ELIANA.  
A NEW ROMANCE: FORM BY AN English Hand.  
Omne tulit punctum, qui miscuit utile dulci,  Hor. 
Nihil est aptius ad delectationem Lectoris quam temporum varietates, fortunaeque vicissitudines,  Hor. 
Aut prodesse volunt, aut delectare Poetae  
Aut simul, & jucunda, & idonea dicere vita,  Hor. 
LONDON, Printed by T. R. for Peter Dring at the Sun in the Poultry, next door to the Rose-Tavern. An. Dom. 1661.   

TO THE READER.  
THou seest here the fruits of some spare hours: and of those which might justly have been given to sleep. My desire is, that thou mayest read them in the same manner as I wrote them, that is, Relaxare animum, being tired and wearied with more serious studies, or weighty affairs. By this means you shall neither tire yourself, nor abuse your time, using them for an innocent recreation. This is but the first part of the whole Work, and indeed but a kind of introduction to the rest. This first appears as a Libament to your palate: if liked, it shall induce me to finish the rest; if disliked, I have already done too much, and shall desist: For I am none of those who dote upon their own fancies, and Narcissus-like, fall in love with the shadows of their own brain. I make you my Judges, and by your Votes I shall either proceed, or give off. Mistake me not; I yield myself not to the mercy and judgement of those who are prejudiced against such writings in general, and count it a part of their Creed to abhor them, and whatever of good that appears under the title of a Romance. These are not like the ingenious Bee, who sucks honey out of the very weeds; nor like the good Chemic, who extracts the good, and leaves the bad; They fling all away in a lump, despise the book for the covers-sake, and disregard the matter, because the title don't please them. These I say shan't be my Judges, nor shall their barkings discourage my future proceed, for they will be sure to condemn all, though they never read a word: They will cry out, that they are bewitching, frothy, and apt to withdraw the mind of the Reader from graver studies. But surely they are ignorant of the true ground and scope of these kind of Writings; which is to depaint virtue and vice in their natural and genuine colours, and to exhibit the fairness of the one, the foulness of the other, and the rewards of both. They know not that Romances are not always farced with Love-stories and toys, though those are intertexted for delight, and that things Oeconomical, Ethethical, Physical, Metaphysical, Philosophycal, Political, and Theological as well as Amatory, may be, not unaptly, nor unfitly exhibited. The Divines will be angry if I tell them, that many have found that in a Romance, which hath induced them to be virtuous, and converted them from the lewd actions of vice, which they could never find in their Sermons, though they weekly frequented their Oratory. The reason is, it persuades more pathetically than they can, a story giving life to the words, and representing it in lively colours, presseth it home upon the understanding, where it is scarcely delible. Neither do I submit myself to the Censure of those Critical Fellows, who would find fault with the Muses themselves, or the Writings of Apollo. I confess these will say, I never took a nap upon Parnassus, and that my pen was never dipped in the Heliconie fount. The best is, whilst I am unknown, I can look over their shoulders, and hear their opprobries without passion; and engaging myself to answer their follies, I would have none to criticise or discant on any work, till themselves have undergone the trial of writing the like; for 'tis far easier to find fault, than to know how to amend it. I was of the same humour, and in reading the works of others, methought the most perfect seemed sometime lame, either in stile or story, but in making trial of my own invention, I well understand humane frailty, in a continued Series. I confess the judicious may find matter enough to increpate the Author justly, but the Critic may carp, where there is no cause, for they most time's find fault where there is least need. As I much regard the censure of the one, so I very little value the carping of the other. 'Tis those Wits who have laid aside that Mordacity, and who know how to distinguish betwixt the good and the bad, which I constitute for my Judges: With those fair and wise ones of the female sex, whose delight I chief aimed at. If they find any thing that may content them, 'twill be inspiration enough for higher, and better conceits, and will be the greatest inducement for the perfecting of Eliana; but if they pass hard censures upon this, they'll strike dead all desires of proceeding. I am conscious of my own failings, and that makes me remain incognito, to receive either the disgrace or commendums of these juvinile Writings; whilst I lie in obscurity, and am  
ANONYMUS.   

ELIANA.  

BOOK the first.  
FLora had new begun to spread her flowry-fragrant mantle upon the superficies of the Earth, and to bespangle the verdant grass with her beauteous adornments, thereby inviting troubled Lovers to ease those continual passions, which possess their amorous Souls, with the beholding the variety of her pleasing and delightful Objects. When the most passionate Angelois walking with a negligent pace, and deeply ruminating on his amorolis affairs, was entered into a grove, free from the frequentations of any besides the ranging beasts, and pleasing birds, whose dulced Notes exulscetated him out of his melancholy contemplations. Being well nigh in the midst of that solitary place, he cast his eyes upon a bank, which as if it had had some Soveranity over the rest of the earth thereabouts, was more peculiarly crowned, with all sorts of Sylvane flowers, and the grass with a verdant lustre seemed a repose for a troubled soul. The Trees as if they had conspired together to guard the place, from the scorching beams of Phoebus, grew so thick with intermixing branches, that it was impossible for him to peep on the beauty of the place, whilst themselves bowing their proud tops did homage to its lustre. And that there might not want any thing which might conduce to its exuperancy, in quietude, beauty and pleasure, there ran not far from its verges, a silver current, which having a small descent, made a pleasant murmur, with forcing its way over the pebbles, which opposed its quiet passage, which noise seemed a base to the sweet trebles of the pretty birds, who perched one every branch made a most harmonious noise. Argelois seeing this place so agreeable to the solitude of his mind, that he might more freely consider its beauty, he cast himself upon that delightful bank, being under the thickest covert in the grove, and letting his fancy for a space be carried about with these pleasing objects, he lay beholding the beauty of the place, and listening to the pleasant notes of those wood Choresters, whereby his senses with the pleasure were rapt into a sweet repose, and for a season gave some ease to those inquietudes that possessed his amorous breast. But at last, remaining in that kind of stupidity, he was assaulted by a violent rushing in of those passions which had through that small repose received some stop to their wont current, but then overflowing the banks of his silence, he uttered to the senseless trees, that which his breast was too weak to contain. " Ah cruel and unsupportable flames, said he, that neither danger nor distress can quench, what torments put you my soul to! what cruelty do you exercise on a soul, who so much adores your Deities, and hath your power in so great veneration, that it endures those pains you inslict without the least murmuring. Why exercise you not your cruelty on those who oppose your regency; and make them feel the heat of your penetrating flames? Ah! no, those polluted souls are not worthy your visitation, nor their defiled breasts capable of receiving your sacred fires. Seeing it is an honour to die by the hands of love, I shall desire not to be freed its bonds, but quickly to receive a welcome death, for thus to live in continual torture is more than mortals are 〈…〉 bear: And yet the continual sight of that fair deity, the object of my love, and passion, makes me yet live to enjoy that blessed sight, so that through the assaults of pain and pleasure, I am at once both killed and made alive. It seems to me sometimes better to die than to live, and sometimes better to live than die: sometimes I pray for the one, sometimes for the other. But O you powers which rule us Mortals, What need I sigh out my misery to you, when you know and are the Causers of it? Surely not for my disobedience, but that I may know your power. Ah! I must be content for ever to endure this torment, which yet no other ever knew, because hope is wanting. I am like one who admires the Sun, but may never reach him. I love an object, more requisite for the gods than man, much less I who know not whence I am, nor by what fortune I came into the world: How dare I then aspire to serve a Princess so far beyond my reach? I must blame ye Deities for binding me with an infragible chain, so that it is not possible for me to live, and not love Eliana, whose very name transports me. Love her! I cannot choose that, that I must do, admire and adore her. O Heavens me thinks I find some sparks of a generous soul which tells me, I am not formed out of the common earth of Plebians. May your Divinities make known my stock, and that may extricate me from this Labrinth of love and confusion; or else with my life, end my misery. That I confess is the most feasible, for such humble thoughts best befit mortals groveling at the shrine of such a supereminent divinity as I adore. Die! ah! that's all my hopes!  
The conclusion of these words shown the unsuppertable burden of his sorrowful mind, for pointing them with a sigh, able to penetrate an obdurate heart, he entered into so profound a cogitation, with his eyes fixed on the earth, that he heard not the obstrepency which one made in coming, till he had approached him with these words.  
Sir, accidentally hearing the complaints of your too amorous soul, and I know not by what power, feeling your torments stirring up a pity and curiosity together in my breast, I have thus rudely adventured to approach you, and also out of a desire I have, prompted by a more than ordinary violence, to enter a discourse with you, and if it might be to show you the precipices of this Tyrannous love by too many experimented Trials. I have before now observed your melancholy resort into these shades, my habitation is nigh and unknown, where I have a freedom to study at large Dictates of reason against such youthful excurrances. Pardon Sir this rude address, and exact what punishment you please, after having given me the favour I desire. Argelois at his first speaking had lifted up his eyes, obscured as they were with the clouds of sadness to behold him, who thus had disturbed his melancholy humour, and they were encountered with a gravity that allayed the choler that began to arise through this disturbance, but being suppressed through this grave object, he arose, and saluting him, thus expressed himself. " Though it be the greatest of disturbances, to be interrupted in these pleasing cogitations, and nothing (hardly) less pardonable, with a Lover, yet the gravity which accompanies you, and some intereor motion which moves me, by I know not what power, I am well satisfied with this your interruption, and desire to know that laxating drogue which you seem to promise. The stranger invited by Argelois seated himself by him on that pleasant bank, exercising his eyes in beholding the incomparable features, and most attracting graces, which accompanied this Hero, and at last being not a little astonished that such a brave aspect should complain, who deserved justly the title of incomparable; " I cannot but wonder (said he) that nature having dealt so favourable with you; Love and fortune should so much oppose you, for nature hath made you rather to be sued to by the fairest female, than to sue to any whatsoever, and given those graces which others want, but love it seems crossing her intentions, makes you leave that which you have to seek beauty where it is not to be found but in yourself, and fortune being of the conspiracy strives to make you equally miserable, by hiding from you the knowledge of your extraction and birth, this I understand by your complaints, which though I may not help altogether, yet I may give some remedy for those plagues of love: I will show you my experiences, as marks to shun his deceits, and show you how my utter ruin came from thence, which makes me have a just cause to complain against sin, and forwarn others that they may not precipitate themselves blinded with his deceits. It may be (says Argelois) that the fault lay in yourself, not in Love, and and through your own fault lost that which Love had ordained for you, and so were the cause of your own misery, which you impute to Love. I know not i● I have erred (replied the stranger) but if I have, it was because I was blinded, for I account it altogether impossible for any to be deeply engaged in that folly (for so I must term it) and not to degress the precepts of wisdom. I have had my share in it, which made me (hearing your complaints) so far to pity your estate, as to present myself before you to acquaint you with the experience I have had of him, and though Love deal not with all men alike, yet it is seen for a time he undoeth most. When in my youth I felt those heart tormenting flames, though I were sensible of the pain, yet I esteemed it as a pleasure, and rejoiced in my own discontent, I accounted it the happiest condition, and pleased myself with my own fancy, but now the experience of years, with the dictates of Reason, hath pulled away the vizor from the face of Love, and now I see it nothing but a sense-pleasing fancy which banisheth reason from its Residence, making a man lose that which makes him almost equal with the gods, and submit to a passion altogether servile. Argelois a little smiling, said, Surely love in an extraordinary manner hath crossed you, that you are so much his adversary, I will not go about to defend him, (though it be a most noble passion, at least I think so) because I know not, but hereafter I may have cause enough to complain and speak against him, and for that it is requisite that I cede to your more tried experiences, which makes me desirous to know the miseries love hath caused you, and the good and bad fortune of your Life, and if my poor condition may any ways be able to stand you in stead, you may assure yourself of my service. I thank you for your generosity (replied the Love-opposing stranger) my condition is too base for the help of so noble a hand, I shall most willingly relate the full story of my life, although I know you not, but believe so generous a soul cannot harbour my destruction; yet the apparent danger and hazard of my life in discovering myself might be a sufficient excuse, had I not a more inward persuasion of your noble and generous disposition. and an extraordinary impulse upon me, to make known my various fortunes. I have no other end that pricks me to this relation, by which I lay myself open to dangers, but that pity which I mention, that impulse I speak of, for I was not able longer to hear your complaints, and not render to the assistence (and if possible to snatch you from a precipice, I see you even falling into) all my Humanity, Philosophy and experience. Let it not seem strange, that being thus a stranger, I should thus freely disclose myself; if I have any knowledge left in phisnomy, I read in your face a generous and heroic soul, which will not give the weakness of a kind heart an ungentle acceptance, and construe this freedom in the worst sense. I cannot but believe a good Fate in this accidental meeting, therefore I am so free and plain. Argelois much pleased with the stranger's freedom, and having a great desire to hear his fortunes, and who he was, told him the content he should receive by his relation, and that he might not be interrupted through fear, protested that whatever he related to him, he might assure himself should never prejudice him, or any way redound to his hurt. The stranger giving him thanks for his verbal assurance, and well satisfied in his behaviour and gentleness, after a little pause to collect things in some method, seeing him attend the motion of his tongue, he began thus.  

THE HISTORY OF EURIPEDES.  
GOod fortune always attends not an illustrious birth, and great men are not always happy, for if a great birth could have engaged fortune, and my former riches obtained my felicity, I had not been in this condition which now you see me, though I must confess in this estate of Poverty, and solitude, I find more content than in my former greatness, and tumultuous engagements in the world. In the Country of Cilicia I first drew breath, and not fare from the famous City of Nicopolis was I bred; the greatness of my parents was eminently known in that Country, though so great an estate through me hath found an overthrow, I will not tell you of the nobility, and and antiquity of my predecessors, nor the great opulency of my parents. I being their only child I wanted for nothing procurable, neither for littrature, nor arms, to the latter of which in my youth I was much addicted. The exercise of these employments took up my age of puberty, and having been well grounded in both, I desired to make use of my arms abroad, but my parents denying me so dangerous an employment, I was constrained to abide under their indulgent wings, being the joy and comfort of their old age. I had scarce attained seventeen years, when to my grief my mother departed into the Subterranean walks of the Stigean grove, and before two years more had passed, my father ran the like fortune, being suddenly struck by the hand of the inexorable Parca. My father seeing a staidness in me, which was not▪ usual to such young years, left me sole Guardian to myself, and with his death surrendered up those possessions which were sufficiently great. Some time I spent in just tears for my parent's loss, till time had consumed the moisture of my eyes, and wore away the sadness from my heart, then having the reins in my own hand I purposed to put those resolutions into act, which the indulgency of my parents had deterred. For which end, having two Uncles, one the brother of my father, the other of my mother, I desired them to look to my estate at home, whilst I sought renown abroad; I made known my desires, and urged them to grant my request, they endeavoured to dissuade me, but in vain, which seeing, they promised (to my joy) to fulfil my desires. The eldest son of my father's brother named Araterus knowing my resolutions, with great importunings got both my leave and his fathers to accompany me. Having spent some time in furnishing ourselves with what we wanted, we departed from our own Country of Cilicia, having none in our company but a faithful servant of my own named Meador. Having furnished ourselves with a ship at Tarsus, with a prosperous wind we failed along the Tyrrhenean sea, and for that our desires extended beyond the limits of an ordinary travel, we were resolved to pass into the Atlantic Ocean, and to view the utmost limits of the Roman Empire, and so returning at leisure, view the places of more fame. This our resolution carried us beyond Herculus' pillars, and passing the straight, we entered into that vast and spacious sea, which beats upon the coast of the Iberians. The wind as it were repenting his former kindness, on a sudden began to rise, and Boreas with a full gale opposed out prow, making Neptune's watery surges bear the ship aloft, mounting it so high on those liquid rocks, that it might receive the more dangerous precipiet: we endeavoured to gain the shore, but a contrary wind, contraried our design, and in spite of all our endeavours carried us far into the Ocean, where we ran every moment the danger of death, and to aggravate our miseries, a dark and pitchy night overtook us, with the continual assaults of this furious tempest against our floating Castle, which sometimes had almost yielded to the battery of the winds, having so unsteady a foundation as the waters. When we perceived our endeavours to save the ship and ourselves were vain, we committed ourselves wholly to the protection of the Gods, and let the ship follow the fortune of the waters, being carried along with the impetuous blasts of the enraged wind. The night so dark that we could not see our own deaths, nor the imminent danger we were in, at last vaded, the wished for day appearing, but with a troubled sky, clouds accumelating with that crassitude, as if in despite of the Sun they would transvert the day into night. The wind having this day and the ensuing night vented its fury, began to diminish its rage of its self, or the gods pitying our condition, gave a countermand to the encounters of the inferior windy and watery Deities. At last our weather beaten ship, and both affrighted and tired Mariners were driven upon the coasts of a small and unknown Island, joyful we had escaped this danger, we desired to ease ourselves on the Land, and there on a sure foundation pour out our prayers to the gods. Some of us passed into the Island in a boat, which we had for the like occasions, whilst the others remained in the ship. We wondered we could find no harbour for our ship, nor scarce could we attain Land with the boat. Araterus and I being desirous to see what place fortune had driven us to, and to know of the inhabitants in what Country we were, after some repast on the shore, we left the rest of the ship, giving them orders to stay our return. Not knowing what dangers might occur, we put on our armour, and with Meador (my servant) passed into the Island: We intended not to go far, because the evening approached, but entering a walk beset with green fair-spread trees, by the side of a small clear rivulet, which with a gentle murmur hasted into a bigger river, which carried it as a tribute to the Ocean, we had passed farther than we were ware of, the pleasantness of the walk stealing away our denotation of the time. The end of this walk conveyed us into a most delectable grove, in the which was the most pleasing walks that might be, a place as we thought consecrated to Diana and her nymphs. But that which made us wonder was, that in this pleasant Island, we could neither see man nor beast, nor the ●oo●ing of any living creature, for which cause we gave it the name of Desolate. Curiosity led us into this Grove, still filling us with admiration that these pleasant should be uninhabited places, and the silence of the place struck an awe upon our spirits, that we durst not communicate by the tongue the cogitations which lay in our breasts, for fear of breaking a Law which seemed to be imposed on those that entered, besides a Majesty accompanied the place, which made us think it no less than sacred. We were now about to return, finding it already night in that obumbrated place, when we found the muse we had entertained had made us lose our Judgements for return, the path that brought us into this Labyrinth could not be retrod, though searched by the memory of us all, and the more we thought to extricate ourselves, the more were we entangled in this Dedalian Grove.  
Seeing necessity caused our stay, and that our hopes for departure were abolished, we left retriving the path, to seek some convenient repose, hoping the next Sun would accommodate us with light to find that which then we sought in vain. I had many times pitched upon places for our repose, and as often (through my unsettled thoughts) rejected them. Thinking to find some better than the last I had pitched on, I made a further search into a place thicker than all the rest; entering the place I espied a large Cave, the entrance being paved with moss. This place I thought most convenient to shelter us from any annoyance of the heavens. The entrance was impleat with a silent darkness, and with a little descent; we went but few paces within the mouth lest we might precipitate ourselves in that obscure place. We soon betook ourselves to enjoy that rest, which nature requires, and of which through our danger at sea, we had been much deprived. Araterus and my servant had soon entered their living death, whilst my agetating thoughts had kept open the windows of my senses. But endeavouring to suppress the motions of my mind, I heard certain emotions within the Cave, which gave a check to my thoughts and a stop to my desire of sleep, and attending what might ensue, I perceived the noise to approach, and suddenly felt some blows which I could not see acted, because of the obscurity of the place. This engaged me to rise, and with my sword to defend myself, the noise I made in striking (which light on nothing but the sides or ground of the Cave) awaked Araterus, who half amazed, and discomposed at being so suddenly awaked, had like to have offended me more than my unseen adversaries, for hearing our blows, he engaged himself in the dark, and with a forcible blow a little wounded my head, I made known to him his unseen perpetration, and gained him to retire, leaving me to defend myself from the unseen blows of my unknown adversaries. I wondered, when feeling their blows, they cut not, nor struck as if in the hands of a weaponist, and so consusedly both behind and before, as if I had dealt with many adversaries, that I knew not how to defend myself, nor offend them, for my blows, though struck every way, could never be fastened on any, besides none answering to my demands, made me begin to think them some Phantasms, or some unknown terene Deities which inhabited the Island, these thoughts made me retire to the mouth of the Cave, and not being pursued, I would not enter to disturb the sacred. Araterus had for the wound he had given me, applied some drogue which he usually carried about him. After this disturbance we took up our lodging at the very mouth of the Cave, and not trusting to my imagination, one of us watched whilst the other slept, and in this sort we spent the night. Assoon as the day began fairly to display itself, we arose, and resolving to see whither my thoughts of those Phantasms were true conceptions, we entered the Cave, and the light demonstrated the wounds I had given the earth where I had that strange combat.  
But passing farther we came into a four quare room arched with stone, and in the middle of it a Tomb, more fair than rich, with a certain inscription which we could not understand, our perquestions could find no creature that might give us any light into these novils, which made us departed, altogether unsatisfied. It was not without trouble that we found the path which led us to the place where we left our boat, but arriving there we found, that both the ship and it were departed: we could not conjecture why they left us, except they thought we were devoured by wild beasts or some other accident had happened us because we stayed. We saw our case was desperate, in that we were left upon an Island where we knew not that any came, except driven by the like chance as ourselves, and where was neither beasts, nor fruit that might serve for food, unless some certain nuts which we espied in the Grove. But for that we saw no help, we forced ourselves to a generous patience, traversing the shore, if happily we might see any vessel which might transport us thence. Two days and two nights passed, and not the least hope appeared to our sight, the next day wand'ring upon the sea with our eyes; we beheld something like a small boat floating upon the sea, the calm which succeeded the last storm was great, but a gentle Zephyrus curling the face of the sea brought that which we had seen into more perfect view, which then we saw to be a chest, which we judged to proceed from some naufrage in this last storm. The wind and the gentle moving of the water at last cast this chest on the shore, not fare from the place where we were, which moved us to see what it might contain, hoping to find something that might preserve our lives, for the distress we were in for lack of food made all our thoughts run on nothing else, but with some labour and difficulty having gotten it out of the water, I lifted up the lid and beheld a sad object of pity, which was a very young child in rich swaddling , as I thought dead, but at last I perceived it breath, and saw that sleep had only preserved its life. The distress of this tender infant had utterly taken away the thought of our own, and now our prayers and our tears called the gods to the help of none but it. I took it up in my arms and saw it was a boy, which by the face and the rich  which wrapped him, we judged to be the offspring of no mean parents. I do not know I ever felt the like pity as then, to see a child persecuted so soon, by the hand of fortune, and having run so great a danger at sea, must also run the hazard of being starved on land. The lovely looks of this tender infant, with the pretty smiles it made, caused so great a ruth in my soul, that not enduring the sight of so pitiful an object, I closed it in its tomb, I knew not how to preserve it alive, having no food to give it, or ourselves; therefore I thought it must inevitably perish.  
The next day Araterus and Meador leaving me alone with the sea-preserved infant, went into the grove to gather some Nuts which we had espied there, to sustain us from perishing, and to preserve our lives for greater misfortunes. Being alone I uttered my complaints and prayers to the gods to help us from that desolate place, complaining on that constant inconstant Deity, attributing our misfortune to her perpetration. and our preservation to the more merciful gods. In the midst of my cogitations, that the share the gods had in my preservation might appear, I espied a good tall ship pass not far from the Island. I lost not the opportunity, but with a strained voice, and many signs called them to my delivery; what with the one and with the other, they espied me, presently I saw they made towards the Island, and filled their ship boat with their armed men. I was about to implore their aid, but on a sudden they let me know that they intended to force me to that which I had intended to desire of them, and with their Arms and multitude made me their prisoner. Indeed I had little mind to resist, being willing to be shifted from that imminent danger I was then in, though I fell into another as great, I endeavoured to persuade them to stay for Araterus my Cousin, and to take that booty too since they accounted me so, but nothing would prevail with those unreasonable men, neither of entreaty, nor in pity, but left him exposed to an unquestionable starving. I accounted this encounter rather for the sake of the infant than of me, since I left there my heart, with my distressed Cousin of whom afterward I never heard tidings. The Chest being greedily preserved out of hope of Treasure (for their haste gave them not liberty to look into it) was carried with myself prisoner to their ship.  
My eyes were still fixed on the shore, and no deportments could divert them thence, till the ship wherein I was insensibly had carried me beyond the view of that tristfull remembrancer, yet could it not departed me from that sorrow, our unhappy disjunction had caused, and though I had lost the visible sight of the Isle, yet my imagination represented me there, as a partaker of Araterus' miseries. My muse at last were diverted, by the remembrance of the child, whose safety consisted in my help, after they had seen that their prize was not so considerable as expected, I persuaded the Chief with all the Oratory I had, to let the Infant be preserved, whom the more cruel would have fling overboard: what the floting-house could afford, I procured for the Infant, though scarce fitting for so tender a palate, but necessity constrained me to administer such as I could get, and that with the gods help saved its life. We had failed two days when we espied a tall ship before the wind, to whom these Pirates that had made me Prisoner made up, thinking that she had been prize, but they found this ship full of armed men that met them with so much resoluteness they expected not, that they would have disengaged themselves, but could not; we were at last after great slaughter of their men taken and made prisoners anew, but as it happened to better Masters.  
After they had discarded the Pirate's vessel, I was made known to the Chief of the other to be none of them, and had all the civility could be asked showed me by that generous Chief, who at my request had a great care on the infant, I with so much care regarded, having by so strange a fortune acquired it. I gave him the knowledge of my name which is Euripedes, and of my adventure at the dissolate Island, and ask so him what he knew of that place, he told me, that he had no other knowledge than by relation from others, which was, that many had endeavoured to inhabit there, but were molested in the night with apparitions of spirits, and with unsupportable blows were driven thence, the cause (as he heard) was that a man who inhabited that Isle, being a famous Druide, and having great knowledge in the infernal arts, after his death caused these Phantasms to guard his body, which lies in a Sepulchre in a cave compassed about with an intricate grove, and it is thought his Sarcophage encloses great riches, which hath caused many to adventure thither, but returned well beaten, yet he hardly believed the report, till I had confirmed him by relating what had happened to me there. The more we were acquainted, the more grew our friendship, and the more I perceived his good disposition: I found him to harbour not a seeming, but a true and generous amity, desiring rather in deeds than in words to express his generosity. I found a great relaxation in his conversation, and a sweet engagement in his communication, so that being familiarly acquainted with him in some short time, he gave me an account what he was, and of the enterprise he was then going about, which because it is delightful, and that you have given yourself up to hear these stories of loves follies, I shall relate as near as I can to the form he gave it me in. And that you may not think it strange that I should after so long time remember these eveniments, you must know I had since my retirement collected them into a book which thus imprints them in my mind: But thus he began his History.  
Fortune that fickle Goddess made me believe she had changed her nature, and caused me to accuse those who called her inconstant, for as if in me only she meant to be immutable, she balanced all things with a constant hand, neither could I accuse her with the least mutability. She made me be born a Prince, so bred me up, and (till of late) in all the course of my life gave me no cause to complain. But when that I assured myself to be her fortunate darling, she precipitated me from the top of her moving wheel, and conspiring with love to ruin me, turned her smiles into frowns. But that you may know (went he on) how she effected my precipitation, I must tell you, I am named Bruadenor, Prince of the Veneti in Gaul, where with a prodigious constancy I had remained, till Love first arrested me. One evening as I was walking by the side of a grove, I had cast my eyes suddenly on an Object, which as suddenly surprised me, it was a Lady of incomparable beauty, without any company, who with a sad aspect seemed to rest herself under the trees umbrage. This sight brought at first a kind of shivering, but afterwards a burning into my breast, so that I being unacquainted with this disturbance, thought the Lady to be of the nature of the Basilisk who delates her poison through the eyes. But though I felt myself wounded by my sight, yet could I not withdraw my eyes from so lovely an object, till I had discovered myself. I then rendering her the courtesies which belonged to civility, made bold to inquire the cause of that sad and solitary encounter in a place so dangerous and subject to rapines, with all offering her myself and castle for her protection; She answered me, that solitude was consonant to her desires, and that she had deserted others to be left alone. But I still pressed her to accept of my protection and civility, giving her the knowledge of whom I was, and using all the persuasive Arguments I was capable of giving, which at last wrought upon her for an acceptance. Whilst with a softly place we moved towards my Castle: I told her that my desires were great to know who she was, not so much out of curiosity, as to know if any way the small power I had, could render me any way serviceable to her, manifesting by many words the great desire I had to the her service. She answered me, that all the services that could be rendered her, could do her no good, nothing but death alone was able to help her, but she added, that hitherto she had found no opportunity, though sought, to accomplish her desires, and that therefore she expected nothing now, but a continuation of her miseries.  
This pressed me to a further enquiry, to know the cause of this affliction which thus depressed her, and though I uttered my inquisitions with many circumlocutions, because I would not seem so boldly to intrude, yet she perceived my desires, and to satisfy me, she said thus. Lest you should have any sinister opinion of me, whereby you may slain my honour in your thoughts, I shall freely declare who I am, and the occasion of my being unaccompanied, although in so doing I shall discover the frailty and almost impudicity of my actions constrained by a passion which some call Love. Before she proceeded I beseeched her not to conceive me guilty of such a crime, as to think any thing but virtue harboured in so delicate a vessel, protesting that my thoughts had not had the least intimation of any thing, but what was agreeable to virtue and honour. She replied how that it could not be termed a crime, if that I had conceived any maleopinion of her, seeing that a just occasion had sprung from her encounter, and seeing that I had rendered so great a testification of the purity of my thoughts by my actions, she could not without running the hazard of ingratitude, suffer me to remain in ignorance concerning herself, and as with confidence she had trusted me with her honour, so without fear she might relate the preceding actions of her life. After I had given her an assurance of my fidelity both for the one as the other, she proceeded thus.  
Love is a passion, which differently possesses souls, and with a different fire consumes our vitals, if harboured in an immaculate breast, and reanswered by the object beloved with as pure flames, there is no content, joy or pleasure, like to the scorching influences proceeding from each other, whereby they communicate the very essence of their love, with as pure breathe as the sacred Deities; the thoughts of so great a happiness hath oft times carried me into an ecstasy, what then would be the fruition? My desires have been as chaste, and flames as pure, but that naked and blind deity hath fatally crossed me, which makes me love with so much anxiety and torment: For Love not regarded, and not meeting with the desired flames, feeds on the life of the Lover, and it may be hath caused that Simile which compares love to the continual feeding Eagle on the liver of Tityus, which renewing makes him suffer continual unsufferable torment, so that the preeminency of pain may be ascribed to it. We see that those who feel and suffer extreme pains to do and speak that, which they would not, were they not in that pain-forced frency: So oftentimes Lovers through the great vexation and anxiety which they feel through the opposition of their Loves, do most extravagant actions, and women sometimes vary beyond the pudicity of their sex. This I bring as a Prologue for a  construction of those actions in my relation which may seem to pass the bounds of womanly pudicity. But briefly (proceeded she) to give you an account of my life it is this.  
My name is Floria, and I am the sole daughter of the great Lord of the Santones on the other side of the river Ligeris, where till Love oppressed me, I lived with as great content as pleasure; but it fortuned that I was touched with its dart, since which I never well enjoyed my liberty, but of late more furious have been the assaults, the more they were despised by that cruel one the cause of my misery. The Object of this passion (not to hid any thing from you) is Subelta Lord of the Redones, one as valiant as cruel. We were acquainted sometime before this Tyrant took possession of my soul, and by his jovial Courtship was I brought first to a liking, and afterwards to a violent love, which forced me to express some small signs thereof, yet never transgressing the Laws of modesty. He (cruel wretch!) soon perceived it, and as soon slighted my innocent affections, oftentimes despising that company, which before he had so much sought. He had no other reason for this but his own opinion, which was he accounted it, an extreme folly for any to yield to so sottish a passion as Love, openly despising and speaking scoffingly of that Deity. In this budding of my Love happened that which might have deracinated it, had it not been too deeply grounded, for my father being oppressed by Caelius a Roman Captain, I was given to him to be sent to Rome as a hostage for my father's obedience. I must confess I parted not from my father with so much regret as from Sub●l●a, and the thoughts for him made my journey unpleasant. I was had to that stately City the Mistress of the Universe, and by Augustus I was appointed to wait on Julia his daughter, a place nothing dishonourable. The statelyness of the place, the pomp of the Court, the daily converse with the great ones, and the tender of services could not divert the passions I retained for Subelta. I rendered myself acceptable to Julia, and with my obedience gained her good liking. But though I served her with all willing duty, yet she observed a more than ordinary sadness still accompany me. One day she said (thinking it was because I was given in hostage, and remained as a Captive) that she had wondered at my sadness more than others, for she thought I had been there long enough to forget my home, and that there were many of my condition, who counted their exchange the happiest thing that could betid them, in coming to a place where they might learn that which naturally they had not, leaving their Barbarism for Civility, and but then living like humane Creatures, but she said, if that it grieved me to serve her, she would release me, or if it was because I remained in the condition of a slave, she would get Caesar to free me, bidding me to tell her truly the cause of my trouble, and not to doubt of her assistance. I seeing so great gentleness in the Princess, thanking the gods for that occasion fell upon my knees, and not without tears told her that it was not my captivity that caused my sadness, nor in that I was her servant, which I accounted the greatest bliss, yet seeing she had charged me to let her know the cause of my trouble I told her the truth. My words and my tears were so effectual, that she told me, although she greatly desired my company, yet she would rather show her affection in pleasuring me than in contenting herself. I beseeched her not to oblige me with so many favours, for if she did, she would cause me endure a perpetual misery in parting from so benign a Princess. Within a short time after, she told me, she had gained Caesar's leave for my departure, on condition, my father would give him other hostages. I made no question but to redeem me he would have given half his Signory. I sent him word of Caesar's will, desiring him to festinate those who should supply my place: He moved with a fatherly love, used such speed that they arrived at Rome before I could expect them. Leaving those my father sent as a despositum for my father's faith, in my place. I with great celerity hastened from Rome, once more visiting my native Country, but my chiefest joy was, that it harboured ungrateful Subelta.  
Many of my friends visited me after my return, and Subelta among the rest, desiring to know the rarities of that stately place which I had deserted for his sake. I quickly left others company to enjoy his, and no joy or content was like to that when I thought I could pleasure him in my relations, of the City, the Court, the polity of the Courtiers, the behaviour of the Citizens, the Royalty of Caesar, and the magnitude and statelyness of the City, Temples and Palaces, spinning out my relations to lengthen the time, that I might enjoy his presence. But this content that I gave myself, did but more ardently sufflate that spark which remained in my breast, and enkindled a more violent flame, which ever since hath consumed my heart. That which tormented my soul was that I saw he remained in his former obdurateness, and extremely slighted me, which so pinched my heart, that it put me into a grievous sickness. She to whom I had used to communicate my secrets, was ignorant of this, but perceiving something besides a natural sickness, conjured me to let her know what I ailed. Hoping the discovery might give some vent to my passions, I related to her (under the seal of silence) the torments I endured. She comforted me, and to quiet me promised much. But sickness increasing, I was forced to write to Subelia declaring with as much modesty as sincerity, the great affliction I conceived for those slight he had made of my favours, and the true and affectionate Love I bore him. To this Letter which was conveyed to him by one I could trust with such a secret, he would return no answer, but a perverse obstinacy in his slights. The relation of this had almost put a period to my life, and happy had I been if it had been the last exigent thereof, but the gods have prolonged it for future shame and miseries. I know not what Fate attends me, but all that ever I could do, could not overcome a passion so firmly fixed in my mind, nor all his slight and contumelies lessen the immoderate affection I bore him; so that the anxity of my mind, and indisposition of my body, bade so heightened my disease, that every one looked for my death, and it was much wished for by myself. But see the justice of the gods who heard my prayers, and avenged my trouble, for whilst I thus languished, that deity whom he had so scossingly derided struck him with a leaden Dart, and made him dote on Artesa, a great man's daughter of the Santones, who as she was inferior to me in birth, so (by others judgement) in beauty. Here he was repaid in his own coin, and as he had dealt with me, she prompted by divine vengeance handled him. When I heard of this vicissitude of fortune, my soul was mixed both with joy and grief. I rejoiced that he might know what Love was, and that he might be sensible of those torments he had caused me to endure; but I was troubled that he suffered any pain, and that torment should touch the thing I Loved; for Love is of that nature, that it cannot consent to see the object beloved to endure any affliction, though it suffers by it the greatest despite. Had my love abated, or had hatred possessed its place, than had I gone to have effected some precipitation against him, and with vigour to avenge his injuries.  
But I still persisted in my passion for him, though he persisted in his hatred to me, but my sickness brought be at last to the very point of death, which exigent something diminished those flames for Subelta, and by the pain and torment I felt from the outward indisposition of my body, I thought them quite exstinguished, so that helping to overcome myself, I banished him from my thoughts, and sought to obliterate him within my breast, and at last I found a great relaxation of my pain, for the cause being taken away, the effects soon ceased. Recovering by little and little to the great joy of my father and friends, and no less to myself in that I had shaken off so powerful an enemy to my repose, I began to receive my former strength and to go abroad. I had no sooner recovered that vigour which formerly accompanied me, but I began to feel a little glowing and reviving of that fire. I thought had been extinguished, which now I saw was but raked under the ashes, and at the least mention of his name, it was ready to catch hold on something that would have annoyed my rest.  
When I perceived the floods of sorrow had not quenched, nor my continual torment extinguished that spark, which lay raked up in the ashes of silence, and now began to be afflated by a new breath from Love, renewing my complaints I gave myself up a sacrifice for his Altar, and in a short time that flagrant spark enkindled by desire, possessed every corner of my heart with its ascending flames, and this relapse came with a more violent motion than the first assault; before with a tormented patience I sunk under the burden, and with a contival grief almost dispossessed myself of life, but now agitated by a more violentick humour, I sought furibundously more assured precipitations. For as the relapse is always more dangerous than the first falling into the disease, so was this second passion more likely to overwhelm me. Seeing therefore an assured torment, and a continual pain without the fruition of that, which I was never like to enjoy, I contracted a resolution with myself, correspond to so violent a passion, as well to free myself from misery, as to let Subelta see how fare the force of Love had carried me.  
This determination passed not the portals of my lips, but with a new resolution I desired to act this Tragedy in Subelta's presence, being thus hurried along with these violent motions, I studied nothing but how to effect my purposed precipitation; Hiding from my faithful servant the chief of my purpose, with many words I told her the desire I had to see Subelta, whereby I might give great ease to my perturbed breast, by pouring out those complaints against him, which I had prepared for the like occasion, telling her that I persuaded myself that (words being uttered from a passion so resenting, were more powerful than dead letters) the effects would answer my hopes, but if it wrought not on Subelta, yet it would be a great relaxation to my mind, in that I had vented that which so much troubled my repose, hoping if that took no effect, I might have power (seeing the impossibility, and his ingratitude) to overcome myself, and to cede to the will of the gods. With other words powerful enough to gain her to that which she hoped might conduce to my quiet, I charmed her to my motion, and answered her to the objections she made concerning the difficulty, and my honour. I had contrived before how to effect my design, and to escape with a good colour to save my reputation. I told her how I would desire my father for my health's sake to convey me to a place where I was brought up in my youth, and had took great delight in, hoping that the change of the air might be a means to recover my health, and how that by the way I would find means to get from those who should accompany me, and that at my return I would contrive a story of my rape without mistrust. These things I told her, and what Love had infused into me, or rather the great desire I had to perpetrate that action I intended; so that seeing my resolutions were not to be beaten off, she condescended to auxiliate me in my enterprise, not piercing to the bottom of my design.  
It now remained that my feigned desires were known to my father, which were as soon granted as heard by him, little imagining my intentions. At last I was sent to this place well accoutred, with a special guard to secure my person from any rape, which were frequently committed by the Roman soldiers dispersed through the Country. I knew it would be impossible to escape from the Castle whither I was going, to go to Subelta; therefore as I had before concluded, in our journey passing through a very thick wood we made an hal●, and letting my Troop pass gently on, commanded none to stay with me but my confident, by which means we had a fine opportunity to escape, which without their suspicion we effected, directing our course a cross the wood, with such a speed as my desire could wish, entering the most intricate places of the Wood, which being spacious hid us from our searchers, and the obscurity of the night approaching gave us more confidence in our clandestine slight. Having almost wearied our horses, and ourselves, not used to such hard service, we resolved to repose in some convenient place in the Wood, imagining ourselves far enough from our Indagators, and espying a large Cave we resolved to lodge there. But Fortune who pursued me faster than those who I know condoled my loss, and as a quick-sented bloodhound catcht us when we least suspected, for not considering the dangerous Animals which those spacious Woods harboured, we cast ourselves into the very lodging of a furious Lion: My maid was no sooner alighted then assaulted, by the King of beasts, whose great strength so soon tore her weak corpse, that she had no time to consider by what enemy she died. This miserable spectacle, filled me with a grief unexpressable, which took away the sense of my own danger, and as if I had been able to have revenged the death of that miserable creature, upon that Robust animal, I drew out a dagger which I had hid in my sleeve, to have effected a more bloody perpetration against myself, and with that small vigour I possessed, fling it against the shaggy beast, which being well cuspidated to facilitate my own ruin, made a small entrance into his side, which so enraged this furious creature, that leaving the miserable carcase, he made at me, who desired rather to perish than live in so much misery. But my horse fearful of his approach, by running away saved my life with its own, carrying me like a liveless statue upon his back, environed with so much misery, that I thought death a sweeter companion. The night which was fully entered into the dark shades of the wood, with the concussion of the leavy boughs, and the ugly noise of those Nocturnal creatures, which echoed through the Wood, and my solitude with the apprehension of the late bloody spectacle I had beheld, cast me into so great an agony, heightened by the frailty of my sex, that you may better imagine than I relate. My horse having the liberty of his head, carried me all night up and down the Wood, not being contradicted with the least check of the rain, so that in the morning (whose approach had so often been wished for) I found myself on the outside of the Wood, and happily meeting with a shepherd, I desired the liberty of his house, to repose my perturbed mind, and rest my defatigated limbs, which by the best of metals I procured. The encounter of my thoughts disturbed the rest of my body, and the agitation of mind took away the desire of sleep. But as the noise of the waters lulls one to sleep, so the commotions of these inward billows at last procured me a sweet oblivion, which yet was disturbed through the injections of Morpheus, for I saw a great Cage with this inscription, Nec vi, Nec Arte, an Emblem surely of my future miseries, for by and by I saw myself fast enclosed in it, and besieged with a great company of beasts, but at last, I saw a man who came and cut off the head of the chief conductor of the brutes, and dispersing the other, gave me liberty.  
I know not (proceeded the fair FLORIA) whether this was any supernatural representation from the gods, who often times forewarn us of our future miseries, by manifest signs, were not our eyes sealed with disregard, or whether it might be the operation of my affections, and obturbed thoughts, representing those Ideas it had preconceived, according to the distemper of the natural body; or whether proceeding from the imagination, or the effects of the suscitated vapours and humours, working upon the fancy, but when I awaked I found it left greater impression in my mind than dreams ordinarily do. After I had given some repose to my body, though little, through the discomposure of my mind, I hired the shepherd to conduct me to Subelta's habitation, disguising myself as well as I could, for the better security of my person. After much travel I came to Condate, where I understood Subelta was in my father's country with Artesa. The indisposition of my body, weakened through the assaults of my mind, rendered me unfit for travel, therefore, discharging the shepherd, I remained sometime there, hoping Subelta's return would some way terminate these discomposures. But stay being incompetable with my hasty desires, I resolved to encounter him where he was, not considering into what preciptation I ran my life and honour, for the one I cared not how soon I lost it, but for the latter I should have had more regard. But having left Condate in this precipitancy I would not return at my second thoughts, but proceeding in this capricious journey, with a resolution to evolve myself out of this labrinth of disquiets, by the fatal stroke of death, I have received some comfort in that through a special providence of the gods I have met one to whom with a confidence not usual I have made known my condition. And now (said she, looking more steadfastly in my face, with eyes that penetrated to my heart, and whose flames had already almost consumed it to ashes) you have heard without any latitation of my defects, the whole scene of this sad interlude, whose last act must complete my Tragedy, but could you but see the integrity of my heart in these Caprichio's, with the strong influences that ascendant Love hath diffused on my soul, you will not altogether vituperate disconsolate Floria for these inconsiderate and capricious actions. Here (went on Bruadenor) letting her veil slide down over her face to hid those pearly drops, which the fire of Love, through the declaration and consideration of her own case had distilled, it seemed to me as the interposition of the earth between Sol and bright Cynthia, whose umbrage casts so dark a vail; or as the Sun darkened through the embraces or intervention of his less splendid sister.  
Love exhibiting the beauty of her intellectuals, as well as that of her form, by this time had taken a full and free possession of my soul, and had gained the chief ascendancy over my heart, so that first giving way to some sighs I said. Madam, Deserts are not always favoured by fortune, neither is Love always a pleasurer of the will, for if the gods cross our desires, we should show our patience in bearing their afflictions, and more resolute are those Lovers who evaporate the heat of their flames by sighs, and mitigate it with the moisture of their tears, than those who less patiented of delays run themselves into a thousand precipitations, for self-murder is not the mark of a valiant person, but rather shows more cowardice, in that he dares not stand out the battle with that which causes his desperation, but to avoid it gives himself that which is not justifiable but by the hand of another. I cannot blame you in that you Love, or that its vigour hath caused you something to transgress the Pudor of your sex, though your actions may be ill censured by many tongues. But I cannot without admiration and astonishment consider the obdurate heart of your despiser, and against him fulminate most just increpations. Subelta hath always been my enemy, and hath sought occasions to endamage me, but the considerations of these impudicities hath rendered me his, and if this honour may be given to your entertainer, as but to command him into your service, you shall see how soon he shall be reduced to a more pliant humour. To this Floria returned me an answer, full of mildness and affection, not enduring to hear of Subelta's being reduced by any other means, than by the relapse of his own will.  
We were now come to the entrance of my Castle, which put a period to our discourse, giving my thoughts liberty to study complacencies to cause her stay. I rendered her into the hands of my mother, who knowing by me who she was, cherished her in the place of a daughter. The night being come we retired to take our repose, but the agitation of my mind banished sleep his wont residence; for entering on a deep contemplation on the lustre of those beauties, which adorned the face and mind of Floria. I ran so far into a sea of thoughts, that I could not reach the Haven of repose that night. This was a new world to me, who resting before in the quietude of my mind, was diseased now with the disturbances of Love. My mind unequally balanced, was tossed upon the waves of my cogitations, sometimes entering the lists for Love, sometimes opposing it as an adversary, wracked by torments and contrary thoughts I cry out. Ah Bruadenor! must thou also be enumerated amongst those, who have listed themselves under the extravagancies of Love? must thy folly be denoted? or is it an inseparable accident to all mortals? is it not better to live free than a captive? and to be a master than a slave? why then dost thou debase that will, which hitherto hath been free, and make it become a slave to beauty? and to a God that delighteth in tyranny, by these beginnings of thy disquiets thou mayest judge the effects. Consider how many this passion hath overthrown, recount but the tragedies it hath committed, and thou wilt find innumerable examples of murder and rapine, nay she whom thou adorest, is so involved in Love with another, that a door of hope is impossible to be opened unto thee; unfortunate! take example by others, consider the precipitancies it hath run her into, and deracinate this folly, before thou hast too much involved thyself in this common error.  
As if these words had given power to my will, I thought to have decussed this troublesome passion, but whole troops of cogitations, conducted by Love, gave these oppositions a most violent chocque, rebating their courage, he displayed his banners, subjected my reason, and led captive my will, and with a voice more beautiful to my ears, insuserrated these words.  
Dost thou think thyself more wise than the Ancients, who have honoured me for a suppressor of follies? and call those extravagant who list themselves under my banner? Consider the innumerable follies attending upon youth, and consider how regularly I marshal their exorbitant motions, and replenish them with many excellent and commendable virtues. Neither count thou my captivity a slavery, for though a bondage, yet full of sweet liberty, and though a prison, yet full of freedom, where tyranny is not exercised but to the content of the lover. If Mars have delighted in my thraldom, the muses have no less honoured me, by coronizing my head with a crown of flowers, acknowledging the Deity I possess, the one in that I make the cowardliest valiant, and the timorous to achieve that which without my assistance he would have fainted to have thought on, the other in that cropping the weeds of vice, I sow the seeds of virtue, and render the heart susceptible to the dictates of knowledge. I have made the ignorant become wise, and the learned infused with my spirit, render themselves as mortal Deities, and will you call me extravagant, who am the author of all science? Consider my power and not disabuse yourself, for you are no more able to redeem yourself out of my captivity, than the Galleyslave to free himself out of his chains.  
In these violent contestations I spent the time that Sol resided in the other Hemisphere, rising from my bed wholly captivated with the love of Floria. Love now began to subtelize my grosser spirits, and infuse devices fitting for Amoretta's. For knowing the irrecoverable loss I suffered if Floria departed, I used all the eloquence and Rhetoric Love and passion could infuse, which so far prevailed with the loved Floria, that she condescended to stay, and to let me send one into her father's country to learn their deportments at her loss, as also to know the certainty of Subelta's being there.  
A day or two passed, wherein I contemplated the beauty so despised by the unhappy Subelta, unhappy in that he saw not his own happiness, finding no delight but in her company and conversation, whilst she with continual showers of darts from those sparkling eyes, more lively than the coruscing diamonds, pierced my susceptible heart. I seemed not to live but in her sight, and I joyed in no other company than hers, but I continually died when I considered my miserable estate, and though the motions of my eyes might have discovered the secrets of my heart, yet in her I perceived not the least regard. Oh the pains! oh the anguish my soul felt, when I thought of discovering my mind to her, fearing a kill repulse, and dreading the thunder of her anger, for a true Lover continually lives in fear. But seeing she read not my mind by my countenance, nor my eyes the true messengers of the heart, I resolved, having a fit opportunity in being alone with her in a boury to explain myself, but as often as I was about to begin, fear repulsed my determination, but at last with a faltering tongue I emitted these words.  
" Lady I have often heard of the wonderful and strange effects of Love, and the power of its operation, but I could hardly give credit to those speeches, because I never felt its flames, but being confirmed by yourself with a more powerful influence, I have quitted all pretensions to unbelief. And if it may be inoffensive to your ears, and the boldness of your servant not suscitate anger, let me tell you, that I not only believe but feel the power of that powerful Deity. I may be well vanquished when the most powerful potentates are subject to his yoke. Shall I say your beauty? your modesty, your chastity, or your virtue hath overcome me? one was enough I confess, but all assaulted me, and have eternally captivated me. Think it not strange that I thus address myself to you, knowing already how your affections stand; I do it not to ask your love, for I am unworthy of it, but to crave your pity, in that you are not ignorant of these torments. If you Love without hope of obtaining, I live in despair of having. If you are tormented without regard, yet let not me feel the same torments without your pity, for who can better Sympathise with the grieved, than those who feel a coequal pain? you cannot be insensible of my flames, if you weigh but the torments of your own. O happy Subelta! couldst thou see thy own happiness, hadst thou eyes given thee to see the beauty that loves thee, the chastity that follows thee, the virtue that desires thee, and that person which is about to sacrifice herself unto thee. Unhappy Subelta! unhappy in that thou rejectest one whose virtues equal thy vices, whose love thy hatred, and whose passion thy disdain. Oh cruel! cruel to thyself! cruel to others? Being hurried into this passion (said Bruadenor) remembering myself I stopped and proceeded thus. " I hope you will pardon this excursion which proceeds from a passion, that usually committeth irregularities, I have no better basis to found my hopes upon for your pardon than your own gentleness, which if it contrary my expectations I must needs accompany you in your precipitation, for I am not able to live tormented with disdain.  
Whilst many suspirations, gave a period to my discourse, fixing her eyes upon me which pierced my heart, she returned me this answer. " I marvel not at all at your incredulity concerning Love, for none are able to imagine his power without they feel it, nor believe the relation of others unless themselves have experimented it; But I had rather you had remained in that condition than feel it to your own sorrow. You know I have made you the depositary of my secrets, and have trusted you with my life and honour. I hope my being in your power will not give birth to any dishonourable suggestion; for be confident my life which I brought to have sacrificed to love, shall be as freely violented to save my honour. Were I capable to reanswer your love, these speeches might be inoffensive, but you must take what I have spoken for a fable, if you think I can hear them without disturbance. You say you crave nothing but pity, but alas, alas! what good will that pity do which is not accompanied with help? If I were capable to help you, I should pity you, pity you, I show I do pity you, and desire your good by desiring and councelling you to subvert the structure of this new love, before it be too fast settled, crop this bud before it pullulate too far.  
" Account me as a shadow, who am about to pass away, I am leaving not only you but the whole world; what mean you to love that which is going hence? Your courtesy hath obliged my respect, but I shall injury you by my stay, if my presence augment your flames. And doubt not, but if my presence have kindled a fire, that my departure will leave water enough to quench the same.  
These words (said Bruadenor) though they were a corasive to my heart, yet pronounced with so sweet an accent, that it mitigated the sharpness of them, and were as if vinegar and oil mixed together by love and anger had been given me in a potion to drink. I had time but to tel● her that she might assure herself that my life should a thousand times depart my body before I would harbour the least thought prejudiceable to her honour, and not correspondent to the rules of virtue, when my mother entering the place where we were put a stop my speeches and her return. The next day I presented myself armed in her presence, and would not rise off my knees till she permitted me to go myself to find out Subelta, and to be her Advocate, and that I might do some small service for her as the mark of my growing affection, which yet had greater regard to her safety than my own Love. I immediately departed, and to be the less taken notice of, took no company but my Squire, and so went strait to the Santons Country.  
I traveled without any disturbance, till being almost at my jorneyes end very early in the morning I met three men disguised with a woman behind one of them, whom I judged by her tears and lamentations to beforceably born away by those villainies. Though the number were unequal, and the danger I should incur to oppose them, were enough to deter me, yet invited by the lacrymations of the weaker sex, especially when espying me, she implored my assistance, I could do no less than resolve to aid her, though it were to the hazard of my life. Riding up to them I sought with gentle speeches to convince them of an error in which they were resolved to persist. Bruadenor (saith one of these disguished ones who had the deplorable creature behind him) thou hadst more need use thy tongue, to save thyself, than persuade us to leave this prize, thou art the only man I desired to meet, to render this friend into thy bosom (drawing out his Rapier) that thou mayest acknowledge thy error, when it is too late to repent, the gods propitious to my designs, have put thee into my hands, from which thou shalt not so soon escape. Whilst he uttered those words with a disagreeing tone I had time to draw my weapon, and his fellow-Camrades, to disburden his horse of the Subject of our strife. We reiterated our blows with forceable verberations, and with many endeavours wounded one another, at last fortune sending a gentle aura upon my devoirs, with a vigorous thrust which struck into his shoulder bone, I turned him over the crupper of his horse. Whilst his body was precipitating to the earth, one of the other whose soul possessed not the least spark of generosity, with a cowardly blow made me feel the like fortune as my opposer. Enraged at this vile usage, receiving no wound through the goodness of my armour under an upper coat, I soon recovered my legs, and with a thrust passed the other off his horse, who had got the damsel behind him, and before any of them could assail me, with a leap I ascended the horse before her, making him show the nimbleness of his heels to my opposers. He that had not lost his horse pursued me with the like velocity, till we had lost the sight of the other two. Not enduring to fly before one, I let the damsel reside the horse, and met my adversary in his carrere, where with many thrusts we sought to end the quarrel by unmortallizing one another. Whilst we pursued our advantages, the last man I had made to kiss the earth reincountred me, both using the utmost of their skill to kill me, but their fury carrying them without the guide of reason, made them disreguard all the rules of Art, and gave me many advantages to annoy them. In the mean time he that received the first fall, though wounded, had recovered his horse, and overtook us, but leaving the other two to decide the quarrel, he seized upon the damsel who stood quaking to see the event. Her screeks gave me notice of her Ravisher, and turning my head aside, I saw, notwithstanding the struggling that affrighted one maid, he had laid her before him upon his horse, and to be assured of his prey, he made a forward fugacity. The desire that possessed me to rescue the damsel out of that fugitive's talents, gave me a vigour not ordinary, so that passing and repassing my sword through one of my adversaries, I laid him on the earth to breathe his last, and the other fainting sunk from his horse. I made no stay, but pursued the abacted damsel, quickly overtaking the Ravisher, being hindered much by her striving, and the tardiness of his horse onerated with a double burden. " Stay base villain (said I) thou art not so soon escaped the hands of Justice, nor shall thy slight be able to hinder the just vengeance the heavens will inflict upon thee, by my arm, for the wrong done to this damsel. I gave him no liberty to reply, but adding more wounds to his former, I reduced him to supply the defect of his vigour with his tears, and with a confession of the injury done to the damsel to beg his life at my hands. After I had taken off his disguisement, I was a little astonished to find it was Subelta, and strait began a combat between passion and reason, whether to slay or save my Antagonist, but having before freely given him his life, it would have been incompetable with my honour to have required conditions, besides my interest stopped my mouth from speaking for Floria, yet considering what anger it might suscitate in her breast, I left him, and coming to the damsel, I desired her to make use of me to conduct her to her habitation: She told me, the eternal obligations with which I had bound her, were not to be solved with the services of a thousand lives, and seeing that I would do her the honour to conduct her home, her condition, with the desire she had to see my wounds cured, made her accept it with an immense gratitude. I replied, The service I undertook, my honour and compassion obliged me to, and that I looked for no other guerdion for my pains than the knowledge how she came into the hands of those Ravishers. After she had given me some direction which way I should take, I mounted her behind me, and whilst we went forward, she said;  
Of whom can we expect any worthy and generous actions but of those whose vigour is accompanied with valour, whose valour with honour, and whose honour with virtue? What glory is it to be strong and not valorous? what to be valorous and not honourable? and honourable and not virtuous? therefore he is truly courageous, he is truly valiant who is endued with these three. I have seen the effects of your strength, I am freed by your valour, and have tasted the goodness of your virtue, which extending to help the distressed is an act worthy of perpetual fame. But not to fill your ears with my applause, I will give you the account you desired.  
My name is Artesa, I was born in this Country, and am daughter to a Lord of a Castle not far distant, our usual abode is at a pleasant place, from whence this night I was ravished, and where by a loss I doubt I am made perpetually miserable, but when I am assured on't, my days shall terminate with its knowledge. Tears (said Bruadenor) gushing from two limpid fountains, at the remembrance of some past evenements, stopped the passage of her words, till two or three forceable suspirations had recleared the way: then proceeding. I have been (said she) so unhappy as to be loved by that unworthy one whom your valour last overcame, whose name is Subelta Lord of the Redons, if Love can be said to harbour in so Tyrannic a breast, or in one who hath dealt so cruelly not only by me that hateth him, but by a Lady who hath entirely loved him, as by his own relation I understood. This Subelta being entertained at the Castle of the Chief Lord of the Santons, his daughter, the fair Floria (so they called her at Rome, which name she hath since kept) fell in love with him. Unworthy wretch despising her Amoretta's and caresses he put her into an affliction, which produced a sickness that almost cost her her life. He hath often recounted to me the joy he should conceive at her death, that he might be rid of an importunate Suitor, and hath recited her endeavours, her caresses, and shown me her letters, which though full of passion, yet also implete with modesty. I have wondered when I saw so evidently her passion for him, that he should despise her and accost me, who am far inferior in birth and beauty, and I ever counselled him not to let her languish in despair, and forsake the substance for the shadow, using all the persuasive arguments my weak Genius was capable of. But as it is natural for us to despise what's proffered, and crave what we cannot obtain, so he left a beauty that accosted him, and sought to acquire me who despised him. For having before given my heart to another, (though a stranger, yet one whom I accounted worthy of my love) his allurements could not incite me to relinquish him, nor the illectament of preferment, to be perfidious to my pretendant. When I perceived, if his suit continued, it might put me to much trouble, and if he intended what he said, he might, gaining my father, force me to marry him. I treated him after a vigorous and rough manner, which did but suscitate his ardour of obtaining. I cannot but think (went she on) but that his passion was real, and imposed upon him by the just deities for his cruel disdain to Floria, for having recovered her sickness very lately, as she was travelling through a large wood, she was strangely conveyed away with her maid unknown to any of her company, which news so afflicted her father, that he scarce could recover strength to live. At his command the wood was throughly searched, and in their perquisition, they found some part of the body of Floria's maid, and clothes which had been the relics of the feast of some fierce animal. Thinking Floria herself had run the like fortune, they returned with part of a cacrase miserably laniated, which spectacle with the consideration of his daughter's loss, had almost suffocated his vitals, and as yet he remains in a languid condition, in consideration of her detriment. All that knew her, or had but heard of her beauty or virtues, could not but resent her disaster, and plunge themselves into the waves of a just sorrow, this wretch excepted, who told me her misfortune with the Symptoms of Joy. This caused me more than ever to hate him, seeing his inhumanity, and to show him a more severer brow.  
His haughty disposition not able to bear my deportments, He addressed himself to my father, gaining him to make me his wife, if I would consent: Assoon as I understood by my father how Subelta had dealt with him to have me, and that he began to persuade me, I had no other way but with my tears to supplicate my mother (who had a great ascendencie over my father) to frustrate the design of Subelta, and not to force me by that marriage to end my days miserable. My mother following my interests, obtained this boon at the hands of my father. The next time he importuned my father concerning it, he told him if he could gain my good will, his desires accorded with his request, but his indulgence had made him promise, not to force me to any marriage. Subelta thought himself highly affronted to be denied in that manner, yet hiding it what he could, he sought to acquire me by the great protestations of his affections. But at last his sight being as odious to me, as his company was troublesome, I let him know in very sharp terms how much I hated him, bidding him never imagine or think of obtaining me, for he should sooner bring the heavons and earth together than obtain my love, commanding him to avoid my sight. This sudden mordacity st●●ted my pretendant, rebating his love, it suscitated his passion, and with a truculent countenance he told me, that ere long I should repent of my peevishness, and be glad to accept of that honour which now I despised. In this choler he left our house, threatening what he would do, but the joy for his departure took away the regard of his threats. My Parents considering what an irritated spirit might attempt, were something troubled at his deportments, and blamed me for my temerity. I sent for him whose fidelity had attracted my heart, to make him acquainted with Subelta's deportments, and to enjoy those caresses which the company of Subelta had impedited. We met (when that silence was spread through the earth, and the bright Goddess held the chief Regency) in a little grove, into which a back door out of my Chamber opened.  
We passed the time in those sweet caresses and pleasances that are enjoyed by Lovers, and are delightful to those that are entered Love's pleasing bondage and servitude. When the night began to wear out her sables, we parted, appointing the time of our next meeting, which I believe was heard by Subetla, who I suppose might be hid in the grove, and heard our discourses, for that when he carried me away, he uttered some words which I spoke concerning him that night. My thoughts are grounded on this, because this night which is past, being the time I appointed my Confident to meet me, we had no sooner seated ourselves in the grove, but that Subelta, and the other two disguised entered upon us. I knew Subelta by his voice, who gave no time for Phineriaz, (so is he termed) to draw his weapon, but with his ready drawn, thrust it through his body. Seeing him fall with a crimson stream slowing from his wound, I gave a sudden screek, and swooned in Subelta's arms. In that condition they abrepted me, half an hour expiring e'er I came to myself again, but when I saw myself in his power whom I hated, carried away from him whom I loved, I am not able to represent the dolour of my soul, but at last breaking the bonds of my silence, " Wicked Subelta! cruel Subelta! (said I) is this the effect of your passion? is this the end of your oaths? is this the termination of your affections? is this love that useth violence? Oh heavens pity my estate, and aid me against this Ravisher! Who would have thought that this treachery could have been acted by him, whom love (as he said) had attracted to my service, whom affection had rendered a slave, and whom oaths had bound to use me with respect? Ah treachery! ah falsehood! ah deceit! let not the words of men be credited! Let not this force O Nemesis! pass without thy just resentment, let thy plagues pass upon this Ravisher. And O Vitunus inspire a new soul into that murdered creature whom Love hath exposed to this wretch's villainy. Such exclamations as these I uttered, grief making me uncapable to know what I said, nor regard the opprobrious speeches Subelta uttered. In this condition proceeded I with these Ravishers till the just heavens helped me by your hands.  
At the conclusion of these words said Brua●enor, we met certain Gentlemen who were going to seek Artesa, but our encounter put an end to their trouble, and returning together, we soon reached the place from whence she was carried, where we met her Parents almost drowned in grief for her loss. The joy they conceived at her return, gave them no leisure to consider me, till Artesa bid them welcome, the happy instrument of her deliverance, pointing to me; then turning to me, they rendered many expressions of thanks for what I had done, and immediately applied things necessary to my wounds.  
I remained with them some small time, being respected according to that great service I had done them. Phineriaz remained in that house under the Surgeon's hand, being very dangerously wounded, but they hoped he would recover it. They could not understand by him how he came so wounded, nor how he came there at that time of the night. But I explained the doubt to Artesa's father, representing the great love that was betwixt them, and so far prevailed with him, that he consented to their marriage. This Artesa took as the highest piece of service could be rendered her, and with innumerable thanks sought to express it. Phineriaz conceived no less joy at the knowledge of it, which festinated his recovery, and when I left them every thing was prepared for their Hymen. Assoon as my wounds were healed, I urged my departure, telling them the importunity of my business would admit me no delay. They sought on the other side with all the words of invitation could possibly be rendered to keep me there: And truly their affability and extaordinary Courtesy had gained so great ascendancy over me, that it had detained me longer, had not the spur of love pricked me forward, for my thoughts were on Floria, my care was for Floria, my fears were for Floria, and all my imaginations were taken up in the consideration of Floria, so that it was impossible for me to stay without incurring some inconvenience by my passion. This broke all bands, and made me force my way through their courtesies, for I knew not but Floria hearing of Subelta's return might go to effect her resolved purpose, which thought made me leave Artesa and the rest, loaded with their Courtises.  
Love lent me wings to fly, and accelerated my journey, whilst desire sent many precursary thoughts to visit Floria, and at last I arrived where long before my imganition had carried me. I soon gave an account to my Goddess of all my past evenements, which I perceived she heard with some content, although she could not but resent the Joy Subelta conceived at her death, and thereby she perceived that the unmortalizing herself before him would work no remorse in his conscience. I saw the excited passion in her breast, and conceiving whence it was suscitated, I aggravated their circumstances, knowing it made well for my interests, and the effect answered my expectations, for it shook the foundations of her Love to Subelta, and rendered me more acceptable in her sight.  
In the mean time Subelta enraged at the death of one of his companions, who was a kinsman of his, and at his evil fortune, having recovered those wounds which he received at my hands: he raised a band of men, and began to invade some places under my jurisdiction. I soon heard of his practices, and for my security began to raise some men for my defence, but he so vigorously proceeded, that he had taken many places ere I could come to oppose him, and arrogantly in the hearing of most of his followers, had vowed my utter destruction: at last with those whom I had hastily gathered together I gave him battle, and by the disfavour of fortune lost most of my men with the victory. This loss heightened the arrogancy of my enemy, who following his good success, won almost all the places of strength from me, and followed me so close, that I could hardly remuster the dispersed, and fill up the bands with more men, but at last I had gained a considerable body, and was resolved once more to try the hazard of a battle. Floria hearing what passed, though she had attenuated her passion for Subelta, sent him a very kind Letter, desiring him to desist, and not to prosecute me so vigorously when I had saved his life. Subelta sent her an answer by the same messenger (which she shown me) wherein he told her, that the joy he had conceived at his thinking her dead was converted into sorrow at the knowledge of her being alive, and that because she had mentioned, she desired no longer to live, he would become her executioner to rid himself of such a plague, & that because she had desired him to desist from injuring me, he would double his fury to annoy me & utterly to ●brute us both. I was amazed (said Bruadenor) at the impudence of this man, & it suscitated an extraordinary passion of revenge in my breast, hearing the vile speeches his Letter was farced with. But I may bless that Letter, seeing it was the cause that Floria withdrew her love from him, for it excited a generous indignation in her gentle breast, and at length caused her to see the unworthiness of the object she had loved, and to consider me in her thoughts. " Why have I loved Subelta (says Floria) with so much fervency, seeing he despises me? why have I loved him with so much verity, seeing he despises me? well I will disregard him, and shake off that love which hath caused me so much torment, seeing the gods have given me power to do it. And let me add (said I) and regard him who loves with so much passion. The smile which she sweetly made showed she was nothing displeased at my words, which gave me great content, and in my heart I pardoned Subelta all the injury I had conceived against him, seeing this opprobrity had been the cause of my felicity.  
The time that I remained in the Castle with her I improved to my best advantage, and before I returned to the camp, she assured me she had no more thoughts for Subelta, biding me to use my best endeavours to overcome my enemy, and to free myself from trouble, and if it lay in her power to pleasure me, I should not fear her performance. This transported me beyond myself, and you may be sure I rendered her thousands of thanks for her benignity, and assurances of my Loyalty, which induced her to tell me I held the place of Subelta, and that my troubles ended she would accomplish my desires. The vigour wherewith these speeches imbued my soul, carried me with an ardent desire of fight to the Camp, where convocating my troops I animated them with my speeches, begetting as great a desire of fight in them, as I retained in myself, so that not staying for some auxiliaries we rashly encountered our enemies, whose number far exceeded ours. My example made many cowards valiant, and animated those who had any spark of courage in their souls; for Love imbuing me with a kind of military Frenzy, I so much passed my common vigour, that I wondered at my own actions, and stood amazed at my own force, in every place where I went I laid rampiars of dead carcases about me, I often called Subelta by name, but could never find him, for I believe he shunned encountering me at that time. Nevertheless my valour could not gain the victory though it a long time hindered them from it, for being overpowered we were carried down with the impetuosity of their arms, and the magnanimity of my men choosing ●ather dying to light, than to she dyin, made it bloody on both sides, but at last being reduced almost to nothing, and compassed in on every side, we were fain through the utmost of our strength to force our way through the thickest of their Troops, escaping through the favour of the approaching night. I could impute the loss o● this victory to nothing but my own temerity in not staying for those approaching forces, who ignorant of our encounter, fell into their hands and were all dispersed. Seeing myself brought to this calamity, despair and shame had almost made me to destroy that life, which the force of all my enemies could not take away. Having lost the victory, I could not have the confidence to invisage Floria, which made me I would not put myself into the Castle, but sent those few which remained to secure it from the attempts of Subelta, knowing its strength to be such, that if their provision lasted, all the power of Subelta could never achieve it. I sent a Letter to my mother, and to the chief of those who were in the Castle, how they should hold it to the very uttermost against Subelta's force, whilst I went to get aid for their releasement. Subelta was forced to send for men, his loss was so considerable in our last depraeliation, before he could besiege the Castle, so that they fortified it with men, and pretty well stored it with provision before he came to besiege them. In the mean time I sought the Romans to help me against my adversary, who giving me good words, filled me with vain hopes, and made me spend my time when they intended nothing less. One who was considerable amongst them taking pity on me told me that it would be a folly to attend their succours, for that they did not intent in verity to help me, advising me if in any other place I thought I could have help, I should not lose my time in seeking help of them. Perceiving the integrity of the man, I followed his council, and regretting their proceed, I left them, being necessitated to take shipping, and repair to Africa, where I had an uncle who had great command under the Romans, he with great speed manned four good ships, both with Romans and Barbarians: giving me the conduct, I once more went to try the favour of fortune. We were no sooner engaged in the Ocean, but that impetuous storm (which cast you on the Desolate Island) severed us, and as if Fortune had swore my overthrow, with imminent danger hurried us along this vast sea. What is become of the other ships I know not, but the storm passed, we endeavoured to proceed, when meeting with the Pirate I had the honour to free you, and to engage you on my behalf.  
Having heard this narration from the Gaul (went on Euripedes) I assured him my devoirs should be to do him service, and to resettle him in his former state. He seemed very joyful of my company, and told me his hopes were increased since I had undertaken to help him, and that the gods had preordained me to be the instrument of all his happiness. Greatly contented with this Gauls company, I passed my time upon the waters, and our ship without any opposition glided over those deeps. At last we passed by the mouth of the river Ligeris, and put in upon the coasts of the Veneti, whereof Bruadenor was Lord. Here we found the ships he had spoken of arrived two or three days before us, and were in great perplexity for Bruadenor, seeing after so impetuous a storm they had so happily met, they raised a hope for their future fortunes, and with great alacrity began their enterprise.  
Whilst Bruadenor mustered his men, and gave order for his intendments, I sought a nurse for the infant Fortune had cast into my hands, that being ●id of that nursery, I might the better employ my endeavours to his help. I soon found a woman whose child was newly interred, with whom I left the child and money for her pains, I reserved a little bracelet which surrounded the child's neck, in which was a remarkable stone, hoping by that (if fortune cast me into their company) to find out the parents of the child, I gave the woman charge to call the child Marinus, which she promised to do, and to take him into the place of her own. Bruadenor having understood by his scouts that the next day Subelta resolved to give an assault to the Castle, not as yet understanding of his arrival, he desired not to lose that opportunity of assailing him in the midst of his dispute. For this end we marched all night in by-places, through the help of certain guides, so secretly that it was not known to Subelta, for those we met we took along with us, that they might not discover us. By day break we came within the sight of the Castle and of our enemies, the morning we spent in sleep to rest our wearied limbs to be the better able to perform our Devoirs, being hid from the sight of our enemies by the umbrage of a Wood  
Assoon as Subelta had begun the assault with much vigour, we attended till they had spent their chief strength against the walls, and the defendants, letting them persist till they had throughly wearied themselves; we remained spectators. But seeing a gate in danger to be lost by the continual pressure of Subelta, who was signalised from the rest, we gave a sign to our Troops, and all together like an impetuous stream came rushing upon the backs of these assailants. You may imagine whether our unexpected coming did not amaze our enemies, and give no less courage to the besieged, seeing succour arrived when they least expected it. The greatness of our slaughter augmented their amatement, and by a sudden vicissitude made them relinquish being assailants, and become defendants. Victory was already seated on our side, and we fought with the greater animosity seeing her on our side. Bruadenor performed wonders seeing the battlements of the Castle graced with his Floria, who with the rest of her sex were mounted the Tarasses to behold the performances of this help. Fear began to scare Subelta's soul, and he manifested his fear by his retreat, for being pressed on all sides they made use of their legs to save their lives. But those within the Castle issuing out, we made a general slaughter, Bruadenor seeking for Subelta, with his own hands ended his Tragedy.  
Floria having exterminated Subelta the confines her heart, found no intestine motions at the sight of his death, but giving a good reception to his conqueror, manifested the content she received by her liberty. They honoured me by taking notice of the small service I had done them, and were careful to dress some wounds which I had received in the conflict. After their mutual congratulations Bruadenor returned to give order for to sepulize the dead, and to festinate some troops who were going to reduce those places which Subelta had taken, which in short time they effected, reducing his Signiory to his pristine state. Having enjoyed some time the conversation of Floria, I considered Bruadenor had not reported amiss of her beauty, nor was the beauty of her wit less graceful than that of her face. I who till then had considered women with a constant eye, never saw attractions in any face which had power to raise commotions in my heart, (and whilst I enjoyed that happy liberty, I breathed in the air of felicity, but after Love had rendered my heart susceptable of his impressions, I found myself bound with the chains of captivity) now perceived by some instinct in nature they were made desirable to men. I had considered them as shadows, not so much as desiring, (but rather shunning) their conversation, admiring at those men, who bewitched with their attractions, gave them the encomiums of Deities. The conversation of Floria abolished those thoughts, not that I had any desire or thoughts for her more than any other, but that as praelibations they rendered my heart susceptible for greater flames, and took off the precogitated opinion of the indignity of their sex. That little tyrant of hearts was now resolved to plague me for my contumacy, and as I had accounted them as shadows, to make me love the shadows of them, and because I had disregarded beauty, beauty should cause my disregard. For one day in viewing the several rooms in the Castle which till then I had not seen, I beheld the effigies of a Lady which hung for an ornament in a very fair chamber. The painter to show the rareness of his skill, had with his art so ●ively imitated nature, that had not the frame discovered my error, I had took it for a true substance. The skilful pencil of the workman had given such lively dashes to the eyes, and so sweet a frame to the mouth, that the one seemed vivacitly to move, whilst the other attracted the eyes with a sweet subrision, her hair tied up with azure knots seemed nets to catch love-despising fouls, the structure of that beautiful face was supported with a neck whose alabaster resemblance exhibited no less suavity; but the exhibition of two fair orbs, which were but half discovered, gave more attractions than my averse humour could resist. It was very strange to me that the eyes of an inanimate portraiture should beget ●uch lively sparks in my obdurate breast, and that a shadow should show more attractions than I had observed in any substance. In my heart (I must confess) I called myself fool, for those emotions which I felt producted by those lovely and lively looks, because it was but a shadow, and it may be delineated from the fancy of some painter, to show the rarity of his Graphical art. I had lost myself in the contemplation of it, had not Bruad●nor asked me if it were not well done: seeing they took notice of my observance. I highly praised the piece according as it deserved; And taking hold on that opportunity, I told them I took great delight in good pictures, which made me take the boldness as to entreat them to let it adorn my chamber whilst I was with them. My entreaties and their grants were all one, so that it was immediately transported to my chamber. I forgot not to ask them whether it was the portraiture of any living and of whom. Bruadenor told me he had bought it of a famous Apellean, and that it was the true and lively effigies of Amenia, daughter to Lilibilis, the chief Ruler over the Austures: adding that her beauty had tempted many Romans, but her hatred to that nation would not let her condescend to marry any of them, so that as yet she remained in her Virgin state. This added fuel to my fire, and suscitated more ardent flames for the invisaging this princess. Finding a pleasant titillation in these thoughts, I began to have a more plausible opinion of the Amorous Deity, and giving scope to my thoughts, I permitted them to wander into the Wantoness labyrinth.  
At the first exhibition of an opportunity I relinquished the company of Brua●enor and Floria, that I might with more freedom contemplate the beauty of Amenia's picture. Having included myself in my chamber, I set that bewitching effigies before me, and with profound considerations beheld all its lineaments. Breaking out in the midst of my silent cogitations, " Ah beauty! (said I) is it possible to resist thy attraction? or to shut our eyes against so fair an object? Can thy venust exhibitions be seen by any, without passion for thy possession? I have been too grand an enemy against your Sovereignty; but to expiate that crime I will become as much a slave to your greatness. A desirable object! who cannot but adore those lily-intermixed Roses, which expand themselves on thy cheeks? and consider the motion of those bright twinklers in the Astrolabe of a subjected mind? which casts as great an influence on the heart of a lover as the celestial bodies do on terrene substances. Many such ejections were emitted, whilst my thoughts were extended on the object, and whilst my considerations lasted, that Amorous fire burnt my soul, and deeply insculpted the character of Amenia on my heart. Thus whilst love conquered, my liberty was o'erwhelmed, and I ran into the foulness of love, through the fairness of a picture, and so far introducted through the considerations of that effigies, that it was impossible for me to return into the state I was in, before I saw it. I lost many hours, and I spent much time in viewing and reviewing that delectable object, and I spent much time in viewing and reviewing that delectable object, and truly I made it my daily exercise whilst I was there, sometimes silently to behold it, sometimes passionately to basiate those Rubric corals which gave so many bewitching attractions, and gave me singular delight in those cold exosculations: sometimes as if I had been infatuated, I made very foolish and impertinent speeches to those surded ears, with as much care as if before the substance of that shadow. It shames me since to remember my follies, and it would shame me more to relate them, had I not undertaken to show my extravagancies that you may see the folly of these insuls Amoretta's.  
But to abbreviate the relations of these follies, I shall only tell you that my soul was so imbrued with that foolishly foolish Love as I was resolved to departed into Spain, to see the substance, of what I had seen in shadow, for having so much liked the shadow, I should much more like the substance, but most of all, could the love of that substance be acquired. The great demonstrations of Love, which was shown me by Bruadenor and Floria, and their ingeminated entreaties to have me at their Hymen was my only Remora: for the Loves of Bruadenor and Floria being come to a fair issue they contracted themselves, and resolved with all speed to celebrate their marriage. Bruadenor having sent to Floria's father to acquaint him with the welfare of his daughter, and of her great desire he should accord to her choice, the men returned with Letters from him, which testified his exceeding joy that his daughter was not only alive, but had made choice of one, who in all things surmounted his wishes, assuring them his desires corresponded with theirs, and had not his age, with fear of disturbancies amongst his people in his absence deterred him, he had personally showed the joy he conceived at the match in the place where they celebrated their Hymen; Sending to them both many, rich and costly presents, to testify the good will he bore Bruadenor. You may conceive what joyful news this was to the hearts of these two lovers, who desired nothing more than the fruition of their nuptial pleasures, which made them accelerate their Epithalamy, and that it might be more celebrious we removed to Vindana, the chief Town in his Signory. I was fain to forgo that delectable object which had entertained my eyes, and pleased my fancy, not having confidence to request its removal lest it might too perspicuously manifest my folly, and it was well reason was not utterly abandoned, considering how deeply I had precipitated myself. I left it with regret enough, and parting from it I gave it thousands of deosculations. Whilst we remained in Vindana preparing for Bruadenor and Floria's Himenean triumph, some men whom I had sent to fetch Araterus from the Desolate Island returned, but with no news of him. At first I was sensible of his loss, but Love being like the soporiferous Opium, caused so great Lethefaction, that I retained nothing in my memory, but the infarsing of Love. As Opium causeth stupifaction by the abundance of sulphureous spirits which it contains, so that agitating fire of Love, causeth oblivion through the intense operation of the faculties of the soul. I might compare myself then to a full vessel, which could not receive any thing because of its plenitude, for having imbibed the delicious draughts of the Dionean youth, it so filled my soul that I was not capable to receive any thing else; so that I could not conceive much sorrow for the loss of Araterus at that time.  
Vindana was now full of many people who were congregated, some to behold, and others to help at the nuptials, and the day being come, a great deal of pomp was shown, which was not usual with those (whom the Romans call Barbarians) before their conversation amongst them. After the Ceremonies used according to the fashion of the Romans (to whom Bruadenor was a great friend) many being present, and assistants at the Spousals, made the streets echo Tallassius. After a very sumptuous feast, wherein Bruad●nor showed his liberality, every one repaired to a place without the town where Bruadenor had caused many solemn plays to be exhibited; The Romans being expert in those sports, showed wondrous activity in their deportments, both at the races on foot and horseback, and with Chariots, and at their fight with whirlbats, and at their disgladiateing combats, at all which exercises I was expert in my youth, and therefore I appeared amongst the rest, gaining the honour of the best maintainer of the Hastick sport, and casting of the dart, for which they impaled my brows with the wreathed Palm.  
When man hath lost the freedom of his Will, by the captivity of love, how different are his actions from those, before his soul was imbued with that self-distracting fancy? Being in freedom, he hath the liberty to consider things without passion to see another look on the same beauty with himself without envy, and thought of rival-ship, to deport himself with great correspondency to all, to have consideration in his achievements, and Reason accompanying all his actions. But the seen being altered by Love, his precipitating affection suscitates such passion, that he is not able to consider things as they are, nor see another view that object in which Love interests him without envy, passion, and trouble; making him deport himself with great incongruity to others, and to fling himself inconsiderately into dangerous precipies, banishing Reason from all his actions. In the one state he is a Prince, in the other a slave, in the one he rules his affections, and masters his passions, in the other his affections guides him, and his passion subdues him, being carried down the violent stream of his desires full of blindness. I speak this (went he on) because I had (before my lovefollies) judged those whose Amours had carried them into the like extravagances, and now I judge myself to be most egregiously foolish in many unadvised actions. But this happened (which I am about to tell you) which manifested my folly. A little before night there came into the place where these shows were exhibited, a Roman Captain, who had caused Amenia's picture to be painted on his Buckler. Assoon as I had cast my eye upon it, I knew the portraiture, by the resemblance it had to that which I had seen in Bruadenors' Castle. Love filled me with jealousies, and jealousies with envy, so that I found a great combustion within me at the sight of this simulacre. I immediately took him for my Rival, and that s●in'd up a desire of obtaining that shield, wherein I thought I might greatly content myself in having that precious object always with me. These cogitations suscitated a desire of g●tting, but considered not the danger of achieving: But Love that animates the heart to any bold action, made me resolve to attack him, and how dear so ever it cost me to obtain it. Whilst I entertained many projects for the obtaining of my desire, I perceived him to leave the company, and to ride away, marking the way he road, I abruptly left Bruadenor, and taking one of his Coursers followed him with speed. Assoon as I had overtaken him, I asked him whether that beauty was exposed to sale, seeing he so openly exhibited it to vulgar eyes. This Quirinan suddenly answered, that the purchase was the last drop of blood that could be extracted from the desirer. I replied that so exquisite a beauty deserved no less, however I told him, if he would give it me as a gift, I would gratify him with all the power I was able, if not, I was resolved to expose my life for the obtaining of it, and that I had purposely followed him for that end. I am not (replied he) unwilling to hazard my life in the defence of this effigies, and shall more willingly sacrifice it, than cede to your unjust pretensions. Our swords were immediately unsheathed, and our words were turned to blows, his in the just defence of his own; mine in the unjust prosecuting my desires, I sought by offending illegally to take away his right, he sought by defending legally to keep his own; he shown valour by defending, I cowardice by attempting. It shamed me to think that I, who should (following the precepts of virtue) have spent the utmost of my vigour in maintaining Legality, should (following the dictates of vice) spend the utmost of my strength in performing an illegal action. This consideration somewhat rebated the edge of my fury, with his exposing that effigies against the edge of my sword, which like a Medusa's head stiffened my arm; so that I had not power to hurt my adversary for fear of impairing, or hurting that Image; such absurd ceremonies had that infatuating Love imposed upon me, as to observe so much reverence to a shadow, to the imminent danger of my life.  
We were but in the praeludium of our combat, when there arrived a Gaul, whole valour against the Romans was well known. This Gaul had received some disgrace by me in the exercises that day, which it seems had stirred up a revenge, and for that cause he had watched my actions for an opportunity of effecting it. He took notice of my departure, and therefore followed me, but finding me already engaged, he harboured not so much of the Coward, as to help my adversary, nor yet could his eager revenge be content another should punish me. Coming near us he drew his sword, and directing his speech to my adversary, Remit this combat (said he) and be a Spectator a while, and you shall see your enemy punished without your pains, for your pretensions nor desires can be so great as mine to fight this opposer. Whatsoever your pretensions or desires are (replied the Roman) I think myself able to afflict a punishment on him as yourself, nor will I be so much a Coward to leave a combat begun, and see another finish it, if I have the fortune to slay him, you may be satisfied, if he kills me you may then encounter him. The Gauls hatred to the Romans was the cause he was so extraordinary moved, for very furiously both with words and blows he replied, Seeing with a fair remittance you will not give me leave to fight another, being both enemies a like to me, I will attack you both. The thunder of his blows took away the sound of the rest of his words, and engaged us both to a discreet defence against so sudden an assault, for sometimes he spent his vigour on the Roman, and sometimes I sustained the fury of his strooks. I unwilling to give over my first combatant, sometimes gave him many reiterated strooks, and sometimes to oppose the Gauls fury, I was fain to deal my blows upon him. The Roman sometimes opposed the Gaul, and sometimes requited me with the like I gave. In this confused strife each had two adversaries, and peril attended our promiscuous encounter, for the rules of art could not be displayed in that confusion. We had all of us received some wounds, and were very hot in receiving and giving of more, when Bruadenor arrived with three or four Gentlemen with him, who having miss me, and by enquiry understood of my departure, imagined some duel, and being very careful of my welfare, he came himself to seek me: As he arrived, I had dismounted the Roman, and seizing on his buckler, I rend it from his arm: having the possession of it, I affresh opposed the Gaul, but Bruadenor's arrival put a period to our triple encounter. The night's sable mantles beginning to display themselves, caused us to retreat, and leave my Contenders there, having first understood of the Gaul wherein I had offended him; I showed Bruadenor the cause and manner of our sight, yet so that he understood not the great affection I bore to Amenia, or of my folly in getting the shield.  
My noble entertainer as soon as we were returned had regard to my wounds which were inconsiderable, and could not detian me from exercising myself in those masks which were performed that night, and which deterred Bruadenor those wished pleasures till almost morning, but the better part of the next day made him amends for the night's injury. These nuptial joys being finished, and Bruadenor about to return to his Castle with his Floria, I renewed my suit for my departure, desiring him not to deter me any longer with his entreaties. The regret he shown for my departure manifested the love he bore me, but seeing it was impossible to keep me any longer, he was constrained to submit to this severation. He supplied my want of a Horse with one of the best he had: and for my better defence made me cloth myself with some of his surest harness. I had a thousand Eulogies bestowed upon me by this kind friend and his fair bride, who distilled some pearly tears at my departure. After I had left them, I directed my course towards Spain; Amenia's beauty having the Magnetic virtue of attraction, for she was the Polestar to which I turned. It was now the midst of Summer, and Titan's Aethon gave his greatest ardout, so that I much frequented the shades, and made my journey through the thickest woods, being glad of the benefit of the shadow-casting trees. I had passed two days in my journey without any adventure, but the third being entered a wood, whose umbrage gave some refrigeration, I slackened my pace, and seeing a fair tree, whose branches being spread with broad leaves, and so thick that it denied entrance to Phoebus, made an opacous dormitory on the verdant grass; Being invited by some desire of rest, I descended my horse, and tying him to a shrub, gave him the liberty to crop the grass, whilst sleepy Somnus cast me into a repose. I had not slept long under those cooling shades, but the sudden neighing of my horse awaked me, doing me a greater pleasure than that of Dariu's did him when he was chosen King, for I found the naked sword of my irritated Roman ready to light upon my undefended head. Fear of so sudden danger made me forget my wont ceremonies, for I was forced to take my adored buckler, and hid my head which sustained the blow, that else had perpetrated my life. I gave him no time to strike a second, but rising with that agility which my present danger required, I immediately drew for my defence. " Coward (said I) unworthy the name of a Roman, I had not thought thy degenerated soul would have done so base an action, but thy pusillanimous heart feared to see me waking. He answered not but with his blows, whilst I gave him more than he desired, my extreme anger at the baseness of his action made me do my best to kill him: his skill had not saved his life, nor had my passion spared it, had he not (being brought to the last exigent) begged it with many words. I was ever apt to forgive, and letting him rise, I told him the consequencies of such treacherous actions were always contempt, infamy, scorn, disregard, and revenge both from gods and men, on such as use them. He told me how persevering he had been in watching for such an opportunity, having vowed to sacrifice my life to his just resentments, but he than swore ne'er to seek my hurt any more, forgiving the injury I had done him in taking away his shield, being I had spared his life.  
This evenement being past, I prosecuted my journey, and at last without any other adventure worth our observance, I drew near Spain. I presently heard of the war that was made against the Austurians, Cantabrians and Gallicians which made me hasten my journey, desiring to help them for Amenia's sake. For a more speedy passage, I cast myself into the arms of the sea, and with prosperous gales arrived amongst the Austures. I hasted to Austurica hoping to gain a sight of that fair one whose▪ shadow had already made me her captive. Enquiring for Lilibilis I understood he was then in Austurica, intending with all speed to appear at the Randezvouze with some auxiliary troops that he had raised. This Lilibilis was a valiant person, and honest enough, only he loved to rob, and spoil his Neighbours with war, which was the general fault of those Lusitanians, but now joined together against the Romans. I resolved to prosecute my intendments, and as soon as I came to Austurica I enquired for Lilibilis, and being brought before him, " I told him the great desire I had to do him service in those wars had brought me to Austurica; and how that I accounted it as great a glory to oppose the rising power of the Romans, as I should have accounted it a shame for me to have opposed them in the defence of their just liberties. I said I was a stranger, and interested in neither Nation, only a desire of glory and honour made me so voluntarily offer him my service; I bid him reward me according to my deserts, and make me happy by regarding me as his servant. And showing him the Shield with his daughter's portraiture, " I further told him, the impudence of a Roman Captain his enemy in bearing that portraiture, had caused me to make him surrender it for the saveguard of his life, that I might pre●ent it to the Princess his daughter, avowing none worthy the glory of carrying her effigies without her leave. Lilibilis received me with great kindness and civility, and told me, he gathered a happy Augury, and hoped the gods would be propitious to his Armies, since they had sent strangers to own his Cause, which was for the liberty of his Country against the pride of a potent enemy. And that he should endeavour for encouragement to others to reanswer such merits. Many other generous words he uttered which shown that ability which accompanied his Lordship, but at last that which I most looked for and desired he told me, " that immediately I should go and present the shield to his daughter, which he knew would be welcome in regard of her great hatred to the Romans. Immediately a maid of hers, who of all others was most dear to Amenia, gave her notice of my arrival, and of the passages betwixt Lilibilis and I; and set me out extraordinarily more than I deserved, that Amenia prepared herself to give me a good reception. What I shall tell you (says Euripides) concerning Amenia, of those things which were done unknown to me then, she afterwards related to me when the bonds of Hymen had bound us together, however I relate it now, which otherwise would make the story lame. Many beauties desire to captivate, although they intent no favours to their slaves, and 'tis a general humour in women to desire to be esteemed, and to see others lives depend upon their wills, that they may tyrannize over their captivated hearts; and the more a man is esteemed the more they desire to have him subject to themselves. Amenia was not altogether free from this vainglorious humour, for, consulting with her glass, she sought to illustrate those attractions, which without any adornments were able to captivate, and least of all had she needed it for me, who was before captivated by the dim lustre of her shadow. Whilst Lilibilis conducted me into a garden wherein were many arbours, Amenia following, conveyed herself into one of those shadowy places, and viewing me through the leaves considered my dimensions. Those small attractions (which age now hath consumed) that then accompanied me, made her spend some time in that umbratick intuition. Love who is most commonly in a swift motion found an entrance through those verdant windows, and taking possession of those open gates which give entrance to the heart, he soon descended into the more  parts of that fair structure. For the eyes being the chief advantages of Cythera's son, he there makes his occult entrance, and having gained the Fort afterwards plays the tyrant. This Quiver-bearing god having wounded us both with his golden dart, made very much for my advantage, for if I seemed any thing handsome, he presently exihibited it through a multiplying glass, and made the least molehill of parts swell to a mountain of perfection. So that whatsoever my actions were, in her eyes they were altogether complete. After some time she left the Arbour, and being sent for by Lilibilis she approached us. We know some little grace in a face otherwise not very taking, gives some attractions according to the smallness of its measure, but a face beautified with due symmetry, colour, and lively eye, is a far greater charm, and gives more vigorous attractions: But what unutterable delight is there in beholding a face, wherein nature with a prodigal hand hath bestowed thousands of fascinating attractions? and to show her curious skill depainted those flourishing colours that 'tis impossible for art to imitate. If I found such attractions in her inanimate effigies, you cannot but conceive me ravished from myself at her sight, that passed her shadow by thousands of degrees.  
You are not able to conceive, nor I to utter, the ravishing content I took in beholding that approaching glory: my eyes steadfastly fixing themselves on her, gave the victory to the blushing roses in her cheeks. The suscitation of that incomparable vermilion added new lustre to her former splendour. Not forgetting myself I did her reverence, and setting one knee to the ground. " Madam (said I) I have taken the boldness to present you your own shadow, having rescued it out of the hands of an unworthy Roman. I did not think it fit an enemy should carry it as a trophy of his victory, though I believe himself was subject to the image. Had he had your consent for the favour, I should have accounted it a sacrilege to have robbed him; but knowing the contrary by himself, I thought it your right and not his. I therefore humbly lay it at your feet, and implore your pardon for this presumption. I ended with a profound reverence, when she replied, extending her hand to raise me up. " Sir, the Romans, who seek to usurp our Liberties, and hope to subject us to the yoke of servitude, are so odious in my eyes, that I account the taking away this shield no small obligement, and shall accept of it with thanks. Here Lilibilis told Amenia that she should do better to return it me for my defence, since I intended to serve him in the Wars against her enemies, and that it was great reason since I had won it so fairly, that I should wear it by her favour and permission, under the notion of her champion. These favourable words ravished me; Ame●ia blushing, and looking on her father, said, Sir, since 'tis your command I must obey: turning to me, To you Sir is this due, both by your own valour and my gift. I received it with that joy cannot be expressed, kissing her fair hand, which injected new flames into my breast, I risen up with a satisfaction as ample as my wishes. We returned into his Palace, my eyes following the attraction of Amenia, and feeding, nay almost surfeiting on that delicious object. My content was but short, for the next day we departed with those new Auxiliaries, hearing that Caesar approached the body of our Army. Amenia gave a pleasing mine all the time I was in her presence. She might have read by sad deportments with what regret I left her company, and she found herself touched with no ordinary pensiveness at my departure. Lilibilis assigned me a command in those new raised forces, trusting much to my fidelity. There was to have been a general Rendezvouse of the Austures, Gallicians and Cantabrians, but Augustus who came himself into Spain to make a final conquest of that country which had cost Rome so much blood and treasure, had divided his Army, and sent part against the Catabrians, and part against the Gallicians, and the other remained to oppose us. Lilibilis being a good Captain, performed every thing requisite thereto. I shall not (proceeds Euripides) relate the circumstances and encounters in this War, but give you a brief relation of the success as far as it appertains to this relation concerning myself. The War was vigorusly followed on both sides, and Caesar found it full of trouble and difficulty, and his opposers resolute men, fight for that Liberty which as yet they had not lost. The Cantabrians and Gallicians on each side of us, did many brave exploits, which animated our Austures to exhibit the like valour. When Caesar had the better, those impregnable bulworks framed by nature hindered his pursuit, for our men acquainted with the ways, could enter those precipices without danger, where if the Romans sought to follow, they were either taken in some ambushment, or swallowed alive into unreturnable Caverns. We had divers conflicts with Caesar, where to get a fame I oft times ran most imminent danger, and received many smarting wounds. However I gained that I sought for, and I was known to both the Camps. Lilibilis daily professing new testimonies of his Love for the services I did him. The shield whereon Amenia was portrayed I still carried as an Ensign of glory. I had caused a fine thin plate, which stood hollow from the shield, and cut all over in fine works, to be nailed on it, which saved it from the swords of the Romans, and yet exhibited her effigies through the gravings. Oft times when any small truce was betwixt us, Love and vain glory caused me to challenge the Romans, and to perform many a single duel against some of their chiefest Champions. Lilibilis sought to hinder this, professing that in my loss he should find his overthrew, but his repression caused a greater pugnacity. One man's strength is nothing to the overthrow of an army, but by his example so great animosity may be kindled in the breasts of his followers, that they may subdue, when otherwise without that exemplary courage they might have proved the miserable fortune of losing the victory. I will not glory in my own actions, but the desire that I had that my fame might resound in Amenia's ears, caused me with so great animosity to break into the troops of my enemies, that giving life and courage to the Austures, I oft times enforced them to a victory, and by my example gave puissance to their arms. It was a reasonable encounter, when choosing out a hundred of the chiefest of Lilibilis' Camp, we attacked a thousand of the Romans well appointed, and put them to a shameful flight; which extremely irritated Caesar to see his Eagles fly backwards, but neither his anger nor endeavours could recover the loss, nor save his men from a miserable slaughter. These actions of mine carried on with prosperous successes, rendered me another Hannibal amongst the Austu●es, Lilibilis giving me more Encomiums than my modesty could receive. That speedy Herald Fame still echoed my actions in Amenia's ears, and an action was no sooner done in the field than known in Austurica. I shall let pass the honour I received from Lilibilis, the Love from the rest of the commanders, the encomiums of the soldiers, and the general applauses from all the Iberians, and tell you, Winter being far entered, and Caes●r having withdrawn his Troops, falling at that instant sick, as we thought for his ill success, we returned to Austurica, where under triumphal arches they made me enter the City, seeking for new honours to express their gratitude.  
Amenia carried the sure testimonies of joy for my return in her countenance, and with a very pleasing language gave me thanks for my services; my content was unexpressable at the reinvisaging those lamps which had kindled the ardours in my soul, and the kissing those fair hands infused new vigour into all my limbs. I did believe my actions could not be so lively represented to her ears, as to beget that affection, which was possible for the intuition of them to have done. This suscitated a desire to she● some feats of activity in her sight, that her eyes might be witnesses of my strength and agility. The next day I told Lilibilis that it would not be amiss to exhibit some public rejoicings for our good successes, thereby manifestin● to the world the little fear we had of the Romans. He was very well pleased with the motion, and referred the ordering of it to myself. I immediately caused every thing to be prepared against a time which I had prefixed, and published a running a Tilt in the City. Whilst every thing was preparing for these sports, I gave continual assaults to that specious fort with my eyes, not daring as yet to come so near as to prove its strength with the engine of my tongue, for fear of a repulse, and losing that ground I had gained, not knowing the desire my amiable enemy had for an assault, that the Fort might be rendered with honour. Those favours she showed me were with so great discretion, that I could not distinguish whether she favoured me as a Lover, or for those services I had done her father, for those shots which went from my eyes, could not but declare me an amorous foe. Neither could I perceive that she manifested any more signs of Love than Clotuthe Lilibilis' wife, who was a young Lady, and married to him since the death of Amenia's mother, and indeed too young for his years. My designs being nothing but what were truly honourable, I resolved after those public pastimes to exhibit my passion with a more apert language than that of the eyes. Euripides was about to proceed, not minding the stealing away of the time, when one whose misfortunes had made a companion to him in his solitary life, came into the Grove to look him, but unexpectedly finding a Cavalier with him in discourse, was about to return, had not Euripedes espying him desired him not to descede. " I could not imagine (said he being come near Euripedes) what should detain you longer than your usual muse, the consideration that you were yet fasting, and the afternoon far entered made me come to seek you, not thinking fortune would have brought me so abruptly to trouble your discourse with this Cavalier. I believe (said Euripedes) that you have done him a pleasure, for I lacked a remembrancer being entered into the discourse of my life (which you are acquainted with) and truly not denoting the elaption of the time, I might have entertained him yet longer with it, and it may be to the trial of his patience. I beseech you, said Argelois, think not that I am weary of your discourse, for if you studied to do me the greatest injury in the world, you could not find a greater than to debar me of the content I receive in the audition of your fortunes; for my diligent harkening to the relation of your life, gave me no time to reflect on my own miseries, and I did not think another's relation could have eased my passion. I should importune you to continue your story at this time, did not the remembrance of your fasting rather cause me to desire you to forbear, till a fit opportunity, wherein you may better continue your discourse. Euripedes following his advice, having prevailed with Argelois to accompany them, returned all three through those pleasant shades to his grott.    

ELIANA.  
BOOK the second.  
THey had not walked very many paces in that delectable place, before they came to a rock, where that little rivulet which ran through the grove had its Original. The rock was of a hard stone, and the top and sides covered with moss, round about it grew very high trees, which gave a great umbra●e, and made the place seem with so great solitude, as if it had been the habitation of silence. The declivity of the rock made an entrance, like to the mouth of a great cave, and so dark that it would have feared one ignorant of the place to have entered it.  
Being at the end of that obscure entrance there was no further way to be perceived, still euripides slideing away a stone pulled at a line which rung a bell within a cave, but so far that the sound came not to their ears without, which gave notice to them within to give them entrance. By and by some stones being taken away, which on the inside might ve●y artificially and easily be slid by, gave them an entrance into a large entry, which admitted light through certain artificial holes at the top of the rock, that entry introduced them into several rooms, having the light admitted after the same manner; here it was that nature and art strove which should excel in the illustration of this Cryptoporticus. Nature provided the rooms, and had suffulted the roof of the rock with admirable obdurate pillars, which divided the Chambers of this curious Cavern: But art had so embellished the more rude workmanship of nature, that it made it surpass many palaces. Argelois little thought so tenebrous an entrance would have conducted him into so fair dormitories, but having past two or three, they went into a very fair Chamber, where Euripedes desiring his guest to sit down, bid him welcome with very many hearty expressions. Whilst the curiousness of the place had attracted many praises from the mouth of Argelois, Euripedes servants brought in their dinner, which could not be great, by reason of their solitary living, however it was more cleanly and neatly cooked, than costly or superfluously prepared. Dinner being ended, euripides to satisfy the curiosity of his guest, shown him all the secrets of that admirable Cave, which was so secretly contrived, that all the searching in the world could never find it, and its strength sufficient for to secure them against all attempters, having but one entrance, and that so secure and undiscernible, that the rock itself might as soon be beaten down, as that broke open; and if any chanced to look down those holes which admitted the light, they could discover nothing but a prfound darkness, for those light-intromissories were so artificially placed, that the light sent in by the one, could discover nothing to them that should introspect the other, and when the want of Phoebus made them light Tapers, the drawing of artificial windows before those holes, still impeded the discovery. The curiousness of the place, with the conveniencies, for solitude and contemplation had already made Argelois in love with it, but his prepossessed love to Eliana denied him life but in her presence, and took off those desires which else he might have had eternally to have enclosed himself in it. Having seen every thing that belongs to that nature-built, and art helped Structure, they reentered the place where they dined, and seating themselves upon a Couch at Argeloi's request, euripides prosecuted his Discourse, thus.  

