AN EPITOME OF THE HISTORY OF fair ARGENIS AND POLYARCHUS, Extracted out of the Latin, and put in French, by that Great and Famous Writer, M. N. COEFFETEAV Bishop of Marseilles.  
And translated out of the French into English by a young gentlewoman.  
DEDICATED To the Lady ANNE Wentworth.  
LONDON, Printed by E. G. for Henry Seile at the tiger's head in Fleetstreet. 1640.   

TO THE MOST virtuous MY MOST honoured LADY, THE LADY ANNE WENTWORTH, Eldest Daughter To the Right honourable the Earl of Strafford, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.  
MADAM,  
IT is not needful, I should use many words, to let You know, that this book belongs to Your ladyship, It sufficing that You know, I am Yours, (since You gave me the liberty, to call myself so, when I had the Honour to be admitted into the House of my Lord Your Father, where my Parents did introduce me, and where I have profited near You and my Lady Arabella Your Sister, as in a school of virtue) whence it follows, that Jonely give You that which is Yours, being found in me: and though it should be otherwise, I could not present it to any one, that deserved it better than yourself.  
The reading of this Epitome, MADAM, which I dedicate unto You, as being Yours, and which I put to light under Your protection, will represent ARGENIS unto You, as the Fairest, most virtuous, and Constant Princess of Her time. And I have thought, reading this History, that I have seen Your true portraiture in the person of this fair Lady. For, making a parallel of this Princess with Your Honour I find You very suitable; yea I can witness with truth, that You surpass Her: since that besides the Beauty of the Body wherewith Nature hath endowed You; You are also enriched with that of the soul beyond measure; and as touching virtue whereof You are a pattern, You excel Her, being virtue itself. You have besides the knowledge of the True GOD, which is the Ground and Basis thereof, and whereof our ARGENIS was ignorant; and as for Constancy, You have not (I dare say,) Your equal, seeing You are resolved, to be conformable unto the Will of GOD, and of my Lord Your Father. To which may be added Your Birth (as well as unto our ARGENIS) which makes You truly worthy to bear the Pearled crown, wherewith my Lord Your Father hath been Honoured, without asking or intercession; but by the King's only Will, who gave it Him for His eminent virtue and good Services; being of the number of those of whom the French proverb makes mention; saying, tell DEMANDE ASSEZ, QUI BIEN SERT.  
And to conclude MADAM, I say, that-even as it hath pleased GOD, to fill our ARGENIS with Joy and Content, giving Her, Her POLIARCHUS, as the most complete Prince of the Earth, He may send You for Your, and Your most Honourable Parents Comfort, a Husband worthy of You, And I am confident, he will be far completer than POLIARCHUS. These are the Wishes  
MADAM, Of your most humble, most affectionate, most obedient, and most obliged servant, Judith Man.   

To the Courteous Reader.  
Gentle Reader, my humour inclining to Melancholy, induces me sometimes, to seek in my Closet for some diversion, in the reading of books, suitable to a Gentlewoman of my quality, and of eighteen years of age; That is it wherein I have most particularly applied myself this Christmas, and amongst the rest, in the reading of this book, which hath pleased me; not only for the subject whereof it treats, but also, coming from the hands of an Author, whose memory I honour, though of a contrary belief to mine, because that being in France, in my parent's company, I have heard a great esteem to be made of him, as of the most learned Prelate of his time. So as I might make myself, so much the more perfect, in the French tongue, I resolved to translate it, for my own particular satisfaction, having no other design, then to warm myself therewith; as I have done with some others: But I could not make this work so secretly, but that those who watch over my actions, and endeavour my diversion, had notice thereof, by whom I have been in a manner forced (lest I should transgress against the Law of God)▪ to expose it to the public view; And all the favour which I could obtain, hath been to suffer me to make choice of a second ARGENIS, under whose Protection I sent it. And i entreat thee, Gentle Reader, to oblige me so far, as not to presume that i do it, out of vanity; because it is not without example, and could produce thee many of my sex, who have traced me the way, witness the translation into French of Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia, the New Amarantha, and the Urania, with many others; neither have I done it to be spoken of, knowing very well, that those of, my sex, who are least spoken of, are the more to be esteemed: But only have I done it by mere obedience and duty, therefore I pray thee to excuse the faults, if there be any, and remember, that women (for the most part) are unacquainted with the study of Sciences; and by that means, may sooner err; Also, I esteem that thou art Courteous enough, to use me according to the courtesy and custom, due to the Ladies of this country, where I was borne; And of whose privilege I make use, giving ARGENIS the precedency, rather than unto Poliarchus in the frontispiece of this book; And in so doing, I shall not be a little obliged to thee.  
J. M.   

The Stationer to the Reader.  
GEntlemen, I should not hold myself satisfied with my Impression, if I did not tell you, that I hold it for a favour, in the beginning of this year, to see my Shop adorned with this little Volume, which comes from the hands of one of the most virtuous, and Comeliest Gentlewomen of this country, and which belies not her birth, which is truly Noble. And but that she is full of respect and humility towards ARGENIS, and the fair LADV, unto whom she hath Dedicated this work, they could make the most agreeable concordance, that could be seen; Also viewing them together (though with the eyes of the mind) I imagine I see the Graces, or those three fair Goddesses, which puzzled so much, that Judge of Beauty. And therefore I desire You Gentlemen, to esteem it, as this reputation merits, that you may not but applaud her, to the end that hereafter, she may make you partakers of her lucubrations; and in case you find any faults, attribute them unto the Printer, for they are his, as proceeding from the Impression. God preserve you.   

THE HISTORY OF fair ARGENIS AND POLIARCHUS epitomised.  
FORTUNE proud and insolent, beyond all imaginationd, emands a sumptuous theatre, to cause the might of Her Empire, to appear. It is in the Court of Great Kings, where She elevates the Trophies of Her tyranny, & where She brandishes Her vanity. It is there that She takes delight, to break a sceptre asunder, to overthrow a crown, and to tread under foot, all this pride of the earth, to the end She might render Her victories, so much the more glorious by such magnificent ruins, and Her Trophies the more illustrious, by such noble spoils. But if amongst those tragic accidents, She doth afford some cause of contentment, She doth temper it with so much bitterness, that ordinarily, there is more prickles than Roses found in Royalty. This History is a lively portraiture thereof, and causes us to see remarkable examples in it.  
Meleander King of Sicily, possessing a rich State, and seeing himself adored by His subjects, who tasted with an extraordinary delight, the mildness of His government, thought to be arrived at the height of His glory. And that He might say he was happy on all sides, He was Father of a Daughter so accomplished in all kinds of perfections, that those who saw Her, imagined that Heaven had assembled all the treasures of beauty, and gathered all the riches of comeliness, to form this lofty masterpiece of nature. He imagined that this young sun, should be the ornament of his crown, the prop of his State, the delight of his Life, and the consolation of his Old age. But men are ignorant of their destinies, and know not what may befall them. The event then, made Him know, that as the greatest lights are subject unto the greatest shadows, so the greatest prosperities are exposed unto the greatest accidents, therefore one must not so much trust unto the favours of Fortune, but that one must dread Her inconstancy.  
