The Famous Chinois: OR THE LOVES of Several of the FRENCH NOBILITY, under borrowed names. With a Key annexed.  
LONDON, Printed by E. O. for Thomas Dring at the white Lion next Chancery Lane end in Fleetstreet, 1669.   

TO EUDORA.  
THe Famous Chinois comes, as obliged, towaite upon you in a habit of English phrase: putting him into which I have in the general taken pattern, measure and materials from that which was some years since made him in Frenth by Monsieur Du Ball; but, (if I may say so without suspicion, of arrogating or detracting as well as without guilt of it) not without more pains in particulars than Translatours commonly take, or else use to have ascribed to them. I have thus employed some months, because I have not had opportunity of atcheiving more elevated studies, because I would not for my own satisfaction leave unfinished what I was by the commendation of others induced to begin, and because though there are abroad several historical discourses very ravishingly and advantageously composed of Loves and Gallantries, they for the most part have come out of the shop of inventive fancy, but this under a Romanticke colour and fashion records not only very considerable traverses and events of the same kind, but those also as true as considerable, and no where else to be found. Whether my pains are worth either their own time, or that of perusing them, I submit to your examination and judgement, whose sageness and Candour together with the other transcending beauties, which shine in you, in a high degree concile to you the admirations and observances of all that know you, but of none in a higher, than of Eleutherius.   

The First BOOK.  
AT length the great Alcidor no longer able to endure that Certafilan should so absolutely enjoy Astatia, Solicited her to consent, that he might again convey her out of his engrossing hands; and She indeed loved the Author of this Advice with too much Flame to be backward to comply with him in any thing that was honest and that admitted a plausible excuse: but when She came seriously to consider the Quality and Consequence of this Second Rape, She could find no Pretext that was Tolerable with which to favour it. The Reasons which moved Her to disallow his Demands, and with which She endeavoured to silence them, were, that She had no more any cause to complain of Certafilan, who treated Her with more sweetness than She cared for, that She could not forsake Him without making the King and Her Sister Her Enemies, without indeed working the ruin of her Honour and Comfort, and that She hoped they should in time have Liberty of seeing and Entertaining one another at their Pleasure, without Her running away from Him, considering that He kept Her not Company so closely as He was wont, and besides was no longer jealous. Nothing could have come more strange to the Lover's Mind than did these arguings of his Mistress; He took them not only for a flat Denial of what He had begged, but also for an unquestionable Assurance that She no longer Loved Him: and hurried away with this Opinion, all in a rage he fling from her without vouchsafeing her any Reply. This his Indignation was as wounding to Her, as Her reasoning had been offensive to Him; it struck deep into her Heart, and moved it from the bottom. But She considered that it Imported Her not to be troubled at it, so as to be taken notice off, She therefore made use of all Her forces to undergo it so as became Her. But what with Her Inquietudes which grew Riotous, and what with the constraint which She Exercised upon Herself to suppress them, She so much indammaged Her Health that She within few hours went sick to Bed. Where having lain two days without Alcidor, who had knowledge of it, showing himself not at all concerned in it (as indeed looking upon it as Counterfeit) swallowing down the Affront which She could not chew upon without a most exasperating disgust, She gave Her Page the charge of the ensuing Letter and bringing back an Answer.  

Astasia to Alcidor.  
WHat have I ever done against you to Merit the Pain which You make Me endure? Have You observed in Me one sole Motion tending to displease or disoblige You? If when You Propounded to Me a second Flight, I freely, yet coolly represented to You the Reasons by which I ought to be kept from it, is this a Crime which deserves to be punished with so much Severity? I well know You have not to this hour been at all touched with My Illness, and yet I cannot forbear telling You that Your Displeasure has well-nigh brought Me to the Grave. To hear Me as You have done, to have notice of my Indisposition, to be Conscious to yourself tbat you are the cause of it, and not in the least to be moved at it, to think of this, Oh me! Afflicts Me to the utmost Point. I can go no farther, and if Your unkindness continue, know that with the loss of Your Affection You will quickly see that of My Life.   
Though at the instant of Reading these Words, Alcidor's Heart felt itself melt with Compassion, he nevertheless made it appear to him that brought them, as if they were altogether indifferent to him, and he at first sent him away without an answer, but having considered that this was too roughly to handle Astasia, he caused him to be called back and gave him This.  

Alcidor to Astasia.  
YOu do me wrong to name the just resentment which I have of Your coldness an over severe Punishment. For if You well consider how You have slighted My Loyal Passion, You will acknowledge that had I not taken notice of it, You might deservedly have named Me insensible. You have indeed Conferred Favours upon Me which I have Reason to remember with an immortal and an untainted Gratitude, and if I left You without bidding You Adieu, it is the respect that I bore You which Obliged Me to it. Would it have been just for Me to have gone against Your Will, and to have endeavoured by an Opinionative Obstinacy to have forced You to have granted Me that of which You found me unworthy? No, Madam Alcidor knows better how to live then so, and when it shall come to the loss of his Life, He will never contradict it, if You have Ordained it. But that You may know what an Obsequious Zeal I have for You, only recover your Health and You shall see by the Continuation of My Services that I Honour You more than all the World besides.   
Though the illness of Astasia was very much augmented before her Page returned, She never the more forbore, when he presented these Lines to Her, to take and Read them, and She took them, Read them, and thought of them with such Hot and Violent Emotions that her Fever Redounded and put Her in much worse Condition than She before had been. Of this dangerous Surcharge of Her Distemper Alcidor stayed not long before he was Advertised, and after he was Advertised of it, laying aside all other Displeasure but what that Suggested to him, He stayed not at all before ●e went to see Her● Certafilan being at Her Bedside when he came into her Chamber, he received him with a handsome Courtesy, thanked him for his Care of visiting them in their Affliction, and expressed a great contentment to see him, which whither it was as real as it seemed great he could not Judge: Howsoever that which Astasia derived from the sight of him was both real and great, it was far more Evident than that he could make any doubt of it; She was Ecstasied with it and fell in a Swoon in her Husband's Arms; at which Accident it was Legibly enough written in Alcidor's Looks that his heart was not in much better case than was that of the Intranced. But the Remedies that were used bringing her to herself again (and together with her, her Sympathizer also) no sooner almost had She opened her Eyes, but, Sir, said Certafilan to him, our Company doth my Wife's Health an Injury, let us therefore, if you please, leave her for the Present and return to her when She is in a better Capacity. If I knew myself so unhappy, Replied Alcidor to him, as to increase the illness of those whom I Visit, rather than do them that Mischief, I would all my Life forbidden myself the sight of them, and since you are of the Opinion that my Presence brings a Detriment to your Lady, I leave both her and yourself to your Reposes. By this his Reply Certafilan perceiveing that what he had said had too sharply Pricked him, he endeavoured by Excuses and Blandishments to heal the hurt that he had made, but whatsoever Skill he used in the Endeavour he could not hinder him from going away in Displeasure.  
The Lover was indeed from this time, putting all things into the Balance together, so Ill satisfied with the Husband's humour, that to give it no more Umbrage he resolved, not only to go no more to his House, but also to deface out of his Soul all those Draughts which the Beauty of his Wife had Ingraved there. In Favour of this design he set himself on work to survey the more lovely Faces of Paquin, that so by their Variety or by the Prevalency of some one of them he might be brought to forget that which he had a while addicted himself to, but which now he wholly quitted to its Uncommunicative Proprietary: and of all, which in that his Copious Prospect came under his Consideration, he was not long before he concluded Carmelia the most worthy of his Vows. That therefore he might have Liberty of Visiting her without suspion he tied himself in so strait a friendship with her Husband Clidantus that there was hardly in all the Court to be seen its Parallel. By which means he and that Fair having a Frequent Converse, if his glowing heats for her soon grew to a burning Fever of Passion, She also quickly began to languish with a Disease which made her as much need him for her Physician as he did her for his.  
These new Loves knocking at Astasia's Ears, She was so far from Frowning upon them, that She with Smiles and from her heart bade them Welcome. Her Sentiments were indeed since her Sickness turned so contrary to what they had before been, that in the place of Amorous Passion She had nothing any longer for Alcidor but an Amicable care of his good. When the Forces of his Merit at any time Assaulted her, She by the Rules and helps of Prudent Virtue so Resolutely and Dextrously defended herself against them that they could gain nothing upon her more than to make her admire in the Creature the Creator's Magnificence. When She thought of what had passed between them, I should be ready to suspect, said she to herself, that Alcidor would throw Dirt upon my Name, but that I am strongly assured that he hath more both of Wisdom and Generosity then to Defame a Woman who hath by more than Ordinary Respects Obliged him to her. Besides what Credit would he get in leading a Triumph over my Weakness and setting up Trophies of an Advantage which my little resistance enabled him to acquire? Only Glorious Victories are to be published and not such as disgrace both the Vanquished and Vanquisher together. Yet let us Write to him to let him see that I, from my Soul renounce all former Pleasures, and that I do so because I prefer my happiness before my Destruction. Accordingly She thus dressed a Paper and sent it by Garinter.  

Astasia to Alcidor.  
YOu ought not to take it ill if having Glory to gain by my good Works, I repent of having committed ill ones. We may by reason of our Frailty sometimes fall, but being by the Benign care of Heaven raised up again, it is our Duty incessantly to Act thanks to the Author of our Deliverance. This is that wherein I propose Sedulously to employ myself for the Future, and upon that account the Abode in which I at present as Innocently as Lonesomely lead my Life, is more agreeable to me, than the Palace of our Kings. See how I intent to pass the rest of my Days with Certafilan whose Carriage is become so Unblameable that I have great Reason both to admire his happy Change and to content myself with it.   
Alcidor having read these Terms was glad to understand that she who wrote them would not disturb his new Affections nor be disturbed by them, and having weighed as well as read them he Drew this Answer to them, and sent it away by him that brought them.  

Alcidor to Astasia.  
I Must be void of a Humane Soul not to approve your Holiness of Life, and though your Graces have made deeper Impressions upon my Mind than I can quickly blot out, I shall notwithstanding endeavour to have no other thoughts of them than such as my Conscience may in Justice allow. See, Madam, if in whatsoever Condition you are I have not a serious Ambition of satisfying you: Nor am I so much an Enemy to mine own Happiness as not to go in search of it by a Life which shall suddenly conform itself to yours.   
Garinter gone Alcidor went to Carmelia who waited for him to go along with her to see her Husband at the Waters. Being alone when he entered her Chamber, It is indeed, Sir, said she to him, a very Liberal expression of your Goodness that at my Husband's Entreaty you will Accompany me to the Place to whicb you have so lately given a Title by the Kind and Noble Rape which you Acted there: But not finding her there whom you carried thence every Minute of your stay, will be an hour of tediousness to you. There being no Object in the World so Amiable to me, nor Company so dear as you. Madam, replied Alcidor to her, Judge again and say if I shall not account the Days which I shall pass in your Presence shorter than hours, but also sweeter than Months spent any where else. We know you are an excellent Artist of Raillery, interrupted him, Carmelia, without being thus informed of it, but remember that you in earnest wrong Astasia, when you though only in jest use Courtship to any other Woman. Let us speak no more of Astasia, returned Alcidor, for she is no more to be reckoned of the World, having withdrawn and ●hut herself up in a Solitude for the remainder of her Life. That so Conspicuous a Star as Astasia, said Carmelia again, should of her own choice leave the clear and eminent Orb of the Court, where her Sister also moves with most prevailing Splendours and Influences, and for altogether betake herself to the obscure Station of a Rural Privacy is a story of much more Rarity and Wonder than that I should easily believe it, did any other but yourself tell me it. I never spoke any thing more true, said Alcidor: And I never heard any thing more strange, said Carmelia, more strange, adjoined she, than that the Fair can live content in a separation from Alcidor who is looked upon as her Heart and Soul. I know not, said Alcidor, what Imaginations thr World hath either of her or me; but this I can faithfully assure you, our Conversation was never but very innocent and unblameable, and I conveyed her not away but with the King's Approbation. I am not about, returned Carm●lia, to make an ill Judgement of her, whom, notwithstanding that her Husband's jealousy hath made more than a few of the Opinion that you have had an absolute Power over her and governed her according to your Mind, I have always believed to be entirely sage and to have steered her Conversation with an unreproachable Discretion. Certafilan himself, said Alcidor, hath by the change of his Mind, loudly confessed the injustice of those suspicions which he had of her Virtue, and their reconciliation makes it sufficiently appear that it was nothing but his undiserved mistrustfulness and headlong Frenzy which carried him to treat her so ill as he did, and nothing but his treating her so ill that caused her to take that course that she did. And indeed, adjoined Carmelia, whatsoever ignorant or over Critical People may say, I am altogether of the Mind that a Woman is very excusable in doing what may be thought disrespectful to her Husband, when he without any apparent reason but out of a Giddy Undiscerning Rashness, or an Exceptious Peevish Disposition, passeth a Contumelious Sentence upon her honesty. Not but that I know that the greatest part of the Men of this Age are possessed with the imagination that the more Fair a Woman is, the less chaste she is, as if Nature never form a Person more than usually handsome, but to be more than commonly Vicious. This is, said Alcidor, one of the grossest abuses that a Mind can possibly be seduced with, and I cannot think that any Man will leave himself to the surprise of it, Who is not so much a Fool that he knows not how to distinguish between desert and default. For what appearance does it carry of Truth that Organs well disposed in an Elegant Body should be subject to act less Vigorously in what is good than what is placed in a body of a meaner Fashion, especially considering that they whose form challengeth a Veneration for them have far more Advantages and Encouragements to do well than they who being exposed to contempt by their outsides have little care taken of them and can procure little regard to be had, either to their Persons or their Actions. Of your Mind is my Husband, said Carmelia, and I have often heard him say that the more beautiful he saw a Woman, the more he esteemed her Retained and sober. I have, howsoever, Madam, resumed Alcidor, for a long time observed it to be true, that there is scarce any evil that rageth with so wild a Violence, that so hardly admits of a remedy, and that produces such sad and dismal effects as does the poison of jealousy, especially when drunk in by a Man of Quality and Stomach; all Theatres are died with the Blood of its Tragoedies, To such a height of Fury indeed, said Carmelia, does this Malady use to carry him whom it possesses that rarely he can be cured but either by his own death or that of the Person at whom he takes offence. But, thanks to my kind Destiny, I have a Husband of whom I have not the least fear that he should ever be infected with this so mischeivously fatal Plague. We see much stranger things come to pass, said Alcidor, than that there should be some Vassal of your Beauty who should pay homage to it otherwise (though Virtuously too) than Clidantus should think convenient. But should there be some such Man (as what Husband can hinder another Man from honouring his Wife above all other Women?) and Clidantus should nor only take it ill, but also interdict you his company, What in that case would you resolve upon? Not to see the Person that might be suspected by him, answered Carmelia, that so I might remove from him all argument of afflicting himself and me. Would you then, said Alcidor, commit such an injustice as to slight them that honoured you in favour of a distrustful quarrelsome Husband? I could not be accused of any injustice, or of any slighting in doing so, replied Carmelia, because I did it not but by constraint and out of necessary considerations of my Repose, my Reputation and my Duty. I should indeed reckon that it behoved me to put in practice all the expedients which I could have any hope would restore to a good temper him who was in so ill a one: But if I found them all unavailable, and that he would still persecute me notwithstanding all that I could do to oblige him to the contrary, I would no longer make any Difficulty of separating myself from him. So Astasia, said Alcidor, cannot be in equity blamed for quitting Certafilan when she saw that by nothing that either she herself or others could either say or do he would be restrained from abusing her, and if you at any time should do the like, forced to it as she was, your Virtue will appear not at all the less, since reasonably one cannot dislike unfortunates for seeking to affranchize themselves from their pressures. If I have spoken any thing to the disadvantage of Astasia, said Carmelia, you have cause to reprehend me for it; but tell me, I entreat you, what cause you have to imagine that a wise Man as is Clidantus and that loves me with all his heart as he does should ever turn Fool as did Certafilan, and by his unmerciful persecution of me, should drive me to tread the same path that did Astasia. As I have not Beauty nor other alectives, so no belief that any Man can have such regards for me, as that thence his fancy should have any thing of shadow to vex itself about. How in saying so, Madam, interrupted her Alcidor, do you wrong heaven together with yourself disowning the abundant wealth of Graces which its goodness hath bestowed upon you. But, I must beg leave farther to tell you that as you are at a great distance lovely above others; so you are very far above others beloved, I am one that love you so, and the chains, which fetter my heart in this Affection are embodied into it and grown a much dearer part of it than that I should be willing to part with them for all the Freedom with which the World can tempt me. You are come I see, interrupted him Carmelia not so much to give me your Company as to make yourself sport in jeering me. It is surely not making myself sport, nor jeering of you, returned Alcidor, to speak highly of that which every body that knows you prizes highly, and tell you that I adore you as with a most Profound reverence I do, I am come to wait upon you in your journey; and withal to gain an opportunity of declaring to you that my passion, which hath a great while been kept in by the awe in which I stand of you, but which now breaks its way out by its own greatness and force. If the discovery have any thing criminal in it, inflict upon me what punishment you shall think fit, I shall make no appeal from your sentence, so long as I know that my Torment contents you. Know then, said Carmelia, to what I condemn you; It is to live with me as you have been wont without speaking to me of Love or Passion, it being certain that you are either free from them, or if their stroke hath reached you, it is by the virtue of Astasia's Merit, not of mine, which I am conscious is too weak to take the meanest and most facile heart Prisoner, much less is it able to subdue yours. To these words Alcidor making answer, first with most Eloquent sighs and silence, then with most earnest and winning protestations, that his heart was all an entire piece of Devotion to her and to none but her; she changed her stile and told him that because she would put him to no more trouble she would endeavour to believe what he had said. Encouraged with this concession, he imprinted a flaming Kiss upon her hand; which she not discountenancing, he industrously pursued his point with other Galantryes, and for his success evidently read it in her looks and silence that she was very well pleased with them, but withal as much ashamed as pleased.  
After she had sat a while without speaking a word to him, or so much as looking him in the face, seeing Paper with Pen and Ink upon the Table she took the Pen and wrote, I Love, and then, he looking to to see what she wrote, let drop the Pen, and fell a sighing. All which he took notice of; and better understanding the advantage of the occasion than to let it slip, he entreated her to set down the rest of her thought: to which she answering that it was without design, that that word came to hand. He again so earnestly pressed her to proceed, telling her that she was too judicious to begin to write, what she had no mind to finish, and that the beginning was too good to remain imperfect, that she resumed the Pen and completed the Sentence in these terms, I Love Alcidor, if ●he be Discreet. Having this short, but acceptable line, he broke out into strains of Joy, Thanks and Love, in which he who was at other times wont to excel others, now Fare excelled himself. To repart to them, the Lady thought herself concerned to use such Language as this, I confess it is not without Reason that every one esteems you, Alcidor; you have powerful means to render yourself Master of hearts, it is not now the first time that I knew it, and since the Princess Florisa, and the sweet Astasia hath been overcome by, and been glad to yield to those your Powers, it cannot surely be ill thought of if I also am surprised by them. If what therefore you have told me is true, all my Life shall witness that what I have now written is certain. I confess, I love you, but I withal expect that a virtuous retainedness should have the guidance of your carriage towards me, and if otherwise you at any time prove so unsober as to desire of me, things which my honour permits me not to give you, assure yourself you shall carry away nothing of ill intentions, but a denial stamp with indignation; for I love my Husband, my Honesty, and my Reputation better than to do anything that may prejudice any of them. Your decree is juster, Madam, replied Alcidor, than that I should in the least go against it; and I am more effectually yours, than to cease to be so by enterprises disagreeable to you. Having stopped a little at those words, I acknowledge, Madam, went he on, that you may with equity defend me from aspiring to those Blisses, which you have in your power to bestow, but which are too great for the greatest, and of which they who have most worth are unworthy: yet let your charity allow, as it unblamably may, that upon this beautiful Mouth of Roses, and this fair Bosom of Lilies (together with these words he kissed them both) I protest before Love himself, that I will hence forward have no other will but yours. This onset of Love, gracefully conducted as it was, Carmelia not having the Power to take it ill, That I may not show myself so severe, said she, in some confusion of affection and modesty, as to deny you what I may honestly grant you, I permit you this familiarity of Kisses, provided they be innocent and free from impurity; but this is the greatest personal kindness that you are to expect from me, and that great enough to let you clearly see, I love you to a high degree. The privilege, Madam, returned Alcidor, is of a much Nobler value, than that in the frution of it I should not own myself a most wealthy Man of happiness. More he was going to say, but Felisbea coming into the Chamber interrupted their converse, and they had at that time no more opportunity of discourseing of any thing, but the journey which they were about to make together. They nevertheless expressed their hearts to one another by signs as Emphatical as words, and having broken their Fasts, and taken the Road, they there also, though that Sister of Clidantus not a little obstructed their deernesses, frequently transmitted them by stealth to one another, without being at all perceived by her.  
Having nothing by the way that molested them and Alcidor all along holding discourses with which a very bad humour would have been diverted, they got happily to their Journey's end, and therefore also the more happily because their arrival gave a very sensible mitigation to the illness of Clidantus; he shown himself more revived by the sight of them, and particularly of Alcidor, than it could be imagined his condition was capable of; and during eight days after their coming he carried it out well: But he was so sick the ninth that his Physicians began to despiar of his recovery, and he afterwards for many days laboured under pains which rendered his life a burden to him, and which though Carmelia entirely loved Alcidor infected her with so much trouble that not he whom she loved so much, could with all his consolatory endeavours put astop to her tears. In this his condition Felisbea took a just and a kind Sister's part but not so much as that uncommon tenderness which she had always for him would have prompted her to have taken, had her mind been at liberty; but it was called off from sympathising with Clidantus by being continually taken up in admireing Alcidor. After she had admired him a while she grew big with Love of him, and then restlessly solicitous that he should have answerable respects for her. So much he saw by (besides other deports) the sighs and languishing regards which upon all his motions she sent after him. But his inclinations carrying his heart with too rappid a current to Carmelia, to suffer him to think of Felisbea as she desired, he dissembled his understanding of what he saw, and whatever contrivances she used (as she used several) to make him know her mind, and conform to it, he carried himself as if he was wholly ignorant of their meaning. This added very much to her anxiety and he who was the occasion of it, was enough convinced that he was so, but made show of believing that it was all upon the account of her Brother. When therefore she had sufficiently wearied herself with sighing for him, who would not rightly interest himself in it, She persuaded herself that it was requisite without any thing of disguise, to lay her heart open before him, and she had presently made her own mouth her agent, and Interpreter of it to him, had not that great portion which she had of honour and Sageness restrained her from it. It was not with a wanton Eye that she looked upon him, the mark at which she aimed was Marriage, that which he never yet shot at, and full of Virtue as she was, she would rather have hugged death than have harboured a thought unworthy of it. But yet withal her desires of having him for her Husband, had too much Fire in them, to be kept from venting themselves to him and seeking to have the Fuel of ●his kindness to feed upon. Screwed up by their urgencies, to a confidence far above her temper, she took the first opportunity of being with him, and as she was going from him, without his percieveing her, let drop at his feet a Paper, which, his Eye quickly lighting upon it and his curiosity prompting him to take it up and peruse it, ●he found to have these brief contents: Alcidor's, qualities are all ravishing and unless one be Marble, one cannot consider him without being wounded for him. If he is not sensible of this, he is not acquainted with himself; his only fault is that he hath an aversion to Marriage which the affections of others and his own Merit and Interests demand of him.  
He was at no pains to know whose this note was, he was too well acquainted with the mind and hand of Felisbea not to be certain that it was hers. He was therefore not a little perplexed how he should carry himself towards her, but at length he resolved to coverse with her as formerly without taking any notice to her of the writing, but shunning all occasions that might bring him into a particular engagement with her. Going in this mind to her Brother's Chamber where he knew she was, he was no sooner in her Eye, but she was all died with blushes and lost in shame. Observing which Emotion, he made no show that he observed it, but, after he had asked Clindatus how he did, entered into a discourse with him and his Lady. She having by that means leisure of recollecting herself, after a few minutes came and sat upon the Bedside by him, listening to his words as to harmonious Oracles, and considering his person and fashion as something more than humane. They had not sat above a quarter of an hour, but there entered visiters to the sick Man; to let whom come up to him, Alcidor and Felisbea drew back and fell into a conversation by themselves. At the instant the clouds of Felisbea's homor dispersed, and she grew more gay than usually, encouraged by an expectation that Alcidor would entertain her about her Paper. But this was far from his intentions, and he only entertained himself with her about her Brother and the company that was come in; in which terms they were when Clidantus called him to him, to take part in a discourse of raillery which a Lady of very good Ingenij had begun with design of diverting him.  
Divided from Alcidor and disappointed of her hopes Felisbea withdrew in distraction to her Chamber, where having wept a flood she broke out into such Language as this. No, No, Felisbea, it is in vain that thou strivest to captivate this heard-hearted insensible Man. Canst thou any longer question that he slights thee? Comest thou not from having too experimental a proof of it? If he made never so little reckoning of thee, would he treat thee with so much cold indifferency? If thy Note which thou sawest him take up had pleased him, would he have been kept from speaking of it to thee? would he have made show of knowing nothing of it? He took it and read it, but not liking what he read, he would feign himself ignorant of what he too well knows. It is a folly for thee think to make him thine; he is too much Astasia's, and her attractions hold too absolute a Monarchy over him to let him be any other Woman's.  
While Felisbea was in such terms with herself Clorangius entered her Chamber with the Message that he came to fetch her to her Mother who it was feared, was dying, a Message which made the tears trickle down her cheeks afresh, but that as much for sorrow that she must leave Alcidor, as, though she loved Dolinda as she was in duty bound, out of a sense that she was in danger of losing her. Alcidor was indeed grown an inseparable requisite to her satisfaction; she therefore deferred her journey as long as she could, but at last with wet eyes and troubled heart bad adieu to him, Clidantus and Carmelia.  
If she was extremely discontented at her going away; Alcidor was as glad of it, considering that as long as she had stayed he could never have come near Carmelia without finding her with her, and the same day that she went taking the advantage of her absence he and Carmelia, while Clidantus slept walked into a little wood, private and thick which joined to the Garden of their House: Here having seated themselves as conveniently as they could upon the Mossy root of a well spread Oak, and having no more dangerous witnesses to fear than the Birds and trees, they entered into a mutually endearing conversation, and proceeded from one kindness to another, until they seemed at strife which of them should show most, and till Alcidor began to argue with himself from Carmelia's freeness that she had so warm a Passion for him, that if he would but take the confidence to try, she might be brought to grant him what in colder modesty she had forbidden him to aspire to. While such thoughts passed up and down in his mind, she who suspected nothing of them, but was willing to indulge as much to his and her own affections as she thought, she well might, without infringing her duty to Clidantus, and the rules of decency, curled his locks and kissed his forehead with little less allurement than if she had a mind to dress a party against her Chastity. Confirmed by these her more innocently intended dalliances in the opinion that if she was importuned she would not refuse him that which places a Lover at the ●●p of his happiness, and interpreting the amorous wishly regards which he observed ●he cast upon him as a summons to make use of that conveniency of the place for the performance of what he had a mind to, he had his flames so animated that thinking no longer of any thing but quenching them (with those delights which have the Virtue both of quenching and re-accending the thirst of Love) he solicited her to what was so disagreeable to her, that starting up from the place where she was set and looking as pale as if she had received some blow that made her heart fail, How, Alcidor, said she to him, dare you entertain me with so foul a baseness, a baseness which unspeakably astonishes and offends me together? Think you that to gratify your brutishness I will betray my honesty? Go make your prayers to lustful women; it is at their temples that you must address your offerings. With these words fetching a deep sigh and on a sudden growing as red as she was before pale, she hastily turned to go away: but Alcidor who read his delinquency in her face and carriage and expressed his penitential distraction in his own, held her by the Mantle and throwing himself at her feet, I acknowledge, Madam, said he to her, that the choler that you are in is no greater than is just and reasonable: but if there be any thing in the universe that hath influence upon your spirit, I by it beseech you to pardon the untuly violence of the passion which I have for you; It is that which having deprived me of my reason haveth been the cause of my impudence; and if nothing else will satisfy you, I have not a drop of blood with which I am not ready to expiate it. No, No, interrupted she him, I have no body to blame but myself who have too lightly and foolishly permitted you familiarities which have made you hope as easily to obtain the spoils of my Chastity. But undeceive yourself, Alcidor, and know that I should much more cheerfully love to die than consent (as you imagine I might be induced to do) to the ruin of my honour. I am sensible, Madam, replied Alcidor, that my crime, though it have love for its complice, is of a very deep and ugly stain, but any repentance, if any repentance can be so, is answerable to it. I again therefore beg by all that you hold good and dear to pardon me, and I beg you not to do it, but upon condition, that if ever I fall back into the same sin, you banish me for ever from your favour without leaving me the least hope of Mercy. Overcome with these words and other testimonies of remorse which he expressed in a plain and large Character, since I have reason to believe, returned she to him, that you are really troubled for the offence that you have given me, forbear trobling yourself any farther, I fully pardon you, but withal, I lay an indispensable charge upon you, that you no more go against the law which I have by the Obligation of Virtue necessarily prescribed you. I confess I love you entirely, but if you imagine you shall be ever able to draw from me more than what I have told you I will allow you; know I shall run to my grave rather than bring a blot upon the integrity of my life. As for our wont Caresses Provided you proceed not to unlawful propositions I will allow you them as heretofore, but if by allowing you them you again encourage yourself to abuse me, assure yourself you will oblige me to hate you as much as I love you. I farther esteem myself very happy in being at present alone with you, but least any ill should be suspected of us, let us return to Clidantus, who possibly may awake and send about in search of us if he finds us not by him. To this he having replied with very ingenious acknowledgements of her goodness they sealed their reconciliation with some warm kisses, and past next way out of the wood to Clidantus his Chamber, where when they first came in they found him asleep, but he presently awakened and signified himself very well pleased to see them about him.  
It being a Month after this before his Physicians could with their best diligence advance his Recovery to any considerable pass they in that time enjoyed all the contentments with one another that in the tye which limited them and in the place where they were they could soberly expect, and in the enjoyment of them Carmelia's affection grew to such a height that she began to see by its effects that to love her lover more, she loved her Husband less. This enormity she made very assiduous effects to overcome, but as often as she made them, she so often experienced that the more she resisted, the more the forces which she had to fight against, increased, and desires continually sprung up in her mind which were altogether contrary to her will and which made her wholly ashamed of herself, but which her reason setting itself to oppose there was always something which obtained the victory against it.  
While she was in this rout, which, though she could not rectify, she very discreetly concealed: her Husband by the advice of his Physicians resolved to return to Laqui●; that which Alcidor liked very well both because he loved the abode of the Court, and because he made no question of having more liberty with Carmelia there than where they now were, and that which was now by his fartherance of it quickly put in execution.  
The next day after they were come to the Royal City. Alcidor going, under colour of visiting Clidantus, to see Carmelia, found Felisbea with them, whom he saluting with civility enough, and a kiss which had more of manners than heat in it, but which however so much dissolved and drew out her heart that she could hardly defend herself from falling in a swoon, the same desires repullulated in her soul which had not long since agitated it, and her humour withal showed itself dressed in lighter colours than it had for a long time been seen in. Of which latter Carmelia taking notice, but not understanding the ground, thought it sprung from the pleasure which she received in seeing her Brother recovered together with her Mother. Alcidor knew better how to judge of it, but thought not sit to alter the Opinion of the one by discovering the affection of the other. But in whatsoever cheerful temper she was at first after their return, and with whatsoever illness she was afterwards struck, four days after she took her Bed, and eight days after she was laid in her Grave.  
She was a Sister whom Clidantus loved as himself: the separation therefore worked so sharply upon him that it renewed his old illness, and the ralapse had so ill a look that it made his Physicians look for nothing good to come of it. They telling his Lady their thoughts, she called up all her constancy to expect and bear with patience the feared event; and she had withal Alcidors' advices and comforts to assist her in that occasion: but they were neither of them so effectual, but after some days a humour spreading itself through the sick man's Body which took away the use of his Limbs, her grief wanted but little of proveing as mortal to her as his Palsy was likely to do to him. But her former Physician taking in hand the cure of it, it by little and little decreased, that which was the cause of it at the same time growing every day worse than other.  
Six Moons having filled and emptied themselves, and all the arts that were used and pains that were taken with Clidantus (and all were used and taken that could be thought expedient) serving only to prove that his Disease was incurable, Alcidor, who had for the most part of that time been employed by the King in expeditions of War, finding him in this condition at his return resolved to draw all the advantage out of it that he could, and, as his passion for Carmelia flamed higher than ever, to make more pressing declarations of it to her than ever, serving himself therefore of the opportunity, he entertained her with regrets for the illness of Clidantus, with laments for her affliction, and with complaints of his own unhappiness, which brought thick clouds over her eyes and presently a large shower out of them. That done he turned to his stile to Gallantries and the Amaenest Themes; he painted his fires to her with most lively and withal most Venust draughts, he with the most moving Rhetoric that he could wove represented to her how unreasonable it was that her florid youth and Beauty should be entombed in Melancholy, and what vivid, generous and elevated contentments those Lovers have who in tirely and without reserve addict themselves to one another: and his success was that the air of her looks and deportment changed from gloomy to serene, that from the picture which he made her of his fires she not only fancied that she saw them and felt them burn, but also really contracted sympathetick heats, more moving than she ever before had felt, and that she let him see as much, as also that she approved of what he said, by complying with him more liberally than ever, and caressing him more profusely. Perceiveing how he gained ground of her he stopped not there but followed her close with professions, Blandishments, Arguments, Promises, and by their importunate and insinuating fascinations wound himself at length, as into the chief room of her heart, so into that place in her Arms, which Clidantus only was wont to hold, but was now no longer capable of holding. Not but that she still retained for that bedrid Man those officious respects which were due to him from his Wife and with a tender compassion painfully edeavoured his ease and relief. It was the same compassion, though she might have some thoughts that of Clidantns his Widow she should become Alcidor's Wife, which compelled her sometimes to join with him in the Prayers which he made, that since he could expect no other remedy death would be his Physician and release him. his life was indeed drawn out with so much torment that it was a true kindness to him to wish the thread of it cut of, and that Dolinda herself who had brought him into the World continually desired to see him go out of it. He having continued six months longer in this sad condition the wishes of himself and his Friends were granted, his Soul taking wing and leaving his Body to be laid to bed in the Earth, that which his Lady took care to have done with a magnificence which purchased her a great Name, and with tears which were her witnesses that though she had sometimes in consideration of his misery wished him in his Grave, she would have been very ready to have fetched him out of it.  
Clidantus gone, Alcidor and Carmelia lived in Paquin in a correspondence of which there would have been good reason to have admired the sweetness, if there had not been some occasion to have disinherited the innocence. The intimacy of it bringing the lady's virtue into suspicion, the Ladies who were wont to frequent her company, by little and little forbore visiting her. Not able to overlook which disrespect, or to question the ground upon which they built it, she took occasion to speak of it to Alcidor, that so she might clear her conscience and engage him to remove her disrepute by the Marriage which she daily expected from him: And he fed her expectation with promises fitted to her palate, but withal, having no mind to come under the yoke, which she would have put upon him, he determined to disengage himself from her as soon as handsomely he could. To effect what he had determined, he concluded with himself to go pass some Months in one of his country Houses, but to her he pretended that the King had commanded him upon his service into a remote Province, that which she easily believed, in regard of the equipage which she saw him provide for his departure, and he withal persuaded her to retire from the Court and live privately in the Country during his absence, that which she readily consented to. All things being prepared for the separation and the day come, he saw the grief with which she resented it flow with so large a stream in her Eyes, and he had in his own breast such a reluctancy to it that he was upon the point of desisting from his purpose, and of resolving not to leave her: But considering that if he stayed with her any longer he must either unworthily abuse or else Mary her, from both which he had many reasons that dissuaded him, he enforced himself to go on with what he had undertaken, and what he saw necessary, though harsh. After therefore they had both sighed enough, they bade the Court and one another farewell, he takeing his way, and she hers.  
Come into his Province, Alcidor by the Proofs which he gave of his qualities made all other the brightest Personages appear to him but as glimmering Stars to the Sun in blaze, and like a Miracle drew all eyes and affections after him. But he who made all that saw him in love with him, could not keep himself from being in love with another. He saw shine a beauty, which (when he had examined Eyes, Face, Shape, Air, Port, all) he could wish nothing either added to or taken from, and which, as the Sun puts out all lesser lights and fires, extinguished in his mind the glories not only of Florisa and Astasia but of Carmelia also, and brought in the incomparable Dorame to rule there alone. This young Widow who was issued of one of the best Houses of China appeared to him to have so much of divine in her, that he without any scruple sacrificed to her his whole heart, and that with a different devotion from what he had formerly paid at Female shrines. It seemed altogether unjust to him not to love her with a pure integrity and for all his life, or in loving her not to build upon Virtue, not to aim at Marriage, not to breathe after better things than Voluptuous sensual enjoyment. Become thus in a Moment of a Volatile Libertine a constant and faithful subject of Love, before he made any discovery of his intentions he examined his own Birth, Actions and Fortunes, to see if these were advantages weighty enough to allow him hopes of gaining such a possession as was that which he had in his wishes, and when indeed he well considered what he was, it was impossible that the lustre of his own worth, should cast his rays about him without lighting him to see that he sufficiently merited what he had a mind to obtain.  
Celebriously accomplished as Dorame was, would she from the time that her dear Clisidas expired have entertained proposals of a second Husband, she might have had the same day of his Funerals, to have been that also of her Nuptials. More than a few of the higher rank sought her in Marriage, and ●his her new Passionate was not ignorant of; but there was no body whom he feared but her whom he loved, and nothing that he cared for but to make her love him. But before that he by any suits or declarations to her delivered his mind of that with which it was big, he thought it best often to visit her, and every time that he visited her, as he found in her Wit, Humour, Fashion, Form, some new occasion of admiring her and of coveting her with impatience for his Wife, so the generousness and sweetness of his disposition, the equability and moderation of his temper, the Elegancy and sublimeness of his Ingenij, the gracefulness of his Person and carriage, and the great Civility or rather Devotion of his respectfulness to her, more and more nourished and augmented that kind esteem which from her first knowledge of him she had conceived for him, so that before it was long, if she had at any time any thoughts of being remarried, it was only to Alcidor, that which would have made him account himself a most happy Man had he been acquainted with it, but she very watchfully concealed it from him.  
From these same frequent visits that he made to her and other observables of his actings, though he had told his own soul only the zeal which he had of applying himself to her a servant of love, people generally argued a probabilty of it, his competitors in particular conceived so strong an opinion of it, that they all superseded from waiting upon her, some afraid of measuring Swords with him, others knowing that they could not measure Deserts with him. He would have been better contented that some of the most gallant of them should have continued firm in their pursuit, that so they disputing the prize with him, his Victory (or fall) might have been the more illustrious. But seeing them all forsake the lists of her service he one day took occasion to speak of it to her.  
He having upon which subject said what he thought convenient, It is my ill fortune returned she to him, which will have them in the Series of my Conversation observe my want of Merit, and then withdraw that they may lose no more time in remarking in me defects which oblige them to fly from me instead of following me. And you, Sir, added she, after you have known me a while will Judge it necessary to do the like. What ways one may invent, cried Alcidor, interrupting her, to reproach the greatest excellencies under Heaven! The reasons why they quit you, Madam, continued he with a low respect, is because they are sensible that the zeal with which I adore you is abundantly stronger, purer and more faithful than theirs, and therefore, though it hath no Merit in itself, yet, in comparison with theirs, deserves to be better received and recompensed: And imagine not, for you will be unjust if you do so, that I have so distempered a spirit as ever to imitate those extravagants who meet their shame in their inconstancy.  
This discourse coming a little unexpectedly, but very acceptably to her from him for whom she had more affection than ever she had for any, her beloved Clicidas excepted; In earnest, Sir, replied she presently, you have a very ingenious art, and you are very industrious in using it to make yourself sport with those absents and with me; and you would persuade me into a strange belief, should I give up myself to hearken to you: but as little discretion as I have, I have so much as to understand your flatteries and to know what ear and credit I am to give them. If Alcidor loves, it is not Dorame that he loves, he aspires to things more exalted, and Princesses, not such as I, are the objects of his Vows. I wish no more, Madam, replied Alcidor to her, than that my satisfaction depended upon the truth of this, that I think there is nothing humane to which I can aspire more exalted than yourself; and that is my next Religion under what I owe to Heaven to vow and pay to you all that Man can Vow and pay to Woman. For Heaven knows that, though I have stayed till now to tell you so, from the first minute that I saw you, my breast hath been nothing else but a region of fires which your beauties kindled, and which burn to you with as fervent and clear a devotion as ever did those upon the Persian Altars to the bright Eye of the World. It is too probable that you account it criminal in me to be a Candidate of those Felicities which Clisidas while he lived enjoyed; but make what judgement of me and disposal you think good, I shall never the more cease to pay homage to you and nevertheless endeavour to make good the quality of your servant.  
Having many arguments to believe that these words had nothing of cozening paint or artifice in them but were the genuine dictates of his heart wholly given up to her, Dorame stood still a while pleasing herself with the acquisition that she had made, Then if it be true, Sir, returned she that you have that kindness for me that you pretend, it it also true that I reap a most plentiful honour and advantage by it, and that I should be both very ungratful and very unwise together should I deny it an agreeable reception: and you have for my encouragement the appearance and the estimation of a more generous Man, than to design the abusing a Widow who reckons nothing more recommendable than your virtue or more worthy of an Empire than your accomplishments, and who therefore accounts it a most weighty subject of glory to her to see you stoop to consider her otherwise than she can by any title of her own challenge. You are highly injurious to yourself, Madam, replied he, in disclaiming the pretensions which by the graces of which you are owner you may most rightfully make: As you in compliment name me uncapable of a Sceptre, I seriously and with good reason esteem you worthy of a Crown. I see I can gain nothing upon you, rejoined she, your tongue, nor to contradict that great opinion that every one hath of you, delighting to show its Pomp in persuading me more victoriously, that which you would have me believe. There needs no art of words, returned Alcidor, to declare a truth so plain as is that of your overtopping worth, its rays will break through the thickest veil. I am sensible indeed that the more perfection you have and know you have, the less hope I can have that you should give to one so defective as I am, that place in your heart that I die for; but yet I cannot choose but say that if you will consult the World about your qualities, I am willing you should name me Impostor, and treat me as such a one if all that know you do not avow you one of the chiefest of those pieces which are matter of Admiration to them. I very well know, answered Dorame, that only to hear you speak is enough to take away from the eyes and spirit of those that hear you, the faculty of judging things as they appear: I will therefore contest no longer with you, as being certain of the conquest which you have a mind to win. I yield you that which you at present contend for; let us now discourse of something else. What can I discourse of to you, reparted Alcidor, so much to my mind as of the perfections which you have in yourself, and of the affections which I have for you? But to obey you I will at present say no more of either of them, provided that you will promise me to believe what I have already said of both. To give you a satisfaction, said Dorame to him, I agree to what you ask, so far as my Conscience of myself will allow me, and I shall doubt less of your love than of my own merit, since you have so great a desire to assure me of the former, and I have so little reason to assure myself of the latter. I shall indeed be very much at ease, Madam, resumed Alcidor, if you will reckon my Passion as true, serious and great, as it really is, and as I have a desire to give you testimonies that it is; but it will be with hopes that you will retaliate it to me, which if I miss of my ease will prove as little as is that of the wounded Man who knows that the Chirurgeon upon whom his recovery depends is sufficiently acquainted with his wounds, but will not take in hand the Cure of them.  
At this Language Dorame casting down her looks and forbearing to answer, Alcidor threw himself upon his knees before her in the fashion of a Homager, if not a Worshipper. She stooping to raise him up, her cheek came so near his mouth that tempted with the opportunity he could not forbear touching it with his lips, which (performed as it was with a graceful delicacy) she not showing herself displeased with, accended with the favour, and willing from that step to derive pretence to another, he rose and with a new confidence but also with a reverence not much different from that of Religion made some closer impressions of his lips upon her mouth and eyes, not indeed without being reproved by her for it, but that with a sweet and soft mildness which shown she could not be much offended with that which was only to be attributed to the excess of his love, and which encouraged him to do the like, again rather than deterred him from it.  
He having after a few days by the endearing engageing powers of his Merit and courtship prevailed with her plainly to accept of his service, their conversation had so much virtuous amoenity and sweetness in it, that it was a great deal of pity it should have been interrupted; but he was constrained to go to accord a quarrel of which he was made Arbiter, and the law of his charity did them the ill office of separating them, that which they would have accounted yet a worse office, had they not considered that the Adversaries whom he went to reconcile deserved that he should take that pains for them.  
Two days after his departure she was surprised in her Chamber by Rolimon, Melian and Vindorix, where this Uncle and Cousins had not stayed long before they told her that they had not at present made a Journey to her but to solicit her to receive for her Husband her old Lover Cartagenes, whose worth and quality were no more vuknown to her than were his Love and and services. In answer to which she who had taken the retreat of that Cavaleir as well as of her other suitors for a sign, either of a frigid affection or▪ a faulty courage, they having never visited her since Alcidor frequented her, freely declared the ill opinion which she had conceive of him as well as of the rest. Rolimon did his endeavour to remove from her this impression, speaking all that he could to the advantage of his friend; but he after all found that it was but labour in vain to go about to replace him in her favour. He ceasing therefore to allege any thing more in his behalf, she changed her action and language, and succinctly told them all that had passed between her and Alcidor, so handsomely representing to them the Love which he had propounded to her, that they resented a high delight in hearing it, and earnestly connselled her to think of no other Husband. Alcidor, said Rolimon, besides that he is of an illustrious Blood, is Master of Qualities, altogether uncommon to the World, his Courage makes him feared, his Courtesy loved, every thing of him admired, he hath gained a reputation of a large extent and a most glorious nature, and hath deserved it as well as gained it, having done as eminent things as ever Man of his age and condition. Riches and Grandeurs do not at all blind him or allure his mind to a higher or more eager flight than becomes him: But had he occasions of enterprizing things satisfactory to the height and magnitude of his ●oul, his Element would be to conquer Kingdoms. A great Princess and as fair as great would have made it her glory to have gained him for her Husband, but that she could not dispose of her own will, nor could he conclude it convenient for him to Marry so famous a Parsonage. If he loves you, as I have no reason to doubt but he does by the testimonies that you have given us of it, and your good Fortune brings you to be his Wife, as I have hopes it will, you may with a just confidence rank yourself among the most happy Women of China. I know his humour, I am acquainted with his Birth and Education; I understand a great part of the motions of his Life, and can therefore speak of him, as I do with assurance. You speak too much on his side, Sir, said Dorame, not to make him uppear amiable and to oblige me to court his nearest friendship. Satisfied therefore as I am, that you know he outweighs Cartagenes, I am resolved to follow your advice and not by a disingenuous, foolish, unworthy co●ness, debar myself of the present, which heaven seems willing I should receive. You have reason indeed, Cousin, interposed Melian, to think no more of your old servants, for the one Alcidor's lustre darkens all theirs how considerable soever. He who knows him, said Vindorix, and will not acknowledge him composed of worth, must be concluded either to overflow with envy, or to be very defective in judgement, I with a great deal of Solicitousness wish you married to him, and I am in continual fear lest this good fortune should be ravished from you by some sinister accident. Heaven, if it thinks good, returned Dorame to him, will preserve him from me. You had seen him here at present had not a quarrel between two of his friends called him away; but to morrow he is to return, and if he loves not me, yet he loves his word better than to fail. I wish, resumed Rolimon, that he veiled not his design from you, and instead of going to agree some friends is, not gone to fight some Enemy. Give not yourself the trouble of such fears, replied Dorame to him, for I am very certain he hath nothing of difference of his own to decide with any body, having sight of a Letter which informed me he was only arbitrator in a disagreement of others. But since you are particularly acquainted, as you was saying, with his life; the History of it, during his absence, would be a diversion very agreeable to me if not a labour too troublesome to you, You could not ask me a thing, answered her, Rolimon, which is more to my mind, than to entertain you with what I understand of his affairs, and if you will not give me that attention which I may claim as their right, I doubt not but to make you confess that few things more considerable have come to your ears. Presently Melian, Vindorix and Dorame seating themselves about him, he began his Narration in these Terms.  

