THE Fair Aethiopian. DEDICATED TO THE KING AND QUEEN. By their Majesty's most humble Subject and Servant, WILLIAM LISLE.  Horat. de Art. Poet. Verùm ubi plura nitent in Carmine non ego paucis Offendar maculis. 
LONDON, Printed by JOHN HAVILAND, at the Author's charge. 1631.   


Ad Regem.  
Prospera conservent Carolum tibi Fata Minorem;  
Tu Britonum Carolus denique Magnus eris.   

A la Rhine.  
Tant des perfections je Chanteray sans cease;  
Ou le Roy est Patron, la Reine est Patroness.    

 Rose  Fleur-de-lys  
Dum rotat astra polus, dum fixa est terra, Britannis  
Gallica florescant Lilia juncta Rosis.  W. L.  

THE Fair Aethiopian.  
ABout the Tongues when diverse with me wrangle,  
And count our English but a mingle mangle,  
I tell them, all are such; and in conclusion  
Will grow so more by curse of first Confusion.  
The Latin, Greek, and Hebrew are not free;  
Though what their borrowed words are know not we;  
Because their neighbour tongues we never knew;  
Nor what they keep of old; nor what have new:  
But count that language good, which can express  
The more of sense, in doubtful speech the less;  
How ever now disguised with novelty,  
Yet, framing all to prop'r Analogy;  
For Prose and Poetry hath words to spare,  
And all that man can think on can declare;  
Will licence ask no more than others take,  
And line as strong, and verse as nimble make.  
Nor might we glory more in sword than tongue,  
But that we Truants are, and stand not long  
To file our Phrase: O all you Critic blood;  
Rude work, and verse that was not blurred a good,  
Nor oft hath been with cunning singer scanned,  
Reprove and mark with peremptory brand.  
Yet judge me not, as if I thought that I  
Could mend the fault; but, what I can, to try,  
I'll sing the Fair-one borne of Parents swart,  
And her true Love, and his that won her heart;  
How each for other manifoldly crossed  
In war and peace, at Sea and Land were lost;  
Before they could in safety set them down,  
Enjoy their right, and wear th' Abissen Crown:  
And how Hydaspes, Queen Candaces' son,  
From Persian King Phile and Siene won.  
Yet sometime tell I less, and often more,  
Then read is in Greek Prose of Heliodore:  
That Poetry may shorten Oratory,  
And with a Muses vain improve the Story.  
O Branch of flowering Gold the best that grows  
On face of Earth, consorted now with Rose  
Both white and red; Sith Helicon is thine,  
Me grant a sip of liquor Castaline;  
That I in verse this Romant so endight,  
As may thee and thy dainty Buds delight:  
Thy rare endowments ever will I sing;  
For Queen is Patroness where Patron King.  
Blacke-winged night flew to th' Antipodes  
At sight of Morning Star, and the Eastern seas  
Withheld the rising Beam, until it guilt  
The top of trees, and turret's highest built.  
Then armed Band of such as live by spoil,  
(A trade more old than just) by seu'n-head Nile,  
Began to proule; and clambering up the steeps  
Of Canopaean Outlet viewed the deeps.  
But seeing nought there might give hope of pray,  
To nearest Strand look back; and thus it lay:  
A ship unmanned full-fraught as seemed to view,  
(For up to th'upper guyrt it water drew)  
With Cable gross is anchored fast to shore,  
And ground there all about imbrued with gore;  
Yea strewed with bodies wounded, some full dead,  
Some moving still, or leg, or hand, or head;  
An argument of but-late-ended fight;  
Yet warlike weapon lay there none in sight.  
But lukewarm relics of some dismal feast,  
That had such end. The tables richly dressed  
Remain yet standing some; and some are found  
In dead men's hands, and overturned aground;  
As used for weapons at unthought-on field;  
And some the men thereunder seem to shield.  
The bowls of gold from hand of some that drunk,  
And some that meant to throw them, downward sunk.  
For sudden broil, neglecting proper parts,  
Their boards their bucklers made, their pots their darts.  
Here tumbleth one with ship-axe wounded sore;  
Another brained with beach-stone found at shore;  
A third his bones hath broke with wooden Mawle,  
And some with blocks half-burnt are made to sprawl.  
And others otherwise: the most were shot,  
But knew not whence, with arrows erring not.  
So fight with feasting, sacrifice with slaughter,  
And wine with blood was mixed, and groans with laughter.  
Th'Aegyptian the eves beheld this from the Mount;  
But knew not how it came: they see and count  
A number slain; who slew them they see none;  
A conquest plain; and yet no Victor known,  
Nor spoil yet gathered: though vnmanned the ship,  
Yet fraught with ware, and no man 'gan it strip.  
As safe it seemed there waving all alone,  
As if it were maintained with garrison.  
Though case as yet they know not, down they run,  
For spoil and gain, as they the day had won.  
But coming near the ship, and men so lying,  
Much more aghast they were, a Maiden spying  
Of wondrous beauty, set upon a rock,  
And Goddesse-like; bewailing yet the shock  
There late befallen; but with so brave a spirit,  
As nothing could her Princely mind affright.  
With laurel crowned she was, and at her back  
Rich quiver hung, her left arm falling slack  
With bow in hand, her right, with elbow bend,  
And hand upholding face, on knee she lent:  
Her head not moving, downward glance her eyes  
Upon a Gallant that among them lies  
Extremely wounded; yet as from a deep  
Began lookeup, as from a deadly sleep;  
Of manly beauty still, and purer white  
Do seem his cheeks, for blood on them alight.  
His eyes oppressed with pain to her drew she;  
Nor see he would, but only her to see.  
Revived a little, strait he 'gan her greet,  
And thus with feeble voice said; O my Sweet,  
And art thou safe indeed, or made a part  
Of this day's slaught'r, and wilt not from me start?  
Is this thyself alive, or but thy ghost  
Me still attends in this disastered coast?  
In thee (quoth she) is all my love of life;  
Behold, (and showed him on her knee a knife)  
This had I used, if thou hadst deadly slept,  
And saying so from off the rock she leapt:  
They daunted then with fear and admiration,  
As struck with lightning, sundry in sundry fashion  
Them hide in shrubs; for more she seemed divine  
Upright now standing; so her garments shine  
With glittering gold reflecting th'early Sun,  
So clashed her arrows like a sudden gun.  
Her hair from under garland played untied  
With pleasant wind; yet all her back did hide:  
What now they saw done terrified them more  
(The cause unknown) than all was done before.  
Some say 'tis Isis, Goddess of the place;  
But some, observing well her beauteous face,  
Swear 'tis Diana; some will wager odds  
A Virgin Priestesse of their Heathen Gods;  
Who, for revenge of some unlawful trade,  
(Not thinking on their own) this slaughter made,  
With holy rage inspired. But she forth stepped  
Unto that wounded Gallant, wailed and wept,  
In diverse postures on the gory ground;  
Him kissed, and cheered, and wiped his every wound.  
And, for his life, with much ado repreeves it;  
But, though she holds him fast, she scarce believes it:  
Unfeigned love so reigns her heart th'rowout,  
That of her joy possessed she stands in doubt.  
The thieves observing all, one t'other sed;  
Is this a Goddess part to kiss the dead  
With such compassion? courage we, and go  
(whatever it be) the certain truth to know.  
So getting heart, they forward went, and found  
The Virgin busy about his sorest wound.  
Yet all behind her back amazed stay,  
And gazing on her nothing do they faith:  
But at their armours sound and shadows sight  
She raised herself, looked back, and nought affright,  
Or at their ugly shape, or thievish plight,  
Bows down again to cure her wounded Knight,  
All other good, or bade so Love despises,  
And only that it loves, to keep devices.  
The Robbers passing by before her stand,  
Attempting somewhat: she leaned on her hand,  
And seeing faces black and ghastly, said;  
What would you have that look thus ill paid?  
If ye the ghosts been of the men here lain,  
You do us wrong; for you yourselves have slain  
Each others all: or, in case any we,  
'Twas in defence of sacred chastity.  
But, if you live, a thievish life you lead,  
And come in time to send us to the dead,  
Then make an end of all our miseries;  
Lamenting so, down by her Love she lies.  
They knew not what she spoke, and nothing speak;  
But, seeing both so safe, because so weak,  
Them leave a while, and haste the ship to rifle,  
And (all ware else accounting but a trifle,  
Though much there was) with silk and precious stone,  
And gold, and silver, load them every eachone.  
So much they had, they could desire no more,  
And all they lay in several packs a shore;  
Not shared out by worth of things, but weighed  
For equal portage; as for Youth and Maid,  
They after think take order: but, behold,  
Another troop of thieves, more strong and bold,  
With Leaders two on horse, came on, and then  
The former fled; for why? they were but ten,  
And thirty these: nor take the gold or gem,  
For giving th'other cause to follow them.  
So twice is taken, yet not captive she,  
At least in mind, now well revived is he.  
These thieves, though bend to spoil, a while forbear,  
In part to know the cause, in part for fear:  
And all that slaughter think was done by those  
That ran away: When they the Maid disclose,  
In glistering habit strange, and not dismayed  
With that befell; nor at their sight afraid;  
But wholly bend the wounded Knight to cure,  
And seeming all his grief herself t'endure;  
Her mind and beauty move them wondrously,  
And his long body there that lay her by.  
At length comes he that chief was of the Crew,  
Lays hand on her, and bids her come; she drew  
(Though knowing not, but guessing what he said)  
The Knight with her, and he fast held the Maid;  
To show themselves unwilling both to part;  
And, more to sign, she set knife at her heart:  
Whereby th'Aegyptian saw the Maid was loath  
To live without her love; so took them both;  
Withal, considering what good use he may  
have of so brave a Youth another day;  
Alights himself, and makes his Squire alight  
And sets up first the Lady, and then the Knight.  
Commands the rest to take and bring the prey;  
Saith only these should be his charge to day.  
So runs them by on foot, and all the way  
Doth him with left and her with right hand stay,  
Lest either chance to fall: how these distressed  
Yet rode in pomp! the Conqueror is pressed  
To serve the Captive; beauty and noble state  
Is able savage heart of thief to mate.  
Now in this equipage a mile and more  
They traveled along the Mid-sea shore,  
T'a hill-foot turn; at right hand leave the Main,  
And o'er the Mountain pass t'a watery plain  
On th'other side; a grassy fen in style  
Of Egypt called; where th'ouer-flouds of Nile  
Fall int' a Dale unmeatly midward deep,  
Though nigh the banks to muddy fen it creep.  
This Stover breeds, which some for pasture take,  
And as the Marsh to Sea, is Fen to Lake.  
Here all th'Aegyptian Robbers make their Fort,  
And bastard Commonwealth hold after a sort.  
Some ever fishing seldom come off hatches,  
Some walk the pasture six foot high on skatches.  
If Islet any above the water peep,  
Some build a Lodge there; some in boat on Deep  
Both carried are and dwell, and only there  
Their women serve them, and their children bear.  
The newborn babe with mother's milk at first,  
Then with Sun-rosted fish and fowl is nursed:  
And when he stronger grows, is tie by th'heel  
With rope to ship, that out he cannot reel,  
Nor stagger far: what men else ever tried  
So new device, with bonds the feet to guide?  
Though Kings of Egypt would this Fen have drained,  
These would not sufferted, thinking better gained,  
With ease, some fish, or fowl, or flag, or reed,  
Than with due care the grazing herds to feed.  
Where now a Pike, well might they feed an Ox;  
Yea meat, drink, cloth, have from their bleating stocks.  
Yet some they graze, and Herdsmen are they called,  
Though from all hand of justice water-walled.  
A thievish Fort, and thither still recoil  
The lawless Crew, and such as live by spoil.  
Their wondrous store of Cane, that on the marge  
Of this their Lake shoots-out both long and large,  
For Bulwark serves them; having cut some ways  
To them, not others known, with crooked bays;  
That from assaults and sudden overtures,  
As Labyrinth, their dwellingplace secures.  
And more than lake-fish hungry maw to soul,  
Fruit, herb, and root they have, and store of fowl.  
The Swan both swimming there, and flying freely,  
The lofty Sternet crying t'Ely, t'Ely,  
Th'Ibis, Halcyon, Crane with tufted rump,  
Stork, Shov'ler, Herneshaw, Bittour sounding Bumpe,  
Coot, Redshank, Sea-mew, Teal, Di-dapping-Chucke,  
Goose, Sea-pie, Moorehen, Osprey, Widgen, Duck:  
I had almost forgot that most of all  
Remarkabl'is, the bird that here we call  
The Cormorant, Emblem of Penal Law,  
With long, sharp, hooked bill, edged like a saw,  
To hold an Eel, but great one seldom takes,  
These are the fowl that haunt the fenny Lakes.  
Now, as the Sun declining lower goes,  
To th'eye of man he great'r and greater shows;  
And farther makes to shoot forth on the ground  
The shade of things, till all in dark be drowned.  
But ere the Set came Captain thief to Lake,  
Where his prey-loden men him overtake.  
The Knight and Lady some of them dismount;  
Some bear aboard the spoil; but see th'account  
They of their Captain made! the most him meet  
That went not with him, and as King him greet.  
And when they laid to heart the goodly prey,  
And her divine aspect, they thought that day  
Their Complices, who care not what they lurch,  
Had got the spoil of some well-furnished Church,  
And brought away Shee-Priest, or Goddess self,  
In whose compare they count the rest but pelse.  
So they the Master-theefe congratulate,  
And to his home attend him all in state.  
His home an Islet was, of all the best,  
For him and his divided from the rest:  
He thither brought, with thanks commends their care,  
And bids them come to morrow for their share.  
They so dismissed, short supper, but no feasts,  
For him prepared is, and his two young guests:  
Whom after supper (for they could not speak  
His language yet) he gave in charget'a Greek,  
That late was taken prisoner, fair and young,  
And had by this time learned th'Aegyptian tongue:  
So might interpret for them; bids him cure  
The wounded Knight, and keep the Lady sure;  
So, weary and careful, went to sleep: but she,  
Now of the Greek they also lodged be,  
In bed full hard by strait command alone,  
When all were hushed time finding fit to moon,  
With many a deepe-fet sigh, and shower of tears,  
Thus unto Heaven her piteous plaint arrears.  
Apollo whom so carefully we serve,  
Thou us afflictest more than we deserve:  
Is't not enough that we are diu'n from home,  
Bereft of friends all o'er the sea to room;  
By tempest tossed, with roaring billows shaken,  
And, fearing worse than death, by pirates taken;  
But now at land (which most of all me grieves)  
Are made a prey to first and second thieves?  
What yet remains? if death; so void of shame,  
Content I am, and thereto will me frame;  
Ere any get that of me, which I keep  
For one deserves it: he, not yet asleep,  
Her herd, and (Sweet) thou mayst bemoan thee said;  
But not accuse the Gods: they must be prayed.  
You warn me well, quoth she; but (pray) what rest?  
The more (quoth he) since this young man me dressed.  
And more you shall have, trust me, (quoth the Greek)  
To morrow morning such an herb I seek,  
Where heretofore I often have it found,  
That after dressing thrice shall close your wound:  
And marvel not that I should thus comply;  
Your case is mine: you Greeks are, so am I.  
A Greek? (quoth they) and thereat much rejoice.  
A Greek, quoth he, both by my birth and voice.  
Think, after sorrow, hope there is of game.  
Then, quoth Theagenes, but what's your name?  
(He Cnemon said) Of whence? and how came here?  
O ask no more, quoth he; too long it were  
To tell, and matter sad; the night is deep,  
And after travel you have need of sleep.  
They instant are, and think it somewhat smothers  
Their own mis-haps, to hear the like of others.  
Then he began; My father Aristippe  
Athenian was, and, both by land and ship,  
Of good estate; and when my mother did,  
Thought much, for one sons sake, in world so wide  
And full of change, to lead a widow life;  
But sets his mind to marry a second wife.  
So did, a handsome, but a cunning Dame  
As ever lived; Demenet was her name.  
She wrought my father soon to what she list,  
And in his presence me full often kissed.  
I thought and took it as a token kind  
Of one that loved me with own mother's mind:  
But worse it was; and, when right well I konned it,  
I hated it, and turned away, and shunned it.  
Herewith enraged she turns her love to hate;  
And one day, when my father came home late,  
She feigns her sick a bed, and he bewails her  
(Good man) and asks her often times what ails her.  
Your goodly son (quoth she) whom (I protest)  
I loved more than yourself hath thus me dressed.  
For when some tokens were to him revealed,  
That I was quick with child, which I concealed  
From you, till all were sure; he watched his time  
Of your outlying, and, besides the crime  
I blush to tell, so sore hath punched me,  
As makes me lie in this poor case you see.  
This hearing spoke he not a word; but all  
Thought true she said; and when we met in hall,  
He fiercely cufs me twice or thrice, and then  
With rods me naked whips held by his men.  
I knew not why; although by humane laws  
Should all, that are corrected, know the cause.  
But, when his heat was over; Sir (quoth I)  
That thus you beat me pray now tell me why.  
But more enraged, O hypocrite quoth he,  
That would his foul deed now have told by me!  
So turned his face away, and in a fret  
Made all the haste he could to Demenet.  
She, not sufficed, invents this other slight;  
Makes fain her maid to love me, Thisbe hight;  
Whom I before had wooed, and could not win,  
Now woos she me, and I t'advise begin:  
She seeks, I fly; she flies, I seek her still;  
Will she? I will not: will she not? I will.  
At length she tells how Demenet abused me,  
And was the cause why so my Father used me;  
Yet false to him; saith, if I would, I might  
Her with th' Adulter take in bed this night.  
Provokes me to revenge myself; and I  
Believing all, as not unlike, apply  
Myself thereto: she came at night, and said;  
The time is come; believe your faithful Maid.  
Your father's forth, th'Adulter new gone in;  
Now, if you be a man, revenge the sin.  
With weap'n in hand I force the chamber door,  
And find myself deceived by that whore;  
My father there, with Demenet alone;  
I Thisbe looke-for; but the quean was gone.  
As thunder-struck, than all amazed I stand;  
Then falls my sword out of my quaking hand,  
Which she tooke-up, that had contrived the plot;  
And said (O husband) you believed me not,  
When I you told that now so plain appears,  
I pray device to rid us of our fears.  
No word he gave, but me in prison cast;  
And, when I thought to tell how all had passed,  
He would not hear me; but next day betimes  
Accuses me of these so heinous crimes  
Before the people: when I would have spoke,  
With question short thus doth a Clerk me choke:  
Did you your fath'r assault with sword? I said,  
I did, but hear you how; then all so brayed  
I was not heard, nor worthy thought to plead  
Aught for myself. Some judge I should be flayed;  
Some, cast in't ' Orcus-pit; and some with stones  
To death would have me battered flesh and bones.  
As winter weather, be some friends of mine,  
That wont to freeze in shade, and thaw in shine.  
In all this hurly-burly still I cry  
O, for my stepdame, thus unheard I die.  
They heard my words, and somewhat 'gan suspect;  
Yet, so their hearing prejudice had checked,  
I might not speak: their voices when they count,  
T'a thousand and seven hundred full amount  
The number of those who me condemn to dye,  
But differing how; the rest undiffringly,  
In numb'r a thousand grant me banishment,  
And they prevail as most of one consent.  
Thus was I cast from home; and Demenet  
Not long enjoyed it: Heaven aright will set  
That men do wry. But long it is to tell,  
And you have need of sleep that are not well.  
The night is spent; betake you to your rest.  
So (quoth Theagenes) you more molest,  
To leave her wicked plot so practised,  
And show not how the wretch was punished.  
Then Cnemon, hear then, sith it is your mind.  
Soon after sentence there a ship I find  
For Aegin bound, where well I might abide  
Among some kindred by my mother's side:  
I went aboard, and safely there arrived,  
Full merrily my time I spent vnwiued.  
Let clear and rainy days of all the year  
Compared be, and more shall be the clear;  
But he that lives a whole year with a shrew,  
More foul than fair days shall be sure to know.  
Er long, at hau'n-side walking on a day,  
As was my wont, I saw comein a Cray;  
Which while I mark well, what it brought and whom,  
Ere plank lay fast, I saw leap out a groom,  
Who came t'embrace me kindly, Charias hight,  
And said, O Cnemon, now pluck up thy spirit;  
Good news I bring thee; Demenet is dead,  
And so, as well deserved her devilish head.  
Thy father 'gan repent it, after a while,  
T'have been the cause of thine unjust exile;  
And in his Countrey-village desolate  
Selfe-fretting spent his time: but she 'gan hate  
Herself and Thisbe, for her love's depart  
(So thee she calls) and takes it so to heart,  
That mad by fits she often threats her maid;  
Who feared the worst, and thus preventing said;  
They say (forsooth) that Cnemon since his doom  
Hath left the land; but he hath found a room  
To lurk in here, enquiring for your sake  
This have I learned; Arsinoe (I take  
You know the Quean) she closely keeps him hid:  
For this I tell you let me not be chid.  
O happy she, quoth Demenet; but what  
Is this to me? O mistress, very pat,  
Replied the Maid; mine old acquaint is she,  
And one whom I have used in that degree.  
I'll say, I Cnemon love, and pray, and pay,  
That in her room this night she will me lay.  
And, if she grant, the turn shall not be mine,  
But yours; and I'll him bring well soaked in wine.  
The plot is liked, and hasted all they can;  
But with Arsinoe turned cat in pan:  
For unto her the subtle Thisbe saith  
She loves one Teledemus, and her pray'th;  
Sweet, lodge us both to night; he comes before;  
And I when Dame a bed hath shut the door.  
Agreed she goes in haste to Aristippe,  
And saith (Sir) I deserve more than the whip.  
That you have lost your son, not principal,  
But instrument I was; your wives at call:  
Whom when I knew abuse your bed, I durst  
Not tell to you, but unto Cnemon first,  
Her fault at night; he thought I said that night,  
And startup suddenly with all his might;  
took sword in hand, and casting on his coat  
Unto your chamber went: the rest you wot.  
But now forgive my, and I will you light,  
How to revenge your son and you this night;  
And take your wife in breach of Nuptials,  
Nor yet at home, nor yet within the walls.  
Do not (quoth he) from this thy proffer swerve,  
But well performeed, thou shalt no longer serve;  
I'll set thee free: it shall prolong my life.  
To be revenged of such a wicked wife.  
T her suspected by some marks aloof;  
But thought it best be silent, wanting proof.  
You know (qu●th she) the tomb of th'Epicures;  
And garden where it stands; this parts is yours;  
Expect me there at e'en; so went her way  
To Demenet, and thus vnt'her 'gan say:  
Come, make you fine; for that I promised  
Is ready for you: he will strait to bed.  
So led her forth, and coming nigh the place,  
She wils her Mistress stay, and went a space  
Before, and prayed Arsinoe withdraw  
T'anothter house; for Teledem but raw,  
And yet a Novice unto Cupid's Queen,  
Would blush at first of strangers to be seen.  
Arsinoe departs, than Thisbe fet,  
And laid in bed, her Mistress Demenet;  
Put out the candl', and said, lest you should know her,  
(Who then at Aegin were) and shut the door:  
Then for her Master went, and wished him hold  
Th'Adulter fast. He comes in jealous-bold,  
And cries, O have I caught thee wicked wretch!  
Then Thisbe, as though some man thence made a breach,  
Cries-out, th'adulter's gone, an● clashed the door.  
No matter (wench, quoth he) sith here's the whore;  
And fast her holding brought her thence; but she  
Bethinking what a shame it would her be,  
What punishment to her offence was due,  
And, by the Law, without all help t'ensue;  
And mad, that by her maid she was so mocked;  
While people wondering all about her flocked,  
(You know the deep pit where our Leaders won▪  
Do solemn Rites) when they came near upon't,  
With (struggling much she broke his hold at last,  
And thereinto herself down headlong cast.  
So broke her neck (full oft conjoined be  
Bad life, bad death) so my revenge, quoth he,  
Prevents the Law; and forthwith to the States  
Her life and death, and all thy case relates;  
Gets hardly pardon for himself, the while  
His friends entreat to call thee from exile:  
But done, or not, as yet I know no whether,  
Fair wind and sudden business called me hither:  
That all the people give consent, no doubt;  
And soon thy father will go seek thee out.  
This Charias told me; but what else befell,  
And here how came I, more time asks to tell.  
Then he, and they for company, 'gan weep;  
And eased with tears together fell asleep.  
But Thyamis (th'arch Outlaws name was so)  
Had rested well, till household Cock 'gan crow,  
As all by kind (some say because they feel  
The Sun returning with his midnight wheel,  
And would salute him; some, for nature's heat  
So quicke-digesting, and desire of meat,  
They call to work the men with whom they dwell)  
Then dreamt, and had a vision, thus befell;  
He seemed at Memphis entering Isis' Fane,  
That all th'rowout with firebrands it shane,  
That th'Altars were with sacrifice besprent,  
That in the porch and all about the●e went  
Men all in tumult raising hideous cries,  
As having taken the Temple by surprise;  
That, coming near the shrine, the Goddess met him  
With his fair prize in hand, and thus she great him;  
This Maid (O Thyam) I command thee save her  
From hurt; but know, thou having shalt not have her.  
Thou shalt a guest kill, though against my Law,  
But she shall live: this when he heard and saw,  
His mind was troubled how to construe it;  
And thus he made all for his purpose fit.  
Have and not have, a wife, no more a maid:  
But how then kill? O Hymen stab he said:  
For many a virgin her virginity  
May wounded have, and of the wound not die.  
When Sun began t'enamell th'eastern sand,  
He calls himto the chief of his command,  
And bids the Spoil (so by more noble name  
He termed the Prey, to keep untainted Fame)  
Be laid before him; Cnemon eke he wills  
Bring forth the prisoners: O (quoth they) what ills  
Yet more betide us? and him weeping prayed,  
And he them promised, if he could, some aid;  
And cheered them up, and told them how their Chief  
Ne bore the mind of rude and savage thief;  
But noble and gentle was to just complaint,  
And would not live thus but upon constraint.  
When all were come, and Thyam set on high  
To speak themto, as wont he commonly,  
He Cnemon bids, unto that Youth and Maid,  
Report, in Greek, this he in Gipsy said.  
My Fellow soldiers, being, as you wist,  
The firstborn son of Memphis highest Priest,  
And from my right kept by my younger brother,  
I fled to you; and me before all other  
You chose for Chief: an't hath been since my care,  
Of all we got, to take no more than share.  
The captive men of strength I gave to you,  
The weaker sold; and this y'all know is true,  
The freeborn women ransomed, or set free  
For pity sake, the servile sort had ye:  
This one whose habit shows, and goodly port,  
Her some Devore, and therefore meet Consort  
For Bishop's son, though of myself I might  
Her choose, and take by only Captains right  
(As well you know) yet her of you I crave,  
To be my wife; you all the rest shall have.  
They all consent, he thanks, and further saith;  
Then speak you Fair-one, do me plight your faith;  
To live with me in lawful marriage;  
And tell your Country, and your parentage.  
She cast her modest eyes upon the ground,  
And stayed a while, as 'twere in thought profound  
What should she say; then him with blushing eyed,  
And thus, as Cnemon did relate, replied.  
My brother better speak here may, than I,  
A Maid before so manly company;  
But sith you give me leave, and chiefly me  
Concerns the meeting, know (I pray) that he  
Apollo's Priest is, and Diana's ay,  
Of noble parentage in jonie.  
Our Office ending ('twas but for a year,  
And not hereditary like yours here)  
With solemn pomp (as holy custom pressed)  
For Delos sailed we, there us to divest.  
When ran at sea was half our course and more,  
Began a storm, that cast us here a shore:  
And, at a feast made for our late escape,  
The Mariners our goods thought all to rape.  
On either side there slain were all but we,  
In woeful case left, as you chanced to see:  
Yet happy in this, we your hands-into fell,  
Who grant both life and love; which I like well;  
This one thing craving, to remain a Maid  
Till solemn divesture, mean time with aid  
You Memphis may recover; where is best  
(If you so please) both marry, and divest.  
They all approve; and stayed is his desire  
By her Sirenish song (though more afire)  
And by his dream; wherein he thought was noted  
He should at Memphis marry this Devoted:  
So breaks the moot, and they with hand and heart  
Him promise aid; and leave the richest part  
Of spoil for him; and he them bids prepare  
The tenth day after to the war to far.  
And, for his guests, that nothing might offend them,  
Full well provides; and Cnemon wils attend them,  
Not now as Keeper, but Interpreter;  
Himself forbearing once to look on her,  
For fear of being tempted. Cnemon, when  
They brought were in, went forth beyond the Fen  
Among the bushes, where he knew was best  
To seek that herb he promised his guest.  
Meanwhile Theagenes, to her no words,  
But unto Heaven complains; and she him boards,  
Is this for old, or for some late event?  
Forgetting me (quoth he) she's now content  
To marry another. God forbid, quoth she;  
My promise ever will I keep with thee.  
O do not then so much increase my grief!  
Before Theagenes I choose a thief?  
I spoke but to delay the danger nigh,  
You sooner will (I fear) be false, than I.  
Indeed (quoth he) I liked well that invent  
Of broth'r and sist'r, and how from home we went:  
But O, when you, when you so plainly granted,  
Appointing place and time, how was I daunted!  
She then embraced and kissed him, shedding tears,  
And said, O how delight me these your fears!  
They prove you costant notwithstanding all  
The miseries that daily on us fall.  
But sure, we had not thus conferred to day,  
If i had much opposed, and not given way.  
A Lover rude will ne'er be calm without  
Some hope, and that may still him, ne'er so stour.  
So thought and did I, thus far for the best;  
Our love's protector Phoebus' work the rest!  
And wisely must we handle this our plot,  
That Cnemon, though our friend, perceive it not:  
Or, if he chance by circumstance suspect,  
We must deny't, and let him but coniect.  
Th'untruth that speaker helps, and nought at all  
The hearer hurts, may well be borne withal.  
Thus had she said, and Cnemon from the field  
Came running in, and looked as almost wild;  
And said; Theagenes, lo here is found  
That herb, which once laid-on will heal your wound.  
I cannot stay, but come ye both with me;  
And, what the cause is, you shall quickly see.  
But hast we must; that wasting time in words  
We be not overtaken here with swords:  
So led them fast away to Thyamis;  
And found him fellowlike, with many of his,  
His armour scouring; Sir, then said, 'tis well  
Y'are so providing; for ill news I tell.  
There comes upon you troops of armed men;  
I think they are by this time near the Fen;  
Or not far off; from yonder hill I spied them,  
And, as I came, have wished your men provide them.  
The Captain than began himself advance,  
And armed Capapee, with sword and lance,  
Before he stepped a foot forth on his way,  
took present order for Chariclia.  
A Cave there was, hand-wrought by Gypsie-wit,  
To hide their spoil; it opened well and shut  
With narrow door of stone, that threshold was  
T'an upper room; within, a Maze it has  
Of sundry ways entangled (like the roots  
Of thicke-set trees, amids and all about)  
That meet in plain; with scales of Crocodile  
The roof is paved, brought thither from the Nile,  
On pillars short upheld; to help the sight,  
From top thereof descends a beam of light:  
He Cnemon wills her take (but in his ear,  
That what he said none other man might hear)  
And lead, and safely place her in this Cave,  
Where all his treasure lay, and bids him have  
A special care the mouth thereof to close,  
As wont it be. With heavy heart she goes,  
Still looking back at her Theagenes  
With Thyam left; and Cnemon, her to please,  
Upon the Cave before he laid the door,  
Her promised, to bring him safe unto her;  
And not to suff'r a yet-raw-wounded Knight,  
To vent'r his life in such untimely fight.  
She answered not a word; but of her love,  
(As soul) bereft, did little breathe or move:  
Nor without tears departed he, to think  
How fair a creature there he left at brink  
As 'twere of death; nay buried had alive  
That shining beauty might the world revive.  
To Thyam than he ran; with whom he found  
Theagen armed royally; and round  
About them flock the rest; first low, then tall,  
For better sight and hearing. Fellows all,  
Then said the Chief, your life is all a war;  
Your trust and courage tried; the foe not far:  
T'encourage you nor need I, nor have leisure:  
Is 't for our goodly cities, for our treasure;  
Is 't for our children, for our wealth or wives,  
They set upon us? no 'tis for our lives.  
For such as live by spoil, as they and we,  
We fight not who shall reign; but who shall be.  
Then never yield we to this enemy;  
But fight it out, and conquer him or dye.  
Then called he for Thermuti●, could not get him;  
Which made him angry, and for his absence threat him.  
So ran to Ferry; for he saw the fight  
Was now began, and his some put to flight,  
And others slain. Th'invaders as they got  
The mastery of any, straightway burnt his boat:  
This cast a flame on all the cane and reed  
Th'rowout the Fen; that Vulcan, set on speed,  
Their ears with crackling, eyes with flashing smote;  
And smoky cinders all about them float.  
Then death with ugly face upon them gapes,  
Devouring diverse men in diverse shapes.  
By fire, by water, by the sword, by smoke,  
They burn, they drown, they shed lifeblood, they choke.  
So woeful case was never seen, they say;  
But at the siege of Troy, and Solyma.  
Where bastard Commonwealth of Robbers stood,  
Is nothing now but cinder, smoke, and mud.  
For work by Heaven accursed, be't ne'er so great,  
Shall fall as wave that seems the sky to threat;  
And down his some regardless quickly sinks  
Amid the basest water 'twixt the brinks.  
This Thyam seeing, thought upon his dream,  
And of the meaning makes another theme;  
Have, and not have; she should be from him ta'en  
By force of Arms; and yet by him be slain  
With sword indeed, not as he thought before.  
Against his Isis then he 'gan to roar,  
As him deceiving; thought it high disgrace,  
That other should his dearest Love embrace.  
Thus on the Maid, the foe, the boat the weather,  
His nimble thoughts disparteth heth'r and theth'r.  
Now this, now that, right fast imagining;  
Yet for that one neglects each other thing.  
Then his exhorts again to fight, not yield;  
But, as they had done, still maintain the field;  
Till he Thermutis sought (that was pretent)  
But all in haste unto the Cave he went.  