Argenis then was the name of the heir of Sicily, which ought to be as a living spring of all goodness to Her Father and Her State, sees Her self to be the subject of a furious and bloody war, raised by a Prince, one of Meleander's subjects, who having had the temerity, to ask Her in marriage, received the refusal which his presumption merited. The image of this contempt, made such a furious impression upon this wild and ambitious spirit, that to take revenge, he resolved to put the Father out of the world, and to steal away the Daughter to crown his parricide. This execrable design had come to pass, if the Divinity, which hath a special care of crowns, and which loves Kings, had not miraculously put by, the misfortune whereof the Sicilian sceptre was threatened. All Europe, and Africa also were filled with the rumor of Argenis' beauty, which was placed amongst the wonders of the world and nature. A thousand young courageous spirits, taken with Her love, had resolved to serve Her, and to employ all their industry and valour, to insinuate themselves in Her favour. Amongst the rest Poliarchus Prince of France, and heir of one of the fairest crowns in the world, suffering himself to be transported with this passion, sought out for this glory with more success than wisdom. (But aught one to look for any in love?) Imagining in himself that an extraordinary beauty merited no common pursuits; he left his kingdom, and taking a gentlewoman's habit, crossed the sea, and went to Sicily, where He informed himself diligently of the place where the Princess was, to whom He desired, with so much passion to offer His service. Meleander fearing least despair should cause Lycogenes to procure some shame unto Her, had placed Her in a strong Hold, where She passed the time with Her maids, being visited of none but Her Father, who sometime going from Syracuse (which was not far from thence,) came to see Her, and stayed with Her to divert himself in Her company. Poliarchus following His design, goes that way, and spying the means, to enter in this agreeable solitariness, takes His journey towards Syracuse, where being arrived He finds by good fortune Solenissa Argenis'ses governess within the Temple of Juno, where She was at Her devotions. He had learned in what rank she was with the Princess. He calls her aside, and having cast himself at her feet, beseeches her to take pity on the most unfortunate Lady which the sun shined on, on earth, and to give Her the means to tell Her some thing, which could not be known to any but she, unto whom She brought letters from a great Princess. The Strangers comely behaviour, the novelty of Her habit, and Her language, which showed She was not of the Court of Sicily, caused in Selenissa a desire to learn what She would say. Then going out of the throng, She leads Her, to her sister's house, and entered alone in a Closet fit to receive Her most secret thoughts. Then Poliarchus kissing the letters gives them unto Her, and at last leads so happily this enterprise, that He causes himself to be taken for a French Princess, which the rage of Her uncle had driven into Sicily to look out for the refuge and surety, which She could not find in Her realm amongst Her friends. My name, said he, is Theocrine the King's daughter, and Sister unto the heir of the crown of France, whom this parricide (who hath procured all my misfortunes,) hath caused to be poisoned that he might usurp his Diadem. That which made her to give more faith unto his words, was, that calling a Freed slave who gave Her a Cabinet, which She had committed to his charge, She drew forth the most exquisite riches, and the fairest precious stones, that were ever seen in Europe; then with a magnificence which truly resembled a great Princess, gave such a great number unto Selenissa, that at the instant (suffering herself to be dazzled with their sparkling and radiation) She bound herself with a strong tye of affection unto Poliarchus, which she took for Theocrine. Whereupon Theocrine conjured her to embrace Her affairs, and to procure that favour towards Argenis, that She might receive Her into Her company, where She pretended not to hold the rank of a Princess, but would esteem herself happy to hold the quality of a Waiting-woman.  
Selenissa being touched with Her complaints, offers Her all manner of assistance, nevertheless, said she unto Her, to give you access in the princess's house, is a thing which is not in my power, by reason of the strict defence, which the King hath made, not to suffer any strangers of either sex to see Her. But Theocrine, who desired noting more, then to enjoy this glory, conjures her to break this obstacle, and to mediate this favour towards the King, with whom She doubted not, but she was powerful, since He had committed to her trust that which He held most dear in the world, the Princess his daughter. Being overcome by such charming entreaties, she undertakes to inform Meleander of this, whom She soon after caused to yield, telling Him all the good which she could invent of this fair Stranger. At her return, she declares unto Argenis, the occasion of her journey, & makes Her so favourable a report of the beauty, comeliness, and magnificence of Theocrine, that She offers not only to receive Her as a great Princess, but also to love Her as Her Sister. Being then inflamed, with a desire to see Her, She commands that without any further delay, She should be brought in, that She might see if Her presence would equal the glorious praises which were given she. She is then where She desires. At this first interview, She forgets nothing of Her good behaviour, allurements, and attractive looks, to charm the princess's heart, who begins to be but one soul with Hers. She can so artificially accommodate Her humour unto that of Argenis, that in a short time She doth purchase a full power over Her mind, though not in the same quality which She wished. They then, passed away the time so sweetly together, that they thought they were in heaven's glory. But Licogenes, unto whom the remembrance of the injury, which he thought to have received, gave him cruel torments, raised a tempest which troubled the calm of their delights. For, having plotted with his friends, the means to revenge himself, the resolution of this infamous counsel was, that the Fort ought to be surprised, to make away the King, and take perforce from thence the heir of the kingdom, and so put himself in quiet possession of the crown; that, to differre any longer, it would be the way to ruinate their affairs, considering the accidents which might happen. Therefore that he should show himself a man, and that he should find in them the succour and assistance, which he could hope for, of those who had a whole interest in his trouble. There needed not, to make use of stronger reasons, to persuade a spirit already imbrued with this crime.  
It was long, since Licogenes saw with grief the sceptre of Sicily in the hands of Meleander. But to bring this furious counsel to pass, he thought it fit to corrupt certain soldiers, who should know the entrances of this fortress. He finds out one, who being conquered by his promises, offers to fulfil his desire, so that he procure him confederates whose courages may be like his, and declares unto him, that he knew the means to enter, by the Sea side where there was no guard. Licogenes' glad to have found such a fit instrument for his perfidiousness, gives him consorts as desperate as he, and as resolute to commit a parricide. Upon a night then, that Meleander was arrived there, to disburden (according to His wonted use) some part of his sorrows in His daughter's bosom; these traitors knew how to follow their enterprise so well, that they entered into the Fort, and having separated themselves in two bands, went the one to the King's lodgings, and the other to the Princesses. Argenis thought on nothing else, but sweetly to pass away the time▪ amongst Her Ladies, and caused Selenissa and Theocrine (whose beds were in her chamber) to entertain Her with a thousand pleasant discourses: Meleander whose age took away the sweetness of this entertainment, had retired himself to take rest. Argenis understanding a noise, which She was not used to hear, holds up Her eyes, and seeing so many armed men to enter thronging in one after another, is frighted, and begins to cry out with fear. Her other Ladies surprised with the like astonishment, show no more assurance, and for all their defence, have recourse to their tears. But the gentle Theocrine perceiving one, (who had advanced himself first) to lay hands on the Princess, let's the reins lose to Her rage, and with an extraordinary courage, lays hold on that traitor's sword, wreaths it from him, and presently employs it, against him from whom She had taken it, and lays him dead in the place. Then taking up his buckler, She runs upon the rest of these rascals, whereof She cuts some part in pieces, and causes the rest to look out for the door. Another band of the conjurors, had rushed in Meleander's chamber, whom having found asleep in His bed, there needed no great strength to seize on Him.  