The Continuation of the HISTORY OF EURIPEDES.  
THE day being come wherein I was resolved to exercise the Trojan sports, I gave order for the erecting of certain Scaffolds in the Catadrome, for the benefit of the noblest Spectators. Every thing being prepared, Lilibilis and Clotuthe, with Amenia mounted one of the Scaffolds, and seated themselves under a Canopy purposely erected for them, on the other Scaffolds were seated the chief men in the Signiory under Lilibilis, who held the place of a great Prince. Austerica being almost emptied, old, young, rich and poor, men, women, and the youth, filled up the outsides of the lists, all desiring to see these sports that were not usual amongst them. I had chosen out a hundred of the ablest, and best accomplished men in Lilibili's Army, and dividing them to fifty on a side, we resolved to exhibit the form of a battle, having armour from the head to the foot, with blunted spears, and rebated swords. Assoon as the Spectators had seated themselves, and one by Lilibili's order proclaimed silence to stop the murmur of the people, we entered the lists, each company at several gates, having scarves on our arms of several colours to distinguish one from the other, when that we should close together. The Captain of the adverse party was one whose valour had rendered the strongest and ablest in Lilibili's Army, in the eyes of all others, and had given notable proofs of it against the Romans. Being placed ready for our first course, the Trumpets gave us the signal to charge. The place being spacious, we met with a most violent shock, and the noise that the breaking of the staves, with the rattling of the armour made, seemed an exact Counterfeit of great Jove's tonation. Almost half of each party kissed the earth at this career; it fortuned that I gained the better of my adversary the other Captain, by unhorsing him, although in truth his encounter was so considerable, that I lacked but little of the same fortune. I immediately cast my eyes upon the fair Amenia to fetch new vigour, and seeing she observed my actions, it inflamed me to my advantage, and the secret operation of her beauty, now illustrated with a mighty splendour, so elevated my spirits, that if all the company had been to encounter me with sharp weapons, they seemed too small in my eyes to raise myself any glory by their conquest, before one so superexcelling in beauty. Those that were dismounted soon gained their horses, and drawing our rebated weapons, we furiously assaulted each other, glory causing us as if we had been mortal enemies to endeavour each others overthrow. The first charge was with so much animosity, that many felt shrewd brushes, though they were not cut because of the hebetude of our weapons. My greatest ambition was to gain a gracious aspect from Amenia, for I cared not if all Spectators had been absent besides herself, and that ambition was enough to induce me to actions truly glorious; those that never had a Mistress, can never tell what it is to perform any thing in her sight, the intuition of parents, kindred, or friends contributes great animosity to a Combatant, but the eyes of a Mistress makes him do wonders; I confess she made me glorous by contributing vigour for the performance of those actions, which had else been impossible for me to achieve. Our encounter was in jest, and friends and brothers opposed each other, but when that every one was throughly heated, the desire of glory made them forget the remembrance of friends; and the animosity and great vigour wherewith they prosecuted each other, exhibited them as mortal foes, and had they not had obtused swords, I think all had died in the encounter; I was sorry I had begun it when I saw with what vigour they prosecuted it, and yet myself gave them example, but at last the blue scarves, (which was the signal of my men) had gained the better, most of the yellow, our opposers, being humbled on the ground with bruises as bad as wounds which enter the flesh. At last we perfected our Conquest, and had the glory of the victory accompanied with great shouts and complaudings of the people. Lilibilis took great content in our performances, and applauded those that had done well. My actions which were particularised by Amenia, wrought as I could desire on so gentle a soul, and the means did not frustrate my hopes, I cannot say it begot, but it augmented those flames she cherished for my sake, and preserved those inclinations she had to me from all thoughts of a future change. Clotuthe in the time of our sportive combat (as Amenia afterwards told me) denoting my actions with a partial eye, passed extraordinary praises in my behalf, the which did but the more sufflate her flames to whom she uttered them, she accounting them but as due to my merits, perceived not the others inclinations in the uttering them, nor could she have been justificable, if she had had any thoughts of her, that had such ties to the contrary.  
Lilibilis, the Ladies, the Captains, and generally all the people expressed the great content and pleasure they had taken in this exhibition, by their applauses, shouts, joy, and praises, extolling those that had signalised themselves by their notified actions, even to the very skies. After the maintainers of this sport were departed with knocks, falls, bruises, some lame, most receiving some hurt or other, I went to Lilibilis, where I received precomiums befitting his accomplishments not my merits, But when I understood the content Amenia had taken in the sight of these small performances, ordained purposely for her sake, I sought to continue them, and therefore begged Lilibilis to authorise those sports a day or two more with his presence. I found him not difficult in granting a thing he desired, which made him give notice of their continuance. The next day the place being filled as the day before, I entered the lists, armed with a flame coloured armour, the lower part seemed like glowing coals, whose flames compassed my whole body, and many rich stones artificially placed seemed the sparks which proceed from the fire, my Cask was covered with a plume of feathers arising like smoke out of those flames, and falling in curls very near the colour of smoke, made the flames seem more to the life. At a distance they thought a flame of fire had entered the place, but managing my courser to the upper end of the lists, I did obesance to Lilibilis and the Ladies, placing myself ready to receive those who would oppose me. I had ordered this single running with spears, that those whose actions were worthy that glory might the better be denoted by Amenia and all the rest of the spectators. There was some distance of time after I was entered the lists before any presented themselves, which I employed in the intuition of Amenia, who seemed like fair Cinthia● amongst the lesser lights, I left no part of those exhibited perfections free from a contemplation, which would have lasted much longer, had not the trumpets given notice of one who entering the lists awaited my coming. At the second encounter I laid a foundation to my glory by his fall. I will pass over the particular actions of that day, as not much to the purpose, and only tell you, the gods graciously favouring me with the helping vigour infused into my soul, by the beauty and sight of Amenia, so far enabled me that I erected a trophy of glory to myself by the fall of all those who encountered me that day. The next day was to be employed in the same exercises, which gave a great content to the spectators, and raised my glory with thousands of applauses, but I must truly tell you I affected none but those of Amenia, which were as many and as great as could be expected from one of her quality, and great modesty. But Clotuthe gave me such encomiums, doing me so great favours, that I blushed, and partly repent that I had done any thing whereby they might have any cause to attribute that to me, which I knew my merits did not deserve. Clotuthe studied occasions to hold me in discourse, gave me a very pleasing mine, put forth many ambiguous and acquaint expressions, passed many amiable looks upon me, and sought all occasions of doing me any pleasure, more than ever I perceived her to do before, but my opinion of her great virtue made me pass favourable interpretations on all her actions, and thought those unusual favours proceeded from the content she received in the sports exhibited by my means.  
That night (as I understood afterwards from Amenia herself) when that every one was retired to their rest, A●enia whose fire augmented by my performances, was now come to so great height, that she thought she should have been consumed with its ardour, and fetching a sigh said within herself. ‛ Ah Euripedes, what need so many testimonies of thy valour be exhibited, unless thy design be to captivate all those, & render them thy slaves that shall behold thy actions? thy features and virtues are sufficient, you need not have demonstrated your valour to have completed your conquest.  
‛ euripides looking upon Argelois, I would willingly (said he with a different tone) omit these or any other passages, where speaking of myself I might seem vainglorious by the relation, could I persuade myself that I might be faithful in the progression, or you pleased with the omission. And truly it is so much against my humour, that I find more averseness in the recounting any such passage, than I should by permitting it to remain in silence. Besides I fear Lonoxia would accuse me of infidelity, being well acquainted with my relation, if I should omit any thing, and make me a transgressor of my promise, if I fail of an entire relation, at least of what I can remember; and if any other besides myself could give you the narration of my life, I should have remitted it to them, being a thing contrary to all that have any thing of pudor or virtue in them, to relate any action or performance of glory, or magnanimity of themselves; and very difficult to perform it without a seeming elation in the eyes of others. I beseech you (replied Argelois) omit not any thing for these considerations, your modesty too much hides those actions which conduce to your glory, which is much eclipsed by your own relation, but I pray you to proceed, and be not interrupted any more with these thoughts, for I take extreme delight in hearing the passages of your Amoretta's, and were it not for the trouble I put you to in the relation, I should not care how long you entertained me with this discourse. I account it no trouble (answered Euripedes) but I find a great content in that I think you take any pleasure in the recital of my fortunes; I am more prolix in the relation of these first Amoretta's in that they were my more fortunate adventures, and in which I found great delight, than I intent to be in those which were the cause of my miseries; but to leave this digression, I will proceed with what brevity I may, not doing injury to my story.  
Those words which had not passage through her lips, were accompanied with many suspirations, which made Melanthe (one that attended her, and whom Amenia loved extremely) who lay in a pallet in the chamber, think that she had not been well, and therefore rising out of her bed, took a taper which burned upon a side Table, and approached her bed side. Her sudden coming surprised her in her tears, and suscitated through a feminine pudor, a blush which adorned those cheeks on which those little rivulets had found a passage, from the clear fountains of her eyes: And being unwilling to be taken notice of, (though it were by her that she trusted with all her secrets) in an action that she judged criminal, she hide her face with the corner of the sheet, and gave Melanthe leave to think it might be to avoid the annoyance of the light of the Taper. But Melanthe being sensible of that grief which she saw appear through her mistress' eyes, and heard, by those ardent suspirations, which in abundance proceeded from a most inward trouble, she fell upon her knees by her bed side, and began with the most mollifying and attracting expressions, to draw from her the cause of her dolour. She seeing her still answer her but with silence, and a few sobs, which were not recalmed since their first suscitation, ‛ Madam (went she on) your silence to my implorations makes me think that I am criminal, and seems to accuse me to have committed some unknown offence, which may have suscitated these tears, and been the cause of this pregravation. Madam, if it be so, if I have offended, though I am not conscious to the least known or wilful offence, let me but know wherein, and you shall see me exact a most just and vigorous punishment from myself, for the least offence that may have any ways disturbed your repose, if you will not let me know wherein I have offended, I will punish my self at all adventures in that I am not able to see these tears, and think myself the cause, without a resentment that punisheth my soul with unutterable afflictions. Whilst she stopped to wipe away some tears from her eyes, which her Ladies had begot, Amenia discovering her face, ‛ Melanthe (said she) thou hast no ways offended me, nor art thou guilty of these tears, unless it be in telling me thou wilt inflict a punishment upon thyself, not considering that in so doing thou wouldst afflict me, speak no more of thy offeding, those tears proceed from a fare different cause. Madam (replied Melanthe truly afflicted for her Mistress) if I have not offended, as I ought to believe since you have spoken it, why seem you to accuse me of infidelity, in making me so great a stranger to your thoughts? since you have formerly honoured me by communicating them to me; this argues that my disloyalty, hath caused you to lessen your affections, and withdraw those favours you have honoured me with, in denying me the knowledge of an affliction, either out of a thought of distrust, or that you now begin to hid yourself from me. I prosess, Madam, I desire not to know the least of your mind out of any curiosity, but out of a desire I have, and that I think myself capable, to serve you, which when I shall cease to be, I shall not desire to be acquainted with them; But let not any thought of my infidelity withhold you from making me the depositary of your secrets, for if all the oaths and vows that may be made, can oblige you to believe me, you shall have them, if you say you dare trust me, why do you withhold this from me? if you dare not, why do you suffer me so near you? no no banish this wretch from your presence, since you dare not trust her, and take one whose fidelity may oblige you to do them that honour, since mine cannot, and though the god's destiny that I shall not live in your service, they shall know they gave me not life without courage to sacrifice it to you, which shall expiate those crimes, which deterred me the happiness of being your confident. Amenia conjured by this manifest testimony of her affection, and by those tears which she shed in abundance, but especially by that love which she always bore her, could not refrain laying aside the punctillioes of a Mistress, and clasping her arms about her neck, ‛ No, no Melanthe (said she) it is not any distrust of thy fidelity, nor the lessening that affection which I ever have born thee, and shall still continue, that makes me thus unwilling to discover myself to thee, it is pudicity that aught to accompany such as I am, and these tears are to delave a crime I can neither own, nor clear myself of; and a passion which I am not able to decusse, nor would willingly entertain. After a little respite, thou shalt see (went she on) what confifidence I repose in thy fideliiy, and how entirely I love thee, in laying open my weakness, my frailty, and my infirmities to thee, and confess that which pudicity makes me so lougth to own. I put more than my life into thy hands, I commit to thee my honour and my reputation, and tell thee that which I cannot think on, without the imputation of a crime. Set away that candle Melanthe that will discover those blushes which will be essential to my discourse. Melanthe obeying her, I cannot (continued she) find words apt to tell thee my egritude, and thou canst not think with what reluctancy I am forced to acknowledge that which I cannot disown. Thou hast been acquainted with all the actions of my life thou hast known how far both the Romans and Iberians have sought to intrude upon my liberty, and thou hast known with what constancy I have kept it, when others have yielded to those disquisitors. But that which with so much care I have hitherto preserved, is now insensibly lost; and yielded to this stranger without seeking, which I have obstinately denied all suitors. Dost not thou wonder Melanthe to hear me confess this? and canst thou blame me for being so loath to utter it? I have suppressed it long enough, but through its depression it hath raised its flames; I have found the disturbance of my former repose ever since the first sight of this stranger, but I thought my former constancy might have been able to extinguish them. It is not the loss of a repose dearer to me than my life, that can give me so much cause of trouble, as the crime I commit in loving one who it may be hath not the least inclination for me. O foolish! O simple and weak Amenia, hast thou confessed thyself in love? couldst not thou have died with a resentment so powerful, and have manifested by thy wont constancy, that thou hadst been able to have conquered all things, and made that tyrant god to have confessed he had killed thee, but not conquered thee? but that thou must with the follies of thy tongue confess those of thy heart. O thief! to rob me of a liberty so dear and precious to me: O tyrant! to torment me worse than with the pangs of death, in making me confess I love, and with a passion uncurable but by death. What sayest thou, Melanthe, I have told thee my disease? know'st thou any cure for the Idalian fire? dost not thou reprehend me? dost not thou blame me, for entertaining that which was impossible for me to resist? But yet Melanthe, preserve thy thoughts pure for my sake, think not but that a thousand deaths shall give a period to this wretched life, before the least action whereby any may gather a suspicion, shall be exhibited, nay, or the least thought within myself, which shall not be competable with my honour; nevertheless I cannot, but I must still say I preserve pure inclinations to Euripedes, and shall sooner die than entertain the thoughts of another. The Love I bear thee hath exacted this confession from me, in which I neither distrust thy fidelity, nor thy help.  
‛ Madam (answered Melanthe) I confess for these two or three days I have read a more than ordinary sadness in your looks, but those characters were so veiled, that the most diligent Physiognomist could never see the cause; But since you have been pleased to take off that vail, and to let me know the cause, give me leave to tell you, that I see no reason why you should afflict yourself: And I wonder that you account to Love, a crime, since it is enforced upon the will, with so much rigour and violence; we do not use to impute the crime to them, who are forced against their wills to the commitment, nor count them noxious that are forced contrary to their own spirits to commit an error; it is the consent of the will that makes us culpable, which cannot be laid to your charge, seeing there is so absolute a forcement, and without the least indulgency on your part, your repugnancy showing how unwilling you were to lose your liberty. It is not in this as in other things, where the will is able to make its choice, for we are able, and have so much power left us, that rather than lose our honour, with a generous resolution to sacrifice our Lives, but in this we are so suddenly surprised, that even the will is forced to that which you call a crime, and then to offer a Life, is not a choice, but an expiation, but of what? of that which even the gods themselves had forced us to, which would be blasphemy to say their actions are worthy of expiation, and therefore you need not imagine that a crime, nor think yourself guilty when you are clear. You see with what confidence a●l the world entertains this Deity, few or none escaping the touches of his flame, being once arrived at the age of puberty; though some have it more violently injected than others. There seems mighty difference in the actions of love, in some he seems to be the causer of vice, in others the causer of virtue, which hath made some account him as they have seen his effects, whether good or bad, which difference is not to be imputed to the nature of Love, which is constant, pure, and unchangeable of itself, but to the different dispositions of those people that possess him, and cleaving to the habit of their mind, is regulated according to their dispositions, and though in effect it keep its Sovereignty over the Will, in that it cannot choose but Love; yet it leaves it free to act, and gain the object that it Loves according to its own disposition, or inclination: and this is it that makes so many different faces in Love, as there are different humours in men: And this is manifest in that we see some to gain what they desire through the passion of Love, become most merciless Tyrants, seeking all the ways of vice, painting their way with blood, using all ways their evil hearts may suggest, and yet in appearance caused by the passion of Love: Others by the same passion seek to attain their wished desires, by the rules of Virtue, submission, duty and obedience; all things contrary to the former, which makes Love either a virtue or a vice according to the actions, and several dispositions of men or women; therefore to Love is no crime, but the impudicity of our actions that makes us criminal. But Madam, as the baseness of our actions who are troubled with this passion, be a disgrace to Love, in the eyes of those who are not able to judge right of him, so the goodness of their actions that are virtuously possessed with the same passion redound to his Compliment, and without doubt having suffered by the impudicit action of others, and knowing the severity of your humour, he hath called you from all the world, to restore him the good opinion he once had in the eyes of the world, and lost by the folly of others. Therefore Madam fear't not, that this deity will do any injury to so considerable a servant, but expect him to infuse the like virtue and the like passion into the object of yours, if he hath not already effected it; and for the rest wherein my duty and fidelity is expected, you need not doubt, having vowed my life to your service, but that I will employ it to the utmost of my abilities.  
In this manner Melanthe sought to ease the disquiets of Amenia, who returned her an answer to what she had said, and being somewhat settled, reposing much in the abilities of Melanthe, she made her to return to her bed, and gave herself to a repose, that might fit her for the intuition of the next days sports.  
Had I had but that happiness, to have known with what affection Amenia beheld me, I should not have felt those torments which I did endure that night, and many others for her sake: having past it over with Love's usual disquiets, and very little sleep, I armed myself with those flames, which represented those within my breast, and in the same manner at the hour appointed I entered the lists, as I had done the day before. I shall be brief and pass this over, only I may tell you, and I think without vanity, that I d●d more that day, than I had done both the days before to the admiration of all the Spectators, not being moved out of my Saddle at the decursion of all those, who that day I made to kiss the earth.  
The better part of the day being spent, and the long intermission since any had appeared to oppose me, made us think the sports had been ended, and we were about to break them up, when there entered at the other end of the lists a Cavalier of a good port, having his sword ready drawn, armed with fair green arms and over them a strong paludament, his cask was plumated, with green and white intermixed he attracted all the eyes of the beholders upon him, but his motion was so furious that it gave them hardly leisure to behold him. His furious pace soon brought him up to me, and being come near, with a voice that showed anger had prepossessed him, he said, " Proud man! is this the way to raise your glory, having ambitioned a happiness thou art not worthy of, by the breaking of a few reeds, which is rather a sport for boys; than an exercise for men? if thou hast not lost all that courage, which fame hath told us you showed against the Romans, let us see it in defending thyself against me who am thy mortal foe, with as much animosity, as thou hast shown pusillanimity in maintaining these juvenile sports. I am come purposely to deprive thee of a Life before these Spectators, which cannot be in safety so long as I live, and to let thee see on what weak foundations thy aspiring hopes are built. He spoke these words so loud that they were easile heard by Lilibilis, Amenia; and those that accompanied them. Lilibilis thought he knew that voice, but the unexpected evenement, and his bold carriage, took off his imaginations, from calling to his remembrance who it might be, and only took care to prevent a combat he saw so much desired on both sides. For, whilst he uttered his audacious speech, I cast my eye on Amenia, and very well perceived by the paleness of her Countenance, what resentment it had upon her soul, although I knew not but so sudden an evenement happening to any other in her presence might have caused the same timorousness, and that moved me more than his arrogancy, with a desire I had to let her see how easily I could free myself from that presumptuous one, whose vaunting speeches had suscitated her fear. His words had no sooner flown from his mouth, but I returned him this answer. ‛ Sir, I know you not, nor can I conceive what you mean by those ambitioned hopes you tax me with, but as I do not care who you are, so I do not care what you mean, seeing you are come purposely to deprive me of my life, I willingly grant it you if I cannot defend it, I wont wrong, your impatiency in deterring your desired Combat, but let you see how vainly you had preconceived my death. We immediately precipitated ourselves one against another with a most violent encounter, and had not his arms been good I had undoubtedly slain him at the first shock, though I found his puissance not unequal to his boldness: we reiterated our blows, so thick, that those who Lilibilis had commanded to part us, durst not come near us, for fear of losing their own lives, in seeking to save others. Lilibilis, seeing so violent an encounter agitated against his will, descended from the place where he was, and hazarded his own life to part us; for casting himself between us with his sword drawn, he struck my Aversaries' horse so violently over the head, that the pain of the wound made him so curvet, that he had like to have trampled him under his feet, and do all what the stranger could he bruised Lilibilis' foot, and cast my Adversary on his back. Lilibilis commanded his Guard to seize on him, and to have him to prison for his rash attempt, and bold speeches in his presence. I strait vaulted from my Horse, and casting myself at Lilibilis feet, ‛ I beseech you Sir (said I) do not expose me to the censure of all present for a debility which I am not guilty of, in that I was not able to chastise his insolency without your interposing. I confess he hath deserved death for his insolences in your presence; this is all I beg for my Adversary, that he may receive it as a man with his arms in his hand, and by me who have most interest in it; let not the Combat be deferred any longer, nor deter me the glory I was about to reap. Lilibilis would not answer me till he had raised me up, and then he replied, I doubt not at all euripides of your ability in raming a stronger Adversary, but his insolence doth not deserve to be so nobly punished; it would be too much glory for him to receive a death at your hands, and will be too much trouble to me to see you deprive him of life, with the hazard of one so dear to me, let me desire you to let him suffer by the hands of executioners, and not expect that honour from your hands. I again besought Lilibilis, and persisted with so many entreaties that at last he granted the Combat, but with great reluctancy. Lilibilis being returned to the place where he before sat, the Guard left us to prosecute the Combat. The stranger coming up to me I doubted not my Liberty (said he softly) ‛ When Lilibilis had known me, however I cannot but take notice of your generosity, which nevertheless cannot oblige me to abate any of that enmity which I bear you, therefore expect the usage you could look for from your deadliest foe, and think not your action hath obliged me to spare you. I begged not the Combat (replied I) to gain your favour, or to oblige you to an action which might not be for your own safety, for I intent to prosecute you with the utmost of my vigour, and give you that which you expect to render to others. We straitwayes renewed our Combat, but with so much impetuosity, that the Spectators had never seen the like; my Adversary seemed more furious and violent in his motion then at first, and with his blows seemed to renew his strength and courage; indeed he had the advantage on me in that I had traveled ha●d all that day in those Justs, which had he been to have maintained, he would not have accounted so childish, and by that reason I was something the less able to reanswer those strokes which came thundering upon my head. I was abashed to see with what impetuousness he prosecuted me: but considering in whose presence I fought, and what consequence his fall was to the Compliment of all my former performances, I gathered all my strength together at that instant, and falling upon him with so violent a surcharge, I forced him to make use of all his skill for the defence of himself, his arms were so good that it was a long time before I could draw one drop of blood; but at last with a continual battery I forced my Sword into his flesh upon his shoulder close by his neck, the blood which incessantly ran from his wound soon died his arms and the ground with its crimson colour, and much debilitated him. I had received three wounds but not considerable, nor were they any impediment in the heat I was in; I found the greatness of my Adversaries wound, by the weakness of his blows, and perceived the Victory my own. I thought to oblige him with these words which I directed to him. ‛ I am unwilling Sir to take the advantage I have over you, and to make a Valour fall at my feet which is considerable, it was your own words made you my Enemy, and having no greater cause as I know of to account you my foe, your own words may likewise render you my friend, go but and confess your indiscretion at the feet of the renowned Lilibilis, and I myself will help to implore your life. His anger and despite made the fire almost proceed from his eyes, and thinking it would have obliged him, I found it otherwise by his words. ‛ Your friend (said he) no, it is not the conservation of this life shall make me admit the least thought of friendship towards you, were it in your power to give it me, I hope yet and am assured on it too, to see thee breathe thy last at my feet: With this, with more fury than strength he lifted up his Sword stretching himself to render it the more violent, in the interim irritated as I was through his disobliging speeches, with a violent cast I made an entrance with my Sword; as his arm was erected, under his armpit which was the more enlarged through the violent falling of his own upon my head, which made my Sword appear at his back, he struck too home to do me any harm, but clapsing his arms about me with great courage sought to fling me to the earth, but having freed myself from his embraces I drew my Sword out of his body, and with a back stroke, struck him so forcible on his crest that I tumbled him at my feet. I was about to pull off his Cask and to make him beg his life, or give him his death, when I felt so many forcible blows upon me that they set me upon my knees; at last maugre all opposition, I recovered my feet, and turning about saw at least ten or a dozen Horsemen who sought with all violence to deprive me of my life: This sudden surcharge put me into an astonishment, ‛ Is this the way than thou intendest I should die? cried I out very furiously, and casting myself among them I deprived the first I struck at of his life; I soon found they had not that valour nor courage as he whom I first fought with, they knew what they did must be with expedition, which made them seek all manner of ways to slay me, running upon me with their Horses, but being carried with a desperate fury I slew four of them before I fell, and I think wounded them all, just as I fell Lilibilis came with his Guard, who had made all the hast they could from the place where they were, not expecting such a treachery, those that assailed me fled at their approach, but Lilibilis thinking me dead ran in among them, unarmed as he was, and slew two of them with his own hands, the other were taken by the Guard, and destined to exquisite torments. Lilibilis approached me, and finding me yet alive exhibited the joy he had through his eyes, he caused me immediately to be carried into his Palace, and gave his Chirurgeons as great a charge of me, as if they had been to preserve himself. As they were carrying me into the Palace, we went by the Scaffold where Amenia and Clotuthe were, at our approach we heard a grievous cry among those that were there, I would not be carried any further before I understood the cause, when it was told me Armenia was through the fright that she had conceived in that hurly-burly cast into a sworn, and Clotuthe drowned in tears for my loss, and the treachery that was acted: ‛ I bid them that brought me this news to present my humble duty to them both, and tell them that by the assistance of the gods, and the industry of the Surgeons, I might yet Live to do them further service. My thoughts began presently to work upon that which I heard, and induced a good presage to my future fortunes, I began to please myself by thinking Amenia might have some particular inclination to me, in that my death so nearly touched her, I began to collect her paleness when my foes insolency exhibited itself by his speeches, for my own advantage, and to strengthen myself with many such pleasing thoughts. In the mean time Lilibilis thinking my adversary had been dead, because he lay without motion, pulled off his cask to know who it was, assoon as they had discovered his face, Lilibilis stood in as great amazemenr as one deprived of his senses, he could hardly believe his own eyes when he saw it was Mandone the Prince of the Cantabrians, and him to whom he had promised Amenia, and so accounted him as his son in Law. ‛ What's this I see? (cried Lilibilis steping backward) what my son? could he be guilty of so great a treachery against him who hath preserved my life, and Signiory, and hazarded his life so often for my sake against our mortal foe? Whilst Lilibilis said this the fresh air had brought Mandone to himself, and opening his eyes, beholding Lilibilis and all the rest standing round about him amazed, he sought to arise, but he was so enfeebled through the loss of his blood, that he fell again to the earth, and fainting away, he was not able to bring out those words he was about to utter. It was then very different motions strove in Lilibilis breast, compassion and a just resentment contended for the mastery, when he looked upon him as my foe, as my murderer, and the avowed enemy of my rest, he was about to finish that life he saw so debilitated, with his own hands; but on the contrary when he looked upon him as his son, to whom he promised Amenia, and to whom he was indebted for many former kindnesses, and him whose valour was the chief obstacle that the Romans had no better success against them where he fought, he thought it not fit to slay one so considerable, his youth pleaded for his temerity, his quality and place wherein he held him, pleaded for his safety, and his wounds and pitiful condition suscitated a compassion that at last stifled his anger, and overcame all other resentments. He caused him therefore to be had to his Palace, and gave order for the cure of his wounds. He could not understand by his servants what was the cause he sought my life, but only that Mandone had given them a charge to be in a readiness, and when they saw him slain, (not else to stir) not to let me escape alive: for hearing reports of my valour, he doubted his strength, yet he charged his men not to fall upon me till they were sure he was slain. Being they were Mandone's servants, and had done nothing but by his command, they let them have the liberty to attend their Master, after their wounds were dressed. Lilibilis immediately came to visit me, but was not permitted by the Surgeons to speak to me: they assured him my wounds were not mortal, though they were very many, they told him it would very much retard the cure to have me often visited, which made him contented only to look on me once a day without many words for a week; it contibuted to his joy when in so short a space, I showed such effectual signs of my amendment, so that he was permitted to acquaint me with the designs of my adversary. Having first expressed abundance of sorrow for the accident that had happened to me, he told me who my adversary was, and the considerations that made him spare him.  
‛ Nevertheless (said he) if Euripedes cannot overcome his just resentments, and pardon that life which was at his mercy, neither the consideration that he is in the place of a Son, nor the fear of his father's wrath, shall withhold me from rendering him a punishment according to the vileness of his fact, in seeking the life of him to whom I own all my safety, the love I bore him shall not overcome the love I own to Euripedes, nor the Justice wherewith I should punish such insolences, shall be diverted by any considerations▪ for I am resolved he shall not hold his life but of Euripedes. When I heard who it was, you may consider my interests desired his expiration, and I was angry with myself that I had not finished that life, which now I could not take away without a great blot and infamy to my honour; I considered likewise the affection Lilibilis bore me, which made me that I could not consent to the death of one so considerable, whose death would inevitably bring sharp wars upon him, and so might be the utter ruin of them all, and the making of their common foe, without the greatest piece of ingratitude which could be offered; These considerations, with an ambition I had not to be outbraved in virtue, made me return him this answer. ‛ The gods forbidden that ever I should desire the death of a person whose valour hath made him so remarkable, and by whose fall I have gained more glory than could have been expected by his death; but especially in that he holds the place of a Son in Lilibili's affections, for which only consideration I not only desire his life, but his pardon, in that I have offended one so near to Lilibilis, and shall stifle all resentments whatsoever for his friendship: I cannot imagine what hath made him my enemy, nor caused in him that violent desire of my death: I was sorry his obstinacy made me bring him to that exigent, but I am not only glad that he lives, but that I live also to do him service, for never shall Lilibilis his friends be my foes. These speeches were uttered with much reluctancy, and contrary to the desires of my heart, not but that I could have forgiven the greatest injury that could have been done to my person, but considering him as my Rival, I could not think on him but as my mortal foe. Lilibilis embraced me as strictly as the tenderness of my wounds would permit, and highly praising me for my virtue, told me, ‛ He would disown him for a son, if he did not acknowledge me as the donor of his life, and crave pardon at my feet for the injury he had done me. After many speeches to divert him from requiring any such thing of him, I besought him to let me know the cause of his enmity. The cause was so false (said he) that since he hath been assured to the contrary, he is ashamed of his credulity, and reputes of what he hath done, seeming by his speeches much to desire your friendship, but not to hid it from you, he had heard, (and I believe from some of Amenia's servants) how you were like to have deprived him of the happiness of enjoying my daughter, and that you had gained much upon her affections, and that these Justs were held only for her sake; this news so nettled him, that he never stood to examine the truth, but enraged as he was, left Juliobriga to put in execution what the gods and your innocency deterred. When I knew the cause, myself, and all that were near Amenia, assured him the contrary, and I was fain to make him new assurances of my daughter to assuage those violent motions these considerations had cast him in, he would have had the like assurances from Amenia, but she answered him as she did ever, That she would never disobey the will of her father, and whomsoever he should design for her husband, she should accept without murmuring, and that all inclinations whatsoever should stoop to those of duty. We pacified him at last, and then I sharply reproved him, both for his credulity and temerity, but his repentance moved me to beg his pardon at your hands.  
After some expressions by me of my innocency in the suscitation of Mandone's Jealousy he left me, but to those tormenting thoughts that you may imagine his discourse had raised. I begin to see all my hopes dejected and cast in the dust, and that structure which I had built in my Imaginations to be broken all to pieces, I saw it was a folly to gain an inclination which her virtue would force to cede to duty, I looked upon myself in a deplorable condition, and I saw Mandone already Possessor of Amenia by her father's promise, and hers in obedience to him, my only hopes were, I did not see she bore him any inclination, nor would accept of him did not duty force her. On the other side Amenia (though unknown to me) was no less troubled at this accident than I, and falling into her wont lacrymations, put her Melanthe to her usual divertisements, duty and love had many a sharp conflict in her soul, and neither obtaining the victory, gave her unsufferable Cruciations; she detested Mandone for what he had done to me, and bewailed me with a great deal of interest, my last performances were too greedily intuited to be forgotten, and my valour in overcoming so considerable an enemy, was preserved with much interest in that feminine breast: O how often did she wish he had died by my hand, and how little she thanked the gods for their assistance in his preservation, Melanthe was her only comfort, who by a thousand Sophistries mitigated her dolour.  
My Rival passed his time with no less torment, for shame and despite in being overcome by me, and his manifest treachery making him odious to many generous souls, filled him with anxiety. And though he dissembled it, he could not so satisfy his humour, but that he still imagined me his Rival, and bore me an implacable grudge. The thoughts and inward commotions proceeding from his troubled humour, retarded the cure of his wounds, and caused inflammations that made them in fear of his life.  
For my part that trouble which continually assaulted my soul through those considerations in three day's space had cast me into a violenr fever, and my wounds bleeding afresh so debilitated me, that they thought I could never sustain the loss of so much blood, and the Surgeons almost despaired of my ever recovering. Clotuthe by the special command of Lilibilis visited me every day, and with her Amenia, we could not entertain one another, because the Surgeons thought it might conduce to my disrepose, but with a dying eye I gave Amenia many sad glances, which testified the anxiety of my soul, I found a great desire in myself to die, so I might but have the happiness (as I accounted it) to have assured Amenia that I died hers. So foolishly vain are the thoughts of those involved in the snares of love, to account it the chiefest bliss, and greatest happiness, next to the enjoyment of the beloved object than can betid them, to assure those they love they die for their sakes, and precipitateing themselves in an amorous humour, find death sweet in such assurances, and receiving its cold kisses with ardent desires, testify a content not to be measured in the expiration, when such souls whom they expire for account it an idle humour, or believing when they saw they could not live, thought to oblige them, by telling them they died theirs.  
This was hardly liked by Argelois, but for the interrupting of his story he would have replied, but considering he might have been accounted by some unmannerly, he bitten in his words, and heard him proceed thus.  
Clotuthe visited me every day, sitting sometimes an hour or two upon the side of the bed, where she shed so many tears, and expressed herself with so many obliging words, that I could not but repeat the gratefullest words I could devise, without very great ingratitude, it made me sorry to see how obliged I was to her, and how unlikely I was to repay that officiousness which with great affection she expressed: I sought often to recount to her how unworthy I was of those obligations, and that she debased herself too much, to render them to one so unworthy the least favour, she always answered me with so much modesty, that though her actions testified a great affection her words never betrayed them, but in the midst of sadness she often gave a cheerful look, and whilst tears trickled down her cheeks, some smiles seemed to comfort me, which exhibited a deploring my condition, and rejoicing that she suffered with me at one time; all this I took as the effects of her good disposition. However to balance these favours, she did me more sensible injuries, for desiring as much as she could to entertain me alone, she sought with all diligence to avoid Amenia, and to see me without her; but Amenia's severity would not permit her to see me without her mother in Law, so that by this means I lost the sight of her, who had preserved my life by her visits, Amenia at last perceived her mother's spightfulness, and was much troubled at it, which made her the narrowlyer to vigilate her actions, and mistrusted that which at that time I did not perceive. Amenia when she failed of coming herself, sent Melanthe to see how I did, and to excuse her absence. Lilibilis likewise every day rendered me a thousand testimonies of his goodness, and expressed a wonderful trouble at my weakness. I should be too tedious and too long to tell you all the speeches, and the several visits they all gave me, during this weakness, it is enough to tell you the chiefest passages, and that every visit Amenia gave me, infused a life into my soul, which her absence took away; her presence gave me strength, her absence debilitated me; whilst she looked on me I felt no pain, when she saw me not I felt no ease; when I saw her she suscitated a joy, but her departure regave me my grief. Thus I passed a week with a sensible declining, my thoughts still agitating in a violent motion, retarded the healing my wounds, and increased my fever, the Surgeons and those who had me in cure, looked upon me as one already dead, which begat a great consternation in the minds of all those that bore me any good will, till than I could not believe I should die, but now I was persuaded to it through my own debility, which made me resolve to utter that, which my respect till then had made me detain, and to let Amenia know the torments I had endured for her sake, and with what great respect I served her, in the so long concealing of them, I hoped that my life would end with my speeches, and if that the one begot an anger, the other might suscitate a pity; and if I lived to hear her sentence me for my temerity, yet it would be a happiness in that herself did contribute to my death, and that my content would be extraordinary when that she knew I died hers. In these thoughts I was when Melanthe sent by her Mistress, came to see if I was yet alive, after she had (a little undrawing the Curtain) beheld me in that weak condition, some tears which her commiseration had extracted running down her cheeks, she asked me softly how I did. Turning my head towards her, I asked her if there was any body besides herself in the room, after that she had told me no, ‛ Melanthe (said I) if thou hast any compassion on my deplorable estate, as I am apt to think by the testimony of those tears which I see thee shed, render me one favour before I depart this world, which though it cannot be requited, shall yet be preserved as the greatest obligation you could ever do me, those small moments I have to live. Sir, (said she) let me but know what it is my poor power is able to effect, and I shall not be more ready to embrace the greatest happiness that could betid me, than I shall be to render you that service I am able, though it be to the hazard of my life. I thanked her with the obligeingest terms I could devise, and then I proceeded thus. The thing which I shall desire is so great, that I cannot acknowledge a greater obligement, it is to dispose your Princess to felicitate that small remainder of my life with her presence, and to do me that favour to make this last visit alone except yourself, because I have something of importance to communicate to her, which till I have done, I cannot departed with my repose, this is the last and greatest favour I may ever require, therefore good Melanthe if thou regardest the repose of a man so deplorable, let it be quickly lest my death prevent this desired happiness. Melanthe gave me some assurance that she knew Amenia would not be so ungrateful for all my former services done to her father, as to deny me so small a request, with this she departed the room. Amenia (who made me acquainted with every thing afterwards) received this not without some alteration, but seeing I was near my end, she resolved what ever came of it to yield to so just a request, and to render me so small a favour, for all my services done her father, besides her love to me obliged her to comply to so small desires, and not without some curiosity to know what I had to tell her. Melanthe imagined the truth of what I had to say which she hide from Amenia, lest (though she desired nothing more) following the severity of her humour, it might have stopped her coming. In less than half an hours space I saw her enter the chamber, with none but Melanthe, which gave me great joy, but accompanied with a fear that caused a general tremor through out my body. After she had seated herself as near my bedside as she could, I looked upon her with a languishing eye, which seemed to crave haet pity to accompany me to the grave, and did not insensibly behold that beauty, which as near the grave as I was, had power to give me a resurrection, though I expected nor hoped for any such thing. I beheld her a while with silence, and confusion, till I saw the consideration of my deplorable condition had drawn some tears from her eyes, and then ushering my words with a sigh, I spoke to her thus. ‛ Madam, I have precipitated myself into a boldness altogether inexcusable, could I otherwise have left the world with repose? This boldness could not be consented to but at the last exigent, and yet even now I cannot excuse nor accuse my own temereity, but I am persuaded your compassion is so great, and your goodness so far exceeding others, that you will account my death a sufficient expiation of my crime. Amenia would not permit me to go on in those terms, but very softly spoke thus to me. ‛ euripides, I cannot without interrupting you hear you call that a crime, which I account a duty incumbent on me. It is a charity acceptable to the gods to visit the distressed, and a sign of great inhumanity not to afford our assistance to the afflicted, and especially to those whose obligements require greater services, and would condemn us to an eternal remorse, if we sought not all ways, wherein honour, is not interested, to satisfy their desires. I am come therefore Euripedes, not accounting that a boldness, which puts me in mind of a duty that I owe both from my fatherrs commands, and to obligements of the highest nature from Euripedes, whereby I may render the last, but the least satisfaction to them and may be endeavoured a fuller, if the gods answer the expectations of our prayers, for a life so considerable to us. I would gladly hear what it is you have to say, and account it a farther obligation to your merits, in that you make me the depositary of your secrets, but that I fear your much speaking might increase the indisposition you are in, and it may be hasten that death which the gods may yet defer; this consideration Euripedes makes me request you not to incommode yourself by speaking, unless your repose absolutely depend thereon, for I am not able to see you die without being more sensible of it than you think, nor your weakness without my share in it.  
These words were a cordial to my heart, and I found so much sweetness in them that I accounted it a panacea sent me immediately from the gods to cure those inwards wounds by a hope inspired from thence, but the consideration how differnt I might affect her by the words I was about to utter, made me resume my despair, and as soon as she made a little stop; ‛ Madam (said I with a very enfeabled voice) this goodness of yours is surpassing that of mortals, and I could not have expected so charitable speeches out of a mouth less divine, which fills me with unexpressable sorrow in that I must abuse it, and that my repose cannot be, unless I utter that which I fear will make you contradict what you have said, and instead of desiring my repose, condemn me to an eternal torment; my only hopes are, the end of my speeches will put a period to my life, that I may not bear that sentence with me, to disturb my repose in the the Elysian fields, which (it may be) in justice may be pronounced against me. Madam, those obligations you mention were never to be found in me, and those small services I had the honour to do your father have had a glorious recompense, since you have mentioned them far beyond their deserts, being the glory that accompanied them in serving one so noble, had over and above satisfied the smallness of the actions. But ah Madam! you say you bear a share in my miseries, but alas! shall I trespass upon your goodness? or may I tell you, without a condemnation worthy of that I am about to declare, that you are the cause of these my torments? Ah Madam, reflect on your own beauty, and imagine whether it were possible for me to remain so near those attractions and be impassable, I felt their influence in beholding an inanimate essigies, and judge what the effect could be in living in the intuition, which the most accurate hand in the world could never give the least shadow of, consider whether it were possible they should not inspire thoughts of a happiness so far beyond my capacity, and make me, though out of hopes, to vow myself eternally yours. I beseech you hear me after this free confession, and consider my love by my respect, which had imposed a perpetual silence on my lips, and made me content to: render you those services which could be expected from one truly loving, without expecting any other satisfaction, than that in doing them to you, which truly was reward and happiness enough, besides the effects of that goodness which inseparably accompanieth you, and by which I was continually rewarded beyond my deserts. Let me also beseech you not to judge this unpardonable fault according to the rigour it might deserve, but mitigate it with thoughts truly worthy of yourself and wont clemency. Consider I have not had this imprudency of acknowledging it till the last moment of my life, though the pains inseparable to such a condition might have excused it, and by that consider how fearful I was to lose a happiness I lived in, and how loath I was to have disturbed your repose by this confession which could not but have been fatal to me, and how careful I have been to conserve it to my own ruin rather than to declare it, but by my services. At last grant one favour more, that after this confession, if it hath suscitated an indignation against Euripedes, yet remember him not as a so after his death, but let that make a perfect expiation of all his faults, nor envy him this happiness that he dies yours.  
‛ Now, O ye gods! take this life away which you have given me, and preserved with honour enough, since you have given me the happiness to serve Amenia, and deny not this felicity since you have permitted me to serve her, with an affection pure and unspotted, and worthy yourselves. Deny me not, I say, this happiness at this instant to expire for her.  
I saw Amenia was ready to return me an answer, and that my words had suscitated a redness in her cheeks, but I was not so skilful to know what it might portend, and fearing the event, with the imbecility I had put myself to in speaking, I fainted away just as she began to speak, the fear she was in made her screek out, and call Melanthe to recover me, after they had both used many means though it were long first, at last they made me open my eyes, but with so languishing and dying an air, that drew tears from Amenia, which she fought to hid with her handkerchief. Before she could dissipate that trouble that opposed her utterance; ‛ Madam (said I looking on her with confusion, which expressed my passion more powerfully than my words) are you resolved then to make me hear the sentence of your indignation? or will you forbidden me the happiness to die? my resolutions are unchangeable of dying yours, and I cannot have a more happy time than now to expire. Surely I have not many moments to live, but seeing yourself have caused me to live them, I ought to be content though it be more grievous then to die, and hearken to that which will prove either my eternal torment or consolation in the other world, for the one I fear, for the other I cannot hope. A little silence succeeded my words when she broke it in this manner. What shall I say, Euripedes, you have surprised me, and you will pardon me if I say I can hardly believe you; but if it be true that that little beauty the gods have given me, have had such power over you, the respect you always bore me pleads for the mitigating of a severity, which this confession might have made me resolve upon, and tells me that it is injustice to pass any other sentence, then to command you to live, and if the power of my words can contribute to it, I shall not only command, but entreat you to conserve a life that is so considerable to our interests, and if I may say so to me too, and that you banish those thoughts that may any ways disturb your repose. I know (proceeded she after a sigh which forced its passage in spite of her suppression) it will be a sollie to command you not to love me, if your passion be so strong as you exhibit it, but I must impose the same silence which hath accompanied you to this hour concerning this thing, and not to trouble me with an affection I am like never to reanswer, you are not ignorant my father hath destined me to another, and I shall never contradict his will. Live therefore Euripedes, but live as you have hitherto done, and by that you will testify your love more than by all the words you can use to me, however if it be possible withdraw your affections, if it be not I shall judge of the purity of them by your actions. Is there no hope then (replied I) this apprehension made me a second time faint in her presence, and so long it was before Melanthe could fetch life in me, that they both thought it had utterly abandoned me, at last as the fates would, I opened my eyes, but I beheld Amenia's so full of tears, that I could not but draw comfort in that she pitied me. ‛ Live Euripedes if thou wishest me any content, and if I must say so, hope Euripedes that thou mayest not be indifferent to me. She presently held up her hand before her face to hid that rubor her words had suscitated; although I thought she spoke thus favourable to me, to hinder my design of dying, yet I could not but draw a support from them. ‛ But must I live Madam (said I) with that severe imposition? can any one having a passion like mine, live in a continual restraint, and not be permitted to utter the least part of what they suffer for others? ‛ Go not about (replied Amenia) to force me to that I cannot consent to, if I were not myself restrained by the Laws of duty, Euripedes might have more liberty; you force me to speak (being ashamed she had spoke so much, which she testified by pulling her veil over her face) that which I believe I ought to have concealed. ‛ If the gods intent me my life (said I) which I will not seek to frustrate, seeing you command me to live to serve you, I shall endeavour to satisfy your severity by the patiented enduring of that pain, which the restraint you have imposed upon me will bring.  
Lilibilis entered at the conclusion of these words with Clotuthe to see me, they both expressed their resentments for my indisposition, when I comforted them, by telling them some of my pains were mitigated, and that I thought I had passed the chiefest brunt which gave me hopes the gods would preserve my life, this gave my deplorers some comfort, but none except Amenia and Melanthe comprehended the drift of my speeches. They were soon caused to withdraw by the Surgeon's order for fear of disquiing me, who desired me to be as silent as I could, and to give myself rest. I found myself better able to obey his proposition, since I had made known my mind to Amenia then before, but I spent the chiefest part of that day in recounting Amenia's speeches, whereas I could gather for myself little hope, so I could gain nothing to make me despair, neither could I blame, nor excuse her severity, I resolved to obey her, and in that obedience to perish or gain my satisfaction.  
Amenia soon invented means to entertain herself alone with Melanthe, and being entered her closet together; ‛ Did not I tell you Madam (said Melanthe briskly) that the gods would be so propitious to your love, that you should have no cause to complain? that passion wherewith he is imbued, is no slight one, and he hath given sufficient testimonies of a grand respect, be you careful therefore that you draw not upon yourself your own misery by your too too much severity. I hope you will pardon my audacity Madam in proffering you council, who are able to administer it to the whole earth, but even the wisest prepossessed with this passion, desire it from those of less abilities than themselves, not being able to be their own Physicians, though they become very good ones to others. Melanthe (replied that dear one) I accept of thy speeches as coming from that zeal and love thou bearest for my happiness, but I cannot see that the gods are about to favour me so much as thou thinkest, but involving me more deep into a passion that giveth me not a minute's repose, will at length bury me in its ruins, this I foresee which takes away part of that joy I otherwise might conceive for Euripedes Love. How can I propose to myself any thoughts of enjoying him, whom to thee I must confess I dearly Love, when my father hath already given me to another, and whose will I can no ways contradict? before I might have only bewailed my own unhappiness in affecting him who might not have regarded me; but now to augment my misery I believe he loves me, yet I dare not admit one thought of ever enjoying him. Before I only deplored my own loss, but now his pains, and sufferings which I may cause though I cannot help, overwhelmes me with more sad considerations. Do not think I can see his afflictions and not be partaker with him, nor his misery without accounting it my own; I cannot obey my own inclinations, because I cannot disobey my father, who engages me to one I can never love, though my duty may compel me to obey him. O dear Euripedes, too dear ever to be forgotten, pardon my severity, since it is an affliction to myself, and as insupportable as it can be to my dear Euripedes. I confess I have inflicted a punishment upon thee too too rigorous, but it is as great a one to me in that I debar myself so great happiness. Melanthe was fain to interpose, and with reasons never wanting to that witty wench, still gave her some beam of comfort in her deepest afflictions. ‛ The gods (said she) ought not to be disinherited, before you only complained that his inclinations were unknown to you, you considered not the diffiuclties which now you propose, or if you did, at least less considerable, the gods having been thus propitious, it should induce you to believe, that they intent your content, and will give happy issue to your love. Do but your endeavour to conform your mind to their wills, and though you see so many difficulties, it is but to make your enjoyment the more sweet, for those things are the most highly prized which have cost us the most travel, and the most pains, and the difficultest conquest, gains the most glory. Many other means and speeches Melanthe, used to settle a humour thoroughly disturbed with love and despair, which wrought so upon her, that she withheld not from her; her most secretest thoughts, and accounted herself happy in her sidelity.  
Within two or three days the gods sent me a very savourable Crisis, and my Surgeons gave Lilibilis some hopes of my recovery, which was generally desired, as my sickness was lamented by them. Three weeks passed away, my sickness decreasing, in which time I was visited by Amenia almost every day, and sometime alone only with Melanthe, which made me with some difficulty obey her too too rigorous commands, nevertheless I exhibited through my eyes that passion which my tongue prohibited to demonstrate, and by a silent declaration, gave her proofs of my affection and obedience. I taught my eyes to play the Orator, and with a mute Rhetoric described all the passions of my soul; which was perceived by Amenia, and would, had her affection been capable of it, increased it towards me; my obedience gained upon her heart, and my eyes speak so powerfully, that they needed not the adjuvation of the tongue. I accounted myself happy in that I had so frequent a sight of Amenia, and that she expressed so much care for my recovery. There was never a day passed likewise, but I was visited by Clotuthe who continued her services to that height, that always made me ashamed that I was so respected. In this state I remained till I had gathered so much strength as to leave my bed, and walk about my Chamber. My Rival who never appeared in my thoughts but with indignation, about that time also left his bed, and being somewhat stronger than I, to please Lilibilis, was led into my Chamber, accompanied with Clotuthe, Amenia, and others, who came to see me. Assoon as they were entered; I have brought ‛ (said Lilibilis) a prisoner who cannot be set at liberty but by your sentence, nor receive that life we have given him but by acknowledging it your gift. This was according to Lilibilis his humour, but I well perceived that Mandone did not well resent it; however I returned him this Answer not without some repugnancy: ‛ Were he criminal I should soon free him if it lay in my power, being due both to his valour and merits, his temerity may be excused in that he thought me his Rival, and cannot be imputed to him as criminous, being he acted through that suggestion: for the other he knows so well how to preserve his life by his own valour, that he need not ask it of any living. This facilitated his complying with Lilibilis his request, and made him stoop his imperious humour, and after our first embraces, (which were cold enough on both sides, and shown a great antipathy between us, what ever our words were to please Lilibilis) he returned my first speeches with very humble ones, acknowledging that life which he retained to be the effects of my goodness, in that I had spared it being at my mercy, and that he should look upon it as my donation. I returned his with the like, which were accompanied with many others, too long to relate, and in outward appearance we seemed very good friends, to the great satisfaction of Lilibilis. Three days after he came again to take his leave of me, being his father hearing he was recovered, had sent a letter for him with a band of men to conduct him to Juliobriga, we parted very friendly according to outward ceremonies, although we desired nothing more than each others death; I was very glad he had left me the liberty of entertaining Amenia with more freedom by his departure, for I feared his jealousy might have been some impediment to my visiting her. But before he departed he made Lilibilis to promise him, not to delay the time any longer of his possessing Amenia than that following Summer, which he was willing to spend in the exercise of Mars against his enemies, and to consecrate the next winter to the sports of Venus; this being concluded, he departed, and by his absence left me great content, though this agreement had suscitated some fear.  
The winter was almost consumed before I was permitted to leave my Chamber, and in all that time I enjoyed a happiness not to be paralleled, in the most desired visits of Amenia, my content in her visitations gave ease to those torments which I suffered, and the fear of losing those favours by which I lived, as well as the fear I had to transgress her commands, obserated my lips, and kept my tongue under a perpetual restraint; our talk was most commonly on indifferent things, and if at any time I had let slip the least word tending to love, or that might make her take notice of my passion, my cheeks were left destitute of their Rubor, and a trepidation seized on my body; so fearful was I by transgression, to lose the happiness I enjoyed. My obedience confirmed me in her breast, and gave her most terrible cruciations, in that she was reduced to an obedience contrary to her inclinations, by the duty she owed to her father. This made her sigh in secret, and send forth rivers of tears, which would have washed away that vivisicent colour that adorned her cheeks, had not the comforts of her Melanthe stopped those silver streams in the midst of their distillations. Nevertheless though she perceived the languishing of my eyes, and found them powerful operators upon her soul, and considered that they implored the assistance of my tongue to tell her the torments I endured, yet could not these considerations subdue her severity, though herself deserved not to use it against me, but she would not countermand what before she had commanded, and likewise she thought she should have been too weak to have withstood both the assault of my eyes, and tongue together and made her yield with her inclinations contrary to her fancied severity. I will not repeat the world of Discourses she had with Melanthe concerning the severity of her humour, and how often she had been about to let me know the affection she bore me, being overcome by the powerful persuasions of that wench, and how often she blamed herself for her own thoughts, and accused herself as guilty of the most heinous crimes, at the least commitment againt her severe humour; yet all her severity could not withhold her from seeing me daily, and redring me that satisfaction for my imposed silence, as also to give herself that divertisement in my company which she was not capable of in my absence. Though my sequent Am●retta's were so unfortunate, and those that made me an adversary to love; yet I must confess this was with singular innocence, that we enjoyed through a powerful and secret Sympathy one with another, and that life I have accounted amongst the most happiest of my days▪ which I have spent in the company of Amenia, whose innocent and pleasing conversation, often put my soul into a posture of tranquillity, and rapt my soul into a contemplative enjoyment of that which afterwards I received more really, but hardly with more delight.  
Thus I had almost passed over the winter, in the sweet conversation of Amenia, never breaking my imposed silence; when Lilibilis had notice given him that the Chief of the Gallicians, desired him with the chief of his men, to meet them on the borders of the Austures, that they might consult for the general good concerning their next Campaign, and in what manner they should oppose their enemies. They sent him word that Caesar was returned to Rome, and had left the Legions with Antistius, a valiant Captain, and who with all speed was mustering his Forces to assail them, and to begin the War, though it was so soon. Lilibilis soon departed with the chief of his Commanders, leaving a great charge on Clotuthe to be careful of me, and desired me to contribute what I could to my health, that I might be in a condition to render him that help which he hoped for from me, and on which he depended more than on his Army. I would have persuaded him to let me accompany him, but he utterly refused it in consideration that my weaknsse was not so well recovered, but that so sudden a journey might have thrown me into a relapse. When I saw he would not let me accompany him, I told him that I would cherish myself, as much as his absence possible could give me leave, and that I only desired my life to lose it in his service, to which I had destinated the remainder of my days: He replied in very civil terms, having nothing of Barbarism in him, and after our mutual embraces he departed, leaving me to the care of those, whose love had made them uncapable of having their care of my health augmented by his commands or entreaties. The second day after Lilibilis his departue, I was set in my chamber by the fire in a very deep melancholy ruminating, on the different tyrannies of the God of Love, and considering how deeply I was engaged in a passion, that had cost me so many tears, and so much trouble, and yet had received nothing but a severe Law from the mouth of my goddess, when her Melanthe suddenly entered my Chamber, and surprised me in the midst of those tears, which my ardent passion had extracted from my eyes. That Maid whom affection had tied to my interests, excused her so sudden and uncivil entrance, (as she termed it) with very good language, and desired my pardon for her incivility. I soon made her understand how glad I was of her company, and how much I desired an opportunity of entertaining her alone. She told me she came from her Mistress, who had sent her to excuse her, in that she had not seen me that day, by reason of an indisposition which had made her keep her Chamber. I replied, I was unworthy the honour she did me in taking so great a care of my welfare, and that I could entertain the assurance of my own death with less trouble then to understand she was indisposed in her health. The Maid reanswered, that there was no fear of any danger in her Mistress indisposition, and that she made no question but that she would visit me the next day, and pay me interest for that days neglect; we spent some time in these interlocutions, till at last, after I had forced her to sit down, I uttered myself in these terms. ‛ Melanthe you cannot be ignorant of the cause of those tears you have surprised me in, which are but a small part to what I daily and almost hourly offer to a severity which hath made me mute. You know I have manifested my love, and you do not ignore to what a cruel silence I was condemned: I have not hitherto transgressed it, though all the world is ignorant, with what torment I undergo it, I continually sigh, languish, and spend my time in tears, and yet dare not declare my misery, which is the only and considerable ease others troubled with the like passion enjoy. Was there ever such a Law imposed on any as is on me? which makes me live in the continual languishment of my soul, and in the daily conversation and intuition of the object of all my suspirations, and still to lock up my lips by severity not to be paralleled. I know Melanthe, though sickness hath not killed me, that grief will, if not mitigated by some relaxation, but if I die, it will be a happiness in that it is by keeping a Law imposed upon me, by that mouth which I so much adore, whereby she shall see Euripedes can never be guilty of transgressing the severest of her commands. I find some ease in declaring this to thee, what allevament should I find in disburdening myself to her? but since she hath enjoined the contrary, I must, I will undergo it with silence to the death, and last expiration of a soul totally hers, and which lives only to do her service. She did not bid me (Melanthe) to speak of love to no body else, therefore I hope I have not transgressed in speaking to you, nevertheless I desire you not to make her acquainted with it, lest her severity may impute it as a transgression to me. I dare not sue, or desire, O Melanthe, to have this imposition taken off, but you may conceive with what joy I should receive the revocation of so strict a Law; but I doubt I am faulty in in that I desire to have that taken off, which was imposed by Amenia, though it be more grievous, and less easy to be born than death. Sir, (replied Melanthe) your virtues have made me inseparably yours, as far as the duty I own my Mistress, and the pudicity of my sex give me leave: I will not tell you how often I have endeavoured her, to revoke that which she had imposed upon you, and which I saw you bore with a patience not to be paralleled, because my andeavours proved in vain to cause her revoke what she had once commanded. I know the severity of her humour is such, that she will endure the greatest afflictions rather than break it; and this severity is very strange which she useth towards you, strange in that she afflicts you whom she desires not to afflict, and strange in that she no less afflicts herself, in that she is so severe to you, and that her humour is so strictly tied, to the severity of her own Law, that she will rather endure what she suffers than break it. She herself hath told you Sir, [therefore I may say it without any infidelity to my Lady] that you are not indifferent to her, but being tied by the cruel Laws of duty, (cruel in that it makes her contradict her own inclinations, and cruel because they will require her death rather than the breach of them) she must be obedient to him who hath that Sovereign authority over her, which were it otherwise, Euripedes might not receive so sensible afflictions, nor herself such cruciations. If my counsel be not too presumptuous, I should advise by no means to break that Law she hath imposed, till necessity require it, content yourself in that she both sees, knows and feels your afflictions. If I have been too lavish of my tongue, I doubt not but you will treasure up in secret what I have told you that I may not be accused of infidelity to her, whose severe humour could never pardon me. The afflictions I saw you suffer, engaged me to let you know this, that from it you might exprome comfort in your greatest distress. I could not choose but embrace Melanthe at the end of these words, and give her to understand how extremely sensible of these obligations I was, both by my transports and words. We had a great deal of discourse tending to this matter, whereby I found great ease in the assurance she gave me, that it was not want of affection in Amenia, in that I was condemned to silence, and in that she was so severe, but only in obedience to the rules of her duty, and dictates of a natural severiety. After she had given me new assurances of her service in every thing she was able without being unfaithful and disloyal to Amenia, she left me in some repose bette●han she found me.  
She was no sooner departed, but I set myself to contemplate on that which I understood from her, and giving way to believe what I desired, I began to possess myself with most pleasing imaginations, but I had not long entertained myself with them, when I was diverted by hearing one at my Chamber door, I had then no servants with me, by reason I had bid them leave me alone that I might with more freedom entertain my thoughts, which made me open the door myself, where I found one of Clotuthe's women, whom I had seen always the most familiar with, and who constantly bore her company in her visits to me. Being entered my Chamber, I began to inquire after the health of Clotuthe, she told me she was very much afflicted, and that without a speedy relief she was like to perish under a disease which she had hid from the eyes of all the world. What (said I being startled) is Clotuthe sick then? yea Sir, (answered the woman) and if it were not for some hope which I have inspired, that one who can recover her if he will, will be so merciful to her as to do it, she had been by this time past complaining, 'tis my persuasions alone keeps her alive, and a hope which I have inspired. O gods! (cried I) can that man live, who is able to recover Clotuthe, and will not believe himself made happy, if in doing her the smallest service he receive his death? O gods! must he be entreated; nay, and hath she but small hopes he will do it? Let me know this Monster, that with the point of my sword I may make him more sedulous, and desire not only to help her but to lose his life a hundred times were it possible for her preservation. Sir, replied this subtle woman, I can hardly believe but that he will seek her preservation, being the most generous man living, and truly Sir it is yourself must either kill or cure Clotuthe. I was so startled, and confounded at these words, that I had no time to enter into the meaning of them, nor perceive the scope of this woman's speeches, but stepping back replied amazedly, How I? hath she perceived so much ingratitude in me, that she hath so little hopes I will not sacrifice a thousand lives if I had them, to do her service? I beseech you explain which way I am able to do her any service, for I am so confounded that 'tis past my imaginations to comprehend which way her life depends on me. This woman thinking she had sufficiently prepared me, and seeing how eager I was to do her service, doubted very little but that she should accomplish her design. Clotuthe herself (said she) shall illuminate your understanding, though I cannot believe you can be ignorant which way to serve her, and in that service to redeem a life which is about to be sacrificed to your Hallucination. With that she drew forth a letter out of her sleeve and presented to me. Her last words astonished me more than the former, but believing the letter would dissipate all doubts, I greedily open'dit, where I read to this purpose.  
Clotuthe to Euripedes.  
THese black lines, suitable to the nigritude of my crime cannot blush, nor fear those titubations which might accompany a verbal confession, so absolutely against the pudicity that should be inseparable to our sex, and especially in the condition I am in; Let these confess what my pudor could never utter, though assisted by time and opportunity. I had thought that my actions, my looks and ambiguous words, might have exhibited my passion, without so open agnition, but you were either wilfully blind, or else very obtuse in your apprehensions not to see that which gave me so terrible cruciations, and which I exhibited plain enough to be understood, by any less wilful, or less blind than yourself. This is it that hath brought me to that pass, that as I have no desire, so I have no hope to live, without the compassion of Euripedes. I have preconside●ed how criminal I am, and what inverecundity I use to make known this perturbation: but being brought to this exigent I cannot die satisfied without letting you know I die for you, and that the grave may witness my affection, I desire no longer to retain a life so culpable, but till I have heard that cruel sentence, which I must expect from one so just as yourself, to perfect my tragedy. Yet O generous Euripedes, let this crime after my death be sepelized in the grave of oblivion, but if you remember me with regret, consider too, that I died for the expiation of my fault, though death be too small an expiament for the crime of the guilty and unfortunate  
CLOTUTHE.  
I Read not this Letter without exhibiting by my face those perturbing passions which it suscitated in my breast, I a hundred times changed colour, and my trouble was so great that I could hardly accomplish the reading of it. That gestatrix perceived my perturbation, yet I believe she knew not whether it presaged good or ill, she was about to assure herself by words, when I cried out. The gods have undone me! I expressed my affliction by iterating those words often, without being capable of uttering more. Why have the gods undone you? (said she composing her countenance as well as she could) I rather think they have made you happy, were you able to see it, I thought what would become of your great protestations to do her service when you were tried. Woman (said I with an angry tone) tell me not of doing her service in so unlawful an action, I know it would be the greatest disservice I could do her, to blemish her honour eternally by illicit actions, the very thoughts thereof are to me more cruel than death, would there were but any occasion offered to do her service, wherein her, nor my honour might be contaminated, you should see how willingly I would embrace a death in the performance. I honour Clotuthe, and I honour her so much, that I will first lose my own life before I will defile hers, or I will banish myself this place, seeing I have made others criminal.  
After these words I walked a turn or two, in a very confused posture, and then stopping suddenly with an action not to be expressed, I cannot believe (said I looking again on the letter) that Clotuthe can be guilty of this letter; the virtuous Clotuthe could never do it, this is some plot of my enemies to beguile innocent Euripedes, but O my enemies, you shall never entrap him in such illicit actions. The woman seeing me so transported, had not the confidence to interrupt me, but hearing me go on in this, she at last fell into a thousand protestations, adding innumerable oaths, calling all the gods to witness that it was no design of my enemies, and that it was only Clotuthe, who waited but her return to receive her death, therefore she desired me to take pity on her, and remember how careful she had been of me, and that I should not cause the death of the fair and amiable Clotuthe by standing upon a foolish point of honour. I was so moved that I heard not many other words that she said. Ah would the gods (at last cried I out) had verified my hopes, and have given me no cause to complain against Clotuthe, by letting it have been a plot of my enemies, with how much less trouble could I have bore it, and with what shame should I have confounded my enemies. Think not by your persuasions (said I turning to the woman) nor by your implorations to gain me to that which must be a spot of infamy to us both eternally. Have I received so much kindness, so much honour, so much love from Lilibilis, and shall I abuse it with so great deceit, so much vileness, and so great an abuse, as to defile his bed? the gods certainly would dart thunders upon my head, and the great God of Hospitality would Eternally plague me, should I be guilty of such a thought. O Clotuth, would, instead of preserving it, you had abandoned this life to ruin, than had I never been guilty of hearing this proposal, nor it may be you altogether so criminous. O Lilibilis, how well indeed should I requite your favours, by doing you the greatest of injuries! To defile Clotuthe and dishonour myself for ever: No, no, cease to urge me to so great a crime. That impudent woman replied thus: Sir, I did not think you would have been less generous in this action for Clotuthe than you have been in all things else, if you consider her love, and life, they will bear down those weak reasons you allege. For, what dishonour or infamy can it be, to love her whose love is so unparallelable, and when none in the world else can discover it, and when you receive an affection, that any in the world besides yourself, would account a happiness, to be envied of the Gods themselves? That reason of Honour is nothing, it being but an outside, and can receive no distain but in the eyes of others, which cannot be procured by this, being unknown. Besides, in my mind that is the greatest honour whereby we receive proofs of it from others, to the advantage of ourselves, which you do in this, the other being but imaginary, this real, though secret. But if she is willing to forgo that point for you, why should you be so scrupulous as not to do so much for her? seeing she lives not but by being yours, why then should you refuse to be hers? Nevertheless, if her love cannot move you, let the consideration of her death cause you to pity her, if I grant you that it is a crime (which can hardly be thought so, seeing the Gods themselves have authorised it by their own actions); think, whether it be not a greater crime, to cause her death by so much rigour, than to preserve her life with so much ease, and pleasure to yourself. Fear not that the Gods will punish that, which themselves are examples of, no, they are too just to do so; and as for Lilibilis, it would be far greater indignity to destroy Clotuthe for all his favours, than to save her life with no wrong to him, especially being unknown. Consider, I beseech you, her death is inevitable, and if you refuse her, her shame will not let her live. Oh, be not so hardhearted, if you cannot do it with complacency, force yourself to save a life, which else will be laid to your charge.  
I admire how I heard her so long, but she had proceeded farther if I had not put an end to her speeches; my choler being raised to the height: Woman (said I, my face showing my resentment) wert thou not of that sex; which would be a dishonour to me to hurt, I would cruelly chastise thee for these speeches: I know Clotuthe never gave you so large a Commission to treat as you do, her Letter though it be criminal, is not so inverecund. I believe she herself would punish thee if she knew it, and be ashamed of what thou hast spoken in her behalf: being thou belongest to her whom I truly honour, I force myself to forget what you have said, that you may not appear before me as a Monster. Tell Clotuthe that it is impossible for me to be ingrateful, but I cannot satisfy her no other ways, than by laying my life at her feet: if she looks for other satisfaction I have none; however, I will be so careful of her Reputation, that even myself will forget that ever I received such a Letter from her, that she may not appear criminal in my thoughts. Tell her, I would come to visit her, but that I doubt my Company would be but a disturbance, and suscitate those motions which I desire my absence may banish, and make her incur danger of discovering to others what her prudence hitherto hath hid, and which rather than it should be known my life should expire at her feet. With these words I left the Woman, and entering a Closet in the Chamber I gave her leave to departed.  
There I called to my remembrance Clotuthe's former kindnesses, her speeches and past actions, and with what fervency and care she performed many things for me, I could then perceive there was a passion in all she did, and her ambiguous speeches were now manifested, and in fine I wondered that I could not perceive it all that while, being openly enough exhibited, but I was so far from thinking of yielding to her, that the more I thought upon her, the more odious she seemed to me, and in consideration of Amenia, I rather began to hate her than love her. My thoughts likewise exhibited to me the great trouble and vexation was like to ensue if she persisted in it, but if my disdain should cause her hatred, as it was very likely it should; I saw on that hand as great danger and trouble as might be on the other; I feared nothing but ruining my pretensions for Amenia, by stratagems never wanting to enraged women. My life I valued not, but I feared she might procure my banishment, which would be far more grievous than death. A thousand thoughts came thronging into my mind all representing some disaster to ensue, and methought this evement had already ruined my hopes. I complained against the gods, inveighed against Clotuthe, spoke against myself, and in these transports I spent a good part of the night before I came forth of the closet. When I was in bed my imaginations hardly suffered me to take any sleep; sometimes me thought I saw Clotuthe like a fury assailing me, and endeavouring to tuine me, by and by she was represented acting part of her resentment against Amenia, using her with violence and rigour, this gave me real cruciations, though it were but a thought; and made me often exclaim against her with the bitterest words I could invent, than I saw her in my imaginations acting her own Tragedy, this caused me no less fear and trouble on the other side, in consideration that she was the wife of Lilibilis, whom I very much honoured and loved; these troublesome thoughts took away sleep and rest, with some that love injected for Amenia, and I hardly gained a slumber that night, which also was interrupted with dreams of the like nature, those Idaea's exhibiting themselves in my sleep.  
The next day I was visited by Amenia, and her presence dissipated part of those troubles which continually employed my imaginations, and gave me that relaxation which nothing besides herself could do. We passed our time as we used to do, in very ordinary discourse, and though she loved me well, yet had she hardly the confidence to six her eyes upon mine when she spoke, and when she perceived how intentively I beheld her, my eyes taking that liberty which was denied my tongue, it made her blush out of the knowledge that she understood those dumb orators, yet was she so cruel as not to take off her imposition. At last Amenia made me acquainted with her mother's sickness, but she knew not the cause; she desired me to go along with her to give her a visit, I was afraid to discover it to Amenia, by denying to go, and I knew my presence would do her hurt in consideration that I was the cause of it. I was very loath to do Clotuthe so much wrong as to discover her weakness to any, which made me go after two or three times invitation, wherein I could not deny Amenia. I was troubled though, least Clotuthe might discover herself by some action that my presence might cause; but my chiefest trouble was, lest that visit might give her any encouragement to persist in her love, or cause her to believe I would not be altogether averse from her, or might yield to that which was so odious to me. With this trouble I accompanied Amenia to Clotuthe's chamber, we found none there but that woman who brought me her letter, for Clotuthe desired few of her other women's company, being all ignorant of the true cause of her grief. After Amenia had rendered her what she thought was required from her, and testified what share she bore in her egritude by many words full of sweetness and compassion, I approached her bed side, but with so great fear and trembling, that I could not express myself a great while, her colour went and came very often at my approach, which showed an extraordinary motion within her. ‛ Madam (said I after I had stood a while silent) I cannot yield to any in the world that superiority of having a more sensible affliction of your egritude than myself, and I cannot believe I injure truth if I say I feel little less dolour than yourself. How joyful should I be! and how happy should I account myself, if by the sacrifice of my life the gods would recover you to your pristine estate, I should offer it with more content, than I ever shall receive while you are in this condition, and were your sickness depending upon my life only, this moment should be the last of your grief.  
She understood these words, and perceived what I meant by them, I saw they had raised an extraordinary colour in her face, and her eyes expressed the great desire she had to speak, but Amenia's presence deterred her, she was not more sorry than I was glad that she was there, but that subtle woman who knew her desire found means to draw Amenia to the window, and Melanthe who attended her stood at a distance, out of respect. Clotuthe glad of this opportunity answered me softly, but so as I could hear her distinctly. ‛ Eur●pedes (said she without looking me in the face, but hers was tinctured with ●e●●●●ion all over) I cannot reproach you for your virtue, nor call you cruel though you slay me; I am not ignorant what virtue is, though I have not the power to follow it. It shames me to our-live a fault I have committed against Lilibilis, my own pudor, and your virtue, by the overruling of that implacable tyrant Love, but I am so carefully watched, that I cannot gain an opportunity to expiate the crime of Lilibilis his wife, by the victim of Clotuthe. I have confessed, O Euripedes, that I have loved you, I cannot deny it, and to my shame I must still own it, in that love I must die, the bonds of duty were too weak to restrain me from letting you know it, and I should not have accounted it acceptable if you had been ignorant of it. I die Euripedes, and I die for you, or rather for the fault of loving you, if it can be imputed to me since the gods inspired it, and forced my inclinations to it. I know you are too generous to divulge it, and if the fault of Clotuthe might give you an occasion to do it, yet the love you bear Lilibilis will restrain you. After a little respite; Your heart cannot be capable of pity, (continued she) no, no, Euripedos, let me die to ease myself of that pain which is insufferable, but I do not believe you desire I should live, since you alone are the cause of it. Her tears stopping the rest of her words, she gave me time to answer her. O Madam (said I) I have told you, and do again, that I never had more affection to do you service than now I have. and shall ever retain it, so long as my honour may not be blemished, nor the precepts of virtue broken. I value not the expiration of my life could it ease you, and you should soon see it poured out at your feet, did I think it would be pleasing to you, but I will, ah I will leave this place, this place so affected by me, since I am the cause of your disrepose, and it may be my absence may give you that again, which my presence hath robbed you of; Madam, with this resolution I leave you, seeing I can not otherwise ease you, I will not be guilty of the expiration of that life, which with my own I should account a happiness to preserve.  
With this making a low obeisance I was about to departed, when Clotuthe, looking upon me, with an air full of affliction. ‛ O Euripedes (said she) slay me not immediately, nor be the cause of a sudden and unavoidable precipitation, you say you will obey me in all things wherein virtue gives you leave, let me then demand, entreat and implore your stay, depart not, for if you do, that moment shall be the last of my life. The fault of Clotuthe is already enough to her husband, without aggravating it by the banishment of him on whom Lilibilis puts all his confidence, for the keeping of our liberties and our lives. I had but time to tell her that since she commanded my stay I would obey her, and that I would sacrifice my life for their general good, since she would not receive it as an oblation to satisfy her for the crime I had made her precipitate herself into by my presence, when Amenia came to me and to my joy hindered all other communication. I was not sorry she had commanded me to stay, for I could not have departed without leaving my life behind me, and thereby she would have taken a more cruel revenge than if with her own hand she had given me my death. We had but little more discourse before we departed, leaving her to her afflictions.  
Amenia had sent to Lilibilis to let him understand of the sickness of Clotuthe, he bore her a real affection, and that was the cause he came before he was looked for, I was extreme joycus for his return, as well for the love I bore him, as that I hoped his presence would deter Clotuthe in the pursuit of her illicit Love. Lilibilis expressed a hearty sorrow for her egritude, and embracing her with a tender affection, expressed his trouble by melting words, the exhibiting of so ardent an affection made me in my thoughts extremely vituperate Clotuthe for the wrong she had done him. Lilibilis made me acquainted that the result of their meeting was to oppose the Romans as they had done the last Summer, and to assist one another as opportunity should serve. Antistius was drawing his forces together, and as we heard by our spies that he intended to march against us, with all the speed he could. This made Lilibilis to take the field that he might not be prevented by his enemy, and gave order, to his chief Captains to appear at the Rendezvous with that celerity as their case required. I was then strong enough to bear arms, & found myself as well able as ever to do Lilibilis service, and I longed to be in the field, that I might be free from the supplications of Clotuthe's woman, who still persecuted me, though I am persuaded it was unknown to Clotuthe, and that it was either hope of reward or compassion on her, who continued in her sickness, that made her seek to effect her desires, but she still found me inexorable, as also that I might render more proofs of my affection to Amenia, from whose presence and sweet conversation I received comfortable to make me bear that silence imposed upon me with much patience, especially when I considered it was Amenia's command, and that it was a character of my affection, and would be looked upon so by her. But when I thought of departing it was with a most sensible affliction, and insupportable, had it not been for the service of Lilibilis, and for particular interests in serving Amenia. She assured me afterwards that she entertained the thought of my separation as the cruelest displeasure that could have happened, and had no less grief for it than myself. Her goodness was pleased to ●●nde something pleasing in my conversation, and her love had tied her to me inseparably, and now she saw me ready to be ravished from her, and it may be never like to return, but receive a death in her service, she could not but almost evaporate her soul through the sighs and tears that she shed. What (said she) shall Euripedes lose a life, a life so dear to me? since I love him, since I have proved his, and that with the hardest proofs, why should I not confess it to him? it may be it will make him more careful of it when he knows he cannot lose it without endangering mine; it may be it will so animate him, that it may be some conducement to make him return conqueror over out insulting foe: deter it no longer scrupulous Amenia, let him know thou acceptest of his affection. These motions on my behalf were opposed by those of her severity, they represented her more criminous by that action than by loving me, and that she could not do it without offending against her severity, and her duty, knowing her father had destined her for another. The●e conflicts wholly agitated her mind, she resolving upon neither when the last day was come wherein Lilibilis intended to take his leave. A little before this last day's approach I exhibited the afflictions of my heart by that trouble which appeared in my face, and by it Amenia read the greatness of my affection and of my sorrow. She saw my life was ready to leave me at this separation, and yet I endured her imposition with a patience not to be equalled, but by my affection, and that I had resolved to die rather than to break it: this consideration wrought a compassion, joined with her love, that made her resolve to give me leave to take my leave of her in private, but she was not resolved to make known any affection to me. Melanthe let me know the favour Amenia intended to do me, and truly in spite of all my trouble, this favour gave me a real consolation. Lilibilis intending to departed very early the next morning; considering the illness of Clotuthe be would not disturb her repose so early, therefore he took his leave of her that night: I was resolved not to take my leave of her alone, lest it should have engaged her into a discourse which I was not willing to hear.  
After Lilibilis had taken his leave of her with words and actions full of affection, and not without many tears, I approached her bed (which she still kept) and with my ordinary Civilities took my leave. Lilibilis his presence locked up her mouth, but her eyes shown she resented that action, and that she saw I purposely made use of that time, to avoid her reproaches. Go Euripides (said she at last) triumph over those enemies, and spare them not that would rob Lilibilis of his right, it grieves me that I shall not live to have a share in your glory. I knew she particularised herself, but the answer I returned her, could give her no light that I understood her so. I made her a very low obeisance, and left her, but Lilibilis hearing her speak of death cast himself again into her arms, from which embraces I saw he was not likely soon to departed, and having heard he had before bid his Daughter farewell, my impatiency made me immediately depart to Amenia's Chamber, whether I always had a free access. She had disposed herself to receive me kindly, and had none but Melanthe with her, I entered not without trembling, for fear I should break at last what was imposed upon me. Assoon as I saw her I cast myself at her feet, and embracing her knees fully transported, I was not able to utter one word, I remained some time in that posture, till my ingeminated sighs had cleared the passage for some words. Madam (said I) this favour is so glorious, and so far beyond the merits of Euripedes that it hath over and above satisfied for all trouble, tears and sighs, which the most violent of passions, and most severest of Commands have afflicted me with: Ah, how glorious a recompense I find! But, may I Madam (continued I trembling and showing that fear which possessed me, by my eyes, and faltering of my speech) may I have leave to break that—. I could not go on through the apprehension I had of offending her, but casting down my eyes I exhibited my shame, for going about to transgress. Amenia's silence gave me liberty to lift up my eyes full of tears to hers, which I saw fixed intensively upon mine, and to proceed thus. Consider Madam (ushering them with a sigh) I am going whether the Gods only know if I ever may return; nay, I shall account it no disaster, but a glory to die in the service of Amenia. If I am troublesome to her, or if I have offended her, my death will be most welcome, in ●hat it will take me from the world wherein I have no life but what I enjoy by her presence; rewarding me for my presumption, it will deter a farther arrogancy, and through her goodness may expiate that crime I have committed in aspiring to love her, but with so much purity, that the Gods themselves could not be capable of more pure affections: and if my death content her, it will also content me, being her Joy and her Grief are inseparably mine. But if Amenia will out of her goodness, not regarding the meanness of my merits, let me not to be so indifferent to her, as to desire my death, but rather that I should return in safety, that also confirmed by her fair mouth, will give me this comfort if I die, that Amenia not regarding my presumption, in exhibiting my passion, had out of her abundant goodness pitied me, and not seen my death without regret, this will be glory enough for Euripides, with that of dying in her service, and would give him no other cause of trouble but that of leaving her. Ah Madam! (vehemently sighing again) have I not observed your Commands hitherto, though more terrible than death? how far easier had it been for me to have died, then to have observed this silence you have imposed upon me! must I still?— (stopping a little, then with a supplicating Air) and must I departed without telling you— I dared not to proceed, but stopping with a fear that seized me, lest I had proceeded too far, and should abuse the favour she did me, I fell into a trembling that made her extremely pity me. My passionate words accompanied with more passionate actions, and gestures not to be expressed, but by those whose passions inspire them naturally, raised so great compassion comitated with that great Love she bore me, that made her say more than she had intended; and forced her severity to give place. I cannot but admire considering the vehemency of her passion, (which she protested to me afterwards) that she had been so long Mistress of it. Observing the trouble I was in, and being mollified with compassion, she raised me from my knees with these words: Euripedes, I have bid thee already hope that thou mayst not be indifferent to me, I do not yet forbidden thee to hope it, and I think I have in some part exhibited it by this reception, though I confess I own more to the merits and services of Euripedes. Euripedes is going to conquer, Euripedes is going to expose his life against my foes, and to redeem our Liberty with the expense of his own blood; and could I do less than give euripides this favourable reception at his parting? I would not have Euripedes think I can take any content at the loss of a Life, which I have with all my ability endeavoured to save; No, think not Euripedes that I can part without trouble, and do not believe but the sweet conversation of Euripedes, hath gained too much upon my spirit, as not to make me extreme sensible of his loss, nothing but the hopes of your return, with victory and more glory than ever, could mitigate a lawful trouble for your departure, therefore by that power you say I have over you, I command you not to expose that Life to unnecessary dangers which shall be still prized by Amenia. I have not disregarded your obedience and you cannot utter more than you have done already: I can see that it continues without your declaring it by words: what need you tell me you Love me, if I believe it? (These words tincted her cheeks with a new Vermilion, but she went on without stop) I have bid you hope, and were I not prohibited by the Laws of Duty, I would say more, what can you desire of me Euripedes, is not this sufficient? She uttered these words with her wont sweetness, which wrought that effect upon my soul, as you Argelois being so deeply touched with this passion, may conceive in the like case. They had cast me into extraordinary Raptures, and I hardly remembered what I did, but casting myself at her feet; though she sought to hinder it. Ah Madam (said I) I shall find a very different death from what my sorrows would have caused. If I expire now it will be in the greatest content in the world, and will hinder me from seeing any more trouble: and were not my Joy mitigated, with the consideration of leaving you, it would so exceed, that it would work the same effects as a kill sorrow. Alas, what is Euripedes that you should have thus felicitated him? with a more sensible happiness than if the Gods had placed him among themselves? I cannot fear my enemies now, were I to encounter with the whole world. Amenia forced me to rise, and shedding some tears: I know not, Euripedes (said she) what it is that thus afflicts me, but I never felt a sadder heart in all my life; and I cannot but fear that this parting will prove satal. I cannot but fear I shall never see Euripedes more; but let me once more entreat you not to precipitate yourself into danger, and check the exorbitancy of your courage by your Love, and by remembering that I impose it upon you, and that I have desired to see you return, for the encouragement whereof I tell you again, myself will endeavour for your happiness in all things wherein I am not prohibited, by the precepts of duty, virtue and honour. Madam (replied I, bowing almost to the ground) think not but I shall obey your Commands, and with more care observe them than those of the Gods themselves, and I question not but you can raise me to fare greater happinesses than they can without you. You have had so much trial of my obedience, that you cannot justly doubt but that I will lose my life a hundred times (were it possible) sooner than fail in observing them; especially when they are so glorious, and contribute so much to my own happiness. You need not fear that the power of the Roman●s is able to take away this life, since you have been pleased to conserve it, and with it you have given me so great animosity, that I need not fear but victory will attend me. At the finishing of these words Amenia entering a little Closet, fault out a blue Scarce with a very large fair fringe, all wrought with Gold and Silver, in flowers and other curious work (partly wrought by herself and partly by Melanthe) bringing it in her hand; here euripides (said she) wear this for a remembrance of what you own me. I received it upon my knee, with a world of satisfaction: Madam (said I) you are too deeply insculpted on my heart to need any remembrancer, and I am too great an observer of your commands to forget them. I will receive this as the most glorious of gifts, and esteem it above my Life since it comes from the hand of my adored Amenia. In receiving it I kissed it, and being filled with Raptures I cemented my lips to that fair hand, and gave it some most ardent suaviations. She permitted it a little, but believing I trespassed too much upon her modesty she withdrew it, and raising me up, Go Euripedes (said she) and conquer where ever thou com'st, and where it is not lawful for thee with thy Arms, use thy Virtue and none can withstand you. These words made me blush, but I answered: Madam, I cannot fear to lose the Victory since you have bid me conquer? but I shall not glory in all the Victories the Gods can give me, or in being a greater Conqueror than Alexander, so much as in being your Captive, aye there lies my happiness, and there lies my glory. After these words I took my leave, and I saw some tears drop from Amenia's fair eyes at my deceding, which gave me a consolation not to be uttered, and that night I spent in the contemplation of my Happiness, where I had spent many in that of my miseries.  
I have been longer than I thought to have been (continued Euripedes) in the relation of my Amoretta's: but the great content I received in them then, hath conserved them fresh in my memory to this day, though I have passed troubles enough since to oblitterate them: if I had had no worse success in the latter than in the former I might not perchance have been so opposite to Love; but those Aerumnal Loves far different than the former, rectified my reason, and made me see with clearer eyes than those of a Lover. Love they say is a most noble passion and leads one to most generous actions: true, if you consider it without that effect of it desire; whilst that it interest's not itself in any thing, but solely loveth the object because it is lovely; truly then it is noble, it is free, and all actions that it produceth are truly generous; but if you take Love as most do, though you consider it in those whose Virtues were never blemished by it, yet all those actions they exhibit to the world, which may seem most generous, and most noble, are nevertheless servile and abject, whilst desire as an inseparable accident accompanies their Love, and makes those actions of seeming generosity to be but the effects of their own desire, and in all they do, serve their own ends. I do not make mention of those whose Loves carry them to base ends, being converted to Lust, and to do things odious to them in their right reason: you'll say, that none that are virtuous can be led to such actions: whilst that Virtue lasts I confess they cannot, but I believe, and know by experience, that this passion whereon we treat is able to stifle the motions of Virtue, and to insinuate those of Vice, and make those persons do that which being clear from this passion, they would detest, and which could not be attributed to their natures but to the enforcement of their passions. Some I know, whose Virtues are Eminent, do not yield in the least to their passion but overcome it by their Virtue; and though they Love, they cannot be said to be subjugated by it, because it is subordinate to their Virtues. I do not speak this without reason, and this small digression may be some preparative to what I shall relate: for, in my first Loves I acted nothing against the precepts of Virtue; but afterward, whether my passions were more violent, or less pure, they drew me into actions, that made me justly hate both myself, and that passion which was the cause of them; which when you have heard, though it may not make you hate a passion so deeply settled in you, yet it may excuse my aversion; in that it caused me to do actions so detestable and unworthy of myself, which hath drawn thousands of tears from my eyes, for some small expiation of my follies. But I would not have you think I am an enemy to Love rightly stated; for Love is the purest spark of the soul, and that which illustrates the whole man, and I may truly say that it is the fountain of all good, and without it man were not man: so the want of it is the chiefest cause of all evil. But by this I mean that Love which never introduced any desire, but being an emanation of the gods, acts itself to that which is most pure, and doth most partake of its essence; and I cannot call this a passion but a fire taken off from the altar of the Gods; communicating nothing but what is most pure and Celestial, and making the possessor of it like to the Gods themselves. In this our two Geniis find a great matter of Contestation, for if the one inspire it, or rather the Gods, and that seek to preserve it, our black Daemon endeavours to subvert it, and knowing that it is apt to work upon what is fair and like itself, it exhibites beauty and formosity, and then stirring up a sensual desire contaminates that lustre, and almost suffocates that which is the very life of all generous actions. Since I have retired into this solitude, I have had time to Contemplate this and many other things, both of the nature of Love, and the effects, and have learned to separate the dross from the Gold: I might declare more of it, but I read an invitation in your face to the prosecution of what is unfinished, concerning my life, and in the end you may perchance perceive that this discourse was not unnecessary. Argelois would willingly have represented his thoughts concerning Love, but being more desirous to hear the end of his Love and Adventures: he favoured his prosecution with his silence, and heard him proceed thus:  
I shall be very succinct in my following narration, therefore I shall not give you the particulars of this Summer's War: only tell you, that which cannot be omitted without impairing my Relation.  
The next morning very early we left Austurica, and came to the Randezvous within a short time being hard by the River Astura, where we encamped: there was a great appearance of the Astures, who shown a great propensity, to defend their liberties with their lives, and resolved to fight to the last man. The Cantabrians and Gallicians were as forward as we, and the conquering Romans were not behind us, who were encamped at Sigisama. The Romans had had a very sharp and fierce War of it, and resolving to finish it this Summer, they had filled up their Legions with their valiant men, and many stout Commanders. Lanium, a Roman Captain marched with his Troops towards the Gallicians, where they had many fierce Encounters, and though they were helped by the Vo●caeans, and spared not for courage to defend themselves, yet were they fain to run the fortune of the Conquered, and to yield their lives to the invincible Romans. Many of those Barbarians being besieged on the Mountain Medullius, and seeiing a necessity that th●● must either yield to their Enemies, or die by their swords, they unanimou●●●●●rn'd their arms against themselves, and by sundry deaths, deprived 〈◊〉 Conquerors of that glory, In the mean time Antistius, and Firmius oppressed the Cantabrians, who though they were the most formidable of all Spain, ●ell continually under the swords of the conquering Romans: But the ferositie of that people made the Romans to win those Victories with much blood, both of themselves and their Enemies, who oftentimes despising a proffered life, they showed how much they loved their liberty, by a voluntary death. The Romans had not so easily gained that Country, if they had not oppressed them with a Fleet of Ships, which they had transported from Gaul, for seeing it otherwise impossible to have subdued them, they with a very great Fleet oppressed them by Sea. The Cantabrians having lost many Victories, and many men, and all their chief Towns taken, they were fain to stoop to that yoke which the Romans had imposed on all the world.  
Whilst these things were a doing on each side of us, you must not imagine us idle, or that we had not as sharp afflictions as the rest. Carisius, to whose lot it fell to contest with us, was not encamped far from us. We had at that time a very great Army, composed of very stout and valiant men, and at least 5000 Astercones, which did great service in their battles, whose velocity much troubled the Roman Legions in all their Encounters: for, disordering them with a sudden decursion, they assoon drew off with little hurt to themselves. We had often called the chief of the Army to Counsel, that we might not be wanting of Policy as well as valour to defend ourselves, and that we might not take in hand any thing rashly, and without the advice of the most experienced Soldiers; For the want of good Council is ofttimes the overthrow of the most valiant, when with temereity they undertake any design. Those actions I had performed the Summer before were not forgotten by them, and they did me the honour to call me to all Counsels, and to cede very much to what I said. Indeed the provocations of my love, with a desire that I had to return to Amenia, made me extreeamly desirous to expedite this War; and therefore my council was all for battle or some other valorous Stratagem, that might soon put a period to it: and in this I did not lack followers among so many valiant and hardy men. I at last proposed the attacking of the Romans in their Camp; for that I understood by Spies, that they were very secure, not being accustomed to meet with so much valour, as to dare to undertake such an Enterprise. I backed my proposition with many reasons which I now remember not, but at last it prevailed with them being all very stout men, and desirous of action. For this end the Army was tripartited, one part was led by Lilibilis, the other by Gurgulinis a very valiant Captain, and the third they honoured me with. With great secrecy we marched three several ways, that we might surprise them on all side● with the more astonishment, and we came so suddenly, and were so near them before we were discovered, that we had almost effected our design, which shown our valour that we ventured to undertake so difficult an Enterprise. However, we put the Romans into great fear, and had we not been discovered without doubt we had defeated them, but they had so much time as to embattel themselves, and to meet us without their Camp: Nevertheless, they found us assured in our countenances, and they were fain to animate themselves with the remembrance of their former Victories to keep up their spirits. We met with an impetuosity that admits of no comparison, where hundreds of men found their deaths at the first Encounter, Lilibilis and Gurgulinis on each side met with the like resistance, and on all sides the Camp was nothing but blood and slaughter.  
I will not go about to describe a battle to you, who I know have acted your part in many bloody ones: but I am persuaded the Romans never met with a more fierce and stout resistance. The earth was soon cruented, and spread all over with dead bodies, whilst heaps of men lay groaning out their last, which could not be heard through the noise of the clattering of their Weapons. It was a dismal fight to behold how horror ranged throughout the Field, and with what animosity each side received their deaths. The strenuitie of the Astercones was very useful, but neither that, nor the general valour of the Soldiers, nor the particular actions of the Commanders, (amongst which myself may without vanity boast in having twice unhorsed Carisius) could keep the invincible Romans from the Victory, though she had long hung in suspense, being accustomed to light on the Roman standards, she so well knew her wont residence, that she resided there more out of custom, then that the valour of the Astures did not deserve her. Alas, the Genii of the Barbarians were too weak for those of the Romans, and I can attribute their gaining of that Victory to nothing else, or their good fortune. Yet the Romans had little cause to rejoice for their Victory, being gained with so great loss, and blood on both sides: for the remainders of both, could not make up half the number of one party before they met. We were not ignorant what was done on each side the Camp: for we soon knew, we all ran the like fortune, and that the same resistance on every side had caused the same internecation.  
I had trouble enough at the loss of this Victory, but a new surcharge more afflicted me, when I heard that Lilibilis was slain upon the place; besides the affection that I bore the man, I had some cause to doubt that Amenia would vituperate me for his loss. Gurgulonis with his party put himself into Lancia, whilst I made my retreat with mine to the Mountains: I got some to accompany me, and adventured, (when the Romans were retreated into their Camp) to fetch off the body of Lilibilis, and first bestowed many tears (due to him, as being my Entertainer, as being the Father of Amenia, and as being the valiant and noble Lilibilis); Having first I say bestowed these tears upon his dead corpses, which had received many wounds, I sent it to Asturica, to Clotuthe and Amenia, and with it this Letter.  
euripides to the fair Amenia  
IF the overflowing of your just tears, can permit you to read these lines, let them tell you, I bewail your loss with the greatest dolour possible can be imagined, and that I never felt more powerful affliction for the loss of my own Parents, than I do for the loss of the father of Amenia. The Gods had been more Just, and I more satisfied, if I had been presented to you in the place of Lilibilis, and that he had remained alive for the comfort of Amenia. The desire I have to defend this Country to the utmost of my power, and to revenge the death of Lilibilis: but especially that obligation you put upon me, at my abcession, not wilfully to precipitate myself to death, makes me survive so great a loss. You may well take off that command, for after the receiving so great a loss, you cannot be sensible of a less, and give me leave with those few men that have escaped the last battle, to endeavour the revenge of Lilibilis, by the shedding the last drop of my own blood: I desire not but to die in the Encounter, and by that to give you proofs of the affection of  
Euripedes.  
I gave those men a charge that went with the body of Lilibilis to tell Clotuthe and Amenia, that I could not leave those few men the Gods had left me, to come to comfort them in their affliction without apparent danger of losing the Country and abandoning all to the Enemy, and that I preserved my life only to do them service. Whilst they went with that sorrowful spectacle to Asturica; I gathered up the scattered forces that were left and retired to the Mountains, which kept us very safe and secure. Carisius sent a party after us, whilst himself went to beleaguer Lancia. Those that followed us found that we were resolved enough, and being gotten among strong Bulwarks, we often fallyed forth upon them to their great disadvantage, and though they far exceeded us in number, yet could they not gain any advantage over us: I would have persuaded my men to have hazarded a battle, but I could by no means bring them to it, because the Romans exceeded them. They often attempted in vain, to enter our holds and to beat us thence, but they lost their men, without effecting the least against us. This made them leave us and retire to Carisius, who wanted their help to besiege Lancia, where he found notable resistance, we sallied out upon their Rear, and very much endamaged them, but we were fain to retire to the Rocks again for to secure ourselves, being so few in number, and not able to oppose any considerable body, without the help of those Sconces.  
In this part of his relation, he was interrupted by the bringing in of Supper, and after they had taken that repast, euripides led Argelois into a Chamber very well furnished, which he had appointed for his Lodging. Argelois desiring him to finish his Relation, for that it was not very late, and that he had no desire to sleep, He, as willing to satisfy his guest as might be, placed himself between Lonoxia and him, and after recollecting himself he proceeded.  
The end of the second Book.    