A barbarous man th'affection cannot tame  
That once he set, nor from design reclaim;  
Self out of hope will take quite out of way  
That most he loves, from being others prey:  
And Thyam therefore all inhand forgets;  
Though compassed round about with fearful nets,  
Enraged with anger, love, and jealousy,  
To Cave he went and rushed in suddenly;  
Then cried aloud in Gipsy till he met  
One answered Greek: then left hand on her set,  
And thrust her through with right; that there she lay,  
And with her blood her life flew quite away.  
These are, quoth he, thy spousalls at my hand,  
O worthy best! now none shall thee command.  
So said, and coming forth he sighed and wept,  
And shut the door, and earth upon it heaped.  
When to the boats he came, this was the plight;  
His, some, prepare to run away at sight  
Of first-come enemy: Thermutis would  
Do sacrifice; whom Thyamis controlled;  
And said, himself had offered with his blade  
The fairest sacrifice that could be made:  
He meant that in the Cave: so went aboard  
Thermutis, he, and, them to row, a third.  
The boat, as all the rest, was but a trunk  
Of hollow tree; if more had come, had sunk:  
In like went Cnemon and Theagenes;  
And two by two, thus on fresh water seas,  
A mighty number: but they made away  
At first encounter. This made Cnemon say  
Unto his friend, What? shall we stay to fight,  
When all the rest have taken them to their flight,  
Save Thyamis himself? so they withdrew.  
But Thyamis when th'adversaries' knew,  
They cried let all men set on him alone;  
O had we him, though all the rest were gone!  
Would any know the reason? these were they  
That at the Canop-Outlet fled away,  
And left so rich a spoil for Thyamis;  
And therefore hate they deadly him and his.  
That him their mind was here to take alive  
(Though many slain are thereto while they strive)  
The cause was this: his brother Petosire,  
Of heartenflamed with ambitious fire,  
Withheld the Priesthood from him, most unkind,  
Against his birthright, and his father's mind.  
Then of the Robbers was he chosen Chief,  
And he that should have been Archpriest, Arch-theefe.  
This put the younger brother much in fear,  
Lest after a while he should some tumult rear,  
To get his right: beside, thought tract of time  
Would manifest at length his further crime.  
This likely mischief thinking to prevent,  
Vnt'all th'Aegyptian Outlaws word he sent,  
With sums of money, and promises of other  
(Pretending, for 'twas thought he slew his brother)  
For any man that should him bring alive.  
With much ado at last they him deprive  
Of (strong Thermutis' help; who bravely fought;  
Yet overboard was thrown, and drowned thought:  
But seeing Master's case so desperate,  
With other matt'r in mind, away he gate,  
And swimming came to land: for th' enemy  
His taking Thyam counted victory;  
Yea reckoned him of all the war compend,  
None other minding; him away they send  
With half their force to guard; and all the rest  
His Islet ransacked: long they were in quest  
Of that was left, and when they little found  
(For all the treasure hid was underground)  
The night approaching, stayed they not; for fear  
Of such as fled, and might surprise them there;  
But, setting first the cottages afire,  
Unto their fellows well in time retire.  
Finis Libri primi.   

THE Fair Aethiopian.  
THe great light damps the lesse; and so, so long  
As Phoebus shone, was Vulcan scarce among  
The cinders seen: But, now is come the night,  
Theagenes and Cnemon see the light  
Of all that Isle on fire; and then began  
The Lover true to cry, O wretched man,  
(And tore his hair) I live no more to day;  
My danger, fear, hope, love and care, away:  
Now she is dead why should I longer breathe,  
Not in my breast this bloody weapon sheathe?  
O thrice unhappy! in vain then did they see  
Me fly the fight, to keep myself for thee  
So sudden lost, and by so fearful death,  
And where thou wouldst not, giving up thy breath!  
And what a grief is this, that so by fire,  
As of thy beauty, perfect and entire,  
No spark is left. I gave no last embrace,  
Nor kissed thy dying lips, nor saw thy face.  
O cruel Heaven! are these my nuptial brands?  
So took his sword; but Cnemon stayed his hands,  
And said, What mean you? much deceived you be▪  
Chariclia lives: You me deceive, quoth he,  
You have undone me, you no life have left me,  
That of so sweet a death have thus bereft me.  
Then Cnemon swore, and told all of the Cave,  
And what commandment Thyamis him gave.  
This cheered Theagenes, and now they post  
Themselves both rowing (having sculler lost  
At first encounter) to th'encindered Isle;  
Yet up and down they carried are a while  
By gusts against them, and because they knew not  
The Sculler's Art, and just together rue not.  
Yet (want of skill supplied with earnest mind)  
They get to shore, and then, as swift as wind,  
To cave they run, and by the door it find;  
But (that which Cnemon maruells-at) vntined.  
He takes (as there he found) some fired reed  
To give them light, and leads the way in speed;  
Yet (lo) full soon on sudden starts he back,  
And cries, O Gods, what hap is this! Alack  
W' are quite undone; Chariclia here is slain;  
And down the candle cast, and wept amain.  
Theagenes, as smit down by some force,  
Fell, and embraced the bloud-embrued corpse,  
And long so lay; that Cnemon lest he should  
Himself do hurt, came softly; and was so bold  
As draw his sword that hung down by his side,  
And went for light. Then lamentably cried  
The Knight, and said, O grief unsufferable!  
Malignant Star, or Fury unsatiable!  
Was't not enough to banish me from home,  
All up and down the world to make me room:  
To cast me where no comfort man relieves,  
At sea to Pirates, and at land to thieves;  
Yea more than once; and take my joys away?  
Of all but one was left; and that to day  
Is also lost, my dear Chariclia,  
Slain in defence of virtue (dare I say)  
To keep herself for me. These eyes of thine  
That all men cheered, as with a light divine,  
Be dark and nothing see; nor he them saw  
Who thee assailed, or hand had stayed for awe.  
But this of mine shall join us, and this Cave  
Our bodies both shall keep in hidden grave.  
Then felt he where he thought his sword had hung,  
And said (O Cnemon) this is double wrong  
Both unto her and me. As thus he said,  
A slender voice, as 'twere of boy or maid,  
Was heard to call Theagenes, and he  
Full well it heard, and answered, Call'st thou me?  
Sweet soul I come: then Cnemon came with light.  
And plainly heard the voice of such a spirit,  
As called Theagenes: O God, quoth he,  
Chariclia lives, that was her voice; 'tis she.  
O Cnemon (quoth Theagenes) O leave,  
And do me not thus often times deceive.  
I both deceive (quoth he) and am deceived,  
If this dead-one be she, and therewith heaved  
The head from ground, and to them turned the face:  
Whereat amazed, he started back a space,  
And cried (O wonder!) this the countenance  
Of This be should be; what concealed chance  
Should bring her hither? then Theagenes  
Came to himself, and feels at heart some ease;  
And comforts Cnemon, almost out of wind,  
That with his help he might the sooner find  
His dear Chariclia; this now Cnemon knew  
For Thisbe, chiefly by a ribbon blue,  
Which with a scroll from off her neck he took,  
And, as he would upon the writing look,  
Theagenes him bids forbear as then,  
And seek Chariclia further in the den.  
So he's content: but I had nigh forgot  
The sword of Thyamis that in the plot  
Was also found, well hatched and richly guilt,  
Which Cnemon said he knew well by that hilt.  
Who sits in dark, sees such as come with light,  
And knows them sooner than is known; this might  
Excuse Chariclia, that came first t'embrace,  
And kiss Theagenes with modest grace:  
The fairest thing is justice; Health, the best;  
And most delightful, that we love, possessed:  
And have I got th'again, quoth she? And lives  
My Deer, quoth he? thus each vnt'other gives  
The kind salute; and count'r embracing fell  
For sudden joy aswound: there was a well,  
And Cnemon sprinkled wat'r upon their faces,  
Which brought again their rosie-blushing graces.  
For now ashamed they were, and chiefly she,  
That Cnemon did, what passed between them, see:  
Though all but well: yet, as they had offended,  
They pardon crave for that which he commended.  
But you Theagenes, he said, for that  
You did before, I cannot praise; for, what?  
Embrace a stranger having no relation  
To you at all, and in so foul a fashion?  
While I stood by, and told you plain that she,  
Your best Beloved, lived yet? quoth he,  
O charge me not before Chariclia;  
I took that course for her. But can you say  
Ought for yourself, who first the same mistook,  
And wailed my case, and started back, and shook  
For fear of woman dead, an armed man?  
O Soldier stout! O brave Athenian!  
Hereat they smiled a little, but with tears,  
As more to sorrow bend amid their fears.  
And yet Chariclia scratching at her ear,  
As if sh'had then conceined some jealous fear  
By thinking on't, broke out thus; Happy she,  
Whom he so wailed and kissed, what ere she be!  
And, but you both will think of jealousy  
I ask thereof, fain would I know if thee,  
Sweet heart, what one it was, that so for me  
Was kissed unknown? You marvel will, quoth he:  
For Cnemon saith 'twas Thisbe that Athenian,  
The Minstrellesse that wrought so with a wenian  
Against him and Demenet. Chariclia, scared  
With news thereof, asked Cnemon how it fared  
That Thisbe's brought from Greece into this den,  
And neither he nor she perceived her, when  
They thither came. That, who can tell? quoth he;  
But that of her I know, is this; when she  
Had circumvented Demenet (the plot  
Against me known) at first my father got  
Himself a pardon, and my home-recall;  
And me to seek prepared a ship; and all  
This while the quean had leisure t'exercise her  
In minstrelsy; Arsinoe envies her;  
Chiefly because the Merchant Nausicles  
Became her love, before Arsino's;  
She unto friends of Demenet relates  
The plot of Thisbe, they unto the States;  
And cause to plead procure with great expense  
The men of greatest wit and eloquence.  
They cry that Demenet was cast away  
Vniudged, unconuict, and further say,  
This crime of wed-breach was devised for shame  
And way to death; where is he? what's his name,  
That should commit this foul adultery?  
Him bring alive or dead; or else, to try  
The cause aright that Thisbe let be racked.  
My father promised; but she closely packed  
Herself away; what like to fall upon her  
Foreseeing well: and then with much dishonour  
My father (cleared of murder by the laws,  
As one that had related right the cause)  
Yet lost his goods, and was himself exiled,  
For overthrowing so his guiltless child,  
And helping Thisbe's plot against his wife;  
That better had he led still widow life.  
The man that buries wife, and weds again,  
Doth after shipwreck launch into the Main.  
But this same Thisbe, here that hath her due  
Now in my sight, from Athens came I knew  
By Anticles at Aegin; therefore twice  
With him int' Egypt sailed I with advice  
To find her there: that by her means I might  
Relieve my father; State informing right.  
But how to Lake, or how into this Den  
She was conveyed, I cannot tell, nor when.  
But, if you please, let's see what's in the writ  
I found about her; thus beginneth it:  
Unto my master Cnemon. Know you (Sir)  
My mistress death, and I procured it her,  
For your revenge; but how, because (forsooth)  
'Twere long to write, I'll tell by word of mouth.  
If you be pleased your handmaid to receive,  
And, while I tell the manner give me leave.  
Ten days I have been here captived t'a thief,  
Who vaunts himself Shield-bearer to the Chief.  
So close he keeps me that I cannot move  
Vnt'any door, and saith it is for love;  
I rather think, and liker 'tis, for fear  
Lest any take me from him; yet (mine Here)  
Some power divine me did the grace to show me  
Your face in passing-by, and I beshrew me,  
That out I ran not humbly to salute you;  
The fault unto my hard restraint impute you:  
With much ado yet pen and ink I got,  
And wrote, and sent you this by that old Trot  
Was set to keep me; save me (Sir) I pray you,  
And I in all things humbly will obey you.  
'Twas by constraint against you that I wrought;  
But, you to right, of own accord I sought.  
And if your anger nothing can appease,  
It use against me (Sir) e'en as your please.  
For by your order rather had I die,  
And buried be with Grecian obsequy,  
That Attic am, than suffer, Worse than hate,  
Of barbarous thief the love disordinate.  
Thus had she wrote, and Cnemon thereto said;  
Unhappy Tib, (I cannot call thee maid)  
That after death (yet so I count it well)  
Thus to myself thou dost thy story tell.  
Behold Revenge about the world thee cast,  
Nor stayed her whip, till unto me at last,  
Whom thou hadst wronged, she brought thee; that with eye,  
I might be witness of thy misery.  
But what a mischief hadst thou now in hand,  
To work by lett'r against me? for I stand  
In doubt, that all is yet but some invent  
Of thine, to be so far int' Egypt sent,  
To work my woe. Theagenes burst out,  
Still fear you shadows? are ye still so stout?  
You see she's slain; but who hath blessed you so,  
How, when, and why 'tis done, fain would I know.  
By Thyamis (quoth he) the deed was done,  
I know his sword, and th'Eagle graven thereon:  
But cannot guess, or how, or why, or when.  
This is no such as was Trophony's den,  
Whererein whos'euer entered, prophesied,  
O Pythia then, O Delphi they two cried;  
And both at once; not knowing what they meant,  
He stood amazed thereat; and thus they spent  
Some time in commoning. Now must you know,  
That when Thermutis had received a blow,  
And wounded swum to land, he came in haste  
Unto the Cave where he had Thisbe placed;  
What time his Master sent him to devose  
(And long he stayed) for solemn sacrifice.  
And hard within the door, as come but new,  
Her Thyam finding, for Cariclia slew.  
Now as the commoned Thermutis came  
And called Thisbe, greeking but in name;  
But when he found her dead, upon her gazed,  
And, word not uttering long time stood amazed.  
At last them hearing to them went, and thought  
They had her slain; and would revenge have wrought,  
But naked was, e'en as to land he swum,  
And had no sword; O, then in what a stam  
Was thievish, barbarous, lovesick, angry mind,  
That how to wreak his wrath could no way find;  
But must comply! and so he did; but yet  
Meant, if he got a sword, upon them set.  
His look declared his mind was not at ease,  
And so came fawning to Theagenes:  
Amazed they were before they heard him speak,  
And suddenly Chariclia gave a squeak,  
And into th'inner mazie cabin ran,  
For fear, or shame, to see a naked man.  
Theagenes opposed point of blade  
Against the sly assault Thermutis made;  
And bids keepe-off: when he the danger sees,  
With humble show he fell down on his knees,  
By fortune more than nature made so tame,  
And him to plead-for Cnemon called by name;  
And said, I late your fellow was, and craved  
That both would think him worthy to be saved.  
It moved Cnemon take him up, and where  
Sir Thyam was, and how he sped, to spear.  
He told of Thyams' taking, hardly more  
The manner how, than I have said before;  
And said himself came now to seek a slut,  
Whom he in cave before the battle shut.  
Her name was Thisbe, what is she to you?  
Quoth they. Then he them told the manner how  
He took her from the Merchants, loved her, left her;  
And now he knows not who had him bereft her.  
Then Cnemon, them of all suspect to quit,  
That Thyam killed her, said, this proveth it,  
And showed the sword, that well Thermutis knew,  
And saw it bloody yet of slaughter new.  
From barbarous breast a deep sigh than he drew,  
And said, O Thisbe, my dear heart, adieu.  
And Thisbe, Thisbe, rudely still he brayed,  
And on her breast his head all bloody laid:  
He kissed her dying lips, and kissing wept,  
Till charmie sleep upon his senses crept.  
Than th'other three had time (it seemed) to think  
On their affairs, yet all begin to wink,  
Oppressed with former toils, and Cnemon led  
The way to sleep; Theagenes his head  
Leaned on a stone, and she upon his breast,  
And all together sweetly took their rest.  
Commanding Nature will enjoy her season,  
And make our senses overcome our reason.  
From this the careful mind is not exempt;  
And, while Chariclia rested, thus she dreamt.  
A shag-haired fellow (dreaming thus she quaked)  
She thought pulled out her eye, wherewith she waked,  
And not remembering their now-present plight,  
She gave a sudden shriek, that waked her Knight;  
What ails my love, quoth he? She told the case,  
And with her fingers felt about her face:  
Then 'tis a dream, quoth she, I have mine eyes;  
But what this meaneth can I not devose.  
And sore I fear, lest you that are mine eye  
Be taken from me; Cnemon with her cry,  
Awaked, and heard, and answered by and by:  
Good Lady think not so; not so think I;  
But, if your parents lived late, shall one  
Of them depart; for, this full well is known,  
They made you see and seen: and therefore right  
It is, to count them authors of your light;  
And so your eyes. I thank you (Sir) for this,  
Quoth she, and pray, you hit the mark, I miss.  
We do but dream then quoth Theagenes  
Thus weighing dreams: 'twere better for our ease  
We weigh our dangers, casting them decline;  
And since you given are by some Power Divine,  
T'assist us Cnemon, understanding well  
Both tongue and ways, which we do not; pray tell  
Your best advice, while yonder Gipsy sleeps:  
For fast away neglected season creeps.  
Then he, In the Isle provision is there none;  
But hidden treasure much, to diverse known:  
Consider then, if here we longer stay,  
We starve forth with, or make ourselves a prey  
To some late on our side that all do know,  
And come for spoil, or to returning foe.  
Then haste we must away; but first device  
To rid us of Thermutis; otherwise  
Who knows how long we shall be forced endure  
A man unconstant, barbarous, impure,  
And something still suspecting us for her  
He loved so? if time he find to stir.  
But how us rid? by sending him t'enquire  
Of Thyamis: and hereto they conspire.  
And raise and tell him; he's content; but so  
As Cnemon went with him; alone to go  
Unwilling was, in case so dangerous:  
And Cnemon thought it much more perilous,  
T'have such a mate: this saw Theagenes,  
Who spoke himto aside: the words were these.  
Sir Cnemon, well you counsel can, but want  
Performing courage. Courage man: how can't  
Be dangerous for you to go with one  
So naked man; you having sword, he none?  
And he'll suspect our flight if you refuse:  
But go togeth'r at first, and after use  
Your skill to leave him; pointing us to meet  
At nearest civil place; and in the street  
Of Chemmis was th'appointed place, a Town  
Both populous and rich, upon a Down,  
Or side of hill, erected for defence  
Against the spoiling Herdmens' insolence,  
At bank of Nilus, not far from the mouth,  
Beyond this pool some twelve mile off, at South.  
This is too far for her to walk at ease,  
Not wont to foot it, quoth Theagenes:  
But go we will in beggars poor array,  
T'avoid suspect, and get meat by the way.  
A good device, quoth Cnemon, verily;  
Deformed both, and she hath lost an eye:  
But sure I think you look for better fees,  
Than can be got by begging bread and cheese.  
Whereat they smile, and swear fidelity,  
Not one to fail another willingly.  
And on the morning Cnemon and Thermute  
Their journey take, and fall to some dispute,  
Ere half a mile they passed, at break aday,  
Concerning whether of them should lead the way:  
Which Cnemon will not, ignorance pretending,  
But 'twas indeed to cast for his defending;  
And take same offered opportunity,  
To rid him of such hateful company.  
They went not far, but light upon a flocke,  
Whose Shepherds, having heard the fearful shock  
Late at the pool, were gone, and all amid  
The thickest neighbour woods themselves had hid.  
This hungry pair than caught a sheep and flayed,  
And broiled it there upon the Shepherds glead.  
But (not to stay, for hunger, or for fear)  
With hasty chaps the scorched meat they tear.  
And bleeding send it down the narrow gulf,  
As Indian Tiger wont, and Irish Wolf.  
Thus having fed, and drunk of milk their fill,  
Now toward night they come unto a hill,  
At whose farside was set, Thermutis said,  
A town where Thyam (as he thought) was stayed.  
But Cnemon feigned cause to lag behind,  
As pained sore in guts with flux and wind,  
And upward casting his disordered maw,  
For drinking milk, and eating meat so raw;  
The Gipsy staying for him on that hill  
In little time benighted was, and fill  
Asleep, where he had laid him on a stone,  
And stung with Asp ere morning died alone.  
That Cnemon knew not, who ran still in fear  
Of this so fell, now no more biting, Bear:  
He looked behind him still and ran amain;  
And ran, and looked, and ran, and looked again.  
O how this sight would fair Chariclia please,  
To laugh at him that mocked Theagenes.  
A living Greek from dead Egyptian ran,  
And long time that, which could not hurt him, shan.  
As Coward armed with helmet, shield, and spear,  
Looked in a glass, and ran away for fear.  
At night he wraps himself in heap of leaves;  
And yet for fear he neither turns nor heaves,  
Nor takes a nap, but dreaming of his case,  
Still thinks him running from Thermutis' face.  
When day began, which he thought longest when,  
His hair that, for the custom of those men  
With whom he lived, he let grow very long,  
(For thought it is elsewhere, and these among,  
That shaggy locks will make a young man show  
Both mild to friend, and terrible to foe)  
He now cut short: and this was reason chief;  
Because he would not still be taken for thief.  
Then hasted he to Chemmis, by th'accord  
Between them made; and near to Nilus' board  
Where o'er he was to pass, he saw at hand  
An old man walking up and down the strand;  
(White hair he wore, in holy fashion long,  
His beard alike down vnt'hiss girdle hung,  
More narrow toward point; in Greekish cloak,  
And other garmenrs made of finest look)  
So full of thought, that with fair By-your-leaves,  
Thrice passed-by, he no man yet perceives:  
Then coming face to face, him bids all-haile:  
Of that (quoth he) my fortune will me fail.  
Then Cnemon wondered, and was far to seek,  
And said, I pray (Sir) are y'a stranger Greek?  
Nor Greek, nor stranger, than replied th'old Sire:  
Why then (quoth Cnemon) wear you Greek attire?  
That this I wear, though this more gallant be,  
Quoth he, the cause is my calamity.  
But th'other wondered why a man should wear  
For sorrow gallant clothes, and fain would hear.  
A tale (quoth he) too long and lamentable  
For me to tell, for you unsufferable.  
But (young man) whither go you? what to seek?  
And how in Egypt (tell me) speak you Greek?  
I asked you first, quoth he, and you refuse:  
Of mine affairs then will you know the news?  
I take't not ill (quoth th'old man) for you seem  
A Greek well taught, and one of some esteem;  
And changed, as myself, for some design;  
But (O) I wish you better case than mine:  
Which, if I should not tell, my heart would burst,  
And therefore well am pleased to tell you first.  
But let us pass the Nile here running wide,  
And go to yonder town on th'other side.  
I have no house mine own there, but a friend  
That me receives, and all that I commend:  
We shall be kindly used, there full well  
Our strange adventures may both hear and tell.  
Gow ' then (saith Cnemon) let us pass the Sound,  
And to the town: for thither was I bound,  
To meet some friends. Then timely take they boat,  
(For many there upon the river float,  
Expecting hire) and to the town they bend,  
And that man's house, which was this old man's friend.  
The man abroad, his daughter marriageable,  
And other maids attend them, set the table,  
And furnish it with diverse dainty meats,  
And make their bed, and lay them aired sheets,  
And washed their feet: then Cnemon, we may call  
This house the house of jupin Hospital:  
Not so, but one that knows the God so hight,  
Replied the old man, and one that favours right:  
And in a word, to pass by all the rest,  
He knowing well distress will help distressed.  
So did he me, and brought me to this place  
With travel wearied, and in woeful case:  
And still in what I need affordeth aid.  
Why travel you, quoth Cnemon? Th'old man said,  
Of children robbed I was by thievish might,  
And, though I know them, dare I not me right.  
But here I mourn; nor can I take my rest  
Or day, or night: as bird that hath her nest  
Devoured by Dragon all afore her eyes;  
Yet nigh she dare not come, no● far she flies.  
Wilt please you then (quoth Cnemon, Sir) to show.  
How this befell you, and how long ago.  
Hereafter Sir, quoth he; now time requires  
To think upon our stomack● just desires.  
But first do service to the Gods, as use  
Th'Aegyptian Wisemen: nothing shall excuse  
Me from this duty; then upon the ground  
Fair water pouring, said, this am I bound,  
And do, in honour of the Powers Divine  
That hold this place, and such as well incline  
To Greece, Apollo Delphic, Cynthia,  
Theagenes, and his Chariclia;  
Whom I among the Gods will ever count:  
So did, and said, and wept as from a fount.  
This Cnemon hearing, on him wistly gazed,  
And well observing him replied amazed;  
If for my boldness (Sir) I be not blamed,  
What are to you the two that last you named?  
They are my children (quoth he) not by wife,  
But given me from above; the grief and strife,  
Which I have had for them, me them assure  
As much as if they were my geniture.  
As childen love I them, they me as Sire:  
But (Sir) it makes me greatly now t'admire  
How you them know. I know (quoth he) and tell  
This for your comfort, they are safe and well.  
O Phoebus! O, where are they? tell m'I pray.  
What will you give to know, quoth he? why say  
What will you ask (quoth th' old man?) Here no more  
Than thanks well can I give; and that for store  
Of wealth do good men take, and hoard in heart,  
As treasure great: nor will they from it part  
For any thing: but if I come well home  
(And Isis promiseth so shall I come)  
And safe receive my dear boy and my guirle,  
I will reward you both with gold and pearl.  
Uncertain this is and to come, quoth he;  
You may in present better pleasure me.  
Ask what you will, quoth old man: Promise now  
(Quoth he) to tell me whence they are, and how  
They were dissevered from you, and their birth;  
For next yourself none more them loves on earth.  
A treasure great is this; but, sith you crave it,  
I promise, after supper you shall have it.  
When they had eat their nuts, and figs, and dates,  
And plums, and pears, and other such a chates,  
As th'old man wont (for that which once had life,  
He ne'er would eat-of; nor it touch with knife)  
And he had water drunk, and Cnemon wine:  
The Greek began, and said; O grave Divine,  
Bid one, I pray, come take away the board;  
For now is time that you perform your word.  
I will (quoth he) and would good Nausicles  
Were here to hear the tale, but Mitranes  
Hath drawn him out on hunting; oft he prayed  
Me tell the same, and still I him delayed.  
The Greek had heard, and startled-at the name  
Of Nausicles, and asked what was the game  
They went to chase: of beasts (quoth he) the worst,  
That called are men, of all good men accursed.  
They live by spoil, we hardly can them take;  
For, for their den they keep a noisome Lake.  
What have they done? quoth he: surprised a guirle,  
Which he esteemed above or gold or pearl,  
An Attick-borne, which, well could play and sing;  
He meant present her to th' Abissen King;  
His Queen to wait-on, hoping (in regard  
She was a Greek, so taught) for great reward,  
As wont be given there: Thisbe was her name.  
O Gods! quoth he; and closely past the quame,  
To hear the rest: and unperceived said,  
What force of Arms hath Nausicles, what aid  
For such emprize? He told him Mitranes,  
A Leader under Lord Orondates,  
The King's Lieutenant there, with horse and foot  
For some good sums of money's hired to do't.  
And I so counselled; for my mind me gave,  
I might some news thence of my children have.  
O Sir (quoth Cnemon) I had nigh forgot,  
Thus led along by your enticing plot,  
To put y'in mind of promise; what is this  
To that, I pray? and th'old man said, it is  
To that you asked me last; and now to that  
You most desire I come: but first somewhat,  
To make the matter clear, I must premise,  
And of myself, on whom that story lies.  
In Memphis borne of father Calasire,  
Whose name and office (he that shall inquire,  
May find) I had, and Isis' minister  
Was long therein, though now a wanderer.  
Wife had by city's, lost by Nature's hest:  
When fne from body went t'another rest,  
My life I led awhile without annoys,  
Myself delighting with two pleasing boys  
I had by her: at length it thus befell;  
Here came from Thrace (to me may seem from hell)  
A wanton Piece, nor over young nor old,  
Of woman kind, so tising and so bold;  
That she to Temple came, and at her heels,  
A train of seeming Maids as smug as Eels.  
Thus once she told me, from Philosophee  
I can your scholars draw; you none fro me  
And I replied, 'tis easier to spill,  
Than make the man: your draught is down the hill,  
A broad and easy way to vice; but I  
Them upward drive to virtue lodged on high.  
Yet, after this, I blush to tell, but will;  
Though long resisting that enticing ill,  
I faint at length, and lest I place profane,  
(Twice marry may not Metropolitan)  
I rather chose observing holy Laws  
Myself t'absent, pretending other cause;  
To see my Thyamis, mine eldest son,  
Which with his Grandmother at Thebes won.  
That name again made Cnemon muse, but let  
Th'old man say-on, to hear what issue set.  
Besides (quoth he) the Goddess whom I serve  
Me told my fate, from which I could not swerve:  
My sons, by some disaster waxen lewd,  
Should fall at odds, and into deadly feud.  
The sight whereof t'avoid, I further went,  
And punished myself with banishment.  
The mid-time of my travel will I balk,  
As not concerning this whereof we talk.  
When I at Thebes heard how great a fame  
There ran of Delphos, and Apollo's name,  
I long to see'●, and landing at the Cirrhe  
In Crissie Gulf, ere I the Town came near,  
Of voice divine me thought I heard the sound,  
And worshipped, and kissed that holy ground:  
The place is such indeed, quoth Cnemon then;  
For right the same my father told me, when  
He had been Legate there from Athens sent,  
To meet in grave Heptarchie-Parlament.  
And are you then Athenian, quoth he;  
What name, I pray Sir? Cnemon call they me;  
And of my state I tell you shall anon;  
Now (pray) with that you have begun, go on.  
Then he; devoutly to the Templ' I come,  
And ask, and answer get, thus much in sum:  
From fruitful bank of Nile why dost thou fly,  
T'avoid the strong design of Destiny?  
Endure; int'Aegypt shortly will I send thee,  
And there, in all that is to come, befriend thee.  
And they that heard it, standing near in place,  
Said, since Lycurgus, no man had the grace  
To be so welcomed: and forthwith they all  
Well entertain me; still their friend me call,  
And friend to that their God; so well provide me  
Of common purse, that nothing is denied me.  
In temple-close I lodged was nigh the grist,  
And grew acquaint with Charicles the Priest:  
Who told me many things, and asked me some;  
As whence those over-floods of Nilus come;  
Who made th'enormous great Pyramids;  
Of Crocodiles, Ichneumons, Ostriches;  
And of the two-legg'd-winged Dragon, seen  
To swim and fly the river banks between,  
From out of Arabia; which he thought was  
The right, not that which wings and fourefeets has.  
And much the like: then I, Sir, how come you  
To know our parts so well? to tell you true  
(Quoth he) I travelled through them many a mile  
To Catadupe, and Cataracts of Nile:  
And as in City walking on a season,  
I bought that was with us in Greece most geason,  
Against return, a man of comely port,  
Though black, and speaking Greek, as after a sort,  
Me met, saluted courteously, and prayed  
A word with me, and in the Temple said;  
I saw you (Sir) buy many drugs to day,  
Some Abissine, and some of India;  
What I shall show you, be't with your good leave,  
And buy of me; I will you not deceive.  
I will, let's see, quoth I: Nor do you grudge  
(Quothe he) to give: Quoth I, nor ask you much.  
And so from under's arm a casket drew,  
With many precious stones, green, red, and blue;  
And oyly-shining pearl, as big as pease,  
All perfect round, of Southeast Indies seas;  
When I beheld them dazzled were mine eyes,  
And (Sir) I said in vain should I them prize;  
Go seek a fitter chapman, if you please,  
For all I have will not buy one of these.  
If you ne buy them can (quoth he) yet take them;  
That can ye do; and I your own will make them.  
I cannot set (quoth I) so great a rest,  
Nor take this gift: but why so do you jest?  
I do not jest, believe me (Sir) quoth he;  
But am in earnest: hereby shall you see:  
These all I give you, so be that you please  
Take one thing more, more worth than are all these.  
I laughed, he asked me why; at jest you make  
To promise more (quoth I) if all I take.  
I swear the gift (quoth he) but swear ye to  
To use it well: and for such hope, I do.  
Then with his right hand by the left he takes me,  
And leads me home t'his house, and welcome makes me:  
And shows m'a fair one, putting off her masket,  
More worth than all the jewels in his casket.  
He said she was no more than seven year old,  
But I no less than twice seven guess her could,  
And fit for husband: beauty rare (I deem)  
Makes little Ladies often taller seem.  
I stood amazed, aswell at that was done,  
As what I saw. He thus again begun.  
This dainty guirle, her mother, for some drift  
You shall hereafter know, her left to shift  
With fickle Fortune, wrapped in cradle-bands;  
I chance to find and take her in my hands,  
And save her life; for our Gymnosophists,  
When soul of man hath entered fleshy lists,  
Hold that it ought in no wise be neglected,  
But as the life of man, by man protected;  
Besides I saw, as 'twere, a beam divine,  
When she beheld me, shoot forth of her eyen:  
About her lay this heap of precious stones,  
And silk with letters wrought, which for the nonce  
(I think) were done to prove another day  
Whose th'Infant was, and hidden truth bewray.  
When I them read, I saw well whose she was,  
Yet unto Shepherds nursing let her pass;  
And kept the rest, for fear that for the pray  
The child might afterward be made away.  
And while she was but very small, I count  
Her hidden safe: but flours of beauty mount,  
And such as this apace; that under ground  
(I think) though hid, would break forth and befound.  
Thus though a while I had it well concealed,  
I fear it would by self light be revealed;  
So hurt itself and me. Then suit I make  
To be int'Aegypt sent, and her I take  
Along with me; and now in this Embassage  
I hope to find for her some better passage;  
And e'en by you, Sir, whom this many a day  
I well observe: and take her you, I pray,  
With all her dowry, swearing first to me,  
You will her keep, and marry well, as free.  
But now no more, my business calls me hence,  
This King to day appoints me audience.  
In Isis' Fane to morrow will I tell you  
The rest of her, and so with her farewell you.  
I take her home, and on the morrow went,  
To know the rest; but he away was sent  
With threats for haste; because he came to claim  
A mine of Emrauds for the Melchusaim,  
Hydaspes' King of either Blackmoreland;  
Then I, (because I could not understand  
Who, whence she was, and of what parents borne,  
That had thereafter listened so before)  
With discontent retire: I cannot blame  
Him (than quoth Cnemon) for I feel the same:  
But what he further said, quoth Calasire,  
Now shall I tell, and make you much admire.  