Theocrine, who had none left to fight with, hearing the noise, which those wicked rogues made about the King, went that way, and entering in the chamber, perceived a spectacle which would have drawn tears from a tiger. Those infamous hangmen had bound this great King with cords, and loaded Him with chains, who amongst so much insolence and brutality, perceived before His eyes nought else, but the images of despair and horror. The sorrow to see the Father of Her Argenis so unworthily abused, swells Her courage in such sort, that without any fear of danger where She was going to precipitate herself, She enters upon these desperate fellows, and having made a cruel slaughter, amongst them, addresses herself unto Meleander, and taking away the cords and chains, said these few words unto Him. SIR, Those who have committed this outrage against you, have not kept the respect due unto sceptres, and your virtue. But the Gods have given me the grace to put you again in case, to make an exemplary punishment, of the authors of this barbarous attempt. Arm yourself, I am going to take order about the rest of your affairs; for it is to be feared, lest those who have had the audacity, to plot so infamous a treason should make a last attempt, to assuage their rage, which will not be thus ended. At the instant Theocrine gives a general alarum, and gives notice to the Guard, of their fault, and of the danger wherein the King had lately been. And as She saw Meleander's safety to be made sure, She came unto her Argenis, and kneeling on the ground, used this language. Fair Princess, it is bootless now to dissemble, any longer; the miracles of your beauty, have given strength to my arm, to take revenge for the cruel injury, which hath been done to the Sicilian sceptre. I am not a Lady, as hitherto you have believed. I also esteem, that, what you have seen me perform, hath already disabused you. At least, it is impossible, that henceforth, Meleander should take me to be, what he thought I was. For fear then, lest I should ruinate my designs, instead of advancing of them, I take my leave of you: But before I go from the presence of your fair eyes, I most humbly desire you, by all the graces, whereof Heaven hath so richly endowed you, to pardon me this offence, which is an effect of the power of Love, unto which the Gods themselves cannot resist. You have prostrate at your feet, the heir of the crown of France, who begs pardon of you. My name is Poliarchus, and not Theocrine. I have borrowed this, that I might enter where Poliarchus could not have had access: I part from you with the same sorrow, that I should part with my life: but I hope that by my services I shall open the way to more liberty. Pronounce my sentence, and I will take it from you, even as the conquered, receives it from the conqueror.  
Argenis being, as it were, thunderstruck, by the freedom of these words, finds herself surprised, and at the same instant, hath an inward combat by two several passions, of Love and fear, which held Her soul in agitation, in such sort that being astonished at Theocrines language, She knows not what answer to make Him. Fear, that this action should make a spot, in Her Glory, causes Her at first, to breathe forth some sparkles of Choler. She complains of this audacity, and shows She doth not approve those fictions, whereby She might receive more blame, than the Author could expect contentment. Nevertheless, at last Love, that (so many present victories went fortifying) banishes all those fears, and causes Her to find Theocrines excuses good, to whom at that time She doth in few words disclose Her thoughts, and testifies unto Him, that those proceedings are not displeasing to Her, but enjoins Him to publish His sex, and to make himself known, to be the valiant Poliarchus.  
This generous Prince, who only sought triumphs to insinuate himself by His valour, into Argenis' favour, reassumes the name of Poliarchus, and at the same time, kissing His Mistresses fair hands, goes out of the fortress and steals away from Meleander, and His Guard, busied in the seeking out of the factious, whereof they made a horrible slaughter. In the mean time the King is troubled to find out the Author of His liberty, and as His Daughter tells Him that He is obliged of His life, unto Theocrine, He desires to see Her, that He might give Her the praises, and recompense due to so eminent, and prodigious a virtue. But being informed that She is vanished, as a lightning, and that She is not to be found, He presently imagines, that doubtless, She was no mortal creature, but the goddess Pallas, who foreseeing his misfortune, had taken the form of this Lady, to put by the ruins of Sicily, which was in Her keeping. Thereupon, even as superstition is fertile in new devotions, He revolves with himself, with what new tribute of piety, He may repay, this remarkable good deed, which seemed to be beyond all manner of retribution: and wandering in His thoughts, He caused the Chiefest of His counsel to be assembled, unto whom speaking of this adventure, He testified to owe His life and safety, to a particular assistance of the Divinity, rather than to any man's succour, letting them know thereby, that He had a design to erect new honours and worship, unto the goddess unto whom He imagined to be indebted, for His miraculous preservation. Such a Religious design having been greatly applauded and approved by the common voices of all the counsel; Meleander whose soul was already full of these religious thoughts, and who feared, that showing himself ungrateful towards the Gods, He should oblige them, to draw back their blessings from His crown, was easily led away with this advice, and calling His Daughter, opens His deliberation unto Her, and persuades Her, so artificially, that She freely accepted, the quality of Minerva's High Priest, in acknowledgement of the favour which She had showed, to Her Father and State. There She is then wholly tied, to the Goddesses service, by virtue of Her new Office, now She thinks on nothing else than the ordering of the sacrifices, and ruling of the holy ceremonies.  
In the mean time Lycogenes, who knows his crime to be unpardonable, assembles his friends, represents unto them, that their safety consists in hoping none, and that they must come to an open force, since craft and artificial cunning have not succeeded. And whereas the horror of this offence, should have caused the arms to have fallen from his hands, he prepares to give battle unto his King. His felony gives means unto the French Prince, to cause His great courage to appear, as well under the name of Poliarchus, as it had done, under that of Theocrine. He had gone and presented himself unto Meleander as being newly arrived in His Court, not making himself known to be Him, who had newly saved His Life and State. He had been received there as a stranger, and in few days, had left both to the King, and all the Court, a great opinion of His valour. During that time, He found the means oftentimes, to see, His Argenis, amongst the sacrifices, which were rendered unto Minerva, for Theocrines victory. Neither His, nor Argenis' devotion, was not so much fixed, on the contemplation of the ceremonies nor on the admiration of all the pomp, as to interchange amorous looks, wherein lay all their felicity.  
The envious army, which was already in the field, troubled all this solemnity, and obliged the King to take up arms, to oppose the fury of the rebels. He had a singular confidence in Poliarchus His valour, which belied not this hope, nor the good opinion which the world had conceived of the greatness of His courage. The two Armies being in sight, He began the fight, and as a mighty warlike thunder, unto which nothing can resist, did so much by the wonders of His sword, that Meleander won a glorious victory, and put the rebels out of hopes, to attempt any more, the hazard of Combats. Despair made them seek after peace; they have permission, to send their Deputies in Court, to make the overture of some treaty. Poliarchus, who could not live in rest, at the first news of this peace, which He did not approve, not believing, that the King ought to trust to traitors; resolved to go elsewhere, to find out new occasions of Glory. Having then left the Court, and traversing a great forest, having no other thoughts then on His Argenis, which filled all His spirits; he meets those whom Licogenes sent unto Meleander, rather ecquipped like cavaliers, or to speak the truth like Robbers, than ambassadors. They immediately knew Him for the Author of their misfortune, and enraged, with fury, resolve to revenge on Him the affront, which His valour caused them to receive. At the same time, they set on Him, and make it appear, that they would bereave Him of His life. But He, who could fear nothing, not being astonished, at their threats, makes them feel the effects of His courage, overthrows two, dead upon the place, scatters the others, and puts them to flight. Those that could escape, go and fill the Court with their complaints, and aggravate this outrage, done unto Ambassadors, whose persons are held for sacred, yea amongst the Barbarous. They demand Justice which cannot be denied them, because the Court hath no knowledge of their crime, nor of the innocence, of Him, whom they accused. It is true, that Meleander could not imagine, that so notorious a villainy, could have entered, in so noble a courage, and besides all that, that which came from Licogenes'es' party was to be suspected, also the soldiers wholly affected to Poliarchus, who in their sight, had done so many wonders in the Field, did openly jeer at this accusation, which, in what kind soever, it could be interpreted; could not, but turn, to the shame of those, who made it, since they accused, one man alone, to have beaten five, well armed, and in case to defend themselves. But, the conjurors faction, was so puissant, in Court; that, at last, it obtained that Poliarchus, should be condemned, and to be destined, to serve for a sacrifice, unto the King's enemy's fury, who in defending of Him, might have caused a suspicion, amongst those diffident spirits, that He had done nothing, but by His authority. Order is then given everywhere to take Him, and also, the Commons are armed, to the end, that all means of escaping, might be taken away.  