ELIANA.  
BOOK the third.  
IN this condition we remained sometime, resting in those sconces after our labours to ease and refresh ourselves, whilst I sent out many of the Officers to collect what forces they could throughout the Country. In this time of vacancy, whilst I stayed for the addition of those forces they could get, I had time enough to exercise my imaginations on my Amoretta's, and to ruminate very much on those affairs. Such thoughts as these eased the trouble I had for Lilibilis death. If (thought I) that Amenia has any inclinations to me, and as she has told me herself, that if by the laws of duty she were not bound to the contrary, she would declare herself more for me, and that I should not be so severely dealt withal, may not I believe that the capricious fortune, hath not dealt unfavourable, in taking away Lilibilis who was the only obstacle of my good? Now she has no duty (which she always pleaded) to fight against her inclinations, if she has any to me. Now I shall quickly see whether those words proceeded from her heart, or only to keep me here for the interest of her Country. Now her fortune is so hazardous, as also Mandone's that it may be she will sly into my arms for protection, and be glad to accept that proffer of leaving her Country rather than fall into the hands of the Romans whom she deadly hates. By and by I should say thus within myself, by reflecting upon the goodness of Lilibilis. Mean spirited euripides thou oughtest not to admit these thoughts to mitigate thy just grief for the good Lilibilis, nor is it just for thee to build any hopes by his fall; thy love to him which should be built either from his friendship or his virtue should not be lessened by his death, as to make thee forget his memory, and to flatter thy grief with such hopes. What if Lilibilis was the only obstacle of thy happiness? he was the father of Amenia, and thy friend, thou wilt not be so impious as to rejoice at his death, though it enthrone thee in the highest felicity, and to have no other thoughts but to raise him from the grave, thou wouldst forgo all whatsomever thou couldst pretend to, from thy passion, and deny thyself with so much magnanimity, for the father of Amenia. Thou poorly flatterest thyself to think that necessity will drive Amenia into thy arms, no she is not so ignoble as to be constrained by fortune, against her inclinations, if she has no inclinations to thee, she is so high spirited as to suffer death by her own hands, rather than fall into the hands of her enemies, or to seek protection unworthy of herself. If she has inclinations to thee, thou hast more need to fear, that her high spirited humour will both cross herself and thee, in not yielding to be thine or accepting of thy protection, lest she should seem to do it basely, because she had no other to accept of, and that she yielded to these because she could not better raise her fortune, and because she had not declared it before, that she doth it now because she cannot avoid it, and that she forsakes Mandone because his fortune is spoilt, and accepts of thee because thine is entire. And thus Euripedes hast thou most cause of fear, out of that from which thou raisest thy highest hopes, for such thoughts as these are enough to hinder thy happiness, in the high spirited Amenia, who can stoop to no base ends, nor nothing unworthy that noble spirit that reigns in her.  
In such like soliloquies I spent many hours, and sometimes completed whole days in those cogitations, and whatever virtue did to make me not hope for any thing by Lilibilis his death, yet could I not choose but remember that that cruel enemy Duty was now abolished, though to have recalled Lilibilis I would have been content to have run the hazard of the same enemy, though I saw I must have perished by it, nor could I remember the death of Lilibilis without tears, nor that Amenia was free, without hope.  
In this condition I remained till those that conducted the body of Lilibilis were returned, they represented to me with what dolour it was received in Asturica in general, but in particular by Clotuthe and Amenia, who had secluded themselves from all company, that they might with more freedom vent those tears due to the death of Lilibilis, and that they had seen his body interred, with much pomp and collachrymation, and that there was nothing but a general consternation to be seen in Austurica since his death, wherein they had treasured all their hopes. This news drew tears from my eyes, which was recleared by a letter which they presented me from Amenia, and which Melanthe had given them, in answer to mine, but a little before they came from Austurica. I received it with much content, and as soon as they were gone out of my tent, I fell to kissing of that letter and should not have ended in a long time, had not the great desire I had to know the contents hastened me to open it: But when I went about it, I could not impair that seal Amenia had impressed without great reluctancy, but at last overcoming these niceties, I broke it open and read to this purpose.  
Amenia to Euripedes.  
MY eyes though drowned in tears found so much liberty as to intuite those lines you sent me, and though the excess of my grief might justly have excused me, had I omitted writing, yet to testify that which I own you, I have taken this liberty in the midst of my tears. That obligation wherewith I bond you shall not be taken off by any consideration, and I hope you will not be so injurious as to augment the grief of the enough afflicted Amenia, by a precipitancy contrary to my will. I hinder you not from revenging the death of Lilibilis, but effect it without wilfully casting yourself into the arms of death, and depriving us of the hopes we have you will help us in this exigent. Live therefore Euripedes, and seek no precipices which may with your honour be avoided, and by that you will give the most assuredst profs of your affection to Amenia.  
You may believe with what joy I read this letter, wherein I perceived I was not indifferent to Amenia, and that in the midst of all her troubles she had conserved a time to think on me, and that her tears had not so occupied her, but that she found leisure to read my lines, and to write to me. If she had been weary of my service, I thought she would not have forbidden me to die in a revenge, wherein she needed not to have cared what lives had been sacrificed, and in a time wherein her interests could not plead for me, being there was so little hopes that I could accomplish any thing against the Romans, their power being increased with their victories, and ours decreased with our losses. Once did not satisfy me to read this letter, and out of this I conceived great hopes of a future bliss, I thought now I might well deprive Mandone of his life, without afflicting Lilibilis, and rid me of a rival whose power I feared, but his being engaged in the wars made me think he could not effect any thing against me.  
In the reading and contemplating on that Letter, sometimes with hope, sometimes with fear, I spent that time which from my troublesome employments among the soldiers, was given for my repose, and till those troops arrived, which were collected through the country the Romans were not yet possessed of. After the addition of these forces, we completed eighteen thousand, and our intent was to relieve Lancia which we heard was very much distressed, but as we were about to leave our hold for that enterprise, our explorators brought us word that twenty thousand Romans were landed, and came with great speed towards Asturica, and that they were already masters of many places. It was generally approved that we were to oppose them, and to let Gurgulinis defend himself from the extremity the Romans had reduced him to, till we were able to help him, for if we had raised the siege, which was hazardable, and in the mean time the Romans should have gained the Country, it would have been to no purpose, but if we had been able to overthrow those new comers, we needed not to fear, but we should much daunt the besiegers, and animate our men for high enterprises, being flushed with a late gotten victory. We saw that on this encounter depended the safeguard or destruction of the Country, which made us animate our men with all those words that used to put life and courage into the fearfullest soul. We made very long marches till we were come not far from their Camp, they had understood of our coming and were resolved to bid us battle, but we stayed within our Camp two days without answering their expectations, which they attributed to fear. The next day we resolved to engage, and to try our fortune by a battle, but that night we understood, of the surrender of Lancia, and that Gurgulinis being forced to it by the soldiers, the Romans very hardly granted him his life for his obstinacy, for he was resolved never to have yielded; And further, that most of that Army was marching to Asturica. We gave a strict charge to those who brought us this news not to communicate it to any else, for fear of disheartening the soldiers, but it was quickly known throughout the Camp, for all our endeavours to hid it, and had so dismayed them that they already began to fear the success. The chief Officers and myself had work enough all that night to resettle their minds, and to persuade them to fight the next day. Assoon as it appeared, having had very little time to rest, I armed myself, and being they were wholly left to my dispose, I drew them out of the Camp, leaving a sufficient Guard within: and having divided them into two equal parts, I gave the care of one to the best deserver, and one whose courage was not seen to fail, named Etruscis, and the other I intended for to lead myself. We were in a very spacious Plain, and where no advantage was to be perceived; the Romans seeing our intentions very readily presented themselves, and by that time the Sun was up we were ready to join. I was very sensible that on this battle depended the ruin or renewing of our hopes, and therefore I used all the means I was capable of, to infuse courage into their souls: and I spared for no pains that I might accomplish my design, I road through every rank armed except my head, and seeking to stir them up to their duty, I uttered words somewhat to this purpose.  
VAliant Asturians: methinks I see in your countenances so great a propensity to this battle, that I need not use words to animate such resolute men; but being I am honoured with the title of your Captain and General, there shall not be any thing neglected by me that belongs to the place. And, though I am persuaded that I cannot infuse more courage than you already have, and a more desire of revenge for the death of your valiant Head than you retain: yet will I put you in mind, that you now sight not so much for glory, riches and esteem, as you do out of a necessity to defend your lives, Liberties, and your Rights: Your renown lieth not now alone at the stake, but your wives, your children, your goods, your houses, your lands, and that Liberty so dear to you, are all now ready to be offered up as a prey to your insulting foe, and yourselves born a free people to become their slaves, if you prevent it not with your own valour, for it is the issue of this Encounter that will determine it, which will make you glorious and a terror to your Enemies, or else slaves and a scorn to your foes. The Romans are neither immortal nor invulnerable, but men as you are, and though fortune hath hitherto declared on their side, you ought not to fear but Justice and your valour will overcome her. If the covetous desires of Renown and riches, can infuse such animosity into the Romans, sure this necessity of saving all that is near and dear to you by your valour, should be more powerful to infuse it into the Astures, the Astures that are the redoubted of all Spain, and that have so often foiled the Romans, and that have showed no less valour and prowess than they in all their actions; Let this therefore move you, that your enemies are not many more than you, that your courage equals theirs, that the Justice of your cause, will oppose their fortune, and that not only by this you will redeem yourselves, wives, children, lands and liberties, but gain a perpetual renown and hinder the Romans from the like attempt, by the powerful remembrance of your valour; Let this I say move you to acquit yourselves like men, and to declare to all the world that you esteem your liberties more than your lives; and that you have as much courage to lose your lives in the midst of your enemies, as the Gallicians who effected their own deaths rather than to accept of a servile life. I will not go about to encourage your generous souls with the hope of reward or booty, because these more necessary considerations ought to move you. Besides, I know your earth plentifully affords you that which makes the insatiable Romans to endeavour your subversion, and to make you their slaves for the fulfilling their greedy desires. There is therefore a necessity, either you must fight it out valiantly, turn your backs cowardly, or submit to the yoke, basely, or as the Gallicians did, turn your swords against yourselves, desperately and wickedly. To turn your backs upon them and to fly, will render you infamous to all the world, and would not save your lives from the pursuing Romans: but that is so contrary to your wont custom that I fear it not, for I know you know not what it means to fly before your enemies, it is impossible for the renowned Astures to be so cowardly. But to yield to the yoke of these insulters will brand you with an Eternal infamy, and make you lose that reputation you have acquired throughout the world; in that with so much valour hitherto you have maintained your liberty: No, I cannot persuade myself that you can admit such a thought, having spent so much blood in the maintenance of it, to acquit it so basely and infamously, and you cannot think of it being used to liberty without suscitating an anger capable to make you conquer the whole world if they went about to deprive you of it. And then if you think of doing as the Gallicians did, to run upon your own deaths desperately, you had better expose your lives to your enemies, with your weapons in your hands, and sacrifice theirs with your own, and so to die like valiant persons making thousands of them to accompany you in your deaths, than to effect it yourselves and give them leave to laugh at your despair. There is no other way than you see without cowardice, infamy, and an unworthy precipitation, but that you must acquit yourselves like men, and offering the lives of these Romans to your just resentments exhibit to all the world, that it is impossible for the Asturians to be conquered, or to yield to the yoke of the Romans.  
I quickly perceived that my words had wrought the desired effect upon the souls of most that heard me, for with cheerful countenances, and great shouts: they testified how willing they were to sacrifice their lives for the good of their Country, they cried to me to lead them on, and they would follow me even to death itself. At that time observing that the Romans had used the same form with us, and that one of their bodies began to move, I put on my Cask, and gave order to Etruscis to join. That first Encounter was very violent on both sides, and many were slain by the impituousnesse of the first storm of Arrows, but being mingled together pellmell, the Ranks grew thin on both sides by the deaths of their Companions: our party very valiantly defended themselves, and for a long time permitted not the Romans to gain the least advantage over them, but at last I perceived them to retire, when I advanced, and quite altered the face of the battle, but it was not long without another vicissitude, for their second body coming upon us with so impituous a shock, that it overwhelmed the most valiantest, and made the most cowardliest turn their backs. Our Soldiers were not of the choicest, but composed of all sorts that could be picked up in that necessity, and of those who being forced had not the heart to withstand the Romans, and these fresh-water-souldiers hardly withstood the first brunt before they fled and left the resolutest finding their deaths in the midst of their Enemies, for hardly one of them escaped that remained to me of the first battle, for being resolved to die or conquer they nobly yielded their lives according to their determination, and had the whole body been composed of such men, we needed not to have had the least doubt of the Victory, For my part, though my actions are not worth the relating yet I gave them no example to sly: and seeing Etruscis slain by my side, I rushed into the very midst of the Romans, and in spite of all opposition I decollated his murderer amidst the points of a hundred Swords, but turning my head, and seeing the shame Fortune had prepared for me by the loss of this Victory, I was so suriously transported, that nothing besides that command of Amenia's could have deterred me from running to have received my death from the Swords of my Enemies, and as often as I went about to effect it; that strict observance to which I had tied myself to all her commands hindered the prosecution, and made me seek to save my life only for fear of disobeying her; this made me after, having sacrificed many to my resentments, to clear myself a passage with my sword, and to escape to the adjoining woods with nine or ten that fought near my person: after I had seen my men dispersed, and myself with those few that accompanied me left alone fight among the Romans.  
This Victory was so absolute that the Romans slew most of them that fled, and so dispersed the rest, that they could never unite more. I retired to the Woods with nine or ten Horsemen and from thence I went to the next Mountains, where we found a very safe retreat. I did not fight so slightly in that battle but that I received four or five deep wounds, which much anoy'd me after my riding. These made me to keep my bed almost a month, before I was permitted to leave it, but in all that time I endured most heavy Agonies, by the remembrance in what condition that part of the Province was, and how likely Amenia was to suffer by the Romans, I would in the midst of these thoughts often attempt for all the pain that I self from my wounds to leave my bed and to go help Amenia, but I was still deterred by those attended me almost by force. I sent some of those that were with me to inquire after the actions of the Romans, and causing them to disguise themselves, I charged them to enter Asturica, and to acquaint Clotuthe and Amenia in what condition I was in, and how insuccessfull my endeavours had been to their preservation. I would have wrote to Amenia, but I was so debilitated that I was not able, but dismissing them I awaited their return with much impatiency, Some days after they returned bringing me news that had almost broke my heart; they told me, that being disguised they entered Asturica with much facility, being full of Romon Soldiers, for assoon as Lancia was taken they approached Asturica, and those who were left to guard it; considering their own weakness, and the advantage the Romans had over them, abandoned it quite, and saved themselves by flight, so that the Romans found no resistance, but committing all manner of villainies had turned that gallant City into nothing but confusion. In that confusion they made a diligent search after them I sent them to, but they could not hear any thing what was become of them, they were about to return, when one of them who knew that Woman who was only the depositary of Clotuthe's love to me met her by chance, making themselves known to her, they told her the Commission they had from me, and that they desired the favour to speak with Clotuthe and Amenia. They certified me that this Woman seemed very joyful at their message and that I was alive; she bid them to follow her and they should obtain their desires, she conducted them to a strong Tower at the further end of the Palace, where was a great guard of Roman soldiers, she left them without for some time, and then returning with the Captain of the Guard, she conducted them to Clotuthe whom they found in tears for those considerable losses she had sustained, and though she seemed a prisoner by the Guard, yet within she seemed to have all manner of liberty given her. The Captain having withdrawn himself, they did their message to Clotuthe, and then enquiring after Amenia: they told her I had commanded them to bring me a certain and true account in what condition they were in. Clotuthe, after having stood mute a pretty while. Return to your Master (said she) and tell him in what condition you find me: I am a prisoner, but it is to preserve me from the outrages of the soldiers, who else would not have any respect to my sex, nor my birth; Tell him that he may visit me safely and without fear, and that I desire to see him to communicate something to him of importancy; as for Amenia proceeded she Atropos some few days since hath cut the thread of her life, and when he comes I may give him a fuller narration of it.  
Assoon as I had heard these words I gave a sudden cry, and (not hearing what else they said) life had almost forsaken me in that mortal apprehenston of Amenia's death; And is Amenia dead then? (cried I after I was come to myself) and is Amenia dead; and doth Euripedes live? In this agony I would have pulled off the plasters from my wounds, that my life might have breathed forth at those chinks, but I was deterred that, and all other means whereby I might effect my own precipitation by the diligence of those who looked to me. Nevertheless, I gave myself over to thoughts, and apprehensions that tormented me, and gave me a hundred deaths in a day, and were more cruel than one death. I neglected the counsel of those that were careful of my wounds, who recommended silence and rest to me; for, continually I vented forth my grief with thousands of exclamations, till I had so debillitated myself, that I was not able to speak more, and for rest I permitted not my eyes to close themselves for three nights together after this fatal news, which made the messengers thereof repent that ever they had obeyed me; They all represented to me that death would inevitably follow if I persisted in my violences, and I that must perish unless I gave myself to rest. I replied, that I desired nothing less than life, and that to accelerate my death I used all the means they had left me, and which they were not able to deprive me of: they dressed my wounds as it were by force and much against my will, and they were all fain to beg with tears in their eyes, and upon their knees, for me to take sustenance, and not so wilfully to persist in my death; they exhibited their love by an unanimous imploration, which made me use violence against my own inclinations to satisfy some part of their love and care by taking what they desired, and by letting them endeavour to preserve my life, only to avoid those implorations which they daily continued: but I would not mitigate the least part of that grief and dolour that I endured through the apprehensions of her death, and they were so violent that without doubt I had continued much longer, had I not been miraoulously preserved. One and twenty days had now past over sine the last battle, wherein I received those wounds, which (with the augmented grief for Amenia's death) had kept me in bed, when some of those few men who accompanied me, going out, aswell for provision as to hear, whether there was no hope of recovering their own out of the Romans hands, had met with a man, who made an earnest enquiry after me, he was disguised which made them not think it safe to discover me, but, being pressed very much by him, and seeing he was but a single man, they at last brought him to me. They first certified me how they had met him, and his desire to speak with me, though I was incapable almost to take notice of any thing, yet at last I bid them bring him in.  
So soon as he was entered my Tent, I knew him to be a young man that belonged to Amenia, the sight of him renewed my grief, Ah (cried I out with vehemency) art thou come to confirm that which I already know, but too much for my repose, or to reproach me in that I retain a Life after the loss of Amenia's, speak, for thou canst not augment the dolour I have conceived by the confirmation of that which makes me ashamed of myself in that I live so long after the first knowledge of it. The young man, not knowing my meaning shown he was something amazed by his silence, but at last seeing I expected his answer, he replied. Sir, I believe you are not ignorant that I have the honour to belong to Amenia, 'tis in her behalf I have sought you to give you this Letter. Whilst he was a pulling it out, I replied hastily: why, where is Amenia? what is become of her? is she alive or no? prithee tell me all that thou knowest, and hid nothing from me. Sir (replied the Lad) I know nothing of her destiny, nor what is become of her, but two days after we had heard that you had lost the last Victory against the Romans: we understood those that came from Lancia were almost at our walls: those soldiers that were in the City being terrified at their approach abandoned us to their fury, and with abundance of the Inhabitants left the City; I was in it when I saw the great confusion and tumult of those that fled, which made me haste to the Palace, and going up the stairs into the outward Hall I met Melanthe descending in very great haste, Assoon as she had espied me, I never met thee (said she) more gladly than I do now, nor in a time wherein thou mightst express thy fidelity to Amenia, so much as now thou mayst, I was going to seek one, whom I might entrust with what I desire, and I know none more capable than thyself, of doing it with thy wont fidelity. After I had given her all the assurance I could of it, and of the Joy I conceived that I should do any service acceptable to Amenia, she proceeded thus: You are not to take thought what will become of us in this approaching danger, only you are desired by me, to departed the City immediately with this Letter, (which she put into my hand) and inquire after Euripedes, if he be alive deliver it to him, if he be dead bring it back again to me, but use all your diligence to find him out, and with all the speed you can, for in doing it you will do Amenia the greatest piece of service you ever did her in all your life, and if the Gods preserve her she will requite you for it. She had hardly ended these words, when three or four men in very great haste came to her saying, they all waited for her, and conducting her away in great haste, left me alone upon the stairs. I immediately preparing for my Journey departed the City within an hour, and for all the diligence I have used I could never hear the least word whether you were living or no till this day, (being almost out of hope after so long search) I met with those who have conducted me hither to deliver this Letter with which I was entrusted.  
I heard him with hope that he might give me some knowledge that she lived, but seeing what he had said neither confirmed nor contradicted it, I remained in my former perplexity, but (said I as I received the Letter from him) dost not thou know that Amenia is dead? Sir (said he) I know nothing of it, and I have related faithfully all that I know, it may be the Letter may give you more light. I than fell to opening it but with mortal apprehensions of what it might contain, I dreaded the confirmation of that which had so debilitated me, but unclosing it I found it was Amenia's hand, which gave me as much Joy I could possibly receive in that condition. My tears for some time hindered me the reading of it, through those apprehensions that continually assaulted me, but at last with some hope I began, and with a world of consolation ended the reading of words to this effect.  
Amenia to Euripedes.  
SEeing that the gods after the ruin of our house, have imposed a necessity of my being a captive, I had rather to be so to Euripedes than any man living; and to live under his protection whose fidelity I know, and in whom I can confide without distrust. Duty which before compelled me not to think on Euripedes, cannot now oppose my inclinations, being taken away by the gods to make me more ingrate if, not having that excuse, I continue in my severity to Euripedes, and if I do not consider him according to the justice of his services, merits, and virtue. Euripedes, I declare therefore I am a prisoner (because I am forced against my inclinations) to him whom Lilibilis had assigned for my husband, though my inclinations were ever averse, and though I believed that the gods would some way redeem me from it, but now having my will at liberty I am forced by constraint and abreption, to leave this Country, and to abandon you, whilst for my sake you expose your life to a thousand dangers. I set not so much by myself as to value my life worth those dangers you may expose yourself to, in redeeming it, nor do I want courage to redeem it by my own hand, rather than to hold it of another, did I not think you still retained that passion which you exhibited to me, which would make this service as pleasing to you, as it will be acceptable to me. I give you notice then of my captivity with leave to redeem me, and if I must be a captive, it shall be to none more willingly than Euripedes; It is to you then that I resign my life and fortune, and 'tis from you I hope to receive my liberty. I know not whither I shall be carried, therefore I candirect you where to find me. I know your passion will accellerate you to effect my Liberty, which when I have received, I shall consider the services of Euripedes, by requiting them by what in lawful and just ways may be required from  
AMENIA.  
Before I had finished the reading of it all that were present saw by the joy I exhibited in my eyes, with what content I received it, and reading it over divers times I continued a great while in this consolation, framing to myself a happiness which the very next thought dejected; for reflecting upon that which I had heard concerning her death, it not only mitigated, but absolutely took away all the joy I had conceived. After I had desired the man that brought me that Letter not to departed from me, before he saw me recovered, and that the company were withdrawn, leaving me to the liberty of my thoughts, I uttered many different exclamations both in the sense of my joy and grief. Sometimes reading that letter with excess of joy, I ran into those pleasing cogitations, that made me to forget my grief, and reflecting on every word I could not see her affection without a world of content, being that (as I then thought) that would make me the happiest man living, being that which I had desired with so much passion, and for which I had exposed my life to so much danger. But these joys did but augment a grief that came violently upon me at the least reflection of her death, for considering that this letter was wrote before I received that fatal news, and that I could find nothing that might contradict it, nor could gain no knowledge of the man that brought it, you may consider what agonies I was in, and with what grief I was agitated by these cogitations. I thought that Mandone might sacrifice her to his resentments, or that herself, rather than yield to him against her inclinations, might precipitate herself to death, these thoughts with those that the nearness of my happiness, and the assurance of her affection, had raised, augmented my dolour, in that I lost a happiness at the point of receiving it. Before (said I to myself) her severity, her duty, and that law which she had imposed upon me, made me languish in pain, and were the only motives of my grief, but now her duty is taken away, her severity is turned into mildness by her inclinations, and that Law is abolished by her affection, yet I languish in pain and more powerful motives to grief are represented to me, motives that subvert both my joy and my hope, to joy in knowing her affection, when she is incapable to render it to me is a folly, to hope she should revive, it is against reason, no, no, her death is too sure, and all my joy and my hope is turned to grief and despair. In such respirations I languished for some moments, when different motions arose. It may be (said I again to myself) it may be that Amenia lives, and expects thee, and reproaches thee for thy tardiness, in that thou exposest her so long to the violent assaults of Mandone, and givest her cause to think that thou slightest her, and that may make her filled with indignation to give herself up to Mandone, more to despite thee than please herself; hasten therefore and do not frustrate her expectation, in neglecting to help her by a vain opinion of her death. Sure this was my good Genius that insusurrated these suggestions, and though they were not able quite to abolish those fatal apprehensions I retained of her death, yet they made me resolve to festinate the cure of my wounds, by yielding to whatsomever might conduce thereto, that I might go to Clotuthe to understand the destiny of Amenia, and so either to redeem her if living, or to follow her if dead.  
The desire I had to be cured made me yield to all that was proposed to me for the curation, and in space of a week I left my bed, and before another was fully finished I departed that place fully cured. But least suspicion should be raised in the breasts of our enemies, by our number we divided ourselves and took several ways to Asturica, I kept only the young man that brought me Amenia's Letter. From him I understood the brave resistance Gurgulinis had made at Lancia against the Romans, which had so incensed the soldiers, that their Captain could hardly gain them from turning that City into ashes, and by the ruins to have made it a perpetual monument of their fury. We were come within sight of that stately City Asturica without any adventure, when the gods intending to make me the instrument of their justice, sent thither the chief of the Brigaecins, who was the author of our destruction, and had betrayed us to Carisius, by giving notice of our designs upon their Camps. The beaver of his cask was up so that the young man knew him, and discovering to me who he was, I resolved to sacrifice him to the Ghost of Lilibilis, and to execute that justice upon him which was due to traitors. Riding up to him I discovered myself, and soon let him know what he was to expect from me; his conscience accusing him of the fact he answered not, but being valiant he refused not the combat. It was soon debated, for my anger against the traitor soon augmented my strength, so that I left him dead upon the place, with almost twenty wounds, I received not any so considerable, as to make me to repair to the Surgeons, but stopping their bleeding with such things as I always carried about me, I entered Asturica almost in the evening.  
My impatiency gave me no liberty to repose myself that night without seeing Clotuthe, and I longed to know a desting, which would either prove fatal or joyful to me. I therefore went to that tower wherein I understood she was, and the guard knowing my desire to speak with their Captain, sent an Officer to understand his pleasure. It was not long before he came to me, and understanding my desire to see Clotuthe, and that it was by her command that I came thither, after having used those civilities the Romans were ever prepared with, he desired my stay for a moment whilst he went in and gave Clotuthe notice of it. Clotuthe was kept so secret, that none in the City, no nor his own soldiers knew of her being there, for if the one had known it, they would have endeavoured her releasement, being extreme affectionate to the family of L●libilis, and if the others had known it, the respect of the Captain could not have detained them from endeavouring her destruction, being very much incensed against the whole stock of Lilibilis, which made him keep a guard more than ordinary with pretences specious enough to blind the eyes of others. At last the Captain of the guard returned, and told me that Clotuthe was somewhat indisposed and in bed, and therefore desired to be excused from any visit that night, but desiring that I would lodge in that place, and in the morning she would not fail to visit me betimes. After some other words between us of compliment and civilities I entered without the least suspicion of any thing, only troubled at the procrastination of my life or death. I was led into a very small court, and through that up a pair of stairs, into a chamber very well furnished, I knew the place very well, for this tower which had several rooms in it, was somewhat remote from the Palace, and was always the retirng place of Lilibilis, being the strongest and most solitary of all the Palace. After the Captain had left me with the young man, whose name was Lascaris, I was soon visited by that woman belonging to Clotuthe, who made the same excuses to me as the Captain had done, but longing to hear of Amenia, I desired her very earnestly to let me know what was become of her, but she answered me her Mistress would satisfy me herself, and that she was charged to the contrary, she told me that when the Romans entered the City being abandoned, the Captains had much ado to keep them from rasing the foundations of it, and how that Captain coming first to the palace, finding Clotuthe involved in those common miseries that had befallen the whole Astures, out of a mere sense of pity preserved her from the rage and fury of the soldiers, and taking that part of the palace for his own quarter, he conveyed her thither very privately, and had thitherto used her with the same respect he owed to his mother. This was all I could learn of her, and as soon as she departed I went to bed, and Lascaris into another in the same room. I will not tell you how I passed over that night, but you may be sure it was with trouble enough, and wholly employed in thinking on Amenia, with fear, hope, and joy; having wearied myself with these thoughts I fell into a slumber in the morning, which detained me longer in bed then I intended. I was just about to rise when Clotuthe knocked at my door, I bid Lascaris unlock it to see who it might be, and having obeyed; Clotuthe entered with that woman, the Captain and three or four soldiers. I wondered to see so many enter my chamber, but seeing their intentions, I had risen our of my bed had not the presence of Clotuthe stopped me to have prevented them, for the Captain and those soldiers seized upon my arms, and both our swords; Ah Madam (said I looking upon Clotuthe) what usage is this? have you betrayed me? Lascaris would have run to have hindered them, but putting the points of their swords to his breast, they had put a period to his life if he had waged. Assoon as they had got the possession of them they departed the room, leaving only Clotuthe and her woman with her. When they were gone without considering Lascaris she ran to me with open arms, and quite forgetting her wont modesty, she clasped them about my neck, and letting her face fall upon mine. Euripedes (said she) that buckler wherewith you were wont to oppose my Love, and to defend yourself, is now taken away, for now I have no duty that should bind me, from giving you the testimonies of my good will, neither can you refuse them if you have any regard to the life of Clotuthe, and you must now seek new excuses if you continue in your disaffection, but I am sure you cannot find any wherein virtue may interest herself against me. I account all my sorrows as nothing, and all my miseries incompetable to that joy I receive now in embracing my Euripedes; and I must make him see the greatness of my affection by passing those bounds prescribed to our sex, but I cannot be ashamed of this when I have more manifestly testified my weakness. It was the amazedness I was in at this action, and the trouble that had seized me for being deprived of my arms and made a prisoner, that made me suffer her in her action and words, but by that time I had recollected myself, blushing more than she did, and putting her off with my hands. Madam (said I) you are not so absolved (by the death of Lilibilis) of your duty, but that you ought still to have in veneration the memory of such a husband and not contrary to the rules of modesty and decency to embrace one whom you have confessed to have loved in his life time. I had hoped those troubles wherewith you have been afflicted, had taken away these thoughts, and had reduced you to a more perfect knowledge of your condition. But you have given me cause of a very great and just resentment against you, in taking away those arms wherewith I have endeavoured to maintain your lives and liberties, and by delivering me into the hands of your enemies, and not considering how often I have exposed my life to danger for your sakes. Is this then the reward Clotuthe I ought to expect? and is this the requital I shall receive for my pains? and is this the sure testimonies of your Love? Ah Lilibilis dost not thou behold this action of thy wife from the lower shades with regret, and dost thou not say. Ah Clotuthe, hast thou so soon forgot me as to desire the embraces of another, and art thou so ingrate to my friend (he who hath endeavoured with indefatigable pains to withstand our evil fortune, and whose good will to us hath made partaker in our miseries) as to render him a captive to our enemies? and deprive him of a liberty which may yet be for your good? I had gone on further had she not replied very briskly. It is but justice that Euripedes should be my captive so long as I am his, and though I cannot captivate that part of his which he hath of mine, yet will I give to myself this satisfaction, that I will imprison his body in lieu of those bonds wherein he holds my soul. But i'll assure you, you are not prisoner to your enemies except you account me so. I hope (replied I) I shall never count you my enemy, yet I cannot take this as the effect of your friendship. It is nothing else (said she again) for it was impossible for me to part with you having you in my possession, and could I believe you would stay with me willingly, I would never constrain you, it is nothing else but fear of losing you, and of depriving myself of that happiness of seeing you, that makes me act thus altogether against my inclinations. I have not been free from all those fears love uses to suggest since your departure, and having recovered that sickness which my grief had caused, there yet remained some suggestions of hope, and now to satisfy myself in part be not offended if I detain you by constraint. I would not have you think so ill of me but that my grief was real for Lilibilis his death, and that (though so much against the interests of my love) I could wish him alive again, but seeing that is impossible it would be a folly to precipitate myself to death by thinking to lose you also, and whilst my duty opposed, I had so much power over myself as to withstand the incitements of my love, and deny myself the taking of these liberties, but now my love is so powerful that it banishes all those considerations of modesty and decency.  
She was once again going to embrace me, when casting her eyes on the other side of the bed she espied Lascaris, whom her passion before had not given her leisure to take notice of, though she had seen him; she knew him to belong to Amenia, which made her face seem all of a fire, being troubled that she had made any other besides myself witness to her weakness, withdrawing from the side of the bed with an action that shown her trouble, how came this man to accompany you, said she, I answered her demand as well as I could, and told her he had left the City in that confusion when the Romans entered it, and found me out to give me notice thereof, hoping I might relieve it in that necessity, and that since that time he had waited on me, being I had told him I would bring him to Amenia to whom he belongs. I know he doth very well (answered Clotuthe) and I see the gods are resolved to make my foes acquainted with my follies. I cannot believe Madam (returned I) that any who have the honour to wait on your daughter in Law can be your foes. She was so extremely shamed at this surprisal that she would not speak a word more, but with a face as red as fire, with anger and shame, she cast her eyes towards me, and turning her back, was hastening out of the room. I was very unwilling to let her return without some more knowledge of Amenia, and I had not the patience to stay for another visit; this desire made me to recall her by these words: Madam you sent me word you had something of importance to let me know, I hope this is not that you promised, besides you promised that I should know what hath happened since my departure, and what is become of Amenia, I pray do not defer it till another time. That which I have to tell you, (said she) I will not declare before any witness, and I have spook already too much for my shame. If you please to procure leave for Lascaris to go out (said I) he shall be no obstacle to what you have to say. She was very willing to utter her mind, and she saw that I was unwilling she should departed, and I believe she did not mistake the cause, but after a little pause, she bid her woman to go forth into another room with Lascaris, and being left alone with me she returned and sat down upon the side of my bed.  
After she had sat silent for some time with her eyes very intentive upon me. I will no longer dissemble with you euripides (said she) nor hold you in suspense of that which you desire to hear; Amenia is not dead, but I know you had rather wish her so, then where she is. I am not ignorant of your affection to Amenia, and that she was the only obstacle that hindered the fruition I desired, no euripides it was not the consideration of Lilibilis, nor of virtue, so much as that of your love. Yes it was the beauty of Amenia that had prepossesed you, and that rendered mine so despicable in your sight, and that hindered me of all I could desire of Euripedes. So long as hope was remaining you might pursue your love, as you thought to your advantage, but now there is no hope of enjoying her who lives in the arms of Mandone, you will not exhibit so great a folly as to persist in it still, and to love her who never loved you, for if she did comply with you in any thing, it was in consideration of her own interests, and in hope of that benefit she might reap by your labours, and that you may know it was nothing else, when she saw you were no longer able to withstand the destiny of her Country, she abandoned you fight for her, and ran into the arms of Mandone, without any regard to your love and services, and that she might not have any thing to do with you, see here the letter you sent her, which she left with me that she might not have any thing near her that might cause her to remember you.  
You may imagine by the relation of the Love I bore Amenia how much this discourse perplexed me, and for all the resolution I had taken not to exhibit my Love if she had certified me of her death, I was not able in this sudden knowledge of her unworthiness to withstand the assaults of my passion, nor to withhold the giving of a perfect knowledge to Clotuthe by my actions, of the great love I bore Amenia; all the blood in my face, and all other parts was run to the heart, to strengthen it, which had need of all its forces at that time to withhold it from falling under that burden this fatal news had charged it with, it had so suppressed the passages of my speech that I could not express it but by actions. At last I confirmed myself in the opinion, by knowing the letter that I sent Amenia to be the same Clotuthe presented me; I was so afflicted that I was not able to bring forth one word, but sinking down upon my pillow, I gave Clotuthe time enough to prosecute her discourse, and I remember (though with much ado) she said thus. Ah fortunate Amenia! to be so highly loved by Euripedes: But ah unworthy and base Amenia, to require it so basely and persideously! But Euripedes (said she, taking me by the hand) she deserves not to have any thoughts bestowed on her, acquit her to Mandone, and let her enjoy him whom she hath acquired, through her persideousnesse to you. If her beauty were more esteemed by you than mine, yet my love far exceeds hers, and all other mortals. Euripedes be not so cruel to Clotuthe as to let her so often sue to you, let the baseness of Amenia oblitterate that affection you bore her, und let it suscitate a disdain worthy yourself, and also let the sidelity and passion of Clotuthe acquire that which was unworthily bestowed on another. There can now be no hope of enjoying her, she now is embraced by Mandone whom she desired: therefore let not your thoughts be busied about her, nor trouble yourself with her that is unworthy of them. It's true Euripedes, I sent you word that she was dead, but that was for fear if you had known the truth that you might have gone to have revenged yourself on Mandone, and so I might have lost that content I receive by your sight. Endeavour therefore to settle your thoughts, and to enjoy and accept of that which hitherto you have refused, and which shall not be less through any consideration that you were forced to it, and if that you are not altogether blind, you cannot but see the great love I bear you, and if there be but the least spark of generosity in you, you cannot be altogether so ingrate as to deny me. And though I keep you with me by constraint, you need not fear that you shall receive any hurt under my protection, nor that you shall be denied any thing but your liberty. She uttered much more which I cannot remember, nor have I rendered this but brokenly, for my thoughts were occupied with the news she had told me, that I was not capable of remembering or hearing what she said. At last seeing her stop, I replied with that little strength I had left me. Madam, since that you have had so much knowledge of my love to Amenia, and since I believe I have confirmed it by my actions in receiving this news you have told me, I will not disavow it, or go about to deny that I have loved Amenia: But I cannot say that that was the reason and not the consideration I had of virtue and of Lilibilis, that made me not to comply with you. It's true, I have loved Amenia; and if I have committed a fault, she hath punished me enough by this action, but I shall not reproach her, since truly I was unworthy of her. Madam (pursued I with another tone) you say nothing shall be denied me but my liberty, I will not ask that since it will be denied me, but let me entreat this favour of you, that I may be left alone for some time that I may digest this novity, which hath made me altogether insociable. I shall deny you nothing (replied she) that may conduce to your repose, and you shall find me ready to cede to any thing but the losing of you, for my life is of less esteem to me than your company, but I know how to deny myself to pleasure you. After I had given her many thanks for the favour she did me in complying with my humour, and that she had again assured me that I should receive no discommodity in the place, but what my own thoughts brought me, by her encroaching upon my liberty she departed, and Lascaris returned to me again.  
When I had received by the absence of Clotuthe some liberty of afflicting myself with the thoughts of that cruel news, I received from them all the torments and anxities a mortal man was capable of, and whole heaps of those cruel cogitations precipitating themselves upon me, in such an indigested manner, overwhelmed my senses, and took away all power of methodizing my trouble. In this manner I lay almost void of sense and reason for a long time, Lascaris having endeavoured with many persuasions, which I was not capable to understand, to have brought me to myself, but at last having spent some hours in this great dolour without speaking or moving, I fell into those pathetic complaints that I even made Lascaris accompany me with his tears, I am not able to remember what I uttered, but sure I am that those Querimonies occupied me all that day, without giving rest to my mind or food to my body. Sometimes after I had even tired myself with complaining, I expressed myself by suspirations, and deliberating with myself, I would cry out, Ah, who should I blame? who should I accuse? shall I say it is Amenia? or shall I put it upon my evil fortune? or shall I not attribute it to the Gods, who by this seem to conspire my overthrow, by overthrowing me with the saddest miseries? But what shall I accuse Amenia? shall the love that I bore her resign the precedency to anger? what though she hath forsaken me? can I give to myself so much power as to forsake her? she hath made me no promises that she hath broke, nor gave me any assurances but what my conjecture made so, if she hath obeyed the will of her father can I blame her? or should I not rather lay it upon my unworthiness, or the smallness of my deserts? But yet Amenia, tell me, would not you have blamed me if I had forsaken your interests if I had deserted you, and had not opposed the violence of your enemies with the hazard of my life? methinks you cannot but blame yourself Amenia, if you consider it with any Justice, you might have given me notice of it, and at least endeavoured in so small a matter to have satisfied my devoires. But you may say, you ought to prefer your own fortune before the contentment of another. Yes Amenia, if you could have done it without injustice, if in him whom you injure were not one who had sacrificed all to your interests, and wholly neglecting his own, had entirely sought yours, and if that by the action you were not made the ungratefullest of women, in complying and seeming to have so great a care both of my life and contentment, only for your own ends, a thing unworthy one of your quality, and at the conclusion by your desertion to give me worse torments than death could afford. No Amenia would you be just? you should be constant. Would you be accounted true? you must not dissemble? Are you politic? exhibit it by just and righteous ways, and draw not upon you the anger of the Gods by making those miserable, who knew not what misery was till they came to serve you. In these and such like discourses with myself I sought to pacify the perturbation of my mind, but all was in vain, for did I begin to be angry with her I blamed myself, did I reflect on my own trouble and misery, I cried out on Amenia, was I thinking on my imprisonment I spent reproaches against Clotuthe, and for all I increpated the gods, with all the words that could be uttered from the sense of my soul-tormenting grief.  
In this manner I spent the day not rising out of my bed, nor giving myself any repose, nor taking of any sustenance, which I was resolved to continue, had not the implorations of Lascaris, and his obstinancy in following my example in my jejunations, made me to sustain myself with what was brought me. I could see no want of any thing but my liberty in their accommodations, for I was observed with more respect than usually was given to prisoner, but I was not capable to consider either their generosity or pedantry, being wholly merged in my own miseries. After I had observed the good nature of Lascaris I represented to him that which he could not be ignorant of by my actions, but I gave him a brief knowledge of my love with the favours Amenia had done me, and the intentions of Clotuthe. After this knowledge he vowed himself to my interests, and with many protestations sought to gain my good opinion of his fidelity; after that time I made him the depositorie of whatsoever I thought most secret; and I was not deceived in his love and fidelity.  
After he had intuited my last letter from Amenia, being passion had not deprived him of that reason, mine had made me incapable of, he began to represent the little need I had to increpate Amenia, and making me read over her letter again, so illuminated my mind, that I began to see with a less troubled judgement, that it was not so as Clotuthe had represented it, and blaming my own passion for my former ablepsy, I began to perceive it to be a contrived plot from the malice of Clotuthe, and the more I began to examine it, the more clear and apparent it exhibited itself to me, I could then view with greater contentment the earnestness that Amenia used for my festination, and to consider the care she had to send me word, with the liberty she gave me to recover her, which she would never have wrote, had not she been forced. And Lascaris representing to me with what hast Melanthe was had away when she gave him the letter, and with what earnestness she expressed her desire to have the letter given me, confirmed me in my opinion, and began to establish that hope which through Clotuthes means had been dejected.  
But after I had given some time to that newcome joy which I felt through those apprehensions, and established my hopes that it was not impossible but that she yet might be mine since she was alive, I was encompassed with a new perplexity, in remembering I was restrained: and so was incapable to help her, which gave me new cause of grief, that at last brought me to this result: To endeavour my release, and to go rescue Amenia out of the arms of Mandone.  
These resolutions employed all my thoughts to gain my releasement, but all the intentions I could make use of proved in vain, and in vain did I make use of all the devices, my passion was able to suggest, and in spite of all my endeavours, I was forced to perhyminate, mancipated to the will of tormenting Clotuthe in that place; tormented by my delay, and quotidianly plagued by the perseverance of her affection so much against my inclinations. I must leave you here to imagine the distress I was in, for I am no ways able to express it, though I should tell you I did things inexcusable in any other that were not implete with the like passion. For sometimes I fell into revile, and so furiously with what weak instruments were left in my power, I assaulted the walls, windows, and all obstacles to my liberty, that even Lascaris durst not present himself before me, fearing I had been utterly abandoned by sense and reason, seeing me do such Athamantick actions. When my strength was overcome by my labour, I gave way to those words that were agreeable to my rabid humour, and in them I vented what want of strength had deterred in my actions. These visits of Clotuthe were assiduous, and never without exagerating her passion, and at last she became so pressing, that she made me go beyond civility, when I saw she past the bounds of modesty. At first I endured the visits of Clotuthe, and heard her prolix amorous discourses with some patience, and permitted the prosecution of her passion out of a hope to gain my releasement, but when I saw all means fail, and that she would not release me without I would swear not to desert her, the which I would never consent to, and at last resolving not to be beholden to her for my freedom, I told her that prizons should never alter the resolutions I had taken never to love her. Then it was I fell into those rave and distractions, seeing all means fail me, and all my devices prove in vain, and then it was that I begun to be uncivil to Clotuthe, and sought by all essays to irritate her for the taking away of my life, and oftentimes when she came to see me I would shut my eyes at her sight, and stop my ears from her words. In this miserable condition, I spent almost four months, and then being past hope, and made equanimous whether I would or no, I effected my liberty thus.  
The Captain who had order to make Asturica his Hybernacle, facilitated Clotuthe's design of keeping me prisoner with all the power he could, being drawn thereto by the specious pretences she had feigned: but never told the true cause of my detainment, and fearing lest her subtle devices should be manifested through our communication, she never would permit the Captain to visit me but in her company, and that but very seldom, because his presence imposed a coercive power upon her words and actions, and made those visits even tedious to herself. But I who had not lost all generosity with my patience, considered the interests of Clotuthe for the sake of Lilibilis, and therefore would not discover any thing to the Captain of her love, though it was to my own prejudice, nor detained those civilities which were due to her in his presence. But the Captain being of too penetrating a Judgement, and love beginning to interest him in our actions, made him perceive something of inclination from Clotuthe to me, notwithstanding all the restraint she imposed upon herself in his presence, and besides perceiving I know not what in me worthy of his good will, he had a great desire to have more communication with me than was permitted him by the good will of Clotuthe: But Love who by degrees had seized the Capital of this Captain's breast, of a Conqueror had rendered him a Captive, and made him subject to the commands of his prisoner. It was pity made him at first preserve her, but now Love made him more strictly keep her, for Clotuthe had amiable features, besides a very winning behaviour and expression that gave attractions not to be resisted but by such who were as much prepossessed as myself. For fear of displeasing her was the only cause that he forbore his own inclinations of visiting me, but at last perceiving by her frequent visitations, that she had inclinations for me, Love making him grow jealous, he conveyed himself into a Closet adjoining to my Chamber, and where he might hear what passed between us very easily, for Clotuthe surprising me in the midst of those implorations, which the cruel absence of Amenia, and my own restraint had caused, the obstacle of my happiness, and cause of those perpetual torments I felt, coming in the midst of my resentments, caused me more eager and louder than ordinary to spend some part of my reproaches against her, which she seeking to appease by the opposing of her Love and passion, laid open all to the hidden Captain, and by the words that we mutually uttered there was nothing hidden to him of either of our conditions, either of her love or my aversion, and though he was sorry to find the one, yet he was glad to hear the other, and for that cause did not extinguish that good will he bore me.  
The Captain having found enough by our last visits, he did not so strictly tie himself to her obedience, but that he broke it for his own good, but desirous not to exhibit his disobedience, he visited me contrary to her knowledge with great secrecy, and unknown to any that were about her. I was no less joyful to see him there alone than himself, and then I reassumed my hopes of releasement by his means. After our first civilities and some mutual discourses of indifferent matters, I asked him concerning Amenia, and whether he could tell what was become of her. He told me that when they entered Asturica they understood of her departure, but whither he was ignorant, upon this discourse he broke his mind to me, I will not relate his words or manner, which was graceful and rhetorical, but the substance in brief was this. He exbited to me how he had saved Clotuthe, and how since he had preserved her, he had been tied to her by the constraining power of Love, which had made him so incivil to me. What I have mentioned before concerning him I then learned it from his own mouth, and he gave me the knowledge of his love, and how he had exhibited it to Clotuthe, and how coldly she had received it, with the suspicion he entertained concerning her inclinations to me, though she had pretended I was her brother, and had come purposely to have sacrificed my life among the Romans for her interests, and that she had used that means to imprison me, lest I should have effected it, by the kill of some of the chief of them, and that I was grown so furious at that detainment, that I had no consideration of her, and that she had appeased me by making promise not to let any know who I was, and therefore she communicated it to him as a great secret, and thereby engaged him not to discover it to me, lest I should tax her with breach of promise, and exhiting to him how great averseness I bore to the Romans, desired him not to visit me, because his presence would stir up great perturbation in my mind, but at his request she permitted it in her presence, with desiring him not to make known by either word or action what he knew concerning me, and that he should look upon those civilities I paid her, as only to blind his eyes, being that I was assured she would not let him know what I was, and this (he told me) being also shortly after tied by his love to her requests, was that which deterred him from those visits he desired to render me. I could not but smile when I heard how subtly Clotuthe had blinded his eyes, and I would not contradict nor aver what he said, which seeing he proceeded, and smilingly told me, though I would not take notice of Clotuthes' subtlety, yet he would make me confess that I was not the brother of Clotuthe. He then told me after what manner he had discovered it, and what he heard, and how much knowledge he had in both our affairs, and lastly craving pardon for the crime his love and jealousy had made him commit in harkening after the secrets of another, he vowed his friendship to me eternally, and to expiate that fault he would render me all that lay in his power to do, or what I would desire of him. I could not but embrace him at that offer, and seeing that I could no longer hid the love of Clotuthe from him, seeing it had been manifested by her own speeches that he had heard, and considering how generously he had dealt with me in confessing all to me, both of his own love and the love of Clotuthe to me, not considering me as a rival, or as an obstacle to his desires, he had vowed himself my friend, and proffered me his service to the utmost, I say I could not without ingratitude any longer hid myself from, or reject a friendship so nobly offered me, and that might be so conducing to my happiness.  
Therefore that I might render him the surest testimonies of my friendship. I gave him a true account both of my life and fortune, and the knowledge of those actions I had done against the Romans did not diminish one jot of the affection that he bore me, being more firmly grounded, and knowing that love had made me only their enemy. After I had let him understand the progress of my Love, it was needless to tell him that I desired my liberty, but that he proffered though he found some difficulty to effect it, least Clotuthes anger should light upon him. Fearing therefore to draw the indignation of Clotuthe by too manifest a liberation, he found out a means for my escape, that none might know he was conscious to it, not Clotuthe attribute it to his neglect. He prepared a kind of toxicum mingled with such corroding stuff, that being laid to the cross▪ bars of the window in a short time fretted them asunder, and gave a liberty of escaping with long and strong ropes which he also holp us to. That night being come wherein we were to effect our liberty, my Philoneus visiting me, rendered me words which seemed to slow from a hearty affection, and after many embraces and vows of eternal amity, he left me to take that liberty which himself had procured. Latona's daughter did not exhibit at that time her splendid face on our hemisphere, which facilitated our escape, but that obscurity would have seared one from a precipitating dangerous enough, that was not incited by love and desire of liberty. After I had fastened the rope to a strong beam, I slid down to the ground with great facility, and after I had safely rested myself on the earth at the bottom of the Tower, Lascaris followed me with the like security. Then it was that I found some joy after my accustomed grief, that I had my liberty to rescue Amenia, or to depose my life for her sake. I soon left that detested place, and at the corner of the Tower sound two horses which the Captain had ordered to be left there, with swords, and arms, for myself, after I had accouterd myself with those arms, we went to the back-gate of the Palace which was guarded with a slender guard, the chief of them being acquainted with the Captain's intentions, procured my passage without any noise or disturbance. I left that City with as much joy and speed, as heretofore I had approached it, when the Sunshine of Amenia's presence rendered it in its primest glory, but now the darkness wherein I left it, seemed to me to proceed from Amenia's absence. By the next morning I was got far enough from the search of those whom I believe the Captain sent after me to please Clotuthe, but I also believe he facilitated my escape by sending them different ways from that which he knew I took, for I neither saw nor heard of any that gave stop to my slight, which I accelerated with continual journeys, till I entered Juliobriga, which then harboured my dear Amenia.  
The first news that I heard was the preparation for the marriage between Amenia and Mandone, I cannot tell which was greatest, either the anger that was enkindled in my breast against Mandone, or the joy I conceived that the marriage was not yet consummated, but considering how much difficulty there yet remained to acquire her; I fed my imaginations with a hundred sorts of inventions. I had neither men nor arms to accomplish my designs by force, neither could I gain them, the whole countries being totally subdued, and subjugated to the Romans. The father of Mandone was slain in those wars, and himself was taken prisoner, but the Romans freely released him, and gave him a domination under them, over Juliobriga, and those lands which adjoined to it, but the City was then full of Roman soldiers, and they were making great preparations for his wedding, being glad so fierce a Prince lived so quietly under their yoke. The next day after my arrival, having consulted it to be the best way, I sent L●scaris to the Palace, where he might be admitted, by making himself known to be a servant of Amenia's, and I gave him in charge to discover to her where I was, and to let her understand the cause that detained me from obeying the contents of her letter so long time. I waited with a longing expectation till the afternoon for the return of Lascaris, and at last I espied him coming with Melanthe, I found an extraordinary joy at her sight, in that I hoped those doubts which had so long perplexed me by the means of Clotuthe, would now find a period by the means of Melanthe. When she was entered my chamber I entertained her with open arms, but not daring to name Amenia, I stood trembling between hers; out of a fear I had she should have forsaken me for Mandone. Melanthe imagining my fear by the knowledge Lascaris had given her, put me beside it with these words. Lascaris hath given good satisfaction to Amenia for your long stay and slackness in obeying her, you need not fear so reasonable a Princess can retain any anger for your disobedience when there was an impossiblity of obeying. She hath not forgot your services, nor your love so soon, as to resolve to marry Mandone; nor yet hath their remembrance left her so little courage, as not first to have conjugated herself to death, although she never gave you any assurance that she was yours, yet by her actions she would have testified it, that she could not have been ingrateful to you, nor have been the less yours for his having her in his power. You will have no came to mistrust Amenia, though the subtleties of Clotuthe might have effected it, when you know the truth, which yet is hid from you, and which will be more confirmed, when you know what she will do for you. These words were Ambrosia and Nectar to my soul, and they gave me a real taste of the goodness of Amenia, I could not but reply with the submissiv'st words Love and humility were capable to infuse. I extolled Amenia's goodness, and exhibited my own unworthiness; and expressed myself so pathetically that Melanthe could not but see there was not the least abatement in my love, but that the tide of my affection was increased by the stops and dams of afflictions and determents. After our first speeches I caused her to sit down, and Lascaris being conscious to my Love, was not now to be suspected, therefore Melanthe at my request gave me this account of Amenia after I had left her.  
When that your warlike Troops had left Asturica, and that that City by your absence seemed desolate, Amenia was assaulted with a sudden trouble, which with a silent vaticination, foretold her ensuing disasters, and made her foresee a misery which was to come upon her, though she was ignorant which way it should hap. But she too too perfectly saw the accomplishment of her fears, when she saw that funebrous spectacle of extinct Lilibilis. I will not trouble you with the tears she shed over that corpse, nor with her lugubrious complaints, nor with the continuance of that sorrow, which caused the decay of those Roses that adorned her Cheeks, by too often irrigating them with her tears, and by that lavation gave more liberty to the nivious Lilies to exhibit themselves; you cannot be insensible of them, knowing the love she bore Lilibilis, and it is enough to tell you, her sorrow was so violent, that I thought it would have reduced her to the same condition with him: but if she was capable of any comfort in that deplorable condition, it was by knowing you were alive, and she not only found so much intermission in her tears to ●ead your letter, but also to write you one, lest in making good the contents of your own, you should not only have increased her tears, but have given her that death through an accression of grief, which she had but newly escaped for Lilibilis. The first accretion of her grief was the loss of that Letter you sent her, by the means of one whom Clotuthe by bribes and fair words had gained to her interests, and had caused to prove so unfaithful to Amenia, as to steal that Letter from her, and to give it to Clotuthe. We were not able to find out amongst her maids who it was that had played her this ill part, for she that was guilty had showed as much confidence, and as little change of countenance in denying as the innocent: Seeing we were not so good Metoposcopers as to find out the criminal by Physiognomy, Amenia feigned the receipt of another Letter some time after, and laying it on a shelf in her closet, left the door open on purpose the next day, and hiding ourselves in the next room, we found out the thief purloining the Letter, which was laid as a bait for her, being thus taken in this, she confessed her former fact, and how it was through her means that Mandone came to fight with you, and that since that time she had discovered to Clotuthe that you were in love with Amenia, and that she bore you no little affection, and that Clotuhe by her insinuations had gained her to steal that Letter, which she had told her Amenia had received from you, and that in doing it she had received a reward, that had made her covet to do the like by that which we had prevented her in. Amenia's indignation was raised at this confession, but she took no other punishment on her that deserved greater, but banished her her service for ever, but Clotuthe entertained her for her infidelity. Amenia was cruelly afflicted, that she knew so much of her affairs, because she lay open to all her machinations, having none now to guard her from her devices, for she knew Clotuthe both spiteful and subtle enough to work her mischief, and she had some little suspicion that she was her corrival, though you never intimated so much. Clotuthe and Amenia after this knowledge met not in a long time after, being segregated to their afflictions, and by reason of Clotuthes' unwillingness to meet Amenia, but at last they met one another, where Amenia stuck not to tell her of her ill actions, but with a great deal of modesty and civility. But on the other side Clotuthe falling into great passion uttered words extreme misbecoming, and soon gave Amenia to know the authority she thought she had over her; after she had vented her passion against Amenia, at their parting she uttered some such words as these, that gave Amenia a good cause to fear her complotings. No, no, Amenia (said she, speaking in answer to the justifications of Amenia against her aspersions) do not justify yourself against that which is so apparent, you were too careful of his life not to love him, you gave him a charge not to be too forward in battle lest you might lose him, you cared not how great the loss be so you lose not Euripe●es, nor how much damage your Country received by the backwardness of his valour, so he was not in danger, this doth not favour of too much affection Amenia? He might as well have wrote to me as to you, but he cares not to pay what he owes to civility and decency, so he pays what he owes to his affection and yours. But stay Amenia, do not you think the death of Lilibilis disengages you to Mandone, he hath promised you to him, and though he lives not to perform it, you ought this way to exhibit your love to him by performing what heengaged, and do you account me your enemy and your foe, by endeavouring to find out your affection to Euripedes, and by trying to convince you of your error, when Mandone may claim you for his wife by right by the itterated promise and engagements of your father, which ought, not to die with him, and when you cannot marry Euripedes without great dishonour? flatter yourself no longer, for if you will not be Mandone's by Love and fair means, he hath yet power enough to force you, notwithstanding the power of Euripedes, who is a stranger, and not so worthy as Mandone, a redoubted Iberian.  
Anger had suscitated a fresh crimson in the cheeks of Amenia, and she had answered these speeches had Clotuthe stayed to have heard her, but finishing her discourse she would not stay for a reply, but left Amenia somewhat disturbed at her words. Amenia saw not Clotuthe after that, but retiring to her chamber, considered her disasters with much weeping. In this she continued till a surcharge came, which I thought would have been the greatest, it was the news of your last overthrow, she heard the valour of the General recounted, but she could not learn whether he was slain or no, or whether he survived that cruel encounter. Truly this consideration more than the loss of her Country made her find new springs of tears, which she thought her former grief had wholly exhausted, and the Floodgates of her eyes were hardly wide enough to let forth those torrents which impituously gushed out thereat. The next news she heard did not so much trouble her; being fore-seasoned with a greater, as otherwise it might have done, and it was the approach of our enemies towards Asturica, having taken Lancia, and our own men who were left to guard it abandoned us to their fury. This disaster was hardly considered when a greater befell us by the means of Clotuthe, who had most maliciously sent for Mandone, and given him notice both of the Letter, and of your Love to Amenia. I was sitting that morning that the Romans entered Asturica with Amenia in great heaviness considering our disasters, and what would become of us in that confusion, and in a very sad posture were we when Mandone entered the Chamber with two or three more. This sudden and unexpected coming of Mandone's so surprised Amenia that she was not able to rise from the seat where she sat, which gave him liberty to use all those civilities which he was accustomed to pay her. Madam (said he) Although the gods are resolved to subjugate these Countries to the Romans for an addition to their glory, yet have they had so great a regard to your person, that they have sent me for your preservation, and for that end only have they preserved my life, that I might preserve yours in this extremity. Our fortunes are alike Madam, and I hope our affections are not unequal, since by the will and command of both our Parents we were accounted individual: if you have lost your father, the gods also have taken away mine; if you have lost your Country I have also lost mine; if you have been abandoned by your friends, and are in danger to be ruined by your enemies, I have run the same fortune, and my life is solely given me for your preservation. I am come therefore in this very exigent to carry you forth of the jaws of these cruel Romans; make not now my endeavours fruitless, nor sacrifice both our lives to our foes by your delay, for our safety consists in a speedy departure, the Romans are even at the walls and there is scarce time for these words. Amenia by this time had recollected herself, and rising at that time from her feat; I am not Sir, (said she) less daunted than I thought she had been) so afraid of death but that I can embrace it joyfully, having already tasted too much misery to desire life: I had rather be buried in the ruins of my Country, than to fly it in its deepest misery, and offer this life to the hands of those, that have sacrificed the lives of my Countrymen, slain my friends, and taken away the life of my father; to be slain by their swords than leave this place. I am very sensible of your care of me, and render you many thanks for your pains, but let me desire you to leave me to my disasters, and not engage yourself in them, nor look that you are obliged to it for me, more than any other woman, since I am about to leave all the world, that all the world may leave their pretensions to me. I desire not, nor care for safety, therefore leave me to receive death the chief object of my desires. Madam (replied Mandone suddenly somewhat startled at her resolutions) the consideration of your honour ought to festinate your abscession, for you cannot continue here but that must be contaminated; they will sooner aim at that than your life, there is no way left to save it but by avoiding that, (by a sudden flight) which their fury will make them perpetrate. Think not (answered Amenia) but that nature hath given us that liberty of dying when we please, and she hath not been so niggardly of giving us means to effect it, as to use other instruments but our own. You need not fear that the Romans shall contaminate my honour, my death shall prevent them; Besides, I cannot persuade myself but that it is more dishonour to fly my Country then to die for, and with my Country. It is impossible for me to survive all these disasters, it is better than for me to die quietly than with a languishing life to be daily dying in misery. Mandone, seeing his persuasions in vain, and being a very passionate man, and foreangred by the relation of Clotuthe concerning your Letter, he could no longer hold from exhibiting it. What is your chiefest disasters (said he, anger sparkling through his eyes) is it in out-living Euripedes? I doubt not but you would change your Resolutions if he were the supplicant, no, you shall not die for Euripedes, but live for Mandone. What, will you force me then? (cried out Amenia) seeing he led her by the arm forcably towards the door. It is not force Madam (said he) when it is for your own safety, but if it be, and that I am irreverent, I hope you will not blame me for it one day, when that you have more reason than now you have, the other of his men did the like by me. When Amenia seeing they would have her away by force, had recourse to her tears, and desired Mandone to give her so much time as to take her chiefest Jewels with her, and to give her some small liberty in her Closet. He could not deny her this, having made her swear that she would not do herself any hurt, they gave me liberty likewise to accompany her, when I had also sworn not to let her do any injury to herself. She craved this liberty only to write you that Letter you last received, and in that perturbation she gave you the greatest proofs of her affection you could have required. When she had wrote it and sealed, I gained so much liberty as to pack up the chiefest Jewels that she had which were exceeding rich, and after that I got from them as they were leading Amenia out of the Palace at a Postern, and in descending the Palace stairs I happily met Lascaris, I had no sooner given him that Letter but those who belonged to Mandone came to seek me, for Amenia would not enter the Chariot without me, this made them use those words to me which Lascaris did not understand. After I was come to Amenia we entered into the Chariot in great haste, for that we heard the Romans were so near that we doubted our escape: we could not imagine the reason why Clotuthe would not leave Asturica, but now we no longer doubt it, since by the relation of Lascaris we understand it was but to make a prey of you to herself.  
Ma●done with those men that accompanied him conveyed us very safe to Juliobriga; but in all that Journey Amenia was so full of sorrow and perturbation of mind, that he had hardly the confidence to speak to her. But, when we came hither we were lodged in the Palace that belonged to his father, and then he began to solicit the consummation of that happiness he had so l●ng expected. Amenia at first answered him as if she had lost no part of her authority, and denied him the taking of those Liberties, he proffered to take, with as much courage as if she were still in her pristine power in Asturica; But this proud Prince, being not able to bear it, began with more impituositie to assail her, and was about to prepare for a constrained marriage, had not her tears, which had more influence upon him, than that manner of carriage, given him a Remora. He was content at last to grant her that ensuing Winter to consummate her lacrymations for her father, for she continually urged, that she could not marry so soon after the death of Lilibilis, and so great losses she had sustained in her Country, till time had partly wore away those sorrows, and had made her more capable for the pleasures of marriage, but Mandone had made her promise then not to withstand his desires, which she did out of hope that before this time we should have heard of you. Mandone after this gave Amenia all the liberty she could desire, and used her with abundance of respect, seeking all manner of divertisements, to make her leave that sorrow which eclipsed the gracious beams of her countenance. But I am not able to express the least part of the dolour she endured when all her hopes were abolished by your absence; she saw the winter quite pass away, and you not come to give her the liberty she expected, she knew not who to vituperate, nor who to blame for your absence; sometime she chid Lascaris for his negligence, sometimes she thought him slain, or that he could not find you. Sometimes, she reproached you for your delay, and with woeful complaints would incuse your affection, and with dolour enough she thought you had forgot her. But most of her tears, laments, and reflections were for your death, and that she condoled with so much affliction, that it would have pitied the most obdurate. The time was now at last come that she was by her promise to render herself into the arms of Mandone, she was resolved to do it, but at that instant also to have rendered herself breathless, and in performing her promise, performed also what she thought was due to the finishing of her Tragedy; but the Gods at last when all her hopes and expectations were at an end hath doubled her Joy by your arrival, and by knowing the cause of your so long stay, which hath given her sufficient proofs of your affection.  
This Discourse completed my joy, for by the constancy of Amenia I judged of the purity of her affection: and I was quite obeaecated if I did not see mine was accepted; It yet remained, to make me perpetually happy by her presence, and that I might arrive at the summit of my felicity, by gaining her out of the power of Mandone, which was to be expedited with a festinated diligence, for all cunctation was now dangerous. By the advice therefore of Melanthe I went that night to see Amenia, and by the help of a funal Ladder got over into a Garden adjacent to the Palace, and into the which Amenia's Chamber-door opened. Necessity and Love were both my friends, and they both pleaded for that reception so contrary to her humour, she could not abstain from shedding some tears at my first invisagement, nor I at the sight of hers: our tongues were obserated for a time, whilst our eyes exhibited in moist Characters, both the sorrow our separation had caused each to other, and the joy our re-meeting brought. Silence at last gave way to abundance of words that I emitted, in demonstrating the anxiety and dolour I had undergone for those perplexities that had befallen her and her Country; and for my cruel detainment in that I was made uncapable to help her. I told her, how that I valued not my life longer than I might retain it solely for her seriuce, and for that end had I overcome those miseries, which else, might have rendered me among the extinct.  
I have spun the thread of my Narration longer than I intended, I shall not therefore extend it by relating our Discourses at that time, but indeed her presence gave me not more joy, than her words, which were conducible to my happiness, in that she gave me an assurance of that which before I could never draw from her. She acknowledged that she did but what was just, yet had not that exigent enforced her to it, she had been for a longer time ingrate to my merits, in denying me the knowledge of that Sovereignty Love had given me over her soul, her modesty and severity still proving obstacles to that Confession. At last she consented (since the bonds of duty were unloosed and those of Love more firmly fastened by afflictions) to leave that perplexed Country, and return with me into mine, she then gave me charge to expedite her abscession, and remitted herself into my hands. I never undertook a charge with more joy, nor more desired than this: I doubted not but that the Gods would favour my enterprise, since they had been so propitious to my last designs. That small spark of animosity which I then possessed, would not have had me bore away Amenia so secretly, and without the death of my competitor, could I have gained the consent of gentle Amenia, but she absolutely forbade those thoughts of doing injury to Mandone, since only Love had made him my Enemy, and in her abscession I should punish him more than by death. I yielded to all her desires, and gave her as absolute a power over me as she could have wished. That night was one of the happiest I ever enjoyed, though I was not permitred any other liberties than sometimes to ravish some kisses from those lillyed hands, which notwithstanding at that time were sufficient to give me more content than the gift of Empires. I am not able to exhibit, nor none able to imagine the content and pleasure I received in her company, after so long absence, but those who have experienced the ardencies of the Idalian fire, and whose chaste Loves have found opportunity mutually to communicate, in the midst of difficulties and hazards. You must help me out of this pleasurable content with your thoughts, for I am as little able to give you a perfect knowledge of it, as to describe the splendour of the Sun. As our affections work adequate, so were our joy and content, which made us think Father-time had added more plumes to his Wing, to accelerate his speed, for my thought I had newly begun but to taste the sweets of her Company, when Lascaris giving me notice of the approach of the early goddess, we were fain to disjoin least danger should prosecute my bold attempt. She prohibited my returning thither any more, till I came to take her with me, lest I might incur that danger which might put a period to out lives and Loves together; Having sealed my Adues with many suaviations on her hands I returned by the same help undiscried to my Lodging, where I had time enough to consider the means how to carry Amema from those Towers.  
I entertained many projects, and I found them not over difficult, because her will corresponded with my desires. But not daring to commit this secret to any one, I was constrained to send Lascaris to Taracone, to prepare a vessel ready for our transportation, against we came. It was a great deal nearer cut to the Cantrabrick ocean, but then I considered that we ran an assured danger of being met with at the Herculean frete, and although this was more troublesome and incommodious for Amenia, yet it was more secure, and cut off that great compass we must have taken by sea. After Lascaris was gone, I was visited almost every day by Melanthe, for Mandone being as it were assured of Amenia, the marriage day being now very near and not finding her so obstinate as she had formerly been, which she did to facilitate her escape, he did not keep her as a prisoner, but gave her all the liberty she could have desired, for he did not perceive any inclination to escape from him if she could. There lacked but four days for Mandone (as he thought) to have had the full possession of Amenia, when I having provided, two easy Palfrays for Amenia and Melanthe, thus effected my design. Melanthe had given notice to Amenia, and had packed up her richest Jewels, preparing every thing against the night, and to facilitate our escape, she had gotten of the Gardener the key of a back gate at the further end of the garden, this she had done divers other times, and returned it him again to divert his suspicion, but this night she kept it on purpose to save Amenia the labour of getting over the wall. At that gate she appointed me to appear in the dead time of the night, which I failed not to effect, at the hour appointed. I did not stay there long before Amenia and Melanthe appeared, of all the others that attended her, she had not confidence enough in any besides Melanthe to communicate this secret, so that she left them all ignorant of her departure. So soon as I saw her I fell upon my knees, and in the humblest terms Love was able to infuse; I expressed my acknowledgement of all those obligations wherewith she had bound me. She would not permit me long in those agnizements, but raising me up, put me in mind of the danger we should incur, if through our cunctation we should make our design ineffectual. After this remembrance without further delay I seated them on their horses, and with what speed we could we hastened our flight. The heaven favouring us, spread over his face a dark vail, that we might travel with the more security, Nevertheless fair Cynthia sometimes peeped through the chinks of those dark clouds, being proud to illuminate the steps of a beauty, which in that obscurity seemed to outshine hers. We made so good use of our time, that before Aurora had ushered in the Sun, we were got further from Juliobriga than our pursuers could imagine. I know the want of Amenia put Mandone the next day into an unparalleled confusion, and I make no doubt but that he sent throughout the Country to retake us, but our diligence, speed and care made all his scrutiny in vain, we endeavoured to avoid all the great towns, and to take our lodgings in small villages, and sometimes in some loan cottage, making our accommodation give way to our security. Besides we performed most of this journey by night, and rested ourselves in the day time, so that we made ourselves inscrutable. Amenia underwent this toilsome voyage with great alacrity, but not without some fear, lest she should fall again into the hands of Mandone. But not to hold you any longer with this voyage, love and fear together made Amenia overcome the tediousness and incommodiousness of it, and we safely arrived at Tarracone, where we found that Lascaris had prepared a vessel, and the wind also sitting right for our purpose we stayed there but two days before we embarked, and committing ourselves to the mercy of Neptune, we left the Iberian coast, and surrowed over the Tyrrhenian sea with prosperous winds, and full blown sails; all thing seeming to conspire for my happiness, made me almost lose myself in the gulf of pleasure and content.  
The sea accommodated us with its calmness, and the wind with gentle furthering gales, and Amenia beginning to shake off her fear, gave me testifications of her affection, by a thousand endearments: we had time to recount the progress of our fortune, and to consider how tragically that vituperated power had acted for our feli●lity. Thus the sea and the wind favouring us we glided over those deeps, but the next day being upon the deck of the ship, we espied a vessel to make toward us, with great speed, when she was come within perfect knowledge, the Marines knew her to be a Pirate. This news made Amenia reassume her fear, and made her shake off that content she had but now received. But whilst that she strove with the assaults of those first apprehensions, I had armed myself for her defence, and encouraging the Mariners, I incited them to a generous opposition. The Pirates made us quickly see their intentions, for forcing their prow against ours, they put us into some danger, ours being the weaker vessel, but assoon as they had joined, I caused iron grapples to be made use of, for the joining of the ships, and then being stimulated with the danger of loseing Amenia, and putting a period to the content I had newly tasted of, I leapt into their ship, and there surpassed all the common actions of my life, by the blows and wounds that I then gave those wretches. I made them see that a Lover was able to do more than an ordinaty man, having such special incitements as fight in sight, and for the life of his Mistress. The Praedonians not accustomed to be prevented, and to have their ship entered, were somewhat astonished, especially when they saw that in my fury I here decollated one, there debrachiated another, opened the breast of a third, dissected the leg of a fourth, and to all that came within my reach gave either mortal, or very dangerous wounds. But at last the Pirates seeing only myself to make that havoc, took heart and opposed me on all sides, where at last I must have perished with their numbers, if the Mariners of my ship had not dissipated them; with the help of those at last I overcame them, and those that remained, yielded themselves. But before we could taste the sweets of this victory, and before I could reenter the ship where Amenia was, we were fain to prepare for a more formidable encounter, for we beheld the Admiral of these Pirates being a great ship, to sail towards us with great expedition. We had not time to consider our danger, before we were set upon, and that naumachy was very considerable for the happy encounter of Lonoxia, the generous Captain of those valiant Pirates. I shall remit to him the relation of it, that he may thereby be engaged to give you the relation of his life. It proved happy for us that Lonoxia was the Leader, or else we had inevitably perished in that storm. Of an enemy he became our friend; and from seeking our destruction, sought our preservation, and conveyed us safe to the Issick gulf.  
It was the happiest occurrent of all my life, (replied Lonoxia) and fortune never did me a pleasure till then; and all the Prizes that ever I gained, were not comparable to that of your friendship, for in it I have found more than both the land or the sea could yield me.  
Euripedes returning his Compliment very civilly, took up his discourse, and proceeded thus: We stayed some small time in Nicopolis to refresh Amenia after her marine voyage, and from thence I went to my own habitation, where I was received with abundance of joy by my Uncles, and my friends, but both theirs and mine was very much lessened by the loss of Araterus whom I had hoped might have been returned before me. However they could no ways viruperate me when they understood how I was constrained to leave him, and by what accident we were parted. Neither could they reprehend me for my choice, being the beauty of Amenia made them confess that she was worthy of those difficulties and dangers I had incurred for her sake.  
My burning desires were somewhat cooled by the water of respect, and it wa● sometime ere I could have the confidence to crave what I so greatly desired: but exhibiting my desire by my respect, she gave me liberty to attain to my chiefest happiness by the sacred ties of marriage. This at last was effected, and made very celebrious by the great concourse of people, and meeting of certain Princes, to try the force of their activity. After which I freely enjoyed that beauty for which I had ran so many hazards of my life, and gained with so much difficulty; but then casting away all thoughts of my former troubles, I enjoyed an unexpressible content and pleasure, in the embraces of my dear Amenia, whose love equalling mine made both our felicities jointly unparalleled; fruition took not away desire, but desire was increased by fruition; pleasure stifled not our love, because our love was not grounded on pleasure, but that preserving or rather increasing our ardencies, we lived full of content, and full of happiness.  
Our own content made us not forgetful of our faithful servants, Lascaris having gained the good will of Melanthe enjoyed her, with a portion of Lands which I gave them, where content also found a residence among them. We likewise heard out of Spain (by one that we purposely sent to know what became of Clotuthe) that she was married to that Captain who procured my liberty, and that she held a greater state than under Lilibilis, her husband being made Governor of the Austures, Cantabrians and Gallicians, under Augustus. And that Ma●done, besides himself, for the loss of Amenia, had left Juliobriga, and was gone in her search; but what became of him none could ever hear.  
euripides here made some pause, as being unwilling to begin his more unfortunate adventures, but seeing they attended him with the like taciturnity, he proceeded thus.  
You may perceive that love hitherto hath not given me any cause to be his foe, but now I must begin to relate his disfavours and my misfortunes, wherein you may well perceive how for one moment of pleasure, he gave me years of pain, and unmatched misery. For your sake I will not stick to undergo some pain and trouble, which the remembrance of these past events will unavoidably bring, but I may well endure some small pain in the relation, since I have endured so great in the suffering them. Methinks I cannot tell how to frame myself to leave the stage of my content and happiness, to begin the scene of my misfortunes and miseries, but seeing I have promised it, and am resolved to perform it, I shall only desire your pardon, if I give you not so large a relation of my following miseries, as I have of my preceding fortunes, nevertheless although I intent to be concise, I will not omit any of the chief evenements.  
Joy and content never found so ample a residence, in the breasts of any as in us, for through the mutual harmony of our souls we ravished each other with a continual Symphony. We lived not but by the eyes of each other, and with so perfect agreement and Sympathy we were knit, that we had but one Will, one desire, and one soul distributed in two bodies, which seeking an inseparable junction, almost expired at all those places wherein it found a free egression. We even strove to outvie each other in this delectable exhibition, and love never enkindled more ardent and immaculate fires, than those that encompassed our hearts. In fine we enjoyed a paradysical happiness, and unparalleled felicity. Alas! Whilst I lived in this heaven of content, and day of joy, I did not think I could ever have felt the hell of misery, nor have been wrapped in the night of sorrow; I did not consider that joys, pleasures and contentments road on the wings of time, and that they had no long residence in this world, but at last I found it true, for this short day had a long night; this moment of pleasure, years of pain; and this short content was followed with a world of woe. The first and most grievous disaster was the death of Amenia, by a sudden and short fickness, which ere I was ware deprived me of her, and wrapped her in the leaden sheets of death. I need not tell you (for I believe you do not doubt) that I endured a cruciation equal to my former Joy? for my love not being any thing abated, it is impossible to declare what dolour I endured; and if you had heard the complaints I uttered, and had seen the actions I did, you would never have believed that I could ever forgotten her memory to have loved another. But then the dolour I felt, and the excess of sorrow I gave myself over to, had brought me to the very brink of the Stygian lake, and I was not recovered without the exceeding great care of my friends. After I had recuperated my health I celebrated her funerals, and spent much wealth on a stately monument for her memory, which finished, I betook myself to a melancholy life, having no children (the joy and life of the parents) to delight in, in which state I intended to have finished my days, but the gods otherwise disposed.  
I continued in this solitary condition full of dolour, till my mournful days had equaled my joyful ones, and three whole years were now expired since the sad dissolution of Amenia, in all which time I had secluded myself so strictly, that I knew not what vicissitudes or changes had happened in the world, being wholly sequestered to my melancholy thoughts. I had retired for that purpose from my wont habitation, into a place convenient and agreeable to my humour, being seated in the midst of a wood, whose trees groaned under their own burdens, and whose shades made a perpetual evening. Here I had a dumb Converse with the trees, and to those deaf Auditors I poured out daily complaints, being full of mestitude and grief. Here I bemoaned the loss of Amenia, harkening with some content to the sad crooking of the Turtle, who bore a part in my miseries, and seem to tune her agreeable Notes to my sad tones. I seemed to myself a shadow, or a carcase without a soul, having neither breath nor life, and that small remnant that was left me, seemed to be preserved by the agreeable Converse with the Idea of Am●nia, which presenting its self to my imagination, seemed not wholly to have left me.  
To deliver me out of this voluntary exile, my friends used all the means they could devise, and my Uncles fearing that kind of life would have shortened my days, by the exuberance of entreaties gained me from thence, endeavouring by all manner of inventions to make me so get Amenia, and to cast off those melancholy humours which I had acquired since her death. There was nothing of outward means wanting, nor no pastimes or recreations, wherein they did not force me to be one, to divert the intentiveness of my thoughts, but still their endeavours failed of their expected issue, and I still persevered in my pensiveness. But at last one of my Uncles having an occasion to go into Greece, earnestly invited me to be his associate: my propensity to travel gained too much upon me, and at last I accorded to that unhappy journey.  
Being in Tessalonica I was on a sudden strucken dead by the thunder bolt of beauty, for in beholding the fair Dames of that City at a feast, I was on a sudden surprised with the beauty of one surpassing the rest: now the Idea of Amenia beginning to vanish, seemed to take up her residence in this beauty, and imagining a Pythagoraean transmigration, I persuaded myself it was the soul of Amenia, that had entered the body o● this beautiful Cynthia, for so she was named. The more I beheld her, the more it confirmed my vain opinion, for me thought (so did my fancy flatter me) her face was composed in the very lineament of Amenia's, and the very features of my lost one, exhibited themselves in this Cyn●hia. Her actions, her speech, her courage and gestures were so conformable, that I could not but see Amenia, as it were resuscitated from the dead in this Cynthia. Whilst I considered her thus intentively, Love by this mockery wh●ll● subdued me, and me thought I did not transgress to love her wh●●eem'd to be compo●'d of nothing but Amenia. All my former arden●ies were now renewed, and I now became an altered man, my Elegies for Amenia were now turned into Sonnets for Cynthia, and all my mournful expressions into Courtships and Compliments. I now began to cast my mestitude and heaviness, and to exhibit alacrity in my face and eyes, and after some week's time forgetting Amenia, I wholly employed myself to gain Cynthia.  
My Uncle observing an alacrity not usual in me, I discovered to him what had happened to me; but I know not whether he was more glad that I had forsaken my sadness, or sorry that I had involved myself into those new Amoretta's. Some weeks passed away, in the which I was truly informed what she was, and finding her birth noble, and her riches suitable to her quality, they became inducements to my prosecution. She was a Princess of great esteem in those parts, and had resided in Thessalonica under the tuition of her Grandmother, many years, her parents being dead. She was of the race of that unhappy Prince Perseus the last King of Macedon, who illustrated the triumphant Chariot of Aemilius. After I had understood all things that the generality could give me, I made it all my employment to be acquainted with her, which I soon effected being a very affable Princess. We had been four months in Thessalonica, and I had been thoroughly acquainted with Cynthia, when we received letters out of ●ilicia that gave us notice of the death of my other Uncle who was father to Araterus, and that he had equally divided a great estate between me, and the son of my other Uncle that was living, whose name was Epamondas. This caused my Uncle to prepare for a sudden departure, which gave me more trouble than the accretion of riches could content, because I should be forced to leave Cynthia without giving her notice of my pain. I could find no excuse to stay from performing the Ceremonies at my Uncle's obsequies. This put me to much trouble, and at last made me resolve to exhibit my affection to her at my departure. When I came to take my leave of her, I yet trembled to perform it, but at last I effected it with all the Rhetoric I was capable of, and with no less passion than when I courted Amenia. If my fancy flattering made me judge her features like Amenia's, my judgement made me see her conditions were very unlike, and her virtues not to be compared with hers, for having with small patience heard me discover my affection, she answered me so extreme scornfully, and despising my service in such a manner, that it utterly dejected me for the present. But renewing my speech with as good order are that trouble she had put me in, would permit, I proceeded notwithstanding very submissively to exhibit my affection, till she with very scornful and haughty language put a period to my discourse, and scarcely taking any leave, departed from me, leaving me in extreme trouble and confusion. The wind sitting very contrary, kept us there almost a week, much against my Uncle's mind, but conformable to mine, in that I hoped with my implorations, yet to mollify the heart of Cynthia. I went to visit her as I used to do, but three days one after another she denied to speak with me, yet at last I gained the speech of her, but with the same scorn as the former she answered my suit, which gave me so much trouble, that my countenance was well fitted to follow the hearse of my Uncle. We at last left Thessalonica, and arriving in Cilicia we performed our duties to the dead.  
Those Ceremonies were no sooner finished, but I was preparing to return to Thessalonica, and although my Uncle sought by very many persuasions to deter me, yet my obstinacy would give place to no reason. That poison which I avidously had sucked in from Cynthia's beauty, had so intoxicated me, that I hardly was myself till I was returned to Thessalonica. But the welcome that scornful Princess gave me was a terrible corrosive to my heart; for to show you how much she disliked my coming, she would not permit me to see her in many days. However nothing being able to deter me, I wore out her rigour with my patience. Whilst I remained adoring this beauty, and consuming myself with the scorching flames of desire, I received many letters out of Cilicia of the very great wrongs that were done me in the partition of that estate, which was bequeathed to Epamondas and myself, and that all would go to ruin unless I returned, yet all that could be wrote was not able to attract me from that loadstone, nor divert my constant motion from that Cynosure; I had wholly devoted myself to her service, though I found nothing but scorn, slighting and reproaches in all her words and actions. But my soul like the Thracian stone, the more it was merged in the water of her disdain, the more it was inflamed; and the more opposition it found, the more desire it had to attain. Some months were expired, and still my dolour increased, my heart was exhibited by my eyes, my passion by my face, my grief by all my actions, and sometimes by my words, yet hardhearted Cynthia harboured not the least spark of compassion At last that fatal hour came wherein I was to be deprived of that happiness (which I had fancied to myself) that I received in the quotidian inspection of her fascinating beauty: for having had some more liberty than usually with her, being pressed by my ardent desires, I urged her with the greatness of my passion, the extremity it had brought me to, how few days I had to reside upon earth unless she graciously commiserated my condition. I followed my suit so hard (her silence giving me liberty) that I thought I should have stirred up some compassion: but alas! instead of pity I exsuscitated her an●er, and at the conclusion of my words (the lightning of her eyes foreruning the thunder of here's) she expressed a fatal sentence of banishment upon me, chargeing me immediately to leave Thessalonica and never to appear in her sight more.  
These words deprived me of all motion, and (as if metamorphized into some Statue of brass or stone, for a memorial of the implacable anger of my Goddess) left me so in●●nsible, that seeing her avoyed the the room I had neither power to speak or stier. But at last my spirits returning to exercise their ordinary functions, by breaking the Phylica of their intent setlement, gave me a more perfect sensibility than I received in my astonishment. My astonishment turned to grief, and my grief to fury, and that led me headlong to my own precipitation. O strange power of Love! I could not hate her, nor take any revenge but on myself to satisfy her. In a strange posture I went to my lodging, my servants noting the strange alteration which I exhibited, but they were not so bold to inquire the cause. I slung myself upon my bed where my ruminating on my condition increased my fury, and urged me not only to leave Thessalonica, but also the whole world, since there was no hopes of enjoying Cynthia. After I had poured out a world of complaints, against Cynthia, and my evil fortune, I suddenly started from my bed divertly agitated, till at last being overcome with grief and despair, I drew my sword, and setting the hilt to the ground I cast myself upon the point of it; But the Gods not permitting me to die for such a wretch, or else preserving me for future miseries, hindered the execution, by one of my servants who fearing some such determination, by my countenance, stood ready at the door to prevent it, and entering at the instant of my falling, clapped both his hands about ●y middle, and so upholding me withheld me from the death I was about to receive: nevertheless the point of the sword declining, and my striving to force myself upon it, made a large wound in my thigh. Being at last overcome through the implorations of my servants, I gave over my intended purpose, and gave them liberty to cure that wound I had given myself: whilst I lay in the curation of that wound (being full of unexpressable grief) I received letters from Lascaris (who remained in Cilicia) which signified how that my other uncle was dead, and how that Epamondas had seized on my whole estate, giving out that I was dead, and himself being the next heir, entered upon his right. This I confess nothing troubled me, being wholly taken up with my former trouble, nothing could give accretion to that which was before unincreaseable, besides I doubted not but at my returning he would soon relinquish his pretensions.  
The wound in my thigh being cured, (not that in my heart) to satisfy the rigour of Cynthia I left Thessalonica, being denied by an express order from herself the favour of seeing her before I went, for she was not Ignorant of what happened to me, yet her more than Adamantine heart, could not be mollified by my blood: When I came into Cilicia I repaired to Lascaris who certified me at large ho● Epamondas had possessed my estate, and what danger it would be for me to go and demand my own. However being no way solicitous of my life I went with Lascaris and those few servants I had with me to Epamondas, who with the greatest hypocrisy in the world embracing me craved pardon for his usurpation, vowing he had heard it spoken of a certain that I had been dead. With a great deal of blandiloquie he entertained me, proffering to have removed out of my house that moment, would I have permitted him. His glozing and grievous calidity, playing the Doctor in the art of Hypocrisy would have deceived one more suspicious than myself. I gave him no supercilious look, but myself endeavoured to excuse his temerity, seeing him seem to be so much ashamed at what he had done; O grievous Hypocrite! before that it was night, when that I had unarmed myself, and had taken some refection, not mistrusting his treachery, I went for●h into the Garden adjoining to the house with Lascaris. But before I had walked one turn, Lascaris being a little behind me gave a great screach, I turning my head at the same instant, saw six armed men depriving him of that life which had done me so much service. Oh how miserably tortured was I at that instant to see myself without weapons, not so much to defend my own life, as to have sa●d that of my faithful Lascaris, I ran to his succour without arms, but before I came they had left him but breath enough to desire me to have regard to my own life, and not endeavour to revenge his, with danger to myself; all their swords points were immediately turned against me that was weaponless, I was then in great straits, I was unwilling to let those villainies triumph over my life, I was ashamed to fly, and I had no weapon to fight: looking about in this exigent, I could find nothing wherewith I might help myself, but retiring as handsomely as I could before those Pursuers, I gained the end of the Alley, in which place stood many Alvearies. Necessity the mother of invention, taught me a new experiment, for being weaponless I suddenly raised thousands for my defence, who effected more than I could expect. By the instinct sure of my good Genius being hardly pursued by these assasinates, I assumed for my defence one of the stocks of bees, and casting it against the face of the first approacher, it very luckily covered all his head, who feeling the stings of those apiculas, cast off that terrible cap, but the little hony-slies cleaving to his head and face, furious for being disturbed, made him feel the force of their little weapons, which were so terrible, and plagued him so shrodely, that he was feign to forego his own weapon as being useless against them, and as if he had been pursued by the Euminedes ran his head against the trees: and knocked it against the ground to atter those little but fierce creatures, his Comrades pressing in his place found the like enemies to fight against, for making use of that defence I bestowed one after another, all the domiciles in the apiary in their faces, which did such execution, those creatures covering them all over, thrust their little sharp-poynted-needles into their flesh in a thousand places together, which inspired them with such sury against themselves, that I could not but take some pleasure in beholding their mad actions, though I also was sensible of some pricks which I received among those humming creatures. Being thus rid of my assasins and having viewed their furibund postures till I heard the noise of other voices approaching, I thought it not best to tempt the Gods, nor neglect that favour of escaping, since they had done it miraculously. I then takeing one of those weapons for my defence, which but now were bend against my breast, I departed at a back, door and so escaped from those treacherous and impious men, but almost overcharged with trouble and grief for the loss of Lascaris.  
Having escaped the hands of those assasins I went to Nicopolis, where I had many friends, who were extremely affected to see me in that condition, all proffering to the utmost of their power to re-establish me in the estate that Epamondas had so unjustly usurped, though what by gifts and flattery he had made himself very powerful. Would I have endeavoured, to have regained my right at that time I believe I might have effected it with the help of my friends, or had I complained to King Tarcondemus I question not but that he would have done me right, but so much did Love agitate me that I thought on nothing but Cynthia, rejecting all the council of my friends, I thought all company troublesome, which made me to affect my former solitude. After a little while (oppressed by my own thoughts of the cruel banishment Cynthia had imposed upon me) contrary to the mind of all my friends, I left that famous Issicus accompanied only with one servant, resolving to lead the life of an Eremite. I stayed no where till I came into the Province of Pamphilia, where under the shadow of the mountain Taurus I caused a little cottage to be built, wherein I intended to pass the remainder of my days. In this place I settled (having first caused my servant to departed from me, being not willing that he should partake of my self-imposed miseries) where I spent my time in recounting the accidents of my life, the vicissitudes of my fortune, and my alternate loves, with condoling my banishment, and striving to banish Cynthia, the confines of my memory, but it was impossible for me to extinguish that fire which consumed me in the midst of those deserts, in a place where the rays of the bright Chariot-driver scarce ever penetrated, so much power had love over my soul, the cause of all my miseries; for had I never loved, I had never been unhappy. In this place I remained the term of an whole year, feeding on that which nature without compulsion yielded, and drinking the water of a clear rivulet which ran close by my domicile, with this food not usual to me, but more especially with the continual grief of my mind I was so altered in my countenance that my most intimate friends would scarce have known me. But to contract my relation, my life being now a burden to me, and I desiring nothing more than death sigh neither company nor solitude could divert the tortures of my mind, I resolved to abbreviate my life with my own hands, but in the presence of Cynthia. Leaving my Cottage with this intention I traveled with a world of pain and trouble, being much debilitated till I had gained the sea, where I embarked and arrived safely at Thessalonica.  
My mind giving my body little rest, assoon as I had prepared what I thought requisite for my determination, I gained but with much trouble the sight and speech of Cynthia. I had vestited myself with poor accoutrements, and was so changed in my Countenance that I was utterly unknown to her at the first, but after she had commanded her Servants at my request to withdraw, except one that always was Conscious to her privatest actions, I discovered myself to her, and with many words desired her to excuse me for the breach of her severe command, in that I had appeared before her, and sigh that it was impossible for me to live any longer separated from her, I begged her not to deny me the happiness of expireing in her sight, and that she would accept of the oblation of my life for a full expiation of all my faults. At the conclusion of these words drawing out a dagger which I had prepared, I lifted up my arm to have perpetrated my determination; But at that instant I perceived by her tears (the true badges of her sorrow) that pity had won the fort of her obdurate heart, I had nevertheless effected my purpose had she not taken hold on my arm, with commanding me to forbear my bloody execution, and to hope for better usage at her hands. I could not disobey her commands, since she had been so absolute over me, I therefore left that purpose of dying and reassumed my despaired hopes; by her permission I bought me  suitable to what I formerly appeared in, with some gold which I had yet preserved. How soon was my fortune changed! where I expectected nothing but death and assured destruction, I found life and comfort inrased hopes, but ah constant inconstant power how oft hast thou befooled me! for when I expected the Consummation of my felicity with a strange caprichiousnesse thou replunged me into a sea of miesries! After I had resumed my formet habit, and with my endeavours brought my body to its former plight, I followed the acquisition of Cynthia's love with so much happiness, (as I thought,) that at last she (dissembling wretch) confessed that I had obtained it▪ and promised me all that I could require of her. My thoughts being all regular I pitched upon a day of marriage, which she also consented to, and exhibited as much love as I could expect from a pudicite maid. Her grandmother being conscious to it, seemed also willing to accord with our desires. Thus arrived I at the summit of my Joys, fortune having brought me from the bottom, to the top of her wheel, where I sat triumphing over all my past miseries.  
But see how soon I was dejected, and how in one moment was blasted all the harvest of my hopes. My immodick love did not without ground beget a Zelotyp fear, which at first insinuating itself for all the opposition of a contrary belief, made me with a diligent scrutiny seek after my own death, it being the nature of a Jealous person to desire draughts of poison in the Cups of Curiosity. Whilst I with great diligence sought the love of Cynthia, I had observed a gentleman of Thessalonica to resort thither, who (to give our enemies their due) for the outward lineaments of the body, the sweet vivacity of the eyes, the proportionable feature of the face, the exceeding pulcritude and harmonious consent of all the members of the microcosm, was not to be parallaled in all Greece; but his birth and fortune was but mean. This Gentleman was seldom out of the Company of Cynthia, and I never visited her but I sound him in her company. The great show of amity which she showed me (as I have told you) after my last return, wraping me into the enjoyments of a fancied happiness, diverted the first motions of Zelotypie●, but afterwards Jealousy being more pressing, and exhibiting the attractions of that gentleman gained possession of my soul, which gave me as great inquietudes as ever Love had done; and the more it affected me the more reason me thought there was that I should be Jealous, every day (through my inspection) bringing forth concurrents of my fear, and confirmation of my Jealousy. It was in its highest operation when she consented to my disposition, and agreed on the time of our marriage, but all this was too weak then to make me reject my former suspicion, nor so powerful an antidote as to expel the poison I had received. I did believe that she had no intentions to marry him, yet I had not observed somuch virtue in her as might make her reject the attractions of his beauty. Being adusted with this fire, I sought by all means I could devise to know the truth, which I effected thus. I first blinded the eyes of her chiefest maids fidility with the ponder of injection, when I knew she must be conscious to what her mistress did, what with adulation, and the lunar mettle I ganed her to confess that which was almost my death to hear, oh the deceit of a wicked woman to promise me her faith, and be naught with another. This knowledge could not content me but that I must make my own eyes witness to her falsehood, this (having gained that maid to my devotion) I did through her means. The time drawing near which we had determined for our marriage, I pretended that I would go into Cilicia both to fetch my friends, and to come accompanied with an equipage suitable to my quality, and for those things that were wanting to make the day Celebrious: This she willingly consented to, and having taken my leave I departed. Our plot being laid before, I lodged very privately in Thessalonica not far from the house of Cynthia; Night being come I repaired to a back door of Cynthia's where I was met by this maid and conducted into Cynthia's lodging chamber, and hid behind the tapstery where I might hear and see what was spoke or done in theroome. But not to be tedious in recounting that which is odious, I there beheld with an imparalleled agony the confirmation of my Jealou●ie, there I saw her whom I had so long and so ardently loved embracing another, without blushes, in her arms.  
I should have manifested my indignation at that time had I not sworn to the maid not to discover myself, for fear of detecting her, which oath I kept with great difficulty. With the help of my concealeresse● I departed but with how much grief I cannot represent, I confess I was all most distracted, through the continual torment that it gave me. The next day I departed for Cilicia with an intention never to return more.  
But being there, and finding less likelihood of possessing my estate then before, Epamondas having through his power ruined the chiefest, and ablest of my friends, and also being throughly agitated by Love and danger, I returned back to Thessalonica that I might in venting the one quench the other, for notwithstanding this, the fire of anger had mixed but contiguously with the flames of Love. In that short time that I had been absent from her, the exceeding grief and anguish of my soul, had debillitated and dejected my body so much, that she could hardly credit her eyes when she saw me return in that condition. When she knew the bad success of my Journey and in what condition my affairs stood, she attributed my sadness and dejection, to those evenements, which she sought to drive away by unwonted expressions expressions of Love and kindness, which being but coldly received by me; made her wonder at my carriage.  
The more Love she expressed to me the more aversion I had to her, and the more she sought to please me with adulation, the more was my spirit excited against her dissimulation. I had been there but a little time, when I perceived that enemy of my repose to frequent the house of Cynthia as formerly, which fight so stimulated my indignation that I was not able to smother it any longer, and my anger then overcame my Love which till then it had struggled with. He entered one day into the house when I was with Cynthia in her chamber, who at that time full of blandiloquie, sought to know the cause of my discontent, and expressed very much affection and Love to me, I was about to answer her when I saw this gentleman through the glass window to come a long the Court, which sight so excited my passion that pointing towards him I told Cynthia that he was the cause of all my trouble, at which words I observed a very strange alteration in her countenance, but she desiring to know in what he had offended me, I told her that their too much familiarity had exsuscitated a Jealousy that could never be cured. She seemed with a world of Indignation to detest it, and denying it with great passion, and anger, she would have left me, useing many bitter words against me, but taking her by the arm, my eyes sparkling with indignation; Ah false and perfidious woman (said I) canst thou with such impudence deny that, which the Gods, and thy own conscience do testify to, against thee; For what reason did you deter that which I was about to prepetrate against myself? had your mind desired my death why did you not effect it by persevering in your former rigour, or in any other way besides defaming and defileing yourself? if you did never love me (as I am sure you did not) or if you did not count me worthy of it, why did you use so much dissimulation, and so much hypocrisy as to make me believe it? but if you say you have Loved me, and did intent to have effected the marriage according to your promise, why have you so meretriciously been defiled by another. Ah cruel woman! ah base and treacherous woman! thou art not worthy of those servants that would sacrifice their lives at thy feet! I confess I have loved thee, and that to the undoing of myself, but the gods inflict upon me all the plagues that lie in their power to impose upon men if I think any more of Loving thee, but of detesting thee as a monster, and unworthy the name of a princess. After a little pause perceiving her in some astonishment. I do not this (proceeded I) out of conjecture, or stimulated only by Jealousy, no my ears have been witnesses of your amorous night discourses, and my own eyes witnesses of your unchaste embraces. I then discovered to her where I stood, and when it was that I discovered their base do. When she saw that to her shame she was detected, and that she could not deny a thing so palpable, and so punctually proved against her, enraged through shame she ran out of the room, (leaveing me amidst the pangs of grief) and returning within a short time with her fornicator, stood by to animate him that he might tragedize me, but being too weak for that enterprise with three wounds I laid him at my feet, and had slain him, had not Cynthia to save him cast herself upon him, between my weapon and him, offering her breasts to be pierced for his safety, imploreing me with abundance of tears not to spare her, if I intended to take away her lover's life. The sight of that white skinn, and those tears so affected me that I could hardly utter these few words for the overflowing of my tears. Ah Cynthia (said I) how much cause have I to detest you and how little do either of you deserve at my hands, your lives are now in my power and I should not do any injustness if I sacrificed them to my just resentments, But you shall live, I will not murder that which once I adored when I thought virtue had been linked with your beauty, you shall Live that you may feel the heavy punishments of your Conscience, which will plague you for your misdeeds; and it may be cause remorse for what you have done against me, for your sake I spare him who hath not to much power so wrong me by his strength as he hath by his effeminate beauty; Live then to your own shame Cynthia and let the Goddesses of punishments inflict castigations equal to your deserts, whilst I seek to deracinate thy memory out of my mind. With these words I left Cynthia, and immediately after Th●ssalonica and returned to some friends in Cilicea, where, within a month after, I heard that Cynthia had married this gentleman, which (though I had resolved to forget her) gave me so much grief and trouble that it put me into a violent fever, so hard it is for a deep rooted Love, and settled affection to be decussed. But time and patience which effects all things put a period to my sickness, and restored me to my former health; I then consulting with my friends and by their advice, gained the help of the Romans, who knowing of the great wrong I had suffered by Epamondas, through attestation of my friends, they did me right and settled me in my estate with the death of Epamondas who opposed them, to the Joy of all my friends, my estate being much augmented through the accretion of what belonged to Epamondas, which was justly mine being he had no heir.  
After I had caused a solemn interment of Melanthe who died about that time, and had made a monument for her and Lascaris close to Amenia's, taking also two young youths that they left, to wait upon me, who are yet with me in this grot, and who have done me as faithful service as their father, I betook myself to my habitation, living many years full of Content and happiness, which always accrued to me so long as I was free from the snares of Love.  
I remained in this condition full of quiet, without any occurrents worth the rehearsal till the last year o● the reign of Augustus, when being in the court of King ●ar●●●demus of ●●licia the extraordinary beauty and pregnant wit● of Agavv●, near to the King, drew me once more into the inextricable troubles of Love, after so many years repose, and when I thought myself incapable o● those fires, having finished twelve whole lustres of my age, Surely the essence of my soul was composed of Love, for I believe, none was so amorous as myself, nor none so much crossed in their Loves, or else all the amatorious stars assembling at my birth poured down their influences on my soul as so many Amotoriums. My soul of the nature of tow, being exposed against the adusting beams of the sun of beauty, immediately carched fire, and contrary to my expectations (having thought the winter of age had frozen up all my veneral desires) I found the calid beams, of Agavv's countenance to resolve all my icy humours, and with a repullulation of desires, caused a new Spring of affection. Being after much resort to that fire throughly scorched, and charmed by the Philtre of her caring & courteous behaviour, and my limbs made sprightful with new ardences, I sought by all means I could to make myself gracious in her sight, being at that time highly favoured by Tarcondemus, and of much esteem in his court I pursued this suit almost three years till I had gained Tarcondemus to promise her to me; and Agawe seeming to be ●●led by the King consented, but unwilling; fortune once more befooleing me, frustrated all my hopes most enviously.  
At that time the King of Pontus who had newly buried his wife, having heard of the beauty of Agawe, sent to desire her in marriage of Tarcondemus, he desiring nothing more than such an alliance, was very well affected with it, forgetting his promise, (as all other princes do, when it may redound to their profit) to me, he sought to effect that. Agawe being one of the ambitousest persons in the world, affected extremely to be made a queen, and therefore consented very willingly to their proposals. Assoon as I understood how unlikely I was to have Agawe, and how the King of Pontus had ruined all my hopes I was so enraged that nothing but death, fire, sword and revenge was in my mouth and thoughts. The subtle Agawe fearing that my desperate mind might effect Something that might deter her of that which she aspired to, seemed more kind than ordinary to me, saining that she affected not to be Queen of Pontus, rather than to have been my wife, if her uncle had so disposed of her, entreating me not to be discontented at her fortune, but if I loved her that I would advance her happiness by bearing her company into that country. She found me extreme avers to all her entreaties at first, but she being of an extraordinary winning carriage, used so much blandiloq●ie that I was feign to yield myself overcome by her persuasions, I loved her so much that although I could not have the full fruition of her I thought it a happiness to enjoy her sight. All my ●nger was now bend against the King of Pontus, and I resolved to accompany Agawe theither, only to reven●e myself on that King. This match being suddenly performed I accompanied her with abundance of Lords, and Gentlemen of Cilicia with great pomp and state, being received there with the like sumptuousness. We were no sooner received into the Court before I could resolve of effecting any thing against the King, but I was clapped u● into a strong tower, being the receptacle of Trators and condemned persons, this was done by order from Agawe, fearing my resolutions would have spoiled her pretensions, & ambition; if I had revenged myself on King Palemon.  
You may imagine how heinously I took this imprisonment, and how enraged I was at this action, but that could not liberate me from my enclosure; I received the next day two or three lines from Agawe wherein she signified to me that she was forced to deal so rigorously with me to deliver her self from the fear my resolutions had put her in, and to deliver him whom the Gods had ordained for her husband from those machinations I had laid for his life. Thus was I deluded by Agauve and punished by my own folly.  
I continued in this condition the term of a whole year, in which time Agauve, had been delivered of the noble Prince Dardanus; in all that time I wanted nothing but my liberty, being otherwise well attended and provided for. It was not long after the birth of Dardanus that the Queen came to visit me, and though I had received this injury from her, yet had I not the power to give her a supercilious look, or not to exhibit the joy I had conceived at her visit. I wondered what might be the cause of her coming to me, and because I could not conceive any thing, hope and joy presently were sluttering at the windows of my soul.  
After I had made my complaints against her, for her deceit in causing my imprizonment, she excused herself, with wondrous blandiloquie, and singular Rhetoric; She told me that she could not be conscious to the death of him whom the Gods had assigned for her Lord, without committing a most heineous sin knowing my resolutions and intentions were to deprive him of his life, and that therefore she had secured me, not for any other cause but for the preservation of the life of her husband, and that now (seeing she had been so long the wife of Palemon) she hoped I would be ruled by reason, and not to seek for her affection any longer, nor go about to revenge myself of him that had done me no injury, and that since the hope of obtaining her being past, she hoped that my affection was also vanished and that she came a purpose to give me my liberty, but that it must be conditionally to perform one thing which she would desire of me. To this discourse I replied; how that my affection had not been so lightly grounded as to be beat off by all the injuries she could have inventented to have done me being nothing but death could make me cease from affecting her, yet seeing she could not be mine, I would never desire any thing of her contrary to virtue, and her honour, and seeing that she restrained me for fear I should injure the life of Palemon, I promised her that I would not effect any thing against him; not for to gain my liberty, but to rid her of her fear and to show her how obedient I would be to every thing that she desired, and that for my liberty I wholly remitted it to herself, being but requisite that she who commanded my soul should have the disposal also of my body: and further that she needed not to doubt but that I would effect any thing that she could desire of me, but that I would not do it to gain my liberty, but only for the affection that I bore her. Agauve shown herself extremely joyful that I had so freely promised her, however she made me swore to do that which she would desire of me, I would first have known what it had been, but that she mightily desired the contrary, so that at last I consented to take a blind oath, imagining that the worst thing she could have commanded, would have been to have banished me from her, and that I would not have done any thing against her husband, but the proposull of this ambitious woman was quite another thing, and which both amazed me, and troubled me that I had swore to do it.  
The King Palemon had had by his other Queen two children, a Boy and a Girl, the young Prince in whom all the people of the nation had treasured their hopes, was at that time but two years old named Palemedon, the young princess Panthea the chiefest star of beauty in our Horrizon was little more than a year old, the Queen her mother dying, bringing her forth into the world, the King marrying Agauve (as you have heard) presently after the death of his other Queen, (whose birth, beauty, and virtue were unmatchable) had by her the Prince Dardanus one truly noble and valiant, as most of the world can witness. Argelois here interrupting Euripedes, I cannot be silent (said he) at the mentioning of the worthy Prince Dardanus, and refrain from giving him those collaudations which are deserved by his merits, having so highly experienced his generosity, and do still bear the tokens of his favour, none less ignore the valour of that Prince than myself, which should I go about to declare, would prove too large an interruption; you'll pardon this in that I give you to understand that I am well acquainted with him in whom the very quintessence of affability dwells, and that I have heard him express great trouble for the loss of the little Palemedon whom you mention, not considering his own interests, and that he gained a Crown by his death, but I perceived both he and all the Court ignored by whom that child was taken away, which it may be (seeing you know so much of those affairs) you may declare. Argelois stopping sometime, and seeing Euripedes did not proceed, judging aright of the cause; Let not this knowledge of me (said he) that I am conversant with Dardanus be any obstacle to your relation, for if you dare to credit me, I will engage my life that no danger shall accrue to you thereby. euripides thanked him in very affable words, and telling him that he would not doubt neither of his secrecy nor generosity, he proceeded in his relation thus.  
Ambition the ground of all evil, being seated in the breast of Agauve, soon found the young Palemedon an obstacle to her desires, and never beheld him but with an eye of envy. Her evil Daemon suggesting her to most pernicious designs, she thought of nothing more than betraying this young princely child into the arms of death, that by his fal● she might raise her son Dardanus to the Crown of Pontus. This was the cause of her visit, and this was the condition she would release me upon, and to which she had made me most rashly swear, that I should either effect or see effected the death of Palemedon. She urged many arguments and reasons for the performance, she confessed the desire she had to have Dardanus reign; she urged that thus I might revenge myself on the King, ●gain my liberty, perform my oath, and show her the greatness of my love, that I would perpetrate a thing so contrary to my nature for her sake. After I had heard her discover herself, I was very much amazed at the temerity of my oath, and sought by all persuasions to cause her to forego so mischievous a design; But she still persisting in it, with such fascinating adulation, such carriage and flagitation, still pressing me with the considerations of my love and oath, that at last (oh heinous to think it!) she made me yield to see it perpetrated, although I would not do it myself.  
I hope now yourself will excuse me for my aversion to a passion that made me so enormiously consent to so wicked an act: I must impose my whole fault on my passion, for it was that which overcame me through her fascinating words, and not my consideration of revenge, or liberty. I told you before that I knew by experience that Love hath been able to extingush the coals of virtue, and enkindle those of vice; Judge you therefore whether I speak without just cause against that which made me act against all Justice.  
After I had a long time sought to stop the stream of this exorbitant motion, with the dam of persuasions, and that I saw it still bore down with the impetuousness of her will, not able longer to contradict her, I was carried down with its rapidity in the slender boat of my affection, where consenting to what she required, I steered into a harbour of misery. For being set at liberty on these sad terms, I endured the continual wrack and torment of my conscience, and I never thought of my perpetration without horror, but having sworn to effect it, and being still bound by the chains of my passion, I enforced myself to resolutions of perpetration. But in the mean time this cruel Agauve searing lest pity and virtue mi●ht overcome me, had gained three of her own Country men to assist me, with a charge not to be persuaded by me, if I endeavoured to hinder the execution of the infant, after we should have it in our power, promising them very considerable rewards for their assasin, knowing that was most avidously desired by those fordid spirits. Being conjoined with these by the order of Agauve we remained some time secretly in Tomus, awaiting an opportunity for our design, which was propitiously offered us presently after. The night before we seized on that young Prince, being extremely troubled in my thoughts at what I was about to perpetrate; I felt a continual torment till sleep had freed me from those cogitations. But being in the kingdom of the image of death, me thought I met a man, who with a very frowming countenance thus bespoke me.  

