belief, they are perſwaded to have in the Senates integrity; though I verily think, they now more fear their power, then truſt their intentions; for whereas not many dayes ago, they proposed to *Euarchus*, to have the power of the force of the Kinghom for twenty years, both by Sea and Land, the King hath yielded to grant them that juridiction during his life, though not for that term, which appears now to be the great difference between them, since the Senate ſeems not content with this offer: Whereupon the *Myſſians* have lately put out a ſurious declaration againſt the Senate preſling the King to ſuch unreasonable conditions: In good earneſt anſwered *Roxana*, I cannot tell, whether I have more cauſe to ſmile at the ſeeming ridicuſſuſs of theſe proceedings, or be amazed to ſee men grown to foolishly unreasonable, since *Euarchus* appears to my understanding, to be willing to part with more from his own hopes, then what the Senate requires; for that if he grant the power of the Kingdom out of his hands during his life, it gives more affuſurance to the Senate, that he intends no more to reign, then if he had quitted his power, for ſo many years onely, ſince he might have ſome thought to over-live that preſcribed term, again for the *Myſſians*, I wonder moſt of all at their new loyalty to their Prince, when they have been, as I may ſay, the onely cauſe that hath made him no King, though now anew, they ſeem to deſire to re-eſtablish him in his ancient Authority; which certainly cannot be but upon other deſigns of advantage to themſelves, more then for *Euarchus* prosperity.

Truly Madam faid *Crefes*, in the general it is as you ſay, but yet there are ſo many
mysteries hid under theſe proceedings, that they are capable to deceive the ſharpeſt
judgement, if ſome light be not given by information; wherefore you muſt know,
that both *Euarchus* and the Senate know very well, that the ſequence of all the
affairs chiefly depend upon the affurance of the ſafety of the Kings Perſon, ſince he
can never hope to be again re-eſtablished in his rightfull Authority, but either by the
humours and inconſtancy of the common people, who when they finde the Kings
absolue oppreſſion brings no proſperity to them, will probably become exaſpera-
ted againſt the Senates proceedings and power, or by an unreconcilable difference be-
tween the Senators themſelves, who may moſt command, when they ſhall finde no
other juridiction to oppoſe them: both which in all likelihood will conduce to the
Kings benefit, if he fit quiet ſometime under his injuries, which I conceive to be the
reafon, that he hath in outward appearance yielded ſo much to their demands. And
for the *Myſſians* perhaps by this oppoſition, they would perſwade the world to a be-
lief of their integrities, as if at the firſt they conſented not to the Kings hard uſage,
whereby to obtain a greater party, not onely in the Kingdom of *Lydia*, if they have
an intention to diſpute their own profit, but in other Countries if they mean to make
War upon our people, becauſe they cannot be ſharers in the Government as they ho-
ped, the onely cauſe certainly of the now ſeeming quartel: So that in my opinion,
*Euarchus* hath done like a wife and Politick Prince, in ſeeming not to contend, where
he was ſure not to prevail; especially ſince by the diſpute, he might have endanger-
ed those hearts, that will now be of his ſide if the occasion be offered, either out
of pitty to his ſufferings, or out of hate to the Senates Government: And besides,
it is to be confidered, that no Act he ſhall pafs in this condition of conſtraint, can
binde either himſelf or poſterity by all Humane and Divine Laws, if his Sword ever
become more powerful. In the mean time, the Senate will ſeek to prefetve the Kings
Life and Perſon with their beſt care, ſince their own authority falls entirely by his
death, which as I ſay is the reafon, they deſire more a term of years in the continua-
tion of their required Government, then the determinable fate of the Princes life,
becauſe they may have alwayses the liberty to preſs him to new conditions, if they
ſinde by experience, they have not yet obtained ſufficient; ſince they ſhall not need to
fear the věctions of his perſon, may bring any hazzard upon him.

I cannot deny, faid *Roxana*, but theſe reaſons are ſufficient to render me wholly
satisfied

The Princess Gloria;

PART V.

Trenches, what impediment we could; but that which proved most remarkable was, the burning of a certain work of timber, that the Lydian Forces had erected, whereby in the Haven, the better to secure their Fleet, from the violence of storms and tempests, having on the banks placed a mount, from whence they were accustomed to discharge against the Town, many great stones, by the help of a certain great Engine, industriously made for that purpose; in which action your brave King Arethusus would needs be employed, getting in the service a small wound in his thigh: 'Tis true it might be thought some derogation from his dignity, to be thus active in a common Siege; but such were the inflammations of his courage against the Lydian people, hired by the Syrian Favourite in this contention, that no perfusions could work upon his nature, or rather hinder his spleen, since he would needs engage himself in these hazards, onely fit for the industry of persons of meaner quality; or at the best, of not so much concernment.

Thus did we hold our enemies play, as they gave us employment, whilst King Oronzes in the interim remained for his better safety, in a strong Town upon the borders of his own Countrey; whither as we have been since informed, came an Ambassador from Hercrombrotus, not onely to congratulate his enterprifes and successees, within the hereditary Territories of Pamphylia, belonging to the great Monarch of Egypt, but also to strengthen friendships and demand conditions, in regard of these new attempts upon the City of Deorcas, as 'twas pretended, carried on the better, by reason of the Lydian Forces; also it was desired, to have the Haven delivered into their possession, when it should be taken, with all the particular Dominions thereunto belonging; not onely the likelier to fortify the security agreed upon, but to increase the commodity of both Nations, since the people of Lydia were more addicted to trading, then the Subjects of Syria: However some complements were used by Oronces, to content the peremptory meffenger, yet many arguments were dil courfed to hinder the intention; for that the honour of the Kingdom of Syria, came publicly in question, before such Commissioners as were appointed to treat of that weighty business; but Mazarius (whose secret transactions, and private concernments, were scarce known to any, but to his own thoughts) not onely prefently put off all disputes belonging to that demand, but promised after the Town was rendred, to send a particular meffenger of quality to the great City of Sardis, whereby Hercrombrotus and his Council, might receive full satisfaction; in the interim pretending, 'twas no policy of State, to disturb busineffes in their proſecution, by unnecessary contentions, when the least interruption, might perhaps deprive both parties of the power, feeing the Souldiers within those fortifications, appeared to be most obſtinate in their defence.

As the Ambassadour was forced to be content with these reafons, so did not the Court seem to contradict Mazarius will, knowing his decrees, were judgements reſembling the Perſian Laws, not to be opposed by inferior intereſts; ſcarce at any time by the Kings own youthful appetites, when moſt enflamed, either by inſtitution or ambition; so that things reſted in this poſture, until ſupicion arifing in the Town, concerning their unhappy fates, if being subdued they ſhould come under the Lydian Government; more hateful to the thoughts of Arethusus then deſtructive to the Religion of the place, refolved preſently with one accord, to a general falley upon the enemy, lying more ſecurely as they hoped, within the coverture of their proper works, in regard that not long before they had made ſome kinde of ſemblance of parley with the Syrian General, about their rendring upon honourable conditions, though King Arethusus and Prince Condorofus ſeemed to be moſt involved in the intereſt; however differing much in their injuries, for as the firſt was kept from the poſſeffions of his lawful Kingdoms, by the violent oppreſſions of his natural Subjects, who ſhould have afforded him, either more justice or leſs difobedience, so the other was denied entrance into his proper Countrey onely by his exasperated enemies, in regard of his own pretended rebellions, being notwithstanding alike concerned in the taking of the Town, that of neceſſity as they knew, would confirm both their perſons to a moſt horrid captivity, not to be induced, either by their quaſities

PART V. or, The Royall Romance.

lities or their courages; wherefore determined with desperate spirits, though small
hopes, rather then be taken, to make their way through the very heart of the Syrian
Army; so that presently giving intelligence to our Forces, (that lay at some distance)
of their intended design, in the dead of the night putting it in execution with
secreſſe, their fortunes prevailing against their doubts, as their resolution conquered
the danger, they both after much ſlaughter, arrived ſafe in our Camp, from their
proſecutours power.

Tis true, the Town was gallantly defended after this eſcape for some ſeason, but
the Governour making a desperate ſalley, finding no other way probably for its continuance,
became himſelf so dangerously wounded in the ſervice, that within a very
ſew dayes he ended his life; inſomuch as the inhabitants were forced by reaſon of this
accident, not onely to admit of a farther treaty, but to yield upon certain conditions,
which was to render the Fort up into the hands of the Syrian Commander:
Nevertheleſs this ſucceſs occasioned another dispute of a contrary nature, for the
Lydian Admiral pretending a bargain made with Mazarius, to enjoy the firſt-fruits
of that years conqueſt, claimed a ratification of the agreement, by being inſantly
put into poſſeſſion of this very place, which notwithstanding was much controverted
in the Councils, both of the Court and Camp, until the Favourite (pretending to
ſend his Nephew Manchinus, into the Countrey of Lydia, to compoſe all buſineſſes
with Hercrombrotus) for the preſent ſeemed to quiet every difference.

To make a particular relation of those imployments, that viſibly appeared to moſt
but meer complements, would be perhaps as tedious for you to hear, as difficult for
me to relate, ſince Mazarius hath been ſtill accuſomed, to ſhadow over his intended
deligns, with ſalſe covertures of contrary reſemblances; onely this was certain upon
his coming back, the effect demonſtrated the combination; but whether honourable
or no, I ſhall leave you to judge, for no ſooner was this truſty meſſenger returned
from Sardis to the Syrian Court, but the King himſelf gave inſant order, to have
the Town forthwith delivered over to the Lydian power, where now it remains, to
the abſolute discontent of the whole Countrey, if not alſo to the amazed ſcandal
of other Nations, when they ſhall be fully adverſed of theſe proceedings; beſides
the Gods appear ſomething to be anger'd at the action, in that Orontes preſently ſell
ſick of a moſt peſtilent Feaver, not being yet known whether he will recover, or end
his dayes in ſo ſad a period, which at this time ſhall alſo finiſh my diſcourſe; hoping
that better fortunes may hereafter attend our deſires, not onely for the future proſperity
of the Egyptian Monarchy, but towards the honour and glory of the Delphine Religion.

Although Crefes with many Complements, appeared to condole the unhappy
fate of Deorcas, to be delivered into the abſolute Jurisdiction of Hercrombrotus,
beſides the impoverifhing of the fertile Countrey of Pamphilia, having ſcarce any
other Haven Town under that Dominion, either for acceſs or tranſportation, yet
could he not inwardly, but be exceſſive glad, of the courageous eſcape of Prince
Arethusſus, his moſt honoured and excellent Maſter; so that after they had ſpent
ſome other ſew diſcourſes upon the continued ſubject, Crefes further deſired the Officer,
that ſince he had been pleased to give him theſe informations, not onely concerning
the ſafety of his Prince, but a full adverſament of all that had paffed in
that Campaniet, he would alſo encreaſe his obligation more, in directing him a way,
how he might ſecurely get to the Kings preſence, having affairs, as he ſaid, nearly
belonging to his perſon, which he was ſpeedily to impart, ſince he knew the common
road to be dangerous enough, in regard of ſtraggling Souldiers with other impediments
of the fame nature: The Commander preſently made this reply, that as
it was unpoſſible for him to paſs to the place of his reſidence, without a very ſtrong
Convoy; so if his occaſions would permit him but to ſtay for a week or two, himſelf
with his whole Troop were to return again into theſe parts; inſomuch as with the
venture of his life, he would become his faithful ſecurity; and in the mean time if he
pleased, he ſhould command an equal ſhare in his own quarters, if the commodity
were in any kinde worth the acceptance: As Crefes entertained this courtesie with a
civil

The Princesss Cloria;

PART V.

civil gratitude, anſwerable to his breeding, and the humanity of his dispoſition, so with ſome impatience did he attend the limited time for the Captains remove.

At the day appointed (*Crefes* in the interim furniſhing himself with Horſe and Armour) became alſo a Trooper of that Company, however for his more delight-ful converſation he chofe the fame Commander, for his onely aff associate in the night ſeason, and in that manner marched together towards the place of their Rendez-vouz, with no ſmall ſatisfaction; but ſcarce were they arrived within a dayes journey of their deſigned ſtation, but they were ſuddenly encountered by a party of the enemy, as well *Lydians as Syrians*, that ſeemed to exceed them in number, if not in warlike provision: Though this accident a little perplexed their thoughts, in regard they ex-pected no interruption, yet did it no way leſſen their courages, being alwayes enfla-med (as it ſhould ſeem) to fight when the occasion ſhould be offered.

Wherefore after the Captain had by a ſhort ſpeech animated his Souldiers, to con-tend with valour, for the good of their Countrey, and the honour of their Religion, ſince moſt of their oppreſſours appeared to be of a contrary faith, they ſell on with ſury enough, until many brave men of each ſide, were ſeforced unwillingly to meaſure their lengths upon the bare ground, beſpotted with their own blood, as a faithfull ſacrifice offered to their cauſe and party: This rough contention I may ſay, laſted for almoſt a quarter of an hour, with ſuch ſeeming equality in dispute, that hardly could it be imagined on which ſide the victory would incline: But *Crefes* according to his wonted practice, heated by action, and as it were burning with ſpight, per-formed things more of wonder then of ordinary fortitude, until having received many deſperate wounds in his body, he was conſtrained to quit his horſe, whilſt in the interim he was ſurrounded by ſome of his own company for his better ſecurity, though himself alſo with his ſhield defended his perſon the beſt he could, notwith-ſtanding the contrary party encreaſed by a new ſupply, comming undiscovered from a ſhady wood, upon a brow of a hill not far diſtant, which for a while ſomething daunted their hopes to prevail, however no way leſſened their wills to overcome; ſince they were resolved, if they could not conquer in probability, to ſell their lives at the higheſt rate honour ſhould require; and although the diſadvantage rendred them deſperate in effect, yet reaſon made them circumſpect in performance, at leaſt-wife for their Countreys benefit, if not towards their own preſervation: But the Gods as it ſhould ſeem, either pittying their perſons, or favouring their innocency, by chance in a Town not far off there lodged another Troop belonging to the Pam-philian Dominion, who having ſome intelligence of this engagement, by certain Boors labouring in the fields, they quickly upon notice given, made haſte to their reſcue: The conflict then began a new in a vigour, though with more equality by number, which produced many other confiderable ſlaughters, until the Clowns alſo of the place, taking up Arms towards their aſſistance, ſo over-powered the reſt of the *Syrian* party, that in a ſhort time they were forced to take their flight, whileſt *Crefes* and the Captain (being both wounded) were preſently conducted, to the next conve-nient habitation for their cure and recovery.

'Tis true, the *Egyptian* Officer kept not long his bed by reaſon of his wounds re-
ceived, but *Crefes* whose hurts were of a more dangerous nature, not onely a good
while underwent that inconveniency, but at laſt fell into a moſt violent Feaver, that
in a manner put every body out of all thoughts of his preſervation; ſo that the
Prief of the place (a man excellent both for his learning and life) conceiving it in
ſome ſort his duty, notwithstanding he appeared to be of a contrary Religion, to
contribute his beſt help in *Crefes* neceſſity; ſo that one day coming into his chamber,
and finding the room emptied by chance from all other company, ſeriously entred
upon this diſcourſe with him.

Sir, faſed he, I make no doubt, but that you now ſinde that all temporary pleaſures
are vanities in nature, ſince you muſt ſuddenly leave their enjoyments, without any
fruit of what is paſt; however it may be ſome queſtion, what you believe concerning
things to come: To this purpose, I pray you consider in the firſt place this great and
ſtupendious univerſe, where the whole appears ſo ſtrange to the apprehenſion, that
the

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the least particle cannot be perceived by what knowledge therefore, how it encreaseth or diminiseth, yet judge we must that something was the author of the work, in that not any thing comes without a maker, since by all Philosophy corruptions alone produce, and productions onely corrupt; by the fame power, as one womb bringeth forth several natures, distinct in form, colour, and taste, though with a kinde of an orderly motion; this plainly shews a divine providence, which providence cannot but direct an use, and this use as it ought to be good in the intention, so must this good tend onely to eternity, since all defections are merely unperfect, and so confequently not good; wherefore this being granted, we must look for the object of this Creation and eternal intention: Surely this object can be no other then mans everlafting submittance, he being the nobleft of creatures, having onely understanding and reason to distinguish granted him, whereby he is rendred capable to know good and evil; and the good necessarily depends upon obedience, towards that excellency that gave first that benefit and prerogative, and so confequently to be informed of his pleafure. To this purpose, for the more easie knowing of his will, he hath preſcribed our practice an intelligible law, communicated to our apprehensions by clear and undoubted revelations, aſcertained by faithful Traditions, from time to time as occasion was offered; however if any objections should be raised, how a certainty might be underſtood amongſt so many diverſities of opinions, I ſhall onely anſwer by this argument or inſtruction, either ancient Records muſt shew the practice, or preſent miracles perſwade the belief; and theſe being found plain and convincing, it were not onely an impiety, but a madneſs, to contradict the effects: Wherefore if there be any other place beſides the Temple of Delphos, that can claim theſe properties, let it be shewed for confutation, which no doubt the enemies thereof would have done before this, if they could have procured the means, when as so many Rebellsto that ſacred Tribunal, have been often challenged to that purpose; so that there being one and but one to be obſerved, as the commanded law of the eternal Maker preſcribed to the world, why should any perſon be of another belief, then what theſe Records ſince the very beginning have from age to age taught and ſhewed? Wherefore your Lydian Religion, appearing to be contrary to theſe principles, you have more then cauſe to fear, the near approach of the eternal determination of this divine power, if you regulate not now your thoughts before your death to the conformity that is neceſſary for your future ſecurity, for that the Gods are no way to be pleased, either by diversity of opinions, or obſtinacy in diſobedience, especially when they have given Infallible Rules for our inſtruction: This being delivered, the Prieft reſteth ſilent, as if he expected ſome anſwer from his deſired penitent, or by the obſervation of his countenance, a little to conjecture of his inward thoughts, towards the alteration of his minde.

But Crefes being at preſent fitter for apprehenſion then expression, made him no reply at all; so that at the fame inſtant coming company into the chamber, they were conſtrained to break off the farther intention of other diſcourse, onely Crefes deſired the Prieft to viſit him again two or three dayes hence: However that night Crefes began more ſeriously to confider, thoſe reaſons the Religious Perſon had uttered for his ſatisfaſſion, though more eſpecially this one argument of his deſerved, that no other place beſides the Temple of Delphos, could produce Records inſallible certain concerning the Fundamental Laws given firſt, for all mankinde to reverence and obey, upon which depended every thing (as he ſuppoſed) neceſſary to be obſerved, towards the eternal end mentioned: With theſe imaginations, he fell by degrees into a kinde of a quiet ſlumber, wherein he continued so long a time, until his ſancy at laſt figured to his thoughts the appearance before his eyes, of Apollo and the Goddeſs Veſſa, diſining with exceſſive rayes of Glory; withall telling him, that unleſs he suddenly changed his erroneous belief, by embracing the right Worſhip of the Heavens, according to the Temple of Delphos practice, ſhewed plainly by the Prieft, thoſe eternal torments prepared for the breakers of the omnipotent Law, would undoubtedly fall to his share for his contempt: As this viſion quickly wakened him with no ſmall terour to his conſcience, so upon the next viſit of the Father, he resolved to be converted

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PART V.

verted to his opinions; however again when he appeared for that purpose, Crefes thoughts anew began to waver, as too much fearing belike what inconveniency his alteration in religion, might bring to the affairs of absent Arethusius, whose concernment his heart tendred abundantly.

The grave Father finding the principal cause of his backwardneſs, to be in regard of Arethusius concernments, after a while furnished him with this modern ſtory, as a greater incouragement to his refolutions, by the hopeful ſucceſs of thate profefling the belief of Delphos.

You cannot, said he, but have been already informed of the memorable Wars, hapning not many years ago between Thyargos the brave King of Scythia, and Artaxes the good King of Armenia, as twas known, chiefly procured by reaſon of contentions, arifing from differences in points of Religion; since many Princes of the Armenian Subjects, took part with the Scythian intereſt, as doubting the extraordinary piety of Artaxes, would compel them to part with such Lands their Anceſtors had uſurped from the Temples Rites. This inſasion you muſt believe, brought the King of Armenia into ſo low a condition, that oftentimes (with ſome tears in his eyes) he offered to lay down his own dignity, doubting as he ſaid, the Gods did not favour his perſonal proceedings, by reaſon of the increaſe of his enemies Forces, fortified with the endeavours of multitudes of his rebellious Subjects, that feared much to continue under his Religious juridicſtion: However the Council of the Court (joyning with ſome Ambaſſadours of Forreign Princes then preſent) not onely encouraged Artaxes ſtill to wear the Diadem (as they ſaid) ſo lawfully caſt upon him by a juſt right of election, but ordered the whole Army inſantly to give Thyargos Battle, leaving the trial and iſſue, to the onely diſpofe and regulation of the immortal Gods, for whose cauſe they ſeemed to contend.

Tis true, that however King Thyargos upon the firſt charge was ſlaughtered by an unknown accident, yet thate Commanders of his party, continued ſtill the contention with ſo much ſury, that ſcarce could the dark night diſtinguish the Victory of the Armenian ſide: Nevertheless this indifferency in the Battle procured Artaxes ſome countenance; however the Scythian Souldiers ſettled more firmly their quarters in the Countrey, as it ſhould ſeem both Armies having neither power nor will, more to contend for that years ſervice. Although this took away the determinable hazzard to either party, yet the boors every where were conſtrained to feel the oppreſſion, ſince no place for a long time but walled Towns, could defend any mans goods or perſon. In this poſture I may ſay Armenia remained ſome years ſpace, Artaxes rather gaining ground then loſing advantage, in that many Princes of the Countrey returned to his affiſtance; notwithstanding the great Philofros all he could aſſiſt the Scythian party, until at laſt perhaps the Gods pittrying the miſeries, if not favouring the poſterity of the people, procured a ſudden peace to be agreed between the Syrians, Armenians, and Scythians, contrary to the thoughts of moſt, ſince the continued War had rendred the practice hereditary in opinion.

As this joyful intelligence prefaged happineſs to all forts of conditions, so were the Articles of friendſhip quickly ligned, by thate intereſſed in the composition of this ſeeming eternal quarrel, wherein the Syrians were to have a good proportion of Armenia for their quiet, as the Scythians moſt huge ſummes of monies to forego their intereſt, beſides thate Princes and Subjects which proſeſt the Herezian Religion, were to paſs free and undiſturbed in their profefſion: But as ſoon as the Arch-Flamin of Delphos, and our great Monarch of Egypt, heard of this intention, they both endeavoured with exceſſive violence to hinder the conclusion: The firſt pretending an injury done to his prerogative, to have Divine matters handled and determined without his knowledge, being as twas ſaid, prejudicial to the Temples priviledges: The other more ſurious in point of intereſt, as much fearing the Syrian advantage in theſe Countreys, p[re]ſently married the young Daughter of Artaxes, whereby to keep him (if poſſible) from going forwards with his former bargain; which (reſolu- tion notwithstanding the agreement made) protraſted a long time the publication of Articles; until at laſt the Syrians and Scythians, again beginning to fall upon Ar- menia

in a most hostile manner (the Souldiers every where insufficiently glad of the occasion, since their Officers were not satisfied with their rewards, no more then their Prince with the intention) Artaxes was forced to give way to the final conclusion, against the earneſt oppofition of his two mighty friends, whose concernments his heart rather favoured, then his power could aſſist, in regard the people on every ſide cryed out moſt violently for peace.

As this ratification within ſome few moneths, diſpoſed things towards the freeing the Countrey, not onely from all Garrifons but marching Troopers, so did the Commanders of the Scythian Army, return with more glory then content, to the Court of their young Queen Philogenia, whose practice in the Wars by plundering, gave them as they thought a better ſubſtance, then could the Northern Clymate at their own homes.

Here the Prieft of a ſudden broke off his diſcourſe, perceiving Crefes a little tired by reaſon of his diſtempers, however calling ſome of his aſſiſtants into the chamber (though he prefently took his leave) yet promiſed him upon the next viſit, to give him a further account, concerning thoſe paſſages he was to relate: Within a day or two the religious man (finding a new opportunity, Crefes also appearing more chearſul then formerly, both in his words and countenance, though ſtill lying in his bed) he entred again in this manner upon his old relation.

As I told you the other day, ſaid he, the Commanders of the Army, being again returned into their own Countrey of Scythia, finding perhaps that their rewards anſWERED not their expectation, or their imployments ſuited with their diſpoſitions, feeſing the too much decorum of the Court, and the youthful majesty of the Queen that tended rather to reſpectful diſtances, then to Souldiers preferments, began earneſtly to ſolicit their Sovereign to marry; as they alledged, thereby to ſettle a convenient poſterity for the Kingdoms ſafety, with more lufſtre to the Military proſeffion; from whence they ſaid, both her Father and her ſelf had received their greateſt honour: Besides for a teſtimony of their intended limitation, concerning her choice, they preſerbed her a Prince of her own kindred named Dogalphus, who for ſome years palt in Armenia had been their higheſt General: But the young Queen Philogenia, (whether or no in her thoughts the diſdained the perſon of her own Subjeſt, or whether her reſolutions, had in ſome fort miraculouſly been enflamed by divine inſpirations) of a ſudden not onely quitted her Kingdom to her Couſins poſſeffion, but ſpeedily made a journey to the City of Delphos, where leaving the errours of the Hereſian opinions, which until then ſhe had openly proſeſed, absolutely became a ſubjeſt of the Arch-Flamins directions; as I may ſay, changing all her temporal enjoyments, to purchase onely a poſſibility of that happy eternity, which my deſires have (with a great deal more reaſon) endeavoured to perſwade you unto at the preſent; ſince as her conditiſon certainly then was glorious, ſo yours appears ſomething desperate at this inſtant. At these words Crefes began to ſhed many tears; but whether at the conſideration of his own condition, or apprehenſion of Philogenia's vertues, muſt reſt a queſtion: for that the Prieft going on ſtill with his ſtory, by degrees he returned to his wonted temper.

The Souldiers, ſaid he, having gained their young Commander, to become their Crowned King, not onely triumphed exceedingly in the purchase, but quickly put his thoughts on fire to actions of War; which being preſently reſolved upon in his Councel, paſſion prevailing, and juſtice not regarded; the next queſtion was, who should be the object of that troublous ſome deſign? ſince the late agreement with the King of Armenia would not diſeſtly permit ſo great a falſhood to be executed, tending to the diſhonour of all other Princes; however obliquly they threatned alſo his eſtate in intention: ſo that firſt making a ſtrict combination with Hercrombretus your Lydian General (whose intereſt moſt proſpered in unnatural combuſtions) and alſo flattering Mazarius the Syrian Favourite into the party, by reaſon of his ſuſpicion concerning the Egyptian family, of a ſudden invaded the Territories of Trapaſſus, whose King notwithstanding, might have challenged a better right to the Scythian Territory, involving him in this manner with a double injury; and the rather

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for at that very time, he was dangerously employed in many perplexed contentions with another Northern Prince, equal to *Dogalphus* both in power and spight.

This unexpected surprize, quickly rendred the whole Countrey a most miferable object of misfortune, since the King in a short space, was not onely constrained to forfake his own Dominions, but Towns were ran, and people destroyed, as if the total ruine of the world had been intended; and so continued until both the King of *Armenia*, and the other mentioned *Scythian* Prince, either pittying those calamities, or fearing the approaching danger, joyned in combination both together to relift the furiouslyefs of that torrent, pretending that such proceedings at last might also work them out of their own Jurisdiction: This conjuncture after some moneths engagement of either side, gave the King of *Trapafus* a new footing in his almost loft Countrey, infomuch as *Dogalphus* calling in a young warlike Prince also to his affiftance, being of the fame belief as himself concerning the WorSHIP of the Gods, againſt the Rites and Ceremonies of the Temple of *Delphos*, began again in that manner to encreafe his Forces, towards more hazzardable adventures then formerly: However *Dogalphus* after many various conflicts and desperate battles, being over-powered as it ſhould seem by his double oppofers, returned with his Army into another Dominion compofed moſt of Islands, that borders if not commands the Uxime Sea; intending in that enterprize wholly to be poſſeſed of many commodious Havens, whereby to become rich and mighty in Navigation, ſince his Land deſigns proſpered not according to his defires and expectation: Nevertheless he met in like manner there with ſuch a refiſtance, (although it is alledged he broke some accord with that King) that retained him in those Wars, until his own sudden death put a period both to his paffions and his Conqueſts: Here the Prieſt again thought it time to leave *Crefes*, to another convenient reſt, promising notwithstanding the next day to make a full end of his intended relation; and so by conſequence to come to those periods, whereby the better to facilitate his conversion, in that he judged rather worldly intereſt hindred his reſolutions, then that his understanding wanted convincing arguments, to perſwade his belief: Wherefore not willing in the extremität of his ſickneſs, either to over-charge his memory, or tire his ſpirits, which was the occafion that so often he abruptly broke off his diſcourse, and quitted his company.

The day after the Prieſt again fell upon the continuation of his diſcourse in this manner: As I told you yefterday, ſaid he, theſe mentioned Princes formerly a long time remained embroiled in their contentions; ſometimes one flying off, and another comming on, infomuch as in the judgements of moſt people it was a hard matter to conjecture, either what they meant, or how they would proceed: But in the interim whilſt this war was aſting, it hath pleafed the Gods, by ſomething an unexpected (if not a ſudden) death to take Artaxes great King of *Armenia* out of this troublousome world, though perhaps intending him a benefit to eafe his cares, ſince his approved piety in all opinions, deſerved the Heavens beſt mercy, leaving the Cataſtrophe of all ſettlements to younger thoughts; which by fate hath happened to his morning ſon, not then eighteen years of age, governed by his many friends and beſt Councellours: For preſently this young Prince putting in for the Empire by their advice, various enemies endeavoured to oppoſe the deſign; ſome ſaying he was too young for his office; others not indifferent enough for their peace; that dignity having remained already too long entailed in one houſe; neither wanted there ſome of the Hereſian belief, who aimed at other perſons more favourable, to thofe of their Religion and Worſhip; which not onely put off his preſent election, but gave a full opportunity, for both the *Syrians* and the *Egyptians*, to come in for their particular intereſt: As theſe ſuppositions and pretentions, were ſufficient cauſes for obſtacles and proſtractions, ſo was his non age a plain hinderance in matter of Law, according to the firſt *Armenian* Conſtitution: Notwithſtanding the *ArchFlaminof Delphos* had ſent a diſpenſation for their proceedings to his election, ſearſing in the vacancy of the Government, the great Emperour of *Perſia* might prejudice very much the affairs of those Territories, being known always to have been a dan-

a dangerous enemy to the glory and security of Armenia: To this purpose also the friends of Artaxes offered to have discreet persons nominated, that should always be near his actions, whereby to regulate his youth upon all convenient occasions, that no injury should come, either to his Government or particular: But as the continued spleen of the two mighty Kings, was for the most part a Rub to all other affairs, so in this it became more predominant, infomuch as the election was absolutely determined not to be proceeded upon, until a riper age of the Prince gave them both warrant and conveniency, for their new King to be chosen, according to the ancient decorum of the State belonging to such sacred and extraordinary Ceremonies. Also it was pretended in that space of time all persons of quality had liberty to work out their own advantages and Rights, either by private interest, or publick expostulations; since Armenia (with the neighbouring Princes and their Dominions) seemed to become one elevated Theatre of the world, filled with nothing but confusion and complaints, as if the Gods had determined to set up a Tribunall, whereby to judge man, in point of enmity, concerning onely temporary possession of the earth: This true, that in the interim of this prefixed time, many Ambassadors of all Nations (although they feasted one another with much Ceremony) did not forbear to offer up in writing, not onely their demands but exasperations, which a Court ordained for that purpose was appointed to receive, though not to determine; since such Jurisdiction alone was referved for the Judgement of seven Royal Magiftrates of Armenia, unto whom also belonged the choice of the great and fumream Prince of that Empire. But when the day came for this famous and great election, (Artaxes being now of full age) firft Oroontes by his Minifters of State exhibited to the Assembly, the consideration of his Rights by a composition, some time ago made with all the Princes of Armenia, not onely to have in quiet possession the Territories granted him in that Kingdom, when he withdrew his whole Army out of their Dominions, but also that no succour should be sent to the King of Egypt, whereby to strengthen him in the Wars againft the Syrians proceedings; however of the other fide the King of Egypt pretended that such reſtrictions were neither honourable nor juſt, whereby to trye up the will and power of a free Monarchy, ſince the Laws of Nations onely were ſufficient, to regulate and affect any composition made with predeceſsors of Dominions and Governments, besides the judge ment of the Princes of Armenia, as they conceived, could and ought beſt to determine ſuch differences in a great and general Councel affembled for that purpose; especially when all parties concerned were in thofe particulars become the meer Subjects of the Empire, and therefore not to be tried or juſtified by any other Tribunals; wherefore prayed notwithstanding what oppofition foever, the election ſhould ſpeepidly go on without interruption, according to the Laws and nature of the firſt inflitration, being the chief Bulwark againſt the Perſian Invasion, that at present ſeemed to threaten all their diſquiets. Neither wanted there ſome Princes and free Towns that required a more particular confirmation and security concerning the privileges, belonging to thofe of the Hereſian Religion, ſince lately as they alledged, they had received prejudice, both in their perſons and fortunes, contrary to juſtice and former Charters; with a thouſand other various complaints of ſundry natures, too tedi ons at present to be related; amongst which number alſo was ſotecuted violently, the releaſement from prifon of Prince Aſtratius, a perſon who in the beginning ſuſ fered, by the oppreſsion of great Philoftros, Favourite to King Orſames, and now remains confined in Egypt for many pretended crimes, by him committed in this particular Countrey of Pamphilia, who being eſteemed a certain Member of the Empire of Armenia, his Caufe ought, as his friends deſired, to be in dispute at that high and famous Assembly.

Thus I muſt tell you ſood buſinesses a long time in a moſt confuſed diſturbance; ſome while one party prevailing in the opinions of the people, and at other feaſons the contrary ſaction got the better by moſt voyces, as either they could procure fa ſavour or interest; until at laſt the great ſ assembly finding theſe proſtractions, did but multiply differences and prejudice the whole frame of the Government, resolved not

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324.

only to put off all inferior fuits to more time and other judges, but also to fall pre-
fently upon the election of the future Emperour; fearing else the delay might give
encouragement to the mighty King of *Perfia*, as well to invade the Territories, as
to over-prefer more powerfully another worthy Commonwealth, with which he had
for many years contended in War, by a moft exasperated violence. To this purpose
an expedient was thought upon to content probably all perſons, and that was before
the Crowning of *Artaxes* Emperour, to make him subſcribe a writing, not to affift
any Prince being no Subject born of his own Dominions, without the general conſent
of all his Kingdom; as also to confirm and ratifie thoſe compositions, that had been
made with his Father, whereby the peace and welfare of *Armenia* had been formerly
procured.

*Tis true, though this agreement contented moſt, yet the Syrian Ambaffadours re-
fused to be preſent at the Ceremony; however the ſtately triumphs went on in a moſt
glorious manner; for young Artaxes being placed in a golden Chariot, was drawn
through the acclamations of the multitude to the principal Temple of the City,
where having firſt offered a noble ſacrifice to the Gods, and diſtributed large bene-
volences to the common ſort of Subjects, at laſt before the high Altar he received
(by the hands of the chief Flamin) the Royal and ancient Diadem of Armenia; in
the interim nothing founding but ſweet harmonies and warlike instruments, to ſhow
there was intended by this happy inauguration, to unite all differences both of Peace
and War; ſince for the preſent almoſt all transactions ſeemed to be at a ſtand, which
had a reference also to that deſired agreement, between Orontes and the King of
Egypt: ſo that after Artaxes had the homage of all the Princes and Nobility of the
Countrey, every one performing his hereditary office, according to his place and
command; and many dayes ceremonies and entertainments were ſinſhed, Artaxes
with his proper train onely, returned to his own Court; nevertheless he received in
the way, ſuch affections and honours as every Town and Province, had prepared to-
wards his reception. Artaxes being in this manner arrived at his own Court, he
became quickly ſaluted by many Ambaffadours, almoſt from every Prince and Com-
monwealth in Asia: Some to congratulate his happy ſucceſſion to the Royal Crown
of Armenia, notwithstanding all the oppofitions to the contrary; others more par-
ticular treated onely of their friendſhips and affairs, concerning the differences yet
remaining; amongſt the reſt, a truſty meſſenger from Oſiris King of Egypt came to
desire a ſpeedy aid, to be employed in the Countreys of Pamphylia, (as it was pretend-
ed) for that Hercrombrotus having made a league with the Syrian Forces, had not
onely invaded the Territories, but was really poſſeſſed of a ſtrong Fort belonging to
Deorcas, by the willing conſent of Mazarius, in regard of which the true Worship
of the Gods, was in great danger to be loſt, ſince the Lydians were known to be ex-
asperated enemies to ſuch rites. As this propofition of Egypt, became a difficult
queſtion in the Council to be determined, in regard of that conditional Article of
Artaxes, being he was no way to diſturb the Empires peace, by giving any affilicance
to Forreign States, without the full conſent of all the Princes of Armenia, ſo after
many disputations between thoſe perſons intruſed for his affairs, at laſt it was reſo-
ved, that however Artaxes ſhould not countenance the King of Egypt in his War
againſt Orontes; yet he might lawfully ſend Souldiers to defend Pamphylia againſt
Hercrombrotus, provided that dominion were given by Oſiris, to ſome third perſon
of no Egyptian DESCENT; beſides the meſſenger offered at the preſent, his Maſter
ſhould really perform this intimation, if in the interim the general Peace were not
concluded, anſwerable to the deſires of the great Arch-Flamin, with all the other
Asian Princes. With this determination every man ſeemed ſo well ſatisfied, that as
one of Artaxes family was nominated, to be ſupreme Lord and Governour of thoſe
parts, ſo did the Ambaffadour himſelf within a few dayes take his leave: The time
afterward was ſpent, in nothing but ſeafeſ, ſports, and turnaments, comſiable with
the youthfull diſpoſition of the new Emperour. But now, Sir, the better to conclude
my diſcourse for your advantage, as moſt Princes of the Delphine belief, have re-
ſolved to affift Arethuſius your Lord and Maſter, in his juſt rights againſt Hercrombro-
tus.

tus, if once this great attonement were made between Ofiris and Orontes, which other-
wife procures them so many imployments, both at home and abroad, that it is yet
unpossible to spare any considerable Forces for the purpofe; so have I lately received
intelligence from a very good hand, that the King of Syria being newly recovered
from a moſt dangerous and malignant Feaver, that for some time put his whole Court
from any hope of his ſubſistance, either out of his own inclination, or by the
perſuafion of thoſe Flamins about his perſon, hath made an entire vow to the im-
mortal Gods, that he would induſtriously imploy all his thoughts and endeavours,
to ſet an end to thoſe Wars and Contentions between himſelf and his near Kinſman
the King of Egypt, which for so many years have diſturbed the whole frame of Go-
vernment in this part of the world, where nothing hath been ſeen but blood, ſlaugh-
ters, and devaſtation, to the diſhonour of the Heavens and the deſtruction of man-
kinde; so that your judgement may eafily conjecture, what diſadvantage you can
poſſible undergo, by changing your Religion at the preſent, when as it is moſt im-
probable, your young King can ever come again to the quiet poſſeffion of his Coun-
trey, but by the power and force of thoſe Princes, which are wholly given to obſerve
the rules and cuſtoms of the Temple of Delphos. The Prieft with theſe words reſted
ſilent, in the interim giving Crefes thoughts ſome reſpite to confider, as hoping his
discourse would produce good effects, towards his abſolute and ſpeedy converſion;
however he made him no reply at all, onely many tears in his eyes might eafily be per-
ceived, that ſhewed ſome difficulties remained yet in his breast undifcovered, being
engendred perhaps between fear, hope, and doubt: Nevertheless after a while, he
told him, that as for the preſent, he found his ſpirits ſomething tired, so could he
with again to have his company the next day, when perchance he might be found
more fettled in his determination; which at the inſtant the weakneſs of his conſti-
tution or his diſtempers, could not by any means permit. 'Tis true, the diſcreet civi-
lities of the Prieft (thought this anſwer was ſufficient, to make him quit the room for
the preſent) reſolved notwithstanding to perform his deſires, thinking any pains he
should take, would largely be requited with the purchase of the whole, if by any
means he could procure the reducing of so excellent a foul to the Gods ſervice.

When the Priest was parted the chamber, Crefes entred quickly upon theſe conſi-
derations; that if he ſhould now change his Religion to another form, the world
would not onely look upon his actions with wonder and amazement, but he ſhould
endanger the favour, that formerly he had with his Prince; ſince thoſe about his
perſon, could not but detract from all his ſervices and endeavours, as if his deſigns
were as well altered, as his opinions changed; envy biting more ſecurely, when cau-
ſes are given for ſuſpicions; beſides his ſancy played very much upon this doubt, that
as Arethuſius never ſeemed outwardly to reliſh Parismenus affections, after publick-
ly he quitted the Lydian intereſt, to worſhip the Temple of Delphos; ſo could he not
but apprehend his nature to be ſeafull enough, in giving countenance to any of his
followers, that in matters of ceremony did not comply with the minde of thoſe Priefts
belonging to the Flamins of Lydia; as if both his cauſe and the ſucceſs depended up-
on the punctual obſervation of ſuch Rites, when rather it was the ends of thoſe,
who could not gain dignity ſufficient to comply with their ambitions, but by the per-
ſwading King Arethuſius, that his prosperity depended upon his parties affection,
who were tied onely to their old Religion, which his Father had maintained with his
Royal Blood. Theſe I ſay were the Chymera's that reigned in Crefes brains during
his ſickneſs; but that which moſt troubled his apprehension was, to think when he
ſhould again return to the ſweet Princes Cloria, where he had left her in Amaril-
lia's Caſtle, what a ſtrange metamorphofis he ſhould produce to her consideration;
appearing as he imagined, a creature either fit to be contemned, or altogether hated,
ſince ſhe ſtill obſerved the Lydian Ceremonies: but ſearing more his own danger,
then deſiring any continued honour, ſince both doubt and deſparation, are accuſom-
ed to qualifie the flames of all ambition, he reſolved according to the Priefts inſtructi-
on, to be converted to his principles; for that as his private reaſon could not contra-
dict his arguments, ſo was his own condition in no case to reſufe the offer; especially

bring-

The Princesss Clorïe;

PART V.

bringing with the entertainment, as he thought security, however not appetite:
And concerning *Arethuseus* and *Cloria*, he determined notwithstanding the opposition
of any passion, to honour still their memories, if his alteration could not serve their
perons. The night after thefe inward disputations, or rather might they be eſteem-
ed confutions, his many dreams and slumbers were accompanied with ſuch confola-
tions, that they appeared to reſemble raptures and extafies, which the more con-
firmed his reſolution, and brought alſo into his minde, a defire if he recovered his
health, (not caring now for *Mazarius* frowns, or envying *Manchinus* fruition) to
perform ſpeedily a Pilgrimage to the holy City of *Delphos*, there to offer up a vow up-
on the ſacred Altar of the Gods, never again to return to the *Hereſian* Religion, ei-
ther in opinion or practice.

In this poſture for some weeks he continued, by degrees mending in his health, as if the religious application to his ſoul, had had a kinde of miraculous influence upon his body; now ſeemingly discontent in nothing, but that his lingring diſeafe, gave not his thoughts and defires, dispatch enough towards his intended Pilgrimage, (new converſions for the moſt part, being violent in the beginning, whereby to prove thofe myſteries, that had been the cauſe of their change) until one morning very early, his ears were ſaluted by a kinde of a confused cry in the Town; however not well to be diſtinguſhed, whether of ſouldiers or other people; which made *Crefes* fear ſome beating up of Quarters by the enemy, not being ignorant of many Garrifons lying promiſcuouſly all about the whole Countrey; wherefore prefently calling to him the Boy, that continually ſince his comming thither, had waited upon his per-
fon in his Chamber, he willed him quickly to enquire in the next ſtreet, what the
noife and combustion ſhould be: About half an hour after the youth returned again,
with the old Priek in his company, who quickly informed *Crefes*, that the Tumult
proceeded from a ſurprize of *Amarillia's* Caſtle, newly taken by the *Lydian* Forces,
having carried both the Lady and the Princes *Cloria*, prisoners into the Town of
*Deorcas*, and however they had been followed and purfued by certain Troops of
the ſouldiers of *Pamphilia*, yet had they eſcaped all their endeavours, notwithstanding
the encounter on both ſides had been bloody and desperate; onely the Commander
in chief of that ſtratagem was brought wounded to the Town with ſome ſouldiers of the party:
This intelligence put *Crefes* again into new extafies, ſince as it ſhould ſeem his late Devotions, had not ſo perfectly ſettled his paffions towards the
Gods Worſhip, that the former inflammation of his love to the Royal Family, could
be ſo easily caſt off and forgotten; for prefently in a kinde of a ſury raising himſelf
in his bed, he began not onely to complain of his own misfortunes, that had been
the occafion partly to bring the Princes from the *Syrian* Court, where ſhe remain-
ed in a reſpectful ſecurity, under the protection of her dear Mother, but found fault
also extreamly with the Heavens injuſtice, to ſuffer ſo ſupream a wickedneſs to be
performed, without either aſſistance or revenge: With theſe ſayings in a certain in-
discreet desperation, offered to lay violent hands upon his own perſon, tearing off
the cloaths that bound up his almoſt cured wounds; but the old Priek ſuddenly com-
ming to the reſcue, finding him in thofe extravagancies, told him, that as theſe at-
tempts were the ready way, to bring down the Gods curſes upon all his actions, and
future endeavours, inſtead of gaining benefit by his converſion and reſolutions, ſo
were they no other in humane policy, but meer effects of ſolly and madneſs; when as
by a moderate temper, in bearing wifely what could not be helped, he might come
to know that, which in time probably would procure ſome remedy; eſpecially ſeeing
the Captain of the deſign was a *Lydian* Subject, and now under the *Egyptian* power,
who for the ſaving of his life, in all likelihood would diſcover many myſteries of
the enemieſs, whereby not onely the Princes *Cloria* might be recovered, but the
Town of *Deorcas* ſurprized, to a far greater advantage, then if this accident had ne-
ver happened: Although grief and apprehenſion is not totally to be qualified by the
beſt Rhetorick, yet *Crefes* being a perſon of much moderation in his nature, by de-
grees reflecting upon the circumſtances of the buſineſs, (as that paffion could not
now prevent, but consideration might remedy) after a while began to entertain the

wife perfusions of the Religions; infomuch as he determined, to seek some opportunity of Conference with the Lydian Commander: Wherefore prefently fending to the Governour of the Town, he defired the favour from his Authority, that notwithstanding there might be some intentions to put the Captain to death, for the bold attempt upon the Pamphilian quarters, yet in regard he was a Lydian Officer, who had been the occafion of the Princes retraint, for fear of more prejudice to her perſon, he would ſuppend all ſttiſection of that kinde, until himſelf had examined the party; whereby alſo ſome good perhaps, as he ſaid, might arise to the Egyptian Government; in that probably Deorcas ſurrender back again, depended much upon ſuch a Treaty. As the chief Officer made no difficulty to grant Crefes request, notwithstanding he ſtill put on a face of threatening in outward ſhew, ſo within two or three dayes, the Commander having received ſome refreshments, by the care of the Physicians and Chyrurgeons in the Town, Crefes went in perſon to viſit him, pretending for Countrey ſake, he was willing to do him any ſervic[e], either towards ſaving of his life, or procuring of his liberty. The Captain (whofe name was Lociinus) made him this Reply: Truly Sir, ſaid he, as I value not my life, if it be only to be obtained by any baſe or unworthy ſubſiſſion, ſo of the other ſide, if you ſhall think my actions pait deferve any excufe, or my intentions to come may merit belief, I will not ſerefue your favour; and the rather, for that I understand, you have no ordinary relation to King Arethuſus concernments; whole Titles and Interest, perhaps belong as rightfully to me as to you: After they were both ſate down together, Crefes being as willing to hear what he could ſay, as the other to difcours[e] the ſtory, he began in this manner.