In the mean time, it happened during the fight, that, Archombrotus Prince of Mauritania, who was also searching out adventures, under a disguised habit, was by chance, near the place, where the combat was given. He was newly landed, (having been beaten with sundry tempests at sea) near unto that great and thick Forest, where He was gone, thinking to take some rest under the shade of some trees, being wearied of the sea. But the virtuous Timoclea, who had seen the furious outrage, done to the Prince of France, came unto Him weeping and waking Him, conjured Him, that if He would do an action, worthy the generosity which appeared in His visage, that without any further delay, He should go and succour the most valiant man in the world, that Robbers endeavoured to murder. Opening His eyes, He searches for His Armour confusedly, and preparing himself, at all adventures, endeavours to put himself in case to fight. Timoclea fearing, lest the number, might oppress valour, urges Him to advance, and represents unto Him the necessity, and danger, wherein Poliarchus finds himself. He who was inflamed with desire, to have His courage to appear, in so fair an occasion, without further delay, spurs His Horse towards the place of the combat. But He sees, with some kind of sorrow, that He arrives too late, and that He, whom He is desirous to succour, hath needed no other assistance, then that, of His sword. Ravished with this wonder, He doth accost Him, and having courteously saluted Him, informs himself of the particulars of this encounter, offers to assist Him, in case there remains any enemy, to fight with, and conjures Him, to honour Him so much, as to employ Him in this quarrel. Poliarchus resting extremely satisfied of the Prince of Mauritania's good behaviour, and courtesy, thanks Him for this freedom, and assures Him of the esteem he makes of His courage, not refusing to make use of it, in case, His affairs oblige Him thereunto. But, Gentle cavalier, said He, I know neither those, who have so cowardly assaulted me, nor the reason of the furious hatred, which they bear me. Timoclea arriving thereupon with some of Poliarchus His servants, breaks off the two Prince's discourse, and taking the word conjures them, to go out of this Forest, and follow her, to a house which she hath, near unto that place, where they might learn the true causes of this encounter. They went then altogether with Timoclea, where they are hardly arrived, when the shepherds of the Country, come to give them notice, that all the champion, is full of kindled fires, everywhere, and that doubtless, there is some accident fallen out at Court; seeing that was never done, but upon great and important occasions. And that He might take no rest, news were brought, that Poliarchus was the subject of all this emotion, to which they add that upon the ambassador's complaint, He hath been condemned in Court. Poliarchus seeing that 'tis He, whom this tempest threatens, breathes forth all manner of outrages against Meleander, doth reproach His services, complains of His ungratitude, accuses also the innocent stars, as if they were the cause of His misfortune. Timoclea fearing lest He (unto whom all Sicily owed their safety) should fall in the hands of those Traitors, that they should advance His ruin, by their artificial deceits opens Him the way, how to shade himself, against this tempest, shows Him at the going out of a closet, of Her house, a long Vault, which went under ground, whereof the avenewes, were known to few, and conjures Him to make use of this opportunity, not only to steal away, from the eyes of those, who sought Him, but also to go out of Sicily under the favour of a borrowed visage, wherewith she could so artificially disguise Him, that His most intimate friends, would hardly take Him to be Poliarchus. At last, He is overcome with her persuasions, makes use of the opportunity, which she presents unto Him, and though unwilling, confines himself within this Vault, (Until he can give some order for His retreat) where Timoclea, and the Prince of Mauritania, would needs conduct Him, daring not to trust those of the household, whose faith they suspected; having left Him in this cave, and being come back to the house, Timoclea began to entertain her guess, with the best and most civil discourses which she could invent. In the mean time Timoclea and Archombrotus, thinking to assure Poliarchus His life, did almost ruinate His affairs. To take away all suspicion, they bethought themselves, to cause a rumor of His death, to be spread abroad, and that none might doubt of it, caused His servants to be seen, weeping the loss of their Master, & they also showed sad testimonies of their sorrow. This rumor did fly as far as Argenis' ears, who would not survive Him, having as She thought, lost Him, who made Her take all the delight She had in the world. Selenissa broke this design, by her wisdom, showing unto Her that She ought not so slightly to give faith to a rumor, who had no assured author. That assuaged something Her grief, but did not altogether heal the sore. Her thoughts were then tossed, with irksome cares, which altered by little and little the beauty of Her face. Also Meleander being come to entertain Her, with His affairs, though She had resolved, to oppose Her constancy, to Her misfortunes, and to suppress Her sorrows, for fear, that Her Love should be known, nevertheless when He began the discourse, of Poliarchus His accident, and to tell Her how He had been constrained, to abandon Him, to His enemy's rage, She could be no longer Mistress of Her senses, but fell down in a trance, at the recital of this adventure. Selenissa smothered this accident, in the best wise she could, and assured the King, that She had had sundry such fits lately, but that she believed, there was nothing to be feared, and that they were but little faintings, caused with the displeasure, which She had suffered during Licogenes his war; Her Father left Her, amongst Her Women, who, with the several remedies they gave Her, made Her come to herself again. But She received a full cure, by the news which were brought unto Her, few days after of Her Poliarchus, by an intimate friend of His, named Arsidas. This trusty confident had learned by Gelanore, a domestic servant unto Poliarchus, the truth of His History, thereupon he came to find Him out in Timocleas' house, where having had conference (of all His affairs) with Him, Poliarchus conjured him, to see His fair Argenis, in His name, and to know of Her, as of His Oracle, what He should do, in this extremity; He knew to what end the rumor of His death had been spread; He had also had notice, with what violence the Commons (to show themselves passionate for the King's service,) pursued Poliarchus, seeing, that being persuaded, He was in Timocleas' house, had run thither, and without any respect, had violently entered in 't, to take and make Him prisoner. In which, having had no success, because Poliarchus was in a place of safety. They nevertheless, discharged their choler, upon His Fellow the Prince of Mauritania, who was, at last, constrained, to suffer himself to be led captive, unto Meleander, as if it had been He whom they sought after. Arsidas then, who had seen all these violences, came to give Argenis notice of the state of Her Poliarchus His affairs. At these pleasing news She was as much troubled to keep back Her soul, and to hinder it, from leaving the body, as She had been, in the excess of Her grief. But Joy settled Her mind again; insomuch that the rays of this sun of the Court, began to appear again. During which time, news were brought unto Her, that Poliarchus was led as a prisoner unto the Court: But the intelligence, which She had received, by Arsidas of Archombrotus accident, hindered this ill rumor, from making an impression, upon Her spirit. So that this cloud was soon over. As the Commons, which had taken him, were arrived at Court, one of the captains of the Guard, seeing so fair a prisoner, in the hands of rustical men, asked of him who conducted Him, what that Cavalleere had done, whom they used so rigorously. This Head of the common people, having replied, that it was Poliarchus, whom the King had commanded, should be taken, that He might be punished, according to justice; He began to smile, and said unto this people, that to speak the truth, they had showed their fidelity, for the King's service, but that they had not sped, in this occasion, seeing their prisoner, was not Poliarchus which was sought for. Nevertheless, He was led before Meleander, who, after He had praised His subject's zeal, addressed himself unto Arcombrotus, and made Him a thousand excuses, for this offence happened not by His command▪ but by the ignorance, of this people, who had mistaken themselves, in His person. The Prince of Mauritania, though full of rage, to see himself so unworthily abused, nevertheless dissembled His choler, & making His compliment, with a very comely behaviour, most humbly desired Him to believe, that in what manner soever, He could be brought before Him, He held it always for a singular glory, that He had the means, to offer Him His service. In fine, nevertheless, showing himself more sensible of the injury done to His friend, then to himself, He could not hinder himself from representing his complaint, and said with a haughty courage unto Meleander. But, concerning Poliarchus His disgrace, which hath been the subject of my misfortune; Your Majesty, will give me leave to tell Him, that if accusations make crimes, there will be no innocence, assured in the world, since, that the most just, will by this means be exposed, unto the rage of slander, which is perpetually, about Prince's ears, to surprise and give them all manner of ill impressions, against those which they would put out of favour. Your Majesty may be pleased to remember Licogenes his brazen face, and the insolency, of all his confederates? Do not You imagine also, that those who have made such an outrage, against the crown, will spare Your best