This Prince whom thou endeavour'st now to slay,  
O murderous Wretch! his life defend I bid:  
If yet by force, you carry him away,  
His birth (but not his valour) shall be hid  
Until six lustres be expired, and then  
This loss shall be recovered again.   
The frowning countenance, and the force wherewith he spoke, waked me out of my sleep, but the impression of this vision remained so strongly upon me that I resolved to forego my design, though there wanted not suggestions that this was but the working of the fancy in my sleep upon that which continually agitated my thoughts waking; but I could not believe that this was any ordinary dream, for that I so plainly saw a vaticination of the fortune of this child, which yet hath left some hopes that it may not prove in vain, although I live not to see it.  
The next day after this Spectrum, being together with my fellow-assasins, hard by the Pallace-wall, the Nurse with the young Prince, and some few of the seminine sex, came into a very pleasant green walk under the wall of the Palace. Those wickedly sedulous persons for the Queen's interests rejoicing at that opportunity, ran presently to those Ladies, and forcing the infant from the Nurse's arms, made them strain their tender voices, for the invokement both of gods and men, myself accompanying them (though secretly) increpated the gods for their propitiousness to their inhuman designs: but these Butchers having seized on the child, who in that tender infancy, seemed to triumph over his fortune, and not to abase his courage with the usual cries of such tenderlings, at such a sudden ereption from the arms of his Nurse, but opposing his little eyes against those Murderers, he even daunted them with an infant-Majesty; Having (I say) seized on him, they fled with that expedition that their case required, myself following them, both for my own safety and the child's, whose life I was resolved to save, though with the hazard of my own. We slackened not our pace till we had entered a very thick wood some leagues from Tomus, and being almost night, they prepared for their bloody perpetration, which seeing and observing I know not what kind of authority in the child's face, that did as it were command me to its succour, it animated me to a prohibition no ways liking to those assasins, first I tried the art of persuasion, endeavouring to evercome their bloody minds by reason, to which they opposed the oath that they had taken for the execution, and the hope of the reward they were to receive; they made a mock at the vision, and slighted all my entreaties. When I saw there was no other way but that I must expose my own life to danger for the safety of the infants, I suddenly snatched him out of the hands of one of them who was about to have pierced his tender belly with his poniard, and laying him behindme, I drew for his defence. All there immediately drew upon me, making me use the utmost of my skill and strength for my own safety. Notwithstanding the odds that they had, the justness of my quarrel called down the assistance of the gods, who endued me with so much strength, that in less than the space of an hour I laid two breathless at my feet, and made the third seek his safety in his heels. Being now left alone with the child, and night having surprised me, troubled for the hunger it endured, and the lodging it was like to have in that succourless place, I at last took it in my arms, not without tears both of joy and grief, the one for that it had escaped the murderous hands of a stepmother's instruments; and the other for the misery it was opposed to: but knowing there was no succour in my tears, I traveled all night to have found some cottage, that I might have given to the child what its tender nature craved. But alas! so had the gods ordained it, and so hard was its destiny, that instead of secure it found either his death, or more misery, for the day no sooner appeared to the renewing of my comfort and hopes, but that I was met with by six Thiefs, who having given me some wounds for withstanding them, forced the infant from me, and left me wholly disconsolate for my averse fortune.  
After I had bewailed the hard fortune of that Princely child, and pondered the inconstancy of my own, I found out a Cottage where I remained some few days, till my wounds were healed; after which I began my journey towards Cilicia, having no desire to see Agauve, my love being turned into detestation of her bloody humour. As I was returning not far from Tomus being entered a spacious wood, I heard at some distance the groans of a person drawing near his end; the further I went into the wood, the nearer I seemed to approach it, and at last being guided by the noise that he made in emitting his soul, I came to the place from whence I had heard those groans, where I found a man weltering in his blood, which had been effused at many wounds. His face covered with blood and dust was not to be known, but his strong heart still wrestled with death, though he had an advantageous entrance at very many wounds. Pity and humanity attracted my small endeavours to his help, though I saw an impossibility of recovering him, but having wiped the blood from his face I knew him to be the same man that had escaped my sword, when I fought for the defence of the young Palemedon. I wondered to see him so pitifully martyred, but it he made me remember that the Justice of the Gods, quickly overtakes such assasinous wretches, and pays them the to utmost of their merits. After I had made him understand who I was, and with my endeavours brought him strength enough to speak, I gathered thus much out of his broken Language, being interrupted with the continual pains of death and lack of strength. He told me being returned to Agauve, and having faithfully related to her what had happened, she was extremely enraged at me, vowing some way or other to be severely revenged, being mightily perplexed that the child had escaped, fearing lest her treachery should come to light, and for that cause not daring to trust him, instead of the reward he looked for, by her commandment he was so slain having been enticed into that place by her means. This was all that Death gave him leave to utter, being totally overcome by him at the conclusion of these words. Having entombed him under a heap of leaves I departed and met with no other evenement worthy the recital till I came to my habitation, where I found that distance of place, nor length of time had yet extirpated my memory among my friends, and in a little time I recuperated my pristine glory, living in as great content as ever. But being tormented with the treacheries of Agauve, who by hired Asylums endeavoured to deprive me of my life, not thinking herself safe whilst there remained a witness of her cruelty, I was forced for my own safety to write to her, not to persist in seeking my life unless she would force me to discover her, and to rest contented that the child being dead, I intended not to discover, but only to detest her cruelty, and inhumanity. I believe those few lines I sent her gave her satisfaction, especially when she understood that Palemedon was dead, for after that I heard no more from her, but remained free from her assasinous attempts.  
Long it was not before I was once more constrained, to leave the happy sort of Content, pleasure, and quietude, being forced thence by the Shafts of that sworn enemy of my rest Cupid. My age nor all my former miseries were bulwarks sufficient to keep off his fires, nor free me from those passions which had ever been my ruin. Alas as if I had been born only to love, or as if it had been my natural element, wherein I was only to live, I could not have had a more propensity to it, I once more found my frozen years melted away with love's ardours and that over youthful God inspired me with his youthful flames, and with Medean art brought back the spring of my age, making it find a repulluation under the heat of his fires. The object of this last love was a widow, in whom beauty and wit equally strove for mastership; her birth was noble but her fortune mean, which made her exercise her wit to maintain her state, being also touched with that plague Ambition, the mother of all mischief, and the wicked Daemon's eldest daughter. The Gods thwarted my other loves, and made me lose that which I sought to obtain, for which I rendered them a thousand reproaches accounting them enemies to my happiness, therefore it was Just that I should acknowledge the plagues of my own acquirements, and see that the Gods in denying, were friends to my happiness. I obtained what I ardently desired; being she whom I Sought desired it no less, not out of love, but ambition and avarice, hoping to make a Son that she had heir of that estate I possessed. Content cannot last long where mutual love tieth not the affections, the love I bore her served but to extinguish my reason and blind my eyes from Seeing her projects, and the respect, she bore me was but forced for her own interest, and till she had made herself master of what I held.  
The first appearing of her enmity was at my denial of certain unreasonable demands for her son. Wherein she exhibited that her desire was for nothing more than my death, and that the advancement of her son was the scope of all her projects; however though it was too apparent not to be seen, yet could I not use any remedy against it. Five years having consumed themselves since our marriage, her desires being grown too big to be contained within its limits, and her projects being fully ripened, she suddenly effected them, for having great friends among the Romans, through their aid she possessed herself of all I had, and by force, maintained herself in it, useing me as her professed foe, and would (could she have effected it) have put a period to my days.  
Love that before appeared to me as the most beautiful goddess, and with a lustre that begat her adoration, now seemed to be converted into a most ugly Erinnrs, worthy of all detestation; the scales began to fall from my eyes, and I began to see my folly, and to recount those enormities it had made me run into, and finally recovering my reason I professed myself a foe to that passion, which before I so much observed. Endeavouring to recuperate that which was violently withheld from me, I in some time effected it with the aid of my friends, where I spent some more years, but being subject to the complotting of my wife and her Son, having a desire to spend the rest of my days in contemplation, in a place free from the access of men I sold my estate and leaving my ungracious persecutresse, taking with me the two Sons of Lascaris and very few servants else, I repaired to this place, being known to me to be a place as full of pleasure as Solitude, and where I might be free from the perquisitions of my friends, and plots of my enemies. By the way to this place I happily met with Lonoxia, and understanding each others fortunes, being tied with a mutual Love and friendship, we resolved to spend the remainder of our days together. This place being designed for our habitation, we added art to perfect nature, and by the help of both we completed this domicile as you see, in which we have spent some years without any evenement, or seeing any stranger but yourself, being a place so unfrequented, and this adjoining grove being the utmost of our ambulations.  
Here neither the troubles of Love, or arms assolt us; here neither the envies or plots of our enemies annoy us; here quietude and peace accompany us, and here being sequestered from the world, the knowledge of its affairs doth not deturb us, but being naruralized to this solitude, we find a pleasure which all the Empires of the world cannot give us. I have now concluded my narration wherein you cannot but perspiciously see, (if that passion wherewith you are so inbued hath not already exoculated you) that Love hath been the cause of my miseries made me the Sport of Fortune, and tyraniously triumphed over my Liberty, and who lastly with so many vicissitudes hath made me an abject to myself.  
Here Eu●iped●s absolved his narration, and Argelois beholding him some time in silence, till having collocated his thoughts; he in few words displayed them thus.  
Give me leave to represent in brief those Speculations which I have observed in your narration, where you so satirically inveigh against love, which indeed if we retrospect into the often vicissitudes of your fortune, and into those Hurricanes of passions, and dangers, into which you have been driven by love, we cannot but in Justice excuse you; But as I conceive we are not to increpate a passion, for the irregularities of others or of ourselves, for if virtue be adjoined to it, its effects are glorious, if vice abominable: So that the passion produceth effects according to the virtuous or vicious disposiof the person it agitates. This distinguisheth Lust from Love, for Love without virtue is Lust and Lust concatinated to virtue is Love. This distinction (it may be) may be thought too gross, for the stricter, and more refined Lovers, will not admit of Lust, though as I conceive it is the same which they call desire, which being involved in the actions of virtue and as it were chained to it, it cannot be perceived to have a being, and therefore so refined Lust is imperceivable, and wholly converted to love. Love (some distinguish thus) undetermined is Lust, Lust determined to one, Love. This cannot be to those who (as you say) Love without desire, for it must be a sensual desire of pleasure, to all, or more than one, nay or limited to one, that we rightly call Lust, for indeed we change not the quality in our desire or love to one, but the exorbitancy which regulated is called Love. Now it remains doubtful to me whether man, (as you have inse●'d) can be capable of loving without passion or desire, unless deified. It is not barely formosity, beauty, wit, or any other exterior object, or quality of the beloved that causeth Love, (though all these in themselves are lovely, and communicate a kind of pleasure in the beholding them) were there not desire and hope of fruition also in the Lover; for to love without desire, is to love without respect either to persons or sex, which is the property of the gods and their celestial Ministers alone, not to admit of Passion, and who without affection love all, and yet admit of degrees in their love: some feeling the influence of it more than others, and yet distributed by the gods without respect or passion. This may be explained by the Sun, who communicates his heat without respect to persons or places, having no passion or affection to any in his communication, yet we know some partake more of his light and heat than others, according to the distance and propinquity to the Aequator or Circuit of that bright deity. Even so the farther we are from the gods by vi●e (which causeth the distance between them and us Mortals) the less we receive of their love, which would be freely communicated to us, were we near them by virtue, which doth as it were initiate us into their natures, and so by our vicinity receive a full measure of their Love, and all this without either respect or Passion in the gods. But now I cannot see how man being composed with such affections and passions, can be capable of this Love, without either respect, passion, or desire to love all alike. I am a little wide of what I intended, which was to show that this passion, was not to be contemned as it was a passion, but as it was irregular; for I hold not with the Stoics, that all passions and affections are wholly to be mortified, wholly slain and extinguished, but that they are to be regulated, according to the precepts of virtue. As wrath and anger without moderation is irregular, and therefore to be shunned; but when our anger is turned into zeal for the gods, and the actions of virtue are used against others with moderation, we may make use of it to animate ourselves, and stimulate our courage, against our enemies without peccation; and so Love regulated, is not to be culpated, but only the irregularities and enormities of it. To know that, is to accommodate it with virtue, and observe so long as virtue is predominate, and rules it, it cannot but be a spur to glorious erterprises and attchievements, leading into all virtuous actions, giving no cause of complaint, and never (as you complain) deprives man of his Reason, but quickens and enlightens his understanding. But now if this swerve any thing from virtue that I call irregular, and acknowledge it worthy of detestation, for then those persons that follow the enormities of this passion, are ruled by it according to the variety of humours of their fancies, and acting oft times contrary to reason, become notorious in their follies. And (lastly) though men cannot have the power to decuss this passion, being innate, yet they may have that power if they will as not to swerve from the rules of virtue, and then though love cause egritude, and disquiets, yet it is not vicious, so that we must thus distinguish the passion from the enormities the passion will lead us into, unless restrained by virtue.  
Euripedes would have replied to this discourse, but that Lonoxia playing the Moderator hindered his exaggeration, by remembering him how much of the night had already been spent, and that the remainder was more fitting to be spent in rest than discourse, he having already weaeied himself and his auditors with his long-winded narration. Euripedes yielding to his proposition, after very many civilities passed betwixt them, leaving Argelois to take his repose, he and Lonoxia returned to take theirs.  
The end of the third Book.   

ELIANA.  
BOOK the fourth.  
TItan had no sooner left the embraces of his Thetis, following his anteambulatriss the beauteous Aurora, but displaying his golden head above the waters, he projected his beams into the room where Argelois lay, who at that instant breaking the prison of sleep, began his cogitations with the early morn. The relation of Euripedes had so diverted him the last day, that he was forced to convocate his thoughts, to know where Love had left him, and that by renewing his conceptions, he might assume his wont and pleasing contemplation of that Idea which so affected him, and to repend the former day's loss, he imposed on himself a ta●●, but very pleasing in the continual cogitancy of Eliana. Thoughts obtruding themselves, set all the wheels of his imaginations on work, and revolving to the heart with a pleasurable motion, gave him exceeding contentment, all excursions being introvocated to that intense contemplation he minded nothing but the Idea which represented itself in his mind, and on which he fixed his thoughts without discursion, or by letting one object lead him to another, and that to a third, and so coherently led insensibly into confusion; but not letting his thoughts transcurre that object, he willingly lost himself in that meditation, without denoting the elapsion of the morning.  
Whilst in these Co●it●ncies he sometimes erected structures of happiness to himself, and sometimes diruting what before he had built, found a labour equal to that of Hercules when he purged the stable of Augeas, or when he internecated ' the head-increasing Lernaean Hydra, one conception begeting another contrary, and that being dispersed, a third repullulates, so that the vanishing of one, was still the increasing of another, his labour became endless; and whilst his thoughts begat stronger desires, his thoughts also sought out means to attain to those desires, which finding so difficult, he was dejected almost to the absolute privation of hope, which made him be content rather to adore her, than venture to implore her mercy.  
Whilst he continued these muse, Euripedes and Lonoxia entered his Chamber, which exsuscitated him out of his ponderations, and as it were gave him a new being to himself, for beholding the great progress, the bright lamp had made in his diurnal course, he ingenuously confessed himself to be lost in the Meanders of his cogitations. After they had given him the good morning; It may be (saith Euripedes very facetiously) that you have been endeavouring to decuss those ligaments wherewith you're tied to your beloved Image: but believe me it must not be the resolution of a night, nor the endeavours of a few hours; but the sooner you resolve, and the more you endeavours of a few hours; but the sooner you resolve, and the more you endeavour, the likelier you are to effect it; for 'tis a thousand pities that one so accomplished as yourself, should languish away in the prison of love, But we often find it to be the pride of that God to make the perfectest the butt for his arrows. It is impossible (replied Argelois) for me to take warning by others harms, or to escape now I am so far entangled in the net, I confess I have not so much as a desire to be free from my pain but by fruition, and the small (or rather no) hopes that I have gives life to my desire, and though by intuition I receive more pain, yet also it is an accretion to my pleasure; such contrariety is in the composition of Love; for a Lover, though he acknowledgeth a captivity, yet he confesseth a freedom; and though he says his love is a prison, yet he calls that prison a paradise. He cries out he's full of pain, and yet 'tis almost equalled with pleasure, complains of torment, and yet he would not forego it for the greatest ease. So it is with me, I am sensible of my captivity, my pain, my torment, and cruel disquiets, and yet I account it freedom, joy, ease, and no trouble; neither can I so much as desire to be freed but by the fruition of the object which will recompense all the miseries endured for ever, but those hopes are so small that I am almost arrived at the brink of despair.  
After some such discourses Argelois arising, they went into their lower rooms, and after some refection, Argelois put Euripedes in mind of desiring Lonoxia to relate the evenements of his life. Lonoxia who was willing to satisfy Argelois in what he desired, (he having gained extremely upon their affections, with his generous behaviour) without much entreaty consented to it. Euripedes withdrawing, left Lonoxia to divert the humour of Argelois with his relation, himself in the mean time betaking him to some Philosophical contemplations, in which he daily spent some hours. Lonoxia and Argelois being seated, and seeing him ready for the audition of his relation, after a little pause he began thus.  