The History of 〈◊〉  
SInce I have undertaken to give you an account of as much as I know of Alcidor's Life, it is just that I first show you what his Original was and what his younger Motions, rhat so by the one you may see what a Noble Stock he grows upon, and by the other what an Elevation of Spirit he gave evidence of in his feeble years. He is Issued by his Father Miraldus of one of the most ancient Houses of the Province of Quincijs, by his Mother Deifila of a Branch Royal of China, by both allied to the most Eminent Families of the Kingdom. The Pomp of his Birth was equal to the height of it, there was no body considerable in the Vicinage who came not to welcome him into the World, and Feasts, Balls, and all the more fashonable and elegant expressions of joy were for five days together the exercises of them that came. The first hours of his birth, they who seriously considered him, not out of flattery but judgement, congratulated his Parents concerning him, as a work of their Marriage which Nature had taken a pleasure to render complete. They themselves indeed could not look upon him without fancying his eyes, beamings of a Genius that promised nothing mean; and he gave a very early confirmation of their Fancy; for by that time he had gotten over four years he delighted himself in nothing so much as in seeing Arms and Horses, and in handling the one and mounting the other, thereby giving Omens that holding dear in his Childhood the instruments of glory, he would in time prove by them as worthy an Heir of Miraldus his Reputation, as of his Estate.  
When he had attained to an age capable of learning things worth the knowing, he found nothing difficult to him but comprehended them wholly almost as soon as he had the beginnings of them taught him. I myself have, not without astonishment, observed him to understand at seven years that which a better spirit than ordinary must have been at a great deal of p●ins to appr●●hend at twelve, his judgement and gracefulness were while he was a Child advanced to a maturity that spoke him Man. Grown bigger he shown himself furnished with so many excellent qualities that his glad Parents thought it time that he should see the Superbe Court of Florimen, where they hoped he would one day make his Virtue shine, and there, if he was taken with the beauties of the place he took all that saw him with the early and most hopeful blossoms of his youth; Arcantus in particular the King's Brother took him into his Bosom, and affectionately made it his cai● that there should be nothing wanting to the rendering of him a most complete person.  
The various practices of the Indian Kingdom inciting the great Lords of China to revolt anew, and combustions being by that means kindled and blown up very dammagable to the State, in aggravation of the disorder, Arcantus complained that he was slighted, and that Podamus, ●rastes and Belliman had in the Counsel of the twelve Auditors without calling him to it, acted as they thought good, very much in prejudice of his concerns. Nor did he complain only, but also, not able to brook the Bravades of those Princes who were strangers from the Royal Blood, he departed from Court and levied Forces. In these Alcidor commenced the Soldier, following his Colours with an ardour answerable to the obligation which he had to him, and which remarkably auspicated those great things which he afterwards performed.  
From this spring many different motions arising in China, the Prince Arcantes within a few days published a Declaration, in which he protested that he had not departed and armed but to employ his Fortunes, Forces and Life, to remove the Authors of the public confusion, to prosecute justice for 〈◊〉 the Rapires and Massacres commited during the Reign of Trasilas, and to restore the many Lords, Gentlemen and others that were in Prison and in Exile. In pursuit of this Declaration to increase his Appennage and by common arms recover peace to the Nation, he joined himself with those of the new sect (as it was called) of Religion. But the Queen-Mother seeing that his Resentments and proceed enfeebled rather than strengthened the authority which she assumed over all affairs made a journey to him, and by her powerful influence and Prudential workings obtained a success of Hostility for six Months.  
By the end of this time Rolianis Brother in Law to Florimen by the Marriage of his Sister having made an escape from Court a potent Army of Malcontents was in the Field and Arcantes marching in the head of them. To oppose them, Orastes and those of his House framed a ●eague and drew the King to sign it, and all was ready to be undone, when to take from the factious all pretext of fishing in troubled Waters, Arcantus returned to good terms with the King, having obliged him to hold a general Counsel of the Kingdom for recompensing the good, punishing the bad, and setting right what was out of order.  
All quarrels appeased between the two Royal Brothers, the Revolters sent abroad their Manifesto's, and in calming this disturbance, was the King detained when came Deputies of the Province of Loxa to beg succours of him, and to demand the Prince his Brother for Protector of their Liberties against the Indians. What they asked they obtained; Arcantus was presently declared Lieutenant General, and with a considerable sum took his way to Brema, Alcidor both by the Prince's invitation, and by the instigation of his own humour went one of the company thither, and he saw there so much Honour paid to Arcantus and so much affection showed to the meanest of his retinue, that he was ready to repute their abode there for that of Florimen's Palace, and that fair Town for the Flourishing City of Paquin. All were indeed received by their new Hosts with as much kindnesses, as if they had been in their own Houses but they ill repaid their kindnesses, ●and and by grand disorders made them too quickly reckon, that the Chinoise tuition was less easy to brook than the Indian Tyranny. In short, whatsoever good order Arcantus could take, who in an exemplary manner caused the insolents to be punished, they who were called in for secure loaded with such ill usages by those that had called them, that to disenslave and revenge themselves together, they turned to wove conspiracies against them, and resolved by an universal Massacre to disgorge them. From the resolution they soon passed to the execution, and it was so bloody a one, that the Prince did not but with much difficulty save himself from it. A great part of his People were assassinated in Brema, and Alcidor had in all likelihood ran the same fortune, had not the faithful Turgistus kept him concealed in his House till the rage of the multitude was blown over. His Prince having left behind him that infamous abode, when so much nobleness had in a most horrid manner a Burying place given them, not seeing him among those that escaped, believed without any farther hopes and therefore not without a Pathetic sorrow that he had been Sacrificed to the same barbarous fury with the rest. With the same sad conclusion were Miraldus and Deifila, after all the information that they could get, forced to sit down, wholly overwhelmed with grief. But while they were lamenting him as dead, he on a sudden presented himself to them alive and well, and together with himself Turgistus as the invaluable friend who had first saved him from the tempest, and then taking the advantage of the fair weather that succeeded it had put him in disguise and conducted him to them. That the sight of him did in a moment change all their blacks into colours of extreme joy and that his Deliverer had large heaps of remunerations thrown upon him, I suppose, I need not tell you.  
Orastes and his confederates, no● able better to authorise their Monopolies than by setting the Subject against the King, did by their subtle acts so effectually work them to their purpose that to hear their insolent discourses of their Sovereign and his Government would have inclined one to say that he was bound to hold in fee of their capriciousness. In prosecution of this they took up Arms and brought into the World the designs which they had been a long time hatching, by the same means sending Arcantus out of it, who with grief to see his Brother and the Kingdom involved in the confusion of a sixth civil War, wherein also he saw his own pretensions reversed, fell sick and died. After his death the King who had no Child caused Potianis to be received as the first Prince of the Blood and Prime Victory of China. Where the Leagurers deriving fresh pretexts of dissatisfaction spoke not of the King but with an unsufferable contempt, told the Multitude that Polianis would bring the true Religion of China under the yoke of the new Sectaries, sowed abroad defamatory Libels, vigorously carried on their Counsels in the Provinces of Iroquiam and Cantan, begot a numerous increase to their party in Paquin and every where induced the People to rise, who were otherwise disposed to it by the corruptions of the Court. To prevent the ruin which by this means hung over the Public and to that purpose to wash away the foundations of the Confederacy that threatened it, the King dispatched Letters into all his Provinces, wherein he obliged the Governors of places and persons of quality not to abandon his service and the common good. Among these, Alcidor, though eminently recommendable for his Birth Courage, Virtues and Interests, and though Master of a very large Estate which his lately deceased Father had left him, was forgotten to be put by the King. This forgetfulness, boiling with a generous heat of Soul, he took for a Mark of contempt, and was touched with it to the quick: from the emotion he proceeded to a consideration of conscience, and representing to himself that the Party of the League was of the true Religion and undertook its defence against the other, he grew to an opinion that to follow them was to fight for God. Notice of his discontent by some factious instruments brought to Orastes, he quickly sent to visit him with Officers of all the Advantages which in such a War he could on his side hope for, and when, not a little pleased to see himself sought to by a Prince of so advanced a name and swaying influence he as he thought himself bound to do, went to him, that perfect Courtier by the inevitable spells with which he laid hold upon him brought him with fervour to embrace his side against that of his Sovereign. Which done, to keep him his, as he made him, and withal to take the benefit of his being so, he gave him Moneys and Commission to raise five hundred Horse, and he in execution of the trust was on a sudden seen at the head of many silent Men, attempting and achieving things which, called, not only the vulgar but the bravest of the Nation to take notice of him with admiration, and which particularly purchased him the good will of Lisantus one of the most Gallant chiefs of the party.  
The heads of the League, to give it good colour and to draw strength to it, had published very specious principles as motives of it, and had conjured the Princes, Nobles and Commons to stand up for the Ancient faith against the Novel, which they said the King favoured against them, by that Lure decoying into them multitudes of credulous People. To impede this the King put abroad a Declaration in which he cleared himself from the several blots wherewith they aspersed him and particularly testified that he bore a sincere and constant love to the settled Religion of China; that which disarmed a great number of People and some of them very considerable; but not Alcidor, who persisted so affectionate to the cause which he had espoused, believing himself bound to venture, and if need required, to spend his Life in its quarrel, that nothing but death seemed of power to discover him from it. In proportion to his affection did his courage and Prudence labour for its advantage, but notwithstanding all the endeavours both of him and others to hold it up, they saw it in a short time so enfeebled and bend to fall that they were constrained to incline to peace, and to return it, not for always, yet at least for a time to the obedience of their King.  
It was indeed no long time before they who had been so forced to lay down their Arms had taken them up again; which Polianis seeing put himself in the Field with a very considerable Strength, and as first Prince of the Blood declareing their practices Felonious protested, he would as faithfully as necessarily defend against them the prerogative of the King, the State of the Queen Mother, and the fundamental Laws of the Realm. In sequel of this the War becoming open, Alcidor got on Horse back and ranged himself in the Army that was led by Lucimon, where continually seeking occasions of Action he signalised his virtue and aggrandized his name by deeds, which were altogether wonders. But he could not by all that he could do, protect that Brother of Orastes from being as continually molested so in several Battles notably beaten by the Brother-in-law of Florimen.  
Lucimon after a while advancing to Paquin, whose Inhabitants had been diligently cha●ed to stir, and looked with jealousy upon the intervier which Polianis and the Queen Mother had lately had, and there by the interest of Orastes whom they worshipped as a God, making what impression upon them he desired, Orastes, himself in another quarter with loud and sharp invectives complaining of the King that he had laboured against his own work by revoking an authentic Edict of Peace by another which he had made since, carried on the War with a very sedulous and potent hand. In the end the Indians being called in by him and following his call, and the Kingdom being on all sides embraced with Hostility, the Opponent Armies came to a bloody Fight, in which Lucoris was slain, Polianis remained Victorious, and the vanquished were reduced to such an universal disorder, extreme confusion and miserable estate that they who escaped from the deluge of blood that was shed, had wholly exposed themselves to the mercy of the Conquerors, had it not been for Alcidor, who as in the Battle, so in the rout and Flight, did all that it was possible for a Man of heart, to do. He with a management which can never be too much applauded carried of the said relics of the shipwreck, drew them into a Body and offered fair for the repairing of the loss. But the Commanders proved too timerously affected towards the undertaking, and the Soldiers more eager of securing, than of hazarding themselves and of running a way than of Fight again.  
The revolt was thus set at Bay; but the principal Authors of it determined, rather to Abyss themselves in the ruins of the State, than change the course which they had begun: and presently the King from all parts received Advertisement of the conspiring of his Subjects. For the necessary security therefore both of his Person and his head City, he put a Garrison in it; which Orastes looking upon as intended a curb to his ambitious practices he so powerfully incited the people that they fall to barricading and committed ravages altogether unworthy of Chinoises, and which made the King leave Paquin to go seek a shelter against the storm that threatened his life. The King, and with him the Court gone, the Miserable Citizens sensible of the wound which they had thereby received, repent of their disobedience and desired the Parliament to beg their Pardon and humbly beseech his Majesty to return to his Palace, and by his presence restore to that great Town the abundant Emoluments which his removal had taken from them. But this, reckoning himself justly incensed, he resolvedly denied; his denial very much perplexed both the People and their leaders, and to warrant themselves from the mischiefs which they saw were likely to fall upon their heads they set new Engines on work and made new experiments. Florimen on the other side armed, both against them, and those of the other Religion, and against both obtained very important victories; All things went to his advantage. Which Orastes seeing, and that after whatsoever manner he steered his designs they sailed not with an untoward wind, he demanded an assemby of the general Counsel of the Kingdom to the end, as he said, of re-establish●●d peace and replacing the King's Subjects in a perfect Obedience. The King having granted what he demanded, and opened that great Court with a speech, of which the Eloquence and Conduct made him admired for one of the wisest and most excellent heads that wore a Crown, he, who had braved his authority confidently, presented himself before him, and he received him with a gracious aspect, but not long after by the advice of his Counsel dispatched him out of the World. Upon notice of which Execution the People of Paquin broke out into extremities which trampled all their allegiance under foot, and in revenge of it Lucimon raised them that were exasperated in plain rebellion, and after their example several of their chief Towns of China, and having gained a formidable strength advanced towards Florimen with a confidence of making him his Prisoner. But upon intiligence of his enterprise Polianis reconciled himself with the King, employed his Arms in his succour and forced the Enemy to fly. In this occasion was Alcidor engaged on the side of Lucimon and performed all the parts of a Man of courage but was constrained to give place to Equity and Force.  
A little after having notice that his friend Tyrenas was taken Prisoner and kept at Chinanfu he contrived and effected the conveiyance of a Letter to him, wherein he assured him that he would, if possible, suddenly procure his liberty, either by Money, or Exchange, or some other means; and what he promised he faithfully endeavoured by Offers of terms, but altogether unprofitably.  
He therefore wove a project of surprising the place, which he communicated to Lisantus, and which he highly approving they caused a silent number of Soldiers to be habited like villagers, but armed under their habits, and sent them with instructions under show of going to Market to seize one of the gates, but before thy could seize it they were discovered and the body of the guard alarrumed. They, notwithstanding that, after a hot assault and vigorous resistance made themselves Masters of it. At the noise which they made Alcidor poured in with the Men which he had in readiness for the purpose, and after him Lisantus with a greater force, and having taken the first Body of the Guard and all without, seized a Canon that was pointed against them, and pointed it against the Town. Amazed with which, and looking upon themselves as unable to resist, those of the Garrison received the Laws of the Conqueror. I need not represent to you the pleasure of ●y renas to find himself at liberty and the acknowledgements that he made to the Authors of it; they are easy enough to be imagined.  
In this part of the relation Dorame, could not forbear interrupting her Uncle and telling him that all the actions of Alcidor had so much Beauty in them that she let none of them pass without giving them acclamations; but this last of all the rest, considering especially, added she, that such men who will hazard their lives for them whom they pretend to love, are very rare in this age, in which falsehood and dissimulation reign far more powerfully than either Fidelity or freeness. It is usual with Alcidor, Cousin returned Roliman to her, to perform that which is not usual with others, and there are several passages of his story, yet behind by which you will see he hath an unquestionable title to more than common Encomiastics and that upon the score not of one only but of many virtues.  
A Few days after the surpisal of Chinanfu, went he on, Alcidor had information brought him that the Governor whom he and Lisantus had placed in it, designing to better his fortune by betraying his trust, was about to dispose it to the service of the King; with which he having acquainted Lisantus, they only with two Men put themselves into the place, secretly called together some of the principal Persons of it, and by the Oratory that they used moulded them into the form that they desired. That done they assembled the chief of the governor's Party and with the Poniard at their throat made them promise to serve the League; they turned out the old Governor and settled one of approved Integrity in his room, they took an Oath of Fidelity of all the People, and made the Garrison most firmly theirs.  
No sooner had they with a great deal of honour accomplished this, which they had with enough of danger enterprised, but Lucimon informed of Florimens' advance towards Paquin conjured Alcidor with all speed to put himself into it, to defend it. But with this part of his life, I am not throughly acquainted particularly not with the love, which they say, he and the Princess Florissa had at that time for one another. Hearing him say so, I am very sorry, said Dorame to him, that you can relate nothing to us of that business with which I have been more than once entertained, but so confusedly that I understand lit● 〈◊〉 and which I assure myself is none of the meanest embellishments of that life that you are recounting. The occurencies of it are indeed very divertising, said Vindorix, and such that one cannot well hear without having one's spirit made a kind of a Prisoner to them. You have then a knowledge of them, said Dorame to him. I have a great deal of reason to blame my Memory, resumed Rolimon, for not recalling that my Nephew was during all the Siege shut up in Paquin with Alcidor; so that there is no body who so well as he can preserve his story from having one of his chiefest ornaments retrencht. I must acknowledge, reparted Vindorix, I not only was a witness of the Achievements of War which Alcidor performed in that Siege, but I was also no stranger to the intrickes of love which passed then between him and the Princess Florisa. I was for that time his Companion in Arms, and he made few enterprises upon our Enemies in which I was not his assistant. One design had engaged us to the League, and reckoning to act vigorously for our conscience and glory, we upon all occasions put our selus upon dangers for a party which we have since found unjust and too late abandoned. But, not to waste time in that which is nothing to our present purpose, I shall give you all the account that I can of that which you desire to know.  
As Vindorix was opening his mouth to begin what he had to say, word was brought to Dorame that there were two Gentlemen alighted who desired to pay her their respects. Having sent back him who brought the word to conduct them in, and rising up to go and receive them, she saw enter her Chamber two near Kinsmen of Cloriastes who a little before would have Duelled Cartagenes as his rival in her love. Rolimon, Orlian and Vindorix, being well acquainted with them, quickly learned what it was that had brought them thither. Which being to solicit Dorame to accept their kinsman for her Husband, Rolimon made such a rehearsal to them of the refusal which she had given him and his companions suing for Cartagenes, that they looked upon it as unreasonable for them to imagine that they could obtain of her for their friend what her Uncle and Cousins could not for theirs. They were made yet farther to despair of prevailing with her by Vindorix assuring them that there had passed mutual professions of kindness between her and Alcidor. In the last place Dorame herself deprived them of all hope, speaking to them of Alcidor as of one whom she had reason to love, and whom therefore she really did love above all those who had made suit to her. Unable therefore to disapprove the choice that she had made and unwilling to travel their spirits to make Marble sensible, they superseded from their negotiation and past to congratulate to her the affections of him, of whose value they avowed they had sufficient cognisance. In such discourses they held one another till Supper time; when Dorame contrary to the intentions which Floris and Lucidas had of going away that night engaged them to sit down at Table with her. After supper going to spend what remained of the day in the Garden they fell presently upon their former subjects, Cartagenes, Cloriastes and Alcidor, and all agreed to give the last a higher form in their Eulogies than to either of the former, but that Cartagenes was to be set above Cloriastes, or Cl●riastes above Cartagenes would by no means be yielded by Floris and Lucidas on the one side, or by Rolimon, Melian and Vindorix on the other. The contest growing warm, to bring them to an accord and not favour the one in disadvantage of the other, Dorame past judgement that they were both Men of Honour, and so equal in all qualities requisite to persons of their conditions that there were no praises due to the o●e which were not also deserved by the other. This determination finishing the difference and the shadows beginning to cover the Earth they retired all into the House and quickly after every one to his Lodging.  
The End of the First Book.    