Servants? Those who conspire against Kings, and that will have their Empires, to grow desolate, do first endeavour, to corrupt and seduce those whom they know to be most passionate for their service, and when they cannot do it, make use of other crafts, to cause their Masters to suspect their fidelity, to the end that daring not to trust them any more, they should remain wholly ●●●sefull unto them, I have learned of a Lady of this Court (who by chance was in company with that Cavalleer, when I first saw Him,) the great assistance which He hath given You, in the war, that those seditions have most unhappily kindled in the midst of Your kingdom, and the hurt which He hath done to Your enemies. The grief which they have conceived thereat hath caused them, to seek out the means to make Him away, by open violence, that they might rob You of that powerful prop, of Your State. But this design having failed, by the great valour that was in Him whom these cowards assaulted; They now have had recourse unto veiled artificial deceits. And to circumvent Your goodness, do father upon an innocent, the odiousness of an action, where there's no crime, but that which proceeds from their perfidiousness. Your Majesty who hath purchased so much glory, by the true execution of Justice, not only amongst His subjects, but also amongst strangers, will reserve, if He pleases, an ear for Poliarchus, to learn by His own mouth, the particulars of this encounter, which troubles all Your Court, and may be pleased to remember, that though He were guilty, it would always be a kind of injustice, to condemn Him, and not hear His reasons. And if Your Majesty will grant, that I may find out the truth of this business by those means, which are used amongst Cavalleers, I offer myself to enter in combat against the authors of this slander. I am sure that having the Gods, (whom they have offended,) for their enemies, and that having a continual remorse, in their consciences, their arms will fall from their hands, and that their cowardice will be a visible proof, of the infamous treason, whereof they have been the inventors. The King, who was a generous Prince, was not offended at Archombrotus His freedom, but by the mildness of His face and speeches, testified altogether the belief He had of Poliarchus His innocence, and the esteem He made of His friends great courage, who offered himself so freely to fight, in the behalf of His cause. All the Court made acclamations of joy, at this lofty testimony, which the Prince of Mauritania rendered unto Poliarchus. Argenis who took the best part therein, thanked him, with much courtesy, and by this civility, did put herself in danger to spoil all, seeing that Archombrotus who had nothing of the Moor but the name, being kept back, in Her father's service, and having gotten the reputation of the most valiant Cavalleere in the world, after Poliarchus, was surprised with vanity, which made Him so far to forget, all His promises, that He became His friend's rival, and endeavoured to rob Him of the Princess. In the mean time Argenis, sends a dispatch by Arsidas to Poliarchus, conjures Him by Her letters, to believe that all these crosses of fortune, were useful only, to increase Her love, rather than to diminish it, that Argenis will never be to any, but to Poliarchus, that She passionately desired She might assure Him thereof, with Her own mouth but that She fears, lest coming to Court He should be known; therefore let him take the surest party, and if He thinks it fit, He should return in His kingdom: But that He should not forget, to cause His greatness to appear, by bringing so fair an army, from His country, that amongst the obstacles, which might oppose themselves to their design, He should be able to free Her from those cares and troubles, which Their separation causes, that in the mean time, she will endeavour, to change Her father's anger and bring Him again, in His favour. Which She imagines will not be very difficult, considering the esteem which He makes, of His virtue. Poliarchus having read this letter, could not tell what to resolve. The imagination, of the peril and fear to be discovered, caused Him to apprehend the journey to Court, where he doubted not, but His enemies, were watching to surprise Him. Arsidas and Timoclea fearing, lest▪ He should miscarry, represented Him the danger, yet greater than it was. But the desire He had to see Argenis, made Him despise all the hazards, which they represented. He than calls aside, His dear friend, and declares unto Him, that He had rather expose himself to His enemy's rage, then to go out of Sicily, and not see the Princess. Arsidas seeing the ardour of His passion, in lieu of opposing, fortifies it, by the assurance which he gives Him, to run the same hazard. They take leave of Timoclea, unto Whonpoliarchus protested, to be so much obliged, that it is out of His power, to acknowledge the innumerable courtesies, which she hath heaped upon Him; conjures her to believe, that at least, she hath a crown and a King at her devotion; assures her, that he will return into Sicily, so well accompanied, that the greatness of His birth, shall not be doubted, and that then, He shall have some manner of means, to acknowledge the good offices, which His trusty friends have done him; and then adds, that He is going to make use, of the periwig, and beard (whereof she had made Him a present) to disguise himself. Thus with an extreme sorrow He takes His leave of this virtuous Lady, which did shed, an Ocean of tears at His departure He soon after arrived at Court, with Arsidas His Conduct, where immediately after, He gives notice unto Argenis of His coming, the joy which She received thereat, cannot be expressed; but seeing Him, with a form, so different, from that of Poliarchus, She did shed some tears, seeing in what danger, He did precipitate himself for Her sake: on the other side, the contentment which She received, to see before Her eyes, that which She held most dear in the world, caused Her, presently to leave off Her tears. It was in the Temple, in the midst of the devotions and sacrifices, where they saw each other, but it was impossible to continue this practice, full of danger, any longer; Argenis sent Him word by Arsidas that he should with expedition sail into France, to raise there, with promptitude, an army able, not only, to overcome the King's enemies, but also all Sicily. Arsidas undertook to freight a ship, for that voyage, under colour that he had another to make in Italy. They embark themselves, intending to hold their course towards France, but the fates disposed otherwise of it.  
In the mean time, the war is kindled afresh, and the Confederates, having reunited their forces, caused all the State, to rebel against the King, who had but four Holds remaining, in one of which (being situate in an Island) He retired himself with Argenis, and the choice of his trustiest Servants. In this distress, Fortune brought forth new causes of trouble, unto Poliarchus and the Princess. The young King of Sardany and corpse, taken with Argenis' beauty, whereof the glory as well as the pictures had flown, throughout all the Universe, makes a puissant Army, takes His course towards Sicily, and arrives with His Navy, near unto the town where Meleander had retired himself. The sight of so many sails, frights all the King's party, as if they had been new enemies, arrived to dissipate the relics of His fortune. But the King of Sardany, sends to Meleander, gives Him assurance of His Army, and declares Him, that taking that interest which He ought, in the common case of Kings, He was come to assist Him, and to help Him to chastise His subjects rebellion. This new joy, causes Him to open His Gates, and the King himself prepares to go, and receive Him, in His own shipping. But being desirous to take away all suspicion unto Meleander, and His; He commands His Navy to remain in the road, till they had news of Him, and with a small train, goes to meet with Meleander, who with a great freedom leaps into His Ship, to honour Him so much the more. After the compliments, the King of Sardany, to witness, that He had no less confidence, then that of Sicily, goes in His galley, and went in company together towards the town, where Meleander receives Him, with as much magnificence, as the state of His affairs would permit. Having courted a while, He hastens the war, and being inflamed with the love of Argenis, whom He had found much fairer, than Her picture, wishes for nought else, but Combats, desiring to make himself remarkable in them, to show himself worthy of the love of so fair a Princess. Archombrotus is jealous of this new rival, doth protest in His heart, He will never yield Him this glory, which He could not suffer that it should be enjoyed by another, which was better than He, who was Poliarchus. These young Cavalleers, edged on by their passions, do wonders against the enemies. But the Moor, was so happy, that having saved Meleander's life, He, with His own hand, slew the chief of the factious; nevertheless, the forces which the King of Sardany had brought, which doubtless had opened the way unto the Victory, seemed exceeding considerable unto the King and Court of Sicily. Being all returned in the place where fair Argenis was, the only subject of so many heroical actions, jealousy inflames itself; the Moor, (though covertly) employs all his industry, to chase the princess's favour, who hath His solicitations in disdain, and detests in Her heart, so visible an infidelity, which tends only, to make a shameful wound in Her constancy. The King of Sardany asketh Her in marriage openly unto Her Father, who dares not refuse Her, after so powerful a succour wherewith He hath newly obliged Him. nevertheless knowing that His Daughter, had no inclination, for that Prince, He makes use of all manner of artificial delays, to feed Him with vain hopes, without breaking with Him, fearing lest being moved with His refusal, He should turn His arms against Sicily. But where art thou Poliarchus?  