THE HISTORY of LONOXIA.  
IT is a vanity (not to be born) of some continually to Jactate of the the antiquity, glory, and opulency, of their Ancestors, whereby they fill themselves like so many full-blown-bladders, and become a foot ball for the calcations of the wise. Virtue not birth or riches at first won the prize of Glory, but their successors thought it enough to wear their badge without making themselves worthy of it, glorying that their predecessors had been thus and thus, So that greatness is now of the highest esteem and virtue little regarded, it being pretence enough for some to obnubilate their own vices, by exhibiting the virtue of their ancestors.  
To avoid this crime therefore, I will not stand to declare, either the antiquity, opulency, virtue, or vices of my parents, thereby either to hid my vices with their virtues, or to set off any virtue of mine by their vices. But indeed the Gods favoured me with an honourable birth, though they have disfavoured me with a wretched Life. The country of Mauritania Tingitana claims my Birth and Education, and more particularly the town of Lixus. The antiquity of our house was there well known, which I wave as a thing frivolous for the furtherance of virtue. My father's name was Marcipsius' brother to King Bogadus who unhappily fell under the sword of the renowned Agrippa, at the battle of Actium, takeing the part of infelicit Antony. I had two brothers elder than myself, the eldest was named as my father, the other was called Massanissa. I was but young at that time when my uncle Bogadus was slain, and my father not affecting those glorious cares of a Crown, (the war immediately following) he kept close in Lixus without meddling in those broils.  
But my brother Marcipsius being of a stirring nature went into Egypt till the war being ended, with the death of Antonius, when returning he hoped to attain the crown, but being opposed; there grew great broils which lasted for some years, till Marcipsius was driven out of afric, where he was absent from us three years. At last Marcipsius' returns and tells us of many strange occurrents that had happened to him in Spain and other places, our parents were full of joy for his safe arrival, whom they had feared had been Lost. I was now arrived at 15 years of age, and began now not to fear the Envy of my brothers, for I being the darling of my mo●her, and the chief depositum of her affections, whilst I was little it procured their Envy, and that megre squint-eyed hag sufflateing that fire in their breasts, increased it as I grew in years: For the Gods propitious to my studies made me surpass them in all literature, and in the arts and sciences, recompensing my young years with great knowledge. I would not boast myself of these things, or glory in such vanities, yet it is requisite that I acknowledge the favour and benevolence of the Gods, seeing it is at their pleasure to give either knowledge, or strength to whom they please. But however that my studies chained me within doors, yet had I a peculiar inclination to the actions of Mars, and I thought Mars and the Muses would do very well together, and as soon as I arrived at this age of puberty, it exhibited my great desire to arms, which my father, (being careful to further my inclinations, as far as they tended to virtue) perceiving, provided excellent tutors for me, together with my brother Massanissa, we learnt under one master who sought impartially to Instrct us, and to imbue us with the best of his skill, but in that martial discipline I did precel, which augmented his hatred and made it implaccable, I often found it in many injuries and affronts which I had borne all my life time patiently enough, but now I could no longer resent them, especially when I saw both of them desired no less than my Life, such are the inspirations of Envy, that another's prosperity is their plague, and another's ruin their delight though nothing accrues to them thereby. I had pretty well found the use of my weapons, and could use with them dexterity enough, either for defence or opposition, when Marcipsius returned out of Spain, Marcipsius hating me no less than Massanissa, sought all occasions of quarrelling, and under pretence of trying me at my weapons would endeavour to take away my Life, and sometimes would put me to my shift to save it, and to come off with considerable wounds. Having been dealt withal so once or twice, I took heed how I fell into their clutches and avoided all occasions I could of offending them, useing those advantages the Gods had given me, with as much modesty and humility, as could be required. I sought with meekness to overcome their envy, but alas! it was too strong for Love to Conquer. I daily found it to increase, and the Injuries that I received were almost innumerable, inso much that it defatigated my patience, and made a Tedium of my life.  
But now the time was come wherein my unlucky hand freed myself of these miseries, but involved myself in far worse dolours; one day which was very inauspicate, Massanissa being with me in a garden adjacent to our house, upon some small differnce between us about Casting of our darts, struck me a box on the ear, adding some Stimulating speeches: which provokement banished all former fear and natural Love, filling me with wrath and disdain. My passion blinding my reason, gave me no liberty to think into what precipices I slung myself, but drawing my sword I showed him it was impossible for me any longer to take his affronts. Massanissa not declineing this unnatural combat, opposed me with his sword, and expressed a desire to end all quarrels with a duel. We both prosecuted this fight with strange fury, no hatred being so strong as that between brothers, yet had I had ever so little respite my reason would have overcome my passion, but this duel was soon Consummated, for at the third thrust I passed my sword thorough his body, tumbling him dead at my feet. Then, and not till then, did I consider what I had perpetrated, Remorse, strait ways seized upon me, and Repentance converted my eyes before dried with anger, and flaming with wrath, into standing pools, which overflowing discharged themselves into Rivers of tears, all the faculties of my soul were now turned into grief, all ceasing their operations to give this the more scope, At last seeking to revive him with the eyes of pity, I cast myself upon him, mingling tears of repentance with his crimson blood, and washing his wounds with those distillations, addressing vain implorations for forgiveness, whilst he expired in my arms. When I saw that he had yielded to fate, new considerations unlocked new springs, till the excess of grief had froze those currents to my cheeks, and had as it were converted me into a marble statue, wherein was neither life nor motion.  
In this posture my father and my brother Marcipsius coming Casually into the garden found me, and seeing me at a distance, with one lying by me, approperated as to behold some novelty, but appropinquating they soon beheld that sad spectacle. So sudden and unexpected an in counter, put them into an astonishment, and takeing away the faculty of Speech, left them no power, but by their eyes to demand the cause of his death. My Conscience interpreting the dumb language of their eyes, I cast myself at the feet of my father and with out excuses, punctually and truly, related what had happened betwixt us. Marcipsius not more sorry for the death Massanissa than glad that I had slain him, that the wrath of my father might immolate me to the Ghost of my brother, stimulated him to excecute his resentments immediately upon me, who provoked equally with his words and passion devaginated his sword to have slain me. But I, startled to see death appear in the hand of him who gave me life, consented to the present motion of my spirits, and fled the fury of his wrathful hand. Wrath invigorating his ancient limbs, made him follow me with nimble strides, but yet my velocity left him behind some paces, and fear made me too nimble for winged death, who carrying me into the arms of my mother made her prove the Coal of Life. For meeting her at the entrance into the house I cast myself at her feet. As you have been the author of my being (said I) so now it is you only can preserve it, but that I cannot beg, seeing I have been the destruction of another's in whom you had a maternal interest, suffer me only to disburden my Life at your feet—, the approach of my father, stifled the rest of my words; my mother aghast at this encounter could not reply, but trembling in this astonishment, she stood till the exceeding love she bore me excited her for my safety, assoon as she saw at whom the wrath of my father extended. Casting herself therefore at his feet, she so strictly embraced his knees, that she stopped his further pursuit, and overcame his struggling, with her strict embraces, mingling her tears with plaintive words, and those with such overcoming gestures, that she stifled his fury, and made him withhold his eager revenge, to give her an account of what had happened, biding her not to retard that Justice he ought to inflict upon a murderer. Her tears stopped her words for some time, both in consideration of Massanissa's loss, and my danger, but at last to appease his wrath, still embracing him on her knees, she sought to mitigate him with implorative words to this effect. Ah sad disaster, Ah double misserie; wherein the blood of one Son must be the oblation for the blood of another! Ah! think you not my misery great enough to lose one Son, but that I must see another also fall by the hand of his own father! Let my tears conjure you to consider first, the action, before you perpetrate any thing in your wrath; for that cannot be done in justice which is balanced by passion, for if you do it now, it is not so much for satisfaction of the Gods, as of yourself and passion, and not so much in consideration of Justice, as for to fulfil the effects of your wrath. I will not in the least excuse his wicked perpetration, for I cannot have less interest in the death of Massanissa than yourself, but yet in punishing Lonoxia by death we shall augment our evil by a double loss, besides I find too much imbicility to withstand another surcharge which this unnatural slaughter will inevitably bring upon me, it will be impossible but that I shall make one in the Tragedy, therefore at least spare him his life and execute Justice by some way less severe, rather banish him, and disowne him for your son, than he being a son should be slain by the hand of a father, in which you will show some mercy as a father, and yet not fail of the duty of a Judge. These and many other persuasions her motherly affection emitted to save my life, which could not but overcome the heart of my father, had it been much harder, her words being accompanied with showers of tears, and her sighs seeming stops in the doleful harmony of her words; and her actions harmonizeing with her plaintive voice, altogether sent forceable penetrations to the soul of Marcipsius, who ever bearing great love to my mother, could not entertain them, without the exaction of some tears. But yet to be just, though he consented to spare me my Life, he commanded that I should immediately leave that Country, and see him no more, lest my fight should instigate him to that which through the persuasions of my mother he had omitted. This was grief enough to my mother, and gave anxieties not to be known but by such who have had the like affection, and the like disasters. I soon understood the doom my father had pronounced which I received with the like welcome as I should have done my death, it was no small grief for me to leave my friends at that Infant age, and to expose myself to all those dangers incident to those that traverse the world, being hardly yet freed from the tender cockering of a mother, but seeing it was inevitable I prepared for it with all the Courage and animosity my grief had left me, than indeed▪ being the time to try courage, when we are environed with straits and difficulties. When evils force themselves upon us, we willingly endure some pain to avoid greater, and of two inevitable evil it is Judgement to choose the least, my mother alittle before I departed came to me, rather to hasten me than to stay me, Love seeming to act against itself, in causeing her to hasten that from her, which she desired extremely to keep with her, but this she did, as it were, with a willing reluctancy, seeing it was the only means to preserve me from ruin, for my brother Marcipsius enraged that I had escaped the fury of my father, and not content with my banishment, sought to instigate him against me, and himself endeavouring to have slain me, made my mother, fearing his maliciousness, to hasten me from his power. But in receiving her last embraces, the sleuces of her eyes being set wide open, there gushed forth so impetuous a stream, that I thought her life would have been dissolved in her tears, or that it would have expired through her eyes, which passion generating the like in me, exhausted all my remaining waters, pouring them out to accompany her in her lachrymations. But at last the approach of the silent night enforced her to unlock her arms and free me from her Strict embraces, kissing my forehead with a dying farewell, for I left her rather dead than alive in the arms of her maids. Having thus left my mother without further stay I armed myself, and takeing that gold and jewels she had provided for me, I left the place of my birth, not admitting any one to accompany me, though many pressed to have followed me. But by reason that it was night I remained in Lixus till the next day, intending to transport myself in the next ship that went out of the haven, not much caring into what quarter of the world it carried me.  
Having wearied myself with the languishments of that night, I arose assoon as the bright day-bringer appeared in our Horizon, and going to the Haven I embarked myself in a ship going into Spain, Which was not fuller fraught with passengers and commodities, than I with misery and woe. There is none that leave their native home, and travel into foreign parts, and that expose themselves to the imminent dangers both of Sea and land; but that they shall find that mutable power playing her caprichioes upon their fortunes, sometimes adulateing them with successes contrary to their expectations, seeming to felicitate them with the fruition of the utmost of their desires, that so they may receive the greater and more sensible misery, for the loss of that which we never had, cannot affect us so much as that which we have enjoyed, and this she effects so suddenly that we receive as much damage by the surprise, as by the loss itself; therefore we may very justly reflect when in prosperity, how soon we may be cast into adversity, and that when we are in the greatest adversity, there is still hopes of attaining as great prosperity, since there is nothing more contrary to fortune than to retain a man long in the same condition, whether it be good or bad, which equally Shares her benedictions and her execrations from the same mouth. So hath she dealt with me in exhibiting strange vicissitudes in the series of my life, sometimes filling me with content, sometimes distracting me with dolours.  
The ship wherein I went continued a happy course till she arrived at the port to which she was bound, which was to Olissippo a city standing at the mouth of the golden-sanded Tagus, there I disembarqued after a thousand prayers to the Gods to resent my miseries, and to ease me of my dolours, which were all consummated and buried in oblivion by a shaft from the quiver of the winged god.  
After some few days being in the City, having quite tired myself with resenting my griefs, Curiosity inspired me with desires to see the City, and to view the insigne building and places thereof, also to refresh my body, lassated with the troubles of my soul. Consenting to this motion, I deambulated through the City, and endeavoured to satisfy my curiosity, and to divert myself with beholding all things observable or worth taking notice of. Having spent some hours in this perlustration I went out of the city, and walking along upon the bank of the Tagus within a bow shoot of the City where the river made a little Island I observed a very spacious house to occupy one part, and fair groves and delicate gardens the other; it seemed to be a very pleasant place and full of delight, the golden Tagus circumplectating its banks, seemed to hug it as its chiefest glory. Whilst I stood under the shelter of some trees that grew by the river side observing the site of the house, and considering how delightfully nature had furnished that amnick plot, I beheld a casement of the window to open, which stood just oposite to me, and casting up my eyes, I saw (though at a distance) a beauty which perstringed them through the guard of the trees under which I stood. The distance of the place hindered the exact intuition of her, and obscured all those lineaments that rendered her exquisite, but neither that not the trees thorough which I looked nor the interposition of the River could hinder those shafts that proceeded from her eyes, from transfixing my heart. Though I perceived a natural vivacity in her eyes, yet her complexion showed that affliction had robbed her of her colour, and her eyes seemed a little to shelter themselves behind a cloud of sorrow, which yet was no hindrance to those winged shafts, but rather made way, my soul Sympathizeing with her grieved looks: Her Countenance was more than ordinary albious, yet it had not utterly lost that tincture which makes a  mixture; which persuaded me that her paleness was acquired either by grief or some other indisposition, and not natural, which was confirmed when I saw her make use of her hankerchiefe to catch the pearls that dropped from her eyes.  
I almost lost myself in this intuition, and having so convenient a place and finding it so delightful, I sought to satiate my eyes with the food of beauty, but that (contrary to the nature of other aliment) instead of saturity, begat a greater esurition, & made my appetite increase with beholding.  
But at last this delicate banquet withdrew itself, the Lady shutting the casement excluded my piercing eyes from that beloved Object. Sol beginning now to immerge himself in the Atlantic ocean I retired from that place, and with gentle steps retrod the path upon the bank of the river Tagus, extremely affected with the intuition of that delicate (but unknown) Object: I found divers agitations in my spirits, which at I first took to be the ordinary effects of divers beautiful objects, which have a certain opperative virtue on a gentle soul, so that they can hardly be intuited without affection, and desire, all delectable and amiable objects being  in themselves, and especially to souls who are adapted to Love. My soul was too tender not to receive the impression of that venust exhibition, and not to be delighted with that Lovely object, but yet my former thoughts made me strive to stop the discursion of my Imagination, and to extinguish the species of the object: but for all my endeavours it would still present itself to my fancy, and awake all the powers and faculties of my soul to an intense contemplation of that I endeavoured to discuss. Nor did time (the consumer of all things) annihilate this species, for in the space of a week I sound it got ground upon my will, and was become almost habitual. I also perceived my former dolours decrease as this augmented, this beginning to engross all the working of my fancy to its self, So that at last I had quite lost or extinguished my former trouble. I was yet so simple as not to know how to denominate this passion, and I durst not think it was Love, being afraid of that monster which I had heard had precipitated so many souls, but in fine it grew so turbulent, and molestuous, that I knew not whether to thank the Gods for taking away the afflictions of my mind; or increpate them more for these new disquiets. But though these disturbances seemed greater than the other; yet were they mitigated with a kind of titillation or delight, which moderated the sensibility of them, and made as it were a kind of pleasure in the midst of pain, with an admirable mixture. Remaning in these disturbances I frequented every evening the place where I was first intoxicated, but I always missed of my desir●s of seeing her, which did but beget greater ardencies. In the mean time, (having acquired a perfection in the Spanish tongue, and divers, others especially the Roman before I came over) I made a disquisition to know who they were that dwelled in that amnick I'll, and after much search I understood that none inhabi●e● there but of the feminine sex, and that the Lady was a virgin and daughter to the prince of the Turditans, who since the reign of Augustus had lived (though not with so much Regality, yet with as much honour as formerly) in the City Hispalis, situated upon the olive bearing Betis in the provence of Batica: And that the lady's name was Atalanta who by reason of the great affection she bore to that place, and the desire she had to be sequestered from the sight of any but those of her house, was permitted by her father to inhabit there, when this was verified by the relation of divers that knew it, I found it exuscitate divers and contrary motions within me, which agitated all the faculties of my soul, and I found not more encouragements than disanimations for the placing of my Love. I exhibited all the difficulties and precipices I could imagine to divert myself from this passion, but all was too weak to deturb it, insomuch that I was enforced to cede to its power and seek to feed that fire I could not extinguish. All the difficulties I resigned to that power which had first wounded me, and relied only on his advantages who useth to effect things very repugnant, and over come all difficulties by his power. Under his banner than I placed myself, and with prayers I entreated that Amorous god for aid.  
Whilst I was agitated with this passion, I assiduously traversed the banks of Tagus, and sedulously watched for an appearance of that bright Sun which had begot those restless desires. I oft circumvagated that I'll and left neither bank unvisited which stood opposite to it, still hoping to attain that desired sight; but her great seclusion made some weeks pass away without the attainment of that invisagement, which had left me almost bare of hopes. My sedulity yet continuing, and frequenting that place as I used to do; I sat me down under the covert of certain trees, though row whose bows I had a favourable prospect to the house. At that time having long contemplated on divers things, leaning my head against the body of a tree I was suddenly deprived of the act of sense, resolving all my Imaginations into the Kingdom of sleep; which acting upon the species of visible objects exsuscitated many pleasing dreams that held me past my wont time of return, which was usually presently after Sol had left our Hemisphere. But awaking from the pleasing fancies of sleep, I found that the night had begun to inherit the place of day, and fair Cynthia in her perfectest form began to enlighten the superficies of the waters with her refulgent beams. I was about to departed when a sudden noise in the water surprised my ears, which made me circumspect to see what it might be: creeping without obstrepancie under the obumbrating boughs close to the bank of the river, I perceived that it was the dashing of oars in the water that had reverberated the air to my ears. The fulgency of Luna made every thing perspicuous on the river, so that I saw the remigers of the little boat which seemed newly to be put off from the little Island) were six virgins, whose tender arms performed that office very artificially, the water willingly giving way to their gentle strokes. At the head of the boat under a canopy of silk Sat two women for whose pleasure the others made many turns upon the water with their boat, to delight them with that aquatic recreation. I avidiously attracted the boat towards the shore with my eyes, believing one of them to be the same I had beheld with that perturbation that had accompanied me ever since. This unexpected encounter made me to watch the motion of the boat with great diligence, which at last came gliding down the stream close by the bank where I lay so that I perspicuously saw one of them to be a woman of great gravity, but immediately leaving that object I cast my eyes upon the other whom I presently knew to be same fair one that had involved my soul into such perplexities. This sight caused a general shivering through all my body, and I could not behold her without perturbation. I had little time by reason of the swiftness of the boat to behold those perfections, but by the dim light of the Moon I saw they surpassed those which I had before seen at a distance, and her Idea was more perfectly renewed in my soul; and with a more absolute power over my will. The boat being past a little beyond me was stayed against the bank by the force of the oars, and Atalanta with the other woman (which was her governess) came on shore, the other awaiting their return in the boat. When I perceived that they walked towards the place where I lay, lest I should be discovered I prostrated myself on the ground amongst the thickest of the grass and shrubs as grew there which sufficiently sheltered me from their eyes. Being laid in this order I cast my eyes through the divisions of the shrubs to behold the deambulation of Atalanta, who came with no vulgar grace being upheld by the other woman. Her stature neither too low nor too procerous, the fashion of her clothes shown she was in her night dress, but they were such that with their nigritude set off the albitude of h●r countenance. Her body was shrouded under a garment of rich silk, the colour being undiscerneble at that time, but it was made so long that trailing upon the grass it might renew its verdue by the happy kisses of her garment; over her shoulders was slung a night mantle which was lined with the furs of delicate ermine, and in which she wrapped her arms as she walked; the principal part of that rare composure was enveloped in a sable Capitium which exhibited her face like bright Cinthia's, when surrounded with clouds, and her eyes like two stars gave a lustre where  she went: their pace was but gentle, which favoured me with the more time for the intuition of the perfections of this dame; I perceived they had entered into discourse before I could audite their words, but by their approach the harmony of her voice began to strike my ear, and for that I hoped to gather something by my curiosity out of their discourse, all the faculties of my soul contributed their powers to my eyes and ears, out of which ports she was almost attracted through the excess of pleasure she received. But the words that in my hearing were formed between those couralls I beheld, were to this effect. Ah mother, (said she answering to some thing the other had spoken) you who ought to be more severe, are too too lenitive to one so sinful. But what comfort can I have, in living after such transgressions. Surely the Gods will pity me in taking away that life, which you will not permit to be offered as a libament to their indignation.  
How often have you promised to yield yourself to my tuitions (replied her tutoresse) and how often have you promised not to afflict yourself in this manner? The gods do not require so much grief at your hands, seeing you have unfeignedly repent, and if you do more than they require that surplusage is by them unregarded, being we are not to be immoderate no not in the affliction of ourselves for good. It is a sign of too great abjection not to be comforted, and too much mistrusting the mercy and pity of the Gods, when you still retain such thoughts of their wrath. It is not the life they require but the heart, and that, through an unfeigned repentance you have rendered into their hands, so that from this iniquity your good proceedeth, who else (it may be) would not have repent or implored their mercy, so wonderful are their incomprehensible ways that they even raise us to thrones of glory by the steps of sin, for trampling that under our feet we mount to their mercy seats, and it is a sign that they love them most to whom they forgive most iniquities; and what they forgive ought not to be remembered by us. Atalanta all that while prodigal of her pearls exhausted all the treasure of her eyes, which touching my heart with an inward sympathy, extracted moist tears, and scalding sighs, out of my inflamed breast. But she thus returned to her woman: you are always the God's messenger of peace, and you so much conscionate their benignity and miseration, that the remembrance of offending such afflicts me more. I do not doubt or mistrust their power, but how— They were so far transpast me that I could not hear her sequent words, but as they returned assoon as her words were articulate to my ear, I greedily lisned to these.— no not all men are false and I cannot believe any after the perjuration of so many oaths and vows: Is it not pity the Gods suffer such indignities unpunished? This seclusion delights me most, and if ever I escape that danger wherein my folly hath precipitated me, I will never forsake this retirement, but end my days in the company of my maids, and will not so much as defile my eyes with the sight of that false sex; that wicked sex! since they build their wickednesses on our weaknesses. My father hath indulged me to live in this place, which I hope he will continue so long as I live, a thing most consentanious to my desires, and whereby I shall receive some felicity in that I live without renewing my sorrow by the sight of men. Come leave these discontents, (said the other) and do not deject yourself, your honour— they were again passed so far beyond me, and speaking so submiss that their words died before they came to my audition, so that this was all I heard of that ambiguous Colloquy. They at length reentered their boat which floated against the stream hard by the place where I lay, compelled to it by virgin-stroakes, which gave me opportunity to let my eyes take their farewell of that rare object, and so to accompany her boat till it was arrived on the other side, where it was admitted into a little Creek under the obumbration of certain Osiers.  
I had no sooner lost the sight of the boat, that carried away the object of my fancy, but as it were awaking out of a pleasing dream I began to recogitate the words I heard, and so set the Image of that new-lost object before my Imagination, that I might consider the particular perfections of it, which I was incapable of before, through the intention of my soul upon the whole. But in recounting the words I had heard I could not find out the cause of that Lady's affliction, but that it was some great Injury that she had received from some barbarous one of our sex, which made her so out of Charity with all men, but I was resolved to repair that breach with the truth, obedience and affection I had vowed to serve her with.  
There was no room left now for any doubt or opposition to my love, this second invisagement had totally overcome me, and all my thoughts were now busied in contrivances which way to serve her, but that I found so difficult, by reason of her seclusion, and what I had learned out of that interrupted discourse, of her great aversion to men, that I was even almost past the bounds of hope. I set all my thoughts on the wrack of invention, where I endeavoured to extend them to some happy result, but I had no sooner accepted this project, but either some difficulty or something more convenient dashed it; and it may be whilst I was considering on that, divers unseen objections suddenly starting up made that also of no effect, I spent good part of my thoughts, and good part of the night in such none effectual projections, till at last remembering myself I arose, and bid farewell to that place that had favoured me with the happy and longed for intuition of Atalanta.  
I had not gone many paces before I heard a whispering which in the silent night beat the air up the river to my ears: The last evenement; and good fortune that I received by my curiosity; made me to forgo no occasion of furthering my fortunes by those private auditions. Standing still to listen after those confused voices that I heard, I could not hear any thing distinctly but the repetition of my own name, which amazing me made me think it the illusion of my fancy, for I had not communicated it to any in the City, and I was utterly unknown to them all, but the noise still continuing I moved softly that way under the umbration of the boughs that adorned the banks of the Tagus. At last I perceived that the susurration had proceeded from the intermixing voices of a man and a woman, who stood talking close under the wall of the City. I was now got close enough to understand what they said & lying upon the ground hid from their eyes by the procerous grass I heard words to this effect. Come (says the man) let's nor stay any longer, lest we be suspected, we may effect it to morrow night well enough. But what (says the woman as I thought) if Lonoxia, should have discovered us? There's no fear of that (says the other) he knows us not, and this was mere chance that he was from home this night. It was well for him (replied the other) I had soon dispatch him else; we must not miss the next night's opportunity, lest he leave this place, which might cost us a world of pains to find him again, and we must do it before we return or else Marcipsius will hang us for our pains.  
I do not care (said the other) how soon it be effected that we may return and receive our reward, for I tell you truly that I do it for no affection to him, but for that which he promised if we effect it, and when I have received that, if another will give me as much I'll serve him the same sauce. You need not fear (says the other) but he will be a master good enough, Lonoxia want be the last that he will desire to rid out of his way, his father is a hindrance to be his ambitious thoughts, it may be Atropos may lend us her shears to cut the thread of his life, I have all ways (says the other wicked one) that may be to rid men of the burden of their lives, those that fall under my hand seldom know who hurts them, but the best way to rid him will be by the art of venesicium. But talk no more you pretty counterfeit imp disvest, Lonoxia will never suspect you under that habit. Whilst I lay confounded at what I had heard from these assasins, that countersit unclothed himself of his womanish apparel, having under the habiliments of a man, a long skene hid under his vestments. Those garments that he had put off, he bundled up and put them into a vacuous hole in the wall, placing some lose stones at the mouth, which assoon as they had done they both departed, before I had power to awake myself out of the confusion their wicked intentions had cast me in; and the assasinous intent of Marcipsious, who was not content with my banishment but also must play the fratricide. But assoon as I could recall the banishment of my senses; with more fury than judgement I followed them, to have anticipated their expectations, and have given them their condign punishment for their wicked intentions, but passion being guide I suppose I erred in the way, for I could not recover the sight of them after they had entered the City, having traversed those places where I thought to have met them, and failing in my expectations, vexed as I was I returned to the place where I first saw them, that instant producing an invention which proved very advantageous to my desires, though difficult in the undertaking. Denoteing the place where that assasin had hid his deceivable garments; I thought it no variation from the point of honesty to rob him of those wickedly-used vestments, and having gotten them into my possession I returned (being very late) into the City to my habitation, not without thanks to the Gods, who not only gave me the somuch desired intuition of Atalanta, but by that very means also preserved my life, so wonderful are their works, and unsearchable are their ways and so contrary are their designs to those of men, for those garments which were ordained by those assasins, for to have been a means for the accomplishment of my death, and under which they had intended I should have received my destruction, proved the only means of my life and joy, and under which I received all pleasure and content.  
That new injected project, which represented itself as good to my Imagination, still working upon my fancy made me leave my habitacle of rest with the earliest light, in order for the performance of that design out of which I had raised to myself a structure of delicious hopes. Having acquired those things which I thought necessary for the execution of my design, I spent the rest of the day in an unusual, but sedulous observance, of the accoutrements and deportments of women, I seldom observed the faces of any, having so deep a character of one in my heart, but my eyes like those of Tailors seemed to take pattern by every vestment, and to make all their deportments preceptors to mine. By this you may easily guess at my intentions, and that I sought for precedences how to become the more womanish.  
This indeed was my design to illude fortune, and under a new disguise to hid myself from her injuries. I had indeed a mind to try, (since misfortunes had ever accompanied my vigil estate) whether in changing the fancies of my habit, I might change the face of my misfortunes. But this was not the alone inducement to that abject condition; had there been no greater persuasion I should never have transformed myself for fear of being the But for all the envious darts of fortune; I too well loved man, to become woman on such an occasion. No it was Love (that powerful persuader to any action) that induced me to that Metamorphosis, and charmed me to forgo my proper shape. Love can as well make Hercules spin as fight, and not only change habits but natures also. This was the only means that I could have to enjoy Atalanta, and there was no difficulty but would have been easily undergone for that enjoyment. This was the reason that my eyes were such indagators of their deportments, and such observers of their vestments, since I was to assimilate their Genus: a thing which I could not accommodate without the species of danger. Having approperated all that my Imagination could contain, I committed their Ideas to my memory till I had occasion to bring them into act, or convenient place to exercise these feminine gesticulations. And to avoid encumbrances I disposed of my horse and arms, and all things but a few Jewels, and gold which could faciliously be deported.  
The earth-loving Phl●gon with is jugal companions, had almost performed their diurnal course, having drawn the Quadriga of Sol, to the utmost limits of the occidental Hemisphere, when I left the City, and went into the most abdite place, on the river of Tagus, where I was hid from all eyes by the close growing trees. In this place I began to Metamorphize myself, and to divest myself of my manlike garments, which having done putting a stone in the midst of them bound together, I slung them into the midst of the river, and myself after, to delave all spots, since I was to become a new creature. There was now no going back from my determinations, my  were lost in the river, and I must now revest myself with that new change or return naked; but the refrigerous river could not cool my desire, those flames were too ardent to be quenched with those waters. At last wearied with labouring my arms in that Crystal element I swum to the bank, and drying myself I put on those vestments, not without the apprehension of fear, how I should deport myself in that habit: but hope suppediting me with resolutions I totally adorned myself with those accoutrements. The river was fain to be my Speculum, and my own hands the addorners of myself, but I made a shift to concinnate myself in handsome manner, and to adapt every thing, in its right mode. Having a while Considered myself in the faint reflection of the water, I saw nothing dissonant to the form I had taken, and I believe had my own progenitors seen me, they had not known me. Nature seemed to conspire to this change having made my body exiguous, and not too procerous, and the infallible token of virility not yet appearing on my Chin, made me to refer the sex I had feigned so much; that had not myself known to the contrary I should not have imagined any fiction, I should have thought I had suffered a true Metamorphosis, had I not known that I retained something that belonged to man, and I swear others must have known the like before they could have suspected any thing, so much had that form transformed me. A little formosity that in those young day's nature had bestowed upon me seemed to be much increased, and it may be would in a vulgar eye have been called beauty, which I sought to augment by laying out some cincinnat hair, that that might plead for some pity in the eyes of Atalanta, I found a great delight, and pleasing my imagination in beholding myself in the water, but at last fearing to run the fortune of Narcissus I withdrew myself from that aquatic intuition, and began to exercise my thoughts to frame some sigment to allude Atalanta, a sin I confess, but not to be voided at that time.  
I ran over the whole index of my memory to find out the choicest and least suspected invention, adapting all circumstances with an adequate congruity, lest to my ruin I should be found a counterfeit. Love that sharpener of invention, and insufer of wit, furnished me with many ratified conceits, and helped me to frame that which never was in esse. Having condited what I thought convenient, I began to exercise my knees to the peculiar flections of women, and to use my feet to their abulent gesture. But whilst I spent the time in these exercises of body and mind, Sol had drenched the wheels of his flagrant carruck, in the Atalantick waves, and had given leave for his silvered sister to exhibit her borrowed splendour in his room. Nevertheless although I had assimulated, the Species of women, I had not altogether lost the heart of a man, my inside was not changed with my outside, for fear, the inseparable concomitant of that weaker sex, did not possess me in those tenebrous shades, but walking in that happy Ambulachrum where I had seen Atalanta the night before, I expected her with ardency and fear. At last my legs lassated with those inambulations, and all my body weakened by the continual concourse of my spirits to my heart, which through divers extraordinary apprehensions caused continual and unwonted palpitations, I sat me down at the root of Jove's fair spreading tree, whose body becoming my pillow I suddenly dropped into an unexpected dormitation, for having slept but little the night before by reason of my continual agitations, nature lacking some allevament, contrary to my will stole the easing of herself.  
Time insensibly elapsed in that privation of my senses, which otherwise I should have passed away in great care, and anxious expectations, and may be it might not have conduced to the taking away of suspistion so, as that somnolent posture did. In the midst of this sleeping, in a place very disagreeable to the form I had assumed, I was awakened by the taction of a hand upon my face, which caused (through the unexpectation thereof) a sudden start, and exhibition of fear, but beholding Atalanta whose soft hand had given me that resurrection, it cast me into so great an amazement that it was a long time ere I could resettle myself. This subitane surprise, and hasty exuscitation from a condition, in which I did not dream of her approach, had put all my premeditated inventions and expressions clean out of my thoughts, and left me in such a condition that without feigning I acted to the very life the part of that imbeciller sex I represented; At last recovering my surprise, and seeing Atalanta with her nurse, and four or five of her maids about me, all amazed at my amazedness, and expecting when my tongue would break the prison of my lips, I was forced to leave collecting what before I had imagined, and make use of new injections agreeable to that unexpected evenement. Casting myself at the feet of Atalanta with a tremulous posture, my eyes scarce daring to aspire to the intuition of hers; I created these words out of amass of confused thoughts.  
‛ Divine Goddess and protectress of our Chastities; has the deplorable estate of a persecuted virgin invoked your divinity to her succour? Let it be no offence if my weakness cause an amazement at so Celestial a sight, since the reflection of my unworthiness, would put me besides the confidence of this seen happiness, and persuade me that I am still in that sleep from which the touch of your divine hand hath awaed me. All of them amazed at my speeches, either thought me distracted or else not throughly experrected, but their silence giving me leave to proceed.  Goddess (continued I) make known your pleasure to the distressed, and assure me that my eyes are felicitated with a true intuition. May your Divinity use that excess of mercy; (knowing that for fear of pollution I am driven to this exigent, and that I have conserved incontaminated that badge of your society) as to enrol me, amongst the number of your Nymphs! since there is no happiness, like to that of becoming one of the meanest servants of Diana. Atalanta finding my mistake reached forth her hand to lift me up, which whilst she spoke I carried with excess of ravishment to my mouth. Sister (said she) I am not that Queen of Chastity, and Goddess of us virgins, as you suppose; but am endued with the same mortality as yourself; I could have wished I had not been the object of your mistake, since I am thereby become the dissipator of your hopes. Would at least I had but power to give you some allevament by all the means my weakness can contribute. My mistake Madam (returned I) is pardonable since that beauty caries with it some species of divinity apt to conduct a more settled soul than mine to so glorious an error, and I cannot account my hopes but very little undervalved since your benignity hath resented my misery. I am so little able (replied that courteous one) to perform the desires of my will, that I am almost ashamed to invite you to my habitation; but the necessity you are in will excuse my trouble, if that I entreat you to command what I have to your service. The small accommodation I am able to afford you is near at hand, where, if you will be pleased not to disdain the utmost of my abilities, we will all seek to give your distresses some levation; and it may be take the boldness to inquire by what Tyranny you have been driven to this misery.  
Ah Madam (replied I) use not this excess of bounty to one who will account it the highest and extremest part of happiness, if I may so far ingratiate myself into your favour as to obtain to be registered amongst the meanest of your servants, which will cause me to bless that Tyranny which (through the mercy of the Gods) drove me to find such felicity. I most willingly lay hold on the least part of your liberality; and take the boldness (through your favourable exhibition) to tell you that it will be impossible for me without sinking under the hand of fate to lose your presence by a returning: And indeed if you will admit of this intrusion I will consecrate all the strength of my body to your service. My estate will not aspire to a higher condition, neither will I wrong your bounty to accept of any other place, since that will felicitate me beyond all my deserts We want force your will (replied Atalanta smiling) we see the Nobility of it by this exhibition; you must not think to obscure yourself, when you have already betrayed yourself to our judgements: then taking me by the hand; come (proceeded she) think not but I shall be as unwilling to consent to your return, as you to yield to the Tyranny you have fled from; And since you have devoted yourself to my commands, the first is that you use what I possess with the like freedom as if it were your own.  
I will obey you in all things Madam except you command me not to love you, said I: omitting with it so deep a sigh that it might have betrayed me to any suspicious souls; but the distress I exhibited myself in, caused all my sad deportments, and my sighs to be attributed as due to my fortune. Led along by that hand whose gentle heat penetrated to the ardour of my heart, (first taken from the flames of her eyes) and agumented its slagrancies, on the one side: and on the other by the nurse of Atalanta, who saluteing me with great gravity shown me as much kindness, all being pleased with my deportmenr, and pitying my misfortunes; I went ravished almost besides myself with so great courtesy of Atalanta, and the propitiousness of my designs till we came to the boat fastened to the bank side; into which we entered, being rowed by those females that attended her.  
Tagus which before seemed envious to my desires by denying an access to that glorious object of my wishes, now gave me cause to bless its waves for this happy transportation, for the acquirement of all its golden sands would not have given me the hundreth part of that contentment I then received.  
Had you seen the tranquillity of its motion, and the smoothness of its superficies, you would have said that it had been sensible of its portage, and that it gloried in nothing more than that submissiveness to her, who so much resembled the s●oth engendered Goddess. And you could not but have said when at another time you might see its waves seem to threaten the skies with his forky flashes, that his disturbance proceeded from the long absence of his imperial dame, than in whose pertage he seemed to have no greater Glory. Or else the Tagae●n God in Love with Atalanta tranquillated his streams, for the exhibition of his duty, and by his stillness, sought to retard her boat, thereby to retain his own happiness. Whilst the duty of the streams, exhibited itself in its tranquillity, and that we were passing over to that little I'll which had often been a prospect for my eyes, and a receptacle for my heart, Atalanta in these words told how she found me. Sabane (said she; for so had I nominated myself) certainly there is something more than the caprichiousnesse of fortune in this encounter, and it was something more than common curiosity that called me to your help. I have often to divert myself transpast this river, when that darkness obumbrates me from the eyes of men, and delighted myself in that subdiale walk, where till now nothing was obvious to my ●ight, but those inanimates which continue there. This night leaving our attendants (as we use to do) to await our returning, my mother and I occupying ourselves in ordinary discourses, we measured the earth with our paces till we were come upon you, and then I suddenly espying you, not discerning your sex, or consulting with my Judgement, affrighted as I was I ●an back screeching. But meeting with my maids, all running to lend me their feeble aides, I remembered, I had left my mother to that danger I fled from, to repair which shame I returned with as much speed, being encouraged with the Company of my maids, but I met her returning, who, not so timorous as myself had approached you, and perceiving by your habit that you were of our own sex, she was returning to tell me that (as she believed) you were dead.  
Having gathered strength by decussing my fear, I greatly pitied your case, by reason of Sympathising with our genus. It may be, mother (said I) that she may yet have need of our Charity, and since she is of our imbeciller sex we will not fear to satisfy ourselves with a better discovery, and see to what acts of charity the Gods conduce us. with this, strengthening ourselves with a close adjunction we aproacht you, and not perceiving you to breath, I forced myself to so much hardiness as to feel whether your body had been destitute of heat by the relinquishment of your soul, which action it seems awaked you. I madam, (replied I) that gentle touch hath raised me from the grace of my distresses, and your continual presence will consolidate all my happiness; for which felicity evenement I am indebted a hundred thousand prayers to the Gods, and as many lives (if I had them) to your service, other discourse we had till those maiden strokes had brought us to the landing place where we left our floateing house, and set our feet upon the more solid element.  
The envious darkness wrapped in obscurity all the rarities of the place, and denied me the intuition of those pleasant gardens that circundated the habitacle of Atalanta. But by the sick sight of the nights gubernatrix I could perceive, that the place gloried no less in its site●, and all the happy adornments nature could out of her greatest benignity afford, than in being the blessed habitation of one of the greatest bauties in the world. Art could likewise challenge no less share in the conservation and embellishment of its pride, and deserv'ed no less praise for its exact and exquisite Imitation; every thing being methodised into a natural wildness so that it was hard to say whether nature Imitated art, or art nature, in those compartments and indentments of groves and walks. It was a place fit indeed to be the receptacle of so fair a creature, and where pleasure seemed to glory in becoming a servant to her greatness. Between that object of all my desires and her tutoresse I was conducted along a most pleasant walk which led from the place where we landed to the house, being set on each side and mingled alternately with yellow and orange colour fruit-bearing trees, which gave so fragrant a smell that would have revived a benumbed sense, and which surpassed the odours of the Arabic forests.  
The fruits like those of Alcinous hung with a continual fairness, and those golden apples fairer than those of the fabulated Hesperides hung like aureated studds amoungst the fresh verdure of their tremulous leaves, which delighted the optic sense with their sight, and the odorate with their fragrancies. Between these pleasurable trees treeding upon a continual spring of verdant grass we walked till we came to the house, which in all things equalled the concinnity of the best, and corresponded with the greatness of Atalanta. Being entered Atalanta renewed her welcomes with many strict embraces, and at last saluted me as a token of her Love and friendship. The touch of those Rubies had almost extracted my soul totally from my body, which fled to the portals of its structure that it might with more ardency receive the impression of her lips. My senses hardly exerciseing their functions for some time after the receipt of that inflaming kiss, I exhibited an amazedness in my looks, and hardly answered sense to what she said, but at last recovering myself, and perceiving she took notice of it, I excused it the best I could with these words. Madam Truly I had lost myself in the Maeanders of your goodness, which contemplation had so implicated me that it was impossible for me suddenly to return. I cannot but see that my greatest acknowledgement will be but as it were ingratitude if compared to the excess of that goodness you exhibit: for in beholding the exiguity of my deserts I find the immensity of your favours. No marvel then if I am amazed being none besides yourself could persuade me that my senses had the free exercise of all their functions, but that these immense favours were but the pleasing phantasms presented in the Kingdom of Morph●us. Atalanta answered me with no less grace than the Queen of Heaven, her words exhibiting her to be the daughter of Mercury. I beseech you (said she) do not magnify these small testifications of my amity to so great a magnitude; for I profess they are so much below the desires I have to accommodate your goodness, that I will not own them farther than the diminutive of my will, and that by this minute service you may Judge the cordiality o● my affection.  
Other discourses we had in which she exhibited her wit and goodness, till she had conducted me into a chamber where riches and decency strove to accommodate beauty. After she had put off an accessary mantle which served to keep off the cold blasts of the night, and that we had seated ourselves, Atalanta in very good terms prayed the audition of my foruntes. I then (not without fear of triping) told her at large this sigment with many circumstances and embellishments which I will tell you in two or three words. I feigned myself to be niece to King Juba, though I was borne after his death. I told her a brother unto that King hearing of the voluntary death of Juba, and that he saw the hand of fortune resolved to sling that kingdom into the lap of the Romans, loath to follow the example of his brother and yet loath to become a slave to the Roman greatness fled from that unfortunate place, and passing beyond the mountain Atlas' natures bound-mark to the Roman Empire, he found a habitation in the court of the King of the Getulans, where at last he was married to a niece of the Kings, from which conjunction I feigned myself to be produced. My father I told her died when I was very young and whom I could not remember, my mother (I feigned) lived till I was fourteen years of age who in her life time had bred me in an extraordinary way of behaviour and civility contrary to the custom of that Rude people. And that after her death my small formosity increasing with my years made one of the chiefest in the kingdom desire me, but that I, not enduring the great incivility and rude nature of those Getulans, despised him, and forbade him ever to mention his suit any more. But he (I told them) more inflamed with Lust than Love sought one day having an opportunity) to have forced me: a crime of the smallest nature amongst them, and seldom punished but by laughter. However I made my force to resist his violence and with help to preserve my chastity, and that my complaints and tears to the King at last procured his banishment; which filling that wicked Getulan with enragement, laws being of too small force to curb his Insolency, watching his opportunity stabbed the King, and having a party ready, set the whole Kingdom into a combustion and flames of war. I said that hearing the truth of the King's death and fearing death less than to fall into the hands of that parricide I fled with some few attendants towards the mount Atlas, but being pursued by him was there taken and every one of them that accompanied me slain, myself brought by him to the sea and embarqed in a ship to return with the more speed to the Court, where his party was like to get the better. But the wind crossing the intentions of the Tyrant drove him along the Coasts of Mauritania as far as the straight, where he was set upon by pirates and slain, myself becoming their prisoner. I continued that the chief of them considering me as his slave, appropriated me to himself, but perceiving some of his companions that would have had a share in the prize he had reserved to himself, and that he might with the more security force me to his sensuality he caused me with himself to be set on shore not far from that place, where he was about to force me to his will; but my sckreeks and cries calling some country men to my aid, they oposed him and that whilst they fought for my defence, fearing the pirate would get the better, I ran away towards some trees I saw for shelter and following a path that brought me to the river, I at last was surprised by the night, where being weary with my flight and disturbed with my distresses I was for'd to sit down under the covert of those trees, and that not having slept for along time by reason of my fears, I was suddenly surprised with a sound sleep, where being awaked by the divine hand of Atalanta, I thought she had been no other than the  Diana who had appeared for my rescue, but that now I understood it was Atalanta the unparalleled peer of courtesy and under whose tuition I hoped to find an end of my miseries. This discoutses took up a Larger extent of time, being then told very formally and so pathetical that it moved the benign Atalanta to tears, and made them all condole my feigned miseries. Atalanta again redoubled her favourable expresses of the desires she had to retain me continually, and with renewed embraces sought to require that which was the only desire of my soul, so that I easily yielded and told her that I would tire her benignity with a continual stay, and spend the rest of my days at her charge. After a collation which she caused to be brought in, night being a quarter spent she led me to my chamber where the officiousness of her maids made me fearful of my discovery, but I carried every thing with so much care, that I freed myself from all suspicion and detectment.  
You may Imagine that I spent good part of that night in the reflections of my fortune, and happy success of my Inventions; indeed the wit, the grace, and ineffable courtesy of Atalanta stirred up adaequiate flames with her beauty, So that there was no part of her but was amiable and divine. The pleasing ●d●a of that matchless marvel being still obvious to my thoughts agitated them till nature reassumed that allevament out of which Atalanta had exuscitated me.  
The night being past our next meeting renewed our embraces, and more than common civilities. The day gave us both a perspicuous intuition of each other, which we had received before but at a distance, and by the deceivable light of tapers. Atalanta contrary to the property of the fairest pictures (which at a distance exhibit a most exquisite formosity, and amiable looks; but the nearer you approach them with your eye, the less amabibity is found in their looks) shown the most admirable work of nature, and most venust complexion in more near intuition. The sun discovered all the perfections of that face wherein there was nothing but what was admirable, and past the skill of nature herself to mend. Her ornaments more rich than before I had seen her in, gave new splendour to her brightness, or rather received brightness from her splendour, which filling her all over with charms gave a second captivity to my before-enthralled heart. Whilst my eyes fixed with a certain intentiveness upon her, she no less regarded the lineaments and make of my face. I had consulted a more clear mirror than the day before, and use beginning to make perfectness I forgot not any thing that belonged to the pride of women. But perceiving her eyes reading I know not what characters in my face, (I could not think what I might exhibit to that discernible eye) which through the vicissitude of fear and shame, first disrobed it of all its redness, and then again returned it with a new accretion. But at last Atalanta breaking her silence. Ah! foolish and fantastic Idea; (cried she out) hast thou a desire to torment me eternally? Have I not Symbols enough of my crimes, but that thou must exhibit the species of my tormenter in the face of my solacer. No no this is not a true air which I see in the face of Sabane (said she embracing me) it is the strength of my Imagination that gives impresses on all objects, or else it is some envious Daemon that would ma●e you whom I have chosen for my greatest allevament to become my greatest torment by exhibiting the species of one (whom I cannot call to mind without a fatality) in your face. Sure (said she unfolding her arms and casting her eyes upon me) 'tis but the delusion of my eyes, or mock of my fancy. But (continued she with another tone and wonderful grace) pardon these transports, though they clearly represent to you my insulsities. I was somewhat amazed at these obscure speeches, but at last, Madam (said I) I beseech you rather let me perish, and rather let me become a prey to the most inhuman, then that I should be the least cause of your dolour, or cause you to remember those whom you desire to drive from that felicity. It will be impossible that I should take any allevament to myself when I think my company through such a fatality is the exuscitator of your grief. No no (said she interrupting me hastily) I have vowed you my friendship and nothing but the stroke of death shall be able to deprive you of it. It is the highest of my ambition (replied I) to desire the honour of you commands, but seeing you resolve to make me so gloriously happy I cannot but wish for occasions daily that I might sacrifice my Life for your service, to show you the least part of the affection I bear you, which is so immense that it may be compared to nothing but to the excess of your own goodness. Other discourses spun out the morning where in she exhibited a world of freeness, she related to me how their fall had proceeded from the Roma● greatness, and gave me the knowledge who she was, and told me what before I had heard by inquiry in Olissippo, hiding nothing of her common affairs from my knowledge, but sought with all freedom to satisfy me in every thing.  
You will say that I had attained to a great height in my felicity and that the Gods themselves had a finger in my prosperities: True indeed I received so great happiness and content in the pleasing conversation of Atalanta, that I blest the time, though not the occasion that I left my father's house, whose terrible remembrances were now swallowed up in my blessed felicities. In a little time the habit, and gestures which I had assimulated, were grown so natural and habitual as if I had accompanied them from my Infancy, so that I had no fear of discovering myself by any inassuety. Think not but Shame sometime set before me my muliebrity, and upbraided me with meanness of spirit, in leaving my more noble for so ignoble condition, and in accommodateing myself to so great imbecility: And in representing the future I found so many difficulties and unlikelynesses of effecting what I desired that sometimes I began to repent my designs. I feared I should instead of her love acquire her hatred when that she should know how greatly I had deceived and abused her. And to think of living always in that condition without discovering myself would have given adequate pain to my pleasures and have racked me between two contraries. But all objections both of honour and danger fled at her presence, and then I found it as possible to think of leaving my condition as to transform myself in verity, into the sex I had assimulated, so great was the pleasure I received in her company, and so great was the power of affectionate Love to hold me.  
I remained seven weeks in this Sardanapalean condition, my flames still increasing with my pleasures, in which time Atalanta exhibited so perfect a friendship that it was impossible in the condition I was in to desire more. To unite our amity in the greatest nearness she would have had me lain with her, but fearing to be overcome with so great temptation, I was almost incivill to deny her! But by her imposition we called one another sisters, and seldom but when we rested were one minute out of the fight of each other. Sometimes though in the midst of these pleasures I should evaporate sighs, and in spite of all my delights the charctars' of sadness would be wrote upon my face, which proceeded from the suppression of my flames. Atalanta taking them to be the reflections of my former distresses, would apply such pleasing comforts and adapt such endeared expressions that I could not but find solace in them, though the cause was far from that she supposed: So that at the same time she was both the object of my sighs and Joy. Although that extremely courteous one sought to dispel my sadness with her dear expressions and actions, and to administer all the solace she was able, yet I perceived that her heart was full of mestitude, and that her dolour no ways decreased. She had not as yet communicated the cause of it to me, and I perceived she did not desire I should take notice of it, so that I would not exhibit my curiosity by ask it; Besides I feared least in knowing it I should find my own ruin, and that Love preoccupied her mind, and was the cause of those troubles: which best corresponded with that which I had secretly heard from her own mouth. But that I might allevate Atalanta I exhibited a greater alacrity than the consideration of my pensive thoughts would willingly have admitted, I sought all divertisements, and made it my sole pragma to administer solace by divers recreations.  
Some times I would endeavour to divert her mind by the relation of divers stories and accidents, some fabulated and some true, and by many discourses on several Subjects. Sometimes again I sought to make her find some refreshment in the delicate viridias of the gardens, and pleasing places of the groves, and sometimes again I would exercise her in running in the Hypaethryums and paradromes of the house, and when the imbrick Auster irrigated the ground in the Xystus. And when the calmness of the evening gave leave, we made use of her wont solace upon the Tagus, where myself often times used the oar for her transportation, and I never visited the walk where in I first saw her without a benediction on the place. She was naturally very nimble, and she always would be very well pleased with any exercise I would challenged her to, wherein most times we did not exhibit our utmost industry or strength out of a desire to make our adversary conqueror. One day having challenged her to run a race for some small jewel or other (to such innocent sports had love made me to condescend) I let her win the prize by a voluntary retardation. But that cursory motion had died the cheeks of Atalanta of such a scarlet hue, which rendered her so lovely that I could not but cry within myself. Ah! murderous Atalanta, Schaeneis wounded only the Calydonian bore, and used her shafts against the ferocious beasts, but you insensibly wound my heart with innumerable shafts which proceed from those lovely eyes, whose sharp Cuspides hath split the stony rock of my heart, and given issue to whole streams of Love. But coming up to her, Atalanta (said I facetiously) you inherit as well the nature as the name of the Sch●nean maid, yet I hope you will not prove so rigerous to the vanquished, but were I a man I should despise all danger to adventure for such a prize though I think that he must obtain the same gift of Venus which heretofore she bestowed on Neptun's nephew who must overcome you. You are very pleasant sister (replied she smiling) but I may thank your voluntary tardity that I am victoresse. In many such innocently loving striveings we sought to give each other victory, glorying more in looseing than in winning. And indeed I could not find greater content in the world than in the sight and content of Atalanta, whom I had made the sole object of desires and sole business to serve. If she was content I thought myself happy, and if I saw serenity in her face from the clouds of Sorrow I received more Joy than if half the world had been given me to possess.  
Atalanta's governess seeing the Love and care I bore to her, and that I made it my whole business to divertize her, perceiving also that Atalanta bore me a great deal of Love, remitted her wholly to me, finding a great easement of that burden which I had so willingly taken upon me, so that I was very often alone with her and had opportunity enough to discover myself, had not a timorous respect continually banished those Cogitations, and represented her just anger more terrible than death, so that I was forced to smother those thoughts, and content myself with the felicities I enjoyed.  
But whilst my resurging flames were suffocated with a continual depression, they were as much sufflated by a continual presence, which gave me an intolerable inustion, & made me do things almost enough to have discovered my passion, had they not been so extremely blinded by my habit. The continual intuition of that deity gave innumerable incitements, and exuscitated such scorching and lively flames, that after a while it was impossible for me to exhibit the coldness and indifferency I did at first, and not to excurr almost into extravagancies in the reception of those incomparable pleasures Atalanta gave. But seeing I could not acknowledge them, nor give my passion any vent by my mouth, I was fain to do it by my eyes and actions, and thereby silently to express that which I dared not to do with my tongue, oftentimes when we were alone, I should behold her with so great intentiveness, and so avidiously devour those rarities, till I had quite lost myself in those Labyrinths of perfections, & running from the contemplation of her auborne hair, to the intuition of her fair forehead, and from that to the perfect rainbows of her face, under which two suns exhibited such splendour that I was not able to behold them long without occecaton, then intuiting her nose which was raised to a perfect proportion, thence her mouth which was lovely and little, whose corals with a magnetic virtue used long to detain my eyes, but at last gave leave to behold her dimpled chin, and fair basis of those matchless mirrors. Then ascending back again never weary of those pleasing contemplations, nor finding any way out of those intricacies, till the blushes of her cheeks shown me the way forth, and as it were brought me to myself again; which sometimes was accompanied with so many ingeminated suspirations, that they seemed Querimonies for my loss, and sometimes it was accompanied with such extravagances both of words and gestures, that I have wondered that she had not perspicuously seen my passion which sometimes so shamed me, that I had little power left me to make excuses. This growing frequent, she thought it had been some indisposition, and would have sought for to have acquired something for my health had I not over-persuaded her to the contrary. I received a world of other felicities which gave daily and more strong inflammations to my passion, and desires of entire possession of what I saw, sometimes pressing those delicate and fair hands, and interweaving those slender and ivory fingers with mine I should carry them with such passion to my lips, where I should give them thousands of ardent kisses, and almost inflame those lilies with the continual pressure of my burning lips. Which to require reciprocally she would return some on my forehead, cheeks and lips, which though I received with excess of pleasure and unuterable, yet was it much mitigated by the thoughts of the injury I did her modesty; for I could not but blame myself that I did so egregiously abuse one so courteous and affable, but love answered all scrupl●s, and forced me greedily to desire those sweets. At other times when my officiousness hath made me help to pin on those veils that obscured that snow-surpassing whiteness, and religeously hid those rarities from our profane eyes, I should (transported at those sweetly rising tumors) basiate those fair orbs whose tender touches would have inflamed a soul composed all of water, judge you to what an extasis these enjoyments drove me. Oftentimes also being in her chamber when she hath beraken herself to repose, after her devestment, I have beheld her only in her smock, which was too fine to hid any of those attracting beauties from the eye of a Lover, but the rare simmety of that composure with all its beauties enough to have enamoured the whole world, was perspicable through that carbaseous tegment. Oh? how I was feign to contract all the powers of my soul to retard the present motions of my desires and passions at such a sight. By these continual and forcible exsuscitations of my flames you may judge with that difficulty I suppressed them. And although I did digress sometimes by the too violent pressure of my passion, my habit gave me security and freedom in those digressions, and Atalanta took them all as tokens of my entire Love and affection.  
In this manner full of deliciousness, and imparadized in the fruition of these sweets I spent many weeks, which seemed but so many moments so insesibly had they passed away. But now that capricious Goddess who all this while had seemed to have forgotten me, or else to have ●ost me in the habit I had assumed began with a new vengeance to make known, the power of her will, and to make the happiness I enjoyed momentany.  
One day walking with Atalanta on the Terraces of the house we spied a man on the other side of the river waving a white cloth of piece of silk upon a long stick about his head as if it were some signal for his admission, as soon as I had shown it her I perceived a hundred vicissitudes of white and red in her face, with a general disturbance and tremor in all her limbs, at last fearing I had taken too much notice of her, she took me by the hand and lead me down into the Court, and immediately giving order to some of her servants to fetch him over that was on the other side, It is one that must be admitted (said she to me) Ah! (continued she softly to herself, but so as I made a shift to hear her) fatal messenger either of life or death how great emotion has thy presence wrought! Sighs began to follow in abundance but that I perceived she suppressed them with great pain for fear I should take notice of her. By that time we had walked a few turns in the orange walk her maids had wasted him over, whom we saw approaching us alone. Atalanta assoon as he had put one knee to the ground not permitting him to speak cast her fair arms about his neck and kissing his forehead had like to have swooned in his arms through the disturbance she felt. At last leaving those embraces, which began to exuscitate envy and jealousy in my breast, she turned about to me her countenance bearing the badge of modesty, I hope your goodness (said she) hath not misinterpreted my action though indeed I have given you too great an occasion to make you judge wrong of my pudicity, had I told you before who this is I might have hindered it. It is one of my maids who you thus see whose obsequiousness hath made her change the habit of her sex to do me service. Go (says she to the maid) divest yourself and verify what I have said by your presence. Sister (said I) though I wondered at your action, yet I suspended my thoughts knowing your virtue would never permit you to transgress the laws of modesty, for I believed that you had ground for what you did. After a little time the maid, the chief confident of Atalanta returned clothed in habiliments consentanious to her sex. Making some excuse which was very willingly admitted of, I left them to their private conference. Two or three hours after having, me thought, been a long time weaned from her presence the very comfort of my life, I returned to find her, and after I had searched all the walks, groves, and topiares about the house, I found her in a virect which was enclosed with ramiculous trees, very low, at the further end of that I let, close by the river side. The maid I met at the entering into the place returning towards the house: her eyes exhibited by their redness that they had been paying tribute to grief in moist tears. But passing on without exchanging any words, I saw Atalanta, but so changed that I was amazed, and admiration stopping the motion of my body, I stood as if I had beheld the head of Medusa. She was laid upon the gramineous earth, her head leaning against a low cypress tree, her arms in a careless manner cast abroad, her eyes with a kind of remiss intentivesse were cast up towards heaven, the bottoms big with limpid tears, which were but newly stopped through the extremity of her grief, her cheeks bearing the dry marks of those silver currents and her strophium rorated with their moistures, the stillness & obscurity of the place agreeing to make every thing doleful, it seemed to me a kind of horror to dwell there. After some time I approached her, & endeavoured with all the words I was able to exprom out of a heart truly sensible of her grief, to give her some consolation. But all that I could do or say gained nothing from her but abundance of tears and sighs, that I was very troublesome to her, grief having a kind of pleasure in it, and thinks itself wronged by the interruptions of any. When I saw I could give her no allevament by my words, I sat me down opposite to her and looking upon her with eyes springing forth tears I accompanied her in her lacrymations. When she looked upon me and saw the torrents, than ran over the swell of my cheeks and trickled to the ground (like another Alpheus running after his Arethusa) shaking her head she wept the more, and her tears still exhausting mine we made a torrent betwixt us of our mingled waters tears still begetting tears, and the sadness of the one still continuing the sadness of the other, that we sat like two Niobes drowning our cheeks with continual tears.  
In this posture we were found by her governess, who together with her maid came to endeavour to draw her out of her great sorrow, and by her grave counsel to absterge her tears, what with the power she had over her, and with the sound speeches she used she something mitigated the efluence of those argenteous currents, and at last caused her to leave that place, when we werein her chamber, perceiving that she desired privacy I left her with little less mestitude than herself, finding myself interested in her grief, and troubled for being ignorant of the cause. The next day I visited her, and I found that grief had not altogether so powerful an operation upon her, but that she had power now to ask pardon for the trouble she had put me to the day before, and for the little regard she had of my consolations. I proceeded to comfort her all I might; and though I knew not the occasion of her plangor yet speaking generally of grief I told her, that tears were but a vanity, and tormenting ourselves for things irrecoverable, past, and done, was but a weakness, and that it was a passion whose excursions ought to be stopped and moderated, and that it might be effected by a resignation of our wi●ls to the superior powers, to be content, with whatsomever accidents they shall be pleased to send, and that we should not immoderately desire any thing, by whose loss we might run into despair. Such other counsel I administered, which myself was not able to follow; but she answered me not but with abundance of suspirations, thereby testifying that her grief proceeded from more than common causes, and that there was something extraordinary in it. The space of a whole week she continued in this manner though not with that excess as at first, yet growing more upon her and takeing at last root it became the more dangerous. When I saw that I expected in vain when she would tell me the cause of her trouble, and that with all the art I could use I gave her very little comfort, I was so troubled that my looks exhibited how great a share I bore in her sorrow. One day Atalanta having given me the slip to feast her Melancholy thoughts with funebrous meditations I at last found her in a solitary place amongst the taxeous shades, compassed about with those sepulchral trees, mingled with the fruitless Cypress. She had newly began to bedew the fair roses of her cheeks with the most pertious liquor of her eyes, and those pearl-bearing rivulets springing from the marvellously limpid fonticules ebbed & flowed according to the variable tide of sorrowful thoughts. My presence gave some check to their outflowing, and made her wipe away those moist characters of her grief with her ricula; but their impressions on my heart could not so soon be absterged. I ran to her with my wont confidence, and flinging myself on the grass by her I took her fair hands, and giving them many suaviations, and bedewing I at last broke forth my resentments thus. Ah sister Atalanta, (my tears accommpanying my words) have you not so much confidence in my fidelity to entrust me with the cause of this dolour? how can I live and behold you in continual mourning and give no comfort? and how can I administer consolation, correspondent to your grief, and be ignorant of the cause of it! either let me die, or else not live so great a stranger to your thoughts! If there be any thing that may be acquired for your allevament, though with never so great danger make use of my Service, and you shall see my affection so strengthen me that I shall be able to overcome all oppugnances, and what you (it may be) may think impossibilities. ●ive me not cause to think I inherit not the place of a sister, when I am an alien to your thoughts. But consider not (I beseech you) this audacity as an effect of my curiosity, but of my affection, for did I not think myself capable of serving you I should be content to ignore it for ever: yet seeing you have interessed my affection far beyond my deserts, let me conjure you by that Love you bear me, and in the name of a sister which your goodness hath imposed upon me to let me know the cause of this trouble which you so carefully hid from me. Atalanta joining her face and tears to mine stopped the rest of my words. When she had cleared the passage for her words with a thousand heart-labouring sighs, her tears also suffering a new reflux she said. Dear Sabane! It is not thy fidelity that I mistrust, nor any other consideration but shame hath hindered me from imparting the knowledge of it to thee, and fear that in knowing it you will for ever detest me. Oh (replied I suddenly) let not such cogitations prove obstacles to my desires, for those bonds wherewith my amity is bound are to be solved by no consideration but death. I see you know not the depth of my affection, for if you did you would not have Judged so wrongfully of me. It is impossible for you Sabane to help me in the least (said she again) for if you knew it you would not (questionless) stop my tears, but say all my days will be too too little for my penitency, and were my days lengthened to years, and should every day shed rivers of tears, they would be all too little to make satisfaction for my fault. Nothing hinders me but the shame I know will accrue thereby, and I know not how to confess my crime and outlive my shame. Here giving way to some sighs she went on. Ah sister if I should not tell you ere, long my crime would be too perspicable and then I must be forced to let you know it when I can no longer hid it. I will confess (continued she strictly embracing me) I will confess all my crimes and not hid any thing from you though I am sure to be worthily condemned by your virtue, you shall know that which hath cost me many tears and which you will Judge worthy of more. I knew not how to explicate her words, but I found that they caused an extreme emotion in me, which was a true presage of that which was to happen. I still feared to find my own ruin in what I desired to know, which was at last effected by versatilous fortune. In beholding Atalanta I perceived the desire she had to express herself, and her pudicity, strove in her breast so that it was a long time before she could master that passion to emit these few words.  
What words shall I adapt? or what expressions can I use! whereby I may lessen the infailable symbol of my shame! How unjustly (continued she weeping) did you give me the title of Diana at your first meeting? alas! I have ran the same fortune of Lycaonian Calisto, but here's the disparity! she was gloriously deceived by a God, I perfidiously betrayed by a man! Must I say more! can I say more! I have lost that which should be the everlasting honour of virginity, that Zone which should not have been loosed but in the Thalamus, that inestimable jewel, which is impossible to be recuperated, that honour that can never be regained: and now I bear the quick burden of my shame and dishonour within me, which lives but to reproach me of my infamy. Oh weak spirited woman so long to outlive this action! with this plunging her head into my bosom she lay near a quarter of an hour senseless at the apprehension of her crime. Myself no less astonished stricken with horror became as an immovable statue, or like one stricken with thunder. Coming to ourselves both together Ah! (said she lifting up her head) her face being imbued with an extraordiry redness, which made her glideing tears seem like blood, can you love one so polluted? shall not I contaminate you in being so contiguous? ah! for ever abandon such a wretch, and no more count her worthy of your friendship, who hath so far forget the precepts of virtue, the fear of ignominy and of the Gods. As full of trouble as I was I sought to comfort her what I could, with so altered a counttenance, and incongruity in my speeches that she but could not but take notice of it. But at that instant her Goverensse found us out, who was never long from her, since that last accression of sorrow.  
I left them together, and in a marvellous astonishment I betook me to a place where I might with more freedom vent forth my grievous lamentations, and with sighs, tears an groans mitigate the torment caused by this sudden and most grievous misfortune. It was a long time e'er I could get out of the benumbedness and torpor I was in, but at last falling into a consideration of my loss, her beauty, her wit, her good nature and my deep desire proving exaggerations of my evil; I fell into a kind of Syncope, out of which returning I beat the air with such like complaints as these. Ah cruel fortune! (cried I out vehemently) hast thou found out the very worst of plagues to torment me with! for what cause! for what reason! oh all ye Gods do you thus conjoin for my overthrow! Oh great thunder-dart visit me at this instant with thy threeforcked arrow●! and transpierce that heart which the winged God hath already transfixed with his envenomed shaft; which fortune hath pierced with an envious stroke, which sad Erinyes hath compunged with scorponian stings. Oh! sad fate, to be brought to the brink of bliss, there to find a precipice, to the heaven of Joy and content to find a Hell of torment, and woe! what could be more great than the Joy I hoped for! what can be thought worse than the misery I find! Alas! by how much the more joy I conceived by so much the more torment I endure! Ah Atalanta, would thou hadst be●n more chaste, or less beautiful, or would, that the angry Gods had first o●bated me of the light of my eyes before I had seen thee. Then almost raving with the excess of trouble: what shall I continue my love to that defiled one? (cried I to myself) shall I languish in flames of love, for one already consumed, in those of lusts? one who yet grownes under the burden of her shame. Leave leave this place o unfortune Lonoxia, and abhor a beauty already contaminated. Why art thou so slow? why dost not fly this wretched place? strive to banish her thy memory, think not on her beauty, view that egregious imperfection which renders her contemptible in chaste eyes, canst thou think of Loving her who hath been defiled by the embrac's of another? and who will become a mother before she be a wi●●: An vow the folly of Love, and see into what precipices his illecebraces d●aw. By and by having placed the Imago of that fair one before the eyes of my mind, I was converted to a contrary judgement and enforced out of the depth of my passion to cry out; Dear Atalanta! I alas augment your misfortune by my wronging conceptions, pardon my injurious words, pardon my interpretations, pardon my exclamations, seeing they proceed from the heat of Love. Ah insulse Lonoxia dost think thy chains are so easily excussed? is thy heart so little fixed, as to be retracted by the knowledge of this thing? hath she wronged thee? hath she promised aught to thee? why accusest thou her? Dost not see her every minute ready to Sacrifice her life as a victim for the expiation of her crimes? hast no pity of her life? of her tears? no compassion on that fair sex? that weak sex? may not their virtue be o're-powered and mastered by men? It may be a violent devirginator hath given her this defilement by force. Excuse her and rather turn thy fury on thyself for that thou art of a sex so injurious, or on all other men for the sake of the contaminator. But think, canst thou withdraw that Love which binds the insollubly to the object; canst break those irrefragable bonds of Cupid, where with thy heart is linked to that criminal? try try thy strength, but 'twill be in vain. Ah cruel and unmerciful power of love, to cause me love that which I desire to hate, to make me still dote on a beauty defiled with pitch; and though I know that which (may be) would make others loath and an abhor, yet it is not powerful enough to remove my desires, or abate the force of my Love. Ah lovely Atalanta I must love thee as well with thy blemishes as with all thy glorious endowments. This will give her occasion to see the strength of my love, this it may be will make her hear my state, and cause that spirit to bow, which otherwise might have been too too lofty, and have scorned to stop at so low a prey. She is not the less lovely for her fault, Love hides thousands, let's find a place in ours to hid this.  
Such like complaints as these were continually emitted by me, Love and hatred wracking me miserably, sometimes I detested my love, by and by blamed myself for detesting, sometimes I thought to departed, and then again I found it impossible, for I no sooner beheld Atalanta but all my resentments ceased and I found that my chains were nothing loosened with the knowledge of her crime, her eyes still transpierced me, and my flames burnt as ardent as ever. However a week passed away in which I daily lamented my misfortune in hers, and with that excess of trouble which could not be concealed that they wondered at the interest I took in hers. She poor soul dared scarcely to behold me, so much shame was seted in her eyes, which made her with an humble dejection, project them on the earth, her countenance being clothed with so much sorrow, and her penitential tears were so many, that they were strong motives for the taking away all ill opinons of her, and to move one rather to pity and compassion, than to any upbraid, or to the increasing of her grief, which was so excessive. Ah! Sabane (would she sometimes say) canst thou now blame my tears? doth not my crime deserve greater penances? is it possible that thou dost not detest me, do not you think me worthy of death, and unworthy of your company and friendship! Oh, Gods how unjustly ye prolong my Life! no no it is just, that thereby ye prolong my misery. But may I not violate your restraining Laws, and give myself liberty by a voluntary expiration, as well as I have violated those of chastity! Speak Sabane by what death shall I redeem my honour? Alas it is now too late, I cannot break the chains of life but I must murder the innocent. In this manner she would run on, whilst my tears kept pace with her words, both in consideration of her grief and my misfortune! All the comfort I could administer was too weak to stop her complaints, or the effluence of her Crystal fountains, which with a kind of miracle carried flames in the midst of those waters? Sorrow itself giving a kind of I know not what lustre to her beauty, and her tear bedewed countenance spoke so eloquently and pathetically, that it made me (forgetting myself) to run out into such fury against our sex devowing to be revenged with my own hands on him that had caused that fair on such dolour, and had done her such despite. For that end, desiring her to let me know who it was, I beseeched her to give me leave to let him feel the fury of my so just resentment. To give satisfaction to my desires, and that I might see she would withhold nothing from me, she commanded her maid, and chiefest confident, to give me a brief relation of her fortune, who in obedience to her commands gave me the relation in these terms.  
Who would give any audition to the oaths, to the vows, and invocations of men? Who would believe them when they swear, who would pity them when they seem to groan themselves to death? And who would grant them the least favour before Hymen tie the indivissible bond of matremony? when they are so wicked, so deceitful, so instable, such egregious Impostors, delighting to deceive our weaker sex, and when they have vitiated our honours, leave us to reap the fruit of shame and ignominy.  
My Lady I confess hath exhibited the weakness of our sex, and shown how easy our natures are to be beguiled, who for wit and judgement in so tender years, for beauty in so springing a blossom, and for all the other endowments of nature is not to be paralleled in all Iberia, yet hath been beguiled by the most false and abominable among men, and hath been betrayed by the deceitfulness of Love, and the susceptibleness of her own nature into the arms of folly. But to tell you briefly how, and by whom this misfortune happened, know; My Lord Prince of the Turditanes and father to the Princess Atalanta being forced by the chances of war, and fortune to veil his Crown to that of the Romans, took up his residence in the pleasant City of Hyspalis, and under the tuition of those generous enemies lived with the same security as amongst friends. I was then given to Atalanta to be her consort and her servant, my duty and my love bound me indivisibly to her interests, and from that time she made me her Confident, and Repository of her secrets. For beauty beginning to break forth through the clouds of her infancy, and that fair and decorous bud beginning to expand itself in the blossom of riper years, perstringed the eyes of many a warlike Roman, and made them languish with desire to crop so fair a Rose. Every day added new lustre to her eyes, and every week planted fresh roses in her cheeks. Each hour brought new captived hearts enchained to render adoration at her shrine, and the Martialists, receiving the fire of their courage from that of her eyes, confessed that the power of Venus was far greater than that of Mars. Whilst thus she increased the glory of the City, by the same of her beauty, and whilst she had as many Lovers and Adorers as Spectators, Love (seeing her inexorable to all) was hatching a man to plague her for her cruelty. She was now in the prime of her beauty, her fair flower fully blown, and in its chiefest lustre, when the most perfidious vagabond Marcipsius (being expulsed Africa arrived in the Amaene City Hispalis. To see Attalanta at that time, and not to love her, was impossible. Fame made Marcipsius covet the sight of Atalanta, which intuition set that wicked one all on fire, he being the tinder of Cupid, and inflamed him with I know not what kind of lustful and furious ardency.  
I sat (said Lonoxia to Euripedes altering his tone) immovable at these words, but the immotions within exhibited themselves so perspicuously in my face, that the Confident of Atalanta might have seen them, had she not been so intentive upon her relation. I had much ado to withhold from crying out when I heard this second surcharge of my misfortunes, for I feared whither 'twould tend, but amazement, fear and trembling tied my lips, and I heard her without interruption continue her discourse thus.  
That imperious fire raging in the breast of this stranger, he sought for nothing but to allay its heat by the waters of fruition, for the gaining of which he relied more on his facundity, and outward graces of his body, than on any virtues that accompanied him. It's pity that golden boxes enchased with precious stones should be the Conservers of poison; but it is more pity that men adorned with all the outward gifts and embellishments of nature should be possessed with souls implete with Stygian vices, and obsessed with incarnate wicked Daemons. This Marcipsius soon outwent all his Corrivals, and gaining the heart of Atalanta's father with a wondrous dexterity, he admitted him to lodge in his palace when he knew he was the Nephew of King Bogadus, and using him with all the respect his birth obliged him to, he gave him convenience and opportunity (though unwillingly) to vitiate his own daughter. Never was there a more indulgent father, Atalanta being the comfort of his age, and her mother and sisters being dead, so that he gave her all the liberty she could desire, believing her discreet and wise. She began now to lose herself in Marcipsius, and abated that pudicit severity which she had shown to all others. She lent some ear to his flatteries, and without check gave him leave to court her. In a word, she began to love him, and to feel the tyranny of that cursed caitiff Cupid. The first day that she saw him ended her happiness, and began her misery. On the other side that caitiff Marcipsius played his part so cunningly, that neither Atalanta's father, nor she herself could perceive, that he loved her, or rather had a desire to abuse her. He had a peculiar way of speaking very graceful and taking, whereby he would charm ears to his discourse, with many other natural endowments (which were all obscured by his vices) he was possessed. In a short time he had wholly overcome that severe heart of Atalanta's, and subjected it under the yoke of his Tyranny, before she knew from him that he sighed only for her sake: At last believing by the affability of my Lady that his suit would not be molestious, he very secretly, but with wonderful passion, made it known, vowing (with wonderful execrations to light upon him if he broke them) to live only for her service, and to resign at her feet his life and liberty. It is more hard to dissemble our joy than any other passion, it being apt to exhibit itself with a sprightliness in our eyes; my Lady yet so much mastered herself, that although she desired nothing more, she seemed very cold to his addresses, and showed part of her natural severity, contrary to the motions of timorous Love: But yet she did not absolutely forbid him the addressing himself any more in those terms, if she had I doubt he would not have credited her tongue to run parallel with her heart. Not to exaggerate these works of repentance in sum he nothing abashed at this first redargution continued his protestations with such passion, that it was no easy matter for Atalanta to withstand the letting him know she accepted of his services, considering how she loved him. Almost a whole year expired before she let him understand that she bore him any affection, or that his services were accepted, in which time he showed the greatest passion and obsequiousness that could be imagined. At last Atalanta believing that his fidelity and his love could not have ended but with his life, gave him that happiness of knowing her mind when he least expected it, and in letting him understand that his services and devoyrs were acceptable to her when he almost despaired of it. If I should recount the oaths, the vows and the Stygian attestations that he made at that time, with the horrid and Erebous execrations he invoked if he proved perfidious, it would make you tremble to think that any man should be guilty of such perjurations and curses. For our parts we thought it impossible for him to illude the gods, or that after those vows and oaths he could violate them for fear of being punished with their thunders, so that we gave the more trust to his words, and innocent Atalanta, as it were rendered herself up to him. Who would think that wicked men should take upon them the habit of virtue, the better and more securely to act their impieties, and to attain their vicious desires? O flagitious Marcipsius, couldst not see thy happiness! was it not enough for the desire of the whole world to do thee homage, but that thou must seek to vitiate and defile so precious a soul! Oh base twy-faced Hypocrite! so to dissemble the actions of vice under those illustrious ones of virtue! Ah Madam Sabane never was there a greater dissimulator breathing, nor one who so often vowed what he never intended: I cannot make use of words too bad for so impious a wretch, the very double-faced dissembler that is, and very abstract of wickedness. We had time enough to try his virtue, and in another year which for the most part he spent in the company of Atalanta, (largely recompensing her father with many Princely gifts) he seemed to continue his love with so much ardency and obsequiousness, that it was impossible for us ever to expect the least change. My Lady, if it be not a crime to confess it, loved him entirely, and granted him all in honesty he could request, so that at last, pressed by his continual prayers, and judging him worthy of what he desired, in my presence she desponded herself to him, and promised him to confirm it by the Hymenaean pact so soon as he could dispose her father to it. He seemed to desire nothing more, and exhibited all the Symptoms of joy a man could be capable of. He a thousand times confessed his own unworthiness, and her goodness, with the great felicity and content so free a promise gave him. This nefarious man harbouring nought but desires to scelerate innocent and beguiled Atalanta, never sought to ask her of her father, but plainly seeing the love she bore him, began with wonderful adulation to gain favours from her hands, and from trifles proceeded till he had subverted the fortress of her chastity. From leaving the empresses of his lips upon her hands, he gained them off her lips, and then her bosom, till at length she had rendered herself too weak to withstand his flattering incitements. And having such opportunities his love never suspected by Atalanta's father, her love making her forget the thoughts of her honour, believing his passion, and crediting his vows, being as it were confident he would never forsake her, yielded a complacency to his passion, and lost her virginian gem between the arms of that Stuprator. Madam, my Lady strictly charged me not to extenuate her crime, but to exhibit to you the utmost of her weakness, but I hope you will consider that the great love she bore to that detestable one, confiding in his oaths and vows, with the irresistible allurements and incitments he prosecuted her with, were strong inducements to the subversion of her feminine resistance. I hope your commiseration will rimate some idoneous causation for her frailty, and saply my weakness in that particular. Nevertheless if your rigorous virtue retard the exsuscitation of your pity, to help it, consider with how many tears, with how much dolour, with how much grief, and with how much pain she hath endeavoured not to expiate, but to bewail her folly, and to have deprived the earth of that happiness of bearing one so amiable, and you'll confess that her misery hath satisfied for her fault, and that virtue when she did it was not lost but hid. But now I'll tell you this wicked Marcipsius' perfidy; When he had sufficiently abused my dear Mistress, and that he had satiated himself, and gained the end of his long suit, on a sudden he pretended letters from his father, and that there was a necessity of his returning if ever he hoped to attain the Crown he ambitioned. I imagine the consternation this put Atalanta into, were all the Muses conjoined to represent the passion she was in, and the grief she exhibited, they could not be able to express the third part of it. It is as much as I can say that she was seized with a general stupor and astonishment, insomuch that I feared I should never bring her to herself again: That scelerous wretch standing by impassable, I thought she would have died in my arms, had he not ingeminated his vows for his sudden return, at which time he would obtain her father's leave for her marriage. But her grief was so violent that these promises could hardly give any relaxation to it, a sad Omen and sure presage of his perfidiousness and her miseries. Cruel heart not to be mollified with those tears able to have penetrated the lapidian rocks! No, he with his specious pretences and fair promises did as it were force himself from between her arms, so that at last he left her but in a condition far more likely to crave a passage of the S●ygean Ferryman, then to live till he returned. He took his leave also of Atalanta's father with the same specious pretences and promises of returning, the last words that I spoke to him were to be mindful of that condition wherein he left Atalanta, and that he should not discover her dishonour by his long moration in Africa. He was very profuse of his oaths, and made no conscience to delude both gods and men by an emitting thousands that he never had intention to perform. This to be detested Marcipsius being gone, all that I was able to say or do to Atalanta was too little to give her one minutes rest, for Althaea opening her love-blinded eyes, gave her a clear view of Marcipsius' deception. Her virtuous soul returning as it we●e out of an enchantment began to detest its own act, and virtue, and honour appearing with their refulgent beams, gave her light to see her own contamination. Fear and horror, like two ●uries seizing upon her, presently fell to racking her soul, and with remorse gave her Tityan torments, so that had I not watched her narrowly, she had perpetrated a Lucretian Tragedy. I was fain to fling by my respect, and offer violence to those fair hands in wresting from them a sharp pointed bodkin wherewith she violented her breast: she had undoubtedly slain herself had not my force proved stronger than my oratory. What (said she to me whilst I strove to hinder her design against herself) will you disoblige me now in this last exigent? have I entrusted your fidelity hitherto, and will you not prove obedient and faithful to the end? Ah! let me not outlive my crime. Seest thou not that I am exposed to the shame and ignominy of the world? Let me die! ah let me die! Think not that thou canst restrain me long; neither think that thou dost me any savour; for thou dost but detain me in torment and misery.  
Ah tell my father my crime when I have expired; and beg; ah beg! in my name his pardon for contaminating his blood, but let him see that I have spirit enough to revenge it on my degenerating carcase; and that I abhor myself for it. Ah Madam (wept I forth) you shall never have cause to complain of my infidelity, but I cannot obey these too too rigorous commands. I will make satisfaction hereafter for my disobedience by my own punishment. Pardon me, pardon me, Madam, (cried I out when I endeavoured to force the weapon from her hand, seeing my words not prevalent enough) if my audacity exhibit itself in the room of my wonted respect. But she darting an angry look upon me quailed my boldness; yet seeing she persisted, I rend open my bosom, and presented her my naked breast, with a voice more vehement than ordinary. Ah cruel one (cried I out) if you are resolved to die, at least grant me the favour of not seeing it; here, here pierce this breast, the only obstacle to your design, for think not that I will permit you to offer violence to yourself whilst I live, send me first out of the world, and then follow if you are so resolved. No (replied she feebly) I'll spare thee, and lifting up her head at that instant, she sought to have plunged the bodkin into her breast, but her safety making me nimble, and despising all danger, I clapped my arm upon her breast, and received the stroke which ran a good depth therein. I took the blow very patiently; for smiling a little, Ah! I have prevented that fatal stroke, strike as many more such as you please: Whilst I spoke, the blood circulated my arm, and running down on the flore, began to make Meandres under our feet.  
Dear Atalanta beholding what she had done, had not power to pull the bodkin out of my arm, which I held extended, and looked upon it as the best act it had ever done, glorying in that badge which it had acquired (though unwittingly on her part) from the hands of my dear Lady. See now the great strength of us females, she that even had now so much heart as to have violented herself to death, lost all her strength at the sight of my blood, and at the reflection of what she had done, her face presently growing pale and her ey● stiff she sunk down on the floor, and I had much ado to regain her senses by flinging cold refrigerous water in her face. Ah (said she, deeply sighing) is this the gurdion then that I must give thee for thy fidelity, her eyes shedding the fairest of pearls, see see (continued she) to cure that which my unfortunate hand hath acted, let not this reproach me of my cruelty. No Madam (reanswered I) I will neither seek to cure it or wag from this place unless you promise me to leave off such unlawful and bloody designs against yourself. I promise it (said she) I will endure that impatible shame rather than injure thee, seeing thou wilt interest thyself in my miseries; rejoicing at these words I soon bound up the wound, and playing the part of the Chirurgeon myself, lest I should discover the cause of it, with balsams I at last effected the cure of it. In the mean time my Lady though ●he had promised me not to do any violence to herself, yet her grief and torment was so excessive that in few days it cast her into a violent , which brought her even to the portals of deaths sable City. Her father almost dead with the grief his daughter's sickness procured him sought for the skilfullest in Chiron's art to give her ease, and then he sent for this ancient Lady who brought her up from the cradle, who had been absent almost a year with some of her nieces in the further part of Spain, she always loved Atalanta as her own daughter, and my Lady loved her reciprocally, which made her very comfortable to her, nevertheless she would not consent, that I should tell her the true cause of her sickness.  
At last through the favour of the Gods in blessing the Aesculapian means she recovered, though some months were first passed over, in all which time we heard nothing from that sinful perjuror and causer of our miseries: The thought of which often afflicted poor Atalanta in so much that I feared a relapse. Her governess that good old gentlewoman wondering that her eyes were oftentimes swollen with grief and her face looking pale and wann, would often object to her, that grief was the greatest promoter of her distempers: but she could not wrest the truth from her till at last accidentally it was thus discovered, Atalanta emitting a flood of tears was entered into most sad complaints of the injury of Marcipsius, and blaming me for the retardation of her death, I feared her violences would have led her into new extravagancies. I had cast myself upon my knees to give her all the consolation I could, and with my tears and prayers sought to allay her distempers. Her nurse suddenly surprising us in this posture, and hearing some words that I speak to comfort her, would be no longer denied the knowledge of that which she was too certain afflicted Atalanta. For what reason (said she) do you thus exclude me the knowledge of your grief? why must I be ignorant of the cause of it? have you not confidence enough in me to entrust me with your secrets? am I not in the place of a mother? yea and my affections supply the place of maternal interest as well as my outward appearance. The love I bear you is able to overshadow all faults, and to administer help to your distresses by the experience of my longaevity. Atalanta could now no longer hid it from her, nor could she know how to declare it, her tears supplying the place of Speech. At last terging the fluid pearls that slid from those two Magaritiferous founts she gave me a permission to let her governess know the sad cause of her dolour. When I had performed my relation she well saw that Atalanta's condition would not admit of any chideing, but that comforts and relaxations were more convenient for her, she wisely made use, of her best oratory to comfort her, and omitted her severity, which would have augmented her dolour, and made her have sunk under the burden of it. And truly I am verily persuaded but for the continual persuasions, and comforts of that wise Lady she had not graced this place with her presence, at this time, but would have been resident in the Elysian fields. To satisfy ourselves conerning Marcipsius we sent one into Africa to know what was become of him. The messenger returned with certain intelligence that he was not returned thither and that his father had not heard of him since his departure from Africa. This was a renewing to Atalanta's sorrows so perspicuably to behold his deception and falsities.  
The fourth month was now come since the departure of unworthy Marcipsius, and the growing pledge of his perfidiousness receiving Life from the influence of genial stars, gave notice by its lively moving to Atalanta that she was likely to become the mother of some fair infant. The old lady careful of her honour and to prevent the ignominy that might accrue by the appearing tumour of her belly; obtained permission of her father to change the air for her health's sake.  
He would have accompanied her but the lady with many reasons persuaded him to the Contrary, promising in little time to bring her from her melancholy, and to restore her to her perfect health. He knowing the wisdom and discretion of her Governess, and hoping to see the clouded brows of Atalanta recleared, and to possess their former lustre, gave way to this separation and assigning this place, (which the Romans had left him with many others) for our retirement, we passed hither with these few servants, avoiding all public invisagements, awaiting the time when she shall disburden (that which she terms) her shame.  
We had been but few weeks in this place so commodious for our sequestration, and so delectable for the tired senses of Atalanta, but that her grief rather increasing than diminishing made us almost despair of her recovery. Nevertheless she was so much taken with the place that she resolved never to leave it, finding so much convenience for her melancholy. There was nothing that wit could produce or the power of Love imagine that we did not make trial of for her diversion. For my part when I heard her exclaim against herself; and with most bitter remonstrances endeavour to make herself audible; I on the contrary, and more justly, spit out the anger I had conceived against that wretch in dire execrations for his perfidy, who was the cause of all her misery. O strange power of Love! O wronged innocency! do you think she could hear the least reproach uttered against him? no alas! she had not loved him so poorly as to hate him for his baseness. She would not permit me to speak against him but even sought with many excuses to justify his breach of promise. Blame him not (would she say) let all reproaches be laid upon me, and it might in justice be so, account me as the losest wretch that lives, as the most dispicable thing that breathes, as the insulsest animal void of reason, wit, or Judgement, so to part with my honour, so to obscure my virtue. But blame not I say Marcipsius, it may be he is not living, how know we but that the seas have proved his grave? how know we but that his Ghost silently reproaches us for thus falsely accuseing him? it may be fetters detain him, and who knows but he dies a thousand times a day for fear I should reproach him for his stay? he is not returned, why then should we conceive thus ill of him? he hath not yet been in Africa, why then should we not think that either death, bonds, wounds, imprisonment, or some such accident detains him, and deprives us of the happiness of seeing him? Ah! madam (I'd answer) how good are you to this criminal, but I fear you wrong the laws of charity, I rather think that having forgotten you, or at least remembting you with derision he is endeavouring to beguile some other; and to betray some such innocent creature with his facinating looks. Let it be so then (she'd reply faintly) nevertheless speak not against him, I cannot endure it, 'cause I love him, would I had one I could entrust, I would send once more into Africa, it may be he may be returned by this. Why madam (said I) have you lost the confidence you were wont to repose in me? can you say you want a confident whilst I am with you. No dear one (said she) but thou art not fit for such a voyage, I meant one of the robuster sex, who might have sought him out where ever he is, and satisfy my doubting mind whether I have accused him wrongfully or no. My Love is not so small madam (said I) but that I could undertake a far greater voyage than this for your sake, and for your content engage myself into greater perils, say not I pray you then that you need any, since I am both willing and ready to undertake it. At last I gained her consent to let me take the voyage upon me, and investing myself with those viril garments you saw me in I crossed over to Mauritania leaving her big with the expectation of the issue of my voyage. Making a deligent perquisition I understood at Lixus that Marcipsius was with his father, and how that his youngest brother ●ad slain the day before my arrival the other named Massanissa, and that Lonoxia, being very young, who did it, was banished by his father. These things being tragical, yet not any thing concerning me I resented nothing but on Marcipsius being there. The next day I went to speak with him and gaining at length private audience I asked him if he had forget me: and when I saw he did not know me, I pulled out a letter which I had received from Atalanta and gave him. After he had read it, with passion little enough. Is it possible (said that cursed wretch) that she should complain on me? attend (said he to me) to morrow and I will return an answer to your lady's letter. My eyes at these words flamed with indignation, and my heart viseing against him, I felt great pain in striving to smother those reproaches I had prepared for him, which I did by reason that I would see the utmost of his wickedness, and that I would not exasperate him before I had received the letter from him. As little notice as he took on me he knew me well enough, for my lady had in her letter given him notice that it was I presented him with the letter, and knowing this, I was out of measure enraged, but without venting on word I returned, giving him notice I would wait on him according to his appointment. Hardly sleeping all night for the passion the carriage of that devil, (for he deserves not the title of humane) had put me in; the next day I went to inquire for him, when his servants told me that he was departed without the notice of any, presently after I had left him.  
At this news I was so disturbed that they Judged by my actions that I was distracted, I stamped, tore my hair, my face and clothes, and called him a thousand traitors. But at last I vowed ne'er to return to Atalanta till I had found this traitor out, and vented my reproaches to his face. Guided by fury and rage I left the city, being assured by divers that saw him leave it, that he was gone and with most diligent pervestigations I spent five or six weeks in vain, visiting all the chiefest places in Mauritania, and inquireing after him with unweariable pains, till at lest I heard of him in the city of Tingis. Resolving to give him no opportunity to escape I awaited a time till I spied him without the City walking under the shade of some trees not far from the palace wall of King Bogadus. After a little while I perceived him to draw a kind of tablet out of his pocket on which he busied himself with great intentiveness, so that I had the opportunity to come behind him and spied the effigies of some lady I knew not. But suddenly takeing hold on him. Traitor (said I) you shall not easily escape my reproaches now, for what reason hast thou thus abused me? He turned hastily about and perceiving it was I, I saw he was amazed, but struggling with me sought to be gone. My small strength at that time so engaged him that he could not easily disentangle himself, from my arms and legs. Stay traitor (said I) stay and hear what I have to say: then I asked him again whether he had forgot his vows and oaths, and why he had abused Atalanta: See here (answered that ungracious and boldly impudent one, holding to me the tablet which he held in his hand) the cause of my change; this beauty hath a crown to give as well as pleasure. Ah vile monster! (cried I out aloud) right African brood, doubly deceitful Marcipsius! canst thou thus impudently behold me, the witness of thy Crimes, of thy oaths, vows, imprecations? dost not remember (perjured wretch!) the execrations, vengeance, and plagues thou invoked, and wished might fall upon thee if thou brakest thy promise?  
Ah devil! are the Gods so unjust to foreslow their vengeance on thy accursed head? Villain! who shall restore Atalanta the honour thou hast robbed her of? Scelerous wretch! let the God of Hospitalty the great Jove, plague thee for the wrong thou hast done to thy entertainer! let all the Cyclopean weapons be thrown upon thy neck, let new invented torments, and everlasting plagues be sought for thee! Promethean pains are too easy for thy nefarious heart: Sysiphean labour is too gentle; Ixionian grinding not bad enough, an eternal Marsyan excoriation will hardly suffice for to reward thee for the wrong thou hast done to one who is worthy to triumph over the whole world, and now languisheth in misery through thy means, did I think it would be accepted of Atalanta I would endeavour to deprive thee of thy wretched life with these hands: but the Gods will e'er long plague thee with thy own wishes, and exterminate thy life for thy perjury. As I ended these words I perceived a back door of the palace to open, and a young lady with her attendants to come forth thereat, who it may be were excited thither by my vociferation. Marcipsius' fearing his wickedness should be discovered drew his sword and presenting it to my breast swore if I departed not immediately he would transpierce my heart. I was nothing solicitous of my life being enraged at his wickedness so that I stopped not for his threats but continued calling him, traitor, stuprator and what ever rage first exhibited. He made a thrust or two at me, although he knew I had no weapon, nor was of a sex to contend with him, but I shifted well enough; and to plague him the more I ran towards the Lady crying beware of this villain, this facinorous Marcipsius, that traitor, that violator of faith, and honesty, that corruptor and vitiator of virgins.  
The wicked Marcipsius cried out to them; have a care of that mad man, and running with his sword drawn made as if he had defended them, till they were got within the postern, when he following them left me still craving the Gods to punish him for his Scelerity. After I had wearied myself with exclaiming I returned into the city, and embarquing for Spain I at last (after some retardation by the winds) got safe to this place, where I gave my fair mistress this sad relation, which was the cause of that heavy dolour you found her in when your sympathising tears mixed with hers. Wonder no more at her excess of Laments, since you know what cause she hath to complain.  
Atalanta's confident thus ended her discourse, and casting her eye upon me to expect those words which I ought to have expressed against so egregious a perfidy; she saw that I sat like an image wherein neither life nor soul had any residence. She spoke to me, she touched me, she pulled me, but I neither heard, nor felt, for indeed grief, so much augementd by the knowledge that I must lose the sovereign of my soul, caused through my brother's wickedness, had taken away the use of all my senses, and left me altogether impassable. If before I could have loved her after her pollution, I could not think now of enjoining her, after I knew it was my own brother's defilement. Grief and amazedness held me a long time in this benummedness, which the maid seeing & fearing some sudden sickness, screemed out, being affrighted at my paleness. Atalanta came thither before I had recovered myself from that kind of Syncopy. But in coming to myself, ah cur'st traitor! sighed I out: ah inevitable ruin of my Life! Atalanta wondered at the extraordinary passion and interest I showed at the knowledge of her misfortunes, which did endear me the more unto her: But seeing me in that condition they would have conveyed me to bed, till I at last perfectly recovering myself diverted their intentions, and ashamed at the trouble I had put them to, I excused it as well as I could. Dear Sabane (said Atalanta) you are too much moved at the misfortunes of another, I cannot but wonder that your magnanimous soul bearing your own so well should be so much troubled at the audition of mine. The most saxean hearts madam (replied I) cannot but commiserate your condition, nor none that shall hear your misfortunes but will curse that perfidious Marcipsius. But that which so much amazed me was, that that wicked vitiator should be so blinded as not to see his own happiness, but should forsake a beauty to which the Gods themselves might have laid a claim; as being too good for the best of men.  
These words imbued the native vermilion of her cheeks with a deeper crimson in grain: See see continued I pointing to the wall which at that time (by reason of a damp) stood full of moist drops on his hard side the very stones send forth their sudor, and seem to generate tears out of their rocky substance, that they might make you see by their weeping they have some kind of feeling of your misfortunes, can you then wonder how I should be so much moved, when inanimates else would convince me of obdurateness. I see (replied she a little smiling) that there is no contending with one that out of all objects will raise some evincing argument. I that before was a comforter, lacked now to be comforted, I that always coveted the company of Atalanta, now oftentimes shunned it that I might secretly vent my complaints, and feed my sadness with solitary soliloquies, all things were quite altered, and I could not but be amazed as grieved at the versutous power of that mutable Goddess. They all saw my change but they could not well divine what might be the reason of't, I was now wholly eaten up with sadness, and consumed my time in trouble, in tears, and complaints, against heaven, earth, Marcipsius, and myself. In the very extreemity of my trouble I should oft cry out ah! I am constrained I am constrained to leave thee! Atalanta began to repay those comfortable speeches I was used to solace her with, and to become my physician as I had been hers, which indeed instead of comforting me increased my dolour, when I thought on my loss, for by how much the more she was good to me, and by how much the more the goodness of her nature was exhibited, by so much the more I bewailed my loss, and considered the greatness of my misfortune. This grief and trouble continuing, it at last induced me to a sickness, which perplexed every one of that small family by reason of the Love they bore me, but Atalanta principally seemed to forget her own trouble to engage herself into mine, and sought the acquireing of my health almost with the loss of her own. In this sickness I found some relaxation of my grief, and by degrees began to overcome it, and to be contented with my fortune. Not that I lost any part or jot of the love I bore Atalanta but framing myself, seeing I could no longer love her as a mistress, to love her as a sister, and to keep my love entire without desire of any other possession than I enjoyed. To comfort and please myself with this kind of Platonic love: to love only for virtues sake, to have a passion with out carnal desires I sought many arguments to maintain it to myself, that it was the best love, and seemed most Celestial. I would thus sometimes say to myself.  
What is a little moment of pleasure that I should endure thus much pain for it? For what is all this grief but because I cannot enjoy Atalanta? It is not because she loves me not, or because she despises me, but because I have lost that carnal pleasure which I had hoped to enjoy. Surely that Love cannot be good which so poorly covets for its own ends. I love her, why? because I might enjoy her. Shall I not love her ●ow I am sure I shall not enjoy her? or shall I pine myself to death for that which often times quenches the flames of love? No doubt but Marcipsius loved her before he enjoyed, but in enjoying her his love was quenched. Seeing therefore after some small pleasure the flames of Love are often extinguished, or abated, is it not better to love without ends or any other desire of enjoyment than that which is between a brother and sister; which is pure and celestial and not subject to decay? Let it be so and then there will be no obstacle for this love; no doubt but her amity if she knows me, will grant this in consideration of my love and honesty. I may enjoy all the pleasures that may be, except that which serves but to put out the fire of glowing love. Hath not my pleasure been excessive, in this small time that I have been here? and have I not thought that possession could give me no greater pleasure? This same I may still enjoy, which is purer than ordinary love, uncontaminate, full of chastity, free from vicious thoughts and desires, and kindled not by Cupid but by Jove, being a spark or scintilla of the same fire, where with he inflames our souls with love to himself, and which we exhibit in loving virtue, which is his gift: this love will not fail, this is passed the power of fortune to cross, with many such discourses as these I sought prettily to beguile myself, and at last I resolved ro love her as my sister, since I could not enjoy her as my mistress.  
In this resolution I persisted, and beguiling my grief, recovered my health: I began (and verily at last effected it) to banish not the love, but the immoderate desire I had to Atalanta. I did not present her to my imagination (as I used to do) in my arms, or in those close unseen embraces of lovers; yet did I not banish her thence but looked upon her as part of my soul and for whose content the sacrifizeing of my life was but a trifle, and (whether it was my imagination or no I will not determine) I thought I felt stronger flames and stronger love than ever, it seemed to be a far different fire, more pure, more celestial, seemed to afford more content and pleasure than the other.  
Whilst I thus pleased myself in this new kind of love and every day enjoyed the utmost of my wishes, time who had seemed to me to borrow penneous sails for his greater speed, brought forth that month wherein Atalanta expected her lying down. The time was very near that she had so long expected, and now a new grief possessed me, in that I must be forced to leave her, and new fear possessed me in that I must be forced to make myself known to her. I still boar her a passionate love and dreaded her anger as much as Jove's thunder. But there was a necessity of it, Modesty would not permit me to stay any longer to be present at an action which required only the presence of the bearing sex. I could not tell how to departed, nor to be absent at the time of her delivery without her knowing what I was, seeing this necessity I resolved at length to make myself known to her, but fear and trouble so long detered it, that Atalanta fell sick and kept her bed and looked every hour for her paritude, when I saw there was no time for any cunctation I embraced the first opportunity which was the next day after she had taken her bed, and being alone with her I sat down by her upon the bed side, but so full of fear and trembling that I was not able to unglew my lips, and my face so pale that it exhibited I was going about an action on which depended the quiet of all my remaining days. I know not any thing like to the trouble I was in at that time knowing myself guilty of deludeing that innocent. I sat a while with a wondrous emotion within me at last disturbing her repose with my ingeminated sighs, I could not refrain from shedding some love drops. Atalanta fixing her eyes upon mine, and reading the trouble in my face, what (said she) are these tears to supply the place of mine? indeed I have through excess drawn my springs dry, but it is unequal that you should so much sorrow for my crime. No Madam (said I tremblingly) it is for my own crimes that I weep, and for the trouble I have that I must leave you. I emitted these words with so languishing an air, that they pierced her gentle soul: leave me? (replied she) I hope you will not leave me in this distress: By your comforts I have been preserved and now I have most need of them do you speak of leaving me; what is the reason Sabane? alas! I am too unworthy for thy company, I am too contaminate for thy purity. At those words reaching out her hand which might have been compared with the mountain snow she locked it within mine, and with an action full of love, pressed it between hers, her eyes then showed that her springs were not utterly dry, or else that love had caused new ones. This action piercing my heart I was not able to do any thing but suspire, but at last bringing forth words and sighs together. Ah! madam (said I) the time is come that I must be forced to leave you; the Gods for these few months have made me happy by your sight and now they will make me more miserable by forcing me to leave you. There is but one thing that I can hope for, and that's your pardon without which my death is inevitable, but my crime is so great that I can expect no mercy from you, did I not know that your goodness far excels all others that live.  
I saw by her amazedness that she knew not the meaning of these aenigmas, But (proceeded I) the time is now come, according to the appointment of the Gods that my deceit must be manifested, that I must implore your goodness for my life, and pardon for my crime, or die for the expiation of my fault: behold an impostor, (flinging myself upon my knees as I spoke) that hath wronged you, that hath deluded you, say, can you find in your heart to forgive one who hath abused your goodness by an imposture? Sabane (said Atalanta much amazed) what mean you▪ can you have committed any thing against me that should deserve this? Let it be what it will I pardon it, if it be any thing that you think you have committed against me, my soul is not dearer to me than thou art, draw me out of this trouble which thou hast caused quickly, dear Sabane! I must not suffer you any longer in this error (returned I) you have been abused long enough, I am no longer Sabane but (as you may well know my deceit) I am Lonoxia brother to the wicked Marcipsius, he it is that was banished his father's palace, that accidentally was transported to Olissipo, that espied your charms at a distance walking on the river Tagus, that then  his heart and vowed it to you as his peculiar Goddess, and lastly investing himself with this habit, to enjoy that happiness without which he was no longer able to live, he invented a figment to deceive you, and all this time hath been an impostor, and now knowing through a strange providence how nearly you have been engaged to his brother, he quits all pretensions of being your servant any further than the laws of civility and duty bind. Atalanta at that instant let go my hand, and looking upon me with an eye, in which I saw at once both pity and anger, killed and revived my soul at the same time. Blushes and paleness took their turns in her cheeks, and amazed she stayed in a suspense, not knowing how to answer, which caused me to speak thus. Madam behold a criminal that implores your goodness, though I must confess my crimes of so high a nature that they are almost impardonable with the most merciful. I deserve to be hated if I had been innocent, in that I am allied so nearly to hateful Marcipsius. But ah Atalanta! forget these resentments, and let pity exuscitate your pardon, remember that you have promised of what nature soever my crimes were to grant it! remember the love you have borne Sabane, let it not be converted to hatred to Lonoxia! That is it I beg may be continued, that your opinion of my goodness may not be diminished by this knowledge. Alas to forgive my crimes and to hate me is but to kill me through grief, I will freely offer my life as an expiament for my imposture, so that after my death, you will but retain me whole in your memory without remembering my crimes. Remember that Sabane, though an impostor never did any thing that may make your virtue blush to remember it. It was love made me excurre into this crime, on that I lay all the fault, that you may be the better induced to forgive me, since yourself have been deceived by him. Love I say Love hath been of such force as to make me thus disguise myself, happy disguise, under which I have received so many favours of divine Atalanta, under which I have received that content which might have been envied by the Gods, under which I have enjoyed the sight of my titular angel. But cursed disguise! under which I have proved an Impostor to innocent Atalanta. I have loved you hoping rhat time might have made me worthy through my long services, to have attained to that which now is not lawful to think on: But by a peculiar providence of the Gods finding that my brother hath made you his, though (accursed!) he hath forsaken you, my designs which were honest, are diverted, and I forced at length after my sorrow and sickness to confess it; nevertheless, though I desire nothing at your hands, my Love is inconvertible, but it bears the same stamp that a brothers hath to a sister, or is the same that yourself (divin Atalanta!) bore to the feigned Sabane, after this free agnition let the remembrance of Sabane stir up your pity, your pity your pardon, and your pardon give life to Lonoxia, who else dies to satisfy you for his imposture. I ended with these words, and my eyes being full of tears I awaited her sentence. Remaining thus for sometime I saw that this sudden and unexpected accident had made her immovable. What madam (said I) cannot you yet determine what sentence to pass on this wretch, whether life or death? Alas! though you're lought to emit so severe a sentence from so meak a soul, I perceive you'd have the impostor die, but you're lought to pass the sentence from your mouth: you are not in a suspense whether he ought to live or no, but whether you ought to command it. Well! i'll satisfy you without bidding; the crime is too great to be pardoned, yet say (dear Atalanta)! as I have been an impostor, so ● have been obsequious, and faithful in the love I bore you, consider all the ancidents of Sabane and you will be forced to say that although Lonoxia followed the motions of his love & passion, yet he never transcured the bounds of virtue, and lastly say I was wlling (as far as able) to satisfy for all my crimes. At that instant trembling and casting my eyes about I espied a knife at the bed's feet which I suddenly snatched, and plucking open my bosom. I will, I will Madam (cried I) give you satisfaction, this shall execute your will. As I lifted up my hand to have let her seen that I regarded my life less than her love, and feared the losing of it less than the acquiring her anger, she caught hold on my arm; Sabane (said she) so I must yet call you, I cannot consent to this rigorous chastisement. I confess you have much amazed me, and I should be more difficult to believe what you tell me, did I not see the same virtue Sabane hath hitherto exhibited to remain still in Lonoxia. But I command (if my words may have any power) that you forbear to injure yourself, and give me some time to revolve this accident in my mind. Madam (said I letting go the knife which she took from me) I obey you, I have wholly devoted myself to your service, and though I may have purchased your hatred and displeasure, it shall never be acquired by my disobedience. Saying this I kissed her hand and departed.  
I betook myself to the solitary walks, and found a great relaxtion in my mind in that I had passed over that difficulty that so oppressed me, and that I perceived the Love she bore me in the feigned condition of Sabane, had taken too great an impression to be obliterated by the knowledge that I was Lonoxia. I had not walked two hours but that the confident of Atalanta came to invite me to her mistress' chamber. I followed her with perturbation enough. I there found her governess with her, to whom she had related who I was, who rising from her bed side as I came in, I know not (said she) what compellation to give you, not how to behave myself towards you, since the knowledge of your sudden Metamorphosis. We are so accustomed to Sabane, that we know not how to call you Lonoxia. But since you are no longer what we have taken you for, you must not be discontented if we are more severe, since modesty commands it. You have put Atalanta into no small passion by the knowledge of what you are, since she has shown those favours to Sabane, which shames her to think they were given to Lonoxia: And indeed it was enough justly to purchase her hatred, had not the love she bore to Sabane, made her consider the virtuous deportments of Lonoxia, and forces her not to follow the dictates of her irritated humour. I have at last pacified her, and she hath given me leave to tell you, that she will equally balance, the virtuous carriage, care, love, and troubles of Sabane against all the crimes of Lonoxia, and the Love she bore you under that name, against the hatred you might have acquired under this: So that she seals your pardon, and will not think amiss of your virtue. Ravished at these words I cast myself at her feet. Ah Madam (cried I) now I can die content! this is more than I have merited, but it pleases the goodness of Atalanta to be equally merciful with the Gods. The ancient Lady raising me from that humble posture led me to Atalanta's bed side, who blushing gave me her hand in sign of confirmation of what her Governess had said. Ah (said she sighing) have I made known my weakness to a man! strange providence! the brother of the causer of my woes. The fidelity and Loyalty of the one (said her Governess) shall repay the perfidiousness and disloyalty of the other. Who'd think nature▪ could produce two such contraries out of one Venture, the one is not so wicked, but the other is as good, the one is the abstract of Iniquity, the other of Goodness and constancy. Many such praises that lady out of the depth of her Goodness was pleased to give me. At their request I gave them the relation of my life, and how providentially I was brought to Olissippo, with the beginning of my Love. Me thought (said Atalanta) I saw the lineaments of Marcipsius' face in yours, when I first saw you, but I attributed it to the effect of a vain imaginatjoin: That treacherous one hath not alone proved perfidious to me, but a foe and traitor to you. They were pleased to Commiserate my condition, although their own were enough to employ all their thoughts. The deception of Marcipsius held us in discourse the rest of the day, at last they concluded, since the providence of the Gods was so manifestly seen in bringing me to that place, that I should take care of the Infant that should be produced into the world, and to bear it thence, lest the Crime of Atalanta should be made conspicuous to the world. Thus passed I over the difficulty that affrighted me, and after my discovery became serviceable to Atalanta.  
They thought it not convenient to discover me to the rest of the servants, and therefore I was permitted to wear the habit I had assumed and enjoy the happiness of seeing and being often with Atalanta, who many times complained that I was not Sabane, that she might express her Love with that endearednesse she had used to do: And for my part I loved her as entirely as if we had been produced out of one Venture. Five days after my discovery the hour came wherein Atalanta was to undergo the pains of childbirth, and to become the unhappy mother of some fair Infant. Whilst? with painful throws she was producing into the world the fruit of her furtive pleasures I walked in my usual places of solitude, and with continual prayers invoked Lucina to her aid. But surely some envious Juno retarded her paritus, and made her endure an Al●mae●ean travel, for before Ilithya eased her throws, by giving birth to a fair and pretty boy, she counted twice twelve hours in those bloody sweats, and was left with little hope of life. After I was made acquainted with the birth of the Infant, I departed to Olis●ippo to prepare a barque for my transportation to Lixus, where I knew I had friends enough that would keep the child secretly. I soon hired one for that purpose, and appointing the time when I would come, I returned and being admitted to see Atalanta I sound her so weak and faint, that all their endeavours could hardly keep life in her. After they had made that little one ready, and had endued it with mantels, and rich jewels suitable to its quality, they gave it to Atalanta to take her leave of it, which she did with many bitter tears, and scalding sighs. Go (said she in delivering it to me) b●be of sorrw, the Gods may give thee life to revenge the death of thy mother on thy ungrateful father. Go seek thy dessiny in this miserable world, thou art born in Sorrow, and art exposed in thy tender days to the inexorable rage of Fortune.  
May the Gods be more propitious in thy growing years, and change these thy miseries into Gladness. Though thou art the fruit of my crimes, innocent babe, yet thou art part of myself, and I cannot part with thee without bewaileing thy loss with tears that spring from the depth of the fountain of sorrow. Alas! innocent, thou must suffer for thy mother's crimes, and be exposed to miseries for to save her honour. We seeing that she would spend the remainder of her strength, in these querimonies, took the Child out of her sight, but at parting, Lonoxia (said she) 'tis to you I commmit this infant, and to your care and tuition, his life and nurture: by that love you have boar me forsake him not whilst life shall last, but in him always call to mind the distressed Atalanta. Her weakness would not permit her any more words, but tears and sighs inherited their room. Mine gave me leave at last to take my leave of her, and to assure her whilst I lived, my life should be only for the protection of the Infant. I parted but with a heaviness that presaged my ensueing miseries. Most of the servants still ignored the cause of Atalanta's sickness, so that we were fain to convey the child enclosed in a chest to Olissippo, where I embarked, and with all the speed could possible be made set our prow toward Lixus.  
A gentle gale set us off that shore on which the humorous mares conceiving with the aur●'s of the favonian wind, brought forth their short lived colts. We were come almost in sight of the desired shore when the capricious element leaving its tranquillity assaulted the sides of our vessel with its liquid billows, and the inauspicious apparition of the parted twins gave the mariners an assured sign of an ensuing storm. Presently the furious winds mustering their forces on the plains of the ocean, began to astuate the face of the waters, into living mountains, which moving with a horrible sight, threatened us with a tumulation under their liquid ruins, but our barque forcing its way to the top of those watery rocks, with the like impetuosity descended down their ●●ideing backs.  
The other Element angry that the force of the winds, nor the fury of the waters, could neither overturn, nor drown our vessel, seemed to promise our deaths by the fires that assaulted us; and day betraying us to the uncomfortable shades of night, left us no light but what the sudden flashes of the threatening lightning gave, which was accompanied with a tonitruous echo that took away the audition of those cries, our wretched copartners in these miseries made. For my part I had sorrow enough to behold into what danger fortune had cast that Infant as soon as 'twas borne, who yet without perturbation, and insensible of its own death satisfied itself with the dulcet liquor of its nurse's breasts. Our ship slead for many leagues before the fury of the winds, on those roughned plains, the strength of the mariners proving too weak to strive with the violence of that impetuous storm, they committed it to the mercy of the winds and water, and prepared themselves to receive an inevitable death. Morning appearing, but the storm not ceasing, we still road upon the dangerous waves, till at last our barque shattered with the continual batteries both of Boreas and Neptune, gave entrance to that aquatic enemy into its very bowels, and running a leak presently was filled with water. Every one sought to save himself, but there was no means to escape perishing, some cut the tackle, others the masts, others cast themselves before hand into the sea, at last the ship sank, at which so horrible and lamentable a cry, proceeded from those deplorable wretches that I thought it would have relented the Gods of their Cruelty to have saved them miraculously. The child being laid in the chest which admitted no water, was tossed upon the waves, and carried out of my sight in a moment: The desire I had to see Atalanta made me endeavour, to save my life, which I cid by gaining the mast of the Ship, on which I sat and beheld the rest perish in the sea, without being able to afford them help.  
I was driven for Some hours by the waves, which many times had almost made me forgo my hold, with their violences, and playing with my loser garment had put me to much trouble to keep steady on that dancing pole, when at last by the favour of the Gods I was espied by a vessel which yet triumphed o'er the storm, which at that time slackening its violence gave them the liberty of saving me. The vessel was bound for Spain, so that they were easily induced to land me at Olisippo for the rewards I proffered them, all the jewels and things of worth that were about me I bestowed on them. The pilot being very skilful in his art set me ashore in the Haven of Olissippo in spite of the raging waters. I presently repaired to Atalanta's Isle, and being admitted, I was made acquainted that she had not many minutes to live. The grief that then afflicted me its impossible to relate, I ran to her bed side and like one distacted asked her many foolish and impertinent questions, as why she for sake us? and why she should not endure any companies in this world? and why she would not overcome her grief and sorrow? The old lady with her chiefest maids weeping by her made a very sad and doleful spectacle, but she glad that she was departing from this world, wherein she had received so much sorrow and grief, lay smiling at the frowns of death, and embraced him with a cheerful countenance.  
Assoon as she saw me she invited me with her dying eyes to draw near; in the mean time those that stood by her bed side seeing she desired privacy withdrew a little. She first asked me concerning the child whose misfortunes I hide from her, lest the knowledge of that might have shortened those few moments she had to live. I told her that it was safely provided for, and that she should not fear but that I would employ the remainder of my days in fullfilling her desire. This is all than said she, besides what already I have told you, that you let Marcipsius know he was the cause of my death, and if he publisheth my dishonour I hope though he be your brother that you will descend me. One thing yet grieus me and that is that I must part with Sabane; her tears and weakness stopped her here; and I with the excess of passion could not answer her one word, but kneeling down I gave her an assurance by my eyes that I would effect what ever she commanded, my tears showed her with what resentment I beheld her dying, and the greatness of my grief clearly deprived me of my senses. At that time arrived Atalanta's father whom they had sent for, and coming where his daughter lay, he shown his love was excessive, for, beholding her ready to expire, he fell by her side, and had almost deceived all their hopes of ever fetching him again, but at last coming to himself he embraced the dying Atalanta, who had the content to expire in his arms. When they saw she was dead, than began a heavy ejulation, all seeking to express their passion by their several gestures and actions. The old man to●e his hair, and beard, and calling aloud on his daughter seemed as if he would have made his voice pierce to the centre of the earth, and revoked the absent spirit of his daughter, every one was copartner with him in his grief, so that 'twas difficult to know who were most interested in her death.  
A heart of slint must have melted at those lamentable mournings, and bewaising and it was not a few hours that gave them respite in their passion. I had got on the further side of her bed, and placing myself hard by her dead carcase, I fell on her pillow with the extremity of my passion, and there lay so senseless that it was hard to judge who was deadest. But after a long time my senses returning to exercise their functions, I cast my eyes obscured with tears on that face which triumphing over death carried yet weapons enough to have captivated the stoutest hearts. The conquering lilies began now to overcome the roses in her cheeks, and they as it were yielding to the hand of fate sunk their blushing heads under the snow of her cheeks, which gave a kind of a dying tincture to the white. There was nothing to be seen of death but want of heat and motion, and had you but seen her you would have said that it was the fairest of the graces, that in the kingdom of Morpheus was taking her sweeter repose. My grief permitted me not to read to myself lectures of mortality, but by stimulating considerations put me into motions of sury, Oh! how often I secretly cursed that cruel brother, how often I vowed her revenge, and how often resolved I to sarcrifice the Life of Marcipsius, on the altar of vengeance, 'twas these resolutions that kept me from following that fair one to the Elysian shades, and tied me to endure those sorrows by living, which I was necessitated to undergo since she was dead.  
But the old Lady having f●r different considerations, fearing (as 'twas supposed) the indignation of the Prince, since she was the seeming cause that his daughter was removed thither, where she died, retiring into a closet pierced her ancient breast with a poniard, and so emitted her soul to follow Atalanta's. Atalanta's maid, with some others whose others whose love to her had transported them had effected the same emission of life had they not b●en hindered by others, so that the opinion of the Indians seemed to possess them, that souls want the service of others in the other world, and that they out of a sense of love and duty would follow Atalanta to the Elysium.  
When that they had tired, but not satisfied themselves with weeping, they were said to resolve for the interment of that lovely carcase which was yet vain without its more heavenly part the soul. I will not stand to describe that funeral pomp though the stateliness and richness of it gave admiration and matter of discourse for all Spline. For the old prince having lost that rare and inestimable jewel his daughter for whom he preserved his other riches, so little regarded them, that he bestowed his whole treasure in her interment, and buried with her, a mass of Gold and precious stones. I was an assistant in these sad ceremonies, but my grief took from me all observance. The father of Atalanta being conversant with the Romans observed many of their ceremonies in the interment, and many things he had which was new and of his own institution. That lovely corpses having lain extinct seven days in which were emitted a thousand Conclamations if that could have recalled her from her eternal sleep, it was eviscerated and condited by some Roman pollinctors: And on the Acerra was offerred a continual and daily incense till the day of her exequial show. The prince sparing for no cost employed so many workmen that he had prepared all things against the time of burial to his mind, and showed the little value he set upon riches since his daughter was dead. I should darken the splendour of that pomp should I go about to tell it you, for it far surpassed both for riches and funerary heaviness, all that ever the Romans shown in their exequys. Above a thousand small vessels whose sides were of black ebon oar's, of the same, and sails and tackle of obnigerous silk with many precious stones fastened to them, which glittering seemed like so many stars in a black firmament. The night being witness of these sad ceremonies they supplied the want of Sol with I know not how many thousand tapers which so enbrightned the place that the vessels with ease saw how to place themselves in order, and the Tagus groaned under the weight of so great a multitude, and hid his head for fear of so many fires; lest they had been come to have burnt up all his waters. In the fore part of these funeral ships were placed certain men with trumpets and other instruments who sounded them with tristfull notes according to the heavy plangor and ejulation of the praeficae and funcrae that followed. six vessels richer than the former followed, three of which were filled with little youths dressed up like little Cupid's all in mourning attire, who with a Lydian strain sung the Thornodia with heavenly voices, which would have drawn tears from slinty hearts, had not the sadness of the occasion been a greater motive to a total dissolution into tears. The three other vessels was filled with the fait'st puellas that part of Spain could afford, who in their black attires dressed like Nymphs (which seemed to veil their beaties) accorded with sweet harmony their voices (which surpassed the music of the spheres) to the sad notes of divers harps, Lutes, Lyres, Citterns, and other music on which they played. In the midst of them one taller than the rest representing Melpomene sweetly and sadly Citharizeing to her voice, sung the Epicedium with accents ravishingly sweet.  
After these in order followed the other vessels filled with those that came to accompany Atalanta to her interment. At the end of which train a greater vessel than the rest shining on all parts with the splendour of rich stones encompasted about with divers vessels full of lights sadly followed the rest, in which was Atalanta's corpse, placed in a bed in fashion of a throne inestimable for the richness that adorned it. About which sat the Prince, myself, and her servants, making a concention with sighs and groans. Behind that bed in another lay the Lady, with other servants paying their last duty in tears and fighs about her. In this manner we went to Olissippo, and landing went to a temple consecrated to the Superbious Juno where in a vault arched over with marble and embosed, with precious stones she was laid with the ancient Lady, and all the riches that addorned her. After the Vale pronounced by the praefica's every one returned almost dead with sorrow and grief, for never was there seen such a general lamentation and consent in mourning before. Whilst they were returning the Cupids and Nymphs singing Elegiaic verses before them, my sorrow bursting out a fresh in thinking to have Atalanta, I got away unseen and remained behind: And getting into the vailt, I lay bewailing my destiny over Atalanta, till those that were set to close up the vault plucked me thence by violence, for my desire was to be closed up with her. But when they had closed up that sepulchre and razed a little Pyramid over it of Jasper, I caused to be engraven on the side of it these words in the Roman tongue, and burnished with Gold.  
EPITAPHIUM  
HEUDOLORY 
 ATALANTA, VIRTUS, PRAESTANTIA, GRATIA VENUST AS, PULCHRITUDO, AMABILITAS, AFFABILITAS, BONITASQUEIPS A HIC IN AETERNUM. 
 DORMET. 
 Ca Au Cae Im.   inscribed epitaph 
AFter I had given thousands of kisses upon the cold Jasper, and with my tears renewed the fading cypress branches which adorned her tomb I departed into the City, and chainging that long-kept habit, I endued those garments proper to my sex, and in a most sad and deplorable condition I ombarqued myself for Lixus. Assoon as I arrived there I met with a new and excessive accretion of sorrow. I found my father dead, not without suspicion of poison, and my mother too weak to overcome her sad resentments of my brother's wickedness, my other brother's death, my banishment, and lastly my father's murder, she gave up the ghost that day I arrived at Lixus some few days after my father. This joined to the remembrance of Atalanta had surely overcome me, but that I was obliged to perform the injunction of Atalanta, and to revenge the death of my father by emitting the blood of my brother, that wicked parricide, for without doubt he had compassed his death by poison. Fearing his malice and wickedness I kept myself unknown, and disguised saw their bodies sepulized, which was performed with great ceremony and funerary pomp by that hypocrite Marcipsius. The sight of that Traitor so irritated me that I was about to have sacrificed him on the tomb of my father, and to have immolated his blood to the Ghost of Atalanta, at the interment, but not desiring to make myself known before all those mourners with some other considerations, deterred me from putting so bloody a catastrophe to the Funeral. The next day I prepared myself to encounter him, and was resolved no longer to defer his punishment: But I understood he had anticipated my design by departing from thence towards Tingis, where he was in Love with his Cousin the princess of Bogudianae, and daughter of King Bogudus by whom he hoped to attain the crown of Tingitania. I thought his love extremely great, or his sorrow very small that the departed so suddenly after the interment however I resolved to follow him and perpetrate my design though in the arms of his beloved. With this resolution without discovering myself I left Lixus and at last arrived at Tingis. Some few days I awaited an opportunity to meet with him, which at last was given me as happily as I could wish; for walking in a little grove hard by the palace, it being almost evening, I saw him come forth of a back door of the palace garden only with one squire. He descended into the grove and musing with himself gave me liberty to come very near him before he espied me. when I was come up to him, my resentments stimulating me to a revenge, Traitor (said I laying my hand upon my sword) at this very instant thou must give satisfaction with thy blood and life for two murders committed by thee, that of thy father and that of thy wife. Marcipsius was startled at this sudden encounter, steping back and being nothing daunted drew his sword. I am lougth (replied he) to take away your life for your temerity, but you ought before you encounter any with your tongue, to observe them well with your eyes, and not let your rashness induce you into errors that would, with one less merciful than myself, before this time have cost you your life. No, Monster (replied I) am not deceived, 'tis you that are deceived in thinking so, I see you know me not, but know I know you to be the most perfidious and patricidicall Marcipsius, to be the ravisher and vitiator of divine Atalanta, who suffered the stroke of death in bringing into the world the infant formed of thy most lustful seed: it is to her Ghost that the expiation of thy life in the first place must give satisfaction, and in the next place to thy empoisoned father who through thy venefication (scelerous wretch!) hath ended his days: and this must be by the hand of Lonoxia who hath lived hitherto but to give satisfaction to their Umbrae by immolation of thy life. He was much amazed in seeing me, and seeing me ready to sacrifice his life with the sword of vengeance, he saw there was no time to delay defending himself, for I assaulted him with a free violence. His fury and despair assembled in him an unwonted force, and had I not with the like agility evaded his first thrust he had stocadoed me, and given a period to my Life and fury, our duel lasted some time, till at length he fell, having a thrust through his right arm, and another through his body, so that I thought him dead, and leaving him I departed that night in a vessel for Spain. As we were passing the narrow frete that divides Spain from Africa, we were set upon by a vessel of resolute pirates, we were but few in number to them, and they thought it a folly to gain death by a resistance, but I that sought ardently for that megre champion, since I had obeyed the commands of Atalanta, resolved to lose it desperately amongst them, and at the last extinguishing of my taper, to give the greatest blaze of my valour. Assoon as they had boarded us, I alone resisted them, and leaping amongst them, irritated them by the blows I gave them, at first thinking me mad with folly or rashness, they did not much regard me, but when that they saw how fast I felled them, they all began to dispute it with me with their swords, and to deprive me of the life I was resolved to lose, but with their deaths. In this encounter fell their captain with nine more that expired through their blood and wounds, at last everpowred I was born down, and expecting death, fortune, to spite me gave me, life. I looked for no generosity amongst those Barbarians, nor no pity from such irritated souls. But they made it appear that valour had some estimation amongst them, and that they were not altogether so Brutuall as I thought them. Taken with the small puissance that I had showed amongst them they preserved my life, and proffered me my liberty, notwithstanding the slaughter, I had made. And seeing their captain dead they all jointly prayed me to accept of their vassalage, and his place, and power. I many times denied them, and proffered to be their companion, but they told me that my valour which they so much respected deserved the preeminency and that they should account themselves happy under my protection, and that they would fear nothing under my conduct, but if I would accept of their proffers that they would swear a blind obedience to my commands, and would follow me to death itself. I pondered for some time on their words, and believing that to be the readiest way to find the death I sought, I yielded to them, and accepted of their offer. For my sake they spared the vessel they had assaulted, and carrying me to a strong fort on the side of Affirica placed between two rocks sufficient to frustrate the efforts of a strong army, where when all their piratic vessels were come in they proclaimed me with a general consent to be their captain; and with ceremonies peculiar amongst themselves crowned me with a Diadem made of cable ropes untwined in which was placed many precious stones, and swore their obedience to me, never to forsake me though in the greatest peril, never to disobey my commands, or thwart my designs, or to ransaek the prey but to stand to my division of it amongst them. By this means they ever were in obedience amongst themselves, and in their common storehouse had treasure enough to defray the charges of an army of an hundred thousand men.  
I led this piratic life about two years in which time I received a thousand proofs of the Pirate's valour and obedience, which was as perfect as the greatest monarch could receive from his meanest subjects. In it I found a life (if I may say so for the consideration of the unlawfulness of it) that was pleasant and free from the versatilousnesse of Fortune, and I seemed now as if I triumphed over the power of that deity. There was nothing the world could afford or the industry and power of men could gain, so absolute a regency had I acquired over the hearts of those that served me, that if I desired it they would sacrifice all their lives but they'd content me. All outward bliss attended me, and I wanted nothing of the pleasures and deliciousness of the greatest princes. But yet Atalanta was a spectre that always appeared before my eyes, and seemed to desire my company in the Elysium. Indeed I sought death every where, where I hoped I might find it, I led them to most apparent dangers, which yet their valour still conquered, and in the greatest atchivements came off victorious, and without murmuring at my actions, and with a desperateness of a man resolved for death I fought against all opposers, and incurred all dangers, which rashness they accounted the effects of an extreme valour, and their love made them as resolute as myself: by which means, as fortune had robbed me of my content and dispossessed me of my greatest riches, so now becoming her executioner I made others miserable by their losses who seemed to be her favourities, and enriched the coffers of my praedonians with inaestimable treasure taken on the Seas. It was now that fortune gave me a very happy encounter, and made me some amends for her former injuries, I was gliding over the Tuscan sea when I perceived one of my vessels in fight with another, I bore up to her to afford her my help and to make sure of the prey but before I came, I perceived that she was taken, and my men slain and prisoners, a thing not usual it was, to see them overcome, which made me believe I should find so stout a resistance that I should not seek any further for the death I wished for, I came up encouraging my men to revenge the death of their fellows, and falling aboard on them I expected a sufficient number of them to resist me, but I wondered to see so many slain and taken prisoners by the prodigious valour of one man. A shamed to assault him with so many, I commanded them to keep their ship, and to leave me the glory of that combat. They obeying me I entered the ship wherein Euripedes had done such wonders (for it was he) and encountering him I found that I had need of the assistance of all my men to overcome him. I sustained the sury of his arm at least an hour, but not without wounds, and undoubtedly I had fell under his strenuous arm, had not my men at that time breaking their wont obedience through the great fear they had of my life rushed all into the ship to assail him. I was extraordinarily moved at their baseness and fearing their temerity I turned about and defended my enemy. What (said I opposing them with my sword) after all your loyalty will you now give me proofs of your disobedience, I had thought you had not been capable of such baseness. I have hitherto opposed myself against a valour that is invincible, but now i'll defend my enemy rather than suffer this ignobility. These words stopped their motion and made them retire: turning about to Euripdes, Sir (said I) you shall have no odds, let's finish what you have so bravely begun. Euripeles being truly generous, replied, It is a folly to oppose you, since you have two weapons which make you invincible, valour and generosity, it is enough that you have overcome me with the first, let me not be altogether conquered in the last. I proffer you my sword and service, and give you all the signals of victory. Alas! (said I) how unjustly you attribute this to me, which I ought to have given you: But we must finish our combat, 'tis not out of hopes that I shall prove the victor, 'tis a thing I desire not, but out of a desire I have to receive the death I have so long sought by the hand of one so valorous. You shall never find it under mine (replied the generous Euripedes) I will not commit so heinous a crime as to offend my defender, but if you'll honour me with your friendship, I shall prise it above the victory; if not, yet give me leave to render you proofs of my servitude. With that he offered me the pummel of his sword: I was vexed at his refusal to fight, and stepping back I bid him stand upon his guard, and thinking to irritate him with my blows, I renewed the fight; he indeed defended himself, but would not strike to hurt me. What (said I very angry) you esteem me not worthy enough to exercise your valour upon: with this giving him a forceable blow, his guard being low, I cut his hand wrist, and as fortune would, a braslet which surrounded it. This put a period to my anger, for I no sooner saw it, but I knew it by a remarkable stone in the midst of it, to be the same that I had put about the neck of Atalanta's child. I took it up, and with an action that testified my amazedness I beheld it, and assuring myself that it was the same, I was not slack to know of him how he had acquired it. He very courteously satisfying my demand, I must live now (cried I out) since duty binds me to perform what I own to Atalanta. O gods! what ought I to expect from that infant, since ye have preserved it so miraculously: I presently craved pardon for my insolences, and it was as soon granted by generous Euripedes. I gave him a brief relation of Atalanta's misfortunes and my own, whereby he saw what interest I had in the child, and entering into a very near league of friendship, I conducted him and the fair Amenia into the Issick gulf. He gave me direction to find Marinus (which name he kept for the imposers sake) and with wonderful expression of his amity, he left me to go and redeem the child, which by a miracle, fortune once more gave me.  
I hasted back to my fortress, and from thence to the place where Euripedes had left Marinus: I found him, redeemed him, and brought him back to the fort, he was so well grown for those few years, that I should scarce have believed it to be the same child that the storm had rapt from me, had not the semblance of his mother, and these tokens which were yet preserved, that were lost with him, sufficiently testified it. It was a long time before I could get from the Pirates, so loath were they to part with me, but at last I effected it through my continual importunities and desires, and landing at Lixus with Marinus, I discovered myself to my friends, and was welcomed with as great kindness as the sense of former obligations, and a strict amiry could work in generous souls. I was forced to make myself known but to few; and those whom I knew, neither the power of gold, nor the sea of ruin, could have any power upon to induce to prodite me, for fear of the implacable h●●e and revenge of my brother; who not dying of those wounds I gave him, had been recovered, and sent out divers to murder me if I could be ●ound. In this manner I spent many years in a private life among my friends, having treasure enough to recompense their kindnesses, and to serve me (though I spent prodigally) all the rest of my my days, which the Pirates compelled me to take with me. The remembrance of Atalanta so often dejected me, that had not the care, education, and protection of her Image, put a necessity upon me of living, I believe I had not reached these days. I made it my duty and delight to give him all the education both in literature and arms that others of his rank used to learn; which he received with a nature propense to the highest attainments, and proved so good a proficient in both, that he was equally loved and admired of his ●utors.  
Whilst I spent my years in bringing up this plant, my brother Marcipsius having taken upon him the crown of Tingitana, and gaining the confirmation if it from Augustus, by his presents and bribes to his chiefest favourites, promising an annual tribute, and acknowledgement that 'twas from his donation, married his co●sen the princess of Bogudiana, and enjoyed that basely purchased crown some years in peace. Marinus now entering into his fifth lustre, I made known to him his parents which till then I had hid from him, and exhorting him to virtue and patience, and to the exercise of Heroic actions and generosity which would obliterate the blot of his mother and his own extraction, I gave him all the Instruction and admonition of a father, and by my indulgency exacted from him a filial reverence and fear. At last I desiring he should be known to his father I would not permit him to lie any longer in such obscurity, and accompanying him myself to Tingis, no● imagining the fire of malice and hatred could have been preserved alive so many years in the King my brother, I presented him to him, and discovering myself and Marinus I made known to him how he was his son. But that wicked one having laid aside all sense of nature and humanity instead of forgetting my injuries and remembering I was his brother and that his son, caused us to be imprizoned and that very closely for fear we should be known who we were, lest that the anger of his Queen for his crimes past, or the discontent of his subjects for my imprisonment might cause some disturbance to his quiet  
We endured this restraint with a virtue which we made out of necessity, near five years, when on a sudden and unexpected by us our prison doors were broke open, and we carried to the head of an army of thirty thousand men to be their guides and conductors against Marcipsius. This was occasioned through the evil reign of my brother and the discontents of his subjects, and the great a version they always had to him, so that many, and that of the chief about him, conspireing together procured, this revolt, and raised this army with great secrecy in his further provinces. They had not kept our imprisonment so close but that 'twas known to some of these, who knowing who I was designed me presently for his successor, and for their General.  
They made very large remonstrances to me of the equity of their do, the wickedness of their King, and the affection they had to have me succeed. Ambition and injury both at once solicited me, but remembering that he was my brother and King I told them, As I would not approve of the follies and weakness of their King, so I could not tell how to take arms against a brother and a Prince whom I ought to obey, I told them that the Quality of a brother prohibited me revenge, and that of a King swallowed up all Injures. And that what before I had acted against him was not for injuries done to myself, but being bound by the obligations of love, greater than those of Nature I was forced to what I did, and having sufficiently compensated for that, I could not revenge injuries done to myself. And if they could not persuade themselves but that they ought to perpetrate their designs, that at least they would not make me the executioner, but rather return me to the prison from whence they brought me if I must be necessitated to obey one. I had wholly frustrated their expectations if Marinus being more sensible of my injuries than of nature to a father so monstrous and obdurate, had not engaged himself to them, and so persuaded me at least to bear him company in the field, and see whether he could perform the practic, of the Theory his tutors had taught him. Father, said he, if the Pellaan hero (as my tutors have dictated to me) acknowledged himself more beholden and bounden to the Stagyraean Sage for his learning and precepts than to Philip his father for's life, who loved him, left him a kingdom, and means to raise him to that stupendious greatness he attained to; How much more ought I to acknowledge you, and to revenge your injuries, that have given me life by saving it, that have educated, cherished, and spent yourself upon me, on a father that begot me into miseries, that hates me, that imprizons me, that seeks my death and ruin? Let me give you this proof of my affection, and show you how sensible I am of injuries done you, and that for my sake suffer me to make my father acknowledge me for his son by force, and when it lies in our power to use mercy, I'll make him give satisfaction for injuries done to the best and chiefest of my fathers (and then we'll put on the duty of a son, and beg pardon for ourselves. Not to use any more of those arguments he used to persuade me, the Love I bore him and the discretion I perceived in those young years tied me to him inseparably and made me to accompany him in the war, which lasted long and was very Tragical. This war continued five years in which time we had many great battles, many slain, towns taken, Cities and places dismantelled, houses burnt, the country foraged, and all those sad disasters which inseparably follow a civil war. The three first years victory still attended us, and a sensible success made us doubt of nothing that might cross us. But Marcipsius having gained notable experience in the wars of Caesar kept himself so secure by the certain intelligence he had of all our counsels by his agents, so that there was nothing that we resolved on but he had notice of it before hand, and still frustrated our projects, and designs, whether it were in knowing our intended marches that he might waylay us with ambuscadoes, or our intended besiegments that he might sufficiently prepare it against us, or our sudden assaults that he might prevent us, and having money and men enough, he kept us from advancing very near Tingis. The fifth year we came to a pitched battle which proved fatal to us, all the whole strength of both sides engaged, and on the victory depended the decision of the Quarrel, and Crown. Both sides were very resolute and fought it out to the last man, at least thirty thousand fell on both sides, and the plain was like a sea of blood the contrary side proved victors, Marinus was slain covered over all with wounds, falling upon a rampart of dead bodies that he had slain. Myself killed in Marinus and having lost all the blood in my body fell amongst the dead. But being preserved against my will by those that came to gain by the dead, and cured of my wounds I left Africa, With the like sorrow that I left Spain after the death of Atatanta. I retired amongst those Pirates that I once commanded, and the love they bore me not being extinguished in that intervallation of years that I had been absent, they received me with Joy and according to my desire let me live the remainder of my days in a solitary cave (but accommodated with things convenient) which was within the rock of the fortress. After almost twenty years' solitude (time a little making me insensible of those things so long passed) I began to be more conversant amongst them and enquiring after the passages of the world I understood by them (that were ignorant of few public transactions) that Marcipsius enjoyed his fortune very little after that fatal battle, for his neighbour, King Juba a prince endued with the learning of the Grecians, and the valour of Romans in his rising fortune had swallowed him up and buried him under the ruins of his greatness, I used sometimes to take the sea in some of their vessels to recreate and relaxate my tired spirits not to despoil any of their goods as I had formerly done, and one time fortune at last to please me after these storms shipwrecked our vessel upon the coasts of Asia, but it was to give me the greater calm; for, gaining the shore, I travelled up into the country, (having some jewels and gold which I saved from the shipwreck) where I met with Euripedes travelling with a few servants, but both of us being altered by our years, we knew not each other, till in discoursing as we went together I knew him to be Euripides, and making myself known to be Lonoxia, we renewed our former amity with tears of Joy. Understanding the design he was going about, and agreeing so fit to my wishes and desires, I joined myself with him and ever since have been his companion in this beloved grot. I have given you the relation of my life with which fortune hath as often played as any, and hath made it one of the greatest examples of her mutability. I cannot but wonder what kind of deity it is, that should take so much delight in the vicissitudes of things, being a matter of impossibility for her to permit any man to enjoy a content that is permanent, nor is she to be won by sacryfices, prayers or vows.  
Lonoxia thus concluding; Argelois stayed some time reflecting on the many remarkable passages of his story: But at last taking hold of the shutting up of his narration, spoke something of that clausion. I have (said he) given good attention to your narration, wherein there are many things worthy of denotation, and wherein that Goddess you speak of hath manifested her power. But (if you please) I'll tell you the opinion of a philosopher (whose dictates I well remember since I learned them in the Academian shades) concerning this Fortune, which thought it may be different from the Common opinion, seems not to deviate from reason, nor to be dissentaneous to truth. The common sort of people are constantly ignorant of the true notion of the Gods, and meaning of those figures which they see represented to their eyes ● framed by the hands of men; and only follow the vulgar opinions, and common notions and dogmas, testifying their obedience to receive upon trust, what the priests or the wise men tell them, fitted to their Ignorance, without any Inspection into mysteries. So it is then that the Romans, and other nations, worship those Images whether of Jove, Cyllenius, Venus, Fortune, or any of the Gods as if they themselves appeared, or their divinities were comprehended within those materials, when to confute that blindesse we often see them abused by sacrilegious persons without restriction or punishment. The wise men themselves were the cause first of all of this infulse and false adoration; for they knowing how frail the comprehensions of vulgar minds were, and that they were not able to conceive beyond the power or dictates of their senses; nor comprehend a deity that is the Invisible Gubernator of all things, framed certain Images, to represent the power, and different effects of one sole powerful Numen; that by those ocular demonstrations, sitted to the abject capacities of the vulgar, they might be put in mind of a supreme, invisible, all-ruling power, lest otherwise they might fall into an Impiety to believe there was no such Power: or at least should be unmindful of it without some thing form to the sense to mind them of it, and help forward their devotion, seeing that things presented to the eye immediately stirs up our remembrance, and causes a renewing or commemoration of those things we had forgot. But of this their good intention there sprung up a great Impiety, for the vulgar placing divinity in those carved and gilded Images, adored them for that  power, and imposing certain names, and offices on them, never look beyond those wooden objects. And since for their confirmation, through the covetousness, (and to the enriching) of their priests or conservers, some wicked men adding sorcery and charms, caused certain illusive miracles to be done or shown by these Images. But this error is too inveterate to be contradicted, or spoken against; and so generally embraced, that very few of the wisest Philosophers have preserved this verity. But he that instructed me in these things (wiser than the inspired Sibyls who were instated by this power, and prophesied of some glorious star, which is about this time to appear, that shall dispel these clouds of error and impiety) hath them out of writings, that he accounts as sacred, as others the Delphic oracle, and delivered them to me as his choicest secreets, and greatest proof of his Love.  
But to this Fortune you speak of, a power or Goddess that is accounted so capricious and unstable, the Romans according to their apprehensions of her by her effects, have depicted her and placed her in the Pantheon in the form of a woman, 'cause that sex is most mutable, feigning her the daughter of the sea, to show her inconstancy; and the servant of the Gods, because they accounted all sublunary things to be at her dispose, and to be effected by her. She was placed upon a globe, to show she presided over the earth. She had Cornucopia in one hand, to show she gave plenty; in the other a wheel, to show the mutability of it, on which was the Image of Favour of a vitreous substance, apt to be broken and lost. She was also painted blind, and drawn by 4 blind horses, they accounted her so by reason of the indifferency of her actions, in sparing neither the princes nor the plebeians as Justice is, and by reason of her confused and miscellaneous actions, which seemed a Chaos in their eyes, and the productions of a blind deity. But this, (said my tutor) is but the Fantasies of those that cannot perceive the great Divinity who rules all things, and by his providence effects all this that they attribute falsely to Fortune, a blind Goddess indeed: Nor are we able to comprehend this power; for what we think disorderly and confused is most regular and agreeing, as we see in some Machine or clock whose wheels move contrary ways yet all in an exquiset harmony and order, so may the actions of this providence (which are not contingent to itself, because it knoweth and forseeth what will come to pass, and all things come to pass that he foresees, though no necessity be imposed on contingent things) seem to be confused and without order, but there is nothing effected without Harmony and Concinnity, and that happens which he judgeth best, and most convenient for his creatures, though their irregular thoughts may Judge other ways, and exclaim against a power (through a false notion) that doth nothing but what is good. For though some (being ignorant of the incomprehensible wisdom) wonder at the contrarity of things which bring about like effects, and variety of things which bring ofttimes contrary effects according to the innate disposition or order of things, or men, as we may see that riches may make this man vicious, poverty may do the like by another. Prosperity and Fortune may make some careless of a good name, and conscience. Prosperity and Fortune may make others desire to keep (and exhibit the greater) virtue. So that, that incomprehensible Gubernator that seems so instable to us, is most stable in respect of himself: And who seems blind unto us, sees perspicually, and orders all things according to the good of his Creatures, as best knowing, what is best for them; and best agreeing to their constitutions, for were there no adversity we could have no sense of pleasure in prosperity. Therefore rail no more against Fortune in adversity, for in so doing, you speak against a providence that knows what best befits you, and is most convenient for you; but learn to be content with whatsomever state or condition shall betid you, and think that to be most convenient for you. These were the words of my good Tutor (and the scholar of Cratippus) who loved me and enriched me with the fruits of his labours.  
At this instant euripides entered the room, and so diverted Lonoxia's reply, The time is insensibly elapsed (said he) since you first entered into discourse, I am come to do the same office for you Lonoxia, as you did for me yesterday in the grove. I could not satisfy the natural appetite of the body in turning over my books, neither do I believe your discourses to be more efficacious. I have been hearing (replied Lonoxia) the opinion of an Athenian philosopher concerning our religion, which if true, makes the better part, and the most knowing, of the world, fools, and Idolaters. Argelois is as much against fortune as you against Love, both blind deities and incompetable, but let's not innovate any thing here, for they are both banished our Cell. But let us go take some refection if you please for I doubt I have done Argelois great injury in detaining him so long, and you as great in robbing you of his company. Both returning his compliment in very handsome terms they followed a servant that came to give them notice that dinner attended them. After they had taken that repast wherein temperance showed something of state, Argelois of a sudden as't were coming out of a dream, and rising up from the place where he sat. Your company Friends (said he) is made up of charms, and I profess it hath wrought that miracle that could not have been effected by all the world besides, you have made me insensible, of the trouble I have put my friends in to find me, I know my absence will be insupportable to some, and their care I know hath put them to much trouble: But alas! this is not all, you have detained me from beholding those eyes that have enkindled so many flames in my heart, and made me forget, that I live not but by their gracious aspect. Give me leave generous fathers to pay what I own to my friends and myself. I promise you to visit you oft, and some other time to satisfy you in what you may desire to know of me, and shall account myself happy if I may have an occasion to employ my life in your service. Euripides smiling at his passion, well we'll detain you no longer (said he) I see you are not able to take warning by others harms, your passion is too strong to be converted, but I am so zealous that I must needs represent to you the evils of this passion, and give you some arguments for my aversion, but it shall be in the grove, where you may have the libery to leave me when you please. Well we'll hear what you have to say (replied Argelois) and I make no question but Love will inspire his champion with words to defend him. Argelois taking his leave of Lonoxia with abundance of obligatory speeches followed euripides out of the groat, and walking to the place where he first encountered Euripedes they sat down on a pleasant bank, under the covert of the thickest trees, come adversary (said Argelios' smiling) let's hear what you have to say against love. euripides after a very little pause began thus.  
I might well declaim against Love if it were for no other thing but for the evils I have acquired by it, so that I know it not altogether by opinion, but experience tells me it is evil, and all the effects of it evil. And on my side are those whom we term Philosophers and searchers out of wisdom, who knowing both the causes and the effects, have found this passion vicious and full of absurdities, and have given it most worthily the name of detestable and incipient, and those enviegled with it, fools and Madmen. I know this is too corrosive in the presence of so strong a lover, but I know your generous soul will give me leave, without adulation to speak my mind freely, and take it as the effect of my love and affection that I desire the same good to you as to myself, and that I cannot see another occupy that which is become odious to myself. And though I know that it is almost impossible by natural reason, and the exhibition of never so perspicuous truths to persuade any from his passion, especially when it hath fixed its roots in the breast, and spread itself in the branches of desires: yet I will exhibit to you the reasons I have to hate this passion, being an evil, and therefore worthy to be hated. But before I show the evil of't, I must confess that love placed in some generous souls who can command this passion, not to be evil, but then, as (I think) I told you yesterday, that it is not a passion, but some extension of the soul, which it can continue or withdraw at pleasure. But this that I speak of is evil of itself though it may be more or less perspicuable according to the generosity and baseness, the purity or impurity, of such souls that it is placed in: to show this to you, according to the weakness of my capacity, I will begin first with the cause of this passion. I omit to speak of Love in general, whether of natural, and simpathizeing Love, or Love proceeding from similitude of qualities, or manners, or of moral love general, or particular to men, or natural to children, or parents, all whose causes are indifferent, and besides that passion on which I insist, and which cannot be without diversity of sex as the other may. But the cause of this (as generally the chief cause of all love) is an attractive power, which causeth an expansion, or emotion, of the soul and spirits to an object which she thinks convenient for her, and which must be a conception of need, or want of the object. Now privation itself is evil, and love being privation and want of an object; is therefore evil; for the effect of it being desire, seeks the possession of that object, and so makes the love circular, to attract that to the soul which she seems to want; Now if we than wanted nothing we should not desire any thing, which shows we are not complete in ourselves, and desire being the exhibition of want, and the effect of love, shows that the foundation itself is evil, for that it is grounded on want. Then besides if you look upon the outward cause of attraction, whether it be beauty, or any other exterior quality of the object beloved, and the possession of it desired, (which is always suffulted with hope) the very causes themselves being vanity or not worthy objects for the soul's egression to, or operation upon, that desire, and that love cannot be good, the causes themselves being not absolutely good, but vain and transitory. But this by the way, the chief thing I proposed was to insist on the effects of this passion, which plainly exhibit the evils of it, and out of which as from the fountains head, all other evil passions have sprung. This also we may consider in relation to the body, and to the soul.  
First consider this in relation to the body, and that must be relatively, and as it is joined with other passions? whose motions cause the diversity of motions in the body. Through this the body, which is as it were the case of the soul, is imbued, through the conjunction of the soul with the body; with pain, with languishing, with restlesseness, and all the senss feel the effects of this passion upon the soul, by exposing the body to danger by wounds, by torments and oft times by death, all which happen through the exuscitation of other passions. Now the soul suffers innumerable evils for first all passions, as grief, hatred, envy, wrath, malice, revenge, disdain and divers other particular passions which spring from this love, all which falling upon the body, agitate it to diversity of motions, and without rest causes the soul to a continual solicitous care of obtaining, the object of its desires, which if once hope fail, then despair the foretunner of mischief, carries the soul into wonderful precipitancies, and if in its best estate, that hope continues, it is never without fear, jealousy, and a so●icitrous care of conserving the object of its love; so that the soul is under a continual agitation by those pa●sions that necessarily accompany love, and so cannot enjoy the rest it ought to have.  
But now to leave this kind of Philosphicall discourse, let us speak of it morally, and let us consider the evil effects it hath produced in the world: and then we will define it thus. Love is a most fatal plague, a most venomous poison, a most ardent and foolish desire, and the source and fountain of all evil. Men when once they are entered into this passion, quite lose their former natures, for this passion contaminates their rea●on, tyranizeth over their wills, makes them subject to the egregious fancies of the object they seek to acquire, it deprives them of Judgement, ●●ills them with all manner of passions, which caries them into a●l mann●● of preciptation: their minds are continually tossed to and fro on the wheel of love, being stimulated with that Oestrum, they are jacted, c●●●●ted, agitated, versated by this passion, and filled with exanimation, distinction, direption, and accompanied with cares, fears, jealousies, false, and faint comforts, disquiets, languish, long, rage and what not that is evil, and all but for the acquiring of a little vain pleasure, which vanisheth assoon as 'tis caught. And besides all these folly, lust, sin, do, turbulent motions, and precipitancies wait on lovers. And if we should go about to sum up the bad consequences and effects of this passion, with the evils it hath caused, we should find them innumerable; for what disturbances, what commotions, what hurly burlies, what distractions, what battalls, what slaughtars hath it caused? and what rapes what sins, what pollutions, what sueds, and what murders hath it committed? was it not the cause of the destruction of ancient Troy? was it not the cause of the banishing Kings out of Rome? Was it not the cause of the abolishing the Decemveris? hath it not been the cause of many murders? was it not the cause of the wicked and inhuman slaughter of Absyrtus the brother of Medea? was it not the loss of Megara when Nisus lost his fatal hair by his daughter Scylla. Alas! it would be endless to recount these things so well known, and general hated, and yet this dispicable unprofitable, and dangerous passion, cannot be shunned but embraced by those who acknowledge the evils of it, but yet wilfully maintain its interests: They cannot take example by others, nor shun the precipicies they see others fall into before their eyes, but that they also must rush into them. Neither can I see any good at all that this passion doth produce, but on the contrary those that are free from it enjoy all the quiets, felicity, ease pleasures, and freedom which the other are incapable of, and which is most miserable of all, of free men, and unconstrained, they become slaves, subjects, and bound to obey the motions of their own passion; and will of an inconsiderate mistress, who it may be is, as dispicable in the unblinded eye of another, as she is lovely in his. Nor let it serve any to excuse it by saying they are forced and cannot decusse it, for it is impossible for all men, to master this passion, if they resolve to set their wills to do it, but so long as they account it good and best for them, they are not able to overcome it, because they do not seek it truly, but cherish and obey every motion that cometh from it. But if they were once convinced of the evil of this passion and were resolved to forsake it, I make no question of the possibility of their effecting it. There may be divers ways proposed for the decussion or prevention of this evil, the chief of which as I suppose, is a constant employment of the mind, either in study, or arms, whereby it may have no time to fall into that which (as they say) is accquired by a supine and idle life, fit to entertain such a guest, and justly sent as a plague from the Gods to such a soul. Other ways may be taken, as they lie convenient to the person; but chief the diverting of the mind from thoughts which feed the fancy, and inflame the soul, and a separation from the object, with an intention of the mind on some other thing, is the way to acquire a freedom from that slavery. I have given you freely my opinion of this passion I have so well experienced, though indeed I inveigh not against it for the detriment I have received by it; but for that it seems to me evil in itself, and worthy of greater condemnation. I know (generous Argelios) that your generosity will pardon this freedom of speech, against that in which you are so interested. Argelios' seeing he had concluded, returned him an answer thus.  
I will not spoke for this passion because I am immerged in it, thereby to justify myself or oppose your gravity, but because I think it justifiable, therefore I will give you my poor conceptions of it. There is scarcely any thing here on the earth that is so pure, but that in it there may be found a commixion of dross, nothing so good, but in't there is retained some bad, and nothing so convenient, but it may have its discommodities. We must not be therefore all spiders to extract the poison and leave the virtue, by that means we shall make every thing odious and abhorrible. But we must as well denote the good as the evil, the benefit as the discomodity of this passion, and then you will see the balance prepond on my side. The last night I gave you some touches, as I was able, on the enormities of this passion, which was the only thing that was evil in it. But that I may answer so mething to what you have spoken against it (since you are pleased to let my weakness exhibit itself) I will briefly touch upon what you have said in order, and (as far as my memory will accommodate me) show that you have only considered the evils and exhorbitancies of this passion, against which all those wise men (you mention) of all ages have declamed, but the good it hath (and is able to) effect, you have omitted; it is against the irregularities that they have declared and not against the passion itself, which is neither good nor evil of itself, yet if it be as you say, it effects all evils generally, and is therefore to be condemned. But I will show that it is as capable of effecting good as evil, and if I grant that evil is most commit monly effected by, yet that is the fault of men, not of the thing. But to answer what you have said, I will presuppose that your goodness will not be offended at what I shall deliver, and that you will think it, if I err, to be the weakness of my judgement and not the desire of my will; and since truth is to be found out by opposition and discussion I hope it will be no peccation to oppose my conceptions to yours. First I must deny what you say, that this passion is evil of itself, which is the chief and main point.  
For if we conclude so, than we must grant that all the passions of the soul are evil of themselves, for they were all implanted in man at the same time, and they are simply of one nature, though different in effect; which thing cannot be consentanious with the purity, and justice of the Gods, who created every thing good, for what is evil we acquire it of ourselves or have it infused by evil genij, so that passions naturally are not evil but are made so by the use, (or rather the abuse) of them. Now if you grant as you cannot deny that the Gods created man good and pure, what you have said to prove the evilenesse of this passion is to no effect. For though this passion be conjoined with desire; which I grant is a token of need or want, yet that want is not evil of itself; for the Gods so created man, and made him not alone, and of himself able to subsist; but indigent of some things. For if man wanted nothing he were God, for not to want is to be a creator, therefore that privation you speak of is not evil, for to desire (which you call the badge of the wan●) is as natural as to eat and drink and if to want be evil, than man is wholly evil, for he is made up of indigencies and desires.  
In the next place you say that the objects of our love, and desire, are not absolutely good, so that the causes or foundations being evil or rotten, the effects or building cannot be good or found. I say as all outward objects (or any thing besides the Love and beutitude of the Gods themselves) are not absolutely good, so are they not absolutely evil, but rely on our use or abuse of them. For beauty is not evil of itself, nor any outward accomplishment, neither is it evil for us to desire it, but the excess or exorbitancy of desire may make it evil, for if we do desire that which we cannot have without detriment to another, or wrong to ourselves, or too much exceed in our desires, than it is evil. But when we bound them regularly they are not evil but may be used, but further, desire of itself is good, for the only scope of it tends to the seeking of good (as aversion the eschewing of evil) but now if our desires are illuded by our judgements, or are guided by our sense, and not truly placed by our understandings and will, than they are exorbitant and become evil, and we oftentimes desire evils, not as evils, but (being illuded in our judgements) as good, for so they are represented to our understandings and embraced by the will. But now to the effects both upon body and soul I believe that I may parallel as much good that they receive by this passion to your evil. For as Love and hatred are the Springs from whence all passions slow, and receive a mixture of, so these evils which you recount stow not solely from them, but also those passions or emotions of the soul which we call good, such then is joy, estimation, generosity, humility, magnanimity, hope, courage, boldness, pity, compassion, goodwill, gratitude, lightheartednesse and the like, all which serve as much to the comfort of soul and body, and those you mention to the discomfort. But now to follow you into your morality where you consider the evil effects proceeding from the exorbitancy, so I will only balance and exhibit the good that follows the regularity. And first I will give it a contrary definition thus, regular Love is a plant sprung from the Gods, which sharpens virtue, quickens fortitude, produceth boldness, makes smooth the rough, makes acute the understanding, and opens a passage for all virtues. Love in its regularity causes men indeed to forsake their former rough hewn natures, and to become humane, it is as pollishment to (or as a foil to set off the lustre of) stones: to such it makes them become pliant, gentle, meek, humble, endues such as enter its school with loquacity, elegant speech, quickens their obtuse understandings, makes the ignorant to become wonderful learned by infusion, fills the mouth of the rustic with compliments, causes rare and exquisite inventions, helps to wisdom, makes the soldier magnanimous, the coward valiant, the timorous fearless, furthereth great archivements, it also excites bounty, liberality, patience and fortitude: and what indeed cannot the force, virtue, and power of love do? for it oft times so transports nature that it makes her capable of effecting things that seem impossible, and puts such vigour that it will adventure on any difficulties. It despiseth all dangers, nay seeks to acquire them out of a height of generosity to free the object beloved. It overcomes death not with a foolish precipitancy, but out of a settled resolution, and joy, for the object it delighteth in. And though in the way to the end, there be many vexations and troubles yet the enjoyment is thereby made more sweet, and strengthened the more by it, and recompenses all troubles with its deliciousness. Now to what you allege concerning the effects of it in the world, how wicked and abominable they have been I will grant you that it hath effected more evil than good, but this ariseth from the evil and poisonous nature of men, and must not be laid upon the passion, and though I grant what you infer concerning its exorbitancy, you err much to think this passion effects nothing good, and though I cannot cite so many and notorious examples as you may for the other, yet I know there are those worthy of notation and recordation.  
And again as it hath been the occasion of much strife, so it hath been the cause of much concord, amity, peace and quietude. And is it not the greatest ligament in the world to concord, when it joins either sex in the bands of Hymen? unites Kings, states, Lords, and private men who are enemies and opposers of each other, and causes them to become friends and in amity? Is it not the chief effectriss of life, when it attains the object of its desire? We should never be regular in our lusts if we were not in the bonds of Love, for that hinders the fancy from flying to diversity, and causes an immoration on an object which it counts worthy of its emotions; so that it is the conserver, and not the destroyer of government and good order.  
But to conclude I say the only thing to reconcile us is to put that just difference between the passion simply, from whence all the good proceeds and the exorbitancy of it, whence all the evil proceeds. For in a pure soul it is like water in a Crystal glass, but in a polluted contaminated soul it is like clear water put into a polluted vessel, whereby it becomes naught and good for nothing. And though I have said it is a thing impossible to love without desire of attaining, and enjoying, yet in some it is made not the proposed end, and doth not altogether partake of that brutality of lust but is of a purer nature, not desiring the use of the object, but to become one with it, to be incorporated with it, and not to take any thing from it, but to immerge itself in it, and very like the true love of friendship, wherein is exercised all virtue, and where love is of a more celestial nature, though that be not without desire, of the good and of the welfare and continual presence of the object; and this love to a different sex may participate much of that of friendship, though it rarely is so perfect because we desire something to ourselves. But lastly to the close of your discourse I am not clearly of that opinion which you infer that this passion may be shunned or discussed by labour and industry, by all. I grant that we may become masters of it, and regulate it to our wills, and that time may slaken it or take it clean away in some, the mind exerciseing its functions, and in difuseing our love, on more general objects; whereby it may be recalled from intention by expansion and I believe that it may be long prevented by means, but that it may be decussed at pleasure or that we may so prepare ourselves as not to be agitated by it, I cannot grant. For it is so suddenly caused that we have not time to forearm ourselves, for sometimes an exquisite beauty, or other object wherein we are surprised with admiration, which causes desire, which accompanied with hope, gains a possession suddenly, sometimes it insensibly slides into the heart, when through long conversation with an object natures sympathising through a similitude of qualities, it is fixed in the breast, which innate Love growing to maturity, and furthered by desire is hard to shake off, and almost impossible. And as you proposed means for the shaking off, of this passion, so I say those that are imbued with it, though they may not have the power to decusse it, yet they may have this power (which the Gods in justice leaves them) not so absolutely to give over their wills to another, as to be ruled by their own passion; for we may do the same thing in error and in judgement, and it shall be evil in the one, and not in the other, though it be not evil in the act but in the manner, for if we commit any indifferent thing by the guidance of our passion only, without the examination of the understanding, and ordination of the will, it is evil: But when we do the same thing out of a clear Judgement that it ought to be so, and will it to be so, than we do it not out of passion but out of Judgement, so that the passion quickens the understanding when it gives it leave to work, and leads to precipitancy through obcaecation when it is guided by its own temerity. Therefore they must look to all exorbitant motions whatsomever, & to the regulation of their desires, and to the freedom of their will, though they have passion for their mistresses, and then their virtues will be exercised, their graces will be exhibited, and their end will be glory. Argelois thus ended and Euripides smiling; I did not believe (said he) you had been so strong in arguments for your passion, I thought you could better have deffended it with your sword then by reason, but I see there is nothing wanting to your compleatment. I will no more differ with you, and if it be possible I'll make myself believe you; however I will injure you no longer by keeping you from a happiness you so much esteem, but let me desire you to make my groat happy by your visits so long as you reside so near me, for other obligations I remit myself into the arms of your generosity. Argelois replied with his wont grace and sweetness, and promising him to visit him as often as his passion and opportunity would give leave, they parted, Euripides returning to his grot, and Argelois returning from whence he came.  
The end of the forth Book.    