When I came in (thus said my Charicles)  
At sight of her my heart had present ease:  
In Catadup no longer dare I stay;  
But homeward down the Nile make haste away.  
And here she now is with me, counted mine,  
And bears my name: and doth in all incline  
T'obey me like her father (so she takes me).  
But of a husband will not hear (that makes me  
Full, full of care) and yet in beauty exceeds  
All maids of Greece, which emulation breeds:  
For strangers here as well as greeks admire her;  
And many Suitors, men of worth, desire her.  
She saith she will Diana follow she,  
And hunting with her still a Maiden be:  
With bow and shaft full well can hit the mark;  
But unto Cupid's bow would never hark.  
I thought bestow her on my sister's son,  
A proper man; but nothing can be done;  
In vain is all my care and labour spent;  
So strongly she maintains her said intent,  
And most with reasons sometime heard of me,  
In commendation of virginity:  
Now I beseech you (Sir) help what you may:  
To talk with her she will not you say nay,  
Nor any worthy man: she courteous is,  
And opportunity you cannot miss:  
In Temple-close, as 'twere in house the same,  
Now living both: me help maintain my name;  
For husband worthy long she shall not tarry;  
Pray, you persuade her what you can to marry;  
Lest, wanting whom to leave-to mine estate,  
I lead my latter days disconsolate.  
So said he (Cnemon) shedding tears, and I  
Him promise help, and weep for company.  
While thus we talk, a solemn Embassy  
Of Achillaeans came to him; and I,  
When he had told me what they were, desire  
To see the principal; (he came t'enquire  
Of Charicles the Priest for furtherance,  
And what so might their Sacrifice advance)  
Let call him in (quoth he) and then came in  
The goodli'st youth among them e'er had been:  
Achilles-like in portliness and face,  
And show of courage with more lovely grace.  
Us he saluted, we him resalute:  
And Sir (quoth he to Charicles) impute  
No fault to me; for haste I must the Rite,  
That all the pomp may well come in ere night.  
Go then, quoth Charicles, and to me said,  
If not before, now shall you see the Maid.  
For she, Diana's servant, must attend  
This Sacrifice, from time it gi'en to th'end.  
Now (Cnemon) I had seen the Maid before,  
And with her ministered; and of the lore  
Sh'hath asked me many points; now held my peace  
To see the sequel: here our talk we cease,  
And go to Templ'; as all things were before  
Made ready, when the Chief came in at door.  
We come to th'Altar, and with Priest his leave,  
Begins the young man orison conceive.  
By secret slight some cunning Priests will make  
Diana's Image, and Apollo's shake:  
And call it pious fraud: but thus think I,  
Truth has no need helpt-out to be with lie.  
For when came forth Diana's gallant Maid  
With virgin train, thus Pythia plainly said:  
The youngest he and she, that here attends  
In Priestly Rite, shall have their wished ends:  
By sea and land, by war and tempest tossed,  
Shall come at length to hot Sun-parched coast,  
For virtues due reward; and there alight,  
Their tanned temples crown with Turban white.  
This Oracle not one of that Repair  
Could understand, and least of all the fair,  
That had no tanned temples, could be thought  
Designed thereby. But when the thing is wrought,  
Then prophecies and dreams are understood;  
Then shows the face, before kept under hood.  
Finis Libri secundi.   

THE Fair AEthiopian.  
ALL other pomp to tell (quoth Calasire)  
I overpass, and for you most desire,  
To know how bore themselves that solemn day  
Theagenes and his Chariclia;  
Though yet not his; when he came forth, what ere  
Was seen before, is thought not worth a pear.  
The gallant mounted on a Dapple-gray,  
In shining rich attire revived the day,  
As Sun broke out of cloud; his abron hair  
Waved up and down with Aeols gentlest air.  
Of purple velvet was his cloak, and wrought  
With gold, how Lapiths with the Centauris fought.  
The Buckle-brooch thereof in fine Obryze  
Had Pallas wrought with fair sky-coloured eyes  
Of Saphyr bright: her breast is covered  
With stone-to-turning shield of Gorgon's head.  
Then in his hand the steely-pointed lance  
So well became him; when he 'gan to prance,  
(Helm had he none, his cheerly face to cloud)  
I thought the horse was of the rider proud;  
So wantonly to right, to lest he flings,  
And neighing, snorting, jerking, trots the rings:  
Foot after foot then on the grass he stamps,  
And golden bit with teeth all-foamy champs:  
Now this, now that way, fore and backward flies,  
With prick-eare, tost-up head and rolling eyes;  
With many a short curvet, and lofty bound,  
So dainty trampling, as he scorned the ground;  
At length on tip-hoofe striking for a space,  
His fierceness moderates with pleasant pace:  
So horse to man, and man to horse complies,  
Not two, but one, they seem to fall and rise.  
Amazed were all at him, and women kind,  
That could not hide th'affections of their mind,  
Cast many favours at him moving mirth,  
And all him thought the goodliest thing on earth.  
But when, like rosy-fingered morning-shine,  
Came fair Chariclia from Diana's shrine;  
Theagenes, how ever they commend him,  
Himself and they confess she goes beyend him.  
And yet (well dare I say) no further sure,  
Then doth a woman's beauty more allure.  
In purple silk to foot, o'ercast with lawn,  
She road in Coach with two white oxen drawn,  
As there the state is; gold and precious stone,  
From thicker garment through the thinner shone.  
Two Serpents made of gold, enameled blue,  
With tails entangled from her shoulders drew  
Each t'other side, close under either arm,  
And re-entangled, as it were by charm,  
Some place they seek, wherein to take their rest,  
And met, and hung their heads below her breast:  
And this her girdle was; they seem full deep  
Enchanted by the virgin pap to sleep.  
Her amber hair nor all bound-up, nor yet  
All hanging loose, above with Coronet  
Of Laurel tide is (lest the wind it raise)  
And underneath upon her shoulder plays.  
Below the right a perled quiver hung  
With silver shafts, nor over short nor long;  
Her left hand held a gilded bow, her right  
A golden cansticke with wax taper light.  
And every man her then beholding cries,  
How brighter than the taper been her eyes!  
Then Cnemon suddenly burst-out; O these  
Are true Chariclia, true Theagenes.  
And Calasiris said, I pray now where?  
As thinking Cnemon had espied them there.  
Your speech, quoth he, so brought them me to mind,  
As if I saw them. You shall never find  
The like, quoth Calasire, I speak it bold,  
Sun never since did such a pair behold.  
The man and wife like him and her that be,  
May think t'have gotten immortality.  
But come to point; when all the beasts were slain  
For sacrifice, some of the leaders train,  
Appointed thereunto, forthwith desire  
Apollo's Priest begin, and tind the fire  
Upon his Altar; Charicles then said,  
The Leader self must from Diana's Maid  
The burning taper take, and fire the wood;  
Mine office was to pour the wine and blood:  
And so he did. Then came Theagenes  
To fetch the taper: now (Sir, if you please)  
By way observe the soul's divinity  
In passage following, as seems to me:  
For, when each other first they 'gan behold,  
They paused a while, as if they thought they should  
Each other know. So mind and mind alike,  
Though not acquainted, soon together strike:  
As two quicksilver drops each other nigh  
Can hardly stand, but soon together fly.  
With more assured countenance yet she  
That holy candle gave, than took it he.  
A little smile they both, and blush the while,  
As if they were ashamed be seen to smile;  
And after pale, now all the face, now part,  
Declareth ' affection had possessed their heart.  
And still their countenance altered, and their eyes,  
In such a sort as troubled mind implies.  
Which none so marked as I, who nothing there  
Had else to do, and, what was said whilere  
By th'Oracle, now thought-on: so remained,  
When he the taper taking was constrained  
To leave the Virgin, nothing else to do  
But compliment, and fire the wood, and go  
To banquet with his Achillaean Peers;  
And she to chamber presently reteeres;  
Puts-off her robes, and puts-on oth'r attire▪  
Not dwelling now with her supposed Sire,  
For only fear of his importunance  
To work in her from purpose variance.  
Now grew I curious marking what had passed,  
And Charicles to meet of purpose cast;  
And have you seen (quoth he) my joy to day,  
Yea Delphos joy and mine, Chariclia?  
Give father leave to dote on daughter's face:  
Pray, how d'ye like her? did she somewhat grace  
The solemn show? You ask as much, quoth I,  
As if the Moon do somewhat grace the sky.  
I'm going to her, quoth he; go with me,  
And how she doth, now all is past, let's see:  
Lest any hurt she took amid the crowd,  
Or by the people's roaring out so loud.  
I gladly yielded, making yet a show  
Of other things neglect, with him to go.  
When there we come, we find her sick a bed▪  
She saith she cannot sleep for pain in head.  
But well did I observe, at this suprise,  
Her broken speeches, and her lovesick eyes;  
Her father did not: He gives strait command  
They make no noise about her, then by th'hand  
He leads m'abroad, and saith, What think you (friend)  
Of her so sudden change at one hours' end?  
In such a press (quoth I) or in, or out,  
Some glance of eye bewitched her hath, no doubt.  
You then belike, in jesting wise quoth he,  
And smiled therewith, believe that such there be.  
I do, quoth I, and, as I thought to prove  
The like by reason, both in hate and love;  
Comes one in haste (he seemed well soaked in wine)  
And saith, My masters mean you not to dine?  
You seem as slow, as if to battle pressed  
You rather were, than bid to such a feast.  
And this the ba-ba-brave Theagenes  
In honour makes of Neoptolemes.  
This man (quoth Charicles) doth so invite us,  
As if to dinner he would drive and smite us:  
W'had best be gone. You do but jest (quoth I)  
But let us go indeed, intending why.  
And when we came, he Charicles doth place  
The next himto, and for his sake me grace.  
To pass the rest, this youth behaved himself,  
As well-became Ambassador to Delft.  
Nor spoke, nor looked, as lovesick one, but striwe  
Vnt'all his guests good entertain to give  
With cheerly countenance: but I could see  
How after a sigh he feigned a merry glee,  
Was fad sometime, yet would himself recall,  
And into sundry changes easily fall.  
For Bacchus-like is Cupid, some men think;  
And Drinkers soon will love; and Lovers drink,  
This Charicles perceived, and softly twitched  
Me by the sleeve, and said, Hath eye bewitched:  
This gallant too? Quoth I, we may't infer;  
For who excelled but he, next after her?  
He drunk a health vnt'all, at length to me;  
I thanked, but pledged him not, and thereat he  
Seemed discontent; me Charicles excused,  
And said, drink wine th'Aegyptian Priest not used.  
He now perceiving what I was, and whence,  
Me more esteemed, and set aside offence.  
And, glad as one that had a treasure found  
Upon a sudden, hidden in the ground,  
To me again he drunk in water clear,  
And said (Grave father) let our meeting here,  
And this carouse in that you fancy best,  
Confirm our love, and setl'it fast in breast.  
Content, most noble Prince (quoth I) for so  
Was my desire: therewith we rise and go.  
When home I came, I so began to think  
On these affairs, I could not sleep a wink:  
But studied still what meant the latter part  
Of th'Oracle, and found it past mine Art.  
Now near on midnight (whether I waked, or slept,  
I cannot tell; but sure I am I wept,  
Because I found not out the mystery)  
This vision had I from our deity:  
Apollo with Diana came; and he  
Theagenes me brought, Chariclia she;  
And told me time was now I should retire  
To native soil: and said, O Calasire,  
Now time is come, and Destiny commands:  
Then take these two (and put them to my hands)  
Int'Aegypt with you, never trust deceive;  
But keep and guide them as the Gods give leave.  
Glad was I (Cnemon) so much more to know,  
That homeward now I with these two should go:  
But how my Charicles should be deprived,  
And our departure handsomely contrived,  
I could not see; When Gods will have thing done  
They tender means; This while I thought upon,  
At breake-aday one at my portal knocked,  
And when my servant had the door unlocked;  
Who should it be, but self Theagenes!  
My troubled mind me thought then felt some ease;  
I thought (and likely 'twas) that when he knew  
I was a Gipsy, not of common crew,  
But Priest of Memphis; that he thought I might  
In love so faithful help to do him right;  
And therefore came: we kindly consalute,  
And on my bed he sat a while as mute.  
What makes my Lord (quoth I) thus early rise?  
And why to me? he wiped his lovesick eyes,  
And said, O father, never stood I more  
I need of help. When I him asked, wherefore?  
He blushed and held his peace: I saw my time  
To play the Gipsy, and thus began to try him.  
What you conceal (quoth I) and tell me doubt,  
I shall by cunning Gypsie-skill find out:  
And smiling raised myself, and counters took  
Betwixt my fingers, nought to number, and look  
As one possessed, and wistly them remove  
From place to place, and say, my son's in love.  
He start thereat; but when I further said,  
In love (I say) and with Diana's Maid;  
He thought indeed I spoke with Power Divine,  
And me to worship 'gan himself incline:  
Which I forbade him; but some tears he shed,  
And softly stroked my beard, and kissed my head;  
At length burst-out in these; yet am I glad,  
And thank the Gods, that (look) what hope I had,  
It fails me not; and prayed me save his life,  
And help to make this goodly Nymph his wife:  
And said he was a dead man else, and swore  
He never woman knew, or loved before.  
And wept as 'twere for grief it should be said,  
So stout a man was conquered by a Maid.  
I comfort him, and fear not, say, my boy;  
we'll overcome her, be she ne'er so coy;  
So you be ruled; he said, through sword and fire  
He would obey his father Calasire:  
And promised me reward, his whole estate.  
As thus we talk, one raps hard at my gate,  
And prays me come with speed to Charicles,  
Now in the Temple gone about t'appease  
Apollo's wrath, for some unpleasing sight,  
And fearful dream that he hath had to night.  
So more in hope departs Theagenes,  
And glad I sent-for was by Charicles.  
I sad and sighing find him, ask him why:  
O dearest friend (quoth he) this night had I  
Most strange and fearful dreams, and my Charic  
(The rest a sob cut off) continues sick.  
Now shortly run our youth in arms, and she,  
Diana's Nymph should their torch-holder be.  
To keep our custom, help and use your skill,  
In this I know you can do what you will.  
Uncharm that eye that so bewitched my guirle,  
And we'll reward you both in gold and pearl.  
I must confess 'twas yet forgot (quoth I)  
And time you must afford me, both t'apply  
And make the medicine; yea, the Maid you must  
Persuade well of me, that she may me trust.  
I will (quoth he) and come now let's go to her.  
No sooner entered at her chamber door;  
But I her sickness read could in her face:  
Her colour's gone, her all-delighting grace  
With pearly shower allayed; yet when she saw  
Us two, of whom she stood so much in awe,  
Sat up, composed herself, began t'advance,  
And call again her former countenance.  
Then Charicles her oft embracing kissed,  
And said, What ails mine only child? what is't  
Hath wrought this change in you? and why conceal you▪  
This hurt from me, who may devose to heal you?  
Ha' cheer my guirle, and be no whit dismayed,  
This reverend Father promiseth his aid:  
To cure your sickness hold him th'only man;  
For, if he will do what he can, he can.  
She nothing said; but made us well conceive,  
By sign, she yielded: so we took our leave.  
And Charicles me prayed along the way  
To think upon't, and make no more delay▪  
Especially to work in her a mind,  
To love a man, as aught all womankind.  
I made him answer, such as well him pleased,  
'Tis nothing hard to cure one so diseased.  
Finis Libri tertii.   

THE Fair Aethiopian.  
THe Pythian games are past, and now begun  
The day wherein the Gallants armed run.  
And Cupid Precedent of all the sport,  
Will show, by these two, greatest his effort.  
All Greece lookt-on, with City-Iudges seven;  
A Herald's voice, that seemed to rend the Heaven,  
Was heard: Come forth, O ye that mean to place  
So swift in arms. At farre-end of the race  
Appeared Chariclia like a morning Star;  
As loath her absence should the custom bar,  
Or (as I think) because, more for her ease,  
She thought she might there see Theagenes.  
A torch in left, a Palm she held in right,  
And herupon strait all men cast their sight:  
But first Theagenes; for, Love entire  
Is quick to spy that is his most desire;  
And he had time to mark, that heard whilere  
What should be done; then whispered me i'th'eare  
(Of purpose next me set) 'tis she, 'tis she:  
I bid him peace; then coming forth we see  
A Gallant armed point-devis, that high  
Of spirit seemed, and no man would him try;  
So known he was, and had so great a name,  
For winning always, when he ran, the game.  
The judges send him back; nor might they give  
The garland him, that had not for it striwe.  
He then obtained it might proclaimed be,  
And 'tis, come who so will: He calleth me,  
Then saith Theagenes. How now, quoth I,  
Will you adventure such a jeopardy?  
It shall be so (quoth he) nor will I stand  
To see another from Chariclia's hand  
For running swift reward of conquest bear.  
But loss (quoth I) and shame I wish you fear.  
You say full well, quoth he; but this believe;  
Who nought will undertake, shall nought achieve.  
And, were this Challenger as swift as Lark,  
He could not me outrun at such a mark.  
With many men in this kind had I strife,  
But never was outran in all my life;  
And love hath wings: so said, and down he leapt,  
And forward on the Plain full nimbly stepped;  
His name and country told, and took his place.  
Was armed, and stood all ready for the race.  
The people shout at th'unexpected part,  
And wish him well; So moveth every heart  
The comely person: but the Ladies most.  
I marked Chariclia how she cleared the coast  
With Sun-bright eye, the Crier hearing name  
What were the men that entered for the game:  
To wit, the stout Ormene of Arcady,  
And brave Theagenes of Thessaly:  
Nor could she keep her looks with all her Art,  
So moved she was: at trumpet sound they start,  
And cheek by cheek on sudden passing-by  
So swiftly ran, they seem not run, but fly.  
How did her panting heart then shake her seet!  
How did she stir by fits her hands and feet!  
As if her spirit with his body ran  
To help him run. And now did every man,  
And most myself, with care expect th'event;  
With him as with a son my wishes went.  
No marvel (Cnemon said) if so't affect  
The lookers-on; for I with care expect  
That do but hear't; and quickly tell m'I pray,  
If our Theagenes there got the day.  
The day (quoth I) yes, and deserved the night:  
For passing Ormen-by, as 'twere a flight,  
And, feigning at some stone his foot to clap,  
Of purpose fell, but fell just in her lap.  
And when he took the Palm, I could perceive  
He closely kissed her hand, and with her leave.  
But she went home now sicker than before;  
This second interview inflamed her more;  
As fuel twice at fire: and I that night  
Could take no rest, for thinking on our flight.  
I saw 't'as meant by sea (by sea and land,  
Said th'Oracle) but whither, t'understand,  
I must go learn of that embroidered silk,  
Left with her when she left her mother's milk;  
Which had, but understood not, Charicles:  
To him I go; but find him litl'at ease,  
How fare you man, quoth I; he wept amain,  
And said (alas) my daughter is more in pain.  
Both you and all the rest (quoth I) depart;  
And leave m'alone with her, to prove mine Art.  
A three-foot stool me set, and bays withal,  
Perfume, and fire; and come not till I call.  
'Tis done, and I, now having time to play  
My Gipsy part, perfume and wave the Bay  
Now here, now there, and o'er her face and feet:  
She wagged her head at me, and smiled to see't;  
And said (good father) do not so deceive  
Yourself in me: then (Lady) by your leave,  
(Quoth I, and left my tricks, and sat her near)  
I know't full well; but be you of good cheer;  
A rise disease it is, and easily cured,  
Some eye bewitching hath your heart allured,  
And put you to some pain two days before;  
But, since you saw the race, a great deal more.  
I guess the man, and saw him cast that eye,  
The swift Theagenes of Thessaly.  
whenever he me hurt, or not, I wish him good,  
Quoth she, what is he? Of Achilles' blood  
They say, quoth I; and so may well be thought,  
By face, and stature; beauty, and spirit haught.  
But only that he seems more gentl ' and mild,  
As if a friend might rule him like a child.  
And hath (I warrant) took more hurt than done,  
By glance at you; and, if he were my son,  
So could I wish: Alack (quoth she) and why?  
He hurt me not at all, good Sir; but my  
Disease has other cause: Yet thank I you  
(Good father) for so suffering with me now.  
If other cause (quoth I) my guirle, reveal it;  
And from your father never long conceal it.  
Disease like new-set plant is; quickly taken,  
With ease pluckeup; but rooted, hardly shaken.  
A father's love I bear you, and your father  
Hath put m'in trust; O therefore then the rather,  
What ere it be impart, I vow and swear  
To keep your cousaile, and effect what ere.  
Hereat she paused a while, and in her face  
Had many changes, all with pretty grace  
Declaring doubtful mind: then said, I pray,  
(I cannot yet resolve) forbear to day:  
And after, what it is (if by your spell  
You know it not before) I shall you tell.  
I rose, and yielded (as aught yielded be)  
A time to bashful Maiden's modesty.  
Yet take my leave as men of women use;  
Soon after meet with Charicles: what news?  
Quoth he; all well, quoth I; and e'en to morrow  
She shall be rid of all her grief and sorrow.  
Nay more I tell you; she intends a deed  
Will give you great content, and that with speed.  
And nevertheless I wish you counsel take  
Of some Physician, safer all to make.  
If further cause be, call me to my task,  
So part to th'end he then no more should ask.  
And walking homeward meet Theagenes  
In Temple-close: it did his heart some ease  
To see but where she dwelled; I pass beside,  
As not perceiving him, then oh he cried,  
Good Calasire! the very man I sought.  
I sudden turned, as somewhat else I thought,  
And said, O brave Theagenes! how brave,  
Quoth he, that can of her no favour have?  
Ah will you still (quoth I) mistrust mine Art,  
Which have so well already played my part;  
Which have her overcome, and made her love ye?  
As, if you stand in doubt still, I shall prove ye.  
Y'are th'only man whom she desir's to see.  
Then he, what, what? why longer tarry we?  
And going was apace, till by the cloak  
I pulled him back, and thus unto him spoke.  
Nay stay a while, good youth; though as a Son  
Of great Achilles, very swift you run;  
The time in counsel spent is never waste;  
And this no work is to be done in haste.  
Her father chief man is of all the Delft:  
Why, then (quoth he) let's go unto himself,  
And for his daughter pray him give consent;  
I trust it shall be no disparagement.  
But he (quoth I) her promised long ago  
T'his sisters son. It shall be for his woe,  
His woe, quoth he, and little for his ease,  
Who gets Chariclia from Theagenes.  
Nor blunt my sword is, nor my hand so weak.  
Good Sir, quoth I, what need you thus to speak?  
'Tis better done another way: be wise,  
And counsel keeping, do as I advice.  
Be little seen with me; our interview  
May breed suspect; so forced he bids m'adiew.  
Then Charicles came, thanked, embraced, and said.  
O th'only man to turn devoted Maid!  
This is your Art, and your great wisdom able:  
My guirle is conquered, erst unconquerable:  
She's now in love. Then I look big, and strut;  
And say, though little I gave, I knew 'twould do't.  
But how appears it? you (quoth he) us bid  
Physicians counsel ask; and so we did.  
When they came in, she turning to the wall,  
As if she minded not, or scorned them all,  
That verse of Homer sung with dewy cheeks,  
O great Achilles, chiefest of the greeks.  
The wise Acestin (sure you know the man)  
Her caught by th'hand, the malady to scan,  
And by the pulse her troubled heart bewrayed;  
Then unto me (good Charicles) he said,  
In vain you call us; this is no disease,  
Whereof our physic can the fits appease.  
O Gods, quoth I; and must I lose my dear  
And only guirle! Peace you (quoth he) and hear:  
So called m'aside, and softly told me thus,  
The body, not the mind, is cure for us:  
She's sick in mind; she loves, and only he,  
That made her sick, will best Physician be.  
So went his way: and I strait hither ran  
To you my best Director for the man:  
I would it were Alcamenes my lad,  
Whom for her husband I appointed had.  
'Twere good (quoth I) to try, and let him go  
To visit her: he said it should be so,  
And thanked me for th'advice: and yet ere noon  
The next day met m'and cried, I am undone:  
My daughter's mad; I sent as you advised  
Alcamenes, and him she so despised,  
And turned away-from shrieking, as the sight  
Of Gorgon's head had put her in affright:  
Nay, threat with cord to make herself away,  
Except we left her suddenly that day.  
'Twas time to go: but now, good Calasire,  
Proceed t'accomplish that which I require,  
And make her lean to love. I doubt (quoth I)  
Lest some malignant counter-sorcerie  
Be wrought upon the silken scarf you said  
Was with her jewels by that Infant laid.  
Forthwith he ran and fetch it me, and so  
I looked thereon, and told him, this to know  
Requires some time; then to my hand he sped it,  
And I went home and all at leisure read it.  
In letters Aethhiopic (not the same  
Of common sort, but that the Kings they name,  
And very like the sacred Characters,  
That Priests of Egypt use) thus it refers.  
Persina, woeful Queen of Blackmoreland,  
This wrote herself in haste with trembling hand.  
I know not how, except by pictures white,  
Wherewith my King would have his chamber dight.  
I brought him forth this white-one: but afraid  
Of that high crime would to my charge be laid,  
Ne durst be known thereof, but said she died,  
And by a trusty Groom her scent aside,  
To save both her and me from death and shame,  
That hate th'adultress and the Bastard's name.  
And now, sweet Babe, in vain so fair that art,  
Whereby thyself and I were like to smart▪  
These jewels and this swathband I thee give,  
To make thee known, if be thy hap to live.  
Which O! and then think on thy Pedigree,  
And like a Princess guard thy chastity:  
Of all thy jewels this Pantarbe stone  
Have care to keep; 'tis worth all them alone.  
And more there was in lamentable fashion  
Set down t' express a tender mother's passion,  
Which here I skip; but (Cnemon) when I saw  
The name Persina, struck I was with awe:  
And in my mind were grief and joy at strife;  
The grief, to note this fair young Lady's life,  
And what she was indeed, and what supposed:  
The joy, to see the Prophecy disclosed.  
That now I thought was meet fit season watch,  
And what I did intend with speed dispatch.  
To her I go, and find her all alone,  
Nigh overcome with languishing and moan;  
Yet some what cheered to see me. Then I said,  
I now expect the promise of a Maid;  
Which was to tell me what's you grief: I pray  
Make, if you will have ease, no more delay.  
You know my trust, and that I can it know  
Though you conceal: But why should you do so?  
She took and kissed my hand, and said, O father,  
Then by your wisdom understand it rather.  
Well then (quoth I) you are not th'only she;  
But many brave and virtuous Ladies be  
That love a man: and he that hath you heart  
(If any worthy be) hath all desert.  
This, if you mark, may set your mind at ease;  
For what is wanting in Theagenes?  
But Sir, quoth she, you speak as if 'twere sure  
My father would consent, and th'other endure  
To woo a Maid. Quoth I, to tell you true,  
The man is deeper struck in love than you.  
Then, as for your supposed father, he  
Wife vnt' Alcamenes would have you be.  
Alcamenes (quoth she)? first let me die:  
For, but Theagenes will no man I.  
But why my father call you so, supposed?  
Then I that written on the silk disclosed;  
And showed it her, and asked her if she knew't.  
She said suchone she had; but he with-drewed,  
To lay-up safe, lest it be worn or stained:  
Yet never knew before what it contained.  
Then up she looked with courage void of pride;  
With countenance well assured, and steadfast eyed;  
And asked, what's to be done? I tell her how  
I was myself in Blackmoreland ere now,  
To learn the tongue, and join Gymnosophie  
With Gipsy skill, and Greek Philosophy.  
And that her father's Court, without obstacle,  
Of learned men was chiefest Receptacle.  
That there so grew I known to Queen Persine,  
And was esteemed as an Arch-divine.  
She, when she heard that home return I meant,  
Sent form', and told me why she for me sent;  
To wit (she durst but vnt'a stranger tell)  
A child she had, which fare it ill or well,  
Dead, living, where, fain would she know, and prayed,  
That with my skill therein I would her aid.  
And told your case, and said she could not find  
That any such now lived in land of Ind;  
But made me first, to keep her counsel, swear.  
I learn of Isis that you live, and where.  
Your mother then me prays in any wise,  
I cast would how to find you, and device  
To bring you home: and if you come in heal,  
To King Hydaspes she will all reveal.  
Now time hath well approved her loyalty;  
And, for succession of his royalty,  
Glad will he be to find unhoped heir,  
And doubt not you are his, although so fair.  
This all I knew, though nothing said, before  
I got the silk, that might confirm it more.  
Then ere against your will Alcamenes  
Begin to work, or father Charicles,  
With us your Parents, and your country seek,  
And there be married to this noble Greek;  
Remembering what, of him and of yourself,  
Was prophesied by th'Oracles of Delft.  
Then sith (quoth she) that we this shall acheive,  
The Gods declare, you say, and I believe;  
Show how I pray. I say, make you a show  
To like Alcamenes. Alas you know  
'Tis hard, quoth she, to seem love that I hate,  
Or, but Theagenes, like any Mate.  
Yet, sith I yield me to the Gods and you,  
(Suppose I could so counterfeit) say how  
I may comeout of danger, once got in.  
To that I answered, care not you a pin:  
That leave me. Something, ere woman knows,  
She boldly doth; but knowing it forestowes.  
Comply with Charicles, and be not nice:  
He will do nothing without my advice·  
She wept, I left her, met wit Charicles,  
So sad, as if his heart had no whit ease;  
How now! quoth I; you cause have to be glad;  
Your daught'rs well, and why are you so sad?  
I dreamt (quoth he) that from Apollo's hand  
An Eagle came and snatched my guirle t'a land  
I know not how far hence; where shadows were  
Me thought in stead of men. When this I hear,  
I knew the meaning; but him tell it thus;  
(T'avoid suspect of that was meant by us)  
Apollo's Eagle signifies that ho,  
The God, whose Priest you are, will mindful be  
To send her that you wish; and, in few words,  
A man excelling men, as Eagle birds.  
Now married once, she must your bosom leave,  
And, till she give up ghost, vnt' husband cleave.  
For that is meant I know by shadow of men,  
Whereto she goes at length. To blame you then,  
To blame you are, yet are you not the first,  
That of the Gods good meaning make the worst.  
Wherefore apply we to the better sense,  
And make her willing with our conference.  
My part is done, and now must you do yours.  
How, how, I pray? (quoth he) for yet she loures  
(As much as can that face, quoth I) to hear  
Alcamenes is her intended Fear:  
If they (quoth I) be faln-out, what atones  
A woman more than pearl and precious stones?  
Such tokens carry you her in his name;  
And if it please her not, be mine the blame.  
He did as I advised, and brought her est  
The jewels all that Queen Persina left  
Laid-out with her, and said Alcamenes  
In token of his love had sent her these.  
She played her part well, and when this I knew,  
'Twas time to give Theagenes his Q.  
So did, and while I went to sacrifice;  
Thus me preventing Phoebus did advise:  
Away now strangers call. And some I saw,  
But knew not, there according to their Law,  
When some what they had offered, merry making,  
Carouses filling, emptying, giving, taking.  
And these invite me. There I sat a while,  
And ate, and drank: then said I with a smile,  
Sith your enuitement doth me thus embolden,  
Pray let me know to whom I am beholden.  
We Tyrians are, saith one, for Carthage bound,  
With wares of Blackmore, and of India ground:  
To morrow mean we plow the bracky Maine,  
If wind thus hold, and all together say  
To that effect. Then I, yet if you may,  
And are content to tarry but a day,  
(No more I crave to settle things at Dolph,  
And for the way) I'll be your Fare myself.  
We will, say they; for with so grave Divine,  
We more securely shall pass over the Brine.  
I left them set then all on merry pin,  
And each with other dancing Matakin;  
(Of some called Antic, as it well may be,  
It so presents old incivilitee,  
With rudely making faces, body wrying;  
Now up, now down, on this and that side prying)  
And bid my younglings ready make to go  
Next day at e'en. This night it fell out so,  
That, ere the second Cock was heard to crow,  
A band of thessal youths, whereof now know  
Theagenes was chief, 'gan so to roar,  
That all the City waked out of the snore  
Of soundest sleep: yet no man durst arise,  
Affrighted were they so with hideous cries,  
And clattering armour, such as shook the ground;  
And made Parnassus' hill return the sound  
With doubled echo: but amid the noise,  
There comes a troop of these unruly boys,  
Breakes-ope Chariclia's door with many a stroke,  
(Of purpose left so, that it might be broke)  
And takes the Lady, little saying nay,  
And with her packet carries her away.  
The rest the country fly; but he and she,  
The loving pair, come hand in hand to me,  
Where was appointed: Sane us father cry;  
And on her cheeks ran sudden blushing die,  
As for a fault. I comfort them, and will  
They keep them there, unseen of others, till  
I come again, and going was; but she  
Fast held my cloak, and said, what! leave you me  
With him to keep? O father, do not so;  
'Tis treason-like: I will not let you go  
Before you make him solemnly to swear,  
That now and evermore he will forbear  
To touch me wantonly, till we be wed,  
And may enjoy a lawful marriagebed:  
Agreed and done. Then I to Charicles;  
His house in tumult find without appease,  
For daughter's loss. And what should now be done  
They cannot tell, though all unto him run.  
For all the beauteous virgin held so dear,  
They would revenge the fact, but know not where.  
My masters then (quoth I) this sudden fit,  
(What?) hath it quite bereft you of your wit?  
Before the rape of Helen, or Europe,  
A beauteous Lady was of war the scope.  
Take arms, and follow this unruly Crew  
Of thessal youths; 'tis they have wronged you:  
And specially that one (friend Charicles)  
With whom you made m'acquaint, Theagenes.  
So made them bend their force another way,  
While we to ship, and on the surges play,  
From Delphi safe-conueyed by this complot:  
But what was after done there know I not.  
Finis Libri quarti.   

THE Fair AEthiopian.  
NOw let us rest a while, though (Cnemon) you  
Can hold-out well I see. Quoth he, nor now  
Should I desire you stay; but that I hear  
A noise below; or me deceives mine ear.  
I cannot hear so quick (quoth Calasire)  
Or for mine age, or for my set desire  
To tell this story. But, me thinks, I see  
Our Landlord Nausicles come up; 'tis he.  