To this purpofe he pleafed to know, ſaid he, that Myſſia gave me birth, as Monterofus that gallant Commander, afforded me entertainment at first in his deligns; I comming newly from the Wars of Syria, there involved an Officer in the Kings own Guard, out of which I put my ſelf to ſerve under that brave Generall, being then in the very heat of his contention, with his exasperated enemy Argylius, whose ambition made him diſloyal, and his diſloyalty rendred him cruel; and that cruelty alwayes accompanied by fear, never left that fatal ſttiſection, until he had made Monterofus blood the defired Trophey of his unnatural conqueſt; ſince in the execution he quitted both honour and humanity, to purchase as he thought ſecularity, if not glory; ſecurity from his oppofers weakneſs, and glory by his parties prosperity; the one trembling at the memory of his power, and the other flattering the excellency of his fortune; all which particulars for brevity I omit; as well not to renew my own grief in the diſcovery, as to trouble your patience in the hearing: However I muſt tell you, the remembrance of his unnatural death crying daily in my ears, made me refolve to finde wayes not only to plague Argylius Family, but to deſtroy my own Countrey; the one as I thought depending upon the other; for that as he ſeemed to proteſt it, ſo the people maintained him, as well in what concerned the deſtruction of the Kings Rights, as in thofe ſubjections that belonged to their own freedom: ſo that putting my ſelf in thofe Troops under Hercrombrotus Commands, in that manner I marched into our Countrey, where in ſhort it was my fortune, to do ſuch ſervic[e], both in the diſcovery of the enemies deligns, and the ſuppreſſion of their Forces, that in a little time I became a moſt favoured friend of Hercrombrotus: Inſomuch as he after a while, not only truſted me with his private ſecrets, but gave me his near Kinſwoman in Marriage; by which means I grew both powerful and prosperous; in regard Argylius Family was over-born, and the Kings driven out of Myſſia: But in the interim that the ſouldiers were pillaging the Towns, and the Officers ſecuring the Nobility, Hercrombrotus himself ſell dangerous ſick; not probably to eſcape in the opinion of many, and not deſired he ſhould live by the wifhes of any; ſince as his victories (as they thought) prefaged ill omens to their new Commonwealth, ſo his actions procured envy from thofe that had a deſire to become greatest themſelves: Wherefore the Senate taking advantage as well of the time as of the occafion, and not doubting but the effect had preceded the report, without giving any particular notice, either to himſelf or his Council, or-
dained

The Princesss Clorias

PART V.

dained four Officers, to take care both of the Countrey and the Army: When Her-
crombrotus (now again recovering his health) perceived their intentions, having cauſe
more then enough to blame their ingratitudes, (if not to finde fault with their fears)
one day calling me privately into his Bed-Chamber, having firſt shut the doors with
his own hands, when we were both seated together in a Couch, he uſed this language
unto me.

Locrinus, said he, my good Friend and Kinſman, if all the ſervices I have done for
this unworthy Senate, were but calculated by an indifferent computation, I might be
thought a Captain deſerving the world's command, much more not to be directed by
such people, who can neither value merits in others, nor become meritorious them-
ſelves, whileſt they fit ſill in float and luxury, to perform aſts of cruelty and in-
justice, ſearing in the interim, all good and valiant men, because they cannot con-
fide in their own vertues, ſo far as to dispute (much leſs to be ſlow) rewards upon
them: Cannot the conquering of all Lydia (with this mountainous Countrey of
Myſſia, that no enemy durſt ever yet attempt for fear of being either betrayed or
ſtarved) ſerve for a ſufficient reſtimony both of my fidelity and courage, towards that
Asſembly, that now onely rules, by the luſtre that my industry and pains brought
them in their neceſſity? Muſt my capacity and employment be circumvented, if not
taken away by those men, who are ſtarce Souldiers in their thoughts, much leſs Com-
manders in profession, whileſt I poorly go back to my own home, without glory or
ſatisfaction? Are those many Battles, which with aſtive Troops I have won, through
dark clouds of blood and fweat, be leſs then a perpetual honour to that cauſe, we
have ſo induſtriously maintained, againſt all oppofers that ſurious ſtended with
the ſharpenſs of our weapons? O you Gods, ſaid he, methinks now I doubt the juſt-
neſs of your proceedings, in taking away the life of great Euarchus, by ſuch a Tri-
bunal, that would alſo bereave me of that fame, by which I firſt gave them authori-
ty, to act ſo unexampled a Tragedy, beyond either precedent or ſtory: This being
confiſidered, what other ſatisfaction can we offer the juſt heaſens, but to reſtore again
the Son to that Dignity, which with ſo much violence, we took from the unfortu-
nate Father? though here ſome Divine inſpiration (ſaid he) ſeems earnely to check
the precipitation of my reſolution, left the bafe ſaction of Argylius mixed with co-
vetouſneſs and oppreſſion, ſhould gain the maſtery over both parties, who was the
chief original of all those miſeries, which the people of each Countrey complain
of: Wherefore Locrinus, I ſay, imploy all your endeavours to those principles, that
may deſtroy Argylius pride, who would be chief in perſwading Arethuſius to a com-
pliance, whileſt our Souldiers contend with the Senates eſtablishment, who ſeek onely
to perpetuate their own command.

When he had delivered thus much he smilingly looked me in the face, as if he ex-
pected from me, not onely an approbation but ſome wonder; until at laſt finding I
ſaid nothing unto him by way of a reply, he imbraced me in his arms, and told me,
that although I ſerved him in the Wars, out of my deſire to have the ſaction of Ar-
gylius punished in regard of the ſpleenitive cruelty he had uſed towards the perſon of
Monteroſus, yet he knew I kept ſill in my breast certain aſfections for Arethuſius in-
tereſt; proteſting withal that other people were the occaſion of his Fathers death, al-
though he were made the chief objeſt of hatred in that particular: Although I very
much ſuspected the nature of his diſſembling, yet being moſt willing to have the Se-
nate opposed, who had laid a ſtrong foundation of Government in their Asſembly,
determined to comply with him both in words and aſctions; and to that purpofe af-
ſured him of my beſt aſfections to ſerve his deſigns, not onely in regard of my mar-
riage, but of his benefits: Thus we parted to the ſeeming ſatisfaction of us both (he
ſuppoſing I might be inſtrumental to his purpofes in the Kingdom of Myſſia, and I
believing he would deſtroy the Senates glory, each of which might produce ſome
good periods according to my own wiſhes; however I muſt conſeſſ, I knew not well
what I could expect, Prince Arethuſius being already ſed probably from all his
hopes; nevertheless with theſe thoughts I retired preſently to my own lodgings.

When I was alone in my chamber, I began to consider what might be the chief my-
ſteries

steries of his discourses, knowing he never spoke without an end; and for the most part never did what he said; wherefore he being close in his designs, though now appearing extreamly open in his language, I concluded these must be his purposes, to supprees the Senate, and make himselfe absolute, which could not well be effected, without giving some hopes to the Royal Party; so that continuing still my spleen to the Argylian Family, as a motive I resolved to run along with him in his courtes; the rather for that being already engaged both by alliance and employment, I could not well fall back without losing his favour, and that consequently would hazzard (if not destroy) the poor estate I had purchased in the Kingdom of Myffia, since the Souldiers under his command, were become the absolute masters of all the Countrey: Besides I did not know, but that he might retain some intentions in his minde, to rectifie at last the injuries of Arethuſius, upon hopes that in fetting him again in his Throne, he should not onely gain himselfe immortal glory, by performing an act of such an heroical nature, but procure to his friends and poſterity a world of security; ſince by holding illegal titles by force and oppreſſion, he and they would be alwayes ſubjeck to change and ſaction, when as otherwife quietly they might receive both honours and rewards; whilſt my thoughts were daily dwelling on theſe considerations, he not onely ſent me a Commission, to be a principal Officer in the Territories of Myffia (containing a proviso to look strictly to the actions of Argylius) but not long after himselfe invaded the jurisdiction of the great Senate. As theſe unexpected transactions, took up all mens apprehension, every one thinking, but few speaking their mindes, knowing very well, that Hercrombrotus was no pardoner of injuries, ſcarce of ſuſpicionſ; ſo was this new change readily obeyed, almost by all forts of conditions (the Lydian Subjects being as variable in their fidelity, as inconſtant in their actions) ſo that every vocation fell to their own concernments, as if no accident or government, could much prejudice their good, or bring them any great ill; however 'twas onely their little foreight that made them not weigh the conſequence of ſo huge an alteration, wherein probably within a little time they were to be ſlaves or nothing; since the waving of Fundamentals, are like the ihaking of Arches, one ſtone being removed out of its place, the whole building is endangered.

It was not long after Hercrombrotus had acted this part of aspiring ambition, before he discovered eminent marks, both of his tyranny, and his hate towards Arethuſius interest, though he gilded ſtill his actions over with nothing but profession of piety and humility: First he made continual orations to the common people of Religion and the true Worship of the Gods, with his eyes caſt up to the heavens, as if his heart were always there fixed, whilſt he used ſuch familiarities with the ordinary Souldiers, as if he eſteemed himselfe but one of them in quality, notwithstanding the great dignity of Chief Majeftrate was caſt upon him by providence without his own ſeeking: Nevertheless under his hand he caſed intimations to be ſpread abroad, that it was impoſſible the Nation could be governed otherwife then by ſuch a ſingle person, whose worth had merited the ſucceſſion to be caſt upon his poſterity, for redeeming (by his p[er]ſoverous valour) the Subjects liberties; withal openly at the fame time, p[ro]secuting all thate moſt violently, that he knew any way to have been of Euarchus party; not onely with imprisonments and other puniſhments, but alſo by oppreſſion and extortion, though he laid ſtill the fault upon his Officers of State, who appeared (as he ſaid) to be jealous of the Countreys p[ro]sperity, fearing perhaps eſſe, combustion and troubles might arise to his p[re]ſent ſuſurpation: These testimonies were ſufficient to demonſtrate, that he as well aimed at a perpetuity in command, as that he had an absolute intention in his minde, to ſuppreſs any growing intereſt, that Prince Arethuſius might p[os]tibly procure, whereby again to renew his almoſt loſt title: This being contrary to the p[ro]ſeſſion he had made to me often in private, of his own desires and intentions, I muſt conſeſs did not a little ſtartle my imagination, when the report came to my ears in the Kingdom of Myſſia; however (as it ſhould ſeem) the better to fortifie the ſmooth course of his deſigns, towards the p[ro]g[reſſ] of his affairs, he cauſed p[re]ſentally a new Senate to be aſſembled, whereby to compoſe differences, or take away grieſances; though in the ieterim, when they were met

together,

Yyy

The Princeſs Clorſa;

PART V.

together, his Agents by diſcourſes endeavoured to fettle the ſucceſſion of the Crown upon his Heirs, if not by name of the King, becauſe the Army ſo much hated that Title, yet by a new denomination, that in effect challenged the fame honour and power; which being upon the matter compassed, (ſince the appointment of his ſucceſſour, was referred to his election and diſpofe) this Senate was alſo diſſolved, to the general diſtaste of the people; whose tongues notwithstanding, would not let them utter any thing towards oppofition; into ſo bafe a ſlupidity had the many changes of Government wrought both in their mindes and actions, that they were willing to ſubmit to any Rule, rather then hazzard in the leaſt kinde their fortunes, or diſturb their quiet; flavish ſubjection ever following Senſuality in practice, and Atheſm in opinion; ſuch people not having ſouls endued with ſo much generofity, as to reflect upon any condition, that bears the name of eternity, either in memory or fruition.

Crefes doubting that *Locrinus* intended but to trifle, whereby to procure favour for the preſent in his neceſſities, ſince as yet he had made ſew diſcoveries, but what himself ſ already knew, ſince he expected onely thoſe relations, that concern Prince *Arethuſus* Affairs, offered in ſomething a diſcontented manner to take his leave; but *Locrinus* quickly finding his thoughts by his countenance, taking him in the interim by the hand, told him, that although hitherto he had made use of many circumſtan-ces, for the better method and the righter understanding of his ſtory, yet from thenceforth he ſhould finde things of more conſequence; beſides ſome accidents revealed, that he verily believed his imaginations did not reach unto; wherefore deſired both his patience and his ſtay, for yet a little longer: The greedy expectation of Crefes, to hear what was the fate of the Princeſs Clorſa and *Amarillia* in their ſurprize, made him ſoon give way to his requeſt; inſomuch as *Locrinus* again proſe-cuted his relation in this ſort.

Hercrombrotus, ſaid he, being after this manner, either by his own craft, or the Senates folly, eſtablished in that new Throne of Glory, whilſt many Ceremonies were invented for the better fetting forth of the Dignity, I was with all haſte ſent for out of the Countrey of *Myſſia*; where I then remained as Governour of *Argylius* Province: No ſooner was I come to the preſence of *Hercrombrotus*, but according to his usual ſtyle of diſſimulation, he received me with a moſt chearful countenance, (ſeldom putting on other to his greateſt enemies) and withal diſcourſed with ſuch loving and familiar language, as if that night I ſhould have been his Bed-fellow, pretended onely out of affectionate confidence; which I muſt conſeſs tickled my ſancy, however it fetted not my thoughts, ſince I knew not how to interpret all theſe alterations; eſpecially in what concerned my Lord *Arethuſus* affairs, appear-ing with a face ſo much now contrary to his own former proſeſions: But the next day notwithstanding taking me alone into the Garden, after many Complements and more ſmiles had entertained my expectation, he began this diſcourſe: Honest and truſty *Locrinus*, ſaid he, you ſee now the pleafure of the immortal Gods, ſo often divulged by their moſt ſacred and inſalliſable Oracles, in my being thus placed upon the *Lydian* Throne; and with ſuch a ſtrange providence, that makes not onely the better ſort conſent to my fate, but keeps the people attentive in their obe-dience, ſeeing both Sea and Land thus to concurre in the choice: Nevertheless pro-bable means muſt not be neglected, to keep all in peace and quietneſs, ſince the Hea-vens commonly work according to humane capacities, not alwayes ſhewing miracles in mans concernments; though in this laſt Scean, there appears an operation be-yond all understanding, that awes the obſtinate, and fortifies the good: To which purpofe, for your better regulation, dear *Locrinus*, ſaid he, you muſt know, that as I have ſent meſſengers already, to the Religious Arch-Flamin of Delphos, although of a contrary Worſhip to my Principles, whereby to be the more ſtrengthened in my election, ſo have I alſo made an inviolable league with the Syrian Monarchy againſt the Egyptian greatneſs, whoſe wealth muſt ſupply our occasions, if our intended Invasions can prevail againſt the fortunate Inſlands, notwithstanding Oſiris the King of Egypt hath at preſent an Ambaſſadour remaining in this rich City of Sardis.

These

531

These acts as I tell you, must make you meleanger to the great Favourite of Syria,
to preferve from perishing these designs, before their effect procure happy periods to
your self, knowing you to be a person not more trufty in your employments, then
wife in your Councils, accompanied also with such excellent parts, for wit, language,
and conduct, that none can be able to treat with the circumspect and politick Ma-
zarius, but able and worthy Locrinus; who equals him in the Syrian Tongue, and
perhaps goes beyond him in other fratagems of State: In short, your conditions
shall be these, with treasure, not onely to be Commander in the field of fix thousand
Souldiers, to be sent to Orontes aid, but to continue Ambassadour for Lydia's Inte-
reft within the glorious City of Damascus; corresponding in the interim, with the
mighty Favourites secrets, since we both have sworn a perpetual league and friend-
ship, concerning each others greatnefs and prosperity; the one againft the House
and Family of Ofiris, and the other in opposition to Arethusias pretentions. Though
this strange discourfe wrought all the faculties of my soul into an amazement; in the
first place not having sufficient consideration, for so intricate and unexpected de-
signs; and in the other, fearing I might be suspected touching my fidelity; yet I fell
upon this resolution at the prefont to beg some time of refpite for recollection, since
those noble employments appeared too weighty and eminent (as I said) for my capa-
city, as well as my condition was too low to bear the burthen; however I protefted
still, a fincerity in my ſervices and affections, as well towards himſelf, as in behalf
of that Commonwealth wherein I lived.

When I was alone within my own retirements, I reflected moſt upon theſe parti-
culars: If I commanded those Forces into the Principality of Pamphilia, I could not
avoid to declare my actions, againſt the Intereft and Concernments of King Arethu-
fius, whose affiſtance now depended chiefly upon the countenance of theſe Coun-
treys, being banifhed out of Syria, and excluded Lydia; but for my employment
with the great Favourite Mazarinus, I ſuppoſed ſome benefits might arise, as well to
help our Prince as good my ſelf; since the knowledge of Court ſecrets, would open
paffages probably, either for his advantage or my own continuance; beſides Her-
crombrotus failing in his Government, the Commonwealth being ſubject to ſuch di-
verſities of changes, the employment would afford me always a ſecurity in retreat,
by making my peace, if the Royal Family at any time should prevail, (since Orontes
of neceſſity muſt be a party) or continue my credit ſill with Mazarinus, whereby I
might have competent ſubſiſtance; ſo that after a while I resolved to take upon me
the charge, both as General and Ambassadour, the rather, becauſe I not onely un-
derſtood perfectly the Syrian language, but had ſpent moſt part of my youth in
Orfames Court: 'Tis true upon my arrival in the beginning at Damascus, the juſt
ſpleen of Hyacinthia the Queen, extreamly enflamed at my entertainment, but
perſwaſions or flattery after a while, tempered and qualified all her paffion, either
believing that my reception proceeded colourably from matters of State-policy, or the
entire intereſt of Mazarinus with the King, would always beat down her endeavors to
the contrary; however I muſt ſay the common people (who underſtood little but their
own ſenſe) being enraged rather againſt the Favourites power, then knowing any
thing of Mazarinus designs, making his ſeeming Injustice a Theam, whereby they
might take occasion to exclaim, would ſcarce ſuffer me to paſs the ſtreets, without
offering violence to my perſon; ſo that I was ſforced, not onely to procure an Or-
der to be paffed, whereby the better to keep me in ſecurity, but to beg alſo an allow-
ed guard of ſouldiers, for my ſurer defence and safety. Here Locrinus uſed ſome
Complements again to excufe the tediousneſs of his relation, telling Crefes he was
now upon his laſt Scean, wherefore a little patience more would attend the finiſhing
of his ſtory, that might give him moſt content: Crefes being willing to underſtand
all he could ſay, hoping in the end ſomething might be diſcovered towards the good
of Arethusias, or the releaſement of his ſifter Cloria, gave a patient ear to his further
discourſe, whereupon Locrinus proceeded in this manner.

However I continued, ſaid he, for a few moneths in Damascus, partly trembling,
and partly triumphing, until my fears called me into theſe Countreys of Pamphilia,

with

Yyy 2

The Princesss Cloria ;

PART V.

with many Troops of Souldiers, whereby the better to obferve the enemies motion.
To make relation of the several accidents, that happened in thofe wars, were too te-
dious at prefent for me to relate, onely let it suffice, that the brave Haven of *Deorcas*,
was by our Forces befieged and taken, to the extream difcontent of the *Egyptian*
Council, ſince it was the faſeſt and moſt commodious port in thofe parts, belonging to
their King; and a great deal more vexatious it proved to their thoughts, when they
knew it was to be put under the Dominion of the *Lydian Forces*, from whence not
long before both *Arethuſus* our *Myſsian* King, and *Condorofus* the *Syrian* Prince had
efcaped by their admirable valour and induſtry: 'Tis true, ſome contention there
was about the poſſeſſion; for that the place not onely ſeemed to guard all the ſea-
between *Syria* and *Lydia*, but in former times had vexed the trading Citizens of *Sar-
dis*, and other Towns appertaining to that Government, during the Reign of the
old Queen before *Euarchus* Father; neither did it ſpare alwayes the very Subjeſts
of *Orontes* Grandfather; the inhabitants being people, more given to bring in pri-
zes to their Maſeſtrates, then to conſerve Traſſick to their Merchants; robbery in
that kinde being held, to be the ſweeteſt purchase, when as neither the danger of
punifhment, or the obligation of account belonged to the poffeffion.

In fine I muſt ſay, that whilſt we thundred out nothing but threatnings againſt the
almost ſubdued *Egyptians*, the poor people on every ſide flying to the beſt ſonſtied
places for refuge, as well for their perſons as their eſtates, news came from the Con-
fines of *Lydia* of *Hercrombrotus* ſudden death, either violent, as 'twas reported, by
his own procurement, or accidental with the ſtrong agitation of his vital ſpirits, being
over-preſt by ſome cares and many contradictions; and wanting confidence ſufficient
by nature to prevent his fear, in horrid extaſies he expired: but time notwithstanding
afforded him leaſure enough to conſtitute his eldeſt Son ſuſceſſour in his dignity, ac-
cording to the late decrees made by the complying Senate; which muſt occaſion an-
other ſhort ſtory concerning the particuſlars, if you think the relation worth the
hearing: Be pleafed to know therefore to this purpose, that he had a Daughter,
whofe diſpoſition had gained her ſome reſpect, of thofe that her Father moſt injured,
not onely in regard ſhe was thought not to conſent to his proceedings, but for that
often in publick ſhe condoled them in their miſeries, though never durſt much in ſhow
oppoſe his deſigns; which was the cauſe that frequently ſhe kept company with the
Royal Party, and not ſeldom alſo with thofe of the *Delphine* Religion: The firſt
made her acquainted with thofe tranſaſtions, whereby *Euarchus* and his Son were
outed from their poſſeffions; and the others ſhewed her her Religion was not to be
defended (as they thought) by ordinary arguments of Reaſon and Juitce: Befides
ſhe was informed, that *Lydia* was once under the jurisdicſion of the *Arch-Flamin*
*Delphos*, in matters belonging to the Worſhip of the Gods, being diſpoſſed by uru-
pation and ſaſtion, from thofe rights belonging to his continued authority; when as
the ſacrifices now in practice in *Lydia* could claim no further an original, then the me-
mory of ſome at preſent living. Theſe inflamations as it ſhould ſeem ſo wrought
upon her imagination, that falling ſick of a Feaver, ſhe found her ſelf within a ſew
weeks, ſo tormented with ſundry frights and ſettled cogitations, that neither Phyſick
or perſwafion could work her any eafe; ſtill complaining of ſomething inwardly in
her minde, which did not onely hinder her quiet, but put her often into fits of deſpe-
ration, not to be remedied, as ſhe ſaid darkly, but by the reſolutions of her own Fa-
ther, however to him ſhe was afraid to diſcover the occaſion: The company about
her, finding her in theſe extravagancies, resolved at laſt to let their Lord *Hercrombro-
tus* understand the condition of his Daughter, whom they knew he affected moſt en-
tirely; ſo that one day being brought into her Chamber, ſeating himſelf upon her
bed ſide, after the people were all put out of the room, ſhe uttered this language in
his prefence.

My Lord, ſaid ſhe, although nature hath placed us here for a time, yet eternitie after a while muſt have us in the other world: 'Tis true, from you I muſt confefs, I have enjoyed life, honour, and riches; however to the Gods I muſt render an account for them, ſince the condition I am now in, can no way flatter my hopes with conti-nuance;

nuance; however not many weeks since, a flourishing prosperity (by reason of your greatnes) seemed to crown my youth and beauty; though almost worn out to the last period, if not at present accompanied with some despairs, in that I have not employed these fortunes to the best advantage: To this purpose, give me leave to reflect upon your actions, for that mine in part must necessarily be derived from those originals, as well by accident as nature, having been produced by the one, as sustained by the other: Nevertheless I humbly acknowledge your extraordinary love in my particular beyond my merit, and much above your other Children, which the more brings into my mind, these considerations and objects of care and doubt; care for your person, and doubt of my own condition; since I can be no more cured of my dilemmas then you be rectified in your thoughts, unless you shall be pleased to grant me two requests: *Hercrombratus* being something amazed and much confounded by a most passionate sorrow, as far as his nature would give him permission, not onely hearkened to his Daughters discourfe, but presently promised to fulfil her desire, in what should be within the compacts of his power to obtain, or belonging to the Lydian jurisdiction to command: Alas then, replied Clelia, (for so she was called) reflect seriously upon your former quality, from whence you are mounted to this height of dignity; and whether or no you ought not speedily to make satisfaction for the ambition, to that young Prince, now banished by force from his position, being a Dominion purchased with so much injustice and oppression, that the Gods cannot forget (I fear me) ever the injury, by remarkable testimonies of their wrath, sent down upon the whole family, of which number I now remain a most miserable spectacle; wherefore by all the ties of love, nature, and charity, I beseech you to suffer me in this deplorable state of weaknes, confusion, and perplexity, to entertain a correspondency with those persons of the Delphine Worship, notwithstanding your general injunction to the contrary, the rather may I expect this indulgent grant, according to the last passions of your dying, and (if this be denied) most unfortunate Daughter, because your self as yet, is not ettled upon any particular Religion.

*Hercrombratus* after he had underftood this strange, and unexpected discourse of Clelia, (his body swelling with rage, and his eyes sparkling fire, against those propositions, which he conceived so much thwarted his appetite and ends) prefently by a most violent motion, was carried out of the Chamber, not giving her any manner of anfwer at all; thinking belike, his Daughters degenerating from his principles, upon considerations either of mortality or eternity, deferved rather contempt and confusion, then entertainment in his intentions; so much had the worlds pride, and his own ambition, preoccupied his nature in the general, and infatuated his private considerations within himself; loving her onely but as she appeared to be his ornament, and affecting what was ill of his own, because he was the parent of it; whilst he esteemed the Gods power or goodneſs no other then fictions to please ſenſe, or invented toyes to affright fools, that kept brave ſpirits from honour and glory in the world, by burying people in float and idlenes, under pretence of ſanctity and religion.

But however *Hercrombratus* could not value the tears and sorrows of his moſt beloved Daughter, in comparision of that extorted glory, which he had an intention, not onely (againſt heaven and earth) to carry along with him to his grave, but to perpetuate in his blood and poſterity; yet poor afflicted Clelia from day to day, felt fadder effects of her diftempers, wifhing the Gods had either made her leſs by fate, or rendred her greatneſs happier in condition, when as the meaneſt person had a liberty now denyed her, which ſhe fully enjoyed when ſhe was an ordinary maid; neither dreaming of wealth, or hoping for honour; until at laſt having waſted away all her ſubſtance of fleſh and blood, by the ſtrong continued agitation of her tired ſpirits, (*Hercrombratus* not looking upon her, because ſhe was more vertuous then he wifhed her to be) breathed out her ſoul to the Gods justice or examination.

Notwithstanding *Hercrombratus* at the firſt appeared, not ſo ſenſible of his leſs, as was imagined, covering it with his craft, or not refenting it in his nature. (ſince it is the property of ambition, not to be over kind to any, avoiding the effects of melting

The Princefs Cloria;

PART V.

ing compassion, becaufe no obstructions must hinder the end to greatneſs and power) yet
within a night or two, being frighted in his dreams, and tormented in his ſleep, ſtart-
ed out of his bed, calling for his Sword to maintain his own Dominion (as he ſaid)
against his great enemy Prince Arethusin: In fine, Sir, ſaid Locrinus, not to detain
you any longer with theſe circumſtances, after he had been often called upon by the
Ghost of his deceaſed Daughter, whereby to render an account concerning her de-
mands, was ſuddenly in his own Chamber, taken with a moſt horrid extase; where
voiding of blood, and vomiting of corruption, he at laſt expired, in the very height
of all his glory and prosperity.

Thus ended, as I may ſay, this perſon, ordained by the heavens to puniſh the pride
and luxury of the Lydian Nation; a man who won Battles without wounds, and by
that means roſe from a mean condition, to the greatest dignity either fate or fortune
could arrive unto in his Countrey; lived above controul, and dyed without pitty; ha-
ted by moſt, and loved by none; almoſt as much feared in his diffimulation as in his
cruelty; ſince to propagate always his deſigns, he made his Religion the Common-
place to both, when there was occasion: Though this might be his character in part,
yet wife men deemed, that his extraordinary ſucceſs, proceeded rather from a predo-
minant determination of the Gods, then by his own able conduct, for ſome end,
touching their own Worlſhips, not yet diſcovered throughly to mortal people; for
that things were ſo ordered and governed in his ſurpation, as if chance rather then
foreſigl't, thrust on the deſign, and not contrived it, as one would ſay, the night un-
doing what the day for the moſt part proposed, until ſome preſſing neceſſity, formed
the reſolution; not ſeldom desperate in the execution, or failing in the end: 'Tis
true, as I ſaid, his Son for a little ſpace ſucceeded him in the Throne, with compliance
enough, as if people feared the Fathers (pirtit to rife amongſt them again, or believed
he was not yet dead; becauſe his image ſtill appeared, as well in name as in eſſigies:
But the Souldiers who ſcarce knew any obedience (much leſs complements) heated by
liberty and pinched by want, after a while, finding he intended more order in Go-
vernment, then agreed either with their appetites or commodity, becauſe they would
rule and not be ruled, upon an inſtant diſplaced him from his ſeat, ſetting up a Se-
nate, which they hoped better to command, for that without ſuch a creation, they
had not been at all. In this poſture as I am informed, the State of Lydia yet stands,
ſubjeſt to change, and not capable to act, wanting friends and having no money;
whereupon Leagues abroad muſt be overthrown and not likely to be renewed; ſince the
government of the whole being altered, Treaties by a multitude will ſinde oppoſition,
and ſo conſequently protraction, which probably muſt obſtruct obedience as well as
ſucceſs, to the hazzarding of all at laſt by confusion. Now, ſaid he, if you pleafe, I
ſhall come to my laſt period, concerning the Princeſs Clorias ſurprize: To this pur-
pole I ſay, finding that I could build no certain hopes upon the Government of Ly-
dia, being in this poſture, and perceiving an inclination of peace between the two
Crowns of Egypt and Syria, wherein I ſuppofe Mazarius will be an eminent inſtru-
ment, I thought it no other then a laudible piece of policy, to become Maſter in poſ-
ſſion of that vertuous Lady the Princeſs Clorias, according to a plot contrived be-
tween me and young Manchinus; however in our retreat, being followed by a ſqua-
dron of horſe belonging to the enemy, I was ſforced with my Troop to interpoſe,
whilſt Manchinus, with the Princeſs and the Lady Amarillia marched away; by
which action I became my ſelf a prisoner, to be diſpoſed on now as you pleafe.

When Locrinus had finished this diſcourse, it was ſome queſtion in Crefes minde,
whether he ſhould preſently ſlaughter him in the place, for that injury he had done
to the Princeſs Clorias, notwithstanding any fair pretentions, concerning the Royall
Family, or render him ſelf his friend moſt entirely, in regard of thate ſecret paſſages he
had revealed, belonging to the Syrian Favourite; ſo that he continued in a mule for
ſome time, until at laſt riling up ſuddenly from his ſeat, he quitted the Chamber,
without making any reply at all, in that manner returning to his own quarters in the
Town, where being retired into a certain little Garden, belonging to his Lodgings,
he entred more particularly upon theſe considerations.

How

How that if he did use violence to the person of *Locrinus*, being now only a
prisoner of war under the Jurisdiction of the *Pamphilian* Government, it should
not only appear to be an act of extraordinary rashness, but would be interpreted
as a direct breach contrary to the Law of Arms, thus in cold blood to affront an ene-
my; especially having yielded, either upon conditions or at will: Besides what
prejudice the party might receive in this nature, probably would redound to the
worst useage of *Cloria*, being now in the power of the Garrifon of *Deorcas*, when
as in complying with something, both with the Commander and the accident, the might
be the better secured where he was, and he fullier instructed how to carry his affairs
in the future, either for her release, or *Arethuſus* benefit: But whilst *Crefes* was re-
ſolving of his own intendments, without any absolute determination, there came a
discharge for *Locrinus*, grounded upon a Cessation of Hotility between the two
Kings, in further order, to the intended peace, which was at present treated upon,
for the good and ſettlement of the greatest part of *Afia*: However this perempto-
ry injunction ſentalled *Crefes* thoughts, thus to be outed in a fort of his
hopes, concerning the Captivity of *Locrinus*, whereby he thought to procure the
freedom of *Cloria*, with other advantages; yet was he again extreamly ſatisthed
to ſuppofe, by the agreement of these formerly exasperated Monarchs, *Arethuſus*
concernments would not only receive life but affiſtance; without which it was un-
poſſible (as he believed) he could be made able to contend with his powerful ene-
mies; wherefore presently engaging *Locrinus* with a thousand conjurations, to be
ſerviceable to the Princes and her Brother, parting from him in a friendly manner,
he resolved to wait only upon his own cure, for his future voyage towards *Arethu-
ſus* Court; no obſtacle more appearing now but his wounds, ſince the truce already
granted free paffage to every person, of each party without molestation.

*Locrinus* by this means being on his journey, towards the strong City of *Deorcas*,
glad of his freedom and confident in his purpofes, in the way began to think, that un-
lefs he could procure his ſouldiers pay, from the now fitting Senate at *Sardis*, they
might probably mutiny to his diſadvantage; beſides he knew not with what face of
reſpect, to appear before the prefence of that ſweet Princes, whom he had ſo much
injured by his late ſurprize. These ſconsiderations made him resolve, firſt to pro-
ſecute a voyage into the Countrey of *Lydia*, there not only to get money for his
Garrifon, but to enquire further after the Senates ſettlement, ſince the Courſe he
was to ſtear, depended as he thought upon the confusion, or eſtablishment of that
State; and ſo conſequently in joyning, or not joyning with *Mazarinus* deſigns,
who ſeemed at prefent to have ſomething changed his determinations, ſeeking to
bring on the general peace with ſome violence; which appeared of no ſmall con-
cernment, to the foundation of *Lydia's* new Government. These ſconsiderations, I
ſay, employed the thoughts of *Locrinus* for ſome dayes ſpace, keeping on ſill not-
withſtanding, his courſe towards his firſt intendments, though with a wavering kinde
of uncertainty in his reſolutions, whether he ſhould travel towards *Deorcas* or *Ly-
dia*, both yet being alike commodious for the Road; until of a ſudden he might
hear a horn blow, as if ſome unexpected meſſenger haſted in the way, belonging ei-
ther to private buſineſs or common intelligence; which made him quickly alight
from his horſe, in regard the paffage ſeemed over narrow, between two ſmall banks,
that made a ſteep deſcent, dangerous for any accidental ſhock or encounter; where
about the middle of the hill, he met a Gentleman of the *Syrian* Nation, appertain-
ing to the Ambaffadour yet remaining in *Lydia*, who being a person of his former
acquaintance, (whilſt he lived at Court) he made bold to ſtop him in his haſty ſpeed:
After ſome ſhort Complements he deſired, if his buſineſs could any way admit of
the protraſtion, that he would be pleafed to give him ſome accompt of Occurrences
belonging to *Sardis*, from whence he ſuppoſed he came, ſince the late revolution of
affairs (as he ſaid) could not but produce ſtrange accidents, if not absolute wonders:
Whereupon the party with a kinde of merry countenance preſently told him, that as
himſelf had been diſpatched from his Lord and Maſter, with Letters to the Court of
*Syria*, ſo if he were curious of any information out of that Countrey, from whence
he

he

How

The Princess Clorïa;

PART V.

he not long ago parted, he would instantly meet him in the Wood at the bottom of the precipice; so that after he had disposed of his horse to his guide, *Locrinus* glad of this occasion, whereby he might be something instructed in his journey, (delivering also his own feed to one of his servants) made haste to the grove mentioned, to provide a fit station for their communication; where long he had not remained, before the Gentleman accordingly arrived; and presently feasting themselves at the foot of a tree, the messenger in the Syrian tongue gave him this account.

After, said he, that young *Hercrombrotus* (as perhaps you may have already heard) had quitted under his hand and feal the Government, which his Father at his death bequeathed unto him, not having a competent courage to contend for that extorted Legacy, which had been usurped in his time by so much blood and cruelty, (as it should seem terrified from his Dominion, like Children in the School deprived of their toyes for fear of beating) the command was soon cast upon the old Senate, that almost in years and number was worn out of date: and certainly had so continued, but that the Souldiers knew very well, there was no other way probable left them, to supply their preffing occasions, but by instituting a feeming Court of prepreme Authority, which they supposed would be directed as they pleafed, either to be commanded alwayes by their power, or whereby to work money by force, from the suffering and unsatisfied people, as if both Law and Juitice went along with the action; when as this Senate is known to be, neither what it was in its first constitution, or what it ought to continue in the opinion of any, having been moulded so often by the Commanders powers, nothing being feemingly left it, as is said, but cruelty and corruption; when as they make the Gods WorSHIP the chief fale of their pretenoes, and their frequent cabals their onely practice in effect; enriching themselves and impoverifhing others, whilft the whole State in the interim suffers by confusion: This I will not affirm to be my own thoughts, but sure I am they be the characters given by moft, whose ſpleen perhaps may over-power their judgements, in regard their loſs doth provoke their revenge; but I ſhall leave these digrefſions, and follow more particularly my relation. No ſooner, as I ſay, did this affemblry meet together, (whether then of a minde to do as they made a ſhow, or ſtill kept in their boſoms a hidden intention of diffimulation) but they put forth a plausible decree to the people, wherein they profefſed before the immortal Gods, as by their favour they acknowledged themselves now to have met again, veſted with their old authority, so would they imploy their whole endeavours, to poffels the suffering Subjects with their ancient Liberties, defcended rightly unto them, both by Law and Cuftom; preſting also violently, not onely against Prince *Arethusus* Titles to the Crown, but the Nobilities privilege concerning their Birth-right; thereby as it was thought, the better to involve all conditions in ſuch a confuſed station, that diſtinetions might not be perceived, and ſo by conſequence, themselves to govern all without controul: Nevertheless long they had not fate in their formal Majefty, diſpoſing of the Nati ons freedom as they pleafed, condemning this man and approving that, either accord ing to their appetites or their intereſt, before the chief Commanders saluted them with a paper, wherein was contained divers kindes of preſcriptions. As theſe ſeem ing preſumptions from the Army, afforded them cauſe both of fear and paffion, which however they neither durſt dispute, nor were willing to perform, ſo in a middle way for their ſafety, they thought it the beſt course they could take, rather to pro tract buſinſes with diſſembled policy, then to deny benefits that could not well be granted; intending nevertheless cunningly, to be quit as ſoon as they could of their Military maſters, who kept them alwayes in ſo much awe, that it became a queſtion in the thoughts of many, whether their ſleep did them more good, accompanied with theſe jealousies, or their doubts more hurt, followed by ſome hopes: But being ſtill perſecuted, as I ſay, by the Officers with terrible threats, they were forced often times, to throw away their own determinations, rather then contend with theſe violent motions, proceeding from a poffession, which however they could not love, yet were they unwilling to displease, ſince they knew without their affiſtance, they were not able to reign; for as their help was needful to defend the new purchaſt jurisdiction,

537

diction, from *Arethusinus* long established right; so could not their frequent decrees be put every where in full execution, without arms and force, to fortify their proceedings; wherefore of necessity, they were to hang together like chained links, the one failing, the other must go to the ground, in that the Army could not be well paid but by their orders, as their orders could not be useful to any purpose, unless they were punctually obeyed: notwithstanding that this wavering poſture, kept them in some unity, like maſty dogs muffled to defend a family from robbery; each looking upon another, either with careful or ſpightful eyes: nevertheless the Senate quickly began to fall upon a new invention, whereby to secure their own being, if not to curb the Souldiers insolency, and that was, to raise another Militia, composed of such Officers and armed people, as moſt favoured the Senates proceedings; but the old Souldiers hearing of this determination, became ſuspicious of their intentions, supposing it was deſigned onely to ſtrengthen themſelves against the Armies power, when ever they had a minde to deny the arrears of their wages already due, or their further request yet to come; besides the Officers feared, they ſought to divide the affections of the Forces, from the obedience of their ancient Commanders, with whom they had (as they faid) ſought many victorious Battles, to the honour, if not for the liberty of the Lydian people. In ſttirocution of which controversy, divers Troops were drawn out of either ſide, according to their ſeveral affections; however rather with words then weapons to dispute the buſines, ſince they both more doubted Prince *Arethusinus* Titles then their own differences, each being alike engaged in that common danger; which could not be but greatly augmented as they thought, if they became not entirely united in the end; inſomuch as at laſt after many contentions, and a few blows, fearing the conſequence, they attoned themſelves upon these ſolutions: First to ſupprefs totally the party of the King in the City of Sardis, and then more feaſonably to ſhow forth their own conveniencies; whileſt their thoughts were iſ employed in theſe diligences of execution, ſuddenly news came of a general rising in the Western parts of the Kingdom, in which as it was reported were engaged, not onely all the common people, but moſt of the Gentry and Nobility of the Countrey, which was thought augmented their cares, and diſtracted their Councils, the Army being but ſmall, and their Forces very uncertain; ſince as many of the Souldiers had been ſent into other parts, so were their own actions so displeasing, that all were diſtaſted at their power; crying out, that none but the work of inhabitants were put in command, and the Gods Worſhip uſed onely, but the better to colour every oppreſſion, when either ambition or covetousneſs came in the way, towards the appetites of unconſcionable people of their party, who cared for little but their own profit, and profited in nothing ſo much as by cruelty: However for all theſe diſtractions, they diſpatched ſome Souldiers preſently from Sardis, under the command of a certain General, whoſe conduct and judgement they chiefly affected; though his perſon was deemed too haughty for any ſubjection, in regard that former experience in the Wars had made him preſume, and preſumption did no way quadrate with their intentions; nothing being as they thought more prejudicial to a new Commonwealth then ſuch a mafter; whereas a common Government they onely deſired, becauſe neither their courage nor their breeding, could aim at any thing higher then that ſphere; where they were ſure always to command, though never willing to obey: but necessity was to be preferred either before paſſion or particular interest, hoping notwithstanding that if he prevailed, ſome other policy would work him out of eſteem; and if he failed in the ſervice he undertook, they perchance might be ſecured another way, if both did not fall in the ſate, which would diſolve the whole Machine of their expectation: They also ſent other Officers into divers parts of the Nations, as well to keep the people in quiet, as to muſter up their Forces, depending upon certain Troops, kept always in each Province, to be ready at command for theſe purpofes, expecting according to directions alſo, Souldiers out of Myſſia, Crete, and Pamphylia, whereby to ſtrengthen the Army.

In this poſture I may ſay I left Lydia, one party marching against the other, however with more ſpight then haſte, although neither ſeemed to give any leaſure to

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their

The Princess Clorïe;

PART V.

their deficks, and were lefs inclined to any Treaties of pacification: With thefe
words the Meſſenger roſe suddenly from his ſeat, pretending as his buſineſs called
him away with ſome earneſtneſs, ſo if his employment (as he ſaid) could have ad-
mitted of protraCTION, he would willingly have diſputed with him, another particu-
lar towards both their ſatisfaction: *Locrinus* preſentely returned him this anſwer,
that ſince his occafions might not be hindred by the importunity of any, he would
diſpence ſo far with his own affairs at the inſtant, as to accompany him on his way,
unto the next nights habitation; as well the better to inſtruct his own knowledge,
in theſe accidental paſſages he had related, as to be an eye-witneſs of his more con-
venient accommodations, for that he now journeyed through an enemies Coun-
trey, however the late Cæſation of Arms, as he ſaid, between *Pamphilia* and *Syria*,
gave both ſides ſufficient ſecurity: *Tis true, notwithſtanding the length of the way
might have afforded them time and opportunity for a great deal of diſcourſe, yet
the ſpeed they made to be in their Inn before night, cauſed them to defer all com-
munication on the Road; nevertheless being arrived at their lodging, whoſt their
ſupper was provided at the fire, reſting themſelves upon two ſmall Couches in their
Chamber, they entred again into many diſputes upon the former ſubject, amongſt
which the Gentleman demanded of *Locrinus*, what was the reaſon he ſeemed ſo
earneſtly to ſerve an intereſt, that neither was likely to continue any time, or was
juſt in the preſent poſſession? *Locrinus* was ſomething long before he made any
reply, as if inwardly he laboured an anſwer; yet at laſt he told him in low expreſſi-
ons, that although he would not at the inſtant contend with him about the juſtneſs
of the quarrel, in regard there had been ſo much already ſaid upon that Theam;
nevertheleſs he deſired to know the reaſons, why he imagined the Senates Jurifdiſti-
on now eſtablished could not continue; ſince the Souldiers ſeemed ſo earneſtly to
maintain their pretended Right, or at laſt with their ſurped Authority: *My opi-
nions, ſaid the Meſſenger, are theſe: Firſt, in regard of the general diſtaste of the
whole Nation, whereby the Trade and Commerce of the people in time, muſt of
necessity be obſtructed, when they finde the ſubjects induſtry and endeavours, can-
not maintain any property at all; ſince the Armies inſolency, and the Senates arbi-
trary Government, leaves no man a certainty, either in his being or his poſſession;
wherefore men will rather look to conferve what they have already, then ſtrive to
procure more by any pains; ſince their poſterity cannot be ſure, to enjoy the fruits
of their labours; until at laſt perhaps, ſthruſt on by the deſperatenefs of their con-
dition, may rife in Tumults, to relieve themſelves from their intollerable oppreſſi-
ons; eſpecially being provoked thereunto, by the rightſfulneſs of *Arethuſius* Titles,
if not by the exaſperation of the Priefſs of the Hereſian Worſhip, who will have
opportunity enough in their continual Orations, to inflame the Commonality with
the remembrance of their paſt felicity, and the ſenſe of their preſent suffering;
wherefore by that means they will either make way for the Kings admittance again
to his lawful Government, or bring in the power of forreign Forces, ſince Princes
when they ſhall be agreed amongſt themſelves, (now probably enough to be effect-
ed, by reaſon of the intended general peace) cannot both in honour and ſafety, but
look upon *Arethuſius* intereſt, being the greatest ſufferer in the world, and the
State of *Lydia* as it now ſtands, the highest injurer that ever was known, ploſſing
neither Morality nor Religion in what kinde ſoever, nor keeps faith with any other
Dominion; changing in their confultations every day from better to worse, though
the beſt order that ſeems to be amongſt them, conſiſts meerly in his Armies Regula-
tion, which drives onely at perpetuating of their Commanders authority, who are
endleſs in covetouſneſs, and boundleſs in ambition; beſides the common Souldiers
being infinitely behinde hand in their pay, they will be rendred desperately inclined
for ſatisfaction; which of neceſſity muſt produce ſtrange Cataſtrophe's, ſince the
Countrey hath no money to diſcharge their Taxes, and the Militia would govern
every man's right. Although many of theſe things, ſaid *Locrinus*, may be true in
the execution, and ſo perhaps intended by ſome for intereſt; yet certainly muſt of
the Senate aim onely, at the framing of a Commonwealth, according to the decorum
of

of Cyprus, wherein at last the Souldiers must be regulated, having no means to be
supplied, but by the orderly appointment of Officers, elected out of the people by
the Senates authority, which will keep together the affections of every condition;
and this joyned with the strength by fea of the Lydian Navy, neither Prince Arethu-
sius Titles, nor the power of the greatest Kings, will be able to overthrow or shake
this foundation. I wonder, said the Gentleman, you should be of this opinion;
being a person versed in State affairs, since the oppositions now on foot, are both
diverse and numerous; besides the natures of them impossible (without apparent
miracles) to be by what perfusions soever reconciled; for as the Herefian Interest
can no way be pacified, but by their hopes of entirely governing, so the Subjects not
able to bear the weight of their present taxations, must fall to a mutiny, notwith-
standing the charge shall be encreased, not onely by the wills and pleafures of their
peremptory Governours, but be still continued without end by many accidentall
necesffities, whereby to maintain and uphold this new fate of Arbitration and
Tyranny; when as Arethuſius pretentions, taken into consideration and well fet-
tled, according to the Laws and ancient Customs of the Nation, by a general par-
don to be granted to every fort of condition, would not onely quiet all manner of
differences, but procure such friendſhips from other States and Kingdoms, that Trade
should be not onely reftored, but Commerce profecuted to the encouraging of in-
duſtrious Merchants, and the SUPPRESSING of wicked intentions: whereas of the
contrary, besides the Gods indignation againſt these wrongful proceedings, an infi-
nity of charge must still be expected to lie upon the people to maintain the errone-
ous opinions of some fantaſtical Spirits, which is a great deal more dangerous, by
reason of continual ſactions, being not poffible to be prevented in Lydia's Horizon,
considering the nature of the Subjects, and their diversity of professions: Nor is it
enough to bring the Inland of Cyprus for a precedent, which you would make the
chief pattern of your Government, in that it confifts onely of one fort of Inhabi-
tants, more temperate and paffive in dispoſition, then the Lydians have ever been,
and all given to Trading and Commerce; neither could that Commonwealth have
proſpered at the beginning, but by the strong affiftance of other States, extreamly
envious to the affpiring greatneſs of the Egyptian Monarchy, who were content any
way to clip the wings of that Prince, though none can have any ſuch emulation,
concerning the intentions of the King of Lydia, being in a condition now rather
to be pittied and commiſſed, in regard of his injuries and oppreſſions; besides, that
the example is to be looked upon, of a deſtructive concernment to all other Domini-
ons of the world, as well in the fantaſtical levelling humours of that Religion, moſt
prevalent with the Senate and Souldiery, as in the low extractions and fortunes, of
thoſe perſons that govern at the pefent, who are to be ſupplied by no other means,
then by the downfall and ruine of the better fort, that have enjoyed their eſtates for
many years, from their noble and worthy Anceſtors, without the contradicting of
any fate or accident; upon which bafes perhaps your people intended to ſet up, and
create new families of their own, differing in blood, and otherwife in converſation
from the Kingdoms principles.