ELIANA.  
BOOK the fifth.  
ARgelois having left Euripides, walked gently toward the Castle from which he came the day before, but entering into his deep muse, of that beauty which absolutely possessed his soul, and played the Sovereign Tyrant over his heart, he deviated by the side of the grove he had excited. His philosophy was too weak to make him insensible, and his passion too strong to permit him to regard any other dictates then those of Cupid. The moderation which he confessed (to Euripides) ought to be in Lovers, was not to be found in him, he knew what ought to be, but had no power to practise.  
He had this only to excuse him, that as the beauty he served was the most supereminent of all that part of the world, so his passion ought to be the strongest of all other. Had you seen him whilst in the depth of his meditations he walked by the side of the grove, with a majesty that is seen in the most accomplished princes, you would have thought him something more than mortal, and that heaven strove to show its wonders in his Countenance, and nature her's in his symmetry; It must have been a heart of stone that must have beheld him long indifferently, for the severest virtue, and most accomplished beauty, might have found somewhat in his looks that might have sattisfied them. Eliana might triumph and count herself happy that she had conquered and subjected that heart in which was nothing but virtue and generosity, and to whom many accomplished beauties (stroke by the arrows of the Cyprian archer, and tipped with the flames of his eyes) had reno'red their devotions, though he had proved to all as insensible, as he was was louly. His looks participated much of the nature of the Caelicola's, for all that beheld them said they were Angelical, in them appeared a majesty, so equally mixed with modesty, that it made a kind of an ocular harmony. His eyes black and sparkling with vivacity (unless clouded with melancholy) gave a kind of cheerfulness to the beholders, and sent sparks of divine lightning into the souls of those that conversed with him. His mouth (which when it dilated itself into smils had a peculiar grace and pleasant) was the seat of Eloquence, and the muse's chiefest grace. His complexion was more than ordinary fair for a man, yet those that saw him could not by it judge him effeminate, if they did, the world could have justified the contrary by his prodigious valour, his hair (of a brightish brown, and a great ornament to his face,) was something long, and making a kind of Meanders which cast themselves naturally into fair curls, which at that time the wanton wind playing with, as he walked, had cast backward upon his shoulders. It had been a thing wonderful, if so fair a case should not contain a rich and precious Jewel, and that nature had prepared so rair a piece to contain an ordinary soul. But so great embellishment of nature was made for a soul, which partaked wholly of the essence of the gods, and rarified from the dross of the world carried in it much divinity.  
The quickness of his wit was unexpressable, both for comprehension and invention, and briefly, there was nothing requiset or capable for a mortal man to acquire but was seated in him, and which he could use without ostentation or affectation, his soul being made of the purest substance was imbued with the heav'nlyest accomplishments. In fine he was the mirror of courtesy and the most accomplished darling of nature. This Hero vissibly accompanied with all the graces and virtues that attended him, and with a pace altogether Majestic continued his muse, till summoned by the noise of certain voices he was exuscitated out of the depth of his thoughts. Casting up his eyes which till then had been fixed on the ground, he perceived he had not taken the direct way to the Castle, but the obliqne path which he had followed had brought him to the further side of the park adjoining to the Castle, at which place was a postern, which over an arched bridge of stone gave an introition into the Vivarium. Hearing the noise to approach towards the entrance of the park he abscured himself behind the sallows that grew on the side of a little hill that circundated the park. Casting his eyes towards the postern he saw that it was the incomparable ELIANA who attended, with her maids and her old conservator the good Tribulus had left the Castle to refresh themselves with the air of the pleasant evening.  
The bright lamp of the day then declining, had painted the sky with blushing roses, and with a serenity envited them to that ambulation. Argelois was presently stricken with a chilling tremor through every part, and with a fear usual to Lovers, had no power to stir or move any part of his body at that unexpected sight. But his eyes fixed intentively on that amazing beauty they avidously devoured her perfections, being almost starved by that small absence.  
I lack the pen of Thalia, to give you here a description of that matchless Eliana. Supply my defects with your thoughts, and imagine her more Majestic than Saturnia the Queen of Heaven, more fair than the Paphian Queen, more learned than Minerva, more chaste than the Delian Goddess and of better utterance than the Graces and the Muses, and you will not surpass the height of her perfections. I'll endeavour to give you some small libament of them, though they will exceed whatsoever I am able to utter. Not to trouble you with the clothing and garnishing of her body, (which gave rather aluster to her clothes and ornaments) they were befitting the season of the spring, and answerable to the quality of a Princess. Her pace and port was full of Majesty, and her very shadow seemed to have something worthy of Courting. Had you seen her going, you might have observed the Grace's measuring forth her steps, and the germinating grass aspiering to kiss her feet, and as if it had taken life by that gentle compression, to raise its tender head with more vigour. Her stature was taller than ordinary women, her body slender an of an even make, and every part in so just a symmetry and perfect harmony, that nature seemed to excel herself, and to exhibit this piece of hers only to gain her admiration and devotion. Her hair which was bound up under a call made of silk and set with precious stones, shown its brigtnesse through the Cuts of the network, and her locks naturally curling, hung in so comely (yet careless) order, as if the Graces had bestowed that day in composing their mode. Her countenance, which at the same time carried, the Majesty of Juno, the fairness of Venus and the modesty of Diana, could not but strike with wonder and astonishment, whatsoever eyes dared to offer so great profanation as to behold so divine an object. All that was of raire and admirable esteem in the most famous beauties of the world, were at once to be found in the face of Eliana, So that there was no part thereof but shown perfections enough to ravish extraordinary Souls. But her eyes, which had enkindled thousands of flames, and where the Paphian Lad kept an arcenal of arrows, were so commanding, that they inspired unusual chastity into the souls of her adorers, and gave virtue to those shafts which he shot thence unwillingly, to cause flames of wonder and adoration. One glance of those luminaries killed all exorbitant desires and unchaste thoughts, and made her beholders think it the greatest sacrilege to have any praved thoughts of such divinity. In them shone so great severity, but yet mixed with so pleasing a grace, that it caused desire and fear at the same instant, and confounded them that were taken with their loveliness, with fear and trembling at their Majesty. There is no simile whereby we may represent her complexion, or any thing in the world comparable to it. The skies has some little semblance, when the glorious lamp of light, gives us warning of his appearance; by the crimson blushes of the ●erulous sky, almost such a rosy dye, carried Eliana on her snowy cheeks, where the blush and the snow were so equally mixed, that it gave a complexion altogether celestial and adoreable, which made hearts freze and fry in one moment. It is too common to compare her lips to coral, or call them crimson cherries, let it suffice to tell you they were the virmillion portals, within which were locked a treasure of pearls, and through which proceeded the fragrancies of the happy Arabia, and by which the graces formed words ravishingly sweet and charming; happy in their own kisses, and too divine for any others compression. All the rest of her face was a like ravishing, and you would never with draw your eyes, but for the charms of her neck and breasts; the one proud of its portage exalted itself, and was compassed about with pearls, which seemed foils, and diamonds which were umbrellas to the surpassing whiteness of her skin; the other, half covered with a carbaseous gorget, swollen yet like two small mountains of new fallen snow, in the beholding of which, a man must have lost all his senses, if he had not found fires injected invisibly, from those niveous tumours, and not lost himself absolutely, in deeper contemplations. All this is but the shadow of that soul locked up in this incomparable structure, and which had carried her through her miseries with such wonderful wisdom and deportment. Her wit was correspondent to so noble a birth, and the greatness of her soul was seen by all that conversed with her, her speeches were delivered with such aptitude, and vivacity, and with so much wit and readiness, that they carried as many charms as her beauty and subdued as many hearts as her face. Her discourses were sweetness itself, & her voice angelical, that souls even dead in miseries could not but en●iven at the tone. The virtues always in habited in her and the graces in her breast, face and tongue. In a word she was the wonder of the world, the mirror of beauty, the chosest piece Nature ever brought to light, the beloved of the Gods, and on whom they had bestowed more gifts than ever they gave Pandora, and whose peer was not to be found in the universe, to whom by right all hearts ought to bow, and acknowledge themselves her vassals eternally. This was the object on whom Argelois spent so many thoughts, and who had clearly deprived him of every thing but a will to serve her. He stod along time insensible, and as if he had been nailed to one of the fallows did nothing but follow her with his eyes, till at last a row of thick growing Cypresses enviously deprived him of his further pleasure.  
When that she was vanished from the eyes of his body, he yet held her fixed before those of his mind, but at last coming to himself, he left his station and crossing a little wood, that he might not be noted to come from the Castle, he met her at the end of the walk. Eliana was not sorry to see him, for the graces wherewith she was endued, sympathising with his virtues knew what it was to want so good company, so little time, and she must have have been altogether blind if she had not seen his noble endowments to have surpassed the greatest births of that age, and insensible, if through complacensy she had not affected his company. Argelois after congee done to his visible Goddess, had spoke, but that she thus prevented him. Sir (said she) we were fearful that you had abandoned us, or that your melancholy had carried you unto some precipice, but I see now that it was the will of the Gods, by this small absence to give us a taste of our miseries if we should lose you, and to make us the better to resent your company, whilst they give us that happiness of conserving you hear. The Prince is gone himself to seek you, but whilst he searches the words, favourable fortune makes me find you. Madam (replied Argelois) you might well think that melancholy had carried me into the most inconsiderate precipice that could be, if I had foregone wilingly so great a happiness as I receive by your sight. The Gods cannot give me a greater heaven than what I find in your presence. You may be sure that those moments I have been detained from you, seemed years in my fight, and that I had not been so song absent but for some extraordinary accident. I am very sorry (went he on) that the Prince by my absence should be engaiged to this investigation, I would (if it were lawful) accuse him of inconsiderateness for leaving a divinity to seek such an object as myself. Your virtues (replied Eliana) are to be prized more than so; all the content we are able to give you, is below their deserts. All the duty we are able to perform (returned Argelois) to that goodness wherewith you are endued, is far below what it ought to be, and I esteem those unworty to Live that acknowledge not, that the Gods gave us lives but to protect the perfect Images of themselves. Trebulus interrupting their discourse showed them the Prince Dardanus who having returned to the Castle and not finding Eliana there was come to meet them. Fonteius Argelois' squire first seeing his master, not staying for the Prince (with whom he had been to find him) ran before and falling on his knees embraced his masters, as if he had been absent many years, expressing the ardency of his affection, by the manner of his action. By that time he was got free from the embraces of his squire, he met with those of his friend, the prince, who clasping him about the middle, and pressing him on the cheek so, that it could not but give great content to those that beheld them to see the effects of that noble love of Friendship. They embraced each other as if their absence had been for years and not days, and were along time  they could express their joy by word. I may safe say that they were the mirror of friendship, and that they were another Pylades and Oristes, or as fast friends as Th●seus and Pirithous. After their embraces had given way for speech, and that Dar●anus bade expressed his civilities to Eliana, Argelois excused his absence, and craved pardon for the trouble he had put the prince to, in very handsome terms, but Dardanus forbidding those terms of subjection, and humility, which Argelois always accosted him with, desired him to tell him how he had hid himself being so near the castle, since he had searched all the woods about, and places capable for obscuration. Yesterday (said Argelois) stealing from you in the morning to give way to my muse I went some few surlon●s from the castle and entering that grove which adjoins to the spacious wood towards the west, being taken with that place, which before I had not minded, I met with a place which all the word could not have found out. He then relateing to them his adventure, gave them the knowledge of his stay, but lest he should prejudice Euripides he would not discover who or what they were. After the knowledge of this, and other ordinary discourses they returned all together to the Castle.  
The next day Eliana and Dardanus expressing their desire to see that grot which Argelois had discovered, he led them to the place, where they had a very good reception by those two generous old men. Dardanus desiring to know their fortunes, expressed as much several times, but Euripedes knowing that it was Dardanus, and believing that Argelois would not discover him, he put it off, by telling him that they were men of another country, and of a mean quality, only wearied in the wars, and troubles of the world, having a parity of fortunes, and of years, they at last after much travel found that place of solitude, which they had made fit for their habitation, and in which they resolved to spend the rest of their days. Euripedes noting the extraordinary beauty of Eliana, taking Argelois aside told him that he could not now blame him seeing that the object of his passion was so glorious, and that as great a St●ic as he was he could not behold her without admiration, Argelois smiling a little at his approbation, would have fighed out a few words but that Eliana drawing near to the place with Dardanus broke of his determination, and made him turn about to receive them. Your Grot is so pleasing (said Eliana) that were I in a condition I should prefer it before the stateliest palace of either Europe or Asia. It was never happy till now, Madam (replied the venerable Euripides) and I doubt not but it shall receive that lustre from the graces that attend you, that it shall for ever after bear the virtue of this visit. Other speeches passed between them, wherein euripides acquitted himself so well, that they had a good opinion of his virtue, and importuned him to have gone and visited their castle, but they could not draw him beyond the limits of his grove, though he partly ingaiged himself some other time to see them. Dardanus at his parting would needs force Euripedes and Lonoxia to accept of two large diamonds from his hands, though they often denied them, and told him their solitude was incomperable with riches, and that since they had left the world, they had disavoved those things: But he not being to be denied, they received them, telling him they would preserve them, as monuments of his bounty. After they had left these two generous fathers, Dardanus, Argelois, and Tribulus entering into discourse walked a little before Eliana, who with her maids purposely lingered behind till they came near to the side of the great wood which was within sight of the castle, where seeing a very pleasant place she sat down with her maids, to rest herself. Dardanus looking back and seeing the princess out of sight would have returned, but meeting one of her maids that desired them to s●ay a little in that place for her, telling them that she desired to repose her 〈◊〉 a little in that pleasant place, and that in the mean time they should ●●nd one of their attendance for her palsray, for that she had a desire to visit all those pleasant places about the castle, which yet she had not seen. They observing her commands dispatched one presently to the Castle, and sat down themselves not far from the place where the princess was. Dardanus and Tribulus being entr'd into a discourse Argelois leaning his head on his hand was also entered into the deep consideration of his fortunes, when on a sudden they heard a great screach among the maids of Eliana, which made them leave the place like lightning, especially Argelois whom passion made swifter than the wind. They had no need to inquire the cause of that affrightment, for they saw it was two Bears, who smelling them in the wood, had broke in amongst them. One of them following the seeble steps of Eliana had caught hold on her garment! just as Argelois came, his soul suffered wonderful torments through the fear that surprised him to see in what danger she was, and his face growing extremely pale would have showed his interest, if it had been a time wherein any could have noted it. Yet in his heart he was glad that fortune had made use of that occasion wherein he might engage his life for her safeguard, The danger she was in was so eminent that he had no time to draw his sword, but not regarding his life, with his open arms he slung himself between the open mouth of the Bear, and Eliana, who at the same instant fell being out of breath, and affrighted. The bear being very strong and mass took hold on Argelois, where he had like to have suffered much, having no weapon to annoy him, but wrestling with that rabid creature he overthrew him to the earth, & though the Bear all lacerated his shoulder yet he kept him down with matchless strength, till Dardanus came, who seeing the danger of his friend soon piereed the beast in many places with his sword, and freed his Argelois out of those Philosous embraces. Dardanus turning about saw the other Bear had almost seized on Celia, which made him haste to her succour, who with the help of her father Tribulus, who came to help his daughter, at last they jugulated. In the mean time Argelois getting up turned about to Eliana, who through the fear she had taken, lay all that time in a swoon, approaching her he kneeled down by her, and viewing her face he beheld nothing but the matchless lilies displaying themselves there, not losing so fair an opportunity he ravished some kisses from her hand, which transported him beyond the measure of conceit. At last the natural roses of her cheeks, returning by degrees imbued that whiteness which triumphed with a punicean colour, and coming to herself she beheld her preserver on his knees, having her hand insolded in one of his. Argelois was conscious to himself that he was too bold, which thought struck him into such a tremor, as if he had committed some grievous crime, which was taken notice of by the princess, and caused some kind of alteration in her face, which he knew not the meaning of.  
They were both mute for some time, but at last Eliana suppressing her thoughts, gave him many thanks for what he had done for her, and minding his wound which the Bear had given him, desired him to go dress it, lest it might prejudice him. He returned her thanks for the care she expressed towards him, and told her he had done nothing but what humanity bond him to, and that it did not merit the least acknowledgement from one so fair and divine. Dardanus and Tribulus with all the affrighted troo● coming in broke off their further communication, and advancing towards the castle they beheld some coming with their horses, which was welcome at that time to the weary and affrighted Eliana.  
Those messengers to gether with their horses brought them word of the arrival of the princess Panthea since their departure, this news caused joy enough in Eliana to shake off the fear which she had been put to, but whoso never had seen Argelois, might have beheld the agitations of his soul, by the changes in his face. Panthea is come to see us (said Dardanus to Argelois smiling) though we have been so ingrate as to leave her. This nipped Argelois, but the trouble he was in suffered him not to reply. Taking their horses they hasted to the Castle where they were received by the fair Panthea, who lay long ensolded in the arms of Eliana, who dearly loved her, and their faces meeting showed the lilies, and the roses kissing, for Panthea was yet very pale, since her last sickness. After these first transports she received she welcomes of her brother, but Argelois approaching her, she had like to have discovered, the trouble of her soul by that sudden blush that arose in her face, but its meeting with so much paleness, and contrary thoughts arising it died presently, and those agitations oppressing her vitals, she had fell to the ground, but that Argelois and her brother caught her as she s●●l. They presently laid her on the bed, and Eliana attributing it to her journey after being so lately ill, gave her those things that were cordial and caused them to avoid the room that she might rest herself. Argelots' and Dardanus retiring together, both troubled with divers agitations, looked on one another with eyes that injected each others thoughts without speaking. Ah! miserable (cried Argelois at last) ah! cruel fortune that hast made me unworthy those favours, that the favours of the Gods, and the goodness of men would sling upon me. How happy should I account myself if my life were this moment to be sacrificed for that beauty which accounts me ingrate.  
They spent an hour in this sadness together, interjecting sometimes such sad ejaculations, when at last there came one to Dardanus to tell him his sister had recovered that fit, but for that she was weary by reason of her journey she had betaken herself to a repose, and had sent him some letters from the King and Queen to peruse in the mean time. Dardamus withdrawing read the letters to himself, but for that he used not to keep the least thought from his dear Argelois, he gave them him to read, who sound there a new and a great addition of trouble, insomuch that letting them fall out of his hand, he fell backward on a bed by which he stood. Dardanus not imagining the true case of this sudden alteration imputed it to the trouble that formerly agitated him, and so applied his speeches to comfort him. After he had got him to himself, And is it preordained (cried he out) that I must of necessity either lose so dear a sister, or so good a friend, oh heavens let me! ah let me be substituted to die for either of them! But if I must make so cruel a choice, ah! Tyrannical heavens! rather let me preserve that love of friendship, than that natural, rather take that sister among yourselves, and in ●ue her with the nature of your deities, than deprive the earth of the perfect image of yourselves, and me of so dear a friend, Ah! cease to blaspheme! said (Argelois being exsuscitated by these speeches) miscreant that I am! let me rather die than hear you speak so unnaturally of a sister, and a beauty, that deserves to be prosered before millions such as I. They continued such like discourses a long time, but the chiefest cause of Argelois his sudden passion at that time was the contents of the King's letter, which was that he charged Dardanus to acquire the good liking of Eliana with all the speed he could, and that he had wrote to Tribulus to hasten his desires, and upon whose word he was preparing things in a readiness against the day of his Hymenaean, triumph. And how that he desired it might be hastened because he intended at the same time to crown him King of Pontus and invest him with the robe of government, that he might ease his ancient shoulders of so great a charge. These were the thunders that invisibly struck the soul of Arg●lois, and that gave him such cruel cruciations. That night was spent in most sad agitations, which were the foretuners of a wonderful melancholy, sighs pressed to be emitted, and the haste of the one impeded the passage of the other. But those, nor the pitiful complaints he made, could give any case to his troubled soul. Dardanus visited him in the morning before he left his chamber, and understanding that he had not rested well that night, he feared lest his wound might have hindered his repose, but that being looked upon, they found it almost well, and Dardanus considering that that was not the cause of those sad characters he read in his face, he found the true sympathy that is between friends. He spent more words in comforting him, than ever he did in courting Eliana, though he accounted her worthy of the Love of the greatest monarch. He found no passion for any but for the good of his friend, whom he loved far better than himself. That morning they renewed their visits to the two princesses, and Panthea having fortified herself, shown but little alteration at that time. Dardanus having drawn aside Eliana to the window, where he obeyed his father's instructions, and let her see that he was endued with all those qualities that were requisite for his birth. In the mean time Panthea glad of that occasion invited Argelois to sit down on a Holeseric couch, he could not be so uncivil as to avoid speaking with her at that time, though he trembled to be alone with her, and could have wished himself farther from her but for the attractions of Eliana. After he had obeyed her, she looked upon him a pretty while, with great confusion, at last she broke her resentment thus.  
Cruel man! (said she softly) with what heart art thou able to despise one that lies wounded at thy mercy? how canst thou triumph so insultingly over those wounds thyself hath given? Ah! inhuman that hast forced me to break those chains of pudicity that should be inseparable to our sex, and especially to those of my quality. Was not my death able to move thee? no I saw Joy seated in thy eyes when thou thought'st this wretched life would have expired! would to all the powers of heaven, I had lost these poor remains of Beauty and life together, since they have not power enough to compel so stubborn a heart to pity. Argolois not enduring to hear her go on, Madam (said he) give me leave to tell you, you wrong me, in saying I rejoiced at your sickness, or hoped for your death, the gods know how innocent I am, and what resentments I endured for your sake, I had deserved to be eternally accursed if I had not preferred your life and content before my own. But how often have I told you that the cause of my neglect of those favours you would do me? which are so far beyond the capacity I am in; that I cannot wihthout sinning against your greatness, have the least shadow of a thought of receiving them. Does your highness do justly to call me cruel and inhuman for my respect? No Madam, could I obey you without dishonouring you, by so abject a creature as myself, it should be seen how unwilling I should be to lose the crown of so great happiness. I know madam that the prince Arizobanes, who adores you to be so far before me in desert and able to give you that crown which he hopes once to possess, that I should deserve the worst of torments, if I should deprive him of his hopes, and you of a happiness I am no ways able to give you, by obeying you in yielding to amatch so inequal. These are the ordinary caprichioes of a goddesle that torments chiefly the estates of princes (replied the fair Pannthea) burr your excuses cannot hinder you justly from my accusations, you're to cruel to take any pity on a wretch that is forced by a power  to beg it of you. No I look upon your excuses as feigned, and as invented to deprive me of all hopes of obtaining him that I most Love whilst I live. Ah Gods would you had made me less noble, or this cruel inhuman more pitiful. Madam (said Argelois extremely troubled at her words) I truly honour you, and I should account it the greatest happiness the Gods could send me, if they gave me but an occasion wherein I might show you how little I esteem this Life when it might be employed in your service. Dardanus casting his eye aside saw by his friends looks he desired to be eased of that pain he was in, which made him return with Eliana to the couch, and placing themselves by them passed away the morning in divers discourses.  
That strange fire of Love burnt so inly the heart of Argelois, that at last its hidden flames began to appear in the pale ashes of his face, and to discover to others the torments he suffered so secretly. He never beheld that bright Sun, but that his heart breathed forth scorching sighs enkindled by its beams, and endured perpetually a torment unexpressable, when he fancied her conjoined to his friend Dardanus. He in the mean time not imagining the true grief of his friend; hide nothing of his proceedings from him, but told him the progress of his suit, and how reserved he found Eliana.  
But one day above the rest finding forth his Argelois; I am come (said he) to tell you that Tribulus hath promised within a short time to accomplishmy ●esires, he saith that the princess looks upon me worthy of the blessing of herself, but she is extremely avers to marriage. However it will not belong my dear Argelois that we shall stay in this melancholy castle, we will remove to the Court that we may have devertizements for you: For I intent our Hymenaean triumph shall be glorious, which cannot be except you discuss this sadness. This was but small comfort to Argelois, who found cruciations in every word, yet endured the torments because they came from his friend. I know none (said he sighing) that is worthy of the fair and virtues Eliana, but yourself, and I admire that she can be insensible of all those charms which accompany you, and which are enough to allure (the whole world to your obedience. Modesty must be found in maidens, and it is out of a pudicity, and desire of being courted, that makes her seem so negligent of that which she most desires. you are a good Interpreter of her thoughts (replied Dardanus smiling) but shall I believe the like by you, and take your words to be contrary to your desires, if so, my sister were happy after all her torments. My Lord said Argelois, I cannot hear those terms, said Dardanus, it is contrary to the law of our contracted friendship, you put me in mind of them when you speak of the princess Panthea, (replied Argelois) or else the transports of that Love you honour me with, would make you utterly forget what I am, and make myself unmindful of my own condition. Love (replied Dardanus) is not to be limited to laws, it respects persons more than conditions, you cannot but be assured that her Love is entire, and you know that her pudicity would not have let her discovered the torments of a small flames they are unuterable and unexpressable, were you sensible of the Cyprian torment your self, you would at least pity another. Argelois could not refrain from ingemminated sighs at those words, but fearing he might discover himself by their continuation. I am not (said he) so insensible of the princess's trouble, and of that trouble which you impute to me the cause, but that I have wished myself a thousand times of a birth sufficient to satisfy her desires, and it is only for her sake that I deny myself so great a happiness, it may be others would not be of my mind but I cannot do so great an injury to a princess and the sister of Diadanus as to compare my baseness, to her greatness. This might and should have been remedied at the first (if I am the cause) by my abscession, but your commands made me stay to her detriment, you know that this removal was chief for that end, that she might forget that sight that was so fatal to her, and now she is come hither you are the only solicitor of her suit. Alas! give leave that I may either die or departed, rather than be the tormenter of so good and fair a soul or yield to that conjunction which would be contrary to the will of the King and disgraceful to the princess and yourself. I'll speak no more of it dear Argelois (said Dardanus) since it is so contrary to you, yet give me leave to admire the greatness of that soul that can deny a happiness with so much generosity. Such like discourses had these two perfect friends when occasion gave leave. Panthea in the mean time suffered all those torments incedent to despareing lovers, which were the more augmented by that engagement that lay upon her to hid her from the eyes of Eliana, and by suppressing those ordinary allevaments of a love sick heart, lest her abundance should discover her weakness. All the comfort that she had was but to increase her ardences with beholding that face which was the cause of her miseries, which daily grew pale under the smoke of its own fires.  
Love had made a kind of contrary mixture, in these souls, and bestowed shafts of a contrary operation, in their vulneration. Panthea sought all occasions of acosting Argelois, and he all means to avoid her speeches, which he effected so cunningly that she could never have the liberty she desired. The complaints she made to her brother were very bitter and deplorable but the love of friendship was too strong to be shaken by that of affection, so that she gained little comfort from either, which when she saw she was feign to continue the martyr of Love, and silently endure those torments, which had almost finished the life of that fair and lovely creature, the lustre of whose beauty came little behind that of the incomparable Eliana. Argelois not only avoided! with all diligence, the company of the princess Panthea, but even that of Dardanus began to be disgraceful to him, which made him seek out new places of retirement in the woods where he often made deplorable speeches amongst the Dryads, and thought to quench the fire in his heart by the waters of his eyes, some few weeks passed over, in which time, the excess of torment, he continually, without any intermission endured, had so dejected him that he was hardly to be known. That fair face in which majesty and loveliness, strove for Mastership, was become wholly the seat of paleness. Those eyes who vivacitly enkindled ardours in the hearts of beholders, seemed to have left all their fires, and were become dead and without motion. He seemed to be but the shadow of what he had been, or as if sickness had enchained him to his bed many months. There is nothing can alter the body like the extreme passions of the soul, and their is no passion so terrible, as that of love, and almost impossible it is, not to discover it in the face, for by how much the more secretly it burns, by so much the more furiously it flames. These fires had so long inusted the heart of this noble Hero, and so secretly that now he began to sink under its power, and to yield his life to despair. Panthea whose love interested her in his looks, found there also augmentations of her troubles, but all that paleness, could not hid from her eyes that loveliness which was wont to exhibit itself, she at least fancied she saw it through the clouds, the eyes of love being more piercing than any others or else she fed her fires with those ashes that she saw strewed on the face of Argelois. She daily solicited her brother to his comfort, who accused her for being the cause of his miseries. 'Tis nothing but because of your passion (said Dardanus) he is so sensible of your trouble (but being too generous, he thinks he cannot satisfy you without debaseing you below that quality, which you were born to) that he does penance for the injury of his looks; do you leave to love him, and he will leave these sadnesses. Ah! cruel fair (cried Panthea) cannot you be only insensibly but envious too? is your disdain so of great, that you will force me not to love by such severe means? Tell him ah! tell him, that he shall have the comfort to see me die, to rid him of that trouble to which his disdain praecipitates him. Let him no more trouble himself Panthea will triumph over all her misfortunes, and with a second thrill free that heart love hath already pierced. Dardanus much troubled at his sisters transport, It is his pity (said he) that afflicts him, his heart is not capable of that evil you accuse him of. Torment not yourself except you desire to drive him to a further despair. Panthea at leisure thought on these words, and when she was by herself; can I believe this! (said she) ah! false brother to inject it! alas! can Argelois be so pitiful and cruel in one instant? Can contraries mix in one body? Ah! how happy should I be if this were true! if that insensible one should leave to be impassable, and should alitle resent my miseries and pity my afflictions, though he never intends to fulfil my desires. Ah! strange generosity that can withhold one from enjoying a happiness desired, ah! vain thought, foolish Panthea canst thou believe it? no, no, 'tis too fond and foolish a vanity to think it.  
These thoughts agitated this fair soul some time, and made her in a silent kind of stupor walk a great while about her chamber. At last as it were awakeing out of a dream wherein some strange thing had betided, she stopped with a sudden scriech ah! straying injection cried she out, and then stopped. Some moments after. Ah! blind eyes (cried she) ah! foolish and insulse Panthea, where hath been thy senses? Where hath been thy wits? how was it possible, that thou couldst be so foolishly blind all this time? dost thou doubt it? no no call to thy remembrance all his actions passed, and you will see it as clear as the day. Doubt no longer, 'tis Eliana that he sighs for, 'tis she that hath brought him to this pass. Thy beauty is not so despicable but he would have accounted himself happy to enjoy what thou proferest, without those vain considerations, were not his heart already conjoined to Eliana. Ah! cruel Eliana to rob me of a heart that thou hast no passion for, and which thou art not like to enjoy. What say I? alas! can she behold that fair one, that wonder of nature? that mirror of men? and not behold him with passion, doubt it not, though she hath that power to conceal it. Well, heaven hath so ordained it, thou must die, and Eliana must enjoy that, thou art not accounted worthy of.  
These thoughts extremely added to her torments, and cast her into utter despair, for whilst she thought him free, she had some hopes to have mollified his obdurate heart, but these thoughts lost all her hopes. She confirmed herself in her opinion by denoteing the actions of Argelois. Jealousy opened her eyes and made her see what she had taken no notice of before, she observed his looks, his carriage, and his speeches before Eliana, she took notice of his sighs, and by all gestures, words, and signs, she gathered something to confirm her opinion, and admired with herself that she had been so blind so long. The next time she was alone with Dardanus as she was walking, she suddenly stopped, and speaking to him, Brother (said she) you accused me for causing the trouble of Argelois, but I tell you, his life lies in your power, and none besides yourself can recover him. Dardanus wondering at his sister's speeches replied. If it lies in my power this shall be the last moment of his trouble, were it with the parting of my Life. It may be (said Panthea) it may be something dearer than your life. Pray (said Dardanus) hold me no longer from the knowledge of that thing that may give ease to the better part of my life. Brother (replied that afflicted one) I have hitherto hide nothing from you, I have communicated to you all the thoughts of my heart, as you may well judge in that I have not hid my insulsities, nor been ashamed to confess to you my Love, yet I am afraid to tell you this, left you will not be so generous as you think you can be. Fear not (said Dardanus) but my love to Argelois will carry me to impossibilities, why then (said Panthea) Argelois is in Love with Eliana. 'Tis for her he daily sighs, 'tis she that hath made him lose those formosities that were so exceeding in him, 'tis she alone that hath consumed him, and that hath brought him to the sadness that you see. Dardanus was startled at these words, and standing still he exlubited by his looks he made some difficulty to believe them. You hardly can credit what I say (went on Panthea) truly I would not believe my own thoughts till I had satisfied myself by observing what I never denoted before, 'tis too true, and by that time you have considered his looks, and marked his actions, you will say as I do. 'Tis very strange what you tell me (said Dardanus) but I must satisfy myself with those observations you speak of, before I can force myself to believe it. Dardanus in few days satisfied himself, and though none in the world could be mo●e cautious in that secret of Love than he, yet Dardanus gathered enough by the sighs that escaped him unawars, and that forced their way through the impetuosity of his passion, and by those pity-praying looks that he cast at Eliana. But for that he hoped to draw it from his own mouth, the next time he was alone with Argelois he begun thus. Dear Argelois I must accuse thee for breaking those links of amity by which we are conjoined, and by which of two we are become one: This is contrary to the nature of union for you to smother those thoughts in your own breast, which by the right of friendship I may claim interest in. None can be so blind as not to see the trouble of your soul by the delineated sadness in your face, and none can be so ignorant as to think that sadness to proceed from no cause. Hid not from me my dear friend that which is able to give you such cruciations, let it be what it will be the Love I bear you will carry me to do those things that you may account impossibilities, my life is the least thing that I esteem, so it may free you from this sadness. Leave these impieties against yourself (said Argelois) I am too much honoured by the least notice you are pleased to take of me. Indeed the excess of Love you have shown me, hath made me forget my own condition, and sure you forget what I am when you speak so lavishly. Cease dear Argelois (said Dardanus) I have often told thee that 'tis thy virtue that has conjoined me to thee, and thou art not to dispute that now, since thou hast granted me that entire and indissoluable Love which is compacted between us. Now it is that you begin to rebel, and to break those reciprocal Laws of friendship made between us, by withdrawing the knowledge of those things that causes these sad and pitiful looks. Do not think I will be put off for I cannot live and see you so grieved: certainly you know not my affection that you dare not trust me. I have not the least suspicion of your love and constancy (replied Argelois) it is far beyond what ever I have or can deserve, though my life were to continue in your service to the end of the world. Had I any thoughts worthy your knowledge they should not be hid from you, but this sadness that hath lately exhibited itself in my face is a kind of a strange humour which hath stolen upon me by degrees, and will suddenly vanish. Every thing must have its period, and I am conscious to myself this is almost at an end. That is it I fear (said Dardanus embracing him very passionately) thy life and it will end together, well I must and will remedy it and you shall see that I will think nothing to dear to give content to Argelois.  
Dardanus with these words lest him, but essayed at many other times to gain the knowledge he desired, which was assoon to be done as to gain water out of a slint, for Argelois determined to end his life and make that known together. He tried all ways to gain that from him which he kept so secretly, but he could never extract it out of him, which made him give over at last to solicit him, and to gain the knowledge of it some other way. In the mean time what ever ' ere the thoughts of the fair Eliana were, she did not much denote those wan looks of Argelois, but when that she beheld that they exhibited the danger o● his loss, as insensible as she appeared to be, she at last let him know that she pitied him those sadnesses. As they were walking together one day Eliana observing very narrowly those shadows of former beauty in his face was moved with a great deal of pity towards him. He answered to most of her discourses so broakenly and confusedly that she saw the agitations of his mind not only to alter the form of his body, but also to disturb his intellectuals.  
I wonder (said Eliana) at this great alteration in you, surely it cannot be the effect of a small trouble that can have such dominion over your body and mind, as to alter the one and disturb the other. Argelois startled at these words, seeing she took notice of his agitations. Madam (said he) such is the effect of Melancholy that it gives to them that discourse with such persons matter enough to exercise their patience to hear their tautolig●s, and for their goodness to pardon their insulsities. This is not (replied she) the effects of melancholy as it is naturally a passion, without some extraordinary cause; for it is contrary to your constitution, 'tis some strong passion which you smother with so much art to your own detriment. These words razed him quite out of his stupidity, and as if he had received some quickening from that angelical voice his cheeks endued a faint blush. It is impossible to let you know the palpitations of his heart at that time but, Madam (said he trembling) I know not what it is you call passion, but I rather think 'tis some growing disease not ordinarily known, for (if I dare say so) I find in the midst of these sadnesses a strange kind of pleasure, which yet is afflictive, and yet desired. So that I cherish, my disease and wish for no remedy, for what appears so grievous in the eyes of others. 'Tis very strange (replied Eliana) that you should Love that which is your torment. 'Tis the part of a resigned soul (answered Argelois) to be content with what the Gods shall send, if their hand hath afflicted me with this strange sickness I ought to accept of it as their gift, knowing it proceeds from the powerful hand of an uncontrouling deity. The Gods seem unjust (replied Eliana) to punish so severely the virtuous, and to let the most vicious go untouched. We are not (said Argelois) to prescribe a way to heaven or to tell him who they are that ought to be punished, for we are not able to pierce into the sins of men, which are perceivable only to the penetrating eyes of Heaven. He that seems most holy in the eyes of men, may be most vicious in those of Heaven. You know not (Madam!) what I have deserved; Truly my aspiring mind in that it hath given me audaciry above those of my quality to so glorious a converse with yourself hath deserved these thunders of dejection. Virtue cannot sore to high (returned Eliana) and it is but a vanity that possesses the great ones of the world to consider great births more than virtue, for true honour proceads from virtue and is regulated by it, therefore the Gods cannot do so great injustice as to punish you for making others happy by your company, I rather think it is the meanness of our deserts that make the Gods to interrupt the felicities we received by your conversation. Men cannot be more pitiful than the Gods, and I pity your dejection with all my heart.  
That is enough (said Argelois) to make me happy and to establish me in my pristine condition, for your pity is restorative. Dardanus coming to them put an end to their discourse, but Argelois finding the virtue of her speeches to operat much upon his soul, and to relax the continual agitations of his thoughts, he often engaged into the like discourse, but with a great diligence lest he might discover the cause of his sadness and Melancholy.  
Whilst he enjoyed that happiness of conversing with Eliana, her words still proved a Nepenthe to his soul, and gave some relaxation to that sadness that perpetually afflicted him: But it lasted so short a time, that 'twas scarce perceivable, and no sooner had he left that Sun, but his heart was contracted by the cruel frost of despair, which ushered in those kill thoughts that were most commonly his Companions, and which very often had like to have precipitated him to death. Dardanus seeing he strove in vain to persuade him out of that mestitude, or to gain the knowledge of it from him, resolved to satisfy his desire (being his intent was only for the good of his friend) by a secret auscultation of his miseries. He often perceived that he stole out to secret places of the woods, where he believed he played the usual part of afflicted people, who not having to whom they may commit their secrets, blab them to the senseless trees or dumb animals, whereby they find some ease, but no remedy for their complaints. Dardanus watched him one day, and following him unseen to the wood, crope near to the place where he lay, amongst the thickest of the bows which intexed their levy arms in one another, and sheltered him from his sight sufficiently. It was a long time before a world of ingeminated suspirations would give him leave to speak, but at last casting his eyes up to heaven, having laid himself upon an obliqne bank, he began to disburden those oppressing thoughts by most pitiful complaints. O Heaven! (said He with a pitiful tone) will you force me to be my own executioner? Will you not yet give leave to Atropos to conclude my destiny and free me from misery? It is an act of your mercy to take away a life so unsupportable. I beg not to be eased of my grief any other ways than by death, since it cannot be but by wronging the best of friends. But what say I? Do I ask for that death as will be so prejudicial to Dardanus since he loves me? No let me live only for his sake! O Gods ye are just! and 'tis sit that I endure these torments for the crimes I commit. Ah! dear Dardanus! Can you? ah! can you forgive me the crimes that I daily commit against you, in loving that beauty which is ordained by heaven for you, and which is too divine for any other mortal than yourself? Yes Dardanus that shall be the last thing I will request when I leave this Love consumed carcase, and I doubt not but thy goodness will forgive thy Argelois a crime which is forced upon him by the uncontrouling power of love; who though he hath made me to love Eliana, shall never cause me to injure thee by a thought of obtaining her, were my birth answerable to her greatness. No Dardanus, dear Dardanus, I hold that tye of friendship too dear to be broken for all the content of the whole world. My life shall be sacrificed to maintain it, and it shall be kept inviolable though for it I expire. After some time of silence breaking forth with another tone. Ah damnable thoughts (cried he) what evil Daemon is this that gives these injections that tells me, Love considers no friendship; that for the consideration of Love we may lawfully break that tye: That Rivals in love are unsupportable though friends or brothers: That I ought to account him my enemy that is so to my desires and content: That I ought to afflict myself when I may take the obstacle out of the way by a noble Combat which will be allowable in a rival. O wicked, cruel and deadly susurrations! avoid all evil thoughts, and know that 'tis myself, that is rival to myself. It is Dardanus, it is no other that is my rival; were it any besides him, he could not have lived so long to my torment, though I had reaped nothing by his death; Love must be satisfied, and Rivals must share the prize by their deaths. But 'tis Dardanus to whom I owe more lives than one, and 'tis a great comfort to me (ah my dear Dardanus▪) that! 'tis for thy sake I endure this torment. Yea were it far greater (which is impossible) it should not be murmured at by Argelois, but borne with patience as the most glorious trial of my ftiendship. After some little time of pausing and sighing. Ah! more pleasing thoughts (said he) but yet unjust and unrighteous, and that do not throughly consider the nature of friendship. You'd have me to make my love known to Dardanus; you persuade me he will pity me; you tell me it is possible he may seek to content me, and to leave his interest for me, nay seek to gain Eliana to me. You mind me that he begs to know the cause of my sadness, and that I do ill to deny it him, and that it makes him suspect my love; you tell me it will ease my miseries, and put an end to my trouble. Ah! pleasing thoughts, true indeed, I doubt not of generosity, and excess of friendship, all this may be. But must I be so selfish to rob my friend, of that which is so much estemeed by myself? No it is contrary to the nature of friendship to covet that for myself which will be a loss to my friend. No, no friends lay down their lives willingly for one another, and how easy could I sacrifice many (if I had them) for to save thine Dardanus, but this is far greater, to endure a living and continual death, and to deny myself of what I love with so much passion, this is the highest act of friendship, and didst thou know it (Dardanus!) thyself wouldst say so. Yea Dardanus I can be content to deny myself, and to see the fair Eliana thine without repining, thou alone dost deserve her, I will continue my abnegation and persevere in it till I am utterly consummated by my silence. No Dardanus were I sure thou wouldst satisfy me and give me what I can wish, and what alone will make me happy, I mean the possession of Eliana I would not discover it to thee. No no 'tis far better that Argelois should die, than that Dardanus should be depriveed of that happiness of enjoining Eliana. It is better for to let thee suspect my friendship than to discover this to thy hurt, for 'tis thy generosity, that I fear and thy Love lest it should make thee consider me more than thyself. How soon shouldst thou know it, were I sure thou wouldst put a period to my life with thy poniard for the wrong I do thee, and for my audacity in loving Eliana. How willingly should I receive it from thy hand, and how glorious should my death be! No no thou wilt be apt to pardon such a wretch as I, therefore thou shalt not know my passion till death hath sealed up these eyes nor then neither but to clear myself of the suspicion of breach of friendship. But ah misserable wretch! (cried he out more vehemently, and looking discontentedly upon himself) what unpardonable crimes hast thou committed and dost daily commit against that divine princess, in whom is seated something more than mortal, in takeing her name into thy mouth, Oh unpardonable and deserving the worst of torments, that thou who art ignobly (and it may be spuriously) borne, thou that knowest not thyself, and only razed by the excess of love in Dardanus, that thou shouldest dare to offer to raise thy thoughts, and so audaciously, sublimely love a Princess, the fairest and divinest of princesses, oh horrible! thou deservest not one moment of life for sinning against Eliana, and abuseing the goodness of Dardanus. After the sending forth a few sighs and tears. Ah divine Eliana! (went he on) pardon me! ah pardon me! I confess I love, but 'tis impossible for me to contradict a power so unconquerable. Ah I do but conserve those flames in my heart that took their origenall from your eyes. I preserve flames presumptuous ones I confess, yet are they pure and ch●st flames, and those that make me but adore you as a deity too good to be polluted by our defiling thoughts. I confess myself punishable in the hi● he●● de●re●, but yet am I unable to help my crimes. I am forced to sin against you, but pardon me, ah divine Eliana! that shall be one of the last requests I will make Dardanus that he gain your pardon after my death, and that you may at last confess though I was presumptuous and incomperably bold, yet withal that I was conscious of my duty in repressing those flames that consumed me with so much impetuosity, and also that I knew that none was worthy of the incomperable Eliana but the matchless Dardanus.  
Dardanus who heard this generous and pitiful complaint was oppressed with extreme agitations in his mind. Fancy and friendship struggled for the victory, and love, and desire equally opposed each other, it was sometime before he could overcome his resentments, but at l●st that noble and invincible mind to whom both love and generosity were inseparable, gave the palm of victory to his friendship, and resolved to do an act worthy of so Heroic a soul. What? (said he to himself after long struggling) wilt thou have thy Argelois overcome thee in all things? dost not thou hear his immense generosity, (ah! true friend) and wilt thou love less or less generously than he? But greater considerations ought to move you than these, 'tis the love, and life of Argelois. How often have you said that the beauties, nor other considerations of the whole world could be able to rob him of one grain of the love you bear him? and shall the love of yourself now stand in competition with it? shall he die for you, by denying himself, and cannot you forego that princess, for whom you have no passion, to save his life? dear Argelois I have committed a crime by expostulating so long, that cannot be cleared but by gaining thee the object of thy passion, and full fruition of thy desires. 'Tis done Argelois? be content thou art mine more than all the world, and thy interests shall disengage my own: And what hitherto I have sought for myself, I will seek to acquire for thee. Whilst he was in these silent disputations Argelois had renewed his complaints, ah! heaven's (said he) in what perplexities am I brought I am not able to endure the torments of life, and yet I dare not wish my ease by the stroke of death, love forbids me to live, and love forbids me to die. At these words Dardanus not able to forbear longer, ' rose from in the place where he was hid, which action causing a rustling amongst the bows so near to Argelois put him besides his complaints, and made him forsake the earth and cast himself upon his feet to see what it was, Dardanus rushing suddenly from among those close woven trees, cast himself upon the neck of Argelois, No Argelois shall not die, (said he) but shall enjoy what he so passionately desires: Dardanus loves him too well to see him expire when 'tis in his power to help it. Argelois showed by his countenance how amazed and angry he was at this accident, for not able to utter one word, he cast his eyes about as if he would accuse the trees, the birds and the heavens for contributing to this discovery, or for having some intelligence with Dardanus; I know not how many changes in his countenance were seen in a moment, & whilst Dardanus powered out kisses upon his cheeks, and kept his neck prisoner with his arms, he made a shift to draw his poniard. It is lawful, (cried he, just as Dardanus left imbraceing him,) 'tis better than to injure Dardanus. Dardanus looking about at those words, saw he had lifted up his hand to give a fatal stroke; to such resolutions had the anger of being discovered brought him. But he extremely affrighted at that action, caught hold on it, and so diverted the blow; but the impetuosity of the stroke being so great he could not hinder it totally from doing some execution, so that it stroke into his left arm quite through the flesh, the blood sprinkling in the face, and upon the  of his friend Dardanus, Argelois vexed that he had missed his blow, pulled the dagger out of his arm, and strove a long time with Dardanus to have throughly perpetrated his desire. At last Dardanus seeing he could not bring him to leave his design against himself, with any remonstrance or striving, suddenly left him and pulling forth his own poniard, and making bore his breast, ah Argelois? (said he lifting up his arm) Thou shalt see I cannot live without thee! Argelois flinging by his poniard, fling himself upon the arm of Dardanus, and hindered him from emitting that soul that was truly conjoined with Argelois. Dardanus once more casting his arms about his neck, What have I done that I should deserve this injury at your hands (said Dardanus) you little think you have wounded me more than yourself. Argelois troubled at these words sought all about to see where he had wounded him. No (said Dardanus) it is by sympathy, dost thou think I do not feel the wound in thy arm to cause dolour in my heart? you utterly mistake yourself if you think you could have slain yourself, and not have deprived me of my life at the same time. Let this knowledge cause you to preserve that life on which necessarily mine depends. I am not worthy to (live replied Argelois) nor can I without doing injury to you, and since I have discovered unwittingly what of all things I desired to have kept secret, judge whether I ought not to punish myself for my audacity and falsehood. 'Twas the only excuse I have made to your sister, which I have violated by loving another. O heavens what have I done to deserve this extraordinary vengeance! Peace (said Dardanus) be content and think not that the gods have aught against the perfect image of themselves, they seem to conspire for your felicity, and to promise you what you desire by many circumstances. I will not blame you for hiding from me thus long, the cause of your trouble, since it was no other consideration than your generosity. But now the gods have discovered it envy me not if I would desire to be as generous as yourself, and in resigning my own interest promise you I will effect that for you which you shall account the highest of your felicities. Oh gods (cried Argelois very passionately) with how much of your divinity have you filled this Prince! This is it I feared, and this is it for which I deserve to die! ah Dardanus let me not think of such an injury, shall I be the cause of so great ruin of your felicity, and of depriving you of a princess who is not for the capacity of mortals but yourself? consider my baseness ere you go about so great a detriment to yourself? and consider you will but draw upon you the indignation and wrath of so divine a princess. All these considerations (replied Dardanus) are far below the love I bear Argelois) therefore let me entreat you that you speak no more words against it, nor no ways contradict what I am resolved to effect. I may leave Eliana without detriment to myself, since I enjoy her in Argelois, who is more worthy of her, than Dardanus: and since I am ignorant of that imperious passion, love. It's true I love Eliana as she is the most perfect piece of Nature, and as I am obliged too by the goodness and virtue of her disposition, but it is not with that peculiar passion, as to love her beyond another if (altogether as fair and virtuous, she is not to be found in the universe (said Argelois) that is your opinion (said Dardanus) but I believe the gods are not so scanty in their productions, as not to match her. It is impossible (said Argelois) and I swear by all the powers of heaven that I will not wrong you by causing you to forgo such an extraordinary happiness. You will do me no wrong (said Dardanus) it is but justice, and it may be a pleasure to us both, for if that powerful and impetuous fire which hath so secretly overpowered you, should hereafter, sing the wings of my saith to Eliana, for another, what injury should I do that fair one, for whom I never had any passion, for it is the wont of that God seldom to let scape those who contract without tasting of his burning flames, so that it is dangerous for me to marry Eliana having no such passion for her, lest hereafter I may wrong her through the impetuousness of another fire. There is no fear (said Argelois but her charms will hold you eternally. Your wound (answered Dardanus) will not permit no more talk at this time, but this I must needs engage you to before we go from this place, unless you intent to see me expire before you, that you act nothing that may be prejudicail to your life, and that you leave the managing of your Love to me. After very many words Dardanus obtained it from Argelois, but it was so faintly that Dardanus not added, if you deceive my expectations assure yourself I will not servive one moment. This was the only thing that kept Argelois in awe and impeded that petpetraction which otherwise he had resolved against himself.  
Dardanus tearing his shirt made a shift to bind up Argelois wound and leading him by the arm they returned to the castle. Assoon as they were within the second court, they met with the two princesses who were walking under the shadow of a row of jessemines. Panthea had no sooner cast her eyes upon Argelois, and seeing him so extraordinary pale with the loss of blood, and all his garments distained with the eflux that came from his wound; but that the paleness of her face discovered the pangs of her heart. Her passion and pain was increased by the restraint she was feign to impose upon herself before Eliana, and she had been no longer able to endure those effects had she not vented that passion which she was big of. She had espied her brother's  sprinkled with the crimson dye of Argelois his blood, from which the acies of her love drew a colourable deceit to hid what her passion enforced her to. She ran towards them, ah Are— (cried she) love being too nimble for her other thoughts had made her almost to discover what she endeavoured to hid, but presently smothering that word. Ah! dear brother (said she casting herself upon his neck, but turning her face towards Argelois, and looking upon him with eyes that exhibited her passion) how come you thus wounded! come let us leave this place where nothing inhabits but ravenous and cruel beasts, or some lethiserous and inhuman creatures. What hand was it that could be so immane as to wound thee? ah! brother— ah Argelois where were you at this perpetration? let's know these assassins' that we may revenge ourselves on them. Dardanus perceiving to whom she spoke, and believing the pleasure he did her to let her vent her passion, let her go on a great while without interrupting her. Argelois beheld her with wonderful compassion, being none of those insensible ones, that cannot be moved neither with blood not tears, he knew too well the insufferable pangs of love, which made him extremely sensible of that poor princess: passion giving a kind of doleful air to these words she uttered, and her eyes showing the languishing of her heart increased his commiseration. Madam (said Argelois at last) the Prince is not wounded, the Gods have more regard to his person, his clothes are only stained with blood that flowed through a small wound which I have accidentally received. Eliana glad of Panthea's transport made good use of it to settle in the mean time I know not what signs of inward emotions which appeared in that beautiful face. But the prince and Argelois had cast their eyes upon her before she had throughly recollected herself, and found that excess of snow had obvolved the Hyacinths in her cheeks, and that her eyes shown a kind of disturbance, which they knew not how to apply: She noting their looks soon gave life to those blushing flowers which use to expand themselves upon sheets of snow, and resetling herself, Panthea (said she) intends to engross all to herself, and give me no interest in your wounds. They are not many (said Dardanus) 'tis only Argelois that infortunately hurt his arm, which will be no hindrance at all to your defence if need were. You think us very selfish then (replied Eliana) and that we desire your welfare but for our own ends, you are much mistaken, our natures are not immane we cannot choose but pity our enemies in distress, much more our friends. I had no such uncharitable thoughts (replied Dardanus.) Argelois was ready to sink under the cruciations that he felt within him through the encounter of thoughts that suffered an Antiperistasis, which the Princesses attri▪ buting to his wound desired Dardanus to give him ease, by speedy dressing. They went into the Princes loging together where his surgeon presently applied what was requisite, and promised them a speedy cure.  
Whilst he lay under the cure of his self-given wound, that which he had received from love having no such charitable surgeons, grew worse and worse: blood and spirits, continually effused themselves there at, and had scarcely left enough to maintain the vital part. The paleness that displayed it sel●● in his face showed that his sickness was more visc●rall than the wound in his arm, and that the pains he endured from that, were nothing to the pang● of that of his heart. How ever as the one grew worse, the other amended and healed, and though it be strange, it was the same ●a●ve that wrought such contrary effects, that cured the one, and festered the other: you may believe that Love and pity attracted the eyes of these fair princesses to an intuition of his wound at every dressing, & you may also believe that the virtue of Elian's eyes was the panacea that lanated his wound, and that the aspects of those heavenly orbs conjected more life, and virtue than all the medicines, could be applied. But on the other side, those piercing flames that darted f●om her eyes were too corrosive for that tender Cyprian wound. They made too great incision, and attracted too strongly the small remainder of life w●ich was preserved by the care of Dardanus. This generous prince is the sole preserver of his life, and his comfortable remonstrances are lenitives to his wound. He daily and continually dissuades him from his purpose of dying, and by speeches as full of virtue and power, as of nobleness and generosity, at length compels the languishing Argelois to be ruled by him and to consent to that abnegation so worthy the noble spirit of Dardanus. Alas! (cried Argelois resenting his favours) I must then be overcome by generosity noble Prince! I yield myself captive to those chains you offer, and will endue them since 'tis your pleasure. But think not that I can ever think of enjoying Eliana, were I in a capacity, or to desire the satisfaction of my love till your passion leads you to the adoration of some other star, which the Gods must parposely create for to repay your exceeding generousness, whilst Dardanus thus sought to ease the passions of Argelois, love which was altogether tyrannical stimulated the princess Panthea, and giving her cruciations which were intolerable, made her do that which otherwise she would have accounted inaequitable. Cythera's little son in these few persons exhibited his tyranny, and his blindness, the one by those raging ●its with which he agitated these poor lovers, the other by his promiscuous dartings which thwarted each other affections. Jealousy which seldom can keep secrecy, made Panthea slacken those favours she was wont to show Eliana, her love being but extrinsecall must give way to that caused by the imperious shaft's of the amorous Deity. And her affection giving way to anger and jealousy, cau●'d the sight of the lovely Eliana to be troublesome and irksome. Panthea was no disembler, nor could she have power to hid her resentments, which made her exhibit somewhat more than she was willing of her passion and aegritude. Livor begins to be exuscitated by Love and to be entertained in a breast which never had spot till it entertained love, and to find residence where till now nothing could be found but the purity of the incontaminate lily: 'tis very contrary to the nature of this princess which is all charity, and out of which envy can scarcely draw poison enough to maintain herself, so that you are to ho●e this snaky hag will soon desert her, and you are also to judge so charitable of so ●●ir a soul, as to believe it could not have entertained the least ill thought, if it were not impressed by a power altogether imperious. But whatsoever signs of discontent she exhibited, there was not found the least on the part of Eliana, but rather a nearer uniteing of her love and affection, so that 'tis to be hoped those suavous carriages, and overcoming attractions, will soon dissipate those clouds envy gins to raise in the breast of Panthea.  
In the mean time the careful Chiron as skilful in his art as the sabulated Centaur, had perfected the cure of Argelois' wound, and had rendered him sound into the arms of his master the Prince Dardanus. He had no sooner expressed his first joys for his recovery but he prepared to leave him, resolving for a journey that might be conducible to the good of his friend. Argelois utterly gainsayed it, and told him that the affection he bore him surpassed all amorous attractions, and that it was not possible for him to endure those penetrable darts jaculated from the eyes of Eliana, without the support of his presence and comfortable speeches. I go (said Dardanus) to divert the thoughts of my father concerning my marriage with Eliana, and to hinder those proceed before they come to an unresistable height, you may be sure that I shall count the minutes that I am absent from my Argelois, and that the purchase of a Kingdom shall not stay me no longer than it is conducible to his happiness. 'Tis not requisite or convenient for you to accompany me, nor will it be seemly for us both to desert the company of the princesses, with many such remonstrances he won Argelois at last, to let him go, out of an hope that his return would not be long. He signified his departure to the princesses and having made every thing ready for his journey, he went to take his leave of them. I have been very cruel in myself (said he) to be kind to you, for I have denied myself the protection of the invincible Argelois for your safety, you need not fear so long as you have so safe a shield, fo● I know that he preserves his life only to do you service. Argelois not in during to hear himself praised, My ●ife (said he) is indeed conserved for their service, and I should account myself happy if I might lose it therein, but you traduce them into false opinions of my valour, and make them to think themselves more safe under my weak protection than they are. Eliana was not able to speak one word by reason of the inpetuous motions that disturbed her, which might have been judged by an indifferent eye, by the flushing in her face, and motion of her eyes, which gave suspicion to Argelois that she extremely loved Dardanus, and made him angry with himself that he was the cause of her discontent.  
But Panthea joying that she should not lose Argelois replied that they did not account themselves unsafe under the protection of either, but yet that they did acknowledge that they lost half their strength by his departure, and that they jointly did entreat him to make a speedy return. After some such discourses, where wit and modesty accompanied each other, he departed with Tribulus and Argelois, who accompanied him to the outward gate, where renewing his embraces, it was a long time before he could get from between the arms of Argelois, and dry up those drops which the love of friendship had extracted for his departure; but at last comforting each other with hope of a sudden meeting they parted, Argelois, and Tribulus returning into the castle, and Dardanus proceed with some few servants that accompanied him towards B●zantium, where King Palemon (being in favour with the Romans) kept his court.  
I may say Argelois is left alone since the preserver of his life is gone, and since he is left a prey to those inutterable sighs and groans caused by the strength of love. He has indeed the content of seeing Eliana, but that also was troubled with I know not what kind of disastrous aspects. He never looks upon her but he sees in her face an efflux and reflux of a crimson tide, and her eyes oftentimes fixed upon him exhibited pity and disdain by turns. The eyes of Lovers are no good Physiogmonists, they are very partial, and either through fear or desire, misinterprit every motion. Their desire interprets favourable for themselves, till fear casts in a thousand injections which overthrows their pleasing thoughts. And thus racked between two extremes they endure insufferable cruciations, & are on a continual watch to confirm their suspicions either of fear or desire. Argelois had nothing to rely upon but the graces of his person and the favour of love, for fortune having made him ignorant of his birth, impeded those joye's otherwise he might have reaped if she had openly given him the character of Prince. So that you will say he took the way to make himself be disbeloved by macerating his body and face by those continual passions, since the charms of attraction were seated there, but the true character of an heroic spirit his virtue, could not be extinguished, which was the best and greatest charm of that hero, and which tralucedly shined through all the dejections of his body and mind. Whilst he adored Eliana, himself was no less beloved by the princess Panthea, who rejoicing that she enjoyed his presence though with disturbances enough would not have exchanged her fortune to have been empress of the world.  
You must imagine she neglected no time to be near him, and that she still assaulted his constancy, but with words full of love and modesty. But he is invincible and cannot the remit the love he bears Eliana though despairingly, for the assured affection of Panthea. 'Tis the charms of Eliana that makes him so obdurate, who otherwise would be too too weak to withstand those of Panthea. He endures the assaults of the one, and the flaming darts of the other, the space ' of a month; having only the comfort of breathing forth his love - Elegies to the inanimates of the woods, and of the continual emitting those common refreshments of lovers, the ardent sighs of his soul. Seeing that Dardanus came not, he secretly sent one to Byzantium, who returning brought him word that Dardanus had not been there, and that they wondered at the Court that they heard no news from him, supposing him to be with Eliana. Argelois extremely troubled at this ne●s, acquainted Tribulus with it, and making himself ready he prepared to begun to seek him. But whilst he was taking his leave of the Princesses, who expressed by their countenances how unwilling they were to part with him, especially Panthea; they brought him word that Dardanus' chiefest Squire Ep●dauro was newly come thither, and that he desired to speak with him. Argelois presently returning with the messenger went to him, Epedauro doing his humble reverence presented him with a letter, he knowing the character of Dardanus presently broke it open and read as followeth.  
Dardanus to his Beloved Argelois.  
YOu will wonder at what I am about to tell you, but you may also rejoice that the Gods conspire for our common happiness. Therefore that affliction may cease, by knowing that a vaticinating spirit possessed me when I told you, it was impossible for me to avoid the fate of Lovers, You cannot injure me in loving Eliana, for now I am necessitated to leave her free, being compelled thereto by the igneous darts of the Cnedian God, shot from the eyes of the princess Philadelphia, sister to Arizobanes. Be not troubled at my absence but consider what love is able to do: I shall have a nearer sense of your trouble, than ever; and already I cannot but wonder at the greatness of your courage in undergoing that torment, which I find by the first libament to be intolerable. I confess there wants more courage to be a lover than a soldier, and that the wounds of love, are far more dangerous than those of war. Despair not of Eliana for by this manifest providence of the Gods, you are bound to believe that what they do is conducing to your felicity, and that that fair one was created for no other than yourself. Assoon as if I have satisfied these first impetuosities of my affection, I will return, in the mean time be careful of your own life, as you regard the welfare of your inseparable friend.  
Dardanus.  
Argelois could not but find some comfort, amidst all these sadnesses by that letter, in that the providence of the Gods had so ordered the love of his friend, that his own passion should break that marriage which he would have frustrated for his sake, yet it was a long time before he could frame himself to believe, that he who had withstood the charms of Eliana, should be pierced by the shafts of any other. Epedauro was brought to the two princesses who desired him to tell them what was become of his master: he following the order he had received from D●rdan●s told them that in his way towards Byzantium, he had met with an accident that had diverted his journey, and that he was then in Paphlagonia, intending a sudden return, from whose mouth they were to expect a relation of what had happened. They seeing Epedauro was not to make known what they desired, would press him no further, but contented themselves with what he had told them. But he assoon as he had the opportunity to speak with Argelois intimated to him that he had something to deliver to him and the princess Panthea apart Argelois meeting with the princess told her the commission of Epedauro, and desiring her not to defer the audition, they walked into a pleasant Aestiva, and sending for Ep●dauro told him that they expected to hear what he had to say. The princess having commanded him to sit down, which he was forced to after many refusals, he began thus.  
My Lord the Prince Dardanus having rod hard all that day, he parted hence, and good part of the next, stopped about the hottest time of the day under the umbrellas of certain trees, which stood hard by a great forest, whose skirt reacheth to the Euxinian sea. After we had refreshed ourselves, the Prince, moved by I know not what good Genius, commanded me and Chiron to follow him, and walking amongst the thick-growing trees of that wild place he thought he heard the sound of some plaintive voice. Standing still the better to inform himself, he was assured what he heard, was a humane voice, which seemed to be at some distance, the wispering wind bringing it by intervals, and inarticulate to his ears. Desireous to know who it might be that was in that place, which seemed to be altogether desolate, or a habitation fit for none but Philosopher's and despairing lovers, we crope very softly towards the place from which me Judged the sound came. We came so near at last that we could dissinguish the words, some of them being these interfalked with sighs & groans. Yes fair princess! I do obey your severe command; I believe you were ignorant that the same words that banished me your presence, also commanded me die, it being impossible for me to be deprived of that sight, which made me happy and Live. Ah! I must never more behold those fair eyes that gave life and vigour to my soul, cruel banishment! but now thou art almost at an end, and these testimonies of my martyrdom it may be will exuscitate a pity in that breast which could never entertain Love. These words were uttered with so moving an air that it extracted tears from all our eyes. The voice seemed as if it had not been altogether alienated to our ears, but for the present neither of us could tell who it was, being somewhat changed by that doleful air, and sighs that interfalcated almost every word. Presently we heard another voice, which with sobs and tears implored the other not to persist in so cruel a manner to murder a soul so far surmounting others.  
At least (said he) if you will fall under these cruel and detestable laws of love, permit me not to survive! ah tie me not to I execute so horrid a perpetration! but let me have that comfort to serve you in the Stygian shades, as faithfully as I have served you here. Peace (replied the other) the remains of my life are but small, give me leave to finish what I am about, before A●ropos cut the twine. The Prince was not able to call to mind where he had heard those voices, for the more he heard them speak, the more he called to mind that he had formerly been acquainted with them. At last we crope so near to them amongst the bows that we discovered them with our eyes, but the spectacle was so horrid and amazing that we had schreckt out had it not taken from us that power by the astonishment it caused. Those we saw were clothed in very mean , agreeing in everything with the Rustic, he that seemed by the duty and obedience he owed the other to be his servant, kneeled before him with his back towards us, so that we could not discover his face, mingling his tears with the others blood, which hath made a little torrent by its effusion. The bows environing his head so obscured his face that we could not satisfy ourselves, or know who he was by that sight. He sat upon the side of a fountain which seemed to be the habitation of some Naide, or only f●amed by nature for the refreshment of the animals of the wood. Before him stood a stone which served him for a table on which was spread a very smooth rind of a rtee, on which he was writing with a stick sharpened for that purpose, but that which was so amazing was a large wound in his side from whence slowed a purple spring, and into the which he dipped his reed, forming crimson characters with his latest blood. The grass was distained with its colour, and the abundance that ran from his wound had made a riverse large enough for love to swim in. By his action he seemed as if he desired to inspire his pen with the last breath of that fair soul, or to make those bloody characters speak more pathetically, mixed spirit and life with his blood. Whilst he was in his action and our amazedness permitting it longer than we ought he that kneeled before him seeing his paleness bespeak his approaching death, could not but break the silence his master had imposed. Ah! cruel Panthea! (said he) insensible princess. Behold a Prince sacrificed to your obdurateness. Ah! wretch! ce●se (said the other faintly) cease to exclaim against one who can do nothing injustly, and from whom I ought to receive far more torments without murmuting. These words bringing the Prince Dardanus, out of one astonishment into another, made him no longer doubt of that Prince but that it must needs be Arizobanes. Pity brought him presently from his amazedness, when he saw he had forsaken his pen with these words. Lamedon (speaking to his squire) I can write no more, my sight is gone, but be thou my faithful depository, and deliver this, pointing to what he had written) into the hands of the fair Pan—, he sank at these words. The Prince Dardanus running to him caught him in his arms, and by the words he spoke and tears he shed exhibited his sad resentments of his death. See here (said Epidauro pulling forth the rind wrapped up) what love dictated at that time, it may be these sanguinious characters may speak more movingly, by insusing some part of that spirit that wrote them, than I have done. Argelois took them of Epidauro and turning to Panthea, asked her if she would be pleased to hear them. That princess who was all Goodness and pity when she saw her interest in Epedauro's discourse was immovable. She could object nothing either against the nature, person, or behaviour of Arizobanes, he had quailities winning enough, and a Prince worthy of that title, by this action you have heard, you may judge of his courage, and to what exigent Love had driven him. 'Twas nothing but the imperious Love she bore Argelois that made her disregard that Prince, and drive him to that despair. Remorse seized on her, and she repent of her last action, that drove him to that precipitancy. Pity and compassion sometimes is the procurer of Love, and ushers it under their disguise. Panthea felt something more moving than ordinary, and she had believed at other times that she could have heard of his death and have been impassable: But now she found the contrary and all the courage she had could not suppress those sad thoughts that oppressed her. She looked upon herself as the murderer of that Prince and imagined that his wound spoke very dolefully, and upbraided her for her obdurateness. Whether love or Pity, 'tis hard to be decided, or both caused her tears, but unwilling to discover them to Epedauro she turned her head toward Argelois and gave way to those drops which could not but be expected from so tender and susceptable a soul. At last fixing her eyes upon Argelois she seemed to accuse him, and to make him the cause of the disaster. She suppressed her resentments what she could, but yet there secretly escaped some of those assured messengers of an afflicted soul. After she had continued in a sad and silent posture for some time, turning to Epedauro, and is the prince dead then? (said she) could he not be recovered? yes madam (● replied Epedauro) if it may be any comfort to you the incomperable Chiron hath showed the wonder of his skill, and hath made known that he hath done as great a cure, as Esculapius when he recovered virbius. But yet madam (went he on) although he hath as it were been new born into this world, he hath not forgot his old love, and though Chiron hath sanated his wound, yet it was impossible for him to cure that of Love, it must be a fairer hand than his that must close up that. It is the chiefest cause of the Prince Dardanus' stay, to persuade the newly recovered Arizobanes from perpetrating the like. For fearing lest he should be compelled to break your severe command, he is daily ready to offer a second sacrifice of himself. There is no consideration can work with him, for he thinks it his duty to die, since you have banished him your fight. Panthea was very joyful that he was recovered, though she found a great abatement of that pity which but now stimulated her, the consideration of Argelois being too powerful for its continuance. But (said she to Epedauro to put him besides that discourse he was in) how did you recover him? and how got you this writing you have brought.  
Madam (went he on) my Lord the Prince having for a long time deplored the case of Arizobanes, at last asked Chiron whether it were impossible to recover him, and whether he could not show he deserved the name he bore, by making known the utmost of his care and skill. Chiron immediately searching the wound with a probe, found it large, but not very deep, and that the intestines being intacted, he said he could with facility enough heal up the wound, had he but blood and life in his body. Life had issued out with his blood, for that having had so large a passage, had scarce left one drop in his body. Ch●ron despaired for ever reviving him, and would not have done his devoyres, had it not been for the Prince. I cannot believe (said he) that the gods will be so unjust as to let so great a soul die so ignobly, being forced to it by the most spurious of all the gods, who shows his malice to all the other Olympic Numen, in forcing the virtuous and the righteous into such Lethal precipitances. Try, Chiron, you know not what virtue may accompany your endeavours, it may be Vitunus may inspire life through your means, and recover a soul that hath nothing in him to be condemned, but that he beareth the insignia of so cruel a God. Chiron more to please the Prince than of any hopes he had to recover him, desired he might be carried to some place where he might dress him with convenience. Having called the rest of the servants, and being conducted by Arizobane's Squire, we carried the Prince in our arms to a small cottage, about three hundred paces from the wood, in which was none but two decrepit people, who seeing the Prince dead filled their little Domicil with ejaculations; we laid him in a bed, and obscuring the room, le● no light come in but what we received by tapers. The Prince Chiron, and myself being lest alone with Arizobanes, and his Squire, Chiron nearly stitching up the wound, applied those things which he believed most condu●e●n, to its cure. Presently we poured down his throat essences, and other things that the incomparable Chiron had prepared, and with hot  and frications, the Prince himself contributing his charitable hand to those labours, sought to give new fire to that inanimate body.  
We had laboured so long, and found so little sign of life; that we believed we had attempted a vanity, and were about to give over, a work carried on by the extreme desire of the Prince, when Chiron assured us the operation of his essences, had played the part of Prometheus, and had injected fire from their hidden virtue. Before it was night we could all discern that there was life, and that it was not impossible for us to revive him. The Prince would not leave him all night, but indefagitably continuing his charities showed with what ardency he desired his life. It was two days before he opened his eyes, but then being insensible of those images they received, he shut them again. The third day he spoke, which extremely rejoiced the Prince; these were the first words of that revived man;  
Dear Panthea! have I satisfied your severity? or is there yet any thing more to be done? Chiron hath conducted me to the walk of Lovers, and I find many as gloriously tragidized as myself amongst these Stygean shades. But surely Charon hath not dealt so charitably with me as others; they seem to have forgotten their past-miseries, and are not tormented as I am. Surely I mistook and drunk of Mnemosyne instead of Lethe. But 'tis no matte●, I ought not to forget Panthea, and though death hath taken me, he cannot take the remembrance of that glorious Princess, which shall be my comfort in the lower shades, as it was my life above. We perceived by these speeches that he thought he had been dead, but Chiron told Dardanus that it would be very prejudicial and dangerous for him to talk, which made the Prince endeavour to make him sensible where he was, but he could not effect it. Weakness made him leave speaking, but in lieu of that, he emitted abundance of suspirations. The wound of his side began to heal, and all things agreeing with the desires of the Prince, he began to take that rest which his love and charity had denied him. We were accompanied with what the meaness of that Cottage could afford, which although it were but evilly, yet it greatly contented the Prince in that he never had tasted the like morsels, nor lay so hard, but when he was a soldier. The Prince remembering that he had not heard how Arizobanes was brought to that exigent, sent for Lamedon, and telling him his desire, he relatee it in these words.  
Sir (said he) the Prince Arizobanes being called from the Court of the King your father by letters from his, (which imported that a Prince amongst the Parthians, called the stout Pampatius, being in that Country, was fa●n in love with his daughter the fair Philadelphia, and had desired her of him in marriage, and that he would not give him any answer till his reture) with wonderful regret, and had it not been for so important business, all the world could not have withdrawn him from that fair Princess whom he so passionately loved, her attractions being stronger than all the world besides. Panthea blushed at these words, and interrupting Epidauro, you may (said she) save yourself the labour of relating such circumstances, and only tell us the matter.  
Madam (replied Epidauro) I hope you will pardon me, seeing I do but render the words of another, and being I should be both unfaithful and a Detractor, should I leave out such glorious expressions of Lamedons. 'Tis but reason (said Argelois) that he should give us the relation entire. I I will not contradict you (said Panthea turning to Argelois) though I little deserve them. Their silence inviting Epidauro to proceed, he continued his relation thus. The squire (said he) thus went on.  
'Tis impossible for me to represent with what passion the Prince was accompanied, and how often he sighed out of the glorious name of Panthea in his journey. He went by the motion of his thoughts, and all our speed seemed like that of a snail to those desires that hastened his return. We were not long in getting to Sinope, where the Prince was welcomed home by the joy of his Parents and his sister: there he found that stout Prince who rendered him a great deal of civility, and was reanswered by Arizobanes with the like. The good King Pharmach, knowing the wisdom and great discretion of the Prince his son, was resolved to be ruled by his Counsel in this match. The Princess whom I dare compate to none but your sister, having her spirit as full of meekness as her face of beauty, found a great antipathy in her against Pampatius, and could by no means away with his rough nature, being every way more fit for a soldier under Mars than Venus, and his looks accompanied with so much fierceness, that they were rather a terriculum than an allurement to Ladies. There was nothing in him that was amiable or to be regarded but strength and valour. Philadelphia being afraid lest she should have been given a prey to this Monster, soon discovered her mind to the Prince, and assaulted him with so many tears, that he assured her no consideration of state whatsoever should make him yield to any thing contrary to her mind. This resettled that fair one, and expelled the fear that had a long time cruciated her. Arizobanes stimulated by the remembrance of Pan●hea, hasted to dispatch this affair what he could, and delivering his opinion to his father, accompanied with many reasons, made him resolve o● give his answer in the negative to Pampatius, who having received the answer and seeing his hopes and vain expectations frustralled left the court with as much brutishness and incivilty as might be, threatening that they should know whom they had offended. The King was something fearful of the sequel, but being comforted by the Prince he was resolved to stand to his determination. Philadelpha (she received her name from the City in which she was born) rendered her brother abundance of thanks for what he had done for her, and thanked the Gods for that delivery mo●e than she would have done for the preservation of her life. Pampatius having heard that Arizobanes was the chief frustrator of his desires, intended to wreak all his fury upon him, and within two or three days after his departure sent him a challenge very secretly. The Prince knowing him valiant would have no suspicion of treachery, and being valiant himself promised to meet him, at the place apppointed. Arizobanes having called me to him commanded me to bring him his most approved arms as secretly as I could into the back garden belonging to the palace. Having performed his will, whilst he fastened his armour I brought a couple of horses, and mounting I followed him not daring to ask him his intent. When we were a dozen furlongs from the city he told me that he was going to parley with Pampatius about his sister's marriage. I understood him presently & erected my thoughts to the celestial deities for his preservation. We were come to the place appointed, which was in a valley about two miles from the City compassed about with hills and woods, where we found Pampatius with his Squire according to the agreement. Their armours were both chosen for the strength, and not for gallantry, there being no spectators to behold the beauty of their arms, 'twas no tornement in a theatre, and the shining steel was not aureated nor enriched with stones. The Parthian coming up with much boldness told Arizobanes that although he had denied him the possession of his sister, he should not deny him (for recompense of it) his life. The Prince told him, that speech, was the least of his graces, and that he came not thither to talk but to fight. The Parthean clapping fast his cask retired a little & taking a Pathean javelin fling it with a terrible fury against my Prince, that had it hit him, his arms would hardly have proved of force to have withstood it Arizobanes collimated his lance with better fortune for meeting him in the cutrere gave him so terrible a shok that all his endeavours could not keep him from falling over his horse's cro●pe●, The Prince scorning advantage alighted, and meeting Pampatius with his sword they began an encourter worthy of Rome's theatre. When I saw them engaged I alighted and drawing my sword, I told Pamaptius' Squire that it did not become us to stand in that posture whilst our Masters were in that engagement. The Squire not refusing me, we did our devoyres to take each others life. Fate not my valour after near an hour's dispute gave me the victory by the death of my adversary. This encounter hindered me from beholding the admirable actions of my Master, and so deprives you of the best part of that combat. As I had concluded my victory I perceived Arizobanes had meet with a champion who would him the victory at an easy rate, and I saw him covered with blood and wounds before Pampatius fell, not so much wounded as the Prince but mightily disabled through a cut on the the joint of his right arm, and by a gash in his forehead which yielded so much blood into his eyes that it blinded him. Arizobanes seeing him fall set his sword to his throat expecting he would have implored his life. I'll never confess myself conquered (said Pampatius) so long as I have a heart to resist, I confess fortune hath declared you the victor and I cannot resist a Fate that is , but neither fortune, you, nor the world can conquer my heart that is invincible, take my life but when I am dead then confess that died spontaneously, and that though you kil●'d me, you never overcame me. The Prince seeing his resolution and courage. No (said he) I am none of those who desire to rebate such great courages who are able to conquer death, upon a point unworthy any generous spirit. Live then Pampatius I will not say I have given you your li●e, but that 'twas the greatness of your own courage, neither will I attribute the victory to my own valour, but to the justice of the cause, and your temerity. At that mstant came two of his Squires came into the place, it being almost night, to whose care he left Pampatius who retired with them to his train. Before we could recover the City we met a great many knights and gentlemen going to seek the Prince, whose departure was not kept so secret but it came to the King's ear, whose care and vigilancy had en●aged the whole court in our perquisition. The Prince having lost much blood which continually destilled at many wounds, fainted in sight of the City, and was fain to be carried to the court upon our arms. The court was in great fear for his recovery, and the general love he had acquired of all men, made all interested in his welfare. But coming to himself he assured them he was not in such danger they thought him in. Ah! brother (said Philadelphia) it had been better that I had been prey to that truculent Parthian, and that I had endured the worst of miseries rather than you should have engaged the whole Kingdom into danger with yourself, and our parents into sorrow for your hurt. He satisfied that fair one with many fraternal words, and told her the combat was as well for his own honour as her safety. The Surgeons giving them hopes of his sudden recovery returned part of their former joy into their faces. The wounds I had received by my adversary were not considerable enough to make me keep my bed, so that I had enough to do to be the praeco of the combat, which was enternained by all with joy for the valour of the Prince.  
His love and desire to see the Princess your sister, contributed much to his cure, and made him willingly undergo what they told him would festinate it? They could hardly congratulate him for's victory after he had recovered his wounds which had enchained him to his bed, but that he left the court, full of heaviness for his departure. Assoon as we came to Byzantium the prince understood that yourself, Argelois, and the princess El●ana, were removed to some castle in Asia for pleasure and repose, and that the Princess Panthea having been sick of a  was not throughly recovered. Did not I tell thee (said the Prince to me) that the princess Panthea was in some danger of her life, those palpitations I felt were not caused by absence, but through a sympathy that my soul had with hers languishing. Love is Magical and distance of place, is not able to hinder us from those knowledges which we receive from the hidden and secret virtue thereof. Arizobanes was received by the King your father with his wont courtesy, and kindness. Assoon as he saw the princess, he perceived that the fire of her seavour had left its ashes in her face and had much dimed that lustre that formerly displayed itself in her eyes. But whatsomever the matter was he trembled at her first fight, and told me afterwards that he saw an●er in those looks she exhibited, and though it could not alter the suavity of her countenance, yet he found that it terified his heart. After some few days that he had been there, the Princess leaving her chamber was walking in the garden where Arizobanes met her, and being transported by his passion he confessed to me afterwards that he approached her with too much audacity, and did not show all the respect he ought to have done to that visible Goddess, proceeding with the precipitancy of his passion he ●ell towards that tended only to the exhibition of his, and all though he knew she was not ignorant of his Love, yet he proceeded too far, and the princess not accustomed to speeches of that nature left him with anger, and hardly saw him in a week after. I cannot tell you with how many tears, and words he repent his insultity, he endured torment enough to expiate a greater fault, and he desired but to live to gain her pardon for his boldness. This made him seek out all occasions of meeting her alone, that he might fling himself at her feet and beg her pardon for what he had done. But Panthea as diligently avoided him as if she had known his desire or fe●r'd his intentions. His desire led him to all places where he might find the Princess, which she perceiving I believe she attributed to impudence or importunancy. At last he espieo Panthea and her gentlewoman Arselia one evening to enter a close Umbraculum. Venturing all his hopes at that cast he surprised her in her deepest meditations, and casting himself at her feet would have spoke but that her anger prevented him. For rising up extremely moved at his presence pierced the soul of that prostrate Prince with whole showers of angry darts which she sent from her eyes; and before he was able to open his mouth stopped it for ever with these words. Disturber of my repose! I cannot bear your sight but with impatiency. If you intent to oblige me, you must never more see me. These words more killing than the greatest thunder bolt struck Arizobanes as dead at her feet, she departed from the place with Ar●elia and left him miserably extended on the grass, when he saw she was gone he got up and looking after her with eyes that testified his distress, perceived that she said something to me. I hasted to the Prince (being in the garden all the while) and expected by the Princess' words to find him as I did. Lamedon! (said he) hid not the confirmation of that doom which but now I have received, hid it not from me but tell me truly what the Princess said to you. I did not dare to dissemble with him, so that I told him the truth which was this. That she bid me tell him she was forced to infringe the laws of civility since he was filled with so much importunancy, and that she could no longer break her repose for his pleasure, and therefore she desired him to leave her and disturb her no more with his presence. These words wrought the like effect as the former, and it was a long time before I could recall his senses from a banishment which had like to have been eternal. Ushering his words with heart-breaking suspiras, Yes Panthea I will obey and give you that repose you desire, it may be my death may be grateful to your ears, when you are assured you shall be free from your tormentor. I confess I have been too impudent and too bold, but I will endeavour to exterminate a monster so horrible to your sight. He was not to be comforted and therefore I permitted him to ease his passion with such ejaculations without interrupting him. That night he closed not his eyes but imagined all the precipitances as could be, hardly tormenting enough to expiate his crimes. The next morning pretending business into Itali he left Thrace and landing in Asia, after he had traversed all the woods and solitary places he found out this cottage free from neighbours and very solitary. Resolving to end his life in these woods he would have sent me away, unless I would swear by those oaths which we account damnable to break, not to contradict him but to let him follow those dictates which his love and despair gave him. I was forced to to do this strict obedience rather than I would leave him I hoped that my persuasions might prevail against all precipitances, and that at least if he died I might have the honour to accompany him. We came to this cottage and freeing our horses of their burdens gave them the liberty of these spacious woods, we exchanged our clothes for these you found us in, by the help of these two anent people, and enriching them with all the gold & jewels the Prince had about him, purchased our living & their love. The wood where you found us was the entertainer of my Prince where he spent all the day & sometimes most part of the night emiting the complaints that would have forced the heart of the princes to compassion had it been of stone or never so obdurate if she had hard them, every day increasing not diminishing his sorrows, he resolved to live no longer, being too weak to undergo a burden so insupportable, he hide is intentions from me, till this day, bringing me to the place were you found us, the ordinary place for his lamentations having pared the rind of a young tree to writ on with a reed for that purpose. He sent me away to seek him such another, but before I returned he had made the wound in his side, and was characterising with his blood. I ran to him, and screching out would have stopped it, but he taking up the dagger, put me in mind of my oath, and commanded me not to disturb him, but to let him finish what he had begun to write. I beseeched him not to let me behold so horrid a perpetration but to let me die with the same weapon. No (sad he) you are to survive me, and if ever you bore me any affection, show it at this instant in promising to obey my desires: you must deliver to the Princess Panthea, what I am about to write with my heart, that is loyal though miserable. I gave a great screech at these words, and begged I might not be tied to such an execution. But that power which always forced me to obey him, constrained me to be silent, and permitted him to finish his death so strangely. I intended to have obeyed him, but no● to have survived my obedience a moment. But the gods pitying this Love-distroyed Prince hath sent you to do a miracle, and to recall a life (certainly) passed into the lower shades.  
The Prince Dardanus having heard this sad and deplorable relation, could not but blame you of too much temerity, to precipitate a Prince so affectionate. Lamedon having fetched him what the Prince had w●o● dying, his Highness could not read it without sighs, so moving it was. After he had read it, he put it up, and promised the Squire to satisfy the Prince concerning it. In a week's time Chiron had brought Arizobanes to his senses, and Dardanus presented himself to him, and told him by what means he had been saved. Ah! Gods (said Arizobanes) I cannot contest with your Divinities, yet pardon me if I cannot give thanks for the saving of my life. But is it Dardanus that is my Conservator? how little reason hath he to preserve that which is unsupportable to his sister? The Prince comforting him with words naturally sweet and moving, persuaded him not to afflict himself so much, and promised him to use the utmost of his power to make him happy. Arizobanes presently called for what he had written, the Prince believing his intentions, got some more of that kind of paper, and giving the right to the Squite, bid him give it to his Master. After he had looked it over, and sighed, he commanded him to burn it in his presence. Dardanus unwilling that you should lose the sight of that strong testimony of his passion, conveyed the blanks into the fire, and preserved these unseen. Arizobanes every day recovering of his wound, began at last to leave his bed. The Prince seeing the place so discommodious for his recovery, would have persuaded him to have accompanied him to Byzantium, but Arizobanes would not be brought to it for fear of disobeying. At last the Prince persuaded him to return to Paphlagonia, and his wound being whole enough to permit him travel, Dardanus would not leave him till he had seen him safe in Sinope. Leaving that poor Domicile with riches enough for these two entertainers to raise themselves a better fortune. By easy journeys we came to Sinope, the Prince Dardanus receiving a great deal of honour from the King in consideration of those courtises Arizobanes had received in your father's Court. After we had been there a little while, the King's courtesies, and the Prince's disquiets, engaging his Highness to a longer stay, he sent me expressly to let you know of his divertisements, and to give you these bloody testimonies of Arizobanes' affection, with the relation of these accidents. Epidauro having thus finished his relation with a low reverence left the place. The Princess Panthea must have forgot herself, and have changed her nature, if she had not resented these actions of passionate Arizobanes. She found them too moving to leave her impassable, and though they could not force her to love, yet they compelled her to a loving pity. No consideration but that of the incomparable Argelois could have been able to have dissipated those clouds which a new Love began to raise in her thoughts. She found more pity towards him than she willingly would have given him, and that amorous deity had like to have surprised her, had she not at that instant cast her eyes on Argelois, which dispelled all those thoughts which began to assault her. She found him busy in reading what Arizobanes had writ. Let's hear (said she) what that rash Lover hath wrote, doth not he charge me with his crimes; Argelois beginning those sanguinious lines, read as followeth.  
The dying Prince ARIZOBANES to the incomparable Princess PANTHEA.  
BE not affrighted at these sanguinall characters, nor account me immane for sending you the picture of my Death, delineated with my blood. I possess a place that could afford no other implements, and I am sure none could speak better than these I have made use of. This red ink hath a commixion of Love, which should mitigate its territion, and induce you to believe that 'tis but the modesty of this rustic paper which blushes between those lilies that hold it, having never received such honour before. But these blushes have a language which tells you that they were not form by that extrinsical blood which flows in the veins, but that it is that which always encircled the heart of Arizobanes, and that it is made purer than the rest, by its vicinity to that fire, which was injected into this heart from those fair luminaries that behold it. This heart Madam! hath a mouth too which tells you that it yet preserves that fire which is immortal, and knowing you to be the Creator of it, it comes to resign the last sparks which it yet conserv, eunder its paleness. It tells you silently that Arizobanes hath obeyed you commands, and hath lived so long as he was able without that life you had deprived him of; But it tells you too that he could sooner die than break your commands, and that without murmuring since it is for your repose I have but few minutes to live and that crimson stream which I freely shed hath almost exhausted its fonntaine, and therefore I must contract those deprecations I had intended into this one, that you will pardon all those insulsities caused by the vigour of my passion and believe after my death, that his heart speaks true when it tells you I Lov—  
The Prince (said Argelois) was forced, to this imperfection by that fainting which accompanied the loss of his blood, but I verily believe if strength had permitted that he would have added, love with a passion unmatchable, and entire to last the gasp the fair princess Panthea, and that there was no content to that which he received in dying in obedience to your commands. You have concluded it very well (replied she) but the greatest enemy poor Arizobanes has is yourself. And I madam (said he) profess myself his greatest friend, and it is both contrary to my will and knowledge if it be otherwise. It cannot be unknown to you (replied the princess) though it may be contrary to your will, for I have broke through all those obstacles pudicity would have exhibited to make you know it. At the end of these words she gave Argelois so languishing a look that it peircede to the noble seat of his soul. But being willing to divert her from those thoughts which he saw agitate her. Truly (said he) if I maynot be too bold I should tell you that Arizobanes did deserve a less rigorous chastisement, and his passion might have been some excuse for any fault he might have committed through the ardency thereof, for I know it was too pure to cause any thing unpardonable, pray madam what was the reaason that moved you to such a sudden severity? Do you ask that (replied she) her resentments were so strong that it forced some tears from her eyes. Yes Argelois I will tell you though thereby I must upbraid you with your inhumanity. You were not ignorant, Cruel one! that the fire of Love was the chiefest inflammation of my blood, and that which caused the greatest fire of my seavour. You know that my debility had chained me fast to my bed, when you, desireous to kill me, left me with an inhumanity innate to none but Tigers. Yes you and my brother with the princess Eliana left me and though I was recovering yet you know that it might have been the only remedy to have cured me of my love and life together. I will not trouble you (for I know it is erksome) to tell you of those cruciations proper to those are diseased by the Cyprian ague. 'Tis enough to let you know I was in the midst of those unequal sits when to augment them Arizobanes came to court. He might well observe in my face that I badly resented his company, and that 'twas intolerable whilst I sometimes fried in flames and at other times was frozen in Ice. I endured his ardences and company as long as I could, but when I saw that it hindered me from those thoughts I had given myself up to, I fell into impatiences and unusual angers, which made me I confess at last prohibit his stay any longer, but I did not judge his passion would have led him to such a precipice. But I see now I revenged myself on the wrong object, for after his departure I found no ease of that torment that before possessed me, every thing seemed to disturb me and indeed if I may say so, I was not myself. Arselia fearing I would have been distempered and have relapsed into my  persuaded the Physicians that solitariness was not agreeable to me, and that my love to Eliana made me extremely wanting of her company. Those Aesculapians believing that the change of air would do me good, persuaded the King my father to let me come hither to Eliana, which was effected and you may believe if you please that it was nothing contrary to my will. After she had beheld him a little while immovable. Fatal face! (cried she) to attract, but more fatal and cruel heart to despise, and to be so invincible against Love. How? what said I? No no Argelois! those pale cheeks discover the secret flames of thy heart. Thou art not exempt from his tyranny that wounded me. Yes you cannot deny it, and 'tis Eliana too. Argelois was extremely troubled at these words, but Dardanus having before made him acquainted with her suspicion, he was the better able to answer her. Madam (said he) I hope you will have more charitable thoughts than to think I should offer so much dishonour to a princess, as to set my affection so aspiringly. You judge of me by the greatness which I am arrived at by your immense favours, and not by that which otherwise I am. You may (said the princess) deny it if you please, but these are no arguments to contradict what I say, for it is no voluntary action to love, and I cannot account that an injury which one is impelled to. Yes Argelois I know her charms to be more attracting than mine, and I will yield her the victory, but it shall be with my life. Argelois would have answered her but that Eliana and Tribulus walking by the place caused them to join company with them, where they passed good part of the day in those umbraculas, in several discourses, whilst their hearts entertained divers Cogitations.  
The next day Argelois having not visited Euripides a good while, was walking towards his grot, when meeting with Epidauro they discoursed together of several particulars till they came to the Grove. Argelois believing he should do Euripides a pleasure to let him hear some actions of Dardanus, took his favourite with him. Euripides embracing him gave him his wont reception, which was all kindness, being as it were tied to him by those charms that always accompanied his presence. Euripides understanding for what end he had brought Epidauro gave him many thanks, and presently prepared for the audition. Epidauro understanding from Argelois what they desired of him, was nothign difficult to perform that task, at the request of his master's greatest friend. Argelois being desirous to repose himself, or rather to give way to his wont amorous meditations▪ slung himself upon a bed. Euripides and Lonoxia takeing Epidauro by the hand, led him into another room, where having placed him between them, they invited him by their silence to what he knew they expected. After a little recollection he began thus.  

THE HISTORY of DARDANUS.  
MY years not exceeding those of the Prince, declare that what I speak from his infancy, were the dictates of those who were both this masters and his servants. Palemon after that notable overthrow of Mark Antony living in great fear of the Romans for the affection he had shown that Prince, retired amongst the Geteses and pitching in Tomos lived amongst a people civilised by the swanlike notes of the Sulmonian bard. Marrying with Agawe the niece of Tarcondemus King of Celisia, they produced Dardanus the fruit of that conjunction into the world. About that time by a strange misfortune, Palemedon, son to Palemon by his other wife was lost, being ravished out of the arms of his nurse by some wicked Assassius. [Euripides could not but but show his interest in that speech by a sigh that he emitted, but it not being noted Epidauro continued thus] But sure the Gods foreseeing the virtues of the prince my master, showed by this action that he deserved to be something more than second to the Crown. There was great lamentation for the loss of that young Prince, and the King had not been to be comforted but by the sight of Dardanus, who now received the whole influence of the King's love, which else must have been shared between them.  
After that the Romans had reduced Capadocia, Comagena and other kingdoms into provinces, and that the King saw they did not disturb him, they removed to Chalcedon, where he made his peace with the Romans: And for some tribute which he was forced to pay them, they assigned him Byzantium for his court, and gave him good part of Thrace, and in Asia all that along the Pontic sea. In the mean time the young Prince Dardanus, having tutors that were most excellent, grew so expert in all the sciences, that he shown that the barbarity of the place where he was born, had contributed nothing to his nature, and made all expect the incomparable fruit of so fair blossoms. He not only excelled in literature, but also in arms, in which in a very little time, he seemed to be rather a master than a tyro, and soon exhausted all the knowledge of his preceptors. In a word Nature had with a lavish hand bestowed those favours which might make him excel all men. He was but young in years when the King perceiving that his tutors was not sufficient for his large cappacity, sent him to Athens, where in that nurse of the muses, his pregnant wit ran through and pierced into the profundity of Philosophy. I had then the honour to accompany him and to be his servant. In that place it was that he fell acquainted with the amiable, and no less generous Argelois. The parity of their years, their consimilitude of their featurs, the profundety of their wits, and the correspondency of their affections, composed an amity indissolvable but by the power of Eternal Night. They were seldom a part, and for all the submission of Argelois knowing Dardanus to be a Prince yet he would give him no other appellation than Brother, and commanded him to do the like. They were the mirror of Athens both for friendship and all things else, at prizes they strove to make each other conqueror, and to con●er the honour from themselves upon each other, glorying more in one another's victory than for their own. There was no prize that could be got from them, nor no ●●●rell crown but it addorned one of their heads, whether it were for learning or Martial sports. This continued until Argelois was sent for home by his too indulgent father, this message razed a war betwixt love and obedience in Argelois, but the last lecture he had read being so full of paraenetick instructions concerning obedience to parents, he was forced to leave his friend Dardanus, by the strong impressions thereof. This separation was not without tears, and reciprocal engagement on either side, to overcome time and absence, by their constant and entire affection. They vowed that friendship which was to last eternally, and which was not to be defaced by any accidents of Forune or Time. He had not long lest the Tritonian towers but that my master found the miss of that incomperable man; in his eyes, the Muses had accompanied his friend, and left their ancient seat. The graces were not where to be sound, and the City seemed dissolate and melancholy since the absence of Argelois. Epidauro (said he to me) I can no more find that delight a suavity in these dull lucubrations since the absence of Argelois, as formerly. These schools are too melancholy and sedentary. I do not intent to be a doctor or sophus, I am well enough skilled in this speculative knowledge, arms ought to be my profession, and though literature and the sword have an equal share in the regiment of a Kingdom, yet there is no policy like to that of experience. Nothing like to example; precepts are nothing so vively represented, nor so soon caught, nor so long retained. A great politician in the school most times proves a mere fool in the Court. As if that variety of changes, and actions of men were to be tied to the rules of the school. No Epidauro, I shall learn more experience, and gain more knowledge in being on year at Rome, than I shall in spending ten here. But if it were for no other reason but to divertize me from the trouble I receive by the absence of Argelois, I am resolved to put it in execution I will to Rome and view that City that imposes Laws to the whole world. I had always a great fancy to travel, so that he jumped with my desires, yet knowing him to be a Prince on whose life the happiness of a kingdom depended, and my master, I did my duty in persuading him to the contrary, and in declaring the dangers, perils & accidents that always attended travel. I represented to him his minority, his parents trouble, the Kingdom's sadness, with every thing that duty, and the exiguty of my intellectuals were able to dictate. But he that was none of those that could be turned every way by the wind of persuasion, stuck to his first resolutions, and commanding me as a master, I obeyed him as a servant. After I had according to his command prepared every thing ready for his voyage to Rome, we left Attica and with a very prosperous wind a rived at that City which extended her authority from the orient to the Hesperian wave. That City had not recovered those sadnesses and habits of mourning she had assumed for the death of Drusus, when we came so that its lustre seemed obnubilated with a sable veil, and i●s glory a little yielding to the occasion of the time. But yet it had so much beauty in it, as to inchant the mind of Dardanus, and to make him resolve for to stay some few years. The Prince hiding his condition took a lodging amongst the Knights of Rome: And though it were not altogether correspondent to the Quality of a Prince, yet it might answer to that of a noble man. He soon grew acquainted, and with that winning carriage, and attracting speech proper to himself, he bond many slaves to his courtesy, and civility, and overcoming envy itself, made those who were enemies to virtue, to acknowledge him scarscly to be parralleled. Three whole years remained we in that City, in which time 'tis incredible to declare the policies, the experiences, and the observations he had gained. His greatest divertizment was in the Martian field in which he gained the praise and acclamations of the whole City. Amongst the rest of his numerous acquaintance was that monster of men the wicked Caligula son to the good Germanicus, and whom now for a fatal plague to themselves Rome hath chosen Emperor. My master soon saw the evil of his condition, and though he kept them from public noting, it may be hoping for the Empire, yet those that used his company saw his vices perspicuous enough, and his frequent, and intolerable debauches odious. I verily believe now he hath attained that dignity in which he may commit them without fear of taxing, he will not stick to exhibit in public what before he Committed in private. The good nature of my master was not able to work upon that monster, who like the spider extracted poison out of the fairest flowers. He would have been less engaged to him, but that the innumerable favours which he received from him caused him to answer his civilities, with his company and to endure those insulsities which he saw him daily commit. That monster Caligula seemed every day more affectionate than other to my master and as if he had been courting his mistress he would with new coined words seek to exhibit the affection he bore him. My master being but a child in impieties could not imagine that turpitude that was lodged in the putrified breast of Caligula.  
After a while he brought him acquainted with Sejanus that great favourite of Tiberius, and his great instructor to all cruelties and impieties. This was he that was to usher in the beastly and abominable desires of Caligula, who had made him his counsellor, and deputy to effect his wickedness. Dardanus after that Seajnus had one day with the best of his Rhetoric and with many words exhibited the extreme love and affection Caligula bore him, and that it rested in him to make Caligula happy by a continual and more near convers, promised very innocently that there was nothing that Caligula could desire from him, but he should be both ready and willing to pleasure him, and that he should count it no small happiness to enjoy his company often. My master here served Sejanus with some of his own Cities compliments, speaking what his heart denied, for I am sure of all men living he cared least for those two Sejanus and Caligula. But Sejanus had enough, and I believe judged my master's words by his own beastly thoughts. Assoon ●s he was gone, the Prince called me to him. I cannot but wonder Ep●dauro (said he) at Caligula, he knows well enough that my resentments of his debauches are nothing corresponding with his, he sees that I am not inclined that way, and yet, if he speaks true, he loves me more than all the world. What do you think Sejanus came for? it was but to tell me with the best of his language the great love and affection of Caligula. For my part I would soon ride myself of their convers, but that, it may be, the Gods hath designed me for their instruments to reclaim them from their vices, and for that end haveth stirred up this affection in Caligula; which I cannot believe to proceed from his own wicked nature. See how innocently he interpreted the affection of that beast: but I having heard of the common crimes and abominable actions not sitting to be named done upon men by the beastly buggers of that City, I suspected Caligula's affection, and desirous that the prince might beware of him, Sir (said I) your thoughts are too pure and innocent to imagine the turpitude and abominable vices of this age, inormity is the greatest desire of Great men, for not being content with that gender which Nature hath given, for the venting of their Lusts, they harbour desires so odious that they are not to be named. In the fairest grass lurks the greatest serpent, and under the most specious words the greatest deceit. I have good reason to suspect Caligula, for his evil nature and frequent debauches declares he cannot love the virtuous. This which he bears you is nothing but a lust that would lead him to actions unfit to be spoken, and for which end he hath made Sejanus his pandar. Dardanus was amazed at these words, being not able to speak a great while. At last, But dost think it Epidauro? (said he extremely irritated) Oh heavens can man be guilty of such crimes! I'll make Caligula sensible he hath no effeminate in hand, and Sejanus repent that ever he served him in this action. Sir (said I) I beseech you do not praecipitate your sel● into actions that may acquire the anger of Tiberius, and so endanger your life, upon my thoughts and imaginations, at least have clearer knowledge from their own words or actions before you make such considerable men your enemies, and run yourself into inevitable ruin, by a temerity that can do you as little good, as you can do them hurt. I had but just laid the Prince's passion when Caligula came in: my Master gave him a reception without exhibiting any disturbance, or show of anger. Methought I saw at his first coming in, I know not what flagrancies in his eyes, which I believe was but the exhibition of that abomiable lust which boiled in his veins. He expressed his wont civilities, and sought to express the ardency of his affection, by the strictness of his embraces. My master entertained him, with many ordinary discourses, which he seemed to endure with wonderful impatience, and often turning his eyes like comets on Dardanus thought to make him understand his desire, by that ocular demonstration. At last the prince as 'twere complying with his desires, which he did to see the utmost of his inrentions, led him into a chamber, which was his ordinary place of repose, and seating himself upon the side of the bed gave liberty to Caligula to exhibit what he was. It was a long time before the strength and sury of his Lust could overcome that awe which the gravity and Majesty of young Dardanus had struck him with, 'twas that suspended his embraces, till night began to veil that Majesty, and seemed to lend its darkness, to shoddow a crime unworthy the least of any light. The darkness beginning to hid those fair eyes of the Prince, which stroke an awe, into the soul of Caligula, and which with their lightning carried such a virtue that o'er powered the vicious thoughts and instigations of that wretch, he began to cast his lascivious arms about his neck, and pressing his cheeks with his lips. Ah dear Dardanus (said he) how surpassing is thy beauty all the Roman dames! Thou hast robbed them of all their glory, and the beauty of the fairest could never gain that power over my soul as thine has done, with that he pressed the Prince backward upon the bed, and began to use uncivil actions, which were the preparitories to his crimes. Dardanus throughly heated with a generous disdain, forced himself up, and thrusting Caligu'a backward overturned him in the flore. Base Paedicator, (said he) was this the scope of your feigned love and affection? Did you think me some Spado that could endure the embraces of a monster fraught with impieties, and the most horrid of crimes? This moment ought to give termination to that impious life of thine, but I spare it for the sake of Germanicus, who never did act worthy repentance or crimination but in giving life to thee. Caligula was so amazed at this repulse, that 'twas a long time ere he could recollect himself to speak. Dardanus (said he at last) I should take this at no man's hands living besides yours, 'Tis I that am abused, for you gave leave for that perpetration which otherwise I should not have dared to have ventured on. When? replied the Prince. By Sejanus (said he) this day. He hath both deceived and abused you: (replied Dardanus) For such horrid impieties never entered into my breast, but I shall rew●rd his lenocinium and make the hilts of my sword kiss that breast so full of impieties. The Prince calling me commanded that Caligula might be lighted forth with a tapor, and turning from him went into another room: he stood a great while with his eyes dejected, at last seeing the Prince not there, he followed me muttering I know not what revenge. Tell your master (said he to me at parting) that he will repent what he hath done; he should have considered my quality and power when he affronted me. Dardanus little regarded his threats when I told him, but smiling, I did not (said he) believe such vicious desires could have been harboured in the breast of man, as I now see by this paedo. This City (replied I) as it hath in it the most eminent virtues, so likewise hath it the greatest vices, they are both intermixed, and neither are wanting in this populous place. The next day Dardanus met Sejanus in the street, and not being able to moderate his anger, told him very roughly, that the day before he had relinquished his office of captain to play the Pander or worse and for reparation he desired to accompany him into the field where the should see he was neither woman nor child. Sejanus being of a temper extremely cholorick, gave command to some of his soldiers that followed him (he being captain of the Praetorian Cohorts) to cut my master in pieces. They who were not to dispute the legality of his command, shown they were true soldiers by their blind obedience, about ten of them evaginated their swords, whose glittering had been enough to have sent a mean spirited man to the lower shades. The Prince as young as he was, nothing terrified at their number, or power, drew his weapon, and with the first thrust had almost sunk Sejanus with giving him a sight of the effusion of his own blood. Go base stuprator (said he) the life of Drusus and the whoredom thou hast committed with his wife, should in justice have long since finished thy days. The soldiers in the mean time had let fall their weapons on Dardanus and had made way for the effusion of that blood which was too royal to be so basely spilt. I gave him my weak assistance & the love I bore him made me more valiant than ordinary. But the wonders that the Prince did are incredible; he fought not like a man despaireing of his life, or desirous to die in a kind of furious precipitancy, but like one of Judgement and wisdom, so guarding himself, and so offending them that he laid eight of them at his feet, to accompany the other two which fortunatly I had slain. These were Romans and of the stoutest of the Romans, and therefore you will look upon it more than the routing of an hundred Asians. But this extreme valour could not have long deterred my master's death, for twenty more of those soldiers drawing their swords had divided us into as many pieces if at that instant Caligula had not come to our assistance, who seeing so great hurly burly in the midst of the City, pressed through the crowd, being desired by all the people to save the life of a youth whom Sejanus sought to murder. He arrived just at the instant of this fresh assault, and beholding Dardanus in that danger, went below his greatness to implore Sejanus for our lives. Sejanus believing one day he might prove as good a master as Tiberius, did not dare to displease him, and though his anger were implacable yet he seemed to comply, and commanded his soldiers to restrain their hands. My master was more vexed that he was succoured by Caligula than at the death he should have received. Sir (said he softly to Caligula) why do you not perfect your threaten, now you haveso fair an opportunity? for do not think that this obligation shall make me think you less monstrous, and impious than before. Caligula replying nothing, caused us to be conveyed to our lodgings, where he saw our wounds dressed, my masters were many but not very deep nor mortal, mine were fewer & less dangerous he being the chief ●utt of their endeavours. Caligula left us not till 'twas very late in which time he bestow'dmany foolish & impertinent speeches on the beauty of my master and told him that his eyes had given him more wounds than he had received from the hands of Sejanus' soldiers. My master told him that those words did him mo●e hurt than all the wounds he should receive in all his life. About the middle of the night the smart of my wounds keeping me awake, I heard a murmur of voices, and whispering in the street, with the noise some made in forcing the gates of the house. I got presently to the window and putting my head through the grates I espied Sejanus by the light of the torches, and about thirty soldiers with him, endeavouring to force the gates with iron bars. Affrighted at the man's wickedness I ran to the prince's bedside and suddenly awaking him, told him that he had but few moments to live if he did not save his life immediately, after I had told him what I had seen. Come (said he) let's die willingly, however I will not be slain in my bed; it may be this wounded arm may yet give that impious Sejanus a just reward, and I may have the content to see him expire with me. He presently left his bed, and made himself ready with more agility than I could have imagined. Taking his sword come Epidauro (said he) let us not await their coming to us, let us meet them half way, and show that our courage is not exhausted with our blood. I seeing his resolution fling myself at his feet, and told him with tears that he ought not so rashly to precipitate himself, but to save that life which was not to be at his own dispose, since so many had interest in it, and whilst there was a way open for our safety. What said he must I fly then? have I been thus long in learning to fight? and must I learn now to fly? I replied that to precipitate himself into such an unequal fight was not a sign of valour but of despair, which was the badge of a coward, and could never enter into an heroic breast. And though he had learned to fight yet he never learned to cope with such a multitude, and that it was not sige of cowardice, or would be any stain to his honour to save his life by a retreat from an inevitable death, when no extremity pressed him to it. And that in his slight he would show his wisdom, but in his stay folly and madness, well then (said he at last) I'll save thy life since thou art so unwilling to lose it.  
By that time he had said thus they were got to the chamber door which I had fastened with two great iron bolts, which secured us whilst we gained a back door at the end of a gallery into which our chamber door opened. Fastening that door after us we descended a part of winding stairs which brought us into the garden, out of which we got into the street, and so escaped to a friends house of my masters. He told us that there would be no safety for us in the City so long as Sejanus was our enemy. My master being willing to leave Caligula procured horses of his friend and departed before it was light. He was out of the City before he had resolved whither to go, at last being thoroughly irritated at this unworthy do of Sejanus, he told me he was resolved to go to the Emperor Tiberius and complain of his debauches. I sought with all the arguments I had to cause him break that resolution, knowing that the Emperor had put to death some of the chiefest men in Rome for speaking against his favourites, so that the danger he incurred was no less than that we escaped. But not being able to alter his resolutions we road directly to Neapolis where the Emperor was. When we were there we understood he was in the Isle Capra. Our journey, although I had been careful to dress my master's wounds, had so disturbed them that they bled afresh, and put him into great danger, nevertheless he would be conducted to the Isl● which was not far, being come thither and admitted into the presence of the Emperor, he put one knee to the ground, and bowing with a very handsome grace. Sir (said he with a tone that ravished the ears of his auditors) I come now from Rome bloody as you see, and full of wounds, having received them from the hands of Sejanus though unjustly and most cruelly, he making those Praetorian bands which are for the safeguard of the City, to become the destruction of the commonwealth. I doubt not but your Majesty knows what belongs to the rules of regiment, and I know you are too good a Prince to suffer your subjects to groan under the tyranny of a man who is grown insupportable, and whose frequent debauches and cruelties have almost subverted the order and rules of that City, which heretofore hath been the harbour for the distressed, but now is become as the most dangerous rock in the Ocean: strangers eat the place, the Citizens are weary of it, and all cry out of the insolences of that man, who, whilst you are here for your repose, plays the Emperor, doth what he list, commands all, and abuses the authority you have put into his hands. The reason Sir, why you have not heard of this before now, was for fear of the danger they might incur by your severity who should adventure to speak against one so highly favoured by your Majesty: but I having less fear of death than desire of doing good to the commonwealth, bringing these wounds to testify the verity of my speech, have adventured upon the clemency of your Majesty to let you know the insolency of him who domineering over Rome debaseth your glory and authority; and maketh that sacred name be spoken evil of, which otherwise would be had in reverence and estimation.  
Tiberius stood still a great while after the Prince had spoken, being amazed at the port and animosity of a youth, at last resenting what my master had spoken. Sejanus shall not long abuse us thus (said he) Those that were about him, who were all enemies to Sejanus, and to his greatness, seeing so fair an occasion, confirmed my master's speech, and so irritated the emperor that he told them he would do them justice.  
We returned to Neapolis where we stayed some weeks for the sanation of our wounds, the next news we heard was the death of Sejanus by the Emperor's order: Goodness can never rejoice at another's fall, Dardanus no sooner heard of his death but he bewailed him, as if he had lost a friend, and repent him that ever he had instigated the Emperor against him: I had no thoughts (said he) that the Emperor would have taken away his life my end was that he might be but humbled by the loss of his authority. But I see both the favours and displeasures of Princes can keep no mean, they are always in extremes and fatal. Our wounds being cured Dardanus went to see the chiefest places in the City, and walking by the temple of Mavors accidentally met with Caligula; He was not so glad but my master was as sorry at that accident. Caligula embracing him, you need not fear Sejanus now (said he) he hath expiated the fault he hath committed against you with his life, you may return now to Rome and be secure. I did not think said he to find you here, I came about some business to the Emperor but I see now 'twas my good genius that hath been my conductor, since I have met with a happiness I did not expect. Dardanus would presently have taken his leave of him, having a perfect antipathy against him, but Caligula would needs accompany him to his lodging. After that beast was departed, I fear said Dardanus lest this base paederastes should make use of his authority here so near Tiberius and endeavour to force me to consent to his abominable vice, I am resolved Epidauro to leave this place tomorrow and to return either to Atheans or Byzantium, for I cannot endure the thought much less the sight of this Caligula. I encouraged him for this departure knowing that the King his father was in no small trouble for his departure from A●hens. But before night we were taken prisoners by order from Caligula, ten of them lost their lives in the attempt, but being overpowred, we weet deprived of our weapons, and our hands bound, and put into a litter, we were carried privately to a very fair house and put into a room well furnished, but as strong as any prison. Being at liberty we had time to consider the wickedness of Caligula, and by what means we might escape this imprisonment. Whilst we were in these considerations he came to us and told my master that which he had done was only out of fear lest he should have left his company, on which his life depende●, & that he should fear no other injury than that of his restraint. The Prince not permitting him to go on: do what you can monster (said he interupting him) but it shall be neither prison nor torment that shall make me yield to your monstrous brutuallity. The Prince was too, angry to be contested with, and Caligula was feign to departed without more words. He visited us constantly twice a day for a week, but seeing there was no persuading Dardanus to hear him so much as mention his wicked desires he departed in a rage and told him that he was resolved he should never escape from that prison till he had consented to those embraces he desired. I was very much troubled for fear Caligula would run to extremities and force my master to that abhored act, searching and trying every bar of the window I at last sound one lose, which after almost a whole day's labour I got out of the Fastening, although it gave no means of escaping through the window, it being too high and other cross bars hindering, yet we preserved it for a weapon against the last exegent. The next day Caligula told the Prince he was resolved no longer to depricate for a thing which was in his power, and to which he was resolved to force him. He bid him take his choice whether he would consent willingly, or be forced, for he would stay no longer, Dardanus was so vexed that he would not answer him one word, but his looks exhibited the aversion he had to his motion. Caligula departed, vowing before the morning to have his will. We expected he would be as good as his word, and therefore we would not go to bed that night. I gave the Prince the iron bar for his defence, and so awaited the pleasure of Caligula. About the middle of the night we heard our prison door unlock, and by the torches they brought we saw Caligula, enter with his sword drawn, and eight men more with planks and boards. They knew we had no weapons to resist them, and therefore they thought it a very easy matter to bind us according to the directions of Caligula whose sword was to be their defence. The Prince having a weapon, and seeing them weaponless, accounted this conquest so poor that he would not so much as rise from his seat to oppose them. Assoon as they were entered they made fast the door on the inside, & laying down their planks, joined them together, at whose ends were sour iron stables with loops, into which they had intended to have locked the Prince's arms and legs, and so to have exposed him to the enormous lust of that poedo. When they had made every thing fit, come (said that brute I mean Caligula) we must force the modesty of this young man, who like many virgins will out of pudicity be forced to what they desire, see how he sits, you need not fear his struggling, with that these hangmen advanced with every one a cord in his hand, but the first as came with in the reach of the Prince, paid for his boldness, the blow being delivered with a sure hand, and animated by a fury that possessed him at the sight of Caligulas' wickedness, the bar entered his skull and beat his brains into his companions faces. This amazed those pucill souls, and the animations of Caligula, were to no purpose for they did not dare to come within the reach of the Prince his weapon. Caligula with his sword did his endeavour to deprive the Prince of his life, but he with one blow broke it in the middle, and left him as weaponless as his companions. In the mean time I gained the door and getting thence the Keys, deprived them of all hope of flying, after the fall of four of those wretches the Prince told the rest that they were not to expect their lives but by binding Caligula after the same manner, as they had purposed to have bound him. They would have accepted of any conditions for their lives, and they thought this but a poor ransom, for what they had deserved, they presently bound Caligula and fastened him to the board, who was so enraged that he endeavoured to have tore his own flesh, but that he could not reach it with his teeth, for his neck, arms and feet were so fast that he could not stir any way. After I bond the hands of the other four behind them (who never resisted) that they might not unbind Caligula. After the Prince had upbraided that monster sufficiently with his wickedness we departed (locking the door after us that they might not pursue us) and left them to be found the next day with scorn and laughter. We immediately went to the port, and finding a ship just at break of the day bound for Africa and putting off, we embarked ourselves and with a fair wind arrived on that shore, the Prince being extremely contented at the retaliation Caligula had met with.  
We stayed not long on that shore, but embarking in a vessel bound for Byzantium, we crossed good part of that archipelago, when the usual Caprichiousnesse of that element displayed itself, and after a long aestuation of the waters, our unfortunate vessel struck against a rock on the coast of Cilicia. We were forced to make our arms do the office of oars, and by dividing that liquid element gain that more stable and solid one. After we had recovered the shore and had lost our weariness and witness by the refreshments we purchased of the inhabitants of the place, we traveled by land, going directly to the Propontis, intending to cross over there to Byzantium. We were almost at our intended place when we were set upon by ten men who lived on the spoil and ruin of others. We opposed them at least two hours and the incomparable valour of the Prince had laid three of them at his feet when they found that he was neither invincible nor invulnerable, for the loss of blood at so many wounds which he had received had taken away the vigour of his arm, and made his blows but weak and inconsiderable, he was falling to the earth, and those desperate assasins were about to perpetrate a villainy, which would have extracted tears from the eyes of a whole Kingdom, when one arrived at that exigent, who dissipated those murderers sooner than the bright shine of Sol could the smallest mist. That inpious one who had his arm and sword a loft, with an intent to have plunged it into the breast of the Prince, lost it before he could execute his determination for the sword of our deliverer amputing it close to his shoulder made it fall at the feet of Dardanus, as it were out of humility for his superbous insurrection.  
Flying like thunder and lightning amongst the rest, he did such actions that must needs lose their glory and their grace by being told by a humane tongue. But two escaped his fury for which they were beholden to their agility and slight. What we had seen made us doubt whether it were not Mavors himself, and made us approach him with reverence; but the Prince and our deliverer no sooner beheld one another, but they fell betwixt each others arms, and with a joy inexpressable continued a long time without utterance. To keep you no longer from the knowledge of this content, and wrapped, 'twas his dear friend Argelois who so fortunately came to our succour, and whose sight, with the consideration of what he had done, had almost caused Dardanus to expire in his joys. After the first ardencies were over, Argelois and myself leading the Prince between us, with the help of Fonteus, his Squire, we went towards the house of Miletus a wealthy merchant and father to Argelois. By the way we saw a man who crossing the path before us was taking another way, but looking at a distance upon us, and seeing us lead the Prince with some difficulty, he turned towards us, and coming near. I think (said he) that this Gentleman whom you lead is wounded, If you are destitute of a chirurgeon, being (as I think) far from houses, and if you dare trust my fidelity, I shall apply that which shall soon stop the efflux of his blood which else will be much to his detriment. The man coming nearer and looking very earnestly upon the prince, Oh Gods! (cried he out) what see I here! And with that embracing his knees, Ah! my prince (said he) have you forgot your servant Chiron. The Prince at these words embracing him, asked after the health of his parents. There is nothing lacking to make them happy, but your company (said he) ever since the King heard of your departure from Athens he hath sent most of his servants to all places, whither he could think you were gone, to seek you. Twice have I returned after several investigations to no purpose, and now was I returning the third time when my charity forcing me to help the wounded, hath repaid me with the fin●ing of my Prince. See what 'tis to be charitable, had I not had pity on others I had lost this happiness I have found. Presently this able surgeon causing us to set the Prince on the side of a green hill aply'd something that stopped the blood, and left dressing of him, till we could come to some house for fear of the wind. Causing the Prince to mount his horse we presently attained the house of Miletus, where we were very generously received, and where we stayed the recovery of the Prince.  
The excellent remedies of this vulnerary Physician soon recuperated Dar●anus, and gave him the liberty of leaving his consinement. He was no sooner well, but preparing to be gone, he desired Argelois to accompany him to Byzantium. Sir, (said Argelois) there is no happiness that I esteem like that of your company, and these ligaments both of friendship and favours which I received, make me inseparably yours. But my word (which every generous man ought to keep inviolably) being already engaged, I must deny myself of the happiness you so freely proffer me. So it is, that I have already promised to meet the general of those Legions which lay here abouts, about seven days hence, and to accompany him into Armenia against Artabanes, who hath begun the war in those parts against the Romans. The Prince hearing this would not u●ge him to break his promise but told him: seeing 'twas so that he could not accompany him he was resolved not to return, but to accompany him into Armirinia. Love ●oth not so much consider our own pleasure and delight as of the object beloved, there was nothing more agreeing to Argelois than the company of the Prince, and yet he persuaded him not to go, exhibiting the hazard and danger he should incur, and the trouble he should cast on his father and Country. But no remonstrance shaking the resolutions of Dardanus, he wrote a letter to King Palemon his father, in which he desired to be pardoned for the liberty he had taken, and that seeing he had sufficiently profited in his studies, he would give him leave to follow the exercise of arms, that if ever he came to possess that Crown which his father enjoyed, and which he wished might sit long upon his head; he might know as well how to make use of his arms in war, as of his learning in peace, that by the one he might quell the rebellious, and by the other maintain in peace the disobedient. With this letter he dispatched Chiron with hopes of his sudden return. The day being come wherein Argelois according to his promise was to meet those forces destined for Armenia, we departed from Miletus, the Prince using that liberality that evermore accompanieth able and generous spirits. Miletus and his wife could not restrain those tears which natural Love extracted at the abrepsion of their son, whose virtue indeed every where acquires the Love of the most barbarous. When we were come to the place of randezvous the Captain of those Legions, made Argelois a Centurion, whose authority he equally shared with the Prince, being at the height of his contentment in having so dear and noble a Companion. If it might be lawful to commemorate the actions of Fonteus and myself, with those of our Masters, I would tell you that we sought to imitate them in an affection so cordial and entire. Fonteus and myself then began that amity, which ever since we have kept inviolably, and which cherished our duties and love to our masters. We having the honour to attend on them, we marched into Armenia, enduring those hardships which are attending on sudden and hard marches. We there found a potent enemy to deal with, but the courage of the soldiers, and I may say the valour and judgement of the Prince and Argelois made us rather victors, than else, though their number almost trebled ours. Tiberius was too slack in sending forces to this war, which was maintained a long time with the ordinary Legions, but at last perceiving the consequence of it, He made Vitellus General of all the forces in the Orient and Lord Precedent of Syria. Whilst he was gathering his forces together that he might come to us with a considerable body, we gained a notable victory against Artabanes, in which conflict my Prince through the heat that animated him, had so far engaged himself, that he was surrounded with his adversaries, and had undoubtedly lost his life in a Corona of two or three hundred Parthians, if his tutelar Angel the invincible Argelois had not with a kind of prodigy broke that troop with the force and fury of his arm, and made them know by the terror that he brought, that there was nothing impossible for him to effect when the life of his friend was in danger. Two more scirmishes we had before the Arrival of Vitellus, in both which the Prince my master encountered with Arsa●es son to the King of Parthia, and by the valour that he shown, made himself feared of the Parthians, and esteemed of the Romans. Artabanes supplying the slain with fresh men, made up the breaches we had made, and had got a very considerable body before Vitellus came to us. Assoon as he was come, he gained in Pharasmanes to assist him, King of Hyberia, to whose troops those were adjoined which Argelois led. We came at last to a battle with Orodes another son of Artabanus, and one whose valour was much esteemed. Dardanus, that day made himself remarkable by the terror which he carried where ever he went. He had cut himself a way through the midst of his enemies, and with a lane of dead bodies came where Orodes was animaring his men, and both by words and deeds instigateing them not to sink under the force of their enemies. To him the Prince buckled, who entertained him with courage and skill, a long while they fought, hemmed in with intermingled troops of Parthians and Romans, who for the defence of these two leaders made the greatest conflict of the battle. Dardanus at last wounded Orodes in many places, who had undoubtedly died by his victorious hand, had not a fresh supply thundered in amongst us, seeing the danger of their Prince, and carried him wounded as he was from under the sword of the Prince. It was on him they sent all their fury, for slaying those that opposed them, they hemmed him in, and thought to have triumphed over his life with their numbers. I that was bound to follow him, accompanied him in that exigent, and saw those marvels he did, which should I relate, they would make you think I hyperbolized his actions, or spoke more by the rule of my affection than the verity of them. So many death-giving weapons which surrounded him, were not able to take away his life, the boldest sell under his sword, and served for Rampers of defence against other invaders, he defended himself, though wounded in many places, and drowned in blood and sweat. It was impossible but he must have yielded to their number, wounds, loss of blood, and saintness, and at last have fell amongst the extinct, if Argelois had not arrived, who hearing of the danger of the Prince broke thorough with some resolute followers, and there doing some of his usual wonders. gave life and freedom to Dardanus, and an absolute victory to the Romans. By these, and other exploits Argelois and Dardanus, acquired so great fame amongst the Romans, that they thought them somewhat more than men, and gave them more applauses than their modesties would permit them to take. The most noblest sought to acquire their friendship, and both the Generals and Soldiers sought to give them testimonies of their common resentments, with their applauses and civilities.  
At last the Parthians were beaten, and Vitellus with the chief of his Army retired to Artaxata, where they made great preparations for the crowning of Tyridates' King of Arminia. At the same time the Clites a people of Capadocia rebelled, against whom Vitellus sent Tribulus with four thousand of the legionary soldiers, with the choicest of the auxiliaries. This Tribulus above all the rest had in great estimation the Prince Dardanus, and had showed his affection by his many civilities. Dardanus on the other side shown that his virtue and his valour had won him to a very great familiarity, and that he presered him to all the Romans in the Army. There being now no longer occasion of showing their valour in Arminia, that being the chiefest cause of their journey they put themselves amongst the forces of Tribulus, who extraemely joyful of their company, told them, that he accounted his enemies already slain, since he was accompanied with that valour that was invincible. He gave them the chief command under himself, and by many other civilities made it appear that his love and affection was sincere.  
You must not doubt but that those people we went against, were soon over come having to deal with the conquerors of Nations and the two invincible youths, my Prince and Argelois. We indeed routed them and quieted that nation notwithstanding those scopulosous and nemorosous places which sheltered them from our fury. Dardanus and Argelois showing their valour daily to be augmented with their travel and labour, made Tribulus for the good service they had done him to build two trophies on the two hills, Codrus and Davarus on both which they had exhibited the utmost a mortal arm could be able to effect. Valour hath a secret force in gaining of hearts, and causing Love, but not only the valour of these two heroes, but their amiable carriage, and pleasing conversation had so won Tribulus, that he wished his enemies yet to subdue that he might longer have enjoyed their company.  
For these wars being finished the Prince resolved to return, that he might ease the hearts of so many hundreds that languished in his absence. Before we lest the generous Tribulus he opened (as I may say) the secrets of his heart to the Prince, and discovered some things conserning the Princess Eliana which but few in the world knew of besides himself, and showing him letters which he had received from his wife at Rome, complained much against the insolences of Piso son to the murderer of Germanicus. These freedoms caused the Prince to discover himself to him and to proffer him the shelter of his father's court against those enemy's Fortune had raised him.  
And promised him to go and visit Eliana, and to be her guardian till he could disengage himself from those wars to come to Rome. These generosities caused Tribulus to embrace the Prince, and to desire his pardon for that his ignorance had made him not to treat him as a Prince. Tribulus seeing Dardanus his resolutions gave him his tables for his wife, and after a thousand embraces and expresions of the nearest amity he parted from the Prince, and Argelois; leading his victorious troops towards Artaxata to meet with Vitellus, we presently began our journey to Rome, and before we came thither the Prince accidentally heard that Caligula had employed abundance of emissaries for the finding of a man that had abused him in Neapolis, whose head he had set a large price upon, and that he had offered large sums for a Praemium for him that could bring him either alive or dead. The Prince perceiving the danger he ran in entering Rome, would not for all that break a promise which he had made to Tribulus, but sufficiently disguizing himself under the habit of a woman, myself assuming that of her waiting maid, we entered that Metropolitan, which inferred chains on all the world, Argelois owning the Prince, for his wife. We spent ten days very securly, but all our endeavours to find out the wife of Tribulus was in vain for she had forsaken her house and was retired so secretly that none of her friends could give us any directions where to find her. We had given over that investigation and were about to leave the city, when in viewing the palaces and other rarities of the City Caligula had espied the Prince in his womanish habit, but not knowing him, he sent one of his ●ervants to Fonteus to desire that he might know who she was. Fonteus told the messenger that she was the wife of his master, who was a stranger, and who had not been long in those parts. He presently coming to Argelois with a great deal of Eloquence, begun his civilities, and acquaintance, to which Argelois answered in very obliging terms, and resolved all his questions with extemporary fictions. That brute at last casting his eye on my Prince, Your wife said he to Argelois doth so much resemble a man that lately did me the greatest injury in the world, that did not you aver her to be your wife I should think 'twas that impostor under a female habit. He parted after these words, and we not mistrusting the least from that dissimulator, (who verily is one of the greatest in the world) passed along, laughing to see how neatly we had beguiled him. But whether it were the extreme beauty that accompanied the Prince under that dress, or whether the same face now more beautifully garnished, stirred up the hidden fire of Calugula I know not, but so it was he was all on fire, and in Love with the wife of Argelois, and before we could gain our lodging met us again with so many men that in spite of all the Resistance of Argelois, he forced us two counterfeit females from him leaving him almost dead with the wounds he had received in our defence, having no other guard than his sword, we were presently carried to a strong house as prisoners, but not knowing whether we were discovered or Noah, we counterfeited the woman as much as we were able. After those that had brought us thither had left us within the liberty of several chambers rich enough to have entertained a princess, and strong enough to have retained a Hercules, Caligula came to us, having dressed up and perfumed his deformed and rotten carcase, that had my mistress been in Love with clothes and perfumes she had there met with the object of her desires.  
He approached her with a great deal of respect, and told her, that 'twas only Love had made him commit that violence, which was contrary to his nature and disposition, and that deity had not wounded him by halves, but that he had bestowed all the darts in his quiver upon him, so that he was all wounds, and all flames, and that no other hands than hers could recuperate him. The Prince making but a jest of this danger, seeing he was not discovered was resolved to play upon him, and feigning not to understand him: Sir (said she) I am very ill acquainted with the language of Rome, and I know not how to interpret words that carry another sense with them: They are paradoxes to me, you tell me you have fell into the flames, and received many wounds, when I see neither scar nor burning. But if it be so and that my hand hath that virtue which I was ignorant of, you needed not to have used this violence to one who accounts it the highest degree of virtue to be charitable. Ma●iam (said he) these flames are too internal to be seen, and are far beyond the scorching of the elemental fire, 'tis a metaphor which we take up to express the ardency of our Love, and were there any thing that could better express it, mine is so real, you may be sure it would have dictated it to me. Sir (replied my Prince) I can never trust a double tongue, for how can I believe him that speaks one thing when he means another? We women do not understand your mysterious kind of speaking, and had I known that they had spoke in Rome by metaphors I would have brought one of those priests who use to interpret our Hierogliphiks, it may be he might have given me the true sense of your words, and told me 'tis some hot burning  that you have got, or else the Erysipilas, which to cure I am utterly ignorant of. Alas madam (replied Caligula) I do not believe you are so ignorant in the terms of Love, as not to understand my meaning, I Love you madam and that so ardently that I am willing to shed the last drop of my blood to do you service. Would you be let blood then? (returned this pleasing counterfeit) my husband though he doth not use it, yet for a need can do it as well as any man in R●m●, if you please to send for him. I doubt not but he will endeavour to pleasure you. No, madam, you mistake me, (said he) and seeing you do not understand these amorous terms I'll tell you I Love, yea and 'tis you that I Love: and that with an ardency that cannot be parralleled. What Metaphor is that? (said the countersit madam) you told me flames signify Love, what doth Love signify? adoration and affection (said Caligula) you will make me believe that I am some divinity anon (said the prince) I do not love to be adored, and therefore surcease those terms lest being taken for a Goddess I should be fixed to some altar, and there starved to death with devotions. Caligula was between vexed and pleased with these kind of answers, but whilst he was considering what to return, the prince remembering in what condition he had left Argelois, left these rallaries, and told Caligula, that if he loved her as he said, or did ever expect any thing at her hands he should send immediately to see what was become of her husband. Caligula told her he would do that, and any thing else she would command, and leaving us sent his servant to see after Argelois, but all their diligence could not find him, nor hear whether he was alive or dead. This news extremely afflicting my prince, made him consult which was the best way we could take for our escape, and finding our prison too strong to be broke, we found it the best way as to counterfeit a compliance with Caligula and by that means enlarge our freedom. We were honourably attended, and lacked nothing but our liberties, and that monster seemed so far in Love with the Prince that he was never out of our companies, he sought to rectify nature, and to cover those deformities which made him displeasing with art and care. He fell at last to doting, and rendering himself to the will of his mistress, became an absolute lover. Assoon as ever he could escape from his wife he was with us, where he spent most part of his time in discourses as ridiculous as impertinent. At last he gave us the liberty of a garden to walk in, and permitted me to go into the City to fetch any thing my mistress wanted, when he saw that she began to understand him, and to give him hopes of obtaining his desires. I sought all Rome but could not hear of Argelois, which made the Prince fear he had been dead, and gave him the true feelings of the greatest trouble could be raised by the nearest amity. We had been now a month in this imprisonment, when I being permitted to go into the City bought two scaling ladders made of silk twisted, that I might carry them undiscovered, with these we had plotted to have got over the garden wall, which was very high, and so have escaped, but we were never left there alone, but either himself or some other company was with us, which frustrated our intent. The Prince knowing no other means to escape, feigned to be overcome by that monster, and promised that night to admit him into her chamber, but feigning a modesty, desired him, not to let any be privy to his escape, and to satisfy her fear, made him promise to sescure those in the house from coming to the knowledge of her amoretas. His thoughts prelibateing his pleasure, presently testified his Joy in his eyes, and promised to perform every thing punctually. The night being come the Prince resolved to show him that he had more strength than an ordinary female cutting the cords of our bed with which we had resolved to bind him; we a waited his coming, having a taper burning in the room.  
He sailed not to come as he had apppointed, but finding my mistress up, I hope madam (said he) that you have not changed yours resolutions, and out of the highest of my contentments, to sling me into the greatest miseries by denying me the fruition of that happiness which I hoped this night to have possessed. Fear need not cause this change, for I assure you I have taken such order that yourself could not desire more. No Caligula (said my Prince) I hold my resolutions. Still, and you shall enjoy those embraces you so much desire. With that rising up he called me, and taking the cords out my hands. You shall see Caligula what a female strength is able to do. Caligula was so amazed at this action that he stood immovable till the Prince had taken hold of his hands. But when he saw that his mistress had an intent to bind him, between smiling and frowning not knowing whether to take it in jest or anger, he went to thrust her from him but he met with a strength that was not so easily to be repulsed, Cailgula (said the Prince) you have been mightily deceived in taking me for a woman, these hands ought to be fatal to you for your enormities, I am the same that heretofore by your own instruments bound you to the planchets, when you had intended a crime against nature and Heaven. With that flinging him on the flore bond both his hands and feet together notwithstanding all his struggling and force. When he had bound him so that he could not stir, your life (said the Prince) is now at my mercy, but I spare it in hope that by these exemplar exhibitions of the justice of the Gods, ye will leave you crimes and not force them to greater severities after your contempts of their mercies. With this we left him raging mad for this capricio of fortune, and finding the way open into the garden mad use of our scaling ladders and so escaped. The next day chainging our habits into that proper to our sex, we left Rome with the earliest light, and taking shipping at the mouth of the Tiber we embarked for Byzantium, where being arrived you may conceive with what Joy, and triumph the Prince was received after so long absence. But he not finding Argelois there, whom he had hoped might (if he had escaped) have gone theither was so dejected that he was not sensible of those pleasures they prepared for him, and would certainly have once more ventured his life in Rome to have heard of his friend, if his arrival with Tribulus and Eliana had not diverted it, and filled him with that Joy his presence always brought with it. They were all entertained according to the desires of the Prince, Argelois as his friend, favourite and deliverer, Tribulus to his estate and condition, Eliana as a Princess and daughter to the King's ancient friend and ally. They had not been long at the court before the beauty virtues and comely grace of that Princess, though left destititute of a crown through the usurpation of the Romans, gained so the heart of the King and Queen that they thought her a match fit for my Prince Dardanus, on which there hath been many treaties with Tribulus who is to dispose the princess's mind unto it, who without doubt will not deny to herself so great happiness. The King is already preparing for this marriage, at which will be those triumphs, which this part of Asia never yet beheld.  
After Euripides and Lonoxia had made known the pleasure they received by this relation, and had given Epedauro thanks for his pains, they went to Argelois whom they found amidst his ordinary muse in the place where they left him. 'Twas almost night, and therefore contracting his stay after some ordinary discourse he would have took his leave of them, but they proffering to wait on him to the utmost limits of their praecincts, they went forth into the Grove together. Euripides joining himself to Argelous went a little before Lonoxia and Epidauro. Sir (said he softly to Argelois,) I cannot blame this sadness which I read in your face, I am very sensible of your affliction. Love and generosity make a kind of war in your breast, the one pleads against Dardanus the other speaks for him. I confess Fortune could have found out nothing more Cross, than to make your great friend, deprive you of that felicity you might have expected in obtaining Eliana. The Gods can witness (said Argelois sighing) that I could never frame a thought of so much happiness to myself. No Euripedes that were too high presumption. I am criminal enough in Loving, which yet may have some Colour of pardon, for that it is not in my Power to forbid, but thoughts being at my own dispose would render me in the highest degree guilty, should I to please my fantasy think of any other happiness than that of being her slave and servant. Sir (said Euripedes) your have not acquitted yourself of the promise you made, which was the Relation of those remarkable passages you have run through; what we have heard from Epidauro, and which was contingent with the Life of Dardanus is defective, though by the pleasure we received in that, we may judge what we shall receive in the relation of the whole. I will not contradict your error (said Argelois) though I can assure you there is nothing left worthy of your audition, because I hope it may prove attractive, to draw you past the limits of your domicile, to visit that place where I reside, where I engage, if the hearing of my fortune can do it, to give you that content you propose to yourself. You may be sure (said Euripedes) it shall not be long  I obtain it, seeing it may be so easily purchased. As they were about to proceed in their discourse, they heard the sound of certain voices which by the cicumlation in the air struck their ears. Stopping that they might the better hear from whence the sound came, they heard the grons of a man which with a plaintive voice seemed to speak to some injurors. Desire of helping the distressed, as well as Curiosity caused this small company to press through the thickest of the trees, following the sound by their ears: they paced a great way amongst the trees, which being so thick debarred them of the sight of the men whose voices they had heard. They were come very near when stopping, they heard very distinctly these words. Obstinate man! (said one) is it not better for you to give me the knowledge of what I desire than to endure these torments? when what you preserve is for a man whom you have sought for in vain these five years, and whom without hope of ever finding, and yourself believing him dead, have given over your search? Leave being thus injurious to yourself, and disclose that treasure which otherwise must perish with yourself. Wee'lshare it betwixt us, and I promise you more than enough to make you happy for ever, if not, more rigorous torments than these shall force you at last to confess or else death shall assault you by my hand. Cruel and false wretch! (replied the other) think not that either your flatteries or your threats shall be able to extort that from me which I am resolved never to disclose. All the torments that you are able to inflict my fidelity to my master shall make me able to bear. No assassin, there are weapons not fit to be touched by such murderous wretches as you are for then they might become destructive to the whole earth, why ceasest thou thy tormenting; you see I am willing to suffer for that I account these punishments justly inflicted, in that I have been so foolish as to declare those secrets which I ought not to have done. And my years might have experienced that a covetous desire neither regards the laws of Humanity, no● of the Gods, After these words they heard the strokes that were inflicted on the complainant, and being desirous to free that miserable man out of the hands of his tormentors they hasted to the place where they found a man with his arms bound round about a tree, and his feet in like manner bound; and being stripped from his shoulders to his waist, was all over blood; caused from the stripes of two who executed the commands of another that stood by. They had worn to pieces several reeds wherewith they tormented him, and were receiving new from the hands of their master, when these diliverers came. They were exceedingly abashed at the sight of Argelois and his companions: but their master forcing them to stay, expected to know who they were. Argelois coming to him demanded what reason he had to inflict such crueltyes on the man they say tormented. He to●d him that he was his slave, and that they might punish them without breaking any Laws or giving any account to any, of their chastisements, and that 'twas not without good reason that he used such rigorousness to the man they beheld; he that was bound to the tree hearing this expostulation and turning back his head, shown that his face carried no character of a slave, and his hair and beard which was grown white with either time, or cares, exhibited an age that might have caused pity and reverence in his tormentors, Who e'er you be (said he) that are arrived to behold the cruelties of this man, believe him not, for I never yet was a slave to any one much less to him. I have a persuasion that ye are generous enough to release me from this man's unjust persecutions, without being persuaded, by any other oratory than that of my blood and wounds, which are praevalent enough to exussitate pity in any heart that professeth humanity. He spoke these words with such an indifferency that was incapable for the heart of a slave to have entertained.  
Argelois commanded those who had been his tormentors to become his releaso●s, and being unbound he came and gave them those thanks that so great a mercy could require. I ever thought (said he) that just Heaven would at last ease me of those miseries I underwent without murmuring, and that he would with some kind of miracle exhibit his goodness to me. I see at last my suggestions were not in vain, and he hath made you the happy instruments of my release. To you therefore I devote myself, and will for ever term myself by that name, which my tormentor but now imposed upon me. I am your slave and shall think it no disgrace to acknowledge these mercies by that title and place. Stopping at these words on a sudden he fixed his eyes upon Euripedes, and showing by his sudden alteration in his face I know not what emotion in his heart, he was not able to speak or stir; they all took notice of this emotion, & imputeing it to his pains were about to exercise their Charities about him, when crying out, O Gods! (said he) either now you complete my joys, or I am extremely deluded. Certainly this face I behold bears some marks of that which I so long have sought, and though time since I saw it, hath spread it with a silver down, yet its species being thoroughly impressed in my mind, I am extremely mistaken if it be not that which must consummare my happiness, and give end to my investigations. Oh assure me my deliver! (keeping his eye sixth on Euripedes) that my joy is not a vanity, pluck me out of this doubt, and end this emotion, by telling me if you never knew Euripedes. He was startled at these words and looking very intentive upon him told him he did not know him, but for him whom he had named if he meant Euriped●s of Cilicia he needed no longer doubt but he beheld him. Those countries' wh●●h I have passed, and those torrid climates (said the stranger) which our ages poets have falsely sung to have been uninhabitted, through which I have wandered, may very well through the heat of that oriental deity have altered my countinuance, that you may not therein see any Prints of that of your servant Meadors. But (continued he casting himself at Eurip●des his feet) behold him who once gloried under that title and who could never account himself happy, so long as he was separated from Euripedes. The Gods who in plucking me out of the midst of my miseries, and with a kind of miracle and so unexpectedly placing me in the midst of my joys and happiness, proclaim to the world ●y me that there is nothing so pleasing to them as that resignation to their wills which they will receive before they effect our desires or Prayers.  
euripides astonished at this accident fell almost insensible upon his squire's face, and by the embraces that he gave him, shown that though time had defaced his image in his memory, yet that it had not rooted out the affection he bore in his his heart. After their first joys had given them leave to recollect their dissipated spirits, Argelois came and was partaker of their content. Presently clothing Meador they departed, and dismissing his tormentors, carried with them the chief, whom they bond resolving to make him feel the effects of the like scourges. By the way ask after Araterus, I left him (said Meador) in that prosperity which the greatest Monarches in the East enjoy. I intent to give you the relation of all that is remarkable since our unhappy separation, and thesore I will not anticipate my relation, by declaring the condition of your kinsman, They were just then arrived at the grot, and being almost night. I must take my leave of you (said Argelois) but let me desire you to deny yourself that contentment and pleasure of hearing the relation of your Squire till the morrow, that I also may partake of it: In the mean time you may make him acquainted with those visissitudes Fortune hath engaged you in. I shell deny myself this and much more to pleasure you (replied Euripedes) I will follow your Council and crucify, my desires till you come. Argelois gane him many thanks for that favour, and told him he would secure his prisoner in the Castle, having a more convenient lodging for such persons than he could afford in the groat. Leaveing them in their contentments, he returned with his prisoner and Epidauro to the Castle, where according to his order he was secured. Night having endued her sable Mantles, and the princesses being in their Chambers, he went directly to histen to take that repose for which the night was ordaned.  
The end of the fifth Book.    