The Second Book.  
NOT a wink of sleep could Dorame get all Night, Disquieted with the Vision which she had of a shadow every moment, presenting itself to her; the more she considered of which the more she imagined Alcidor dead, and the more this indignation prevailed upon her, the more increased her inquietudes. Her sighs reaching the ears of Oriana and Milsinda, her women, they risen, lighted Candles, inquired into her new trouble, and finding what ill impression she had conceive, endeavoured all that they were able to remove it. But it had taken too deep root to be on a sudden pulled up; only their remonstrances and the light of the Candles together in some measure lessened the disturbance that it gave her. Perceiving which, though she remanded them to their Beds, they would not be overruled to leave her till it was day and that she had in a good part laid aside her black fancy. The day advancing and she keeping her Bed to redeem the repose of which the displeasures of the night had rob her, it was not long before a kind sleep locked up her senses and cares together. Which lasting some hours and then leaving her very well refreshed, she was told as soon as she was throughly awake that Rollmon; Vindorix and the others having heard of her ill rest waited to know when they might with her convenience visit her. She thereupon sending them word that she was ready to bid their company welcome, they came all into her Chamber; where after they had heard from her own mouth what disturbance she had had, they jointly made it their business to take her from all melancholic imaginations.  
While they were thus employed there was brought into the Chamber Limonides who applying himself to Dorame, I come, Madam, said he to her, to bring you the ●idings of my Master's fate, whom Alcidor hath sent to his Grave. Alcidor hath killed Cartagenes, cried Dorame: See the truth of the Vision which hath so much tormented me. Here is a Letter, Madam, proceeded he, presenting one to her, which will assure you of what I have told you. Having taken and opened it she read in it these words.  

Cartagenes to Dorame.  
I Have reckoned it more just to try the honourable way of a combat with Alcidor than to withdraw cowardly from your service, and shamefully leave him the Glory of so fair a prize, I have been the aggressor in the quarrel and for my reward have received two wounds which deprive me of my blood and life together. My servant will entertain you with the accident, the little strength that I have left permitting me to tell you no more but that I die your servant and that Alcidor merits you far better than either Cloriastes or Cartagenes.   
Dorame was deeply struck with the misfortune and witnessed by plenty of tears the lively sense which she had of it, together with the good esteem in which she had the unhappy lover. Oh the strange effects of Love, cried Rolimon! Cartagenes engaged us to seek Dorame in Marriage for him, and in his soul thought of dying. Pardon me, Sir, said Limonides to him, my Master thought of nothing less than fight when he gave you the pains of coming hither, he had at that time nothing in his mind but his Love; but there afterwards evened other things which begot in him an intention of fight, that so he might confer and vindicate his honour. But whence, Limonides, said Dorame, sprung his quarrel with Alcidor? That you should know it, Madam, replied Limonides, was part of his will before he died, of which he appointed me his Executor. Instantly after that my Lords who are here, Your Uncle and Cousins were gone from his House, came in Almidon to him, and before me told him so many things to provoke him, that unless he had been altogether stupid or a coward he would by no means have remained without an angry resentment. Among other things he told him, that Alcidor having with little pains acquired your favour so as to be declared your servant and owned by you for such, had to yourself in the presence of many persons of quality spoken so disadvantageously and contemptuosly of him that he could not believe himself his friend, did he not give him notice of it, and farther with all his power assist him to recover satisfaction of the injury. Cartagenes having with impatience enough heard what he said, If you did not assert it, Alcidor said he, I should have a great deal of difficulty to believe that Alcidor who is esteemed one of the most generous of men would discourse of me to her whom I adore; or indeed to any Body otherwise than he in equity and Candour ought. Hath he besides ever known me tamely pocket up an affront that he should take the confidence to give me so cruel a one? But I have a way to arrest his insolency, and if there be nothing besides the Beauty of Dorame, that is enough to make me Valiant, if not invincible. At these words Almidon saying that it belonged to him to serve him in revenge of the injury who had informed him of it, Cartagenes drew him aside and for some time held a discourse with him, of which I confess I had more than ordinary apprehensions. I knew Almidon to be a turbulent and unlucky intermeddler, I knew also that he had a design of drawing my Master to the search of his Cousin Lydia; I therefore easily believed that he had upon that account brewed this quarrel for him. Almidon gone, Cartagenes past the rest of the day in Melancholy. At night when he was going to Bed remembering that I had heard the greatest part of what Almidon and he had said to one another, could you have ever thought, said he to me, that Alcidor would have thus abused me? I cannot be induced, Sir, returned I to him, to give any credit to what hath been told you, and I wish for your quiet you would not at all regard it. To this he replied nothing but bid me put him to bed, which I did and gave him the good-night. Next morning at point of day he called me to dress him, which done, he took horse (and I with him) to go to see one of his friends. By the way (I know not what ill fortune would have it so) he about the middle of the day took a path which he was never, that I know of, wont to follow. Having followed it some Miles he happened to meet Alcidor, whom accosting with a bold roughness, he angrily enough demanded of him the reason why he had spoken so unhandsomely of him to Dorame, To that, you should learn to know me better, replied Alcidor, than to believe that I am of a humour to offend any Person without reason; and the injury that you ●o me in taking up that ill opinion of me is greater than that which it seems you take for granted I have done you. But besides this, the Lovely Dorame deserves that we should make one thrust with our Swords, as I see you have a mind we should; and I take mine in my hand, continued he, to let you know that I will have the glory of serving her alone, engaged both by what he had said himself, and by Alcidors' words and action my Master drew together with him, but wholly to his misfortune. For though he was well mounted and (as is enough known) very stout, he quickly received two wounds, one of which being in his belly gave him only leisure to get to a little house hard by where they fought, to write the Letter that I have brought you, and just as he expired to command me to give you, together with that, an account of his disaster. But I must not forget, added Limonides, the generousness of Alcidor, who, when he saw his adversary tumble to the ground at the second thrust that he gave him, jumped from his Horse to his succour. Which he who was fallen seeing, and getting up of himself, trouble not yourself, brave Alcidor, said he, to help me; I am mortally wounded, and though with your Sword Almidon is the cause of it. That base man shall die, returned Aclidor to him, or I will myself perish by that kind of people who are skilful to make more quarrels than they are able to appease. Believe me, I never spoke a word of you that could give you a disgust. I am too certain of your innocence, replied Cartagenes to him, to make any further question of it, and let you plainly see the baseness of Almidon, Limonides shall give you an account of the discourse which he yesterday held to me, in the mean time that we bind up my wounds and I recover strength to carry me to some place where I may die more conveniently than here. Accordingly while Alcidor served my Master for Chirurgeon, I served Alcidor for intilligencer. Which done we had only time to convey my Master to the nearest comodious place that we could find, and there as soon as he had written to you he died. An adventure Sir, said Vindorix to Floris, which challenges the tribute of a weeping eye, and I fear, if ill Fortune be not by some means of prevention made to change her course, the same may arrive to Cloriastes. To prevent that, returned Floris to him, we will make haste to him and persuade him to sit down form his hopeless suit and leave the excellent Dorame, to her Gallant Alcidor, Cartagenes himself, when he was dying, voting him the most worthy to possess her.  
Dorame was going to speak, when a Lackey of Alcidors was brought into the Chamber and hindered her, presenting her a Letter which she first read privately to herself and then aloud to the company in these words.  

Alcidor to Dorame.  
I had no design when I took leave of you but to accord a difference between two of my Friends; but I have experimented that my ill fortune destined me to somithing else. Yesterday I by chance met with Cartagenes, who aboarded me with so ill a discourse, that my honour obliged me to make him little else of answer but that of my Sword in my hand. We fought, and though he had more valour than I, he had worse luck, it was my luck to make him fall. I reckon my fault very great that I have drawn my Sword, and that mortally, against one who offered service to you, and whom you justly esteemed. But by that goodness that is proper to you, I beseech you to pardon me, and I hope you will, considering among other things that without your anger I am sufficiently punished for what I have done in that I must for a while deprive myself of the happiness of seeing you, not thinking ●t fit for the present to make you see him who hath killed Cartagenes.   
Dorame was troubled as much at this Letter as for the death of Cartagenes believing that Alcidor would leave of his pretensions of Love to her, out of apprehension of many dangers which he might possibly incur in prosecuting them. Vindorix knowing what pinched her, acquainted as you are with the sentiments of Alcidor, said he to her, by the ill judgement which I see you make of him, you unsufferably wrong both his courage and his affection. He is none of those whose souls start back at the noise of leaves, or whose loves are unhinged by their more predominant fears. He is indeed moved when he is pricked in honour and bound to seek satisfaction, but it is not that he dreads a new quarrel or a new combat that he tells you he shall be without seeing you; it is only that he may not appear before you with his hand died, and reeking with the blood of Cartagenes. Writ to him to come to you, and you will soon see that he knows how to obey you. If he stays not but till he is sent for returned Dorame, I shall quickly see him here, for I shall quickly give him the summons of a letter. It is indeed, Cousin, said Roliman to her, no more than what is handsome on your part, and deserved on his, and you will (as far as can be seen) derive from it nothing but what is good. I am altogether of that mind, added Melian to her, and you will soon be convinced that nothing can defer him from presenting himself to you when he knows you desire it. Dorame relishing well the reasons of her Kinsmen and the enforcements of them which were made by Floris and Lucidas, presently took her Pen and drew these lines.  

Dorame to Aleidor.  
I Writ not to you to blame you for what you have done, I am sensible of the just occasion which you had of serving yourself with your best forces and address to preserve your life against those who wo●ld have ravished it from you: It is only to oblige you to give me your company as soon as you can, your action not being such that it should be punished with slight or any thing of shame or horror. Cartagenes himself hath left sufficient testimonies to justify you, and you will believe that I have received them, and approved them, when you see that the bearer of this Letter is Limonides who hath order to seek you through all the World.   
Limonides very gladly taking the charge of carrying this Letter, as that which he said would be a great contentment to him amidst the displeasures which he had for his Master's death, and being gone away with it, Dorame who had her mind no more diseased with the frightful fancies of the night, risen from her bed, and sat down with her company to dinner. Risen from Table they went into the Gallery and there sometimes walking, sometimes sitting, spent two or three hours in discoursing about Alcidor and Cartagenes, about the various traverses and effects of Love, and at last about Cloriastes; reviving their apprehensions concerning him, that he might split himself against the same Rock that Cartagenes had. After which Floris and Lucidas considering that it was time he was advised rather to be patiented in missing than obstinate in attempting that which it was impossible for him ever to obtain, and which to seek to obtain, would in probability be fatal to his life, and also that they had no more of day left than they should need to convey them whither they were to go, they took congey of Dorame and her relations and went away. Their backs being turned, Dorame took her Uncle and Cousins into a private Chamber, and having made them sit down and seated herself, You know, Cousin, said she, directing her speech to Vindorix, that the arrival of Floris and Lucidas hindered you yesterday from carrying on the story of Alcidor in that part of it where without your help it will remain defective, and that other impediments also have fallen in to day: But now we are at leisure to enjoy this divertisement; I entreat you therefore to favour us with it. I am ready, Madam, replied Vindorix, to obey you, and after a little pause began thus.  
Alcidor having received the desires of Lucimon and Lisantus to put himself into Paquin, the friendship which he and I had contracted, suffered us not to part, and, though I was altogether unworthy of that respect, he would not enter the city without my company. The day of our entrance the five hundred horse which he brought with him, and his presence together raising and fortifying the fallen courages of those whom the conscience of their crimes had filled with the apprehensions of punishment, we were welcomed with so much honour, he for his part that Lucimon and Lisantus could not have received more, and I, for my part, that I never the like. The Magistrates and Grandees giving him this reception in the palace of Florisa, whom her Uncle Lucimon had left in Paquin after the death of her Father Orastes, the remarkes which she shown of kindness toward him were such, that together with me, many others that were there took notice that she was never accustomed to afford the like to any. He again applied himself to her in such a fashion, that the Muses seemed to sit upon his lips and the Graces upon all his parts: and not content by that means to draw her respects to himself he spoke to her of me so much to my advantage that she spent compliments upon me which I very well knew I had nothing that encouraged me to own as my due, and with which I found myself more put to a stand than ever in my life besides.  
The Governor and other Officers having entrusted us with the chief commands of the Town, we without any supineness used them to the utmost of our power in giving necessary orders for defending it, and that late enough; for within four days after the passages were all seized by the King, the out works attaqued and the siege form. We lay not still in this occasion, Alcidor had more gallantry and his Troops more ambition of fight, we made a sally, and in that first essay of our arms brought bacl advantages over our besiegers which caused fires of joy to be lighted through all the City. Not satisfied with the triumph unless she saw him who had procured it, Florisa sent for Alcidor to come to her, and it was then that going along with him to her I percieved by her eyes, words and whole carriage not only that his valour kept her from shaking under the fears which she had of falling into the hands of her father's enemies but also that his person was a great deal more than indifferent to her. When we were going from her, you have not only Paquin to preserve, Alcidor, said she to him, you have also an unfortunate princess under your guard, take heed therefore how you hazard your life since it is my support. In reply to this, I therefore make Esteem of Paquin, Madam, said Alcidor, because it holds so rich a treasure as the princess Florisa. Knowing indeed whence and what you are I should go against my Conscience, should I not set an higher value upon you than upon what I hold dearest to me in the world. Whatsoever considerations therefore I can have, the ambition which I have of serving you will be sure to surmount them all, & it will I hope not only supply me with boldness of heart but with prudence also to manage it. This reply moving so violently her inmost veins, that there risen a sudden crimson from them and spread itself over her face; she left us with out saying any more but that she would have us see her often. And in this we obeyed her command; for whatsoever employments we had to remedy the disturbances which the enemy procuredus, we forbore not to visit her twice every day, and after a while whither she desired him so to do or that it came of his own motion Alcidor took up a custom of going frequently to her without me. But on the other side whatsoever entreaties she used to him, and she used, besides that mentioned before, very many and earnest ones not to throw himself into danger, he forbore not frequently to engage himself in the midst of the enemy, doing things which made every body have him in their mouths for a kind of miracle.  
If we were active, our besiegers were not idle, making attempts which for some time kept us day and night at work. From which having one afternoon a little release I made use of it to go visit Alcidor: but coming to his lodging. I found that he was gone to do the same to Florisa. I nevertheless went into his chamber, where finding a book upon his table I opened it, and turning over the first leaf of it I saw a letter drop, which, out of a curiosity to know more of my friends particularities than I believed he had imparted to me, taking up and unfolding I read in it these words.  

Florisa to Alcidor.  
IF you have but a little consideration of the pain that I endure because I see you not so often as I wish, I persuade my self you will come to see me assoon as you have read this letter wherein I desire it. You too well know your own merit and the influence which it hath upon me to make any question of the advantage which I derive from your converse. Make haste therefore to me and involve not yourself so much in the troubles of war as not by intermission to come and sweeten those of Florisa.   
The fortune which I saw by this letter was arrived to Alcidor surprised me with a gust that was very acceptable to me, but not without an allay when I considered that he might not draw all that satisfaction from the affections of so high a person which he might from those of a meaner. The letter for fear that if I left it, where I found it, it might be found by some other as it had been by me, or else might be wholly lost I carried with me to my lodgings; where assoon as I was entered Alcidor coming to seek me, all his discourse to me was of Florisa and particularly of the visit which he came from making to her, and in his discourses he could not with all his arts so well dissemble but that he often changed colour, and discovered by many testimonies that another God besides Mars had made him his votary; but yet he took not any notice to me of the princess' writing to him, nor did I therefore to him that I knew any thing of it. I on the contrary industriously abstained from speaking anything of her to him at all, much more of her merit. But the more I shunned that theme, the more he pressed it. To see therefore whither his passion would carry him I made it my buisiness to descent from what he said, which he took so ill, that to hear him chide me would have disposed one to judge that I had committed some gross enormity.  
Here Dorame interposing, it is not a little displeasure, said she, which a Lover receaves when one aproves not the praises which he bestows upon her whom he loves. I told you what design I had in doing so, resumed Vindorix and therefore I was not at all stirred with what Alcidor, said to me, and I afterwards changing my stile spoke so much good of the Princess that he quickly changed his also and gave me better words than he ever before had done. I then again introduced another subject, which was that of war, but it was easy for me to perceive that those words of Canon, powder musket, pike, sounded not so well in his ears as those of Love, of Florisa, and of her graces.  
After we had thus entertained ourselves a while at my chamber he carried me to his, When a little after we were entered taking up the book in which I had found the letter, he turned over the leaves, ran into his closet, left no place unsearched, no servant unquestioned for what he missed. I ask him what it was that he inquired for, he told me that it was a paper of great importance to him. Farther I pressed him, not for fear of being suspected of taking away that of which the absence put him into so great pain; But when I saw him by degrees calm himself and his spirit grow to some stillness, I secretly so that he not at all perceaved me, put the letter under the tapestry of his table where he had not yet searched, and then as if by chance threw down one of the sides of the tapestry so that it let the letter drop. Having with joy snatched it up, see that, sai● he to me, in which lies comprehended all my estate of happiness. What so important treasnre can it conceal, returned ● to him, that should make you speak so highly of it? Nor Riches nor honours, Vindorix, said he again, do at all content us if our friends are ignorant that we possess them. Was I monarch of the world, I should not be satistied if Vindorix had not knowledge of my sceptre. I ask him than if something new had happened to him which lay hid from me. Read this letter, my dear companion, said he to me and you will know what a liberal benefactress Fortune hath been to me with which words, he putting it into my hand, I took it and after some ceremony that I used to it read aloud what I had more than once read to myself.  
At these words, industrious cheater that you are said Dorame to Vindorix, had Alcidor known your fraudulent subtleties your close correspondencies would have been in danger to have been turned into an irreconcilable discord. Why returned Vindorix to her, did I do any thing in this which can be accounted a breach of friendship or which the best friend in the world would not have done? For all my talking, said Dorame to him again, I really blame you not at all; but I pray go on with ●our relation. To go on with it, resumed Vindorix, Alcidor after I had read the letter told me that he had things to recount to me which I could not heav without surprise, and presently used this discourse to me.  
It is a strange power that of love, which we in vain enforce ourselves to resist. Who would have ever thought that I who perpetually made a mock of love, should come to be shut up in this besieged City to be made subject to that which I made a mock of? I thought of vanquishing, and I am vanquished; I aimed at triumphing over brigades of Hostile men, and I am overcome by a maid a friend. You, divine Florisa, have enslaved me to your laws, but by a force the sweetest in the world as well as the most compulsive. You cannot but remember, my Vindorix, the day, the hour, the moment that we had first the bliss of waiting upon her, say truly, have you ever met with a face more beautiful, a proportion more exact, a spirit more fine, a port more graceful? I know not how she appeared to your eyes, but in mine she had altogether as much beauty and Majesty (be it spoken without injury to her virtue) as ever the poets attributed to the Mistress of the God of war. Interposing here, having then and since, said I, with a 〈…〉 considered the qualities wherewith heaven hath furnished her, I cannot say that she hath parallel. This is, rejoined Alcidor, to judge of things as they deserve, and since to you I neither aught to dissemble nor will, I acknowledge that from the first moment wherein I saw this unparallelled woman, I conceived a passion for her; all the time that we were then with her, I thought of nothing but of her, I scarce considered that I was in Paquin to defend it and had myself also to take care of. When we were parted I set myself seriously to study both of her perfection, and my own change which sprang from them, and I strongly endeavoured to beat out the power which I found had surprised my heart, but I was forced to leave myself to be vanquished by that which I plainly saw I was not able to fight with.  
The Princess you know, added he, from the good success which we had of our swords when our besiegers first approached the City, drawing an occasion of sending for u● to give us the congratulations which she thought fit, it was from that time that I knew that she took a more than a common if not a very affectionate interest in me. One must indeed have been blind, interrupted I him, or else wholly deprived of judgement not to draw that conclusion from all her deport towards you, particularly what other interpretation than that could be made of those words which she used to you at parting, you have not only Paquin to preserve but also an unhappy Princess to guard; take heed therefore how you hazard your life lest by losing that you do injury to mine by despoiling it of its support.  
After this, went he on, I many times visited her without your knowledge, and as many times received testimonies of her kind inclinations towards me. One time among the rest she was pleased in plain terms to tell me that my person and humour were very agreeable to her, and that she made more account of me than of all men in the world together; and I let not the opportunity slip by without improoving it, but took courage from what she said to declare to her in the most respectful phrase that I could invent, that I had dedicated myself entirely to her as to the most absolute piece of divinity among mortals. In answer to which, you do not at all disoblige me, Alcidor, said she, in letting me know that you have an affection for me: Love me as much as you are dear to me, and I ask no more to be the most contented woman that lives. Impregnated with joy to hear her say so, The Goodness, Madam, replied I to her, which you are pleased to testify towards me fills me with an inebriating glory, bankrupts my gratitude, and leaves me nothing to do in the world but by your premission to be all my life in the quality of your slave, paying as much as I can of what I own to your birth merit and bounty. Her Gentlewoman coming in, as I said so, I held my tongue and laid a restraint upon my carriage; seeing which, have no reserve, Alcidor, said she to me, because of Leonora, for she knows all my secrecies; from the moment that I loved your virtue, I made her acquainted with it, and she instead of dissuading me from it, represented many things to me on your side, which served to make me more highly esteem you. Hearing this, I must be stupefied, Madam, returned I to her, not to think that I have an obligation to her which is not easily discharged, and I should deserve nothing but ill offices from her instead of good ones, should I not seek occasion of thanking her. With which words pulling a diamond from my finger I entreated her to wear it as pledge that I was sensible of the favours which she had done me, and she by the princess' command accepted it. After this, Love, instead of abasing my courage raised it, and believing it my duty to perform something answerable to the elevation of my affections and to the honour that the princess deigned me, I often with you, Vindorix, you know, sought occasions of remarkable actions, and one day especially having no more eyes than love that conducted me, I blindly precipitated myself into dangers, out of which had not you drawn me, I cannot see but that I had in all probability perished. Returning victorious to the City, the pains which we had taken in the fight requiring that we should a little rest ourselves, we as you may remember left one another to go to our several lodgings. Come to mine, it was not many moments that I had shut myself into my closet and laid me down upon my couch, not so much to repose myself as to think of Florisa, when one of her pages brought me this letter from her.  

Florisa to Alcidor.  
I Have heard such great things of the enterprise that you come from making upon our enemies, and of the success that you have gained over them, that the affection which I bear you carries me to rejoice at them. But there is nevertheless that which troubles me extremely, it is a continual fear that you should fall a victim on the field of battle, or at least receive some horrid wound. What ill offices does your valour render me? Restrain, I conjure you, this heat of fight, rest yourself from your labours, and send me word how you do, and if your health is in that condition that I wish it, come to see me to morrow morning.   
In answer to these lines I drew and sent these that follow.  