What have ye done, Sir? Nausicles replied,  
Far better than we thought: but looked aside,  
And, seeing Cnemon, asked what was the man,  
A Greek, quoth Calasire; he's welcome than,  
Quoth Nausicles; and then said Calasire,  
But needs we must of your success inquire.  
Know now but this, quoth he; that I have found  
A better Thisbe than I did propound.  
'Tis time to rest: and so he went to bed.  
But Cnemon lay all night with troubled head,  
For name of Thisbe; thought in Gypsiland  
The dead revive so soon; and, t'understand  
The truth, arose, and groping in the dark,  
At length t'a woman's woeful cry doth hark.  
And thus she said; O wretched I, tha●, out  
Of Spoilers hands escaped, now had no doubt  
T'attain my liberty, and death acquit  
With presence of my love; yet fail of it,  
A slave become again. But O that he  
May live, and keep himself from bondage free,  
And sometime on his Thisbe think! for so  
Now must he call me whenever he will or no.  
These words struck Cnemon in so ghastly fear,  
That all in haste he gate to bed, and there  
With chattering teeth and quaking legs he lay,  
Till Calasiris asked what did him fray.  
That wicked Tib (quoth he) whom with mine eyes  
I saw lie slain, yet lives, and yonder cries.  
But he poor wretch deceived was, and afraid  
Of that which known will hold him best paid;  
Or make him laugh until he fret a rib;  
For this Chariclia was, and not the Tib.  
It thus befell: when in the mazie Den  
Thermute and Cnemon left the Lovers; then  
They chastely clip and kiss, forgetting day,  
Till at the length the man began to say,  
Sweet heart, I know it is our most content  
To live together still; but sith th'event  
Of men's affairs uncertain is; and we  
By some misfortune may dissevered be,  
(Which Gods forbid) let each a watchword have,  
And privy sign to use, as need shall crave.  
She liked the motion well, and both agree,  
That he should Pythius write, and Pythia she,  
On every crosse-way-stone and monument,  
Or famous Image, by the way they went,  
To right, to left, to what town, where, and when;  
That so the sooner they may meet again.  
And for some signs, in case by cross or quame  
They could nor write, nor speak, he bear a paume,  
And she a taper: yet a fearre had he  
Received by tusk of wild Boar on his knee▪  
And she of jewels ever bore this one:  
Her father's ring with rich Pautarhe stone.  
And this of all the confirmation is,  
They kiss and cry, and kiss and cry, and kiss:  
Among the riches left by thief in Cave,  
Although the choice of many there they have;  
(Behold consent of either Princely mind)  
Th'ill-gotten treasure all they leave behind,  
And take but of their own a part, and go,  
She with her pack, he with her sheaf and bow.  
When to the Lake they came, and were about  
To take a boat, they see an armed rout,  
With many boats, come rowing toward th'Isle;  
And daunted much thereat stood still a while,  
Till she for fear began to run aside,  
And prayed in Cave they might again them hide:  
Yet as they went were met withal by some,  
Before unseen that o'er the Lake were come,  
But lo, a fair and beautiful aspect  
Will many times a barbarous mind affect.  
A cruel hand began to strike, and stayed  
Amazed at sight of such a beauteous Maid,  
Or Goddess so disguised, as then was thought;  
And therefore to the Leader be they brought,  
As all they found; his name was Mitranes,  
Lieutenant unto Lord Orondates;  
That had all Egypt in his governing.  
Under the mighty Babylonish King.  
And he against the Robbers of that Lake,  
By Nausicles was hired for Thisbe's sake.  
And though the subtle Merchant saw full well  
This was not she, but did her far excel;  
To put a trick upon the Don, he said,  
O this is she my Thisbe, my fair Maid;  
Embraced and kissed, and whispering told her how,  
To save herself, she must be Thisbe now.  
He spoke in Greek which she well understood,  
And hoping well it might be for her good,  
When Muranes her asked what's her name,  
Him answered Thisbe: yea the very same,  
Said Nausicles, and kissed the Captain's hand,  
And called him man of fortunate command.  
The Soldier puffed with praise, and gulled with name,  
Although he wished himself so fair a Dame;  
Yet, for reward that he before had taken,  
To Merchant gave her with repenting look.  
Then on Theagenes his eyes he bend,  
And said to Babylon he should be sent:  
For, for his pers'nage and well featuring,  
Well might he wait upon the mighty King.  
Then him with convoy, and with letters sent  
TO Orondates, and this was their content.  
This Grecian youth is of so comely grace,  
That I him thought deserve a better place,  
Than under me. I think, like him, not one  
This day attends the King of Babylon.  
Wherefore (my Lord) him please you thither send,  
And both our duties to that God commend.  
Now broke the day, and longing Calasire,  
With fearful Cnemon, 'gan themselves attire:  
Yet half unready go to Nausicles,  
And for some further news will hi● disease;  
Who told them all that I know said before;  
And how he got a virgin for a whore:  
Yea, passing her as much for beautiful,  
As doth a Goddess pass a common Trull.  
Then they began how matter stood conceive,  
And prayed they might but see her with his leave.  
He calls her in, she muffled doth appear,  
And looking down; he bids her have good cheer:  
She shows her face; at once is seen and sees,  
Is known and knows; at Calasiris knees  
Falls down and cries, O father! he likewise,  
O daughter! Cnemon, O Chariclia! cries:  
That Nausicles the while upon them gazed,  
And at so strange encounter stood amazed;  
Whom Calasiris spoke-to thus; O friend,  
Though I not able, God shall thank y'i'th'end.  
You save my daughter, you me give the sight,  
Wherein of all the world I most delight.  
But, O Chariclia, what hath thee bereft  
Of thy Theagenes, where hast him left?  
O how this question dampt the royal guirle▪  
She could not speak, till drops of liquid pearl,  
Fell from her Diamond eyes t'assuage her heart;  
And then told how their fortune was to part,  
As said before. Then they from Nausicles  
Desire to hear more of Theagenes.  
I can but tell (quoth he) and you but hear;  
For you are poor, and it will cost you dear  
Him to redeem; the Babylonian  
Is covetous, yea more than any man.  
Chariclia whispered Calasire i'th'eare,  
And said, we have enough about us here;  
Him promise what you will. Then Calasire  
Said, Wise men have as much as they desire  
On just occasion (fearing to detect  
Chariclia's offer, lest it breed suspect)  
Then tell us what is he that hath our friend;  
With help of Gods we shall him please, who send  
What ere we need: so, when you list (he said)  
You can be rich; and thereat smiling stayed,  
And said again; them will I you believe,  
When for your daughter you me ransom give:  
You know your Merchant's money seek and scan  
As much as any Babylonian.  
I do, quoth I; but 'tis no Merchant feat  
To grant so soon: you should me make entreat,  
For this my daughter. Sir (quoth he) be bold;  
Your happiness I would not long withhold.  
Moreover, now mine offering will I make,  
Come you and yours, and pray for me, and take  
What ere the Gods do send: O, do not jest,  
Quoth Calasire: but on their Godheads rest.  
So, when you will, begin, and we shall join;  
And you i'th'end shall see we want no coin.  
Chariclia t'offring never had been brought  
With Merchant's daughter, but because she thought▪  
for her fit time it was the Gods to please,  
And pray unto them for Theagenes.  
Then go they to the Templ ' of Mercury,  
The most of-merchants-honoured Deity.  
When Calasiris th'entrails had beheld,  
And saw good fortune bad-with entermeld,  
As did his look declare; he thrust his hand,  
And took, as'twere from under a firebrand,  
A jewel rich, and said, O Nausicles,  
See what the Gods have given; will this you please,  
For this my daughter's ransom? 'twas a ring  
That sometime wore Hydaspes, Blackmore King.  
The circle was fine gold, and silver missed;  
The Pale and Aethhiopic Amethyst;  
As big as Maiden's eye, and of a vain  
Beyond the best of Brittany or Spain;  
And turned about, it sheds a golden stream  
On each thing nigh, and from a deeper beam.  
And thus engrau'n it had; a shepherd's boy,  
On hillock set, there seems to play and toy,  
(Such leisure have they) while his sheep, him by,  
Some share the tender grass, some basking lie;  
As 'twere in Sunshine of that flaming stone,  
And some in companies, and some alone.  
The wanton Lambs there some start up and leap,  
Some all together run upon a heap,  
As dancing to the boy, that seems to play  
Upon his pipe, and harkening to the lay.  
They seem all golden-fleeced by the gleam  
All o'er them cast from th'amethystic beam.  
Thus was the ring: Which Nausicles admiring,  
Said (Calasiris) 'twas not my desiring  
To make you pay so for your guirle, I meant  
Her freely give: but sith this ring is sent  
From Power Divine, and 'tis not good you say  
We such refuse, I take it for to day,  
As sent by Mercury my greatest friend  
Of all the Gods, whom I serve most avend.  
Then took a glass of watercleere, and said,  
This (Calasire) vnt'eu'rie Nymph and Maid  
That is so clear; and this to them I drink,  
Because your daughter such one is, I think.  
For lo, no music, nor no dancing she  
Among the rest delights-in, but on knee  
For her Beloved praying is; that he  
May soon and safely meet her; yet have we  
Now leisure good to hear, that oft had I  
Desire to know, your wand'ring history.  
Put-off no longer: Cnemon prayed the same.  
Then Calasire, To sacrifice we came  
Not telling tales. But sith you both desire  
To know my roaming, to the ship of Tyre  
I must return; wherein we sailed from Delft,  
Theagenes, my daughter, and myself;  
Of Tyrian Merchant-venturers a troop;  
And merrily we ran, with wind in poop,  
That day and night; and all in safety and ease,  
With iron share broke up the fallow feas:  
The Strait of Calydon we pass ere night,  
And of the sharp-point Islands lose the sight.  
Next day betime, with wind now turned aslant,  
Cast ank'r, and land before the town of Zant;  
To winter there: But, for the rude resort  
Of Sailors running to and fro the Port,  
I thought the ship not safe; nor yet the town,  
Left our escape might haply there be known:  
And, other harbour seeking, light upon  
An aged Fisherman, that on a Stone  
Sat mending broken nets: I said, God speed,  
Good father; can you tell a man, if need,  
Of some good Inn here by? They all to rags  
Were broke (quoth he) against some hidden crags.  
What's that to me (quoth I)? you shall do well,  
Or me receive yourself, or else one tell,  
Where else I may be l●dg'd; 'twas not my fault,  
Quoth he; Tyrrhenus is not so assault  
With blind and doting age; they were my wags,  
Who cast in place unknown among the ●●ags.  
I then perceive the man was deaf, and cry  
In's ear aloud; God speed you (Sir) said I▪  
And can you help us some good lodging find?  
God speed you too (quoth he) and, if your mind  
You serve thereto, come sojourn here with me;  
Except you many and over ●●tious be.  
But three (quoth I) myself and children twain.  
No more, but one (quoth he) with me remain:  
Mine elder children married with my purse  
Are gone: two boys are lest me, with their Nurse:  
The mother dead: you shall be welcome to us;  
And seem a man that may some pleasure do us.  
We come and there full well are entertained;  
By day we all together still remained.  
At night we laid Chariclia with the nurse;  
And glad was she her lodging was no worse.  
Alone Theagenes, alone lay I;  
And old Tyrrhenus with his youngest fry:  
Sat all at board the same, and well we fare,  
With fish he got at sea, and with our share  
Laid-out on such achates, as marketby  
Did every week afford; and pleasantly  
So lived we there a while as heart could wish▪  
And went sometime to fowl, sometime to fish.  
For th'old man was prepared for either sport:  
But pleasant times (alas) are over short.  
Who long can lie at ease in Fortune's lap?  
Mishap have once, and 〈…〉 mishap.  
Chariclia's beauty makes tumultuary  
This very place so mean and solitary.  
For he of Tyre, that won the pythian game,  
Now haughty grown by that renowned name,  
And more, because we sailed with him in ship,  
Her loves, and will not this occasion slip.  
With tedious suit he daily beats mine ears;  
And that the goods and ship 〈◊〉 his he swears▪  
And saith his all shall hers be during life,  
If I my daughter let him take to wife.  
I poverty pretend▪ yet say that she  
Shall for no wealth so far be sent from me.  
He saith he will her person more account  
Than any dowry, though it should amount  
To many talents; and his kin forsake,  
And whither so we will his voyage make,  
To dwell with us▪ I saw his fervent heat  
On flat denial might some mischief threat,  
And promise that in Egypt once arrived,  
It should be done, if well the journey thrived▪  
He thus put-off, a while some rest we have;  
But in the neck of this another wave  
Begins t'arise: Tyrrhenus near the shore  
Me took to walk, and much protesting swore,  
For love to me and mine he will reveal  
That much concerned us, neither could conceal.  
A Pirate ship (quoth he) beyond the Cape  
There lies in wait, your Tyrian hulk to rape.  
Look to yourself and yours: I thank, and pray  
Him tell me how he knew't▪ But yesterday▪  
(Quoth he) the Master-Pyrat asked me wh●n  
Your ship puts-off; Trachinus was the man.  
I say, I know not; but (Sir) why I pray  
Demand you this? if be so bold I may.  
(They love me, Calasire, I dare you tell;  
I bring them victails; for they pay me well;  
And poor is house that hath not much to spare  
For poor, for thief, for waste, and want of care)  
I love the Maid (quoth he) your sojourner,  
And mean to set upon them all for her.  
To know his whole design then thus I said,  
What need you fight with Tyriant for the Maid  
That is with me? before she goes aboard▪  
There may you take her never drawing sword.  
'Tis for your sake (quoth he) that I fores●ow●  
For Pirates love their friends: yet further know,  
I two things aim at, wife and wealth to win:  
I lose at sea, if I at land begin.  
Considered well, quoth I; but, for the thing,  
I think they will not go until the spring.  
So part we: now this villain us intent,  
I hope your care and wisdom will prevent.  
What did I then? It was my chance to meet  
The Tyrian Merchant walking in the street.  
He gave occasion, ask my good will,  
As heretofore; I tell, not all that ill,  
But what I thought was meet▪ how earnestly  
A great man of this country did apply  
Himself to get my daughter for his wife:  
But I had rather, so you lead your life  
With us in Egypt, as you promised;  
And for your wealth, that you (my Lord) her wed.  
And therefore wish, before our mind be crossed  
By force or otherwise, we leave the Coast.  
He liked the motion well, and, though too soon  
He said it was, yet having light of Moon,  
Resolved that night be gone in any sort,  
Although he got but int'another Port.  
I tell my children, not Tyrrhene a word;  
And after twilight get us all aboard.  
Yet by the way our Host it 'gan perceive,  
And each of other kindly took our leave.  
The Moon kept counsel, blabbed not our flight,  
Yet gave us leave to see our way by night.  
With armed beak we cut the foamy breeze,  
Behind the land, beside us fly the trees.  
The brother 'gan to quench the sister's light;  
And day appearing driven away the night:  
The wind that filled our sail now 'gan to stoop,  
And Pirates ship descried is from the poop  
To follow us, and this and that way twine  
As if our hulk had towed her with a line.  
A man of Zant, that wistly 'gan it mark,  
Cryes-out Trachine it is, I know the Bark;  
Prepare to fight or yield; he comes apace,  
And all this day hath had our ship in chuce.  
We though becalmed, yet seem with tempest shook,  
So stand w'amased, and one at other look;  
Run up and down, before, behind, beside;  
Some put on arms, some under deck them hide;  
Some leave the ship, and get into the boat  
To make away: Theagenes, full hot  
Set on to fight, beseech we both to stay,  
And hardly keeps him back Charislia;  
Desiring each might either live or dye  
In others arms; but on a point think I  
That might us help (now knowing 'twas Trachine;  
That would not rashly kill or me, or mine)  
And took effect. For when the Pirate gave  
Vnt'all men leave, that would their person save,  
In single clothes to leave the ship, and go  
Aboard the boat: we with the rest do so.  
He then Chariclia taking by the hand,  
Saith, unto you (sweet Lady) this command  
No whit belongs, but all is for your sake,  
That I this war and voyage undertake.  
Then fear you not; but be of hearty cheer;  
For all is yours and mine that you see here.  
Then she (as wisdom was, observing case)  
Of sorrow-damped look recals the grace;  
And tisie-smiling said; now Heaven be thanked,  
That I among these others am not ranked;  
But shall I think indeed you loving be?  
Grant this my first request, and keep with me  
This same my brother, that my father dear;  
For them-without I cannot be of cheer:  
So wept, entreated, fell upon her knees  
Embracing his; which when the Rover sees  
Therewith delighted, purposely delay'th  
The grant a while, and then her raising, saith;  
Your broth'r I give you, likely man to stead us  
In feats of arms; and th'old man too may lead us,  
Sometime by counsel, which way best to take;  
Yet both I grant for your own only sake.  
By this the Sun had ran his day's career,  
And evening signs of rising wind appear:  
That raised a sudden storm; when they in fine,  
To spoil our ship, had left their brigandine;  
And thus surprised knew not what to do;  
For, want of skill is worse storm of the two.  
Though little pinnace, whose each rope they knew,  
Well could they rule how ere the Brother's blue;  
To guide our ship, yet all with trembling hearts,  
Are fain to play these unacquainted parts.  
Some to the poup, and some run to the prow;  
And steer they know not what, they know not how:  
Some awkly draw the cords, and some them loose;  
And some untie, where they should make a noofe;  
Some beat their breasts, and tear their hairy scalps,  
To see the sea like Pireneis and Alps.  
The wallowing hills now up to Heaven us mount,  
Now cast us headlong to the waters fount.  
And on the sides of that our floating grot,  
Thump, thump, as loud as charge of Engine-shot.  
The Pirates bark, with salt sea-water drunk,  
Her cable frat, and thrice turned round and sunk.  
And we no more, than head less Commonweal,  
Where all men may with all things entermefle,  
And no man will obey, but all command,  
In time of greatest danger, like to stand.  
Yet shift the Pirates made as long as light  
From Heaven appeared, though like to drown at night:  
At night as dark as pitch, save enterflashes  
Of lighting mixed with fearful thunder-crashes.  
Thus then, and next day troubled were the seas,  
And they therewith: which gave me time and ease,  
To think on our affairs: But after a while,  
The tempest o'er, we safe embock the Nile.  
The rest are glad, but we lament the more;  
That rather wished be drowned, than come at shore,  
In danger still of Pirates proud command,  
Who showed his foul intent new come to land.  
For making show with sacrifice to please,  
And for their safety thank the God of Seas;  
To country sends he men with store of coin  
For much provision; lands the Tyrian wine;  
With goodly Tissue Carpets spreads the tables,  
Some on the ground, and some on rolls of cables.  
And sets on siluer-bowles, and cups of gold:  
All for his marriage-feast, as he me told.  
When (Sir) quoth I, may't please you celebrate  
The same with all such compliments and state,  
As place and time affords; your ship may be  
Bride-chamber then, and none there come but she  
The Bride herself, to dress and make her fit;  
And for the time all others thence a acqiut,  
When I have there been first, and taken care  
She nothing want that might her well prepare.  
He liked th'advice, and gave-out strait command  
It should be so: Theagenes by th'hand  
I take, and both unto Chariclia go,  
And find her almost overcome with woe.  
Then children, said I, this is not the way  
T'avoid our present danger; what I say  
Mark well and follow. So I both advice,  
And ending went to play another prize  
With him that was the second of the Crew,  
Pelorus called; and said (my son) for you  
Good news I have, my daughter loves you well;  
If how t'avoid Trachinus you can tell,  
And like of her, she'll be your wedded wife:  
Than marry him sh'had rather lose her life:  
But time is short: the cheer he doth pretend  
For sacrifice, is for that other end.  
Well, fear you not, quoth he; I was of mind  
T'have moved the same; and could no season find.  
But now I know we thus agree in heart,  
Trachinus never shall her from me part.  
I have a reason will our fellow's charm;  
A sword as good as his, as strong an arm.  
Thus having done, in haste, t'avoid suspect,  
I turn to them, and further them direct.  
Soon after sit we down, and when I saw  
The Pirates well in wine, Pelore I claw  
By sleeve, of purpose sitting next his side,  
And ask him, have you seen the gallant Bride?  
He told me no. Then closely make a slip  
(For'tis forbid, quoth I) into the ship:  
There shall you see (yet haste, and do but seek;  
Lest otherwise take hurt both you and she)  
My daughter so attired in gold and pearl,  
As might become the Bride of Prince or Earl.  
He goes and sees her clad in Delphic pall;  
(For that for triumph, or for funeral,  
Was then put on) returning more on fire,  
Now both with emulation and desire.  
And set at board, quoth he, why have not I  
That me belongs by Law of Piracy,  
For entering first this hulk? then said Trachine,  
The parts yet are not made, nor yours, nor mine,  
Nor any's here; nor yet us told have you,  
What thing you claim: quoth he, then will I now.  
The captive Maid I claim. Trachine replied,  
I her except, take what you will beside.  
Then break y'our Law, quoth he; quoth th' other, no.  
But on the ground of other Law I go,  
Which gives the Captain choice; and for I mean  
My wife to make her: this cuts you off clean;  
And rest content, or this (and up he rose  
With massy pot in hand) shall cross your nose.  
Thus I (my fellows, quoth Pelorus then)  
Thus shall you be rewarded every man.  
And after this (believe me Nausicles)  
These men were like the sudden tossed seas:  
So all on tumult run they foolish blind,  
When wine and anger stirr'd-vp had their mind.  
And some with th' one, as equal share to make;  
And some, for government, with th' other take.  
But as Trachinus at Pelorus stung,  
Pelorus him at heart with dagger stung.  
Though he were dead, in his or th' others right  
Partaking still, the rest continue fight;  
Are struck, and strike like mad and drunken fools,  
With stones, with clubs, with tables, pots and stools,  
I closely stole away, and on a hill,  
Myself in safety, look on others ill.  
Theagenes and his Chariclia  
Fought also both, as I them told the way.  
With sword in hand at first he took a part,  
But holp the weaker still, that equal Mart  
Might all consume: and she made many groan  
With arrows shot from ship at all but one.  
And now was left but he and that Pelore  
At single combat: she had spent her store;  
Or if a shaft remained, what might it boot?  
For fear of hitting wrong she durst not shoot;  
So near their bodies were, and moving still  
At combat close: Theagenes she will,  
But cannot help with hand; yet at her charm  
Of Courage man, he smote-off Pelors' arm.  
The blood so sprang out after grisly stripe,  
As water from a broken Condit-pipe.  
This made him put the sturdy thief to flight,  
And chase him far: what more was done that night,  
But that Theagenes returned again,  
Of me unseen, and lay among the slain,  
I cannot tell; For I continued still,  
And durst not stir in dark from off that hill;  
Chariclia knows; for on the morn him by  
I saw her sit, and him as like to dye.  
A troop of thieves them carried both away,  
With goods from out the ship. I thought to stay  
For fitter time to help them, having scope,  
(Whereof, as then, I clean was out of hope)  
And now with your good help, good Nausicles,  
(The Gods reward you) freed is one of these.  
So said, and wept; but Nausicles replied,  
And said, they shall not th'other from you hide:  
To morrow will we know of Mitranes,  
If he be sent yet vnt' Orondates,  
As was designed. Done is this offring-feast,  
And Nausicles his daughter with the rest  
From out the Temple going are away;  
But Calasiris missed Chariclia;  
And sought with Cnemon, and at length her found.  
Where she t' Apollo kneeled on the ground,  
His Image feet embracing fast asleep;  
And when they waked her she began to weep:  
And said she dreamed that her Theagenes  
Had far to go, and more by land than seas.  
They comfort her, and tell her their intent;  
And all with Nausicles to lodging went.  
Finis Libri quinti.   

THE Fair AEthiopian.  
THe Princess lay with daughter of Nausicles,  
A fair young maid, yet little took her ease;  
And Cnemon thought it long with Calasire,  
Before they went Theagenes t'enquire.  
They raise their Host therefore by break of day,  
And him to Mitranes conduct them pray.  
Content is he; fain would Chariclia  
Then with them go; but they persuade her stay,  
Her promising, before they far remove,  
To come again, and bring her lookt-for Love..  
So left her doubtful, whether to be sad  
For their depart, or, for their promise glad.  
Now when they near approached the banks of Nile,  
There rushed them by a monstrous Crocodile.  
A Serpent strongly scaled, head, back, and leg,  
And twelve yards long, yet bred but of an egg.  
Note when he gapes, his lower chap stands fast,  
And th'upper moves, some five foot long and past.  
And this devourer having fed his fill,  
Will suffer Trochilos with slender bill  
To pick his teeth, a bird no bigger, than  
The little Titmouse, or the jynny Wren:  
Will follow such as run away, and run  
From such as follow, both in shade and Sun.  
Now these Egyptians used to such a sight,  
Were nothing moved; but Cnemon much affright,  
Start back, and ready was to run away:  
Whereat the Merchant laughed; and Priest 'gan say,  
I thought (Sir Cnemon) nothing could you fear  
But in the dark, as th'other nights Bugbear.  
What's that (quoth Nausicles)? then Calasire,  
To pass the time, and satisfy desire,  
Him told how Cnemon took Chariclia  
For Thisbe, when at Chemu●is first she lay.  
Then Nausicles could laugh no more, but thought  
Why name of Thisbe so on Cnemon wrought;  
And asked the cause whereof he was to seek,  
And so to laughter now provoked the Greek:  
Who said, behold how strange a name is this,  
To move my mind so first, and now so 〈◊〉  
I thought our noble Host had been more stout,  
Than now be dampt, who late could others flout.  
Ha'done, ha'done (quoth Nausicles) you have  
Revenged yourself enough: but let me crave;  
By all that may to you most pleasing be,  
And by the Gods of Hospitalitee;  
This name of Thisbe whence it is, and why  
You turned upon me now so meerily.  
Then Calasiris, Cnemon, time you see  
Requires you satisfy both him and me.  
Then let us hear your story from the source:  
For well is travel eased with discourse.  
He yields, and tells them what not many weeks  
He told before unto his fellow greeks.  
And how with them acquaint he grew, and friend,  
Among the thieves; and of that Thisbe's end.  
And left out nought that was not, as their own,  
To Nausicles and Calasiris known.  
It moved the Merchant so, that he full well  
Could find in heart the rest of her to tell,  
And of himself; confessed and said, 'tis I  
That was that Merchant then of Naucratie;  
And brought her out of Greece. Here one they meet  
With Nausicles acquaint of Chemmis-street;  
Who told them news; that where as Mitranes  
Had sent a young man vnt' Orondates,  
To serve the great King; he by Thyamis  
Now Chief of Bessans intercepted is;  
And Mitranes with all his force is gone,  
In just revenge their Town to set upon:  
So past them by in haste. Then Nausicles  
Persuades return; and for Theagenes,  
Because the journey longer was, to go  
Provided better: they determine so,  
And coming home, at door Chariclia found  
Them looking-for: for, Love is like a hound  
That for his master waits. But, when she saw  
They brought him not, she 'gan her hair to claw,  
And tore asunder Nature's finest thread,  
And wept, and cried, alas my Love is dead!  
What all alone, and, as you went, return?  
O tell me quickly, lest I longer mourn  
With grief suspended. 'Tis a courtesy  
Not to delay report of misery.  
Why do you (than quoth Cnemon) so foretell  
The worst, and false? Theagenes is well;  
And told her how, and where. O blame her not,  
Quoth Calasiris; felt you but a jot  
Of love so true, you would her soon excuse:  
For such are ne'er content with hearsay-newes:  
But think they cannot each from oth'r absent  
Without some sad and fearful accident.  
When such as you (Sir Cnemon) well I know  
So speak of Love as never bent his bow.  
Ask Saints how fair in Heaven, for they can tell;  
And ask ye Fiends how foul it is in hell.  
Then like a father led her in by th'hand,  
And there not long they either sit or stand;  
But Nausicles, to put them out of dump,  
And having some thing else therewith to jump,  
Prepared a feast that night with cheer and wine,  
And made his daughter more than wont fine.  
And toward banquets end them spoke-to thus;  
As heretofore so shall be still with us;  
My welcome guests (that so you are I call  
The Gods to witness, and continue shall,  
If please you stay) what I at sea or land  
Have any where, 'tis all at your command;  
Not now as guests; but as my dearest friends.  
But know my trade on Merchandise depends;  
My ship my plough is, and the Southern winds  
Me call to Greece: then let me know your minds;  
That whether here I leave, or with me lead you,  
I may my voyage frame some way to stead you.  
The Priest of Memphis, after pause replied,  
Good Nausicles, have happy wind and tide!  
Let all the Gods of Merchandise attend you,  
And home with gain full-fraught in safety send you!!  
That, stay or go we, do so perfectly  
The laws observe of hospitality.  
Unwilling we to part from such a friend,  
Yet must be gone, you know, and for what end.  
Thus much for me, and for Chariclia;  
What Cnemon means to do I cannot say.  
The Greek, about to speak, with sob is stayed;  
At last with sighs and bitter weeping said;  
O this uncertain state of humane life!  
How full of doubt, and variable strife!  
Deprived of father's house, of Country and Town  
So dear to me, still room I up and down?  
Not long it is, a plural scarce of weeks,  
Since hope I had, with such two noble greeks,  
(Though hard put-to, as I) to find some ease;  
And shall I now bereave myself of these?  
What shall I do? or which way shall I bend?  
Tell (O) that can! I am at my wits-end.  
To leave Chariclia, can it but displease,  
Before she findeout her Theagenes?  
Or if I seek with her, O who can tell  
How, where to find him; when all will be well?  
So shall I wander still: what if I crave  
Of you, sweet Lady (shall I pardon have?)  
To take th'occasion given by Nausicles,  
And home return, now call us wind and seas?  
Though help I little, I willing shall me show;  
True servants love will creep whered cannot go.  
She had perceived (and quickly, by your leave,  
A Lover can a Lover's mind perceive)  
That Cnemon loved the daughter of Nausicles;  
And that it did the father greatly please:  
Wherefore she said; I bear you thankful heart,  
Sir Cnemon, for your thus far friendly part;  
And gladly shall requite it: for the rest,  
I see no reason you be further pressed  
To follow mine affairs; but mind your own,  
And take th'occasion now so fitly shown.  
My father and I to th'end shall hold-out still;  
Though no man else assist, the Gods yet will.  
This hearing, Nausicles began to pray,  
All good success attend Chariclia,  
So wise, so gracious! and (Cnemon) now  
Vnt' Athens going, never grieve it you,  
That Tib you bring not, sith you bring the man,  
Who took her thence: and if you like it can  
As well as I, now well I know your strain,  
You shall both house, and land, and wife attain  
With dowry great, this same mine only child;  
He gave a quick consent thereto, and smil'de;  
And took her strait, of purpose ready dressed,  
And turned the supper to a marriage-feast.  
While all the rest attending were the Bride,  
The Princess vnt'her chamber slipped aside;  
And shut the door, and (as she were distract)  
Her raiment tore, and hair about her shaked.  
Then wept, lamented, howled, beat her breast,  
And said, this danse becomes my marriage-feast.  
My bedfellow Nausiclia from me taken?  
And I now left alone, of all forsaken?  
Is Cnemon married now at full hearts ease?  
And still in bondage my Theagenes?  
At their success (O Gods) I not repine;  
Though grieve you make no better his and mine.  
But O Theagenes my sweet delight,  
And only care, to thee I give this night;  
I consecreate these locks, than hair she tore,  
And laid them on her bed, and wept them-o're.  
So fell asleep with grief and passion tired,  
And slept so long as next day was admired.  
For Calasiris missing her, before  
That wont rise early, knocked hard at her door;  
And waked her suddenly with such a din,  
That, as she was, she rose and let him in.  
But when he saw her hair and vesture rend,  
And looks unsettled, guessing what they meant;  
He looked aside, she slipped half into bed;  
Then thus he chid her, while she dressed her head.  
What mean you (Lady) so yourself to vex?  
I thought you had in courage past your Sex:  
And now me thinks, but only for the name,  
(So changed you are) you should not be the same.  
Why will you kill yourself, and not expect  
Your better hopes? O do not so neglect  
Theagenes and me! a while she stayed,  
A blushing while, and modestly then said;  
Good father pardon! 'tis no strange desire,  
Nor common cause that sets me thus afire.  
You know the love I bear Theagenes,  
And his to me; my heart cannot have ease,  
For his long absence, most because I fear,  
And, whether he live, or dead be, cannot hear.  
Fear not, quoth he; for that of him and you  
foretell by th'Oracle must needs be true.  
Nor doubt y'of that was told us yesterday,  
How he by Thyam carried was away:  
But think him safe as with acquainted friend;  
And unto Bessa let us go or send,  
As both have cause; you for Theagenes,  
And I my son's intended war t'appease;  
But rather go: she paused, and said, your son?  
If that be Thyamis, I am undone.  
How so? quoth he. You know (quoth she) and where  
Theagenes and I his prisoners were.  
My seeming beauty, mischievous to me,  
So there inflamed your son (if this be he)  
That I, to save our liberty and life,  
Delaying promise made to be his wife.  
My son is not so far run out of way,  
Quoth Calasire, but I shall make him stay.  
Or if you doubt, invent some how, I pray,  
(For cunning y'are I see to make delay)  
Some how we may inquire, and not be known.  
She smiled, and said; Sir, my way or your own,  
In jest or earnest, little skilth it now,  
Theagenes and I had such a how:  
But were prevented ere we could prepare;  
And 'twas, in form of beggars clad, to far.  
This (if you please) now 〈◊〉 put in ure;  
For poverty makes all men walk secure,  
Be pitied, not envied; and victuals get,  
Which unto travellers are dearest set:  
And world so false in now (that by your leave)  
Who will not be deceived, must deceive.  
But think we not so long what must be wrought,  
That we forget to practise that is thought.  
He could not choose but at her reason smile.  
And all in haste prepares them for that wile  
Then there in Chemmis; after parted fair  
With Nausicles and his new married pair.  
Now on the way, in place convenient,  
They change their clothes, and as a begging went,  
She Doxy-like, and he, as Patrikoe,  
With hundred-patched cloak lent on her bow,  
And halted when he met or man or page,  
And crooked his shoulders more than had his age;  
Or as a blind man poring on the land,  
Sometime Chariclia led him by the hand.  