ELIANA.  
BOOK the sixth.  
THat bright and glorious Eoan Deity, had no sooner dissipated the Nocturnal sables, but the amorous A●gelois leaving his repose, went to suspire forth his prayers to love, in the air of the refrigerating morning. His meditations which were ever large on that Subject, kept him imprisoned within the bounds of certain walks, till the Princess' willing to participate of the comfortable freshness of the morning, had unexpectedly to both, supprized him in the midst of his thoughts. The sight of these two fair ones, startled him, and huddling up those indigested thoughts which either Love or desire had spread before his fancy; he would out of a kind of bashfulness have left the walk free for these two blushing Aurora's, but both at once giving him a sign to the contrary, made him convert his civility into obedience, which ought to be coessential with ardent love. He approached them, and with a kind of timorousness proper to Lovers, rendered them his good-morrows, in terms obliging, and full of civility. He was a little in disorder at those extraordinary whitenesses which his searching eyes dicovered, for Eliana having only slipped on her morning gown, with a pink blushing mantle about her neck, had left a free passage for the busses of the soft-liped wind, to those orbs whose altitude and fairness had cast our Lover into new contemplations which lasted till Eliana's cheeks outvied the colour of her mantle. Panthea perceiving with what appetite the eyes of Argelois said on the exposed beauties of Eliana, a little ambitious and envious at the same time, sighed and spoke together, something, to very little purpose, but that it served for a divertiz●ment, and with drew Argelois from following the bend o● his thoughts. He had not often seen his mistress in that dress, which made it seem in his eyes, more setting off than the richest dress, ordered by the hands of her most accomplished maidens.  
All those lose garments which were but slipped on and which hung with a kind of ordered disorder, seemed to him, to make a perfect harmony, and what it may be, might not have been becoming to one less fair and handsome, seemed by the lustre it received from her, very becoming to her. Indeed beauty gives a grace to the ornaments it wears, and in what dress so ever it appears 'tis still ravishing and charming, there is none though never so ugly that can detract from its lustre, and through which it will not shine with a splendency able to overcome it. 'Twas not  that made her, but she that made her  beautiful. And as the richest ornaments cannot contribute beauty to a face in which there is none, so the meanest cannot detract from a beauty of itself naturally sweet; though I confess ornaments are not without their peculiar graces and settings  to meaner beauties, but Eliana's was so transcendent, that as the meanest dress could not detract from her beauty, so the richest could add nothing to it. Argelois being diverted by Panthea from beholding that fair skin, which carried albitude extraordinary, and a heat, through the gentle live of her bed which concorded with that of his heart, he walked some turns with those fair Princesses, and telling them the reason of his stay, the last night, made them acquainted with his engagement that day to visit Euripedes. Panthea unwilling to be deprived of his company so long, desired to accompany him, and proposing it to Eliana, she consenting, they told him their intentions. I had thought Madam (said he to Eliana) that you durst not have adventured into those woods again, considering the danger you were in the last time you see there. You see therefore (said she) I fear nothing under your protection. Panthea interposing told them they ought not to let Euripedes expect Argelois, whilst they spent the time in those discourses, and give him cause to think he was capable of breaking this word. Eliana following her council they left him, joyful that he should enjoy their company, and went to put on those robes suitable to their qualities and estate. They spent little time in dressing them, having but very little humour to that court vanity, and yet their ornaments we so rich that they seemed to vie with their beauties. Eliana had dressed herself like one of the Nymphs or the goddess Flora, and as if she meant to suit with the time of the year, she had put on a gown of a verdant hue branched with leavs and flowers so artificially, that they made raire knots and poses which served for compartments to her gown. Panthea's was a bright azure, in which shone so many bright stones that it represented the firmament in its greatest lustre of stars, and by the which she would have intimated the constancy and charity of her affection. Having sent for Argelois they entered a clariot, and putting off their train took none with them but Tribulus and their two confidents, with the squires of Dardanus and Argelois.  
Being arrived at the grove they sent back their Chariot, and entering euripides groat, received all the welcomes of that generous old man. You will not increpat me for my stay (said Argelois) seeing I have brought such company that may excuse it. 'Tis enough (said Euripedes) and this company is so glorious, that could my wishes be effected, I should break that law, which I have imposed upon thy thoughts since I have turned Philosopher, & wish now to be great and potent only that I might give an entertainment some ways corresponding to their virtue and greatness. But were I a Prince it were impossible for me to recompense the decima of this favour, in illuminating this dark groat, with the incomparable lustre of their beauties. Eliana and Panthea reanswering him vicissively made him at last leave these terms of perfection. Meador who by the virtue of those ointments which his careful master had applied, found so much ease, that he would not put this Princess to the trouble of coming into his chamber, but being helped on with his  he was led into the chamber, where Argelois and the two Princesses with the rest of the company stayed to hear him acquit himself of a relation which he knew they expected at his hands. Euripedes had entertained them before with those civilityes that were to be expected at his hands, & therefore there being nothing now to be done but to audite his relation they caused him to sit down, who obeyed, and after he had taken some pleasure in beholding the beauty of his auditors, directing his speech to Euripedes, he began  

THE HISTORY of ARATERUS.  
VIrtue (what ever the vicious think) although she be often banded against by that power to which we attribute the name of inconstant, and mutable, at length overcomes her, triumphs over her, and wears the crowns of her victories with an immutable fortune. But yet, should she not receive this reward whilst the soul remains in the domicile of flesh, I am confident the Justice of the Gods would return it a hundred sold after she is departed to the Elysiume some indeed they reward here, yet not denying those hereafter: and pay their perseverance, with rewards corresponding to their deserts. Amongst the rest Araterus has tasted of their bounty, which is in consideration of his virtue, and though what we are able to do in consideration of those deities, is nothing and not worthy the least rewards, yet they are just and repay our wills and devoyres, with happinesses transcending our merits, and actions. Had you seen the perils and dangers we passed, and the continual prosecution of our ill fortune with the marchlesse patience of Aratearus, you would have thought, there had been no other powers than those which continually seek the destruction of mankind, especially the virtuous, but as he endured all mischances without murmuring so at last the Gods have repaid him (I think) without example. I know by your own relation that the elapsion of so many years hath not made you forget the place and manner of our loss, and I believe that your kinsman had the sight of those implorations of yours to the Gods, which may be, were the cause of his preservation. After we had got those small preservations of life, which grew on the verging branches of the green trees, we returned to that place where we left you, but finding neither you nor the child, which fortune had cast on that place, I know not whether, we were more amazed or grieved. At last grief bursting forth into words and tears Araterus wept forth such complaints, that testified how ardently he affected you, but amazedness sometimes stopping his speeches, gave him time to consider which way you could be gone: indeed sometimes he accused you for leaving him, sometimes he inveighed against heaven, and then against himself that he dared to speak against either. But at last turning all against fortune, he made her the sole cause of this accident. For my part, seeing you gone, and believing that 'twas impossible for us to escape death by famine in that pl●ce I would have anticipated it, by a voluntary precipitation into the sea, which like a mad man I had effected had not Araterus by force more than entreaties deterred me.  
After we had somewhat mitigated our grief by the effusion of our tears, and emission of our complaints, that we might not be guilty of our own deaths, Araterus having changed my mind with his good instructions, we e●t that food which was ready prepared by the maturating sun, and which extended themselves upon the verdant branches. In this condition we lived some weeks, till the slenderness of of our diet had so macerated our bodies, that we could hardly make our quotidian walks to the sea side, in hope to find some winged transporter. In the time we were there Araterus researching that cave in which the Phantasms appeared found in the tomb a lose stone, which being taken away discovered a large plate of copper, on which was insculpted the sea, with that great lamp of the world emerging itself, with this word in decumanal characters Oriens, under which was wrote in G●eek this prophecy.  
The Predication.  
I B●rcellizeg Druidae having visited the better part of the world for the acquirement of an art, whereby I might be as wise as the intelligences, or celestial deities, in the fore knowledge of future things, at last in this desolate and solitary Island took up my last habitation, and in this natural structure ended my days, having attained to the perfection of my art and to the two hundred and third year of my age. The estate of the world is laid open to m● for these many hundred rears to come, but for that I will not make men acquainted with their own miseries, nor the Arcanum of the Gods I bury all with myself in this tomb, only this Prediction I leave to be considered by him whose name is SuretarA, and who I am sure will visit this place.  