Alcidor to the Princess Florisa.  
Madam,  
YOu make me blush with the Eulogies that you give me and with the care that you take of me. I am altogether undeserving of them: but the employment in which I am, suffers me not to be less active than I am, and if I have made sally without your command, it is because the good of the public required it. Excuse the affection that I bear it, since it does not in the least diminish that which I have for the most deserving Princess that the sun beholds. For my health I never felt myself better, and shall not fail to wait upon you at the time that you appoint to render you an account of my actions.   
Going the next morning and surprising her in bed with Leonora entertaining her, after she had made me take a seat by her bedsside and given me her hand, which without considering that it was too much for me to attempt, I kissed when I took it, I at her command gave her a relation of the sally which we the day before had made. While we were talking about which, her hands playing with my locks, her bosom by stealth discovered itself with beauties which I greedily fed upon with my eyes, but of which I durst not own the relish which I had in my mind. The respect indeed which I had for her put a strict bridle upon all my carriage towards her: which she observing, as if on purpose to make me use more familiarity with her, she used more than formerly with me. I took the overture and imprinted an hundred hot kisses on her hand; which she allowing I ventured the same to her face and met with no repulse. Our caresses thus rising by degrees but no higher than was fitting, they were ready to melt away my soul with delight, when a stop was put to them by the coming in of the Governor of the Town. He held discourses to her about her Uncle Lucimon, and they were of such concernment as required her to write to him. Which being done, and the Governor gone, she told me she would rise. I withdrew therefore into the antichamber, where meeting with her Gentleman, I, while she was dressing, entertained myself with him, and learned a great many things of him; particularly whatsoever craft he used to hid it, I observed that he had a design of discovering whether or no the Princess loved me. To make me disclose he told me that never had she esteemed any man so much as me, and that she had always my name and actions in her mouth. To this I answered, that it was proper to those that were great to speak well of those that were mean, to the end to make their own virtue shine more clearly, and to show by commending those that have little merit that they know how to give true and just praises to them who deserve them, and that if she at all considered me I well knew it was only because she was so good as to think that I might possibly be helpful to the defence of the City. Placidas not finding my discourse suitable to his expectation, turned his tongue to other subjects; but I insensibly grew upon him and at last brought him to advertise me that Lucimon had by a letter which he had lately written to him, given him charge watchfully to observe all the actions of his niece, and withal to show me the letter; reading which I saw that the visits which I made to Florisa were known to that prince and suspected by him. Having thus learned of him what it was, very conducible to my advantage to know, I with the best arguments that I could use persuaded him to be faithful to his princess and to inform her of whatsoever he should know was practised to her detriment: particularly I advised him to give her notice presently of that which her Uncle had wrote to him, but without signifying to her that I knew any thing of it, adding that I should so well manage the tenure of my carriage for the future that Lucimon should find nothing in it to censure.  
According to my advice as soon as Placidas knew that he might enter the princess' Chamber he went to her and gave her the same intelligence that he had given me. Upon which sending him immediately for me, scarce was I within her Chamber door but she told me before him what he had told her, not without discovering an extreme discomposure, and saying all that could be said against a man, against Lucimon. After she had by words and tears disharged some of her vexation, I, with the respect that was due to her and with the best motives that I could think of, entreated her not to be troubled at the business, adjoining that rather than she should by occasion of me receive any thing of displeasure, if my being deprived of her sight would remedy it, though it would be a greater punishment to me than I knew how to live under, I would without disputing it banish myself from her presence. Hearing me say so, I am so far, Alcidor, reparted she to me, from having a mind that you should absent yourself from me because of Lucimon, that I would have you do me the kindness of visiting me oftener than heretofore, that being so ill treated by an uncle I may amidst my unhappiness have the consolation of being succoured by one who hath no tie upon him to do it. Can it not suffice him to have shut me up in this miserable City which two potent Princes have for the object of their indignation, and which could not keep itself from falling under their power, if your valour and conduct forbade it not, without going about to double my imprisonment by restraining me from seeing those who can give my spirit some relaxation? what strange Barbarousness is this and how little used by an Uncle to a niece? Does he fear that I have a mind to take from him the pretensions which he makes to the kingdom and to place the crown upon Alcidor's head, that he would not have him come near me? He is indeed abundantly worthy of a sceptre, but both his intentions and mine are juster and more moderate than to aspire to any such thing, was it, as it is not, in our power to attain it. No, No Alcidor, added she to me, you must not forsake me, it would be too much cruelty in you to abandon a Princess that breathes not, but by your assistance, and expects not her deliverance but by your means. In response to this I said all to her that love and duty could suggest to me, to demonstrate to her my zeal of living and dying for her. All which, both what she said and I, Placidas hearing, and not being able to hear without being certain that there was a more than ordinary kindness between us, he humbly offered her to serve her to the utmost of his capacity against her Uncle; and being thereupon commanded by her to esteem me as one to whom she had great obligations, he entreated me to believe that I was Master of his heart and that he would never have any other inclinations than to do me all the good offices that he could. After which he and Leonora leaving us together, we conferred a while about Lucimon, thence we proceeded to testify our affections to one another, I with the best language that I could put together, and she with as many favours as her virtue and modesty would allow her to bestow upon me. She withal enjoined me not to speak a syllable of our correspondencies to any body; no, not to Vindorix, said she, for he is too much affected with glory to like that you should engage yourself in love at a time so proper for Arms. This is the sole reason why I have till now concealed from you my love and the good fortune that I have had in it; You therefore ought not to take it ill from me, especially considering that Florisa hath no sooner given me liberty of acquainting you with the secret (for it was but this afternoon that she gave it me) but I have made use of it to let you see that I have nothing of concern which I am willing to reserve from your knowledge. To this I answered that I looked upon the injunction which the Princess had laid upon him, not as an effect of her ill will to me, but as a fruit of her prudence which obliged her to distrust all the world in an affair of so much consequence, that I should have thought it very ill done of him if he had not obeyed it, and that I had a better sense of the favour that she had done me in giving him leave to impart so much to me as he now had done, than ever to employ it otherwise than to both their advantages.  
I having said so, since that time, went he on, I have very often been with her without any body having cognisance of it but Placidas and Leonora, and I was never with her but she gave me demonstrations of her affection towards me, which as they bred in me a rich delight, were enough also to have begot in me a most fond vainglory, if by a sober reflection upon myself I had not been throughly acquainted with my unworthiness of them. That you may see, how far I am in her esteem, added he, stepping to a little box of pearl taking a paper out of it and bringing it to me, read these few lines. Doing as he desired me, I found they held such sense as this.  
Though possibly there be few pretensions of marriage so exalted, which my birth would not authorise me to make, the worth which continually represents itself to me in you hath so much of magnetic influence upon me that my heart cannot keep itself from being drawn and tied fast to you and that I cannot forbear telling you so. And this you shall never fail of knowing, so long as you render yourself capable of doing so. But make no ill judgement of my freeness, for my virtue is no otherwise interested by my affection than it ought to be, and as it is most true that I love you, so is it also that I love you in such a manner as chastity and sageness allow, and that I look you should continue in the terms of respect that are due to me.  
When I had done reading these words, not to detain you any longer with this concern, adjoined Alcidor, I am at present mounted to the highest step of happiness that a virtuous love without marriage is able to bring me to, and, if I may say so without imputation of arrogance, I have reason to think that I may be to morrow the husband of Florisa, if I will. She every day indeed presses me to be so, and though I upon a manifold consideration believe that I shall never have her for my wife I have promised to make her so as soon as the siege is raised, and in the mean time to prepare myself for it by gaining as large a stock of honour as I can.  
He thus concluding his discourse to me, I told him that he had certainly done very well in satisfying the princess with those assurances that she desired, and that I made no great question but the term which he had taken for marrying her would produce such a revolution of affairs as would set him at liberty to do in that affair according as he should see cause. Then, not thinking it fitting to counsel a man whom his discretion made him act well in every thing, I only let him know how deeply I accounted myself in his debt, for communicating to me the particularities of his affections, and presently we parted.  
Having such within our walls as practised for Polianis and carried on conspiracies of moment enough to have quickly destroyed us if we had not happily smelled them out and provided against them, we were eight days in remedying this disease which done we made our besiegers see that we had not lay still but to take breath that we might fall upon them with the more life, cutting our way up to their trenches, putting them into a great disorder and bringing bacl a great number of prisoners.  
There was again nothing worth mentioning attempted on our side till one day Alcidor without me, whither I was otherwise busied or that he had some other reason not to take me along with him, issued out of the Town accompanied only with ten volunteers that put themselves under his conduct. They were presently set upon by twice as many and were at length constrained to give way to their strength and retire. But before Alcidor made his own retreat, he by amuzing the enemy gave his party leisure to make theirs. Upon which occasion staying a little too long behind, after he had maintained fight as long as he was able, to put himself out of the danger that he was in, he leapt his horse over a great ditch; Thereupon one of those whom he had to deal with vainly enough u●braided him that he had the advantage of making him fly. To him, the advantage is, returned Alcidor, that you are so many, were you a little fewer you should quickly see me come bacl to you. It shall be your fault if you come not, said the other again, for I promise you, you shall have to do with none but me: try the adventure and you shall see I will attend you as it in honour becomes Lisimax. Hearing him say so, Alcidor was about to jump bacl to him, but he at the instant perceived about half a score horsemen galloping to intercept his way; he therefore set spurs to his horse and retired.  
Got into the Town he came and recounted to me what had befallen him: he told me withal that Lisimax being the favourite of Florimen and of an applauded name, and there, therefore being a great measure of glory to be gotten by a single combat with him, he resolved to demand it of him. The reasons which he alleged for his resolution inducing me to approve it, after I had entreated him to let me be his second but could not obtain it of him, we concluded that it was necessary for him to have the consent of the Princess and of the Counsel of war in the business; and we went first to the Princess, to whom he declaring that his honour put him upon a duel with Lisimax, she before me could not forbear having herself extremely troubled at it, and endeavoured all that she was able to turn him from it. But when she saw she could not pervail with him, Go then, said she to him, and fight this Giant, and heaven reserve for you the victory. From her we went to the Governor, at whose house the chief officers being convened, Alcidor propounded to them what he desired and without difficulty procured their leave to do as he thought good. From them I waited upon him home; by the way whither, The King, said he to me, believes Lisimax invincible, and so do others also; if therefore I overcome him I shall acquire a glory which will not quickly die: but if my ill fortune on the other side will have him triumph over me, this satisfaction I may pretend to, that I am vanquished by one of the bravest Cavaleirs of our age. It is almost impossible that you should not conquer him, replied I to him, so much advantaged as you are. Was there indeed nothing but the favour of Florisa that is enough to make you irresistible, and I make no doubt but the prayers which she sends up for you will be heard and draw down upon you the blessing of heaven.  
We were in these terms when we came to his lodgings; where he making me stay and sup with him, during supper I again set upon him with the best rhetoric that I had to persuade him to make me of his party, but all to no effect. Risen from table we went into his closet, where he giving me a book to read, I had not perused many lines, before he had drawn these and came and shown them me.  

Alcidor to Lisimax.  
YOu may well remember what yesterday past between us, and you live in a higher reputation than to believe any thing mean of yourself. If therefore you can get leave of the King as I have done of those upon whom I depend, it shall lie upon you if I come not to day to sight you at the head of your army. You are a better man at arms than to refuse to fight with Lance and Sword; with these I shall wait upon you if I shall find your resolution such as I desire it. I shall expect it with impatience, yet am better ascertained of your valour than to believe that you will shun the occasion of making it appear.   
Having considered these words I assured him who asked my judgement of them that the moderation and civility of them was such as could not be bettered, and as his enemy could not but commend. Satisfied with which approbation he resolved to think of no other language but to send it the next morning as it was. I could scarce sleep all the night, I was so restless to see again the day and Alcidor; going to him assoon as I could get up after it was light, I found him risen and upon the point of sending his challenge. It was carried by a Herald with ceremony enough, and it was received by Lisimax with as much Candour, who after he had been with the King sent back this answer.  

Lisimax to Alcidor.  
I Honour your valour more than not to consent to the design which it hath of trying mine. We will fight therefore to morrow at sun rise in the presence of both armies, since you desire it, and I have my King's permission to do it, and our arms shall be the the same that you have prescribed. Think to defend yourself well, for I have a strong desire to attaque you well; the glory will remain with the conqueror.   
The Herald bringing bacl this answer, together with on assignment of the place where the two champions should act their parts and the two armies stand spectators, not without an assurance from the King, that there should on his side be no act of hostility committed till all were returned to their former quarters, he having pledged the same in our name to the King, Alcidor had apparent in his face the characters of a gallant exultancy of spirit; the chiefs applied themselves to take care about the marching forth of the army the next morning, and the Princess had a hundred times in an hour day and night by turns in her breast, what with her hopes, what with her fears. But he who gave her the occasion of those vicissitudes, spending all his time with her, brought her before he left her to a more settled temper, and at parting received of her together with her good wishes a very rich scarf, imbroiderd with her name.  
The next morning in a superb array marched the army out of Paquin to the place appointed, where the other also failed not of rendering itself, Florisa seated herself in an eminent place where she might see the combat and be able by her regards to animate Alcidor. All things in short were ready, and presently appeared the two competitors of honour. Before they came to their stations the King gave Lisimax his sword and represented to him that he had an enemy who was both excellently skilful ad valiant. The Princess wished that she had had the liberty of doing some such thing for Alcidor, but she could do no more than send him secretly by Placidas a bracelet of her hair. After this, and that I had put myself in the head of the cavalry of which Alcidor was commander, with resolution either to die or vanquish in case there should be any treachery (though this as it afterwards appeared needed not, there being nothing attempted against the public faith) Lisimax and Alcidor chose their judges, took their places and the trumpets sounding ran against one another with a swiftness like that of a furious wind. Their success was very different; for Alcidor receiving the lance of Lisimax in the bow of his saddle so that it flew in pieces, he with his own lance pierced his horse's shoulder and belly, with his sword cut in pieces his bridle, and disarmed him. Having thus almost in a minute dispatched the fight, not without all the fields and City ringing with the shouts of our army and people that were upon the walls, he sent the sword which he took from his adversary to the King who had given it him, and presently both the armies retired, theirs to their ordinary posts, and ours into the Town. Never man of Alcidors' condition received more honour in a day than he did in this, by the order of the magistrates bonfires for some hours together lightened, and Canons thundered in all parts of the City; no piece of triumph was omitted that uses to accompany famous victories; the Grandees gave him compliments, and all sorts of people acclamations, which declared them most pathetically transported with what he had done, and the replies which he made to them augmented their transports with their elegancy and Generosity. But all the rest was cheap to the price of those congratulations which he received from the Princess; they were as expressive of joy in herself and of honour to him as her exuberant ingeny prompted with her vehement affection could dictate to her; and he in answer to them attributed all his happiness to the prayers which she had sent to heaven for him, and to the other favours that she had conferred upon him, and that with a rhetoric, modesty, gallantry and respectfullness which gave her new occasions of extolling and caressing him.  
This action of Alcidor coming to the knowledge of Lusimon and Lisantus was very differently received by them. Lucimon fearing it would prevail with his niece to consider him yet more advantageously than she did, vexed himself at it with a most disingenuous cancetous malice, and speaking of it upon all occasions most detractingly themselves, caused others also to spread reports of it altogether contrary to truth: but it shone with a more triumphant splendour than to be so obscured. Lisantus on the other side was himself continually where ever he came discoursing of it as of that which he could not encomiaze enough, and set his friends on work also to proclaim to the world its grandeur. What is it more, said he often, to have gained all than to have vanquished Lisimax the most daringly active man of his party.  
But while Alcidor had good success in the particular undertake of his sword, as also in his loves (for he and Florisa in despite of Lucimons' malignant intentions continued to live in their accustomed intelligences. Placidas who had received his commands to destroy them (favouring them as much as he could), the general concernment of the siege went on very ill on our side; the royal forces continually increased by fresh supplies, ours consumed a pace by sickness and sallies, and we were at length brought to such a pass, that what because we were for the most part beaten, what to preserve our remains we durst not stir out of the enclosure of our bulwarks. Scarcity of victuals also grew upon us so that the people who had before only groaned privately under their sufferings without daring to complain publicly, now mutinied for bread and rifled several houses of the most noted Burgesses. To lay this dangerous disturbance the Governor and those others in power at whose nods the large but rascal body of the multitude was wont to move, fed them with hopes of great things which Alcidor and I understood not. Among other things they told them that if they would have but a little patience, they should quickly see themselves delivered from the siege and all their other miseries together, and that there was but a moment almost to wait for that fortunate event which would render them completely happy. Presently after when Alcidor and I thought of nothing but the means of resisting those that begird us and daily grew upon us, we at counsel of war to our grand astonishment had news brought us that the King was killed with the stab of a knife. Struck with horror at this black parricide, we had it redoubled at the excesses of joy with which we saw first the assembly of Officers resent it, than most of the inhabitants of Paquin and strangers that defended it, reputing it a miracle which the powers above had wrought for their sakes. But as well worked tempers are never friends to baseness, the Princess in our presence regretted this tragic fall of the supreme father of her country with as serious tears as she had done that of her own father.  
In sequel of this most proditorious assassinate Lucimon, who had alone as much pleasure in his soul at it as had all the whole rebellion together, not daring to step the next way into the throne himself, though profoundly designing to do it in effect, gave the title of King to Prince Dolimbus who was prisoner; and, Polianis drawing of his forces from the siege of Paquin to carry on expeditions necessary to his regal interests, thither he came, and conveyed away his niece thence, shutting up in prison Placidas, whom he suspected of being a friend to her intimacies with Alcidor, and suffering only Leonora to continue still in her service. Where he placed he● Alcidor was not able to find out; exasperated at which and at his ill usage of her upon his account, he had taken a severe revenge upon him for it, had he not been hindered by the high authority that guarded him: he was how soever about to forsake his party when Lisantus came to him and refixt him to it by conjurations too strong to be broken through. Alcidor being pervailed with to stick close to the side of that illustrious man, I resolved to run the same course with him, they both strictly▪ enough obliging me to it. But as if good fortune had a mind that I should withdraw from that pernicious revolt which I had too long assisted, I was by a dangerous sickness which I fell into constrained to quit both Lisantus and Alcidor, and retire home, where I continued a long time ill. This, cousin, ended Vindorix, bowing to Dorame, is all that I am able to tell you of the adventures of your lover more particularly than can my Lord our Uncle; I shall therefore here leave off to give him way to accomplish the relation of them.  
At these concluding words of Vindorix Rolimon preparing himself to carry on what he had begun, Dorame motioned, considering they had been a great while shut up in a chamber, to defer a little the prosecution of the narrative and go take the air: that which the company approving, after a collation brought in and ended they walked abroad. But before they had spent half an hour in their walk there fell a great rain which forced them to take covert, and there they continued in various converse till they were called to supper. Supper done they at Dorame's request returned to the place where Vindorix had performed his part of the story, and there Rolimon having seated himself with the others by him, went on with his part to this effect.  
Polianis justly irritated by the murder committed on the sacred person of his sovereign and brother-in-law Florimen decreed to take revenge of it or to perish in seeking it. Being also the next man of his line, he resolved to succeed him in the throne or to be laid with him in the dust in attempting it. Carried by the interest of which determinations from the siege of Paquin into the Province of Xanton and being, to stop his progress, followed thither by Lucimon, he marched up to him, defeated his army and drove him to seek his safety in a dishonourable flight. Pursuing his victory he drew up again to Paquin, took the suburbs, gained other conquests and advantages, and compelled Lucimon to run before him as if he carried lighthing in his hand to chastise him. In none of these unfortunat proceed was Alcidor, for though Lucimon earnestly endeavoured to have him with him, whither the more easily to destroy him or the better to have an eye upon his actions, he would never march under his conduct, but gave himself wholly to Lisantus who being engaged in as weighty employments as any other of his party had himself a particular army under him. But the notable successes of Polianis causing Lucimon, Lisantus and all the other captains of the league to make one body of their forces, and the consideration of their numbers in which they far exceeded Polianis, raising their courages, which the abundance of blood spilt in the last celebrated battle had drawn low, and carrying them to venture another field with him; it was in that memorable day that Alcidor practised all the offensive and defensive gallantries of war, that he flew among the ranks, overturning them, slaughtering them, breaking them in pieces like a swiftwinged thunder, that he carried victory whither soever he carried his sword. He indeed performed so much both of the commander and soldier that those against whom he performed it with a general consent cried out, At the blue scarf, (It was Florisa's kindness which dressed him with that remark), on his being overcome depends our conquest; and accordingly all that had courage exercised it against him; Polianis in particular discharged pistols with him and laboured all that he could to make him his prisoner, but he was bravely succoured by Lisantus. In short, I have heard a Cavaleir of his troop say, who was in this occasion maimed for the rest of his life, that with some volunteers who accompanied him into the hottest of the ●ight he kept the fortune of the day a great while in balance. But having had two brothers who fought by his side and did, like him, things worthy of most lasting monument for the uncommoness of them, killed by it (the one of them carried his bowels a long time in his hand, the other when he was dropping from his horse turned upon the enemy that he might die facing them) and being set upon on all sides, he was at length filled with wounds which caused him to be carried out of the battle. His ill fortune was the whole armies of which he was, their efforts, as if they could not fight without him, languished as soon as he was gone, and there being no body that fought with the air of Alcidor but the redoubtable Lisantus, Polianis every where traversed the phalanxes and battalions with a force which quickly compelled those against whom he employed it to put their nose in the earth with a rout and loss the most notorious that they ever before received.  
While Alcidor kept his bed of his wounds some of his neighbours who were his enemies having knowledge that he was unable to stir, and that his brothers were slain, brought to one of his houses, lying a day's journey from Paquin, Indians that set fire to it and burned it. This malicious act not having the power to trouble his great mind so much but that within a few weeks he was got perfectly well, as soon as he was so, he watch fully observed the marches of those that had done it and within a few days met with them as he desired. Having a troop of select men with him he fell upon them with a violence by which they who were acquainted with the blows of Lisantus and Alcidor might easily have guest him to be one of them, against which notwithstanding, thinking of nothing less than those two renowned warriors, and only imagining that they had to do with a troop who had met them by chance they at first made a resistance stout enough; but he lifting up his visor and naming himself to them, they immediately betook themselves to flight as their best defence. They fled some one ways some another with all the speed that a guilty conscience and a fear of punishment could give them: but he, from whom they fled, and his company pursued them every way with such a swift and well managed fury that they had in a moment or two got them into their power. Which done, could you think, you barbarous people, cried he to them, that heaven would leave unpunished the outrage that you have done me? or could you beileve that I was so void of a soul as not to be sensible of it, or such a coward as not to seek you out? saying so, he ordered a dozen of them to be bound to trees, and causing fire and straw to be brought represented to them the just reason that he had to burn them in requital of their burning of his house. There being not one of them that did not sentence himself as sufficiently deserving this punishment, they perpared themselves to die: but when they were surrendering themselves to the flames, I content myself, said he to them, causing them to be released and cutting some of their bands himself, to have made you afraid and given you to see that it is in my hands to deprive you of life; live and learn henceforward to do well; I give you your liberty to go whither you have a mind. Treated thus by him whom they had used most unworthily they expressed to him a repentance of their offence which banished all ill remembrance of it out of his mind, they adored him as one of more than humane goodness and superstitiously enough to have raised temples and altars to him if they had judged he would have liked it, they went home with resolutions never to give blow against the party of which he was, and after they had been a little time there came and presented to him in reparation of the damage that he had sustained by their means a considerable sum of money: but he would by no means be brought to receive it, telling them that that which he valued was their friendship and not their coin. It is true though he refused their silver, he could not but accept of other presents which they urged upon him of horses and arms.  
After this rendering himself with Lisantus who from the scatter of the last field had gathered together a considerable body both of horse and foot, and seeking occasions of keeping his sword in exercise, he one day going abroad with only fifty Gentlemen met two companies of Carabins of fourscore men apeice. At sight of whom examining the courage of those that were with and finding it such as he desired, he ranged them in two squadrons and having ordered them to follow him slowly and when he gave the signal to come up and charge, one the one company and the other the other, road a little on before them. The enemy seeing him, very advantageously horsed as he was, come strait up to them upon a small gallop, all at once made their salute to him; and in return to it he and his followers were in an instant upon them, gave them a volley of shot with which many of them tumbled, and falling in amidst the confusion with an impetuosity which is not to be expressed, quickly laid a great number of them more upon the ground, and forced the rest, to yield themselves prisoners part of them, part of them to fly.  
Polianis in the interim, not blinding himself with his prosperities, but precisely observing the motions of his enemies and managing his affairs according to the best maxims and rules of prudence, when having endeavoured to concile his people to his government by sweetness, he saw himself forced by their obstinacy to use steel and blood, he laid siege anew to Paquin, not without the inhabitants rising in his cause, nor without their being stilled and drawn back from him by the Governor and Magistrates. For the better defence of it Lucimon would have had Alcidor put himself again into it; but Florisa was not there to oblige him to do so, and he had been too ill used by that prince to observe his desire. He kept in the field, where making continual courses to and fro, he molested the King's forces more than any of his party. In particular having gotten certain intelligence that at such a time there would be a broad an important convoy of the enemy consisting of three hundred horse and as many Fantass●ns, and which way they would pass, he put himself with two hundred horse in ambuscade in a wood, and there attending till they came, when he saw his time charged the Cavalry with a fury which they were not able to resist but were routed, cut in pieces and taken: the Fantassins' in the mean time saving themselves by help of the wood, but leaving what they were conveying to the disposal of the conqueror. Among those that were taken were Melampus and ●o●ilus, Lords whom Alcidor knew and who were retiring from the King's army upon the account of ill health. To them he restored their liberty and caused all their equipage also to be returned, for which they have ever since been of the number of the best friends that he hath had in the world. A great man who observed him after the fight leaning against a tree with his arms shining with silver, with his sword in his hand bloody up to the hilt and with the visor of his cask put up and discovering his face hath several times since said, that he could not imagine a more graceful sight than he then appeared to him, or a more perfect resemblance of Mars taking breath after a conquest. At this defeat of his men the King was very much troubled, but being of a disposition that carried him to commend brave actions he highly extolled this of Alcidor and named him one of the most gallant men of his side.  
The miseries of Paquin being at length by the pressures of the siege grown to incredible extremities, all things seemed inclined to put it into the hands of Polianis, and its grand, officers urged by the mutinous and mournful cries of all sorts of people and by their own necessities, were treating with him about a speedy surrender when they were encouraged so stand out a while longer by intelligence which they had brought them that Ostravius was coming apace with a potent army to relieve them; And they were not disappointed, for within a few days the King drew of all his forces to go offer that famed Captain battle; but he would not be drawn to venture such a dangerous cast, thinking it enough to secure the chief Town, and take some others and retire; Nor was Polianis able either to force him to do the on, or to hinder him from doing the other. Seeing which he fell to work with several small Towns and took them, and some of great consequence: he made preparations also for environing Xanton; which when Ostravius and Lucimon could no longer doubt of, they commended that Rival of Paquin to the tuition of Lisantus and Alcidor; Lisantus in quality of Governor and Alcidor as his assistant, and they discharged their trust with stupendious performances: whatsoever honour put them upon they failed not of undertaking and whatsoever they undertook they failed not of having ycrowned with honour: they by a sally which they made forced the army that begird them to withdraw to a good distance from the walls, and though they were afterwards brought into great straits for want of victuals they notwithstanding held it undauntedly out till the aforesaid princes came and compelled the King to rise from before them and leave them at liberty.  
A while after the King, being infinitely troubled that he could see no good end in the prospect which lay before him of his people's obstinacies and miseries, to undeceive it possible those who had left themselves to be abused by the specious pretexts that were set up against him, and by that means stifle that hydra of the rebellion whose heads recruited as fast as he lopped them of, published a declaration which served very happily for a foundation of that obedience which many of his subjects that were in arms against him were preparing for him in their minds. It particularly put Lisantus and Alcidor upon considering and weighing of things which they had before very little or not at all thought of. But being the principal springs by which the Union moved, they thought it not noble to leave in the lurch those that depended upon them, and who could not long subsist but would be utterly undone without them. They therefore kept on their way with their wont vigour, but Alcidor not with his wont success. Whither Fortune had a mind to cast a blot amidst his glories that so he might not boast he had impeded her from her changeableness of motion, or whither heaven thought fit to animadvert upon him for using his sword against his rightful sovereigns Florimen and Pol●anis by a cross adventure which should take it out of his hand, he happened to be encountered by a force which gave him the hottest work that he had ever had experience of▪ They were many of them that were met Commanders of known courage and address, there was no body who did not choose rather to die than fly; it is impossible as I have heard him say ever to see weightier blows and more manful attaques and resistances than were than to be seen, and if one party was ready to be Victor one moment the other relieved itself and was ready to give the law the next. But in the end Alcidor having done all that man could do, he had his horse killed under him and was himself overthrown upon the ground with him, in which posture being summoned to yield he had nothing to answer, but that the case in which he was constrained him so to do. Being demanded his name, considering that he had too many enemies in the King's army he judged it prudent to conceal it and called himself Belompus.  
At this Period Rolimon addressing himself to his niece, These, cousin, said he, are the most remarkable adventures which I have any intimacy with of your new lover, and judge if I have not spoken well of him in favour of whose rival I came to wait upon you. There are some things in the world, Sir, replied Dorame to him, of which one cannot hold one's peace, and the passages of Alcidor's life being of this kind, it is truth and justice which have compelled you to say what you have said. But I cannot yet be contented unless I hear what became of Florisa and whither Alcidor saw her not during the time of his activity abroad. You cannot know this so well of any body as of Alcidor himself, said Vindorix to her, but was he here the question is whither you have the power to obtain the recital of him. The question is rather, said Melian, whether he hath the power of refusing her any thing, and certainly when he shall know that we have in his absence entertained ourselves with what we know of his concernements he will not refuse to entertain us himself with what we know not of them. However since we have no more to relate of him, resumed Vindorix, let us by my consent take our way to bed, and stay no longer with my cousin, to whom days, nights, ages would be no more than moments if one should all the while hold her with discourses concerning him. You speak, Cousin, returned Dorame to him, as if you was little skilled in obliging women, or else as if you had more sharpeness for me than if I had no relation to you. But possibly I shall not be so unhappy as not to ●inde an opportunity of revenging myself upon you. I make no question, said he again to her, but I shall have patience enough to bear whatsoever ill offices you shall have a mind to do me, assuring myself that they will not be overgreat because I am Alcidor's friend. To this Dorame going about to repart, I see, said Rolimon, it is necessary that I should break off this contest which will otherwise not at all regard how late the hours grow or know when to make an end, and therewith risen from his seat; which the rest doing after his example, they bade good night and went to bed.  
The End of the second Book.   