He bore her quiver bound-up at his back,  
Like some thing else; and she in slubbered pack  
Her best attire, and jewels; then besmut  
Her face, and hardly counterfeits a slut.  
When fouler faces use a Painter's knack,  
To make them fair, she needs be painted black.  
O all that look in glass, and find you fair,  
Do nothing that the credit might impair  
Of those sored and white, and comely graces;  
If beauty fail, with virtue mend your faces.  
A show may soon deceive the vulgar eye;  
But he that looked on her judicially,  
Might well perceive in black-well-featured face,  
Of nose, of lip, of cheek, eye, brow, the grace:  
As when a cloud is o'er Diana drawn,  
Or Venus looking through black cobweb lawn.  
Was never seen a Maiden comelier,  
Nor under dusky cloud so bright a star.  
Yet Sir (quoth she) you seem one of the Bench;  
O, good your Worship, pity a poor young wench:  
Good Dame, quoth he; my right hand is me rest,  
And no true finger lest is on my left.  
And she again; once poor, and ever poor;  
For wealth is given to none, but had before.  
Then he again; yet wind in driving snow,  
From higher places oft fills up the low.  
Thus when between themselves they had protested,  
As beggars do, and each at other jested;  
To Bessa-ward they trudge; and by Sunset  
Had seen the Town; but see what was their let!  
Dead bodies many find they laid aground  
On heaps, and all of some yet bleeding wound.  
And while they viewed the carcases they meet  
An aged woman creeping hands and feet,  
And much lamenting o'er a young man slain;  
And t'ask of her they thought it not in vain,  
As Calasiris did in Gipsy tongue,  
What mischief had so many laid along.  
And what was he whom she lamented so.  
She said, my son, late forced to battle go  
With Thyamis our Chief, against the power  
Of Mitranes and all his Persian flower;  
He came to sack our Town for one man's sake,  
Whom he had sent to Memphis from the Lake:  
This man by Thyamis pretending right  
Was entercepted; cause of all this fight:  
And willb ' of more: for slain is Mitranes,  
And all his men by ours; Orondates  
Will seek revenge; which our men to prevent,  
And unawares to take the Foe, have sent  
A puissant army Memphis to beleaguer;  
And Chief, and all, are thereon set more eager,  
To get his right of Priesthood, by none other  
Withheld, but e'en his own, and younger brother,  
But you are strangers here full well I see;  
And whither go ye? to the town, quoth he.  
You cannot safely lodge (quoth she) in town,  
So late in time of war, and both uknowne.  
Yet if you please (quoth he) us entertain,  
We may (I trust) to night well there remain.  
Th'old woman answered, I have now in hand  
An earnest nightwork; if you further stand  
Till all be done (and best you keep aloof)  
To morrow will I do for your behoof.  
Then what she said, he told the Lady in Greek,  
And they repose them in a bushy creek.  
He slept a while with quiver under his head,  
Chariclia made her packet serve for bed;  
But only sat, and slept not on't, for fear;  
And unto Philomela's song gave ear:  
Till Cynthia rose, and showed (as tales imply)  
Her man and bush, or (as Philosophy)  
Her spoongie part; though we now understand  
'Tis nothing else, but face of sea and land,  
As 'twere in glass; for in the Torrid Zone,  
Betwixt the Moon and th'earth thick cloud is none:  
She clearly shining, three days days past the full,  
Made seen how this old witch heaved up the skull  
Of her dead son, and with her negromancy,  
(A vice that Gipsy women greatly fancy)  
Him forced to speak yet once more vnt'hiss mother,  
And tell her if her second son, his brother,  
Should safe return from war; he told her no,  
And that herself should soon receive a blow  
For just reward; and specially because  
She made the living know the deadman laws:  
For here's a Priest (quoth he) and here's a Maid  
That see your pranks: by him may be allayed  
The war betwixt his sons, so be't he haste:  
And she shall get her Love, and reign. at last.  
Chariclia waked th'old man at first, to see  
And hear this all, and all interprets he.  
And hearing this, the witch, all in a rage,  
So plays her Scene upon this deadly stage,  
With sword in hand, that had she stranger found,  
she'd laid them soon among the dead aground.  
But as by Moonlight flourishing she lope,  
Now here, now there, to hit uncertain scope;  
At unawares, upon the sharpest part  
Of broken spear, she ran herself to th'heart.  
So punished was th'abominable offence:  
So works of darkness have their recompense.  
Finis Libri sexti.   

THE Fair AEthiopian.  
NO sooner 'gan appear the dawning day,  
But Calasiris and Chariclia;  
With danger past affright, and fearing worse  
By loss of time, as prophesied the Corpse;  
Depart, and trudge to Memphis-ward, and found,  
When they came there, a Camp pight on the ground  
Before the walls: for in the Town the States  
Had fortified themselves and shut their gates,  
And let Portcullis down, advertised  
Of enemy's approach, by some that fled  
(As always scape in battle more or less)  
From Host of Mitranes o'erthrown at Bess.  
Now therefore Thyamis, to siege addressed,  
Thought meet his weary companies to rest;  
And wills, for doing good, and shunning harm,  
They nigh the wall, and not too nigh disarm.  
The Citizens, afeard of them before,  
Now 'gan to scorn them, for they were no more:  
And would with Archers lest in garrison,  
And certain troops of horse, them set upon;  
But that a Nobleman, that was full wise,  
With age authorized, 'gan thus advise:  
Why (Countrymen) although our Governor  
Be gone far hence about the Negroes were,  
We should, before we weaken any Fort,  
Acquaint the great King's sister, his Consort:  
And better will the Soldier make defence  
In war begun with her intelligence.  
They like th'advice, and to the Palace run,  
And ask Arsace what she please t'have done.  
She was a Fair-one of Diana's size,  
And chaste as Venus, and as Pallas wise,  
And minded-high as juno, for her birth;  
That such another was not found on earth.  
And true it was, though not in common vent,  
she'd been the cause of Thyams' banishment.  
For, when th'old Priest of Memphis secretly  
Had left his Country for the Prophecy,  
Came Thyamis his elder son to place;  
That was a tall young man of comely grace:  
She liked, and showed him such a favour-token,  
As of a Princess ought not to be spoken:  
But he, both young and virtuously disposed,  
Not saw, or would not see't: And this disclosed  
His brother Petosire t' Orondates;  
That (Thyam gone) he might the Priesthood seize:  
For thus much of his own he puts thereto,  
That Thyamis was bend her will to do.  
The Governor, that knew her humour well,  
Did soon believe't; and yet (the truth to tell)  
He durst not vie it; were't for want of card,  
Or for that awe and reverend regard  
He bore th'imperial blood; yet took to heart  
So, that he made young Thyamis to smart;  
And ever threatte him death, until he went,  
For fear of worse, to willing banishment.  
This heretofore; but now the City comes,  
And all desire her leave to beat-up Drums.  
First let me know, quoth she, these enemies  
How many, and what they be, and why they rise.  
I'll offer parley to them from the wall;  
And when I have well marked and gathered all  
That may be therein safety done aloof,  
Then will I cast the best for our behoof.  
They praise her wisdom: yet as turbulents  
Run all on heaps upon the battlements:  
For out of hand there show herself she would,  
And did in throne of purple silk and gold;  
Attended on with guilden armed Guard,  
And clad as might with Empress be compared:  
In Crown of gold, and precious stone, and pearls,  
She stately sits her down; and eye she whitles  
On every side, and o'er the Bessan Camp,  
And having viewed it well she gave a stamp,  
And showed her Herald, sign of parl; he calls  
The Leaders forth to hear him from the walls·  
Theagenes and Thyamis appear  
All armed but head, and this full soon they hear.  
A●sace wife of Prince Orondates,  
And sist'r of Babel's great King Artabes,  
Demands what are you? wherefore come you? whence?  
Before she sends out force to drive you hence.  
Then Thyam answers, telling them his name;  
And how his right to get again he came;  
Which if he might obtain, he would suppress  
his companies, th'Inhabitants of Bess:  
But if Orondates and Petosire,  
Who both him wrong, deny that they require,  
He will by these, and others far and wide  
Stirred up to war, the Controvers decide.  
And Lady Arsace, if she call to mind,  
What Petosire hath done, no cause shall find  
Him to defend against his elder brother;  
For he 'twas, only he 'twas, and none other,  
That made Orondates suspect her grace,  
And thereupon put Thyam out of place.  
The Memphits all are moved, and him they knew,  
And what he said of th'other's think is true;  
And th'elder brothers exile all deplore;  
The cause whereof they never heard before.  
Arsace self now troubled most of all,  
Doth sometime anger, sometime love recall.  
Her love to Thyamis rekindles fire;  
And anger, to revenge on Petosire.  
And one thing else distracts her more than these;  
Her sight and new love of Theagenes.  
The very standers-by may well perceive,  
How diverse passions in her shove and heave.  
But when was o'er this fit of Apoplex,  
Thus stout and wisely spoke she passed her sex.  
You (yet my friends) and all that with you take;  
Me thinks not well advised are, here to make  
Unequal war: the mighty King my brother,  
Although my Lord be gone, hath many an other,  
To lead his forces here, that may be tried,  
Enough to compass you on every side:  
And pity 'tis, that you so comely and young,  
And (as I guess) of lineage noble sprung,  
Should put yourselves in danger for these thiefs.  
And for the common people me it grieves,  
To shed their blood: but sith on private laws  
The matter leans, and is no public cause;  
The same me thinks the Combat should decide:  
Then let the brother's only danger bide,  
And try their right. The Memphits all assent,  
To save their persons from a wars event.  
But (see) the Bessans love their Captain so,  
They will not hazard him; and all say no:  
Until himself entreated and them told,  
His brother could not long against him hold;  
A man unexercised against a man,  
That could in arms as much as any can.  
And this she thought-on that the Combat moved,  
To plague her hated man, by man she loved;  
And void suspect. No sooner 'tis agreed;  
But all for combat ready make with speed,  
Save Petosire, that, after great dilates,  
At length is hardly thrust out at the gates.  
For oth'r his arms than Thyamis doth ask;  
Theagenes him puts-on gilded cask,  
With goodly-shaking crest, and, though no need,  
Encourageth and wisheth him good speed.  
I trust (quoth he) to win, but have no will,  
Nor never had, my brother's blood to spill,  
For all the wrong me done: Yet chance of fight  
Uncertain is; and therefore if it light  
I overcome, to you my dearest friend,  
Of all my happiness I part intend.  
And here with me at pleasure live you may,  
For I in town shall bear the greatest sway:  
But, if it fall (as oftentimes we see  
Th'unlikely come to pass) that slain I be;  
Then of the Bessan forces take you charge,  
And them commanding may you live at large,  
Till better fortune fall. They thus agreed  
Do kindly part; and Thyam went with speed  
T'encounter Petosire; Theagenes  
Sat there beholding, and beheld at ease.  
The Lady's eyes are on him still, and his  
Upon his friend well-wished Thyamis:  
Whose coming Petosiris could not bide;  
But back to gate he runs, and Open cried.  
And then both from the gate, and from the wall,  
Keepe-out, receive him not, they cry out all.  
He casts his armour off to make him light,  
And round about the City takes his flight.  
Then Thyam follows, than Theagenes,  
To see what issue; both he could with ease  
Outrun; but would not, lest be thought it might,  
That for his friend he ran, and meant to fight:  
Though shield and spear he left, when first he raze;  
On which, for him, doth still Arsace gaze.  
They run the walls about once and again,  
And all this while is Petosire not ta'en;  
For anger cannot swifter be than fear;  
And Thyam armed ran; yet now with spear  
Is like to prick him, charging him to stay,  
Except he would be slain upon the way.  
Then Calasiris, knowing both his sons,  
By that foretell him was, them after runs,  
And faster then might well endure his years,  
And cries, O Thyamis! O Petosirs!  
My sons, what mean you? what now? are you mad?  
Respect your father, though as beggar clad.  
They know him not, until the cause he spied  
And cast his staff and beggar's cloak aside;  
And gravely stood before them face to face;  
With long white hair, and old Arch-Bishops grace:  
And said behold your father Calasire;  
'Tis I (my sons) O put away your ire!  
They fall down at his knees, and wistly view him  
From head to foot, and so full quickly knew him.  
And glad they were of his unhoped life;  
But sorry that he found them so at strife.  
At this the companies upon the wall,  
The less they knew, the more they wondered all.  
And chiefly for they saw Chariclin,  
When Calasiris ran from her away,  
Him after fast to run; and when she spied  
Theagenes a far (for love quick-eyed  
To see the loved had him soon descried  
By very gesture) now the more her hied;  
Him overtook, and hung about his neck  
In case she was, until he gave her check  
And cast her off, not knowing her; but she  
Comes-on again, as loath to lose her fee;  
And for her boldness got a box o'th' ear,  
He little thinking who she was, I swear.  
Then said she softly; Pythius hath forgot;  
And showed her taper; then defers he not;  
But, struck with beauty shining through a cloud,  
Her took in arms, and often kissed aloud.  
Arsace swells thereat, and all admire,  
To see the strange event; that Calasire  
Who ten years had been absent, came so pat  
To stay the Duel 'twixt his sons; and that  
Two Lovers should thus unexpected meet.  
They pass in order through the Temple-street,  
Th'old Priest between his sons led, and the Maid  
By her Theagenes: the people stayed  
Them gazing-on, and all themselves delight,  
The younger men to view the gallant Knight,  
The Maids the Maid, old men the Priest, and child,  
That brothers had, the brothers reconciled.  
And Thyamis to those of Bessa sent,  
With many thanks and noble compliment,  
An hundred oxen and a thousand sheep,  
And Crowns a piece before he went to sleep.  
T'increase the pomp Arsace went in pride  
With all her train, and still that young man eyed;  
For whose sake only so far came she forth,  
And t' Isis offered things of greatest worth.  
But when she saw him lead Chariclia  
With one hand, and with other make her way;  
Forth with she leaves-off all solemnity,  
And goes to Palace sick of jealousy.  
To both his sons now Calasire commends  
Th'affairs of those his two young Grecian friends:  
And when th'old man had done his whole devotion,  
Unto the people near he makes a motion,  
And saith he's old, and well foresees his death,  
And to his son that first received breath,  
A man not wanting parts for work divine  
Of body or mind, the Priesthood doth resign.  
Then set the Mitr' upon Sir Thyamis head;  
And in the morning found was fairly dead.  
His time was come. Which him did more oppress,  
I cannot tell, or joy or weariness.  
Arsace knows it not: for when she came  
To Court, her mind was all put out of frame.  
To chamber went she, and on her bed she cast her▪  
For love was wholly now become her master.  
She turned from side to side, and deeply sighed;  
And now along she lay, than sat upright:  
Then down again half naked tumbled she,  
And wished Theagenes were there to see.  
As wanting something than she calls her Maid,  
And sends her back again with nothing said.  
And likely was't, that, were she long alone  
In such distraction, all her wits had gone.  
But Cybel came, her ancient household Bawd,  
And thus in word her lovesick Lady clawed.  
What ail you Madam? Who hath hurt my dear  
And fairest Nursling? have good heart and cheer.  
He lives not that your favour shall refuse,  
If please my Sweet-one so my service use,  
As oft-to-fore: then tell me, what's the man,  
But I by suttl' enticing conquer can?  
So said this Hag, and piddling kissed her feet,  
And swore as silver white, as Amber sweet.  
The praised Peacock spreads abroad his train,  
That else would hide it: now is hit the vain,  
And gusheth-out. Good mother then, quoth she;  
The peace that made was yesterday, to me  
Began a war: wherein, not from a part,  
But over all I wounded was to th'heart:  
The fair young stranger when I first espied,  
That in the Duel ran by Thyams' side;  
You cannot choose but note the man, that are  
Herein so skilled; he passed them all so far.  
I did forsooth (quoth she) and, be it spoken  
Unto your Ladyship, by certain token;  
That impudently fast about him clung  
A ragged Trull, though somewhat fair and young.  
Tush, fair? replied Arsace then, she paints:  
But can a man abide so bold constrains?  
More happy she, than I am, at this hour,  
That hath her got so brave a Paramour.  
The Bawd then smoyling said, Ah Darling mine,  
I'll make him cast-off her, I'll make him thine.  
Sweet mother Cybling, quoth the Lady then,  
And will you do't indeed? (I pray) but when?  
Leave that to me, quoth she; and take your rest:  
So took the candl' away, and to her nest.  
By peep-aday she rose, and well arrayed,  
A Groom before her, and behind a Maid,  
Vnt' Isis' Temple went: and there she spoke  
(As oft Deuotion's made of sin a cloak)  
With one that kept the door, as if she meant  
Come offer something that Arsace sent:  
Who (as she said) was troubled sore last night  
With very fearful dream and grisly sight.  
He said, as yet he could not serve her turn;  
Now all that keep within the Temple mourn  
For Calasiris death, and none let in,  
Till after this another week begin.  
What shall your strangers than the while (quoth she)?  
Our new Archbishop Thyamis (quoth he)  
Hath order given, and well content they are,  
T'another house, without the Close, to far.  
This Hag lays hold on th'opportunity,  
As on the chiefest point of Faulconrie,  
And said, good master Sextain well you know  
My Lady loves to talk with such as the;  
And many noble Greeks hath entertained;  
Her hospitality was never stained;  
Then well of both you may deserve, as thus,  
To say that Thyamis them sends vnt' us.  
The Sextain little knew the Bawds intent,  
But as for good unto the strangers went:  
And found them both (as full great cause they had)  
For loss of Calasiris weeping-sad.  
He cheers them up, and tells them Thyamis,  
As was his father, of them right careful is,  
And hath prepared them lodgings fairly dight,  
Which this good Lady (pointing at the spirit)  
Will bring them to: and bids no longer stay her,  
But, as a mother to them both, obey her.  
Well was his meaning, though it ill befell;  
As, ill that meant is, often falls-out well.  
They condescend; OH ne'er had been so gulled  
This loving pair, but that they had been dulled  
The day before with joy; that night with grief.  
And so them stole this man-and-woman-thiefe.  
No sooner came they to the Palace gate,  
And saw the sumptuous buildings and the state;  
Where workmanship excelled manifold  
The matter self, though Porphyrite and gold;  
But marvelled much, and troubled were in mind;  
For they had thought some private Host to find,  
And not belodged in Court: too late they thought  
To start back now; and further still are brought;  
Until they came to Cybel's lodging; where  
She made them sit, and came and sat them near;  
And said, My children well I do perceive,  
'Tis forth'Arch-Bishops death that you so grieve,  
Your reverend friend; it seems he loved you well,  
And you him also: but I pray me tell,  
Of whence and who you be: of Greece I know,  
And well descended, by the grace you show  
In lineaments and looks: but of what town  
Of Greece you be, and how thus up and down  
You come to wander, let me know, I pray?  
That to my Lady better may I say  
For your behoof: she loves a Greek full well;  
And in that language few can her excel  
That are not Greeks: and is to strangers all,  
Of worthy parts, most noble and hospital.  
The royal wife of Prince Orondates,  
And sister to the great King Artabes.  
You shall not speak it but t'a faithful friend,  
And one that will continue yours to th'end;  
For Greek I am, and Lesbis they me name,  
Of that brave Isle and City whence I came.  
From place to place a captive did I room;  
But settled here far better than at home  
I manage all my Ladies great affairs;  
And every stranger first to me repairs.  
And I them bring acquainted with her Grace,  
Then let me somewhat understand your case.  
He than this hearing, unto mind doth call  
Arsaces' wanton glances from the wall;  
And thought no good was like to come thereon,  
But rather mischief now he fears begun.  
And as he 'gan to speak, Chariclia  
Him rounds i'th'eare, and saith, in that you say  
Your sister think-on. Mother (than quoth he)  
We Grecian borne, and broth'r and sister be.  
Our Parents were by Rouerstak'n away,  
And we them seeking worse have fared than they:  
Till now of late with holy Calasire  
We fell acquaint; and at his kind desire  
Resolved to live with him; this is our case;  
Now, if you love us, do us but the grace,  
To let us lodge in place more solitary;  
For from the Court our habits greatly vary.  
Then of your Lady's favour make pause,  
And trouble not her Highness for our cause.  
Glad was the Grammar when she heard they were  
A broth'r and sister: that she might not fear  
Chariclia would be some impediment  
For her t'effect Arsaces' main intent:  
And said, good son, you never would so say,  
If you my Lady known had but a day:  
So kind to strangers, so compassionate  
Vnt' all that suffer cross in there estate:  
Though Persian born she loves the Grecian guise,  
And of the two our Nation counts more wise.  
Then fear not: you shall best preferment get  
That fits a man; your sister shall be set  
At board with her, to keep her company,  
Both near each other living merrily.  
But now your names? Theagenes (quoth he)  
Myself am called, and Chariclia she.  
Then bids she them her strait return expect,  
And vnt' her Lady Arsace runs direct.  
And told what service sh'had already done,  
To bring those young ones, hardly to be won,  
Into the Court; where now, without offence,  
May interview be had, and conference.  
She gave commandment first t'another Hag,  
That kept her door, no bolt thereof to wag,  
For any's coming in, or going out.  
What if your son (quoth she)? Keep back the Lout,  
Cyb-hag replied. And she no sooner gone,  
But comes, and knocks hard at the door, her son.  
Then O Theagen, O Chariclia,  
Say th'one to th'other: she doth us betray.  
And, keeping Lovers chaste and faithful grace,  
Embrace, and weep, and kiss▪ kiss, weep, embrace.  
They then the loss of Calasire lament;  
And chiefly she, that most time with him spent.  
And said; O sweetest name of father quite  
Bereft me now! for him that was my right  
I never knew, and him that fostered me,  
Whose name I bear, how can I hope to see,  
That left him so, no better than betrayed?  
And this that was my best and surest aid  
Lies flat aground embalmed for the beer;  
And cruel custom lets me not come near.  
Then would she tear her locks, and on them weep,  
And said, thy funeral yet thus I keep.  
But he held both her hands; then she the more  
Fell thus again her Patron to deplore.  
My guide in foreign lands, and as I room  
My staff to leanon; who shall bring me home?  
Who shall me lead? Who shall my Parents find?  
Put-by my dangers, comfort me so kind,  
Now thou art gone? O were my head a fount,  
To weep my fill, and yield thee just account!  
Mean time Theagenes did inly grieve,  
But hid his own, her passion to relieve.  
Achamenes, without door all this while,  
Against the Porteresse began to moil.  
Yet when he knew his mother's charge, I think,  
He said no more; but peeped in at a chincke,  
And saw them both, and thought, how brave a Swain  
Were that, and this a wench, in merry vain;  
Who so become their grief! Again he peekes,  
And bett'r observes the countenance of these greeks;  
For such he learned they were, and by his mother  
Late thither brought; and views both one and other;  
Till at the last is struck, by th'Archer blind,  
In love with her, and 'gan him call to mind;  
And thought, is this not he, whom th'other day  
The Malcontents of Bessa took away  
From me and my Convoy; by Mitranes  
Sent, to present him vnt' Orondates?  
And should he not (I have it under ring)  
From hence be sent to serve the mighty King?  
But, not a word, until I know the rest;  
And how my Lady likes of this her guest.  
Now Cybel came again, and chid her son,  
For prying so into that she had done.  
As oftentimes the curious are shent,  
For searching things to them not pertinent.  
He muttering went his way; but thought, this youth  
Was kept of-purpose for Arsaces' tooth.  
As for that wench, it shall go hard, and if  
By mother's help I get her not to wife.  
The Bawd discerned as soon as she came in,  
Though now composed, in what case they had been.  
Why mourn my children so (quoth she) that reason  
Have more to laugh, for their good hap this season.  
My Lady wils me that you nothing want,  
(And here assure you no good cheer is scant)  
To morrow must I you to her present:  
Then do not still so babishly lament:  
But unto cheerfulness now change your face,  
And set yourselves to please her noble grace.  
Good mother pardon, quoth Theagenes;  
Since death of friend we cannot find that ease.  
These are but toys, quoth she; a man thus old  
As Calasiris, ripe was for the mould.  
Now by this one thing all things may y'attain;  
(Wealth, honour, pleasure) please my Ladies vain.  
And I shall show you fittest time, and how  
That she commands must be performed by you.  
An haughty spirit hath she, as come of Kings;  
And hereto somewhat youth and beauty brings:  
To be neglected highly will she scorn.  
This more him struck than all was said before,  
As filthy stuff implying. Now there came  
Some gallant Eunuches from this haughty Dame,  
With best reversions of her Princely table  
Served all in massy gold incomparable.  
Which she, they said, these strangers t'honour, sent;  
And set afore them, and away so went.  
The Lovers eat thereof, but more for fashion,  
Than of their own desire or inclination;  
Who rather wished for meaner cheer to pay:  
This had at supper, this had every day.  
At last these waiters come to call away  
Theagenes unto their Lady, and say;  
Thrice happy you, our Lady for you sends;  
Enjoy the bliss that few men else attends.  
He paused a while, and rose, and asked the Groom;  
Must I alone, or with my sister come?  
Alone, quoth he: for now she doth converse,  
In stately wise among the Lords of Perse.  
Another time your sister shall be called  
Among the Ladies: he thereat appalled,  
Lent down and softly said unto his Love,  
I like not this: but wish it well may prove.  
She answered softly, keeping well the close,  
'Tis best you do not flatly at first oppose:  
And so he went. They taught him by the way,  
Who need no teaching, what to do and say:  
And when he came her Stateliness before,  
They willed him, yet he would not her adore;  
But bolt-upright salutes her with this verse;  
All-haile ARSACE, royal blood of Perse.  
The Persian Courtiers murmured at the Greek,  
Who durst so boldly to their Lady speak  
Without adoring her; she did but smile,  
And said my Lords, when he hath seen a while  
The state of Persian Court, he will do more,  
Than with an outward compliment adore:  
So saying moved her Coronet upon't,  
As Persian Queens in giving thanks are wont.  
And further said, y'are welcome gentle guest;  
But ask, and have, if ought you be distressed:  
So sent him back with favourable sign  
To th'Eunuchs made; whereto they all incline,  
And lead him down with stately pomp of Guard.  
Achaemenes him met, and on him stared,  
To view him better now in open light;  
And knew him better now at second sight:  
Suspects the cause, and was therewith offended;  
But mum, quoth he; few words are soon amended.  
That night the Lady sent not only joints  
Of dainty meat, but goodly counterpoints,  
And suits of hangings wrought in Lyde and Tyre,  
With pearl and twist of gold and silver wire,  
To sundrie-coloured silk, Gem-stone and pearl;  
A boy for him, and for his sist'r a guerle:  
Then by themselves, to put-off irksome thought,  
A while they look what every piece had wrought.  
I pass the rest; at one Chariclia gazed  
Remarkably, and stood thereat amazed:  
How now (quoth he) whereat so looks my Deer?  
With that she deeply sighed, and said, lo here,  
Lo e'en among my father's enemies  
Is better known his daughter's miseries  
Than to himself; behold a crowned pair  
Of Black-ones here set high on royal chair;  
The Queen is great, as cunning hand and head  
Hath well set-out, and yonder laid a-bed  
With child hereby; as far unlike them both,  
As snow to jet: behold and yonder go'th  
With child in arm the wise Sisimithres,  
As Calasiris heard of Charicles,  
And told it me: alas, alas the loss  
Of such a guide is now our greatest cross:  
Yet e'en in Egypt (howsoe'er we speed)  
Is seen by this that virtue hath her meed.  
Then Cyb came-in; and yet she durst not push  
At what was meant: but goes about the bush.  
She magnifies her Lady's great good will  
To him and her; and much commends her still,  
For beauty excelling any Persian Queen,  
Yea beauty and parts as well unseen as seen;  
To gallant youths most amiable and kind;  
And so she tries him, how to lust inclined.  
The virtuous Knight though seeing would not see  
Whereat she shot; yet many thanks gave he  
TO Arsace for her kindness showed the greeks:  
But Cybel knew she thought her hour's weeks,  
And promise would expect: and now no more  
Can be put-off, as had been heretofore,  
With idle excuse; as that the youth's afraid;  
Or some mishap their forward purpose stayed:  
A sennight's past, and almost every day  
Is called, and made-of much, Chariclia  
For brother's sake; that now the Bawd is fain,  
Against her will, thus speak the matter plain;  
My Lady loves you (Sir) I know you see't:  
When will you leave this sour, and taste the sweet?  
No danger is there▪ for her husband's gone;  
And none shall know't but I: Wife have you none,  
Nor other love; though many not far hence  
I know, that would with such a bond dispense  
In case the like, and scruple never make  
Both wealth and honour with delight to take.  
A meaner woman, when she loves a man,  
And is not loved, by all the means she can  
Will seek revenge: can royal blood of Perseus  
Endure it, think you? call to mind your verse.  
Behold how many men at arms attend her,  
To guard her friends, and punish those offend her.  
But you, but one, a stranger, friendless, weak.  
At last she prayed Chariclia for her speak;  
And said, sweet heart, it will be good for you▪  
My Lady will you favour more than now,  
every, advance, and set you at her board,  
And highly marry to some Persian Lord.  
Chariclia looked askew at her, and said;  
I wish the nobl' Arsace bett'r paid;  
And, if not otherwise, 'twere good that he  
Her gave content, so safely might it be:  
And, lest it hurti'th'end both him and her,  
From knowledge kept of th'absent Governor,  
Who sees far-off. Hereat the Gammer skips,  
Embraces her, and lays her on the lips;  
And saith (Good daughter) I thank you for this grace:  
Becomes a woman tend'r a woman's case,  
And sister brothers: but the coast is clear  
All round about, and nothing need you fear.  
Forbear, and let us think upon't, quoth he;  
So forth went Cybel, and Chariclia she  
Said, O (Theagenes) 'tis hard success,  
This happiness in show, in deed distress!  
But wisdom bids make use of what we find  
To save the main: and so if be your mind,  
Content am I. But if you think it gross,  
As out of doubt; yet set not all on loss;  
Delude her with fair promises a while;  
For time may help; to th'end she bring no vile  
Disgrace on us: and yet I pray take heed,  
Lest often promising you do't indeed.  
He smiled, and said, for no adversity  
Will women leave their fault of jealousy.  
Thing ill to do should not be said: and know,  
Of such a mind I cannot make a show.  
But, us to rid of further suit, the scope  
And way is, quite to put her out of hope.  
Then present mischief must upon us fall,  
Prepare you for't, quoth she; and therewithal  
Comes Cybel in, late having comforted  
The lovesick Lady, left yet on her bed.  
This Gammer Bawd, this all-enticing spirit,  
Yet lets Theagenes alone to night;  
And labours what she can Chariclia  
To help her suit, as they together lay.  
But in the morning sets on him again,  
And prays him put her Mistress out of pain,  
If yet he be resolved: he flat denies her;  
And she again unto Arsace hies her,  
With sad report. The Lady gave her check  
In such a sort, as near had broke her neck  
Thrown down the stairs: herself, both heart and head  
Now like to burst with grief, rowles on her bed;  
And all to tears her clothes, her hair, her breast;  
Nor all that day could take a minute's rest.  
The Bawd no sooner left the Nursery,  
But meets her son, who saw her sadly cry;  
And asked the cause thus of her sudden damp;  
What ails Arsace? What news from the camp?  
Hath Lord Orondates received a blow,  
Or lost the field? good mother let me know!  
And instant is to learn the reason why;  
Nor will her leave, though she would put him by.  
Then him she conjured, and by hand him took  
And led him forth aside t'a secret nook:  
And said, My son; this unto none I would,  
But unto thee, mine only child, have told;  
Our Lady loves the Grecian here; and thence  
Come all her favours and benevolence.  
The vain and foolish youth will not comply,  
Do what we can, her mind to satisfy.  
Which her distracteth in so high degree,  
I think 'twill make her kill herself and me.  
Then help us son, if thou know wherewithal,  
Or else prepare for mother's funeral.  
What shall the man have (quoth he) that procures  
To be fulfilled my Lady's mind and yours?  
Ask what thou wilt, quoth she; Cupbearer late  
I made thee, and daily can increase thy state.  
Then he; I thought at first it would be so;  
But held my peace to see how game would go.  
I'll work my Ladies will, or lose my life,  
If I may have that Greek wench to my wife;  
And ask no more: for (mother) I so love her,  
That live I cannot long, except I prove her.  
Away with honour, and away with pelf;  
And let Arsace judge me by herself.  
Why son (quoth she) of this make you no doubt;  
I think myself can well nigh bring't about;  
Bedfellows are we: by some trick or gin,  
Not now to seek, I quickly shall her win.  
But how can you so bring about this gear?  
A word not I (quoth he) until she swear.  
And mother deal not you, in Greek, nor French,  
Nor any language, with my dainty wench;  
Lest hurt you do: for I already find  
She looks aloft, and bears a haughty mind.  
But let my Lady assure herself I will,  
On that condition, all her mind fulfil.  
With this Dame Cybel vnt' Arsace runs,  
And tells her this fair promise of her sons:  
Let call him in, quoth she; except you fain,  
And, as before, will me delude again.  
Achaemenes comes-in, and him t'assure,  
The Lady sweats, if he her love procure,  
He shall Theagens sister take to wife:  
Then here (quoth he) shall ended be the strife.  
The man your slave is, and he must obey:  
How so (quoth she)? I had him th'other day  
In charge, quoth he, as sent from Mitranes  
Unto your husband Lord Orondates.  
And took he was from me by strong impress  
Of Thyamis and Malcontents of Bess.  
Whom if you ask, he can it not deny:  
And yet a much more pregnant proof have I;  
My Captain's letters firm and under seal,  
Which (here behold) will all the case reveal;  
And how he should to Babylon be sent.  
This rude relation gave her great content.  
She makes no more ado, but strait bids call  
Her learned Council to the judgement hall;  
And there on lofty Throne she stately bore her;  
And willed Theagenes be brought before her:  
He comes, and (Achaemen him standing by)  
Know you that man (quoth he)? she answered, I.  
And were you captive left unto his charge?  
Confessed it too: Then how (quoth she) at large?  
By Thyamis, quoth he. Then she, my slave  
You are, and please me, or no mercy crave.  