Some few months before, He had shipped himself in that vessel, which, Arsidas had caused, to be prepared, to sail towards the Gauls: but He was beaten, with such contrary winds, and His Ship was so much persecuted, with tempestuous storms, that He was constrained, to abandon it, and put himself, under the mercy of the waves in a little cockboat, which went and split itself, near unto a rock, where, with much trouble He saved himself, with His trusty Gelanore: But it was not the end of His adventures. Perceaving from the top of this cleft, a Brigantine which sailed upon the sea, He began to call out, and to conjure, those which were within it, that they should take pity at His misfortune: They were pirates, who had no feeling of humanity: nevertheless imagining that those who called them, had saved some great riches, amongst the relics of their shipwreck, they came near the Rock, and took them in their Brigantine. Poliarchus His port, and the sumptuous clothes, wherewith He and Gelanore were clad, was like to be their undoing: The captain with his consorts, would have put them to the chain. Poliarchus, astonished at this barbarousness, retires a step backwards, and putting His hand upon His sword, asks Him whence came this change, having newly saved His life? Desires him, not to blot so great an obligation, by so bloody an outrage. But He speaks to a barbarous man, to whom entreaties envenom and swell the courage. Poliarchus who would dispute His liberty, takes hold on a piece of an oar, whereof He makes use in lieu of a buckler, and drawing His sword, shows that He is not a man, to suffer that affront; Gelanore seconds Him: They fight, but the match was so unequal, that the Prince had infallibly been lost, if some prisoners (unto whom He had the dexterity to cut their bonds wherewith they were tied, arming themselves, with the pirates own arms, which they had slain) had not succoured them. At last this assistance made Him victorious, and master of the Brigantine, and fortune of those which were within it. He learned by the Galli-slaves, and prisoners, that those pirates, had newly taken a great prey, in Mauritania, and that they had carried away, all the Queen's Treasure, who had an uncomfortable sorrow thereof. One of them, to whom Poliarchus had saved the life, told Him all the particulars thereof, and also showed Him, the place where the Boxes were hidden. Poliarchus having caused them all to be opened; was astonished, at the sight of so much riches, together, and then thought it fit, that being so near unto the Queen's Territories, He was, (in honour) obliged, to seek Her out, and to restore unto Her Her Treasure, to free Her from the affliction wherein this loss had plunged she. But as they were throwing the dead overboard, He perceaved, that His folks were searching one, upon the sands, of whom having pulled off one of his buskins; they found a packet of letters very carefully bound up upon his leg. Curiosity, made Him desire to see what it was; He perceives presently, that the letters were directed unto Him, and having opened them, sees the name of Licogenes, which was he who writ unto Him. The little love they bare one to another made Him admire this novelty: But having read them exactly, He was struck with an incomparable astonishment, greater than the first, wherein He had found himself.  
Licogenes having had notice that Argenis had made Poliarchus His peace with Meleander; and that Meleander, to assure Him of His good will, did not only write unto Him, but also sent Him a rich Bracelet, in token of His affection; had found the means, to cause this present, to be poisoned, by the artificial cunning of one of his confidents; and to cause the horror of his crime to fall on Meleander, had sent him who was found amongst the dead in this ship, to the end he might give notice unto Poliarchus, of the treason, which was intended towards Him.  
Poliarchus having seen by Licogenes His letters, the advice which He gave Him, could never imagine that He had so much care of His life, nor that a great King would have procured Him such an infamous death. He puts off the deliberation of the business; till he was arrived in Mauritania, where at the instant he caused the Brigantine to sail; He sent His Gelanore before, to advertise the Queen of His arrival, and to assure Her that He brought back Her Treasure which He had taken from the hands of the pirates. These news rejoiced the Africans, but the Queen could not imagine that Her Treasure was yet whole; and there was something in it, when it was taken, which troubled Her more than all the rest. She takes what was next to Her, and goes to the seashore, to welcome Poliarchus. At their meeting, He salutes Her, and declares unto Her that He believes that Heaven had conducted Him by this tempest about this coast, to quench Her tears, since He brought Her back all Her riches, which She had so much deplored. The Queen impatient to know the truth, leaps aboard, where He follows and shows Her immediately the Boxes, well locked up. She opens them, and found therein all what She sought for, and particularly the Cabinet, which served afterwards to reconciliate Her son with Poliarchus. Then She cried out with great joy, and embracing the Prince, called Him, the God Saviour of Mauritania, thence She led him to Her Palace, and forgot no kind of magnificence and good entertainment, to testify how welcome He was. Amongst all this mirth and gladness Poliarchus His soul was all troubled with Licogenes His letters, & though He could not suspect Meleander of this perfidiousness, He was not fully satisfied of Him; To pull out all these thorns from His soul, He resolves to send Gelanore into Sicily, and to give him letters to His Argenis, but not unto Meleander, to whom He was contented to send Licogenes His letters, to the end Gelanore might judge by His countenance what He had in His soul, and if one might believe of Him so unworthy a wickedness. It was in a good time that Gelanore arrived in Sicily, because Arsidas accompanied with Timonides, which was he unto whom Meleander had given the Bracelet to carry, was going to spread abroad the rumour of Poliarchus His death throughout all the Court. The pilot of the ship in which He had made shipwreck, having by good fortune saved himself, had brought word unto Arsidas of the misfortune which was happened unto Him, and had described unto him the manner of His loss. Arsidas having at the same time met with Timonides, and learned of him the subject of his journey, had stayed it, and had made him partaker of these bad news. They had then gone together very sad unto the Court, knowing not how to publish this accident, which was enough to cause Argenis' death with sorrow. The first whom they encountered at their landing was Gelanore which came from Africa from the Prince of France: At the sight of him they thought they had been in another world, because they had been assured he had perished with his Master: it was then as a sun of good hope which began to shine upon them. But said they unto him; Gelanore, where is Poliarchus? the ill news which we have heard puts us in such trouble, that we cannot begin our compliment, but with this question. Poliarchus is very well, replied Gelanore; I have left Him in Africa, and am come to see the Princess on His behalf. You revive us, replied the Princes two friends, without any further delay Argenis must have notice of it, for fear lest this ill rumor which we have heard should have been spread in the Court, Arsidas undertakes this commission, and as soon receaves a command to fetch Gelanore. When he comes before the Princess, he kisses the letters, and presents them unto Her together with his Master's commendations: She took a singular content at the reading of the letters: But when She, had opened Licogenes His letter, She was seized with horror, and resolved that Her Father should see them, as also Gelanore had order to present them unto Him. Meleander having seen them conceived an extraordinary spite, not only against Licogenes, but also against Poliarchus, that without writing, had sent unto Him, such infamous letters, of a traitor; and testified not unto Him the little faith which He gave to them. Insomuch that as Gelanore who had all the princess's dispatches, went to take leave of Him, and asked Him if he would not do the honour unto His Master to write to Him. Go your ways, said he, and tell your Master, that I am a King, and not a Poisoner: nevertheless that caused two of Licogenes' friends, who had lately been arrested, to be tortured, as having plotted something against the King's honour, and against the quiet of His State, Gelanore went back, towards Mauritania, where he found Poliarchus yet sick of His fever. Having delivered Him the princess's letters; he told Him all the particulars of the Court of Sicily, and amongst other things, complained, of Archombrotus His great pride▪ who would not deign to look upon him, insinuating thereby, openly enough, that he believed he aspired to marry the Princess; there needed no more to put Poliarchus in the field. Then, notwithstanding Gelanore's remonstrances who charged Him on the behalf of Argenis, to go in His kingdom and bring succours, to put Sicily in liberty, He resolved to return, disguised as before, in Meleander's Court; And to that end, seeks out the cure of His ague, in a strange remedy, having better succeeded therein, than the physicians had judged; he went presently to take His leave of the Queen, who would by all means stay him: but He alleged Her so many reasons, that She was forced to let Him go, for fear She should be a hindrance in the effecting of the great affairs which (as He said) He had in hand. She would have given Him magnificent presents, but He who would not take any thing, of all Her treasures, but one only ring, which perforce She caused Him to accept, remained satisfied with the honour of Her favour, and having shipped himself, hastened so much the pilot and Mariners, that in a short time He arrived