The Third BOOK.  
THe next morning Dorame rising early enough to make her guests see that it was not laziness which had kept her so long in bed the day before, as soon as she was dressed, she went to take her Uncle Rolimon in his chamber; but she found that he was together with Vindorix and Melian gone to walk in the garden. She going thither to them, I hope, my niece, began Rolimon to her, the same phantasms have not troubled you this night that did the former. I can never sleep with more tranquillity, answered she to him, than I have done to night, and if any thing came in my mind when I was awake more than ordinary it was only what you have recounted to me of Alcidor, and some fears I must confess least by the way hither he should be met by some friend of Cartagenes and called to an account for his death. Disturb not your mind with those suspicions, replied Rolimon to her, for he hath in this province a more redoubted name than that any body should quickly be as rash as was Cartagenes to commit the like indiscretion of assaulting him. Have you then so ill an opinion of the courage of Cloriastes, said Dorame to him smiling, as to believe that he will not fight upon my account. I hold him for a man of heart, returned Rolimon to her, but since he knows not that Alcidor is your Lover, would you have me imagine that there will be a combat between two persons who have nothing of quarrel. Let us not amuse ourselves in prognosticating a mischief of which there is no probability that it should quickly, if at all, fall out, but let us think of seeing Alcidor here at dinner; for my part I have strong hopes that we shall, for I am sure there is nothing of expedition which he will not use when he knows that you desire to see him. The night had not shades so thick as to hinder him from travailing, and besides when he undertakes any thing, he makes his way through all, nor woods, nor rocks nor pitchy darkenesses are unpassable to him. I have practised him enough to know him, and I speak no more than what I know to be true of him.  
To this Dorame was going to say something, when they saw enter the covered walk where they sat Limonides with a look though not so overcast as when he brought the news of the death of Cartagenes, yet very legibly inscribed with something of sadness. As soon as he came near them, have you some new unhappiness, prevented him Rolimon, to inform us of that you carry so melancholic a face? Have your pains been unprofitable in seeking Alcidor? or have you met with him, and some ill hath befallen him? Almidon, Sir, replied Limonides to him, hath followed Cartagenes; Alcidor hath made him pay at the point of the sword for the outrage that he did him in reporting what was false of him to Cartagenes. What ●ighting is here, cried D●rame sighing? This is not the way to let us quickly see Alcidor as we expected. This will not all retard his coming, Madam, said Limonides to her, you will see him with you within an hour. You tell me what will be enough to my contentment Limonides, said she in answer to him, provided it proves true. There is nothing in the world more true, Madam, returned Limonides to her, than that he intends it. I shall make no more question of it, replied Dorame to him, but tell us what you know of his fight with Almidon. Being conducted, Madam, said Limonides, by Alcidors' lackey to the house of Meonimus (a friend of his) which is not far distant from that, which was my Masters while he lived, nor from that also of Almidon, I there found him and delivered to him your Letter; which when he had read he told me there was no cure that I could have brought him like that for the grief with which he resented my Master's death. Saying little else but that little, enough to make me perceive that he had some business which he was in haste to dispatch with somebody, he jumped on horseback and galloped away. To see whither he went I followed him with as much speed as I could without being perceived by him; but I was not able for some time to set eye upon him. At length I discerned him above a hundred paces from me with his sword in his hand against a man whom at that distance I know not. Riding as hard as I could to the place I had scarce discovered his adversary to be Almidon, but I saw him run into the body by him and fall. When Alcidor saw me by them, confess before Limonides, Almidon, said he, the wrong that you have done me in reporting to his Master those things that were the occasion of his death. I can by no means excuse, returned Almidon to him, what you charge me with, and therefore if I may say that I forgive what is just, I forgive you the wound which you have given me, and which is apace letting out my soul. At these words Alcidor dropping some tears upon his misfortune as he had done upon my Masters, stopped his wound with his handkerchief, set him upon his horse and conveyed him to the house from which we came. There we said, as Almidon desired us to say, and said himself that an enemy who had met him by chance had given him his hurt, and the Master of the house endeavouring to inform himself of the name of that enemy he would never tell him, but desired him to content himself with this that he was a gallant man who had just occasion to set upon him, and that he died satisfied with him, not knowing how to complain of his action which he was free and valiant. He said but little more and died in the arms of Alcidor, who, his eyes being closed, commanded me back to you with assurance that as soon as he had taken order to have him carried home, he would come away by the light of the moon to render himself with you.  
Limonides having said thus and holding his tongue, It is indeed Alcidors' happiness, said Dorame, that those whom he fights with and kills die his friends, but I am, notwithstanding, that very much troubled at these occurrences. That, said Rolimon, is the part of honest persons that come to be so unfortunat, and these encounters indeed, said Vindorix, though they are to be accounted good in regard that Alcidor hath had the better in them, yet they are not so in regard that two men, and one of them a man of true gallantry, have in a private quarrel lost their lives by his hand. But we shall have the less reason to be troubled provided Cloriastes increases not the number of those unfortunats: and we have reason to hope that he will not, because at present he does not think that he hath any occasion of falling out with Alcidor, and if he should think so hereafter, he must also think that to fight with him is not but to augment his trophies. For one to have two such combats one upon the heels of another said Melian, and in both to kill his adversaries without being at the cost of a drop of blood, does not usually happen; but it is to Alcidor that it hath happened and that hinders it from being a wonder. A great reason of his good success, said Dorame, surely▪ is because he drew not his sword but upon a just cause; for who can deny but he had right on his side in both these duels, in the one as being assaulted, in the other as being outraged. No man, Cozen, said Rolimon to her, can with justice condemn him for what he hath done and if any man should have either so much malice or so little judgement as to speak ill of him for it, he would find enough ready to revenge it upon him. But let us withdraw hence to wait for him in the house, as shady as this place is the rays of the sun piercing it, and beginning to set it on fire.  
Removed into the house, they for some time held conversation upon several worthy things which Cartagenes had done, and then Dorame turned it to Florisa and Alcidor, speaking very much in commendation of the former for regarding the merit rather than the birth of the latter, though reserving the quality of Prince, she knew he was issued of one of the best families of the kingdom and of him they were speaking when he came into the room where they were. At the sight of one another he and Dorame were struck into a little stupor, which being quickly dissipated and salutations performed, you have since you left us, Sir, said she to him, been to us the cause and the object of more than ordinary apprehensions; my Uncle and Cousins who came hither two days since have been both witnesses and partners of them; but was there a necessity that you should abuse us by making shadow to us of going to agree some friends and engaging yourself in mortal quarrels? I hope, Madam, interrupted her Alcidor, Limonides hath not done me the ill office to conceal what past between his Master and me? He hath given us a full account of it, Sir, said Rolimon to him, but my niece taking a particular interest in your preservation, therefore sets thus upon you, that she may persuade you not to be another time so ready to satisfy the resentments of men void of reason. What could I do less, replied Alcidor, than use my sword against a man who forced me so to defend me honour and my life. I am certainly no quarrel, much less am I of a humour to fall foul upon those whom I do not believe to have a design of offending me, but that it should be said that out of cowardice I disengaged myself from a provocation, or that any body should set upon me without my giving them to see, as far as I am able, that I am not insensible, I can by no means bring myself to endure. You gave sufficient demonstration of this to Lisimax, said Dorame to him, and thereby acquired a far more triumphing reputation than that any body should be easily disposed to pass sentence upon you as pusillanimous. I see you know, Madam, returned Alcidor to her, what in respect of its in considerableness I had reason to think lay private from you; but that is too small a thing to procure me credit with any body, much less can it bring me into esteem with you to whom those things are common which to others are rare. Not to dissemble what we have done, Sir, said Rolimon to him, Vindorix and I to divert my niece have imparted to her the knowledge which we have of your life, which reaches, you know, to the time that you was taken prisoner, excepting what became of Florisa and what intercourse you maintained with her, after her Uncle removed her from Paquin. I am sorry, replied Alcidor, that she hath had no better a diversion, the occurrences of War usually making horror rather than harmony to those of her sex and temper. Notwithstanding my weaker sex, reparted Darame, I am not of so weak a temper, as to be frighted with the bruit of things; on the contrary they have been very melodious airs to me, both those of your martial deeds and those of your amorous intelligences which the princess Florisa. In the remainder of which latter I beseech you to instruct me, after you have recounted to us, that which I also beg of you, how things went between you and Almidon. But yet before you do this I will show you what Cartagenes wrote to me dying. With those words she took out of her pocket and presented to him the letter of that defunct, which he having read. How few such men, said he, are there to be found in the world, and how much regret have I that such a man should fall by my sword, though withal by his own fault. But let us leave him in peace Madam, continued he, and suffer me to tell you that you use me with too much ceremony to entreat of me what it is your part to command. Had you as much favour for me as I have honour and obedience for you, you would only say, Alcidor, it is my will you should do thus and thus; this freeness would make me do what you desire with greater cheerfulness. But you believe you should render me too happy should you treat me so. You have no reason surely to complain, answered she to him, if I pay you the respect which I know to be due to you: lose no more time therefore in producing to us these punctilios of your spirit, we being better assured of its excellency than to need such testimonies of it, but relate to us the adventure, which you have had with Almidon. Not to tell you again what you have been told already, Madam, said Alcidor to her, be pleased to take this breviate of the rest.  
After I was informed by Cartagenes and Limonides, how Almidon had calumniated me to the former, and by so doing been the author of his misfortune (over which I could not choose but weep) I had no longer any thing besides my love of yourself so busy in my mind as revenge; but I was a while unresolved of what means I should serve myself in prosecution of it; sometimes I thought of acting one way, sometimes another: I was indeed most inclined to go find him myself in his house, and draw him into the field, there to demand an account of him for what he had done; but I was withal miserably agitated with fears of incurring your displeasure by so doing, and of acquiring the tittle of a gladiator more than of your servant. I had agreed those upon whose occasion I went hence with the success that I desired, and there was nothing but my love that stood in the way of my anger. But when I considered that you was of a more generous humour than to take it ill that I should seek satisfaction for the wrong that was done to me and for the mischief that was done to Cartagenes, I wavered no longer but leaving that dying man in the arms and to the care of Limonides, I betook myself to the house of Meonimus from which that of Almidon was not far distant. Where having stayed some hours to repose myself and write that letter to you which you was pleased most obligingly to answer, I got again on horseback, and leaving behind me my friend's house was quickly at that of my enemy. I found him at home, was received by him better than I desired, and soon understood from him that he knew nothing of the death of Cartagenes (for I reckoned him to be by that time no more among the living) and that he believed I knew nothing of the reports which he had made to him concerning me. Hiding therefore my resentments from him, after I had stayed with him near an hour, and refused the invitations of eating which he very civilly pressed me with, I acted so that I engaged him to ride out with me. When we were come far enough from his house, in the midst of a wood, whither I served myself of the occasion of a great road to bring us, taking him by the hand and obliging him to make a halt as I did, Almidon, said I to him, I know not where to find a place more proper to require an account of the injury that you have done me than this. Amazed at which words without giving me leisure to proceed, what is it, Alcidor, said he, which moves you thus to surprise me? I never had a mind said I to him again, to surprise any man unhandsomely; but knowing that you have not freeness enough to satisfy willingly those whom you have wronged, I have chose to draw you clancularly hither that so you might not be able to find any way of escaping or giving yourself a dispensation from fight. But tell me then, returned he to me, what the injury is which you accuse me of having done you, and for which you thus set upon me. Do you not remember, replied I to him, or can you deny that you not long since spoke of me to Cartagenes otherwise than was true and honest? who, answered he, hath told you that I did? Cartagenes himself, reparted I. He hath indeed always told me, returned he, that he would engage me in a quarrel with somebody, and I have now too much experience of it to question that he was in earnest. But I will maintain to him that he lies and that I never spoke of you but as I ought. At those words provoked with his baseness in denying what I was sure he was guilty of, and laying the blame upon one of whose innocence I had sufficient proof, I took my sword in my hand against him; but he made no offer of putting himself in a posture of defence. Seeing which, are you so great a coward, cried I to him, as not only to unsay what you have broached, but also to refuse fight with one who defies you to it and will kill you if you do not resist him? But these reproaches stirred him not and I was unwilling to strike a man who would not defend himself. To try therefore if I could bege● a courage in him, and withal the better to convict him, I repeated to him the words which he had said to Cartagenes. Struck with which and his own conscience together he sat on his horse like a statue as if he had had nothing of sense or motion left him. At length recovering spirit, Cartagenes, said he, hath been most disingenuously unjust to fix upon me what I never thought of, and I shall act powerfully enough against him to let you quickly see his artifice and baseness, and that I am no such base or cowardly person as you accuse me to be. Cartagenes no longer lives, cried I to him, this sword which I hold in my hand to punish you hath forced him to make a voyage into another world for having too lightly given credit to your discourses. That unhappy Cavaleir was as valiant to attack me as you are heartless to defend yourself; but the equity of my cause surmounted the injustice of his, and you, Impostor shall, if I can make you, run the same adventure, expiating your crime with your blood. Take your sword therefore in your hand or I will run you through. But these words warned him no more than the former, and could he have fled I dare confidently say he would not have stayed long in the place. In sine, when after I had with a great deal of patience waited upon him he saw I would wait no longer but was resolved to use him enough to his ignominy unless he would stand upon his guard, he told me that his sword was not equal to mine, as indeed it was not, being as bad a one as I have commonly seen, and that if I would stay till the next morning he would render himself where I should appoint to give me the satisfaction that I desired. As commonly they who have an ill paymaster their debtor are content to be paid with such money as they can receive, I consented to his procrastination and we concluded upon a place and hour where and when to meet the following day. Which being come, about half an hour before Limonides came to me, I saw enter the house of Meonimus one whom though disguised I knew to be Almidons' lackey. The fashion in which I saw him, and the manner in which he inquired for Meonimus, whom I had sent from home in the morning upon other business, that so I might have leisure to perform that which I had in hand with Almidon, made me suspect that his Master was brewing something of treachery. To ascertain myself of the truth of it, and know what this disguise meant, I took the lackey by the collar, and showing myself most violently angry threatened him to make him hang if he would not quickly tell me why he was metamorphost, and for what reason he came into the house covertly and like a thief. Presently the poor boy who had his senses frozen with fear confessed to me that his Master had given him a sum of money to advertise Meonimus secretly of the Duel which he was to perform with me, and to feign that it was his own proper motion to give him the advertisement. Enquiring then of the lackey where his Master was, and hearing that he was gone to the place assigned for our meeting I thought of nothing any more but to make haste to him. But Limonides arrived at the instant with your most welcome letter, and I stayed to read it twice over and to speak a few words to him that brought it. Which done to come upon Almido●● unawares, I galloped to him by a private way. Perceiving him wholly astonished to see me instead of Meonimus whom he expected, I gave him leisure to recollect himself, and then I with much difficulty made him draw his sword; But he used it so ill that I with little difficulty gave him a wound which let out the best part of his blood upon the place. The rest Limonides I suppose hath acquainted you with, I shall therefore only add that I have not without a very great displeasure to me been compelled in this fashion to make good my honour against a gallant man and a cowardly. He having said so, the action of the former of them, said Dorame, does indeed afford a subject of praise, that of the latter carries infamy in its remembrance. Nothing is more certain, adjoined Vindorix, than that a man's good or bad reputation depends for the most part upon his actions. Some more words they had upon this occasion and Alcidor fell into particularities with Dorame; in which the other company being about to leave them, the table presently showed itself covered and called them all to take their seats.  
As soon as they had dined Dorame carrying them into a private room requested Alcidor to make the recital that he had promised of the remainder of his loves, and he obeyed her in a discourse to this effect.  
Vindorix knows the trouble which the absence of Florisa gave me, to which was added that which I had to see him fall sick and constrained to leave me. The imprisonment also of ●l●cidas, which I knew he suffered for favouring of me, I had such a sense of that had I known where Lucimon had shut him up I should either have drawn him thence or lost myself in undertaking it. I had I am sure too much cause to complain of that prince to serve him in his army. I therefore put myself in that of Lisantus, and there I passed some time without learning any news of the princess though I had continually spies about Lucimon to discover in what place of the earth he kept her. By this my cares of Love appearing without hopes of prosperity, and the War every moment furnishing me with new means of laying both them and the melancholy which they caused to me asleep, I began after some months to think no otherwise of the Princess than as of one who was wholly lost to me. Among these thoughts an expedition carrying us towards the province of Sancy, the second day after our arrival in those quarters I saw come into my chamber one, whom though disguised, I presently knew to be Alexis' page to Florisa, and who gave me a letter the contents whereof I still remember were these.  

Florisa to Alcidor.  
AT last in despite of Lucimon and his tyranny I have the means to inform you of the torments that I undergo. I am more restrained than slaves and more rigorously used than Crimi●alls. Excepting this Page and Leonora I have no body about me whose fidelity is not corrupted. Judge then if I am not to complain and if my afflictions ought not to touch you. But I shall be in a great measure happy amidst my unhappinesses if I can but be assured that you still love me. I no sooner knew of the approach of Lisantus towards this Town of Sanchio but I imagined that you was with him and have therefore sent Alexis to you to let you know that my greatest fear is that of not seeing you. Send me word how you do and whither the courage of Alcidor can suffer that Florisa should live always miserable.   
Seriously affected with these lines when I considered that a page had had the faithfulness, wit and courage to deceive the Princess' guards, I could not but reckon myself obliged to practise all possible means of seeing her. Sending therefore Alexis before to advertise her that I would be suddenly at her feet, but that she and Leonora must dissemble their knowledge of me, with a select Troop whom I durst trust and whom, in that confidence whichI had in them, I instructed to call me by another name, I took the way withal she speed that I could after him. Coming to the place about, twilight I asked to speak with Doliban the Captain that guarded the princess; who presently appearing I told him that Lisantus having received advise of a design that was on foot of taking away the Princess, had sent me to impede the execution of it. Taking what I told him for certain, he received me with a great deal of freeness, shown me what soldiers he had and what order he observed for preserving his fair charge and desired me to do what I judged in the present occasion fitting. Accordingly to confirm him in his belief of what I had affirmed, I appointed sentinels to be set at all the avenues of the place, and concerned myself to see that and several other things done with as much zeal as if I had really been afraid of the rape that I pretended, and with as much diligence as if I expected it would have been presently attempted. All this while I discovered nothing to him of the desire that I had to see the Princess, but as soon as we had settled things for her safety, he of his own accord offered me to conduct me to her, I took the offer and went along with him like one sufficiently disinterested, and she received me as coldly. When Doliban indeed with longer eulogies of me than either she or I at that time cared for, told her what rank I held with Lisantus and upon what errand I was come from him, she paid me those respects which in common manners were due, but yet she in every thing acted her part so sagely that one would have firmly believed she had not had the least acquaintance with me. Leonora also gave authority to the dissimulation by the curiosity which she shown in enquiring after my name and several other things about me. But Doliban being after a while called away, we quickly changed the fashion of your converse. We recounted, she to me the severities which her Uncle Lucimon had exercised upon her since he had removed her from Paquin, I to her the pains that I had taken to learn her abode, both I to her and she to me how bitter our forcible separation had been to us, and how sweet our present stolen interview was; we deliberated of the means of keeping Doliban blind and of seeing one another for the future; we discoursed of all that we could think of past, present and to come that concerned either our good or our ill, we determined that for prevention of discovery and to keep of suspicion it was necessary that as I had come after the sun was gone down so I should be gone before it was gotten up: In brief the most of the leisure that we had we spent in reciprocating testimonies of affection to one another the most emphatical that her virtue and my respectfullness could allow us. But this kept us not from being so wary that when Doliban returned to me, he found me examining whither all things were in good order at the inlets. In which work he bearing me company, I took occasion to remonstrate to him that it was necessary the plot should be kept secret from every body and particularly from Lucimon for fear it should alarm him so as to disturb him in the great affairs which he had upon his hands. It is sufficient, added I, that the enemy's design is known to Lisantus, yourself and me, our forces and cares being of validity enough to ruin it; only let it be your business to watch solicitously for the security and advantage of your charge, and it shall be mine to give as I am obliged a very fair character of you to him that sent me. To this Doliban shaped a reply full of honesty and civility, and carried me bacl to the Princess; who signifying some apprehensions of the danger that she was in we assured her that provided they in the Town had, as there was no reason to question but they had, resolution and fidelity answerable to their duty, she was as safe where she was as she could be any where else of the Kingdom. I had by this time not above half an hour to stay, and Doliban as opportunely as if on purpose receding, we improved it as we were taught by our Master Love. He reentring when we were drawing to a conclusion my tongue insensibly slided to commend her to his tuition and to take my leave of them both. Returned to the Camp I found that Lisantus had sent all about in search of me; presenting myself therefore to him though he with a strict curiosity examined where I had been, I deceived him as well as I had done Doliban, disguising things so to him that he had not the least suspicion of the truth.  
By such means during a month that we stayed in the province of Sancy I seven or eight times stole the sight and company of Florisa; after which the motions of the War carrying us else whither we bade one another adieu with tears on her part which she told me sprang from strong apprehensions that she should never see me again, and with protestations on my part that how remote soever the Country was whither I went I would not with the blessing of Heaven be long before I visited her. But Polianis never suffering us to rest, but continually showing himself either at our heels or Lucimon's, so that all the diligence that we could use was too little to protect ourselves against him, I was much longer than I expected before I could make good my word. He indeed by the victories which he obtained over us weakened us so much that I had more reason to consider how to prevent the ruin of myself and my party than how to carry on my loves with Florisa. Not to rehearse any of the traverses of the War (for with them I suppose you are already acquainted) every moment that I would have gone to find the Princess, new employments were laid in my way by Lisantus whom I accounted myself bound in honour to observe. But I was notwithstanding all obstructions contriving at length how to make an escape for a few days from the Camp, when Alexis presented himself again to me together with this letter.  

Florisa to Alcidor.  
HOw respectfully soever Doliban treats me I am continually racked with an impatient longing either to see you or hear from you. I should indeed be in hazard of dying with melancholy, was it not for Leonora who makes it her work to comfort me, and particularly endeavours to persuade me that the important affairs in which you are engaged allow you not the time that you desire to satisfy my wil●. Howsoever it is that you are employed, for love of me preserve your life, ●remembring that you ought to act the Captain and not the common Soldier, and either come to me or write the cause which hinders you from coming.   
Incited by this language and my own inclinations I was never at rest till I had procured liberty of 〈◊〉 to be a few days absent, nor till I was gotten with Alexis to her who had sent him to me. She declared herself as glad to see me as at other times, yet withal a little dissatisfied with me because I had stayed so long away from her. But with the remonstrances which I made to her I so perfectly composed her spirit and set all so well in tune that our converse all the while I stayed after consisted of no other notes but what were purely harmonious, and that when I told her the hours called me away she took it not at all ill, but freely dismissed me. We thus from time to time saw one another by the politics which we used keeping Doliban from perceiving and Lucimon from learning any thing of our intelligence, and consequently having the former always disposed to please us.  
But I could not content myself with this, unless I saw Placidas at liberty, whom I should have been very ungrateful should I not have remembered of myself, and whom the Princess and Leonora putting me also in mind of informed me of the place where he was kept prisoner. In recompense therefore of the good services which he had done his Princess and the good offices which he done me, I procured his prison to be forced and his imprisonment to be put an end to, an exploit of which I should have been quickly suspected the author by Lucimon, had I not employed in it such in whom I knew I might trust, given them order to name themselves of the royal party, and managed the whole business with a suitable disguise. The news of it flying as fast to Lucimon as Placidas did to me, he was vexed at it to a tempestous rage, and conceived such fears of seeing as much befall his niece that he immediately removed her from the place where she was. Wither he removed her I was not able by all the means that I could use to descover; but at length Alexis came to me with word from her that she was at Suchieu and that Doliban was no more with her but another Captain who allowed her not so much liberty as he had done. Not being always able to find a stratagem favourable to my desire of visiting her, I sent this letter by him to her.  

Alcidor to Florisa.  
YOur sufferings have not a sharper influence upon yourself than upon me. But a great and incomparable Princess as you are knows how to overcome her afflictions with her constancy. Nor may you believe that Alcidor will be deprived of the glory of seeing you any longer than is necessary for procuring an expedient of effecting it; and my love is more powerful than not ere long to procure one in despite of the new tyrant that watches you.   
Two days after I had sent away Alexis, Lisantus having advertisement that the inhabitants of Suchieu were fallen into mutinies, to remedy the discorder thought fit that I should make a voyage thither. Having by which means in a short time obtained an opportunity which I might have a long time been seeking by art, I was quickly on horseback, and quickly at my journies end. All tumults ceasing at my arrival. After I had resettled things in their former constitutions, I enquired of the officers of the Town what condition the Princess was in and what order was observed in guarding her, and they not only informed me in what I asked, but they also conducted me to her and left me with her; that which Anaximenes the Captain that had the Custody of her, though it was wholly against the command which Lucimon had given him, was so far from opposing, that busying himself about something of his charge which required his present care, he gave us sufficient leisure of entertaining one another. We had indeed not only that first day, but also during four days that I stayed at Suchieu as much liberty with one another as before that Lucimon was jealous of it, and I made as frequent and as free visits to her as I desired, Anaximenes being very happily to our advantage so passionate of Leonora that she made him act what part she would.  
After this rate of correspondencies persisted we to live till Dorilas, escaping out of prison into his Uncle Lucimon's army and there hearing from that grand enemy of our loves all that he knew of them, came himself to Suchieu and there charged it upon his Sister with very sharp reproaches. Advertisement hereof she sent me by Alexis; whereupon, though she assured me withal that not brother, not Uncle, not all whosoever should either by fair or foul means be ever able to divorce her heart from me, I nevertheless with close and serious thoughts represented to myself that her quality, beauty, wisdom, virtue rendering her an equal match to the possessor of a throne, for me to aspire to the possession of her was to go about to debase her from her just height, to be guilty of an arrogance of which the fruit would be common envy if it succeeded, if it succeeded not public derision; and to pull upon me from her relations a load of malice under which I must necessarily fall. From these and such like premises I drew a conclusion to beware for the future how I nourished an affection of which nothing could in all likelihood come but unhappiness. But writ this conclusion to her in relation to whom I made it I durst not; I only sent her word by Alexis that since her brother disliked that pious fire with which I offered my heart in sacrifice to her, I would for some time hid it under the ashes that so I might not kindle in him a design of destroying me, but yet, during that reserve, would not fail of seeing her if it was possible, or at least of writing to her. Which message in what sense she construed, I know not, but this I know that from that time I nor saw her nor heard from her till after I was taken prisoner.  
This turn of my fortune, having if I may speak it without vanity by an uninterrupted prosperity of my arms climbed to a sufficient eminency of reputation, I had at first no other sense of, than as of a fall, the disgrace and damage of which was very hardly if at all to be repaired; but it afterwards proved of very profitable consequence to me. Polianis took notice and care of me as of some body considerable, he appointed me no other jail but his court, no other jailor but my parole, he gave me a thousand rich experiences of his goodness, he earnestly pressed me to engage in his service, and I should without doubt have done myself the good office of satisfying him, had he been of the same religion with me. That he was not was the argument that I used to him for my dispensation, and he took it not ill; only when by far better fortune than merit I was demanded to be released in exchange for three, the meanest of whom was of much more value than Alcidor, he obliged me to promise him that I would change my side when he changed his faith.  
While I lay prisoner at the Court I was told by several of credit that Florisa was erelong to be married to Eridan, prince of the royal Blood. Whereupon, what I had before carried by rote, I confirmed by decree that I would consider her no more as my most adorable mistress but only as my illustrious friend. But though I was fully bend to retire from her bonds, I notwithstanding went to wait upon her as soon as I was at liberty, and in our converse I used all the skill that I was Master of to veil my intentions from her. But we had not been long together before she told me that she after my long absence observed a constraint and alteration in me which was very strange to her. I endeavouring to make her lose that opinion, and particularly excusing my absence by my imprisonment and upon that occasion speaking honourably, and as I was in gratitude bound, of Polianis, she rejoined that she was afraid the favours and virtues of that victorious prince had overcome me so as to make me at once abandon the interests of her family and grow cold in the affection which I had vowed to her. To this I was shaping an answer with which I hoped to satisfy her, but was prevented by the coming of Dorilas, which gave me no more leisure than to slip away without so much as bidding her Adieu, and I had no more opportunity of seeing her before that her suspicious brother carried her away to a place where she was more straightly guarded than ever.  
At length the King after he had seriously deliberated of the concernements of religion making a turn which pleased some, displeased others, brought over to him the most remarkable Lords of ●he Union, and rended Lucimon almost desperate, with a most propitious condescension challanged me of the promise which I made him when I left his prison, and I readily followed whither the loadstone of his authority and goodness drew me, not without the honour of having the incomparable Lisantus to bear me company. Him he presently made vice Roy of a province of China, to me he gave twenty thousand Takes in present to repair the expenses that I had been at in maintaining the War against him, and four thousand Takes in pension, causing me withal to be saluted by Feonice the ruling object of his affections and by her Sister Astasia a principal beauty of his court.  
These things were not done with so little noise but that they reached the ears of Florisa, and as Alexis brought me word she fell sick with the hot alarm which she took at them. By him therefore I wrote back to her that she ought not to take it ill that I had quitted a party whom I at length had found to be most unjustly and disloyally armed against their Sovereign, or that the danger which I saw and she knew I was every moment in by the ill will of her relations had made me think a little of acting as my preservation demanded of me, and that as long as I lived she should have cause to believe that I had for her a just veneration, a thankful memory, and a faithful service.  
It followed by some intervals, and I have done when I have told you it, that Lisantus and I were set on work by the King to help to destroy that monster (for so we now reckoned the Union) which we had so long assisted, and that we very prosperously atcheived our task, that Dorilas seeing no body obstinate for the league but his Uncle Lucimon, and having no mind to ruin himself with him asked the King's pardon and received it, that Polianis justly incensed against Atalantus for having incited and maintained his subjects against him with design of seizing the monarchy of China declared War against him and obtained against him three signal victories, that the enemy's forces being vanquished by Adrastus in the province of Peuquiam, others of the same party entered into that of Xiancy and took ●hianchieu killing the illustrious Lisantus that defended it, that the famous Astragant yielded himself together with several Towns to his Majesty, that Lucimon seeing all his retreats lost, all his hopes blasted, and Polianis crowned King, with a penitent humility saught his grace and submitted to his Sceptre, that by this means a general peace was restored to China, and in fine that the amorous intercourse between me and Florisa, which had been all this while dying but had made several efforts to recover itself, they proving no more than blazes before the going out of the Candle, was by the end of the War wholly extinct.  
Alcidor having brought his narration to a period, and the Company having paid him their thanks, I have been informed, said Dorame to him, that your love did not die when it left Florisa, but only like a Pythagorick soul passed from one to another, from Florisa to Astasia, I shall therefore account myself very much in your debt if you will relate to us what were the transactions of it with that beautiful wife of Certafilan. There are many reasons, Madam, returned Alcidor, which forbidden me doing what you desire. But the most remarkable of the truths which you would know, one of my friends, designing so to oblige me, hath faithfully enough penned down. This manuscript if you think it worth your time to examine, I shall willingly put into your hands. Therewith he pulled out of his pocket and presented to her a little book of which the cover was Crimson velvet embroidered with Gold and adorned with Pearls and Ciphers. Having took it, viewed its outside, opened it, found the portraitures of Alcidor and Astasia on the first and second pages, and looked awhile upon them, she gave it to Melian entreating him to read it to them, and he read it in these words.  