And of your sister thus I do dispose;  
She shall be wife to him that did disclose  
This first to me; my servant Achamen,  
So well deserving every where and when.  
As for solemnities and marriage-day,  
When things be fit, no longer shall we stay.  
It struck Theagenes to th'heart: yet he  
Made answer thus; Although our fortune be  
To serve, freeborn, and of no parent base,  
Yet herein may we bett'r account our case;  
And frownig fortunes bad intent convince;  
To serve so brave and gracious a Prince,  
That will be pleased do justice; which we crave:  
My sister yet nor captive is nor slave.  
Well (quoth Arsace) let him be brought up  
Among the slaves that wait upon our Cup;  
And Achaemen him teach in cu'rie thing,  
That may him fit to serve the mighty King.  
So forth they went; Theagenes distressed  
In mind, and thinking what to do were best;  
Achaemenes, to have him at his beck,  
Insultingly, and thus began him check:  
Ah ha, Sir youth, you thought yourself so free,  
As no man else; now must you wait on me.  
I'll make you bend, that bear your head so high,  
Or knock y'about the sconce. Authority  
In base men's hands is never well employed.  
Arsace then commands the rest avoid;  
And thus to Cybel saith; now all excuse  
Is ta'en away: this proud boy, for th'abuse  
Me done to-fore, shall well and surely pay  
(You tell him so) except he soon obey;  
Which if he do, then will I set him free,  
And honour add, and wealth to liberty.  
She tells Theagenes the Lady's mind,  
And of her own some reasons more doth find  
Him to persuade, he craves to pause that day,  
And talks alone first with Chariclia▪  
Then saith (my Deer) now are we clean undone:  
I must obey before the morrow Sun  
Hath run his course; or suffer servitude,  
Yea both of us, among this people rude:  
With all disgrace that on the kept-in strict  
May scorn invent, or barbarism inflict.  
This could I bear; but that, far worse than this,  
I never shall; though past her promise is;  
That Achaemen (forsooth) should marry thee:  
While I have life and sword, it shall not be.  
Necessity's are subtle Councillors:  
I have a trick. Then thus with Cyb conferr's.  
I am resolved: go tell her now you Krone,  
Alone-I wish to talk with her-alone.  
She, glad he was so bold with her, as sign  
Of yielding mind, her Lady told; in fine,  
That night he sent-for was, and softly led  
In dark by Cyb, when all were gone to bed,  
But Lady herself and these: and when they came  
Within the chamber door, the little flame,  
That there was left, she takes, and would away.  
Nay (Madam, quoth he) let kind Cybel stay;  
For she's no blab. Then Lady took by th'hand.  
And said, thus long fore-slowed I your command,  
(Dear Lady and Mistress) that I might obey  
With more security both night and day.  
And, now good fortune me declares your slave,  
More willing am I you command and have.  
But (O!) this one thing grant me first I pray,  
Renounce your promise of Chariclia  
Vnt' Achamen (you shall her much disparage  
(Such is her birth) by making such a marriage)  
Or else, I swear (befall what can befall)  
At your command I will do nought at all.  
For ere I live to see her suffer force,  
You shall me see a selfe-dead-wounded corpse.  
Arsace then; Why think not (Sir) that I,  
Who give myself, can aught to you deny:  
But I have sworn before, and by my life,  
Your sister shall be Achaemen his wife.  
Well 'tis no worse, replied Theagenes;  
Him give my sister (Lady) when you please:  
For sister none have I; and, on my life  
This is my spouse, and e'en as good as wife.  
For further proof, appoint the day, and we  
Shall gladly with your favour married be;  
Which broth'r and sister cannot. This to hear  
The lovesick Lady touched was very near:  
Yet said, we grant. Then I'll do your command  
When that's undone, quoth he; so took in hand  
Her hand to kiss: but she it backward slips,  
And bows her down, and lays him lips to lips.  
Not kissing he, but kissed forthwith arose,  
And with her leave for that time, out he goes;  
And tells Chariclia what was done: but she  
Scarce heard the last without some jealousy.  
This one thing done (quoth he) prevents the fall  
Of many mischiefs on our heads; and shall  
Achaemenes provoke his case deplore,  
And set this house forthwith in great uproar.  
For Cyb will tell her son; and for that cause,  
When forth she would of chamb'r, I made her pause:  
And to th'intent she might a witness be  
Of what there past, and of my love to thee.  
For though it well suffice the guiltless breast,  
To know his own integrity and rest  
Upon the Gods: yet unto men we ought,  
With whom we live, by deed declare our thought.  
And said again, be sure Achaemenes  
Is like to lay some plot, that will disease  
Arsace self; a mischief minding knave,  
Her discontent and disappointed slave;  
Who knows her life, and leaving false invent,  
May work revenge on matters evident.  
Exhorts her therefore courage have, and hope  
That something will befall to fit their scope.  
The next day comes Achaemenes to call  
Him forth to wait upon the Lady in hall;  
And brings a Persian suit which she him sent,  
Laid all with gold, and pearly Passement;  
This he, with greater state her cups to fill,  
Must now put-on, though much against his will.  
And when the Clown would teach the Gentleman  
Give wine, he said, it needed not, and ran  
Before his mast'r; and neatly did it skink,  
And with a comely grace her gave to drink.  
She drank more love than wine, beholding still  
Her waiter's face, and had not yet her fill;  
But left a little, through her wanton skill,  
For him to drink; though he had to't no will.  
When feast was done, he prays the Lady strait  
He might not wear that robe, but if he wait.  
She grants, he shifts him; and, for then, they part.  
Achaemenes yet, sorely pricked at heart  
With envy, twits him for his bold attempt,  
And saith, all were your Novesie exempt  
From check at first, yet if you keep that guise,  
You shall offend: I friendly you advice;  
As one that shall, if Ladies hold their saw,  
Ere long become your loving broth'r in law.  
Theagenes held down his head, and said  
No word thereto: but th'other ill-apaid  
Complains his mother-to, that this new Lad  
Of Lady Arsace greater favours had  
Than he himself; and, that which grieves him most,  
With bold presumption hath her cup engrossed;  
To me no duty yields, no thank to me,  
Who taught him all this skill; and yet if she  
Had favoured him without my plain disgrace,  
It would not grieve me so to leave the place;  
Who furthered have her purpose, and concealed  
That long ere this had better been revealed:  
But time will come. Now (moth'r) on bed or bench,  
Where lies, how does my dainty Grecian wench?  
My love, my spouse; fain would I see her snout:  
(Think this a phrase that fits a clownish lout)  
The sight of her perhaps will ease the pang  
Of wound received from Angers rusty fang.  
Why son (quoth she) while you at shadows rap,  
You lose the main: It must not not be your hap  
To marry her you mean. Why so (quoth he)?  
My fellow-servant? y'are deceived, quoth she.  
Son, in the Sun the man that walks shall burn:  
This, this, have we for serving still her turn;  
Preferring still her lust before our lives.  
A new-come slave, that should be kept in gyves,  
But once beheld, hath made her break her oath,  
And unto him thy promised betroath:  
He saith no sister she's, but his true love,  
And that by marriage ready is to prove.  
And hath Arsace promised it (quoth he)?  
I present was and heard her so, quoth she;  
And very few days hence will celebrate  
Their marriage-feast, with great resort and state:  
But promiseth she will for thee provide  
Another wife as good, what ere betide.  
Betid what will, quoth he; (and clapped his paws)  
If any right there be, or care of Laws,  
Or men can women rule: good mother keep  
It off a while, and I shall make them weep  
All ere the marriage-day. If any ask  
For me, them tell that I have got a laske;  
And keep within doors at your Country Farm;  
Then thus he mumbled as it were a charm.  
T' Arsace rude before, now finely bows;  
His sister late, must now be called his spouse.  
Who sees not this devised to put me by?  
What if he kiss her, if with her he lie?  
(And th'one I'm well assured-of; he kissed her)  
Are these enough to prove her not his sister?  
Go to (ye fool) quoth she; be't false or true,  
Against my Lady's purpose stir not you.  
Or wise, or fool, quoth he; What wise hath known  
Another's case, as doth a fool his own?  
Do what they can, I will not so be gulled:  
Nor will the Gods an oath be disannulled.  
Thus Anger, Love, with jealousy and Fail,  
(Which might against the wisest man prevail)  
Him sets a-rage; and, what he first bethought,  
Without consideration will have wrought.  
He takes th'Armenian Courser kept at ease,  
For th' only pleasure of Orondates,  
And on him flies o'er Egypt's fruitful glebes,  
To tell his Lord at hundred-gated Thebes;  
There now r'enforcing for the war began  
Against the white-toothed Aethiopian.  
Finis Libri septimi.   

THE Fair Aethiopian.  
WHen claim is justly made in quiet passage,  
And no just answer given to nobl' Embassage;  
It matters not, if Kings obtain their right  
Against an Enemy, by force of slight.  
So when Hydaspes by a warlike wile,  
Pretending treaty, got his Mine of Phile;  
A Town whereon th'outlaws of Egypt pressed,  
That was before by th'Aethiop possessed;  
And stood at th'uppper Cataracts of Nile,  
From Elpentine and Sien thirteen mile;  
The Persian, driven in haste to muster men,  
Was full of care, and busy about it, when  
Achaemenes came in; yet said, What wind  
Hath set you thus unlooked for here? the Hind,  
I'll tell my Lord in private; and, when all  
The rest were gone, declares the criminal:  
What Grecian youth was sent by Mitranes,  
To serve the King, if so his Lordship please;  
And how by Thyam intercept, and how  
In love with him was fallen Arsace now;  
Had brought him to the Palace, entertained him,  
And though he thought, sh'had not as yet constrained him;  
(Because the modest youth resists her still,  
And will not condescend unto her will)  
Yet lest more hurt be done, as may full well  
In tract of time, he came his Lord to tell,  
And do the duty longing to his trust.  
This moved his anger; th'other moved his lust,  
When Grecian wench he praised, and said she past  
The fairest now on earth, from first to last.  
Of her so spoke, as hoping, when his Lord  
Had done, he might her get to bed and board;  
For just reward of servant diligent,  
In this revealing ere it further went.  
The twice-enflamed Lord, to lose no time,  
An Eunuch sends forthwith, of all the prime,  
With fifty horse to Memphis-ward that day,  
To fetch the Grecian Captives both away;  
And letters by him; vnt' Arsace these:  
This straightly thee commands Orondates;  
The Grecian broth'r and sister send m'away;  
By name Theagen and Chariclia;  
To send the King: for captive his they be,  
And fit to serve th'imperial majesty.  
If you them send not willingly, they must  
Be ta'en by force: thus Achaemen I trust.  
And these, to th'Eunuch chief at Memphis Court,  
Euphrates called; I hear of you report,  
Which you shall answ'r another time; to day  
Send us Theagen and Chariclia,  
By Bagoas, and, whether will or no  
Arsace, send them: or we let you know,  
We give command you self with all disgrace,  
Be brought in bonds, deprived of your place.  
These under seal he gave, to bring them down  
With more assurance by th'assisting Town.  
To Memphis th'Eunuch, and Orondates  
To war, and takes with him Achaemenes;  
On whom he sets a priute watch beside,  
To keep him safe until the truth be trt'de:  
For, wanting proof, he wisely thought not good  
Believe a tale defaming Royal Blood.  
Meanwhile at Memphis see what fall'n is out:  
When Thyamis with all the Priests devout,  
Had ended Calasiris funeral,  
And of the Priesthood had his full install;  
That well he might, now after week of pause,  
Converse with strangers, by their Cloyster-lawes:  
The two young greeks he quickly calls to mind,  
And earnestly them casts-about to find.  
At length he learns they in the Palace kept,  
And for their sake strait vnt' Arsace stepped:  
And asked her for them, as his friends, and such  
As, to provide for, doth him nearly touch,  
By father's will; and thanked her for the grace  
Sh'imparted them this mourning enterspace,  
That barred him hitherto; and now 'tis over,  
Prayed that he might their company recover.  
But she replies, I marvel (Thyamis)  
Sith our estate so well provided is,  
And sith out entertainment you commend;  
You seem to doubt it will not hold to th'end,  
Not so, quoth he; for well I know, that here  
Your Ladyship maintains more dainty cheer  
Than is with us; and better may they live;  
Such royal entertainment want you give:  
But they well-born, now ending pilgrimage,  
Are homeward bound to see their parentage.  
Myself some reason have, and, for my father,  
Provide them would of all things much the rather.  
'Tis well (quoth she) that, anger laid aside,  
You will the point of equity abide;  
Which more is always on Commander's side,  
Than his that hath but barely to provide.  
Have you command, quoth he? Quoth she, I have;  
By Law of Arms that makes a Captive slave.  
He saw she meant th'exploit of Mitranes,  
Who took them both, set-on by Nausicles  
At th'outlaw Fen, and therefore meekly said,  
No war (good Lady) now; but all's a paid  
With peace on either side. Peace setteth free,  
All that in time of war captived be.  
This is the royal Law of Arms; and all  
That this oppose are thought tyrannical.  
Besides (Arsace) let me tell you true,  
'Tis no ways honourabl' or good for you,  
Such youth, so strange, with so perverse a will,  
To say and mean you must imprison still.  
This madded her (as wantoness of that age,  
Concealed blush; but manifested rage)  
And, thinking Thyamis conceived the truth  
Of her inclining to the Grecian youth,  
She said, I care not for your Priesthood I;  
Perhaps yourself full dear yet shall abvy  
The death of Mitranes: and, as forthese,  
I will reserve them for Orondates.  
In spite of Rhet'ricke and your lawful bands,  
It shall be done that Majesty commands.  
The King shall have them; for his slaves they be;  
And, as for you, be gone. So parted he,  
Imploring help divine: and thought to raise  
The City upon her, making known her ways.  
But she to chamber strait, and must advise  
With Gammer Cyb: In these perplexities,  
What shall I do (quoth she)? I cannot slake  
This siame of love, nor him more yielding make:  
But rather worse he seems; that heretofore  
With some hope fed me, promising still more;  
He flatly now denies, as something heard,  
Of Achaemen, that I am much afeard.  
But let him be believed, or not believed,  
If vnt' Orondates I show me grieved,  
And flattering weep; all were he ne'er so rough,  
It makes him mild; I shall do well enough.  
But here's the mischief, that before I see  
My mind fulfilled, prevented shall I be,  
With tale him could, perhaps be made to die  
Before he hear me speak, or see me cry.  
Wherefore use all your skill; and cast about  
With what device you can to help me out.  
Or, if myself to kill I do not care,  
Assure thyself I will not others spare:  
And thou art like be first for this good deed  
Of Achaemen thy son (ill mote he speed!)  
And thou wert privy to't, or I mistake.  
Good Madam (quoth she) better reckoning make  
Of both your servants; and take heart unto you;  
Or else this care will utterly undo you.  
Too mild you are, and flatter, not command  
Theagenes your slave: at former hand  
'Twas not amiss, reputing him a boy;  
But now he stands a tiptoe, proudly coy  
Against his loving Lady, let him know  
He shall be forced with many a stripe, and blow,  
And other torments to perform your will;  
Then do not flatter so and please him still.  
'Tis right (quoth she) you say: but how can I,  
That love him thus, endure his misery?  
O Madam, y'are too pitiful, quoth she;  
And cannot speed while thus affect you be,  
Not weighing well, how, after a little pain,  
Both he and you shall have a merry vain.  
Nor need you see't: but let Euphrates lay  
Some small correction on him every day,  
Till he relent; she likes her suttletee.  
To hear a thing, so moves not, as to see.  
And love, when once it grows so desperate,  
Can be content, that loved was to hate,  
And venge repulse. Commandment than she gave;  
Euphrates should torment him like a slave,  
As for some fault in waiting. Eunuch's all  
Are given to jealousy; and he the more  
Theagenes afflicts; for that before  
He well observed, and all the signs had seen  
Of love himto that showed the wanton Queen:  
With knotty whips he tears his tender skin,  
While manacles and shackles hold him in:  
With hung'r and thirst him pinches, and no light  
By day him shows; nor lets him rest at night.  
Not so Arsace meant, yet worse than so  
Did Gammer Cyb pretend her mind to know:  
For none but she came there; though with pretence  
To bring him meat, 'twas for intelligence.  
And when she saw him so maintain the field  
Against her plot, and by no means would yield;  
The more his body is beaten down, the more  
His mind was raised with chaster love to soar:  
And thought, if this Chariclia did but know,  
It took away the pain of every blow;  
And cried in torment either night or day,  
My love, my light, my life Chariclia:  
When this the Gammer heard and saw, she thought  
This Virgin living all their plot was nought:  
And now she fears, if by Achaemenes  
(As like it was) be told Orondates,  
Lest she be sound paid for all; and left  
Arsace kill herself; wherefore the beast  
Is all on killing set now, to remove  
What ever hindered her sick Lady's love;  
To bar intelligence, to save her hide;  
And one day to her Lady thus she cried;  
Madam, we work in vain as long as she,  
On whom builds all his hope this stubborn he  
Is suffered still to live: but, were she gone,  
We should do well enough with him alone,  
The lovesick Lady on this laid present hold,  
In ang'r and jealousy for that was told;  
You tell me true, quoth she, and I ere night  
Will order take she stand not in my light.  
But how (quoth Cybel)? By the Persian Laws  
You may not kill, but show and prove the cause;  
Which asketh time to plot: but I'll to day,  
If you think good, her rid quite out of way,  
By draught of poys'n: it likes Arsace well;  
About-it goes this Chamberlain of Hell.  
She found Chariclia weeping bitterly,  
And, more than so, devising how to dye:  
For now she 'gan suspect the cruel case  
Theagenes was in; that all space  
Came not at her: though Cybel feigned excuse,  
And said he was restrained for some abuse,  
Or little fault in service: but by my  
Most earnest suit was dealt with graciously,  
And shall be still, and out of doubt ere night  
At liberty: therefore pluckeup your spirit,  
And do not thus with mourning pine away;  
My Lady makes her marriage-feast to day.  
Refresh yourself; that when your Lover comes,  
You may with joy receive him and the Grooms.  
Behold some dainties have I brought you here;  
Come, let's fall-to, 'tis of my Lady's cheer.  
You use (quoth she) so much me to deceive,  
That, what you say, I hardly can believe.  
Th'equivocating witch devoutly swears  
She should to day be rid of all her cares.  
So down they sit and eat, and less in fear  
Chariclia now, for that she heard her swear,  
And hope of that she promised. What we wish  
We soon believe. Then ate they flesh and fish,  
And other dainties; Aura gives the cup,  
Made ready for Chariclia to sup,  
To Cybel-selfe; she drinks it off mistook,  
And felt it strait, and cast a cruel look  
Upon her Maid. I wish there might vnt' all,  
That go about such wickedness, befall  
The like mistake! the poison was so strong  
Prepared for youth; that soon it laid along  
That aged witch. Yet she amids her main  
Convulsing, swelling, staring, twitching pain,  
While belly bursts, and sinews crack, and shrink,  
Declares a mind more poisonous than the drink.  
For sign she made, to some then standing-by,  
As if Chariclia made her so to dye;  
Poor innocent, amazed at such a stound,  
And oft attempting her to raise from ground.  
But help of man or woman littl'auailes,  
When poison strong the vital part assails.  
Her skin was black, and out start both her eyes,  
And with her mouth awry there dead she lies.  
The guiltless Virgin, never used to bands,  
But silk, untied and tied with softest hands,  
In case she was is rapt from off the ground,  
And with rough cord t' Arsace carried bound.  
The jealous Lady threatens with excess  
Of pain to force her, but she would confess  
Her poisoning Cybel. (Mark what innocence  
Can make one do, and guiltless conscience!)  
She came not drooping; but with cheerful grace  
Of Princely courage (Fear attends the base)  
And, glad to see, that, where through grief she thought  
To kill herself, it should by them be wrought,  
Said, goodly Princess, if Theagenes  
Be yet alive, then (set your heart at ease)  
I did it not: but, if by your design  
He's made away, the deed was only mine:  
I slew your Nurse, that hath so well you taught,  
And in these honourable ways up-brought,  
Come take revenge, you cannot better please  
Your refractory man Theagenes.  
O noble he, that could so well withstand  
So wicked purpose and so cruel hand!  
With this enraged, the lust-sicke Lady spent  
Some blows on her, and presently her sent  
Bound as she was t'her chief Eunuch Euphrate;  
There to behold her lovers like estate;  
And safe be kept, until the morning come,  
When hear she should the judges deadly doom.  
And as she's led away that Aura came,  
Dame Cybel's Maid, and loudly 'gan exclaim;  
Alas poor innocent! the standers-by  
Constrain her plainly speak; she said, 'twas I  
The poisoned cup mistook, and gave the same,  
Which unto this I should, unto my Dame.  
TO Arsace carried, there she says the like:  
The raging Lady was about to strike,  
Yet held, and said, this also had conspired  
My Nurse's death, thereto by th'other hired:  
Away with her, away with her, and let her  
Be safely kept in manacle and fetter  
T'abide the doom. Then for the judges sent,  
And next day showed the cause of their convent.  
She cried my Nurse, alas my Nurse is gone;  
Yea poisoned, poisoned, by this wretched one,  
Whom I received with all humanity;  
(My Lords, you know) and yet this thank have I.  
And sobbing, sighing, weeping, wring hand,  
(Such women have their tears at their command)  
She said what could be said in such a mood;  
And yet Chariclia made her saying good.  
Nay more, confessed she would Arsace self,  
That wicked wretch, that lust-sicke wanton Else  
Have made away; but that she was prevented:  
And that she missed her purpose much lamented.  
Although, in truth, she ne'er had such a thought,  
But, misery t'avoid, her death so sought,  
As was in their conceit most like to speed;  
And so in prison were they both agreed:  
When hardest heart constrain it would to rue,  
The lamentable sight of their adieu.  
Her jewels all the Cradle-band wrapt-in,  
Were tied about her 'twixt her smock and skin:  
That at her death pretended criminal,  
They might supply the want of funeral.  
But now the judges hearing her confess  
The crime at large, and rather more than less;  
According false Arsaces' hearts desire,  
Condemn the guiltless to be burnt with fire.  
The crime proclaimed nor better was nor worse,  
Then for the poisoning Lady Arsaces' Nurse.  
Tormentors lead her forth without the walls;  
And such a sight the people much appalls.  
Arsace, for success of her invents,  
Comes forth herself upon the battlements:  
And for she would not lose her pleasant sight,  
Of lover's torment standing in her light▪  
But when the fire was ready and slamed aloft,  
Chariclia them that led her prayed go soft,  
And give her leave to speak; and loud she cried,  
O Sun and Heaven! can any from you hide  
This cruel fact? I suffer willingly,  
But innocent, to put-off misery.  
For this I pardon crave: but as for her,  
This woman monster, female Governer,  
That cares not what she doth in lusts-excesse,  
To take my husband, filthy Adulteress;  
O pay her home! these words with resolution,  
Made some prepare to stay that execution.  
But she prevents them, mounting as to game,  
And strait way sat as in a throne of flame:  
For by degrees the pile about her stood  
Of straw, of sedge, of reed and solid wood.  
What need I names of sundry trees compute?  
Of every kind there was that bore no fruit.  
The bearing tree is privileged from fire,  
Which unto th'other pays deserved hire.  
And now her beauty, by resplendent shine  
Of flashing light, appears the more divine;  
Yet burned she not; although to speed her death,  
And rid her of this undelightsome breath,  
Feign would she burn; and though from stead to stead  
She followed still the fire, the fire her fled.  
Whereat she wonders much and all that saw't:  
Arsace sees it from the mural vault,  
And threatens her tormentors; they fling-on  
More straw, sedge, reed and wood; fire all anon  
And more devours; and yet no whit the more  
Came nigh the Maid; nor heat unto her boar.  
The peopl' are moved, and twice or thrice they said;  
The Maid is guiltless, guiltless is the Maid;  
And drove the Tortures off, by Thyamis  
Stirr'd-vp thereto, that come was there by this.  
And, though they could themselves approach do nigher,  
They stood aloof, and called her from the fire.  
Which when she heard and saw; the Gods she thought  
To show her innocence that wonder wrought.  
And, lest she should unthankful seem, she came  
Forth all unhurt amid the yielding flame.  
The Town for joy and wonder gave a shout,  
Which made Arsace as mad come running out,  
With all her Guard, and Noblemen of Perseus;  
And on Chariclia she, then looking fierce,  
Laid hand herself, and said with rage inflamed;  
What mean this peopl'? and are you not ashamed  
To hinder justice on this wicked wretch?  
Whom more condemns that you to wonder stretch.  
For poisoners all, and witches are the same;  
And by her witchcraft hath she scaped the flame.  
Come all to morrow to the judgement Hall,  
And there you shall be satisfied all:  
Then her by shoulder gripping led away,  
As cruel Falcon seizeth on her prey.  
Such as live wicked, woman be't or man,  
The noting scape not; do they what they can,  
They shall be cursed alive, and trod-on dead,  
By all them knew: whereas the blameless head,  
Th'untainted life, such honour's fame attains,  
As flies all o'er the land-and-water Manes.  
No sooner came they to the Palace gate,  
But sent again the Virgin is t' Euphrate,  
And harder bound; not so to keep her in,  
As purposely to fret her tender skin.  
Yet all in good she took, and more at ease,  
As fellow-pris'ner with Theagenes.  
Although Arsace willed it so for spite,  
That one might grieve the more at others sight;  
For Lovers more at pain of their Beloved.  
Than at their own, are lamentably moved;  
But they to comfort turn it, while they strive  
To show their love in bearing well the guive.  
And now each oth'r exhorts they stoutly stand  
T'endure the worst Arsace could command,  
Before they fail in faith so firmly plighted;  
And so they talke-on till they were benighted.  
Nor slept they then; because they deemed, either,  
This was the last that they should talk together.  
At length they mind the miracl' at the fire  
And what might be the cause thereof inquire.  
He said it was the grace of Power Divine,  
That caused the fire an Innocent decline.  
Why then (quoth she) abide we more and more,  
Th'vniust commands of this usurping whore?  
But now I call to mind a dream I had;  
Thus Calasire me thought in verse it read.  
Pantarbe wearing fear thou not the flame;  
With such a virtue Nature did it frame.  
Therewith Theagenes, as much as guyves  
Would suffer him, leaps, and his heart revives,  
Remembering what he likewise dreamt last night:  
That such a verse him Calasiris dight.  
To Blackmorland the Maid with thee shall come;  
And scape to morrow fell Arsaces' doom.  
I see (quoth he) whereto these verses tend;  
To Blackmorland, that is unto mine end,  
The land of shadows, and Proserpina  
The Maid is whom I must attend to day.  
And scape Arsaces' doom, that is, be free  
From body's bond, in Souls simplicity.  
And for your verse (sweet heart) what doth it say,  
But may be turned or this, or th' other way?  
Pantarbe signifies of all thing Fear.  
Yet Fear not fire (it saith) ye that it wear.  
Then she, my heart, my dear Theagenes,  
O be not led with such conceits as these!  
Whom Fortune much afflicts he cannot choose  
But fear the worst, and still on ruin muse.  
Ye men will say that women pass for tongue;  
And I have lived so much the greeks among,  
That well I know this Tarbos' oft is read,  
As well for great amazement, as for dread:  
And, for a stone so much t'oppose the fire,  
It may amaze and make men all admire.  
Then hear me rather, this your Maid is I,  
Whom you shall bring home vnt'Aethiopie,  
(For is not that the proper Blackmans' room?)  
And so escape this fell Arsaces' doom;  
But how 'twill be I know not▪ though I know  
The Power for showing can effect the show.  
And who would think that I should hitherto  
Ha scaped death? and yet you see I do.  
And when I bore my help about me, (lo!)  
That then I knew not, now I plainly know:  
Among my mother's jewels there is one,  
That binds in gold a rare Pantarbe stone:  
I had them all about me when I went  
Condemned to fire: for if I scaped, I meant  
They should maintain me; if I died withal;  
Me stand in stead of solemn funeral.  
And now I think that this so wondrous thing  
Is only wrought by that Pantarbe-ring,  
As pleased the Gods; And often Calasire  
Me told it was an Antidote to fire;  
Though then I thought not on't, nor ever since;  
Till now the trial did the truth evince.  
Well have you said (quoth he) for that is past;  
But what Pantarbe shall us save at last;  
Or from to morrow's doom? Good hope, quoth she,  
And trust in that to come, as that we see  
Faln-out, according to the Pythian verse;  
You know't so well, I need it not rehearse.  
Our fatal rest we seek through much annoy,  
Whereon to think hereafter shall us joy.  
Thus were they talking till the night grew deep,  
And never minded any rest or sleep:  
Till Bagoas his troop with quick dispatch  
To Memphis brought, and softly raised the watch,  
Well known at first▪ let-in, he cast a list  
About the Palace, lest the Court resist;  
And, by a secret way he knew, forthright,  
T' Euphrates came, the Moon affording light.  
In bed asleep he was, and thus awaked,  
Began to rave, till Bagoas him slacked,  
And said, 'tis I, and called t'a boy for light;  
And when it came Euphrates said; by night  
Thus unexpected (Bagoes)? what's the cause?  
He said no more, but bid him read the clause  
Of both those letters, marking seal and hand,  
How 'twas Orondates did this command,  
That must be done: he readd, and said, I dare not  
Show this t' Arsace; left herself she spare not,  
Nor any about her: leave them with her will  
I know she cannot; rather kill, kill, kill  
The first she meets, and all that her oppose;  
For now unjust and tyrannous she grows;  
To say no more. And you in time are come,  
To save these strangers from a deadly doom.  
Then do them good; for they have suffered much;  
Not with my will: but her command was such.  
They are (no doubt) some Imps of noble blood;  
So virtuously disposed, so mild, so good,  
I find their nature: then through prison led  
His fellow Gelding to the manacled;  
And hard it is to tell with what compassion,  
The new-come Eunuch heard their lamentation;  
Who sighed to see, for beauty's excellence,  
Of either sex, th'afflicted innocence.  
But when they saw him come in so by night,  
A man unknown, at first they were affright:  
But soon again with lively and cheerful grace  
Lift-up their heads, and said; Thus thinks Arsace  
To hide her wicked deeds, and deadly spite?  
No, no; the Gods shall bring them all to light:  
But do as y'are enjoined, with sword us strike,  
Or burn, or drown, so both togeth'r alike.  
To hear these words, it made those Eunuches weep;  
But forth they lead them while the Court's asleep.  
Euphrates stays, and Bagoas proceeds;  
Who mounts the prisoners on two goodly steeds;  
And, but for safety, not to hurt them, bound;  
Then, (ring of horsemen cast about them round)  
With four-foot hoof they thund'r upon the glebes,  
And haste away for hundred-gated Thebes.  
So rid they till the Sun was three hours high,  
And never little; then, waxing hot and dry,  
And nodding some on horse for want of sleep;  
But chiefly that they might refresh, and keep  
In health the Maid, they turn aside and stay,  
Where Nilus winding made a grassy Bay;  
Almost an Island (that I may not fain)  
With narrow land-necke joined to the main:  
The place by nature was so fortifi'de,  
That there they might all out of danger bide.  
And there in shade of sweet and fruitful plants,  
In stead of tent, thought good supply their wants:  
e'en under th'arbour's bearing sweetest gums,  
Dates, berries, grapes, nuts, apples, pears and plums.  
The Beam there burns at quarter part of race;  
So them to rest invites both time and place:  
For trees not only of every kind there grew;  
But Meddow-starres, white, yellow, red and blue.  
The dainty Florist (said be't under pardon)  
Hath not so fair, so diverse in her garden.  
For there together dwell Pomone and Flore:  
Betwixt the trees sprung sleepy Mandragore,  
The Marigold, the Buls-eye, th'Aemonine,  
The duoble King-cup, Daisy, Sops-in-wine;  
Clove-gilliver, and Gilliver of stock,  
Pink, Vi'let, Cowslip, Primrose, Ladies-smocke;  
And past them all for colour, sent, and juice,  
The crimson Rose, and golden Flow'r-de-luce.  
So many dainties never was their borne  
by wanton Nymph in Achelous' horn.  
And there the sweet and dainty plants among,  
The winged Choristers record their song.  
There th'Eunuch broke his fast, and offered meat  
To those young Greeks; they said 'twas needless t'eat,  
For such as were so soon to die; but he  
Persuaded them, and said; that should not be:  
But strangers cheer yourselves, and take some ease;  
To death you go not, but t' Orondates.  
The Sun had left to shine right on their crest,  
And side-ward shot his darts from out the west.  
Then th'Eunuch thought it time to reset-on  
And was preparing; but there comes anon  
A running, panting, sweeting messenger,  
Who strait admitted rounded him i'th'eare.  
He stood a while as in a muse; at length  
Said, Courage you my guests, and gather strength:  
Your enemy Arsace lives no more;  
Sh'hath paid her debt so much ran on your score.  
For when she heard that you were gone with me,  
She hung herself, preventing Headman's fee.  
This news Euphrates sent; then do not fear,  
Now she is gone, by whom you wronged were,  
That did no wrong. Thus (with some words to seek)  
He patched them up a speech in broken Greek.  
And glad himself t'escape the Tyranness,  
Yet this he spoke to make them grieve the less;  
And for he knew, his safe presenting these,  
Would well be taken of Orondates:  
Her, now Arsace's gone, to be his wife;  
And him to wait, for ne'er in all his life  
Had seen the like. And could the loving pair  
But joy thereat? Now pleasant evening air  
(While western winds the Sun's hot horses cool,  
At point to drink of Amphurites pool)  
Invites to travel, th'Eunuch forward went,  
And all that night and morn in journey spent;  
To find his Lord among the Gipsy States,  
Before they left that Town of hundred gates.  
But was deceived: the King of Blackmorland,  
Of late at Phile had got so great a hand;  
That forced Orondates Siene-ward,  
With all his power, that other Town to guard.  
Th'intelligence had Bagoas that day;  
So leaving Thebes, took Siene-way.  
But coming near the Town, himself hath lost  
Among fore-riders of the Blackmor Host;  
And with his prisoners, prisoner is to those,  
Who friends to them were, and his mortal foes.  