at the Court of Sicily. Gelanore had charge to advertise Arsidas, to the end he should bear the news unto the Princess; he did it with such dexterity, that there is Poliarchus amongst the King of Sardany's and Archombrotus His practices, near unto His Argenis, under favour of His borrowed face. The joy which They received at the sight of each other, is beyond expression: The conclusion of Their interview was, that at this present He should break all obstacles, and should go directly in His kingdom, to leavie a puissant Army, that He might free Her out of the hands of so many suitors, who were so importunate unto Her. He than leaves Sicily, and happily arrives in His realm, where He raises a royal Army, which He presently ships, for the effecting of this great voyage, and to show unto the eyes of Sicily, as a sparkling of the glory of His birth. But it happened, that being at Sea, the Navy was beaten with a furious storm, that intending to hold their course towards Sicily, He was cast upon the Coast of Mauritania, where He found wherewith to cause His valour to appear, and to give that success to His affairs, which He did not imagine, should be there. Nevertheless His absence, a hundred times blamed by Argenis, which could not tell what star to accuse, of this misfortune, was the cause that the Moor and the King of Sardany continued their pursuits; The Sardiot imagining He was abused, resolved to steal away Argenis, and to ship Her in His own Navy, and so return with so rich a Prey into His kingdoms. The Moor, who had an eye on all sides, discovers this design, advertises the King, and gives Him such true tokens thereof, that Meleander gives notice unto Radiroboranes that He ignored not His practices, which gave Him cause to break wholly with Him. To be revenged on Meleander, He writ Him a letter, full of contempt and outrages against Argenis, whose governess He had suborned, which had discovered unto Him, Poliarchus His secrets and Their loves, Meleander afflicted beyond measure of this affront, is angry with Argenis, which justifies Her innocence, by she herself who had betrayed she. This miserable wretch seeing herself discovered did seek (by the means of poison) the expiation of her crime, and procured her own death, before the eyes of the Court. Meleander to shun a greater misfortune, and to fortify himself with friends, went to His Daughter, & speaks to Her to marry the Prince of Mauritania, of whose merit and valour He spoke advantageously to induce Her to consent. She demands some time to resolve herself, and represents unto Him, that it would be a shame for a King's Daughter, to give Her faith so slightly unto a man who had not so much as demanded it, with the solemnities accustomed in like occurrences. Her Father grants Her two months' time, and Fortune lengthened this term: The King of Sardany full of rage and despite, for so bloody an affront, puts under sail, leaves Sicily, and having a favourable wind, within a short time, arrives in His kingdom. His soul being wounded, causes Him to undertake revenge (of the injury which He had received in the Court of Sicily) upon Mauritania; He imagined that He could easily conquer that Great kingdom, where there was but a Queen, which held the reins of the Empire; but the storm, which was like to cast away Poliarchus, saved the moors and their crown. The tempest having cast Him upon that coast, He offers His Army, unto their Queen, who knew the obligation which She had unto Him in the former voyage: She accepted those advantageous offers, and recommended unto Him, the safety of Her State. After many encounters, sometimes the victory was seen to lean on the Sardinians side, and sometimes on the Africans, assisted with the Gaulois. At last they came to a set battle, which having been bloody amongst the soldiers, was no less cruel betwixt the Generals. These two generous Princes edged on, by a secret hatred which they bare one to another, sorted themselves during the horror of the fight, and filled with a furious animosity, caused their soldiers to retire, that they might end the Combat, and end their differences by the death of the one or the other; After a great conflict they were separated twice: But both aspiring to the victory, and being impatient at this succour, out of rage and despite threatened their soldiers to fall on them, if they had the audacity to hinder them any more. They begin their conflict the third time, but they appeared so wearied and weakened by reason of the loss of their blood, that it was thought the conqueror should have no great cause to glorify himself of his victory, at the end of the Combat. In the end nevertheless Poliarchus who had some advantage upon the Sardiot, for the last blow, finding out a place through the defect of His Armour, thrusts His sword through His throat, and sacrifices Him to the Princess of Sicily's wrath; Radirobranes whose soul was already upon His lips thrust himself on Poliarchus, and fell down upon Him: but being bereaved of life, Poliarchus disengaged himself by little and little, from under this body, and appeared victorious in the Head of His troops: The moors know not what Trophies to erect, to the French Princes virtue; their Queen avouches, that Her son and She owe unto His courage, all the remainder of the good fortune which they have in the world. Going to visit Him; when He was sick, of the wounds which He had received in the Combat, after many praises said to the conquerors glory, She speaks unto Him of the happy purchase, which Her son had made in Sicily, and in few words gives Him to understand that Meleander, holding himself extremely obliged unto His valour, had offered Him His Daughter in marriage. At this word all Poliarchus His wounds did bleed afresh, and seems by the paleness of His face, that His soul is going to abandon His body, as being weary to dwell in it: But this is not all, here's a mightier wave, which comes to encounter Him, to banish out all patience from His soul. The Queen had conjured Her son by Her letters, that He should make a journey into His kingdom, before He married the Princess of Sicily, and to induce Him to make this voyage, had represented unto Him the misfortunes whereof His State was threatened by the K. of Sardany's Army. There He is come, and led to Poliarchus His chamber, Whonhe had cruelly offended: Poliarchus feared not this encounter at all, because the Moor bore another name in Sicily, then in His kingdom, but knowing His Rival, remembers what the Queen had told Him, touching Her son's marriage with Argenis. grief so overmastered His senses, that at this sight, all full of rage, he turned His head on the other side, shows tokens of His spite, and receaves no better countenance of the Moor; who resolves to avenge himself of the obstacle, which He gives to His Nuptials, imagining, that the delay, which Argenis had asked, was for His sake: They come to words which testify the great adversion which they have against each other. The Queen much astonished, brings forth Her Son out of the sick man's chamber, chides Him for His incivility, represents unto Him the obligation which He hath to the French Prince, and by way of reproach, gives Him to understand, that He shall be for ever blamed, to have so unworthily used an outlandish Prince, unto Whonhis' Crown is so strictly obliged. In the mean time examining exactly the cause of so cruel a hatred, who had made Poliarchus, to resolve to take Sea, thus sick and ill as He was, She finds out, that it was jealousy, which they had each of the other concerning Argenis, which had stirred up this storm: That comforts Her, believing She had found the means to agree them without much trouble. She speaks to both the Princes; Imperiously, to Her son; Courteously, unto that of France: She conjure Them, to refer the decision of their differences, unto Meleander: And I will cause, (said She unto Poliarchus) that you shall have the fair Argenis, and that my Son shall not lose Her This promise, as an Oracle, with two faces, doth astonish the Princes, but the respect which they bare to the Queen, obliges them to believe Her, and to give a true Faith, unto Her words, and stay with patience, what the event will be, whereof both the one and the other seemed to hope well. Thus, Poliarchus is conjured to remain in the Court of Mauritania to cause His wounds to be healed, and in the mean time the Moor lands His Navy in Sardany full of factions by the death of their King. He conquers it with little trouble; He comes back Victorious to meet the Queen his Mother, which at Poliarchus His entreaty, dispatches them both with Her letters, to go, and decide their difference, before Meleander unto whom they had referred it by Her counsel. She gives a Cabinet, unto Her son, to carry unto Meleander; the precious stones which were in it, were of an inestimable value, but that was not the secret. Having taken leave of the Queen, the two rival Princes, hoist up sail, showing no sign of anger, against each other: They arrived much about one time in Meleander's Court. Argenis hath notice that Poliarchus is so near unto her: This joy had transported Her, if rage had not crossed it, when She heard, that He had made Her Father Umpire of Her marriage. Is it then, said She, all the esteem He makes of me, to put himself thus in hazard, to lose Me? And if my Father who hath an inclination for the Moor, gives Me unto Him, doth he think, that I will ever consent thereunto? Before that shall happen, steel, or poison shall put Me out of the world: I shall have more courage than He: my death shall blot out all the Trophies that this Moor goes fancying in his mind, and Poliarchus shall know that I can love, more constantly, and truly than He. At least if My sex takes away the means, to dispute against Him, the glory of arms, nothing shall hinder Me, to take from Him that of Constancy. This list is open to all the courageous spirits, without distinction of sex, and I shall not be the first Virgin, who hath surpassed men, in fidelity.  