However, said Locrinus, hitherunto they have proſpered, not onely againſt the at-
tempts and machinations of their moſt inveterate enemies, but to the wonder and ad-
miration of all Afia, having ſtill caſt down every oppoſition that ſtood in their way,
towards the purpofes they have deſigned to this effect, beating almost every Prince
and Commonwealth into a neceſſity of their friendſhip and agreement, which hath
been done by their power at Sea, and the courage of their Commanders at Land.
To this, repplied the meſſenger, I can give you no other anſwer, but as all States and
Governments within the leſſer Afia, have been for theſe many years ſo full of their
own troubles (besides particular emulations and ſuſpicions) that they could not
think, either of requitals or conqueſt; ſo of the other ſide, what your Army hath
done at home againſt the Kings Forces, besides the ſuppressing of tumults in Lydia,
Myſſia, and Crete, certainly hath been acted rather, by predominate fate and provi-
dence, conducing to ſome ſtrange period (ordered by the heavens, for the puniſhing

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of

The Prince's Gloria;

PART V.

of wickedneſs) then by either the wisdom of your Councils, or the valour of the Souldiers; ſince in the firſt place it is known, you go not upon approved or probable maximeſ; as in the other, it is ſcarce viſible, that any of your Officers have been, either wounded or killed in the Wars, when a multitude of the Kings ſide, have fallen in their attempts, though with all the honour and courage poſſibly could be expected, by people meriting fame and renown, as well concerning their refolutions in dying bravely, as in their cauſe for which they ſuffered; alwayse thewing mercy when it was deſired, when you ever cruelty undefeſred: Wherefore I muſt tell you according to my opinion, your allegations are rather marks of the Gods indignation against your proceedings and purpofes, then teſtimonies of their pleaſure and ſatisfaction; which makes me confident, they reſerve ſome hidden revenge in their own boſoms, not yet throughly diſcovered to the world, ſince ſuccesſes are not onely arguments of Right and Juitce; however true principles never can be fallacies; which certainly at laſt will fall heavy upon the inſtruments of theſe oppreſſions, unleſs we could believe, the heavens have loſt their power, or men were become omnipotent; for it is the cauſe and not the fortune, that crowns any one a Martyr: Nay, is it poſſible you can think, a Civil War can poſſibly end in an abſolnte conquelt? when as the contrary party muſt either be deſtroyed by cruelty, or ſuppreſſed by tyranny; and to ſlaughter them every one were impoſſible to think, in regard (as well) of their number as of their poſterity; and to render them all ſlaves, as is unexamplod in ſory; for that by many occaſions, Arms ſome time or other would be put into their hands towards a revenge; eſpecially there being on foot alwayes a juſt title to countenance rıſing, and a forreign affiſtance to animate their courages, each conducding to a redemption; when it is not to be doubted, but their hearts and opinions will not be altered, no more then their ſpirits abated; ſince they cannot but confider, who it is in the interim that would govern as maſters, and what right they have to bear rule over them, being men not abler then they in capacity, and worſe a great deal in condition: ſo that I muſt conclude, theſe violences cannot hold any time, nor your dominion likely long to continue; wherefore your new Commonwealth muſt either fall into the Monarchy of ſome one of your own Commanders, more violent and rigorous then formerly was any, or end in ſo perplext a confusion, that the whole Nation muſt be brought to an abſolute deſtruction, if the right intereſt be not admitted and compounded withal.

But as they were further disputing upon this ſubjeſt, the maſter of the house came up into their chamber, to call them to ſupper; which however for the preſent it diſverted them from their intentions of other diſcourse, although perhaps much more could not have been alledged to that purpofe, yet in the way (since they were to pafs through a Garden, before they could come into the Parlour) they demanded of the Landlord, what news was now moſt predominant in the Countrey of *Pamphylia*, for that as they ſaid, the general ceſſation of Arms on either ſide, muſt of neceſſity afford a world of content to the common people, who had not poſſeſſed ſo great a happineſs this many years: *Tis true, repplied the Inn-keeper, and for a better confirmation of the intended peace we all long ſo much after, yefterday there arrived here a Poſt, who brought orders to the Maſejtrates of this Town, that with all expeditious they ſhould prepare a ſtately Theatre, whereon the Ceremony belonging to the Agreement might be performed at the publishing of the accord: Besides it is further certified, that there being lately born to *Oſiris* King of *Egypt* a young Son, whereby his vaſt Empire may be inherited by a Prince of the fame blood, undoubtedly there will follow a match, between *Orontes* Monarch of *Syria*, and our Kings onely Daughter, whereby the better to ſtrengthen the alliance, as well as to confirm the friendſhip, that for ſo long a ſeafon hath been disputed with moſt exaſperate ſpleen; by which means with their joynt Forces, they may not onely make the world tremble, but afford a great deal of conſolation, to many injured and oppreſſed Princes: By this time they were come to the dining-room, where the company attended; ſo that no anſwer could be returned, ſince preſently every one faluting one another according to the Countrey civility, they at laſt all fate down at the table to ſupper; which

which being finished within an hours space, each went to his rest, answerable to the commodity of the place.

Locrinus when he was in his Chamber, being not yet absolutely resolved of his course, began to consider, not onely the diversity of paffages and changes, lately fallen out in Lydia, but the reafons the Syrian Gentleman had laid before his judge-ment; as well in regard of the inftability of the Government and intereſt he now ſerved, as the titles of Arethuſus, with the probable exaſperation of all other Prin-ces, who could not be as he thought, but exceedingly diſtaſted at ſuch examples, wherein the Subjeſts plaid the matters with their Lords and chief Governour ſo often, being a pernicious leading caſe to other people of the fame temper and power; though by reaſon of their own occafions they had yet diſſembled the buſineſs, yet could never forget the preſident: In the next place he reflected upon the probability of conquering the Countrey of Lydia by joyned Forces; ſince as the peace between the two mighty Crowns was near the concluding, ſo the differences belonging to the Senates juridiction increaſed, as well by open rebellions as private ſactions; ſefides that ſcarce an intereſt in the whole Nation was ſatisfied, although the ſpleen of the contrary party, was as high as ever, the Merchants wanting trade, and the people op-pressed, in that the Souldiers hindred the one, and eat up the other, without the leaſt hopes that either taxations ſhould be leſſened, or any others aſſigned to govern their fortunes but the meer creatures of an inſulting Army; which notwithstanding were not ſo many in number, as peremptory in their commands; ſo that he concluded in his thoughts, that it was impoffible however the rilings now on foot ſhould fail, but ſome ſudden attempt would ſucceed the diſafter, either to more blood or a founder deſtruction, when the King of Egypt was ſo much exaſperated, and the Monarch of Syria ſo nearly allied; but then again he bethought himſelf, that the power of the Lydian Navy, which the courage of their brave Commanders, might keep off all in-vaſions, by the fame ſucces that had hitherunto ever proſpered their actions: and this notwithstanding any oppofition could be made against their proceedings; ſince holding ſtill the accord with the Syrian State, and linking ſaſt to the friendſhip of the Iland of Cyprus, no Forces either by Sea or Land, would much prejudice their being or government, all the ſactions at home being but weak and not united: yet he could not but doubt of the conſtancy of Cyprus and Syria to the Senates intereſt, when the firſt ſhould think to gain by the overthrow of the Lydians, who took much of their trading from their profit, by reaſon of their numerous ſhipping; and for the other, he thought both blood and honour could not but engage that Nation at laſt in Arethuſus quarrel; eſpecially the differences being laid aſide between Oronates and Oſiris; which oppofition was the onely reaſon, why any accord at all was made at the firſt, concerning the Syrian and Lydian people, that now as he ſuppoſed might very well be broken, ſince the Government at Sardis was abſolutely changed, and the contract onely made with Hercombrotus; States and Kingdoms never want-ing pretences, when they ſinde their Swords ſharp enough to contend, for any thing they would have or contradict; ſefides he could not perſwade his apprehenſions, but the ſcores belonging to the Queen Hyacinthia's Dower, with other Damages ſuſtain-ed by the State of Syria, would be ſtrictly required of the new ſettled Governours, when an opportunity was ripe for any demands, ſince that Nation ſeldom uſed to be behinde hand being aſſronted, or could the King thereof in honour forſe their near-eſt Kinfman. All theſe reaſons put together, ſomething terrified Locrinus thoughts, from a continuance of his ſervice to the Lydian Government; however a certain kinde of Myſſian covetouſneſs kept his deſires yet from breaking altogether with the Senate: wherefore as he resolved to alter his course at the preſent, intended for the Lydian Dominions, until he might get more knowledge concerning the rilings now in the Countrey, ſo was he resolved to take the opportunity of the Gentlemans com-pany to the City of Damascus; in the interim pretending a kinde of authority yet remaining in him, by reaſon of his former Commiffion, as Ambaſſadour and Gene-ral of the Army, ſent towards the aſſiſtance of the King of Syria: In that place he believed, he might play his game to the beſt advantage; not onely in regard of the diſtance,

The Princesses Gloria;

PART V.

distance, but the nearneſs to *Mazarius* ſecrets, with whole weapons he chiefely truſt-
ed to defend himſelf, in all accidents of fortune and power.

The next morning *Locrinus* made the *Syrian* Gentleman acquainted with his in-
tention; wherefore both taking new poſt-horſes in the Town, they travelled to-
gether towards the City of *Damascus*; nevertheless being there arrived, they not
only underſtood the great Favourite, was already gone in haſte to the Confines of
the Kingdom of *Egypt*, to meet the Mynion of that Monarch, whereby the better
to facilitate the Treaty of Peace, in regard of some differences yet in contellation,
but the Court was alſo removed nearer those parts, with determination to celebrate
a marriage between young *Orontes*, and the only Daughter of *Oſiris*: This unex-
pected adverſiement put *Locrinus* into another quandary, as well thus to be depri-
ved of his chief protection, as that he was not throughly provided of Commissions,
either as Ambaſſadour or Commander of the *Lydian* Forces, by reaſon of the feve-
ral changes of Government in *Sardis*, ſo that he could not as he thought, either
well forſtifie his proceedings at home, or ſecure them abroad, being ſeafeful of his
own ſafety in that vafe Town, altogether addicted as he knew, to the interest of
the Queen *Hyacinthia*: In theſe perplexities at laſt he refolved, to ſend an Agent
privately into the Territories of *Lydia*, whereby to be fullier inſormed of the Se-
nates Transaſtactions, and in the interim to keep himſelf as close as he could poſſible
in the City of *Damascus*, until he might receive certain intelligence, both concern-
ing the general peace, and alſo the *Lydian* Commonwealth.

However *Locrinus* quickly put in execution theſe purpofes of retirement and dif-
patches, yet he could not lie ſo secretly in the Town, but that he was at laſt diſco-
vered by the enraged Rabble, who prefently in confuſed tumults went to his houſe,
feated not very far diſtant from a high mountain: Theſe people, though they were
not of *Hyacinthia's* Court, yet ſhewed themſelves of her faſtion; for another
Ambaſſadour at the fame time paſſing by the place, with more fury then considera-
tion, (their paſſions not giving them any leaſure for diſtinction) not only violent-
ly interrupted the paſſage of his Chariot, but ſeized upon his privileged perſon,
wearing by all the immortal Gods, they would inſtantly caſt him down the craggy
Rocks, as well in revenge of *Euarchus* death, as of *Hyacinthia's* injuries; ſhe being
a Daughter of the *Syrian* Monarchy, wherefore was to be righted by any irregular
Justice, though controverted by the power of Court policy, that ſerved for nothing
elſe, as they ſaid, but to hide wickedneſs, and encourage ſin: The perplexities that
ſurprized this eminent Minifter of State may very well be imagined, being ready in
this manner to be ſacrificed for faults not committed by him, wherein he wanted
words loud enough to make them understand, as themſelves ears by reaſon of the
conſuſion to hear: Theſe are the actions of the inferiour ſort of people, when they
are inflamed in their ſancy, by any kinde of paſſion, always to do cruelly, and
hear no pacification, though oftentimes their own ruine is the price of their heady
endeavours, which they only are perſwaded to ſee at their laſt end, crying then de-
jeſtedly for mercy, when nothing is left them for a cure, but to dye easily by the exe-
cutioner; but as I ſay, however reaſon could not prevail to inſtruct theſe intended
Murtherers, from their purpofes of hatred and revenge, which their precipitate
ſpleen had apprehended more then carefully digested, yet fortune became a friend to
the Ambaſſadour in the prevention; for at the fame inſant coming by the Chief
Magiſtrate of the City, with a great guard of Horſemen, for his attendants, not
only the miſtaken perſon was quickly relieved in his danger, but alſo put out of his
fear, the multitude quickly diſperſing at the fight of ſuch a terrifying Commander,
whose office had been often to puniſh the like diſorderly asſembles, with ſharp and
home puniſhments; and now in the Kings absence, became more ſolicitous, if not
desperate in his charge.

Nevertheless *Locrinus*, although many had been chaſtifed concerning his particu-
lar, thought it his beſt way, not too much either to provoke the Commonalty, or
truſt the multitude; ſince as he ſuppoſed ſcarce any loved his perſon, and fewer his
employment; ſo was he not very ſure, what Maximes or Complements of State,
could

could always keep him safe from accidents of this dangerous nature; especially when Queen Hyacinthia (whole sufferings had contracted from the people a kind of a reverend pitty) was so near his habitation, though not to act herself in so low a manner; yet from the reflection of her inward hate, might be gathered sparkles to consume, not onely his quiet but his very being; confidering the rabble had already attempted his life, without either State Authority or her knowledge; so that resolved suddenly to leave the Town, however other doubts employed his thoughts for a few dayes, before he could entertain any absolute resolution in his minde.

First he was to consider, whether he could make his retirement with moft convenien-
cy, either to Deorcas or into Lydia, the one to give him command, as the other would
afford him subflistance; nevertheless he durst not venture well upon the Govern-
ment of that Haven, before he had procur'd money for the Garrifon, left the Soul-
diers being exasperated by those failings, might deliver up both himself and the Town
to Arethusius mercy, who had no great reason to be pacified with his proceedings, not
only in regard of his opposition to all his concernments, but for his late surprize of
his dear Sifter the Princes Cloria: next concerning his journey to Sardis, where the
Senate now fate in nothing but confusions and diftempers, wanting means to discharge
other obligations, he thought he could neither procure pay, or advance his imploy-
ments, without being better informed, how the fates were pleafed to diſpofe of Ly-
dia's juridiction; wherefore for his beſt refuge, he resolved to travel towards the
Syrian Court, not doubting though he could not obtain countenance there and
efteem, at leaſt wife he ſhould finde ſhelter and protection, until he might meet with
young Manchusius the Favourites Nephew, with whom he had attempted the dwelling
Castle of Amarillia.

*Locrinus* upon this determination (having made his journey) found the King with *Andromida* his Mother, at a flately Palace belonging to the Crown of *Syria*, the materials of the building were all of white Marble, so neatly joyned together with moft curious workmanship, that as the whole middle repreſented a Tomb, or Monument of eternal Fame, eredted for ſome of the first Heroes of the world (being elevated Pyramids-wife to an exſeſive height) ſo did the newneſs of the ſtructure, adorned by many imbelliſhments ſhew, it was either more modern, or had come there meerly by exquifite skill : it was circumrounded in its Bafes by five out-lets, after the manner of ſonſtified Bulwarks, compoſed of free-ſtone, enlarging themselves towards the bottom, until they all met with a ſeeming ſtanding lake, though the extraordinary clearneſs of the water was a teſtimony, it had its original from ſome excellent Spring: one Draw-bridge onely gave the Castle, as well ſtate as entrance, for that two Giant-like proportions, with chained Lions in their hands, ſeemed of either ſide to guard the Gate. 'Tis true, the Kings appartament where he lodged, did by other buildings according to the manner of *Damaſcus* appear to beſiege that admirable Tower, in the nature of a regular and flately Camp, where one Gallery from another, afforded convenient paſſages, to ſpacious Pavilion Chambers, placed frequently in every quarter; amongst which an Oval Room was ſeen, magnificent above the reſt, as it ſhould ſeem intended to give *Orontes* entertainment when he pleafed, but appointed at other times, for the reception of great Princes andAMBaffadours: In the Cupelo was painted (upon a certain Engine made to turn in a circular motion) the Gods ſitting in their greateſt Majesty, whileſt carved Statues round about the walls, repreſented those Deities hiftorically in ſome actions or other, which perſonated them and their proceedings in the world: The Gardens for delight, were on the South ſide of the wall, that incompaſſed the whole Court; however ſo near the Kings retirements, that when he had a minde either by water, or by land, he could paſ to the walks from his own chamber, without being ſeen by any, whileſt their greatneſs reſembled a Forreſt ſurniſhed with ſeveral varieties, as their deliourneſs a Paradise with multitudes of beauties, wherein Mounts were raſed to over-top the Plains, and Groves orderly growing to over-ſhadow the Graſs; Chryſtal ſtreams here and there alſo plaid upon the ground, not onely to conſerve the verdure, but to refresh the air, until at laſt a large River as ſole Emperour of all, received the cri-
bates

bates

The Princesss Cloria;

PART V.

butes of so many springs into his vaft treasury, making the designed superficies of the earth, by his windings, one onely entire Island of Delight: in the middle of which flood a firm Rock, that on the top iffued forth so huge a Calfata of water, that it supported a golden Crown of an immeafurable bignefs in the air to the wonder of the beholders: *Locrinus* although he had arrived to the journeys end of his first design, yet he found his entertainment was so cold from moft of the gallanteft Couriers (who minded rather their own bravery in apparel, whereby the better to honour their Kings marriage, ſince the *Syrian* Nobility affected variety of fashions above other people) then the hidden ſecrets, either of his imployments or his intentions; inſomuch as he was not able a long time to procure admittance to *Orontes*, or ſcarce countenance from any perſons of quality, until at laſt finding out by his craft, certain Minifters of State belonging to the Favourite (whoſe intereſt was not leſened by his absence) he addreſſed himſelf to their reception, a favour gained, either by money or violent profefſions: In this manner deſiring them, that as his Embaſſie merited a competent eſteem, being employed from the great Commonwealth of *Lydia*, of moſt concernment to the Kingdom of *Syria*, ſo might he obtain an Audiencce from fortunate *Orontes*, whereby the fame corſpondency ſhould be conferved between the two Nations, notwithstanding any peace made with the *Egyptian* Monarchy: *Tis true, as I faid, importunities or other means, brought him within a day or two to the Kings prefence, who received him notwithstanding between jeaſt and earneſt; of one ſide asking him, whether or no he had a new Commiſſion, ſince the often changes of the Government in the *Lydian* Dominions, made it a difficult matter to know, who were the Lords that any Prince was to treat withal, of the other ſide not being willing to diſturb what alliance ſoever *Mazarius* had formerl}*y made, he gave him ſtill licence to remain in his Court. Although *Locrinus* eſteemed this a ſufficient favour, to keep him ſafe without any oppreſſion, yet he blamed extreamly his own want of ſoreſight, that had not uſed ſome means or other at *Sardis*, whereby to renew his authority in effect, as well as by ſufferance; ſince the onely airie name of am Ambaſſadour, would rather occafion deriſion then aſt buſineſs.

But whilſt *Locrinus* expected his Commiſſion from the great Senate ſitting at *Sardis*, who uſed a certain kinde of ſeeming circumſpect ion in every trivial accident, becauſe it taſted more of gravity then precipitation; or at leaſtwife as they thought, ſtruck the people with an amazéd reverence concerning their authority, ſeeing their actions were not eafily to be underſood, ſo coloured them in this manner by circumſtances, when perhaps a quick way, would have performed better, and with leſs trouble, an elſpecial meſſenger arrived from *Mazarius* upon the Conſines, who brought a particular relation of what had paſſed between the great Favourite of *Egypt* and the *Syrian* Minifter. The place of their meeting was (faid he) appointed in a ſmall Island of a pregnant nature, though little of circumſference, and cloſed by two artificial Bridges, erected for that purpofe: In the midſt was built a house of Marble, with a couple of gates for entrance thereunto, mounted by ſix ſteps, the whole Fabrick reſembling a Star, as an embleme of ſuture luſtre to the world, by that happy concord intended: *Mazarius* advanced to the deſigned ſtation in his Coach, according to the ſaſhion of the *Syrian* Nation, accompanied by many of the belt Nobility, with ſome alſo of the *Flamins*, whole wisdom and piety moſt pleafed his election, whilſt his guard of horſe and ſoot marched in order, before and behinde his Chariot, though ſtaffiers with embroidered Liveries (carrying Partizans in their hands) went of either ſide, to be ready affiſants towards his ſervice, when there ſhould be occafion, either to execute his commands, or regulate the ſolemnity; then followed twenty other leſſer Cars triumphant, wherein ſate all the prime Gentry of his train; the better ſort preceding them in more ſtately carriages: when they came near the Bridge made over the River with three vaſte Arches, notice was given to the principle Secretary by a Trumpeter, that the other Favourite was alſo advanced to the waterſide, belonging to *Egypt's* Dominions, riding in his Litter all ſet with precious Stones, according to his Countrey manner, accompanied alſo with divers Grandees and other *Arch-Priefſs* of the Nation; and being attended in like manner w th a guard of

545

of Horfe and Foot, whilft four and twenty young pages in rich apparel, led fo ma-
ny brave Horfes of the *Arabian* breed: On both borders of the River without the
Inland, flood two ancient Temples, the one dedicated to the Gods of *Egyptes* Do-
minion, the other to the Patron of *Syria's* Monarchy, wherein was performed by
each Favourite a moft magnificent sacrifice; which being ended they proceed-
ed to their conference, as near as could be directed at the fame moment of time,
whereby to avoid all jealousies, that might arise concerning each others precedency,
whereby the better to conferve the dignity of their great Maſters without any
dispute or controverſie, whilſt their followers in curious Barges (a promifcu-
ous way) paſſed the water, to give their further attendance: The room that
was appointed for their meeting was directly Circular, into which opened
four doors, according to the heavens division; the top being uncovered in the midft,
for the more air and light, ſince there were no other windows to give it lu-
ſtre, by reaſon of the excejſive inflamation of the weather in that hot Climate.
The Favourites at their firſt entrance beheld one another with ſtedſaſt countenances,
yet without ſpeaking one word, as if they contempled their Maſters greatneſs and
power, by the complexion and proportion of their own perſons, wherein them-
ſelves for ſo many years ſeemed to have ruled the whole Univerſe, and now onely
met to give pacification to the world; who like the ſuns influence heating afar off,
gave nouriſhment to all living things, by ſome miraculous or hidden myſtery: how-
ever their habits were different in colour and ſhape; the one red, the other black, as
if by their meanings they intended to ſhow, the earth hitherunto had been compo-
ſed of two paſſions, Blood and Mourning: At laſt they fate down in their
Chairs, calling in their Secretaries, to begin the Conference, though more out of
form then ſubſtance, in regard that preſently after they had performed ſome circum-
ſtances, belonging to the Ceremony of the dispute, they were again commanded out
of their preſence; where theſe two myſterious Stateſmen continued, for at laſt
three hours ſpace, without the knowledge of any but themſelves what they ſaid,
however as it was imagined to be very ſuccesſul, for that moſt affectionate and
ſeeming intimate Complements, crowned their parting at that time; each pre-
ſenting to the other, thoſe Lords and Grandees of either Nation, that merited moſt
honour and eſteem, with other expreſſions of love and ſatisfaction.

The ſecond Conference a few dayes after, afforded more matter of Contestation,
and a great deal leſs of Ceremony, in that ſome heat though much gravity either
uſhered in or mingled with their diſcourses, both maintaining too violently the ſeem-
ing Quarrel almoſt laid aſleep in action, though now ſprosecuted by them with words;
as formerly twas by weapons, the busineſs being not ſo dangerous, however more
exaſperating: The firſt beginning of the difference was, from what reaſons proceed-
ed the continuation of that war, that now was with ſo much pains to be compoſed,
although wizdom ſhould falve the differences by either of their endeavours, in ta-
king away the preſent difficulties; ſince both Honour and Juitice were both jealous
and hard principles to be obſerved by Princes: Mazarinus alledged, the affronts
which young Orontes had received from Condorofus actions, countenanced ſo long a
time by his near Kinſman the King of Egypt. This made Aularius the other Fa-
vourite in this nature reply: The like and more was done, ſaid he, by the Affirian
Nation, in defending the Prince of Carthage, when he had ſeized upon his Sove-
reigns Dominions; beſides the open ſomenting of Rebellion in Memphis and
other Countreys under his Maſters Jurisdiſtion. Mazarinus anſwered, that not-
withstanding the King of Syria did make uſe of thoſe perſons with their pretended
titres, the better to ſtrengthen himſelf in thoſe wars, he had deſigned to recover
his own Rights; yet he never entertained in his boſome the Subjeſts of Oſiris, that ſell
from their allegiance; beſides (as he ſaid) the King of Egypt had actually invaded
the Territories of Orontes, when the great City of Damafous, contested with open
arms againſt the Princes authority, not suffering him to come within their walls,
but by the power and force of an Army. A great deal worſe, replied Aularius,
your maſter did, when he delivered over the brave Town and Haven of Deorcas,
A a a a into

The Princesss Cloria;

PART V.

into the hands of his fale and malicious enemy *Hercrombrotus*, who had not only broke his faith, in falling upon part of the *Egyptian* Dominions of the fortunate Islands, when an Ambassadour of friendship and commerce remained at *Sardis*, but profest himself (all he could) a perfecutor and hater of the *Delphine* Religion, which *Syria* as well as *Egypt* pretends to worfhip, whilft in the interim the poor Countrey of *Pamphylia* undergoes tyranny as well in their eftates as in the veneration of the Gods. At theſe words a kinde of inflammation began to poffeſs the thoughts and ſpirits of wife *Mazarinus*, until at laſt after ſomething a long ſilence, this anſwer broke from his lips, tempering however his colour a little with patience, as his ſpeech with moderation, as it ſhould ſeem, being willing to break any way rather then by haſty language or words ill placed; eſpecially knowing *Andromida* to be moſt violently bent towards this accommodation.

Truly Sir, faid he, as the often offers we have made to buy your friendſhip, by the releaſe of many Towns and Countreys now in our poſſeſſion, without the full reſto-ration of *Condorofus* to all his dignities, both againſt Juſtice and the Kings Honour; ſo finding it was your deſign as well as ours, to procure the *Lydian* aſſiſtance towards our commodity, we thought it not amſis to prevent you in that purpose, and ſo made our accord before you arrived at that period: however to prevent all miltakes, I muſt tell you, that notwithstanding by former agreements *Hercrombrotus* was made maſter of the Town, yet ſuch were the proviſions appointed by the *Syrian* State, that the Inhabitants of *Deorcas* ſhould not onely ſtill enjoy their ancient priviledges, but their old Religion againſt any juridſiction or change of Government whatſoever. After theſe words he ſate down again in his Chair with a countenance, that rather ex-preft ſorrow then diſcontent: But this being perceived by a Nobleman of *Egypt*, who had waited upon Queen *Andromida*, during her infancy, into the Countrey of *Syria*, when *Orſames* and ſhe were firſt contracted, whereby as it ſhould ſeem he had inkindled in himſelf, a kinde of an equal ſhare of love to both Dominions, began with a moſt grave demeanour to utter this manner of diſcourse, that taſted not more of aſſection then wifdom.

My Lords (faid he) although theſe aged tears, may not afford you belief of my integrity, or my years old enough any opinion of experience; yet give me leave to tell you both, that this glorious meeting not procuring a Cataſtrophe, anſwerable to the worlds expeſtation; you the great Minifers of State, muſt undergo the higheſt infamy, that time ever produced to the world, feeing you are lookt upon as the onely wheels, that turn the Hemefphere of tranſaſtions, as well concerning Empires as other private Commonwealths: To doubt of your intereſt with your Princes, were more then a mad ſtupidity, when they have heaped upon you ſo many ſignal favours, that ſcarce will they ſeem to rule in any thing when you are abſent; and being preſent they flying away their own particular appetites, whereby to let it bet-ter appear, what violent deſire they have you ſhould alwayes command: what obli-gations you have to the heavens for theſe happineſſes, I muſt leave you to think ra-ther then my ſelf to deliver, when that people expeſt from your endeavours, not onely a jubile but a ſalvation, as the Gods do an advancement of their Worſhip; which being now caſt back again to their firſt ſtation, muſt of neceſſity poffeſs mens mindeſ, with nothing but thoughts of deſperation, whereby *Aſia* will be ſuddenly turned into another Chaos of confuſion; ſince no changes can ever come again into the fame poſture, without being better by the attempt, or worſe by the effect: Remember *Andromida* divides an equal ſhare of blood in both Countreys; ſo that all muſt be hers that ſhall be more ſhed in this quarrel, wherein they that win ſhall fatiſſe onely a vain ſancy of being conquerours, when in ſubſtance they will loſe by the viftory, if not compelled to make uſe of every bafe aſſiſtance, whereby to become oftentimes involved in moſt contemptible conditions, the better to procure ſtrength, to maintain a poor ſpleen, ſit to be expreſſed by none but unreasonable creatures, whilſt other States laugh at the ſolly, becauſe they keep in the interim their Territo-ries ſafe by the difference; whereas of the contrary, agreeing in a generous peace, the earth will not onely become tributary to your powers, but the heavens auſpicious

to

547

to your actions; and in particular your felves will be famous to all eternitie: I be-
feech you caft away these impertinent controversies, either of originall injuries, or
airie satisfactions; when as wife mens glories are knowne more by the advantage they
shall get, then in the many things they may dispute: If my speech have in any thing
displeased your Excellencies, impute it to my age or my fidelity, which ought either
to be excused or despifed, and so confequently not worth your anger, much lefs your
revenge; if otherwife I shall thank the Gods, for having given me a heart, willing to
perlwade, or ready to suffer, in a caufe of moft value now in the world. The Favour-
rites after this refolute oration, as it were in a deep mufe, caft down their eyes pre-
fently upon the ground, as if they either blamed their own proceedings, or studied
for other considerations, which invited or gave way, to another Councillour named
Leontius of the Syrian Nation, who with a certain kinde of brave garb uttered this
language, eſteemed not fuller of affection, then reaſon.

If the many journeys I have made into Egypt by Orontes command, to facilitate
this great Treaty of Peace; if the violent defires of Andromida, to Crown her
young Neece Queen of that huge Empire, which her own wifdom hath governed for
fo long a leaſon; if those kinde respects and more gracious favours, our young King
hath lately demonstrated to his valiant (though ftubborn) Couſin Prince Condorofus,
if the deplorable condition of whole Asia, fweating with fears, and ſtained in blood
inſtead of other moſtures, as it were almoſt conſumed by care, and dryed up with fa-
mine, incident to War and this miſerable contention, wherein people are deſtroyed,
Kings diſinherited, and the Gods diſhonoured, cannot work the mindes of men into
a conſiderable temper, (when differences might be ended without more ſlaughter or
leſs malice) yet let it never be reported to after ages, that the onely great Favourites of
the mighty Commanders of the World ſhould meet in a triumphant Pageant, to act
nothing but their own formal Ceremonies, without finishing their determinations, or
giving redrefs to the affiſted; ſince it is believed by a happy and propitious accord,
the earth may be parted between the two Monarchs, as the red Sea now divides their
meers and bounds, whileſt the main Ocean in the interim can onely measure out and
circumscribe the vaſt jurididction of both their Dominions, which being ſaid, the
two eminent Arbitrators of this weighty reconciliation, recommended by their glo-
rious maſters, not onely to their judicious care, but faithful integrity, confidering the
circumſtances belonging to the Dignity and Titles of Princes, are for the moſt part
more tickliſh to be handled, then the very ſubſtance and intereſt it ſelf that appeared
in object, made no reply at all to what had been ſaid, notwithstanding their diſcour-
fes ſeemed to have inflamed all the company standing by with diversity of opinions,
until at laſt in a certain kinde of haſte, they roſe from their ſeats, and preſently retired
to their own particular appartaments.

Two or three dayes time kept all things in a moſt deep ſilence, every body in a
manner ſpeaking onely in low whifpers, not well knowing what to ſay, and leſs how
to conjecture, though almoſt paſſionacely ſad for the ſuppoſed accident, as if the
diſafter had prejudiced the downſal of the heavens, the nature of man being aſter
to be tranſported with deſpair falling from hopes, then if by no probabilities it had
been encouraged to hope at all, however the perſon be left ſill in the fame condition
as at the firſt; a fancy belonging to the weakneſs of judgement, wanting a diſcreet
fortitude, to diſtinguſh proceedings from violent deſires, but on a ſudden, when all
people were preparing for a retiring journey, a new ſummons came from the Fa-
vourites, again to ſet in order the place for another conference: At this ſtation they
both ſingly appeared, not suffering any to be preſent in the deſigned room, where
they continued for the ſpace of one hour, until at laſt they ſevered again, towards
their own accuſtomed lodgings, none knowing in the interim what their communica-
on had been: but the third day after meeting in a more ceremonious manner, it was
given out generally amongst all ſorts of company, that the great Minifters of State
had not onely agreed upon the marriage to be made, but the particular Articles of
Peace to be proclaimed, which inſpired new flames of joy, in the breach of every per-
ſon, being a Subjeſt of either Kingdoms; and ſo I was dispatched with letters to give
that intelligence.

Aaaa 2

A5

The Princess Clorïa ;

PART V.

548

As the King with Andromida his Mother, prepared themselves in a most magnificent equipage, to give the designs of great Ofiris a speedy meeting; so Locrinus the Lydian Ambassadour, being neither furnished with money for such a stately voyage, nor confident in any opinion his attendance would be acceptable, in regard of the Egyptian spleen towards his masters proceedings, as well as his want of friends in Orontes Court, did not know what determinations to take; for considering if he left the Syrian affrontance, and returned again to Damascus, as his person would be unsafe in that City, and his employment out of credit with all the world, so by consequence should he be left in most miferable confusion, when as he was scarce trusted by the Senate, though hated directly by Arethusins: besides he doubted to be forsitten by Mazarius, since Statesmen look only upon people, as either they are useful, or may be importunates. These perplexities, I say, detained his thoughts for some dayes, as it were in a wilde and intricate Labyrinth, longing extreamly to hear from Sardis, whereby to be better furnished for his place, or his place with more decorum conferred upon his particular; until at last finding his resolutions were not to be protracted, in regard the Court was ready (with extream gallantry and a passionate haife) to be going towards the borders of Egypt, he determined by an invention contrived in his brain to secure himself, and not hazzard his reputation; which was in some disguized habit or other, rather to follow the company, then to defent the Court, whereby as he imagined, he should not only avoid the burthen of a great expence, but better inform his knowledge of all the passages; wherein as he believed, it would be unpossible for any one to discover his person, when but thus altered, either in face or clothes; especially having first solemnly taken his leave of the King.

After Locrinus had fully finished this determination in his minde, he took upon him for execution, the garment of a common souldier, fending his small train in the interim to other parts, for that he pretended he would take new Officers of the Countrey fashion, that might be more serviceable in his designs; when presently (painting his face in several places with black lead, as if in former employments he had received many blows, as well to give a greater opinion of his courage, as the better to transform his condition) he entred himself a Trooper in the Kings guard; a pre-ferment not very difficult to procure, having language and person for the purpose; besides his readinels in Military Discipline, that heretofore he had gained by his frequent practising of that profession: As the Court refted not many dayes in a place, being importuned by the cryes of the people, to visit their grievances, or accept of their affection, so Locrinus wanted not oftentimes trouble enough in his journey; which differed somewhat from the soft accommodation, and quiet senfuality of an Ambassadours life, accuftomed for the most part to travel with his head, and suffer his Secretary to watch with his pen, if not seldom to perform both offices, when his master was asleep. But controversies arifing between the Flamins of the Kingdom, and thofe of the Herefian Worship, concerning privileged obftructed, or immunities extorted, Orontes in some fort was compelled to appoint a day for both parties to be heard, resolving himself in person to be the Royal Arbitrator, as a testimony what justice he intended to diftribute amongst his Subjects: And to this purpose flaid at a brave Town belonging to his Dominions, near the Confines of the Egyptian Monarchy, as well to be ready upon occafion for the interview of his fair Miftrels, as at the time designed to hear that great caufe, which belonged to Religious Worship of the Gods after the Herefian manner; for however himself was a zealous obferver of the Delpbine Ceremonies, yet he thought it both honourable and just, to continue thofe grants to his Subjects, (however of another belief) which formerly his Anceftors had allowed their predeceftors; thinking it a better way to convince their underftandings by mildneſs and perſwafion, then by rigour and power; notwithstanding this lenity he was resolved the Heavens should lose nothing, either of Reality or Form, belonging to the Majeſty of their Temples within his Dominions.

At length the day came for the hearing of this great difference, the Flamins appearing

pearing on the one side, as many of the Hereſian Prieſts on the other; each ready with exaſperated ſpleen, to dispute their own ſeeming apprehenſions, whilst Orontes himself ſ mounted upon a Throne, both awed and invited the ſ assembly to a moderati- on; until at laſt a grave perſon belonging to the Temple of Delphos, with a certain kinde of becoming reverence, towards the King Perſon, and a religious earneſtneſs concerning his own cauſe, began in this manner to deliver his thoughts.

Moſt mighty Prince of the Syrian Monarchy, if not chief King of the Delphine Worſhip, whose piety ought to pattern the world, as your greatneſs doth command it, not onely as the firſt Son of the moſt Sacred Temple, but in regard of the obedi- ence of others to the fame principle, which will be your honour, as the Subjects ſafety, ſince the duty perſwade the Gods, as their influence render proſperous the earth, be- ing created by their omnipotency, and that creation for no other ſervice, neither can they be pleafed with divided ſacrifices; for as one truth muſt govern all till every thing perſiſh, ſo let that truth be protected, left we perſiſh before the time; at leaſt- wife for the ſatistaction of that Goodneſs divine, that hath granted to humanity ſuch a privilege, that the heavens tremble to behold: Wherefore I ſay, be your thoughts regulated to ſuch periods, that eternity after a while may reward your actions, not with fading Diadems of tranſitory Princes, but with glorious Stars of never dying Fame, accompanied with celeſtial happineſs, never to be taken away by force nor ſraud; being abſolute in the enjoying, as ſatisfactory in the poſſession; when youth will never be loſt, and millions of years alwayes renewed, without over ſociety, or too much expectation, alike knowing of what is to come, and not caring for what is paſt: It theſe be the glorious attributes, great Sir, of fortunate and bleſſed ſouls, eſteem them unhappy and miferable that cover other preferments; and by that con- sequence judge of theſe men of the Hereſian practice, who prophane our Temple, contemn our Sacrifice, and deride our Ceremonies, violently attempting to teach a new Worſhip of their own, becauſe they would wade through ſeas of blood and cruelty, whereby to have their humours ſatisfied to your diſhonour, not contenting themſelves with thoſe graces, formerly extorted from your Anceſtors, by proud and rebellious Armies, by which they tore down Oratories, and ſlaughtered your people; but now in the very height of your majefick prosperity, would confine your Govern- ment to ſantaſtick Laws; as if they not onely contemnéd your authority, but hated the dominion; whilst in the interim they ſEEK by a levelling envy, to make your Crown below their feet, and the Gods Worſhip no higher then their obſtinacy.

The King finding that this exaſperate language, however accompanied with much truth, muſt not onely continue the contention for many weeks in ſome heat and diſ- cord, (which he was unwilling to ſuffer, in regard of his approaching marriage) but alſo for that it would give a great deal of diſcontent, to his truſty general Turinus, who was himself a proſeſ flour of the Hereſian Worſhip, reſolved preſently to diſmiſs their preſent attendants, ſaying, as his State occaſions called him to other confiſidera- tions, for his own honour and the benefit of his Subjeſts, ſo would he have the cauſe again debated, when he came to Damascus, where he ſhould have more lea- ſure and better conveniency: Nevertheless he affuſured the Flamins, that as the ad- vancement of the God ſervice, ſhould be his principal endeavours, they might reſ- ſatisfied to enjoy, whatsoever belonged to the Rites, and Privileges of the Sacred Temples: Although theſe promiſes in part quietyed the Delphine Prieſts, though not ſatisfied their mindeſs; yet thoſe of the Hereſian opinion being confident, the King was more then ordinary addiſted to favour and countenance their party, (erroneous paſſion alwayes inclining to fancy, rather neceſſity then goodneſs cauſeth the compli- ance) of a ſudden made certain inveſtive writings to be diſperſed, not onely againſt the chief Flamins, but the very eſſential points of their Religion: *Tis true, theſe bold proceedings, ſo much enflamed the whole Town, that the Commonalty preſently roſe in vindication of the affront; vowing they would tear thoſe perſons aſunder, that had perſwaded their young Prince, to countenance that pernicious faith, that formerly had, with ſo much blood, rebellion, and cruelty, won it ſelf admittance within the Syrian Monarchy, not onely to the grievance and diſhonour of Orontes, anceſtors,

The Princess Gloria;

PART V.

ancestors, but to the prejudice of the Temple of Delphos, wherein the whole body of the people were more then concerned, both in interest and duty: With thefe clamours, I say, they came to the Court, being scarce to be pacified, either by the Guards perfuafion, or the Souldiers violence, until the King was counfelled by a prefent decree, not onely to banifh all the Hereſian Priefes out of the City, but almo to give order thofe ſlanderous writings ſhould be publickly burnt, as a testimony of zeal to his Religion, and affection to the Flamins of the Kingdom.

Locrinus (whole confidence being much governed by his profit, according to the natural inclination of his Countrey-men) was not willing to feem peevish in his outward thoughts, when he might with more pleafing advantage, comply with the reft of his fellow Souldiers; wherefore went along with his companions in the fame Troop, to be a curious ſpectator of that ceremonious justice, though perhaps in the height of his Embaffie, he would have disputed the manner, which now he durſt not any way own but in ſuch a difguife, as he was confident would obſure him from any bodies knowledge, other then to whom his tongue would reveal the ſecret: nevertheless there it was his fortune amongſt the crowd, to encounter the Hereſian Syrian his friend, whom he had obliged before his departure from Damafcus, to make a journey on his behalf into the Countrey of Lydia, as well to enquire out thofe deſigns in agitation, belonging to the Nation, as to inform himſelf concerning the change of Sardis Government: 'Tis true, he did not more wonder to fee him in that place, then was troubled himſelf to be diſcovered; ſince his own countenance hereuntofore was accuſomed to give luſtre, not onely to him in particular, but all thofe of the Hereſian Religion in the great City of Damafcus: Nevertheless the violence of ſelf, commodity, prevailing more in his nature (befides much of curiſity) then the paſſion of vain-glory, he resolved as he appeared, to make his Agent acquainted with his metamorphofis; ſo that preſently taking leave of his fellow companions, he reſtired him a certain ſpace from the multitude, where he accoſted him with a plain diſcovery who he was; and afterward leading him to a pretty green bank, ſomething without the walls of the Town, being there feated together, he required almo of him the particulars of his adventures: The man whole name was Garderius, when he had a little smilingly dwelt upon the confideration, and the proſpect of Locrinus diſguife, in a more ſerious manner then upon the firſt object, delivered this relation of his employment, according to the ſeveral journeys he had made towards his ſervice; the party wanting neither language to expreſs his thoughts, or wit to understand businesſ.

Parting, faid he, with you at Damafcus, I soon arrived at the Haven of Tjrus, for my tranſportation by water into Lydia; where finding a ſmall Bark fitted for Cyprus (conceiving in that Inſand I ſhould meet with a better conveniency) I took the opportunity of a paſſage, which landed me in four and twenty hours at Salamine; where in the interim I onely learned this news, that as a ſtrong Fleet had been ſent by the State of Lydia into the Euxine Sea, either to compel peace or aſſilt Dogalphus; ſo the Commonwealth of Cyprus had deſigned another from their Territories, as well to aid the contrary Prince, if there followed no agreement, as to conferve their own interest of trading, wholly obſtructed as they pretended, by the cauſes of the King of Scythia's uſurpation: wherefore preſently leaving thofe Countreys ſull of their own deſires and expectation, I made hafe to accompliſh your commands; and by conſequence was not long before I attained (in a Cyprian Ship) the borders of the Lydian Dominion; when putting upon Land at the great and flourifhing City of Smyrna, I ſaid for two or three dayes in that place, as well to furniſh my ſelf with horſes and other neceſſaries, as to be ſomething inſormed concerning the eſtate of that Town, with other paſſages belonging to the preſent Government: but when I came to Sardis, it was not long before it was my chance to light upon an understanding perſon, who acquainted me with theſe particulars, belonging to the preſent affairs of the Countrey, which I think not amſis to deliver in an ample manner, ſeeing you were pleafed to imploy me thither chiefly for that purpofe.

As you have heard, faid he, already in a general way, of the late riling by the inhabitants

551

habitants in the North West of Lydia, bordering something near upon the Egean Sea, so may you know the causes of it to be not only in regard of the often changes in Government, according to the Armies fancy, but the extraordinary tyrannies and oppreffions in every part prætifed by that face of authority, that now governs more by their wills and prerogative, then either by law or reafon; wherein they abufe Reli- gion with formal hypocrite, and fell Justice for their own benefit; whilst a few per- fons have uſurped to themselves the ſupream power, and the meaneſt of the Subjeſts be wholly employed, becauſe they act but according to ſuch preſcriptions, knowing nothing but what the Senate diſtates, and doing all what it ſhall propoſe: This pre- poſterous ſubjeſtion it is feared, the peoples industry muſt maintain, whereby the Souldiers alwayes intend to command; whilst trading decayes, and beggery is per- petuated, without hope of being better, and not poffible to be endured long: These are the allegations, I ſay, if not the realities of Lydia's ſufferings, which fate cer- tainly it delerveth, ſince they could not be content with the beſt constitution in the world when they had it, but wantonly muſt defire to change for the worſt confusion, onely becauſe envy and pride would not let them fee; likely now to be ſlaves or no- thing for that inconſtancy: So that now I ſhall proceed to the relation of more particulars, belonging principally to matter of ſaſt; as moſt demonstrative, for that the variousneſs of peoples ſancies, either in calamities or luxury, can neither be well known to others, or rightly underſtood by themselves, wavering continuall in both conditions: But to the purpofe.