Oh, this the dream was, then began to say  
Theagenes to his Chariclia;  
And these be they, by whom we must be led,  
Though captive, to that Land with shadows spread.  
As fair to Sunshine, black is like to shade,  
And dark they seem whose lively colours fade.  
Uncertain luck 'tis better seek with these,  
Than certain danger with Orondates:  
To these than let us yield. Chariclia knew  
Now well enough what was thereon t'ensue;  
Or, by instinct that Nature often sends,  
The black men thought not enemies but friends.  
Yet told him not her thought; but was content  
To yield with him, and to the black men went:  
So forced was Bagoas; that with a fall  
Had wrenched his leg. The Moors then take them all;  
And, wondering bid the two unarmed and bound,  
In Gipsy or Persie what they were expound.  
(For Spies are e'er accompanied with some  
Who know the people's languages, with whom  
They have to deal.) Theagenes discerned  
What was their mind, and, having Gipsy learned,  
This answer made; Our Chief then (by your leave)  
An Eunuch is (and that they did perceive  
Soon by his face) attendant principal  
T' Orondates th'Aegyptian coronal  
For Persian King: but as for her and me,  
We Grecians are, and subject (as you see)  
To Persian bonds: and now much better hopes  
Conceive, to fall among you Aethiopes.  
They take them, mount them, compass them with ring;  
And mean present them to their Blackmore King:  
That now their case (to speak alludingly)  
Was like the Prologue of a Comedy:  
Two strangers young, that late before their eyes  
Had nought but death, are here in captive wise  
Not led, but sent▪ and with a convoy strong,  
Of such as shall their subjects be ere long.  
Finis Libri octavi.   

THE Fair AEthiopian.  
ORondates, when th'Aethiopian Host  
He saw, past Cataracts, begin to coast  
Siene-ward, he wisely them prevents,  
By coming first, repairing battlements,  
Renforcing Garrisons on Tower and wall,  
Preparing engines th'enemy to gall,  
And barricading gates. Hydaspes' thought  
Be there before; and now his Army brought,  
And planted round about the walls; at least,  
Some threescore hundred thousand, man and beast;  
As Hunter plants his toil on every side  
The thicket, where the Stag himself doth hide;  
So Blackmore King the Town environed,  
To take the Prince that Persian Army led.  
And there, without assault or skirmish lay  
As quietly, as sitting at a play.  
And when the spies their prisoners him present,  
He looks upon the greeks with great content;  
And as his children, knowing not their race,  
Yet, for good liking, gave them kind embrace,  
And for good luck; for lo the Gods, he said,  
Before us bound our enemies have laid;  
And these, because the first, as is our guise,  
We will be kept for humane sacrifice:  
So gave commandment they should take their rest,  
Be neatly kept, and fare still of the best;  
And leaving th'iron guives be locked in gold.  
The man then smiled, and said; sweet heart, behold  
A brave exchange! we go through diverse hands,  
And captive still; yet richest now in bands.  
O flattering Fortune! O deceitful show!  
Chariclia smiled to; but soon made him know  
Her better hopes: and what hath been foretell▪  
Of their far travel to the land of gold;  
Her native soil, as she is borne in hand;  
And gold for iron goes in Blackmorland.  
Ere long the King in pers'n assaults the Town;  
And thought their courage would at first come down:  
But they defend themselves most valiantly,  
With deed and word provoking th'enemy.  
At length, to make them sound pay the price  
Of that presumption, seeks he new device;  
That shall full soon their heat of courage quench,  
He sets his Host to cast a bank and trench  
About the walls: there were so many men.  
That soon 'tis done, by ten pole every ten.  
Orondates, and Sienaeans all  
Were well content to see another wall  
About their Town, and let them work their fill,  
And them derided all the while, until  
They saw at Circles ends a fearful sign:  
For why? they met not: either, strait as line,  
An hundred foot asunder ran a file,  
Unto the nearest bank of raging Nile,  
And always somewhat up-hill: so the Town,  
Below the river, fit was made to drown.  
In rivers hither side they made a vent;  
Then broader water in narrow channel penned;  
Ran down amain, and with so wrackful stream,  
As if it would have overflowed the Realm.  
With hideous noise at Goole, at new-out throat,  
And all the way it set the Town afloat:  
Which when the Townsmen heard, and saw, and weighed,  
Their fearful case; they labour all for aid.  
And first with muck and straw they stop the chinks  
Of every gate, that new-come water drinks.  
Then make they butrases and prop she wall  
In many places, so prevent the fall.  
Lest by the waters undersoaking, strait  
The spongy ground refuse to bear the wait.  
Some wood, some stone, some clay, some lime and sand;  
And some bring thither what came first to hand.  
Not one sat idle, but in case of life  
Will all take pains, old, young, man, maid, and wife;  
They bend to work their Sunburnt hands and necks;  
Not one desires excuse of state or sex.  
The stronger men, and such as might bear arms,  
With littl' offence to put-off greater harms,  
Within and under wall are set to mine,  
By light of torch, by leavell and by line,  
A ten-foot deep and broad trench that may reach  
Their foes new bank, and therein make a breach  
With inlet waters. But (alas) before  
It half was done, the flood came with a roar  
So down the newcut channel from the goole;  
That all within the bank was made a pool.  
And so Siene quickly, that ere while  
A midland City was, is made an Isle.  
The wall endured, at first and for a day,  
The water's force; and then began to sway  
By weight oppressed of flood now round about;  
That soaking through the yawning chaps of drought,  
Foundation wets, and makes new springs arise  
All o'er the Town in lamentable wise.  
And part of wall betwixt two towers that night  
Above the water broke, t'increase th'affright.  
For though the waters yet no breach do win,  
It made them see what danger they were in.  
Whereat they raised so lamentabl'a cry,  
As heard was to the Camp of th'enemy.  
And cry to Heaven to have the water stayed:  
For out of hope they were of humane aid.  
And yet to try, with much ado, i'th'end  
They ou'r-entreat Orondates to send  
A yielding message to the Blackmore King:  
And wanting boat were fain to use a sling;  
Whereout they sent a letter tied t'a stone;  
But short it fell; then strive they eu'richone,  
That had the skill, with engine, bow, and string,  
Now 'tis for life; and yet they cannot bring  
Th'intent to pass, they cannot reach the road,  
Or footway land; the waters are so broad.  
Then make they signs, at first with held-up hands,  
As supplicating: then (intending bands)  
Behind them put: Hydaspes sees they crave  
But only life, and means they shall it have,  
Nor was it other like: For grace t'impart,  
The yielding foe commands the gracious heart  
Of such a King: yet wisely thus he tries  
The faithful meaning of his enemies.  
When first he cut the goole came many a boat  
From maine of Nilus down his trench afloat;  
That landed all at th'inbent of the bank;  
And ten of these with Archers all in rank  
To Town he sent, instructed what to say:  
Now strange it was to see, in ploughman's way  
An armed galley rowed; with men on land  
A ship to fight: but this can war command.  
The Sienaans' seeing them draw near  
Their broken wall; as All thing puts in fear  
Distressed men; it thought for town's behoof  
To shoot at them, and make them keep aloof.  
But shot or short, or up, or down the wind;  
As not to hurt, but make them know their mind.  
For this declares of man's desire the prime,  
Despairing life would gain some little time.  
The black men shoot again with surer aim,  
And many Townsmen kill, and many maim.  
Great had the slaughter been, but that a wise  
And ancient man the Town did thus advise:  
What mean you Sirs? Hath this calamity  
So dulled your sense, that these you will put-by,  
Who come to save us at our humble suit?  
If ill they means us, 'tis without dispute,  
They cannot hurt us here, although they land:  
Yet if we slay them, can we get by th'hand,  
When cloud so back hath round about beset us▪  
At land and water? O then rather let us  
Them entertain with speeches fair and kind;  
And give attentive ears unto their mind.  
The Governor himself and all the rest  
Commend his words: and standing there abrest  
On either side the breach, lay down their arms,  
To hear the Black man's oratory charms;  
From ship, as 'twere at haven, who thus began:  
Of Perseus or Sien know you every man,  
Both young and old, From meanest state to best;  
Hydaspes King of Indies East and West,  
Yours also now, can tame his proudest foes,  
And yet is gracious evermore to those  
That yield and mercy crave: on you therefore,  
Whose life is in his hands, he lays no more,  
Now after your so pitiful petitions,  
Then turn to him and make your own conditions  
No Tyrant is he governing by lust;  
But towards all his people kingly just.  
To this the Sienaans' answer gave;  
That they, their wives and children, all they have▪  
Were at his service; use them as he please:  
As for the Governor Orondates,  
He promiseth to leave the Smaragd-Mines,  
With Town of Phile, and all the next confines,  
Which caused the war; and only craves the grace,  
That to his person nought be tendered base:  
And that they would two Persian Soldiers take,  
And bear, and let go safe beyond the Lake  
Vnt' Elpentine, pretending thither sent,  
To know if that Town also were content,  
To yield as doth Siene: they the two  
Take to their King, and message quickly do.  
He smiles to see the Persian captivate,  
Now past all help of man, capitulate:  
Yet, loath to stroy a multitude for one,  
Forbears him, yea and lets his spies alone;  
As light-regarding, what they could in fine  
Against his drift consult at Elpentine:  
But sets his own a work with pin and plank  
Of wood that grew on either side the bank;  
And some whole trees, to make as tank, and take  
The goole of Nile, before they drain the Lake:  
Then steele-shod piles are driven through channel-rocks.  
With iron-bound commanders downright knocks.  
And, for the drain, of trench they cut the band;  
That inlet stopped, and outlet made, the land  
About the Town might sooner dry and bear  
An Army's weight: and, as they labour there  
(Though night her darkness did upon them send,  
Ere either could their purpose bring t'an end)  
So in the City nothing is forgot  
To save their lives; and now their mining plot  
Is followed hard; from wall to bank the scope  
Above with eye, below they meat with rope.  
By torch their wall, by torch they view their cell,  
And finding all, as for the time, but well;  
Had thought to rest: yet were they sore affright,  
By sudden fearful sound they heard that night.  
Themselves and enemies it thought a fall,  
And of no less than their whole Citie-wall;  
But was not so: part of that circle-bay  
Relapsed, the water made itself a way.  
The morning light them put all out of doubt;  
And showed the drained Lake all round about.  
Above the mud are crawling seen by millions,  
Ichneumonets, Lagartos, Crocodillions  
New out of shell, and on the sandy sholts,  
Sirenets, Sea-calues, Hippopotam-colts.  
For th'elder monsters wont in channel deep,  
With seven-head Nilus, or with Neptune keep.  
So wont the Powers Divine (as well they can)  
In saving life prevent the work of man,  
Though first by diligence the goole was caught:  
The Gods will help such as for help have wrought.  
Though water's gone; yet neither tother come,  
Nor can, the ground o're-spred with muddy scum,  
So soft as yet, will bear nor horse, nor man:  
Thus two or three days pass they, and for than  
In sign of peace the Blackamoor disarmates,  
And they of Sien open wide their gates;  
Nay celebrate a feast, that fell the while,  
In honour of their mighty river Nile,  
Whom they as God adore, and him to pray,  
When Summer and Sunsted makes the longest day.  
But, after feasting, when the night grew deep,  
And all the Sienaeans fast asleep  
Lay buried in their wines, Orondates  
Occasion took to cross those muddy seas;  
Commanding every Soldier bear a plank,  
And one at others heels succeed in rank;  
So made a sudden bridge, at hay now hay,  
To live or die; and closely stole away  
With all his forces, leaving horse behind,  
For fear of noise and waking those of jude:  
They sound slept that night, and set no watch,  
But such as were to finish and dispatch  
That work begun at Nilus' broken flank;  
With stone and clay to ram the boarded stanke:  
And earnest these, and busy about their charge  
Perceive them not: nor came they near the marge  
Of Nilus' stream. And by this sleight so fine,  
The Persian brought his men int' Elpentine:  
A Town (he knew) that soon receive them meant,  
Prepared thereto by those two men he sent.  
The Sienaeans knew not they were fled,  
Till such, as had the Soldiers billeted,  
Them missed in house; and from the wall to bank,  
At morning saw the jointlesse bridge of plank.  
For this the Town perplexed was the more,  
Their second faults revenge now fearing sore;  
That, after mercy showed them, traitorously  
May seem gave way for Persian force to fly.  
To clear themselves, and get a second grace,  
Both old and young they come forth of their place;  
And o'er the planke-bridge toward th'Aethiopes,  
In humble sort go to renew their hopes.  
And all afar-off kneeling on their knees  
Made lowly sign of suit. Hydaspes sees,  
And sends to know the cause, why came they then  
Without the Persian Leader and his men.  
Their Priests that went before declare the case,  
And how the Persians, to their foul disgrace,  
Unknown to Sien, stole away by night,  
When all the Town was doing Nilus' right.  
What further meant was could they not define,  
But thought, to gather force at Elpentine:  
And prayed Hydaspes ent'r and take the Town,  
And evermore command it as his own.  
He thought not meet himself to go, but sent,  
To sound yet furrher th'enemies' intent,  
And keep the Town, a Garrison of strong  
And well appointed men; and sent along  
The Sienaeans with them, promising  
Both life and freedom like a gracious King.  
Then led his Army forth in good array,  
To give or take encounter by the way.  
And forth with word was brought him by his Spies,  
That fast were comming-on his enemies.  
And now began the Persian pride appear;  
Orondates, and many in armour clear  
All double-guilt, against the rising Lamp  
Reflects a lightning on the Blackmore Camp.  
His right wing holds the Persian and the Mede▪  
Of them the strongest-armed still precede:  
And under these, more safe to shoot and fight,  
Their Archers follow nimbl' and armed light.  
Upon his left wing care was had to range,  
Th'Aegyptians, Afers', and all people strange:  
And after them came other Bows, and Slings,  
To fight a flank, and counterguard the wings.  
Himself between them road in charr'ot bright,  
With sharp-edged hooks all round about bedight.  
His strong Phalanges march on either side;  
And troops of Cataphracts before him ride:  
With whom he counts himself most safe and sure:  
And this the guise is of that Armature.  
Some choice well-timbered man of courage stout  
An helmet close puts-on, which round about  
His head defends, and from the Crown to neck;  
His left hand holds the reine his horse to check,  
His right a lance whereof butte-end is set  
In horses armed flank that will not let  
It backward slide, but guided with a span  
Combines in thrust the strength of horse and man;  
Which armed both in steel wrought smooth by file,  
And jointed close like scales of Crocodile,  
When horse hath rhene on neck, and spur at flanks,  
As iron Statue breaks the foremost ranks;  
And piercing th'armour first, than flesh and bones,  
Some two, or three, sometime thrusts through at once.  
Now Persian Satrap, with such men and horses,  
And as before had ordered all his forces;  
He forward sets. And so the Blackmore King;  
Who sets against the Mede-and-Persian wing,  
His Meroans, not men of armour light,  
But well appointed for a standing fight.  
On th'other side his Troglodytes and those  
Who dwell where all the best Amomy grows;  
All armed light, and very swift of foot,  
And cunning all to hit whereat they shoot.  
And when he saw in middle battle most  
Consist the strength of all the Persian Host;  
Himself in person leads against the same  
His towered Elephants, with Sere and Blame;  
A people strong, who, fight though on foot,  
Such armour wore as none could thorow-shoot.  
And these, although at first they meet at large,  
Had, after battle joined, a special charge;  
To creep aground, accustomed to such acts,  
And gore th'unarmed paunch of Cataphracts.  
With trump the Persian, th'Aethiop with drum,  
Both strike Alarm when they to th'Onset come.  
The Persian came-on with a full career  
Of armed horsemen, thunderlike to hear:  
Hydaspes softly, that the Persian horse,  
Before th'encounter, might abate his force:  
And lest he should, by speeding-on th'Auants,  
Unguarded leave his slow-paced Elephants:  
But when ●hey met, these hardy men of Blame  
Creep under unarmed horses, hoh them lame,  
And wound th'unarmed paunch with th●●st and cuts,  
So make the gored beast run-out his guts,  
And cast the riders: who, for armours weight,  
Now cannot stir, and are dispatched strait,  
By first-come enemy: me thinks to fight  
Were bett'r on foot, both for pursuit and flight.  
A whizzing cloud of arrows dimmed the Sun,  
And blows are struck as loud as modern gun  
To cutoff armed limbs; the field is spread  
With legs, arms, heads, and bodies but half-dead:  
At right wing and at left, areare, avant.  
The neighing Horse, and roaring Elephant,  
With fall of beast and man, some o'er, some under,  
Made such a noise they could not hear it thunder.  
And now begin the nimble men of Sere,  
Retire to guard their Elephants areare.  
The Persian horse, as many as scaped the gore,  
At Seres run: yet backward start, and snore  
At sight of th'Elephant, that hill of beast;  
That with his snout can take of grain the least;  
And yet enrol an armed man and send him  
Aloft int' air, and by the downfall rend him,  
As than were many served: each Elephant  
Had two men on each side, and two avaunt,  
In fouresquare armed tower; there was no fail,  
But only that way which was next the tail.  
And fed the beasts were, more to make them fight,  
With grapes and mulberries, their chief delight.  
The Seres were so skilled in Archeries,  
They made their arrows stick in Persian eyes;  
That on their brows they seemed have growing horns,  
Or in mid-forhead like our Unicorns:  
Yea, some in mouth received a hidden stripe,  
And 'twixt their lips hung th'arrow like a pipe.  
So Persian Leaders, troubled in their face,  
Fly back themselves, and draw the rest apace.  
Orondates on swiftest horse of Nyze,  
His chariot leaving, with the foremost flies.  
And this the wise and valiant King of Black,  
From turret, set on tallest Elpen back,  
Beholds, triumphing in his victory;  
And loath to shed much blood of enemy,  
Sends-out command to spare their lives, and bring  
The Persian Duke alive unto the King.  
And so they did, while he the manner viewed.  
The Persian noting first the multitude  
Of Blackemors' Army, kept the Nile behind him;  
For fear they should all round about enwinde him:  
So barred himself the flight, and now forsaken  
Of all his men, on bank alive is taken;  
Though Achaemen repenting what he told,  
And fearing th'end in flying was so bold  
To stab his Lord: it was no deadly blow;  
And yet revenged with Aethiopian bow,  
That surer struck the Traitor; so with ease  
Was into presence brought Orondates.  
To whom the King; I hold it most renown  
By weapon standing, and by favour down,  
To vanquish foe: and you do freely give  
(Though ever false to me) this leave to live.  
The Satrap answered; False I was to you;  
But thereby more unto my Master true.  
The King replied; Say truth and do not swerve,  
Y'are overcome; what do you now deserve?  
The same (quoth he) that would my King require  
Of one of yours, that were to you entire.  
But, O my friend, than quoth the King again,  
Although you trusty were, it was in vain,  
And part unwise for you to set upon  
My forces here, that are ten to your one.  
I knew it well, quoth he; but ever find,  
How much my King mislikes a fearful mind.  
And seeing plain you meant to set on me,  
Thought best begin. For oft a ieoperdee  
May fall out well; and many a chance in war  
May bring th'unlikely luck, the likely bar.  
So might befall me well; and oft in doubt  
Some friendly Fortune favours courage stout;  
But if it fell out so, I did but live;  
I might the bett'r account my Sovereign give.  
The King his answer liked, and strait him sent  
To Sien Town, and after softly went:  
And, leaving th'armies Lieutenants charge,  
In royal state upon his Elpen large  
Enters the gate; that strange it was to see,  
On monster black so black a King as he.  
Then forth to meet him all the City went  
Man, woman, child, of high and low descent;  
And cast him garlands, coronets, and posies  
Of all the fairest lilies, pinks, and roses,  
That grew on bank of Nile, congratulating  
His victories, and himto them prostrating.  
He first of all unto the Temple goes,  
Pesents the Gods with sundry solemn shows  
For victory: then looks upon the Well,  
That wont with Nilus' flood to sink and swell:  
The polished stone within it having lines,  
To count how much it rises or declines:  
And Dial's saw (though they no news to him,  
Because they had the like at Meroim  
Both City and Isle) with Gnomon bolt-upright,  
That gave no shade at noon, but round had light:  
There also puits, that ne'er so deep were sunk,  
Had Sun at noon that of their water drunk:  
For North and South on each side equal lay,  
And Nadir midnight, Zenith made midday:  
For either Pole respective seen was there,  
At landskop-end, South Cross and Northern Bear.  
Then such as came from North-side of the Line,  
To southward of Siene and Elpentine,  
With much amazement saw, where now they stood,  
To lefthand run the shadows of the wood.  
Of Unicorns some to the King relate,  
And show them richly wrought on cloth of state;  
Like clove-foot horse (if wrought it were not wrong)  
With horn in forehead strait some seven foot long.  
There also painted show they him the Rucke,  
So huge a bird, as strong enough to tuck,  
Or truss (as Faulk'ners speak) an Elpen fierce,  
With ell-long talons) toughest hide to pierce:  
Yea four-foot winged Dragons wrought he saw,  
And Gryffins' also, contrarie to Law,  
That Nature keeps in other creatures all,  
Affording them but four limbs principal;  
Not mingling kinds; as this to ramp and fly-on▪  
Before an Eagl' is, and behind a Lion;  
As here set-out by cunning workman's hand:  
But, that there were such living in that land,  
On furth'r enquiry made the truth to touch,  
An old-man called Hearsay did avouch.  
Then set they forth the praises of their Nile,  
And in their praising give him such a style,  
As if the Sun and Moon were less than he  
The causes of their Lands fertilitee,  
With yearly slime there filling every creek;  
Whereof that stream first got that name in Greek.  
They further say their River was the Year,  
And with some reasons make it thus appear:  
What other flood hath flowers like the Nile  
To show the Spring? and there the Crocodile  
In winter-quarter breeds; by waters heap  
The Summer's known; and Autumn time by Neape.  
Besides, the letters of that name amount  
To sum of days i'th' year by just account.  
For N his fifty, and E his five commands,  
And I for ten, and L for thirty stands,  
And O for seventy, for two hundred Σ,  
To tell in Greek; and these all make no less,  
(By rule of Adding if you them contrive)  
Than days i'th' year three hundred sixty five.  
Then said the King, sith you this way have trod,  
And sith you worship Nilus for a God;  
And him we send you down from Blackmorland;  
For this, me thinks, we should your love command,  
You shall, replied the Priests; and much the more  
For such a gracious King; whom we adore  
For saving us more like a God than King,  
And this his victory still shall we sing.  
With moderance (quoth he) your praises scan,  
And still remeb'r, a King is but a man.  
So part of day he spent in talk, the rest  
With Negroes and Sienians in feast.  
Then sent his Army Goats, Sheep, Oxen, Swine,  
Whole Herds at once, and many Butts of wine.  
The next day seated on a lofty throne,  
His well-deserving men calls eu'rychone:  
And with the spoil, before he thence depart,  
Will see them all rewarded by desert.  
To him that took Orondates, he said;  
Ask what thou wilt: he saith, I'm well apaid  
With that I have, if please your majesty,  
With your most royal, word confirm it me:  
And showed the poniard of that Persian Earl,  
Most richly set with precious stone and pearl,  
That many a million cost: the standers-by,  
Too much for private man, began to cry,  
More fit to make a treasure for a King.  
Hydaspes smiling said; is any thing  
More Kingly, than to cast-off covetise,  
And that, which common men admire, despise?  
Besides now, be't a thing of worth or trifle,  
The man that takes a prisoner, may him rifle  
By Law of Arms; we grant him then his right,  
Which he might well have kept out of our sight.  
And, after this man, call'd-for next are they  
Who took Theagen and Chariclia,  
And say (O King) nor gold, nor precious stone,  
But fairest two we bring of flesh and bone:  
To serve your Highness and your gracious Queen.  
Well put in mind (quoth he) I have them seen,  
But did not mark them well; now then again  
Them bring before me: than one ran amain  
To Camp, and willed the keepers quickly bring  
That fair young man and maid before the King.  
They ask whither now, and why they went,  
Are told Hydaspes King hath for them sent.  
O Gods, quoth they, at King Hydaspes name,  
Till than not knowing still had reigned the same.  
Then he to her, sweet heart (in whisper-vaine)  
Tell you our case; Hydaspes still doth reign,  
Your father, as oft you told me. Whereto she,  
Have patience a while (sweet heart) and see  
Yet more; A matt'r of such a consequence  
Must-not be dealt-in rashly, for offence.  
And things, that have beginnings intricate,  
Are brought t'an end with some more solemn state.  
Besides, my mother (though we hear she lives)  
Of our estate most pregnant witness gives;  
And is not here. Theagenes replies;  
But, if we offered be for sacrifice,  
Or given to some as Captives in reward;  
Too late we make you known, I am afeard.  
O fear it not, quoth she; we must be seen  
At Meroe, and there shall meet the Queen  
Ere sacrifice. Our overhasty joy  
In matt'r unripe may breed us much annoy.  
To show our case in absence of our proof,  
I think can no ways make for our behoof;  
But rath'r offend the King, when such as we,  
In servile state, his heirs shall claim to be.  
But you have evidence (quoth he) and show it:  
'Tis evidence (quoth she) to them that know it,  
And know the passage; otherwise, althow  
The King himself some of these jewels know,  
In such a case as this, he may deny them,  
Or else suspect we came not truly by them.  
Who knows the Queen this writing e'er compiled,  
Or as a mother left it with her child?  
It may be said that some confederate  
This wrought, to raise a tumult in the state.  
Instinct of Nature is a wondrous sign,  
That at the first encounter will incline  
The mother to the child. Then is't not best  
This sign to lose that makes good all the rest.  
The Fable saith, one had a bird did lay  
Him eggs of gold; who, thinking long to stay  
Till lay-day came (because he kept no measure)  
Did kill his bird, for in-her-hidden treasure:  
But true that saying is (think on't my Dear)  
He hasteth well that wisely can forbear.  
And now they two, with Eunuch Bagoas,  
Through all the Blackmore Guard have way to pass,  
And come before the King: he eyed them well;  
But how affected hard it is to tell:  
He rose a littl' and said; me Heaven excuse!  
And sat him down again as in a muse.  
The Peers about him asked him what he meant.  
He said, I dreamed the Gods this night had sent  
Me such a daughter, and suddenly so grown;  
I little thought thereon, nor would it own;  
Till now is come before my waking sight  
The very same (me thinks) I saw by night.  
They told him, dreams sometime will let one see  
A thing beforehand that will shortly be.  
Then setting light thereby, he asked them, what  
And whence they were? Theagenes to that  
Replied, we broth'r and sister be, and come  
Late out of Greece. But is that Maiden dumb  
(Replied the King)? Chariclia said, we hear,  
We must to th'Altar; and my Parents there  
Will soon be known. But hear (O King) the troth;  
That one is here, and there they will be both.  
To that Hydaspes said, and saying smil'de,  
Me thinks now dreameth this my dreame-borne child;  
Imagining her Parents, swift as thought,  
Shall out of Greece to Meroe be brought:  
Well, take and use these two with all the grace  
They had before: but what's that Eunuch's face?  
The same, say they. The King then, let him pass  
Along with them, to keep untaint the Lass:  
For Eunuch is a kind of jealous Elf,  
Envying others that he lacks himself.  
Thus having said, all other Captives there  
He called, and viewed them well; and all that were,  
As borne to serve, of father and mother slave,  
Among his well-deserving Soldiers gave.  
The rest, that seemed of better birth to be,  
Without imposed ransom let go free,  
And whither so they lift; save only ten  
The fairest younger maids, and younger men,  
T'increase the Sacrifice: then justice found  
All such as did their cases there propound.  
And some there were who though they fought not hard,  
For good intelligence obtained reward;  
And some for counsel, some for Engin-Art;  
For victory depends not all on Mart.  
At last Orondates he calls him nigh,  
And bids him hold his former satrapy.  
Thus further saying; When you come before  
My broth'r of Babel, tell him I full sore  
Against my will to bloody war am forced,  
Albeeed as any King well manned and horsed.  
And yet, in bloodshed though I not delight,  
Must take up arms and will to keep my right;  
Which now I have recovered, strike no drum  
T'enlarge my Territory, as would do some:  
But am content with share on Nature grounded,  
Which Egypt hath from Aethiopie bounded  
By Cataracts: so, if he will, let cease  
This war betwixt us for a friendly peace.  
As for the Sienaeans, I release them  
A ten years' tribute; do not you oppress them.  
But wish your Master grant that liberty,  
I know he will, commended so by me.  
No wicked man I praise, although my friend;  
Nor good man enemy will discommend.  
The Persian hearing this, with hands before  
His breast athwart, bowed down his head t'adore;  
And prayed the Gods his royal days increase,  
That Perseus and Indies ever keep in peace.  
Then all gave thanks, devoutly promising  
Their loyalty to such a gracious King.  
Finis Libri Noni.   

THE Fair AEthiopian.  
THe King than sent his Army part before,  
And follows with the rest along the shore  
Of flowery Nile, until he came beyond  
The Cataracts, he there forsook the strand,  
And drew to Midland-ward as far as Phile,  
From Sien (as I said) some thirteen mile.  
And thence he sent another multitude,  
Led well as need was (for they were but rude)  
Of common Soldiers marching merrily  
Before the King, who stayed to fortify.  
When that was done, he sent two horsemen post,  
To signify, the King with all his Host  
Is coming home, and means to gratify  
The Gods with Sacrifice for victory:  
As by his letters more at large is seen,  
Both vnt' his sacred Council and the Queen:  
To Council thus; These are to let you know  
My conquest of the Persian forces; though  
I vaunt not of it: Fortune is unstable;  
And all her turnings hold I venerable:  
But you, that always heretofore and now  
Foretold me truth, I cannot but allow  
This testimony for your Priesthoods sake;  
And pray, and charge you further pains to take;  
And come in person, answering our hopes,  
At full Assembly of our Aethiops,  
To grace the business with your gravity,  
While we do sacrifice for victory:  
And thus to Queen; We have quite overthrown  
Our enemies, and herewithal be known  
(That most concerneth you) in health we are:  
A solemn sacrifice therefore prepare,  
And call our Wisemen to the sacred field,  
And meet us there yourself, due thanks to yield  
Unto the Gods, protectors of our Land,  
The Sun and Moon, and all that for us stand,  
I have my dream, quoth she; last night me thought,  
A goodly daughter into the world I brought,  
Of marriageable state. The War my throws,  
And Victory my goodly daughter shows.  
Then to the City messengers she sent:  
That Loto-garlands had for ornament;  
A flower (not much unlike the flower of Franks)  
With growing gold that crowneth Nilus' banks;  
And shaking Palms in hand on horse they road  
Th'rowout the City and Suburbs all abroad.  
The people know the sign without the voice  
Of Victory, and greatly 'gan rejoice:  
Yet more for safety of that their gracious King,  
Than for the Persian Army conquering.  
They thick and threefold to the Temples crowd;  
And offer sacrifice, and sing aloud  
In City, Parish, Ward, and Family;  
They him so love, for right and clemency;  
For ruling them with tender piety,  
And never showing point of tyranny.  
The Queen then sent into the sacred fields,  
All manner beasts and fowl the Country yields;  
Enough to sacrifice with foul and beast,  
And furnish-out a solemn public feast.  
Then goes she to the wise Gym●●osophers,  
Acquaints them with the King's desire and hers,  
But stays a while till they their God's demand,  
What should be done; and lo in turn of hand  
Sisimithres comes forth, their chief Anoint,  
And saith they come; for so the Gods appoint;  
But some great tumult, by their prophecies,  
It seems there will be made at sacrifice;  
Yet well shall end: as though part of your ground,  
Or of yourself, were lost, and shall be found.  
I do not fear (quoth she) those fearful signs,  
In presence of such reverend Divines:  
But when I hear the King is come I shall  
You certify. That need you not at all,  
Sisimithres reparted, I know't well;  
And ere't be long a letter shall you tell.  
And as they spoke came letters from the King  
Unto the Queen faire-sealed with his ring.  
Then strait an Herald sent is to proclaim  
Th'effect thereof; in Queen and Counsels name;  
Commanding there should be no woman seen,  
But she, that was Diana's Priest, the Queen,  
And such as must be sacrificed there,  
As was the custom, then from eu'rywhere  
The men come flocking; and, a day before  
The time appointed, some cross Astabore,  
Some Arsasoba, some the broader Nile  
In Reeden boats; for Meroe was an Isle  
With these three rivers compassed for strength;  
An hundred broad, three hundred mile in length:  
A fair and fruitful soil; it bore a reed  
That made a boat, would carry three with speed,  
All were't but slit, at leavell line and point,  
No more than Nature gave 'twixt joint and joint.  
It bore some wheat so high, would hide a pack,  
Or man that sat on tallest horses back:  
And for the seed (so mellow was the mould)  
It paid the husbandman three hundred-fold:  
Nor only rich in these and other plants,  
But yearly brought the hugest Elephants;  
Whose ell-long tusks (believe ye them that saw)  
Grow not in the under, but in th'uppper jaw;  
Nor were the lower jawbone deep and strong  
Enough, to bear a tooth so large and long.  
And there Rhinocerots', ●ight Unicorns,  
With all beasts else that have, or have not horns,  
This Island bred, of greatest height and size,  
Whereof they brought for solemn Sacrifice,  
And for the feast, a wondrous multitude  
To satisfy both civil men and rude.  
Some meet the King a great way off for joy,  
Some near, and all cry-out Vive le Roy.  
The grave Gymnosophists maintain their state,  
And meet the King not much beyond the gate  
Of sacred field; and there they kiss his hands.  
The Queen within the porch of Temple stands;  
Receives him there with men of noble ranks,  
And all for victory the Gods give thanks.  
Then out of Cloister to the place they went  
Of Sacrifice, and set them in their Tent:  
Fouresquare it was, and (pillarets in steed)  
At every corner born-up with a reed  
As big as trunk of Oak; in Canopee  
Met close above with boughs of Phoenix tree.  
Another Tent there was two stories high;  
Wherein, above, the pictures set are by  
Of Memnon, Perseus, and Andromeda:  
Of whom the Blackmore Kings (I cannot say  
How true it is, but as it is pretended)  
From time to time are lineally descended.  