The History of the Loves of Alcidor and Astasia.  
ALcidor being returned to Paquin from Canton where he had subdued the remains of the confederacy, now that the fires of the civil War were wellnigh all quenched, had a fire kindled in his breast by the beauties of Astasia which was of too much force easily to be put out: And yet he had at first considering her known integrity to her husband no in couragement to hope that it would succeed to his satisfaction. But on a sudden as if some fatality had laboured to clear his way, Certafilan with his nice and distempered palate began to distaste the visits which the more gallant Courtiers made to his Lady. This folly prevailing with more and more unruliness in his spirit he at length never saw any body near her but he believed it was to corrupt her castity; Nor though to obey and please him (seeing what disease he laboured under) she shunned all the Company which she thought he might suspect, grew he ever the more sober, but so interpreted all her actions to his fancy that there was not the least and most spotless of them with which he found not fault. Wholly governed with which frenzy he retrenched the usage of those respects which he had been wont to pay her and most unworthily loaded her with abuses which it was impossible for her long to bear. She notwithstanding practised all the sweet means that her discretion was able to suggest to her to put him in a better mind; but instead of being thereby brought back to reason he was exasperated higher and grew more and more insupportable. Her tears which one would have thought able to melt cruelty itself rather increased than allayed his rage and her just complaints served to no better effect than to make him vomit a thousand contumelies against her honour. Nor were her own endeavours to appease him fruitless only but the Kings also, who having knowledge of his madness used what remedies he judged requisite for his cure, but without effecting it. During this feral persecution of Astasia, Alcidor went every day to see her without her persecutor being able to hinder it, it being in the lodgings of Feonice and in the presence of Polianis that he visited her; and as often as he saw her he made her see that he was as deeply concerned in her sufferings as she was herself. She again every day drunk in such a sense both of his sympathy and accomplishments as with the assistance of Certafilan's outrages rendered this latter less and less and that former more and more agreeable to her. He proceeded to manage time and his actions so advantageously to his purpose that she no longer regarded him but as one regards those whom one sincerely likes. She was not contented but when he was with her, nor discontented but when he was from her. She felt emotions and attempts which she had never felt before; by which discerning that Love was surprising her heart she employed all her strength to defend it, but he notwithstanding all made himself Master of it. Perceiving herself conquered, since thou findest it in vain, said she to herself, to oppose the will of Love, of whom all the world holds in fee, rebel no more Astasia. Who can with common charity blame thee, because thou submittest to a puissance which disposes of all as it lists, and because thy affection's lackey no longer after a Master who hath most barbarously handled them, but run to one whose qualities are all irresistably magnetic, and who, if any body, is most likely to protect and relieve thee? who indeed if not Alcidor is able to bring Certafilan into order. But, alas, by what means should he do it? for him to speak to him in my defence what is it but to augment his jealousy? And though it may be he dares not assault him, may he not still revenge himself upon me, a woman who have nothing but sighs and tears for my arms against him? But imagine, Astasia, that Alcidor is able to supersede his oppression of me, who hath told thee that he will be at the pains to go about it? The respects indeed which he renders thee seem to be such as would assure thee of it, but consider he renders the like to all Ladies, and had he a particular kindness for thee he would not surely have been until this hour to let thee know it, every thing having favoured such a design. No, no it is impossible that a great fire should lie so long under its cinders without appearing more or less; It would therefore be a great vanity in thee to persuade thyself there is any such in his breast for the. The Princess Florisa indeed hath too much empire in her attractions to suffer him to subject himself to any other.  
While Astasia was discoursing thus with herself about Alcidor, he was at the same time resolving with himselft to declare to her his passion, and considering that he had not liberty to do it by word of mouth by reason that Certafilan had eyes and ears every where to watch her, he concluded to make a letter his proxy. Accordingly he without any farther demur drew his thoughts on paper, sealed it up and made himself his messenger to carry it to her. He found her in her Sister Feonice's Chamber, she being newly come in to it, out of her closet where she had been some while shut up bemoaning herself, but Certafilan followed him in at the heels, and when they could have wished him in the remotest part of the world debarred them by his Company from having any particular society. He kept his eyes such strict sentinels upon them both that they could hardly steal a few glances one of another, much less could they entertain one another as they desired. But after a while as if on purpose to dress a party against him, Feonice set upon him with so hot a charge for his untowardness to her Sister, that he could intent nothing but how to defend himself against her. Observing which opportunity Alcidor offered his letter to the hand of Astasia, and she civilly receiving it slipped it into her pocket. Feonice still held Certafilan to task with her remonstrances of his fault, and she was so earnest in them and thought them so equitable that, though Astasia made frequent signs to her to desist, she would not be taken off till the Criminal having spent all the weak excuses which he could forge, said nothing more but what made her hope he intended to be better for the future, though as it afterwards appeared he at the same time resolved to be worse, with a very skilful dissimulation laying a constraint upon his humour to hid his design. Hardly had Feonice sat down from her action but Polianis came into the Chamber; whereupon Certafilan fearing a severe reprehension from him also made haste away, nor was he stopped by the King who had at that time other thoughts in his mind. Certafilan gone, his Lady pretending herself not well withdrew into her Chamber; Alcidor offered to lead her, but she civilly refused it, and he pressed it not guessing she went to read what he had given her. And he guest right; for having walked three or four turns in her Chamber among her women she went into her Closet, and having shut herself in opened the letter and read in it these contents.  

Alcidor to Astasia.  
I Have sighed so long for what you suffer and with what I suffer myself that I can no longer conceal it from you. I have had a far deeper sense of your troubles than if I had endured them myself. And it is not merely a compassionate temper that hath bred this sense in me but a passionate Love. I contracted this Love at the first sight of you, it hath ever since increased by degrees, and it is now grown of too large a dimension and violence to be kept hid. Punish not my temerity since your own beauty is the parent of it, but have some pity for me, who have so much for you that I shall with triumph sacrifice my life to draw you from the tyranny under which you groan.   
Having read this letter many times over and every time with more satisfaction than other, her husband's humour began to be altogether indifferent to her, and for Alcidor she reckoned she could do no less than draw a kind answer to him and she drew this.  

Astasia to Alcidor.  
MY condition is such as permitts me not to slight either the sympathy that you pretend with me, or the succour that you offer me; the one may blunt the edge of my pressures, the other may put an end to them; I therefore with thanks accept of both. But I do not withal desire that you should hazard your life in relieving me: preserve it rather as carefully as you can, that so I may reap that benefit by it that I stand in need of, and believe, that reckoning myself in a good part happy by the friendship that you assure me of, I shall esteem myself perfectly so when I shall have it in my power to evidence to you that I am from my heart your servant.   
Having wrapped up these lines, notwithstanding those that watched her actions she ran with them to her Sister's Chamber, where she knew the King and Alcidor still were: The King when she re-entered was in a particular conversation with that absolute Mistress of his heart, and he went on in it. Alcidor was at some distance viewing pictures in which art had so dextrously imitated nature that things dead seemed alive and sensible: but he quickly left them when he saw her appear who had real life and sense accomplished above the imitation of art, with wit, beauty and goodness, and taking the opportunity went and confirmed to her by words of his Letter. She gave him for answer what she had written, which having read ina corner where the King and Feonice could not see him he with a thread of grateful, respectful and affectionate language tied her heart to him in a most fast knot. She owning as much to him, they proceeded to contract their affections one to the other with most solemn vows of reality and constancy; and in this strain they were when the King called Astasia to him and asked her if she would go along with Feonice to the waters. To this your Majesty's desires, returned she, and my Sister's Company are of much more value to me than that I should be backward either to obey the one or follow the other, provided that he to whose humour I am subject will grant me a licence. Believe me, Astasia, replied the King, if that untoward man shall hereafter go about any thing against my will I shall limit him so that he shall not be able to act but by the rule of my pleasure. There cannot indeed be found Sir, said she again to him, an expedient more proper to still his tyranny than to oppose to it an august power as is that of your Majesty. Certafilan surely, inserted Alcidor, will not be so rash as to resist his Prince, who he knows reigns by justice and clemency together, and when he shall find that injuring his Lady's virtue he enterprises upon his soveraigne's authority that undertakes her protection I do not doubt but he will out of a sense of his equity and for fear of his anger make his suspicions die. We will wait to see what he will do now, said Polianis, and if he does well, I shall as he deserves cherish him, if ill, punish him. In the mean while, Astasia, prepare for the journey with your Sister, I shall be very much pleased that you accompany her, and I cannot believe that your husband can be troubled at it, when he shall know that I am so pleased. Those that are ill tempered as he, Sir, said Feonice, take occasion as well to speak against the wills of Kings, which are regulated by sober and discerning reason, as of common people who act not but according to the dictates of brutish appetite, without being able to distinguish what is good from what is bad. But I persuade myself, said Alcidor, that Certafilan will hereafter govern his motions with so much prudence that his Majesty will not be put to any trouble to reform them.  
They thus discoursing for a while together, than the King resuming a particular conference with Feonice, and by favour of that occasion Alcidor doing the like with her Sister, Certafilan in the mean time, miserably racked himself, fears that the Letter was resolving his wife to practices against him, and to augment his inquietudes he apprehended that if he went presently to interrupt them the King would (not without being offended) discover the disease with which his spirit laboured, if he waited till the King was gone that Alcidor would in the interval bring his wife to his will. Wand'ring about in this perplexity he met two Magistrates, friends of his, who according to the order that they had received were going to wait upon the King at Feonice's Lodgings: Them he went a long with thither, without showing any thing of his trouble, and before the King and his Company appeared, in a gainess of temper which gave them thoughts of him very different from what they had lately had; Polianis desiring of him that his wife might the day following bear her Sister Company to the Waters he expressed a free and cheerful consent; he discoursed with Alcidor as if he had had no other fancy of him but as of his dearest friend; he shown to Astasia as kind regards as when they were first married. And these he continued to her not only while the King was present (who after he had been a little in private with Feonice bade her and her Sister far well. Alcidor doing the like and attending upon him) but also till she went away, which she did the next morning, having a splendid equipage provided by him for her journey.  
About six days after the two Sisters were come to the Waters, Astasia fell strangely sad without being able to give any reason why she was so. While she was domineered by which humour, and Feonice was endeavouring to assuage it, word was brought her that a lackey desired to speak with her. She commanding him to be brought to her with hopes to find him Alcidor's, he appeared in a livery which told her to her grief he was not, and presented a Letter to her, with which, when she had opened it she was thus accosted.  

Flora's to Astasia.  
CErtafilan takes me for one of the most wicked men in the world, but I shall let you see that his wickedness is far greater than mine. I have received instructions from him eight days hence to carry you secretly to one of his houses, where he resolves to keep you prisoner all your life. I give you notice of it to the end that you may prevent it, and I withal entreat you to keep it secret. It is a glory to shun the precipice into which an enemy would make one fall: think therefore at present both of comforting and of delivering yourself and hereafter when you shall command me I shall entertain y●u more at large with the story.   
As Astasia read these lines she often turned pale and red by sudden vicissitudes. Seeing which without doubt, my Sister, said Feonice to her, you have a subject of affliction in what you read. The news (alas!) which I have sent me, replied ●stasia, are sufficient to alarm and distract a spirit much more fortified than mine; read them, my dear Sister, and see if it is without cause that I am troubled. Feonice having read what she shown her, Treacherous and Savage man together, cried she, can heaven know thy pernicious baseness and not abiss thee? What hath Astasia done to thee that thou shouldst thus unworthily treat her? It is necessary, my ●ister, adjoined she, not only to believe Flora's, but at whatsoever rate to deliver yourself from Certafilan. I now see, resumed Astasia, that the melancholy with which I have been oppressed, but of which I could not tell you the reason was an augury of the evils which this in humane brews against me, and indeed we often have sadnesses, which though we know not the ground nor meaning of, are omens of misfortunes which too nearly (though darkly) hang over our head. But there is a remedy for those that are prepared for you, said Feonice; Flora's hath befriended you with the means of avoiding them; Let us therefore retire into your Closet, there to contrive your safety. Entered there Astasia fell onweeping as if she had had an intention to drown her life in her Tears: but her Sister at length prevailing with her to dry her eyes to consider of what she had to do, I think it requisite, said she to her, that you should first of all make answer to Flora's, and then when we have dismissed his man, we will send advertisement to the King of Certafilans' purposes. You know the compassionate nobleness of his spirit, and what an enemy he is to such as are treacherous. You need not therefore doubt but he will quickly restrain if not punish the wickedness of that wild beast your Husband. I cannot but acknowledge, returned Astasia to her, that Polianis is the most excellent Monarch in the world, and that he interests himself therefore also in the concernements of my fortune because I am your Sister. But will not this be to be always a prisoner to stay with them whom he shall appoint to hinder Certafilan from imprisoning me? I have a secret which I must no longer conceal from you, Alcidor loves me, and that (if I do not mistake by being over-credelous) in such a degree that there is nothing of difficulty which can affright him or will hold him back from succouring me.  
If you are certain of Alcidors' affection, replied Feonice, you need not be afraid of Certafilans' cruelty: but what evidences have you of it and since when was it born? see the testimonies, returned Astasia, giving her Alcidors' Letter, after which I think I cannot lawfully call his love in question: see also the return which I have made to it, added she, giving her a copy of her answer to him. Feonice having perused them, Astasia made a relation to her of what had passed between them, which done, considering all, said Feonice, I no longer doubt that Alcidor loves you and therefore I no longer apprehend that your condition is desperate. And as to your love of him a woman barbarously handled as you have been by one bound to use you with all imaginable sweeteness as is Certafilan, cannot be blamed for seeking arefuge against that barbarism. One always looks with pity upon those women who do nothing that may seem dishonourable but what absolute necessity constrains them to, and though it be a most reproacheable business to deceive a good husband, it is, if an offence, a very pardonable one, to free ones self from the persecution of a bad one. I reckon indeed, replied Astasia, that if in this present straight wherein I am against my will engaged I take any course that shall obscure my virtue and bring it into question, the real fault will be his who by his intolerable usage of me forces me to it. With these words the Tears coming apace in her eyes Feonice to give a stop to them put her upon drawing an answer to Flora's, which she did to his effect.  

Astasia to Flora's.  
HAd you never given any other proofs of your generosity than what you have now given me, they are sufficient to make me esteem you one of the most generous men in the world. He whom Certafilan hath chosen to execute his cruelty upon me is he who delivers me from it, than which nothing can be more noble, nothing more obliging. Such a sense of it hath my Sister, and she will let you see that she hath: much more have I, and I shall always endeavour by my due acknowledgements of your goodness to testify to you that Astasia is though an unfortunate yet not an ingrate.   
Feonice approving this letter Astasia sealed it and delivered it to the lackey of Flora's with a largess which abundantly rewarded his pains. The Messenger gone, this is not all, my Sister, said Feonice, now you have the quill in your hand write also to your Alcidor and summon him to keep his promise of assisting you; I doubt not but we shall have him here with us soon after he knows that you have need of him. I shall try, replied Astasia, what influence my words can have upon him, and therewith thus set down her mind.  

Astasia to Alcidor.  
I Am upon the point of being undone if you come not quickly to me to oppose your charitable power to the unjust rage of Certafilan. A few days hence he intends to have me conveyed to a perpetual prison: it is from the person who is to carry me away that I have received the favourable notice of it. Though my merit cannot, yet may my misery at this time induce you to act for my contentment. All is said when Astasia conjures you to do it by the affection that you pretend to bear her.   
Astasia putting this letter into her Gentleman's hands, he put it by point of day the next morning into Alcidors, and Alcidor had no sooner read it, but, I have now, said he to himself, got into my power such an opportunity as I have often wished for of letting Astasia see, that I place my happiness in serving her, that I prise my own life less than her liberty, and that having love for my Commander there is nothing too hard for me (to attempt at least if not) to break through in her Quarrel. Considering therefore, proceeded he, that nothing is more prejudicial to business of moment than remisseness, and that Feonice being of our party will render Polianis also of it, let us make haste to her who with so much sweetness and earnestness calls us. What he said he made good, mounting presently on horseback with half a score men in whom he had confidence, and arriving with the two Sisters just when they were preparing for bed, not without filling them with astonishment at his diligence and contentment at his presence. You are come, Sir, said Feonice to him, (while Astasia recollected her scattered senses,) to succour my Sister against her Husband who goes about to murder her with affliction; I very much resent myself your debtor for it, and possibly I shall not be so unhappy but I shall have the power one day of giving you proof of my resentment together with her. I have, Madam, replied Alcidor to her, nor power, nor courage nor friends nor interest which I will not gladly employ in the service of your Sister who deserves no less at the hands of all that know her. But the business being of action bare words are unprofitable as which ought to have effects for their warrant. What therefore is there requisite to be done, Madam, for this Lady whom I see wholly seized with the apprehension which she hath of falling into the hands of her enemy. It is with the pleasure which I have with seeing you, said she presently to him, that I am thus ecstasied, and by that and by the liberty and confidence with which I have summoned you to my assistance you my easily judge in what esteem you are with me. If we are by common humanity, Madam, returned Alcidor to her, bound to succour those whom we know not, as we without question are, it is a far greater tye which I have upon me to do all that lies in my power for you who are the soul of my soul, and if I think not too fond of myself, that zeal which I have for your security will, when you have told me what you judge sitting to be done for it, empower me to do it so happily that I make no doubt but you shall soon see Certafilan's purposes converted into smoke. Alcidor, replied Astasia to him, who knows all the arts of War, who hath been used to break squadrons and force Towns, who found out plenty of stratagems to support the league, cannot surely want an expedient to deliver Astasia from Certafilan. I depended upon your contrivance as well as execution. Say therefore what course you judge in my condition convenient to besteered. Only first, adjoined she, giving him the letter of Flora's, read the information which hath been sent me of my condition. Alcidor having read the letter a consolation was held, of which the result was that Astasia should put herself in a page's habit that so, as Alcidor told her, she who was worthy to command the greatest Kings of the earth might in that garb of servitude avoid the danger of being known, and under that disguise, the covert of the night and Alcidors conduct retire to a friends house, there to lie hid till the King having notice of what was intended against her should, as they made no question but he would, take order for her safety. Accordingly Alcidor presenting to her a page's habit which he had for the purpose brought with him, she dressed herself in it, and in this dress her beauty was so far from losing any of its power that love who performed the chief part in this act took advantage by it to strike the Cavaleir anew, and he struck him with so much force that he stood gazing upon her without being able to speak a word. Feonice taking notice of it, if he from whom you are to defend my Sister meets you, Sir, said she to him, and you turn as void of sense then as you appear now▪ I may lay any wager that she is lost and am sure to win. But astonish yourself no farther to see her unhappiness compel her thus to habit herself. If you was capable of remarking, Madam, replied Alcidor to her that which Love makes me take notice of in this fair Queen of his Empire you would have your speech and judgement left you as little it may be as I have had. Certafilan himself could not with all the hard and fierce thoughts that he hath for her consider her in this posture but he would have some mild and tender ones mixed with them. This is but to trifle and make sport with my misesery, and we have at present something else to mind said Astasia, and therewith fell on weeping, and Feonice together with her. But Alcidor to take them of from that sad exercise obliged them to bid one another farewell, led Astasia to her horse, helped her up and passed away with her.  
The Summer season and the light of the Moon making it pleasant travailing Alcidor rendered it more pleasant to Astasia by entertaining her with very taking discourses, and to himself by considering her feminine graces in her masculine habit. One thing which they both pleased themselves with was that their journey was known to nobody but those to whom they were willing it should be known, but here in they were deceived.  
Certafilan had sent to the Waters to be a spy over his wife's carriage one Berlin, and he by counterfeiting the fool, had so easy at access into the Lodgings of Feonice and Astasia that there was scarce any thing done there which he had not opportunity of being acquainted with. This subtle agent seeing Alcidor, arrive and knowing the suspicio●● which Certafilan had of him, with a vigilance which was most artificially dissemble observed all transactions and by that mean (the Ladies and Alcidor using no caution against him because as they thought him voi● of apprehension) heard the greatest part 〈◊〉 what they said, and particularly what way they would take to gain their retreat. With this intelligence he flew to Certafilan, Certasilan again flew whither he directed him with a troop of his friends and servants. Bu● whatsoever diligence he used, and he used all that he could, he could not meet with these whom he saught for.  
Some hunters who had first seen in arms Alcidor and his Company seeing again Certafilan and his, not knowing who they were nor with what intention they were abroad, carried notice of it to the King. The King dispatching troops in search of them, some of them in the inquest met with Berlin who had lost his way in a Wood Berlin informing them what the business was, they carried him to the King. The King hearing his story, though he disliked the action of Alcidor as knocking against his authority, he nevertheless commanded that Emissary of Certafilan and those that had taken him upon peril of their lives to speak nothing of it.  
As they withdrew from his presence with this order Certafilan entered it and in a most pitiful fashion applying himself to him, see me here, Great Prince, said he, to demand justice against Alcidor for his egregious. Enterprise in carrying away my wife from the place whither your appointment sent her to keep her Sister company. You are more just than not to chastise this audacious undertaker who at the same time braves your authority and ruins the honour of one of your most faithful servants. I come now from seeking him, and could I have found him I would have made him bear upon the field the revenge of the offence that he hath done me. Though by your own confession, Certafilan, returned Polianis to him, you demand not justice of me but because you cannot execute it yourself, I have, notwithstanding that, a due compassion of your trouble. You had done well if as soon as you knew what Alcidor had done you had instead of arming you and going abroad with a party to set upon him in my forest & kill him at the feet of your judge and his, came and complained to me of him. You know I suppose how your equipage hath alarmed me, and made me, lest my own person should be aimed at, guard myself in a more than ordinary manner. But be patiented and you shall see that I am King to animadvert upon those that are insolent. See withal, added he, what it is to incense wives, and the salary that one receives for suspecting foolishly their fidelity. Without question it is Astasia's sense of the old indignities that you have heaped upon her and her fears that you would load her farther with new ones that have moved her thus to take her flight from you. Did you not know that I am acquainted with a part of your capricious and frantic carriage towards her, I should not at present put you in mind of it. The care that I have taken to reform it may well make you remember the little account that you have made of my remonstrances and desires. How of●e● too hath Feonice soberly reproved you 〈◊〉 those furious humours with which you have made her Sister weary of her life without being able to do any good upon you. Astasia would be much more unblamable than she is, had she not so much cause to complain of you as she hath, and Alcidor would be far more culpable than he is, if you had not given him a very specious pretext with which to excuse himself. Not that I approve enormous actions: time will show you that I very well know to correct and curb the rashness of those who enterprise more than they ought in my dominion, where I would have not vice but virtue bear sway: I have nothing of good reason, Sir, said Certafilan, where with to purge myself of the fault with which you charge me. I freely confess I am in a high degree guilty both of disrespect to your Majesty and of inhumanity to Astasia: when I disobeyed you, I had lost my reason, when I treated her ill, I was mad, and when I armed myself and my friends to dedestroy Alcidor, my trouble made me forget my duty and think of nothing but revenge. Pardon me, Sir, for what is past, and for what is to come, I shall so change my temper that neither your Majesty shall have occasion to reprove me for my capricious and frantic carriage towards Astasia, nor Feonice for my furious humour. But to give proof of what I say, where is now Astasia? She is ravished from me, Sat, and it is from your justice that I wait for reparation of the injury. If Astasia, Certafilan, said the King to him, hath caused herself to be carried away, it is not to ruin either her own honour or yours; her virtue forbids any thing bad to be suspected of her, and you well know she hath not gone away but to warrant herself from the afflictions which she apprehended you would lay upon her afresh. Retire therefore without any disorder, and leave me to manage her return and the whole affair; I will labour both for your contentment and of all that are concerned.  
Certafilan in obedience to what the King said withdrawing, better satisfied than he hoped to be, was no sooner come into his doors but Flora's came to him, expressed a very affectionate regret for his Lady's flight, and offered to find her out wheresoever she was and to carry her to whatsoever place he should appoint. Believing ●he spoke from his heart, he heartyly thanked him, but withal told him that he was now so far remote from any such purpose as he before desired him to assist him in, that he had no longer any suspicion of his wife, and that, the King having promised to reconcile them, he made no question but what had passed, though it seemed to be very much to his detriment, would turn as much to his benefit.  
While Certafilan was thus growing convert from his jealousy, though she who had been the object of it little thought of his change, yet having reached her retreat in which she saw she was out of danger of the tormenting effects of that his raging humour, knowing also that she had in Feonice a better second with the King than that she needed fear his anger, experimenting besides in the company of Alcidor the difference between kind respects and barbarous indignities she relaxed her mind, tied up as it had been to a diet of sorrow, to feed at large upon delight. Alcidor also made much of the liberty which he had of her society and congratulated himself in it as a most blessed man. But yet amidst these enchanting sweetnesses they both of them had so much consideration that Alcidor by Astasia's approbation left her the next morning and went to the King to give him an account of what they had done. Which being performed, and the King having read the letter of Flora's to Astasia, it is by this, said he to Alcidor holding it in his hand, what we shall still the complaints of Certafilan, who yesterday demanded justice of me against you. I suppose Flora's will not want the courage to maintain to his face that not being able to execute what he desired without an odious baseness he thought himself bound by the Laws of humanity to give notice of it to her against whom it was intended. I will therefore in your justification send for him and engage him publicly to own himself the author of what you have been the agent. Your Majesty, replied Alcidor, will (I make no question) bring the affair to such an issue that the virtue of Astasia, the honesty of Flora's and my fidelity shall lie under no ill name. He had scarce said so when Flora's came into the Chamber, whom the King as soon as he saw him ask what brought him thither so early he answered, the service that he owed his Majesty. But how, said the King, can I believe them my servants who league themselves with Certafilan to carry on his tyranny over his wife altogether contrary to my will. If your Majesty, returned Flora's, will be pleased to let my speak for myself I make no question but I shall so fully clear my innocence in that which you accuse me of; that you will deign me instead of your disfavor your approbation. Trouble not yourself Flora's, replied the King, you may by this see (therewith he shown him his letter to Astasia) that my accusation of you is only feigned. But it is requisite that you maintain before me to the face of Certafilan that he desired you to be confederate and executioner of that detestable piece of violence upon his wife of carrying her to the place which he intended to make her jail, and that having a horror of it you, as you thought yourself in honour bound, discovered the contrivance to her. Your Majesty, said Flora's, requires no more of me than what truth, common equity and my own credit render my duty, and what I am therefore ready with all my heart to do. Certafilan will not, I am sure, deny that the evening before his wife went with her Sister to the Waters carrying me into your Majesty's garden he there told me that he was resolved to shut her up and keep her in Close imprisonment all her life, discovered to me the plot that he had laid to effect it, and conjured me to be the Conductor of it, that which I promised him to be though at the same time I determined the contrary. Hearing him say so, the King sent a page for Certafilan; who presently coming almost out of breath with haste, oh Certafilan, said the King to him, here is Alcidor now against whom you yesterday demanded justice of me; tell me therefore if you are in the same mind to day. The offence that he had done me, Sir, replied Certaiflan, is greater by much than that unless I am unsensible I should easily forget it or pass it by. To this Alcidor having his mouth open to repart, If you think, Certafilan, said the King, that in having delivered Astasia from your ugly and unsufferable oppression Alcidor hath committed a great offence, you must seek else where to have him punished than of me, and persuade me to chastise myself. It was indeed by my order that he conveyed away your wife whom I knew Flora's who is here present was by your order to carry away, to make her miserable all her life. I would not yesterday tell you this because I expected that you would of yourself confess your fault; but finding you still in the mind to persist in it, I would have you know that Kings have intelligences which their people have not. Hear Flora's speak against you, he is a wittness whom you cannot refuse. Presently Flora's offering to convict him, see, Certafilan, proceeded the King, the Letter which hath discovered your conspiracy, and obliged me to take into my protection the dear Sister of Feonice, and give Alcidor command to carry her away. Certafilan having read the Letter with the name of Flora's to it, Just heavens, cried he, what means you have to take vengeance on the wicked, causing them to be detected by by the same persons whom they would render partisans of their wickedness. I see, Sir, added he, that he who I expected would have favoured my enterprise, hath accused me of it: but I am so far from taking it ill at his hands that he hath used me thus, that I very much esteem him for it, knowing that he hath herein been a true friend as well to my happiness as to his own honour. I confess, repent, renounce my bruitishness towards Astasia, and I will no more be governed with that madness which hath hitherto made me continually see things otherwise than they have really been. Hearing him in this strain, men's hearts, said Polianis, do sometimes change on a sudden, but that Certafilan whom all my Court have for his usage of his wife reckoned not much better than a savage beast should in a moment become humane and tractable is a wonder which will very hardly gain belief. I shall notwithstanding take your word and I shall endeavour also to bring your wife to do the same and to make you friends. For a prologue to which reconciliation between you and her, I must at present have one made between you and Alcidor; oppose my will, neither of you. I am ready, Sir, said Alcidor, to give Certafilan testimony that I have a serious desire to serve him. And I, said Certafilan, am ready to make it appear that I cordially honour Alcidor. Many more expressions of amity used Certafilan to Alcidor, and Alcidor to Certafilan; many also used Certafilan and Flora's to one another. In the interim of which last, the King drawing Alcidor aside asked him, if it was not adviseable that Astasia should be presently brought back to Certafilan. To this, that he might impede the union which he feared would impede his loves, your Majesty, answered he, may undertake whatsoever you think good, and I acknowledge one cannot do better than rejoin these divided spirits, but I withal know that Certafilan's acted and intended inhumanities' have so irritated his Lady against him that she can scarce endure to hear his name; much less will she endure quickly to return to his person. His brutal unkindeness hath newly forced her to seek her safety in running away from him, it cannot be therefore expected that she should suddenly trust herself again with him. For if she is of a sweet disposition she is also sensible of abuses. There is reason, Alcidor, said the King, in what you say: It is indeed necessary both that he should undergo penance for what he hath done, and that she should receive satisfaction for what she had suffered. He shall not therefore come near her till he hath appeased her. But that he may have no occasion of speaking or thinking ill of her absence and that all Kings may go according to decency, I would have her leave the place where she is, and put herself with the Religious of whom your Kinswoman is the superior.  
The King, who though he had a sharp ingeny to pierce into the mysteries of love perceived nothing of Alcidor's towards Astasia, having thus concluded with him about the disposing of her as if he had had a mind to furnish him with means of seeing her without exception. Her husband coming to him, your Majesty, said he, I hope questions not my resolution of relapsing no more into my old disease; permit me therefore I beseech you to have before my eyes her whom I have most unjustly tormented but without whom I cannot now live but in torment myself. Considering the animosities which you have raised in her, returned the King to him, and the condition into which you have driven her, it would be plain folly to imagine that she should be easily bend and retrived to your will. She is not retired from the world to be willing to converse so soon again with men, especially with him who hath given her such arguments of distrusting him as you have done. My Counsel therefore to you is that suffering her to live with her regret for a time among that virtuous troop whither she hath withdrawn herself you let her know your repentance by letters, and by promising her a usage to come as kind as what is passed hath been harsh, you endeavour to make her lose that grudge with which her stomach boiles against you. This I believe to be the best expedient that you can use to restore you with her, and I will withal desire Feonice as soon as she returns to advance your reconciliation the quickliest that she can. That I must not presently have her company, answered Certafilan, is an infelicity which I know not how to undergo; but I shall, all that I am able, enforce myself to be patiented under it, knowing myself to be the cause of it, and I will draw from my afflicted heart the most moving and effectual lines that I can to procure my peace with her. I would have no other but Flora's deliver them to her, said the King, for the sight of him will I believe be very acceptable to her, since it was by his means that she knew and disappointed your intentions of immuring her. Flora's speaking himself very desirous of the service Certafilan presently took him to his Chamber and there wrote this letter before him.  