This riling party, as I ſay, was headed by two principal perſons of thate Coun- treys, named Tellanor and Tymon, whose fortunes were ſo eminent, that probably covetouneſs could not be the motive, ſince well they might loſe but could not gain by the action; and if any hidden ambition poſſeſſed their thoughts, it was ſuppo- ſed to be, that they intended to prevent Arethuſus pretences, from being aſſiſted from forſ foreign Forces, upon the concluding of the peace between Egypt and Syria, as well in regard ſtrangers, as they thought, (should not have any ſhare in the glory of his reſtitution, (when as his own Subjeſts were willing to perform the office) as that the Hereſian Religion might not be diſhonoured by thate of the Delphine Worſhip, which their hearts could not be brought, either to obey or receive; therefore in this attempt neither invited or gave countenance to that proſeſſion; but on the contra- ry with open proclamations, diſavowed both their Rites and their perſons; how- ever it was believed alſo, that the King ſhould have been but conditional, if admit- ted at all to his THRONE, in that they declared their taking up Arms was onely for a free Senate, without mentioning a ſingle Governour to be allowed in the Lydian Territories: But whatsoever their intentions might be in the end, it was certain they ſeized upon many Towns, as alſo formed their Army into ſundry companies and diſvifions, ſuppoſing the Majeſtrates of Sardis would not be backward to pro- vide Troops, if not to encounter, at leaſtwife to ſtop the danger, to their own deſired Government, which the Senate endeavoured to perpetuate, although oftentimes they had put on countenances to the contrary; as well to fatishe the peoples hopes, as not to let their ambitions be too much perceived, whereby to prevent other conjunctions from being made the ſooner to their deſtruction; ſince as reſo- lutions in rule and command beſt pleafe other States, that for moſt part profit by changes, ſo every Prince or Monarch could not be well ſatisfied, in the King of Lydia's expulsion by his own Subjeſts, being a principal precedent of a deſperate conſe- quence, as might be ſuppoſed to their own continuance, and much more to their abſolute Juridiction: Nevertheless, however it was thought and promiſed no doubt in Tillanor and Timon's firſt combination, that the whole Kingdom by this example would have taken arms, out of hate to the Senates proceedings; yet wher- ther over-awed by the Souldiers ſucceſſes, or willing to let others labour in the Vine- yard, whilst themselves reſted quiet in their ſeveral ſtations, (however they intended to eat of the Grapes) very ſew or none appeared in bodies, throughout the whole Nation to take their parts; into ſo abſolute a ſtupidity or want of courage, are the people of Lydia now wrought, by reaſon of their frequent ſenſualities, that they are

The Princess Cloria;

PART V.

are content to buy their own slavery at any rate, rather than once hazzard their
persons, towards the purchase of what freedom they ever; hoping still after they know
not what, and never acting at all, whereby to purchase any thing; whilft their
cares they bury in gurmandizing, and study to forget every remedy for the future,
because they will not take the pains to be overmuch troubled with unpleasant ap-
prehenfions, or lose so long a time from the enjoyment of their own appetites.

In this pofture, as I have been informed, remained the Nation, when a Captain called Abaſtanuſ, was ſent from the ſurping Senate, with competent Forces, either to ſuppreſs the Rebellions, or venture their Army; ſince no middle way of Pacification was to be defined, for that attonements were inſoſtant as they thought with their purpofes, knowing if they did not govern all, they ſhould command nothing; in regard that as the Court would be encreafed in number, whereby they ſhould be alwayes out-voted, ſo the greatest perſons of the Kingdom being brought into the Houſe, their diſabilities would be the ſooner perceived; neither the intereſt of the Souldiers (whoſe intentions were alwayes to be well paid, or never disband-ed) could not endure to hear of any authority, that durſt either dispute their acſi-ons, or contradiſt their power; which they were ſure the preſent Senate would ne-ver do, because their own Juridiclion was onely rendred legal, by the countenance the Army had ever put upon their eſſence: For the Commander himself, it was not well underſtood, whether his ſpleen or his ambition was the greater; ſince as his In-junctions were ever for the moſt part ſowre and unrelenting, ſo had he once before been the chief inſtrument to diſpoſeſs the preſent Senators of their places, who had ſtill continued the chief Majeftracy in one ſingle perſon, if Hercroſbrotus had not endeavoured to have kept it alwayes in his own blood, whereby he became deſraud-ed as he thought of his hopes to ſucceed; cauſe enough of ſuſpition to the now Rulers, but that the neceſſity of the times would not give them leave, either to be peremptory, or diſpute their Authorities, when he denied to march but upon his own conditions; being preſumptuonfly confident, none was abler or more courageous then himself, and that knowledge gave him both opinion and boldneſs proper to ſuch an exploit, that required as well haſte as reſolution; ſince any protraſtion could not but lose the Senates credit, and ſo conſequently the Armies benefit, either of getting or governing, when ſeemingly they ſhould be oppoſed by tumultuous riſings; whether of the common people, or more considerable perſons.

Whilft theſe preparations were making ready for his march, the chief Magiſtrates of the City of Sardis (according to their claimed privileges) affembled together their general Council, whereby to advife, as *twas ſaid, whether they ſhould take part with the rıſing people, (who pretended they onely took up Arms for a new and free Senate) or ſtill continue their obedience to the preſent Authority, though moulded as was pretended by the Armies violence; wherein the Subjeſts Liberties were altoge-ther infringed, as their eſtates captivated, without any hope of remedy, or likelihood of reſtoration, but by ſuch endeavours as were now praeſtifed: It was not long before the Senate had intelligence of theſe intentions; ſo that finding the cure was to be both ſudden and ſharp, in regard of the leading and dangerous examples to other places, preſently ſent Troops of Souldiers to ſurround the great Hall where they were ſitting, not onely by their loud out-cryes to diſturb their Conferences, but as they iſſued out of the Room to ſeize their perſons: This being done, they brought them before Commiſſioners appointed for that purpofe, which for the preſent, I may ſay, ſomething quieted their intentions; however as it is thought nothing at all ſet-tled their minds; but rather like a flame allayed by the caſing on of water, after breaketh out with more ſury: Nevertheless this gave a better opportunity for Abaſtanuſ, to take his journey towards the rıſing people, who notwithſtanding re-moved not far from their firſt ſtation, finding neither the City nor the Countrey, to anſwer their expeſation: *Tis true a few daies march in regard of the general haſte, brought both Armies to a near diſtance, when of a ſudden he was ſaluted with a Letter, that ſpake this language by way of expoſtulation, deſiring with all it might be communicated or recommended to the Asſembly.

The

The Letter.

If you think it strange to see us thus engaged in desperation, you may interpret it the
only effects of Loyalty to our Countrey, when both our fortunes and our lives, are put at
the stake for that redemption, without hope of advancement by the bargain: If you judge
us in the wrong, for taking up Arms in our hands, because we seem to strive against pub-
lick Authority, blame first your own proceedings in that particular, who invaded the like
formerly, to comply with Hercrombrotus ambition; therefore our undertakings are to be
excused, if yours be not to be condemned, since as we desire, without oppression, but to have
the Senate restored; so your Dominion being tyrannical ought not to be continued, if the
Subject may know, what Law he is to obey before he be condemned; for what was not yet
made a crime to his undertakings: Blood we seek not, but our Liberty, freed absolutely
from any usurpation: if we be supprest in these endeavours, let the Gods determine and
punish the guilt, whilst we remain faithful, though injured Patriots in our profession.

Tellanor and Timon.

The only return to this Letter was, an offer of pardon for their lives, condition-
ally they yielded their Perfons without their Eftates; else to expect the fortune of a
Battle, as the beſt reward they would give for their prefumption: all which I recei-
ved from the publick intelligence.

But in the interim, whilft theſe things were acting in the Countrey, it was my
chance being one day at the Syrian Ambassadours (who ſtill kept his ſtidence within
the great City of Sardis, and many of his people profefling the Hereſian Religion)
to be informed, not onely of your ſurprizing the Princes Cloria, at the Castle of
Amarillia within the Territories of Pamphelia, but alſo of her releaſe again before
ſhe arrived at Deorcas, performed by ſome Troops under the command of her Bro-
ther Arethuſius (at leaſt wife Subjeſts belonging to the Kingdom of Lydia) by which
encounter (as I was more ſecrety told) young Manchinus the Nephew of our great
Favourite Mazarinus was certainly ſlain, whilft his Uncle was employed in the Treaty
of Peace, which for the preſent, had ſo enraged our Minifter of State, that preſent-
ly he deſired audience of the Senate, offering more freely to comply in their occaſi-
ons: however this is a particular, not yet openly published abroad, but rather whiſ-
pered in corners of intelligence; ſince Nations do not uſe to make known to other
Dominions, their own ill accidents; yet I thought it beſt (for your intereſt) to lay
hold of the occaſion, and by that new tendered friendſhip, to procure you the eſtier
ſupplies of money, if not a larger Commiſſion, whereby to keep the fame corre-
ſpondency (as formerly) within the Territories of the Syrian Monarchy, as well to
give a countenace to thofe of the Hereſian Religion, as alſo if it be poffible, to hin-
der the unity now intended, between our King Orontes and Oſiris the two mighty
Princes of the world; which eſſe probably muſt deſtroy all pretences, concerning the
Worſhip of our Gods, with the privilegeds of their Temples; and the rather for
that you ſee, how violently the Flamins are bent, as well to our ruine as ſuppreſſion.
Here Garderius reſted ſilent a while; but Locrinus ſuddenly ſtriking his hand upon his
breast, cryed out in this expreſſion:

O heavens (faid he) what further fate belongs to thofe injured Princes, Arethuſius
and Cloria, that in ſo many dangers, and variety of fortunes, have been preferred, by
the Gods omnipotency and goodneſs? after he continued a long time, as it were in a
deep contemplation, until Garderius deſired him to hear out, the ſhort conclusion of
his relation.

The Armies (faid he) as I told you before, being drawn together at a very near di-
ſtance, could not be ſeparate again without fighting; wherefore the rilſing people be-
ing ſufficiently diſcouraged; not onely in regard of the peremptory anſwer ſent them
by the Senates General, but alſo finding there was neither pacification, or mercy to

B b b b

be

The Princess Clorïa ;

PART V.

be expected from his proceedings, in a certain kinde of weak and confused manner,
attempted the enemies Battalion with their Vanguard.

In this conflict was instantly floughtered the Captain, with a few others of his re-
solution; whilst the rest viewing the small Tragedy, without almost any ref resistance at
all, distractedly fled several wayes; as I may say, ending in this manner, a businesse, ei-
ther ill grounded at the first, or weakly maintained in the conclusion: so that after I
had underftood all this at Sardis, and been an eye-witneſs of the taking prifoner of
Tellanor, though Timon the other General was not yet heard of; I parted with as
much haſte as poffible I could, contented enough for that I had effected your affairs,
with a ſucces according to my own wishes: In this poſture I arrived after a small jour-
ney at the great City of Damascus, in hope there to have encountered you perſonal-
ly; but finding my expectation deceived, and understanding our King had appointed
an asſembly of his Subjects of our Religion in this City, whereby to defend their cauſe
againſt the Flamins, I thought it my duty in ſome fort to be preſent at the meeting;
whereby to give the best affiftance I could to thofe people, either by counsel or inte-
rest, until I should understand the certain place of your abode.

Although they continued together for ſome pretty ſpace after this diſcourſe, view-
ing of letters, and refolving of many ſeveral matters; yet Locrinus not to be
too long abſent from his companions, in regard of ſome duties, that were ordinarily
to be performed by thofe Souldiers of the Kings company, at laſt took his leave of
Garderius, after he had thanked him with many Syrian complements, not onely for
the extraordinary pains he had taken in his concernments, but alſo in thofe preſent
relations he had made towards his further ſatisfaction; promifing him the next day
again to meet in the fame place, whereby the better to determine of the course they
were to prosecute, ſince it was not probable that the Court would long remain in that
City; but either remove nearer the borders of the Egyptian Monarchy, or return
back again to the Town of Damascus.

That night following Locrinus entred into consideration of his own affairs, being
not much forry upon better thoughts, that he Princeſs Clorïa was free'd from her re-
ſtraint, ſince he had as he imagined, performed a ſervice ſufficient to the great Fa-
vourite Mazarius, whereby to continue him ſtill in his affection, notwithstanding
his Nephew Manchinus had been unfortunately deſtroyed in the attempt, occafioned
by his own over-violent paffion, wherefore doubted not of his welcome to the Court,
when he ſhould again return to his former employment, which now he was in a better
capacity to perform then heretofore, in regard both of his new Commiffion, and the
ſupply of money from Sardis, procured by the painful endeavours of his truſty friend
Garderius; wherein the Hereſian Religion alſo, as he believed, might receive counte-
nance and ſtrength, as well in the Kingdom of Syria, as in the Commonwealth of
Lydia: He ſuppoſed withal, that the death of Manchinus, as it had already in part
enflamed the Ambaſſadour at Sardis, to a new correfpondency and communication
with the Senate of Lydia, warranted thereunto by Mazarius principles, ſo did he
hope, his own negotiations by reaſon of that particular, would finde better enter-
tainment with the chief Councel, and every Minifter of State within Orentes Domi-
nions: ſo that he concluded abſolutely to leave his preſent diſguize, and aſſume to
himſelf again his old ſhape, being fuller provided for all expences, any way condu-
ting to that purpose; yet at the inſant it became no ſmall question in his thoughts,
not onely how ſo ſuddenly he could free his perſon, from the obligation he had taken
upon him as a Souldier, which he doubted would be ſtrictly obſerved by his Captain,
but alſo in what kinde he could without ſome circumſtances, preſent himſelf to the
King, having but very lately taken his leave, pretending many occafions for his ab-
ſence: 'Tis true, this ſo much perplexed his minde at that time, that he left off any more
contemplations thereof, until the next opportunity, that he ſhould encounter again
with his companion, at the place appointed without the walls of the Town; where
both meeting accordingly, after he had acquainted Garderius with his difficulties, he
was quickly inſtruſted by his apprehenſion in this manner: That upon the Kings
parting from the City, either to make ſome other perambulations about the
Cou-

555

Countrey, or to return to his own Royal station, within brave and flourishing Da-
maſcus, he might easily feign himself ſick of some desperate diſeafe, which hindred
him for the preſent to march with the reſt of the guard; whereby a diſcharge might
be procured thereupon for his abſence, or at least wife a long ſuppenſion from his
ſervice, until he ſhould be better recovered of his health; when being by this means
freed from his preſent obligation, and ſtaying ſome time amongst thofe of the He-
reſian Religion for his better accommodation, he might take upon him his wonted
poſture as Ambaſſadour; and in an equipage anſwerable to his place and employ-
ment, beginning his journey immediately towards the Confines of both Kingdoms,
where the two Favourites were treating in matters of peace between all the Princes
of the leſſer Asia, in which number, as Garderius ſaid, the considerable Common-
wealth of Lydia ought to be included, as well for Civil Jurisdiſtion, being now in
amity with the Syrian Monarchy, as concerning their formal Worſhip of the Gods,
when ſo many of Orontes Subjects proſeſed no other Ceremony and belief. It was
not long after this diſcourse, before Locrinus put in execution what himself and
friend had deſigned, intending thereby to make the Hereſian Religion, the ſeeming
period of his intentions, accompanied by the intereſt of his preſent maſters, the great
and fortunate Senate of Lydia, that in their own thoughts began again to over-awe
the world: But Locrinus being a Myſsian by birth, and ſo conſequently not onely cun-
ning in his intentions, but paſſionate in his concernments, resolved notwithſtanding, to
play his own game, moſt advantageous for his particular profit, either with Mazarinus
the Sryian Favourite, or any other that could beſt affiſt his purpofes, believing with-
all, the formal Worſhip of the Gods, conſiſted in opinion, rather then in eſſence,
when the Heavens appointed people, as he thought, to follow their occafions, with-
out troubling themſelves with conſcionable and unnecessary ſcruples, that ſerved
for nothing but to hinder aſtions, and ſtop reſolution.

But being in the way towards the deſigns he intended, as he travelled, having lea-
fure enough for contemplation, if not opportunity for other divertisements of the
minde, he entred oftentimes upon the ſeſe considerations of Lydia's Government, ad-
miring with what a ſtrange and precipitate fate, the Senate for ſome years paſt had
proſecuted their ſucceffes againſt all manner of perſons that they contended with-
all, though there was in themſelves, neither principles by education, or experience by
continuance, whereby to have contracted a ſufficient knowledge or underſtanding
fit for Dominion; yet had notwithſtanding ſtill the fortune to prevail, not onely by
their Arms, but in their Negotiations, with the wifef and moſt powerſulſet Coun-
cels, without money, friends, or the peoples affection: Befides being conſuſed and
uncertain in their determinations; and nevertheless with a ſmall Army, to have
captivated three mighty Kingdoms againſt a Prince, whose Title hath not been
controverted by any thought or pen in the world, no more then is his worth
and courage ſuſpected by the ſharpeſt ſcrutiny: All this to be effected not ſo much
by the ſpightful endeavours of his worſt enemies, as by the compliance of thofe of
his neareſt blood, who in all other aſtions but his affiſtance, make glory their onely
maxime; as one would ſay, hazzarding Crowns and Empires, rather then any of
their leaſt Allye ſhould perſiſh, if not be ſfrustrate in their expeſtations; whiſt of the
contrary in Arethuſius behalf, neither Contracts of marriage are obſerved, or compe-
tent ſubſtance procured, in lieu of thofe vaſe Territories extorted, with an unexam-
pled inſolence from his poſſeffion, againſt all foundation of honour; to an example
as dangerous for their Government, as lamentable in his particular. After theſe
considerations, he cryed, You Gods, when I think of theſe circumſtances, I cannot
but condemn, either your Juitice or your Power, and yet reflecting upon the impoſi-
bility of chance, to be the contriver of thofe aſtions, I muſt admire your omnipo-
tency; however as yet I am wholly confounded in the thoughts, both of the period
and the intention, ſince as I conſeſſs they paſſ my understanding, ſo in the conſe-
quence they ſeem prepoſterous; and ſtranger it is to be imagined, that the Syrian
Monarchy ſhould be ſo prepoſterous in its viftories, and ſo renowned for their aſti-
ons, in being punctual in the reſtoration of Prince Caſſanus, to all the loſt Terri-
tories.

B b b 2

tories

The Princesss Cloria;

PART V.

tories of his Father, without which they refused peace with the great King of Ar-
menia, though nothing of kindred or interest belonged to the favour, and totally
abandon the Rights of young Arethusus, defended from the fame stock of Orontes
Ancestors; especially thereunto being obliged, both by conditions and honour;
when they promised to fee Queen Hyacintbia his Mother established in all those Dig-
nities and Titles, formerly appertaining to Euarchus predeceffors: No certainly
this cannot be, without mens infatuation, and the worlds utter dissolution; where-
fore fome myſterious deſigns onely lockt up in the wife Favourites boſome, muſt be
the conclusion of theſe now ſeeing prodigies; ſince Lydia's stupid ſenſuality hath
merited the Heavens worſt puniſhment, though for the preſent people appear blind-
ed with ſuch a ſecurity, as ſoreſhews rather a patience in the Gods ſufferance, then a
pardon for mens offences. Although Locrinus, as I ſay, often expoſtulated in his
thoughts theſe unſeaſonable paffages, calling ſometimes in question the very nature
of the great Deity it ſelf, whole attributes ſhould be alwayse juſt and powerful, yet
at laſt by degrees he was content (wearied with overmuch ſpeculation) to let ſall
his own considerations; in the interim reſolving notwithstanding any alteration, or
danger of future condemnation, to follow on his begun determinations, both of ad-
vancement and profit; preſent enjoyments as it ſhould ſeem of ſenſual things, be-
ing next his frailty, either ſhadowed by clouds of interpoſition, or ſeeming too far
off from his poſſeſſion, ſo that he fully determined to ſpeed his intention towards
the Favourites abode, where he resolved (making uſe of his Commissions) either to
procure the knowledge of more intereſt, or ſproſecute what was already commanded
him from Sardis: Accompanied with theſe cogitations, I ſay, he travelled ſome
dayes journey, without any adventure at all confiderable, to that place where the
Worlds controverſies (if not confuſions) ſeemed to be in arbitration, as it were,
hanging yet upon ſo unfettled a balance, that peoples mindes were ſill tottering,
between fear and hope, notwithstanding the relation of the iſſue, that had been made
at Orontes Court, until one afternoon alighting by the side of a Wood, being invi-
ted thereunto either by ſome deſire of eafe, after his hard riding, or covetous of
a natural reſrefuſh; ſince a green walk covered with many Trees, appeared as a
fair protector againſt the preſent heat of the ſeafon: but not long he contempla-
ted that pleaſure, e're at the further end he might perceive a Lady sitting, encom-
passed about with a convenient Train, which ſhewed as ſhe was of ſome quality, ſo
probably remained there upon the fame occafion; wherefore Locrinus marching in
a kinde of a flow pace to the place where ſhe was, as if accident and not deſign put
on the boldneſs, he addreſſed himſelf to her prefence, with an intention to be further
acquainted, either by her neceſſities or civilities: nevertheleſs approaching at a di-
ſtance, that could diſcern countenance, he perceived her to be the fair Amarillia,
whose Caſſle he had formerly ſurprized: As this unexpected encounter made him a
little retire, not willing to be known by the perſon whom he had ſo lately injured, yet
upon better reſolution, confidering the poſture he was then in, could not probably be
any motive towards his diſcovery; especially for that the attempted force had been
in the night ſeafon, he began to take to himſelf more courage concerning his firſt
reſolution, having belike a higher paffion then before to be ſatisfied, ſince he doubt-
ed not, but to be made certain of the Princes Clorias eſcape, as well as with the
fate or misfortune of Manchinus; ſo that with a Syrian confidence, which he had
procured by his long continuance at that Court, he ſaluted her with a low obeſance,
and then accoſted her in this manner.

Lady, faſd he, if my intruſion be diſtasteful to your privacy, I willingly submit my
ſelf to a penance anſwerable to my fault; though accident of travel I hope may
ſomething warrant my excufe, the rather in theſe Countreys, where the rigidneſs of
jealousie never had any countenance; but of the contrary, all honest and civil conver-
fation between what ſexes ſoever, commonly is entertained, not onely with a compe-
tent, but with a gracious acceptance; provided they be both diſcreet and ſeafonable:
however Amarillia a little bluſhed at this ſudden ſurprize to be ſo ſaluted by a fitran-
ger ſhe knew not, yet having a becoming behaviour ingrafted in her, by the force and
decorum

decorum of continual education, accompanied by the addition of her own ready wit,
was not long before she returned him this answer.

Sir, said she, (in the interim riling to him with a civil respect) although I cannot
challenge to my self the honour of being of these Countreys, where it is well known
dwelleth so many examples of Bravery and Courtship, that are not accustomed to
be spotted, either with jealousy or suspicion; yet those parts that have given me
both birth and education, (I thank the Gods) have imprinted such maximes in my
thoughts, that I cannot doubt an ill I do not see; for that my charity always com-
mands the best opinion, though heretofore I have suffered (perhaps) too much for
that innocency: But to give you at present a testimony, that my intentions go along
with my words (if your occasion or your hafe will give you leave) I shall desire
you to take a share in this unhandsome feat, until the time of the day will afford
you a new convenience for travel, as my self also who am journeying towards
the borders of Egypt to the general Treaty, where my business lies, both in
my thoughts and endeavours. As Locrinus was something taken with this free,
however modest reply, so was he no way backward to enter into possession of
the favour, not doubting ere long to know more particulars; whilst in the mean
time all the company disperfed to several divertements, as if they had been instruc-
ed in their Ladies principles; but when they were gone, Locrinus began another dif-
course in this manner.

Madam, said he, if civilities may not be destroyed by too many exactions, as you
have already been pleased to open your defign in the general, concerning the period of
your journey, to which place my self in like manner by good fortune am travelling;
so hope I to do you service in the way, if my company shall not be unpleasing to
your acceptance; wherefore to make my intentions more effectual, I pray you let
me know something better, the condition of your affairs at the present, since I must
profess my own curiosity, to be excessive passionate to that purpose, feeding your per-
son, and conjecturing your vertues, that consequently cannot but prenol fabricate to my
apprehension a weightiness of the caufe you go about to effect, in that station of con-
troversie; for that it is conceived, businesse of no other nature are treated of in
that place, unless it be some private Articles between the two Kings, reserved pecu-
liarly for both the Favourites to determine. *Amarillia* with another modest blush,
quickly returned him this answer; as it were, shewing by that change of counte-
nance, that although she had no guilt of any great measure, yet doubting the ap-
prehensions of a stranger, upon that ticklish subject she was to treat upon, she
could not chufe but be a little moved, before she began her story, which notwith-
standing being over, she said in this manner: The confidence I have of your patience,
and the unfeafonableness of the time of the day for travel, might embolden me to
make a large relation of my fortunes, if any thing could be told (in my particular)
tending to your satisfaction; yet because many other things of publick concernment,
will be mingled necessarily with my discourfe, and you feeming to oblige me to
the office, I shall rather comply with the hazzard of not edifying your minde, then
any way appear obftrinate concerning the requeft: wherefore, such as it is, Sir, take it,
as only belonging to your commands. After that Locrinus had thanked her with
some complements for her intended favour, she entered into her task in this sort; firſt
beautifying her countenance with a pretty smile.

The Countrey of Pamphylia, said she, knows my Birth, Breeding, and Eſtate,
though my own faults my misfortunes, if my too much credulity cannot in ſome ſort
plead an excufe, joyned with youth, and a womans ambition, incident to our ſelves;
but more particularly now to the matter, ſince over many circumstances do but ſeem
tedious to the hearer, especially being no way concerned in the fate: It was my
chance to be courted by a Prince named Aſtratius, whose beauty and other endow-
ments of nature, might have challenged the best respects from any Lady, that mat-
riage could have pretended unto, if his truth had been anſwerable to his protestati-
ons; which failing in the ſequl, it flubbered all the reſt of his perfections, either of
ſovereignty or DESCENT, riches appearing the meaneſt of his attributes; for that op-
preſſion

The Princesss Clorïa;

PART V.

preffion had already injur'd his right of Dominion : 'Tis true, it was my unhappienſs, too ſoon to be overcome by his perſwafions, being not cautious enough to ſeeke after other teſtimonies, (or rather fearing to be deprived either by accidents or his own inſconſtancy) before I became his Wife by moſt Solemn and publick Nuptials, which continued us in ſome prosperity for a year or two, until it came to my ears by common fame, that he was already married to another woman; whose quality, as it appear'd, could not poffibly diſpence, either with the injury or the diſgrace; wherefore a divorce was ſoon procured from the great Flamin of Delphos, that continued us aſunder, though living ſtill in one Town, until he was carried prifoner into Egypt; in the interim my ſelf retiring to a Caſtle of my own, whileſt his pretended Wifc and my Rival, departed this life at the famous City of Damascus; which again I muſt confels ſomething revived my hopes: But during the time I waited in that privacy, the beſt occaſion again to renew my old pretentions, (the obſtacle now as I conceived being removed) I was in my own houſe ſurprized by a party of horſe, compoſed of Syrian and Lydian Forces; however the deſign as we conjectured afterward, was chieſly intended to become Maſters of the Princes Clorïa, who then remained ſe curely, as we thought, in my poor habitation: Nevertheless we had not made many dayes march in that captiſed poſture, but were again releaſed by the valiant endea vours of ſome Troops, under the jurisdicſion of Arethuſus, young King of Mys ſia, though then commanded by his Excellent Brother the Lord Aſcanius, that quickly put our conductors into ſuch a confusion, wherein moſt part of them, ei ther loſt their lives or their liberties by the ſervice, by which means the Princes her ſelf, was freed from her former reſtraint, unto the company and converſation of her eldeſt Brother; for whose ſake he hade made a journey, out of the Kingdom of Syria into the Countrey of Pamphylia, with other Territories belonging to the King of Egypts Government, ſince the alliance made between Hercroſbotus and the Syrian State, had baniſhed him personally from Oronſes Court: After this for my own particular, I retired again to my accuſtomed home, where I continued until I was made acquainted (if not perſwaded) a new King of Armenia being choſen, my beſt way would be to make my Addrefs, to the Councel he had lately eſtabliſhed near the great River of Euphrates, to hear the complaints of all wronged perſons of quality, wherefore conceiving my Lords imprisofonment (he being a Prince belonging to that Kingdom) and my own injurious and unfortunate marriage, to be cauſes of extraordinary conſequence, and no way to be relieved but by eminent and ſupream authority, I ſoon took a journey into those parts, (enflamed with ſome hopes) that if I could procure my Husband (for I muſt ever call him ſo, ſince heaven was witneſs to the contract) a releaſe, from his preſent and ſharp imprisofonment, under the jurisdicſion of the mighty Monarch of Egypt, gratitude or religion, would make him mindful of his former proteſtations, when he called the Gods as teſtimonies of his love and perpetual fidelity, never to be broken (as he ſaid) on his part for the worlds Empire.

With theſe words poor *Amarillia* began to ſhed a ſew tears, whileſt *Locrinus* had leaſure to contemplate his own actions, though not diſcovered as yet according to her relation; but long he gave him not leave to consider upon that ſubjeſt, ſince quickly he returned again to her ſtory in this manner.

The ſeveral adventures of that journey (ſaid he) I ſhall not need to particularize, onely in ſome weeks time I arrived at the place deſigned, where I found the Councel ſo imbroiled in publick affairs, appertaining to the Kingdom of Armenia, that no private complaint (as I was told) could poffibly be heard, which had much diſcouraged my enterprize, if patience, either by cuſtom or nature, had not proved my great-eſt vertue: The buſineſſes that moſt took up the cares of those eminent Lords were, about the conſervation and prosperity of the Countrey belonging to their own King, being ready to be troubled, if not invaded by many enemies; which was the onely cauſe, why the releaſement of *Aſtratius* from his *Egyptian* imprisofonment, could not ſo ſoon be thought upon; much leſs any hearing given to my conſionable complaints, though they continued me in that poſture, daily attending longer then I expeſted,

559

peſted, until at laſt something wearied with over ſoliciting, being not formerly ac-
customed to thoſe practices, and not knowing when or how, I might have a full end
of my Petitions, I was perſwaded to depart the Town, having firſt procured a letter
from that Princely Aſſembly, in favour of Aſtratius perſon, directed to Oſiris great
King of Africa, that he would be pleaſed, either out of compaſſion to his prifon-
er, who was by birth of their ſociety, or in reſpect of the friendſhip and ſervice, for-
merly ſhewed by the Armenian State, to the Houſe and Family of mighty Oſiris, to
releaſe him ſpeedily from his bonds, putting in ſecurity to be alwayes true to his prin-
ciples: This I muſt tell you, is the only occaſion of my preſent journey, towards the
place where the two Favourites are, treating of a general peace, the ſubſtance as I
conceive being a ſubjeſt proper for their juſtice or their mercy; and the more pro-
bable as I believe to be obtained, in regard as I underſtand, both the Kings themſelves
are at a very near diſtance, to the borders of each Dominions.

With theſe words lovely *Amarillia* ſinſhed her diſcourſe, accompanied by a few
paffionate tears, trickling down her fair, though ſomething decayed cheeks, which
however, did no way either disbecome her perſon, or much diſcompoſe her be-
haviour.

Scarce had *Amarillia* arrived to the end of her complains, attended by ſome other
circumſtances, when her ancient Steward coming again to the place where they reſted,
gave her notice of the time of the day, being commodious now (as he ſaid) for a new
journey, ſince the Sun had abated much of his former heat, which afforded no conven-
iency at all for *Locrinus* to make any reply, much leſs to ask her any other queſtions
concerning *Manchinus* death; ſo that preſently taking horſe, they put themſelves
only in a poſture for travel: Nevertheless taking leave by the ſcantling of her firſt
civilities, he intended to wait upon her, as far as her permiſſions would give him oc-
caſion or encouragement; not doubting by thoſe opportunities, to be better ac-
quainted both with her own particular, and the paſſages of the Princes *Clorias*
*efface*, though he intended to be very cautious, in diſcovering any thing, either of his
perſon (having relation to that action) or his further deſigns (concerning King Ar-
thusiſus affairs) though he could not well cover his quality, in being an Ambaſſadour,
employed by the State of *Lydia*, however for matters of trade and commerce, one-
ly between both Nations. With theſe fancies and reſolutions, he communed with
*Amarillia* on the way; ſometimes of one thing, and ſometimes of another, ming-
ling his diſcourſes with raileries for the purpose, to render his company and conver-
fation more pleasing, if not delightful to her apprehenſion, wherein he found her
replies alwayes ſharp and witty, which at laſt began exceedingly to work upon his
nature and aſſections; differing little from wilde motions and appetites of love
(kindled oftentimes in a *Myſſian* breast to confiderable flames, when other covetous
deſigns do not allay the fire) encouraged alſo in his thoughts to ſome attempts; for
that it was not long ſince he had buried the former Wife, that *Hercroombrotus* had be-
ſtowed upon his condition, to make him the ſurer to his own principles; by which
means as he believed, he was absolutely free to what courtships or engagements ſo-
ever, could be proposed to his liking.

It was ſomething late notwithstanding before they arrived at their lodging, the
way proving more tedious then was expected; ſo that *Amarillia* being a little tired
with her long journey, or rather perhaps not willing at the firſt fight, to have over-
much feeming familiarity with ſtrangers, aſſoon as ſhe alighted from her horſe (ha-
ving faluted all the company) preſently retired into her deſigned Chamber, pretend-
ing the hard voyage ſhe had made that afternoon, gave her no appetite to her ſup-
per, but rather as ſhe ſaid, more properly to fee if her bed could refresh her ſpirits,
whereby to render her the more capable of enduring the next dayes travel: This al-
ſo gave occaſion to *Locrinus* to do the like, not thinking it convenient for one in his
employment, to mingle his converſation with the attendance of any other perſon,
ſince the Lady her ſelf was abſent; either out of ſtate or modeſty, calling in the inte-
rim for ſome flight accommodation, to be made ready for his own particular, with
which he went to his intended reſt aſſo.

But

The Princesss Clorïa;

PART V.

But being on his Couch for repose, whether the little God Cupid began to play
something too violently in his imagination, or his own wearinels took from him
(though it afforded him the appetite) the effects of sleep, he could not by any means
clofe his eyes, in the interim toffing over many fancies and chymera's in his trou-
bled brain; amongst which number at laft, he more fettledly fell upon these confi-
derations, or rather may I call them defires, since his will certainly conſented to
what was figured in his more confuſed thoughts; firſt the advantages he might pro-
cure to himſelf, if he could but win Amarillia to a liking of his perſon, for that he
ſteemed her other pretentions onely toyes, that delighted her ſenſe, but deſtroyed
her reaſon; in that as *Astratius* could not be accounted her lawful husband, being
otherwife obliged when that contract was made, ſo was it no way probable to any
thought he could now entertain her as a new Miftrefs, having loſt much of that
beauty by years, that in her youth enflamed his love to thofe unwarrantable tryals,
that brought Amarillia all her croſſes, if not unhappy fortunes, ſo much at prefent
complained of by her particular; beſides men without predominate compulſions,
ſeldom or never eſpouſes thofe parties of whom they have gathered already the
chief flowers of their beanty; when as they cannot but fear they may prove too
kinde to others, and themſelves not poſſibly to expeſt any more at the prefent, then
what they have heretofore enjoyed; ſince Nuptials onely depend upon gain or opi-
nion, if once the ſacred laws of marriage are broken, ſeeing doubtfull it will be
whofe issue ſhall inherit: Next for Amarillia's eſtate as he thought it would be in-
confiderable to *Astratius* quality; which circumſtances made him believe, that ſhe
could not prevail in her ſuit, whereby to make good her contract; much leſs to per-
ſwade her Lord (as ſhe called him) to comply anew with her defires, although ſhe
ſhould procure him a releafe by thofe Letters, ſhe had brought with her from the
great Asſembly, of all the chief Princes of Armenia.

By theſe conſequences he nourſhed many ſantaſtical thoughts, tending either to
the ſatifaſtion of his ſenſes, or the advancement of his condition; and to that
purpofe resolved to make use of his poſſeffion gained in the Haven of Deorcas, to
be delivered to the *Egyptians* upon a confiderable compoſition of money, thereby
to win the favour of *Ofiris* towards his deſired marriage, if he could but procure the
liking of *Amarillia* to his perſon; to which purpofe he intended to ſollicite her in
the journey: Such are the extravagant ſancies of humane nature, when carried on
by violent paſſions of covetouſneſs or ambition, ſeeing in all reaſon he might very
well doubt of any ſucces; for that as it was probable the high birth of *Amarillia*
could not be brought to ſo low a choice, ſo would not the enflamed ſpirit of King
*Ofiris* (having made a laſting peace with *Orontes*) deſcend to a Treaty for what was
againſt his honour to compaſs, otherwife then by conqueſt and compulſion; but more
ſtupid to think his own natural Subject (who had all her ſubſtiance in his Territo-
ries) would marry with a dependant upon another State that had moſt affronted
both his glory and his greatneſs, in the very interim whilſt an Ambaſſadour of Cor-
respondency was remaining yet at the City of *Sardis*. *Locrinus* with the pleasing-
neſs of theſe imaginations at laſt fell aſleep, and ſo continued until the morning ſun
gave him and the reſt warning to provide for another journey; but whilſt he was
preparing with his followers for his beſt accommodation, he was advertifed by a
meſſenger from *Amarillia*, that as her own prefent indispoſition of body would not
ſuffer her for two or three dayes to part from the Inn, in regard ſhe intended by the
advice of ſome Phyſicians in the Town, to take convenient remedies before ſhe be-
gan any other voyages, ſo might he be pleafed to think of his own departure with-
out her company; whose ſociety already ſhe held her ſelf obliged to repay, by
what civilities in honour, ſhe was able to perform towards his particular. As *Locrin-
nus* was a little startled at this unexpected reſolution, wherein his hopes in a manner
became blaſted, ſo could he not but ſuspect exceedingly, that the Lady had gotten
ſome private intelligence of his quality; either from the babling diſcourſe of his
own ſervants in the houſe, or by the remembrance of his countenance when he ſur-
prized her Caſtle; which had wrought in her diſpoſition, as he might believe, a
certain

561

certain kinde of revenge inſtead of application; however he resolved with a Myſſi-
an confidence, (that ſeldom is wanting in people of that Nation) to try if he could
yet work upon her pretended conſtancy, so far as, either to change her minde, or diſ-
cover her intelligence; ſince he was confident enough it was deſign and not ſickneſs,
that had made her now put off her journey: 'Tis true upon his admittance into
her Chamber, ſhe uſed him with a civil though reſerved reſpect, nevertheless ſo much
altered (according to the precipitation of his own fancy) from her freedom the day
before, that he quickly took his leave of the room, with a certain kinde of cloud in
his countenance, not differing much from the appetites (if not intentions) of re-
venge; belike ſuppoſing by his cunning or his power, he could either croſs or hin-
der her buſineſs, in regard of his conceived intereſt, in the great Favourite of Syria's
opinion, eſpecially concerning the Territories and Countrie of the now imprion-
ed Auſtratius, being within the compaſs of his Jurisdiſtion; and the rather, for
that he had alwayes ſhewed himself an enemy to the unity between Hercrombrotus
and Mazarius, in the defence of the Pamphilian Dominion: With theſe thoughts,
I ſay, he mounted his horſe, leaving Amarillia, either to diſſemble her preſent in-
dispoſition, or to wait a better occaſon for her travel; in this manner directing his
journey according as he firſt intended, towards the Court of glorious Orentes, where
he arrived without any conſiderable adventures, being joyful in his Commissions,
and confident of his Authority, although ſomething vexed inwardly, for the concei-
ved, or miſconceived affront he had ſuſtained.

But when he entred the Town where the Court remained, he found it flaming all over with fires of joy, whilſt there was not an Altar but ſmoaked with incense, the Priefſs in the interim doing their offices in their beſt attire, before the Statues of ſome Gods or other, adorned with flowers and divers rich Jewels: Theſe Ceremonies gave Locrinus thoughts ſome occaſion of wonder, however it was not long before he was advertiſed, that the day being the time of the Kings birth, the people with the inhabitants of the City had ordained ſoſe leaſts, in token of their Loyalty to their Prince; which not onely fully ſatisſed his curioſity, but retired his wearineſs for the preſent, not thinking the leaſon would be proper for any addreſſes; ſince buſineſſes were not to be mingled with divertiſements, though his paſſion to put in execution his new authority, provoked his fancy to ſome viſits that night, at leaſt-wife to thofe he conceived to be of his own ſaction: Nevertheless upon better consideration he put off his deſires, until the next morning ſhould give him a more ſit commodity, when going to the lodging of one of the Kings Councillours, as he found him ſomething cold in his entertainment, ſo did he tell him, it was to little purpose yet to expeſt audience, ſince Orentes was not onely violently in the thoughts of his daily exerciſes, (which he intended to continue for ſome weeks ſpace) but also in regard that all his great Officers would be buſed about the Articles of Peace, that they could not give themſelves any leaſure, to think of meaner concernments: Although Locrinus departed with this unexpected anſwer, carrying in his countenance a certain kinde of frowning cloud, as if he meant to fright the Councillors with threats to a readier compliance, ſuch as formerly he had found, yet hoping e're long, to obtain better correfpondency, notwithstanding the troubleſome ſnels of affairs, went inſtantly into his own appartament; as it were fancying accident and not deſign was the obſtacle: But when he was there retired, and obſoured by the night leaſon, he muſtered up in his imagination ſeveral paſſages of his Embaffie; until at laſt he thought it was a wrong piece of policy of the State of Lydia, to have made ſuch a peace with the Syrian Kingdom, whereby an utter breach was procured to Egyptes Monarchy, ſince by that means Mazarius was likely to obtain what conditions he pleafed within Ofriis Dominions; and ſo by reaſon of that accord, become more potenſt to work Lydia's overſrow; each Nation having pretenſions ſufficient, either for an Invaſion or a Conqueſt, both complying with the Senate but for their own ends and private intereſt; differing not onely in Religion, and outward Ceremonies appertaining to the Gods Worſhip, but thwarting one another in all Maximes belonging to the foundation of Government; eſpecially

C c c c

Egypt

The Princes' Clorias

PART V.

Egypt being injured by the Lydian Commonwealth, and Syria out of honour obliged to demand Queen Hyacinthia's restitution; whereas if Hercrombrotus had kept those two Princes still in an equal ballance of contention, Lydia in all probability would have been the chief umpire between their concernments; besides the commodity of trading from each jurisdictions, being also accompanied with many other advantages, which the desired friendship both sides would have procured: of the contrary by taking part with either interest, the other is forced to a peace, and so by consequence become united together, to the prejudice (if not revenge) of unfortunate Lydia, that none can ever pitty, or any will affront, considering those affronts that have been offered to all; besides what titles are yet on foot, concerning Arethusbus pretentions.

However *Locrinus*, according to those instructions he had received lately from *Sardis*, was diligent enough to folicate his affairs, principally to have some honourable audience, whereby the world might not take too much notice, of his declining credit with the Syrian State, belike conceiving, that generally people are taken, rather with glorious famblances, then with real actions, since the one appears to outward fene, and the other is clouded for the most part to common apprehensions; yet could he not possible procure the least reception, although covered sometimes either with complements or deceits; for young *Orontes* being inflamed by his courage, had appointed a general muster of all the gallant Lords of his Court, (being about his own years, in a certain kinde of warlike preparation, to attempt the taking of a Fort, raised artificially with five Baftions for the Kings exercise; at which sport the Queen with most of the Ladies were summoned to be prefent, whereby to give greater vigour, and better life to their endeavours.

In order to this noble exercise, prefently the Flags were set up, and the Trumpets founded to the affault; each party performing such actions before his Miftris, as most suited with youth and dexterity; nevertheless sometimes winning and sometimes lofing, as occafion served, or fortune prevailed; until at laft the King himself, being bravely plumed for the more Majefty of his perſon, marched haſtily with his own band of Souldiers, to attempt what the other had failed to perform, although not for want of valour but mifs of ſucces; ſince there lacked neither refolution or wanted activity in their attempts, being alwayes gallantly repulſed by contrary endeavours, who beſides their courages had the rampers for their defence; ſo that representing the worlds unreſtible Monarch, himself came up to the trench with ſuch violence, that inſtantly the fortification (cafting down their Enſigns) yielded without any conditions, where he was prefentely received as chief Lord and Conquerour: When this was fully performed (leading the chief Officers in triumph) he gave order to have the Castle ſet on fire, after he had preſented his Victories to Andromida, by whose gentleneſs they all ſoon obtained pardon.

The finifhing of this dayes ſports gave *Locrinus* (at which he had been a concealed ſpexator) ſome hope of a ſpeedy admittance into his prefence; nevertheless he was anſwered as before, that the King could not yet be at leaſure, who intended firſt as they ſaid, to offer a ſolemn ſacrifice to the Gods, which within a weekes ſpace being prepared, he performed after this manner.

The chief Temples of the City to this purpose were commanded to be adorned with their beſt furniture, where the Statue of ſome God or other was ſet upon every Altar, before which Incense was continually burning, accompanied with ſuch Mufick, as was most proper for the ſervice; afterward the Priefts were affembled in the Fane of Janus, from whence they conduct the King to the great ſacrifice: This being finifhed, not onely in a magiſcent but a religious proceſſion, *Orontes* with his Mother were the firſt with lighted Tapers, that gave fire to the offerings, which in the interim dainty boyes with excellent voices ſeemed like Cupids to carry up their prayers to Olympus, mixed with fervent defires between love and peace, in that manner beſeech-ing the Gods to render their endeavour propitious to the world, that had been for ſo many years diſquieted with blood and ſlaughter; after which *Andromida* and *Orontes* with their eyes cail down upon the earth, modetly returned to to their ſeats,

563

feats, and there refted, untill a grave Flamin mounted on a Throne, (wearing a silver Mytre upon his head) made this Oration.

Me thinks, faid he, I see the Heavens smile at these bleffed Sacrifices, but more confident I am the Gods triumph when Princes do accord; Crowns and Diadems should aspire to end in peace, and reft in security, as nature and charity ought to be linked together for prefervation, and not towards deſtruction, since all defections are either ominous or diſhonourable; but to you moſt glorious King let me fay, Tropheys of Victory hang upon your youthful brow; having more conqueſt by your ſword, then years in your perſon, yet greater will be your fame by this intended Jubile, then if the whole earth had ſtooped to your ſubjection; for thereby you have conquered both your appetite and your fortune: 'Tis true, that Juitice and Mercy are two properties of ſuch ſublime authority, that if it were poffible they should out-life eternity it self, in that they are of a participating quality to be diſtributed, whereas the others in effence cannot be communicated to any: O let the Temple of Jannus be ever cloſed within the bounds of the Syrian Monarch, being dreſt over continually with Olive branches, that other Countreys (gathering ſprigs from those productions) may learn to flourish with the like wisdom, striving for nothing but the right Worſhip of the Gods, and in that Worſhip be onely properous, until the greatest heaven confumates all to a perpetual period of happineſs, never to be ended by time or chance; and in the interim, may your own approaching Nuptials be propitious in the ſucceſs, as ſacred in the conjunction, and bleſſed at the conclusion; whereby you may leave a Race after you to govern powerfully, though more by Religion then will; ſo commanding the Laws, as none of them be obſtructed, but when juſtifiable pitty is in question to be diſtributed.