Praedictio.  
Thou shalt never more return to thine own country, but shalt be a continual vagrant for many years, from the immergency to the emergency of Sol shalt thou go, wherein recompense of thy virtues, travel and miseries thou shalt attain the greatest Diadem of the Orient, with the fairest and wisest Princess: Wherethou shalt lead thy life in pleasure & end thy days in peace, this is decreed of thee. S. U. R. E. T. A. R. A.]   
After Araterus had read this he shown it me saying there were large promises for some that he believed were not yet arrived the●e. After I had a while considered it, I was about to departed, when perceiving the last letter of the name to be made different from the rest, by a more notable character. I took more notice of it, and presently found that Suretara was read backwards Araterus. Immediately calling Araterus, who was gone to the mouth of the cave, I told him that predication belonged only to him, and therefore I desired him to relege it. Smiling at my words he did it, but not finding what I had done asked me the reason why I said so. I presently shown him his name, and told him that with out Contradiction the wise Druide had foreseen his fortune, as well as his coming thither. He could not deny but that was his name, but yet he could give no credit to the Predication, but rather believed that 'twas his fortune to be starved in the Island. Whatsomever he thought, I could not get it out of my mind, but revisiting the place, I made it a potion against despair, placing a faith on what I desired might be, for desire is apt to cause a belief on any thing that may seem corresponding to it.  
We were become mere skeletons, and my saith began to waver, when traversing the sands on the side of the Island, more out of use than hope of seeing any deliverance, Fortune or rather Providence, permitted the fury of that liquid Element, to cast a ship into a harbour of that Island. We soon made known the miseries we had endured, our faces testifying to the verity of our speeches. They admitted us into their ship, and being of Africa, assoon as the impetuosity of the storm was allayed, which by its sudden ceasing seemed created for our preservation, we hoist the sails before the adjuvating wind, bidding adieu to the Island, but not to our miseries: For we had not been long on the sea, before we were assaulted by two stout Pirates. Araterus was too weak to make any resistance, and those in the ship too few to withstand their assaulters, so that we were all made prisoners without any great labour. Araterus and myself were put into a , where we found amongst other prisoners the captain of that ship which brought us to the desolate Island. Having saluted him in Greek he told me that whilst we were gone into the Island those pirates which had taken us prisoners having descried our ship, made to them, and in spite of all their resistance took them prisoners with the barque, and conveying them to a peninsula on the coasts of Africa not far from the greater Atlas, they were kept close prisoners, excepting when these rovers scoured the seas, they were put into the ship to use the owers when they were be calmed. To this peninsula we were had, being the habitation of these pirates, and a place that the Conspirations of Nature and Art had made impregnable. There was from the sea but one admittance, all other places rising with high cliffs were butterresses sufficient to keep of the invasions of men, or waters. This admittance was by a river deep enough to carry ships of burden: on each side of which the declineing rocks made a kind of Arch, on which with certain gins there placed, two men by letting down strong pieces of timber framed Cross wise, were able to impede the entrance of any ship, On this place they kept continual guard, and from whose summit they could descry all ships in the ocean for many Leagues. Being admitted we sailed up the river into the midst of the peninsula, in which place, through a great breach there was made a very safe and spacious bay. Here disimbarquing we were chained to certain barges, and rowed up to the neck of land which adjoined it to the main, and through which the river ran. In this place those pirates had built a fort with a wall and dike from one side of the neck to the other, whereby they had made themselves impregnable. In this place we were imprisoned amongst others which they had taken, where we endured their indignities almost a twelve month. Araterus had sufficiently enquired into the Condition of the Island and their captain: He felt the pulses of many beating towards a change. And the perceived that nothing but want of an opportunity and introductions hindered their motion. Their captain was covetous, cruel, and unjust, depriveing them of their rights and liberties, and induceing a Tyranny without controlment. Araterus assoon as he had found their alienation augmented it by the charms of his voluble tongue, and telling some that began to harken after his words) that 'twas contrary to the nature of men, and the end of their creation to be restrained and subjugated by their fellow-creatures. That the Gods had created them free, and had imposed no such tyranny upon them. That Kings, Lords, or Tyrants, were not first made and then others, for to be their slaves, but that the Gods made them Lords of the earth, and all the creatures: That one ought not to usurp such authority over another: that they were coequal with their captain, and that 'twas no other thing but subtlety and ambition that at first destroyed this coequality. That they could by no other argument justify their occupation of Piracy, but by being conscious that they had an equal right, to the goods and creatures of the creation: and that 'twas contrary to the nature of their occupation, being Piracy most commonly is maintained with community, or at least an equal distribution of those goods which fortune h●d given them. And that their Captain contrary to all this had usurped an authority not given him, that he had dealt cruelly with them, that he depived them of their goods: that he made slaves of their persons, and that in following the dictates of his ambitious desires he would become something more than they could be able to bear; that then they would seek to ease themselves too late, after that with gifts, promises, hopes and flatteries he had tied enough to his interest to make him formidable to the rest, and lastly if they did not desire to be enslaved 'twas no hard matter at that time to give a period to his ambition and their own thraldom. I say by inculcating these maxims into those that were ready enough to imbibe them, he inspired them with resolutions, which they followed and effected.  
Araterus in this sought not only his liberty, but to have it accompanied with their ruin, which he could easily judge, would be effected by his counsel, for the confusion into which it would bring them, would induce their extermination.  
These Praedonians fired with their resolutions soon augmented their party, and beholding the actions of their Captain with a prejudiced eye they aggravated to the degree of heinous whatsomever he committed. Being no longer able to restrain their fury, they rebelled under the notion of liberty and breaking the prison made all those retained therein on their side. They make Araterus their Captain, and with that impetuosity which accompanies sudden and temerary actions assaulted their Captain, who at the first inkling having gained a party, met them with little less fury. All the Pirates were engaged in either party, it being too great a shame for any to remain neuters: so that almost half of them fell at the first encounter. There was on our party one wiser than the rest, who perceiving the effect of their loss, and foreseeing their ruin if they persisted, began to stop their fury by laying open the insulties of their actions; He told them that their actions had rendered them odious to their neighbours, and that being most of them banished men, they dared not to return to their own Countries: and that if they thought to live in others they must become slaves to the natives. That they had chosen a place, in which fertility and commodity resided, that out of several Nations they had composed one little Colony, which for many years had been maintained with ease and a little valour, which he foresaw must be left: for that they could not be able to maintain it, they depriving one another of their lives. That they lived too happily, because 'twas wantonness had caused this distaste at their Captain's actions, who he confessed had taken too much liberty yet not comparable with their rebellions: that though the head were infected they should not presently kill the body or cut it off, but should have recourse to means suitable to the disease. That they might have repressed their captain's authority without slaying one another, upon the advice of a prisoner who under the petence of counsel sought their destruction. He would have gone on but that Araterus having received notice of it and knowing, that the speech of a wise man might easily overthrow his Maxims, and deter his designs, ran presently to the place, and crying out he was a traitor to their liberties that he was suborned by their Captain and that he deserved immediately to die, converted the hearts of the wavering multitude, and inspired them with their first fury. They immediately stoned him to death as a traitor, and insinuator, showing by that action how incapable the common prople are to judge of verity, and making that Maxim good which saith they are a most violent torrent, full of mutability and instability, doing all their actions with temerity and precipitancy. This obstacle being removed Araterus pursuing his designs placed all the prisoners in a band by themselves, and gave them most commonly the rearward, that he might lessen them as little as he could. Not caring much which side overcame so their men were but lessened: he engaged them in very desperate encounters, in the last of which they slew their Captain. Araterus now fearing their agreeing most subtly sowed these seeds of discord that he expected the crop of his desires, by making the one demand unreasonable terms of the other, and by sending me serectly to the other party to manifest to them his affection to see their union, and that his party demanded unreasonable satisfaction contrary to his desires, and that they did not intent to prosecute it if they shown themselves resolved to withstand them, and that they should send to demand higher reparations of them.  
These and other practices being agitated by Araterus bred so great a feud between them, that they came to another battle by which they were so lessened that he believed he might effect his desire Those that remained of the adverse party gained that which they called the Impregnable Fort, being somewhat higher than the other upon a hill. This they kept knowing themselves secure from all attempts; for indeed 'twas impossible to take it, however Araterus busied them about the siege of it, as if he had made no difficulty of takeing it. All this while Arat●rus had kept good correspondency with the adverse party through my secret embassies, he sent me once more, and by his directions I told them that now they should see that his affection to them was not feigned but sincere and real, that the next day their eyes should see him give that defeat to their enemies they would desire, upon their promise that they would let their gates be ready to receive him and those of his party if the other should be too strong for them. This they willingly agreed to, being their eyes were to be judges that Araterus meant not to fain. He had yet communicated this to none but myself, but in the morning holding his party in hand that he would effect some strange stratagem, wiled them to embattle themselves, and that they should be ready to engage against him in a false skirmish before the fort, telling them that he doubted not but their enemies seeing it and believing they were fallen out amongst themselves would sally forth hoping to obtain a notable victory, and by that means betray themselves into their hands. The pirates never imagining his deceit, having seen him hitherto so cordial, and active in all encounters applauded it as a notable stratagem. Prepareing for this business he drew out the band of prisoners, telling them that it would colour the stratagem the better from their enemies, and leaving them instructions what to do, he with drew out of the fight of the rest of the pirates and seeing none with them but those that had been prisoners he told them what he had done, letting them know he was in earnest and not in jest, that they after had destroyed those, they should enter the fort where they should extirp the last of that viperous brood. He aggravated their crimes, and how pleasing 'twould be to the Gods, and how acceptable to men. The unlawfulness of their actions, and cruelties of their natures, he extolled their valour, told them he enduced them to nothing but what was glorious, and to what they should see him lead them with a free hand. The sense of their miseries and indignities received stimulated some to revenge, and others accounting it an act meritorious to extirpate such destroyers of human society, were excited to perpetrate it, some out of fear to be repugnant, and others out of compliance, so that there was none dissenting but all gave him their hands to do their utmost for their in extermation. Araterus presently appearing was met with a false skirmish according to his appointment, but they found to their cost that 'twas a true one; they saw they were betrayed when 'twas too late to help themselves. They from the fort seeing the verity of Araterus' promise rallied all their men and issued out to help to end his enterprise. Araterus seeing them, let them destroy their adversaries, whilst he rallying his confederates took breath and assoon as he saw the others had done their work, he intimated to his that now was their last part to be played, they fell upon them wearied with slaying thei● fellows, and amazed at this surcharge were half slain before they could recollect themselves. Araterus as if he had conserved himself for this last part, did such amazing actions that they attributed the sele overthrow to the vigour of his arm. Most of them were slain very few escaping from our fury, and by this means ourselves were left free, and those monsters and robbers exterminated, their deaths and destruction exhibiting how dangerous a thing it was to trust an enemy.  
Araterus having divided the Pirates treasure amongst their exterminators stayed but few days before he departed, and accompanying some of the prisoners that were of Gaul, we put into the river Ligeris. Parting with his company assoon as he was on shore, he resolved to travel over that country. Having followed our intentions some few days, as we were taking the fresh refrigerating air under the umbrellas of the trees we heard the confused music of the yelping hounds, which having run down a fair stag deprived him of his life close by us. The company coming in, amongst the rest we observed a gentleman of a very handsome port, who seeing Araterus so night, came and saluted him very courteously. Araterus having returned his compliment with an increment of words, describing you as well as he could, made an enquiry after you; and at the gentleman's request told him how he lost you and your name. He had no sooner heard it, but with open arms embracing him, he told him that the prison of his arms should retain him till he had padroned that crime which Love, Duty, and necessity had made him commit against him. Declaring presently what had happened to him, and you, made himself be known to the Bruadenor Prince of the Veneti: Having in a word heard of your exploits & knowing by him of your going into Spain. Full of joy for this encounter we would have immediately departed, but Brua●enor expressing the great affection he bore you, forced us to accompany him to a fair lodge, where he entertained us after a most royal manner, continually praising your virtue and valour, with an affection as ardent as his words were suaveous. Two days being expired we left him, contrary to his desires having pressed us much to have gone to his palace with him, where he promised Araterus that entertainment he was unable to give in those woods, whither he had retired to divert himself. We left him (sure) in an unfortunate hour, for taking our journey directly to Spain, we were come to the Pyrenaei when a very violent  seizing upon Araterus imprisoned him in his bed all that summer, the next spring arriving before he was able to go abroad. His  was augmented by the dolour he received at his stay, having fed himself with the hopes of seeing you: I could not leave him in that barbarous place among mountains, and those messengers we sent, we never more heard of, the wars being then hot in Spain 'twas very difficult for any to pass without being taken prisoners or slain. Assoon as he was able to sit his horse, he left his habitation and past the Pyre●aei, but we were no sooner in Spain but we were taken by a band of Romans, who delivering us to the camp martial we were detained amongst other prisoners which the fortune of war had given them. We were sent immediately to Ta●racon, and to the extreme grief of us both detained there all that summer, till that the Austures, Gallicians and Cant●brians were wholly subdued and settled under their government. Then the Prisoners being distributed with other prizes amongst the Captains we were allotted to so generous a one, that he seeing something more than common in the behaviour of Araterus freely gave us both our liberties, which we accepted with immensity of thanks for an act so worthy a Roman.  
Seeing ourselves free; I unripped my doublet, and with some gold I there kept in banco furnished ourselves with horse and arms. Hope of finding you yet in Spain made Araterus resolve a thorough search of that country, and directing our course towards the C●ntabr●●ns, we went up the river Jberius, extenuating the discommodities of heat▪ by the coolness, and pleasantness of the rolling waters. The excessive he●t of the Sun made us spend the meridies under the shadow of the fair spreading trees which made a kind of grove all along the rivers side. Araterus being extended on the grass, was taking that repose the meridiall heat insensibly draws one to, when not far from us, I heard one who with a kind of angry murmur reiterated your name, and Amenia's, with Epithets that shown that rage and revenge were his chief simulators, awaking Araterus at this accident, I told him what I heard, and invited him to hear more, creeping on our knees and hands upon the grass, we came close to those thick bushes that interposing hindered us from seeing him where we heard him in close and an angry tone, invoke the Gods for your destruction, and petition them that he might but find you to revenge himself for the injuries you had done him. Amongst many other words that his fury and distemper made him utter, I retained these. Cruel mischance! (cried he out) just as I hoped for the fruition I had so long expected! but who can conquer Fortune, that mocker of our hopes? I thought I had been past all danger of her mockeries, I thought she had done her utmost against me, I thought the cruel Goddess had given me Amenia for to recompense the loss of the Kingdom she hath taken from me. Cruel destiny, inexorable goddess! thou art nothing but illusions! no thou knowest no other way to make Mandone throughly miserable but by this last ereption of all my comfort, with Amenia, furies! snakehaired sisters! assist me: Fill me with your veniferous potions! add fire to my flames, and let your stings give me no rest till I have revenged myself on that cursed vagabond Euripedes, and that strumpet Amenia. Assist me in my invention, and they shall know there is no rage like that of love, converted to fury and revenge; yourselves shall be less cruel than I will be in inflicting those tortures, rage, wrath, and revenge provoke me to. No Euripedes thy weak arm cannot help thee now I am assisted by the internal Furies, wrath and revenge. Thou shalt find that my arm is stronger than it was, and the inspiration of rage hath augmented my forces. And thou Amenia shalt repent thee of thy folly, thy beauty, nor tears shall move me to any pity; no, I will blind my eyes with revenge, and answer thy demerrits with whips of steel.  
Araterus after he had listened a while to the rage and fury of this man, impatient of longer delay, and hoping by him to learn some news of you, lest his secret ausculation, and presenting himself to that mad man; I have heard (said he) accidentally what your fury hath made you vent against a man whom I go in Quest of, and who is my friend and kinsman: The ardent desire I have to meet with him induces me to pardon your crime, upon condition you direct me where I might find him, otherways consan●tinity and friendship ties me to chastise the irregularities of your tongue. The man who by th●●e words was sufficiently roused, cast himself upon his feet, ev●ginating his sword, Gods! (cried he) I thank ye for sending one that dares maintain the Quarrel of Eurip●des, how great e●●e will this be to me that his friend shall bear the first Stigmas of my fury. Without other words he assaulted Araterus, with his ey●s that shown rage and desperateness, and with so much strength, and fury, that it made me doubt of the event.  
Araterus opposed him with a sufficient courage and animosity, and opposed to his strength and fury, skill and Judgement. The battle hung long in suspense, blood and wounds having been equally shared, till at last after three hours' endeavour, Victory began to declare herself for Araterus, Mandone beginning to faint with the loss of blood and courage. I expected every minute when he would fall, when Fortune showing one of her usual p●ankes, had like to have given away the victory and life of Araterus to Mandone. Araterus warding a back blow of Mandone's and stepping back stumbled at a shrub, which entangling his leg fling him on the ground. Mandone no● losing that opportunity thrust his sword in at the buckling of his Cuirass, which nevertheless with the sudden turning of Araterus missed his body and piercing the other side pinned him fast to the ground. Mandone drawing his dagger sell upon him, and had there put a period to the life of Araterus, If I, seeing the danger he was in, had not, whilst he was busy in taking away the life of Araterus, deprived him of his, with a thrust which I gave him in at the back. Araterus arising pulled off the cask of Mandone, and finding him stone dead, instead of the thanks I expected, very angrily told me that he had rather, he had died than that his honour should be destained by so cowardly an act. Abashed at this insulsity I replied, that no wise men but would disowne such generosity, which had rather lose a li●● that ought to be preferred to all the world, before the breach of such a foolish pun●illo. I told him that I did not do it till necessity urged me to it, and that it was no stain to his honour, himself not consenting to the fact; and that I hoped he would not be angry at my care of his life, but rather that he should have accounted me a monster to have stood by and have seen him murdered without lending him my assistance. My tears having more powe● than my words, and promising to offend him no more in the like, pacified his anger, and reconciled him to me. Leavin● the place, and the dead body of Mandore, we road to the next village, where we spent a month in the cure of Araterus his wounds.  
Their sanation being perfected, we searched all those places where we had any hopes of meeting with you, the last Country being the Cantabrians, where not finding you, and believing that you were returned home, we took shipping at Flaviobriga, with an intent to do the like. Our sails swelled with a prosperous wind, till we had compassed Spain and were almost come to those straits that give entrance into the Mediterranean Sea; A re●●●ting gale arising by little and little, the ship notwithstanding the endeavours of the mariners, far from the entrance of the straight, and withstanding their art and pains bore them into the midst of the Ocean. The sky began to befrown his serene face with spissous clouds, and to muffle himself with an unwonted obscurity, darkness and horror began to impale us round. The eyes of heaven continually shot down upon us fulmineous flames, his voice, bespeaking our deaths with a tonitruous echo. Every man had his death's symptoms in his face, fear having tainted the cheeks of all the Passengers with a pallid hue. The winds breaking their Hyperborean prison, fomented the waters, which with a kind of imperious greatness swelled into liquid mounrains, opposing itself to the agile lightning.  
Our ship, left to the mercy of the winds, ran far into those traceless paths, o'er which Dedalus' wings had never soared, where, lost in that new world of waters, it sometimes mounted to the Poles, and by and by sunk to the valley of Styx, between the aqueous rocks, which perpetually threatened with an eternal Tumulation, those poor souls with whom fear and sorrow were continual Concomitants. Driven thus with a perpetual Hurricane for ten days together towards the Antarctic Pole, we found the Sun almost in our Zenith, which penetrating us with its ardo●, made us know the intolerable heats of those Climates. The storm now tired with assaulting us, or else giving a trace to our almost quite-spent Bark, abated: and heaven unfrowning his face, seemed to smile on our miseries. There were no gods left unthanked for this serenity, and being revived from that death Dispair had cast them into, they fell to mending the tackle which had been shaken by the wind, and to do their endeavours to return out of that incognitous sea.  
Bearing for some days to the North-East, a youth at last from the summit of the Mast discovered land, which was no small joy to the wearied Mariners, and affrighted Passengers. Having attained to that shore we had seen, we entered a large river, which after many ●alls from the mountain embosom'd itself there into the Sea. Clearing the mists of sadness from our eyes, we went on shore, where we found a sufficient shelter against the penetrating beams of the Sun (falling almost perpendicular o'er our heads) in large and overgrown woods, which were stored with the light-heel'd-harts, and branched horned stags.  
After we had stored our ship with Venison, and with the crystal liquor of the river, we left that land, and the Pilot, necessitated to make use of the utmost of his skill, bore towards the West, and being got into the main, we tacked about, setting our prow opposite to the Arctic Pole: we had but just then shaken off that fear, which the impetuosity of the last storm ●●d put us into, when the wind saluting us with a whistling noise, made us 〈◊〉 'twas but the Praecursor of his Forces. We soon found by reiterated 〈◊〉 that he had given us that truce, that he might overcome us with the mo●● glory. His forces being augmented from playing with our streamers, he began to toss our ship, and contradict our passage with an impetuosity f●r greater than the former. The storm still increasing, made us reassume our ●e●●s, and many to deprecate those Deities which in safety they scarce thought of, and who they would assoon forget after their danger▪ This lasted thrice as long as the former, and with an extraordinary swiftness, drove us continually to the South, as if it had purposed to have driven us to the utmost end of the earth. At last the storm ceased, but left us destitute of all knowledge where we were, we saw nothing but waters, which seemed yet to threaten us, the world seemed turned up side down, for we had lost the sight of the North Hemisphere, and then beheld a new heaven of stars, which before we had never seen. The Sun was North of us, which had like to have deceived the Pilot; for, bearing towards the South, we perceived by the s●ars, and new face of the heaven, that we had passed the Equinoxial. We imagined ourselves irrecoverably lost, the Pilot professing his art at an end, knew not which way to steer. Sometimes we ran a hundred Leagues one way, then as many another, but espying no land, we had no hopes of returning. To augment our miseries, our provision failed us, our water was spent, and what remained stunk, and was corrupted, so that many in the ship with the extremity of heat, and lack of Victuals, died. Araterus endured these adversities with wonderful patience, and amongst all the imprecations that anguish wrung from the mouths of those distressed people, there was not heard the least murmur fall from his. At last in our greatest distress we espied land to the East of us, which sight was extremely welcome to us. Having attained the land before we could disembarque, we experienced that the torrid Zone, contra●y to the opinion of Poets was inhabited, for upon the shore we saw assembled a great many people which continually wore Sables. The Sun had with its excessive ardour imbued their skin with this innate black, wearing nothing that might hinder the penetration of his beams, so that their Children were born with the same nigerous hue, their hair crisped▪ and short, seemed just like wool, their noses flat, and something deformed, their stature mean, but their envy and malice implacable. These people which at first sight seemed like so many Daemons affrighted those in the ship, who naming the place the land of Devils, would rather have endured the misery of starving, than to expose themselves to the mercy of such Creatures. Araterus wearied of the sea, persuaded them to go on shore without fear, telling them without doubt that those creatures were humane, and of necessity they must perish, or gain some sustenance at their hands. At last he persuaded them to land, which they did, but were opposed by those blacks, who at a distance shot at them arrows, the points made sharp, and hardened in the fire (for they had not the use of Iron or Steel, which wounded many, and slew some: But Araterus encouraged them, and with great hazard to his person fell in amongst them, who affrighted at us, and our glittering weapons, with a terrible howling and noise fled from us; some of them we slew, whereby the people of the ship were satisfied, that they were poor, simple, naked people, rejoicing that they were landed, they quenched their thirsts with a river that we found, and stopped their hunger with some wild fowl which we caught, without any other cooking, than roasting it against the Sun.  
We had but just satisfied ourselves with our late caught food, when we perceived coming down the mountains, an innumerable company of Negroes, who being reared by those that fled from us, came to repel us out of their Country. We sought to retire to our ships, when we perceived their subtlety had deprived us of all hopes of escaping, for a whole troop of them getting between us, and the ship opposed our passage. I know not by what G●nius's good direction it was, but a little before I had brought Araterus' armour out of the ship, which had saved his life in this Exigent. He had hardly buckled it on before we were assaulted at a distance with a cloud of arrows, which falling upon his armour rebounded back to the amazement of those that jaculated them. But many of our companions ended their lives in the first brunt, for although they were but slightly wounded, yet those wounds being made with empoisoned arrows, they immediately died.  
Dispair, oftentimes the mother of great exploits, made our companions fight so vigorously, that they obscured the earth with their dark bodies, and made a kind of a sable and sanguine field. But what avails valour and animosity when 'tis overpowered? strength may be mastered by a multitude, and courage made effectless. The power of these Monsters increased, and the more we slew, the stronger they were, by the continual supplies that came. It was a kind of miracle to behold how many lay breathing their last, and slain by so small a company. Indeed they were naked and almost weaponless, their chiefest being empoisoned arrows and clubs, to whose tops were made fast a kind of stones of a plumbeous substance, but their numbers were so great, that the weight of their very arms had been enough to have depressed us all to the earth. Our companions slew so many of them, and had bespread the whole face of the field with their carcases, that had you seen them, you would have judged by the Clades, that it had been the depreliation of two great armies. Their strength could not run parallel with their courage; their minds and wills fought, though their arms were no longer able to strike a stroke. They fainted, and were slain, being overcome only by their own courages; and with the heat of Titan, not being accustomed to that ardour which they there felt. They died, but yet with victory and triumph, thousands lying about them, whose souls they carried in triumph into the nether world. I had almost forgot to tell you Araterus is yet invincible, though he cannot wrest his companions out of the arms of death, he sees them die with regret, oreprest with the number of those melaneous Aethiopians, this instigates his fury, and causes him to make Structures of their carcases, and sable rivers of their blood. There was not any survived but Araterus and myself, he being my buckler against their number, receiving their darts upon his armour that did him no hurt, which so amazed those ignorant ones, that they believed him to be invulnerable, and seeing the prodigious strokes that he gave on their defenceless bodies, they did not dare to come within his reach, but assaulted him afar off with their darts and slings. Araterus at last not longer able to endure the intolerable heat of the Sun, under the burden of his heavy armour, fainted. They no fooner saw him fall, but with a strange howling noise they came all running towards him. I was fallen upon my knees to have given him breath, being almost distracted at the misery to which we were reduced, yet at last recollecting myself I hoped by their ignorance to work our delivery. Assoon as they came, I strove, by pointing up to the heaven, and then towards Araterus several times, to impress into them that he was some celestial Deity. They understood my meaning, and with a kind of admiration beheld him, touching his armour, and striking their javelins ends against it. Araterus at last coming to himself, seeing them about him began to struggle, which made them immediately deprive him of his sword, and holding him, made a shift to bind his hands and feet. Having served me in the same manner, they carried us upon a kind of a Chariot on their shoulders thousands of them following us, making most hellish noises. In that manner they carried us two days to the Palace of their King, which stood in a wood, built with mud and timber, after a course manner. After they had waited some time at the gate of the Palace, we entered a kind of Court in which stood a large Tree, under which on a kind of Throne sat their King naked, having a kind of Diadem made of Ostrich feathers, with a kind of linen Mantle about his middle. Round about him stood his noble men, who with dejected countenances showed the reverence they bore to his Majesty. At his elbow stood one different in habit from all the rest, having a strange kind of fantastic garment, composed of all sorts of feathers: his head was shaved, and covered with a cap of the same. This man (as we afterwards understood) was the Oracle of the King, and the high Priest of the Country, and to whose Council all adher'd. After the King had with great admiration satisfied himself with the sight of Araterus, and with feeling, and trying his darts against his armour, he made many signs to us, which I supposing were to know from whence we came, pointed up to the heavens, endeavouring to make them think Araterus a god. The Priest till then stood mute, but seeing the King bow his head to Araterus he fell into a fearful ejulation, and afterwards, as if he were possessed, uttered some speeches, which we understood by the signs of the people, and their often nominating their great God, that he made known, we were to be given for food to their great god Arqcebusqez. Interest had possessed him, for surely he believed that Araterus being taken for a God, he would have been some detriment to his order. By the signs that were made us, we understood our doom, and wondering what their god might be, we expected our expiration with patience. We were presently carried into another spacious Court, compassed about with high poles stuck fast into the ground, and intertexed with smaller sticks. At the further end of this place was a kind of Temple, it seems the habitation of their God, which shone with gold, and corru●cing stones: Right against the entrance of this Temple were we set upon the earth bound, the King retiring to a window that looked into the place, and the people beholding us through the Poles that encompassed the place. The Priest after a certain ululation, called upon his God to come accept the victim he had prepared. By and by we heard a wonderful fibilation, and presently came forth a monstrous Serpent, at whose sight the people fell flat upon the earth, as also the King and all his black Candidates. Araterus at the sight of that monster forced himself so strongly, that he broke the bands about his arms, and taking forth a dagger that he had under his Cassock, cut those that tied his feet, then presently freeing me, he met that monstrous serpent, and assaying his skin in many places could find no entrance for the point of his dagger. The Serpent with his anguinious tail beat him down several times, which made me fear that he would have yielded his life between the jaws of that Hydra. After a long resistance he found the belly of the Monster passable, for plunging his dagger several times into it, he let out a stream of veneniserous and stinking blood, with the life of that monstrous Serpent and false Deity.  
The King, Priest and People all amazed at the puissance of Araterus and the death of their God, expressed it by their countenances and posture. At last the oraculous Priest seeming to be possessed, howled forth certain words which we know by the effects were to persuade the King that Araterus was the chiefest Deity in the celestial orb, and that I was an under god who had left the heavens to attend him, and that he should place us in the Temple, and cause us to be worshipped in the place of that ancient Deity which they had worshipped so long. The King that never contradicted what he said, came into the place to us, and falling on his knees before Araterus, with erected hands, which through our ignorance of their language, we could not understand. The Priest doing the like (whether out of ignorance or subtlety, I know not) engaged all the people to a profound devotion. I persuaded Araterus not to contradict them, telling him it was the only way for us to escape them. He permitted it with a heart that attributed nothing of it to himself, and did but accept it for his own safety. After many ceremonies they conducted us to the Temple, where having seated us in an high seat, placing me at the feet of Araterus, there entered many under-Priests decked after the same manner as their Highpriest, with censers in their hands.  
These fuming us with certain sweet odours, of a magical operation, so stupefied us, that we fell both asleep. In the mean time according to the direction of the high Priest, with a kind of hoop made of a fishes bone, and bound behind with cords, they fastened us both to the backs of our seats, and our arms they pinioned in such a manner above the elbows, that we could make no other use of them, but to feed ourselves. In this manner we found ourselves when we awaked, the Temple clear, and abundance of sacrifices slain, and offered to us on Tables made after a curious fashion, and almost like an Altar. Araterus laughed, and was angry at the same time, to see, that whilst they went about to make us gods, they made us less than men. This Priest (said he) is more subtle than all the Nation besides, the King, his Candidates and people believe us to be gods, and with the zeal of blind devotion, cordially offer to us their prayers and sacrificial rites: But this subtle Imposter knows us to be men, and seeing that I have slain his Arqcebusqes which was the maintainer of his greatness, he most subtly punishes us, and by the punishment conserveses his former greatness and glory. O blind people! whereby is manifest that ignorance is the mother of your devotion: What a sad thing is it that Religion should be made the decoy of Politicians! see but with what awe this impostor governs the whole kingdom, under the specious name of Religion, and by it makes those of great capacities to condescend to things below sense and reason. He made them first worship a Serpent of a stupendious greatness, a very Monster or devil, and now for all they see it was mortal, and therefore no Deity, yet are they brought to another devotion as ridiculous, to adore us men. This power hath Religion, when men deprive themselves of the eyes of Reason, and following the tradition of others, believe the dictates of such impostors without examining the verity of them. Whilst he was speaking thus, there entered the Temple four Priests, who with two large chargers, and two vessels of water kneeled before us, and having mumbled I know not what prayers, they placed the chargers filled with the best diet their Country afforded, and the water close by us, and so departing, left us to satisfy our appetites; which we were fain to do, to keep ourselves from starving. Three week's space were we thus deified, in which time we were often almost choked with their fumigations, and sacrificed to by those Priests that were ordained to attend us. Araterus used all the signs he could to prohibit them, but he could not make them understand, and every time he did but wag himself, the rustling of his armour made them in presence fall prostrate to the earth, and with grievous ejulations desired this Mars-like God to be quiet, and pacified with those oblations they should offer, so that his prohibitions still begot new sacrifies. After three weeks we heard two Priests discoursing together in the Egyptian language, Araterus wondering to hear them speak that language, and having learned it in his youth, lisned to their talk. What (said one) do you believe these to be gods? I believe them as much gods as the former was (saith the other) for that steel case that one wears, if you remember when we traveled into Egypt, we saw abundance of the Romans wear such. 'Tis true (replied the other) I always believed them men. But you must believe them to be gods (said the other) though you do know that they are men, for thereby our greatness is maintained, for should the people think they are men, we are utterly undone, and it was the subtlety of our High Priest to salve his loss of Arqcebusqez with deifying these strangers. Araterus no longer able to retain himself, spoke to them in that language, and with words so prevalent, that he won them to him, and made them promise him to release him, and to shift him out of the Country. Araterus having asked them how they came to speak that language, they told him that being Natives of that Country, they were then prisoners by a mighty King their Neighbour, who sold them amongst many others to one who carried them into Lybia, from whence escaping by flight, they went into Egypt, where they learned the language and manners of the Country, which done, they returned on Camels, after some whole years travel into their own Country, where relating the strange things they had seen in their travels to the High Priest, he presently conferred on them the order of Priesthood, accounting it a crime for any to be knowing, but those that attended on the Altars of the gods, charging them on pain of death not to discover what they had seen to any other, seeing that the people would become disobedient, when they ceased to be ignorant. And lest they should invite others to the like travels, who in time might induce the manners and customs of other Nations he charged them to forget the language they had learned, and that ever they had traveled out of their own Country. They said that they had obeyed his Commands in every thing, but that, for being loath to forget what they attained to, with the hazard of their lives, they sometimes discoursed together in that language, though in great secrecy and fear. After they had promised again in few days to released us they parted from us, and left him very joyful that he should be so soon ●i● of his God-ship, and you must think I was no less joyful than he when I understood it from him. These blacks not varying from their word, come the next night, and giving Araterus his sword, which they had stole from the high Priest, unloosed us and gave us our liberty. All sour of us leaving the place fled allnight, and never rested till we were out of the Kingdom. The blacks being our guides we traveled thorough vast hot countries, sometimes o'er mountains, sometimes thorough forests, deserts and sandy plains, then over great lakes, not without danger of drowning, or of being killed by the inhabitants, who were liker beasts than men, or of being devoured by wild beasts, and immense serpents. After we had overcome all our difficulties passing many strange nations, we came to a sea that ran far into the globe. There we embarked, determining to have returned by the Erythrian sea, but being driven beyond the mouth of it with impetuous storms, we at last arrived in the Persian gulse.  
Having for many weeks incurred the dangers of the Sea, and danced over those vast plains of waters, we at last landed, to refresh our bodies with the allevaments of the earth. Our pennigerous guides were passed their own knowledge and as ignorant of those places we had attained to as ourselves. Those people had not such sable skins, nor was the Sun of that force as in the climate of the blacks, but their bodies generally mean of stature, and of a swarth complexion, had something of handsomeness and beauty. Araterus although he longed to have returned into his own country, and though our travels (as all others) were accompanied with danger and peril, yet novelties breeding a desire, and curiosity, he passed into the country, finding a wonderful pleasure in seeing the variety of places, people, conditions, manners, and climates. Spatiating for some few days that region, we passed a large extent of land, which like a tongue ran far into the sea. Being arrived on the other side we espied another large sea, into which Araterus would needs commit himself, resolving now to visit the utmost limits of the earth. Indeed we stayed very little in a place, but were continually peregrines, not knowing which way to return home. Those seas were very dangerous at that time of the year in which we sailed them, and in few days after our imbarquement we were encountered by so violent a storm, that 'tis past the skill of a better capacity than mine to describe it. The end of it was our shipwreck almost within sight of land. The blacks being almost half fishes, and most expert swimmers, scorned those helps we were glad to make use of, and trusting to the strength of their arms, and skill in swimming advanced before us towards the shore. The gods (I believe) angry at their presumption, took away their souls out of those dark Lanterns, the one before he was out of our sight was devoured by some great fish, the other we afterwards found dead, his brains having been beaten out against the rock, and his body cast upon the sand, where we at last were thrown by the beating of the waves with those pieces of the ship on which we saved our lives. Having returned thanks to the Gods for our preservation, and having bewailed our faithful blacks, and buried him we found dead on the sand, we went into the country, to know into what place this dire chance had cast us. We presently found that we were in a rich soil, fruitful, pleasant, stored with all things fit for life, and ornament, not so hot as those countries we had passed, but we perceived we were very near the Orient.  
The Land was full of Cities of a vast greatness, and Towns so stupendious that they exceeded the quantity of our ordinary Cities, besides very popolous, and well stored with delicate woods: and watered with abundance of rivers. The people were extremely civil, courteous to strangers, witty, pleasant, and very well favoured. We found nothing of barbarism or rudeness there, but all things in a kind of Harmony, and great politennesse. Araterus was extremely taken with the country, being one of the pleasantest he had ever entered. You are not to doubt (said I to him) but that the prophecy of the Druidae will be fulfilled, seeing that the Gods with miracles have effected thus much of it, we are now in the Orient, from whence it seems we are like never to return, but 'tis no great matter, seeing that you shall possess so rich, pleasant and fertile a Kingdom, which will be great inducements for your forgetting your native country, especially when you shall be joined to so sublime a beauty as the prediction specified. I am not (replied he) so much in Love with my country, as that I cannot live any where else, if that I see the will, and providence of the Gods so ordering it; but yet were it now in my election, I should rather choose my little estate in my native country, than to enjoy the greatest monarchy here. But yet I shall cede to the will of the Gods, let them prepare what they will for me.  
And indeed I do not flatter myself with the accomplishment of the Predication, although these occurrences might induce me to believe its verity. We had traveled some few days from the sea side, and entertaining ourselves with such like discourses we came to the side of a very large river, which rolling down with liquid-silvered waves, made us suppose it another sea, but that the clearness and freshness of the water contradicted that opinion. We traveled up this river with wonderful delight, viewing the ships and boats that continually sported upon its surface, till we met one of the country, who by the signs we made him to know the name of the river, told us 'twas called Ganges. This man, seeing we were strangers lokt upon us very wishly, and finding I know not what pleasing air in the face of Aratreus, he caused us to go with him to his house which was fituate hard by the river, and encompassed with a wood, 'twas built flat on the top, after the fashion of the country four square, and of an indifferent bigness. 'Tis impossible for you to imagine, with what affection and love this man entertained Araterus, and there wanted nothing but language to make their friendship complete, and though 'twas in a mute language that he expressed himself, yet love was perspicuously, seen in every sign and gesture. In few days Araterus had so won upon our entertainer with his sweet carriage that he would not permit him to departed, but as we understood him by the signs he made, desired us to continue with him, and learn the language of the country. Araterus being well content, returned him by signs, that he would obey him, and give him thanks, and service for his kindnesses. Being settled in this resolution, we spun out the thread of two years, continually obliged to this man for his manifold courtesies and favours. In this time we had both of us perfectly attained the language, which sounded almost like the Arabic, and our entertainer accounted himself sufficiently recompensed with the admirable discourses he heard from Araterus, and the recital of his life and fortune. Araterus having often requested him to let him understand the condition of the country which he was in, one day as we were in a house of pleasure on the famous Ganges, he acquitted himself thus:  
This country (said he) wherein you are, is one of the fairest, richest, and pleasantest that the glorious star of Day sees in his perpetual course. If the Gods grant that you reside amongst us, you will experience this verity, and say that 'tis worthy of all Eulogies and commendations. I am persuaded that in the small time that you have been here, and in the like experience you have had of us, that you cannot but see we are no Scythians or Hyperborean inhabitants, but that there is a certain politeness in our words and actions. If it were handsome for me to praise my own country I might expatiate, in the collaudation of its site, fertility, delectableness, continual verdure, wholesomeness, richness and populosity. Besides in the conditions of the people, their formofity, gentle nature, virtuous actions, and warlike spirit. And lastly of its government and tranquillity, in which it hath exceeded all the Kingdoms of the East. But this a little time and experience will manifest to you, better and fuller, than the best of Rhetoric can. I believe I shall give you some satisfaction, to tell you briefly in what posture, at present we stand. This Kingdom hath by a peculiar providence for these three hundred years been most commonly governed by Queens, neither sex being debarred from the regency, and by our laws the first partus of his or her Majesty that reigns, is evermore proclaimed successor to the crown, whether it be male or female, and although many males afterwards be born, yet the first succeeds although it be a female. The reason for this is, because we believe that the Gods having the sole disposing of the conception and forming of the Embryo will create it according to their sole wills and pleasures from them as disposed and ordered by them to govern and rule us. But if the eldest dye than the next succeeds according to the order of their birth.  
If we have a good Prince we rejoice and thank the Gods for him, and if we have an evil Prince, believing it to be the wills, and pleasure of the Gods to have him so, we yield to him without murmuring. And if it may be accounted a blessing to a Kingdom, as sure it is to have good and wise Princes, we have been extremely happy, and as I have said, though we have not had but two Kings this three hundred years, yet we have enjoyed all those blessings under the female sex that we could have expected from the other; the Gods having poured upon them all the influences of the regal and Majestic stars, and inspired them with prudence, and Magnanimity. But lest we should receive any detriment by the marriage of our Queens 'twas so ordained that they ought to have the consent of their council, which consists of the chiefest men in the Kingdom, before they may contract themselves to any, but yet this good law hath not always been kept, and many have married without putting it to the council. Indeed I liked it so well that I would have made it to have reached Kings as well as Queens, and I urging it, when the father of our reigning Queen was to be married, being very young, and fearing lest he should choose one not Qualified for the place, and considering that we were in little leffe danger by the marriage of our King as well of our Queens, when they permit them by their affection to encroach upon their authority: I say urging it that the King might be brought under that Law, I gained his disfavour, and being ever after looked upon as one repugnant to his interests I was ejected from being one of the council. I took it patiently enough, and retireing from the court have ever since enjoyed the sweets of a private life, without the least aspiring to my former dignity. He dying about fewer years since left his daughter (and his only) Amarillis to succeed, a princess I confess filled with the divinity of the Gods, who beareth the perfect image of themselves. So glorious and transcendent a beauty our Eastern world could never yet glory of, she is beyond compare both in the goods of body and of mind, she is filled with all the rarest endowments the Gods, and nature could infuse, and though she hath scarce completed the fifth lustre of her age, she hath exhausted all the learning of the Gymnosophists and brahmin's. We have lived hitherto extremely happy under her reign, she always mixing lenity and prudence with all her actions, but now some evil Daemon disturbing our quietude hath set the whole Kingdom into a combustion. We are environed with many great and formidable Princes on all sides, with whom we have continually kept a very good correspondence, and maintained our interests with policy. Most of them, seeing the beauty of Amarillis our Queen so transcendent, have desired the possession of her either for themselves or their sons: but she showing herself averse from marriage, by her gentleness and good behaviour hath pacified most of them. On the East side of us is the most mighty Kingdom Sinana, the greatest and largest in the whole world, being divided into fifteen provinces, every one of which is as big as most Kingdoms in the world, the one side of it butteth upon ours and runneth all along to the great gulf of Bengan. It is incredible if I should tell you of the number and vastness, of their Cities and towns, and of the innumerable company of people that inhabit them. Those are the subtlest people in the world, but indeed they a●e pufillanimous, and fearful cowards, as the weapons with which they annoy us may well declare. They seldom dare to encounter us with weapons like to ours, wherein manhood and strength doth consist in the using, but with a strange diabolical engine murder us at a distance, and with which the most saint hearted coward may do as great execution as the most valiant man, these engines are made of Iron and steel mixed, about four foot or more long, hollow throughout, into which they put a composition framed in the stygian Kingdom, and I believe taught them by some of Tl●to's servants; 'tis of a sulphurous matter, to which they give fire with reeds twisted together, at a little hole made on purpose at the higher end of the engine. After they have put in their hellish powder, they ram down upon it certain stones of a plumbeous substance, or pieces of Iron, or such like matter, then collimating it at us they give fire it with their reed, which sends the globulus', with such a lightning flash & thunder clap, that they strike us often dead above have of the same sort so big that they drew them on hundred pace distance. Besides those they cars, with which they batter batter down our towns, and slaughter above a hundred of us at a time. With this sort of weapons they have made themselves so formidable that himself King of Kings, governor of the whole Earth, and son to the Sun. They are feared of the whole, east who otherwise are the veriest cowards in the world. Those that make the engines, and that black dust which causes the slaughter, they keep continually prisoners in a large house made on purpose, containing about ten thousand of them, not suffering them to pass beyond the limits of the walls, lest they might teach any other nation the use of them. And though that we have gained many of the engines from them; yet, not knowing how to make the composition, they are inservicable to us, so that we have slung those murderers (for so we call them) into the rivers, not knowing what use to make of them. The King of this potent and formidable people, calls call the Sun their genitor because he arises at the utmost limits of his Kingdom.  
The Son of him that now reigns in this Kingdom of Sinana was lately at the court of our Queen, where he styled himself her servant, in hopes to possess her, but going away not long since in great discontent, hath sent a Herald that Proclaimed wars against us, threatening the utter ruin and subversion of us all, unless the Queen yielded herself to his demands: we daily here out of Sinnana of the great preparation that he makes to invade us, which enforces our Queen to raise her forces for her defence, resolving to withstand his fury, and defend herself against his injuries: So that peace is now leaving the stage which she hath Kept so long, and Mars is coming to act a new and bloody scene.  
Cleoputulus (so was our Entertainer called) thus ended, suscitating a desire in Araterus, by this relation of the Wars, to go and present himself to the Queen, and desired to be listed amongst the number of her Soldiers. He made his Hospitator acquainted with his mind, who immediately commending his intentions, strengthened his desire, and proffered him any thing that might further his intentions Araterus after he had resolved upon it, and had clothed himself after the manner of the Country in lose thin garments, he took his leave of the kind and generous Cleopotulus, and according to his directions took the way towards Sinda the chief City in that kingdom of Sornalea, which stood at the ingulfing of a very long river into the sea of Bengan, and which sprung from a lake amongst those mountains which serve for an impregnable Mure against the Tartars incursion into Sinana. In this famous City Queen Amarillis kept her Court, and to which after a few week's travel we arrived. All the Cities that ever we had seen before was nothing to this, both for the extent, fairness and pleasantness of it. Should I tell you the bigness of it, you would think it incredible, and believe that I fabulate, but those that are any thing acquainted with the buildings of the East, will not so much wonder at it, we entered it when the Sun had scarce ran two hours of his diurnal course, and before we could attain the Palace which stood in the midst of the city, and though we went on horse back, he had past as many from the Meridian. It was so populous that you would have thought all the people of the Kingdom had met there as at a fare. The houses were extreme fair and well built, being most of stone. Round that large City ran a wall with battlements and towers with about a hundred gates, so strong, that it rendered it impregnable on the one side, as it was washed with the river, and the South side butted towards a kind of sine, which breaking forth of the gulf came thorough the City to the Palace walls, on which continually floated thirty thousand boats. And though there were so many people, and that it was so vast a City, yet every thing seemed so decent, & in so good order, that in all that ever we had seen there was no thing like it. At that instant one of Euripedes servants came to give him notice that their dinner waited on them, which made Meador stop, and give liberty to Euripedes to incite his guests to accept of that small repast which his Grot could afford. Every one showing the pleasure they received in Meadors relation could hardly be persuaded to spare so much time, but at last following euripides they entered another room, which they found furnished so deftly, that it expressed, he had been one of great estate. After the handsome excuse of Euripedes for his mean accommodations for so illustrious persons, they fell to their repast, which they soon finished, having a great desire to hear the conclusion of Meadors relation. After they had dined, they returned to the same place where they were before, and being seated Meador knowing their desires, directing his speech as he did before to Euripedes, he thus proceeded in his relation. Having glutted our eyes with beholding the variety of Objects, as we passed thorough the City, we came at last to the Palace about the time I have mentioned. Having provided for our horses in those houses for entertainment, we went to view the Palace, which we found agreeable with the rest of the City, full of state, and the structure mixed with strength and beauty. It was mounted upon a little rising hill, which made it show to the City as the head to the body, both for ornament and command. It was not only the head of the City, but of the whole kingdom at that time, for in it sat her Majesty with her great Council to determine concerning those things which the necessity of their affairs made them to resolve upon. Having viewed the external part of it, Araterus somewhat boldly for a stranger, ascended a pair of stairs which led us into divers stately Halls; passing many of them we at last had lost ourselves, and knew not which way to return, at last trying every turning and entry, we descended a pair of stairs, which brought us into a very large garden, in which were near an hundred Partisans. At the farther end of this garden was the Council Chamber; in which the Queen and her Council then was, these Partizens being their common guard. Ignorance often causes boldness, for not knowing the custom of the Country we entered the garden, which it seems was present death for any to do, whilst the Council sat, without the Certificate of the Highpriest, to show their urgent occasions.  
The Partisans presently flocking about us, asked us for our Certificates, but our looks demonstring to them that we were ignorant of what they meant, they straightway cried out Traitors, and Spies, and collimating their Javelins at us, began to make us know into what error we had run. Araterus would fain have had them understand that ignorance an I fortune had brought him ro that place, but their noise and eagerness of endeavouring to deprive us of our lives, took away the audition of his words, and made him see that if his sword could not prove more effecacious th●n his speech, he was there to finish his life after his travels and miseries. We both drew for our defence, and did what ever could be expected from men hemmed in on every side with death-threatning weapons. We had both received many wounds, but for every wound Araterus gave a death: and for every drop of blood, he shed whole pools of theirs, and did things through desperateness, that were ever after esteemed Miracles. Valour must have at last given place to number, and life to death, if we had not been immediately rescued. The noise, that proceeded from this Encounter was heard amongst the Council, which at the first approach imbued them all with fears of treachery and complotings. All desired to know the cause of what they heard, but every one was afraid to leave his seat, lest at their first peeping forth of doers they should meet with the instruments of death, many of them knowing what belonged to a gown, but very little to a sword; they could order, but not act. At last Peomontile uncle to the Queen, and one in whom Mars and Mercury made a pleasing conjunction, left his seat, and entering the garden, found us both at the last exigent. When he saw the inequality of our fight, although he knew they might justly put us to death for entering that place, yet he commanded them to leave us. His authority made them re●ire, and I am persuaded some of them gladly enough, being sufficiently satisfied in what Araterus could do. He beheld what Araterus had done with a countenance that betrayed his astonishment, at last demanding our design in entering the place contrary to the custom and Law of the Country, Araterus told him by what accident he was conducted to the place, his ignorance of their customs, and his being a stranger in the place, which was easily verified by our faces which carried more hair than twenty of those Eastern people, (the Sun contracting the pores of the body, and hindering the excernation of those pilous excrements) with our not attaining to the perfect pronunciation of their language. Peomontile told him, it was requisite, if he desired his life, that he cast by his weapons, and yield himself, and that before they arose, they would send for him, to give an account of this action to the Queen, and that if he could prove his integrity as he said, or that it was done through ignorance without any design, he made no question, but that he should gain his pardon, but if otherwise that he were guilty of any design he was to expect what the Laws and Justice of the land inflicted. Araterus slung by his sword, and offered his hands to be bound, I doing the like, we were carried into a room close by the Council, where we expected their leisure. Peomontile returning gave them a brief account of what he had done, desiring we might be brought before them before they broke up, to answer what we had done. Every one resetling those disturbances fear had exsuscitated in their breasts, they proceeded upon those weighty debates on which they entered before this disturbance. And because that afterwards Araterus was made acquainted with the result of the Council, and of what passed at that time therein, it will not be amiss for me in this place to give you the knowledge of it too.  
The approaching Wars had necessitated the Queen to call her Council; consisting of the chiefest of the kingdom, and those whom experience had made prudent, and knowing, that nothing might be undertaken without the consent of the whole, or at least Major part. But how often is it! that Counsels are called, out of mere formality and custom, not to council, but to confirm the resolutions of their Princes. Private passion and interest (especially in women) is very dangerous, for being settled in an inflexible breast, although the most prudent Council is given, if it contradict their humours, it must cede to their follies. I speak not this of Amarillis, because her resolutions had a good effect, and so all faults were smothered in the end, but in this regard it reaches her. She, as most Princes do, had first consulted with her own thoughts, or with her nearest favourites, who most commonly apply their verdicts to the inclinations and humours of the Prince, and out of that had framed her resolutions and private decrees. She then convocated her Council, to which she came, not with a heart susceptible of impressions, or with resolutions to follow their dictates if they contradicted hers, but with desire and passion to have them confirm (and conform to) her desires. I will not say but that the Queen's resolutions were reasonable, and it may be better than the opinion of her Council, I will not say but that she might be as clearsighted as they, or that they might not be biased by private interest as well as she. But after she had told them the occasion of their Convocation, and had made known how that she would not undertake any thing without their Council and approbation, with applauding their wisdoms, and tried experience, the question was proposed amongst them. Whether it were better to resist the Prince of Sinana, or the Queen to yield to the marriage he desired? This was sufficiently scanned and debated for many days, but that day on which we arrived there, was to put a period to it. The Queen was utterly against marrying the Prince of Sinana, but she found her Council divided, and the major part against her. But indeed those that opposed her, were many of them suspected of bribery, having been too much acquainted with that Prince, others spoke out of a spirit of fear and pusillanimity, and others biased by their own interests, their Estates lying in the way, and most exposed to the ruin of wars: so that the major part was against the inclinations of the Queen, but the melior part was for her, amongst the rest was her uncle Peomontile with some of the gravest, and most esteemed heads. The reasons of the adverse part in brief were these. They first expatiated themselves upon the felicity of peace and tranquillity, showing how happily they had lived for so many years, not being disturbed by wars, they illustrated this by showing at large the incommodities of War, which were the spending their Treasure, their goods, their houses, the loss of her subjects, the impoverishing their land, bringing death, scarcity and famine, the stopping of Trade and Manufacture, spoiling of Cities, sacking of Towns, demolishing of houses and Castles, and finally bringing all to ruin and confusion: Then passing to particulars, they exhibited what manner of Prince they had to deal with, his patience, the number of his Armies, his Weapons, Prowess, and every thing that might make him formidable. Then they shown, that though they were numerous in people, yet not being accustomed in War, but having enjoyed a long tranquillity, they would be ignorant in their weapons, and not able to withstand them. That all this trouble, dan●er, loss and destruction might easily be prevented by the marriage of the Queen, that it was not dishonourable for her, he being the greatest Potentate on the earth, but that it would be for her greater glory, and her kingdom and people's safety. The Queen seeing most of her Council adhered to this, and fearing that her party would not have been able to have withstood their reasons, shown that she was a woman, for being stimulated with their pressing her to marry the Prince, she stood up, and not being able to smother her discontent, told them, that for her part she had been always willing to give her people content, though it were against her private inclinations, but in this she was not able to yield to them. That she hoped they would not force her to marry one whom by no means she could affect. That if they feared these wars that so much threatened them, and that if they were persuaded they would be the ruin of the kingdom, and people, seeing they were weary of her government, she would rather resign up the interest she had to the Crown, and retire herself to a private life, whereby she should both satisfy herself, and not be compelled to marry a Prince contrary to her inclinations, and take away all occasions of War from them, in leaving the Government and Kingdom for their sakes.  
This speech of the Queen troubled the adverse party extremely, but the other party having reasons enough on their side told them by the mouth of Peomontile, That they were very sensible o● the commodities and felicities of Peace, and of the happiness they had enjoyed under it, and also that they were not ignorant of all those discommodities, ruinations and subversions that are incident to War. That they should consider that Peace was maintained by War, and that War was the mother of peace. That there was no War more just, than that which was to maintain their liberty: that the liberty of their Queen, was the liberty of themselves; and that her captivity would prove their destruction. That although War was terrible, yet not being to be avoided, the end would be pleasing. That they were not altogether to consider the potency of their enemy, but to expect the adjuvation of the gods, who consider the justness of the cause, and who effect great things by weak instruments. That for that end, and no other, but to defend themselves, were they furnished with weapons; and if that any made use of them to offend their Neighbour wrongfully and unjusty, that for the most part they fell by them, notwithstanding their potence and greatness. That the war was unjust, is manifest, they but defended themselves from the violence of a superbous enemy, who it may be made the marriage of the Queen but a pretence to usurp their Crown. That although the soldiers being unaccustomed to their weapons, they hoped the example of their Leaders, and the witness of their cause would infuse such animosity into them, that they should have no need to complain of their defects. That they should very willingly hearken to them, (having the same lives, liberties and estates as they to be hazarded in the wars) could they propose any way, (with safety to their honours, and without detriment to the kingdom) to divert the approaching storm, and to stop the effusion of blood by the Wars. That what they already had proposed was a cure far more dangerous than the wound, and from which they could expect no other than their utter and inevitable subversion. That 'twas the poorest of Polices to avoid a War by so dangerous a peace, which although it might be honourable for the Queen, would prove very unhappy for the Kingdom. That both reason and example might teach them, that an Heir and Heiress of a Kingdom made no happy conjunction for their people, the one being necessitated to obey the Laws and Rules of the other, and of a free state and kingdom, to become a Province and subjected. That if their Queen married the Prince of Sinana, 'twould bring them into more hazard and danger than the wars could effect, that they must expect to have their Kingdom translated into a Province, subjugated to strangers, ruled by Viceroys allied to the Prince, that they must be subject to their Laws, observe their Ceremonies, and lose both name and nature in that of Sinana. That they could not expect any help from the gracious influence of the Queen, she being in another Country, ignorant of their miseries, and it may be, if knowing them, may not have power to help them. That it may be, the Prince of Sinana having through this pretence sufficiently strengthened their kingdom for his best advantage, and sufficiently subjugated them, may then expose their Queen to scorn and ignominy, they not believing he could love her, whose subjects he seeks to invade unjusty, and to gain her forceably. Lastly, That it were better for the Queen to marry any younger Prince whom she might invest with her Crown, or else as they have done heretofore to prevent the dangers that ensue exotic marriages, marry one of her Subjects, which is nothing dishonourable, being maintained by frequent examples, and so their Laws will not be changed, their rites altered, nor their customs subverted, but their kingdom would continue in its pristine condition, flourishing and happy. And that (to conclude) if they were not able to see the percipice of that marriage, with the Tyranny, bondage and slavery they are like to undergo by it, but persisted still in their opinions, for their part they had done their duties in discharging their consciences, and that knowing the affection of the people to the Queen, they were resolved to live and die in her defence, and to run the common hazard of the kingdom: That if there were any there that would not, they might sit still and show their disaffection to the common good, whilst they risen to proffer their service to their Queen and Country. With that Peomontile with all that party arising up, offered their service to the Queen, which the others seeing, did the like, some through fear imagining some design in Peomontile's behaviour, and others convinced by the reasons they had heard. Thus the Council ended to the great satisfaction of the Queen, who it seems had resolved to have run any hazard, rather than to have married the Prince of Sinana.  
The Council being ready to break up, Peomontile desired the Queen that we might be brought before them. Presently we were had in by an officer that attended them. The room where they sat, was more stately than any we had seen, but the gravity and order of the Senators, caused a kind of reverence and awe in the beholders. But the place was more illuminated, by the beauty and Majesty of the Queen, which if the one rendered the place awful, the other rendered his sacred and adoreable. Beauty was hemmed in with Majesty, and both the one and the other was incomparable, there being a Kind of pleasing severity mixed in every act and gesture. In all those peregrinations which I have for so many years undergone, I could never meet till this hour any beauty that could furpass, or equalise that which our eyes then beheld. But now indeed I must confess, my eyes beheld in this sequestered groat those beauties that eclipse the splendour and pulcritude of that Eastern Star, and make me justly pass by those praises I had intended for her. Indeed both hers and all the worlds must cede to those which now illuminate and glorify your Groat.  
This raised the tincture in the faces of the two Princesses, but being loath to disturb him in his discourse, they permitted silence to preside o'er their lips, and heard him continue thus. Assoon as we were entered, I cast my eyes upon Araterus, and found that the beams of beauty and Majesty had dazzled his eyes and understanding. Being surprised with an object so ravishing, he was amazed, and stood in the posture of a Criminal. His eyes fixed upon the Queen, lost themselves in their intuition. His colour vicissively changing, would have made the Spectators believe that he had been guilty of some ill intent, or that 'twas through fear and pusillanimity. He was the Queen's prisoner, and before he went out of the place, he was more really so: For Love, as if he had meant to make a kind of Triumph in his subjugation, sat enthroned and environed with all kind of advantages in that place. He stood a long time receiving those darts that were continually ejaculated from the two luminous orbs of Amarillis, by that god who extendeth his dominion from the rising of glorious Titan, to his immergency in the occidental waves, and who leaveth no part of the world free from his subjugation and tyranny. The Queen with no less fixed looks beheld Araterus, and it seems receiving reciprocal wounds from his looks and actions. Araterus as you know, was every way handsome, and in his face especially, no despicable Throne for love. They were mute all this while, though their eyes spoke an occult and magical language, having indeed sometimes as great a power in love, as the most rhetorical and pleasing tongues. At last Araterus recollecting himself, dissipated that kind of amazedness, and conforming his body to his speech, endeavoured with all the ski●l he had gained in that language to express himself. Madam (said he) my silence (it may be) might cause you to suspect me, and my stupidity render me as guilty of noxious intentions: 'twas nothing but the dazzling lustre of your Majesty, with the gravity of these Senators, not being used to behold such state and glory, that at first sight took away the power of speech, and contracting all other faculties, sent their powers to assist my sight in an intuition so pleasing and glorious. I am a stranger, Madam! as you may well perceive by divers marks that make me different from your Nation: And I was (as I may say) of another world, but being upon the most capricious element, hurried on by the blasts of fortune and of storms, I was cast on unknown Countries, through which I have traveled with danger and peril enough, and at last being shipwrecked on your Coasts, I found an entertainment by one of your Subjects, as generous as good, till I had gained this smattering in your language which you hear; who telling me the occasion of your approaching Wars, he inspired me with a desire to serve you. For this end I left his habitation, with an intent to make you a proffer of my service. Having devoted myself to you, and entering the City this day, being utterly ignorant of your Customs and Laws, and without any other design than of viewing the ornaments of your Palace, I have through my boldness and ignorance incurred a danger, and I fear your Majesty's displeasure. But I hope my ignorance will exuscitate your clemency, and gain a pardon for him who hath already devoted his life to your service, and who desires no longer to live, than that his life may be serviceable to your Majesty.  
He had a very favourable audience of the Queen, there being something of charms both in his tongue and face: we were caused to withdraw, and after a little while being brought in again, Peomontile told Araterus, that the Queen according to her wont Clemency, and natural inclinations of mercy to strangers, and to those who were not wilful Criminals; had pardoned him his temerity, and did accept of the service he proffered. That he should attend her after the Council was risen, to receive those testimonies of her liberality which she was accustomed to give to those, that so freely desired to serve her. Araterus bowing to the ground, with a very good grace gave her thanks for her favours, which purchased him the kissing of her Robe, a favour but seldom showed, they accounting all that belong to their Princes sacred. Being departed, we went to our lodging, having our liberty by order from the Queen. I perceived a great deal of trouble in the face of Araterus, and discomposure in his looks. Our long conversation and mutual miseries had made me very bold with him, so that I asked him the reason of it. He was unwilling at first to tell me, accounting the cause ridiculous, but at last he told me it proceeded from the beauty and splendour which accompanied the Queen, and that he had endeavoured to allay those emotions, knowing the disproportion between them, but the more that he essayed it, the more violent they grew. He confessed he had imbibed that which began to disturb his repose, and which began to make him feel the inquietudes of those that love. But accounting his most insulse and vain, he was angry with himself for entertaining those motions, though he knew not how to shun them. I encouraged him in them, and told him, that 'twas so decreed by heaven, and that he was not to doubt it, seeing that part of the prediction of Baercellizeg was fulfilled in our being brought to the utmost limits of the East: That he had undergone the worst of the prediction, and that he should not fear to see the best part also fulfilled. I told him that this was the rich kingdom he should possess, Amarillis the fair and wise Princess he should enjoy. That he might assure himself of her, and therefore he should entertain those penetrations of love with joy and content: Indeed whatever he said, the thoughts of this Prophecy conduced much to his quietude, inspiring him with hopes, and banishing that despair, the disproportion would have injected, much supported his aspiring Love.  
The Queen (as we afterwards understood) having felt those violences and emotions which were raised in her breast at the sight of her prisoner, and not being accustomed to the like, wondered from whence they should proceed. She could not imagine at first, that it should be Love, having to vigorously withstood all the Charms of her Adorers, being the greatest and chiefest Princess in the East. Endeavouring to divert those cogitations that this new disturbance raised, she employed herself in ordering those ●mergent affairs, which the necessity of state introduced. Araterus presenting himself sometimes before the eye of her mind, put her in remembrance of her promise, and caused her to command Peomontile to see for Araterus, whom he found walking in the Antichamber recogitating on the beauties and Majesties of Amarillis. After their first civilities Araterus followed Peomontile, thorough many Chambers into a fair Gallery, supported with Pillars of Jasper, and the Cornishes of Ebony set with Emeralds and Saphires. At the upper end sat the Queen in a seat of lvory inlaid with Gold and precious stones of the Orient, her elbow resting on the frame of her seat, and her Crimson coloured cheeks kissing the lilies of her hands. She was in a deep musing, but at the first sight of Araterus she started into a composure, and with a generous violence gave him a reception free from any open perturbation. Araterus after his first reverence, and permission to kiss the lower end of her vestment, with the best of his language told her the immemsity of his desire to serve her. This he performed with so pleasing and taking a language, that not only the Queen, but all those that stood about her, confessed he was the most accomplished stranger that ever they had seen. The Queen conversing with him, asked him many questions concerning his Country, and Nation, and concerning his birth and quality, with divers other things of our Manners, Customs and Laws, to all which Araterus answered so promptly, so gracefully, and with such satisfaction and pleasure, that they found no wearisomeness in a discourse that lasted two hours, nor had been scarcely broken off then, but that the Sun revisiting the western parts of the world, began to leave the Orient destitute of his light and splendour. Both being well satisfied with each others wit and behaviour, Araterus at the Queens command retired, she telling him that he should the next day attend her in the Camp, where there being a general Muster, she would assign him a place to serve her in, promising that he should not find her ingrateful to his services. Araterus returned more fired than before, and so full of ardencies, that he vowed to serve her all the rest of his days without ever thinking of returning to his own Country again. He thought her worthy of all honour and esteem, and believed that the sacrificeing of a thousand lives in her defence, would not be a victim sufficient to obtain the least favour or grace. Whilst Araterus spent the night in those unusual agitations Love and Desire caused, the Queen with no less disturbance, past it over in the silent meditation of him. She sought oftentimes (as she told Araterus afterwards) to interdict his appearance in her memory, and to banish him into oblivion, but he pressed on so heard, and appeared armed with so many charms, that 'twas impossible for her, not to give him admission into her thoughts. This night being passed over with very little sleep on the part of Araterus, he appeared on the morrow at the place appointed, which was in a large plain on the North-side of the City. In that place was met the whole strength of the kingdom, in so gallant an equipage, that we accounted it the greatest rarity we had yet seen. I doubt what I shall tell you will be scarce credited, when you shall compare the Armies of the East of Asia with those of this part, or of Europe, not considering the vastness of their Countries, and populosity of them, the land not being sufficient to contain them, is fain to borrow habitations for millions on his neighbour element. The plain (which was only covered with trees towards the City) was of an extent of many Leagues, on which was spread million of Tents, made of a thin kind of stuff imbued with divers colours, being branched forth into rare works and compartments. On the top of the Chieftaines, or (according to their language) Birebassa●'s Tent of each Province or Shire, hung the Insigna of each Province, to which all of that Province were to repair. Of these there were seven Tents that carried Insigna's, six of the Provinces, and one of the Cities, which had an Insigna by itself, besides the royal standards of the Queens which appeared more superb then all. These head or capital Tents stood an equal distance each from another, and although it were on a plain, on which the Horizon might be seen a vast way, the lines lying plane and level, yet the tops of the one could hardly be perceived from another. They were placed four square, making a small entrenchment for many Leagues about each Tent, leaving large spaces betwixt for the exercise of arms. Within these entrenchments were the Tents of all the under Captains, with their Companies, which consisted most commonly of five thousand. The tent with the insigna of Sinda was pitched next to the City, all their Companies being stretched along by the wall of the City, the other standing like a large Quadrangle enclosed the royal Tent of the Queens, which at a distance exhibited itself like a large Castle, in which was variety of rooms and conveniencies, and yet made with such art, that in six hours it could be either set up or taken down, its greatness nothing hindering its portage, there being Elephants for that purpose. The Tents set forth with variety of paintings, and embellished with streamers, rendered themselves very pleasing Objects to the sight, but the innumerable companies of men and arms amazed us, and made us believe that 'twas impossible they should be overcome, yet they confessed they expected their enemies with far greater force. Whilst we were amazed at what we had seen, we saw another thing which would at first sight seem a great wonder amongst us. 'Twas a Chariot which coming on the left hand of us, ran a great pace over the plane without the drawing of any living animal. You would have thought it had been enchanted, or that your eyes had been deluded, we indeed counted it strange at first, but having often seen them used 'twas no wonder to us. The first inventor of them was a Sinanan, who intended to make the land navigable, that they might sail as well upon the land as the sea. They were made in form of a boat, with four wheels, with springs and engines that rendered it flexible every way. The guidance was not without art, and was managed by one, who as the Pilot in the ship, kept it direct before the wind: In the middle it had small Masts, on which were spread the sails, that being swollen with the wind, moved the Chariot a great swiftness over the plane. This Chariot which we saw, we soon knew by the richness and the insigna to be the Queens, which took the way to her royal Tent, being followed by all her Court. Araterus road not far from the Chariot, all the while contemplating of those things which are memorable to Lovers. After she had entered her Tent which illustrated the whole plane, and a while reposed herself, Araterus was had in by Peomontile. The Queen was seated in a kind of Throne, advanced by some steps in a spacious room, where she expected all the Chieftains of the Provinces to render up their Muster rolls, that she might know the number of the men and arms. I will remit the nominating of their Captains or Provinces, being only names, harsh and barbarous in your ears, and only give you an account of their number and order, that I may not render you weary with my prolixity. Peomontile being the Chieftain of the City had the first place of presenting the number of men under his charge, which were an hundred and fifty thousand, with five thousand Elephants with Castls, divided into troops, and subdivided into Companies, every Captain of a Company having under him five thousand, and of a Troop fifty thousand. The other Chieftains in order presented the Queen likewise with their rolls after they had been admitted to kiss the end of her robe, the first Province brought two hundred and eight thousand men, well armed and appointed with a thousand Elephants, the second as many, the third ten thousand more, the fourth brought five hundred thousand, the fifth and sixth two hundred thousand men and five thousand Elephants, a beast ordinarily used in wars in those Countries, so that all their Army consisted of sixteen hundred and eighty four thousand men, and fifteen thousand Elephants. The Queen having the absolute dispose of the Militia, gave order to the Captains concerning their pay and rewards. In their Wars the Chieftain of the City uses evermore to be Generalissimo, and therefore it was conferred on Peomontile, one indeed capable of the place, the other Chieftains having the leading of those of their several Provinces. Araterus not being forgot, was made Captain of her lifeguard, a place of honour and trust. Passion indeed always blinds reason, and makes the most prudent err in his judgement: The Queen, one of the wisest of the East, having felt the violent agitations of a growing passion, lost her judgement, and followed its dictates. In all other things she was of a solid judgement, and could distinguish right by the light of reason, but in those that touched her private interests, where she could not keep out passion. She knew that she had erred, and yet she could not but err, Araterus was already one, more to her than another, and she began to show her partiality in this action. She could not resolve to love him, and yet she could not hate him, or hazard him: she loved to see him, and therefore she ordained that place to keep him nigh her, and to oblige him to her. It may be she did not see that this was the dictates of her passion, but rather thought it those of her good Genius or titular angel, but she could not be ignorant, but that this action would be strangely resented, and that it would beget Araterus more envy and enemies than love or friends. Such sudden favourites are always envied, and sometimes ruined, especially being strangers. Araterus indeed believing the danger to be greater than the honour, civilly refused, and begged her not to make him superbly such immense favours, but to reward him according to his merits, but she pressing it he could not with safety refuse it, his passion pleading for so advantageous a place.  
He being settled in the place according to the orders of the Queen, it was presently known throughout the Camp, and very oddly resented, but the authority of the Queen made them but whisper, not speak aloud by their ill resentment of it. Their wondering and muttering did but very privately arrive at their ears; so that she took no notice of it, hoping it would soon be hushed, and the virtue of Araterus would quiet their spirits.  
Things remained awhile in this state, Araterus being very sensible of the favours of the Queen, and his place obliging him to it, he often visited her, and had conference with her. Amongst such a numerous Army 'twas a wonder to see so much order and quietude, the City shown no sign of all these preparations, or of War, but by a little more vigilancy: The soldiers were all kept without the City, that they might not annoy it. The Queen had word brought her by her Curriors, that the army of her enemies was advancing towards the frontiers, and that they seemed to take the way of Cherlozth, and that besides this Army there appeared a fleet coming from the lower Provinces of Sinana, which seemed to cover the whole gulf of Bengan. The Queen calling her Council, and having advised together, they gave order to one of the Borebassae's to advance with half the Army towards the place where they expected the enemies to enter. And the rest to enter the City under Peomontile to secure it, half of them entering into the ships, under the Alquebuzque, or Admiral of the sea. Every thing was put into a posture of defence, most expecting their enemies with impatiencies. The Queen experimenting the wisdom and knowledge of Araterus, let never a day pass without discoursing with him, concerning one thing or other, and finding him so rational in all his answers, she began to make him oraculous. Being in discourse with her concerning the War, and having a longng desire to be bickering with the enemy, that he might exhibit his valour, believing that the only way to render himself gracious in her eyes, and knowing that this place would oblige him not to leave the Queen, nor to be present in the Encounter, he entreated her to restore her former captain into her favour, and to permit him to serve her under Peomontile, or if she dared to repose her trust in his skill or fidelity, to grant him the defence of the haven, where he might be more serviceable to her Majesty, than in that place she had honoured him with. She was somewhat difficult in granting this, both in consideration of his danger, and of her people's murmuring. But he pressing her two or three times, she was fain to let love overcome reason, and to grant what he desired. He was no sooner settled in that place by the Queen's order with a hundred thousand men under his charge, but the rest of the Captains and Soldiers▪ being highly displeased, lost their wont respect, and ceased not openly to deprave this action of the Queens, some believing him a s●ie, and that his intentions were to betray them to the enemy, others that he was a Coward, and not fitting for a place of such consequence and trust. They proceeded so far in their disrespect, and spoke so loud, that they had almost mutined, had not Peomontile satisfied them by promising to make the Queen acquainted with their council, care and fidelity. He presently made the Queen acquainted with it, and told her she might incur extreme danger by their evil resentments, and therefore advised her to recall him, and not provoke the Soldiers in this exigent. The Queen heard him, but being of a humour always resolute, would not alter what she had done, but told him, that she confided very much in Araterus, knowing him to be valiant by what he had done at his first coming thither, and that his discourse exhibited that he was not ignorant of military affairs, but that he had both Judgement, Prudence and valour. That 'twas true she had entrusted him with the Key or strength of her Kingdom, but that it would rather encourage him to treachery than stop him to suspect him, now, That it was not safe to enrage a man from whom she expected much, to degrade him now: That if he had any intentions to betray her, her generosity and goodness would oblige him to the contrary, That if he had any such intentions he could not effect them, not having gained the affections of the soldiers, and she knowing that her Captains would not obey him farther than they might see that it tended to the safety of the Kingdom, and lastly, That she gave him leave to set a private guard about him to observe his actions, which if they tended not to the safety of the Kingdom, she remitted him into his hands, to do what he pleased with him▪ Peomontile seeing the resolutions of the Queen, & not having any sinister opinion of Araterus seemed contented, and leaving the Queen with his authority, and persuasions, he at last pacified the soldiers, and begat a better opinion in many of Araterus: who hearing of these passages extremely desired to rectify their thoughts concerning him by his actions, which he effected soon after.  
Every one expecting the enemies with much impatiency, prepared all things that were necessary for their defence. The City was every where fortified and well guarded, the ports all along the gulf secured, the fine that came into the City chained up, with a kind of fort made of boats to defend it, and at the mouth lay their ships and boats ready prepared, most of all the bigger vessels being armed with scythes, & hooks, and their prowess set with sharp Irons, to spoil their tackle, and ships. There was nothing wanting that those Kingdoms could afford, either for their own defence or to offend their enemies. Araterus also animating his soldiers to the defence of their Queen, their own lives and liberties, set them on fire with a longing to be fight with their enemies, that they might testify the courage his words had inspired into them. After some few days the fleet of the enemies was discovered from the summit of a high tower, which consisted of such an innumerable company of vessels that the sea seemed to groan under their weight. The noise of their enemy's instruments, as Clarons, Trumpets, Flutes and such like, being heard, they were reanswered from the fleet of the Sornaleans, with the like, and with shouts that exhibited they were nothing feared with their approach. Two days they lay in the gulf within fight of the fleet without showing the least sign of engageing, the third, being favoured with a full wind, they came up towards ours; with such a shout, that the fowl which flew over their heads through the clarification of the air, fell as dead among their ships. The submits of all the towers of the City were filled, to behold this first naval encounter; and the Queen, with the chief ladies in the Kingdom being mounted on a high terrace, had a very fair prospect on the sea. Assoon as they were come within shoot of one another the Sinana●s let fly a volley of shot from those murderers which I before spoke of, which so beat the air that it shaken the firmest buildings in the City, the smoke of the sulpburious powder arising in curls cast so great a mist that it deprived us of the sight of both the fleets.  
This kind of weapon amazed us, having never before beheld the like, and made us in the midst of that confusion consider its danger. The Sornaleans reanswered their shot, with another of darts, and slings, which breaking their way thorough the smoke gave many of their enemies their deaths: Knowing that 'twas not for their safety to keep at a distance with them, they tacked about and gaining the wind came in upon them with a fury not to be depainted. Their prowess rushing one against another made a horrible crash, and riving many in two, let in the indomitable water into their bowels, valour was exhibited on both sides, and strength and fury reigned every where: but the Sinanans having galled our ships with their great shot between wind and water, many of them sunk to the bottom of the gulf. We could not perceive that before they grappled they were pitifully shaterred, both in their tackling and men, but when outs came to a close, they repaid them double, our enemy's ships being so thawced with men that they hindered the performances of one another, so that ours where ever the stroke felled some, and made a slaughter that lightened whole ships of their numbers, and imbued the whole gulf with the tincture of their blood.  
Blood and Death reigned every where, and this encounter lasted many hours accompanied with all the horror and slaughter that can be framed in the imagination. All the ships being intermingled one with another made a strange confused noise made up of groans and shouts. Araterus had beheld this naumachy with wonderful impatiency, and transports from the fort that defended the sine, being ready at every shout and disadvantage to leap into the sea, but the remembrance of his charge kept him in the fort, and tied him to his duty till that he saw the Sornaleans, lose ships apace, and began to faint, being too much pressed upon by their numerous enemies. He was then no longer able to contain himself, but causing all the small vessels which lay within the road to be got together he man'd them with thirty thousand men, and leaving the rest under command to secure the Key, he advanced towards the fleet, and with undaunted courage maugre all the endeavours of his enemies, himself boarded their vice-admiral, and clearing the decks took her from a whole squadron of enemies. The rest emboldened by this action, fought so stoutly that the disadvantage perspicuously appeared on our enemy's side, having lost all those ships they had taken with many of their own. Night coming on, the sleets separated with a considerable loss on both sides, ours indeed had lost most vessels, but they by far most men.  
'Twas dark before they left them, and both cast anchor within sight of each other, making a show of another battle the next morning. Araterus returned to the sort highly commended by his followers for his valour and courage. Love had directed the eyes of the Queen to observe his actions, which made her to send for him the same night, where she gave him those collaudations and Eulogiums which his modesty would not have accepted, and which did but raise up the envy of others, though she rewarded all alike lest any should take notice of her partiality, she also commanded her own Surgeons to dress those wounds he had received which were a thrust into the left hand, which he got in boarding the vice-admiral, and a shot thorough the same arm by one of their Murderers.  
By this action Araterus gained the favour of many, by clearing those suspicions they had of him, and especially amongst the rest Peomontile, who highly carressed, and esteemed him. The next morning appearing, each side had light to view their loss; which was so considerable that they shown no desire of a second encounter, before they had repaired their breaches. In this posture the Sinanans continued eight days, and being well satisfied with the courage of the Sornaleans they feared to hazard another battle by sea. They saw that the ports were too well guarded for them to land, and notwithstanding their great puissance they saw 'twas a matter of impossibility to endamage the City. Land they must, and therefore they endeavoured to effect it without our suspicion or knowledge; having considered all places that were any thing commodious, they pitched on an obscure place which indeed was too weak to make any resistance. In the night time as silently as might be they passed most of their men into half of their vessels, leaving the other in the place with a command to spread wide that their departure might not be perceived by us. This was done so silently that we had no notice of it, till by the firing of certain beakons, we understood that they were in danger & presently after the curriors brought word that they had landed their men in a bay where they were notable to resist them.  
Peomontile calling all the chief of the officers together (Araterus being among the rest) desired their counsels in this case. After many had spoken Araterus was of this opinion: That delay would be very prejudicial to their affairs, that 'twas requisite the whole fleet should advance towards that of their enemies, when he was persuaded 'twas left but poorly man'd and left on purpose but to amuse them, that in the mean time Peomontile should advance by land towards the place where the Sinanans were landed that they might not advantage themselves too much, by the use of the country, and that they might appear before that they could order so great a body. This council seemed so reasonable that 'twas followed, and Peomontile leaving enough to secure that great City drew out most of his forces, and advanced towards the enemy. Araterus being unwilling to sit still in Sinda, got leave of Peomontile that he should add his thirty thousand to the ships and leave the defence of the port to any he should substitute. Having joined then with the sleet they weighed anchor and made to that of their enemies with full sail. They knowing their own weakness did not dare to hazard a battle, but perceiving our intention gained the Point and fled before us. We could not fetch them up before they had entered the bay amongst their other ships. Believing it best to stay for the appearance of Peomontile on the land we lay at the mouth of the bay wide of one another, the sea favouring us with a happy tranquillity. Peomontile using all possible expedition, and being well acquainted with the ways, appeared at the backs of his enemies very unexpectedly, some few days after our arrival. The enemy were encamped in a very disadvantageous place, and where they could make very little use of their great Murderers, which they had but newly unshipped.  
Peomontile being very expert gained a hill which they had neglected to their great disadvantage, not expecting them so soon, spreading his men he almost environed them, most of theirs continuing on the shore, fearing an assault from our ships, which as it were besieged them. The Queen having a dasire to be an eyewitness of the actions of her soldiers and I believe especially of Araterus, from whom love persuaded her to expect some great action, left the City with a guard of sive thousand partisans, and drawn in her Royal Chariot, made of the fairest Elephants tooth, inlaid with gold, the wheels of Ebony, with bands and nails of silver, covered over with cloth of gold and tissue, drawn by two white Elephants the fairest the East ever produced, crowned with golden crowns, and covered with silk, in which was embroidered the arms of the Queen, which was the Sun Orient. In this equipage she came to a rock on the left hand of the camp from whence she could perceive both the armies and the navies, and distinguish those she knew from the rest: presently after her arrival she sent a small boat to Araterus, with an express that she desired to conser with him. He immediately returning with the messenger presented himself to the Queen with a most pro●ound obeisance, who received him with a grace very pleasant and familiar. Peomontile with some of the chief of the army, being sent for by the Queen, they entered into counsel concerning their affairs, the conclusion whereof was, that they should adventure a battle, having the advantage of the ground, although their enemies exceeded them in number, that at the same time they should begin it both by sea and land, at the firing of a beacon, which should be assoon as the Sun appeared the next day, and that in the mean time they should rest and prepare their soldiers for it. This being concluded, they gave Araterus an Order to give the admiral for the execution of what they had concluded.  
Araterus being about to departed was met with by a damosel from the Queen, who presented him in the Queen's name a crimson scarf embossed with the fairest pearls that ever eye beheld, which made up the name of Amarillis in great letters, the length of the scarf, at each end was her arms set with the embossment of diamonds, and fringed with gold and long tassels of Pearls. Araterus was amazed at the richness and bravery of the scarf, and receiving it with respect desired her to tell the Queen that before the morrow night, he hoped to be a means to render her triumphant over all her enemies, or to lose his life in the action. That what ever he was able to perform should not be attributed to himself, but accounted the effect of a power which inspired him through the immensity of her favours and goodness.  
Being returned to the ships he gave the Order of the general to the admiral, who thereby knowing his intentions spent the rest of the day in the preparation of his vessels, and in encouraging his men to do bravely. Araterus being agitated by his love, expected the next day with impatiency, resolving to signalise his actions, and make himself worthy of the high favours of the Queen, by perpetrating to the utmost whatsomever the immense force of his love, and innate valour could carry him to. The next day appeared some hours after Araterus had expected it with waking eyes, after he had saluted the Gods with his prayers, and especially the deity of Love, he caused me to help him on with his arms, which he had caused to be made in that country: They were made of the best steel, the umbraces and bucklings of plates of silver; his cuirace set out with great bosses of gold and pearl, and his cask, of a mixed metal, was shaded with a plume of Ostrich feathers tinctured with ostrum, which imbued it with a purple, upon his left arm he tied the signal of the Queen's favour which she sent him the night before. In this manner he awaited the signal: which was given at the time appointed. The ships presently moved towards their enemies, who expecting the encounter received them with resolution and valour. Whilst the two fleets were performing all that could be expected from their force and puissance, filling every place with horror, death, blood, and confusion; Peomontile having divided the army into four battalions, moved deliberately and in good order towards the Sinanans. The general of the Sinanans being both valiant and Politic, and seconded by the Prince himself who led the Van of the cavalry, a Prince valiant enough, but withal furious and temerary, had notice of our intentions to fight and therefore was fully prepared for us. He saw the disadvantages that they had in the ground, but being supernumerary in men, he hoped to overwhelm ours: Besides they had the advantage in weapons; half of their men carrying those hand-murtherers. He had divided his army into 6. battalions, every battalion equalling ours, if not exceeding. It will be needless to describe this battle to you, though it were one of the bloodiest, and greatest, that ever was fought in the East, both for that yourself have been in many, and therefore know the heat and Mars-full Enthusiasm that then agitates generous, and courageous spirits, and that I may not terrify these Ladies with the relation of nothing but horror, blood and death. Besides, should you desire it, I could not give it you exactly as it was, because I had no time to observe that congression on the land, being engaged so hotly in that on the Sea. The Queen with the most considerable Ladies in the Kingdom was mounted on the utmost summit of the Rock, that they might the better assault Heaven with their prayers, and that they might behold a battle that made the strongest amongst them yield themselves to fears and fainting. As for the Queen, believe me, she could not permit her eyes to behold whether her army we●e like to prove victorious or not, although on it depended her crown, riches, state, honour, and it may be life, such a power had love above fear in her soul. Her eyes were inseparable to the navy, and you may believe that 'twas for Araterus' sake that she was so partial as to regard that battle on the sea, more than that on the Land. Indeed her eyes sought for Araterus, 'twas a very easy matter for love to make her find him, he rendering himself so signal and remarkable. She saw him do wonders and miracles, and as if victory still attended him she could not withdraw her eyes from observing him, and indeed his actions were so immense that they chained her eyes to him with a kind of pleasinng charm and enchantment.  
They followed him thorough the thickest press, and accompanied him amongst blood, wounds, & arms. I need not tell you that every time she saw him in danger, she was struck with fear of losing him which presently made her change colour a thousand times, and which would have been observed by others, had not so general a congression attracted all their eyes with an intensity on their actions. Araterus after he had brought terror, wounds, and death to all that opposed him; and begat an admiration in all that beheld, with an undaunted courage being grappled with the admiral entered his ship, and there giving death and mortal wounds to all that withstood him, made the rest fly, whom he pursued into the hold, where finding a great deal of combustible matter he fling some of their black powder amongst it, and after that some fire which he had got in the ship; This incontinently taking fire, set the ship into a light conslagration which being driven with a gale of wind amongst the rest, caught hold of all that came a near it, and the ships lying so close grappled together, took it with such fury, and so immense a flame, that there needed then no other enemy to contest with. Our admiral caused as many ships as possibly could to be saved of ours, and turning their prows about got forth of the bay, and left those flames the victory, which gained a very absolute on over them, for their ships being so numerous, and conjoined so thick one to another 'twas impossible to hinder the progress of the flame, which running from one ship to another at last consumed the whole navy to ashes, with thousands of their men: For some flying the fire, perished in the water, and others thinking to escape drowning, got into the ships and were burnt.  
Then it was that the flames, smoke, and consusion had obscured Araterus from the eyes of the Queen, she feared that she had utterly lost him, and that he had perished with thousand others, this made her, as if the victory depended wholly on his life or death, to turn away her head from that fatal place with despairing eyes, as if the combustion of her enemy's ships had been to her loss and detriment. And (if it be true as she said from whom I learned this afterwards) she could not abstain from shedding some tears at the conceited loss of Araterus. But her eyes were soon recleared, for she had no sooner cast them on the midst of the battle, but she saw him victorious, and conquering, and doing his ordinary wonders, at the Head of her army. He but narrowly escaped the danger of being drowned or burnt, but when he had set the ship on fire he gained a little boat by my help, and fled to the shore amongst the rest, ●h●t 〈…〉 nothing but the saving their own lives. B●ing g●t to the shore 〈…〉 ourselves amongst the multitude; and finding some 〈…〉, and road to the two armies who were now in the midst of all 〈…〉.  
The battle there was no less bloody than that had been on the S●●: and the whole place was become a Sea of blood, wherein ●ailed nothing b●t Death and Horror. At the beginning our men had the worst, losing four to one; but Peomontile, perceiving the odds in their weapons, knew that to overcome them 'twas necessary to conjoin an● to come to handy-strokes with them, which they (knowing the advantage they had) declined with dexterity enough. After he had endeavoured it for some hou●s in vain, he caused about fifty thousand Elephants to advance, from the top of whose Castles, the Sornaleans did gallant execution, and under whose shelter the right wing of the army advanced.  
The Sinanans endeavouring to shun the close si●ht had like to have disordered themselves, and have given away the victory with a kind of running retreat. At last perceiving 'twas inevitable, and that their enemies were too pressing, they met, with a fury that caused thousands to die on either side. The valour of our first battle had declared them the victory when they received the shock of the second, and being augmented by ours they opposed them with a continued violence. Theirs beginning to shrink, their third battle advanced led by the Prince himself, which was met by ours with a shout that equalised the noise that their instruments of death made. After many hours dispute the fourth battle, in which were both the generals met, and that instant 'twas when we came to the army, Araterus placing himself in the head of them, led them on with a courage that inspired the most cowardly with a desire to do bravely. 'Twas then indeed that he rendered himself so signal, that all that beheld his actions, cried out miracles and wonders. Desiring nothing so much as glory, he was ever tired with shedding common blood, he finds them too weak and unable to resist him, and pressing in amongst the thickest he makes his sword taste the flesh of those whom he perceives to be most daring, and valiant. At last he espies the general of the Siranans doing actions that presently made him envious of his glory. Not examining the danger he made way th●row the opposing troops, and coming to handy strokes with him, might have given him a satal testimony of his courage had not his horse to his great misfortune fell dead between his legs, through the wounds that he had received. Then it was that fear, and grief depainted itself most virely in the eyes and face of the Queen, Who not able to see him in that exigent fell into a swoon, in the arms of her Ladies, who attributed it to the working of her imagination on these dreadful, and dying objects. This made her lose the sight of the bravest actions in the world, for he despairing of life, resolved to sacrifice as many as he could to love, his actions were incredible, and he soon made him a rampart of dead bodies, still defending his life from the most daring, till the general loath to lose a man of such importance rescued him out of that danger, and maugre the opposition of the enemies mounted him on another horse. Ours began to get the better when their last battles joined with so great impetuosity that it rendered the victory doubtful, and made them make use of the utmost of their courage and force to withstand them.  
I shall not lie if I say that the actions of Araterus disposed the victory on our side, for they were so signal and daring that they both encouraged the Sornaleans, and made desperate our adversaries. Whilst Araterus gave hopes of the victory on one side, Peomontile had almost lost it on the other, for losing above fifty thousand men, himself was taken prisoner by the Prince. Araterus hearing this, with enough that readily followed him made haste to that place of damage, but by the way meeting with the General of the Sinanans, engaged himself a second time with him in a particular combat, and at last (notwithstanding the resistance of the enemies) he deprived him of his life through two or three mortal wounds. Flying like lightning thorough the midst of the enemies, he recovered the General, and gave him that liberty which they were about to deprive him of: following his good luck he encountered next with the Prince, who coming at that instant wounded Peomontile very dangerously on the head, for requital of which Araterus wounded him in the thigh, and pressing hard upon him, made him shelter himself amongst the thickest of his Troops. Then it was that victory having hung a long while in suspense, came and settled upon our standards, for at that instant all those of the Navey being landed, came on them with a fresh encounter in their flanks, and crying out victory, victory, did such execution that it terrified them all, and seeing their ships burnt, their General slain, and their Prince wounded, they began to despair of victory, and to retreat disorderly. The Sornaleans perceiving the fear of their enemies, renewed their courages, and crying out victory on every side, persuaded their enemies that it was so, before they had it. At last they forgot their order, and fled confusedly, being slaughtered on every side by their enemies, who then slew more than they had done all the day before, and of so numerous an Army let very few escape the punishment of the sword. Araterus being in the chase, took the Prince prisoner, and so saved his life from the enraged multitude, some few escaped to those ships that the fire had left, and so recovered the sea, the rest escaping into woods, and such places of shelter, saved their lives, and left the Sornaleans victorious and triumphant.  
The Sun weary of beholding so bloody an execution, hide himself in the occidental waves, and the obscuring night drawing on a pace, sought to hid that blood and horror that was spread o'er the superficies of those plains. A hundred new springs of crimson waves ●an along the fields, to find a passage into the Ocean, where ingulsing themselves, they converted the waters into a sea of blood. It is impossible to tell you the number of the slain on both sides, but they were so many, that they moved the cruelest to pity when the first heat of their fury was over. Neither will it be much to the purpose to tell you the number of the wounded, or prisoners. Araterus sinning himself wounded in two places in the arm, and in the face, retired to the General's tent, and finding that his wound in his head was very dangerous, he left him, and went into another hard by set up by the General's order, where he had his wounds dressed by Peomontiles own Surgeons. The Queen having seen the end of the battle, saluted the gods with her prayers, and gave them innumberable thanks for the protection they had sent her, in the person of the valiant stranger. She immediately descends into the Camp, and having visited the General, she came and carressed Araterus with so much joy, and giving him those praises and Collaudations, that he accounted himself over and above satisfied for the pains and travels he had taken. He told her what he had done was but his duty, and that it did not merit the least of those acknowledgements she was pleased out of her goodness to give him: That 'twas the merits of her cause that gave her the victory, not their valour; That the gods could not in Justice deny their protection to the innocent, and 'twas her own prayers which were more prevalent than their arms, that had vanquished her enemies, and sacrificed so many thousands in the place: that for his part all that he had done that could be attributed to manhood or prowess, was but the effects of her goodness upon his soul.  
Such like speeches passing between them, Araterus presented the Prince of Sinana at her feet, who having a soul that yielded to the disaster of fortune, did not dare to lift his eyes from the ground, on which he fixed them. Receiving him from Araterus with very many thanks and acknowledgements: Degenerate man! (said she to him somewhat enraged at his base spirit) this meanness of spirit little becomes a Prince that hath dared to pretend so high, and who in prosperity used the highest insolences and insufferable Pride.  
This dejection doth but illustrate the baseness of thy heart, and tells us that it was never capable but of the blackest of crimes, wherein was nothing either of ambition or of love, things which make crimes sometimes pardonable. No, thine hath proceeded from nothing but pride and insolency, accompanied with rage and temerity. You have often told me you have been my prisoner, now you are really so, and we shall have time to consider your deserts: with this turning from him she gave order for his securement, and appointed him to be had to Sinda, which was done accordingly. The night coming on apace, she gave order to the Chirurgigions to have as much care on Araterus as on herself, and returned with her guard to the next town, where she was accommodated as well as the time and ●lace would afford.  
As soon as the Sun appeared in the East, chaceing away the horrors of the night with his splendid beams, the General gave order for the burning of the bodies of the slain, and the inte●rement of the chiefest Captains, being very many slain on both sides. This being effected, and the Surgeons permitting the General to travel, they returned to Sinda, with their banners displayed, the insign●'s of their enemies trailed on the ground, trophies of their arms carried in Chariots before them, and with all the signs of joy, triumph and magnificence that could possibly be imagined. They were scarcely lodged in Sinda before the Queen received word by the Posts, that her other Army in the Frontiers had received a great overthrow, through the unskilfulness of their Leader, and that the enemy's troops advancing apace, came accompanied with victory, fire and sword. This news put a damp upon the General's rejoicing, and made them see their danger was not over. The Queen sending for Peomontile and Araterus, told them this news, and withal, that she was not to expect victory from any other hands than from the sage Peomontile, and the valiant Araterus: that it was for their glory that her army had received the overthrow, the gods having ordained, that none besides themselves should contribute any thing to hers, and her kingdom's happiness: And that it was them alone that she ought justly to style her Protectors and deliverers. These speeches were answered by a great deal of submission and humility by them both, they testifying that pride could make no advantage on their souls by the praises of the Queen, but rather inspired them with a generous valour and desire of serving her. After they had assured her of their utmost endeavours, and given her their Council how to proceed, they received her commands to go meet them with their victorious army. She could not choose but express her sad resentments for their so sudden departute, which she did with notable address, and in general terms, but Araterus might have seen that if it might have stood with his honour and her safety, he should have stayed behind. The Soldiers having received a largess from the Queen, with promises of greater rewards, marched with a courage and resolution that already assured them of the victory over their enemies. The General that received the former overthrow, hoping to regain what he had lost, was so rash and unadvised to hazard another battle, wherein he resolved to die or regain his former honour, knowing it would be an in supportable disgrace to appear any more before his Queen, having lost it through his own unskilfulness, more than his cowardice; But fortune resolving the victory for Araterus, he lost both his life and the better half of the Army in the Conslict, so that the enemies came fleshed with their victories, and triumphing, till they heard of the loss of their other Army, which gave such a check to their exultancies, that it half conquered them before the other Army could come to oppose them. Fortune that seemed to be sworn now to Araterus' side, gave us the first victory, in which the enemy lost a hundred thousand men, and twenty thousand Elephants. Seeking still to engage them, we obtained two or three one after another, in all which sights Araterus did such actions, that the most envious of them all could not but contribute to his glory, seeing they tended to theirs, and their kingdom's preservation. 'Twas more than once or twice that he saved the life of Peomontile, he slew with his own hand two of the enemy's Generals, and by his examples inspired others with such courage and animosity, that he often turned the fortune of the battle, and although reduced to extremities and Exigents, he still came off victorious and triumphant. Having oftentimes discomfited them with extraordinary loss, strong holds there not being regarded to retard a War, but determining all with pitched battles, the War was soon finished, and in half a year there was not an enemy that dared appear in the Kingdom, and of so many hundred thousand men very few returned into their own Country. Peace being settled in those parts, we returned to Sinda, where Peomontile and Araterus were received by the Queen with such caresses of joy, and in such state, triumph and magnificence, that the East never beheld the like.  
These public rejoyceing after many week's beginning to lessen, the Queen who was generous and noble, (having before acquainted her Uncle Peomontile and Araterus with her intentions, who gave her their approbation) sent for the Prince of Sinana: He who thought it had been to receive the sentence of death, came with so dejected a countenance, that he disgraced the quality he represented, and the apprehensions of which, made him speak, and do things so misbecoming a Prince, that the Queen had much ado to endure him in her presence whilst she told him: That he now saw the fruits of his insolency, pride and temerity, and that although she had respected him above his demerits, and according to that regality which he bore, yet that he had unworthily, and altogether misbecoming a Prince behaved himself. That he saw how the number of his men, his threaten, insolences and pride were overthrown by the gods, who protected her innocency against his violences. That being her prisoner, and guilty of such horrible crimes she could justify his death to all the world, and that she ought not to have deferred it so long; but yet for all this that she had given him his life clearly, with his liberty, not that he had any ways deserved the least favour, but rather more than death by his pusillanimity and dejected carriage so unworthy a Prince; but that she accounted him unworthy her revenge, or anger, and she permitted him to live that she might conserve him for the Subject of her hate and scorn. The Prince received this sentence with some sign of joy, and though it was so little to his glory applauded the Queen's Mercy. According to her order he was conducted to the Frontiers of the kingdom, with all the other prisoners which she had taken, with them she sent a letter to his father the king of Sinana, in which she old him: That 'twas her desire to live in peace & amity with all her neighbour-Princes, but especially with him, the interests of whose kingdom her Ancestors had always made their own. That she wondered he was so unadvised to follow the temerity of his son, and to engage himself in a War so unjust and illegal, thereby breaking those Leagues which she ever had kept inviolable. That what she had done, was but in her own defence, and to keep her and her Subjects from ruin and destruction, and therefore that he was to thank himself and fortune for his overthrow and loss. That for her part she desired not to make use of her good fortune, nor advantages that she had against him, either in assaulting him in an hostile way, although her Armies were ready, and sufficient enough to endamage him, or to use that violence to him in the person of his Son, which might satisfy to all the world. That as the gods and the justness of her cause had rendered her victorious, so her generosity and innate goodness had rendered her merciful, that thereby he might see she had no other ends then to conserve her kingdom in peace and prosperity, though as he now knew, she was able to defend herself from his and others Tyranny.  
And lastly, That she had sent him his son, and had given him his liberty without ransom or intreary, notwithstanding the wrongs he had done her, and the ruin he had endeavoured for a requital of all her savours she had showed him, whilst he remained in her Court. This letter so full of generosity and obligements wrought much on the King of Sinana, who was raising an Army twice so big as the former to repair his losses, and made him presently desist, and receive those the Queen had sent with his son, with caresses and acknowledgements. The evil nature of that Prince was nothing moved with the Queen's generosity, and seeing himself out of her power, he would have instigated his father against her, and have persuaded him to go on with his levies, but notwithstanding his insinuations, the King sent an Ambassador to the Queen with so many rich presents that it sufficiently ransomed the Prince, and discharged the charges of the war, giving him in charge also to conclude a peace more strict than before between them. This was effected, and they returned from the Queen very well satisfied with her generosity and liberality, with presents worthy of her quality to the King their Master, which (as we heard) he received with wonderful acknowledgement and address.  
Peace being thus concluded, and every thing settled with prudence and care, the Queen began to give ease to her thoughts, and entertain those pleasing Ideas which in the midst of all her troubles often interrupted her. The first thing she did was in rewarding those who had done valiantly, and served her faithfully. Araterus you may be sure, tasted of her liberality, she made him Birebasse or Governor of a province, making him by her savours and his places the second in the Kingdom next to Peomontile. There was none but said he deserved it, and that the favours of the Queen could not be better bestowed; the mouth of envy itself being stopped by his virtues, & by the port that he had carried amongst the people: Indeed all spoke for him, and desired to render him caresses & acknowledgements: his valour and virtue still lived in their memories, and his continual Courtesy, made it spring there eternally. Truly his mediocrity was admirable, for if in all his formet misfortunes I had noted a constancy hardly parallelable, and that without dejection, I could not observe in all his height of glory the least exultancy or pride, but what he received was with a spirit full of tranquillity, and he would never have received such high favours and honours, but that he thought it would render him more considerable for his aspiring Love. Indeed that still conserved its flames, and all those heats that had agitated him in the wars, proceeded from that, he making me his confident, often told me of its ardencies, and how unsupportable they began to grow, notwithstanding the hopes, the prophecy, and inclinations of the Queen inspired him with. Those indeed maintained him in a tranquillity not usual with Lovers, and conserved him from their disquiets a long time. He found the favours of the Queen so obliging, and her caresses and endearments so favourable, that he began to hope he should arrive at the sum of ●his happiness. The Queen being of an imperious humour, had grievous contests with her love, so that her soul was agitated continually with contrary and opposing thoughts. And as she related herself to Araterus afterward, they were such as these. She considered the inequality between Araterus and herself, that he was nothing but by her creation, that herself was one of the potentest Queens of the East, that she had out of an imperious humour refused the greatest Princes in the world, that such a match would be a blur to her honour, a grief to her Subjects, and make her a scorn to her neighbours, and to those Princes whom she had despised. That to think to enjoy him any other way, her virtue did prohibit, and she believed that her kingdom could not tempt his. Therefore she believed her love was to be despised, rejected and strove against, seeing it led her to such prejudice and inconveniencies. This made her resolve often to chastise herself, to hate herself, and to account herself worthy of ignominy and scorn: sometimes she would banish him or confine him to his Province, or prohibit him the Court; and by banishing him out of her memory, repress those flames his presence fomented. But this his innocency, and what he had done for her opposed; but chiefly love itself could not yield to his separation; that exsuscitated for its defence such thoughts as these: That although she were a Queen, and enjoyed all the riches, pomp and pleasure imaginable, yet that Love was a content that far furpassed them all, and so that if she should enjoy the greatest Prince on the earth, it could not render her so happy as the enjoyment of one she loved should, though ne'er so mean. That Araterus considering the disparity would without doubt want the imperious humours of Princes, and make it the whole scope of his actions to serve her faithfully, and love her continually. That the gods never make any distinction of persons by their greatness, but by their goodness; not by their Nobility, but by their virtue, and that the meanest on earth if they follow the Precepts of virtue, are capable of an Apotheosis and deification: That seeing the gods respected not the Nobility of persons, so much as their virtue, they should endeavour to imitate them, for the nearer they appproached to the gods in their actions, the nearer they should be to them when extinct. That her greatness and regality depended on the mutual wheel of fortune, as if she should be cast from her Throne, there would be but little sign of her highness, greatness and regality: That the Original of Soveranity was only usurpation, got by the sword and fortune, that in right the most virtuous should be the most noble. That she was able to make Araterus equal with the greatest Princes in the East, that what he had done for her had merited it, that his valour and virtue deserved it; that his person, both for behaviour and make, was not to be equalled, that there was nothing to be objected to him, but that he was no Prince, which her love was to dispense with. Between such diversity of thoughts she was continually cruciated, and made her undergo a torment that could not be eased by all those pleasures that accompany the conversations of such eminent personages. These troubles continuing, put her into so deep a melancholy, that every body wondered at it, knowing it contrary to her nature and disposition. And for that she had not revealed it to any, she received the more torment and pain. Amongst all the Confidents, she had a kinswoman, whom she loved above her rest, and to whom she always poured out all her secrets, but this she accounted so criminal, that she had not as yet spoken of it: However remembering the wisdom and good counsel she had always found in Marina (so they called her) she was constrained after a long time of sadness to discover her thoughts to her, and commanded her to tell her what she was to do in that case. Marina (as Araterus knew from her own mouth afterwards) was surprised at the Queen's discourse, and would fain have excused herself; but she pressing her, and reiterating her commands, she spoke in these words.  
I confess you may wonder that I have so faithful a memory to recount things so many years ago acted, but I must tell you, that I had wrote down most of these things, knowing that if ever I should have the happiness of seeing you again, I should be obliged to relate these passages. And in my journey that I made hither, I received my Notes, and gave them a new impress in my memory, that I might be able to recount to you these things faithfully and exactly. Let this then serve for all, that you may not be incredulous, nor account my memory prodigious, though some things, were I to live eternally, I could never forget. Marina I say being constrained to it, spoke in these terms.  
Madam! I confess I am extremely unfit to advise you in a matter I had never any experience of, when it may be too, that I shall contradict your opinion, if I tell you I think there is no necessity or compulsion, but a generous and resolute soul may discuss, I mean, that we may disengage ourselves from that troublesome passion, so much cried out upon by all the world, when we will; if we resolve not to betray ourselves to its allurements. This is so ticklish a subject, that I fear to speak any thing of it, lest if you follow my advice, and it should not succeed, you would put the blame upon my Council, rather than on that inevitable fatality which oftentimes accompanies the transactions of love. It is very dangerous, Madam, and I know that those who use to advise in such affairs, have that quality which I have not; that is, flattery: for 'tis always known that those troubled with this passion that blinds the reason and understanding, though they ask the Counsel of others, and seem much to desire it, yet they seldom follow any but the dictates of their passion, or that which is agreeable, or corresponds with their own inclinations. It may be you may wish that my Counsel may not be repugnant to your Love, or to say better, that I may flatter you, this might please best your passion, but not your reason, and so long as passion is strongest, those Counsels will be best pleasing that are most agreeable to it. I confess I had rather be silent, but seeing I must obey your commands, I think it my love and duty to speak my mind apertly and freely, without considering whether it be pleasing, so it be profitable. I confess my judgement may be weak, and I may not see so clearly into things as yourself or others, yet seeing 'tis your pleasure to have my Counsel, I had rather err for lack of wisdom, and in sincerity, than out of interest and subtlety. In a word, Madam, what I advise is, that you give no entertainment to this passion, but seek to forget it with all possible speed you may, seek always to divert your mind, let not your thoughts entertain themselves upon it, separate Araterus from your sight, for undoubtedly if you entertain it, 'twill do you more hurt than all those enemies you have subdued could, and so Araterus, though innocently, is a rebel, a traitor, and deprives you of your liberty. I cannot tell which would have been worse, the loss of your kingdom, or this which hath befallen you, if you do not speedily remedy it, for the privation of your reason, understanding and judgement, is worse than the loss of all the pleasure of sense, or what ever you now enjoy, so that although Araterus hath given you your life and kingdom, he hath given you too these disquiets, that are less supportable than death, and by it he is become as great an enemy, as he was a friend. I know, Madam, that he is innocent, and I speak not this because I have any prejudice against him, I confess that he is worthy of all the honour and grace that your Majesty hath shown him, and his merits cannot be too highly rewarded, but by yourself. You love him, Madam, I know your virtue will not permit the least thought arise of any base and infamous enjoyment of him: you would I know love him lawfully, and therefore you must seat him on the same Throne with yourself. I confess I wish him a Crown that he might deserve you, for do but consider the difference between you, and you cannot but confess your action will be something unworthy of yourself. I heard you say for yourself, that the gods were no respecters of persons; What then? in this we are not to regard them so much as men, for things indifferent they leave to our own judgements and reason: I confess it is no sin for you to marry the meanest of your Subjects, neither is it any thing to the gods, but yet it would be an action that would render you a scorn to men. But I cannot but think that it is the will of the gods that Princes should join with Princes, and in my judgement it seems to be more agreeable to them, because they have a more peculiar care over them than over other men, they representing the persons and Majesty of the gods, and are exempt from punishments, but from the hand of heaven. The Queen here interrupting her Confident. I am much pleased with thy zeal (said she smising and blushing together) but thou dost see it hath carried thee from the purpose. Let me answer thee thy last inference, which is, that it is the will of the gods we should match with Princes, I am sure that it is the will of the gods that we should imitate their actions, Do not they I pray create Princes, and Kings, and not regarding greatness give it to the virtuous? And shall not I do so too, in matching with this generous stranger? If the virtuous be worthy of Crowns, why should we be ashamed to conser it on them? But what dost thou speak of the gods protecting of Princes more than others? be it so, is it for their own sakes, or for the sakes of those under them; 'Tis true, the gods do seem to have a greater care over Princes than every private man; Why? not because they are born great and noble, but because they rule others: so that in protecting and directing them, they protect and keep their whole kingdom: And I make no question, that if a beggar came to the Crown (which must be by the help of the gods, or the influences of the stars, their inferior operators) the gods would more seemingly regard him on the Throne, or coming thereto, than before, because than they work generally, and their actions are more inspected; therefore it is not the person, but the place, or the person for the places sake, that the gods seem to have so extraordinary care of Princes more than others: And again the actions of Princes are more noted and inspected than others, every one looks what befalls them, and a little preservation makes a general rejoicing, being all interressed in the person of the Prince: And I am persuaded that if the actions and lives of many of the vulgars' were known and inspected, the providential care of the gods would be no less seen than in those of the Prince. So that their protection will be no less favourable to Araterus when he is made a Prince, than if he were born so.  
Love (saith Marina) can never be disputed against, for it always furnishes its desenders with subtle and unanswerable arguments, I know I must cede to your judgement if you undertook to answer me, but let it be so then, Madam, that Araterus shall have the protection of the gods, if he hath yours, yet I shall never yield to think well of this amorous evil on which I have heard so many complaints, that I even tremble to think that you are infected with it. The Queen seeing her Confident so zealous in a cause she was ignorant of, smiled, and told her she would do her utmost endeavours to decuss a passion which she could not approve of.  
She did so indeed, love and reason continually combated, and she thought she had gained the victory; and to do it more effectually, she began to eloyn herself from Araterus; she very seldom saw him, she did not caress him as she had used; and she used all the means she thought requisite for so hard a matter. But it was in vain for her to contest with so potent an enemy, a Deity that overpowered her, and made her, spite of her teeth, break all her resolutions at the very sight of him; what ever she had resolved and intended, his sight carried so many charms that it made them fall to nothing. She saw at last that 'twas impossible for her to recover her former quietude, which made her tell Marina after many month's disquiets and endeavours to follow her Council, that her fate was inevitable, that there was nothing but death, or Araterus, that could terminate those pains and torments, that her passion made her undergo. Seeing that is so (said Marina, troubled at those continual agitations which she saw in the Queen) and that there is a necessity not to be avoided, that Araterus is destined to be your tormentor. Let us believe that 'tis not without a special design of heaven; let's seek to content you, quiet your passion, and make him happy. Madam, what ever aversion I have to this passion, added she, your interest shall make me plead for it, seeing you cannot follow my counsel, make use of me, and I will follow the Dictates of your love, for I profess it is impossible for me to see so much trouble in you, without endeavouring your content. The Queen imbraceing her, told her, that she should never do any thing unworthy herself, or contrary to the virtue she had professed, That she would sooner die than exhibit her passion, and that she wholly remitted herself into her hands, professing that she had rather die and banish Araterus, than blemish her honour, although nothing in the world was more pleasant to her fight, and though it was impossible but that she must still love him. In the mean time Araterus perceiving the eloynment of the Queen, and being debarred of that happiness of seeing her often, for all his hopes, fell into so deep a melancholy that all his friends perceived it in his looks, and notwithstanding the caresses of Peomontile who affected him as much as if he had been his own son, and his other friends which his generosity and goodness had gained, he could not be comforted. But what ever they read in his face, he was too advised to discover the least thought of his heart to any but me, and they all believed that it was an effect of his eloynment from his Country. This made all his friends use those divertisements which they thought capable to make him forget it, never a day but he was caressed in such high terms and manner, that the greatest Prince of the Orient could not have more. Sometimes music, balls and dancing was his divertisement, sometimes running with horses, sometime Charriot-races, sometimes fight on Elephants, a pleasing and delightful sport, and sometimes hunting: but all these being constrained, and contrary to his humour, it abated nothing of that sadness which triumphed over him. The Queen having not seen him a great while, being on purpose retired from the Court, with an intent to overcome herself, when she saw him, was wonderfully troubled to perceive those assured marks of trouble and sadness in his face, she could not forbear ask him if any one had disobliged him? Who had given him cause of discontent or anger? if that any of the Court had oppugned him? or any of her kingdom offended him? what it was he wanted; if that it was the remembrance of his Country? she told him what ever was in the kingdom was at his service, that he was amongst his friends, and that there was nothing in her power to grant him, but he might assure himself of it. To all which he answered, with a respect that such obliging speeches required. But still dissembling his trouble, he gave her very little satisfaction. Not being contented, she returns to Marina, and having opened her mind to her, and wondering at the trouble of Araterns, Love having already made her suspicious, she by the advice of her Confident sent for me. One for that purpose having watched their opportunity, told me the Queen had commanded them to conduct me to her: wondering what should be the matter, I immediately followed the Messenger, who having led me to the palace, I was had into a chamber by one of Marina's Maids, where I found the Queen and Marina together. After that I shown the respect that I ought, the Queen commanding me to rise, enquired of me for my master, for so I called him all the while I had been in that Country) and very dextrously began to speak of the sadness she had noted in his face, which she said she believed was the effect of some discontent that he had taken, telling me that his generosity having hid it from her, she believed I could not be ignorant of it, and that it was requisite she should know it, being best able to remove it, for she doubted not but that some of her subjects had given him some cause for discontent unjustly, and that I should therefore discover it, though my Master's generosity would not permit himself to do it, that she might punish the author of it, for an example to others. After I had heard this, I told her that 'twas requisite she should be obeyed in all things, that I was sorry I could not exactly obey her commands, for that I was ignorant that any of her subjects or any other had given him the least cause for discontent, that I believed he had so acquired their loves by her favours, that none would be so malicious as to do any extraordinary action that might disquiet my master, and that I knew it was no small thing could move the tranquillity of his mind. This answer nothing satisfying, she pressed me to tell her if that none o● her Subjects had given him any cause for this sadness, and whether I were ignorant of the cause of it? I knew not what to answer presently to this demand, but bethinking myself I told her, that certainly, that though her favours were so immense, as to make any man forget his own native Country with joy, having the happiness to be entertained in her service, yet that I believed he could not remember his friends without a just and unblameable regret, seeing at what a distance fortune had brought him from them. I know not what it was, whether she could perceive any thing by my countenance, she did not believe me. She told me that Araterus had given her the knowledge of the passages of his life, and that not being tied by the bonds of affection, she did not believe those of nature could cause so great trouble: and that if it were so, she knew he would have desired her assistance for the reward of all his pains and good services, for to have returned into his Country. I replied that it might be, he could not be so disrespectful as yet, considering the esteem she had of him, and the favours she had done him, as to ask a thing which he imagined might be displeasing to her, that although he were inferior to no Prince in his own Country, and that the gods had given him an estate according to the Nobility of his birth, where he might enjoy all the happinesses there, that he now enjoyed except her presence and service, yet I believed that he preserved that to all the rest, and made him so backward in ask a thing which he could not but desire. This I spoke for the interest of Araterus, and to beget a good opinion of his Nobility and birth in the Queen, which took very good effect, and much advantaged his love. I am sorry (said she) that Araterus never intimated thus much to me before, and I must lay all the blame on my ignorance that I have not respected him as I ought: I know, Madam, (replied I) that he esteems your service the greatest honour and happiness in the world. That shan't excuse him (said she) for hiding from me his birth and quality. But is it so as you tell me, added she earnestly. I saw that it would be for the interest of Araterus, and if he prosecuted his Love, I thought it would be impossible otherwise to arrive at a happy end, thetefore being emboldened, I amplified his birth, and gave her such an ingenuous relation of him, making him no less than a Prince, that I saw a kind of joy sparkling in her eyes, before I had finished my relation. Many things concerning his Country, and our adventures on the sea, she had heard from him before, and finding them to agree exactly with what I speak, she made no question of the rest, and believed that he hide his birth out of a generous humour, having told her never any thing exactly of it. Have you told me every thing? (said she) have you omitted no passages. But one, Madam, (said I) which I am not sure that I may tell without an infidelity to my master. This made her the more pressing to know, and I at last seeming vanquished by her importunities, told her how he met with a Prophecy that had foretell him all had happened to him since, and that there were somethings in it yet remaining to be effected, which it might be, was the cause of his grief, but that he kept them so secret, that I doubted I had been unfaithful for speaking so much.  
I thought, said she, that you were not ignorant of your Master's sadness, and I know not what good genius made me not to believe you: but for your fault you must of necessity tell me what it is. I seemed extreme unwilling to tell her, though I did all this out of a design, but after that she had commanded me many times, promising me that it should be no prejudice to me. I told her I thought it did not become me to captuilate with her highness, yet if it would please her Majesty not to ask me any more questions. I would answer her. I promise thee, said she. 'Tis love than Madam, said I, that causeth Araterus' trouble, I am conscious I have spoke too much, but neither entreaties nor torments shall extract any thin● more from my mouth; and I hope, Madam, that you will keep this last thing as a se●ret that I ought not to have told, lest the knowledge of it cause my master ●o reward my infidelity. At that instant that I told her the c●use of Araterus' sadness, the Queen changed her countenance, and notwithstanding her endeavours, she could not hid some alterations in her face: But I taking no notice of it, made her an obeisance for a chain of Diamonds which she caused to begiven me, and so dismissed me, bidding me not to fear, but that she would do as I begged of her.  
Returning presently to Araterus I gave him an exact account of what I had done, telling him the opinion of his birth would prove very advantageous for his Love; nevertheless I could hardly persuade him to acknowledge that for truth which I had spoke of him, so far was he from accumulating honours to himself which he was conscious did not belong to him, though he were assured that none there could convict him of an untruth. I was fain to tell him if he would not acknowledge what I had said of him for a verity, I should be accounted an impostor to the Queen, which would reflect on him and it may be bring himself into such disesteem as not to be believed, That what I had done was for his fidelity, that on it depended the good or bad success of his love, that 'twas impossible otherwise to arrive at the end proposed That he would both ruin me and undo himself, and both he looked upon I not better than impostors: with such like reasons I was forced to persuade him to a thing which others would have been too apt to have taken upon themselves in such a place and on such an occasion. The consideration of his Love was the chief motive that caused him to give his consent, and he had no sooner done it, but Peomontile came to his palace to compliment him from the Queen; and to tell him that she desired him to justify himself of a crime she had objected against him.  
Our ignorance, my Lord (said Peomontile) must plead for your pardon that we have not rendered you those civilities which we ought, but truly we are hardly excusable, and our reason might have told us, that those actions we have seen, could not proceed but from a man of merit and of quality. It would have been a kind of injustice, my Lord, (replyer Araterus) for me to have mentioned my birth or nobility, since the goodness of her Majesty hath raised me to that pitch of honour and glory that it hath obscured whatsomever I was before: and I must profess whatsomever I hold of noble or High is from her donation. But let's go wait on he● Majesty, since she honour us with her presence. Peomontile is reselved to accompanying him, they went immediately to the Queen. She received Araterus with a gallantry peculiar to herself, and by a kind of gentle crimination blamed him for dissembling his birth. Araterus answered her with wonderful submission and compliments, telling her that I had committed an error though glorious for him, yet unpardonable because it had put her Majesty to the trouble of taking notice of it, I am become Meador's protecteresse said the Queen) and since it is thorough my default that he hath confessed it, you must not be so injust as to blame him for it. 'Tis by his pardon that you must acquit yourself for the wrong you have done us, in making of us so disrespectful to your quality by the ignorance of it. You may command me Madam (returned Araterus) and since you are bocome his protectriss, there's none in the world can hurt him: But I must profess that the honour you have done me was the thing that made me forget that I ever was, before I had the happiness to see your Majesty. This convertation it may be might have lasted longer but that one of the officers of the Queens came to give her notice that some of the chief of the City whom she had sent for attended her pleasure. The Queen telling Araterus she would not be long  she returned, desired Marina to accompany him; and being led by Peomontile she left Araterus. Marina after much ordinary discourse, being 'twas towards the evening, led him into the palace Garden, where the beauty of the place found them discourse for some time, but at last having seated themselves in a house of pleasure in the midst of the Garden, you are indebted to me fair Marrina (said Araterus) a relation which by the queen's consent and your own promise you ought to have paid me before this: and this opportunity is so fair that I cannot let it slip without putting you in mind of it, and telling you that I am ready to hear it, if it will not be troublesome to you to relate it. Marina having nothing to say against so just a request told him she would defer it no longer, but give him the content he desired, after she had sat silent a little time she began thus.  
The Queen being the daughter of Amarisia King of this mighty dominion, and a Princess of the neither India, was brought up in her infancy according to the way and manner of this Kingdom. She had two younger sisters but they and her mother dying when she was very young, they left her to receive all the care and love of her father who indeed brought her up according to the tenderness and delicateness of her spirit. Her beauty in her infancy gave an assured sign that 'twould be raire and admirable, and her wit in every thing was seen comparable. She had the features, and beauty of her mother, the wisdom and understanding of her father, the one being the beautifullest of her time, the other the wisest and most prudence of his, so that this conjunction in the daughter, gave the whole Kingdom hopes of an extreme happiness assoon as she was capable to Reign, Amaisia as if he would not hinder her from making use of those gifts the Gods had given her, died. 'Tis five years since, and though she were then but fifteen, yet the whole Kingdom can testify, they never enjoined a more peaceable, and happy time, till those late wars. Her prudence and wisdom being shown in a thousand occasions, both that the same of her beauty spreading thorough the whole East, begot her as many lovers and adorers as there were Princes in the Orient. There is hardly any of them but either came or sent to lay their Crowns at her feet, and all desired the happiness of possessing her. All propositions of Marriage she carried with so much address, that she still kept herself free, and incensed none.  
But at last the Prince of Sinana having heard of her by the mouth of fame thorough the large extent of his father's dominions, came as others had done, with a train suitable to the quality of so great a Prince, to Sinda. This Prince though indeed he is the most potent and mightiest in the world, yet pleased the Queen less than all the rest, of those that proffered her their service. For she having a noble and transcendent soul, regarded not so much the greatness of their Kingdoms, as the habit, and virtues of their minds. She had also a piercing Judgement, and could take an exact knowledge of their inclinations, by the least of their actions. She presently found this Prince of a most turbulent spirit, rash, heady, and fierce, which was very inconsonant to her gentle disposition, which made her little regard either his beauty, handsomeness, or greatness, believing that she could not be happy but with those, whose dispositions should agree with hers, as well as their affections. However she used him according to his birth, and though she had a great desire to be rid of him, yet she entertained him nobly, and royally. The Prince no sooner saw her, but being very susceptable it seems, fell in Love with those ardencies & impatiences, as she had not seen before, though truly jam persuaded 'twas rather an effect of his ambition than his Love; & truly I think he loved his Kingdom better than her, and if I am not greatly mistaken 'twas that he sought, and these wars hath made it appear so. Nevertheless the Queen's speeches neither gave him hope nor despair but using him gently according to her own nature, he remained with her agreat while. I will never stand to trouble you with the protestations of his love nor addresses, since they were all false & feigned: but her replies were still modest, & agreeable to her condition. At last he grew so troublesome to her &, preffing, that she was fain a little to make show of her dislike, and finding his humour imperious, and base, she saw that gentleness and gallantry could not work upon him. Liking him worse every day than other, she would not permit him so often to see her as he used, and by many other ways a well as words she shown her dislike of him, though she entertained him with as great state as ever, and omitted nothing of formalities, for him to take exceptions at. But she continued her cartiage so, that he too well saw he was slighted, which so dispighted him, that it inspired him with more heat and anger, than love: for he thought the Queen respecting his greatness would not have denied his suit. Madded as he was, he yet dissembled it, and caused the fight on the Elephants to be kept in the City in honour of the Queen proposing the effigies of the Queen for the prize, making no question but the adverse party would permit him to carry it away at last, being a usual partiality where rivals do not meet, if that he were not strong enough to oppose them. The Queen willing to make use of this occasion, sent for some of the chief of the adverse party, and charged them not to use their usual respect, but to do their utmost endeavour to obtain the prize. The thing was effected as she would wish, for when the sport was almost finished, and that the Prince thought they would have retreated, and left him victor, he found himself deceived, for pressing forward with exceeding violence they gained the place where the prize stood, and in spite of all resistance took it away, and according to direction offered it at the feet of the Queen, who gave them a chain of pearls and diamonds for a requital. The Prince was extremely vexed at this disgrace, though he dissembled it as much as he could, but the Queen on every occasion brought it into his memory, and in a way of gallantry jeered him handsomely, but so as he could take no occasion to be angry. In fine having received many repulses, and beginning to despair, seeing the averseness of the Queen, he began to set other instruments a work, and employing all his art and subtlety, by gaining those whom he perceived the King most favoured, and by exceeding rich gifts and presents, engaged them to fill the Queen's ears with Encomiums, and to persuade her to marry him, by endeavouring to exhibit how advantageous it would be the kingdom. The Queen notwithstanding all this would not conent, but finding out his practices, detested him the more for such undue ways and actions. Her prudence brook all his machinations, and rendered all his ways fruitless, none da●ing at length to promote his designs. When he perceived that he had l●st himself, and that he despaired of obtaining h●●, he beg●n to break forth into sury and rage, and his looks exhibiting the evil in ●is heart, made the Queen so circumspect, that he found it impossible to commit any outrage or violence. Having assigned his depa●ture to the joy of the Queen, and shipped most of his train, he prepared to take his leave, but chance favouring him, he did it in an extraordinary manner. That very morning which he intended to departed, the quarter where he lay not being far from the Queens, he was come to the gallery which looks into the garden to attend the Queens rising. It seems from that place he had espied, that one who attended the Queen came into the garden by a private pair of stairss, which was always barred up but at such time as the Queen made use of them, which was some evenings for her private recreations, or when she went to bathe in the night. The Queen having gone that way but that night, those bars that render the passage secure were not put up, and the Prince knowing whether those stairs led, and seeing the door open by the maid's negligence, had a desire to take leave of the Queen privately, that he might the better testify his displeasure. Getting into the garden he ascends those stairs, and finding the passage free, he entered the Queen's Chamber so unexpectedly, that we were amazed.  
She was but just risen, and there being none but myself and two more of her Attendants with her, she was afraid. But whilst he stopped to take a view of her neck and breasts, which were not covered, she recovered her surprise, and taking a Mantle which I gave her, she cast it about her neck, attending what the Prince would say. Rage was already painted in his looks, and forgetting all the respect which he ought to have had, he told her very boldly, that he was not to excuse himself, seeing fortune had so happily favoured his design, for breaking a civility which he was not ignorant of. That he could not say it was love that had caused that transport, but that it was the desire he had to propound one question to her, which was, Whether she would grant him that grace, for which he had so long sued, or to see her Kingdom destroyed with an Army of twenty-hundred-thousand men? The paleness which fear had painted in her Majesty's cheeks, anger at this demand had converted into red, and answering with indignation, she told him, that it was impossible for him to gain that by threats, which he could not obtain by entreaties: That for her part she had long ago resolved in herself, that she had rather meet him as a so, than consent to what he desired. And in fine, that she made no question, but that if his temerity did participate him to such actions, she should find men enough to chastise him for his folly.  
This answer so enraged him, that he could not distinctly speak a word more, but mutteringly we understood that he vowed he would be as good as his word, and make her sue for that, which now she so superbously denied. Hastening thence, within an hour he had set sail, leaving the Queen very much satisfied with his departure, and very little fearing his threats. When he was arrived in his own Kingdoms, holding his resolutions, he sent an Herald to denounce War against her, if that she had not bethought herself, and would not consent to his desires. The Queen sent him word, that she could not yield to his demands, but that if he would break that ancient League between the two Kingdoms, she should be ready to defend herself against all his threats add endeavours. After this she gave order to Peomontile for the mustering of her forces, and the raizing enough, sufficient to defend her Kingdom, which was done effectually, and augmented by yourself for the Kingdom's happiness and your own glory, the gods having determined their subversion by your hand.  
Araterus had but given her thanks for this which she had told him, when there came one to give them notice that the Queen was returned, to whom they presently went; Araterus spending that evening in her company; for some following days he was wholly taken up, in receiving the visits, caresses and compliments of his friends, all of them testifying their resentments for his disguiseing himself, and that with so much address and civility, that he stood amazed to see it so far from Rome. The Queen desirous it should be known, caused it privated to be declared, so that it was soon known publicly through the whole City, every one regarding him as a Prince, and worthy of that which he aspired to. And notwithstanding Araterus' desire to the contrary, she caused him to be served with more state, and after the manner of the Princes of that Country, increasing both the number of his servants, and the riches of his palace, so that his train and port was little less than the Queens, his quality stifling envy, that having a kind of respect to greatness. The Queen had now nothing to oppose against Araterus, and her joy had been complete but for that which I had told her concerning him, that it was love that troubled him. This caused a new Certamen in her thoughts, she began to be jealous, she feared Marina, she thought on the fairest in the Court, she watched Araterus to see if she could discover her: she hoped it might be herself, and yet she feared to have it so, lest her severity should increpate his boldness. She was loath it should be any other, and yet she could not consent that it should be she, so that she feared what she desired. She found trouble enough in these Cap●icho's, but advising always with Marina, they thought it best to discover it if they could, though she told the Queen, that she was confident none could be so powerful as to captivate Araterus but herself. Marina, the first opportunity sought to make me confess who it was, that was the object of Araterus' passion: I not daring to discover it, word myself out of her entreaties, and told her that it would be no hard matter to draw it out of Araterus himself, when that he had confessed that he was in love: and that she might see I had rather hazard his displeasure, than not to content her, she might use her own discretion, whether she would tell him that I had intimated so much to induce him to discover it himself. Not long after Marina being alone with Araterus, they sell into a discourse concerning the Prince of Sinana, Araterus complaining that the gods had not furnished that Prince with virtues suitable to his other qualities and greatness, that he might have been worthy of the happiness he sought for; calling it an oversight of the gods to give any one the goods of body and of fortune, and not those of the mind to employ them rightly, when all three conjoined together, makes the Possessor happy, the one illustrating the other. Marina, who hath wit enough, told him, that it was a kind of impartiality of the gods so to distribute their favours, that none might be wanting of their gifts, and that (it may be) according to their own wishes, this man hath honour and riches, another beauty and wit, a third virtue and grace, all which in one man would be too much, and which is not seen in an age, every one contented with his own, shows the variety of gifts of the gods, and their impartiality. But faith she, were it in your choice, which would you choose? I should quickly choose those of the mind, before those of the body or fortune (replied Araterus) for to have the other without the first, is to have the ring without the stone, and truly without wit, will, power, judgement, and the like, the goods of fortune cannot be made use of rightly, and they are rather fair beasts than men, but the most deformed man is more excellent than the loveliest beast, so in my judgement those that have the goods of the mind, are to be preferred to those that have either those of body or fortune: You speak not like a Lover (saith Marina) for he proffers the object of his passion above all things, which you know is to be accounted amongst the goods of fortune, for if he sacrifices his life, and I am sure, he loses his reason, judgement and understanding, with all the goods of the mind. Fair Marina, said he, I would not have you count me among these unreasonable men. No, saith she, I have observed of late a great ●adness in your face, and I am apt to call all sad and melancholy men, Lovers, knowing it to be a great symptom of Love. Araterus would very fain have avoided this discourse, but Marina pressed him so far, that he could not avoid telling her, that he esteemed one more than all the world, and that (may be) it was that which was usually called Love. But he told her, that it had not made him lose his reason, nor understanding, for that he did it not so much out of inclination, as choice. But when Marina would have known who his Mistress was, he told her, secrecy was the first and chief rule of Love, and that to do so was to show his disrespect to her he loved, by making known the unworthiness of her servant: whatever Marina said she could not draw him to a confession she so much desired, but contented herself that she knew from his own mouth that he loved, which gave the Queen more trouble than she thought she would have gained through her curiosity, being crucified betwixt hope and fear.  
Half a year past away, Araterus still continuing in his estate, and continually burning in those amorous flames, which scorched his soul, more than the heat of the Country his body. The Queen was not free from the like cruciations, though every day's conversation with him, gave her a clear sight that she was the object of his love. Love and her high humour had a long certamen, but at last love remained victor, and left her contented with the inclinations of her servant. The more she considered his virtues, the greater her ardencies grew, and was almost angry that his love had not forced his respect; for in all that height of honour he had not forgot himself, nor had the ardency of his affection made him oblivious of the Queen, he shown her as much submission as at the first, and as much affection as would stand with respect. He was too quicksighted not to perceive the affection of the Queen, and yet he forbore an agitation, which he had some persuasions might have been well accepted, but he contented himself that he had covertly given her to understand his affection, and that he saw she understood him. Their Conversation was always free, and pleasing to each other, I remembered this above the rest, because it was remarkable for Araterus' discovery of himself. He was in the company of the Queen, when his love, causing a more than ordinary disquiet in his soul, exhibited a kind of sadness in his face, the Queen noting it, I perceive (said she to him) that you have not forgot your Country nor your friends, their remembrance, notwithstandinging our endeavours, still exuscitate a melancholy that deprives you of the pleasures of your life, and frustrates all our devoyers to make you merry. The favours, Madam, replied he, which I have received from your bounty, are capable of making one forget her native Country and friends without regret▪ I'll assure you I could not account myself more happy were I in my own Country in the midst of my friends and kindred, than I do at this time, having so free an access to your Majesty: and that which you did call melancholy was nothing but a muse which had carried me to the consideration of the immensity of your favours, and the meanness of my deserts. I can tell you how to pay whatsoever you think you are indebted to me, said the Queen. That is impossible, Madam, answered Araterus, were the whole world at my dispose. 'Tis very easy, said she, for it is but the resolving of one question. That's too easy indeed, Madam, replied he, to repay the least of your favours: you may command it if you please, and assure yourself of a resolution if't be in my power. It is enough, said she, this is that which I desire to know then, you have confessed to Marina that you affected a Lady of this Court, I would desire to know who she is, that I may cause her to accept of your love and services. Araterus was startled at this question, not imagining that the Queen would have asked it, and not knowing what to answer he stood confused a great while. Study no excuse, said the Queen) for you have promised to resolve me, if it were in your power, and this I am sure is, therefore I expect you should not vary from your word, but tell me directly. I will seek for no excuse, replied Araterus, since you prohibit it, but I must crave your pardon, If I beg you to add this to the rest of your favours, to remit this question, for it will be too much honour for me, and too much trouble to yourself, to take notice of my Loves. And for the favour you proffer, I am not capable to receive it, my love extending only to admiration, not to any possession or enjoyment. Whether I can do you any favour or no, it matters not, however you must satisfy my desire, said the Queen. I am willing to do it, Madam, said he, but I fear lest in doing it, I shall purchase your displeasure, and cause you to wish that you had not desired it: for I profess, Madam, that the object of my love is of so eminent condition, that I ought not to proceed further than admiration, and to obey out of duty and respect. You cannot think that I will be angry, said she, at a thing that I command. I fear it, Madam, said Araterus, for what, and if such a wretch as myself should confess that you were the object of his passion, would not you be extremely angry at his audacity? my crime will be the same if you commanded a confession of my love. The queen knew not what to answer, she saw he had confessed enough, and she knew not how to behave herself; whilst she remained in this confusion Araterus casting himself at her feet, I see, Madam, said he, that I have offended you, what should I have done if I had confessed? alas! you may easily know how to revenge yourself on my folly, my life is at your disposal: I assure you I can die without regret, because it will be glorious that I die for obeying you. The queen was in such confusion that she knew not how to speak, but permitting him in that posture, he was seen so by the queen's uncle, who coming in suddenly put a period to their discovery any further. They were both exceedingly troubled that Peomontile had seen Araterus in that posture, for he shown that he wondered at the action, but it brought forth a good effect, and rendered them both happy according to their wishes. Araterus taking his leave, departed, leaving Peomontile with the Queen, who presently desired to know the meaning of Araterus' action. The queen knowing the virtues of her uncle, and resolving, if she could possible, to regulate her affection according to his counsel, told him all that had passed between▪ Araterus and herself, omitting nothing either of her desires or trouble. Peomontile after he had considered what she had said, told her for his part, he agreed with her choice, and that he did believe the virtues of Araterus had made him worthy of the honour, and that he doubted not but that it would redound to the happiness of the kingdom, he seeing as it were a special hand of the gods guiding him from so remote Countries to theirs; and which he hoped might be for their future happiness. And lastly, that if she resolved to admit him to the Throne, he would endeavour the accomplishment of it to the content of all, and that she should leave the management wholly to him. This extremely rejoicing the queen, she consented to what he said, and remitted the management of it to him, desiring him to carry it so, that it might be no blur to her honour nor quality, for that he had rather die the Martyr of love, than commit any indiscrete action. Being it was requisite that Araterus was to be made acquainted with it, Peomontile sent for him, and after he had made him acquainted with the queens resolutions, he told him that he should find him ready to serve him cordially. You may judge into what an ecstasy of joy this news cast him in, he presently ran to the Queen, and falling at her feet, protested that the possession of that Crown wherewith she intended to invest him was invaluable, and disregarded by him, but the possession of herself rendered him so happy, that he would not change condition with the gods. That the whole world was disregarded by him, as being nothing comparable to her: That if the gods had been studious to have made him the happiest man on the earth, they could not have more fuller effected it than by her possession. The Queen gave him a gracious reception, and with a pleasing brow, gave him her hand, a sign that she confirmed herself his, and upon which he sealed the first impressa's o● his love, with such rapts of joy, that suffocated the pleasure he received.  
There was nothing now to be hone, but that Peomontile might render their desire pleasing to the whole kingdom, and that according to the Laws of the Land, it might be according to the consent of the Council, for the Queen was studious to observe all the ancient Laws and customs of the Relam. Therefore nothing could be done till the meeting of the Council, which was to be some few months after, in the mean time Araterus and the Queen, making known their affections, breathed continually in the air of joys and delights, and both as 'twere conspiring in one, made a harmony by the conjunction of their souls.  
Araterus (not being unmindful of his friends advanced them to dignities and honours; and amongst the rest Cleopotulus, our first entertainer was received into the favour of the queen, and restored to all his former places and dignities.  
The time at last came, and the grand Council of the kingdom met: After they had spent some days in their Ceremonies, and had made an entrance into their affairs, Peomontile very secretly caused the marriage of the queen to be moved in counsel, and after some debates it was concluded that the desire of the Council should be drawn up in a petitory way, and presented to the queen, wherein they would desire her for the good of her people to enter into the conjugal state, and to be pleased to make her choice of any of those Princes that had so long sued to her for that grace, whilst the Council was convocated, that they might accerding to the antique Custom give their approbation and consent. This was done accordingly, and delivered to the queen, who by the instructions of Peomontile the next day went to the Council, and having given them thanks for the care of the welfare of her people, she told them that for her part there was nothing but the good and felicity of her people, that could make her change a condition in which she found so much happiness and content, and to share a kingdom, and resign some part of her liberty, when she might rule freely and alone: But having no other interests, but those of her people, she was both free and ready, to do any thing that might be conducing to their happiness and welfare. That therefore she was willing to submit to the yoke of marriage, because that state wherein she was would frustrate the expectations, and hinder the happiness of her people. And that they might see how clearly she made their interests hers, and how studious she was to render them happy in her choice, and how willing to observe all customs, she remitted it wholly to her Uncle and them, and looked whom they pitched upon, without any other considerations than those of the good of her people, (which she was sure they would endeavour) she would admit him into her Throne and bed. They all exceedingly applauded this speech of the queens, and having given her thanks for the honour she did them, they told her it would be too much presumption in them to make that choice which she left to them, that they were only to confirm, and not to elige, and that therefore she would be pleased to nominate him herself whom she would account worthy of that dignity. She replied, that she resolved already to stand to what they should decree, and that she left the whole dispose of it to Peomontile and themselves: having said this she left them, all praising her for the best of Queens, and happiest of Princes. She being departed, and seeing that 'twas left to them, they all began to consider on whom they might pitch. Some presently declared for the Prince of Sinana, raising up their old interests, saying, that although they had been at Wars, yet the peace being concluded, it would be a greater honour for the Queen to accept of him now, when they might see that it was not any thing but the Queen's greatness and magnanimity that made her refuse him, being able to withstand him, and that she might declare that none could compel her to what they desired, that thereby they purchased the amity of the greatest, formidablest and richest Monarch in the world. But this was opposed by most, who renewed the reasons afore the War, and made known the indignation of the Queen to him above any, and that the Queen could not have imagined that any would have proposed him. Others, they nominated the Prince of Cuipumoe, vicinity being their chief motives: Others, the Prince of Jarequee: fairness and features being their chief motive: Others, the Prince Marchacin; without Ganges wisdom and prudence being their chief motives. Others, the King of Can●bojaa: strength and prowess being theirs: many others were nominated, every one bringing reasons for their choice, which were also by others opposed as strongly. At last Peomontile nominated Araterus, giving many reasons for it, which was seconded by Clcopotulus, and many other friends of Araterus', but most opposed him, and especially Maurishia, one who had not declared for any, endeavouring to overthrow Peomontile's arguments. This Maurishia was father to Marina, and one who envied Araterus' glory more than any other which was the chiefest motive that made him declare against him, and being very plausible in his tongue, he drew most to his side against Araterus. The Council being much divided, debated it till the time of breaking of, and ordering it against the next day they broke up, every one believing that it was not without the queen's consent and knowledge that Peomontile nominated Araterus.  
The next day they met again, every one desiring to promote their interests: when they had begun their debates, Peomontile told them, tha● he was joined to them in an especial mauner by the Queen: that they should consider well on him, whom he had nominated, that they should all say aside their private interests, and respect only the good and welfare of the kingdom. That it was a weighty affair, and therefore that they should not passionately, and without deliberation proceed to any thing: That his whole endeavours were for the good of the people, and welfare of the Realm, that for that end he had nominated Araterus, being utterly against the admission of foreign Princes, for those reasons which he had delivered, when they had pleaded for the marriage of the Prince of Sinana. And lastly, that he was very willing to hear what they had to say against it, that he might endeavour to satisfy them in his choice, or cede to their judgements, if he perceived that they were more consonant to reason. After a little pause, Maurishia seeing they looked upon him, he having most opposed it the day before, stood up, and delivered himself in these terms.  
Meador here made a little stop, but presently beginning again; you may very well think my memory very prodigious (said he) if that I could render you a speech of some length delivered so many years since: I must let you know that the queen believing there would be so strong debates that day, commanded one (that she retained only for his speed in writing, being able through the help of certain brief Characters that he used, to write as fast as any spoke, if he spoke deliberately) to be conveyed into a private place hard by the Council, where he might hear perfectly, and where he wrote verbatim what was spoken, which having been copied out fair for the Queen, after she had perused it, she gave it to Araterus, who keeping it by him, gave it me when I returned from those Countries, that there might not be any thing wanting in my relation. In saying this, he ripped a part of his sleeve, and took out certain Papers which were written with strange characters, from the top downward. After Euripedes, Argelois, and the Princesses had satisfied themselves with beholding them, they delivered them again to Meador who translated them into his vernacular speech, and made them speak thus.  
MAURISHIA HIS ORATION.  
Seigniours,  
THis which my Lord Peomontile hath moved in the Counsel, I must confess (with him) is of great concernment to the kingdom, and ought not to be proceeded on temerariously, or without deliberation. Every one here ought to speak their minds freely and fully, and not to be swayed by the favour or fear of others. And I hope, noble Seigniours, that you will candidly interpret what I shall speak, and believe that the scope of my speech is for the good of my Prince, and welfare of my Country. I must needs then declare that in my opinion, this marriage which my Lord Peomontile moves, cannot be for the good and welfare of the people: My reasons I'll give you in a word, because I will not tire you with prolixity. A little reform your judgements, and do but consider the disparity between them, I mean not in age, but in quality: Is he any more than what the goodness of our Queen hath made him? Hath he any thing but what depends on her sole donation? Some say he is a Prince, what proof have we of it, but himself? and who would not attribute Titles of honour to himself where he knows he cannot be disproved? a likely matter that a Prince should be driven so far from his own Country, and be so willing to remain here without the least desire of returning. I will not give you my thoughts of him, because the Queen hath made him honourable. But— I pray consider in opposition to his inferiority, the Queen's greatness. Look on her as a Queen, as having a● her command a kingdom, nay one of the greatest, richest, and most potentest in the East, and tell me then the great disparity that is betwixt them. She is a mark fair enough for an ambitious man; and who would not pretend greatness for so great a glory? The Queen out of her generousness and goodness hath left the management of this affair to us, and we ought now to regard how to confirm our future happiness, and to provide for a continual peace, that our posterities may enjoy the fruits of what we in our wisdoms have acted for them: It may be that we may never have the like occasion as this, let us not therefore conjoin such despairing pieces, and make a structure, that may not out last half our days. Methinks I heard you ask me why this disparity should be any obstacle to the happiness of the kingdom, or should be a just let to this marriage? I answer you, that concord, amity, and peace, things so essential to the happiness of the kingdom cannot harbour long in persons dispar in quality, age or manners. Disagreement is like to happen, and the disparity after some small time will quickly breed dissensions. Do you not think that the queen, knowing him to be her Creature, and so inferior to her, will not still exercise her authority over him, and though he be in the place of an husband, account him in that of a servant? Do you not think that he having attained the dignity of a king, and the place of a husband will be ever able to bear it, and not rather endeavour to subjugate her to his Will? will not this think you breed divisions, discords and dissensions, will not the queen still consider her dignity, and his inferiority? and will not she think you be obedient, or obsequious to him whom she hath raised, as her place, and case of matrimony requires? will she not rather look that he should obey her, and cede to her will in all things? which thing consider yourselves how prejudicial it would be to a kingdom, where a King cannot freely act but by the consent and will of another. A thousand other ways is this disparity of births capable of begetting disunion, disagreements, and disjunctions, which were they in a private family, or in lesser persons of quality were nothing, but in this case, in persons so eminent as the King and queen, disunion and disagreement cannot but be very prejudicial to the kingdom, and greatly to its disadvantage. This is a thing so obvious, that I need not mention what sidings, jealousies, factions, ●hat complotings, what treasons this may produce, what murder it may cause, what ruin and confusion it may infer, when through disunions and disparity the one seeks the destruction of the other. Examples of this kind are frequent, which might induce us to be wise by others harms. But suppose that none of this happen (as the gods grant it may not if this marriage be effected!) but that they live in peace and happy concord, and agreement, nevertheless consider that Araterus is one of whom we have had but small experience.  
'Tis true that he hath showed himself valiant and a good Captain, but every good Captain may not make a good King; he may prove fortunate in the field, and unfortunate on the Throne; good in the Camp, but bad in the Court; the discipline of which are far different. He may know how to govern an Army, and yet not know how to rule a kingdom; Princes are only endued with a capacity from the gods to rule, others to obey. It may be you object in your thoughts, that he hath merited the dignity by his valour, and having saved the kingdom, deserves the Queen: But consider hath he not been royally rewarded? and must he of necessity have the Crown for his pains? he hath saved it, and (may be) may also show you he hath the art to ruin it. Some (let me tell you) have been very partial in ascribing so much valour to Araterus, that hath eclipsed that of all the Sornaleans, against all equity and justice, and as if he himself had beaten all the Sinanans, without either help or assistance. Did not many other valiant men venture their lives as freely, and exhibit their valour as courageously, though they came off not so fortunately, nor their deeds so much acknowledged? 'Tis true, my Lord, Peomontiles life was saved by him, but yet I hope, my Lord, knows how sufficiently to gratify him without making him King. Some of you it may be at this instant would tell me of the affable, courteous and loving disposition of Araterus, his excellent parts, sweet and winning behaviour, his many virtues, moderation and generosity.  
I cannot deny but all this appears in him, but who knows not that these are suitable exhibitions, purposely prepared to forward his high designs, And who knows but that he endures it with regret enough through aspiring hopes of a kingly dignity, till he hath attained that place, wherein he may exhibit his own nature and disposition freely and uncontrollably. This difference there is between a Prince, and one of his condition, the one hides himself through fear, the other exhibits himself freely, having power enough to back his enormities: so that his virtues will appear nakedly, he acting without fear of punishment, or hope of reward. A Prince is left to his will, so that his true nature will appear, either vicious or virtuous, when such as Araterus, are often exceeding vicious, humble, courteous, generous, and what not, in that estate which fortune hath brought them into in the world, when coming to a Crown, or higher pitch of dignity, their former virtues are ofttimes changed into vices, and have made themselves as odious as they were before loved and esteemed. Seeing then that men of mean conditions are so apt to fain those virtues they have not, and to restrain those vices they are naturally prone to, out of a lack of ability to act them, and that if possessed with real virtues, the danger of change, of dignities and places, most commonly works a Metamorphosis upon the heart, especially from virtue to vice, it will be far more safe for the Queen to take a noble Prince, who having power to act what he pleaseth, will not be changed when he comes to rule, than one who it may be palliates his vices out of hope of reigning. For you shall know how he acts as he is a Prince, so may you expect him when he is a King. Again consider how dishonourable it will be for the queen to slain that royal blood with the conjunction of so mean a person: and for my part I believe that when the queen gave us this liberty of electing one to the dignity of enjoying her; she never imagined that we would pitch upon one so inferior to her, nor could she think that we could have any such thoughts as to believe she would ever act so unworthy herself. She could not but think that we would elect a Prince, amongst her Neighbours, and many Sutours, and because she would not be led by affection, but by that which might conduce to the good of the Kingdom, she remitted this election to us, to choose which we thought best amongst those Princes that sued to her: and I verily believe that if we nominate Araterus to her, 'twould make her take away the liberty she hath given us, and repent her for our folly. Do you think the people will subject to Araterus as their Sovereign, to one whom they number among themselves, and so inferior to the Majesty of a Prince: The Sornaleans ' its true affect him much, but not so much as to create him their King; and I believe if ever he arrive to that dignity, many which now love him, will then hate him, for these people were always ambitious to have noble blood to rule them. To conclude, consider that the gods create Princes to rule, and gives them only ability to reign well, others indeed may usurp the place, but they most commonly bring all men to ruin. What I have said, I hope, tends only to the good of my Princess, and the welfare and prosperity of my fellow Subjects. Let all things be well weighed and considered, that this man who hath ended a war happily, may not bring upon us a peace implete with more misery.  
Peomontile having heard Maurishia with a great deal of impatiency, seeing him thus conclude, and having an excellent memory, he thus reanswered.  
PEOMONTILE HIS ORATION.  
My Lords,  
I Beseech the same favour that you have granted my Lord Maurishia, that is, your patience, and diligent attention to what I shall say: I shall endeavour to answer this declamation, and detect both his errors and weakness, and I fear his maliciousness. As we ought to speak here fully and freely, for we ought to speak apertly and sincerely, and as not swayed by the favour or fear of others, so not drawn aside by the secret malice or grudge of ourselves. My Lord I doubt was conscious to his thoughts, that he needed your candid interpretation of that which was not candidly spoken, and covers the malice and envy he bears to Araterus, with the vail of his; 'tis for the good of his Prince, and welfare of his Country. I should not speak thus bitterly, but that the malice which runs along the veins of his speech urges me to it.  
This business is weighty, for by this conjunction we and ours hope for halcion days, and therefore it is not to be concluded without debate. The reasons and arguments, against the election of foreign Princes I have before laid down, which being yet unanswered, I think stand in some force among you: I endeavoured then to show you the conveniencies of our queen's marriage with some younger Prince, or if possible with one of this Nation. The Queen having graciously left it to our dispose, ye all gave your opinions, and I mine. I had sought the whole kingdom in my thoughts, and finding none fit than this stranger, I nominated him, and that not without reason on my side. I could give you many, but they will be prolix, and it may be I shall have a fit occasion after I have removed those obstacles which my Lord Maurishia hath cast in against the approving of my Lord Araterus. Their malignity is perpicuous enough, though their weight is hardly considerable. He first tells us of their disparity, and therefore infers it is impossible to have a happy conjunction. This may be answered in a word, that there is no such disparity as he speaks of, and although he cannot believe him to be a Prince, yet the queen has, and hath honoured him according to his dignity. Those that are acquainted with him cannot but see all the marks of honour and nobility in his breast; neither was it his own assumation or bragging that made it known, but by an extraordinary way, and contrary to his desire. And why is it not a likely matter (I pray) that a Prince should suffer such common disasters as shipwreck, and causial exil? And what if he show no desire to return, being at such a vast distance from his Country, and which cannot be effected without apparent danger of his life? what and if he had no such ambitious mind, but had rather serve the Queen, than rule in his own Country, must he for this be defamed, and not counted what he is? I am sure that as yet we have not found the least cause, but that we should believe him, and therefore I know no reason why we should not. But however grant it were as my Lord Mauris●ia would have us believe, and that there were such disparity as he speaks of, yet that disparity of persons might not be any obstacle to agreement in affections, as he would make us believe. For the Queen I make no doubt will resolve to love, and obey (as duty requires) him whom we shall choose, and therefore it's but a defacing those noble virtues of our queen, to suppose that she should be so full of pride and disobedience, as not to yield to him and the laws of the gods, being they require it. If then she love him whom we choose, you need not fear but that amity, concord and peace will continue, they being altogether maintained by love, There is no fear then that she will think either of his inferiority, or her greatness, but of her place and duty; Love is the mother of obedience, for who obeys the gods better than those who love them? neither fear or honour can beget so true obedience as love; the other are servile, this free and ingenuous. There is then no fear of those disunions, disjunctions and disagreements which he imagines, Love being the conjoiner; no fear that she will usurp more authority over him than is meet, and that she hath gained over his affection: But these are vain and idle suppositions; for may not the gods cause a disunion and disjunction where they please? These things must be left to them, who take a special regard over Princes and Kingdoms, placing titular Demons or inferior spirits for their safeties. If they are minded to unite hearts for the prosperity and felicity of a kingdom, what disparity can be an obstacle? but if they will disunite and disjoin the hearts of the Princes for a plague to us, what love can bind? For this we should make our daily orations, this should be the subject of our prayers and petitions to the gods, that they would continue their unity and concord. In the the next place my Lord was much besides himself, in saying Araterus was one of whom we have had but small experience. I wonder what experience he would have, can there be greater than we have had? can there be more? Hath he not given us an essay of his valour, prudence, magnanimity, policy, courage and animosity? Hath he not been sufficiently trusted with the Army, with the Navey, with the City? what mischief might he have done us, had he been false? how beneficial hath he been to this kingdom? and how much experience have we had of him? what greater would he have? what greater can he have? and yet this man tells us, that he is one that we have had small experience of, when for this two years he hath been sufficiently employed by the Queen, who with all others that are, not as malicious as himself, have had sufficient experience of his virtues and generosity. I am sorry I have said so much to evince a truth so obvious, and which in spite of envy, himself was forced to confess, when he goes to eclipse his valour: What, and every good Captain, may not make a good King? yet 'tis requisite that every good King ought to be a good Captain; and he that proves fortunate in the field, is most likely to prove fortunate in the Throne; and he that is bad in the Camp, is not likely to prove good in the Court. Their discipline is not so far different as he imagines, and though it be granted, that he who knows how to rule an Army, may not know how to govern a Kingdom: I am sure he that knows not how to to govern an Army, cannot rule a Kingdom: for how can he that cannot rule few, govern a multitude? Is it not most likely, that he which can rule himself, should rule others; and he which can govern an Army, govern a Kingdom. How can he which cannot rule himself, govern a family? How can he which cannot govern a family, rule a City? And how can he which cannot govern a City, rule a Province? So how can he which cannot rule an Army, govern a kingdom? But Araterus can tell how to rule an Army, therefore we have no fear but that he knows how to govern a Kingdom. He hath showed himself valiant in the Camp, and therefore most likely to show himself wise in the Court. And truly good Kings ought to be good Captains: for where a good Captain comes to be a King, there most commonly is the best Government, for he which cannot rule few, can never govern a multitude; At last he would fain insinuate into us a Maxim of policy framed to beat down aspiring minds: That Princes were only endued with a capacity from the gods to rule, others to obey; which I deny, and though it be little to the purpose I cannot let it pass unanswered. I could stop his mouth thus by telling him that Araterus was a Prince, and therefore by his own Maxim of a capacity to reign. But the falsity is so perspicuous, that I need but mention to you the experience we have had of many Princes about us, that have lacked a capacity to rule, and of others far from the line of Nobility, which have received their Titles and Kingdoms, and have not only had the capacity to rule, but to rule well. Is the god's inspiration into Princes any other than education? They having a greater means to beget Majesty and magnanimity, knowing (besides the excellency of Teachers) that they are born to a Crown, and to rule. And were they ignorant of their birth, and not nursed up in those princely employments, we should see that the gods inspiration is secondary through education. But again, my Lord mistakes to think we would make our Queen mercenary; we know he hath merited much, and he hath been well rewarded, and we know his modesty would not have accepted the honours the Queen hath given him, neither is it his seeking, nor our desire as he thinks to reward his deserts with the Queen and kingdom: But that my Lord might see that he hath the art to continue its happiness and peace. Alas! how weak hath he showed himself in repining at Araterus' valour, when the enemies themselves acknowledge it! And though he pleads that his praise was against equity and Justice, I never heard him yet superlaudated, nor did I hear any ascribe more to him than he deserved. Shall we repine at the valour of a man though it eclipsed that of the Sornalians, so long as it was for their safety and welfare? is this according to equity and justice? is this his best gratification for his being instrumental in saving the Kingdom and us? What if he beat not the Sornalions himself? He cannot deny but that he was the chief cause of their overthrow: what if many others ventured▪ their lives as freely? what if they were not equally rewarded? was there any that did deserve it? I believe though, that none returned with life from the wars ever complained to him, or any else of the ingratitude of the Queen, or that they were not satisfied. But Araterus' glory is too splendent to be eclipsed with this dirt. What he is pleased to reflect upon me, I value it not, though it be contrary to the use and custom of this place to move secret suspicion: If he thinks me guilty of any thing worthy condemnation, let him accuse me, according to the way and order of our Laws. For I protest I do it not in any way of gratification to Araterus: for that life which I confess I hold from his valour, but that I think in my conscience it will be for the happiness and prosperity of the Kingdom. Alas! what avails it to be virtuous, since it cannot shelter from the Calumniator? How wickedly and maliciously goes he about to defame Araterus, and to make all those virtues he is endued with to be the effects of his dissimulation. I need not go about to clear him, since he is so well known to you all, and I verily believe none of you had such thoughts of him, as my Lord Maurishia. His suppositions are so far from reason, that it would be a folly to answer them; those virtues which Araterus exhibited, are so genuine and natural, that those who see not with the eye of malice, may know that they are not feigned or forced. I know you could not but smile, that my Lord should go about to make you believe that Princes could not dissemble as well as other men. I wonder what was his reason to say so, when in my mind they have most reason of all to dissemble. Is it not often seen that the vices of Princes, before they have come to the Crown, have given cause to others to usurp their places, and to repel them from their rights, the people never pitying the vicious? Had not a vicious Prince then need to cloak and palliate his vices for fear, lest they might alienate him from the hearts of the people, and make them glad to embrace any opportunity of depriving him of ruling, rather than subject themselves to one who shows himself so vicious before he attains his power? Is it not for this very reason that many Princes have dissembled, and palliated their evil natures till they have attained their aims, and have been able to warrant their enormities? My Lord tells us too, that many are courteous, generous, good, etc. in a meaner condition, but that dignities and places change their hearts and dispositions: Will he exclude Princes from this change too? do not we frequently see that good Princes have become very evil and vicious Kings? Why then must we needs expect the Prince to prove the same with a King, and have not the like thoughts for Araterus? In the next place, my Lord mistakes, and would fain draw you into an error, to insinuate that the Queen limited us to her suitors, or neighbour Princes; No, she gave us our liberty to elect any whom we pleased, and thought most convenient for the good of the Commonwealth, whether of the Princes or Nobility. My Lord need not speak of the Queens dishonouring herself by so mean conjunction, being that it is not so. But if't were, that were a thing inconsiderable to the good and benefit of a Kingdom, and the Queen shows her excess of love to the people, in accepting one, though mean, if chose by you for the good of the Kingdom; and in this she doth most worthy of herself and place, regarding the good of her people before any thing else in the world. I would not have you think, that the Queen is not so weak as not to stand to what you do, or if you should nominate Araterus to withdraw the liberty she hath given you; No, I believe she will stand to your election, and rather accept of him than any other whom she hath partly denied. Do you not think the people would be glad of such a Sovereign as Araterus, whom they so much affect, under whose banner they fought courageously, and came off victoriously; one whom they never accounted among themselves, but rather for the Majesty he bo●e, the virtues he shown, the wonders he did, they accounted descended from the gods and themselves happy in his company: you need not fear then that they should malign what they have desired, or hate him whom they have so fervently loved. As for their ambition: I am sure it always ceded to their own good. His conclusion I have answered before, and if Araterus be chosen by you, and accepted by the Queen, I hope (with my Lords leave) it is no usurpation, and therefore a happy issue to be expected: pray let all things be well weighed and considered, and I hope if you elect Araterus, that as he hath ended a war happily, so may he conserve us in peace continually.  
Meador having finished reading these speeches, proceeded thus: This business was mightily debated amongst them, and Maurishia at last was quite silenced. Cleopotulus that he might render some service to Araterus, endeavoured all he could for him, and speaking after Peomontile, he told them, that he much wondered that they were so opposite to Araterus, being a man that was every way fit and capable of that charge. That although he were a stranger by birth, yet that they had full trial and experience of his virtues, and that having learned their language and manners, the Queen had made him as one of the Country. That she had honoured him, and styled him with the Title of Prince, so that he would be no dishonour to the Queen. That virtue was more to be considered than any other thing, yet in him they would find youth, beauty, courage, prudence, magnanimity, generosity, and every thing that should accompany a Prince. That they should be mindful of what he had done for the Country, and observe the hand of the gods, who by things so unusual, had brought him from his own Country, opposed him to hazards and dangers, and all as it were purposely for their safeguard: so that the gods themselves, as it were, had elected him, and that it would be no part of their wisdoms to resist the hand of Providence. That in him they were sure to run no hazard of change, either in government or religion, which was to be expected in stranger Princes. That he was extremely beloved of the people, honoured at Court, and respected by the Queen. That this fame had spread far into the Neighbour-Countries, so that none would dare to oppose, or injure them, having so valiant a Prince for their leader; in fine, that 'twas the best way to conserve their peace, and to enrich the Commonwealth by the election of so good a King. This was so closely followed, and pressed so much by P●omontile and his party, that at last they carried it, and causing their consents to be drawn up, they sent it to the Queen, who the next day gave them notice that she confirmed their Election●, being it was for the benefit of the Commonwealth. It was then made known to Araterus, who accepted it with a great deal of humility and joy, more for the possession of the Queen than the Kingdom.  
Things being brought to this issue, Maurishia seeing it concluded, thought it no policy to gain Araterus' disfavour by not subjecting to him. He no sooner craved his pardon, but it was granted with a great deal of freedom and obligement. Araterus and the Queen conspired in their joys, and there was nothing now that could prove any obstacle to the fruition of Embraces: But lest fortune might turn her wheel, and dash all their joys with some cross, as she usually doth; they determined the time for Arateruus' marriage and coronation. That time at last came, and it was effected in the City of Sinda very celebriously, and with much rejoicing. The City echoed with long-live Araterus King of Sornalia, and his fair Queen Amarillis, and every part of it shone with fires of rejoicing. It was every way glorious, and graced with domestic and neighbour Princes, who with the stateliness of their trains, added lustre to the Hymenaean triumph. There was all manner of triumphs, turnies, balls and sports exhibited after the manner of the Country, which lasted for many days without intermission. After those rejoicings and sports had expired their time, and that Araterus had sufficiently tasted the pleasures of his bride, he betook him to graver and weightier affairs; as in settling the Kingdom, making of Laws, ordaining of Counsels, rewarding his friends; all which he effected with so much wisdom and prudence, that his very enemies were forced to confess, that he was worthy of the dignity he had gained. After a years enjoyment of all the happinesses and blisses heaven can afford on earth. I solicited Araterus to let me return, that I might bring you the tidings of his felicity; but he unwilling to part with me, caused me to marry, which he thought would be a sufficient tye to keep me there. Indeed it was so, for having a wife and children, I was engaged to continue there; and under the bounties of Araterus I lived all my days with content and pleasure. Araterus had a very fair issue by his Queen, all partaking of the external and internal blessings of their parents. In so many years there was not the least difference, nor a session of those flames that possessed them in their youth.  
The Kingdom never flourished in so happy and continued peace, nor with such prosperity and felicity before. Never was there Wars, Tumults, or insurrections amongst the people, but a continual co●cord and amity, and every one praising the gods for giving them so good a Prince. I was always conversant with him, nor did his greatness abate any thing of that familiarity which he used to me before, and because he would not forget his own language, there was never a day but we discoursed in it, and when by ourselves, for the most part altogether in it, so that you may not wonder to hear me speak it so readily, after so many years' absence. I know not what it was, but I am sure all the pleasures that I there enjoyed, could not utterly extinguish that Love I had to my own Country, and desire that I had to see it. The gods, I think, for the purpose took away my wife and three children that I had that I might have no obstacle to hinder my return. Araterus' entreaties stayed me two years, but at last seeing I persevered in my entreaties, he yielded to them, though with much regret. Having at length consented to my abscession, he knew not which way to return me safe, the voyage ●●ng long and dangerous: At last he resolved to write letters to all such Princes through whose dominions we should pass, desiring them that they would grant me a free and safe passage through their dominions: to induce them to which he sent very costly and rich presents to every one, which indeed freed us from a great deal of danger and trouble, and gained us not only a free passage through the Eastern Princes dominions, but also a Convey in the most dangerous places, the fame of Araterus being spread thorough all the East. The day being come, and every thing prepared for my departure, he caused twenty Camels to be laded with the most precious things that those Countries could afford; Presents indeed worthy so great a Prince, to be given to you, and some to be presented to those Princes thorough whose dominions I was to pass. It was not without a great deal of trouble that we parted, and indeed had it not been the desire of seeing my native home, and my master, whose image still lived in my breast, I should not have been induced to have left him, who with an extraordinary affection loved me. He told me that (had it not been to have returned to his Cousin, and that he had some hopes to see me again, or at least to hear from me, and of your health and happiness by my means) I should not have gained his consent for my departure. At which words he gave me this letter (which he then pulled out of his sleeve, and presented to his Master) which I have kept till now, that it might also jump with my relation. Euripedes taking it from his Squire, and perusing it, seeing nothing but what was communicable read it to those noble Auditors, the contents of which was thus.  
Araterus to his Cousin Furipedes Health and Happiness.  
I could have wished that I might have had the happiness and content of seeing your face, which neither time nor absence hath obliterated in my breast. The variety and vicissitudes of things hath not extinguished that love and affection I have always born you, and nothing grieves me more, than that I am forced to live so remote from you. I profess it is not the glory of a Kingdom, that could have detained me, nor any other thing, but Love, which is of itself excusable, and had I not been engaged by those bonds which are irrefragible, I should have preferred your company to all the Kingdoms of the East; But seeing so many providential accurrances in bringing me hither, and in establishing me in a Throne of unexpected happiness, (the relation of which I leave to Meador) I am enforced to abide where the gods themselves, as it were, have placed me. However I hope that these may come safe to your hands, with those small testifications of remembrance, and finding you in all prosperity and happiness, may tell you I want nothing to complete my happiness but your fight, which to purchase, I could part with half my Kingdom, and that however my fortune is raised, that I am still your affectionate Kinsman,  
Araterus.  
After the reading of this letter, Meador went on. Having, said he, received this letter, we parted, after I had promised that he should hear from you as soon as I was returned. Leaving Sinda I began my voyage, and by the care and tuition of the gods, passed through all those large Kingdoms betwixt this place and the East, presenting the Kings and princes of the Countries with Presents that bought our way through their dominions. After long and tedious travel I arrived in Cilicia with that joy that every one hath to behold his native Country after so tedious a separation. But my joys were soon quelled, when I heard by my friend of your disastors, and leaving of your habitation. This made me dispose of many of those servants that came with me, keeping but a few of them; and knowing a trusty friend of mine, I committed the treasure that I brought with me, (being but five Camels load, the remainder of that which had bought our passage through the East, but it was of the choicest and richest things that I had) into his hands, but without discovering the treasure I trusted him with, lest so great a temptation might overthrow his fidelity. All the persuasions of my friends could not detain me from seeking you, which I did, helped also by my friends, enquiring through all the Neighbour Countries, Cities and Towns, but after many months search in vain, I returned, not so much as hearing any news of you. To content my friends, I stayed almost a year with them; but not enjoying myself without you, I took a special care to secure that treasure which I preserved still untouched for you, which being laid up safe, without the knowledge of any of my friends, I departed, having vowed never to return, till I had either found you out, or heard certainly of your death. Having in this resolution searched through all Cilicia, Capadocia, Paphlagonia, and through all the lesser Asia; I passed over to Greece, and searching thorough all those Provinces in vain, I returned to Asia again sorrowful and dejected: But coasting all long Pontus, and visiting these parts, I fell very dangerously sick, when meeting with the man you found tormenting me, whose name is Proculus, he very generously, after some small acquaintance conducted me to his house, which is not far from this place, where I endured a sharp and tedious sickness, but so carefully and tenderly looked after by him, that I was in an especial manner engaged to him. After I began to be well, not believing any thing had been able to shake that love in him which I had beheld so strong, I gave him (to gratify him) the best relation of all my past adventures. But O the power of that Stygian vice, avarice, which is able to convert love into hatred, and make friends turn foes, and take away that life which they have preserved: This was the cause of my stripes and tormenting, for he having heard of the Treasure which I brought with me, (for I concealed not any thing from him) it so troubled and tormented his mind, that he could not be satisfied without it, such was his thirst of gain. He at first sought by all fly and cunning means to pump of me in what place I had hid it, and whom I had entrusted with it, his enquiry made me mistrust him, and I was now very sorry that I had spoken any thing of it, my heart misgiving me some disaster, so that his inquiries were in vain, for I still left him unsatisfied. But when he perceived that I grew well, and that I was about to leave him, he in plain terms told me, that he must know where the Treasure was, counselling me to divide it betwixt us, seeing you, (as he said) after so many years search not heard of, were in all likelihood dead and rotten, so that it belonged to me, and to him in preserving my life. But when he saw threats would not do, he sought to extort it out of me by torments, which he also found too weak to break my resolution, for he had in that place which you found me in, in the like manner tormented me thrice before, which so enraged him, that he had sworn I should never return to his house alive, if I would not confess it to him, which I resolved not to do, though I had suffered an hundred deaths: And I verily believe he would have been as good as his word, if that the gods miraculously had not sent you to my relief, and out of such afflictions brought me to my investigated happiness. A happiness I have sought for this five years, it being so much since I returned out of the East, therefore it cannot repent me of my torments, which hath been the means to my finding of my Master. Meador thus ended his narration, which had given great content to the Princesses to hear Araterus' story, to end with so much pleasure and solace. But the day beginning to decline after they had engaged Euripedes and Lonoxia to visit them at their Castle, they departed. The Charioteer being returned to the entrance of the grove, according as they had appointed, the Princesses mounted their Chariot, and Tribulus and Argelois their horses, which being done, they presently arrived at the Castle, whose Gates stood wide open to receive the beauties and the glories of the East.    
The end of the first Part.  
FINIS.