In the mean time the two Lovers are favourably received at Court, where Poliarchus began to reassume His luster, and as it were, to darken a little the Prince of Mauritanias glory, they go to salute the King, who at first sight, makes them the best welcome which they can desire. Poliarchus was the first which made His compliment in few words. But the Moor having presented those letters with the Cabinet whereof His Mother had charged Him to give unto Meleander, saw himself engaged in a longer discourse.  
At the opening of the letters, the King changed colour, having read them very exactly, and with an extraordinary attention, He took a little Golden Key, which the Queen of Mauritania had enclosed in them, and opened the Cabinet, where He found things, which did balance His Spirits in such sort, that amongst the tokens, which He gave of His contentment, the tears were seen to trickle down His cheeks, in such abundance, that all the company was astonished thereat. At the instant forgetting himself a little in point of civility, He left the Prince of France alone, and drew the Moor aside as to entertain Him more privately and with more liberty; this negligence was nothing to what followed: holding of Him aside, takes Him about the neck, embraces and kisses Him, and gives Him, the most sensible testimonies which He could wish, of His affection. Not contented with that, He sent in all haste for His Daughter, to whom as She arrived, He said softly, some few words accompanied with an action which seemed to be an image of joy, in His heart. The Princess taking no heed to what was so near unto Her, advances to salute the Moor with visible signs of Love, Poliarchus remains astonished at this spectacle, and knows not how to behave himself, but judging by the good entertainment, which Argenis gave unto Archombrotus, that all his hopes were ruinated, and that His rival was going to triumph, with His pursuits; yielded unto despair, and in the bitterness of His thoughts, began to say within His soul; Is this then the fruit of so many pains which I have taken, and so many hazards which I have runned, to assure myself of the love, of this prodigious inconstancy, She to whom the most violent rigours of a Father, with a thousand martyrdoms ought not to have changed, nor altered, suffers herself to be surprised by some flatteries, which this Old man rounds Her in the ear: What mountains of gold? What perpetual springs of felicity, have been promised Her, thus to change Her affection, and alter Her mind? unfortunate Queen of Mauritania, a scion of the old stock, what characters and enchantments host thou made, upon those letters, to print upon them, that force, and give them that power, to cause so monstruous a change, and to ruinate in so small a time, that which I had built with so long a patience? How am I punished of the folly which I have committed, trusting in the words of a Woman and unto the promises of a damsel, whereof the cunning and lightness, (qualities unseparable to that sex) ought to have made me to suspect them more than the Winds which have brought and driven me on this infamous Shore: But however, If Poliarchus hath been deceived, He can take such a cruel vengeance, that neither the Authors, nor confederates of this perfidiousness shall have no great cause to build triumphs, nor erect trophies to their vanity. This wretched Old man, who by the artificial deceits whereof He is full, hath always opposed my contentments, and these two insolent Lovers, who sport at the shipwreck of my fortune, shall be the sacrifices of My fury: But it is not all, I will also die, to the end my Ghost may pursue and persecute that ungrateful Argenis, unto the Throne of the immortal Gods: Before whom I will reproach Her prodigious infidelity, that a thousand oaths taken in their name, aught to have stayed, if She had had the feeling and belief which She should have had of their power and justice; It is apparent, that it was Poliarchus His good Genius, or the Tutelary angel of Sicily, which busied His Spirit, in these tragic thoughts, to stay His design, and to divert Him during as much space as needed, to give Meleander and Argenis, time to remember themselves, and to come and make their excuses. As He was then, upon the point to go and execute so furious a design, and to put Meleander, Argenis, and His rival out of the world, and after this bloody execution, to run His sword through His body, and by that means to leave tragic tokens of His jealousy and despite: Those who seemed, to have too much neglected Him, came to themselves again, and perceaving their fault, went towards Him to make their excuses, and discover the cause of this joy, which having ravished them, out of themselves, had made them, to forget all civility: Poliarchus finds the charms of His fury and frenzy in their discourses and reasons: The Moor is acknowledged to be Argenis' Brother; the Queen of Mauritania, had discovered the History by Her letters, and had given such good tokens unto Meleander, that He could not doubt, but that He was His son, and the true heir of the two Crowns, insomuch that Archombrotus receiving the succession of His Estates, left freely the possession of the Princess His sister, unto Poliarchus, who would not have changed it with a thousand sceptres.  
Meleander, seeing that the most part of the assistants, understood nothing in these wonders, and that every one desired, a more particular enlightening, took the word, and making a short discourse of the voyage which He had made in Africa during the heat of His youth, avowed that He had been enamoured of a Beauty, whose favour having purchased, He had at last married Her secretly, and that His affairs, having called Him back into Sicily, He had left Her with child, of a son, which was Archombrotus, whom, since Hyanisbe, seeing herself without children, by the King Her husband, had supposed; feigning to have been brought a bed of Him, that She had been induced thereunto, because Her Sister, (which was She, whom He had loved,) seeing herself ready to die, in childbed, had discovered the Secret, unto Her. Therefore it was not to be doubted but that Archombrotus was Argenis' Brother, to whose marriage for that cause He could not aspire, but left the free possession of her, unto Poliarchus, an Incomparable Prince, and worthy the Alliance of the greatest Princess of the earth; and accordingly, if ever Sicily had seen herself at the height of good Fortune, it was now where the destinies had brought it unto, by unknown means unto men, that therefore all the World should give signs of a public gladness, and that every one should run unto the Temples of their Gods, to give them a thousand thanks, for so many blessings showered down upon His crown. At these words the people was seen transported with a secret ravishment, by giving such testimonies of joy, amongst their Feasts, and Sacrifices: Meleander with Archombrotus consent, offers the kingdom of Sardany, unto Poliarchus for Argenis' Marriage; Poliarchus being marvellous well contented, makes ouverture of an Alliance, for Archombrotus with a Sister of His, Daughter of France, which doth accept this glorious party with a thousand thanks, so that the two crowns of France and Sicily remained united with such strong Bonds, that it seemed, the destinies would make this Alliance, perpetual.  
On the other side, Poliarchus sees himself at the height of His desires, seeing that He was in possession of Her, whom He loved more dearly, than His own life. Truly even as the rigours of a long Winter, causes the Spring to be found more pleasing, so all the crosses which He had suffered in this pursuit, caused Him to find the enjoying of it, so much the sweeter.  
FINIS.