Next to you moſt mighty Queen of this happy Empire, whose unparallel'd prudence, hath not onely protected your Sons Dominions, from all the machinations, that either ambition or malice could enterprize, with ſuch a duty belonging to the heavens, that compelled even the Gods to be your faithful friends, but alſo now have joyned together both your blood and interſt, (appearing formerly at ſome enmity) whereby to render the power of each unconquerable; by which means you alſo have procured a happineſs, that nature with her rigid ſt production cannot but admire, ſince the influence may be eſteemed beyond her capacity to conceive, much leſs to imitate; in that all those National Antipathies heretofore thwarting one another, appear now buried or taken away in your conjunction; for that Towns and Countreys of either ſide are contented, to be under whose Government you ſhall pleafe to appoint; believing ſome Deity will be their protector, although Asia and Africa be under ſeveral constellations: Wherefore great Madam, go on confidently in this mighty and ſtupendious work, that nothing can exceed in glory, but the last fruition of a ſtarry Crown, which is to be obtained by ſuch acts onely; whileſt the fresh flowers of you blood and piety, may here from one generation to another orderly ſucceed, until you all together meet in Olympus, to people more abundantly that delicious manſion; where you may govern without pains, and have without trouble, leaving behinde you nothing but famous examples: To this effect, may all the Altars of the Syrian Empire, perpetually ſmoke with the pureſt incenſe can be found, as the Temples be ever filled with ſuppliants pious and devour, to offer ſacrifices without intermiſſion, towards the accompiſhment of those felicities, we not onely hope for, but expect.

Although these complementing ceremonies, ended in ſome ſort Orontes devotion at the inſtant, becauſe the time of the day gave not more conveniency for the Gods Service, yet could not Locrinus (notwithstanding) finde any leaſure, whereby to have his deſired audience; for that the King reſolved upon new entertainments, which put the Ambaſſadour into ſuch ſumes, that he determined to leave the Court ſhortly: beſides Andromida had appointed with her choice Ladies, to behold the equi-page of a gallant perſon called Gratanus, who was ordered to go into Egypts Territories with Letters to ſalute the Kings new Miftrels: Inſomuch as Locrinus (as I faid) having not patience ſufficient for a Stateſmans proſeffion, though perhaps too much

C c c c 2

ſuſ-

The Princess Cloríæ,

PART V.

sufferance for a Souldiers courage, of a sudden departed towards that place upon the
Confines; hoping there to become more effectual, at least wife left disrespected, whilst
in the interim the deigned Duke of Tyrus, appeared thus prepared for his voyage,
before a great assembly of people near the Kings Palace, as if provided by nature for
fuch a parrado.

The firſt Troop that entered the Field, confited of a hundred young Gentlemen
well mounted, and ſo apparelled, that however they might be known to belong to
one ſervice, yet the rare invention and colour of their habits, ſhewed diversity of
fancies had conquered in the intention, though all ſeeming notwithstanding to agree
in diversity, either by figures or application; for as ſome appeared to exceed in
richneſs, the others made it up in beauty; as if they had confulted one with another
to be different, and yet to be all of the fame minde as to excellency: Each had two
Staſſiers that carried their Lances, clothed for diffination in the Liveries of their ma-
ſters; which was to be known onely by the neceſſary bearing of their Arms, accord-
ing to the antiquity, and precedency of their houſes, that also ordered them in their
marches, until they came before the Kings THRONE; when ſeparating themſelves up-
on a ſudden (having performed a ſhort obeyſance) they reduced the whole in two
ranks, to give convenienter place for other companies.

The next that appeared in the ſhew were four and twenty Pages riding two by
two, clad all in yellow cloth of gold, their habits being made after the ſaſhion of
ſhort Trunk-hole, paned on the out-side with green Sattin, as also cut into the re-
ſemblance of Lawrel Branches, which covering a little the ground of the materials,
might be compared to a ſhining tree, obſured by nature with verdant leaves; or ra-
ther boughs growing out of a transparent body; when their upper parts also being
dreſt in the fame manner (however more regularly) gave both beauty and gallantry
to their youth; they wore helmets upon their heads enamelled, being cut out into
the form of ſiery Dragons, ſcaled over with a bright mixture of the fame, gave
their ſlaxen hair beauty, playing moſt becomingly over their fair faces, as either action
or the winde afforded the occafion: The onely weapons they carried were ſilver Bowes
in their hands, with embroidered Quivers at their backs, tied about their shoulders by
watchet ribbons: Between each rank was led, one of the Dukes horſes of the Scy-
thian breed, every one differing in colour though not in ſhape. After theſe Grata-
nus himſelf appeared, more marſhal in his countenance then courtly in his behaviour,
although at preſent elected for the laſt execution; his habit was rather rich then
gawdy, being more reſplendent in Jewels, then brave in materials; knowing that true
greatneſs conſiſts, chiefly in what others cannot compaſs easily; however he wore
a curious mantle, with a comely though careleſs garb tied in a knot upon his left
shoulder, which ſhewed, he rather diſvalued effeminate ſoftneſs, then that he knew
not how to uſe it. As he was accompanied by many of the Nobility, who were to
go with him the fame journey; ſo about his own perſon particularly were thirty
Staſſiers, clad all in yellow damask, fitted ſo close to their bodies, that little question
could be made of their ſhape, though much of their complexion, ſince ſilken Ivy
artificially wrought, ſeemed to embrace them in the manner of wilde hunters, carry-
ing each one a guiled Javelin in his hand: This conceit of their Lord was more won-
dred at by all, then rightly underſood by any, though the proſpect appeared both
quaint and pleasing; which with three rich Chariots, drawn by fix horſes a piece, finiſh-
ed the ſhew, though not the ceremony; for the Duke alighting from his horſe, pre-
fently went to kils the Kings hands.

Aſſoon as Gratanus approached the foot of Orontes THRONE, (putting himſelf up-
on his knee) in a gallant, though ſhort ſpeech, thanked him for his favours, for having
choſen him amongſt ſo many of his great Subjects, to be the firſt inſtrument of thate
Nuptials, that would not onely revive the buried world from the embers of its de-
ſtruction, like the young Phoenix from the Suns influence, but also people it again pro-
bably by ſuch vertues, that the Gods ſhould be ſerved, with more magniſcent Rites,
to the perpetual conjunction of two Crowns, that would divide the earth between
them in power. But as he was further proceeding though more like a Souldier then
an

an Oratour, conceiving the one to be his profession, and the other but his recreati-
on, Queen Andromida with a graceful smile told him, that as he knew the King ex-
pected no complements from his integrity, being confident both of his heart and
duty, so would the onely lay this injunction upon his employment, to promise her
Neece in her name, that as the Kingdom of Syria was to be her dower, the Flamin-
prayers should be her felicity, and the peoples affections her interest: When these
passages were finished, Orontes appearing pleaded as well with his equipage as his
person, caufed his principal Secretary in his own prefence, to deliver him his Letters
of trust and direction, accompanied also with such a chain of pearl, to be prefent-
ed to his Royal Miftres, as might have served to redeem the world from captivity:
Gratanus after this, having with some circumftances taken his leave of the whole
Court, being on his way, nevertheless began to confider, that it was neceffary for him
to have his laft instructions, from the pleafures of the great Favourite, whose wife-
dom he knew governed the Sphere of all Syria's Tranflactions; not onely because he
was exceedingly obliged to his affections, but left any omission of his should de-
ftroy, though not the effence, yet the honour of his employment; since Mazarius
had been the eminent Machyne, to move the mighty affairs in hand, and could not
want ambition enough in his nature, to have it so thought by the world; (Minifters
of State, for the moft part, doing nothing but either for gain or reputation) where-
fore determined to ſend the number of his Train before him by eafe journeys, to
work their own commodities, resolved himſelf with a few attendants onely, by a
more quick paſſage, to ſeeſt out and ſalute the Favourite in his ſtation, who was then
in communication with the other Minion, as he thought, or retired for his better re-
creation to ſome other place of ſeſrefhment.

At his arrival there he found Mazarius buſed in hearing the complaints of Ama-
rillia, concerning her contract and marriage with Prince Aſtratius, whose liberty
she had newly procured, by those Letters she had brought out of Armenia, from
that noble Assembly; however her Lord and pretended Husband, neither expressed
any gratitude to her endeavour, nor was willing to afford her much ſatistaction; so
that the poor Lady upon these occasions, was fallen extream ſick; grief and per-
turbation having in a manner totally expressed her weak ſpirits, which nevertheless
ſtrired up little pitty, and leſs affection in that uncertain Politician, who made his
own appetites the period of his intentions; that ſhews when man falls into ſin by
frailty, he ſeldom recovers his former vertue again, but by open repentance, which
being neglected, a thouſand desperations follow the fate, notwithstanding any mo-
tive or perſwafion: But Mazarius (who now was resolved to render his name glo-
rious, by ſuperlative actions of Honour and Juitice) made a decree, that if Aſtratius
would not conform himſelf to Rules of Piety and Religion, he ſhould not be reſto-
red to his ancient poffeffions: This being determined, without alteration the Duke
of Tyrus had the more conveniency, to be admitted to many private Conferences
with this excellent Stateſman, whose fame began now to triumph, not onely through
all the Territories of the leſſer Asia, but also over moſt part of the known world;
a meſſenger being dispatched to the great Flamin of Delphos, to make him acquaint-
ed with theſe particulars, as well to receive from his Sanctity a Benediction, anſwer-
able to the proceedings, as to give him the prime honour both of the Marriage and
the Peace; ſince as it was believed, those continual Sacrifices he had made to that
purpofe, had drawn from the Heavens a propitious affected upon the earth, towards
finiſhing the exaſperated differences, that had been between the two Kingdoms for
ſo long a time: But Gratanus one day being with the Favourite in his Chamber,
thinking to take the laſt farewell for his intended journey, towards the Regal City of
Thebes in Egypt, where the King then remained, Mazarius after he had commanded
ſome of his Pages that attended him to withdraw, being feated both together upon
his bed, he entertained him with this ſerious diſcourse.

My Lord, faſſed he, as I have eſtimated you, not onely a lover of my perſon,
but a follower of my principles, which have ſtill been as you know, to advance the
honour and prosperity of the Syrian Monarchy, though oftentimes miſinterpreted

by

The Princeſs Clorſa;

PART V.

by the ambition of thofe, that really hated my proceedings, more in regard of their
own ends, then that they could much finde fault with thofe actions, and leſs ſuppect
my integrity; ſo of the other ſide, you being both wife and noble, (having had a
ſufficient teſtimony of your fidelity to the Kings ſafety, when you carried him na-
ked out of his Cradle, to ſecure him from the wilde rage of the inhabitants in Da-
maſcus.) I could not think any was ſo fit to be employed as your ſelf in that affair,
wherein conſiſts, as I may, as well the good of the Nation, as the glory of Oronſes
family; ſince by this happy conjunction now ready to be celebrated by your preſence,
not onely peace will be diſtributed every where to the longing people, but the Gods
Worſhip ſhall be advanced, in all the Temples belonging to the Delphine Jurisdi-
on; that before this agreement for ſo many years, have been diſturbed by the vio-
lence of the Hereſian opinion; not ſo much occaſioned I may ſay by the wars, that
have been continued between Egypt and Syria, as by reaſon of thofe conceived An-
tipathies in nature of the two Countreys, which neither leagues nor marriages could
piece in any kinde formerly: Tis true, as envy muſt ever be the companion of com-
mand, and little leſs of any vertue, that carries but the ſhew of greatneſs, though
incumbred with never ſo much toil and pains, ſo have the Queen and my ſelf been
ſill ſlandered with malicious tongues, as if we being ſtrangers by birth, had no
other intentions, but to ſacrifice the glory of our Kingdom, to the onely ends of
our appetites if not ambition; as well to the ruine of the Nobility in the particular,
as the beggary of the Commonality in the general; when the Heavens can bear wit-
neſs of the integrity of our thoughts, and the earth ſhortly I hope will enjoy the
eſfects of what our intentions always endeavoured to bring forth. This being ſaid,
I ſhall let you know, what other deſigns reſt in obſcurity, however agreed on between
the Egyptian Favourite and my ſelf, in our private conference, ſince your part muſt
be at Thebes, to urge the performance of theſe Transaſtions, on the behalf of
that State and Government, as giving honourable aſſurance, nothing ſhall be
omitted by King Oronſes, conformable to ſuch accord made upon the Treaty.

I cannot deny, ſaid he, but hitherunto we have nouriſhed a war with the Egyptian Nation, as well to pull from thofe people ſome of their ambition, as to keep the better our own Subjects in quiet; ſince as the firſt without ſuch a bridle put into their mouthes, would never have given over the appetites of conquering; ſo the others if they ſhould not have been employed in Martial deſires, would have formed continual Rebellions; either out of the levity of their natures, or the vain glory of their diſpoſitions; being never to be made conſtant, but in the variety of objects, preſented always to their imaginations; witneſs Condorofus ſpirit, who at firſt ſet ſpaces to the diſference by his own perſonal command, and now makes the moſtives of his diſobedience, to be for no other reſpect, but to procure a loving peace between the two Kingdoms; wherefore if theſe remedies had not been uſed, either Syria muſt have ſuſtained the hazzard of forreign invaſions, or been eaten up by the misfortunes of civil ſactions; both being now prevented with our induſtry, of one ſide, by making timely preparation to reſiſt or attempt any enemy, as of the other, in giving employment to thofe high courages, which could not have contented themſelves, but in action of war by a continued ſervice of contention: Befides it may be ſuppoſed, all will be the willinger to entertain, not onely the motions but the eſfects of peace, having with ſo much diſticulty experimented the contrary; and think conſequently, both Court and home felicities to be of ſuch a value, that rather then venture their loſs again by ſuggeſting of new diſferences, they may reſt ſatisfied with any moderate ſubjection, when their perſons ſhall be eſteemed, and their honors out of danger to be loſt; loving their King, becauſe he preferveth every man's right, and defending his Majesty, for that their own good depends upon his dignity; whereas nothing but blood, ſlaughters, and devaſtations followed the diſobedience, which heretofore their unadviſed ambitions had procured, as well in Syria as in other plaſces: The fame fate of happineſs this may bring also to the Egyptian Nation, if they will not be their own enemies; ſince as their wealth is exhaſſed by their private and violent ambition, ſo in having onely by the accord, the Prince of Carthage, and the Senate

567

Senate of Lydia to contend against they are at liberty, who by Land and Sea intend ed the ruine of Oſiris family; some of them being of a Religion so contrary to his principles, that the glorious Temple of Delphos, could fear have ſtood firm from their malice and covetouſneſs, if this peace had not been procured from the Syrian people.

Befides Gratanus, said he, my deſigns have ever been, to unite ſmall Princes in their ancient rights, witneſs my proceedings in Caſſanus behalf, who by the miſcarriage of his unfortunate Father, had loſt both his honours and his intereſt in the Armenian Empire, though I could not compaſs ſuch purposes, without bringing into thoſe Countreys forſ foreign Forces, whereby to eſtablifh a better ſecurity to the ſproſeſſours of the Delphine Worſhip, againſt the practice of the Hereſian opinion; forcing an agreement with the Egyptian Territories, which be now obtained, it will be in our powers to preſcribe laws to the world, either concerning government of Countrey, or ſacrifices to the Gods; for notwithstanding it be alledged, as an infamous crime againſt my integrity, that I not onely made a combination with Hercrombrotus the Lydian General, to deſtroy the Egyptian prosperity, but alſo that very Worſhip which he ſo zealouſly ſproſeſſed, by giving Towns and Countreys into the poſſeſſion and dominion of that Nation; yet in this manner I muſt diſcover the ſecret of my intentions to your understanding : In the first allegation, I had no other way to procure a peace from Oſiris obſtinacy, that eſſe had continued our differences without end, ſince the Egyptians themſelves laboured the ſame agreement with the Lydians intereſt, by no ſmall induſtry before our endeavours; which obtained, woſt abſo-lutely have deſtroyed our capacity, to have compaſſed this bleſſed and happy unity of both Countreys, that joyns now ſeemingly as well our mindeſ as our power, to work what effect we pleafe, towards the accompliſhment of thoſe heroick deſigns, of pro-pagating the Gods Worſhip every where, as well as to diſtribute juſtice in Afia and Africa to other Princes. And for the ſecond give me leave to ſay, that however I was conſtrained in our neceſſities to buy the Lydian affiſtance, with the delivery of Deorcas into their power; yet ſtill were there ſuch conditions reſerved to the inha-bitants, as give them an absolute protection againſt all oppreſſions, either Religious or Civil; knowing beſides very well, that the Syrian State, being once at friendſhip with the Egyptian Kingdom, it would be an eaſie matter upon every occaſion to wreft thoſe Territories out of their poſſeſſion, without danger to any, or much expence to our ſelves, whileſt in the interim the Lydian Senate, are more then weary of the trou-ble that belongs to that Government; which they ſuppoſe they cannot long keep, either in regard of our Forces, or their own ſactions. But my Lord, said Gratanus, if your favours may not be interpreted as ill beſtowed upon my particular, when I ſhall move the objections of any, (ſinc e implicitely I should be governed by the ex-cellency of your wifdom, in regard that although others might erre, yet you cannot miſtake) what teſtimonies are there to convert the multitude, concerning Prince Are-thusſues affairs ? ſeeing he appears baniſhed, and his Mother unrelieved, notwith-ſtanding both their blood and intereſt, ſo nearly belongs to the Syrian Nation; eſpeci-ally when your chief deſigns be, as you ſay, to ſettle the rights of the inferiour Domi-nions, being I muſt conſeſs the greatest glory to Orantes Crown, beſides the obliga-tions due to the heavens in that behalf; for where there is any omission of juſtice, by the general rules of all Religion, no perſect Worſhip of the Gods can be expected; confidering alſo the diſhonour to Kingly Dignity, that a Prince of the ſame degree, as well in right as in dignity, ſhould be outed by the inſolent rebellions of his own Subjeſts, from his ancient and ſucceſſive Territories, without ſo much as one Mo-narch to take his part, notwithstanding the ties of nature in that particular, with the danger of the like example unto themſelves to future poſterity; but much more ominous it will appear, when thoſe friendſhips ſhall be considered, which have been contracted with his greatest enemies, who brought his Father in ſcorn upon a Scaffold to ſuffer death, although former conditions had been made with the Syrian State, concerning Hyacinthia's Dower, if not her Childrens Inheritance; all, as I may ſay, honoured with the blood of moſt of the Potentates in Afia, not wanting alſo a near

Kindred

The Princesss Cloria;

PART V.

kindred with the most beauteous Lady of the Egyptian stock, ordained now by the
providence of the immortal Gods, not onely to be our preſent Queen and Mistris,
but ſent by the Heavens, as a glorious and happy pawn, to keep the world perpetual-
ly in ſuch a peace, that never eye after ought to ſhed a tear, which I hope will con-
tinue, until eternitie diſſipate all things, by a more ſublime period.

Mazarius after he had ſtudied a while upon this reply, looking the Duke in the
face, with a certain familiar ſmile, as if ſomething remained yet in his own boſom
(not determined before) at laſt told him, that ſeeing it was his will to be his punſtual
conſeſſor, rather as he ſuppoſed out of curiſity then need, when marriage affairs
were not ſo proper, to be mingled with thoughts of revenge, would let him know
more.

Gratanus my friend, faſed he, ſecrets of State to the common people, reſemble ſpe-
culative Divinity, onely known to the learned ſtudent, and not to be debated with-
out an interpreter, left outward ſenſe, turn all rather to Atheiſme then ſolid
Doctrine; becauſe what they understand not fully they think impoſſible to be, for
that they cannot conceive the manner how; and ſo by conſequence, either think it
ſiſtion or impoſture; as it ſared in the firſt ages with matters of Astronomy, that
taught the regulation of the heavens by diligent obſervation; which coming to paf
accordingly, thoſe Authours were eſteemed Gods; when as if anything thereof had
failed, the very ſame men would have been thought deceivers, imputing the certain-
ty onely to ſucces, though contingent cauſes oftentimes alter, both the object and
the effect, notwithstanding the rule be never ſo well grounded; which perhaps may
be the fate alſo of my tranſaſtions: But the better to clear my intentions to your
understanding, who can judge and will not be partial, ſince all muſt have that privi-
ledge by realon of ignorance or malice, know from me theſe particulars, as well by
occasion of your preſent employment, fit in ſome ſort to be communicated to the
Egyptian Council, as by thoſe intimacies between us two, that may pretend to what
truſt ſoever can be conveyed to humane breaſts.

You are not ignorant, faſed he, how that the Daughter which the Kings Uncle had
by his latter Wife, after the death of Alciana, being the ſole heir of a mighty Eſtate,
is a Lady, whoſe birth, beauty, and breeding, may challenge the beſt match, that the
world can aſſord, either for title or command; which being joyned with the impe-
riousneſs of her ſpirit, hath oftentimes put the whole Court into dilemma's, as well
how to marry her, as with what to ſatſiſe her; ſince as of one ſide, we fear the facti-
ons her diſcontents may raile; ſo of the other ſide we know, no other propoſal can
be made to her high aſpiring thoughts, then ſome Sovereign Prince of an eminent
condition, which being ſcare to be found, agreeing with her in years and temper,
and with us in intereſt and commodity, we caſt about in our reſolutions, to ſix her
upon Arethuſus the young Lydian King, whoſe Dignity may honour her, as her
Eſtate benefit him; beſides other concurrencces of blood and affection, to render them
both happy and contented, being a better pretence for our Nation, to make War with
that powerful and injurious Commonwealth: 'Tis true, ſome propoſitions have been
already made to this purpofe; however rather by oblique intimations, then direc-
overtures: but whether the young mans thoughts, be not yet prepared for Nuptial
obligations in nature, his minde being wholly employed with revengeful deſires; or
that indiſcreet Favourites about his perſon, will not ſuffer him to make any choice at
all, for fear of deſtroying their own power, he ſeems to give little countenance to
our inclinations, although his mother hath more plainly proposed it to his confide-
ration, as a matter ſhe wiſheth, as well for his good, as her own ſatisfaction; know-
ing the conſequence of ſuch a conjunction to be, to both their commodities; which
notwithstanding by the perſwaſions of others, hath wrought contrary effects, either
in his diſpoſition, or his pretentions; inſomuch as it hath made ſome ſeparation, be-
tween his duty and her perſon; he living in Pamphylia, as ſhe remains in Syria, per-
haps imagining to gain the poſſession of his own Countrie, onely by the affiſtance
of the Egyptian power, joyned with the hearts and endeavours of his own people;
although they have often deceived his expeſtation, being as it were totally cowed,
by

by the prevailing fortune of the other party: This frowardneſs to our concernments,
*Gratanus*, I cannot deny, but hath given some stop if not to our intentions, yet to
the eagarneſs of our prosecutions on his behalf; for when he ſhall want a compliance
in this particular, being furrounded with ſo many neceſſities, having ſcarce any ſub-
ſtance but what comes from the Queens allowance, what would his proceedings be,
when once fettled anew in his Fathers Dominions, without our aſſtance ? but ei-
ther an open War arifing from the motion of his conceived injuries, or at the beſt a
diſaffectionate peace, ready upon all ſurmized occafions, to break forth into a violent
fury, inflamed thereunto by the firſt inſtigations of any of his peeveſh Councillors, ei-
ther not bribed by your money, or flattered by our State: Wherefore dear friend I lay,
it is no more then needful, to have ſome extraordinary tye, upon the actions and en-
deavours of that young Prince (either by *Syria's* Nuptials, or aſſured friendſhips) be-
fore *Orontes* honour be engaged, in a deſperate, if not unprofitable contention; eſpe-
cially with a Nation, that now brings us commodity by commerce and riches in tra-
ding, thereby to purchase to our ſelves nothing but trouble in the enterprize, and
from him diſtasteful ingratitude at the end; either by reaſon of his own inconſtancy,
or his Minions ſpleen, when he hath gained by our power that jurisdiction, which
ſcarce will be acknowledged by any of his followers, until it be further demonſtrated
to their underſtandings, that notwithstanding all the *Lydian* promifes and attempts,
thofe Crowns will not be gained into his poſſeffions, without the aid and aſſtance
of forſForeign Forces; for his own people will not hold their condition certain, upon
what terms they ſhall be Subjeſts if he prevail, or willing to venture for his right by
reaſon of their own ſenſualities; witneſs the late rifing in his behalf, when they had
ſo fair an occafion to ſhow their courages, and yet ſo apparently they failed in their
endeavours, that they neither aſſsembled as they ſhould, or fought as they might.

The next exceptions we have to *Arethufsus* proceedings is, his extrem feeming
aſvereneſs to the *Delphine* Religion, either engraſted in his nature by his former edu-
cation, or being perſwaded by thofe about his perſon; that as the change of the *Ly-
dian* Rites in his practice, would not onely be a diſhonour to his Fathers memory,
but also ſoſe many of his party at *Sardis*, who are moſt earneſt in that proſeffion,
ſo that if he ſhould ſtill continue theſe refolutions, being put into his Kingdom by
our aſſtance; inſtead of *advancing the Gods* ſervice by our endeavours, (which is
concluded in the Treaty between *Egypt* and *Syria*) we ſhould be the occafion, to
bring again into *Lydia* that formal face of Worſhip, now altogether confused, if
not totally destroyed by the late differences, that would of neceſſity eſtabliſh their
erours, and ſo by conſequence give them continuance, whereas now they have al-
moſt no being at all; from whence almoſt muſt arife ſomething, whereby to nouriſh the
*Hereſian* opinions in our Dominions, either to leſs fidelity or more vigour; the one
dangerous to our Government, as the other diſpleasing to *Delphos* Juridiction; and
both contrary, if not deſtructive, to the Gods Worſhip, which have been the princi-
pal considerations belonging to the Peace and Marriage: To this purpofe you know
*Gratanus*, ſaid he, our chief deſigns are, to reduce all the Princes of *Afia* to a cer-
tain kinde of conformity with us, either in Religion or manners, whereby as our in-
tereſt may not be prejudiced, ſo converſation might be improved, by one onely me-
thod of civility and goodneſs, unto which almoſt the *Egyptian* King ſeemeth to con-
descend; and ſhall we permit in the interim, young *Arethufsus* being of this blood,
and ſuſtained by our bounty, to follow extravagantly, rather the fancies of others,
then our ſollid Councils ? However perhaps flattering opinions heretofore, made
him preſume either upon his own intereſt in *Lydia* it ſelf, or aſſiſted by the *Pamphy-
Lian* power, to follow his former principles now deſtroyed; the one by this Treaty,
the other in finding his own Subjeſts have no hearts; ſo that he muſt resolve at laſt,
either to marry when we ſhall propoſe, or change that form of Worſhip in the
*Lydian* Temples; at leaſtwife by permiſſion to thofe in that Nation, who be of the
*Delphine* belief, or be held a while from the poſſeffion of that Kingdom, which be-
longs to his right, though not yet to his fortune; wherefore unleſs he be pleafed,
either to alter his council, or change his temper, neither *Egypt* nor *Syria* will be wil-

D d d D ling

The Princesss Gloria;

PART V.

ling to contribute treasure, or employ men again with a more lafting magnificency,
onely to fettle and eſtablish the Hereſian Worſhip, which in a few years hath pro-
duced ſuch ſad effects, as to deprive his Father of his life, and himſelf of his Inhe-
ritance; whilſt ſtill he is perſwaded to court thoſe opinions, as if ſome heavenly in-
fluencies would depend upon their aſtions; however the worſt of misfortunes, have
been hitherunto their fates, in every place, or in all Countreys, where they pretended
to have their beſt Interest.

But my Lord, ſaid he, to let you yet fee a little further into my aſtions, though
moſt of them have been hitherunto obſcured from the vulgar knowledge, (Tranſ-
aſtions of State-Policy until the iſſue ſemble Prophetical predictions, enlightened
always at the end, and never before known) may aſſord matter for diſcourse, though
conjeſtural and uncertain.

'Tis true, we have here an Ambaſſadour from the Commonwealth of Lydia, and another of ours remains in the City of Sardis: For the firſt I muſt tell you, I play with his employment, according to my own affairs, either to act or know, by which ſquare I not onely deal with that confuſed Government, but put forward my intereſt by the complyance of other Princes, who fear their Sea power, and hate all ſuch in-
tentions; ſince Navigation cannot be free to their own leſſer Traſſick, if they be an-
gred, like a neſt of waſps, not caring who they wound by venting their ſpleen, though leaving their ſtings behinde them, they become themſelves at laſt deſtroyed, making enemies, and loſing friends in abundance, by which means I am become maſter of my own conditions with the Egyptian Family; for having contrived that difference by a ſeeming unity with them, Oſiris Councellors could not be revenged of either, without a conclusion of this general peace; ſince againſt both they could not poſſibly contend; and more honourable of the two 'twas to piece with our State, (whoſe Government is the fame, and the friendſhip more ſecure) then with a Jurisdiſction, that hath in it neither faith in promiſes, nor certainty of continuance: but concerning our Minifter of State with the Senate of Lydia, his deſigned inſtructi-
ons are, to hold up onely a flattering correſpondency with that people, as well for the profit of Commerce between both Nations, as to keep their patience better in order; ſefides he gives us a continual information of all they do, whereby upon oc-
cafion hereafter, not onely their power is known, but their capacities are underſtood;
whereby the League may be broke, if Arethuſius prove conformable to our purpofes,
(which we can conveniently admit) by reaſon of thoſe conditions made at Queen Hya-
cinthia's Marriage, or keep ſtill the preſent Treaty on foot, as long as it appears bene-
ficial to the Syrian Nation: In the interim we become more inſtructed in their my-
ſteries of State Government, with the diſpoſitions of their Inhabitants; as alſo take
cognizance of their deſects, for want of experience how to rule; being men not ver-
fed in deep points of policy, though their conſciences are ſufficiently ſitted, for any
impreſſion gain or ambition can ſuggelſt, thus having both wayes an end, tending to
the Gods Worſhip, as Syria's felicity: For the Lydian Ambaſſadour that lives ei-
ther in the Kings Court, or in our company, be affured, his Intereſt goes no further
then I preſcribe, or his reputation more then we allow; governed perhaps alſo with
a greater moderation then is expected, ſince as already he hath received ſome af-
fronts by the Egyptian Favourite, ſo hath he had not yet any countenance from
Orontes reception; my ſelf making uſe of his employment, whereby to win him to
our party, and by ſuch a conſequence perhaps the brave Haven of Deorcas may be
reſtored, or ſtill kept for a ſeeming correſpondency, until we are better provided
to an open defiance in the demands we intend to make concerning Hyacinthia's Joyn-
ture, though we are at preſent ſomething interrupted, by thoſe extraordinary pre-
parations are in making for the Kings Marriage: ſefides in the interim I have gain-
ed thus much from his intelligence, concerning the affairs and changes of his
own Countrey, The Senate and Army ſeem now to be at ſome difference one with
the other, each ſtriving who ſhall govern Lydia's Liberties; and this no way to be
united in all probability, but either by Arethuſius attempts, or our conjunction;
wherefore it muſt be our maſter-piece, to blinde their eyes with a ſeeming intention
of

571

of friendship, until their own impatien cy makes them give the first occasion to such a breach, as cannot again be reconciled, whilft we suffer the Minifers of Egypt to play with the advantage, by demanding reſtitutions in all those dammages they have received by any Lydian violence, during the difference between us and their Dominions, wherein they have been either actors or ſufferers, which I may ſay puts on ſuch a face of juſtice, that the world muſt approve of, as we cannot but permit; in the interim we intend to ſend for Prince Arethuſus out of the Pamphilian Territories, to be a joyſul affiſtant in those glorious Nuptials, ſhortly to be Celebrated with ſo much magnificency. These I may ſay, Gratanus, are the chief deſigns between the two Crowns, wherein both you and my ſelf (by the goodneſs of the heavens) have been principal inſtruments; though a late accident in part might have destroyed my determinations, which also I ſhall not conceal from your knowledge, ſince the effects of friendſhip ought not to be darkened, much leſs obscured by the ſhadow of any diſafter, knowing Gratanus is ſo noble, that he will conceal what Mazarinus would not have divulged.

You know, said he, there lived in the Court of Syria a young Gentleman called Manchinus, who if he had not been my Nephew, perhaps might have been commended by me, both in perſon and education, ſince moſt people did believe the fame; but whether out of flattery to my authority, or for considerations of his true defert, I leave you to judge; onely I was carried on in nature with that partiality, that I intended to make him my heir, being by the vow I have made uncapable of other Children: But the young man whether inflamed by the opinion of my power, or intemperately perſwaded in his private hopes; when the Princes Cloria came to Deamancus, ſell in love extreamly, either with her goodneſs, or her beauty; ſince greatneſs ſeldom moves in Cupids Theatre: These fires I may ſay in him were ſo little to be moderated, that I was induced to make the motion to some of Hyacintbid's friends, ſending Manchinus in the interim to the wars of Pamphylia, knowing that action diſperſeth oftentimes fettled imaginations; however, without much falſhood, I muſt not deny my own ambition in this particular; ſince by ſuch a wife to my Nephew, I was ſure to procure wealth and honour to my house; wealth in regard of those poffeffions, that belong ancienly to the Narciſſian Family; and honour, for that the highest blood of Asia, is mixed abundantly in her veins; though the rare beauty of her perſon, with the excellency of her other perfections, I ſuppoſe moſt tranſported the young mans desire, as rendred his end fatal, however more memorable; ſo that contriving underhand a plot with the Lydian Ambaſſadour, who then remained in the City of Deorcas, the Princes Cloria was ſuddenl y ſurprifed, in which enterprize Manchinus also diſguſed was an actor. But before the Troops had conveighed the Princes half way towards her journeys end, Aſcanius with ſome Companies borrowed from under his Brothers Jurifdiction, (whether by accident or adverſement) met ſuddenly with those injurious Forces, and after a long conflict (putting moſt of them to the word) they ſeſcued the Lady from that unjuſt imprisonment, in which misfortune my Nephew ſell with the reſt, as a juſt judgement given against his proceedings. Here Mazarinus ended his diſcourse, with ſome apparent tears in his eyes, which ſhewed that Stateſmen can be compaſſionate ſometimes, though ambition for the moſt part is their predominant humour.

The Duke having heard out this relation, after a while to give circumſtance rather than consideration to his anſwer, ſince he was held excellent both in language and replies, made him this return.

My Lord, said he, as the ill ſue in all things crowns the intention, (at leaſtwife to the belief of people, who judge but by the effects in moſt actions) ſo cannot it now be otherwife thought by the world, but that you have transcended in your deſigns, as if your proceedings had been carried on by ſome heavenly influence, in regard ſuch a period is produced thereby, as not onely joyns Kingdoms, but unites affections in ſo propitious a manner, that the earth begins already to fructiſe with a new proſpereity, whilft the inhabitants every where may enjoy the benefice; amongst whom I ſinde my perſon moſt obliged, being choſen as Minifter to perform that office, the

Dddd 2

greatest

The Prince's Clorias

PART V.

greatest Prince of the Universe might have glomed to have undertaken with no small transportation. These complements quickly parted the two friends, the one to the accomplishment of his State Affairs, and the other to a preparation for his journey, but scarce had many hours passed in these considerations, before a messenger arrived suddenly from Court, commanding the birth-day of the new Queen to be observed, which all in general (conceiving it to be a pleasing earness of their future hopes) in this manner executed.

The Town was adotted all over with intermixt Rotes and Lillies, made into Gardens and other pretty compoſures, which hung upon Pyramides and Collumes, covered with imperial Crowns: The chief Temple was furnished with white and yellow Damask, which the Pillars were embraced with interwoven Ivy, neatly plated into figures together, bearing the name of the two young (though Majeflick) Lovers, as emblems demonſtrating their future affection, whereby the earth might become fruitful to people, as profёрous to themſelves; the one in peace as the other in glory: Upon the High Altar was placed the Goddeſs Vesta, with Hymen standing by her side, to whom was afforded a bountiful Sacrifice by Mazarinus, until he was adverſized, that the fame ceremony was performed, by the Egyptian Favourites on the other side of the water; after which, by reaſon of the heat of the leaſon, they both met under Canvas Coverings in a solemn proceſſion, proclaiming their joy and gladneſs for the perpetual amity, that had been so happily begun between the two dilcontented Nations. When theſe ceremonies were ſinſhed, the whole day following was ſpent, in nothing but feasting and congratulations; all the Conduits in the interim running with the pureſt Wine, to glad the hearts of the tumultuous Commonalty, who by ſenſe onely apprehended the conſequence of that great and beneficial Jubile.

As theſe high expressions, demonſtrated auſpicious Omens to the great Countreys of Syria and Egypt, so the Duke of Tyre with ſome of his gallant Train, quickly parted from that Theatre of Bliſs, that ſeemed to give both wings and fire to his employment; directing his haſty march towards the City of Thebes, the place where Osiris then kept his Royal Court, which in a very few dayes travel brought him to the reſt of his company; and so conſequently within a very few dayes more arrived at the place; whereupon notice being given, the King commanded preſently the maſters of the Ceremonies, not onely to provide for his reception in a moſt magnificent manner, but to give him meeting with the choicest horſes Africa could afford; on which were mounted the beſt of his Nobility, who in the middle of the day brought him into the City, through ſuch a concourse of people, that appeared to have emptied the earth of inhabitants, whereby to be ſpectators of that glorious entertainment; which at the laſt deſcended Gratanus at the Palace Gate, for that his Maſters paſſion to be poſſeſſed of his fair Miftrifs, would give him no reſpite for consideration, what he was to ſay, or how to be provided, againſt the curious obſerations of that politick Nation, that for many years formerly had been in a deſperte contention with the Syrian ſplendour; however ambition for the moſt part procures envy, as dominion doth jeaſouſe. But ſcarce had the great Ambaſſadour time given him, to beſtow fitting complements upon his noble conductors, before they all received ſummons to appear in the preſence of that Maſety, which onely equalled his own Prince in power, who ſtaid for his coming in a Hall (reſembling Heaven for light, and a Paradice for beauty, placed upon a THRONE, elevated ſix ſteps above the floor, and guarded on either side with carved Lions: At the firſt entry Gratanus made a little ſtand, either to behold or admire that mighty perſonage, whose contention with his great Maſter, had almoſt driven the whole world into deſpair; no way to be repaired but by this deſired union with that State, that religouſly had put on a conſtant purpose, rather to ſubmit then dispute, when love was the ſubject, and a Lady the object of his employment, not to be conquered but by ſoft and gentle motions; ſo that waving other circumſtances then a moſt low obeſſance, according to the cultome of his Countrey, with a kinde of a brave comportment, uttered this language.

To call you onely a Prince, were to derogate too much from your greatneſs; and to

573

to tile you more then a man, were to intrench upon the purity of our Religion;
wherefore moft mighty Monarch of the Suns influence, that hath no course but about
your Territories, meafuring equally, not onely nights and dayes, but fea and land,
that yields fruits to your people, as well as treasure to your self, whilft your power
commands every habitation between the two Tropicks: In this pofture and no other,
I am injoyned by my own resplendent Lord, governing in like manner under the tem-
perate Zones, whose wifdom exceeds his years, as his victories make him famous;
not oney to offer you peace in friendship, but beg your Daughter in marriage; a
Lady as he verily believes, the Goddeſs Nature hath wrought her utmoſt skill; ſince
in her making the highest heavens powred down ſuch a bleſſing, that her foul was al-
ready prepared for *Olympus* manion, before the deſtinies had confidered how long
ſhe ſhould live; her mixture being ſo admirable, that a queſtion will be in after
ages, whether her Birth did more illustrate her Dignity, or her ſanctity her Religion;
for as the one may be ſaid to have no beginning, in the antiquity of her family; ſo
the other can reach to no end by reaſon of eternity; both being ſhut up in ſuch a
youthful perſection, that the very Deities themſelves can ſcarce put on equal forms,
whereby to become more ravifhing objects: If you accept the one, and grant the
other, my meſſage is perſormed; but if you reſufe either, I may believe the world
will fall with the diſafter; ſince as theſe hopes ſeemingly unite again the diſtractions
of this huge Universe, ſo the contrary effects muſt needs once more turn it into
another Chaos; in regard young *Orontes*, whose ſpirits now onely breathe by theſe
aſſurances, muſt of neceſſity contract ſuch deſperations, that will aſſresh inflame
*Afia* with new prodigies. To ſet forth the commodities to each Empire by this con-
fummation, were to teach knowledge to the graveſt Councels; ſince both Favourites
have thought it neceſſary to be eſſected, confirmed alſo by the approbation of moſt
Oracles, who foretold the happineſs would follow by ſuch a conjunction, when
every Government ſhould be divided between two Princes, not to be concluded,
whether their fortune or their piety had been more efficacious, towards the
glory of their proſperity, though appearing ſomething shaded in the vigour
of their own conțentions, driven on by ſuch a ſate, as if the Gods had dreaded
a War againſt themſelves by any agreement; ſo that theſe jeaſtouſes of the heavens
being now laid aſſleep by a ſtronger influence, there reſts no more then your appro-
bation, to render both feared, and men happy; ſince *Syria's* King hath no other am-
bition but to become your Son-in-law, however ſlave to his own Miftrifs; offering for
a Dower, what his youth can compaſs, or his dominion may command; beſides the
aſſections of his dear Mother, derived as another excellent plant from that majeſtick
foil, where nothing grows, but miracles of nature, or inſpirations of ſanctity:
wherefore let the obſtacles be ever curſt, that ſhall hinder this Jubile, when Monarchs
ſhall agree, not onely to give life to the almost destroyed earth, but conſent to have
another *Cynthia*, transported from the *African* Clymate, whereby to heat *Afia* with
new ſires, that by conſequence will ingender ſuch productions, as mortals ſhall be
changed into Deities, and habitations into Elizians, to continue by their power,
until eternity gives the laſt period to time it ſelf; when contributing ſacrifices cannot
be wanting in *Delphos* to that purpose, ſince the Holy *Arch-Plamin* never ceaſeth, to
offer Hecatombs of richeſt price, expecting every hour to hear the news confirmed
by a joyful Embaſſe.

Although *Ofiris* could not be but ſomething transported with his own praſifes,
proceeding from a tongue, not onely carrying upon it both Eloquence and Honour,
but deputed for that effect, by the Rival under the heavens, that could give any ſtop,
either to his greatneſs or command, within the large Territories of the Suns Domi-
nions; yet putting on his accuſomed *Egyptian* gravity, being in the prefence of his
own Subjects, that diligently obſerved every particular comportment of their Prince,
onely gave him thanks formally; promifing to offer the matter to his Daughter,
knowing her modellty and retirements, were not to be invaded by any violence,
though he could not deny, but the propofitions brought with them, as well ſafety
to the world, as benefit to her ſelf; withal deſiring him in the interim, to reſt ſatisfied

in

The Princess Clorias

PART V.

in such entertainments, as his City of Thebes was able to afford, according to his directions or his peoples ability: These expressions carried away Gratanus to another appartament of the Palace, where he was given to underfland the Queen remained, to allow him a favourable and noble reception, comming into that Kingdom, with Olive branches of Peace, and flourishing Laurels of Marriage, that prenoticated such prosperity to the inferieur Regions, almost overcome with defpairing ruines, for want of those blessed overtures, that seemed now to clear the darkned sky from all malignant vapours, that had for so many years oppreft (or rather suffocated) totally its happiness.

Gratanus found the Queen feated under a most rich Cloth of State, embroidered all over with Oriental Pearle, onely in the midft was neatly wrought a black-spread Eagle, the proper Arms of her Extraction; this also was so interwoven with Bugle and Rubies, that it was a question, whether the magnificency or the skill surpassed, she wore a Royal Crown fhining with unvaluable Diamonds, which either graced or complyed extreamly with her youth and beauty: There seemed to be no Attendants, much lefs Companions in her Thron of retirement; onely two small Infants ſent a late, as happy Omens to the Egyptian Empire, the King her Husband not having any Sons before, reſted under her proper Canopy: 'Tis true, at some diſtance behinde her Chair, were placed a couple of ancient Matrons, apparalled like Sybels, and were covered on their heads with white Mytres, beſpotted all over by ſeveral Characters, teaching thereby (filently) the ſecrets of their Countreys Religion, from whence a long Linnen Vail reached to the ground, which cloſed and opened before, as either inspirations or appetites gave them the occasion: But the Queen, whether tranſported by the apprehenſion of ſo pleafing a Meſſenger, or ſomething willing to comply with the ſafhions of her own Nation of Armenia, not onely in a pleafant demeanour entertained the gallant Ambaſſadour, but freely communed with him, concerning the Rareties of the Syrian Kingdom, which gave them both employments ſufficient, until decorums of State called him away to his own retirement, in a most magnificent Palace provided for his reception; whether preſently came all the great Officers of the Court; ſome with Complements, others with Affection, and every one with Ceremony, to welcome him into Egypt, till at laſt the day being far ſpent, they left him to his more quiet repofe.

However Gratanus was denied (by the rigid rules of that Nation) any audience of the Princes Hesperiana, before the Nuptial Rites should be performed in Hymens Temple, yet in regard of the defired complyance of Oſviris Family, he was conducted the next day into a ſmall though glorious Chappel of the Kings houſe, where he found the Lady placed in a Gallery, ſeparated from the outward room by ſomething obſcure windows, which let his looks know thus much of her perſon, that upon her head was placed a Coronet of Gold, from whence proceeded many thinning rayes of the fame mettal, wrought with Diamonds and other precious ſtones, whileſt her habit was all white; onely a sky-coloured Mantle lined with powdered Ermines, and ſpotted on the outside with interwoven Suns, covered her ſeeming comely shoulders: 'Tis true, during the continuance of the ſolemn Sacrifice, ſhe was not perceived to move at all in any kinde, unleſs it were ſometimes in a moſt grave and modet poſture, to caſt up her bright eyes towards the Heavens, as if ſhe confulted alone with the Gods during her own private Devotions; nevertheless thofe being absolutely finiſhed, ſhe roſe from her ſeat to retire with a certain gracious ſmile, (either natural to her countenance, or commanded by her will) accompanied by a comely bend of her body, whereby the better to ſalute the Ambaſſadour: In the afternoon the Duke was invited, to be ſpectator of thofe Countrey exerciſes, in which moſt appeared as the people thought, the generous courages of their youth and Nobility: The place appointed for the encounter, was in the great Market-place of the City, as it were befieged round about with Belconies, in the manner of an ample Theatre; being ſo furnished with Ladies and other Gallants of the Court, that it might very well become a question in reaſon, whether proſpect of the two would have the more attractive influence, upon the desires and apprehensions of the Syrian strangers; since

fince as the combat of the Bull (being so called) muſt of neceſſity prove rareſt to their expectations, yet certainly that variety of beauties would be moſt agreeable to their ſenſes.

When they were all placed in their ſeats, four youths appeared in the lift prepared for the Combar, moſt neatly cloathed in light Taffety, carrying ſmall and long Spears in their hands; so that preſently being let looke the enraged Beaſt, they as ſoon addreſſed themſelves to the charge; whilſt two of the company pricked him behinde to render him more furious, which not onely made him roar, and foam at the mouth enragedly, but gave him ſuch appetites of revenge, that with a moſt vio- lent motion he proſecuted the reſt, who with courage and nimble dexterity, both avoided the danger, and wounded him with their weapons, inſomuch as he was glad to return upon his firſt aſſaulters, provoked by his malice, or deceived in the exchange, ſeeing of them he found no better entertainment; for as he came run- ning towards one, he taking advantage of his horns, (being near the ground) leapt over his neck, and in the interim ſtroke him with his Javelin upon the Throat, with ſo great a fortune, that ſtreams of black blood quickly followed the wound, as ſore-tokens of an expected viſory; which kept not the company in any long ſuſ- pence, ſince the Bull preſently declining, both in his courage and his ſtrength, at laſt before all the aſſemblry (yielding to his ſate) determined his life, as a juſt Sacrifice offered to the young mans honour, having contributed ſo largely to it; who with a certain modeſt countenance, adorned by graceful behaviours, received in the pre- fence of the people, the Garland ordained for the Conqueſt, and in that manner ſo Crowned, was conducted through the City, until dark night forbad their further Triumphs.