Certafilan to Astasia.  
YOu are no more to fear the furious transports of Certafilan; the King, Alcidor and Flora's know that I have as affectionate desires of making your honour shine as ever my usage of you hath been cruel with which I have gone about to darken it. Remember therefore no more my outrages unless it be to represent to yourself the grief which I have for making you suffer them, but permit me to come to you in the Cloister where Alcidor hath told me you have settled your new abode. He and I am friends, and I shall always esteem myself redevable to Flora's for the advice that he gave you. Judge therefore if I consider not my misdemeanours with a penitent shame and horror.   
Certafilan having after he had read this Letter to Flora's committed it to his charge, he and Alcidor went together with it to Astasia. In the Court of whose retreat they and Feonice very happily arriving together, she contained not herself a minute after she had notice of it, but instantly flew from her Chamber to receive them. The first ceremonies of meeting being done, Flora's presented to her the Letter which he had in trust. Which she having read first to herself, than aloud, and Flora's and Alcidor having related what had passed between the King, Certafilan and themselves she expressed a joy which overflowed the banks of her usual moderation, and she acknowledged herself debtor to both of them with a stream of thanks which though they set themselves against it bore them away with it. She besides as soon as she had opportunity declared to Alcidor that she was therefore transported with the change of Certafilan because she hoped that they two might by that means keep an unobstructed and an unsuspected correspondency. They indeed both of them watched all opportunities and made the best of them to give one another testimonies of an ardent affection, and there was nothing wanting to them but a full liberty of doing so to complete the sweetne●ses of the present society. But to Feonice there was wanting the presence and caresses of Polianis: with him she thought long to be; but she was obliged by his desires of which Alcidor was the messenger to her, before she took her way to him to see her Sister safe at the Religious house where he had appointed she should stay. Thither therefore they all after two days conducted her, and there after two or three hours they left her, she having first written and committed to the care of Flora's the ensueing Letter.  

Astasia to Certafilan.  
I Receive some comfort a midst my miseries by knowing that you are troubled for making me endure them, but I cannot lose my sense of the barbarousness with which you have made me endure them. It is against that you know that I have been constrained, seeing what little respect you bore to the royal mansion, to take sanctuary in a religious one. Here, having consulted spirits to whom my interests are very dear, I am advised to pass some months to gain fresh strength with which to serve myself if you shall go about again to make me a sufferer, and hence I shall then come, and not till then, when I shall be well assured that you will have no more design of making me your slave who am your wife and of destroying me whom you ought to Cherish.   
The prudent trustee of these lines carrying them first to the King, then to him to whom they were directed, with the scheme in which he represented to him all things concerning his Lady at the same time, whetted his desires of recovering her company and worked him without any peevishness to submit to her determination of staying a while from him. The King, Certafilan carrying the Letter to him, after he had read it the second time as if it had been the first, seconded what Flora's had said to him and by the comment which he made upon Astasia's text absolutely convinced him that for her to absent herself for a while from him was no more than what she owed to her innocence and to her repose, and that for him after he had driven her away from him to force her to return to him before she thought it convenient, was to persist in his merciless persecution of her, not to repent of it. Notwithstanding this, his fond appetite of having her again with him growing every hour more and more restlessly eager, he was continually soliciting the King, Feonice, Flora's and Alcidor to be the charitable authors of procuring and hastening it, and the three former were serious in advancing what he sued for; Alcidor also made shows of favouring it as much as any, but having liberty where she was of seeing her every day without disturbance, he clancularly set all the engines of his wit on work to keep her there: and by his elusive arts he retarded her return to Certafilan for a month without either the King knowing any thing of their amorous converses or Certafilan discovering so much as the scene where they were acted. But at length the King making oath to that disconsolate and importunate husband that he would within eight days bring her back into his arms, and sending her Sister to her to effect it, he remonstrated first to himself and then to her, that to keep the King's favour, to perserve her honour and happiness, and dextrously to conduct the cabal of their loves it was necessary she should rejoin herself with him to whom the Laws had tied her and whose remorses called her back to him. To this his advice (they having ratified their affections to one another with fresh and strong protestations of constancy) and to her Sister's persuasions she resigned herself and they went together the next morning to Paquin.  
Here she had not been many hours before word was sent of it to Certafilan, but this notice withal that she would never more cohabit with him unless he would swear before the King, Feonice, Alcidor, and Flora's that he would never more abuse her. To this he returning answer that he had not so wholly lost his reason as to refuse to redeem his happiness upon such easy and honourable terms: an interveiw was ordered and effected, and he before the witnesses that she desired made Oath to to her, that his carriage towards her for the time to come should be a perfect recantation of what was past and an unblotted Copy of all the offices of love. He having by these and other unquestionable testimonies of his reformation obliged her to be reconceiled to him, and she having declared that she was willing to be so, The King put her into his hands with a most binding exhortation to him to be as good as his word. Which done, and he having kissed her with a kind of adoration before Polianis, he carried her to a house which he had prepared for her reception, and there the next day banqueted Feonice Alcidor and Flora's with a most magnificent kindness.  
He in the sequcle of this never stirred from her, but was continually paying her the respects not only of a fond husband but of a superstitious votary, and after a while that he might enjoy her beloved society at quiet he with her consent carried her into the Country and there fettled their habitation. This change of their abode is believed to have put an end to the loves between Astasia and Alcidor, in her absence another Lady taking possession of his heart: but having of this no clear knowledge I choose to speak of it not at all rather than not sufficiently.  
Melian having done reading and resigned the book, and the Company having thanked Alcidor for the use of it, Alcidor, said Dorame, would be yet more obliging, if he would recount to us those his following loves which the writer says he was not well enough acquainted with. You will it may be, replied Alcidor when you have heard all, name me a very inconstant man; but there is nothing in the world besides your disaffection which I would not cheerfully undertake or undergo to satisfy you. I am therefore ready to do that which you desire. To this Dorame making no other answer but by disposing herself to an attention he succinctly related what had passed between him and Carmelia, what also between him and Felisbea, carefully reserving whatsoever might seem to knock against the honour of either of them.  
His narrative concluded, you cannot think, said Dorame to him, that Felisbea died for any thing else but for your neglects, and I cannot but wonder that her beauty being very taking, her spirit accomplished and her quality honourable you would not think of marrying her. I acknowledge, returned Alcidor to her, that the birth and perfections of that young Lady were such as challenged for her a husband of a far higher form than Alcidor; but there are certain fatalities which rule the course of our lives, so that we act not but according to their prescriptions. What was the cause of Felibea's death I know not, but the reason why I was not in love with her without doubt was because my destiny reserved me to be in love with the incomparable Dorame. It is for the love and service of you, Madam, continued he that I was born and that I am to live: my passion for you is not of the number of those that are ruined by time; and this I reckon I can vow before no persons better than before these your nearest relations, and I vow it with so sincere an ardour that I am ready to sign it with whatsoever there is that is dearest to me. Hearing these words come from him, we have reason to believe my niece, said Rolimon, that Alcidor speaks from his heart, and to what purpose should these many ceremonies be used where marriage is the substance aimed at? My opinion is that you should make a mutual contract of love, after which there will be no fear that any body else should pretend to either of you. You speak, Sir, replied Alcidor to him, like one that knows how to find the knot of such an affair as this in hand; And I swear, Madam, addressed he himself to Dorame, that, if you will think of no other husband but Alcidor, I will think of no other wife but Dorame. And I protest returned Dorame to him, that if you will have no other wife but Dorame, I will have no other husband but Alcidor. He having, as soon as those words were out of her mouth, with a graceful veneration kissed it, they again by Melian's motion solemnly promised to marry one the other as soon as she had completed her year of widowhood. Which tie being made and thereby that which all the Company desired as firmly secured as could be wished to be at present they with a general pleasantness, continued conversing upon that and other subjects till they were called to supper, and after supper till the late hours commanded them to bed.  
The End of the third Book.    