Hereunder sit the grave Gymnosophists,  
Round about the Soldiers keep the lists;  
That force of people break not upon those,  
Who should do Sacrifice amid the close.  
The King them told, what for the Commonwealth  
Was lately done, and all pray for his health:  
He than commands, according t'ancient guise,  
Whom-to it longed, proceed to Sacrifice;  
For now the time of day grew toward Noon.  
Three Altars were there, two for Sun and Moon  
Together set, the third for Bacchus was  
By't self alone; and this for offering has  
All sorts of creatures: to the God of wine  
Th'unclean and clean, th'impure and pure incline.  
But th'other two, for either heavenly light  
That all the world about do shine so bright,  
The Sun white horses had, for swiftest flight;  
The Moon, for helping tillage, oxen white.  
And, while men busy be preparing those,  
Confused cries among the peopl' arose  
For humane Sacrifice of strangers ta'en,  
That, after custom, first should there be slain.  
The King them all appeased with beckoning hand,  
And for the strangers bringing gave command.  
They brought are loose; the rest all heavy and sad;  
The greeks undaunted; rather seeming glad;  
And cheerfully Chariclia cast her eyes  
Upon Persina, which the Queen espies;  
And marking was affected much, and said  
With deep-set sigh, O husband what a Maid  
Have you pickt-out to kill? so sweet a face  
I never saw. With what a cheerful grace,  
And haughty courage comes she to her death?  
The daughter I brought you, had she drawn her breath  
Till now, I think should bear the selfsame age.  
What pity it is, that on this bloody stage  
The flower of Maids is brought! I should delight  
In such a waiter, if I save her might  
A Greek I think, the more I pity her case;  
For, if you mark it, sh'hath no Gipsy face.  
A Greek indeed, quoth he, and though she said  
Here parents will be here, it cannot aid.  
I pity her myself; but cannot stead,  
Except it prove sh'hath lost her Maidenhead;  
Which must be tried by fire. And, if't be so,  
For you to take her, were it fit or no?  
No matter, quoth the Queen, or maid, or wife,  
Or otherwise; so I but save her life.  
Captivity, and war, and banishment,  
Though fault committed were, excuse intent.  
So said sh'and hardly could her swelling eye  
Conceal th'affection from the standers-by.  
Then called the King for th'artificial fire,  
That want discern the broken from th'entire:  
For, though it were with burning gold made hot,  
Yet man or woman virgin burnt it not.  
That gold by fire, and woman's tried by gold,  
And men by women, cannot be controlled:  
Though Maid to try, by scaping thus enfired,  
It cannot be but from above inspired.  
Theagenes is called, and all admire  
So young, so goodly a man, t'endure the fire.  
To see him tried so, was Chariclia glad,  
Though no suspicion of his love she had.  
And grieved again (when trial was so done)  
He should be sacrificed unto the Sun,  
As said the King. To her Theagenes  
Then softly said; among such peopl' as these  
Is Sacrifice reward of chastity?  
And death of honest life? Sweet heart, but why  
Reveal you not yourself, to save our life?  
You see me near the Sacrificers knife.  
Or will you stay until you see me dead?  
Or till your mother's sword strike-off your head?  
I prithee save me! yet I care not, I,  
So thou be sure to live, although I die.  
The time's at hand, quoth she; what shall I say?  
Our fortunes now are all at Hay now hay:  
Then oped her farthel, quickly dressed herself  
In sacred mantle that she brought from Delft,  
Dispred her golden hair about her shoulders,  
And, to th'amazement there of all beholders,  
On fire she leapt in fury as 'twere divine;  
That made her beauty more and more to shine,  
And hurt her not. All wonder, many weep,  
That she her maidenhead so well should keep,  
To make her die; Persina most of all  
Affected is, and (rising from her stall)  
Entreats the King. In vain you speak, quoth he,  
And troubl' us all, for that which cannot be.  
The Gods (you see) do choose her, since she leapt  
Upon the fire, and therefore have her kept  
Untainted hitherto: but, O ye Wise,  
Wherefore begin you not the Sacrifice?  
Sisimithres replies then out of hand,  
In Greek, that all there might not understand;  
Far be't, O King! with Sacrifices such  
Polluted are w'already too too much.  
But we'll aside into the Temple draw,  
And not assist man-sacrifising Law;  
Wherewith the Gods offended are we know;  
Yet, sith the people needs will have it so,  
'Tis meet the King do stay and see it done;  
For fear the vulgar to disorder run.  
And after shall your Majesty have need  
Be cleansed, for assisting such a deed.  
And yet not so, for done it shall not be;  
A beam about the stranger's heads I see.  
Which plainly tells me that some Power Divine,  
In tok'n of aid hath cast on them this shine.  
So saying rose, and all his company  
So parting were Chariclia presently  
From fire down running fell before his way,  
And said, O reverend Sire, beseek you stay:  
I have to plead against his royal grace;  
And you are only judge in such a case;  
As I am told: then hear and quickly know  
That such a death I ought not undergo.  
The stranger then (quoth he) O King, appeals:  
Now do her right, as father of Commonweals.  
Hydaspes smiled, and said, how can it be,  
Or what hath such an one to do with me?  
That shall you know (quoth he) if she declare.  
But (Sir) replied the King) you must beware  
You give not way for judgement or Appeal,  
To wrong a King and father of Commonweal  
(As you me term) and do me this disgrace,  
Against a Captive so to plead my case.  
Sisimithres reparted: Equity  
Respects not high Degrees, or Majesty;  
But he that right with reason best maintains  
At justice bar, is only man that reigns.  
But with mine own (replied the King) and not  
With strangers ought I thus to try my lot.  
O Sir, a thing to subject equitable  
(Replied the judge) to stranger's honourable.  
Then saith the King, 'tis plain sh'hath nought to say,  
But only seeks to trifie time away,  
As loath to die: but let her speak, because  
Sisimithres so forward that-way draws.  
Chariclia courage had enough before  
And hope of safety; that name gave her more.  
For she had heard that one Sisimithres  
Was he that gave her first to Charicles;  
And then but seven years old, ten years ago;  
No marvel now that him she did not know;  
Nor yet her he; who, than Gymnosophist  
But one of common sort, now led the list,  
And Primate was of all. That made her raise  
Her hands and voice to Heaven; and thus she prays;  
O Sun, the Founder of my Pedigree,  
And Gods, and Demigods, mine Ancestree!  
Me hear and help! To witness call I you,  
That nothing shall I here allege, but true.  
And thus begin; O King, are they your own  
That thus must die, or strangers and unknown?  
And strangers only said the King: Then she;  
Then must you seek some other here for me.  
For I shall easily prove and make it known,  
That I no stranger am; but e'en your own.  
He marvelled much, and called her Counterfetter:  
Small things are these (quoth he) now hear you greater:  
For I shall prove me not borne only here,  
But of Blood royal, to yourself full near.  
The King it scorned, and her, for words so vain  
And new devised; she reparts again,  
With sober countenance and behaviour mild;  
Most royal father scorn not so your child!  
The King was wroth, and said, Sisimithres,  
And you the rest, how long thus will it please  
Your sacred Wisdom, that I this endure?  
Away with her: I have no child I'm sure:  
Though once I had a guirle that quickly died,  
As all you know; and I had none beside;  
Away with her. Not till the judge so say,  
Quoth she; you judge not, but are judged to day.  
Your Law perhaps you suffers stranger kill;  
That child you slay, nor Law, nor Nature will:  
And that your child I am, though you say no,  
The Gods themselves this day will plainly show.  
Two kinds of Arguments, as I am told,  
Are chiefly used in proof: the first enrouled  
By writing are, the second firmly stand  
On witness unexcept on either hand.  
I bring them both; and offered to be seen  
Her cradle-band displayed before the Queen:  
She looked thereon amazed at case so strange,  
And at her guerle, with many a counterchange.  
Now it, now her she viewed, then her, than it;  
And fell a sweeting with a shaking fit,  
For joy, and fear, and doubt what might befall;  
And what the King would think, and what they all,  
That she with honour could a daughter bring  
So much unlike herself, unlike the King.  
The King perceived her passion, and, what ill,  
(Sweet heart, quoth he) hath done thee that same Bill?  
What ails my Love? she not a word, but O  
King, Lord, and Husband, read it you and know:  
Then sad and silent gave it him; and he  
The Wisemen called, with him to read and see.  
They look well on it all, and, as they look,  
With much amaze Sisimithres was struck;  
And now the writing, than the Princess eyed:  
And when the King was partly satisfied  
About the Babe, and putting forth, and cause  
That moved the Queen thereto; with little pause  
He said, I know a guerle I had; but told  
Was by Persina dead and laid in mould;  
Put-out now first I hear: but where's the man  
That took, broughtup, and kept her? show who can.  
How came sh'int'Aegypt? wherefore was not he,  
That brought her thither, taken as well as she?  
How are we sure that this is she, and not  
One foysted-in by politic complot  
Of such as may true babe extinguished,  
Or got these tokens after she was dead,  
Abusing them and my well-known desire  
Of child, me to succeed in this Empire?  
To that Sisimithres; Your Majesty  
Well knows I may not, nor have cause to lie.  
What since became of her I little ween,  
But I am he that took her from the Queen,  
And seven years kept her close, till you in fine  
Me sent int'Aegypt for the Smaragd-mine.  
Then thith'r I take her with me; there I seek  
To place her safe, and with an honest Greek.  
And this no doubt is her own swadling-band,  
A th'inside writ with Queen Persina's hand.  
But hear (young Lady) said he more, and smil'de▪  
I other things than left him with the child.  
Lo here, quoth she, and jewels showed, whereon  
The Queen well looking, stood as still as stone.  
How now (than quoth the King) what find you more?  
Something (quoth she) that I'll not speak before  
So many men, but I shall be your debtor  
To tell you all, albeit in private better.  
Chariclia saw the King yet full of doubt,  
And smilingly these words-into burst-out.  
Sir, these my mother's tokens are, but (see)  
This one is yours, and showed the Pantarbee.  
The King it knew full fell, and said at sight,  
This was mine own indeed; how came you by't?  
For why? your colour, here so peregrine,  
Doth plainly show you can be none of mine.  
Then said Sisimithres, the child was white  
That I so took; and time acordeth right  
With age of this young Damsel; yea me thinks  
Her face the same, both when she looks and wink:  
And such a beauty never have I seen  
Before, nor since, and this had of the Queen.  
More like a Patron than a judge you say,  
Replied the King: but yet take heed, I pray,  
Lest one doubt clearing, you a greater bring,  
And move suspect betwixt the Queen and King:  
For how can we, that are a Blackmore pair,  
Beget a child so beautiful and fair?  
The Wiseman looked on King with twiring eyes,  
And said, a judge must justice patronise.  
Yet still (my Liege) I think I speak for you,  
As well as her, and help you to your due.  
And what if I for her, now grown, do strive,  
For whom, a child, I strove, to keep alive?  
That of your body you might leave an heir;  
And will you cast her off, because so fair?  
For that, the roll, of Queen Persina's hand,  
Will satisfy you, if it well be scanned.  
To clear the case yet further, call I pray  
(At hand it is) for your Andromeda:  
The picture's brought and set hard by the Maid,  
And all that looked on them admiring said;  
O father know your child, mistrust not mother,  
For, but by life, we know not t'one from tother.  
Hydaspes' doubts no more, but of his dream  
Then spoke again, to ratify the theme:  
So did the Queen, and both the Parents gaze▪  
On daughters face, and on Andromeda's.  
Yet said Sisimithres; Royal Descent,  
And Crown, and Scept'r is weighty consequent:  
And truth most weighty of all: another sign  
I know, may best th'imperial cause define.  
Your left arm (Lady) show; 'tis no disgrace  
To show a naked arm in such a case.  
If you be that same royal child I knew,  
Above your elbow a mark there is of blue.  
She showed, and so it was; like azure ring  
On polished Iu'rie; this when saw the King,  
He was persuaded; and Persina then,  
Forgetting state among so many men;  
Ran from her Throne as if sh'had been half wild,  
Embraced, and kissed, and hugged so fast her child;  
That, through so sudden joys extremity  
With mourning mixed, she fell int' ecstasy.  
Hydaspes pitied her, yet like affect  
He felt in mind with manly courage checked.  
But, when he saw them both together fall,  
He raised them up, and kissed them both withal.  
And on his daughter wept, to make amends  
For hard belief: Yet thus said; You my friends,  
And loyal people see this strange event,  
And will (I think) if I desire, consent  
To save the life of this unhoped Heir  
Apparent to my Crown, although so fair:  
But for your sake and safety, for the Law,  
I may not spare her; so began to draw  
Her toward th'Altar; All cry-out on high,  
The Gods have well declared she should not die  
This cruel death; O save the Royal Blood!  
And stepped betwixt, and crowding stiffly stood  
To stay his passage; and yet further cry,  
You fath'r of people fath'r a family!  
I thank you for your love, quoth he, and stayed,  
And turned about, and to the Princess said;  
That you, so fair one, yet my daughter are,  
However called, the Gods and these declare.  
But what is he, that was with you surprised,  
And stands at th'Altar to be sacrificed?  
How happed you called him brother heretofore?  
For, but yourself, I children had no more.  
Chariclia bent her eyes down to the ground,  
And blushing said; it was that fearful stound  
Constrained me so; but what he is indeed  
(Please you him ask) himself can best arreed.  
I cry you mercy (smiling quoth he than)  
That blush I made you, speaking of the man.  
But stay and keep your mother company,  
And of your fortunes tell her th'history;  
So may you bring her now more joy and mirth,  
Than at the day of your admired birth.  
Of solemn Sacrifice I must have care,  
And in your stead another Maid prepare  
To die with him. The Princess at that word  
Was like to skreame, yet held, and said; my Lord  
And royal father, sith the people's mind  
Is, for my sake, to spare the female kind;  
They look not for another, or if need  
Require a pair must on your Altar bleed;  
'Twere good you had another man; for he  
Cannot be sacrificed, but with me.  
The Gods forbid, quoth he; why say you so?  
Because with him (quoth she) I stay, or go;  
I live, or die, as Destin hath defined.  
I like (quoth he) your charitable mind  
To save your fellow-pris'ner; but in truth  
It cannot be: to th'Altar must this Youth:  
And that the people were content to spare  
Mine only thee, was heavenly Powers care.  
O King (quoth she) the Gods that had the care  
This body of mine, so little worth, to spare;  
Will spare my soul; and what that is they know,  
That have ordained (before) it should be so.  
If otherwise, and that this man must dye;  
This one thing grant m'I pray, that none but I  
Him sacrifice, to show these all about  
Your daughter's heart, like true blood-royal stout.  
The King was vexed, and said; of this your mind,  
So contrary, no reason can I find.  
At first this stranger sought you to defend,  
And now, as if he never were your friend,  
But utter foe, you would yourself him kill:  
I see no good can thence arise, but ill:  
Nor can it with our reputation stand,  
For you to take that office now in hand.  
For none wields here the sacrificing knife,  
But Priest of Sun and Moon, the man and wife.  
That hinders not, quoth she at mother's ear;  
For I have one that may that title bear.  
You shall, replied the Queen in softly voice,  
When for your good and ours we make the choice.  
There need no choosing one already had,  
Quoth she. Alas (quoth he) my daughter's mad;  
Or, ouerjoyed with sudden change, in chat,  
As in a dream, she speaks she knows not what;  
Him brother calls, that is not; save him would  
At first, and kill him now: She thinks she could  
Be maid and wife at once: Dear wife her take  
Into your Tent, and see what you can make  
Of these her words; or labour to recall  
Her wits again before she lose them all;  
I must send-out to seek some other Maid,  
For her to die; and mean time shall be stayed  
To give Ambassadors their audience,  
That late are come (I know not yet from whence)  
I think our conquest to congratulate:  
Soon after set himself in chair of State,  
And orderly them called Harmonias;  
That for the time thereto appointed was.  
Meroebus first, the Kings own brother's son,  
Comes-in, and with his present thus begun;  
My Sovereign Lord and Father, (for entailed  
The Crown was on him, if Kings Issue failed)  
For safe return of your high Majesty,  
And for our gladness of your victory,  
We all bring presents; and myself this man,  
That oft hath played his prize, and ever wan;  
At running, wrestling, cudgelling, and cuffs,  
Can none come near him. Then the fellow-puffes,  
And makes a present challenge; Come who dare;  
And naked 'gan there round about him stare.  
The King makes proclamation; Come who would:  
But not a man in all his Camp so bold.  
So great his bulk was, post-like his upholders,  
And taller he than all by head and shoulders.  
I thank you son Meroebu●, quoth the King;  
And I will give him such another thing.  
So did; and Elephant so grown with years,  
That all the rest about him seemed but Steares.  
The beast was brought, and like the man did stare;  
And all the people laughed at that compare.  
Now next to these came in the men of Sere,  
Who brought the King two silken robes to wear,  
Of dainty sleeve drawn from their wormie trees;  
And ask a boon upon their naked knees.  
And, what it was, is uttered be their Prime;  
A pardon of all their prisoners for the time.  
The King it grants: then came-in th'Embassy  
Of such as dwelled in Happy Arabia.  
Unhappy since, for bringing forth the sword  
Of Prophet false, that fights against the Word.  
They brought a present did such odours yield,  
As sweetly soon perfumed all the field,  
With Aloës, Amomum, Cassia,  
Canella, Stacte, Nardus Pistica,  
Myrrh, Ambergris, Mahaca, Labdanum,  
Keranna, Stor, and every precious gum;  
Worth many talents. Then brought they that have  
None other house, but every man his Cave;  
The Troglodytes, of Country no where cold,  
A yoke of Griffins chained with that fine gold,  
Which Emmots nigh as big as Norfolk sheep,  
At sand-hill-side are said to gath'r and keep.  
Then came that wore, for Turban, straw in net  
With arrows round about the brim beset,  
Point upward, feathers down; a radiant show  
They made, and stuck still ready for the bow:  
And bow, with shafts of hurtful Dragon's bone,  
These men of Blemmy brought, and thus saith one;  
In all our Country (high and mighty King)  
We have no better present now to bring,  
Than these; but hope your Majesty will say  
They did good service on the battaile-day.  
They did indeed (replied the King) and were  
The chiefest cause of other presents here:  
Then ask what will you. They be seek his Grace  
T'abate their tribute. He for ten years' space  
Remits it all. At last come th' Axumates,  
No Tributaries, but Associates;  
And they rejoicing at this his victory,  
Present him with a Camelpardalie:  
So strange a beast, as never there was seen;  
With Beuer-coloured hair all dappled green.  
As Camel high before, but low behind,  
Doth every way his small head nimbly wind;  
With neck upright, and long and slender throat,  
And great and rolling eyes, that stare and glote,  
As if he cruel were; yet is, to keep,  
As debonair and tame as ox or sheep.  
But sith his legs behind both equall-short,  
Both equall-long before, could not consort  
With ambl' or troth, in pace his feet he sets  
Just as an horse doth when he well curvets;  
Hath higher bounds and turnings up and down;  
And but a cord, made fast unto his Crown,  
To guide him by. When this strange beast appeared,  
And with his eyes so goggle-gloting leered  
At Horse and Bull, that tied were fast to th'Altars,  
They, scared therewith, broke suddenly their halters;  
And snorting Horse, and roaring Bull amain  
Ran up and down that Army-closed plain.  
The people gave a shout thereat; and some  
For fear of harm, the beasts so nigh them come:  
And some cry-out and laugh, for game and sport;  
Not so to see their trod-downe fellows hurt;  
As more to think in accident so rare  
Of others harm, how safe themselves yet are.  
The noise so great, provoked the Queen to draw  
Her curtain, so she and her daughter saw.  
Theagenes at Altar kneeled, expecting  
The stroke of sword; yet herewithal erecting  
Himself to see, and, seeing keepe●● gone,  
That other horse, which lest was, leapt upon;  
With faggot-sticke in hand from Altartane,  
And for a bridle holding fast the mane,  
And kicking hard, him se● to run so fast,  
That Bull they chase, and overtake at last.  
At first attempt the standers by surmise  
The prisoner fled to scape the sacrifice:  
But when they see him touch the beast behind,  
And coarse him round, they sudden change their mind;  
Yea take delight, to see the Bull in drift,  
And held by tail, and yet the man him shift  
So nimble at every turn; and tame him so,  
That close together side by side they go,  
As well acquainted now. And all admire  
The man that made so Horse and Bull conspire;  
And, that which many there admiring spoke,  
As 'twere to draw, had joined them without yoke.  
But other thoughts had then the royal Maid;  
She of his hurt, or fall, was sore afraid:  
And that perceived the Queen, and said; my child,  
You seem t'affect the stranger now so wild:  
Myself do wish, him scaped these jeoperdies,  
To keep him sound and fit for sacrifice.  
Good mother wish the man more graciously,  
(Quoth she) than that he scape this death to dye;  
Sith of your favour this small sign you gave him,  
Do somewhat more for my sake now, and save him.  
Persina thought it savoured of some love,  
But knew not all; and said, what should you move  
T'affect him so? for sure you make me muse;  
Then tell me plain: a mother can excuse  
Her daughter's weakness, and well with it bear▪  
Chariclia then, down dropping many a tear,  
And sighing said; I speak before the wise▪  
Yet am not understood, and then she cries,  
And speaks again; I cannot so abuse  
Myself, to tell that shall myself accuse▪  
And as she thought t'have uttered somewhat more,  
They interrupted were with great up roar,  
And shout the people made: For at the last  
Theagenes that horse let go, and cast  
Himself upon the Bull; and laid his head  
Betwixt the roarers horns, and roundly sored  
His arms about them, clasping fast his hands  
Before the front; and neither sits nor stands,  
But on the beasts right shoulder hangs down right,  
And tires him so: at length by dainty sleight,  
When he had run him thrice about the ring,  
And came to place now just before the King,  
In course him tripped, and on his back with bound  
He laid him flat, and pight his horns aground;  
They stuck so fast, he could not wag his head;  
But kicking lay with all four quarters spread.  
The man with left hand held him down (his right  
Held up to Heaven) and made a cheerful sight  
To King and people: so much eke the more  
For that, as trump, the Bull began to roar  
And sound the praise of him that overcame;  
The roaring multitude than did the same;  
And cried, now let him try his skill at full,  
Th'old-Elpen-man, with him that cast the Bull:  
Meroebus man they mean, and for him call;  
That this young Greek and he may try a fall.  
Then at their instance was the King content;  
And for the Champion a Waiter sent.  
Full soon came in the giant aethiop's,  
On tiptoe strutting without coat or ●●ops,  
And every way began to goggl and start,  
To see the man that with him wrestle dare.  
To th'other then in Greek thus said the King;  
You stranger, 'tis the will of all this ring,  
To see a combat 'twixt this man and you.  
I am content, quoth he; what shall we do?  
No more than wrestle, quoth the King. Nay, nay,  
Le's fight at sharp (quoth he) that I to day  
May do some famous deed, or with my death  
Content Chariclia, that still holds her breath,  
And all this while our cases would not tell;  
Or hath already bid me quite farewell.  
I know not what you mean● by that same word,  
Chariclia (quoth the King) but fight with sword  
You may not: 'tis against the Law and guise,  
That blood she shed before the Sacrifice.  
Theagenes, perceiving King afraid  
He should be slain before his offering, said,  
'Tis well you keep me for the Gods, and they  
I trust will think upon my right to day.  
But let him come: then strid, and strongly pight  
H●s feet on chosen ground, with arms outright,  
Back, neck, and shoulders bend; as I suppose,  
To take the best advantage at the close.  
The Giant comes, as 'twere at 〈◊〉 where can,  
But plays at first the Booby more than man:  
For catch he meant not, though he made a show;  
But gave Theagenes a weighty blow  
With arm on neck, and laughing started back,  
And came again to set his limbs in ●acke:  
Then both together grappling, tugging, springing,  
Advancing, crouching, heaving, shoving, swinging,  
Retiring, spurning, locking, losing, make  
Both air above, and earth beneath them shake.  
Theagenes, that from a child had been  
Instructed well by cunning wrestle-men,  
Not only in Greece among the Mercurites,  
But in Great Britain with the Cornwallites,  
Got-up this heavy Slouch at last on hip;  
And all-asudden gave him such a trip▪  
(His own wait helping) by a Cornish knack;  
That fetched him o'er, and laid him flat on's back.  
And as he fell, was echoed equal sound,  
To lump of flesh so thrashed against the ground.  
As dead he lay at first, stretched out at full,  
Then facing Heaven shook heels as did the Bull.  
Where at Meroebus angered gave a stamp;  
Though greatly pleased therewith was all the Camp.  
Chariclia's colour went and came the while;  
But at the fall she laughed beyong a smile.  
This Queen of diamonds, fairest of the pack,  
Was she that holp the red suit win the black.  
But soon was dampt her victory; for lo,  
The King arising from his Throne, said O  
What pity 'tis that such a man should die  
Untimely death! but help it cannot I.  
Come young man now remains that you be crowned  
For Sacrifice; and yet this deed renowned  
Deserves no less: then set a golden stem  
Upon his head, beset with pearl and Gem:  
And weeping said, triumph; though, by our Lay,  
The joy thereof will have an end to day.  
But, sith I cannot free you, though I striwe,  
Ask what I may do for you, whilst you live,  
And I shall grant it. Then Theagenes,  
If sacrificed I must be, let it please  
Your Majesty, that your so newfound heir  
May use the sword upon me, and I'll obey her.  
The King was struck, remembering how that clause  
Agreed with hers: yet would not search the cause;  
But said, I promised what I might, but this  
I may not do; against the Law it is;  
That saith the Sacrifice still out be laid  
By one that is a wife; not by a Maid.  
She hath an husband, quoth the Knight. To that  
Replied the King; you speak you know not what,  
And like a man to die: the fire hath clean  
Refuted that conceit; except you mean  
Meroebus here, whom I intent t'advance  
By marrying her, as you have heard perchance.  
You never shall effect it, quoth the Knight▪  
If I conceive Chariclia's mind a right▪  
And you may trust me as a Sacrifice▪  
That of the truth divinely prophecies.  
To that Meroebus, Sacrifices slain  
Do prophesy; not while they live remain.  
And (father) well you said, and hit himpat;  
At point of death he speaks he knows not what.  
'Twere good you sent him unto th'alter again,  
And at your leisure put him out of pain.  
So sent he was. The Princess that before  
Had some small joy received, with hope of more,  
For game at wrestling won; now 'gan to droop,  
When unto death again she saw him stoop.  
Her mother comforts her, and saith; full well  
He might be saved, if she would further tell  
What was betwixt them. When she saw no way,  
But plainly must a Maidens love bewray,  
And sith it was but to the Queen that bore her,  
She pluckt-up heart, and laid the case before her.  
Meanwhile the King, Ambassadors if more  
Yet were to come, a Sergeant sent to know.  
The same brings word again that from Sieen  
Are letters come with gifts to King and Queen.  
A grave old man comes in, as one elect  
To bring the letters, and to this effect:  
T' Hydaspes' King of Indies West and East,  
Orondates, of all his Train the least.  
By Deeds of Arms your valour all men see,  
And bounteousness by favour showed to me.  
And, sith your all-admired Majesty,  
Me gave so soon th'Aegyptian Satrapie,  
It makes me think, this little suit that I  
Have now to make, you will me not deny.  
A certain Maid to me from Memphis sent  
(As I am told by some that with her went  
And are escaped) is by your high command,  
With others captive brought to Meroland.  
I pray, me send her; this I undertake,  
Both for her own and for her father's sake,  
Who seeking her was taken by some of mine  
Before the peace, and left at Elpentine.  
Now prayest ' appear before your Majesty,  
In hope to taste herein your clemency.  
O King, return him not with heavy thought;  
But glad to find the grace we both have sought.  
When this was read, the King said, where is he  
That seeks a daughter captive? let me see.  
Th'old man, who brought the letters said, 'tis I  
Then said the King, I will you not deny  
A father's suit; and well it shall me please,  
To grant this first request t' Orondates.  
There are but ten, and one hath Parents known;  
Go view the rest, and finding take your own.  
The man for very joy began to greet,  
And fell before the King, and kissed his feet;  
Then viewed them all, but his there could not find,  
And told the King; you see (quoth he) my mind;  
Th'old man hung down his head and sorely wept,  
Yet looking up again, to th'Altar stepped,  
And as in sudden fury fast he goes,  
And on Theagenes, as'twere a noose,  
His twisted tippet casts. The Knight gave way  
And let th'old man alone to do or say  
What ere he list: for, though by such a swing,  
Content he was to come before the King,  
And look again upon Chariclia,  
Dejected since he last was sent away.  
The Dotard pulls, and cries, I have, I have  
That false Aeacide, maiden-stealing Slave;  
And draws him, willing to be drawn, before  
The King and State, and thus begins to roar.  
O King behold! this is that wicked wight  
Who stole my daughter, and now, like hypocrite,  
At Altar kneels: they could not well arreed,  
What 'twas he meant; but wondered at the deed.  
And some it pitied, some it moved to laughter,  
To hear him cry; My daughter, O my daughter!  
My daughter thus far have I sought in vain?  
O Templ' at Delft! O Phoebus! O Diane!  
The King commands him tell his case more plain;  
'Twas Charicles, who thus began again,  
The main truth hiding; Sire, I had a child,  
A guirle, although I say't, both fair and mild,  
As any could be seen of flesh and blood;  
Who served Diana vowing maiden-hood,  
In famous Templ' at Delft: this Thessalite,  
Himself pretending Achillaean Knight,  
From Phoebus Templ', and from within the gate,  
Her stole a way, and left me desolate;  
Wrong is't to you, that place if one profane;  
Your Sun is Phoebus, and your Moon Diane.  
When I had sought all over Thessaly,  
Pelasgiot, Estaetin, Phthiotie,  
And found them not, I had intelligence,  
The Priest of Memphis had them guided thence:  
And him then seek I, but I found him dead;  
A son of his then priesting in his stead;  
Who told me all; how that my guirle was sent  
TO Orondates: then to Siene I went,  
And taken was, and stayed at Elpentine;  
Until the Satrap hither sent m'in fine;  
And here I find, yet her I cannot say,  
But this the man that took her first a way.  
So held his peace, and many brackish tears  
Fell down his cheeks upon his silver hairs.  
Then King to Knight, to this (Sir) what say you?  
Theagenes replied; Sir, all is true.  
Me thief and ravisher confess I must,  
As unto him; but unto you am just.  
Restore him then the Damsel, quoth the King.  
Not he that stole, but he that hath the thing  
(Replied the Knight) restore it ought; yourself  
The Damsel have the Priestesse was at Delft:  
'Tis e'en your daughter fair Chariclia;  
And, if he see her, so the man will say.  
They all are moved; and than Sisimithres,  
Who knew it true, embraced Charicles,  
And said, your nursling whom I once you gave,  
Is well, and her now her right parents have.  
With that Chariclia, this old man to meet,  
Ran from the Queen, and fell down at his feet,  
And said, O father, dear to me as they  
Who me begot; because I went away  
So rudely leaving you and holy Delft,  
Take what revenge you will, I yield myself.  
With that Persina kissed the King, and said,  
Believe, my Lord, of this our daughter maid  
This all is true; and no man else but he,  
That noble Grecian, must her husband be.  
And now by many signs all understood  
The Gods would have no more of humane blood▪  
The King agreed, and glad was of such heirs,  
To bear with him the burd'n of King's affairs.  
Then on their head he set in full renown,  
The white silk Turban with the Blackmore Crown:  
And two by two to M●roë they ride;  
Persina with her new-come daughter Bride;  
Hydaspes with his son Theagenes;  
And Priest of Delphos with Sisimithres:  
There many days together and many nights  
They celebrate with joy the nuptial rites.  
And as they sat at board with royal cheer,  
What ere was dainty, were it ne'er so dear,  
A curle-head blacke-boy (taught by Zanzibar,  
Who, thouArt to learn, had traveled as far  
As th'Isle of Britain) sung to th'Irish harp  
How Sun and Moon about the Centre warp,  
And, passing thr'ow the signs of heavenly Ring,  
Make Summer first, than Autumn, Winter Spring;  
How Greek Achilles Trojan Hector slew,  
And thrice about the City wall him drew;  
How mighty Memnon, fair Aurora's son,  
Before he fell, had many a battle won;  
How Perseus came int' Aethiopia,  
And from Sea-monster freed Andromeda;  
Whose picture fair, in black King's chamber seen,  
That Fair-one made be borne of Blackmore Queen.  
This have I wrought with day-and-nightly swink,  
To file our tongue so rough: let no man think  
It was for wealth, or any vain desire  
(As of a mind that aims at nothing higher)  
T'enable me to till, or let more land;  
T'have men and women-seruants at command;  
To stretch myself on costly bed of state,  
In faire-hung chamber furnished with plate;  
Or in Caroche to whirl the Town about,  
With humble suitors followed home and out;  
To quaff in crystal glass the dearest grapes,  
And make my guests therewith as merry as Apes;  
To wear the linen fine and white as milk,  
And purpl' engrained of softest wool and silk;  
With mule in street to see my foot-cloth fouled;  
In field on horse to stamp the grassy mould  
At wild-goose chase; or after hawk, or hound;  
Or run for silver bell, and hundred pound:  
For none of these: what then? that abl' I be  
Without debt, or restraint of liberty,  
At land and sea, peace and war, book and sword,  
With more effect to serve my Sovereign Lord;  
To write, road, give, keep hospitalitee,  
As heretofore have done mine Ancestree:  
That after-c●mmers know, when I am dead  
I som● goo● 〈…〉 life endeavoured 〈◊〉  
I cannot mu●● 〈…〉 to 〈◊〉 use▪ 〈◊〉  
Make causey, drai●●, bridge, ●●●mon 〈…〉  
Poor boys bind Apprentice, marry 〈…〉,  
When Commonwealth requires such kind of aids:  
Nor purchase and restore unto the Church  
Th'improved Tithes that Avarice did lurch:  
Nor yet build wall, fort, hospital, or school,  
To keep my name vndrowned in Lethe pool:  
Yet will I labour what I can with pen  
To profit my succeeding Countrymen:  
In vain (may seem) is wealth or learning lent  
To man that leaves thereof no monument.  
FINIS.