These delightful entertainments might have employed the thoughts of Gratانون for a longer time, if his Commiffion had not limited his return; the youthful paffions of Orontes admitting no delay, when Love was the Commander, and a beauteous Lady the Object, accompanied also with ſuch vertues, that provoked a ſpeedy ſatisfaction: However notwithstanding these ſ considerations, the Duke was invited again to a new curiſoty; and the rather to be dispenced withall, becauſe as yet Oſtris was not ready for an anſwer: The rarety to be ſeen, was a Palace of the Kings ſome diſtance from the great Town of Thebes, almoſt equalling it in bigneſs, and much ſurpaſſing it in richneſs; being built upon the ruines of the ancient Labyrinth, that formerly contained under-ground ſtately Courts, wrought with ſuch exqui-ſite skill, that the doors opening and shutting with iron, madea noise like Thunder upon their ſeveral motions: As the windings of that intricate maze, of old was the world's wonder, ſo this modern building at preſent, became Egypts fame; especially when the keyes belonging to every Chamber, out-weighed above one thouſand pounds: To deſcribe all the particulars of this ſtately Fabrick, were to enter into diſcourſes of extraordinary protractions, ſince as the whole was compoſed of multitudes diſtinguifhed; ſo every diviſion appeared a kinde of miracle, either of art or nature; onely let it ſuſſice, there was one ſtone preferved under the high Altar, that ſeemed of more value, then all the reſt of that vaſte expence; though the extraordinary pious intention of him who raifed this ſtupendious work, ought to be held of greater price, being performed by the Grandfather of the now King upon this occaſion: He was on a time in the wars, and not able to become conquerour of a ſtrong place, that ſeemed moſt to oppoſe his viſtories, (whereby his honour as well as his deſigns appeared to ſuffer) unleſs he would reſolve with his battering engines, to beat down a holy Temple belonging to the Gods ſervice; nevertheleſs in the ex- piation of that apprehended fault, he made a preſent vow to the Heavens, to build ſuch an edifice in his own Countrey, as should equal, if not exceed all the known ſtructures of the world, wherein alſo might be continually obſerved the Delphine Rites, by the beſt ſort of Religious perſons, could be affembled for that purpofe, from all parts of the Egyptian Dominions. After the ſeeing of all things neceſſary either within or about this magnificent Palace, the Duke accompanied by the Officers of the Court, (who were not ſparing by the Kings commands,

care-

The Princesss Clorïe ;

PART V.

carefully to observe all his contents) returned again to his first station.

But in the interim, whilst the Ambassadour was employed in these and other diversities, Ofiris according to his promife made, was not backward to acquaint his Daughter Hesperiana with the King of Syria's defires; wherefore visiting her in her Chamber one day, after some circumftances, he spoke to her in this manner.

Hesperiana, said he, after the death of your vertuous Mother, Sifter to Orfames, who left behinde her onely your Brother and your self, a youth the heavens alio in a short time took to their care, by which means you became for some years the heir apparent of my Crowns: This I must tell you is the chief occasion, of the continuance of the Wars between us, in regard the Syrian ambition hath been ever to have you beſtowed in marriage upon their young King, whereby to become interested (as they believe) in the Egyptian Dominions, by a juſter title then meerly conquest: But my Council on the other side, to prevent the miſchief of transporting the Government by ſuch a conjunction, into the hands and power of another Nation, that probably would not keep their reſidency in this Countrey, never let me reſt quiet without importunities, until I was perſwaded to have another Wife from the Kingdom of Armenia; in which firſt began, if not our greatneſs, at leaſt wife the prerogative of Blood, we claim before other people of the world, upon which I may lay, hath fallen alio the apparent bleſſing of the immortal Gods, in granting me by the Lady your Mother-in-law, two hopeful Sons, whereby the pretenſions of ſucceſſion, that hitherunto hath caused ſo much contention, will be quieted: Nevertheless the Mother of Orontes ſtill continuing the fame defires, of matching with our Family, notwithstanding the price of your Dower be abated, hath ſent this magniſcent Ambassadour, not onely to procure my conſent, but obtain your love, whereby Asia may be at peace, as well as Syria ſatisfied: to theſe demands there remains nothing now but your approbation, ſince the great Minifters of both States deputed for that purpose, have joyntly concluded to this effect.

The Princes Hesperiana being thus ſurprized by her Fathers diſcourse, it was a queſtion whether the baſhful modety of her nature, or ſome hidden refolutions in devotion, moſt reflected upon her apprehenſions, ſince for a pretty ſpace the flood ſtill without any anſwer at all; until at laſt as it were overcome by her obliged duty, when a few tears had ſomething qualified the burning tincture of her preſent blushing, her ruby lips in this manner gently made a paſſage for theſe words.

Sir, said he, I hope I shall not much transſgref in duty, if freely I lay before your thoughts theſe considerations; and rather may I expect a gracious interpretation of what I ſhall utter, in regard I am resolved notwithstanding, to govern my actions by your will; although I deſire my obedience may rather be regulated by a Parents Authority, then a Sovereigns Jurisdiſtion; ſince for the moſt part it relates more to indulgency then ends, when as the other oftentimes proceeds, either from council or conveniency, onely belonging to State Affairs, without thoſe absolute determinations of Religion, which the Gods have juſt cauſe to expect from Princes here on earth, however flourishing with never ſo great a proſperity: In this poſture be pleased to remember, with what a magnanimous conſtancy, your great Grandfather ever oppoſed the dangerous beginnings of the Hereſian opinions, in the large Kingdoms of Armenia and other places, though contradicted with ſo many difficulties, that had not his courage and wisdom conquered both their power and ſubtilties, thoſe people of the Delphine Worſhip had been over-run, with nothing but destroying errors; who nevertheless after all his victories, buried the reſt of his happy dayes in a ſimple Cloyſter, to the obſervation onely of piety and contemplation; which deſeended his Dominions to another mighty example of zeal and devotion, that put to death his own Son, because he was eſteemed tainted with ſome opinions, by means whereof your Father not onely came to the Crown, but proved another wonder of Religion, until your ſelf ſucceeded him in the like vertues, towards the ſacred Temple of Delphos; from whence hath proceeded ſuch bleſſings to your ſubjects, after a long expectation, that the Gods have not onely beſtowed upon you heirs to your Crown, but peace afforded from your oppoſers; in regard of all which, I am imboldned

577

ned by your religious indulgency, to acquaint you with this bafthul secret, wherein
perhaps I have something offended your goodneſs, becaufe I joyned not firſt your ap-
probation with my revolution; ſince precipitation in childrens actions, are not alco-
gether to be excufed, though accompanied with never ſo ſtrong religious intentions;
becaufe a certain natural obligation belongs alwayes, both to their proſeſion and
Parents intereſts: 'Tis true, as I ever deſired my marriage, when I ſood in moſt pro-
bability of being heir to the Egyptian Crown, ſhould conduce to the propagation of
the Gods Worſhip, according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the great Temple of
Delphos, in regard of the multitudes of enemies that feemed daily to make war
againſt its ſacred cuitoms; ſo when I ſaw the heavens after a long deſire, had provided
sufficiently for that ſucceſſion, in the happy and fortunate birth of my two Brothers,
having no more need of my aſſiſtance in that landible and pious work; I made a vow
to great Iſs the Goddeſs of our Countrey, to ſerve her as a chaſte Prieſteſs during my
life, which promife can onely be diſſolved, by the Diſpenſation of the powerful Arch-
Flamin of the Holy City, otherwife I muſt not become Wifhe to the mighty King of
Syria, notwithstanding any agreement hath been made to that purpose. With theſe
words the reſed ſilent, diſtilling another gentle ſhowre of tears from her lovely eyes.

The King feeming now ſomething amazed at theſe unexpected expreſſions of his
Daughter, especially for that ſhe had made a vow to the Goddeſs Iſs without his
privity, ſood ſill for a long ſpace, not making any anſwer at all, until at laſt as it
were confirmed in her intentional duty to himſelf, and believing the motive proceed-
ed from high inflamations of zeal, towards the Temple of Delphos (an opinion that
ever honoured the Egyptian Family) after he had kiſſed her once or twice with a fa-
therly affection, delivered his thoughts in this manner.

Moſt dear Hesperiana, ſaid he, and the dearer for the intention of Religion, as I
never doubted of thy piety ſince reaſon opFERED firſt in thy fair ſoul, ſo I command
thee to be aſſured, being thou haſt ſubmitted thy obedience to my pleasure as the
worlds conveniency, that a meſſenger ſhall be diſpatched prefently to the great
Arch-Flamin, whereby to procure the Diſpenſation needful for ſuch a ſervice, and no
Article made between the Egyptian and Syrian Monarchs in the interim, which ſhall
not tend abſolutely to the Worſhip of the immortal Gods. With theſe words ſud-
denly he left the room, with ſuch a joyful aſpect in his countenance, as ſhewed he was
very well ſatistied with all his Daughters reſolutions.

But however the King parted from his Daughter Hesperiana with pacification
enough, in regard both of her religion and obedience; yet after a while being retired
in his more private Cabinet, as well to consider as to reſolve, in a matter, wherein ap-
peared ſome difficulties, he began to be troubled with theſe doubtful apprehensions:
First he thought that Gratanus the Syrian Ambaſſadour, might ſuspect ſome want of
integrity in the Egyptian proceedings, after the final conclusion of the two Minifterſs
of State, to be ſent away onely with hopes of a Diſpenſation, without effecting ab-
ſolutely what he came about, contrary to the violent appetites of young Orontes,
(the nature of youth being apt to be enflamed, having but the Idea's of their wiſhes
repreſented to their imaginations) the next thing that troubled him was, how he
should ſalute the Court ſelf of Delphos, whereby eaſily to obtain the required re-
queſt, concerning the ſeparation of Hesperiana from her vow, belonging to the
great and ſacred Goddeſs Iſs, being the chief Deity of the Egyptian Family; eſpe-
cially when as not onely Orontes might ſinde out other matches, within the vaſt cir-
cumference of the earth, without trefpaſſing at all upon any manner of ſacrilege;
but himſelf having children ſufficient by the Gods favour, to inherit his own vaſt
Dominions, without seeking by a Fathers authority, to interrupt (if not deſtroy) the
excellent piety of a Daughter, for no other end, but to compaſs a few commodities
belonging to his temporary Kingdoms; beſides he apprehended, that the peace made,
might be but diſſembled in the preſent, and prove altogether ominous in the conclu-
ſion, if his Sons should chance by accident to fail; by which means Hesperiana's po-
ſterity would transferre the Egyptian inheritance to a Syrian family, either to be go-
verned, or contended againſt with as much hatred, as the late Wars produced between

Eece

botl

The Princesses Gloria;

PART V.

both Nations, almost to the destruction of the whole world, notwithstanding Andromida herself was a Childe of the fame Houfe, and yet appeared no mean actor in the contention, (Crowns and Diadems never worn safely, onely by tyes of affinity and alliance, when Swords and Titles have either opportunity or right) wherefore he could not but in some melancholly manner reflect upon thefe particulars, although his great Favourite at the borders had concluded this Article of Marriage, whereby, as he believed, the better to fortifie each Countrey.

But however the King at the present, appeared something confused with thefe thwarting cogitations (his honour being engaged of the one side, as the hazzard of his Dominions on the other) yet he resolved so far to satisfie Gratanus the gallant Ambassadour, as to affure him, he would within a very few moneths in person, conduct his Daughter Hesperiana to the Confines of Syria, there to entertain the affections of young Orontes, in prosecution of that Treaty which had been so happily begun by the two Minifers of State: This determination in some fort quieted his thoughts; in the interim not doubting but the great Arch-Flamin of Delphos would either grant the diffipation, (being a lover of peace) or eſſe afford reaſons for the denial sufficient to content both Kingdoms, whereby a continuance in union might still remain between the Nations, notwithstanding any obſtacle proceeding imaginarily from ſacred reſpects.

In this manner Ofiris endeavoured, to pleafe, if not confirm, the Duke of Tyre in his glorious employment, accompanied also with those ſplendid divertisements that moſt honoured his person; which neceſſarily protracted Gratanus return, ſince the Syrian civilities were eſteemed puncſual in all kinde of Ceremonies; whilſt unlooke ſor, of a ſudden, Crefes appeared in the Court of Egypt, ſent by his Maſter Prince Arethusſus out of the Countrey of Pamphilia, not onely to thank the great Monarch, for those favours he had already received within his Territories, but deſired his further affiſtance againſt his own unnatural Subjects, whom he found after the death of Hercrombrotus rather inclined to undergo their former ſlaveries, then certain Treaties of peace for his Titles, notwithstanding their obſtinacy threatened an absolute deſtruction to the Lydian Nation: Gratanus understanding of Crefes arrival, and having been well acquainted with him in the Wars of Syria, one morning coming to his Chamber, he ſell into communication with his privacy, concerning both his journey and his employment, which Crefes effectually related in this manner, after ſome other diſcourſes had paff between them of divers natures, though chiefly belonging to the Lydian Affairs.

You cannot but know, ſaid he, that after the death of Hercrombrotus, that great Traytor, Tyrant, and Diſembler, notwithstanding he had placed his Son in the Throne of Lydia, in hopes enough he ſhould reign, with the fame conſtancy and oppreſſion as him ſell; for that moſt people, either terrified with the Fathers actions, or overcome by their own ſenſualities, had put on refolutions in their minde to be quiet, rather then hazzard all for the right of any ſucceſſion, was nevertheless ſoon diſplaced from that extorted honour, by the pride and ambition of his own Army; because he would not readily yield, to make his next Commander General of those Forces, that were not onely deſigned to guard his person from all violence, but to keep the Kingdom in a moſt exact obedience, which quickly ſet up conſequently the old Senate, to be ſerviceable to the Souldiers profit; ſince ſome face of Government was to be uſed, though the eſſence had been loſt long ago, in the ſlaughter of the King; however this change as it ſhould ſeem pleased not long, inſomuch as amongst many other confusions, the Camp again began to quarrel with that piece of a Senate; not because they were unlawful in their ſupuration, but in regard they were not ſufficiently obedient to Military Precepts, though totally exerſed in Arbitrary Power; which after a while turned them out of their houſes of State, to converſe ſingly with other people of the meaneſt quality, though formerly they made uſe of their tumults to ſuppreſſ others, whose Lands they had purchased by their unjuſt Decrees, the better to involve the whole Nation in a levelling quality, that no diſtinction might be perceived, either in person or in eſtate, that them-

themselves onely might govern all with more ease: This as I said being done, the Officers of the Guard took upon them the absolute managing of every Affair both Military and Civil; which continued in this manner for a few weeks, until the Country of *Myffia*, of a sudden produced another Commander called *Hermelaus*, whose honety we hope is more, and his experience cannot be lefs, then any other Captain belonging to that Train, that oppofed the King either in his will or countenance: This perſon I muſt ſay being now upon the ſtage for action, began firſt to complain in writing, that the Senate was invaded by the Intereft of a few Officers of the Army, whole ambitions made them infolent, as the Eſtates they had gotten fearful, left the Government ſhould be ruled by the Command of any other Supream Authority, then what the Souldiers might absolutely direct: Befides he pretends, that the diversity of opinions in matters appertaining to the Gods, hath almost taken away the face of all Morality, within the Dominions of the *Lydian* Commonwealth: After theſe intimations, he ſent preſently a Letter to the great City of *Sardis*, perſwading them to joyn with him in thofe endeavours, that might again bring the ſtream a right way, by affembling anew the old Senate, to confervе their own privileges, being in danger to be overthrown by theſe preſent Rulers, whose Murthers, Perjuries, and Rapines, had rendred them audacious in wickedneſs: *Hermelaus*, I ſay, in this poſture of expectation, not onely addreſſed some Letters to the King, then remaining in the Countrey of *Pamphilia*, but not long after marched at the head of the whole Army, into the very heart of the *Lydian* Dominions, having left *Myffia* in the hands of thofe Governours, that he ſuppoſed would be moſt true to his intentions: But before he had ſent some Troops to oppoſe *Abaſtanuſ*, he was advertifed, that the Senate once more had reaſſumed their Authority, and were ſitting then in the City of *Sardis* with ſome Majefty; however theſe often changes in Government ſo much terrified the apprehenſion of the wiser ſort of people, knowing the right of the Crown onely belonged to Prince *Arethuſus*, withall remembring what a flourifhing proficiency they enjoyed, in the Reign of his Father, did nothing but ſalute *Hermelaus* through the Countreys, as he went, with diversity of Addreſſes, intimating they defired again a new King, and their old Laws; without which they were affured, that neither the Gods could be ſerved, or their own Privileges ſecured. In this poſture I may ſay things at the preſent remain, none being able to judge what this hopeful General means, or how the fates have determined of *Lydia's* Liberties; ſince as the Souldiers are violent to oppoſe the Government by any ſingle Authority, having gained mens Lands rather by oppreſſion then right, (wherefore doubt much their own Titles, upon ſuch an admittance) ſo of the other ſide, the whole Nation having experienced, that without a King it is impoffible to ſubſiſt, not onely by reaſon of perpetual payments, but want of forreign Correſpondency, are grown almost desperate in their refolutions. *Tis true, if *Arethuſus* my Maſter comes to his Crown by any composition, without doubt he will be curbed in his Authority; wherefore I am now come to this Court, with intention to ſolicite great *Oſvis* for a competent affiſtance, ſince our baniſhment out of the Territories of *Syria*, gives us from thence neither conveniency nor poſſibility, though againſt all the rules both of friendſhip and hofpitality; the more deplorably to be confiſered, when our actions formerly have been ſo ſerviceable, to the glory and ſecurity of *Oronſes* Crown: With theſe words he reſted ſilent, as if his grief did ſhut up the reſt of his diſcourſe.

*Gratanus* being ſufficiently inſtructed in the mysteries of his relation, by thofe Conferences he had had with *Mazarius* the wife Favourite, began of a sudden to ſmile in his face; as if either he apprehended not the conſequence of what had been related, or intended by ſuch teſtimonies of mirth, to perſwade *Crefes* out of his own melancholly apprehenſions; but finding his countenance was not to be inſtructed to a better appearance, without more realities underſood, taking him by the hand, deſired his better opinion of the *Syrian* Nations; eſpecially ſince for his own particular, he had expreſt alwayes love and diligence, in Prince *Arethuſus* conſernments, when either his Titles came in queſtion, or his perſon was to be honoured:

Eeee 2

Never-

The Princess Cloríæ;

PART V.

Nevertheleſs, as he ſaid, that he might reſt better ſatisſed both with Mazarinus, and
the Kings Councellours at Damascuæ, he would deliver the reaſons of ſome jea-
louſes,

To this purpofe, ſaid he, you muſt be advertized, that there are but two princi-
ples, upon which foundation Stateſmen chieſly relye, to make laſting contraſts or
friendſhips with other Goverments; and that is the ties either of Religion or Alliance:
For the firſt you know, that your Prince is ſo far from giving any countenance to the
Delphine Worſhip, that beſides his entertaining of the contrary proſeffion in other
Countreys, he cannot as yet be brought to promife, when he is fettled in his Domi-
nions, thoſe Subjeſts of our Religion, ſhall be freed from their intollerable perſe-
cution, by way of Law, according to the juſtice of the Kingdom; imagining per-
haps by ſuch indulgent conſeſſions, he might loſe ſome of his party in Lydia; which
I muſt tell you plainly, diſheartens all our Nation from his needful aſſiſtance; where-
as thoſe now at Sardis that keep him injurionſly out of his right, do offer moſt wil-
lingly to conſeſcend to any ſuch Article, provided the Syrian Court will not meddle
with his Titles: And concerning the ſecond, whereas a match hath been propoſed of
Oreſſes Blood, and conſequently belonging to Orontes care, which onely in probability
might continue a certainty in his friendſhip, either his youth ſeems to be tranſported
with other aſſeſtions, or his nature cannot be brought to love our alliance, though
the commodity be never ſo apparent to his hopes; wherefore it is to be doubted,
when he ſhould have obtained his ends by our aſſiſtance, he might prove the fatallet
enemy to our concernments; as well in what belongs to the true Worſhip of the
Gods, as in trading with other general correſpondencies belonging to the profit of
both Countreys; which you know, is wifely to be prevented if it be poſſible. When
Gratanus had made an end of ſaying thus much, he reſted from any more diſcourſe,
with an intention to invite Crefes to ſome reply; which after a little ſpace, brought
forth this anſwer; however as if he ſeemed unwilling, to diſpute any thing of his
maſters intentions; eſpecially with one, whom he was confident, entertained a ſuſ-
ficent aſſection in his minde, not onely to Prince Arethuſus, but to all his party in
the general.

My Lord, ſaid he, as there may be ſome ſcruples, in the wife providence of Stateſ-
men concerning theſe ſuspicions; eſpecially when Kingdoms and Empires are haz-
zarded in the defection; ſo of the other ſide give me leave to tell you, that neither
of theſe doubts ought to be laid to Arethuſus charge, he being a Prince as ſull of
honour in his thoughts as vallerous in his actions, though circumſpect enough in his
considerations, when the world appears ſo little aſſiſtant to his affairs; for example,
what a ſtrange accord was made with Hercrombrotus to his diſadvantage? ſeeing nei-
ther the mixture of Blood, or the aſſront done to Majeſty, could hinder that agree-
ment, which onely procured a ſmall conveniency to the Syrian Kingdom; however
purchased by a horrid, if not ominous preſident, never to be ſorgotten: And to
let you ſee how much my Maſter ſuffers by theſe miſprifions, consider, that as the
worlds Government, conſiſts moſt in theſe of the Delphine Religion, ſo muſt I ask
you what teſtimonies you have, of his averſenels to people of your belief? when not
onely many about his perſon, have both countenance and favour in his prefence, but
himſelf ever reſided in ſuch Countreys, that belong exaſtly to that proſeffion, as
having a ſtrong confidence of their compliance, when either the Gods ſhall prove
propitious to his purpofes, or the Syrian Empire may be converted to his particular;
however in the interim he muſt be forced to uſe ſome policy, not altogether to loſe
that party, he hath had in his own Kingdom, whereby with more facility, to be able
to compaſs that right, the ſates have hitherunto denied him with over-much cruelty
and injuſtice; neither can it be thought, in a ſoul poſſeſt with ſo excellent a bravery,
one corner thereof can harbour ſuch an ingratitude, as to make him forget the faith-
ful ſervices he received from the Delphine people in his greatest extremities; no,
any man of the number being ever known to betray his truſt, or ſpare his life, when
there was the leaſt occasion, either to contend or dye for the Kings Royalty; which
fidelity hath been ſince punished by his enemies, with all the marks could be deviſed,
both

both of disgrace and devaſtation, to terrify their thoughts to another temper, or
revenge that Loyalty themſelves cannot help: And for this reſuing to marry a Syrian
Wife, the heavens muſt be blamed and not himſelf, either for his courage or misfor-
tunes, ſince his minde as yet muſt not ſloop to thofe gentle dalliances, which neceſ-
farily belong to all Nuptial ties, before he hath endeavoured thofe conqueſts of his
own, that will make him a King, according to the prerogative of his Birth, Blood,
or Honour, to diſpute his injuſries, and by that means purchase fame inſtead of po-
ſterity, theſe being his heroical intentions in probability; and I with the whole
world were poſſeſt with the fame opinion, whereby Arethuſius concernments might
never dye in the memories of men, either to be revenged or relieved, in that which
onely belongs to the neceſsary example of other Princes, not more worthy, though
far happier then himſelf.

Gratanus by his countenance ſeemed ſomething bitten at this reply, which made
him continue filent for a pretty ſpace, until at laſt he broke out into theſe words.

Tis true, ſaid he, theſe are glorious and plaſible pretences; however the great
and wife Favourite Mazarinus, cannot ſo easily dieſt the ſlaughter of his young Ne-
phew Manchinus, onely for offering a noble love to the fair Widow your King Sifter,
which perhaps would have brought, not onely conveniency to her ſelf, but afflance
to her Brother; ſince Stateſmen, do not uſe to beſtow favours (being the chiefest
productions of their intereſt, purchased by their pains and induſtry) without ſome te-
litimonies, they ſhall be either requited or ſerved, with conſtancy and affection upon
all occafions. Crefes could not chuse but ſmile to hear this related, ſeeing he had the
power to contradict the information, which he did ſuddenly after this manner.

My Lord, ſaid he, if loves be to be ſotecuried with rapes, I know not what mo-
rality is left in the world, much leſs any Religion at all to be found; however give
me leave to ſatifuſe you thus far in this particular, although I will not trouble you
with the whole ſtory, as to tell you the perſon you mention is not yet dead; for the
Princeſs Clorïa no leſs charitable then fair, when Manchinus had been extreamly
wounded in that unlawful conflict, was preſently recommended to her care for his
recovery; in which he uſed ſuch diligence (he in the interim defiring to be concealed
from the knowledge of his friends) that within two moneths time he recovered his pre-
fent health, and intends to preſent himſelf to his Uncle, upon the conſummation of
the marriage between your King and Oſiris Daughter; with the true conſeſſion of
his fault, procured by his unruly paſſions.

O heavens, ſaid Gratanus, what Lucky Omens are theſe to precede that glorious
meeting, ſhortly to be between the two Kings ? whereby the whole earth is to be
divided, either by their conquering Swords, or to their propitious Aspects; in which
asſembly, I ſwear by the immortal Gods, not onely to be ſerviceable to the fair and
incomparable Princeſs, in what belongs to the right of her young Son, but alſo con-
cerning thofe Crowns, that have been ſo injuriously withheld from the poſſeſſion, of
that gallant King of the Lydian and Myſſian Territories. With theſe words preſent-
ly he roſe from his ſeat, taking, with a few complements, his farewel of Crefes, leaving
him in the interim not a little ſatified by his ex。（ expressions.）

But Crefes nevertheless, being extreamly ſolicitous in his minde, in thofe affairs
that appertained to his Maſters concernments, endeavoured to forſtify his right all he
could; wherefore he uſed his beſt power, after Gratanus was parted from the City of
Thebes, to have ſome private conference with the King; as well for that he knew
there were many Courtiers, not ſo much affected to his party, as the better in parti-
cular to poſſeſs Oſiris with the right understanding of the cauſe; and more eſpecially
in regard of thofe thwarting opinions in Religion, that belonged to both Nations,
not any way to be reconciled, but by ſome ſeeming compliance; ſince the Egyptians
were eſteemed moſt zealous above other Counreys, in the manner of their Worſhip
of the Gods; and for that reaſon moſt intereſſed, in the affections and proceedings
of the great Arch-Flamin of Delphos: This ſome dayes attendance at laſt procured,
in his Bed-chamber; where after he had kiſſed the Kings hands with all the Cere-
monies, appertaining to the Dignity of his perſon, and the customs of that Nation,
he

The Princess Gloria;

PART V.

he humbly saluted him also with this speech in the *Egyptian* Language, which *Crefes* had perfectly learned in his infancy, by reason of his education in some of those Countreys: Most mighty Monarch, said he, of the *African* Empire, whose Dominions be onely bounded with the Suns Circumference, though the Altars of the Gods are ever smoaking with most purest Incense, when other places never flame but in contrary fires, (that rather consume then heat Devotion) since cloud, flatters, and devaulation, are the usual periods of such contestation, seeing opinions rather govern the actions of men, then pacifying obedience rules the will of others; which Religion I may say makes you beloved entirely of that sacred Throne, from whence there ought to be no appeal, but to the highest Heavens, where perpetuity reigns, and omnipotency commands: be pleased therefore to accept a supplication from a Prince, whose youth is adorned with vertues, and his vertues ruled by innocency; yet his injuries cry to the Gods for revenge, as well as his rights to Monarchs for affrontance; which fame I hope already, hath transported to your sacred ears, though conveniency until now had not the opportunity to redress: But now the blessed peace being obtained to the benefit of the world, every part ought to participate of the good, not onely in your bounty, but from your justice; especially when honour will crown the action, and eternity the piety: If notwithstanding my words are too poor, to obtain the favour, nevertheless let *Arethusius* cause be powerful towards your acceptance; so shall your goodneſs be carried up to Heaven, between the wings of Wisedom and Greatneſs; ſince in the one you prevent damage to your own Kingdoms, as in the other ſhow what you may be able to do when you pleafe.

The King however he might be something enflamed by these intimations, as well out of his spleen conceived to the Lydian Nation, in regard of their attempt upon the Fortunate Island, as his lots of the strong Town of Deorcas; yet the concernsments belonging to a young Prince, out of his Dominions by the violence of his own Subjects, for no cause but apparent Rebellion, being a people himself hated above measure, took most his apprehension; however for the preſent, onely putting on an *Egyptian* gravity, he gave *Crefes* no other anſwer, but that his chief Officer *Alauricus* (whom had already concluded the general Peace) underſtood beſt the Affairs of all Princes, and ſhould in ſuch convenient time as was fitting, not onely treat with him in particular, but endeavour to render his after ſatisfied in the general, that could well ſtand with the safety of his own Empire, with the due Worſhip of the immortal Gods, which of all things eſſe he deſired ſhould be firſt preferred, as well in other Kingdoms of the world, as in thole Territories belonging to his own Government: With these words, and a certain kinde of a nod of his head, according to the Countrey fashion, being the greatest favour he uſed to any, diſmiſſed *Crefes* from his preſence.

It was not many days before *Alauricus* the Kings great Favourite (having belike received intimations more particular from his Maſter) ſent for *Crefes* into his house, where after he had welcomed him by something more then ordinary reſpects, leading him to an inward room, he uſed this language unto him.

Sir, said he, as formerly you and I have difcourſed upon this subject, so the King hath enjoyed me now, to let you know his minde more particularly, concerning those affairs he bears to your Lordship, wherein he ſhall be ready to ſhow both his will and his power, provided they be accompanied with the safety of his own honour, upon which depends the greatneſs and majesty of a Prince; wherefore that I may not deceive my own truſt, and yet pleaſure you, give me leave to tell you, that upon two bafis muſt be built the foundation of your deſires, if you mean to be affiſted by our Forces; the one to consider the Hoftages you ſhall offer for *Egyptes* caution, whereby to ſecure us, that no peace ſhall be made with the *Lydian* Commonwealth, without the knowledge and ſatisfaction of my great Maſter; ſince, as you know, both Treſure and Souldiers will abundantly be employed in the ſervice, before that Crown again can be recovered, from thofe who not onely took away the life of the Father by a most fatal deſtruction, but probably will maintain the fame injuſtice againſt

583

againſt the Son, by their ſtrongest reſistance; eſpecially having no hopes either in
his mercy, or their own repentance; for we cannot but apprehend, what troubles
and hazzards appertain to the total ſubduing of a Nation; witenſs the fruitful
Iland of Cyprus, once belonging to our great Lord of Africa, and yet notwith-
ſtanding all his power, could never to this day come again to the poſſeſſion, un-
til at laſt being over-preſt by the Syrian war, he was forced to yield to ſome conveni-
encies inſtead of conqueſts. The other thing I am to let you know is, our intire re-
ſolution to ſerve the immortal Gods, that cannot be eſſed, unleſs your King put
off his belief of the Lydian Religion, which his Father rather with obſtinacy then
conſtancy maintained: With theſe words he cloſed up his diſcourse, by a kinde of a
ferious ſrown, that ſhewed his thoughts meant really what his tongue delivered,
whillſt in the interim Crefes (although he knew himſelf ſecretly to be of the Delphine
Religion) caſt down his looks upon the ground, as not determining well what to
anſwer, confidering how difficult a matter it would be, for him to perſwade his Ma-
ſter Arethuſius to theſe particulars, without diſcovering too much his own hidden
aſſeptions, and believing the Egyptians upon no other determinations, would proceed
to any conſiderable aſſiſtance; but at laſt the Favourite with a more chearful brow,
dreſſing his countenance alſo in a ſmile, told him, that by his poſture he found his
doubtfulneſs, in the uncertainty of his meaning, notwithſtanding there was no diſ-
eafe in nature, but ſome remedy might be applied, if the Phyſician and the Simple
could corſeſond.

To this purpofe, faid he, you muſt give for the Egyptian ſecurity, the perſonall
prefence of your young Lord Aſcanius, Brother to the Crowned King of Mysſia;
whereby to remain alwayes at our Court as a pledge, that no underhand-agree-
ment ſhall be made with the great Senate of Lydia, againſt our profit, or without
Oſiris ſatisfaction, though not there to be kept as a confined Prifoner, but accompanied
with this honour, that the chief Admiralty of the Kingdom ſhall be conferred up-
on him, not onely in Command but in Benefice, until Arethuſius by our aſſiſtance,
ſhall either obtain his own Crowns, or hazzard thoſe Forces employed in that ſervice:
The ſecond and laſt Article of neceſſity will depend upon the ſolutions of the holy
and mighty Arch-Flamin of Delphos; not onely because it concerns the Worſhip of
the immortall Gods, whose ſacred honour muſt chiefly be reſpected by the
Egyptian people, but alſo in regard his power can beſt perſwade (if not com-
mand) other Princes, to joyn in ſome league needful, towards his advantages, either
in contributing treaſure, or denying his enemies trade: So that I ſhall conclude with
this advice, whereas a Meſſenger is preſently to be diſpatched from this City, to the
great Lord of the Delphine Worſhip, with Letters of Congratulation concerning
the happy Peace; you may in that company make a journey to Delphos, the better
to aſſure that holy Father, of the right temper of your Prince, ſince his education
from his infancy hath been in contrary principles; without whose approbation I know
my maſter cannot be brought to aſſiſt, being wholly addicted to obſerve his deſires
in all matters of Religion, as believing eſſe the Heavens will not ſo well bleſs his
actions.

Although Crefes had ſome reaſon to be troubled at theſe intimations, as well in
regard of his want of Commiffion to proceed in matters of this difficulty, as for
that the preſſingneſs of his Maſters Affairs, required more then ordinary industry, ha-
ving ſmall hopes left him from the powerful Nation of the Syrians; not onely in
reſpect of the approaching glory of the Marriage, but in that there remained ſtill
that Contraſt, which had been made with decaſed Hercrombrotus, in a manner a-
gain renewed by the Ambaſſadour continuing at Sardis, yet with ſomething a chear-
ful countenance, he ſeemed to entertain the motion, however deſired time until the
next morning, to put his own confused thoughts into a righter poſture, both for
the Egyptian honour, and for his Maſters ſafety: Theſe words quickly with a ſew
Complements parted them for the preſent. Crefes when he came to his Chamber,
considered theſe particulars; he thought if he went not along with the Meſſenger
to Delphos, the opportunity might be absolutely loſt, being certain, Oſiris would do
nothing

The Princesss Gloria;

PART V.

nothing in points belonging to Religion, but by the Arch-Flaminis grave direction;
wherefore resolved to take the journey without any further authority, then by his
ordinary Letters of Credence; chusing rather in that service to hazzard his own
particular fortune, then ifew any want of painful fidelity in Arethusinus concern-
ments, when conveniency could not poffibly comply with both occasions: and for
what appertained to Prince Aſcanius perſon, he would recommend it to the confi-
deration of the King himſelf, remaining for the preſent in the Territories of Pam-
phylia, who might beſt determine the difficulty; ſeeing it was neither preſing in re-
gard of time, or neceſſary, for that probably another hoſtage would be admitted in
his place: With theſe determinations in ſome fort he ſatified his own minde, until
the next morning that he acquainted the chief Favourite with his purpofes.

It was not long after theſe refolutions, before Crefes landed upon the Grecian
fhore, without any considerable adventure, but what a rough Sea and ſome perſecu-
tion by Pyrates brought his particular, and ſo conſequently not many dayes journey
after, ſettled him in that great and famous City of Delphos, where the Holy Tribu-
nal of the world was placed, to hear and determine caues belonging to Princes;
from whence there appeared to be no appeal, but to the Gods themselves in their
higheſt Majefty. Crefes having a little refuſhed his body by reſt, and aſſorded his
thoughts inſtruction by conſideration, the firſt thing he did was to viſit the ſacred
Temples, in order to that vow he had made upon his late converſion, which yet he
kept very ſecret, almoſt from the knowledge of any, ſince his Maſters affairs held
fuch a room within all his intentions, that ſcarce would he own that myſtery to him-
ſelf, though other Princes of the fame belief were to be aſtors in the buſineſs, ſuch
a coward is depraved nature to heroical enterprizes, that contend againstſenſualities,
notwithſtanding he had resolved to put on a ſtronger confidence then other converts,
though he feared more the prejudice to his office, then the danger of his perſon;
ſince every one knew he valued not his life, when the leaſt apprehenſion of honour
was in his minde: But coming at laſt to Phane belonging to Hercules, he met there
with his friend Parif menus, whom formerly he had left at Athens, now a Flamin ea-
ſily to be diſtinguſhed, by the manner of ſacrifice he performed, ſo that concealing
himſelf behinde a Pillar for the preſent, when all the Ceremonies appertaining to
that dayes ſervice were ſinſhed, he ſlept out to ſalute him with theſe words: I hope
now the Gods will be propitious to my purpofes, ſince I not onely ſinde my beloved
Parif menus in this place, but encounter him with the fame ſolution in my ſelf.
Parif menus after this advertifement, was not long before he took Crefes in his armes,
ſhedding tears of joy as well as wonder, inſtead of any other ex。（ref）pions, until
finding the people about them ſood ſomething amazedly gazing at thate manner of
ſalutations, without other complements, told him, he ſhould be his gueſt at his houſe
that night, where the conveniency might aſſord them commodity enough, as well
to treat of old matters of their own as to be better ſatisfied in Arethusinus condition:
Parif menus habitation was placed near another Temple of Hercules, of which he
ſeemed to be chief Governour, in regard many Prieſts of Religious Orders, appear-
ed diligently to attend his entrance; but he paſt by them all without much obſer-
vance, until he conducted his friend into his Gardens, that truly were beautiful and
delightful, if not large and ſtately; where being ſeated in a certain Airbour, he re-
ceived from Crefes a particular account of his employment, which in the interim their
dinner was preparing, which being alſo ſinſhed, they both repaired to a Gallery
well ſuſinſhed with curioſities, where placing themselves both upon a Couch, Parif-
 menus was induced to make a diſcourſe of his own adventures, ſince their laſt parting
at the City of Athens.

After the religious profefſion of Joyela within Minerva's Cloyſters, ſaid he, at
which you were preſent and my ſelf loſt, I resolved to viſit this famous City of Del-
phos, as well to be ſatisfied in the ratieties thereof, as the better to ſhake off my own
grief, for that change of habit had not altered my minde, though the function I had
taken upon me, ought to have hindeſd me from cogitations of that nature; where
being arrived, I began to make devotion my practice, though ſenſe oftentimes
strongly

strongly opposed, until at last as it were wearied with enjoying nothing but idle
fancies, or infired from above by more real thoughts, I wholly forgot all remem-
brance of the beautiful Nunne, whose intentions in youth had discarded the worlds
glory: In this pofture, I muft fay, I entred my felf into a certain apprenticeship of im-
ployment, either by sacrificing daily to the Gods, or repairing often to the Flamins
Palace, where one time above the reft, obferving the diſcourse of Philogenia, late
Queen of the Scythian Kingdom, I became not onely more taken with her behavii-
our, but finding ſhe resolved ſpeedily of a journey to the Syrian Court, either to
accomplish ſome affairs of her own, or vigorously by her industry to procure the
general Peace, determined if I could to go along in her company, as well to profe-
cute Arethuſius concernments, according to former injunctions I had to that pur-
pole, or eſſe to ſatisfie my own curioſity by other travels, ſince man is ſcarce ever
weary of novelties: But to be ſhort, ſhe hearing on the way, that Mazarius was
not at Damascus, but retired to certain Waters for the better recovery of his health,
ſhe diſpatched me preſently to the place of his abode, to preſent him with a ceremo-
nious complement, knowing that no action could move within that Horizon without
his favour: There I remained untill ſhe returned again from the Court, to a Caſſle
belonging to the King, which which was prepared by his command for her recepti-
on: Nevertheless at my coming back I found all the Queens houſe in an uproar, by
reafon of a ſudden execution ſhe cauſed to be done upon one of her ſervants,
although to this hour the cauſe be not known: This accident I muſt tell you
made me another time a meſſenger to the great Favourite, as well to certifie him
of the truth of Philogenia's proceedings, as to demand his powerful protection, as
I faid, that concerned the Honour and Royalty of an absolute Queen; for that in
ſome ſort ſhe had broke the Law and Rule of Nations, in not conforming her paſ-
fions to the legal decorum of the Countrey, which ſo happily ſucceeded, that with-
in a few dayes ſpace, I not onely brought her a full diſcharge for her ſuppoſed con-
tempt, but Mazarius himself ſo long after, followed with a reſpectful viſit, to
give a greater teſtimony to the Kingdom of Syria, what eſtimation was to be had of
Philogenia's perſon in all the Territories belonging to Orontes Government: In this
manner, I may ſay, I came firſt into the knowledge of that great Minifter of State,
and ſo by degrees into his intimate and ſpecial favour; until at laſt he not onely con-
ferred upon me this Dignity I now enjoy, but employed me ſoon after in the com-
mand of thate Prieſts of the Syrian Nation, which you ſaw at our entrance into the
houſe, by means whereof, I have totally left the ſervice of the young Queen;
though the hearing of the ſudden death of Dogalphus the Scythian King, is come
ſince to this City of Delphos; but with leſs credit then formerly, occaſioned, either
by reaſon of the ſudden ſlaughter was committed upon her ſervant, or being over-
powered by the Egyptian ſactions, they ſeem to contradict her in all her deſigns; not
onely in her former eſteem with the Holy Flamin, but alſo in every action ſhe can
pretend unto: And this is almoſt all I can relate at the preſent of our affairs, but
what expeſtation the general peace may bring to our hopes; onely one myſtery
more I ſhall acquaint you withal, belonging to our maſter the great King of Lydia,
whose intereſt I muſt ever endeavour to advance, with the hazzard of my life, not-
withstanding the habit you ſee me wear, might ſeem to challenge ſome protection
from temporal imbroilments, if not his diſaffection to our Religion, no way en-
couraging my hopes to appear before him, whereby to become any thing near his
heart, when ſo many are about his Royal perſon, contrary to our faith in the Wor-
ſhip of the Gods; and perhaps too much ſpight me already for the very act of my
conversion; nevertheless thus much I ſhall ſay for your information: You know,
ſaid he, that a long ſprocution hath been to make a match between the Prince we
ſpeak of, and the fair Daughter of Oreſtes by his ſecond Wife, whose ſunne either
exceeded her beauty, or her beauty graced her ſunne, and therefore could expeſt
no leſs then ſuch a Husband, whereby in every kinde to ſuit her condition with en-
dowments: But he, whether more in love with his ſeolution to conquer again the
Lydian Kingdom to his ſubjeſt ion, or by nature not being given as yet to thate

F f f

dal:

The Princesss Cloria;

PART V.

dalliances of repose, scarce at any time lent an ear to the propofitions, which perhaps hath been no small occasion to keep him out of the Syrian Dominions; since exasperations in matters of female Courtship, upon suspected refusals, for the most part prove either prodigious or irreconcileable: However Orestes is since dead, and so by consequence his pofterity is not to be much feared, when as he hath left behinde him none but Daughters, which by the Laws of Syria cannot inherit; where by Andromida fortifying the Title with two Sons, gives a most certain quiet to the peoples thoughts.

But Mazarius the mighty Favourite, whether grown more confident by these accidents, or being higher inflamed by his success in the late conclusion of Peace, between the sometimes exasperate Monarchs, hath anew set his thoughts on fire, by more sublme ambitions, when he dares propound a Neece of his own, in competition with the rich Daughter of Orestes Family: In short, I am designed a speedy Meffenger into the Countrey of Pamphilia, to propound the Match to be effected, where Arethusus with his fair Sifter the Princes Cloria now remains, expecting those opportunities, that may again return them both to their own Dominions, which Mazariusowes shall be performed with all expedition, provided these Overtures and his private affections may be entertained with love and confidence.

O Heavens, cryed out Crefes, what surfeits of ambition are contained in the intrails of the world, when mixtures of Sovereigns and Subjects, be so boldly demanded, if not more confidently expected; but 'tis no matter Parifmenus, said he, if he be handsome and good; for Crowns can maintain dignity, and the Favourite give riches; onely it is my part, to follow those defigns I came hither to agitate, which already I have related unto you, hoping by your means, to obtain an audience from the great Flamine: Nevertheless, replied Parifmenus, I fear the successful progress of your affairs, in regard of the contrariety of Religion, since this holy Tribunal, doth not use to be intereeted, but where the Gods Worship may be advanced; so that I pray let me know more particularly, what the propofitions are you intend to offer this State, that I may confider of the sureft way to serve your occasions: Truly, said Crefes, we defite, either some Treasures from this bountiful and rich Magazine of wealth, or such an indulgent aspect from this Temple, that may unite generally, other States and Kingdoms in the recovery of the Lydian Crowns; since true piety cannot be without justice, and juft it is, that young Arethusus should again be fettled in his Thronc, torn from his poſſession in his Fathers blood, and kept at the preſent violently by the baſeſt of his people in that Region, where nothing governs but Tyranny, covetouſneſs keeping the key of all proceedings: 'Tis true, anſWERed Parifmenus, these are crimes of the highest nature, though misfortunes the Heavens have been content to own.

But Crefes, said he, if the Subjects of the Delphine opinion, have received more protection under this now confused Government, then when King Euarchus peaceably ruled, notwithstanding his tyes to Hyacinthia the Queen, how can you poſſibly expect a favourable hearing from this Court, buſed as you know with defigns, that may propagate the true Worship of the Gods, and the tranquility of such, who are humble ſuitors to their divine mysteries.

This necessary and faithful information of Parifmenus, being entertained by wife and discreet Crefes, gave him occasion to make this diſcourse.

Dear friend, said he, I cannot deny, but the Lydian Laws decreed againſt the innocent profefſors of the Delphine Rites, were both cruel and bloody, not onely belonging to the Prief but the people of the Nation; since as the firſt were to ſuffer death comming into the Kingdom, so the others living there, were neceſſarily compelled to quit their belief, or ſacrifice all they had to the worſt of covetouſneſs; being onely framed then the better to ſecure the Crown upon the old Queen of Lydia's head; for that her Title came to be questioned, by the authority of this ſacred Temple of Delphos; nevertheless it is well known, when Euarchus by a juſt Succession came to the Government, although the force of the Decrees laſted ſtill, yet the ſigour of the puniſhments were much abated, until the great Senate over-powering of

587

of his Prerogative, all thofe particular Laws were put in execution, with all violence; since their judgements were not prosecuted by ordinary and legal courteses, but according to the intereſt, or ignorant, fancies, of ſuch as were employed, rather arbitrarily then knowingly; when as the execution ever exceeded the ſentence, contrary to the general maxime of charity, that mercy of the two extreams, ſhould alwayses out-weigh Juitſice: But ſaid *Parismenus*, I have heard of the contrary, that there is a certain kind of people now of greatelſ power in the Government, who diſallow any manner of violence, uſed for any Religion or Opinion, and ſo conſequently, would not prejudice thofe of our Faith.