The Fourth Book.  
ALcidor rising early the next morning as being kept from sleeping by his thoughtful love found that Dorame, whom he believed yet in bed, was gotten up before him and walked abroad. Finding her out he entertained her with what she had been entertaining herself, his affections, and she changed not the subject till they were interrupted by Rolimon, Melian and Vindorix who came to bid them good morrow and farewell together. The Lovers endeavoured to retain them, but they gave them reasons for their going away which induced them to allow it. Betaking themselves therefore all together into the house they had been but a few moments there when Meonimus arrived, and he had not been much longer there before he told Alcidor that he mother of Almidon was about to inform against him for the kill of her son, advising him not to defer getting a pardon by which to put himself out of all danger from the Law. At this notice Alcidor was not at all disturbed, knowing that Polianis had a better opinion of him than to be quickly imprinted with a bad one or indeed to deny him any thing that he should ask, but Dorame was very much troubled, and choosing rather to deprive herself of her contentment in his company for a time than detain him with her when his stay might be disadvantageous to him, conjured him with all speed to make a journey to Paquin to the end that he might prevent his enemies and put himself under covert against their malice. This counsel being backed and urged by the rest of the Company, he only stayed breakfast and bad Dorame adieu. Rolimon, Melian, Vindorix and Meonimus going a long with him to his house they all stayed there that night, and the next morning parted, the three first to go home, and Alcidor and Meonimus to Court.  
Here Alcidor going to the King and reporting to him his adventures with Cartagenes and Almidon and the danger that he was in of being prosecuted for their deaths, he very graciously gave him his pardons for both and caused them to be allowed by the Counsel of twelve Auditors, the Letter which Cartagenes wrote before his death to Dorame and the testimony of Limonides serving very happily for his justification.  
Polianis farther by the contexture of Alcidors' business understanding that Dorame was his Mistress expressed several times to him that he was very much pleased with it; one time in particular, there is nothing, brave Alcidor, said he to him, which obstructs your loves, for Florisa is courted in marriage by my Cousin Eridan, Astasia is lately dead, and Carmelia hath taken the habit of a Religious: See I say if there be any thing to keep you from pursuing and enjoining your present affections since of your three former Mistresses there is but one of them retaining to the world, where also she is so straightly guarded that nobody can have her Company but the Prince whom I now spoke of. I am not ignorant of the Love which she hath had for you, her brother having recounted to me that which he knew of it by their Uncle, who hath many times had purposes of sending you out of the world upon that occasion. But she now gives hopes that she will entertain that new Lover, and not only Dorilas wishes you as well as you can desire, but Lucimon also is disarmed of the choler which he hath had against you, knowing that the offence which he believed you to have committed proceeded not from you but from his niece. These two Princes I have made your friends, and I would have you as soon as you can join myrtles to your laurels so that Hymen as well as Mars may render your life glorious. The many powerful reasons, Sir, replied Alcidor, which I had to hold Astasia in esteem while he lived render it impossible for me not be troubled for her death. If Florisa is loved by Eridan and acknowledges the merit of that Prince of your blood, the success will be far more advantageous to her than if she had nourished an affection for one so unworthy of her as myself. For Carmelia I reckon that she could not have betaken herself to an abode more convenient to regret the loss of her dear Clidantus than that which she hath so sagely chosen. And for my own particular I have abundant obligation to your Majesty for the acts of Grace which your Clemency hath granted me, without that by an excess of favour you should procure me the good will of two Princes whose ill will I have always been apprehensive of, and as much as I could shunned the means of provoking. If the Princess Florisa hath done me the honour of testifying some kindness to me, I never have abused it, nor have I ever had the temerity to aspire to things contrary to reason and my duty: and if for having before them quitted the party which they headed, they have wished me ill, why did they betake themselves to the same obedience that made me acknowledge you my King? Have not they been constrained to subject themselves to the Laws of your Majesty as well as to those of your Kingdom? You have acted, Alcidor, resumed the King, very well in every thing, and with the services that you have done me since you have restored yourself to your allegiance I have so much reason to satisfy myself that waiting for some better gratification of them I at present make you my lieutenant of my Company of men at arms. Lisantus is dead, Alcidor, pursued he, and my regret for his death sufficiently declares what esteem I have for men of courage. At these words Alcidor could ●ot hinder himself from letting fall some tears, nor could the King forbear having some stand in his eyes, and farther was the memory of the loss of that great captain about to carry them into melancholy, when Lucimon and Dorilas came in to them and dismissed it. See the generous Alcidor, my Cousins, said the King to them presently, love him for the sake of his valour, and for love of me; there are few of his fashion to be found in the world: we were just now speaking of you. The King thus accosting them and Alcidor very civilly addressing himself to them, they both embraced him and acknowledging his high value, desired him to believe that they had, and as long as they lived, would have a very cordial amity for him. To which he having answered them what was ●itting, he left them and the King together and went to his Lodging.  
Come thither he wrote to Dorame an account of all his occurrencies to this last, and particularly what was become of Florisa, Astasia and Carmelia. The conclusion of his Letter was an assurance of the King's approbation of their marriage and of his own speedy return to her. Limonides was the carrier o● it.  
About three days after Alcidor being with the King news was brought him that the forces of Atalantus had taken Thiau by assault and Senoy by composition, and made very ill work in the province of Xanton. Hereupon he with all speed called an assembly in form of the estates and caused to be levied a potent army with which to put a stop to the progress of those invaders. But while preparations were in hand against them, what by the imprudent wilfulness of the inhabitants who would not receive any soldiers in garrison, and what by the menaces of some factious, they surprised Huc●io in open day. Thither for the recovery of it the King determining within two or three days to march, he told Alcidor that notwithstanding his affairs of love he must go along with him his Feild-Marshall; but withal that he might go first and wait upon his Mistress for a few hours. Which liberty he used with a diligence which carried him quickly to her, if the first sight of him inspired her with joy, he quickly changed it into affliction, by telling her what a short limit of time he had to stay with her, and what employment the King had engaged him in which rendered it so short. Hearing this, to go to this siege, said she, with a face full of trouble, is to go to be killed rather than to fight; I cannot therefore, added she, but be very much dissatisfied with your going. But setting before her eyes the King's command and the forfeiture which he should make of his favour by not obeying it, than the glory of the employment and the irreparable damage which he should contract to his honour by refusing it, persuading her also that there was not so much danger in the expedition as she imagined and that in all probability he should not be long before he returned, he in a good measure lessened her dissatisfaction. What remained after this of the three hours which he told her he had to spend with her they made much of in protesting to one another inviolable affections, and in giving and receiving caresses of which the harmless fervour and sweetenss made it pity they should be quickly broken of: But time calling him away they kissed and bad adieu, not without sighs on both parts, love requiring that tribute of them.  
No sooner was Alcidor returned to Paquin, but he parted from it, the King the next day marching away to invest Huchio; and there the first task of his arms was to defeat the forces of the enemy's Field-Marshalls, and he therein performed wonders. Some days after the siege was fixed the gross of the besieged Cavalry making a sally with design of beating up a quarter, and it being Alcidors let to command that time at the place where they came on, though he had not with him above two thirds of the King's Company of men at arms, and the enemies were four or five hundred Lances, he upon a slow pace attended them, and stoutly receiving them, performed against them all that was possible with so small a number. He had not indeed strength enough to keep his men from being at length beaten back; but he quickly returned with them to a second charge, and at the instant that Polianis was dispatching succours to him inflaming his own courage and animating his Companions fell with the impetuousness of a Whirlwind into the enemy-squadrons, put them all in disorder, made them turn their backs, and pursued them, taking and killing them, as far as the counterscarpe of the trench. To this action the King and Adrastus his Leiftenant-generall, in whose sights it was done, gave applauses which plainly fore shown the memory of it would be immortal. Several other engagements made Alcidor with the enemy during the siege) continually throwing himself into the most dangerous places) and in all of them he was a very successful purchaser of renown, but in one of them together with renown, he got a wound with a musquet-shot in the leg, which compelled him for awhile to lie still.  
Silarmin General of the forces of Atalantus after he had made many attempts to secure the besieged and saw he was not able to achieve it taking his way home wards, and thereupon they in Huchio (the Indian garrison first passing out in good order) yielding it up to the King, he presently led his army (which was composed of the military flower of his Kingdom) after the enemy into their Country: but the memory of his past victories imprinting such a terror upon their souls that they feared nothing so much as that Mars of China's fury: he could by no means draw them to a battle. There indeed appeared nobody in the Field to stop his triumphant progress: but to prevent the universal ravaging of his territories Atalantus dispatched to him proposals of reconciliation, and to give his empire a calm he freely accepted them. Peace being reestablisht and the armies on both sides disbanded, Polianis promised his subjects a golden age in room of that iron one, which had so long and so sadly aggreived them, and what he promised at the instant began to appear: the artist worked with security, the Merchant trafficked with freedom, the Villager laboured the earth without fear, King, Prince, Lord, Gentleman, Soldier, they of holy Orders and those of common quality feasted themselves with those sweetenesses of repose, pleasure, advantage, which the tumults of the sword had a great while hindered them from so much as tasting, in a word all every where in China appeared with a laughing face.  
Of this universal joy Alcidor took part awhile about the King, but not with a full satisfaction: to make it full he must see Dorame, and not only see her, but also accomplish his marriage with her. The King therefore at his request dismissing him, not without extraordinary commendations of him in the midst of his Court and other remunerations of his services worthy of such a Prince, he flew a long the ways without resting till he was with her. Being gotten again, together (not without a kind of intoxication of delight at their first meeting) they employed their time in recounting to one another some remarkable pieces of their fortunes which they were not yet acquainted with, and particularly what had occurred to them since their last separation, in discoursing of others and by name of Cloriastes and Carmelia, the former of whom was as well as the latter entered into a religious Order, in entertaining themselves as occasion and their ingenies led them, but principally in interchanging pledges of dearness and in designing the order of their wedding.  
They thus wearing out the year of widowhood, Alcidor the next day took horse to go wait on Rolimon, Melian, Vindorix and some other friends, and having spent some days upon that occasion he spent two at home, during which his house had the aspect of a superbe Court with the visits which persons of Grandeur made him, and with the noble receptions which he gave them. He had here indeed abundantly enough of respect showed him, and good company enough came in to him and was likely to do so, to have tempted him to stay longer, but love called him away, and he took the road to Dorame, having first entreated her and his friends to be the eighth day after at her house to assist at their hymenaean rites.  
The day come and those that were invited rendering themselves at the palace of Dorame (for so it may well be called, considering the glories with which it shun) the illustrious pair of Lovers were joined together with ceremonies of exquisite state; there was indeed nothing of the day which did not make it memorable, the feasting, the dancing, the masking, the music were all instances of choice gallantry and magnificence, but the fairest thing of all was the delivering up of Dorame into the hands of Alcidor by Ladies whose beauty deserved, they should have been looked upon as so many Suns, but that it was obscured by that of the Bride.  
What past in the night between this excellent couple is a mystery, which to divulge would be to profane; but they appeared the next morning like such who had been drinking to and pledging one another in those delights which are the prize, the recompense, the food of love. Their humour had nothing in it, but serenity; the Company therefore had nothing in it, but mirth; and to nourish it to the highest, improvement was made of all the recreations of body and spirit that were gentile and opportune. This continued eight days together, after which (there being a necessity that such festivities should have an end, as well as a beginning) the assembly dissolved and left Alcidor and Dorame to enjoy themselves by themselves.  
But it was not long before Alcidor carrying Dorame to his principal House and there installing her absolute Mistress of his estare, as he had done before of his heart they kept a kind of second wedding: Company flowed in from all the neigbourhood to wish them joy and pay them honour, and all the time of their stay was spent in little else but in Feasts, Balls, and receiving and making Visits.  
There now wanted nothign to complete Alcidor's ovation, but that his Sun should display her beams in the horizon of the Court. Thither therefore they went together with an equipage which made all Paquin admire its splendour, as much occustomed as it was, to see great things. Dorame was so radiant and her retinue so bright, that hardly could there have been imagined a train perfectly assorted to hers, had not Alcidor marched with the same air. He indeed in this notable occasion omitted none of those brave things which had been born with him, and which he had all his life practised.  
Presenting themselves to the King, he entertained them with demonstrations of extraordinary favour and contentment in seeing them: Staying about half an hour in his presence, the most gallant of the Court were all the while gazing upon them with affectionate admirations: Going away, Dorilas who at the instant came in detained them a while with an accostage made up of civility.  
Dorame indeed while her husband Clisidas lived was esteemed one of the fairest and most charming Ladies of the Court; but they who knew her then, and considered her now, and compared what she was then, with what she was now, proclaimed her beauty & attractions doubled. In augmentation of this glory she suffered it not to make her vainly conceited, but the more she was extolled, the more humbly she demeaned herself: Every ways were both she and Alcidor of such a frame as made them happy in one another. Never was correspondence more perfect, than theirs, never was contentment sweeter; but this latter lasted not long. Dorame after six moons growing heavy with Child had by that means so much indisposition, that she was seldom to be seen out of her bed, and Alcidor had so deep a sense of it that he was seldom to be seen out of a dark humour: her illnesses increased and therewith his griefs swollen high. And yet amidst his swollen griefs he would have reckoned himself in some sort happy; if he might still have enjoyed her; but to make him the most afflicted man in the world she was by the ravenous hand of death taken away from him; she died in Childbed together with her Child of which she could not be delivered. Before she expired, I see, my Alcidor, said she to him, I must go from you; it is the will of fate, and that is not to be opposed by our wills. I know the kindness that you have for me, will render my death bitter to you; but let it be with moderation that you afflict yourself for it. I have done, my dear Alcidor, added she, I leave you, Adieu. Saying so and embracing him she breathed out her soul upon his lips. At the instant he grew as void of motion, as if he had been as much without sentiment, as the dead body, he sent not a sigh after her, he made no kind of complaint, he was indeed wholly stupefied with extremity of grief: But after a while coming to himself, he by all the great kinds of lamentation characterized himself a most distressed man, there is nothing of serious and masculine sorrow which was not to be seen in him, and he wholly abandoned himself to be governed by it. Oh Heavens, cried he, what a treasury of beauty and virtue you have despoiled me of! why did you make her so fair, so good, to take her so overhastily away? why did you make me a little while happy in enjoining her, to render me altogether miserable in being without her for the rest of my days? Oh the forces of adversity which I have to conflict with but know not how to stand against!  
If the nuptials of Dorame were eximiously remarkable with their refulgent and joyous, so were her funerals with their sable and lugubrious pomp; the King contributed to it his part, all the Court assisted at it, there was nothing missing in it, which might serve, either for the honour of the dead, whose quality and merit challenged the most stately obsequies, or for a testimony of the disconsolate Widower's love and grief which were both extreme. He had indeed so much love for her, that he had none for life; Now that she was no longer living, he would gladly have been laid in the grave with her: he had also so much grief for the loss of her that all mention of comfort was a new way of afflicting him, that all visits were troublesome to him, and that all endeavours to appease his sorrow proved ineffectual, those of his other friends who practised all the means of doing it that they could devise, those of the Princess Florisa who sent Alexis to him upon that errand, and those of the King who laboured it with a particular concern.  
While Alcidor was spending days and nights in lamenting his loss, Polianis considering he could have no heirs to his Crown by the infertile Agenora, upon mature deliberations concluded to divorce her, and though she was one of the highest born Princesses of Asia, and her beauty and ingeny ran parallel to her birth, yet whether she preferred the good of the public before her own interest, or whether she was swayed by any private reasons, she testified no other relish of the resolution, than what disposed her to consent to it. This notable separation was no sooner known by the Potentates of Asia, but they all sought that August man's alliance; Princesses were offered him together with Principalities: but of all the portraitures that were presented to him none pleased him so much as that of the Princess Partenice, and with her he translated and accomplished a marriage. The conjunction of these two Stars of the greatest magnitude and splendour and of most benign influence making China all a bright Heaven by their shining in it, made it yet more so by their having another illustrious Star for their issue, a Son whose birth made his mother's pains sweet, his father's glories full and the people's joys alike great and universal. In the public rejoicing which was made upon this occasion Alcidor who had till then done nothing else but sigh over the fate of Dorame thought himself in duty obliged to be a party. He therefore induced his soul to dismiss some part of those black thoughts which reigned in it and dressed his face in the characters, which it had not a long time worn, of cheerfulness. Which the King and Queen seeing and considering that it was an effect of the interest which he took in their happiness they told him they were his glad debtors for it, and taking the opportunity improved it to clear his spirit from those thick clouds, with which it was still overcast. Here in there worked with them all of quality that were acquainted with him, and they had the success that they desired; he promised them not to think so much of Tombs for the future but to divert himself, and accordingly frequenting the palace, visiting Ladies, and using recreations, he by little and little chased away his melancholy, it contributing to his repose that the Princess Florisa was by the earnest persuasions of her friends and by the inestimable merit of Eridan won to receive him for her husband, and thought herself happy in him.  
It being impossible that a man of worth as Alcidor, destined by the reserves of fate to give of his race to that flourishing empire to which he had given extraordinary remarkes of his valour, should remain always a widower; after he had been a good time so, he saw at a ball a Lady from falling in love with whom he was not able with all his strength to defend himself. Her habit told him she was a Widow and upon enquiry he learned that she was Widow to Palemon who took Prince Meander prisoner in battle, that she was issued of one of the most ancient houses of the Kingdom and that she was Mistress of a most plentiful fortune. This he liked very well, but that which captivated him and made his heart hers was that her face exactly resembled Dorame's, that the eyes, the shape, the features, the air of the one, were the eyes, the shape, the features, the air of the other. His passion for her rising from this spring grew to a large, deep, and rapid stream, when by getting acquaintance with her, he found she was like Dorame not in body only, but in mind also, that the wit and virtues of the one, were the wit and virtues of the other. Thinking therefore that as often as he saw Florinda he saw Dorame and believing that after Dorame, he could not find so meritorious an object of his affections as Florinda he stayed not long before he addressed himself to her in the quality of a lover, and what with the King's Favouring of his Suit, what with her friends and particularly the discreet Celida her Sister telling her, that to make herself happy she must take him for her husband, what with the affectionate observances which he used towards her, what with the unmatchable accomplishments which she saw in him, she was won to admit him in that quality, after she had driven to despair with her coldness many gallant persons who ambitioned the title of her servant, and not only so, but to love him also as much as ever did Florisa; Astasia, Carmelia or Dorame. Cupid indeed had no reason to be less favourable to him, than Mars, for he had sacrificed upon the Altars of the one, as well as of the other, and that with equal devotion.  
During the transaction of these amours as Alcidor was one day returning from the chase, there met him an unknown and in so handsome a fashion requested him to be his Second in a combat which was that hour assigned him, telling him who he was (and he was Periander) and who were of the other part, and what was the ground of the Quarrel that he without any farther ceremony went along with him. Fight they killed those with whom they fought, returning to Paquin they found themselves to be Cousins, meeting with in a day or two, their action passing about upon the wing of fame, they contented themselves with the eulogies that were given them under the safe names of Incognitoes without being so imprudently vain, as to challenge the interest which they had in them. But Losivel whom they left for dead upon the Field, being enough acquainted with their persons, as well as too much, with their valours, before he died made report of both. Herewith all the Court presently sounded, and it was not long before it came to Florinda. So she gave her lover to understand by the severe reproof with which he entertained him the next time that he saw him: but the excuses which he made for what he had done, and the promises wherewith he assured her that he would engage himself no more in such Quarrels easily obtained his pardon of her.  
Hence Celida took occasion to represent to her Sister that it very much imported her to hasten her marriage with him. Alcidor, alleged she, hath too much of the man in him to turn his back to honour, or to refuse the combat when obliged to it. His firm active and known courage will be continually ready to carry him into dangers, but it may not always bring him safe out of them; for though he is one of the most valiant men in the world, he is not immortal, a misfortune may befall him: but when he is your husband, your influences will restrain him from hazarding his life, and he will preserve himself for love of you, when he would not, for his own sake. Procure therefore as soon as you can this good to him and to yourself.  
Florinda, liking and following the counsel, by her inflaming forces, and expert management of them bred in Alcidor so eager a thirst of having their marriage sped that it was, before a month was gone by, dispatched. It was celebrated with the presence of the King and Queen and several Princes and Princesses, and the celebrity went beyond all example; that of his wedding with Dorame was excelled by it. And not only the pomp of the latter was more splendid, than that of the former, but the success also was much better, For Dorame lived with him not one Year, but Florinda many Years; by Dorame he had no Child that survived her, by Florinda he had 3 Sons and 2 Daughters, all of them of rare Endowments.  
For a long time was Polianis as happy a King, and China as flourishing a Kingdom as any in the World, they had no experience what the troubles of arms meant: but they were at length disturbed by the Indian King, who as if unable to be quiet, but in the inquietudes of War; And ambitious of meriting the title of Conqueror, and uspurper together, besieged a Town with the people of which, who lived then, and live still in a common wealth, Polianis had a very strict alliance. His succour therefore being begged by them he caused the drum to beat, the Trumpet to sound and an army to advance, of which that great Captain and Prince Rosileon found himself constrained to say that he never saw a braver Nobless or more complete Fantassins', and which striking a terror into the enemy, made them fly before them, handled them very much to their damage in their flight and dissipated them so, that there was no fear left of their return. In this expedition in which all was done, that either the glory of Polianis or the relief, of his allies required, Melicertus being General, Alcidor was his Lieutenant General and Feild-marshall of all the Cavalry, and the Cheifes and their triumphant return presenting themselves to the King, he paid him the second honours, which Melicerlus was so far from looking upon with an envious eye that he spoke of him as if he deserved the first. What welcome his Florinda gave him is left to them to judge who know how high the pleasure rises when after 〈…〉 and afflicting absence the wife 〈◊〉 safe into her arms the husband 〈◊〉 ●he holds as dear, to her as her life.  
About this time a tutor was to be provided for Melinta, a Minor who was niece to Alcidor, sole heiress of Orgeries and owner of a beauty and Gentile●ess, which enchanted the World, and there appeared Candidates of the Charge several of her kindred whom (as they pretended at least) not so much a consideration of her great fortunes as a love of her most amiable qualities made solicitors to get her into their hands. But Alcidor who loved her as his Child and whom she loved as her Father, who affectionately desired to have her with him and with whom she earnestly desired to be, who considered that his competitors were less nearly related to her, than he, and of no more exalted quality, prosecuted his desire with a courage and prudence answerable to the equity which he had on his side, and was by the consent of those who would have supplanted him settled in the Government of her, that which he with a most just, wise and tender care discharged, and in the discharge improved her uncommon qualifications to a full perfection; She was reckoned the Grace of the Virgins of that age, and she is esteemed the ornament of the Matrons of this: but Melinta's virtues and worths are far greater, than to be shut up in a little room, an entire Book is necessary for their description.  
Peace and the sage care of Polianis having replenished his Coffers with vast heaps of Money, and the gallantry of his disposition carrying him after the sostenesses of love to the roughnesses of War he determined with himself to make the Barbarians feel the weight and sharpness of his Sword. He armed so pvissantly that all the great Masters of the World took notice of it, but which of them all he aimed at, was a mystery which they could by no means discover. China swarmed with Soldiers as banks with pismires, the Canon was upon the road, the Captains had their Rendezvous and Alcidor had an employment amongst them the most glorious that he had ever had. But, oh dire event! the day before the King was to take the Field, as he was busied about the Coronation of his Queen, he was in the middle of his capital City mortally assassinated by one of his subjects. This most detestable blow put all China into out-cries, astonishment, desperation and Tears; but no body was deeplyer struck with it, than was Alcidor. He was hereby defeated of the Viceroy-ship of Foquiem in which Poli●nis had some days before told him he would settle him; but this was little or nothing to him; that which affected him was, that his sovereign was in this horrid manner despoiled of life, who was one of the most August Princes that ever swazed Sceptre, who gave the Crown of China abundantly more lustre, than he received from it, and who shun upon him in particular with very benign rays of grace and set a high value upon his services. With the thought of this his soul was for some time rendered unable to discharge its functions.  
Though furious stirs use to be the consequents of the unhappy fall of Monarchs', there happened no such thing upon that of Polianis, the Ministers of state by their industrious prudence preventing all mischiefs that might in probability have arrived. His eldest Son Aristenus was without delay or obstruction declared King and Partenice r●gent during his minority, and some lustres of his reign passed in tranquillity as they began; but there is no fair weather which is not attended upon with some foul, and so it proved here. Polidamus successor to Atalant●s, who died soon after that the peace was settled between him and Polianis, sent propositions of marriage between himself and the Princess Ariana Sister to Aristenus, and between Aristenus and his Sister the Princess Callirea. About which watches all things being after ripe consultations concluded upon, and preparations made on both sides for the nuptials, when one would have guess ' that every body would have esteemed this double alliance very much conducing to the advantage of China, and when there was most reason to think of peace and rejoicing, there appeared some in arms to stop the current of the King's prosperity; but notwithstanding these he went with Partenice to receive the wife that was destined him, causing withal an army to follow him by which they were quickly reduced. There was not long between, and there arose another storm of more dangerous consequence; The Princes, as well those of the blood as others, armed against Aristenus, and Aristenus against the Princes. The King making General of his Army Policaris Uncle to Florinda, and her husband Alcidor Cleife Marshal of the Camp, this latter having taken leave of his wife, who hearty wi●h● ill to the authors of the Stirs that took her husband from her and carried him into dangers, and being gotten into the Field, within two day's journey of Paquin beat up the quarters of Prince Porsirus and took his best horses and plate. In sequel of this the two armies approaching one another, he was of the opinion not to let Prince Clorimax pass the river Caromoran but to sight him, and in all probability he had that day done the King very signal service, if his counsel had been followed, but Policaris was of another judgement and was to be observed. He notwithstanding shirmisht the enemy so that a great number of them were laid dead upon the place, while the others made their passage.  
He after this had order given him to go and receive upon the Frontier of Junia a thousand Fantassins' and two thousand Horse that were raised in Brama, and to conduct them to the siege of Molineu; that which having very expeditiously performed he was with the other Cheifes practising to force the Town when intelligence came to the Camp that Poligan was extinguished. It soon came also to Prince Calistus who defended the Town, and it no sooner came to him, but he sent word to the Commanders of the siege that having no other reason to departed from the King, neither he nor the other Princes and Confederates, but the insolences of that Monster of pride and common enemy of Princes, now that he was removed, he would without any more delay return to him. The punishment indeed which was justly given to that ambitious so changed the posture of affairs that not only Cali●lus but also the Princes and Grandees that had taken up arms against the King, laid them down and resumed their obedience to him. Upon this return of peace the Ministers of State considering of dismissing the forces which they had called from foreign soil, some of the principal of them judged it adviseable to give the Bramians a grave in China; which Alcidor hearing as boldly as generously repirted to it that to cut in pieces strangers that came to the assistance of the King was a most hateful treachery and would be an eternal reproach both the King and Kingdom, and that for his part he was resolved to put himself in the head of them that as he had had the charge of bringing them into a strange Country so he might have the glory of carrying them back (or of endeavouring it at the least) to their own, without suffering as much as he was able any damage to be done them either in bodies or goods. This he did, as he said, and had for recompense the particular thanks and Eulogies of the chiefs (from whom the baseness suggested against them lay not hid) and the general, good word and will of the nation for ever after.  
A few weeks passing Partenice under pretext of being ill dealt with betook herself to arms, and the authors of her doing so endeavoured by promises of extraordinary remunerations and by all other likely arts to draw Alcidor to her party, but he plainly answered that from the instant that he had left the league he had preserved his lozalty intemerate to the great Polianis, and that there were no propositions so advantageous or any thing else so powerful as to be able to corrupt it to his Son Aristenus. According to what he said, the Queen's army being in the Province of Honao and the King advancing to sight them though with one much weaker, he advanced with him their Feild-Marschall, and set them in battalia, the King complaining to him that he had not a Prince about him, your faithful servants, Sir, said he, I have always heart say many name themselves companions of Princes, when it comes to fight, having taken the right wing and given order for fight, he put himself at the head of the King's Company of men at arms and charged the adverse Cavalry with a violence which totally routed them, their infantry also at the very instant running the same fortune with them. Upon this success, the glory of which was given to Alcidor, the Queen reconciled herself with her Son who treated her with all the sweetness disireable.  
Florinda thought now she should keep Alcidor many lustres with her, but they proved not many months. Those of the new Sect of Religion beginning enterprises of hostility contrary to their duty in the Province of Quancy, and the King making an expedition thither to repress them; he, as he was bound attended him, and his attendance was not unserviceable to him, the places which they made their asyles being very much by his conduct and assistance reduced.  
From Quancy, leaving there sufficient forces, the King passed into Honao, and to bridle the revolted which here fortified themselves caused to be raised eight thousand Foot and three thousand Horse. Of these he made Alcidor Chief and commanded the Governors of the Towns of that flourishing province to furnish him with arms, Canon and other necessaries of War and to obey him as their absolute Commander, returning himself to Paquin: And with this strength and power that singular man taking Chianchio for his station so suppressed and awed the enemies who held Quichio and other places, that they durst attempt nothing or scarce look abroad.  
He thus following the road of honour, his eldest Son Silvanus generously trod in his Steps and having shown himself in eminent occasions had the charge given him of the Colours of the King's Company of men at arms, as had also Belanis that of the Captain of the King's Guards in the room of Palamion who as a partisan of the rebellion was declared guilty of high treason.  
The King again after a while leaving Paquin with gravid designs of bringing back to their allegiance those who had separated themselves from it and of re-establishing the peace which their separation had broken dispatched orders to Alcidor to come to him to Ancheou with two thousand Foot (sending Arpasax Field-marshal to command the rest of his army in his absence) and he in observance of them embarking his men upon the river of Cantao rendered himself with them at the place assigned eight days after the King. As soon as he was come the King appointing him to attake one of the suburbs of the Town which had not yet been fallen upon, he lead on his men, overthrew the barricadoes, beat back the defenders, made himself Master of the place and there fixed his quarters. Having orders again to beat and sway the Campagne, and while he was executing them with his two elder Sons having notice that three hundred Horse of the Garrison of Holepaou were gone to the seaside to meet a Convoy that was coming to them, he was upon them at the point of day, put them to the rout and seized their equipage and what they came for. Returned to the siege he with the attakes that he made and other parts of Martialisme that he performed, so intimidated the chief who had engaged himself to defend the Town. (He was Ariances Brother to Filisten) that he thought himself happy in surrendering it upon composition. At the surrender he by the Kings command set the army in form of battle while the enemy came out of the Town, and a Garrison was placed in it, and after that conducted Ariances and his men to two parts of it to defend them from being ill used.  
After Anchieu there capitulated and yielded Holepaou, forced to it by want of the supplies which Alcidor had deprived them of, and after Holepaou several other Towns to which the King led his forces.  
About this time as Alcidor was coming all alone from a covent of Religious, whither he would have no body accompany him in regard he had business of secrecy as well as importance with one of the Covent, there met him two Gentlemen of the Regiment of the King's Guards, who accosted him with complaints of an injury which they had received and which they could not pocket up, and he very civilly ask them what was the name of him, who had offended him and what the offence, it is yourself, Sir, said one of them, letting him see that he knew him, who have abused us, at the delivering up of Ancheou, when we would contrary to your order have gone into the Town, striking us with the flat of your Sword. Would you then, replied Alcidor, have satisfaction for this? Though, added he, I might use my eminent charge in arms for my dispensation, I am nevertheless ready to give it you, only let the one off you draw of while I have to do with the other. With those words taking to task the forwardest of them he in a minute had wounded him in the thigh and disarmed him. After which passing the next way to the other, he found him ready in stead of fight to ask pardon and he freely gave it him. The King afterwards coming to know the business and ordering the Soldiers to be punished; he generously procured both their pardons of him. But he withal incurred himself the censure of the other Field-Marshalls who told him, that they would not follow his example in satisfying every one that took things ill from them: To which, you may do as you see good, replied he, but it is a humour which I by narure have, and which I know not how to leave off, never to refuse the combat when it is demanded of me. Not that I acquit myself from being reprovable for it, or that I shall not endeavour to moderate it by the directions of reason. Acting so, said Arpasax to him, and not hazarding your life, which is of consequence and aught to be taken care of, upon occasions of frivolous moment, you will be so far from impairing your glory that you will increase it. If you must die by the Sword, it ought to be at the head of an army and in the service of your King who values you more than all his Captains besides. I should consent to what you say, returned Alcidor to him, was I owner of your fortitude and other worths; but since I well know to what degree I am to be considered, pardon me, if I tell you that I place your Elegy of me in the range of flattery. Truth deserves not to be so styled, said Arpasax again, and you would very much injure your judgement should you not own the difference between the one and the other. But to make you acknowledge for true that which I have said concerning the account in which his Majesty holds you, I need only put you in mind of the choice which he hath made of you, absolutely and in quality of General to command his armies, and of the many meritorious and inclitous actions which you have achieved in War, as in your element. You handle me with too much quickness, replied Alcidor to him, and I shall choose rather not to deny what you say, than to contest with you any longer.  
Inquenhu, while several of the Towns that were its companions in mutinying reverted themselves into the King's hands, still displaying the ensigns of rebellion, Alcidor was sent thither by him to learn the state of the place and enemy. Returning and reporting what he had learned, he was appointed by a counsel of War to go thither again the next day to observe the places at which they might assault it. As he was doing what he was appointed they of the Town sallied out upon him, but he received them in such a manner that a great part of them never reentered but remained behind upon the ways. Two days after they set upon the Town in three places, on the right hand the courageous Belican commanding, on the left the judicious Briselin, the middle the Gallant Alcidor, and they all bravely performed their parts, but Alcidor with so much advantage that he was the Chief (if not the sole) cause that the Town was presently delivered up. Here Aristenus left him to order all as he saw good with eight Companies of the regiment of his foreign Guards, and as many of that of his Chinoise, but with injunction to be with him within nine days at Quichio. Coming hither as he was enjoined, he with Prince Tirenas with so much life attaked the Town that all within trembled with fear and looked upon themselves as at the last gasp.  
During this siege Ermaustain going with all the Cavalry to succour a castle of importance which Filistin and Aigremont had besieged, Silvanus who was then sixteen Years old followed him with the King's Company of men at arms whom he in his Father's room commanded, and nine hundred of the Horse, when at their arrival they found the place taken, for the re-taking of it braving the whole army of the enemies, and having a conflict with them in which they took two of their Canons, he therein did things worthy of Alcidor's Son and which made the General in a particular manner admire him. He received in this occasion a wound with a pistol-shot, but the General taking care of him and making him to do so of himself, he was quickly well of it.  
During the same siege of Quichio, Alcidor executing some orders and the enemy appearing, his second Son Dolompus attempted together with others to force a barricade, and venturing so far that the besieged issued out upon him, after the ●ight had been for some time very obstinately maintained on both sides, excellently mounted as he was, he in the view of more than five hundred Volunteers with a pistol-shot killed one of the Officers that commanded at the Barricade, which he forced and returned victorious to his Father.  
Aristenus after a while upon some weigh●●ty considerations drawing off his forces from Quichio, Alcidor was left by him with ten thousand men to command as General in the Country, and the Country being thick sown with enemies he had frequent encounters with them, not without making the● feel the heavyness of his arm and dread 〈◊〉 But while he handled them roughly in that part where he was, they were industrious to revenge themselves else where, and their industry prospered so that they surprised a very considerable Town. Advertisement hereof being brought him, and that the castle of it held out still for the King, though it was in the Worst Season of Winter, he sent men to the assistance of the castle who by ladders and cords planted along the walls got into it in despite of all opposition, and at the same time went himself and approached the Town with Batteries of Canon. These approaches proceeding slowlier, than he desired, and those of the Town showing themselves one day in the mazers n●r the walls, he with five hundred Gentlemen flew upon them, strawed the ground with their bodies as with rushes and beat them up to the very gate without losing any more than two Gentlemen and a Trumpet that sounded the charge. From this he going on to other executions they who had taken the Town the fourth day after the siege was form delivered it up to him upon artic'les that were less beneficial to them, than they imagined.  
Though Alcidor had so cooled the hear of the boldest of the revolted in the province, with which he was entrusted that there durst none of them show their heads against him, contrary to the opinion with which they had been imprinted of making such progresses that they should give Laws to them, from whom it was their duty to receive them, and though he had long had an earnest mind to make a visit to his dear Florinda, and she conjured him to do it every time that she wrote to him, yet he durst never give himself and her that satisfaction for fear there should some disorder or mischief fall out in his absence. He stuck close to his charge and with his painful cares and vigilancies rendered himself so formidable to the adverse party that they fled from the place where they knew he was as from an abode of the plague, so far were they from attaking him or forming parties to surprise him. Nor were they the common Soldiers only that thus dreaded him, but the most renowned strifes also, who shunned meeting him all that they were able, as having indeed experimented, that for Alcidor to conquer was no more, than his ordinary practice.  
At the beginning of the spring Aristenus, who had past the winter at Paquin, parted from it, to go against Ariances, who, he was assured, contrary to the faith which he had sworn at the rendering up of Ancheou never more to bear arms against him, had a body of men about him towards the Province of Foquiam. He found him in the Island of Tumbaca where he had shut himself up with an opinion that it was inaccessible; others also had the same thoughts of it: but the King by a kind of miracle discovered a place that was foordable, where no body in the memory of man had past, and passing it fell with so much life upon the enemies that they were almost in a moment cut and broken in pieces, and their Canon and Baggage taken, their Commander saving himself by flight. Adorned with the laurels of this victory ●e laid siege to Chiquiano and within a few days took it. Thence he marched afresh towards Quichio; upon the way whither Alcidor meeting him with five hundred Gentlemen, and most of the officers of the army that was under him, he with extraordinary caresses thanked him for the notable services that he had done him in that Country, and in stead of going to Quichio, as it was believed he would, went and set down before Quamchieu, giving Alcidor six thousand Foot and all the ordinary Cavalry of pay, to fight Filistin, who it was said, would endeavour to succour the Town. But not long after the siege was laid, Prince Meander commanding the Army at Land and Prince Dorilas that at sea, fell out the naval battle of Liampo, in which so superbe a victory was obtained over the forces of the rebels that they were throughout the Kingdom constrained to sue to the King for his grace, that which he according to the usual sweetness of his disposition granted them.  
A universal calm recovered, Aristenus visited his Provinces of Canta● and Foquiam, but not without taking Alcidor along with him, as he did also in the other little journeys, which he made for the good of his affairs.  
At their return to Paquin Florinda being ready there to receive her Alcidor they after their long separation, it will easily be beliewed, met with an unspeakable joy. Having stayed a month or two at Court, leaving Silvanns there, they retired into the Country, having spent half a Year in the Country they repast to the Court. In both places they led a most happy life, happy in regard of the innocent amenities with which the Country served them, and of the braver delights, with which the Court entertained them, happy, in regard that in the Country, they were by the Nobility and Gentry most kindly and civilly respected, by the commonalty little less than superstitiously worshipped, and that at the Court Aristenus and Callirea smiled upon them and made much of them as the principal ornaments of their royal state, happy, in regard that their Children were by all esteemed as rare examples, their eldest Sons Silvanus and Dolompus (the latter of which his Father had sent to Mongul) of most genuine courage and address, their youngest Son Lidiam of most pregnant hopes, their two Daughters Delsi●a and Serapis of most charming beauty, wit and virtue! But chiefly happy in regard of the reciprocation of entire love between themselves, the exact consort of their humours and wills, and the liberty which they had of a mutual fruition, that which was agreeable to the one being so to the other, and though they had been married many Years, as pathetic dearnesses continually passing between them, as if they had not been joined together a month.  
Together with Alcidor and Florinda (though scarce by the same measure with them) the Court also was happy, it was wholly a theatre of gallantries: War and the things that affright and molest were scarce so much as mentioned, all the discourse was of love, of the chase, of dances, of feasts, of all the more elegant recreations of humane life. There indeed spread a felicity over all the Kingdom, Heaven blessing it with a serene tranquillity and an exuberancy of good things. But the tranquillity was at length disturbed, the workers of the past tempests raising new ones; Liampo forgetful of the mercy which the King had showed it when at the next door to ruin renewed its old factions, and the Isle of Varella was powerfully and sharply assaulted by the Japonoises. Aftertaind of this the King, who armed with speed, to prevent the mischief with which he believed the Isle of Chapasi threatened, commanded Alcidor to put himself into it, and it was in an instant that he had set foot on ground there with a great number of Gentlemen, who reckoned it a fair glory to fight under his colours.  
To help him make good his charge, there was quickly sent to him by the diligence of the admirable Orestes eight thousand Foot and fifteen hundred Horse, and with these aids he so well disposed the Island to a defence, that the Japonoises coming three days after to view it, found it too well fortified and managed, to be assaulted. After this the King seeing that the design of Callimorus was wholly set to force the I'll of Varella, caused a good part of Alcidors' forces to be joined with others and make a descent thither, and the success was that they compelled the Japonoises with great loss to retire to their ships.  
Callimorus being gone (Ariances who came with him fled also back with him to take refuge at Meaco) Alcidor who had not as yet stirred from Chapasi was ordered by the King to go Feild-marshall to the siege of Liampo. He was again upon intelligence that Ro●ilus had forces in the Field which he intended to put into Liampo, or else to divert the siege with them, ordered by him with eight hundred Horse to go seek him out and sight him; and taking with him Silvanus and Dolompus (the latter of which, the news of the arming had brought from Mongul, where he had been dangerously wounded at the siege of Teudac,) he made his course, but could no where meet with them that he looked for.  
Returned to the King's quarters he had passed but few days there before he received the news of the sickness, and within a few hours after of the death of Florinda, news which filled his great heart as full of grief as it could possible hold and not break, and which put his two Sons all in sadness. He had Condolers of his unhappiness the King and all of his acquaintance, and, when seeing the change of his habit they had learned the cause of it, the whole army, the King withal together with others his friends reading lectures to him of patience and comfort. He had indeed for arguments of quieting himself, that she was fallen into a sleep for which it was below a soul of true courage to torment itself, and from which all his Stock of Tears and sighs could not awaken her, that the Queen and Court had taken all the care and pains about her, not only, which humanity, but which also a zealous tenderness could suggest, and that he had neither himself nor any other to complain of for his not seeing her in her sickness, the first moment that she fell ill a Courier being dispatched to him with notice of it, and she dying within six hours after, of which also he had as quick a messenger. But after all he had an earnest mind to throw aside his charge and arms and go weep over her: that which stop him from doing it was a just consideration that his sovereign had present need of his service and demanded it, and that therefore to leave him would be to incur an opprobry from which he should never be able to clear himself. Let us wait therefore, said he to himself, to go pay our last duties to that part of our dear Florinda that remains, till this rebellious City, which is at the even of its being subdued, be fully so. It is not now the first time that we have received an infelicity of this kind, we have too well learned the sad usage of resenting a wife's death to forget it, and shall we make less resistance against the oppressions of affliction now, than heretofore when our spirit had more of impurity, than now by the advantage of age it hath? The exercise of Tears is to be left to women, we have reason to show ourselves more constant. And besides into what region is Florinda gone that we should do nothing but lament for her? Is she in an abode that is inaccessible to us? Is she not there, where all faithful souls have a place reserved for them, and where it is not long before we shall see her again? Let us forbear then to sigh over her state of bliss, and resume the temper which we had before the loss of her, that so we may the better employ ourselves as our duty and necessity require in things importing to the speedy reduction of the enemy. This resolution took and followed Alcidor, and by his advice and example his Sons also, very much to the satisfaction of the King in regard both of the benefit which thereby they would receive themselves, and of that also which would accrue from it to his own affairs.  
The Japonoises having a good mind to succour Liampo, but in regard of the invincible obstacles that stood in their way contenting themselves to appear upon the sea and retire, the besieged though they had thereby their hopes frustrated continued obstinately enough to defend themselves; but at length great numbers of them being destroyed by the arms of the besiegers, and greater by sickness and famine, so that the Town made haste to be desert of inhabitants, they were necessitated to beg the King's mercy, and what they necessarily begged, he freely indulged. Having mastered this City, which three Kings his predecessors could not do, and reestablisht there the old Religion of China, he returned in triumph to Paquin; and thither Alcidor waited upon him, and then applied himself to perform the supreme honours to Florinda. When he came to see her body in the Coffin, he was wholly possessed with grief, and his sentiments were more equitable, than to be blamed: but his reason after a while making good its empire and tempering his passion, his Chief care was taken up about her funerals, and he laid her in the grave with a State in which Mourning was rendered full of Majesty.  
While the King continued at Paquin Alcidor was always about him, and new occasions calling him abroad, he and his Sons attended him. They were of his Chief assistants when he forced his way through the barricades and other obstacles that shut it up, and dissipated those that opposed it, releived Baiador that was straightly besieged upon the Prince Nimesis, and constrained Alcippus who had caused this trouble to sue to him for peace.  
Affairs being quieted on that side, Aristenus left Clomedon there with sufficient forces to maintain the quiet, and past into the Province of Quiechen in quest of Filistin who with great numbers of men ravaged the Country; but though this Prince was the grand Chief of the disobedient party, and had the boldness to counter-act the King's authority, he durst no no where appear before him. In this expedition Tocichu was begirt by the King, taken by assault and put all in blood. At this siege Dolompus was wounded with a Musquet-shot in the head together with other little hurts, while his elder Brother had better fortune, though he continually engaged himself in most hazardous services.  
Taking warning by Tocichu, Hilani opened its gates to the King: Hilani leading the way several other Towns returned to their allegiance, Filistin giving them the salutary counsel to do so, who himself also recounted his disloialty and obtained pardon of the King both for himself, and all the party of which he had been head and protector. Things being brought to this issue, the King returned to Paquin, leaving the great Orestes and Alcidor to receive the Towns to the obedience that they owed him and to cause their fortifications to be razed: and they were not long before they were again with him with an account of their negotiation which perfectly satisfied him.  
Envious of the Universal peace which China now enjoyed, and resolved as it seems to show himself, what he was reputed to be, the most inconstant Prince in the World Alcippus performed nothing of what he had promised Aristenus when he made peace with him, but by fresh and those unsufferable provocations obliged him to recommence War. Orestes past the mountains with forty thousand men, took Chaquoam in the sight of Alcastus and put that flitting prince in such a fright that he stayed no longer before he repent of what he had done. Aristenus himself also in the sequel marched with a great army into Camboia; Alcidor who was Field-marshal of it led the Van when they entered the Country and finding Prince Eusebes retiring with his Army was earnest to have bid them battle: but whatsoever clear day he saw of utterly defeating them, and whatsoever assurance he gave the King of it, he could not get his consent that he might fall on, he would reserve, he said, his forces to make himself Master of all the places of strength in Camboia, and to out their Prince in his Shirt. But it could not well be that the two Armies should meet without striking a blow, Alcidor moved the Quarrel, prefaced with some skirmishes, made a lose, broke into the midst of the enemies, strawed the ground with five hundred of their bodies and retreated gloriously, the King approving the exploit though not agreeing to the attempt. At length the whole conduct of the Army in Camboia was left to him, and he besieged Towns and took them by the measure of quickly bringing under the whole State.  
Daiador in the mean time the most considerable place of its Country was vigorously besieged by the Indians who resolved to take it or die, if they were not hindered by a greater strength, than theirs, and in all appearance they had not long to stay to be possessed of it, so low had they brought it. Thither therefore Aristenus with all speed caused thirty thousand men to advance under three of his most experienced Captains, and they with Sword in one hand and Pistol in the other bravely set it at liberty. Never received Alcastus such an affront, and he was the more sensible of it because he received it in his native Country. To see indeed himself and his army proudly triumphed over by the Chinoises while they forced them disgracefully to dislodge from before the Town about which they lay encamped waiting only the hour in which according to the composition that was made, they were to enter; It was a displeasure which he was so far from being able to digest that he endured not to survive it, but within a few days after marched off the World. Bajador releived the Indian King, and the Potentates that sided with him were constrained to make a peace with Aristenus upon conditions advantageous enough to him to declare him Victor in the War. The Castles, Towns, places which upon these conditions he delivered back to Alcippus were all monuments of Alcidors' virtue that had conquered them. Indeed to combat the enemy in their own Country and vanquish them, to environ Towns and take them, to assault Places and win them, by all the methods of valour to render formidable the arms of the just Aristenus were his ordinary exercises (both at other times and) while he had the care of the War against Alcippus.  
But the labours of this extraordinary man must have an end; they are glorious enough for him, they have dressed his name with flowers of honour which will never whither, the grand Cheifes of the World discourse of him with eulogies of praise which posterity will with public voice transmit to the end of time, and Aristenus regards him as one whose Sword hath struck as many important blows in his service as any's whosoever, and whose merit might plead title to as rich rewards. In answer to his merit he resolves to settle him in the Viceroy-ship which Polianis a few days before his death designed him: But as he is about to do it he is called to arms by the Province of Orgones for the Chastising of that Felonious. The leading of this War is committed to Alcidor; but when he should take the Field, he falls sick. It is at first a heavy surcharge of trouble to him besides that of his sickness that he is hindered from waiting upon his Master and gathering the rose which is at the end of the thorn. But when he finds by the course of his disease that he can in all likelihood have none but a fatal issue of it, he looks upon those former thoughts as no longer seasonable, he wholly applies himself to think of his retreat, the honours of the World he with a holy elevation of mind contemns, and hath his desires grow cold to every thing else, but to go and enjoy a purity of happiness with his Dorame and Florinda. In fine seeing his end at hand he with most sage remonstrances incites his Children to follow the way of virtue and glory, and then composes himself with a pious courage to undergo the assaults of death which he feels beginning upon him, and which within a quarter of an hour dislodge his heroic soul.  
The End of the fourth and last Book.   
FINIS.  

THE KEY.  

ALcidor  
Astasia  
Carmelia  
Felisbea  
Feonice  
Orastes, Duke of Guise.  
Podavius, Duke of Remours.  
Trasilas, Charles the 9th. of France.  
Florimen, Henry the 3d. of France.  
Polianis, Henry the 4th. of France.  
Aristenus, Lewis the 13th. of France.  
Agenora Margareth Daughter to Henry the 2 d.  
Partenice Marry of Medicis daughter to Francis Duke of Florence.  
Atalantus, Philip the 3d. of Spain.  
Polidamus, Philip the 4th. of Spain.  
Ariana, Isabel eldest Daughter to Henry the 4th.  
Dorilas, Duke of Guise.  
Dorame, Widow of the Count of Aventiers.  
Florinda, Widow of the Count du Pay de Fon.  
Meander, Count of Soisons.  
Dolimbus, Cardinal of Bourbon.  
Arcantus, Duke of Alenzon.  
Lucimon, Duke of Maienne.  
Ostravius, Duke of Parma.  
Lisantus, Admiral de Villers.  
Periander, Baron de la Ko●he des Aubiers.  
Clorimax, Prince of Conde.  
Calistus, Duke of Maienne.  
Palamion, Baron de la Force.  
Belanis, Count de Hallier.  
Arpasax, Marques de Vignoles.  
Belican, Baron de Term.  
Briselin, Count Zamet.  
Tirenus, Duke de Cheurease.  
Filistin, Duke de Rohan.  
Alcippus, Duke de Savoy.  
Eusebes, Prince Thomas.  
Orgones, Duke de Lorraine.  
Silarmin, Arkduke Albert.  
Orestes, Cardinal Richleiu.  
Callimorus.