Truly Sir, replied *Crefes*, that's a meer fallacy not understood by many, to get the better being, and countenance for the inferiour ſort of Subjects, who for the moſt part are confused in their proſeffions, as disorderly in their obedience; their pride ſcarce suffering them to live under any Dominion; ſo that because they cannot attain to the highelt preferments, they would ſquare all things to their own level; but if by chance they come to command in any Jurisdiſtion, (which ſome of them do in theſe unworthy and diſtracted times) none rules more domineeringly, or exacts more covetouſly; fetling then adſide all indifferencies in matters of Religion and Opinion, if the leaſt advantage appear to themſelves by the bargain: So that I ſhall deſire you not to deceive your ſelf, in believing theſe people act or prouſe any moderation, but when either nothing is to be had, or all is taken away already; wittneſs their late proceedings in the Inſland of *Crete*, where after the ſlaughter of moſt of the Priefts, they have tranſported all the inhabitants of the *Delphine* Religion into other quarters, (without any manner of crime committed) whilſt their Lands and Eſtates are diſpoſed to common Souldiers, or people of their own Intereft and Faſtion; whereby many noble Families are utterly undone, that formerly were ac-cuſtomed to relieve the poor, and countenance the rich: Therefore judge you *Parismenus*, I ſay, if it be not more profitable for the holy *Flamin* of *Delphos* to ſavour and proteſt a lawful King, (whoſe gallantry cannot be equalled in his years, or his vertue in other perſons) in theſe juſt Rights that belong to his ſucceſſes; though his proſeffions ſeemingly (for his greater ſafety) may a little thwart the preſent ſtrictneſs of this mighty Tribunal, (ſince his marriage or obligation in time probably, muſt needs bring eafe, and procure emunities to thofe of the *Delphine* opinion) then to truſt the ſantamental uncertainties of ſuch people, who (befides the cruelty they have already ſhewed upon all occaſions) have neither limitation of their covetouſnes, not bonds in their Government; changing when they pleafe, and never to the better. Over and above I muſt tell you, that as no prouſes nor contracts have been lately obſerved, within the *Lydian* Dominion, either with Prince or Subjeſt; ſo of the other ſide, I deſire you not onely to consider, but to know with affu-redneſs, that both my ſelf and many more of the nobler ſort, have lately altered their Worſhip of the Gods, and yet retain no contemptible elſteem, in the boſome and opinion of Prince *Arethusſus*: No *Parismenus*, ſaid he, Royalty is the beſt Subjeſt to the holy Temple of *Delphos*, ſeeing Monarchy hath the neareſt reſemblance of the Heavenly Government, when order and ordination in a ſingle power rules, onely by ſubordinate Inſtruments, directing their end to one honourable per-iod; whereas Anarchy produceth nothing but confusion in obedience, and Atheiſm in belief; ſeeing pride amongſt the common people, is ever accompanied with igno-rance, and ſeldom without cruelty; beſides a ſatal kinde of inconstancy in their na-tures, that can never hold long under any decorum, although it be altogether of their own chusing; and ſo conſequently in matters of Religion of all others moſt dangerous: *Parismenus* in the latter part of his diſcourse beheld him ſtedaſtly in the face; but when he had done embracing him in his arms, he uttered theſe words: And is it poffible, ſaid he, that *Crefes* is become of the *Delphine* opinion, when formerly both his dainty wit and his paſſionate intereſt, made him alwayse ſo ſtrong a contender againſt all thofe principles? Now I ſee, though ever believed, the omni-potent goodneſs of the immortal Gods, who work their effects hiddenly contrary to expectation, that men may the more be confirmed, not onely in their power, but of

F f f f 2

theſe

The Princeſs Clorias

PART V.

their intentions: This being delivered, he presently conducted Creſes into his private Cabinet, where he shewed him many rare Meddals, that his curiosity had collected during his abode in the City of Delphos, where looking upon one above the reſt moſt remarkable for antiquity, they found the impreſſion of Saturn, which in the Island of Crete he taught Husbandry, to the ignorant and admiring people, which gave occasion to Creſes to question the vanity of opinions, in that a man known to be mortal, accompanied with many other imperfections in nature, should not only be esteemed a God, but in a manner the very Father of them all: unto which Parismenus quickly returned him this answer.

Tis true, said he, not onely Saturn and Jupiter, but other inferiour perſons, were at the firſt by the rude multitude deemed Deities, from the Benefices the world had received in their inventions, which ſuccedion confirmed by the power and authority of thofe of their Race, that came after, whereby the better to be obeyed, and keep up their own veneration amongſt their Subjeſts; however as worthy Heroes have their reward by the great Maker of Heaven and Earth, ſo the names of ſeveral Gods being onely Attributes belonging to his Divinity, we worſhip and adore them by thofe denominations; ſince there can be but one onely omnipotent Commander, and Ruler of all things: for as the ſucceds of War is aſcribed to Mars, Chafity to Diana, and the Mules to Apollo; ſo theſe vertues commendable, proceeding from the operation and pleasure of this infinite eſſence, that cannot be ſeen or known but in his Attributes, the names of Gods are applied to them, that people may be the more addicted to their proſecution; when alſo ſome eminent men and women in theſe properties, have been upon the earth, and ſo generally came to be Gods, in regard of the excellency both of their actions and their perſons: However, as I ſay, no divine Worſhip and Sacrifice, can belong but to one onely Deity, at leastwile ſo relatively to be underſtood and intended: Besides you fee the Stars bear theſe names, for no other reaſon, but that ſome principal denomination ſhould be given to their influence, as well to make their course better obſerved, as to render the Science of Aſtronomy laſting; though I muſt confes the multitude ſometimes thought they converted upon earth in familiarity and bodily ſhape, which took more their fancy, however deſtroyed their faith, an errour onely to be corrected by inſtruction: But I pray, said Creſes, what are the opinions here in Delphos, of ſuch, who by their deſerving employments, have attained to the heavenly reward? because they pretend in Lydia, that you not onely pray but ſacrifice to thofe leſſer Deities, as to the great God of all Creations and Power. My good friend, anſwered Parismenus, we do but make our ſupplications to thofe happy creatures, that they may be Interceſſours in our behalf, to that omnipotent eternity, who made both them and us; ſuppoſing they are abſolutely in his favours, which we living upon earth cannot preſume to think, carrying about us ſo many deſects of ſlesh and blood; but for ſacrificing to their particular, though often we call Altars by their names, for the better diſtinctions; yet are our Offerings always directed onely to God himself, ſince no Creature how worthy ſoever, can participate of his Divine Right, being an eſſential due belonging to him alone. Well, well, Parismenus, said Creſes, let us leave off now any more disputations of Divinity, and fall a little to consideration of Morality; to which purpofe I muſt conjure your friendſhip, as ſoon as you can by your intereſt, to procure me a hearing from the great Flamin, whereby thofe requeſts I have to offer in Prince Arethuſius behalf, may be entertained with eſſicacy, and conſequently he put in ſome capacity of acting, according to the juſtneſs of his Caufe, and the noblenefs of his nature; until when, I muſt tell you, the world ſuffers in diſhonour, as other Potentates, as I believe, in Conſcience; ſince not onely in the general, Religion is in danger by the omiffion, but all Kingdoms in hazzard of adulteration, considering the force and violence of a Phanatick ſpirit, which reigns in the thoughts and deſires of the common people.

Not many dayes after this communication, Parismenus one morning being the Holy Feſtival of Apollo, conducted Creſes to a Temple belonging to the Palace of the great Flamin: The ſtructure it ſelf was of an oval form, adorned on the outside,

fide, by many statues cut in white Marble, with a Portico at the entrance, raised up-
on Pillars of Corinthian Work: at the several doors appeared people, standing to
expect the coming forth of the chief Bishop, whereby to receive his bleffing as he
should iffue out, according to the custom of the time, to make an orderly proces-
fion, with all the great Priests of the City: but Parifmens being sufficiently ac-
quainted with the Captain of the Guard, procured presently admittance, both for
himself and Crefes, into the very body of the Temple, where at some distance they
might behold, the grave Father sitting upon his Throne, and wearing a golden
Mytre on his venerable head, crowned already with silver hairs, that added much re-
verence (in the beholders opinion) to the sanctity of his looks. The further end of
the Chappel near the high Altar, was painted all over with divers figures, repre-
senting the Gods sitting in Judgement, upon the crimes of men of this world, every
ones faults appearing to the imagination, by the countenances shewed in the work-
manship, moft lively represented in the contrivance either left or more, according to
the cenfure given againſt them; again, others were seen to express joy in their looks,
as if favourable dooms were pronounced, concerning their particulars: beſides feve-
ral forts of tortures were there beheld, ſo daintily ( shadowed to terror and amaze-
ment, that ſcarce could the innocent viewers be freed from fear, although they knew
their perſons no way liable to the prejudice, both by reafon of diſtance in place, as
knowledge of impoſsibility; however nature could not chufe but a little tremble
(overcome as it were by the force of apprehenſions) onely in ſeeing thatoſe ſimilitudes
but well painted, which by better recollection they were ſure never to undergo.
Of either ſide the Holy Flamin were ordered other Princes in ſeats, appertaining to
the Temple of the Oracle, wearing red garments with filver Mytres, though each
diftinguſhed in his habit and office; who after they had performed a ſmall ſacrifice,
went all with Incense in their hands, to conduct the Arch-Flamin to a more majestick
tribunal; where preſently putting on a tripple Crown, he was carried in a Litter, to
the great Temple of God Apollo, whilſt the religious people on either hand re-
ceived his benediction: The ſtatue dedicated to that Deity was compoſed all
of Ivory, ſo neatly wrought together by little parcels, that in effect it appeared
to be one onely piece, notwithstanding it was of a prodigious greatneſs, placed up-
on a huge pedeſtal of Braſs, under which is the entrance into that horrid Cave, from
whence proceeds the admirable and dreadful predictions, that all the earth not onely
fears, but obeyes; at whose feet a ſmall Altar being erected, the Holy Father there
performed a gentle, though ceremonious offering, in thanks for the great and general
peace, concluded between the two mighty Monarchs of the world; and then return-
ed to his Palace again, whilſt the Priests and people ſung hymnes of praeſe and joy
all the way as he went. These Triumphs being ended with artificial fire-works at
night, wherein were expreſſed more then ordinary skill; on the day after was pro-
claimed, not onely a general pardon to every ſort of condition, but a gracious au-
dience to all manner of Majeftrates, with the feaſting and entertainment of ſeveral
Ambaſſadours, which gave an unexpected opportunity to Crefes, to preſent his re-
quests to the great Flamin, who was ſeated in his private Chamber, upon a commo-
dious Chair, under a rich Canopy of State, covered at the bottom by a Velvet Car-
pet, interſeamed with Pearle and Gold: At his entrance he preſently ſell on his
knees, performing ſuch uſual Adorations, as were accuſtomed to that Holy Pre-
fence; but being further encouraged to a proſecution of his intentions, by a gentle,
though grave ſmile, Crefes with a moſt earneſt tongue, uttered this language in the
hearing of other perſons belonging to the Temple of Delphos.

Moft facred diſpencer, ſaid he, of the Delphine Laws, and onely interpreter of the
Gods myſteries; whoſe judgements even ſhut and open the Criftaline Gates of Olym-
pus, and give pardons frequently to the erring world, as condemnation to the ob-
ſtinate unrepentant ſinner; the bleſſed breath by your power with hopes of eternal
fruitions, as wickedneſs cannot much prevail becauſe you are alwayes good: Iſno-
rances by your revelations become correcſt, and your ſelf by ſanctity of life ſtill
preferved: The Oracles by your authority ever ſpeak, and your definitions render
them

The Princeſs Clorïa;

PART V.

them infallibly underſood: Your judgement ſtills all controversies in pure obedi-
ence, which makes the property more acceptable then the beſt Hecatombs offered in
Temples: Princes in your juridiction become glorious and happy, when Tyrants at
your frowns are amazed into delpair. I muſt ſay notwithstanding, moſt Holy Fa-
ther, that theſe miraculous influences at the preſent are obſcured, for that a perſon
whoſe youth never contemplated ill thoughts, his vertues be debarred of all right,
can receive no aſſiſtance: O let not a Jubile be granted here to men, as long as Are-
thuſiſt stands unrelieved by other Princes, whoſe duty it is to revenge his quarrel;
may all marriages be forbid, until the gallant King of Lydia be again eſtablished in
his Throne; ſince the example of that prodigie, almost ſtrikes at omnipotency it-
ſelf: What means Africa and Asia to enterchange Nuptials with ſuch Solemnities,
when their honour bleeds in Arethuſiſus injuries? when as the ſeeming apprehenſion
of ſo fatal a diſafter, ſhould make them fear plagues upon both their proſperities:
But to you great Protector of Divine Principles, I come with moſt confidence to be
underſood; becauſe as your thoughts are alwayes employed towards heroical aſts,
ſo is your power able to perſwade (if not controul) Monarchs themselves, though
your mildneſs be ſtill ſhewed in their accommodations: Treasure we deſire out of
your Holy Coffers, and Ambaſſadours we ſeek from this famous City, whereby
young, brave, and vertuous Arethuſiſus, may recover to his poſſeſſion, thate Royal
Crowns, which your enemies as well as his, have withheld ſo long a time by uſurp't
authority; ſince the countenance that hath been given to Lydia's rebellion by for-
reign States, not onely ſtruck great Euarchus his fatal blow, but renders his Son a
wanderer through the earth, accompanied by his own vertues, whilſt other baſer
ſouls feed upon their wilde luxuries; he ſcorning ſupplies to any other purpofe, then
to revenge his brave Fathers blood, if not ſettle thate Countreys belonging to his
particular, in ſome laſting poſterity, adorned with thate ancient flowers of Piety
and Religion, which once they enjoyed above other places: wherefore if your Ma-
jeſtick Holinels will contribute to theſe endeavours, as ſanctity now governs your
Temples, glory will ſhine upon your Throne, when an injured Princes obligations
ſhall eſtablish your goodneſs to all eternity; attributes deſerving ſuch a ruler, who
moderates his actions with wifdom, and inflames the effects by zeal, charity being
the motive, and bounty the inſtrument.

When Crefes had made an end of this ſhort oration, the Flamin beheld him with
another ſmiling countenance, gravity drefling it ſelf in a moſt becoming poſture;
however for the preſent he onely let him know, that as considerations of diſtressed
ſuppliants were ſubjects proper for Delphos tribunal, ſo were the ſufferings and qua-
lities of his Maſter augmentations to his thoughts, for the ſpeedier and more effectu-
al proceedings; nevertheſs other great Flamins of the City were to be judges of
Princes affairs, whoſe Councels were alwayes directed by religious intentions, though
disputed in common affemblies; wherefore wifht him to reſt ſatisfied with ſome pati-
ence, until the other important affairs of the World were better ſettled, ſince moſt
Dominions of Asia and Africa, were to be contributors in Arethuſiſus neceſſities:
However this anſwer (more cool then Crefes expected) gave not his opinion ſo clear
a life, as his hopes and fancies ſometimes promiſed, yet knowing it was the cuſtom of
that Holy Court, to demur a while upon all motions preſented, was content at the
inſtant, to ſlatter up his imaginations with pleafing conjectures, inſtead of being
over-preſſing in his ſolicitations, eſpecially when he knew it was favour, and not
contention, that could bring proſperity and ſucces to his own Embaſſie; ſo resolved
to ſit ſill, although he intended daily to make his ſupplications to thate Officers,
which he was inſormed remained at the ſterne of tranſactions, in that great and
magniſcent Theatre, where buſineſs like deluges flowed with violence, gathering
at laſt into a ſea of intelligence, though the orders that were obſerved by that reſi-
gious State, gave in a manner a miraculous cure, before any ill or inconveniencies
could be perceived.

Crefes in this manner, as I ſay, determining a while to be paſſive, until the cloud
of buſineſs were a little diſperſed, became perſwaded by Parifments, to give in the
interim

591

interim *Philogenia* the Queen of *Scythia* a visit; not only as a civility belonging to his place and employment, but as an essential benefit that might happen to *Arethูfius* affairs; not only in regard of her many professions in his behalf, but also for that King *Dogalphus* being lately dead, who received his Crown and Government from her donation, the probably again might return to her old Jurisdiction; since as the formerly quitted her Titles but to satisfy her peoples desires, so now that obstacle appearing removed, factions might arise, and obedience become destroyed, whereby again to make her Queen of *Scythia* as well in Government as Name; by which means *Arethูfius* also would be strengthened in his prosecutions, as well by debarring the Lydians from that aff assistance they expect, as to make that Nation become his friends; it being very well known, this Heroical Lady, would never contract a disadvantage to his particular, having suffered so much injury by his Fathers disobedient Countreymen, who have with-held him from his Right so long a time by an unexampled cruelty; wherein, I may say, all the Princes of the world suffer in dishonour: He added further, that as *Hercrombrotus* had formerly engaged the people of the *Scythians* to his party, by reason of *Dogalphus* Conquest, and his own fortune, so the Senate of Lydia intends to confirm the same friendship, if the Factions already arising within that Kingdom, do not hinder their design by bringing Queen *Philogenia* again into Command amongst the people; not improbable to be effected, for that both the King of Armenia and many other Princes, are now in actual Arms, to revenge the destruction made in the Territories of *Trapaſſus*, with an unjust and treacherous Invasion, complained on by all forts of conditions in that Countrey: Thee reasons I may say of *Parifmenus*, besides his own civilities, invited *Crefes* to bestow a visit upon the gallant Lady; however her late retirements scarce gave him the conveniency, in regard of some controversies hapning between her self and the great *Arch-Flamine*, whose office it was to be regular and punctual in all his actions, though her person was no way distaſteful to his thoughts, since he remembered he had left her glorious Crown, to become his most humble penitent, in her willing obedience to the famous and facred Temple of Delphos.

To this purpose *Crefes*, within two or three days being introduced to a private Audience, found the Queen fitting in a Chair, before a Table covered with black, as also the Room seemed to wear the same Livery, by reason of the late death of her near Kinſman the King of *Scythia*; whose fortunes were now ended in the last period, the Gods had ordained for Mortality, though to what Judgement he was brought, may be some question, since the best of humane kinde cannot be without hazzard; and ambition for the most part accompanies conquest; Titles being tried oftner by the sharpness of the Sword, then the fcale and ballance of Juſtice; where indulgency rather enflameth the fancy, then consideration examineth the Conſiſtence; and so conſequently actions become desperate: Nevertheleſs *Philogenia* mourned his quality, though perhaps not his fate; feeing his wars deprived her of those penſions, he had ſo richly bought with loſs of Crowns, now again likely to be redeemed with more right, and leſs danger; for that *Armenia* began to be a weary of that Northern Government, which they knew could gain much, and unpoſſible to lose any thing.

Tis true, the glorious Queen was exerciſing her ſtudies, upon the naked body of a Sphear, with a pair of Compaſſes in her hands, as if she meant to meaſure the earths diſtances, either thereby to value heaven the better, or to compute her own loſſes by the Circumference; but as *Crefes* entred the Chamber, she left all to comply courteously with his addreſſes; whereupon preſently roſe from her place, whilet he humbly made his approaches to kifs the bottom of her Robe; which having done, he saluted her with this language.

Madam, said he, the obligation of Prince *Arethuſius* to your dignity and vertues, hath commanded my attendance at preſent upon your Royal Person; not only to thank you for your favours pаст, that have out-done his merits by your large recommendations, but reflecting upon the duty of my office, most humbly defer a continuance of your glorious actions, since nothing can be more obvious to the world.

wife in the general Jubile, which after some other complements, parted Crefes from her prefence.

But *Parismenus*, whose diligence to instruct and accompany Crefes in his affairs, had a little protracted his haſte towards the injunctions of the great Favourite *Mazarius*, began now again to think of his journey into the Countrey of *Pamphylia*, where he was informed his Maſter Prince *Arethusinus* remained, free from hazzard, though not from care; for however the noblenefs of the *Egyptian* natures proved his defence and ſubſtance, yet could not his courage be ſatistied with any thing but revenge; wherefore he resolved upon the next conveniency, to begin his unwilling voyage: To this purpose hearing a Ship was ready at the City of *Athens*, after he had received the commands of Queen *Philogenia*, he quickly imbarqued with a proſperous winde, which continued him ſufficiently contented for three or four dayes Ipace, until at laſt a ſtorm arising near the Iſland of *Crete*, the Marriners were forced to put into a harbour belonging to the *Lydian* Government: *Parismenus* being there with ſomething a tedious expectation, without finding any commodity for a new tranſportation, he resolved in the end by a diſguſe, to paſs through the Countreys by Land, unto the place of his intended deſign; not fearing to be ſuſpected by reaſon of the change of his habit, that was more rufick then ordinary to avoid diſconſtance; ſince he knew it was eſteemed (by the Laws of *Lydia*) the highest capital of ſence, for a Priest of the *Delphine* Religion, to be taken in those Territories under the Senates juridiction: Nevertheless, whether he was over confident in his converſation, or the company being too curious after his quality, in regard of the ſuſpicion of the times, one night reſing in his bed at the City of *Smyrna*, he was ſeized by two Maſejrates or Officers of the Town; inſomuch as after a ſhort examination by their officioſneſs (their wits perhaps not able further to prevail) he was conveyed by a ſtrong Troop of Horſe, up to the great Metropolitan of *Sardis*, where again being interrogated with a more exact ſcrutiny, not onely his perſon but his function were diſcovered, to the full view of moſt, which ſoon made him a prifoner in the forſtined Caſtle. *Parismenus*, as I ſaid, being thus inclosed contrary to his expectation, became extreamly tormented in his thoughts, for that he was debarred from acting in his Maſters quarrels; as alſo troubled with fear of his own condemnation, knowing both the Decrees and those Judges were exaſperated againſt his Religion; the likelier to be augmented, in regard Prince *Arethusinus* began again to ſtir in the Countrey of *Pamphylia*: But whilſt he had opportunity onely to work with diverſities of his own ſancies, ſince the guard that had the charge of his particular, were watchful enough towards the execution of their office, *Hermelaus* the *Myſsian* General came to the City of *Sardis*, having in part moulded his Army to his own content, though not to their liking, who rather deſired liberty then reformation, for as the one added a reſtraint to their intended inſolency, ſo the other forced a kinder of obedience to a ſingle juridiction: but as I ſay, when he arrived he preſently went to the Senate, to pay in a certain kinde of duty to their ſeeming authority, though his heart entirely ran along with the peoples Liberties; ſince long it was not before he placed again in the Councel, those Senators that the Armis violence had formerly ſeized upon, not onely to the deſtruction of the King, but to the enflaving of the Nation: This being done to the joy of the Town of *Sardis*, whose wealth confiſted in trade, as trade was maintained by order, the Senate inſantly framed theſe confitutions, to more peace and better Government; that a new Asſembly ſhould preſently be ſummoned, as well to diſolve that, which had been ſo fatally deſtructive to good *Enarchus* life, as to give another a better Legality and Authority, either by the complying with *Arethusinus* Titles, or acknowledging of the Noblemen's Privileges; who onely ſate to perpetuate their own glories, and gloriſed in nothing more then in witleſs tyranny: However *Hermelaus*, whose experience in command, had made him doubtful of the Souldiers actions, knowing they wanted no inſtigation both of pride and perſwafion, by those old Officers that were disband ed, becauſe they would not yield willing obedience to his honest principles, cauſed to be proclaimed a new Declaration, wherein he willed all them to depart the City.

G ggg that

The Prince's Cloria;

PART V.

that did not engage to be as well temperate as quiet, until the other Assembly should
take the Government of the whole Nation, in whose judgements only refted the
future settlement, either of King or Commonwealth: This being not performed by
the late General *Abaſtanus*, employed againſt *Tellanor* and *Timon*, whose ſtomach
could not brook any other chief Captain but himſelf, he was instantly ſent to a
ſtrong Fort to be safely kept; at leaſtwife that he might do no more hurt, ſince it
was well known he intended to do no good, accompanied alſo with ſome inferiour
Commanders, who had raiſed their fortunes better by the Lands of *Euarchus* the
King, then by their own valour in the Field. These proceedings, I may ſay, not one-
ly releaſed many of *Arethuſius* friends out of prison, that envy had detained, ra-
ther then their crimes, but alſo gave appetites to *Parismenus*, to think of ſome free-
dom to himſelf, either by eſcape or ſupplication; to which purpose hearing the *Sy-
rian* Ambaſſadour, remained yet within the Territories of *Lydia*, according to his
Commiffion, reſolved to demand his affiſtance, or come to his communication,
wherein he expected a double benefice to his particular, by his authority or adver-
tiſement; ſuppoſing, that as he was an intruſted meſſenger, employed by the policy
of the great and mighty Favourite *Mazarins*, to whom alſo his own affairs belong-
ed; ſo of the other ſide, could he be no enemy to Monarchy in the general, upon
which he conceived his preſent confinement chiefly appertained.

Whileſt many fancies in the interim did perturbate the thoughts of ſome, and gave
encouragement to others of another ſaction, *Abaſtanus* broke ſuddenly from his im-
prifonment, to the ſatisfaction of that party, that moſt appeared averſe to the Roy-
al Intereft; wherefore preſently the Council that was eſtablished by the Authority
of the late diſſolved Senate, not onely cauſed ſearch to be made, within all the luſ-
picious places about the great City of *Sardis*, but iſſued forth ſeveral proclamations,
to command diligence, and promiſe reward, to any perſon that could give intelli-
gence, either of his being or his reception; beſides the General *Hermelaus* ſent divers
of his own Troops into that Fort, that had been too negligent to ſuffer ſo eminent
an eſcape to be made from their jurifdiction, to the endangering of new troubles in
the whole Nation; in the interim the Army being willing to ſubscribe a particular
content in his proceedings, which was to reſt ſatified with the next congregated Se-
nate; and ſo conſequently to determine, what Government was to be eſtablished
over the whole Dominion: This I may ſay gave further hopes to *Parismenus* de-
ſigns, ſince as of one ſide it afforded him freer communication with the Souldiers,
being partly of Prince *Arethuſius* ſaction; ſo of the other ſide, was he permitted
to diſcourſe at his pleaſure, with whom ſhould be admitted into the body of the for-
tiſed Caſtle; until it at laſt procured him, to viſit the *Syrian* Minifter of State,
who yet kept a near correfpondency with the *Lydian* Affairs, either for old intereſt
or more diſcovery, which was the occaſion, that one day the Ambaſſadour and he
being both ſeated together in a pleafant Banquetting-house, belonging to that witty
perſons dwelling, after many paſſages and reparties, he ſell upon a general relation
of the Treaty and conclusion of Peace, between the two mighty Monarchs of the
world; alſo how in particular, it might concern the intereſt, and quiet of other lef-
ſer Princes: Although *Parismenus* had not at all made him acquainted with his im-
ployment, being intended onely for the Countrey of *Pamphylia*, however interrupt-
ed by his own unexpected ſurprizal, by a party of the *Lydian* Fleet, when he was
failing near the shore of the Inſland of *Crete*.

The agreement, faſed the Ambaſſadour, concluded between the two Kings, *Orontes* and *Ofiris*, by the wife deportment of their chief Minifters of State, doth not one-
ly give eafe and felicity to their own Subjeſts, but ſecurity to the greateſt part of
the known world; ſince as of one ſide, *Trapaſus* and the *Scythians* are again
united in their wonted friendſhip, ſo of the other ſide *Aſtratius* and *Condorſus* are
reſtored to their liberty; the one to his Countreys enjoyment, and the other to his
Princes favour; (each pleafed in his quiet and fortune) when after ſo long a time of
trouble and hazzard, they are put in poſſession of a ſecure ſtation, always to be
improved by an honest industry, if their own ambitions in the future, do not hinder
the

the intention, either in themselves or others; onely the injured Lady *Amarillia*, as
fome expiation of her too much guilt, hath in a tedious fickneſs paid nature her due;
however her Children are now brought into *Syria*, there to be nouriſhed with all
honour that our gallant Countrey can afford, to render them capabable of any pre-
ferment, the Gods or fate will caſt upon them; who perhaps may inherit their Fa-
thers Dominions, although his too much inconſtancy of diſpoſition, giveth more cauſe
of fear then hopes to any pretention. The Prince of *Arabia* hath alſo, not onely
received a bountiful ſatifaſtion, in all his Territories from the King of *Egypt*, but
made a beneficial league with every neighbouring State, whereby he is become both
rich and powerful; which being adornd by a flouriſhing youth, he is afforded a full
conveniency, to marry where he pleaſeth for his greater advantage; ſince ſcarce a
Lady of *Afia* remains, but will covet the alliance, rather with paſſion then temper :
Laſt of all concerning the Princels *Clorias* affairs, whose differences in the Land of
*Cyprus* with her Mother-in-law, made her travel in her thoughts, with a kinde of a
tormenting vexation, ſince the death of her brave Lord and Husband; our great
Favourite *Mazarius* finding by her unexampled humanity, his Nephew *Manchions*
was preferred from deſtruction (a ſtory too long now to be related in particular)
hath not onely cauſed our King *Orontes*, to take upon him the Patronage of all her
Eſtate, but hath reſtored her Son to the honour of his Fathers Government, by com-
pelling the people to chufe him Prince of the Countrey of *Cyprus*; where ſhe at the
prefent remains, accompanied with all the felicity in outward ſhew the earth can af-
ford: Theſe effects, I may ſay, the happy union I have mentioned hath procured, to
all perſons concerned in the differences of former times. When the Ambaſſadour had
delivered thus much, *Parismenus* in a kinde of a melancholly look, caſt down his eyes
upon the ground; as being diſcontented ſeemingly, that no mention was made in
this grand Jubile, of the concernments of his Maſter *Arethusius*, ſince his Title and
Rights appeared of more conſequence to the world, then all the other ſettlements of
the *Aſian* Dominions; which at laſt with a ſigh or two brought forth this
reply.

²This true, ſaid he, theſe glorious endeavours of the mighty Favourite *Mazarius*, have in all probability won him a fame beyond mens expectation, in regard it was thought to be his inward determinations, never to conclude a general peace, (Stateſ- men ſeldom executing that which they pretend in outward ſhew) yet methinks his endeavours had been more nobly crowned, if the King of *Lydia's* affairs alſo had been fettled, either by composition or conqueſt; at leaſtwife carried with them the promiſes and determinations of the two great Monarchs to be his affiſtance in ſo juſt and good a cauſe. Unto which the Ambaſſadour preſently made this anſwer: My friend, my friend, ſaid he, there are more mysteries depend upon that buſineſs, then either is known to the world, or is ſit as yet to be revealed to many; onely reſt you ſatified for ſome time, and mark what iſſue will be produced. Although this ſud- den caution of the Ambaſſadour, turned them quickly into another ſubject of diſ- courſe; nevertheless *Parismenus* going homeward towards the Fort (for notwith- standing he had procured a certain kinde of liberty to his perſon, by reaſon of the favourable change of things, yet was he ſtill refrained by the obligation of his word) began ſeriously to reflect upon the ſubſtance of his own employment, wherein he computed the Favourites ambition, to have his Neece to bear the name of a Queen; together with the neceſſities of Prince *Arethusius* affairs, not to be reme- died as he thought, but by the power and intereſt of *Mazarius* that governed the whole. Theſe cogitations caſt him into a little deſpair, considering, that without the proposition of the match, the buſineſs could not be effected; and himſelf being in prifon could not have the conveniency to perform it, which was not to be reſti- fied by any industry: With theſe troubles he continued many dayes accompanied (ſince he neither durſt ſpeak the ſecret was recommended to his charge, whereby to convey the execution to another, or found his own ability in any capacity to perform that truſt, which of neceſſity was to be performed) until again one afternoon, the Ambaſſadour ſent for him to his houſe. Long it was not after his arrival, before

Gggg 2

the

The Princesss Gloria;

PART V.

the crafty Minifter of State, conducting him into a private with-drawing room, began
this discourse to his hearing.

Not many weeks since, laid he, I let you know my minde, concerning the effects
of the general peace, now concluded between the two mighty Monarchs of the
World, Orontes King of Syria, and Ofiris Prince of Egypt, wherein other Common-
wealths have also their share of commodity, if not of glory; however your young
King of Lydia appears not yet to be remembred; but at prefent a latter ſcene being
difcovered, I ſhall inform you of some more particulars, belonging to his intereſt
and profit, which before neither your office or my employment, would ſuffer me to
reveal: The two Kings meeting, as I ſay, upon the Frontiers of both Countreys, to
confummate the much defired marriage, between the Lady Hesperiana and our youth-
ful Sovereign, there arrived of a ſudden at the Court Prince Arethuſius, complaining
that fo many Triumphs were to be performed, without his reſtitution to his Crowns;
reſ reflecting withal, that the diſhonour, though not the loſs, reſted meerly upon their
perſons, whose promifes have been, not onely to fee juſtice eſtablished in every place
by their power, but himſelf righted, if not revenged againſt his Fathers enemies.
As theſe inflamations a little diſcompoſed the intended ceremonies, ſo was there pre-
fently a choice Council assembled of both Nations, to consider of thoſe differences,
that appeared to thwart both the Monarchs former proteſtations: 'Tis true, that
ſhame, compaſſion, and religion, ſeemed to contend with policy, quiet, and ſecurity
in many diſputes, wherein Arethuſi us himſelf became a moſt powerful advocate;
though his Blood and Worth ſpoke more for his Caufe, then either his own tongue
or his friends ſolicitation; ſcorning to be ſuppliant for a poſſeſſion to be procur'd
him, of what other Princes ſhould have freely offered, ſince it was but a benefice to
their peculiar honour, which they could not but ambitionſly deſire, however too
much ſenſuality for the prefent, had quenched the flames of ſo worthy a paſſion;
but at laſt the fair and lovely Hesperiana, the chief object of the general peace, ha-
ving left her vow of Religion, to comply in the greater ſervice of the Gods, with a
certain kinde of burning bluſh in her fair cheeks, and a few Chriftal tears in her beau-
teous eyes, entred the room where the whole company remained; when preſently
caſting her ſelf in a modeſt poſture upon the ground, ſhe uttered this language.

The Heavens, laid he, can bear me witneſs, I had not left the ſervice of Holy Iſis,
but to redeem the almoſt ruined world, Religion being the motive, and Juitice the
obligation; wherefore if my expectation ſhall be deceived, although my quality
may bear the title of great Queen of Syria, yet my inward thoughts muſt ſill be ac-
companied with nothing but diſcontents; ſince I ſhall eſſeem my marriage rather a
ſacriſedge in opinion, then a happineſs of reality; when beſides the reſolution I
have made to the Gods to advance their honour: The Arch-Flamin of Delphos
ſhall be deceived, in having granted any Diſpenſation, in that an aſſured hope to
convert Nations, and ſettle Rights, were alwayes uſed as the pretentions: If Kings
ought to be the diſtributors on earth of theſe bleſſings, let it be their endeavours to
aſſiſt Arethuſi us, and give encouragement to inſtruct his people; in which proſecu-
tion, as Hesperiana ſhall ever glory, ſo without that attempt your own dignities
muſt ſuffer. With theſe words her lovely cheeks being dyed again in Crimſon bluſhes,
as if her gentle temper, had been too much overcome by a religious paſſion, ſhe
ſinſhed her diſcourse in this manner; but had not time enough to receive an anſwer,
before Queen Andromida her ſelf entred the place, putting on a more majestick
discontent.

Can it be thought, laid he, that the youthful and brave Prince Arethuſius, (whofe
vertues have conquered his misfortunes, more abundantly by the heavens influence,
then the tyranny and ufurpation of his enemies, have overcome the hearts and pro-
perties of his unnatural people, by placing Hercrobrotus in his Throne) ſhould
ſtand ſo long a ſpace demanding affiſtance of the two mighty Monarchs of the
world, without any fruit or redreſs? Is it poſſible the Syrian and Egyptian blood
ſhould be ſo much adulterated, as not to inflame with indignation, rather then mo-
derately apprehend his received injuries? eſpecially when the miracles in his own per-
ſon

fon hath been performed, and the condition of those aderfaries might tell you,
that onely blinde fate made them oppofers of so much worth and goodneſs ? No, 'tis
your Royalty and not his Intereft, that ſuffers by the omiffion, ſince fame already
hath founded ſo loud a trumpet in his commendation, by the acquifitions of his noble
foul, that all the blame henceforward muſt reſt upon your not performance, as an
ignominy to our dignities for ever : But to you, O you Gods, we may ask pardon for
all those difgraces, though I muſt attribute my own former neglects to those Coun-
cels, which made me believe the Lydian ſactions, without trouble, would either end
the differences or prepare a conqueſt; by this means I ſtrived alwayes, to quiet the
thoughts and importunities of Hyacinthia, whose indulgency to my particular,
made her reſt contented, until by this happy conjunction of the general Peace, my
own obligations again have called me out to those expressions before two powerful
Kings, whose intereſt I hope will satisfie me or themſelves.

This being delivered by the exasperate Queen, for the feeming delay was uſed to-
wards Arethusiua ſatisfaction, put on, either by her own noble compaffion, or for-
tified with those promifes ſhe had formerly made to Hyacinthia, gave occafion to
her Nephew Ofris to affure her, that if the people of Lydia's Dominions, did not
ſuddenly give way in all obedience to his juſt rights, he would affiſt him, not onely
with power but expedition, hoping the Syrian State would do the like; wherefore
prefently a determination was taken, to ſend propofals to the Senate of the King-
dom, then fitting in the great City of Sardis, which quickly removed again Prince
Arethusiua, towards the Countrey of Pamphylia, being a place thought more proper
for any communication.

No sooner was Prince Arethusiua arrived within the Territories of the fruitful
Countrey of Pamphylia, but the Nobility were affembled by the Egyptian Gover-
nour to give him entertainment; with the Palace of his great Lord and Maſter, pre-
pared for the better accommodation of his now Royal Court, ſince his followers ap-
peared more numerous then formerly; when as people of all parts being taken with
hopes, as well as thoughts of his proſperity, began to think the two Kings had ab-
folutely conſented to his eſtablishment, which cauſed daily arguments of ſeveral na-
tures; ſome ſaid it would be derogative from his honour, to admit of any expoſu-
lations with his Subjeſts, whose duty 'twas rather to obey his rights, then to condi-
tion for their own ſafeties, feeing their diſaffections onely had cauſed his diſpleaſure :
Others again of the contrary alledged, that obliuons quietyed mindeſ, and expreſſed
magnanimity; the one procuring ſecurity to a Prince in his Dominion, the other
contracted a veneration in peoples thoughts, to his perſon, which coupled love and
obedience together; whereas any ſeeming intentions of revenge, would be thought,
but ſome ſpecies of Tyranny, that might be cunningly covered over, either with lan-
guage or application, until the ſitteſt opportunity for execution, when as time had
now almoſt worn out the remembrance of offences, moſt of the chief actors being
dead; ſo that it would not be ſafe to revive the horrour of them by new repetitions,
but rather bury their blackneſs in ſilence, under the pretence of mercy and ſettlement,
feeing the Nation was not in a condition, neither to undergo a Civil War nor to
make any ſatisfaction.

After theſe intimations quickly followed the Nuptials of the fair Princes Hesperi-
na, with our moſt glorious King Orontes, in which ceremony the tears of her Father
were mixed abundantly with the preparation, ſince he knew ſhortly his Daughter was
to be carried, both from his fight and Government: 'Tis true that many circumſtan-
ces were uſed before this unwilling ſeparation, but to avoid all tediousneſs of relati-
ons, I ſhall only let you know' (according as my ſelf have been inſormed) a true de-
ſcription of those magniſcent entertainments that the Royal pair received in the
great City of Damascus upon their firſt entrance; for that no age was ever eſtemed
to have performed ſuch wonders, accompanied with all the riches and ſplendour could
be imagined, wherein beauty ſeemed to contend with bravery, which ſhould more
adorn the inferiour world, by an Eſclat not again to be imitated but in the highest
heavens.

Some

The Princesss Clorias

PART V.

Some time before the appointed season, I say, *Ovontes* with his admirable Bride, after their arrival in the *Syrian* Dominion, retired to a Castle a few furlongs from the great Town of *Damafcus*, where they remained, until notice was given to all forts of conditions in the Kingdom, that the preparation needful for this brave solemnity, was ready towards the execution; so that at the day appointed, (the streets being hung with exquisite tapestry, and the windows furnished by excellent beauties, since none other in houfes, were suffered to prophane the fiew, although the common people in heaps below called to the Gods for the prosperity of their King) theHRaulds firſt marshalled the Gentlemen in ranks, whose number exceeded the ſtones upon the ground, as their luſtre did the ſtars in the firmament, all sympathizing in one minde of concurrency; however their inventions of apparel, out-went nature her ſelf in varieties: The horſes they rode upon, ſeemed to be choſen one by one from the beſt races of the earth, differing exactly both in ſhape and colour, as if their ambition had taught them to be known for diſtinction, and there met only to try the maſtery in their Countreys ſertility, as well, in what belonged to their courages as their handſomneſs; nevertheless the many ſpots curiously dapling their fair bodies rather appeared the art and care of choicest painters, then any way the work of chance or confusion, whilſt in the interim, their manes on either ſide their necks, tied up in ſeveral knots by ſilver'd Ribbands, perfumed the very pavement where the *Queen Hesperiana* was to paſs; as it were performing a kinde of rude homage to her Royalty; if not more commodiously to gather up the dainty flowers, that had been ſtrewed all the way by the young Virgins of the Countrey, mixing those comely decorums, now and then with graceful corvets, as their skilful riders gave them the occasion, themselves being adorned with large Plumes, that played in the wende, not onely as it might be thought designed on purpose to refresh the air, but to delight the ſpectators; since the Sun's brightness did more illustrate their youthful bravery, without much prejudice to their gallant comportments, the duſt having been allay'd in the morning, by a gentle and propitious ſhowre of rain; as if the couds had wholly confined in the intention: These companies were divided into ſix Troops, if not rather Regiments, each being commanded by a Prince of the blood, whose Arms declared his deſcent and greatneſs, as the imbroideries of his liveries his riches and invention; wherein all ſeemed to out-doe one another in intention, though none but went beyond every imitation; as though the worlds wealth had been gathered together in one place, to be onely ſpent for *Syria's* honour, having beggered in the mean time other Nations in their productions, whereby the better to comply with the preſent Triumphs.

The firſt Captain that appeared to march was clothed in red, bearing in his hand a naked Sword ready drawn for ſlaughter, though his apparel and caparifon were wrought all over with gold and precious ſtones, by which was figured the repreſentation both of War and Deſtruction, however gloriously ſet forth to ſhow, that command in either employment, pretended to a certain kinde of terrifying reſpect, whereby obedience might be more prompt and efficacious, whilſt the trappings of his horſe were formed into many Companies of ordinary foot Souldiers, graced by ſeveral Enſigns and Drums though in Kettle models, not well to be diſtinguified, but by thofe who approached at the neareſt diſtance; after which train followed a great Chariot, filled with nothing but variety of Trophies, being drawn by three mighty Tygers, as it ſhould ſeem onely tamed for that purpose, the whole entangling the beholders imaginations with divers fancies, concerning the fate of former contentions, now ended as they hoped in the beſt of peace and felicity, when a joyful marriage appeared, to be the happy period of each Nation.

The ſecond Commander had his habit all over, embroidered with Pearle upon the pureſt black Velvet, pretending to a kinde of mourning poſture for what was paſt, though again became enlightned by that rich innocency figured in his apparel, as it were between hope and certainty, in regard of the preſent conjunction of the Noſle pair, who ſeemed now to have joyned the worlds divifion, by a more then human influence; nevertheless ſomething lamenting notwithstanding paſt accidents by

## PART V. or, The Royall Romance.

by a little shadow of darknes to complain of the misfortune: Neither did the curious dresting of his Steed disown the intention, who being of the colour of night, was covered with the resemblance of a plumed Swan, cut out in white Sattin, and heightned in needful places with purest silver Purle, plated in every interruption by moft excellent workmanship: over his head was carried a large Ombrella, to defend that beauty from the Suns violence, himself being guarded by multitudes of Foot-men and Pages, richly clothed in his own colours, though the neatnes of the fashion moft of all pleafed the eye: When all the company was paft, two Elephants haled a flately Throne; upon which was placed a goodly Hearse with Curtains; wherein feemed to be buried for ever all occafions of future difference, fo expreft by fundry Garlands and Motto's contrived to that purpose.

The third Conductor was accommodated in yellow Sattin, wrought exquifitely all over with gold, here and there intermixt with flones reffembling the fame luftre, cut out into the form of Shining Stars, fo skilfully placed in the workmanship, as if those lights appeared through refulgent clouds, which not onely gave a gallant grace to the perfon of the Prince, but ftruck the ſpectators into a certain kinde of amazed reſpect, concerning his inward worth, although his quality might have ſufficiently faſtisfied their thoughts; he appearing in that poſture ſome God dreft in humane ſhape, whereby to deceive mortality upon earth; and the rather did it ſtrive with the apprehenſions of the multitude, for that he wore on his head a burnifh'd Helmet, from whence proceeded little rayes of Gold fet with divers ſparkling Diamonds, which by the Suns reflection more confounded the beholders expectation, if not eyes, towards an awful reverence: As the numerousneſs of his foot followers, were all clade in the fame livery and colours, ſo was his baggage brought up behinde in a moſt glorious Chariot, crowned with Emperial Garlands, being drawn by a couple of huge Lions fitted with golden traces, and wearing rich collars of the fame matter about their necks, whilft their long curled manes, as well terrified as delighted the people, on either side the street gazing at the wonder; the invention, as I may ſay, pretending to glory and juridiction.

The fourth Regiment was a light Blue, reſembling the heavens in luftre and ſplendour, the youthful Captain being adorned in rich Arms inlaid with Pearle and Gold, enamel'd between by moſt curious workmanship, with flowers and other pretty creatures belonging to nature, that feemed by their lively expreſſion, to walk and creep according as his perfon had occafion to move, by the neceſsary agitation of his brave and courageous horſe, covered with a caparifon imbroidered with ſmall Stars of Diamonds, ſhining between oriental clouds, figured ſo artificially, that the design appeared to be ſome celestial firmament, created on purpose for the honour of the day: The Chariots that brought up the rear, was compoſed all over with imboſt carved materials, here and there fet with compartiments containing Flower-de-luces, the proper Armories of the Kingdom of Syria, yet encompaſſed round about with Garlands of red and white Rofes, whilft at the back was placed the Goddeſs Pallas in a fringed Mantle, covering a little her gilded Armour, and tied upon the left shoulder by an artificial knot, making in letters the names of the Royal and Beautiful couple. This glorious Engine of Triumph was drawn by fix white horſes gallantly plumed, with other moſt magnificent ornaments, both in riches and curioſity, in that manner paſſing by, to make way for other inventions belonging to the ſhew.

The next appearance to the view, was a green Livery, interchanged here and there with the beſt Cloath of Tiffue, the Commander himſelf carrying a ſmall Spear in his hand, tuſted on the top with Silk and Gold; and was alſo Crowned with a wreath of choicest flowers, under which his Amber hair in curious curles ſeemed to be moſt ad-vantageouſly moved by the winde; that as his beauty appeared to exceed all others, ſo the rude multitude took him to be a ſecond Cupid, which they could not chuse but expreſs in loud acclamations, almoſt to the disorder of the proceſſion: His Caparifon and Trappings were wrought into the ſaſhion of a natural Pyefage, inſomuch as a little Countrey was in ſome fort figured to move into the air, as his Horſe in gentle corvets was directed to perform his own duty, that often was exerciſed as he paſſed

by

The Princess Clorïe;

PART V.

600

by the content of the beholders: His Chariot for the moſt part was enamel'd,
according to the decorum of his colours, deſigned to repreſent youth and marriage
joyned together, in the happiest poſture the world could afford; whilſt at the back
was elevated upon a Throne, the Statue of Venus and her Son; the one naked with
golden wings, and ſhe clothed in a Nymph-like attire; which was drawn through
the streets by two great Dolphins, made artificially with a sea under them rolling, by
the onely art of people concealed from mens ſight.

The fixth and laſt Troop repreſented innocent Virginity all in white cloth of ſilver,
heightned over the ground with the richeſt purle, and ſo ordered into diversity of
works of ſeveral naturés, eaſily to be perceived by thofe, that approached at any
thing a near diſtance: The Lords Habit and Caparifon were for the moſt part of the
fame Livery, ſave the latter that was cut out into the form of a pure Phenix, cover-
ing the Crupper with her Tail, as the wings did the Sides, gently in that manner
playing with the weather, as the Horſe stirred too and fro, or advanced forward in
action: His Chariot that came behinde all his attendants, was leaſurely drawn by
four white Oxen of an unmeaſureable greatneſs, pickt out on purpose (as it ſhould
ſeem) for ſuch a ſhew, though guided in their courſe, by a fair youth not exceeding
in age fourteen, with a ſilver Whip in the one hand, as the Reins in the other, ſaſten-
ed to the Beaſts gilded Horns, wearing upon his head a Garland of white Rofes
and Lillies; whilſt on the back-side was to be ſeen a tranſparant Altar ſmoaking with
pureſt Incenſe, continually ſupplied as there was occasion, by the endeavours of a
young Prieft ready there waiting for the purpose; about whole perſon, were many
Boyes and Virgins, who ſeemed moſt ſeriously to attend the ſervice; and to that effect,
in ſundry Hymns often prais'd the vertues and excellency of their new Lady and
Queen Hesperiana, which ended alſo the deſign of the Souldiers Triumph.

Whilſt the people on all ſides were wondering at theſe Rareties, the great Officers of
the Kingdom appeared in their ancient Ornaments of Honour, differing onely from
their ordinary manner of habits belonging to other Ceremonies, in the rich mag-
nificency of their Jewels; ſome riding upon Elephants, others upon Dromidaries,
beſides a third fort managing brave Perſian and Arabian Horſes, with their Enſigns
of command carried before them, by Pages and other inferiour Minifers of State;
their Staſſiers and multitude of attendants on foot, clade with as much expence as could
be procured, or art could devife, exceeding in number, and not to be equalled in
beauty, gave alwayes a careful attendance to obſerve punctually their Lords com-
mand, whereby no part of the Ceremony might be omitted, tending to the honour
and dignity of their King: After theſe the chief Chancellour or Steward of the
Empire, was born aloft in a moving Throne, covered all over with cloth of Gold,
and fitting in a Chair of State behinde a large Table, whereon were placed the Seals
and other inſtruments belonging more properly to his place, who appeared to be as
great in his Maſters favour, as in his neceſsary command; being carried on in this
glorious Engine, with ſo much cunning and skill, by the contrivers of the
excellent work, that nothing ſeemed to draw the Chariot in the streets, though ſome
wheels underneath forced by ſerues made the whole proceed: If I ſhould here, ſaid
he, number his attendants with their bravery, I might not onely enter my ſelf into a
new labyrinth of diſcourse, but make you overmuch ſurfeit, by the tediouſneſs of
the relation; eſpecially not having a tongue politick enough to fall upon every par-
ticular, worthy the deſcription of ſo great an exceſs in bravery: Onely I ſhall ſay
he had four great Maces born before him, as the chief marks of his authority, with
a guard of an hundred Souldiers after his Throre clade in moſt rich Liveries of Crim-
ſon Velvet.

When he was paſt, there appeared fifty Pages on horſeback, ſo neatly accoutred
in every degree, that it was a question whether their bravery, or their handsomenefs
did moſt delight the eyes of the ſpectators; ſince as the one gave them an amazed
reverence, ſo the other afforded a melting affection, the whole being compoſed
equally, between Beauty and Gallantry; as alſo their flaxen hair playing with the
winde under bright Helmets, as if Cupid and Mars had joyned together in a youth-

ſul

ful design, to take the world with delight and admiration: These marching two by two, the mighty Favourite *Mazarinus* after them, was carried in a Litter of fine Chryftal, fludded with Gold, being born as it were in the air with flying Griffins, artificially so contrived by Grecian Artifts, choſen out of the Countrey onely for that purpose; to which design the wealth and power of *Asia* seemed to contribute, ſince the late general Peace rendred the earth pleafed with his actions, and ſo conference was attended in love, by three hundred Staſſiers, holding in their hands Partizans of Ebony, tipt with Gold, and partly Enamelled: After this followed an hundred Pages all to be ſeen in rich cloth of Silber, daintily wrought over with the fame Mettle, being the Queens proper Livery, who wore Garlands of flowers upon their heads, curiously interwoven with Silk and other materials, which could beſt imitate nature, though by a more exact decorum, ſince the malignity of time could not alter their ſeeming flourishing condition to any prejudice, either by act or ſhew: No ſooner were theſe paſt the view, but a mighty green Inland with Trees, unto which were tyed twelve white Unicorns, whoſe gilded Horns ſeemed wreathed with the beſt Laurel, drew after them a clear Chryſtal Rock, cut in ſeveral ſteps by degrees, whereon many young Virgins, bearing in their hands branches of Palms, as the trueſt emblems of pacification, whoſt Boyes of the pureſt beauty both for complexion and making, beſtriding the Beaſts, became in all appearance, as well their directors as their ornament; whoſt at the top in a golden Neeche, was placed the moſt excellent *Heſperiana*, cloathed in a veſture of admirable work, ſo rarely contrived without any perſerveable ſeam, that the ſeemed ſome heavenly Goddeſs, enlightned onely by reſulgent Rayes, carrying fairly on her brows, a ſmall Coronet of beſt Diamonds, from whence defcended in curious Curles the rich Treſſes of her Hair, whoſe value, as it is thought, hath now redeemed the world from its ſuture oppreſſion; love being the means, and that wonder the object: 'Tis true a watchet Mantle covered with Stars, as a neceſsary punſtilio of Royalty, ſomething obſcured that glorious Luftre, by hanging over her comely Shoulders, yet the long Train the ſore being born up by many excellent beauties, did not onely conveniently eafe her of the burthen, but added ſome grace to her own Majety; ſo that after another hundred of Pages clade in the fame manner (whoſt the *Syrian* and *Egyptian* Nobility on both ſides guarded the THRONE) had brought up the Rear of this fair company, the great Ladies of the Kingdom according to their degrees, in other Chariots followed in order as the Heralds had directed, whoſe numbers might be here again in ſome ſort ſpecified, if either there needed an amplification of the Ceremonies by diſcourſe, or that the deſcriptions of ſo many natures would not prove over burthenſome; ſince the conclusion muſt rather be without end, then perfectly related by a better tongue then I can challenge to my ſelf; however you may know further, that the Souldiers of the Kings Troops being moſt richly clade both in Arms and Habits, ſhut up the laſt march in theſe companies, which continued not onely all the night, but the next day following: But to be more ſhort, when the young Queen came to the first gate of the City, the ſound a brave triumphant Arch prepared by the Government for her entrance: The Fabrick was all of *Theban* Marble, ſupported by Dorick Pillars, over whoſe Corniſh was a very large Compartment, wherein were contained the Armories of *Egypt* and *Syria*, over the which was lively repreſented the ſtature of Fame founding a Trumpet, who ſeemed at prefent to be crowning by ſundry *Cupids* in Clouds, whoſt under his ſeet in a Scroll was written this exprefſion.

Beauty overcoming War, it self becomes
moſt famous.

H h h H

Heſperiana

602

The Princesss Cloria;

PART V.

*Hesperiana* foon pafling under the building, was suddenly overtaken by a gentle
showre of feed Pearle, which lightly falling upon her Robes, from thence tumbling
to the ground, covered the small Island of her fupport all over in the nature of hail,
though not to theofs, but the benefit of the common people: This manner of
magnificence the gallant Commander beftowed upon her firft entertainment.

In the Market-place of the Town was another Trophey of honour raifed to her
reception: the materials were of Porphire, with ſundry coloured ſtones of confider-
able value, framed into double Ionian columes, and architrave Freeze and Coniſh,
wreathed and adorned by Laurel Branches: On the higher part was a huge Globe,
fetting forth the large extent of the Syrian Empire, being encompaſſed about with a
plentiful Cornu-copia, of the beſt productions nature could afford, whilft either ſide
ſhewed the ſtatures of Ceres and Bacchus, imprecating ſove for the continuance of his
heavenly favours: The top of the building was wrought in the manner of a large
Cupelo, covered with ſhining Copper in half circular Tiles, each corner bearing a
fair Pyramid crowned with bowls of Gold, reaching almoſt to the extremity of the
whole, however the middle ſerved as convenient Bafes or Pedestal, for a great Image
of Peace, caſt in Brafes, to the wonder and amazement of the preſent company: This
Triumphant monument, had three paſſages imbowed with curious workmanship,
wherein were repreſented the ſeveral accidents of the War lately pacified, all tending
to the glory of the Syrian Nation, until at laſt a certain Shrine opening with moſt
admirable art, a rocky Land-skip of the Indies appeared, that contained a world of
brave Treasure, figured as the Dower of the Princes *Hesperiana*, ſent from her Fa-
ther the great Monarch of Egypt, but yet not in price like her admired perſon;
when by an ſcription theſe words were ſignified by Capital Letters, over the head of
the higheſt Arch.

Her Vertue is our beſt Riches,
As her Beauty King Orontes Pride.

No sooner was the Queen paſſ through the greateſt Gate of Honour, belonging to
that gallant edifice, but at the foot of her Throne, was preſented by kneeling Citi-
zens in ſilver Baskets, divers rare Jewels of all values and luſtre, could be got either
for price or favour, over the whole Continent of Asia; which ſhe accepting with a
beauteous ſmile, wherein both love and majesty ſeemed a little to contend for ma-
ſtery, the whole Triumph again proceeded towards the period of their deſires at the
Temple, where the King was attending upon a Throne to meet his Queen in full con-
fummation of his long intended joy.

Not long after their departure, the third and laſt Arch appeared, raſed at the ex-
ceſſive expence of all the Lawyers of the Kingdom, it being built onely with one paſ-
fage two ſtories high, though ſat on the top, covered with excellent Rail and Ballaſt-
er caſt in *Corinthian* Brafes, and brought from Greece to this purpofe: The Faccato
was compoſed of double columes having Neeches between, wherein were placed
brave Statues of white Marble, repreſenting the former *Heroes* of the world, that
firſt taught learning to the rude multitude, giving them rules to obey civilly: Upon
the very top was feated on a huge pedeſtal, the Image of *Epyre* crowned, holding
in one hand a naked Sword, and in the other a Book open, whilft Juitice was ſtand-
ing by her ſide, bearing a pair of Ballance, with Death and Execution turning their
backs, under whole feet was written this ſignification in Capital Letters of Gold.

Conqueſt bringing Peace may procure Mercy;
Yet muſt not deſtroy Juitice when there is occasion.

As

As the Queen passed through this portal in her Critical seat, the roof suddenly was seen to open of it self, from whence was perceived to issue in certain oriental Clouds, divers beautiful Ganimèds holding amongst them a small Imperial Crown, which being gently placed upon her head, they returned singing with delicate voices, to the air of concealed instruments, for that purpose hid within the body of that excellent building.

But now approaching the Infall for the meeting of the two Royal Lovers, after
the precedent company of this glorious procession (Condorofus being chief in qua-
lity) had done their wonted homage to the King, feated upon a Throne of Ivory, and
guarded on either side with golden Lions, not far distant from the Gate of the great
Temple, Orontes afar off beholding the object of his delight, of a sudden descended
from his Chair, to give his heart more satisfaction; whereupon she noting the ready
posture of her youthful Lord, as quickly prepared her thoughts (by the service of
those Nymphs in her Train) to meet with his wishes, and so confequently arising
from her Chair, was conducted by her Ladies to the foot of that Rock supported by
the green Island, where the Kings hafty love soon met her in the way with something
a violent passion: When he had sealed the best part of his intentions by many kisses
upon her fair lips (remaining so as it were in an exsulte for something a long space)
he gently taking her by the hand, led her towards the stately Fane of Venus, where
the consummation of his joy as well as her hopes were to be performed, until at last
being met by the high Bishop of the place, wearing his golden Mytre on his head, they
were both presently conducted to the great Altar of Hymen, where they continued
praying until the accomplishment of all needful ceremonies belonging to their perpe-
tual conjunction could be performed: from whence all being finished, they went with
joy enough to the Kings own Palace; however in the way they were a little inter-
rupted by the sudden appearance of a hundred Camels richly adorned both with Silk
and Gold, that had been sent by the mighty King of Egypt, after his Daughter with
her proper Dower, being promifed in marriage upon the conclusion of that happy
unity: Thus, I may say, ended this moft glorious and magnifcent Triumph, being
the worlds wonder, and Syria's Splendour; wherein if my weak tongue hath been too
penurious in the relation, I must not only beg your pardon, but ask my Countrey
forgivenss; however my discourſe may serve I hope for your divertisement, and
with these words presently rose from his seat, whereby to give Parismenus a liberty of
departure.

Parismenus being in this manner discharged from the Ambassadours company,
going homeward toward his own lodging, began to confider more deeply, as well
what had been delivered by the wife Minifter of State, concerning the greatneſs and
magnificence of the Syrian Empire, as of the condition and the uncertainty of Prince
Arethusfus affairs, notwithstanding Hermelauſ proceedings had given more then
thoughts of his ſpeedy eſtablishment: yet as of one ſide he found the people of Lydia
weary of ſo many changes, ſo of the other, he doubted very much Mazarius, if
he did not prevail in the intended match for his Neece, that he would obſtruct all he
could Arethusfus reception to the Crown; which easily he might do, by joyning his
power with Abaſtanuſ intereſt, who now was eſcaped from prifon, with the reſt of
the diſcontented party, that perhaps out-numbred the Souldiers belonging to the
Generals command; which put Parismenus into many thoughts, and withal to con-
fider, whether he ſhould preſently take a journey towards the Countreys and Domi-
nions of Pamphylia, or reſt ſatisfied until the meeting of the next Senate, who were
to determine, as it was ſaid, not onely the Title of the ſucceſſion to the Government,
but all other differences appertaining to the late troubles: But whileſt for many
dayes he remained wavering and inſconstant in his determinations (some time believ-
ing without the Syrian Favoureds friendſhip, Arethusfus could not be King, and
other whiles hoping his own Subjects in deſpight of all oppofition, would willingly
return to their old obedience) news came to the City of Sardis, that Abaſtanuſ was

H h h z

again

The Princesss Clorïe;

PART V.

604

again taken, being made a prifoner, to the more joy then wonder of the common
people, who for the moft part love punifhment and hate pacification, in perſons of
eminent qualities; however this intelligence quickly converted the minde of troubled
*Parismenus* to ſomething a better temper, and by conſequence made him reſt ſa-
tiſhed, until the time of the affembling the new Councel, before he moved in any
desiſes of mighty *Mazarius*, upon whose actions the eyes of the whole Nation in a
manner were ſixed, as if directed by ſome powerful Oracle to decide, not onely the
controversies of War and peace, but the happineſs of a convenient (if not a rightſul)
ſucceſſion in Government, ſince people ſcarce believed the old constitution could ever
be renewed, after ſo long a time of interruption; eſpecially when ſo many intereſts
were to be ſatistied, that feared as well to be divelted of thoſe riches they had got
from other mens Eſtates, as to become feverely chaſtized for thoſe horrid murthers
they had committed, without fear or reſentment, ſeeing the moſt part of the Army
were ſill wavering in their obedience to *Hermelam* their new General, beſides, the in-
ſolent and laſting command they deſired to hold over all forts of conditions, which
they had not yet loſt, if their Officers had not been too ambitiously coverous, or
themſelves confounded by perſwafion, in regard it was eſteemed the rafheſt aſt of
Treaſon could be imagined, but to name *Arethuſiā* King in any Asſembly, notwith-
ſtanding the Tyrant *Hercrombroſtus*, had ſurped the Authority though not the Title,
with all the cruelty and diffimulation could be aſted upon the earth, to the diſadvan-
tage and oppreſſion of the whole Nation; yet nevertheleſs became ſlattered if not
envited to the Government, by thoſe who either thought to gain by his power, or
were terrified in his Jurisdiſction, not minding the Gods Worſhip, or reflecting upon
their own bafenels.

Not many weeks of expectation, as I ſay, brought together this great Senate, in
that very place where King *Euarchus* ſate had been determined, by the wicked practi-
ces of perjured *Hercrombroſtus*; who was a perſon that moſt delighted in blood, if
not ſmiled alwayes in revenge, not content a glory ſo eminent ſhine in *Lydia's*
Horizon, when his own want of birth and vertue, could pretend to nothing but
wicked envy, and a ſtrict compaſt with hell, whereby the better to compaſs his pre-
fumptuous ambition, by an example never before praeſtiled by horrid Treaſon: But
the Senate being met, they preſently ſell upon expoſtulations, whether the old Go-
vernment ſhould ſtand for ever, or Kingly Jurisdiſtion ſhould again be reaſumed;
many believing the people would never be perſwaded, to admit of *Arethuſiā* Eſta-
blifhment, without ſome conditions made firſt for their advantage; eſpecially when
ſo many opinions were on ſoot, concerning the true Worſhip of the Gods, and the
Souldiers had the power of the whole Kingdom in their hands, who could not be
disbanded until their full wages were duly ſatistied, being a work as they thought,
moſt ſtupendious to be performed, out of the impoveriſhed Nations neceſſi-
ties: Others again were of a minde, that the ſuns brightneſs appearing in the Kings
countenance, accompanied by Right and Honour, would quickly diſperſe all the
clouds of diſaffection and rebellion; eſpecially when aided by the violent love and
fidelity of the brave Subjeſts of his own party and Intereſt: But whilſt almoſt
nights and days were ſpent in theſe ſeveral diſputes, diſpairing vapours often obſcuring
their greatest hopes towards any ſettlement, ſince men were doubtful in their ſears,
and conſtant in their gains, of a ſudden they were ſaluted from Prince *Arethuſiā*
with this Declaration; That in regard the people might be confident of their own
aſfection, and ſecured in his ſorgivenelſs, he prieſed all manner of perſons within his
Dominions, not only a free and general pardon from their crimes, but a future place in
his opinion, if their actions ſhould any way correfpond with his intentions, onely as
he ſaid, thoſe Villains who had appeared inſtrumental in his Fathers Murther, were to
expect dire puniſhment, as well from himſelf as from the Gods. As theſe Maſjeſtick
Letters were received with ſatification enough from moſt of the Asſembly, ſo many
over guilty of their own proceedings; or at leaſtwife knowing their inward hearts,
were

were

were not right to his particular, notwithstanding the graces he offered to all men, having perhaps perchance purchased Lands and Honours which they were unwilling to leave, began fundry violent contentions, against the determinations of receiving a King, without some conditions that might restrain his power, if the people hereafter should be in any kinde vexed by his Government; however they did acknowledge that the proposition was altogether against the rules and nature of Lydia's constitution: 'Tis true, this debate took up much time in dispute, until at last, either wearied out with the uncertainty of their many violent contentions, or rather fearing the late unity of Forreign Monarchs in the general peace, would quickly by their affiance compel a more flavish obedience, then was any way defred by their own gentle and moft merciful Prince, whose goodnefs almost out-went the vertues of the whole earth, at last concluded in a feeming joy, to proclaim him King with all expedition, to the infinite joy of all the common people: No sooner were these Ceremonies performed, with moft flately and accustomed magnificency, but some of the chief Nobility were appointed to attend his Majesty in the Island of Cyprus, whither he was newly removed out of the Territories of Pamphilia, whereby with more conveniency to have the conversation of his sweet Sifter the Princes Cloria, whose entire love and conftant affection, had been a long time his principal delight, if not abundant satisfaction, when defpairing thoughts moft afflicted his followers, although his own noble courage and supernatural activity, rendred him still confident in his fate, as well as the world in his worth: These Messengers being landed at Salamine, the Countrey quickly provided them transportation to the great City of Paphos, where they found their young King (when admitted to his prefence) clothed in black garments, having in a manner used no other since his Fathers death, as well to let people know that pious duty which belonged to his condition, as to remember his particular Subjects of the justice, that appertained to the Gods satisfaction: A long while he beheld them with an eye of feveret Majesty, until at last by little and little he cleared his frowning brow, and in the end spoke to the company after this manner.

I am glad, said he, to fee this change, yet I could have wifht there had been never any alteration; not onely for my lots, but your reputations; since other Nations then had been more terrified, and you better ſecured; for that opinion of fidelity and courage conferves friends, and deterrs enemies in those attempts, that covetouſneſs and ambition often procures to a Countreys hazzard: But I know it is the Heavens property to forgive, however always with theſe reſtrictions of future amendments, and conſtant perſeverance, both which I shall not doubt, being your countenances pretend to the one, as your words have declared the other: 'Tis true, I might ſpeak more like a King amongſt you, both in blood and slaughters, when my Sword was ready unsheathed (by the provocation of other Princes) to have taken a revenge anſwerable to the faults of the multitude; but before the execution could be p ſecuted, some propitious God ſeemed to hold my hand, as pleading mercy for the peoples benefit, being an Attribute moſt noble of all Olimpus power; and we reſembling ſuch Deities, cannot a little but wave the decorums of the feveret justice, ra ther then condemn the innocent within the crowd of those horrid Traytors, who have perſпрated ſuch wickedneſs, as almost obſcures the fun from Shining in Lydia's Horizon; and can never expect a day of light, until the ſoul of great and vertuous Euarchus be pacified, by ſacrifices of puniſhments, or expiations, in ſome ſort anſwerable to his goodneſs, and others crimes; however be you rather the instruments of theſe condemnations, then my Royalty the appearing aſtor in the deferved Tragedy, whereby the better to allay every malignant tongue, as the more to gain your ſelves honour; ſince the Nations repentance will be ſeen by those laws you shall make to this purpofe, as monuments to pofferity of your intended obedience, which muſt needs quiet my thoughts, and take off Lydia's ſcandal that for many years hath buried all its glory: With theſe words he pſeſtly quit the room, onely with ſome few tears in

The Princeſs Clorïa,

PART V.

in his eyes, as a greater testimony of his inward sorrow, confidering the sad remembrance of his Fathers death.

Many dayes after this had not paffed in goodly triumphs for the Kings entertain-
ment, before there came news from the City of Salamine, concerning the arrival of
a gallant Fleet, whereby with more ſtate to tranſport his youthful perſon, into the
Kingdom of Lydia his own proper Dominions; for that the peoples rage and ex-
cessive joy, could not be ſatisfied any longer time without his wiſhed preſence, put-
ting on a general face of obedience both to his right and his commands; as if
litherunto they had lived without a ſoul, and breathed in an ayre ſuffocated
with peſtilent vapours, which had deſtroyed productions in every kinde, either in
profit or ſubſtance; therefore ſent him their cryes with their Ships, to fetch him to-
wards their relief; promiſing for ever, not onely their beſt affections, but their rea-
dy ſervices, in puniſhing thofe horrid Traytors, who had as well obſtructed their
Liberties, as hindred his Rights, by an ominous reſtance, proceeding from the in-
fernal Furies; however permitted by the heavens juſtice for thofe many crimes com-
mitted throughout the whole Nation : 'Tis true, Arethuſus gentle diſpoſition, be-
ing as apt to forgiue as inclinable to be ſatisfied, with theſe outward ex。（ expressions of）
love and duty; especially when he confidered his Countreys fate, if a perſect agree-
ment were not preſently made, ſince other Princes of Asia ſlood ready prepared, to
revenge their own injuſes, as well as aſſiſt his titles, became altogether perſwaded
by theſe demonſtrations; rather caſting himſelf into the armes of his Countreys
love, then to dispute former diſferences towards their hurt; until ſome of his wiſed
Councellours fearing his precipitation, deſired his goodneſs, that although he intend-
ed to ſhow nothing but mercy to his people, yet providence required ſome expo-
ſtulation with the now ſitting Senate, as well to be provided of money for his neceſ-
fary expences, ſince his train wanted thofe commodities, as to be ſecured from his
Fathers fatal and deadly enemies; ſince he could not be but ſuſpicious of the intenti-
ons of many, who yet ſeemed not to delight in the reſolutions of his Subjects, to
have a new crowned King amongſt them: The Princeſs Clorïa ſitting by her youth-
ful Brother (being as it were no more then a paffive companion of theſe diſputes) of
a ſudden became inflamed, with the apprehenſion of his future danger, however ra-
ther arising from the many words were utttered, then the reaſons could be given for
their ſears, Lydia now appearing totally converted to a new obedience; wherefore
told them preſently, with ſome tears in her beautiful eyes, that although ſhe doubted
not but Arethuſus Majeſtick preſence, would terrify his enemies, as well as confirm
his friends to an entire duty; yet was ſhe ready her ſelf to engage her whole Dower
within the fruitful Inland of Cyprus, whereby the better to contribute to the ex-
pence; withall durſt undertake, to procure an Army if need were to guard his per-
fon, as well within as without his Kingdom, towards his ſafety in that honourable
journey, that pretended more to the Subjects Liberty, then to the Kings Glor ſy:
Prince Arethuſus being tranſported with his Sifters ex。（ expressions.） after he had by two
or three loving kiffes imprinted his thanks upon her fair lips, aſſured them all there
prenſent, that as he was reſolved to entertain his peoples affections with any hazzard,
ſince he hoped the immortal Gods would be his ſtrong defence, as well for Lydia's
Interest as his own Titles; ſo was he well perſwaded, that both the Nobility and
Gentry of the Nation, ſlood ready prepared with their lives to oppoſe any rebel-
lion, or deſperation whatsoever in his behalf; who deſired not to reign at all, but
onely in their loves and aſſiſtance: Befides, as he ſaid, he not alone expeſted,
but truſted to the fidelity of the General Hermelaus, whoſe conſtant courage had
firſt rouled the great ſtone, that had broke down the huge Mountain of Tyranny
and Uſurpation, towards the advancement of his intereſt; wherefore could not be
himſelf any impediment to his future prosperity, left he might fall under the world’s
cenſure, either by ſloth or neglect: But ſcare had the King delivered theſe words,
ere Prince Aſcanius entred the room, bearing in his hand a paper, ſigned by all
the

therich Merchants of the wealthy City of Sardis, whereby they humbly preſent-
ed his Royal Brother with a thousand Talents of Gold, as a juſt ransom, belong-
ing to thofe faults they had committed, for so many years together, in reſuſing or
not accepting his Government, when wicked Hercrombrotus kept them in ſlavery,
which they deſired now to redeem by his goodneſs: Arethuſius standing a pretty
ſpace in a certain kinde of mufe, at laſt with a ſmiling countenance, ſnatching the
writing out of Aſcanius poſſeſſion, uttered this language, though he ſixed his looks
in the interim towards the heavens: You Gods, you Gods, ſaid he, how juſt and
unalterable are all your decrees, if frail man had but the patience to wait your plea-
fures, attending the end of your infinite mercies; nevertheless Princes muſt be like
them in thofe properties, forgiving rather in love, then alwayes to puniſh with ſever-
ity, especially when hopes are remaining of entire amendment, which I ſhall never
doubt, as long as Arethuſius means to be temperate in governing the Nation; wit-
neſs theſe protestations my dear Sifter Clorïa, with the reſt of this faithful com-
pany.

These publick Declarations of the Kings noble reſolutions, not onely ſettled the
mindes of the employed Lords, ſent by the Senate of Lydia to know what their
ſubmiſſion would produce, but gave full imimation to the whole Island of Cyprus,
that ſhortly they ſhould be deprived of the beſt glory of the world, although their
own covetous miſ-interpretations, had formerly baniſhed his Royal Perſon, out of
their wealthy and populous Dominions, for no other reaſon, but to free themſelves,
from the fears and oppreſſions of Hercrombrotus Forces; valuing Commodity be-
fore Honour, and Riches beyond Juitice; which quickly wrought theſe effects upon
Clorïa's nature and affection: That ſince ſhe had been hitherunto a willing partner
in all her Brothers injuries, ſhe could do no leſs then accompany him in his ſuture
fatiſaſtions: To which purpofe, within a ſew dayes, ſhe assembled together the
principal Maſejtrates of the ſeveral Provinces; where being met together in a great
Hall, with a kinde of a ſweet modeſty accompanied by a clear expreſſion, ſhe de-
livered her thoughts to them in this manner: My Lords, ſaid he, if the adverse for-
tunes of King Arethuſius, had ſtill frowned upon his condition, perhaps Clorïa's
prefence had been longer troublesome to your Nation; ſince I know not how to judge
of your affections, when neceſſity rather then love hath been our entertainments,
ever ſince the death of brave Narciſſus, whoſe worth was your glory, as his Fathers
valour the whole Countreys benefit: but ſeeing the Gods have once again favoured
our properities, the native place of our being muſt firſt share of our Triumphs;
from thence I came a Kings Daughter to your ſhores, and here have brought an
heir for your Government; although conteſted by unequal births, who ſhould have
dominion over his perſon, however the right of nature gave my ſelf the chief pre-
rogative, both in his years and blood; which certainly would have broke a Mothers
heart, if my patience and courage had not gone beyond your unkindneſſes; but in
regard the earth puts on a general face of forgiſeneſs, charity and honour invites
me to joyn in the Jubile; and that you may ſee I intend not to wave your friendſhip
and correfpondency, though your reſpects have ſcarce deſerved the favour, as I
ſhall endeavour to reconcile my Brother with your Island, ſo will I leave my young
Son to your protection, until his riper age make him capable of his Fathers employ-
ment; hoping ſuch a vertue can never be forgot in your memory, left the heavens
puniſh your ingratitude, as the world will hate your pride; both joynine together
to render you the example of a miferable people, by taking that juridiction from
your power, you have continued by the wisdom and magnanimity of your former
Dukes; whoſe gallantry raſed your condition from being, as you know, poor Fishe-
men to become great Merchants, not uſing to fight but under their countenance;
and fighting had been deſtroyed, if their policy had not circumvented your ene-
mies: which being ſaid, ſhe again reſted ſilent, caſing her lovely looks upon the
ground, as if ſhe were inwardly forry for having delivered ſo much of her thoughts
in

The Princess Clorïe;

PART V.

in publick: But the hearers, whether convinced in their own guilt, or overcome by
Clorïa's kindneſs, with many tears in their eyes not onely expressed their abundant
grief, but with loud acclamations devulged, they would have no other Prince but
young *Narciffius*, who truly inherited his Fathers Right, as his Mothers Blood, both
agreeing in his towardly age, to make him the Captain of their Forces, as the de-
fender of the peoples Liberties, undertaking withal to fee him educated, ac-
cording to his own dignity, and his friends content; whereby they hoped
to render him a perſon, worthy of the worlds admiration, as fit for the heavens
fruition; beſeeching ſuch a perpetual correfpondency with the *Lydian* Nation, that
might make the King confident of their ſervice, in his Countreys benefit, ſince
trade was their vocation, and pains their onely riches, which hitherunto had ſti-
led them fortunate, as paſt ages knew their viktories: This being ſaid, they part-
ed from the room, with ſuch a humility, as belonged to that prefence they were
before.

Tis true, though the Princels Clorïa reſted ſatisfied with theſe exprefſions, ne-
vertheleſs King *Arethuſius* was unwilling to make any longer stay in their Countrey,
since he found his own Subjeſts were violent in their expeſtation, as his private
thoughts not paſſive enough for the leaſt obſtruction; wherefore cauſed preſent
Proclamation to be made amongſt his own followers concerning the time of his de-
parture, from the fair City of *Paphos*, towards the much greater Town of *Salam-
mine*, where hisgallant Fleet yet remained, to carry him with a proſperous winde
to the *Lydian* Coaſts, upon whose shores he was informed, his honeſt General,
*Hermelams*, attended with the whole Army to wait his pleaſure; ſo that all *Cyprus*
addicted themselves to Triumphs, as he paſſed by the ſeveral Territories belonging
to the Countrey, whileſt Altars ſmoaked in every place with the beſt perfumes,
to demonſtrate his welcome as their own affections; the Boors being dreſt in antick
habits, with rural delights to entertain his view, whileſt comely Virgins ſtrewed all
the paths with Flowers, as himself and Sifter paſt through the Towns, whileſt flately
Caval-cades, accompanied by the chiefest Majeftrates, met him many ſurlongs from
their dwellings, to ſhew a loving duty to his perſon, as at night invited all his at-
tendants to their repoſe, where feaſts of exceſſive coſt were ready dreſt for their ac-
commodation; the Military Discipline being in the streets under curious Banners,
both to guard and ſatísſe his content, when the keys of every gate in the interim
were delivered into the poſſession of his own Officers, that diſperſed their com-
mand among the Souldiers, as if their natural allegiance belonged onely to King
*Arethuſius*, as an appearing conquerour of all mens affections: and the rather
might it be ſo interpreted, feeing the Nobility in coſtly Troops preſt on every ſide
to do him Homage, as if ſome new Prince had been created by the Gods, in a mira-
culous manner to bear rule over the people, for a more perſect happineſs then as
yet they enjoyed in former times, though alwayes governed by the wisdom and
courage of the *Narciffian* Family; neither were the Prieſts and Lawyers wanting
every where in their Orations, to congratulate the Kings happy return, and with
theſe ſeveral exprefſions brought him to the famous Haven of *Salamine*.

But *Arethuſius* however he was ſufficiently pleased at their gallant demonſtra-
tions of joy, wherefore ſeemed courteouſly to comply with their intentions, yet in
his countenance might be perceived, a certain kinde of diſdainſul aspect, both in re-
gard of his own former uſage, as for their want of care in his Sifters particular ; not-
withſtanding he determined totally to diſſemble his paſſions, either until he was bet-
ter fettled in his Kingdom, or they had procured from him a milder opinion: Upon
his arrival in the Town, he went to the great Mole in the Sea, from thence to behold
the triumphs of his well ordered Fleet, that was ſent to transport his perſon into the
Kingdom of *Lydia*; ſo that after he was placed on a THRONE with his fair Sifter on
his right hand, twelve goodly Ships were perceived gently failing by in yellow and
ted liveryes, with all their Streamers and Banners diſplayed in ſo becoming a poſture,

as if the water and they together had strived, which should beft grace one an-
other, since the calmneſs of one ſide of the weather, and the propitiousneſs
of the windes of the other, ſeemed to concurr in a deſign of higheſt perſection,
neither long was it before they were followed by as many brave Gallies, each
having its Captain upon the uppermoſt Deck, ſo gorgeouſly apparelled in every
particular, as they all ſeemed either the Sons of Neptune, or ſome other Sea-
God moſt ruling amongſt the Waves; whilſt in the midſt one taller then the
reſt (as if guarded by their intention) was to be ſeen, ſo extraordinary for beau-
ty, and over rich in workmanship, that it appeared onely fit to transport the
ſole Monarch of the Ocean, to take poſſession of all the admirable rarities
within the Indian World: however when they came over againſt the Kings
ſeat, as if ſome supernatural obedience was to be done to that Majefty, they
every one together let down their top Flag, and prefently after ſent from
their inclosed boſomes, moſt rare and delicate muſick, accompanied at every
period with the ſound of ſuch Trumpets, as no where eſſe but in Lydia were
to be found: These being paſt and proceeding in their course, by the ſtrength
of Oars in the bands of luſtieſt Gally-flaves, all clade in red and yellow Sat-
tin; the laſt Squadron inſtantly brought up the rear, wherein the Admiral himſelf
commanded, with a Plume of Feathers hanging at his back, as alio bearing a
Truncheon (the proper Enſign of his Office) upon his thigh; when coming
near the Prince, prefently command was given to slacken all the Sails, which
being performed with haſte and dexterity, boards were laid to convey the
General to Land, until arriving at a ſmall diſtance from the King, they ſell in-
ſtantly on their knees, humbly begging his mercy, and promising their own ſide-
lity; ſince as they ſaid, both heaven and earth had deceived them in their ex-
pectation.

Prince Arethusſus being a little surprized at this kinde of ſubmission, ſtood
some time in a muſe, fixing his looks ſtedfaſtly upon his perſon, without return-
ing any anſwer at all; as if he intended by his judgement to diſtinguish, be-
tween his inward fidelity and outward profession, until at laſt as it were ab-
ſolutely convinced in his thoughts, he bid him rile from the ground, with this
aſſurance, that he had not onely obtained a pardon, but ſhould enjoy a grace, as
well to ſhow a Kings magnificence, as become an example to other people; and
withal in that very place, beſowed upon him his own moſt noble order of Knight-
hood, which he wſiſt him to wear, as a teſtimony of his Princes goodneſs,
and the Subjects liberty, not drawing his Sword in time to come but in thofe
quarrels.

These actions being performed, with many other ceremonies belonging to the
leafon; the King having conſtituted his Brother Aſcanius Great Admiral of
the Lydian Dominions, being accompanied by his fair Sifter, took the Seas
one morning when Aurora had dreſt the Heavens all over with blushing
red, perhaps at the apprehenſion of ſo brave a Majefty, that was not to be
entertained but by a baſhfull countenance, left preſumption might appear to
faulter in reſpect, and ſo encourage too careleſs a boldneſs amongſt the com-
mon people, who were to adore in reverences, rather then welcome their
Prince by ordinary acclamations; in which poſture the whole Fleet ſaſled
by the Aſian shores, the Trees in the interim ſeeming to do homage to his
right, by a certain kinde of natural inclination to the earth, procured either by
the windes violence, or the waters vapours, ordered perhaps by ſome God
for his Triumphs; which Triumphs continued in full prosperity, until his
wſiſt for Countreys Cities ſhewed their heads, having their gilded tops
above the Horizon of Lydia, however here and there intermixt with white
Cliffs that formerly had given the Countrey another denomination, that at laſt
brought them to Anchor before a Haven in the Province of Caria, though being

almoſt

Iiii

The Princefs Cloria;

PART V.

almost night the King commanded not to land, until the chearful day might give better testimonies of his Reception, to that Continent where Rebellion had outed him of his Right: when the next day that Phæbus with his golden rayes (proud of such a guest) more early then ordinary, appeared in the East, gloriously to give him entertainment, the Pylots desired to know his pleasure: But scarce had Arethus given order for his own landing, but he was advertized that Hermelaus the General, with the whole Army, was attending upon the Banks to wait his commands: which being known, he in person advanced towards the Sea with such a haft, as sufficiently demonstrated his affection to Royal Vertue; where the King received him in his armes with many imbracements; calling him not onely Friend to his Countrey, but Father to his particular concernments; whilft Hermelaus on his knee seemed to shed many tears of joy, at the onely apprehension of this happy reception by all his peoples affections: however the King being yet something passionate to know more of his own affairs, notwithstanding the publick applause of the Souldiers every where, confirmed sufficiently either his belief or his hopes, went again into his private Cabbin, leading the General by the hand, as a further testimony to the multitude, not onely of his person but his obligation; where he continued with him in secret conversation, until the Tyde was ready for his departure: the Tyde I call it (although the Mediteranian waters in those Coasts do neither ebb nor flow) because sometimes agitated by the windes at certain seasons, they seem to do so to the apprehension of people, which of a sudden made the King break off his discourse, giving other commands for his present transportation to Land; which being instantly effected by the violent industry of the Marriners, and those Slaves in the Galleys (some carrying planks, others almost filling up the Harbour with their naked bodies, the better to facilitate a passage for all his company:) As soon as he came to the shore, with a smiling look, he cast up his eyes to the Heavens, using these words also in expression.

You Gods (said he) how great are your mercies, for not onely defending innocency by your goodneſs, but rendring Crowns in your justice to the true owners of them; when he that was forced to flie from his enemies in this very place, for the safety of his own person and life, should first be received here as glorious Monarch of the Lydian Empire; when as the Army confpiring in the fame thought of joy, gave ſuch a ſhout, as if the skies should have rent aſunder with the noife, whereby to have made a breach for the Gods to behold the solemnity; and afterwards all drew out their Swords with one accord as a testimony to the world, they ever intended to maintain his Right, notwithstanding any Rebellion or Tyranny might again threaten their deſtructions, as in the times of wicked and perjur'd Hercrombrotus: Prefently after this the King Horſe being brought, whole colour was black, though graced with many ſtars of white over his body, mounting upon him with a dexterity, anſwerable to his youth and courage, the Princes Cloria being alſo placed in her Chariot: And thus in a certain kinde of confused order (by reaſon of the multitudes of his attendants) they all marched to the next Town prepared for his lodging, where notwithstanding he entred by Torch light; (for the day was not long enough to finiſh those congratulations) they preſented every where to his acceptance delightful objects, although intermixt in many places, by moſt horrid ſpectacles of Traytors Heads and Limbs hung upon Trees, as the willing ſacrifices of his people to his Right; which however oftentimes procured ſome few tears, proceeding from the compassionatenefs of his noble ſoul, that ſeemed to delight more in humane mercies then in juſtice puniſhments.

But whilft the King reſted ſome ſpace in the firſt City, waiting the convenience

611

veniency of preparation for his entry into the great Town of Sardis, in the interim entertaining such Ambassadours as were sent him from all other Princes, both to acknowledge and congratulate his Royalty, which the perverfe-nefs of his fortunes, would not formerly suffer them to perform; either wanting heroicalnefs enough in their natures for such decorums, or perhaps so deigned by the heavens for the farther demonstration of his courage, or the better luffre to his future glory, of a sudden there appeared before his eyes Crefes, that prefented him, on his knee, with Letters from Queen Hya-cinthia: 'Tis true, having underftood of his joyful admiffion to the Crown, he had left Delphos with the news, and afterward viifiting his vertuous Mother at Damascus, by her powerful directions was employed prefently by her in that ſervice. The Kings paffions (though furprized a little in the beginning) demanding no queſtions at all, till violently breaking up the Seals, he found the Writ-ing ſpoke this language.

> If the Majesty of a King can comply with the Affections of a Mother, I shall have no cause to fear these Lines, will prove any interruption to your Glory; however by them I must let you know, that as Orontes and Andromida, seem to triumph abundantly in your Vifories, so can this Messenger assure you, of those happy Omens, the Gods have provided towards your Government, if you contribute freely to their purposes, by admitting the Rites the World every where practiseth; however these Oracles are seldom divulged, but by those Authorities proceeding from the Powers, that have now placed you in your Royal Throne, and afforded you a miraculous Conqueſt over all your Enemies; Wherefore be mindful of the Heavens Bleſſings, as Hyacinthia ſhall be ſtill of your Prosperity.

Arethus after he had read this Letter (giving him alſo his hand to kifſ) demanded preſently how his Mother did ? and whether or no he had as yet in any meaſure, digested the ſad occasions of her former grief ? Truly Sir, repplied Crefes, as the highest paffions for the moſt part are allayed, either by time or perſwafion, ſo may he have in ſome ſort mittigated the rigour of her discontents, however he appears ſtill in all companies, a perfect Image

111 2

of

The Princesss Cloria;

PART V.

612

of sorrow: The King upon this with some tears dropping from his eyes, after he had conferred the Honour of his principal Order on Crefes, as a greater testimony of his welcome, retired instantly into his Chamber; where being alone in some obscurity, he reflected upon these considerations: First he considered the excessive lofs the Queen had received, by the untimely and violent death of his Father, whose love to her was almost beyond nature; whereby with him not onely all her comfort and honour was lost in the world, but being banished from her Countrey which the fates had given her in marriage, all the means of subsistence that conditions had contracted towards her Dower, though meriting the fortunes of a Kings Daughter, had for many years together been obstructed: so that with these thoughts he resolved to invite her into Lydia, to take such share of his happiness, as a Son's duty was able to beftow; wherefore suddenly calling for Pari's menus, that was come also from Sardis to wait upon his prosperity, he communicated to him his intentions, who in obedience to those commands, the next morning parted from the Court, to begin a new journey towards the Kingdome of Syria.

When the King had refted sufficiently in those Territories of Caria, the preparations for his glorious entry being now ready, a command was given by his Officers to have all his Train put into their best postures, against the appointed time of parting, the Army having marched the day before; wherefore being attended with many brave Ambassadours of several Nations (amongst which number was his Cousin Thyamus, newly sent from the potent King of Armenia, whose strange adventures since his departure out of the Dominions of Lydia, are notwithstanding too long to intermix with these solemnities) let forward towards this more joyful then triumphant journey; for that the interior hearts of his people spoke rather his content, then the glittering gal-lantry of those that met him in the Shew; although whole Countreys from every part of his jurisdiction, not onely came bravely mounted, but esteemed it a sin not pardonable by the Gods, if they had not been personally present at his arrival; since such as itaid behinde, if unavoidable necessity had not plead-ed their excuse, must like Traytors have been torn in pieces by the multitude at their return.

In this pofture I may say, the King made his glorious progreſs, towards the great Seat of his large Empire, that became leſs splendid it ſelf, in being ſo emptied of that numerous company of Nobility, that followed his Train; onely Souldiers guarded the streets, as Ladies filled the windows; which however were ſo richly hung with the best ſtuff could be procured, as if all the Deities of Heaven had been there to be received, for the Earths honour and the Gods ſatisfaction: but when he came within some few Furlongs of the City, the chief Magiftrate accompanied by five hundred of the wealthieſt Towns-men met him, clothed all in brave Grecial Coats; as also wearing about their necks Silken Halters, in token both of their guilt and repentance; which the King perceiving, likingly told his followers, That as he could not but blame these people for their folly, so muſt he needs pitty their want of understanding, ſeeing his Fathers mildneſs might have been their protection; however he meant now his own Grace ſhould be their fortune. Proceeding on forward, at laſt he might behold a huge pyle of Wood, raſed in the nature of a Pyramid; where on the top was to be ſeen, a man tyed naked, with many ſtrong Iron Chains; notwithstanding others were also in lower degrees bound, although in the fame poſture of appearing puniſhment: he ſeeming curious enough to know the reaſon of this horrid ſpectacle, he was quickly informed, that as the firſt was the grand Traytor Abaſtanuſ, whom moſt oppofed his Right and Recepti-on; ſo was it the intention of the Juitce of his Kingdom, to burn also the other

other people in his preſence for the like wickedneſs, as the beſt teſtimony
of their own Loyalty they could uſe, whereby to revenge his Fathers
death.

Although Arethuſus had pitty ſufficient in his diſpoſition, to have ſaved a
whole world of offenders; yet confidering their crimes, he paſt by without
ſpeaking a word, onely caſting down his eyes with a mod ſt look, as if he
delighted not so much in any Legal Cruelty, though neceſſity and example re-
quired oftentimes the effects: Notwithstanding he was no ſooner out of fight of
that ſpectacle, but the whole Pyle was ſet on fire by the common people, who ap-
peared to triumph, if not to glory in the execution: This quickly brought the King
to the outwardmoſt Gate of the City, where he found this written in Letters of Gold
for his entertainment.

Dark Rebellion's gone: your ſplended Right
Hath chaſd those Clouds; and given us a light:
Your Sword may conquer Foes; but we are wone
To dye, if not to wait upon your Throne.
The Fates have trifled all this time; they knew
No mortal ſpight could long contest your due:
It twas their craft to let your Subjects ſee,
All were but Slaves, and you have ſet them free.
Thus bleſt the Gods and you ſuch mercies have,
To give relief before our ſins durſt crave:
Jove hath determin'd so; the Pawn is given,
He muſt have you, and you are now our Heaven.

When ſome diſcourſes had paſt upon theſe Writings, the whole company
proceeded to the chief Palace, where being arrived, a Crown of Starres
was ſeen in a Circular Figure, to hang in the Ayre over the Building, not
onely to the view, but the amazement of the people in that manner,
prenoſticating moſt happy Omens to his future Government; whilst the
whole Senate in the interim were there attending, to deliver over their Au-
thorities to the Kings pleaſure. This now (hall ſinſh our Romance, that
perhaps hath too long a ſeason troubled the Readers patience; but as Fancies
are creations of our own, and therefore for the moſt part pleaſe with ſome
exceſs; so of the other ſide, I neither invite or compell any to the exerciſe.
*Tis true, I might here enlarge my Relations, by fetting down the manner of

Hermes-